​Patch Candidate Profile: Michael Schulitz For 16th State House

SIMSBURY, 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 U.S. presidential election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs.
All five of Connecticut's congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, 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.

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

Simsbury Republican Michael Schulitz is challenging State Rep. Melissa Osborne, D-Simsbury, for her 16th House District seat.

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 16th House District

Website: https://www.schulitzforsimsbur...

What city or town do you live in? Simsbury

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: MBA in finance from NYU Stern School of Business, BS in mathematics from Union College.

Occupation: Investment portfolio manager, over 30 years.

Family: Spouse Karen, Sons: Michael ( a recent graduate of the University of New England) and Patrick (senior at Merrimack College). Hector, a 14-year-old yellow Lab.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elected:

Yes, currently on the Simsbury Sustainability Committee.

Age: 56

Why are you seeking this office?

The Democrat-led government of CT is spending too much money and implementing burdensome regulations on our business community.

It is too expensive to live here, run a business here, build a family here.

We need more Republicans in Hartford to temper the spending passions of the state's Democratic supermajority (Democrats hold a 98-53 majority in the House).

I will vote to slow the spending in Hartford and to cut the regulations that crush our businesses.

I have several ideas that, if implemented, could course-correct the trajectory of our state.

Building a more affordable and more business-friendly Connecticut is worth the time and effort.

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

Affordability. I will propose specific ways to slash the cost of energy, the cost of government (and associated taxes), and the burdens of conducting business in the state.

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?

I am not sure of a legislative solution without further study.

I think it is imperative to explore the impact of legalized cannabis on highway accidents and fatalities.

Cannabis and COVID appear to be the recent factors that may be affecting the numbers.

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

My opponent is a member of the Democrat supermajority in the House of Representatives.

My opponent has consistently voted to support legislation that raised the cost of living of citizens of Simsbury and Connecticut.

My opponent has not voted against the punitive legislation that burdens small businesses, raises the cost of energy, and increases taxes. I will.

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

I have worked in some of the largest corporations in Connecticut managing budgets and finding cost savings. I have also created programs that facilitate revenue growth.

This combined experience will be invaluable in creating a Connecticut that is more affordable to its citizens and more competitive for its businesses.

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

I am new to politics. This is the first time I have run for any office. I want to win this election so that my two boys can afford to come back and work here - raise a family here.

So that when I retire, my wife and I can afford to stay here.

So that my neighbors, my friends — who may have parents here, or children here, or businesses here — can afford to live out their dreams here.

I love Connecticut. I'd love an affordable Connecticut more. I think we all would.