CT Patch Candidate Profile: Kenneth Gucker 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: Kenneth Gucker

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 138

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Danbury

Party affiliation: Democratic

Education: BA Graphic Design

Occupation: Auto Restoration

Family: Life Partner.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Yes, Elected to Two terms State Representative 138

Age: 60

Why are you seeking this office?

At the request of community I hope to build on the great work preformed during my past legislative service as well as bring back true representation to the people of the 138th district

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

Affordability in both housing as well as everyday expenses. To have a real look at our housing policies as to what is truly affordable and not what the developers believe is affordable, but at the same time protecting neighborhoods. To ensure that any programs or tax breaks offered do the most good for those in need, whether that be our seniors or a new family. To hold public forums and listening tours again to hear the concerns of the community to assist at arriving that those answers.

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?

We need to get back to stronger enforcement of the traffic laws on our roads, whether it be speeding or distracted driving. In my many years of traveling the CT highways, the reckless nature of things need to stop. Pass legislation to put teeth to enforcement. Ensure that when a traffic enforcement case comes to the courts, that it is acted on in a fair but forceful manner.

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

I have a history of reaching out and helping those in the community, but at the same time returning to the district millions in state dollars for numerous needed projects, thus enabling the local municipality to keep taxes lower. My opponent does not. I have a history of standing up for the people of 138th both locally and state wide in dealing with quality of life issues. My opponent does not. I believe public dollars should go to our public schools under the oversight of the local elected BOE. My opponent supports a charter school that will saddle our already underfunded BOE with expensive unfunded mandates and state funding losses.

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

In the 4 years of my service to the people of the 138th, 3 of them was dealing with the worst pandemic in a life time. My office was able to switch from passing legislation to helping people survive. We processed over 1100 unemployment claims a week. I was personally responsible for keeping 7 families from losing their homes to foreclosure, and we found ways to slowly open up the state. With all this going on, I still was able to lobby for more school funding even though we were in a debt diet. I was personally responsible for bringing back $2.3 million for the Margerie trail project. $650,000 for the Richter arts house. $210,000 for a firehouse in New Fairfield as well as 10s of thousands for other needs in the 138th too numerous to list, not to mention having the best constituent services program in the legislature. This job should be about helping people and we did just that.

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

I have a long history of working with all people. It has been said that I am one of, if not the most bipartisan legislator in the house. I have demonstrated the ability to work with the most liberal progressive, right down to the most conservative republican to get legislation done. I understand that this position is not about ribbon cuttings or photo ops, but about rolling up one's sleeves and getting to work. As a working class small business owner I know the needs of the people for I live it everyday and I believe my record shows that. I also understand that we all make mistakes for that is what makes us human, it is how one deals with those mistakes that makes you a leader.