CT Patch Candidate Profile: Eric Berthel For State Senator

BROOKFIELD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 5 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Brookfield.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the city and state.

Candidate’s Name: Eric C. Berthel

What office are you seeking? State Senator

District: 32nd Senate District

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Watertown

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: MS Ed

Occupation: Senior Vice President Government Affairs

Family: My wife Krista and our two boys.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Current State Senator, 32nd District, 2017 - 2024; State Representative, 68th House District, 2015 - 2017; Watertown Public School Board of Education, Vice Chairman, 2011 - 2015

Age: 57

Why are you seeking this office?

I have served in the legislature for 10 years and have held strong to fundamental beliefs that Connecticut is a great place to live, raise a family and retire. My work has been focused on lowering taxes, lowering the cost of living, attracting new businesses and keeping our communities safe. More local control, less government mandates from Hartford.

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

Inflation/Cost of Living/Taxes. I will continue to fight to reduce the burden caused by each of these issues.

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?

Yes, allow our law enforcement to actually enforce the laws by giving them back the necessary tools that were taken away in 2020 as a result of the "Police Accountability" bill. Our highways are dangerous because there are no consequences for speeding or reckless driving. It's beyond time to fix this and to let our amazing police officers do their jobs.

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

I am a fiscal conservative who believes in smaller government, local control, lower taxes and creating opportunity for people to succeed, instead of more spending, larger government, taxing people and businesses out of Connecticut and increasing government handouts. My record of service and accessibility to all constituents, regardless of their politics or position on an issue, has been a hallmark of my success as a legislator.

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

Passage of many pieces of legislation in collaboration with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle during my 10 years in office. Passage of the 2017 state budget which has provided the stability we see today in our state finances. And since the people decide if a legislator is doing the right job by voting for them, I have been elected and re-elected in landslide victories in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2022, which I would also cite as evidence that I can handle this job.