Patch Candidate Profile: James Morelli Jr. For 81st State House

SOUTHINGTON, 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.

Southington Republican James Morelli Jr. is running against state Rep. Christopher Poulos, D-Southington, for his 81st House District seat in the state legislature.

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 81st House

Website: https://www.votemorelli.com/

What city or town do you live in? Southington

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: BS in IT manufacturing at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain.

Occupation: Technical sales

Family: I have three children James -30; Charles -28; and Jessica -24.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elected:

Third-term Southington Town Council, current vice chair and former PZC commissioner

Age: 65

Why are you seeking this office?

I would like to further conservative Republican values in the state and to represent the interests of Southington's residents.

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

The ever-increasing cost of living here. The state needs a major overhaul in the way that we deal with utilities, taxes, and businesses.

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 police accountability act has taken away the ability for police to do their jobs.

We need to get tough on crime with stiffer penalties and we need to allow the police to do their work.

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

My opponent claims to be moderate and wants our residents to believe that he is voting like a Republican, however he takes orders from his party.

I am an independent thinker and will always support the citizens of my district.

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

Being a third-term member of the town council, I have been through five budget cycles during one of the most difficult economic cycles in history.

Our team has held tax increases at bay while providing for education and civic operations again during severe inflationary times.

We have preserved hundreds of acres of open space to maintain the character of this beautiful town.

We have been pro-business and have added numerous employers to our tax roles along with local merchant opportunities. I will continue this momentum in Hartford.

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

I'm a former EMT-IV here in Connecticut, as well as a long-term board member of the Southington ARC.

I have a deep-rooted respect for first responders and health care givers as well as opportunities for those with special needs. I am a lifelong advocate for these causes and more.