CT Patch Candidate Profile: Martin Foncello For State Rep

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

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: Martin Foncello

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 107th House District

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Brookfield, CT

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: BS Chemistry and MBA, both from Boston College

Occupation: Retired

Family: Wife of 50 years, one son and three grandchildren.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Brookfield First Selectman (1999-2003), President & Founder Greenridge Water Tax District

Age: 71

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running to continue my lifetime of service to my community. I want to build on progress during my first term as State Representative to make Connecticut more affordable, to protect local authority over zoning decisions, and to enact utility reforms.

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

I believe the number one issue facing Connecticut is affordability. As a member of the Appropriations and Education Committees, I've fought unfunded mandates on our towns and schools. Tax cuts included in the budget were a good first step, but we can do more. We also need to address electric rates. We should decouple PURA and DEEP so decisions are made in the best interest of consumers.

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?

To improve road safety we should be enforcing the laws we have on the books about speeding, reckless driving, and impaired driving. I supported a bill to have more wrong-way driving technology installed on our highway ramps as well. We should also restore qualified immunity for police. This was taken away in the Police Accountability bill.

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

I think one major difference between me and my opponent is that I've served at the federal, state and local levels. After serving as First Selectman, I joined the newly formed Department of Homeland Security as a Senior Intelligence Officer. I worked as a liaison to the NYPD and FDNY, an experience that has helped me advocate for our first responders as a member of the legislature's Bipartisan Fire & EMS Caucus. As a member of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion, I've worked with our area charities and will fight to increase aid to nonprofits. I'm a retiree and know firsthand about the challenges facing our seniors looking to age in place.

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

I founded a water and tax district 40 years ago in place of a failing community water system and turned that infrastructure around. During my first term in the legislature, we passed the first bipartisan budget since 2017. That budget included a state income tax cut for the two lowest rates. I also voted for a bill that reduced prescription drug costs by entering Connecticut into the group of states using ArrayRx, a prescription discount card. I also supported a bill that exempts 100% disabled veterans from paying property taxes on their primary dwelling.

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

I was honored to be named a 2024 Childrens Champion for my work with the Bipartisan Early Childhood Caucus. I also helped to repopulate the Laurel Hill and Central cemeteries board after the last member left CT and families couldn't bury their loved ones. It was an emotional time for residents and a grassroots effort helped to resolved the issue. My 28 years with the Army form my sense of responsibility to community. I was called up after the September 11th terrorist attacks and served during a time of war.