CT Patch Candidate Profile: Etan Hirsch For State Representative

MILFORD, CT — The 2024 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 presidential election at the top of the ticket, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs.

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

Etan Hirsch is running in the 119th State House District, which includes parts of Milford and Orange, against incumbent Kathy Kennedy.

Candidate’s Name: Etan Hirsch

What office are you seeking? Connecticut General Assembly

District: 119th House District

What city or town do you live in? Milford, Connecticut

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Bachelors Degree and Juris Doctor

Occupation: I am an Attorney with 15 years experience

Family: My wife, Carmina Hirsch, is a practicing attorney and law professor..

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I was appointed to the Milford Zoning Board of Appeals in 2017, and I was elected to the Milford Planning and Zoning Board in 2021

Age: 43

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for State Representative because I enjoy the service and I have many ideas that will make people's lives better.

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

Affordability and Quality of Life. We are facing inflationary pressures and increased energy costs. I plan to address these issues through the tax code.

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?

Any legislative actions that could be taken to reduce the number of deaths on Connecticut roadways would first require an analysis of the cause(s) of such deaths, i.e. driver impairment, electronic device usage, etc. Once the cause(s) are identified, then legislative solutions can be tailored to address the cause(s).

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

1. The State Constitution mandates public education. I am in favor of fully-funding and expanding public education to include "Pre-Pre-K" for children from birth to 3 within the current infrastructure. 2. Having undergone the firearm permitting process, I am in favor of reasonable firearm safety measures pertaining to responsible firearm ownership. 3. As a business owner, I am in favor of reasonable expansions to Paid Family and Medical Leave, my wife and I having been supporters of the policy for many years.

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

As an attorney for the past 15 years, I have been fighting for my client's rights on a daily basis. For more than a decade, I have volunteered, chaired, and co-chaired many community and professional groups working with others to solve problems. In addition, I have served on the Milford Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning and Zoning Board and have a deep understanding of the economic issues facing our Community.

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

I believe in regulated free-markets and believe that one must be willing to work with others with whom you disagree in order to build coalitions and reach consensus.