CT Patch Candidate Profile: Cristin McCarthy Vahey For State Rep

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

To help educate readers about the state's election, Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns, and about the issues that are facing the town and state.

Candidate’s Name: Cristin McCarthy Vahey

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 133rd District

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Fairfield

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Cristin graduated with a degree in Economics and Government from the University of Notre Dame and has a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington.

Occupation: My primary time commitment is serving as State Representative, though my social work skills and training have been in use over close to two decades of community volunteer work in prevention.

Family: Cristin is married to Brian Vahey, US Navy Veteran and her husband of almost 30 years. They have three children, Emma, Daniel, and Gabriel (still in high school) all of whom have attended Fairfield Public Schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? Not in my immediate family. I have several members of my very large extended family who serve in other states as police officers, fire fighters, government affairs, local government, and the Judiciary.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Fairfield Representative Town Meeting 2005-2011, Fairfield Board of Selectmen 2011-2014, State Representative 2015-Present

Age: 54

Why are you seeking this office?

In our family, serving is the responsibility we have to one another, it is the privilege of democracy. I seek to continue to bring real solutions to the people of the 133rd District to address our needs: affordability, healthy and safe communities, strong schools, access to reproductive healthcare, and opportunity for all, from childhood to the senior years.

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

Affordability, especially the price of housing, is a struggle for individuals, families and businesses. We need to address this on many fronts, including smart growth incentives such as the support and creation of transit oriented districts.

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?

Continued investment in the engineering design for complete streets, investment in transit, and ongoing enforcement such as the automated enforcement in work zones are all areas that are critical. Providing additional support and funding for municipal efforts towards Vision Zero and grants such as the Community Connectivity Program will help enhance our safety efforts.

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

As the State Representative for the 133rd district, I bring experience, relationships, knowledge of the issues, and a track record of showing up for the people of the 133rd. I do this both with a 100% voting record and by being present to the people of Fairfield and Bridgeport.

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

From helping bring a prescription drug discount program to all Connecticut residents, protecting access to reproductive healthcare, investing in community gun violence programs, providing the largest middle class tax cut in state history, increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit and tax exemptions for Seniors, and bringing more funds back to Bridgeport and Fairfield for schools and roads, I have worked to help individuals, families and communities remain healthy, safe, and strong.

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

It is a privilege an honor to serve as your State Representative and I hope to earn the opportunity to continue working for and with you.