I bring a unique blend of experience and perspective, shaped by my upbringing in Stamford, where I graduated from Westhill High School in 1988, and my career in Corporate Communications. As a Republican, I value common-sense solutions and fiscal responsibility. My dyslexia has given me a different perspective, allowing me to identify trends and opportunities others may overlook—an essential part of my problem-solving approach. With leadership training from Harvard Kennedy School and enrollment in MIT’s data science program, I am equipped to address complex challenges with innovation and precision.
I have organized community groups that have supported both for-profit and non-profit organizations, helping them thrive and build strong relationships throughout Fairfield and New Haven counties. I am also proud to be cross-endorsed by the Independent Party, reflecting my ability to unite people across the political spectrum.
As a small business owner and mother of two daughters, I understand firsthand the challenges Connecticut families face. This experience makes me a strong advocate for policies that protect families, promote education, and empower individuals to succeed. My focus is on solutions that foster economic growth and community strength while ensuring families have the support they need to thrive.
My top priorities as a Republican reflect a commitment to fiscal responsibility, education reform focusing on parental involvement and school choice, public safety, and school mental health support.
Fiscal Responsibility: the government should live within its means, spending taxpayer dollars wisely. We must streamline government operations, cut waste, and focus resources on critical areas like education and healthcare. By reviewing existing programs, we can identify where funds can be better allocated to meet Connecticut’s needs without unnecessary spending.
Education: I strongly believe in increasing parental involvement in education. Parents should have a more significant say in their children’s education and the freedom to choose what’s best for their family. While supporting school choice, I also believe in strengthening public schools to ensure they are accountable, well-funded, and able to prepare students for future success. We should offer students a broader range of opportunities, including trades and vocational programs, and enhance mental health resources through programs that engage students and Veterans.
Public Safety: I fully support our law enforcement and first responders. I advocate for community policing, maintaining School Resource Officers (SROs), and ensuring police officers, firefighters, and EMTs have the necessary tools and resources to protect us. Public safety is about collaboration and trust, and I will work to ensure our communities remain safe.
The housing shortage in Stamford is a critical issue affecting families, young professionals, and businesses. As a State Senator, I believe that local control is essential to effectively addressing this challenge. While the state should be supportive, Stamford’s local government and community must have the flexibility to make decisions that align with their unique needs and vision for the city.
Streamlining zoning regulations in Stamford is vital in allowing for affordable and mixed-use housing development, particularly near transit hubs. This would improve access to jobs, reduce commuting times, and attract young professionals while providing families with more affordable living options. However, it's essential to respect the input of Stamford’s local zoning boards and community to ensure development fits the city's character without one-size-fits-all mandates from the state.
Housing Unit Equivalents (HUEs) should also be part of the solution. By incorporating HUEs into Stamford’s zoning framework, we can increase affordable housing while allowing developers to design projects that serve the community’s needs. This approach ensures that quality and appeal are maintained.
Ultimately, Stamford’s local leaders, developers, and community members are best positioned to determine where and how to build. The state’s role should be to reduce red tape and provide incentives, such as tax credits, to encourage responsible development tailored to Stamford's specific needs.
Rising energy costs have significantly burdened Stamford residents, particularly those on fixed incomes and small businesses striving to stay competitive. As a Republican, I believe in a balanced approach that addresses immediate needs while promoting long-term energy independence and sustainability. Furthermore, I do not support the proposed purchase of Aquarion by the Regional Water Authority (RWA), which could raise water bills by 29%, further burdening residents.
First, I would prioritize reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens contributing to higher energy costs. We can lower consumer prices without sacrificing reliability by streamlining regulations and encouraging competition in the energy market. Exploring regional energy partnerships could diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on any single provider, ensuring more stable and competitive pricing.
In the short term, I support targeted tax credits or rebates for families and small businesses facing high energy bills. This approach provides immediate relief without expanding government programs, giving residents more control over their energy choices.
For long-term solutions, I advocate for promoting private sector investment in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies. Tax incentives for homeowners and businesses to adopt solar, wind, and other sustainable options will help reduce costs over time and promote energy independence.
We can ensure reliable, affordable energy for Stamford’s residents by addressing immediate concerns and future sustainability.