CT Patch Candidate Profile: Jonathan Steinberg For State Rep

WESTPORT, CT — Election Day is fast-approaching on Nov. 5, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Westport.

To help educate readers about the state's election, Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns, and about the issues that are facing the town and state.

Candidate’s Name: Jonathan Steinberg

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 136

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Westport

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Graduate of Westport schools (staples '74), Yale College B.A., NYU Stern School of Business M.B.A., CT accreditation program to teach History/Social Studies

Occupation: legislator

Family: Married to Nancy for 34 years; Rachel, Margot and Charlotte all graduates of Westport schools; father founded largest internal medicine practice in town; mother known for Sybil's List book reviews at the Library and author interviewer.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Serving seventh term as Westport's state representative; served seven years on Westport's RTM, three as Deputy Moderator

Age: 68

Why are you seeking this office?

I've had the honor of representing Westport in the legislature for fourteen years and have the experience and relationships in Hartford to look out for Westport's interests, whether it be budget accountability, reasonable affordable housing laws, protecting rights, or sensible gun reform. I want to return to Hartford to further these interests, as well as tackle the real challenges of our energy future as House Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee.

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

Budget discipline: as former leader of the Moderates Caucus in House Democrats, I led a rebellion against the budget in 2017 which led to a bipartisan compromise and the state's fiscal guardrails. These changes paid down our excessive pension liabilities by over $8 billion, reducing our annual obligation by over $700 million, while filling our Rainy Day fund at over $4 billion and allowing for the state's biggest tax cut in history last year. Although we extended most of the guardrails last year, there will be pressure this session to loosen them as budgets get more constrained after federal funds dry up. I'm determined to make sure that no changes are made which will seriously erode our fiscal rigor.

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?

Drivers seem more distracted than ever these days and are driving heavier vehicles, so highway crashes are even more deadly. I think it was a mistake for the state to constrain staffing at the State Police. The result has been significantly reduced enforcement because state cruisers are nowhere to be found. Even 18-wheelers now drive with impunity in the left lane, which is illegal! We need more state police monitoring the roads and enforcing the laws. And DOT has been adding signage to prevent wrong way driving, a problem in many places.

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

I better represent Westport's values, have significant experience negotiating the byzantine workings of Hartford, have effective working relationships with everyone from the Governor to members across the aisle, and have demonstrated I'm prepared to do the hard work necessary to pass important legislation.

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

Six years as House Chair of the Public Health Committee, working closely with the Governor's Office through the pandemic, and spearheading the end of the children's vaccines religious exemption, restrictions on teen vaping, and holding fake pregnancy centers accountable. Lead House Dem Moderates during historic 2017 budget rebellion which led to the state's fiscal guardrails, a full Rainy Day Fund, and reduced pension debt. Two years as House Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, passing legislation holding the utilities accountable and getting the state on the right path for its energy future, despite many challenges.

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

I love Westport and have been proud to represent it in Hartford. Your investment in me as your representative now pays dividends as I've acquired knowledge of how to be successful in the legislative process and developed relationships with key decision-makers in Government and the private sector. I'm dedicated to doing best by Westport and the state, as I've done for the past fourteen years. My steady hand and strong voice for our shared values is what Hartford needs right now. Please give me the opportunity to continue the good work. Thanks!