2024 Patch Candidate Profiles: Steve Weir, State Rep

HEBRON, CT — Steve Weir is running for the 55th District seat in the Connecticut House of Representatives.

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Candidate’s Name: Steve Weir

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 55th State House District

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Hebron

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: I attended the University of Connecticut from 1992-1995. I left to start a small business prior to completing my studies. I have a high school diploma from Glastonbury High School

Occupation: Other than serving in the House of Representatives, I'm self employed, and operate several small businesses. I currently spend most of my time on my commercial real estate property, and I'm working on another small business start-up. I've worked in several roles throughout my career. I started and operated a disaster restoration firm for nearly 20 years before being acquired in 2022. I was a Glastonbury Police Officer for nearly 5 years, and I have worked as a real estate agent as well.

Family: I've been married to my wife, Allegra since 1998. We've raised 3 daughters: Alexia (23), Julianna (20) and Meredith (16). We have resided in Hebron since 2000.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? None of my relatives work in politics or state government

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I've served on the Hebron Zoning Board of Appeals since 2019. I was elected to the CT House of Representatives in 2022, and I'm just completing my first term.

Age: 50 years old

Why are you seeking this office?

I initially ran for State Senate in 2020 because I was certain that many of of our elected officials were not listening to the taxpayers of Connecticut. While that campaign was not successful, I ran again in 2022 for an open State Representative seat, and was elected in November, 2022. Now that I've nearly served 1 term, my concerns have been confirmed. I hear from residents almost daily about the high cost of living, the high electricity costs, the increased crime and state government agencies that are non-responsive to our citizens. In my first term, I've made it a priority to listen to all, then bring those voices to Hartford. I will continue to be an advocate for my constituents by questioning how and why our State government continues to operate the way it does, when we're constantly at the bottom of the list in so many important categories, and we keep accepting the same results.

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

The No. 1 issue that I hear from my constituents of all affiliations and age groups is the cost of living in CT. Our bloated and ineffective State government is the main driver of our high cost of living. Because the Democrats have a 2 to 1 majority in the House & Senate, they control the flow of legislation. The best way I can address this issue is to continue to work both sides of the aisle to promote good policies, and also point out bad policies when I see them.

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?

Yes. I'm a former police officer. I've recently participated in ride-a-longs with the DMV police and the State Police. I talk with Troopers, local police and also residents who describe our roadways as "The Wild West." The "Police Accountability Bill" is in my opinion, the primary reason for the out of control driving. Police cannot stop operators for smoking marijuana is the car, nor can they engage in pursuit. Therefore, many drivers refuse to stop and continue putting the rest of us at risk. We should restore the tools to our law enforcement personnel that allow them to enforce our laws. The courts letting the criminals go with little to no penalties is a different story and out of the authority of the legislature.

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

I'm certainly an independent thinker and have foundational principles that guide me. I'm not afraid to stand on my own and not follow the crowd. Lastly, I'm not afraid to question the status quo, and I have a reputation for asking questions when legislation doesn't seem to make sense.

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

In my first 2 years in office, I have a 100% voting attendance record both at the committee level and also on the House Floor. So I was present for nearly 1000 votes without missing one. In my first term, I was appointed as Republican Ranking Member of the Labor & Public Employees committee. I believe I earned that duty because of my commitment to learning the topics, showing up for all meetings, engaging with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I'm willing to listen to all, even when we don't agree. Everyone is entitled to be heard.

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

When I commit to something, I follow through. Throughout my life, hard work has been engrained in me. So the voters should know that when they elect me, they are sending me to Hartford to do the job I promised to do. I don't quit anything that I commit to.