When speaking to candidates across the state, the sentiment seems clear: regardless of who’s running for office, the presidential election is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. When asked about the presidential election, District 12 State Senate Candidate Paul Crisci stated, “Respectfully, I personally don’t care, and I can promise you that neither Vice President Harris nor former President Trump are wringing their hands over what’s happening in Connecticut. I will obviously vote for who I think will do the best job, but my focus is on the District 12 State Senate race.”

When Candidate Crisci was asked what final thoughts he would like to leave with the last-minute voters still weighing their decision, he had this to say: “I ask everyone to maintain an open mind and not allow themselves to get caught up in identity politics. Each voter owes it to themselves to understand all the issues, not just some.” When asked to elaborate, he said, “Senator Cohen continues to speak about issues she knows her supporters favor, but there is another group of residents that have concerns regarding issues that affect them as well. For instance, Senator Cohen champions the environment and a woman’s right to choose. Those are both important issues—ones that I respect and will be involved with—but they are not the only issues.”

Crisci reminded, “Respectfully, Senator Cohen has had six years to prove herself to her employers, the voters. And to this point, as a resident of District 12, I can tell you that she falls short in the multitasking category.” Crisci continued, “As in any job, it is the person’s responsibility to display the ability to address all the tasks of the job—or, in the case of a senator, the issues that need to be addressed. Senator Cohen has set her sights only on the issues she feels she and her supporters are interested in.” Crisci offered an example: “Can you imagine a firefighter stating that the only task they will do is put out small brush fires and save cats from trees, but anything other than that they would ignore? That would, of course, be unacceptable, and the firefighter would most likely be removed from his or her duties. Senator Cohen, unfortunately, falls into that same category, ignoring residents’ concerns about crime, utility costs, electric vehicle mandates, overburdened business regulations, concerns about affordability in Connecticut, and even environmental concerns when it comes to pollution at East Haven’s Tweed Airport.”

Crisci also touched on Senator Cohen’s record as chairperson of the transportation committee. “Senator Cohen has touted her positions on both the environmental and transportation committees, both of which, in my opinion, she has fallen short on. Most of the efforts Senator Cohen offered regarding the environment fell short due to reactive legislation, such as only addressing the removal of PFAS (chemicals used by the fire department to put out fires) without an alternative measure to extinguish them. Senator Cohen has also ignored the concerns residents have about how the elementary school and fire department will fix the issue of contaminants in the water supply. Crisci continued, “And now, as the chair of the transportation committee, Senator Cohen is once again falling short, overseeing the worst fatality rate on our highways. So much so that Senator Murphy needed to make a public plea to Washington for emergency funds to assist with the issues Senator Cohen oversees.” Crisci also noted that Senator Cohen was not present at Senator Murphy’s press conference requesting aid from Washington. “Either she wasn’t invited, or she was too busy, but in either case, it speaks volumes about Senator Cohen’s inability to get the important things done that impact our communities and lives.”

Crisci added, “Respectfully, Senator Cohen speaks constantly about being part of bipartisan projects or decisions, but in most cases, she is either attaching herself to someone else’s accomplishments—most recently, the funding for the North Branford Police Department, for which she offered no assistance—or she is looking to share blame for a failing piece of legislation or decisions. Either way, Senator Cohen seems to continue to insulate herself from the realities that many of her constituents are concerned about and want to discuss.”

Crisci noted, “I find it mind-boggling that as a senator, Christine Cohen’s strategy during an election would be to turn off communication on her social media as well as to avoid all opportunities to have a one-on-one debate with me. I know it is fashionable these days to insinuate that I am insignificant, but if I were in office, I would understand that it is my obligation and responsibility to the residents of the district to answer questions not only about my record but also about what I specifically plan to do for the future.”

Crisci punctuated, “To this point, and after two elections with Senator Cohen, I have heard nothing about any plan she has to address the concerns that many residents have in District 12.”

Crisci offered, “With that said, I would champion my bill, Project 18-29 and Beyond, which offers incentives to businesses if they hire Connecticut-based residents between the ages of 18 and 34 with high-paying jobs and industry training. Included in Project 18-29 and Beyond would also be measures to allow our seniors to live more affordably in our state with permanent tax relief from property tax, no tax on social security, and tax-free medication and necessities. I will also look to make a difference with the police accountability bill and juvenile justice bill, which are both at the root of our crime issues.”

When pressed with questions surrounding whether he would be able to get anything done as a Republican in a Democratic majority, he said, “This is exactly the issue surrounding our political landscape. The idea that no good ideas can get done is more of an insult to the Democratic majority and should be concerning to voters. So, basically, what the critics are stating is that Democrats are always right in their thinking and will shut out any good ideas a Republican might have. That’s ridiculous and small-minded at best.”

Crisci continued, “I have more faith in the Democrats than that. Republican minority leader Vincent Candaelora proved both sides can work together. That’s not the issue at hand. The issue is whether I can do a better job multitasking and legislating on behalf of everyone, including Senator Cohen’s supporters. If that’s the question, then I am confident I will make the residents of District 12 proud when elected.”

With only five days left to vote, please check your town hall for times and locations to cast your vote in this 2024 election.