Considering a Run for State Rep

In the two weeks since State Rep. Joe Mioli, D-136, announced he would not seek re-election, some Westport Democrats and Republicans have thrown their names into the hat, announcing their intent or interest in holding the Hartford post.

The Westport Democratic Town Committee published advertisements last week seeking qualified candidates to run for the Connecticut State Legislature, and DTC chairman James Ezzes said Friday he's received three resumés so far. He declined to give their names.

However, one of the interested Democrats is Westport Representative Town Meeting member Jonathan Steinberg of District 8, who said he has talked to Ezzes and submitted his resumé.

"I've been very dedicated in trying to improve things in Westport the last six or seven years and there are some things I believe I can make a difference for Westport and Fairfield County in Hartford," Steinberg said.

Specifically, he said some state statutes, such as those governing affordable housing, are not reasonable for towns like Westport that are nearly fully developed. Given existing densities and unfunded state mandates, Steinberg said it's difficult for towns to achieve 10 percent of its housing stock as affordable. He says there may be ways to amend the statutes to achieve the spirit of affordable housing, and suggests a coalition of like-minded communities should form to discuss the issue.

Steinberg said he has the "energy and commitment to solve problems with others." He currently serves on six town committees —chairing the Downtown Plan Subcomittee and co-chairing the Septic Education Task Force — and seven RTM committees, of which he chairs two: the Health and Human Services Committee and the Communications Committee.

Steinberg has a professional background in marketing and health care marketing. He graduated from Staples High School in 1974 before attending college at Yale University and then obtaining an MBA from the NYU School of Business.

Ezzes said any Westport registered Democrat in the district is eligible to submit a resume and be interviewed as a possible candidate for the election in November. A search committee made up of members of the DTC will meet with prospective candidates and make a recommendation, and a candidate would then be determined at a convention this spring.

For Republicans interested in the position, the Westport Republican Town Committee holds a caucus that is open to any registered Republican in town. Those who attend the caucus will be able to vote for any interested candidates and whomever receives the most votes will earn the Republican nomination, said RTC chairman Bob Zappi. Zappi said four potential candidates have expressed interest but only two of them have made their intentions public.

RTM member Steve Rubin announced his interest in running on the Republican ticket about two weeks ago. Rubin has served on the RTM since 1993.

"It has been quite exciting for me since I made it public that I intend to run for the Westport's State Representative seat," Rubin said last week, referring to calls and emails he's received from residents supporting his intention. "I anticipate filing official papers soon in Hartford. Thus far, I have been refusing donations since my candidacy must be made official first. I am grateful to everybody for the providing me the motivation to move forward."

Westport resident Allen Levy has also indicated his intention to run as a Republican for the position on a platform of lower taxes, fiscal responsibility and to change the political proportions in the state House of Representatives.

"I'm running because there are 114 Democrats to 37 Republicans in the House. The Democrats have such a super majority that they are an unchecked power," he said in a phone interview Friday. "They passed a budget with a half a billion dollar deficit and a 10 percent spending increase when we have a down economy — they are running unchecked."

Levy grew up in Fairfield and has lived in Westport for 10 years. He also owns real estate in Bridgeport and several restaurants throughout Fairfield County.

He has served as chairman of the downtown Bridgeport Special Service District, which focused on adding physical improvements to the area, such as adding street lights and trimming the trees.

To learn more about Levy, click here.

Anyone interested in running as a candidate for the 136th district, can find out more information on the DTC Web site by clicking here and the RTC Web site by clicking here.