CT Patch Candidate Profile: Ben McGorty For State Representative

TRUMBULL, 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.

Ben McGorty, 60, a Republican, is running for state representative of the 122nd House District.

What city or town do you live in?

Shelton.

Education

Associate Degree.

Occupation

Fire Marshal, 25 years.

Family

Married to Noreen McGorty and I have two children Ben and Siobhan and two grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I was elected State Representative in 2014.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking office to put a hold on the Democrats need to tax the residents more than they are now. I continuously fight to defeat unfunded mandates to our municipalities. I continue to support tax free pensions for our retirees.

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

Over spending. We need to stop spending and minimize the government handouts.

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?

We need hire and support more police officers and State Troopers to patrol our roads. We need tougher penalties for the youths that are doing street takeovers.

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

My opponent chose to run against me because I was running unopposed. Her reason for running was so people can have a choice at the polls. Her reason cost the state taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars. She is already costing taxpayers more. I look to stop the government from wasting taxpayer dollars.

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

I have worked for many years on reducing or eliminating the taxes on our income from social security and pensions. I have been instrumental on working across the aisle on the firefighter cancer bill. I have strongly opposed any legislation that was soft on crime or defunded our police.

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

If elected I will fight to make Connecticut more affordable to raise a family and for our seniors so they do not have to leave this great state when they retire.