Connecticut House of Representatives District 142 candidate surveys, 2022
From Ballotpedia
This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Connecticut House of Representatives District 142 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.
- Click here to see candidates and election results.
- Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.
Candidates and election results
General election
General election for Connecticut House of Representatives District 142
Incumbent Lucy Dathan defeated Donald Mastronardi in the general election for Connecticut House of Representatives District 142 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Lucy Dathan (D / Working Families Party)  | 59.8 | 5,369 |
 | Donald Mastronardi (R / Independent Party) | 40.2 | 3,615 | |
| Total votes: 8,984 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
| Collapse all
Lucy Dathan (Democratic, Working Families)
My primary focus is the fiscal stability of our state. We need to ensure that our state budgeting policies around the spending, volatility and revenue caps continue to provide stability and predictability for our residents as well as for market conditions. We need to continue paying down long term pension liabilities to help free up future General funds to support investments in education, early childhood programs, social safety net services, transportation infrastructure, sustainable environmental projects to address rising energy costs. In the past 4 years, over $5B of liabilities have been paid down, saving $440M annually for 25 years in debt servicing costs. Continuing this strategy will ensure a fiscally strong future for generations.
Every year, some Republican members of our General Assembly in Connecticut are proposing laws that restrict access to reproductive health care, require ultrasounds or require parental consent. These proposals are all aiming to restrict reproductive freedoms. In situations of rape or incest this may mean that people may not be able to get access and have to look at dangerous alternatives. We need to fight against these legislative proposals, and protect our state from the real harm that these bills would impose.
We had a great session in 2022 for environmental priorities and I see that there is additional room to build upon this. Two issues I am most energized about are clean air/renewable energy and waste management. We need to assess our energy sources, and continue to convert to cleaner supplies and rely less on fossil fuels. This will require investment, but there are several opportunities for federal funding here. We also must develop new waste management systems in light of the MIRA plant’s closure, and evaluate investments that address compostable waste, especially food, as this is a significant portion that heads to the incinerator. We are responsible to our community and our planet’s future to prioritize conservation and clean energy.
Every year, some Republican members of our General Assembly in Connecticut are proposing laws that restrict access to reproductive health care, require ultrasounds or require parental consent. These proposals are all aiming to restrict reproductive freedoms. In situations of rape or incest this may mean that people may not be able to get access and have to look at dangerous alternatives. We need to fight against these legislative proposals, and protect our state from the real harm that these bills would impose.
We had a great session in 2022 for environmental priorities and I see that there is additional room to build upon this. Two issues I am most energized about are clean air/renewable energy and waste management. We need to assess our energy sources, and continue to convert to cleaner supplies and rely less on fossil fuels. This will require investment, but there are several opportunities for federal funding here. We also must develop new waste management systems in light of the MIRA plant’s closure, and evaluate investments that address compostable waste, especially food, as this is a significant portion that heads to the incinerator. We are responsible to our community and our planet’s future to prioritize conservation and clean energy.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
Make CT More Affordable by cutting taxes and taking on the State Unions and Eversource
Eliminate waste and inefficiency in government budget
Be an Independent voice who puts policies and the people ahead of party. Term limits!
Eliminate waste and inefficiency in government budget
Be an Independent voice who puts policies and the people ahead of party. Term limits!
Lucy Dathan (Democratic, Working Families)
When I talk to voters at their doors, the devastating cost of insurance and prescription drugs is a heartbreaking story I hear over and over again. As a member of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, I have been able to make a commitment on behalf of all Norwalk and New Canaan residents to increase access to health care, mental health parity, ending surprise billing, and removing barriers to affordable and comprehensive care a reality. In 2022, we expanded coverage for breast and cervical cancer screenings, allocated $12M for tobacco prevention and cessation, and created a nation leading mental health infrastructure to keep our kids safe. There is more work to do and your continued support this November means that I can continue advocating for your health care needs, like lowering prescription drug cost and ensuring coverage on more everyday treatments.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
I am very passionate about fixing our deficits and long term debt. For 5 decades the Democrats have controlled the budget in this state and have put us on a path to bankruptcy. We need to bring common sense solutions to government and run it like I run my businesses, reward efficiency and hard work, eliminate waste, and work within a budget. We don't need career politicians, we need people who bring real world experience to government and make it work more efficiently and in favor of the taxpayers, not the politically connected. We need to address our long term debt issues and you don't accomplish this by giving out raises and bonuses to the very groups who are the cause of the debt! We need leadership that will balance our budget and make sure the taxpayers of CT can afford to live here. Government is too big, too inefficient and too wasteful. These gerrymandered districts only advance the one party rule, and in my case, we have a district that made up of 95% Norwalk and an opponent representing that who has never lived here, had kids in the school district and is only here when she is campaigning or pandering for votes.
https://vimeo.com/754042104 password: Don
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
My father was always my biggest role model. He was kind, smart, passionate and loyal to his family and friends and well liked by everyone. He taught me that the best things in your life will always be family and friends and that money and success is great but remain loyal to your principles and to your loved ones. He taught me to always look to help people and lift up those that needed it most. He taught me to stand up for what is right and never apologize for trying to do the right thing. He taught me about leadership and that following a crowd is always the easy path but real leadership is looking for the right path even though it usually is the hardest.
https://vimeo.com/754042104 password: Don
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
There are many books I would recommend but my political philosophy is very simple:
Government works for the people and should be small and efficient so that people can keep more of their hard earned money and pursue what makes them happy. When our citizens are working 4-5 months of the year for the government that is wrong and theft. Politicians need to represent people and remember that government is there to help when needed, not be the answer to everything. We spend too much of our taxpayers money on waste and pie in the sky legislation. I can't think of a single program that government is involved in or created that is efficient, can you?
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
Honesty and willing to stand up for what is right even if it goes against your party. It is more important to represent your citizens and stand on your principles over party wishes. We need leadership that understands we work for the people and not the other way around. Too often career politician think they should be the ones who call the shots and dictate to the citizens how they will live.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
Strong leader, principled, honest and willing to work across the aisle with like minded people. I am not afraid to call out BS and nonsense when I see it, regardless of which party pushes it.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
See above
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
My legacy are my children and I want them to see their father as someone who stands up for what he believes and fights hard to ensure that the "little guy" is being looked after. I believe you treat everyone with respect, regardless of color, religion, sexual preference or viewpoint. Be good a citizen who fights for what they believe in and works hard to accomplish their goals.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
I was 6 years old when my brother Mark passed away from cancer. It had a profound impact on my family and my parents. It is an experience that changed our family dynamics and had a profound effect on my childhood. As a parent I can't imagine losing either child and to have any parent go thru an event like that is traumatic and impactful. That is why I am a big supporter of cancer research and children's charities bc no parent should ever have to bury one of their children, especially because of cancer.
https://vimeo.com/754042104 password: Don
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
My very first job was working for my father in his diner when I was 14. I held it for 2 years until he sold the business and it taught me from a very young age that you have to work hard to get ahead in life.
https://vimeo.com/754042104 password: Don
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
I don't have a favorite book, I read historical and biographies mostly.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
Bond, James Bond.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
Wagon Wheel--Darius Rucker
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
I would say work/life balance has always been a struggle. I am very hard worker but I also like to volunteer my time coaching and being involved in different groups. I have had a hard time saying no to things because I am a very social person who probably takes on too much at one time.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
We should be Co Equal branches of government in which both sides look to put the best interests of the citizens ahead of the politically connected. Too often the legislature has thwarted their responsibility and ceded too much power to the Governor, especially during covid lockdowns. The legislature should be taking the lead on policy making and the Governor should be tasked with enforcing those policies.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
Our debt is the gravest and greatest challenges we face over the next several decades. One party rule has seen Democrats make the state of CT the second most indebted state in the country. Special interest and unsustainable giveaways to unions has put us on a path towards bankruptcy. What did the Democrats do this past year, they gave unions raises and bonuses that will cost taxpayers 1.9 billion over 4 years and added to long term liabilities. Democrats are in the pocket of the state unions because they put money into their campaigns and keep them in power. We need to make union campaign donations illegal because it is a severe conflict of interest and the taxpayers of this state pay the price. Unions shouldn't be making 30% more than the private sector with unprecedented job security.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
I like the system of government we have because it has checks and balances.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
No, I think it is beneficial for legislators to have real world work experience in the private sector, not extensive government and political experience. We don't need career politicians we need legislators that do a few terms and move along and let others run for office. Career politicians are the problem, not the solution. We need people that bring real world experiences from all fields, business, healthcare, education, trades, etc. Political service is meant to be a volunteer duty and honor to serve your follow citizens. Too often politicians think the people work to serve them and it should be the other way around.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
Politics is a relationship game and I believe in building relationships with those legislators that have a record of working across party lines. Because of 1 party rule we have too many politicians on one side who think they can ram thru and smear the other side because they have held power for so long. We need leadership who is willing to work across party lines but also who stand up to the political corruption and partisanship we have seen for too long.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
Redistricting is one of the biggest scams we have in our political system. When politicians are in charge of choosing their districts it only leads to corruption and helps create career politicians. Redistricting should be an independent, non political group who sets up districts that make sense geographically and eliminates heavy populations of one party to another. If we want to eliminate the extremes from our politics you need districts that are made up of people who actually live in their communities and have to answer to them.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
Finance/Bonding/Revenue Committee
Higher Education & Employment
Labor and Public employees committee
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
Ronald Reagan and John F Kennedy are two presidents that I admire. Both men were outstanding communicators and had government philosophies that I believe in. Make government smaller and more efficient and let Americans have the freedom to make their own choices.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
I am only focused on representing District 142. We need leadership and representation, not career politicians.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
There are numerous stories that have had memorable and impactful impression on me. The one in particular is a father who lost his son to a drug overdose. He reached out to me and explained that he had voted for Lucy Dathan in the past based on her promise to vote against legalizing of cannabis. She made a promise to this man who lost his son to a drug overdose and then voted in favor of legalizing cannabis.
To lie to voters you are supposed to represent is something I will never do. I will always be honest and forthcoming with voters whether they agree or disagree with me. I would rather be honest and lose then lie and win.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
I am not much of a joke teller
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
No, the legislature is elected to lead not grant the use of emergency powers to another part of our government. We have co equal branches for a reason and when you cede power to one part over the other that leads to corruption and abuse of power.
Donald Mastronardi (Republican, Independent)
Yes, as long as you don't compromise on your core principles. I will always approach any bill or debate with a limited government and fiscal responsibility mindset. Our citizens and small businesses have been taken advantage of by career politicians in this state. I will not compromise if any bill raises taxes or puts government and special interests ahead of our citizens or small businesses.
We have had 1 party rule in this state and they have never been willing to work or compromise with Republicans except in 2017 when 5 Democrats voted with Republicans on our budget that has led to the surpluses and caps on spending we are seeing today.
See also
More about these elections:
Select a district below to read responses from candidates in those races:
