Share this candidate profile:

Sharon Beloin-Saavedra

Running for State Representative

2 CTNewsJunkie Reader Endorsements

Party: Republican

CEP Status: participating

Website:

Age: 51

Marital Status: Married

Current Residence: New Britain

Current Job: Full time parent

Previous Job: Legislative Aide

Previous Job: Clerk of Human Services Committee

Education: BA from CCSU

Do you believe public schools in Connecticut require an essential makeover, as outlined by Superior Court Judge Thomas Moukawsher's decision in September? What, in your opinion, is the number-one issue regarding public education in the state?
I serve as a member on the CCJEF steering committee and fully supported the 11 year lawsuit pursuing equity within the Connecticut public school systems. Judge Moukawsher was thoughtful in his questioning during the trial and diligent in his contemplation of the issues presented. I do not agree, however with all of his findings. Most importantly he nailed it on the irrationality of the allocation structure or lack there of. Universal standards and student achievement expectations must be met with resources to attain those outcomes.
Will you oppose legislation that will require utility customers to subsidize the profitability of merchant generators, such as the Millstone nuclear power plant, unless those merchant generators demonstrate the need to their customers and the state with financial reports that show their actual loss in profits?
Yes
How would you reduce the state employee pension liabilities and debt service, which together comprise 25% of the state's annual budget?
Develop a strict paydown plan for all encumbered debt and limit new debt. Restructure our current debt obligations if law allows.
Does Connecticut have a revenue problem or a spending problem?
when revenue can't meet expenses the problem is two fold. We must maximize our investments while reducing the cost of government. Growing the middle class through the creation of meaningful job opportunities / raising personal incomes so that people are in positions to contribute to the State's economy. Connecticut is not meeting income tax or sales tax projections and our job growth has not recoup all that was lost during the recession.
Would you support laws that provide for family leave or other workplace flexibility for employees who have to take time off for family caregiving purposes? What proposals would you champion to help family caregivers who are balancing a career and family obligations or health emergencies?
"Contented cows produced the best milk" A supported workforce will be a productive workforce. We must factor in the needs of our employees as contracts and working conditions are established to allow for the family structure to be supported and sustained. No one should have to choose between losing a job and caring for their child or an aging parent who becomes ill.
Community College students recently won a reprieve but are facing the possibility of a significant tuition hike. What are you planning to do to ensure that community college remains an affordable option for families?
I would work diligently to ensure community college affordability for in state residents. I believe community college should become a part of our required educational system preK-14.
What would you do as a state legislator to address the opioid epidemic in our state?
Early interventions for people at risk of addiction; increased access to mental health services; data collection and analysis of prescription use patterns by patient and prescriber. Increase public awareness campaigns about "what's in your cabinets" at home.
Today, over 600,000 residents in our state don’t have a way to save for retirement at work. Knowing that employees are 15 times more likely to save merely by having access to payroll deduction, will you commit to supporting the newly passed Connecticut Retirement Security Act that will provide these workers with access to private payroll deduction IRA accounts?
Yes
Who are you supporting for president and why?
Hillary Clinton is my choice for president. I support her strong positions on civil rights issues including education, voter access, women's health, children's health, LGBT rights. Climate change and science must not be overlooked. We must maintain strong partnerships with our international allies and not feed into fear mongering and isolationism . No candidate is perfect but of the two leading contenders my faith in a growing country and a safer/ stabler world rests with Hillary.
This product is for research only. CTNewsJunkie does not endorse any candidates for office or legislation referenced on this site. The messages in these questions were made independent of any candidate or political party. Sponsors do not endorse candidates. Additional information about legislative elections or statewide campaigns may be found on the State Election Enforcement Commission's web site. CTNewsJunkie reserves the right to remove offensive or inappropriate content within candidates' answers to questions, but note when such a change has been made.