Democratic state Representative John-Michael Parker shares with Patch why he should be re-elected to serve the 101st District.
Alfred Branch, Patch Staff
MADISON, CT — Election Day is fast-approaching on Nov. 5, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Madison.
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: John-Michael Parker
What office are you seeking? State Representative, 101
District: 101st House District
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Campaign website
What city or town do you live in? Madison
Party affiliation: Democrat, Independent, Working Families
Education: Yale, 2010, BA
Occupation: Nonprofit executive, 15 years
Family: Yes, wife Joyce (therapist), son Charles (18 months).
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? no
Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes, elected to 101st in 2020 and reelected in 2022
Age: 36
Why are you seeking this office?
I first ran for State Representative because I wanted to give back to the community that raised me and made me who I am. After delivering for Madison and Durham for four years now, I'm seeking reelection to continue our work on the economy, environment, public safety, education, and public health—and to continue bringing critical funding back to our district.
What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?
CT's energy policy is our number one issue right now. It's connected to so much—from the outrageous bills forced on ratepayers over the last few months to the climate solutions we need in order to protect and preserve our planet. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reform our regulatory process for public utilities, and to create policies that will support energy production that is renewable, and cost effective.
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?
This is a huge concern—and a priority for the legislature. We need to continue building on the work we've done to implement wrong way driving countermeasures, to fund law enforcement efforts (including cameras, signs, and coverage), and to strengthen regulations around safe driving.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have experience as a legislator, and a proven track-record of success—from policy to funding. Having secured millions of dollars for Madison and Durham and led on statewide policy that matters to our community (from the environment to opioids to maternal health), I believe I am the candidate best positioned to fight for the 101st district. And as someone who was born and raised here and is now raising my own family in town, I believe I understand our community's values and can stand up for them in this polarizing political time.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
2 terms as a state legislator with over $30M secured for Madison and Durham; leading passage of critical legislation on opioids and public; serving as Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee, and Chair of the Arts, Culture, and Tourism Caucus and Future Caucus
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I'm proud to have voted for the two biggest tax cuts in CT history, working to make life more affordable for families and seniors and students and small businesses, while paying down long-term debt *and* investing in programs that ensure the state of CT takes care of people, prepares them to succeed, and builds communities in which they can thrive. I'm so grateful and honored to have served as your state representative since 2020, and I hope to earn your continued trust as we carry on this important work in the years ahead.
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