The Milford-Orange Times is continuing its election-year tradition of asking the candidates to respond to questions about what they would do for the residents of Milford and Orange if voters elect them. This special section features the responses from the candidates. Election Day is Nov. 8.
Kim-Marie Mullin is the Republican state Senate candidate for District 14.
Question: What do you think the greatest challenges for the district will be in the next two years, and how will you help address them?
Kim-Marie Mullin
I have lived in many states. After being corporately relocated to the DC Metro area, we longed to make our way back up north and got our wish when my partner’s company moved us to Connecticut. We fell in love with this state, especially the shoreline, and decided, after years of renting here, to purchase our first home. We discovered an old, blighted house that needed some TLC and immediately rolled up our sleeves. With three rescue dogs in tow, we moved into our Airstream in our backyard and, beam by beam, restored the old house during winter in the middle of a pandemic. After five months we happily moved into our cozy, little beach bungalow and welcomed another local rescue dog into our family.
When the dust settled, I noticed there were issues in our district that I just could not ignore. At first I was concerned about the illegal dumping, blight, crime, local planning/zoning issues and affordability, but after state Rep. Michael DiMassa stole more than $1.2 million from the West Haven residents, I was troubled about the lack of transparency and accountability in our local government. I knew that somebody had to do something about it and realized that I was somebody. As an action-oriented person, I started getting involved, volunteering and becoming informed about the issues. The more I learned, the more I wanted to help. During this same time, the economy tanked, inflation was at an all-time high, crime was out of control and our BOE meetings, districtwide, were resembling WWF fights. I hit a ceiling with my volunteerism and needed to step up and take it to the next level. That is when I decided to run for office.
I believe the greatest challenge will be to treat District 14 as a whole, while understanding the unique needs and wants of Milford, Orange, West Haven and Woodbridge individually. Oftentimes in districts, one town/city gets prioritized while the others get ignored. This has been the case in District 14 for many years, but now it is time to spread the love. As your next state senator, I will treat all of the towns/cities equally districtwide. I will be present in Milford, Orange, West Haven and Woodbridge, not merely for a photo-op or ribbon cutting. I will support our police departments and legislation that supports our law enforcement. I will work to impose harsher sentences for violent and serial defenders and vote to end our catch-and-release bail system. As a licensed real estate broker, in the industry for 20 years, I will focus on affordability and livability in Connecticut. I will facilitate communication between our district BOEs and parents and protect local zoning. The residents of District 14 deserve safe, clean, affordable neighborhoods and thriving schools. It’s quality of life and what I will advocate for in Hartford on behalf of District 14.