Patch Candidate Profile: Eric Paradis For Newtown Legislative Council

NEWTOWN, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name: Eric Paradis

What office are you seeking? Legislative Council

What town do you live in? Sandy Hook

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Special Education

Family: Married to Christina for over 30 years, raised two daughters in Newtown, both attended public schools for K-12. Simone graduated from Pitzer College and Camille is a Senior at Skidmore College.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: I am currently on the Legislative Council for District 2.

Why are you seeking this office? I want to continue to represent my neighborhood, safeguarding our schools as they are the primary driver for the town's future. I am encouraged by the increasing civic engagement over the past few months as people are seeing the loss of their rights to question their government and I want to continue to defend people's rights to do so.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: Affordability. As federal funding shrinks and impacts families here, I want to ensure that the Council safeguards programs that residents need in order to thrive in town. We can expand senior tax exemptions based on need, expand that to working families if possible. I will work to ensure that tax funds are spent wisely for long term needs, rather that short sighted gains that cause long term pain.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? Jordana Bloom, Keith Alexander and I are in agreement on how we can support the town, safeguarding our schools, protecting residents' rights and working to ensure that our town remains affordable. I am concerned that our MAGA opponents will bring national issues here in order to continue forcing their ideology into our homes.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? I am concerned with the level of overdevelopment that is being proposed or working its way through various town boards. There is a lack of smart development and planning that can focus on ensuring that Newtown can be affordable for young families and those starting out with their lives as well as people looking to downsize and remain in town. Increasing age restricted housing will hurt our town's future, while higher density mixed housing could provide better options for everyone.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? The last two years, I have worked to ensure our schools have the funding our children need, this last budget, I proposed restoring funding to the elementary Spanish programs that was loved by parents, but defeated by Republicans. I have argued for and voted to defend our residents free speech rights and I will continue to do so if re-elected.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? Listen first, act later.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I am very concerned with the direction this country is headed. I hear the worry that Democrats are not doing enough to defend our rights from MAGA attacks. By running for office here, this is what I can do to push back on the alt-right agenda and work towards keeping Newtown safe and affordable for all residents.