Editor’s Note: The candidates for State House and State Senate were given the opportunity to send HK-Now.com and Haddam Killingworth News a 450-word response to the question: “What do you bring to the table as a candidate, and what issues do you plan to focus on as a state legislator?” The statement below is from Democratic State Senator Norm Needleman, who is seeking re-election in the 33rd Senate District. The candidate’s reply is unchanged from the original as submitted. HK-Now.com and Haddam Killingworth News are not responsible for errors in grammar, usage, punctuation or spelling.
“For the last six years, I have had the privilege and honor to serve as our State Senator, and my work is not done yet. In my time at the Senate, I have been able to provide an independent voice that listens to the issues most important to our district instead of following a script written by others.
Our towns have different populations and different needs, but we all want a state that’s affordable and beautiful, a place we can continue to call home. I want to continue supporting and funding local education to support our future generations while investing in their health and future.
Our seniors need a stable and safe environment where they can age at home and remain close to their loved ones; I’m working to provide better services and care quality for them.
As a business owner, I know firsthand what works and what doesn’t to help our local employers, and have fought for policies aiding them. I’ve voted to cut taxes and have helped bring millions of dollars in state funds to our region for a variety of vital projects.
I’m also fighting our electric utilities, trying to fix our broken system so we can see lower costs while preparing for the future of our state’s power grid. I hope I can count on your vote this November as I’m not done fighting for the 33rd District yet.”