Basic Information
Full Name: Tod Laudonia
Office Sought: 151st State Assembly Representative
Contact Information: Email- tod@votefortod.com, Phone- 203.242.7662, Website- www.votefortod.com
General Questions
Top Three Priorities if Elected
Return local control to the Municipalities and lessen State involvement in zoning decisions. Local control is the essence of our democratic republic. People in each Town should be able to decide what direction their hometown is to travel as they are the ones directly paying for the infrastructure that must support their community. Of course, the guidelines of the US Constitution are the ultimate influence.
Local control of education policies is of paramount importance. Unfunded mandates and edicts from Hartford that do not take into account municipal demographics and try to instill cookie cutter scenarios will never work to provide our children with the best education possible. Once again a service paid for wholly through municipal property taxes has been co-opted by bureaucrats in Hartford.
Common sense must be restored to the State Legislature. Omnibus bills and legislation that does not relate to its title must stop. Plain language in legislation will bring a renewed interest from the public and allow true representation through engage with the citizens instead of explanation and boredom.
Professional, Volunteer, or
Public Service Experience
I have been fortunate in representing the people of my district on the Greenwich RTM, as Greenwich Tax Collector and as the representative of St. Catherine of Siena on the Board of the Greenwich Catholic School. I was able to work with fellow members regardless of any conflicting affiliations to accomplish the goal of making life better for the greater community. I have been a volunteer member of the Board and served as President of the St. Lawrence Society in Cos Cob, a volunteer Community Organization that strives to provide an alternative space and financial assistance to charities throughout Town. I have been a member of the Greenwich Association of Realtors since 1985 and so have a knowledge and respect for the varied demographic and geographic uniqueness that our Town possesses.
Policy Questions
Local Control: How do you propose to protect your district’s control over zoning decisions?
I will stand for all of Connecticut’s Municipalities right of self-determination in the legislature. It must start with gaining an understanding of the goal of those who want to wrest that control from local elected officials. Communication and dialog is the beginning of that process.
What is your approach to balancing affordable housing needs with preserving the town’s character?
Affordable is a subjective word used to stir emotional responses. No one has an inherent right to live in a community. We live in a capitalist society and striving to afford to live in a more desirable location is part of the struggle of life. Businesses and schools have opted to provide housing for employees as a benefit to retain their workforce, that is certainly a step that a possible public-private partnership could evolve around.
Utilities: What steps have you taken/will you take to address rising costs of electricity, natural gas, and water?
I have not taken any direct steps to this point but I believe deeper investigation into all charges and fees added into utility bills are the place to start as many of those have no relation to the actual cost of the product.
Please explain your stand on the current situation with Aquarion.
I have testified at a public hearing in New Haven about the merger of the Central Water District with Aquarion. I told the members present that I did not believe the proposed merger would have any benefit for the ratepayers and would actually cause rates to increase.
Economy: How will you address the economic challenges posed by inflation?
Curtail spending and stop projects that the State should not be involved with. We are all tightening our belts on a personal level and the State must do the same.
What legislative measures will you support to ease the financial burden on households and businesses in your district?
Balance the State budget and fully fund pension liabilities while looking for more economical ways to provide retirement benefits.
Supermajority: What does having a supermajority in the Connecticut legislature mean to you and to your district?
One party rule is antithetical to our system of government. We are built on the concept of checks and balances and with a supermajority in position there would be no accountability.
Bipartisanship: How would you describe the current political environment in Connecticut?
Toxic.
If elected, how will you contribute to improving the tone of political discourse and foster cooperation among different political viewpoints?
Communication and dialog are the necessary components to improve any discourse. Literally sitting down with people on a one to one basis is the beginning of true dialog. We must return to civil discussion on a more personal level.
Your View: What should we have asked that we did not?
Do you believe in term limits?
