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STRATFORD, CT — The 2024 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.
Eyes are primarily focused on the U.S. presidential election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut’s congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, are up for grabs as well.
There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers.
Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the state and town.
Laura Dancho, 66, of Stratford, is running for re-election to the House of Representatives in the 120th District, representing Stratford.
Occupation: Currently, I hold a Sr. Program Coordinator position in the Biology Department at Fairfield University. I’ve been there for over 25 years.
Family: Married to Gregg for 44 years. We have three children and four grand children.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No
Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Elected to Stratford Town Council representing District 10 – 2017 to 2022. Elected as State Representative for District 120 – 2022 to present
Why are you seeking this office?
I’m seeking this office to continue representing the needs of my hometown and our residents.
What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?
After speaking to countless residents, the most important issue is affordability. Whether you feel the financial squeeze at the grocery store, in the housing market, or especially with your electric bill, the majority party has made it more challenging for families and businesses to thrive. Today, residents leave our state because we have too many taxes, which is why I am fighting to eliminate taxes on pensions and social security to keep our retirees from moving to other states. I also will continue to propose removing sales tax on clothing, personal essentials, and consigned goods, roll back the gas tax, and eliminate the highway use tax. When we place a tax on goods and services, they trickle down to the hardworking consumers like you and me, making it more expensive to purchase necessities. Additionally, I will support a $2,000 child tax credit and cut back on unnecessary small business filing fees to keep and attract families and businesses to stay in Stratford.
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?
What’s happening on our roads is heartbreaking and I want to thank our state and local police for their efforts in keeping us safe. During my time as State Representative on the Transportation Committee, we successfully passed legislation to address wrong-way driving by stationing new lights and signage. In collaboration with local municipalities, we have addressed speeding by installing speed and red light cameras in certain locations. I have also worked with the Department of Transportation to increase safety measures at roadway construction sites to protect our road workers. I attribute the rising rate of roadway deaths to impaired and/or distracted driving. Until our law enforcement officers can pull over vehicles suspected of being under the influence of drugs like marijuana, I believe that we will continue to have high instances of roadway fatalities.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I believe that my experience as a longtime resident, homeowner and property taxpayer, former Town Council member, and active local volunteer are what certainly set me apart from my opponent. As a homeowner and parent who raised her children in Stratford, I offer a unique perspective that my opponent does not share. Being a property taxpayer grants me the ability to understand the significance of our mill rate change, the importance of local control in zoning regulations, and what it means to send a child through Stratford public schools. Representing Stratford requires someone who is invested and actively participates in community service and events, which was something I did before my time in office. Professionally, I work in education and have been recognized for my ability to budget both time and finances effectively. Finally, as a mother and grandmother, I have cared for my hometown like my own family, and with your vote, I will continue to do so.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
In my six years serving on Town Council, I have worked to reduce taxes in five of the six budget years. As State Representative, I supported legislation positively impacting our law enforcement, protecting tax benefits for seniors, veterans, and small businesses, fully funding our schools and special education programs, and investing in Stratford town projects and services. I have proudly proposed over twenty new bills directly in response to constituent concerns, secured over $3 million in funding to our town, and have defended our voters by fighting for election integrity, especially after the incident in Bridgeport.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Everything that I do as State Representative has been to support the diverse needs of Stratford. As someone with significant life experience in town, I have the unique ability to understand and relate to issues from all perspectives, working to create common sense solutions as an independent-minded thinker. As a parent, I have learned that a solution for one resident may not work for another. That’s why I will continue to give all voices a seat at the table and be the only candidate who has proven to work well with anyone, regardless of their party affiliation. Stratford deserves that voice in Hartford, and with your vote, I will remain dedicated to being a voice for all as your State Representative.