2024 Patch Candidate Profiles: Donna Meier, State Rep

MANCHESTER, CT — Donna Meier is running for the 13th District seat in the Connecticut House of Representatives in 2024.

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Candidate’s Name: Donna Meier

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 13th House District

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Manchester

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: My academic background includes a Chemical Engineering degree from Bucknell University and a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Seminary.

Occupation: I have worked in Property and Casualty Insurance for 10 years.

Family: My husband, Will, and I raised our two sons in Manchester. They are now living on their own, working as software developers for Amazon Web Services..

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I have served on the Manchester Board of Assessment Appeals for two years. In 2023, I won a position on the Manchester Board of Education which will begin this November.

Age:

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running because I have listened to many residents who feel their voices are not being heard in the State Legislature in Hartford. My goal is to serve as a strong advocate for the people of our district, especially those who feel marginalized by the political process. I believe that government should be responsive and accountable to its citizens, and I am committed to ensuring that your concerns and needs are represented and addressed.

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

Affordability is the number one issue facing Connecticut. Many residents are struggling with the high cost of living, from soaring housing prices to increasing basic household expenses. To address this, I will advocate for cutting taxes to alleviate the financial burden on families and businesses, making our state more affordable and economically competitive. The second pressing issue is crime. To ensure the safety of our communities, I propose empowering our police forces with the resources and support they need to effectively do their jobs. Additionally, we must ensure that our judicial system holds criminals accountable by securing convictions and appropriate sentencing. By tackling these issues head-on, we can work toward a safer, more prosperous Connecticut.

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?

The alarming increase in roadway fatalities in Connecticut is a critical issue that demands immediate legislative attention. This rise follows on the heels of the legalization of marijuana. While correlation does not necessarily imply causation, I believe it's imperative to collect data on how many drivers involved in accidents or pulled over for dangerous driving exhibit signs of marijuana impairment. Currently, measuring marijuana impairment is challenging due to the lack of a reliable, objective testing method. However, law enforcement officers are trained to recognize signs of impairment. If a clear connection between marijuana use and increased traffic fatalities is established, the legislature must be prepared to make difficult decisions to address this public safety concern. The number of wrong way accidents have also increased dramatically. There are practical measures we can implement which will prevent wrong-way accidents on our highways. Enhancing roadway signage and markings can make a significant difference. For example, in addition to "Wrong Way" signs, painting large directional arrows on on-ramps and off-ramps could reduce confusion. However, if drivers are impaired, additional strategies may be necessary to capture their attention and prevent accidents. One such strategy could be to work with auto manufacturers to develop systems that would allow the car itself to recognize that it is about to enter a wrong way ramp and respond accordingly. Distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding at 90+ miles per hour also put the lives of others at risk. Addressing this multifaceted problem will require a combination of data-driven policy decisions and practical safety improvements to our roadways and, possibly, to our vehicles.

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

One of the key differences between my opponent and me is my commitment to reducing the tax burden on Connecticut's residents. Our state currently faces one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, along with the third-highest electricity rates and the fourth-worst business tax climate index score. Over the past three years, the housing price index has risen by 38.6%, and the average rent per household is 11.5% above the national average. From 2021 to 2023, basic household costs in Connecticut increased by 18.2%. These challenges have unfolded under a Democratic majority that has held the legislature since 1992, with the exception of 1996. It's time for a change. By electing Republicans up and down the ticket, we can implement policies that will relieve the tax burden many are struggling under and make Connecticut affordable again. I am committed to working tirelessly to achieve this goal.

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

The legislature operates through collaboration and consensus-building, and I believe my background uniquely positions me to excel in this environment. Throughout my career, I have built and led teams in both the non-profit sector and industry. These experiences have honed my ability to listen actively, understand diverse perspectives, and find common ground to achieve shared goals. My proven track record of effective leadership and teamwork is strong evidence that I can handle the responsibilities of this office and work productively with colleagues to serve the best interests of our constituents.

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

In my two years of service on the Manchester Board of Assessment Appeals, I have had the privilege of hearing the concerns of fellow residents who feel that they are being rated unfairly in their property taxes. Though the outcome may not always be what they want, I believe that they leave knowing that they have been listened to and heard. In 2023, I was honored to be elected to the Manchester Board of Education, a role I will begin this November, where I look forward to contributing to the betterment of our schools and supporting our students. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Bucknell University and a Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary. This diverse education equips me with a unique blend of analytical skills and a strong ethical foundation, which I will bring to my role in the legislature.