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. Election Day is Nov. 5.
Q: What do you think are the greatest challenges facing the district right now, and how will you help address them? Be as specific as possible.
Steven Johnstone, Republican, Senate District 14
Steven Johnstone
A: After knocking on thousands of doors and speaking with concerned citizens, the two issues that I would prioritize once being elected are public safety and affordability. They affect everyone regardless of income bracket.
As the police liaison for the West Haven City Council, I have had conversations with not only officers from District 14 but all over the state about the issues that face law enforcement. I have personally done six ride-alongs with West Haven police officers. Since the police accountability bill was passed in Connecticut, police and corrections officers are facing an uphill battle. For years, our departments have faced difficulties in recruitment and retainment of officers. It is clear to see that the profession is becoming more dangerous by the day. Agencies that once saw hundreds of applicants for one vacancy now only see a couple dozen if they are so lucky. It is not debatable; the reduction in applicants is a direct result of Hartford’s knee-jerk reaction to the actions of a few bad cops from half a country away.
Ever had your car broken into, or know someone who has? Chances are the perpetrator was a juvenile. The lack of punishment and accountability concerning juvenile criminals has resulted in a significantly higher crime rate in Connecticut; more specifically, motor vehicle thefts. In Connecticut, we coddle these offenders. Police are arresting the same juveniles over and over again, only to find that these same criminals are back on the street, committing the same crimes, shortly after their arrest. The lack of improvements in legislation is mind-boggling.
The byproduct of this shortfall of commonsense legislation is higher insurance premiums. It doesn’t matter how safe of a driver you are anymore, your insurance bill is going up simply because of the number of break-ins and car thefts that continue to happen in this state. The bill that makes the officers’ jobs more difficult and dangerous must be changed. It is high time to stop vilifying law enforcement officers.
On top of skyrocketing car insurance premiums, how are your utility bills? Days will become shorter and nights will become colder, which means you’re going to have to turn on the lights and the heat. I applaud every state official who stepped up on behalf of your constituents to ask the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to reconsider their decisions of approving rate hikes. For those of you who didn’t, I would ask yourself, “If I’m not here for the people who voted for me, then who am I here for?”
We need to stop kicking the can down the road. Pick it up and throw it in the trash. We need to try something different because what we’re doing isn’t working.