CT Patch Candidate Profile: Colette Kabasakalian For State Rep
RIDGEFIELD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 5 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Ridgefield
Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the towns, cities and state.
Candidate's Name: Colette Kabasakalian
What office are you seeking? House of Representatives HD111
District:
Campaign website
What city or town do you live in?
Party affiliation:
: BS in Business Economics SUNY Oneonta
: Real Estate Advisor
: I am married to Greg Kabasakalian, who is currently on the Board of Finance in Ridgefield. He grew up in this beautiful little town and I fell in love with it as I did with him. We have a 28 year old son, who is my stepson and I adore him. My inlaws Harry and Nancy Kabasakalian are still living in the home that my husband grew up in. I grew up in Oceanside Long Island and my mom still lives there. My sister is living in Virginia and my brother is in Oyster Bay Cove, Long Island.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? My husband is an elected official in Ridgefield on the Board of Finance and is currently the RTC Chairman.
Previous public office, appointive or elective
I was elected to serve as the Vice Chairwoman of the Ridgefield Republican Town Committee in 2022 until last year
: I will be 59 years old
Why are you seeking this office?
There are several reasons I am running for office. Local control of our Planning and Zoning and Inland Wetlands is a serious issue. As a Realtor, I understand the needs of our Town and so do our local elected officials. Hartford has no right to put demands on our fragile ecosystem and infrastructure by mandating one size fits all high density housing without understanding how it impacts our community. Further, our townspeople have been seriously affected by the high costs of energy, food and housing. With better legislation, these costs can come down. Such as reducing the tax on diesel fuel that causes higher commodity prices, and finding a solution to the energy crisis that makes Connecticut the 3rd highest in the country. We can also help our seniors by eliminating their state taxes on social security, IRA's and pensions.
What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?
The number one issue is the oppressive tax structure coupled with punishing regulations making Connecticut one of the most unfriendly business communities in the country. The fact that GE moved to Boston is unimaginable. Aetna moved to NYC, unimaginable. United Technologies merged with Raytheon and moved to Boston after nine decades in Connecticut. After 50 years in Enfield, LEGO is moving to Boston in 2026. When will it end? I will support legislation to cut corporate taxes to make Connecticut more competitive in attracting and retaining our corporations thus creating more jobs for our children. I will look to get rid of the onerous regulations that strangle businesses that cause lost jobs in Connecticut.
There have been an alarming number of deaths on Connecticut's roadways. Is there anything from a legislative standpoint that can be done to address that?
We can start with giving the police the authority to be able to detain drivers and passengers that they visibly see consuming cannabis in the vehicle, allow the police to request consent to search a car if the officer has a reasonable and articulable suspicion that weapons, contraband, or other evidence of a crime are contained in the vehicle. I will support common sense law enforcement legislation.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am a small business owner in Ridgefield who understands what it means to make a paycheck. I am Ridgefield centric, my business is Ridgefield not Hartford.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As a Realtor, my business is negotiating. My fiduciary responsibility is to my client. As State representative Ridgefield will be my client.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
As someone who truly loves the arts and our environment, I will work hard to preserve our open space and discover better ways to produce more housing opportunities. I am a member of the Ridgefield Guild of Artists, and sit on the board of a small non profit alternative learning school called Something Good in The World, located in Cortlandt Manor NY and have been on the board for almost 20 years. I love to be in service to our seniors and have enjoyed serving them at the Lounsbury house for a few years at senior lunches as well as being an advisor on a senior panel regarding real estate needs. Playing a role as an advisor for the Salvation Army and ringing the bells to collect funds every year for the past several years has been very fulfilling. Over the past several months I have met and heard many of our people's voices. I am humbled by the support and warm wishes by so many. Even those who are undecided, have been gracious and kind.
