CT Patch Candidate Profile: Austin Monteiro For State Rep

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

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: Austin Monteiro

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 110th District

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Danbury

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: B.B.A Western Connecticut State University 2005, Immaculate High School 2001

Occupation: Asset Manager

Family: Since 1940 Austin`s family has been serving the people of Danbury. His great grandfather started M. Monteiro and Son Plumbing in 1940 and is still in business today. His Uncle Americo Ventura started Ventura Law in the 1950s and had a major impact on our community, his other Grandfather, Ed Keating, was a Danbury Police Detective for 30 years and Austin’s stepfather has been a physician with a Danbury practice since 1990.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? n/a

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Energy Advisory Committee

Age: 41

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking this office to serve all the People of the 110 District. I am seeking this office to be a part of the solution. I am seeking this office to Right the Ship from ineffective government. I was born and raised in the 110 district, and I believe that this district is going the wrong direction under the current 'leadership" that has been in this seat since Ronald Reagan was President. We need to move in a new direction as a District and that time is now. There is no time to waste.

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

Affordability and Crime. We need to address the Affordability and Crime issues head on. Right now Connecticut is ranked near the bottom in the Country in Tax Burden, Property Tax, Fiscal Instability, Rental Rates, Credit Card Debt, Energy Costs and Job Growth. These are all categories we do NOT want to be ranked near the bottom in the Country in, especially in the 110 District where the average income is around $49,000 a year. So, the ways we will address this is to one address the Eversource " Public Benefit" Issue and to lighten this burden on the PEOPLE, to bring back Opportunity Zones, cut the recent car tax and EV mandates, to incentive small business owners with tax incentives, not decentivize them like my opponent has and to create more job opportunities in the 110 district specifically. Now when it comes to addressing the Crime issue, we will look to reform the Police Accountability Act which has handcuffed our Police from being able to do their jobs. We will also look to raise bail bond back to 10% from 7% and also form task forces to push back on gang activity that is happening in Danbury.

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?

First off it starts at the top. We CANNOT have members of CTs General Assembly driving Drunk and causing accidents in Hartford. That sets a horrible example for everyone. Some ways we will address this is by looking at infrastructure in areas where the data shows these accidents are happening. We must also crack down on those driving under the influence whether that's alcohol, marijuana or distracted drivers on their cell phones. Again, we need our Police to be able to do their jobs and enforce the law.

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

My opponent has been in office since Ronald Regan was president. In that time, the 110 district has gone in the wrong direction when it comes to education, affordability and crime. I come to the people of my hometown and district with energy, enthusiasm, diverse ideas to work for all of them in Hartford. Part of this job is to also inform the people of the 110 about what is going on regarding legislation that affects Danbury. Unfortunately, the current State Rep. fails in this way. As your next State Rep. and part of the next generation of leadership I will work overtime to keep everyone informed on policies and issues that are affecting daily life. I work for YOU!

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

I have run for office previously as an Independent and a Republican in Brookfield. I also served as Vice Chair of the RTC and was on the Energy Advisory Committee. This experience has given me the privilege to gain a wealth of knowledge in how government is supposed to work for the people. In addition, I have also been a business owner for 10 years which requires the ability to work and build relationships with everyone. It also requires the ability to manage the budget of the business and work to grow the business, as well as work to bring added value to the community through the business. In my opinion I think being a business owner is a great asset and brings a level of experience needed for this job. Another accomplishment would be that I have coached high level athletic teams. With this experience it is about building relationships with your players, planning and development, and daily management.

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

I work for all the people, regardless of party affiliation. My goal is to make Danbury and the 110 district safer, more affordable, as well as upgrade our education and be an example for our next generation.