Connecticut Patch Candidate Profile: Tom Delnicki For State Rep

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024, is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Connecticut.

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

Candidate’s Name: Tom Delnicki

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 14th District

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? South Windsor

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: South Windsor High School Graduate, Class of 1974 Attended UCONN 1975-1977

Occupation: Retired from the Metropolitan District Commission, Hartford (32 yrs), Currently State Representative

Family: Audrey Delnicki.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? Yes

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Inland Wetlands/Conservation Commission - 1992-1995; Board of Education - 1993-1995; Town Council - 1995-2007 & 2009-2018; Two terms as Mayor, One term as Deputy Mayor; Four terms as State Representative - 2017-present

Age: 68

Why are you seeking this office?

Having grown up and lived in South Windsor all my life. I have had the opportunity to live in a fantastic community, attend great schools and enjoy everything it has to offer. Being retired, I can devote all my time working for the people of South Windsor at the Capitol. I make it a point to be accessible and open to all the people I represent. Let's be clear, change for change sake is no solution to keep our wonderful community moving in the right direction, it could easily end in disaster. I am committed to doing what's best for South Windsor and I will continue to be your full-time State Representative.

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

Affordability - Eliminate State income tax on Seniors pensions and Teachers' Retirement System income. Everything you buy comes by truck. Repeal the truck tax. Increase Education Cost Sharing Funding across the board. Property Tax relief on people's homes and cars. Eliminate the "Public Benefit" portion on your Eversource bill and role that into the State Budget and eliminate the Eversource 9% return on investment.

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?

First and foremost, more Connecticut State Troopers on the job. Revisit the so-called Police Accountability bill, among one of the changes is to restore "Qualified Immunity" and vehicle stops if an officer smells Marijuana. Increase the penalties for speeding, DUI and reckless driving. Arrest and vehicle seizure for those that drive over 100 mph as their actions endanger the safety of drivers. Lower the DUI level for intoxication.

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

Experience matters. I have committed my life to service in my community. My experience in Town Government prepared me for my service in the Legislature. I have made friendships and built working relationships in the House and Senate with both Democrats and Republicans. Having grown up and living in South Windsor my entire life, I fully understand the people, places and the vision for the future. I have the time to do the hard work of understanding and reading bills and not depend on others to tell me what a bill does. I cross party lines regularly working with Democrats and Republicans. I have a very simple philosophy, if it's good for South Windsor I'm in support of the proposal.

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

As Mayor, I authored and passed a number of quality-of-life Ordinances and balanced budgets. IN THE LEGISLATURE: Currently, I serve on the Appropriations Committee, Planning and Development Committee, Insurance and Real-Estate and I am the Ranking Member on the Banking Committee. I AM THE REPUBLICAN HOUSE CO-CHAIR OF THE CRUMBLING FOUNDATION CAUCUS. I served on the Organization Committee that established the Crumbling Foundation Captive Insurance Company that provides funding for homeowners that have a crumbling foundation. We just reached a milestone with 1000 foundations repaired, of that number 108 are South Windsor homes. Currently 85 homes have assessment abatements and 4 are in process. Other Crumbling Foundation Bills that I played a key role in include: Quarry Standards Low Interest Loan Program Non-Quarry Aggregate Standards AS RANKING MEMBER OF THE BANKING COMMITTEE: Established Regulations for Crypto Currency Regulations Established safeguards to protect couples from COERCED DEBT ESTABLISHED A CONNECTICUT PREPAID COLLEGE TUITION PROGRAM AN ACT CONCERNING FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION OF SENIOR CITIZENS To establish procedures to protect the elderly from financial exploitation AWARDS: AARP Consumer Champion 2023 for Public Act 23-161 (an act concerning financial exploitation of senior citizens) Pakistan American Association of Connecticut Legislator of the Year 2022 The Credit Union League of CT Legislator of the Year 2022

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

I was endorsed by the Independent Party of Connecticut and I am on two (2) lines on the ballot - Independent Party and Republican ENDORSEMENTS: National Federation of Independent Businesses CT AFL-CIO-CT Connecticut State Police Union Connecticut Police and Fire Union Uniform Professional Firefighters Police Officers Associations of CT CT Realtors AFSCME Council 4 1199 CSEA SEIU Local 2001 CT State Building Trades Council CWA Local 1298 AFT CT.