Patch Candidate Profile: Manju Gerber For 17th State House

AVON, CT — The 2024 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Eyes are primarily focused on the U.S. presidential election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs.

All five of Connecticut's congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Republican hopeful Manju Gerber is running for the 17th House District seat. She is running against state Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw, D-Avon. The 17th House includes Avon and Canton.

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 17th House

Website: https://gerberforstaterep.com/

What city or town do you live in? Avon

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: AA, BA in Psychology, MS Biological Sciences, DDS, Certificate in Endodontics, Certificate in Implantology.

Occupation: Endodontist, full-time faculty. Now, a stay-at-home mother.

Family: N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Previous public office, appointive or elected? None

Age: 54

Why are you seeking this office?

As a first-generation Indian immigrant, I proudly embraced this country's traditions and values. Over the last several years, however, I have noticed a direct attack on our country’s founding principles, which has caused me great concern.

I have always been grateful for the opportunities this country has given me and my parents, allowing us to achieve the American dream.

Now, I want to give back to this country by proudly protecting its values and representing the people of my town at the state capitol.

What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?

The top issue facing CT is affordability. Many people in our state are drowning in debt, struggling to stay afloat. Excessive spending and the ensuing burdensome taxation and the printing of money leading to massive inflation have led to rising costs to us the consumer.

This includes but is not limited to, everything from utility rates to groceries and to housing costs.

The out-of-control spending, as a result of the policies made by the majority party in Hartford and in DC, must be curbed.

These policies are steadily growing the size of government at the expense of the taxpayer’s wallet.

Fewer and fewer people are homeowners and businesses continue to leave the state, diminishing the number of quality jobs available.

Unlike my opponent, I will never vote for legislation that grows government and increases taxes and fees. I will advocate for fiscal guardrails, so that my neighbors can keep their hard-earned money in their pockets, choosing how and when they wish to spend it.

There have been an alarming number of deaths on Connecticut's roadways. Is there anything from a legislative standpoint that can be done to address that?

In 2023, the Transportation Committee addressed wrong-way crashes and impaired driving fatalities, emphasizing personal responsibility in judicial punishments for exceeding the legal alcohol limit.

Although Bill SB1082 sought to lower this limit, it was not voted on. There is optimism for bipartisan support for reasonable measures to tackle this issue.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My opponent, Representative Eleni Kavros Degraw, and I have significantly different policy positions.

I advocate for reducing the size of government and minimizing waste of taxpayer money, while opposing mandates that infringe on individual liberties, such as those imposed during the pandemic.

I run a policy-driven campaign focused on facts, rejecting name-calling and never misrepresenting my opponent’s positions to gain votes. I will always prioritize the individual liberties of all citizens.

Additionally, I support clear definitions in discussions about women’s rights, questioning the replacement of terms like “mother” with “birthing person.”

I believe in protecting women’s/girl’s sports from biological men/boys, unlike my opponent who believes this practice to be equitable.

I will also ensure adequate funding for local police to maintain community safety, rather than supporting legislation that protects criminals, as seen with the passage of legislation like the Clean Slate Bill, which my opponent voted for.

I will always advocate for legislation that protects our communities from criminals, keeping our families safe.

I will oppose any tax or fee increases that heavily burden taxpayers.

The highway use tax passed by the majority party, including my opponent, in 2021 raised costs on essential goods, when businesses tacked this fee onto the price tag, negatively impacting consumers, especially vulnerable populations like seniors on fixed incomes.

Elected officials should prioritize transparency, deliver solutions, and effectively represent their constituents. I will do just that and humbly ask for your vote this fall.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Throughout my career, both as a private practitioner and a faculty member, I have developed key qualities such as perseverance, patience, empathy, and diligence.

While I take pride in my professional achievements, my greatest accomplishment is being a mother.

Parenting has taught me valuable lessons about mindfulness in communication and the importance of allowing my child to learn from mistakes.

My daughter is growing into a strong, independent, and expressive young individual, and I cherish the journey we are on together.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My most important quality is my passion for addressing the issues that matter to my neighbors. I am committed to representing the principles and values that make this country the greatest nation ever.

The freedoms outlined in our Constitution will guide my actions, as I believe that losing one freedom risks undermining all others.

As we approach this crucial election, I want to reach those who may feel apathetic or believe their vote doesn’t matter.

Your vote is powerful—it is the means by which we can make our voices heard, especially in challenging times. It is a right that many have fought and sacrificed for.

Now is the time to reclaim our liberties, common sense, and our financial well-being. Together we can do this. I humbly ask for your vote in this election.