Candidate Profile: Lisa Seminara, 8th Senate District

The 2022 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Eyes are primarily focused on the gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate.

Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers over Republicans in the House, 97-54, and in the Senate, 24-12.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Republican hopeful Lisa Seminara of Avon is running for a term in the state Senate, 8th District. She is running against Democrat Paul Honig of Harwinton.

The Senate seat serves Norfolk, Hartland, Canton, Simsbury, New Hartford, Avon, Barkhamsted, Colebrook and parts of Granby, Harwinton and Torrington.

The seat is currently held by state Sen. Kevin Witkos, R-Canton, who is not seeking another term.

Age: 54

Party affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Licensed clinical social worker for 14 years; homemaker

Education: Bachelors in Psychology - St. John's University and Masters in Social Work - Columbia University

Previous elected/appointed experience: Avon Youth Services Board 2017-2019 - Appointed; Avon Board of Education - Elected 2019-current.

Family: Husband of 28 years, Nick, have three children—Martina, 23, a recent graduate of Trinity College; Madelyn, 20, a third-year business major at Clemson University; and Nicholas, 16, a junior multi-sport athlete at Avon High School.

Campaign website: https://lisaforctsenate.com/

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

Why are you seeking this office?

I'm running because we need principled and compassionate leadership in Hartford.

I will work hard to implement practical solutions that actually make it easier for families and businesses to stay and grow in Connecticut.

As your next state senator, I'll support policies that reduce our cost of living, increase our quality of life, restore safety and security and make us economically competitive again.

By working together, we can bring some common sense and renewed vitality to our state.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is skyrocketing costs and a lack of affordability.

I will support lower taxes, fewer regulations and a robust business climate.

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

I started my campaign traveling throughout the 8th District to listen to people's concerns.

As a result I have been laser focused on the local issues and challenges which people, their families and employers face daily.

Top of their list is affordability and high taxes which are hurting families budgets and restricting business growth.

Concerns about towns losing local control to the whims of Hartford bureaucrats and rising crime in their neighborhoods are also on voters minds.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

In addition to restoring fiscal responsibility to the legislature I will:

* Support our police and enact reforms that protect victims, deter crime, and make our communities safer.

* Protect parental rights in public education and support curriculum transparency.

* Expand resources to address the continuing mental health crisis.

* Advance opportunities for those with disabilities, seniors, veterans and other vulnerable populations.

* Defend local control of zoning and education.

* Preserve the natural beauty and environmental resources of the Wild and Scenic Farmington River Valley and Litchfield Hills.

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

Being a licensed clinical social worker, I am a trained listener and advocate, two skills that make me uniquely qualified to be in the state legislature.

When my eldest child was born with cerebral palsy, it became my mission to advocate for her and all those with disabilities.

I founded the Avon Special Education Parent Teacher Association, became active in CT Special Olympics, Amy's Angels and created a non-profit that developed a large parcel of land into Avon's first fully handicap-accessible playground, which was later gifted to the town.

In addition, I currently sit on the Avon Board of Education and have successfully cultivated relationships with my fellow board members, and various other stakeholders both in the school district and the town.

I have effectively represented my current constituents while respecting the opinions of others.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Live by the Golden Rule - do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

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

My greatest blessing is my family and the best title that could ever be bestowed upon me is the title of Mom.

If anyone would like additional information about me and my campaign please visit Lisa4ctsenate.com.