CT Patch Candidate Profile: Melissa Longo 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 and Trumbull.

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: Melissa Longo

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 134

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Fairfield

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: Dean College

Occupation: Marketing Specialist and Real Estate Agent

Family: I have 2 daughters, ages 7 and 10 and 2 rescue dogs whom I share with my significant other of 15 years..

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Yes, I am currently serving my 2nd term on the RTM in Fairfield.

Age: 44

Why are you seeking this office?

As a lifelong Fairfield resident, I have seen many changes in our state, especially over the last 15 years. I am passionate about our local governing bodies maintaining their autonomy. Hartford's outdated, one-size-fits all approach to housing, education, public safety, and healthcare are simply not working. The 134th district, which also includes parts of Trumbull, faces unique challenges. Having family ties in Trumbull, and a sister who is a local elementary school teacher, I am deeply familiar with the concerns of its residents. 830-g needs to be repealed and we need to take meaningful steps to lower he rising energy costs that continue to burden our state and our local businesses, as well as address the rising taxes and irresponsible spending. These issues dominate the conversations I'm having on the campaign trail. It is time for action. Our current representative has continuously failed to address the needs of her constituents, or remains silent on them. Kicking the can down the road is merely a Band-Aid. We need leaders in Hartford who will offer solutions, not delays. As a current RTM member I am very dedicated to representing the needs of the community. I will be the much needed change in Hartford if elected.

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

Affordability. We need to lower the tax burden for all CT residents. The child tax credit is something I would fully support, it benefits CT as a whole. Reining in utility companies by expanding our energy portfolio. We have very limited options right now and. Using our surplus to ease tax burdens, and eliminate the truck tax which directly impacts the costs of goods for consumers. We need to make CT a state that welcomes new businesses, and incentivize those that already exist. CT ranks 32nd in the country for business friendliness. Property taxes and corporate income taxes put pressure on businesses, especially those with less than 500 employees. I would support any effort to aide in tax relief for our state.

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?

There have been many positive improvements to our roadways, but there is more work to do. Improving visibility on our highways, clearer signs directing the flow of traffic, rumble strips and more lighting. We need a clear and effective way to address impaired driving when it comes to marijuana use. Breathalyzer tests are used to determine if a driver has been impaired to due alcohol consumption. We lack a comparable, reliable method to detect marijuana impairment on the spot. More police on our roadways is crucial.

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

I am a lifelong resident and as a mother of 2 young daughters, I am especially invested in the future of our state. Every time I'm on the campaign trail, I run into someone I know. I have reconnected with former friends, classmates, teachers and small business owners, as well as those connected to my family. As a current elected official in Fairfield, it has always been my priority to represent the needs of my constituents and I will continue to do so in Hartford as the representative of the 134th district. My opponent has stated publicly that it is her responsibility to serve the state over the needs of her constituents. My opponent proposed a 5% increase on capital gains, sending those funds out of the district. She believes the rights of criminals outweigh the rights of law abiding citizens, and victims of crime by continuing to support soft on crime policies. She advocates for criminals and illegal aliens to have the right to vote in local elections. She has worked to expand state health care benefits to illegal immigrants. She cosponsored a bill that would have taxed streaming services, and pay striking workers, both would hurt the taxpayers. My opponent is out of touch with the needs of our district. The common concern district wide is taxes, affordability and rising energy costs. She was given 2 years to represent her district and act on their behalf and she has failed. I look forward to engaging with the community so we can make a positive impact together in the 134th district.

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

Being the mother of 2 daughters has been great preparation for managing chaos, keeping a balanced schedule and juggling responsibilities. In my nearly 4 years on the RTM and serving on the finance committee, I've gained a deep understanding of how state decisions impact local government, fostering bipartisan efforts for Fairfield. As the former Chair of the Fairfield Republican Town Committee, I led efforts in recruiting members and candidates, managing fundraising, drafting press releases and fostering transparency while overseeing subcommittees as well as a variety of personalties, which does not come without challenges. I also owned an operated a small business prior to having children which was an opportunity to learn about marketing, and how to relationships are extremely important to success.

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

Family is the most important thing to me, being a mother is the toughest, most rewarding job there is. I believe that common sense needs to make a comeback in the state of CT. Meeting people and their pets on the campaign trail while listening to their concerns is a privilege. I am a huge supporter of local pet rescue organizations and wildlife rescue. As a firm believer in land conservation, I support efforts to keep our open spaces and farm land free from development. Our district needs someone to represent what is important to them, not just another political cog in the wheel.