Together, the House of Representatives and the Senate constitute the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA). The General Assembly enacts legislation dealing with state appropriations and finance, public welfare, the environment, public works, housing, education, civil and criminal laws, and other matters. The Senate tries all impeachments of executive and judicial branch officials. In Connecticut, members of the state’s legislative body, the General Assembly, must be at least eighteen years old and reside in the district they represent. Senate and House members serve two-year terms. Candidates were asked to respond to questions developed by local Leagues of Women Voters (LWV). Candidates enter their replies directly into Vote411, and replies are not edited by the LWV.This is the link to the CGA website: https://www.cga.ct.gov/This is the link to Sample Ballots for each Town found on the Secretary of State website: https://portal.ct.gov/sots/election-services/town-ballots
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Candidate Name
Gwen Samuel
Campaign Website
www.gwenforct.com
Campaign Email
campaign@gwenforct.com
Campaign Phone
2034433203
Facebook
Gwen For CT
I am a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, mother, nonprofit founder, and coalition builder with more than 20 years of experience advocating for families. I founded Connecticut Parents Union, championed two parent empowerment measures that became law, and testified before Congress on education issues. My bachelor's degree is in Human Services. I bring experience connecting families, businesses, educators, and public officials to solve problems. As an Independent candidate for Senate District 9, I will put people over party and focus on affordability, parental rights, local control, public safety, and veterans. Taxpayers deserve transparent spending and measurable results.
Connecticut should prepare for federal funding reductions by reviewing spending, protecting essential coverage, and addressing the costs that drive premiums and out-of-pocket bills. I support clear reporting on insurance rates, hospital charges, administrative expenses, and the results of state-funded programs. We should preserve access for vulnerable residents, strengthen preventive and primary care, and examine coverage options for small businesses and working families. Every proposal should show its cost, funding source, and expected savings. Affordability must mean families can obtain care, not simply hold an insurance card.
I would reduce Connecticut's dependence on property taxes by reviewing how the state funds education and municipal services. Funding should reflect student needs and each town's ability to pay, with fair treatment of educational options and clear reporting on results. I support reviewing relief for seniors and homeowners with limited incomes, addressing unfunded state mandates, and encouraging shared services where towns choose them. We must also examine whether tax incentives deliver promised benefits. Local control matters, and taxpayers deserve to know where their money goes and what it achieves.
I support using Flock cameras as a limited investigative tool when they help protect public safety and respect privacy. The legislature's new safeguards should be judged by how effectively they prevent misuse. I favor clear limits on data retention and sharing, documented reasons for searches, regular audits, and consequences for unauthorized access. Towns should explain the need, cost, and results before expanding these systems. Camera alerts should be verified before enforcement action. Public safety and civil liberties both deserve protection; residents should not be subject to unchecked tracking
My number one priority is protecting families and vulnerable residents through accountable government. That means addressing affordability, respecting parental rights, and ensuring religion and schools stay separate. I will advocate for regular wellness checks and stronger oversight for elderly and vulnerable residents in nursing homes and other care settings, especially when staff turnover disrupts continuity of care. Families need clear communication, reliable complaint processes, and timely responses to concerns. Taxpayer-funded institutions must demonstrate that they are meeting the needs of the people they serve.
