Candidate Profile: Dorothy ‘Dottie’ Lerner, 122nd State House District

STRATFORD, 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.

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

Dorothy “Dottie” Lerner, of Stratford, is running for election to the House of Representatives in the 122nd District, representing Shelton, Stratford, and Trumbull.

Candidate’s Name: Dorothy "Dottie" Lerner

Campaign website

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Graduated from Queens College with a BA. Earned my master’s in social work at Southern Connecticut State University.

Occupation: Retired. Former Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the State of CT.

Family: I have an adult son with autism and an extensive extended family.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Appointed as a board member to the Milford, CT HRD in the 1990’s, now the Department of Human Services

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking to become the State Representative of the 122nd district to ensure every person in the district has a voice and a choice, regardless of party affiliation, point of view, or background. I have been a vocal and effective advocate for people with disabilities and their families for most of my professional and personal life. Now that I am retired, I have the time, the energy, the skills, and the desire to devote to advocating as a public servant for all people in the 122nd district. If elected, I will be able to propose and vote for legislation that supports maintaining and improving the quality of life that my constituents have worked so hard for by fighting exorbitant utility rate hikes, price gauging, and other cost of living expenses.

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

I believe the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut is the shortage of affordable housing. This shortage hurts not only those residents struggling with housing but also negatively impacts economic growth in our state. As a legislator, I would either propose or vote on bills that would provide incentives to comply with their state-mandated affordable municipal housing plans and bills that pursue affordable housing initiatives such as encouraging housing density near transportation hubs, incorporating "missing middle" housing options, and addressing housing insecurity. While I understand achieving balance between local municipal autonomy and state-level reform is a complex challenge, as a legislator I would support overruling of any judicial deference to local zoning choices that demonstrate discriminatory practices based on race, economic status, composition of family, or more.

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?

There are several types of roadway accidents that occur causing fatalities, such as driving while impaired by alcohol, wrong way or wrong side of the road driving, and speeding. Regardless of type, the root cause is human behavior. New legislation exists to address roadway deaths and to fortify it, we could fund more law enforcement presence on the highways, both seen and unseen, especially at night through early morning. The expansion of automated enforcement in high-risk, non-work zones would be a good first start, with a caveat registering my concerns about violations mailed to the vehicle registrant instead of the driver and the potential for disproportional impact. Additionally, the legislature needs to pass a bill lowering the legal blood alcohol limit. And as a former teacher and social worker, I would not give up on education and public awareness campaigns regarding risky behavior. We need to consider that prevention and intervention are still viable options.

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

Although we share the priority of public safety, I am in favor of replicating the successful statewide law enforcement and mental health collaborative task force throughout our municipalities and increasing the presence of mental health professionals in all schools. Another major difference is my total and unqualified support of women’s rights, which include the right of women to make their own decisions about their body without facing punishment. There is no place in the legislature for questioning or considering these rights. And, of course, I believe every election should provide the voters with an option!

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

I have taught in the New York City public school system. I have raised a child with autism. I returned to school for my master’s degree in my fifties. I rise to the challenges set before me, and I meet them with grace and wonder as they keep coming! In my work, I have been able to negotiate positive outcomes for both the employee and the employer in the interest of retaining employment for the employee. The skills necessary to accomplish this frequent outcome include active listening, communication, social, and critical thinking skills. I bring an open-mind, curiosity, and a respect for my role and for those I am representing to all I do, and I am always learning.

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

I am ready to work for all the people in the 122nd district, with a particular awareness and sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable populations: the Elderly, Children, and People with all types of disability. Simply put: my platform is People First. Housing, policing, and most of the issues we face are complex and often appear to pit state (mandate) vs. local (home rule), yet that doesn't mean we can't move forward. Times require we must. With an open mind, solution-focused, and all constituents considered.