CT Patch Candidate Profile: Kim Healy For State Rep

WILTON, CT — Election Day on Nov. 5 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Wilton, Ridgefield and New Canaan.

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

Candidate’s Name: Kim Healy

What office are you seeking? CT State Representative

District: 42nd House District- Wilton, New Canaan and Ridgefield

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Wilton

Party affiliation: Republican/Independent

Education: BS Accounting

Occupation: CPA

Family: Michael- husband, four children ages 27-18.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? n/a

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Elected Wilton Board of Selectmen - 2021, Appointed CT Reading Leadership Implementation Council - 2022, appointed Wilton Conservation Commission - 2021, appointed Wilton Library Association Trustee

Age: 55

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running to represent Wilton, New Canaan and Ridgefield for the 42nd state representative district because I am passionate about working to effect positive change for our community. My family has lived in CT since 1994, and we moved to Wilton in 2008 to raise our children. We love CT, and specifically this area, and I want to use my skills and experience to bring the legislative changes that our community needs to ensure a safe, thriving and economically successful future. I was elected to the Wilton Board of Selectmen in 2021 and know first-hand how the state’s unfunded mandates and one party rule negatively impacts our community. I was appointed to the CT Reading Leadership Implementation Council in 2022 and have spent the last 2.5 years working across the aisle to prevent interference in our local school’s reading curriculum decisions. As a state representative, I can more effectively work to pass legislation that removes the state's ability to interfere with local decision making in our schools and our zoning regulations as well.

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

The number one issue is Affordability. CT residents and businesses are one of the highest taxed in the US. We have hidden fees/taxes in most of our utilities, car registration and other bills. We have well over 200 state-imposed fees that cost more to collect than they generate in revenue. The 42nd district needs a representative willing to work to eliminate these fees and bring down the high cost of living, and doing business, in CT. I am the only candidate with the financial background and knowledge to get this done. A common saying I hear a lot is that CT doesn’t have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem. As a CPA, I can use my expertise to make the necessary legislative changes and make a real difference.

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?

I am a regular driver on I-95, Merritt Parkway and Rte 7, so I understand why so many people are alarmed about CT’s dangerous roadways.

Drunk driving gets a lot of attention, but we do not talk enough about driving under the influence of drugs. We need initiatives to address the growing problem of drug impaired driving, especially since CT legalized marijuana. With no simple test like there is with alcohol, drug users know that police cannot easily test when they suspect impairment. We need to review the laws in place and explore effective strategies to lower the number of impaired drivers on our roads.

Distracted driving is even more prevalent in our society with drivers using their phones while driving. Speeding is a huge issue as well. We need to give the local and state police to tools they need to ticket and deter drivers from using any distracting devices while behind the wheel

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

I am the only candidate running for the 42nd district that holds elected office and also works with state government. As a Selectman, I have detailed working knowledge of the organizations like Westcog and COST that are advocating for our suburban towns. Additionally, I have been testifying in Hartford for years on a range of important issues: education, including opposing school regionalization, zoning, blight, and police issues. I have established relationships with members of the legislature and understand the job of state representative well. I am a CPA, former auditor with PricewaterhouseCoopers and volunteer tax preparer for seniors and low-income residents and understand how irresponsible taxing burdens this demographic disproportionately. I want to eliminate the pension, social security and estate taxes. I also serve on the CT Reading Council, and because of that, I have become intimately familiar and involved with the legislative process needed to impact change.

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

As a Wilton Selectman for 3 years, I am proud that every vote we have taken has had bi-partisan support. I chaired/co-chaired Wilton Minks to Sinks for three years, managing a team of 150 volunteers in this large-scale community effort. Additionally, I was appointed by the Board of Selectman as a trustee of the Wilton Library for six years, including four years as Treasurer. With my accounting education and work experience as a CPA, I bring much needed expertise to Hartford. As a mother of four children, aged 18-27, I am deeply invested in our children and in our community’s future.

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

I am a dedicated worker with a proven record of bi-partisan collaboration to achieve positive local results. As Selectman, I signed a Civility, Respect and Understanding Proclamation, which has guided my work for the past 3 years. I am committed to upholding these principles in Hartford. I have been cross-endorsed by the Republican and Independent parties.