Stamford Advocate op-ed: Eilish Collins Main (opinion): My pledge to the 146th

Since launching my campaign for state representative in April, I have had the opportunity and privilege to speak with hundreds of voters by knocking on doors, calling, attending local events, and being out in the community. Through these venues, I’m often asked about my top policy concerns. My constant response is improving our schools, addressing the housing crisis, and tackling liveability and affordability in Stamford.

Voters are craving engagement, and want to be heard and represented in the state House by someone who takes the time to find out what matters to them. Someone who demonstrates the experience and understanding to take this feedback to Hartford to work with our delegation to craft meaningful poIicies. I promise to do just that.

I’m grateful to every voter who took the time to tell me what matters to them. I have treated this race like a job interview and that means being responsive to the people of the 146th District.

Housing is the No. 1 issue for hundreds of voters I’ve met with so far, including housing for every age and stage. Young professionals who can’t get out of the rental market, workforce housing so that people can live and work in our amazing city, affordable housing, senior housing, and the long waitlist to get into the limited senior housing available.

We have 57 tall residential buildings in our district. People find our thriving, vibrant, and diverse city a great place to live, and yet issues such as pedestrian safety and I-95 congestion need to be addressed.

When it comes to providing high-quality education, much of what the role of a state representative for the 146th District is working on relevant committees to propose legislation and secure funding for our schools and like early childhood education, after-school programs, building projects, funding staffing to improve outcomes, and supporting our state university system like the strategic plan for the rapid growth of UConn Stamford in our district.

Education is important to me. Aside from my own 35-plus year career in higher education, my two sisters are lifelong Stamford Public Schools employees — one an elementary school teacher, the other as a guidance counselor.

Being a first-generation American means cherishing the value of education and the understanding that education changes lives is integral to pursuing the American dream. I want that to be attainable for everyone.

Stamford is the economic growth engine for our state, it is the second largest city, and the 146th District is the fastest-growing district in our state. I was born here in Stamford and I’ve witnessed its transformation so I care deeply about its progress through thoughtful growth, affordability, and liveability.

We have built a broad coalition with endorsements from public servants such as U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, Attorney General William Tong, and Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons. We have also been endorsed from incredible community groups like the Stamford Democratic Party, Independent Party of Connecticut, Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut, Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association, and more.

I have run this campaign with a tremendous group of tireless volunteers who are community leaders in their own right. And I am grateful for their time and talent. None of it matters, however, if you don’t get out and cast your vote! Please do so today.

Visit collinsmain 4 ct.com /vote to get more information and make a voting plan. Your voice matters and so does your vote.

You do not need to be a seasoned politician to run for office. You need to be a person with a life of lived experiences and I think I bring that to the table. I hope I have earned your support too.

Eilish Collins Main is the Democratic and Independent candidate for the 146th House District, which covers parts of Downtown, the South End, and Shippan.

Nov 1, 2024

Eilish Collins Main