Donald Mastronardi
From Ballotpedia
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Donald Mastronardi (Republican Party, Independent Party) ran for election to the Connecticut House of Representatives to represent District 142. He lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.
Mastronardi completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Donald Mastronardi was born in Cortland, New York. He earned a bachelor's degree from Ithaca College in 1998. His career experience includes working as a businessman.[1]
Elections
2022
See also: Connecticut House of Representatives elections, 2022
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. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Lucy Dathan advanced from the Democratic primary for Connecticut House of Representatives District 142.
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Donald Mastronardi advanced from the Republican primary for Connecticut House of Representatives District 142.
Campaign themes
2022
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Donald Mastronardi completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Mastronardi's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I own the Dry Dock Bar & Grille, Dry Dock at Silvermine Golf Club, and Dry Dock's Smokin Aces at Oak Hills Golf Park. I have been married for 17 years and have 2 children, Mia 15 and Drew 13. We lived in Norwalk for about 15 years prior to moving to New Canaan. Our children started school at Silvermine Elementary before attending East Elementary and now Saxe and New Canaan High School.
I grew up in Cortland NY and graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Accounting before moving to CT to start my professional career. I have worked as a financial analyst with AIG Asset Management, Bristol Myers Squibb and Daymon Worldwide Marketing. In 2015, my wife and I decided to take over the Dry Dock because it was failing and about to go out of business. It was our favorite restaurant and we felt we had the experience and drive to remake the restaurant and return it to one of Norwalk's best. In just 6 years we were able to revitalize Dry Dock and add 2 additional locations. We employ over 45 people and are very active in the Norwalk and New Canaan communities.
I believe my financial background and straight talk will serve the people of New Canaan and Norwalk well. For too long the Democrats have run this state and put us on the verge of bankruptcy. We need leadership that understand politicians work for the people and not the other way around. We need a leader who will stand up to special interests and look to cut spending and taxes. Term limits needed!- 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!
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
https://vimeo.com/754042104 password: Don
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
https://vimeo.com/754042104 password: Don
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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
https://vimeo.com/754042104 password: Don
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
https://vimeo.com/754042104 password: Don
I don't have a favorite book, I read historical and biographies mostly.
Bond, James Bond.
Wagon Wheel--Darius Rucker
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.
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.
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.
I like the system of government we have because it has checks and balances.
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.
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.
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.
Finance/Bonding/Revenue Committee
Higher Education & Employment
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.
I am only focused on representing District 142. We need leadership and representation, not career politicians.
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.
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.
I am not much of a joke teller
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.
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.
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.
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.
See also
2022 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 10, 2022
Current members of the Connecticut House of Representatives
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Matthew Ritter
Majority Leader:Jason Rojas
Minority Leader:Vincent Candelora
Representatives
District 1
Matthew Ritter (D)
District 2
District 3
Minnie Gonzalez (D)
District 4
Julio Concepcion (D)
District 5
Maryam Khan (D)
District 6
James Sánchez (D)
District 7
Joshua Hall (D)
District 8
Tim Ackert (R)
District 9
Jason Rojas (D)
District 10
Henry Genga (D)
District 11
Patrick Biggins (D)
District 12
Geoff Luxenberg (D)
District 13
Jason Doucette (D)
District 14
Tom Delnicki (R)
District 15
Bobby Gibson (D)
District 16
Melissa Osborne (D)
District 17
Eleni DeGraw (D)
District 18
District 19
Tammy Exum (D)
District 20
Kate Farrar (D)
District 21
Mike Demicco (D)
District 22
Rebecca Martinez (D)
District 23
Devin Carney (R)
District 24
Manny Sanchez (D)
District 25
Bobby Sanchez (D)
District 26
David DeFronzo (D)
District 27
Gary Turco (D)
District 28
Amy Morrin Bello (D)
District 29
Kerry Szeps Wood (D)
District 30
Donna Veach (R)
District 31
Jill Barry (D)
District 32
Christie Carpino (R)
District 33
Brandon Chafee (D)
District 34
Irene Haines (R)
District 35
Chris Aniskovich (R)
District 36
Renee Muir (D)
District 37
Nick Menapace (D)
District 38
Nick Gauthier (D)
District 39
Anthony Nolan (D)
District 40
Dan Gaiewski (D)
District 41
District 42
District 43
Greg Howard (R)
District 44
Anne Dauphinais (R)
District 45
Brian Lanoue (R)
District 46
Derell Wilson (D)
District 47
Doug Dubitsky (R)
District 48
Mark DeCaprio (R)
District 49
Susan Johnson (D)
District 50
Pat Boyd (D)
District 51
Chris Stewart (R)
District 52
Kurt Vail (R)
District 53
Tammy Nuccio (R)
District 54
Gregory Haddad (D)
District 55
Steve Weir (R)
District 56
Kevin Brown (D)
District 57
Jaime Foster (D)
District 58
John Santanella (D)
District 59
Carol Hall (R)
District 60
Jane Garibay (D)
District 61
Tami Zawistowski (R)
District 62
Mark Anderson (R)
District 63
Jay Case (R)
District 64
Maria Horn (D)
District 65
Joe Canino (R)
District 66
District 67
William Buckbee (R)
District 68
Joe Polletta (R)
District 69
Jason Buchsbaum (R)
District 70
Seth Bronko (R)
District 71
William Pizzuto (R)
District 72
Larry Butler (D)
District 73
Ronald Napoli (D)
District 74
District 75
Geraldo Reyes (D)
District 76
John Piscopo (R)
District 77
District 78
Joe Hoxha (R)
District 79
Mary Fortier (D)
District 80
District 81
District 82
Michael Quinn (D)
District 83
Jonathan Fazzino (D)
District 84
Hilda Santiago (D)
District 85
Mary Mushinsky (D)
District 86
District 87
Dave Yaccarino (R)
District 88
Joshua Elliott (D)
District 89
Lezlye Zupkus (R)
District 90
Craig Fishbein (R)
District 91
Laurie Sweet (D)
District 92
Patricia Dillon (D)
District 93
Toni Walker (D)
District 94
Steven Winter (D)
District 95
Juan Candelaria (D)
District 96
Roland Lemar (D)
District 97
District 98
Moira Rader (D)
District 99
Joseph Zullo (R)
District 100
District 101
District 102
Robin Comey (D)
District 103
Liz Linehan (D)
District 104
Kara Rochelle (D)
District 105
District 106
Mitch Bolinsky (R)
District 107
Marty Foncello (R)
District 108
Pat Callahan (R)
District 109
Farley Santos (D)
District 110
Bob Godfrey (D)
District 111
District 112
Tony Scott (R)
District 113
Amy Romano (R)
District 114
Mary Welander (D)
District 115
District 116
Treneé McGee (D)
District 117
MJ Shannon (D)
District 118
Frank Smith (D)
District 119
Kathy Kennedy (R)
District 120
Kaitlyn Shake (D)
District 121
Joe Gresko (D)
District 122
Ben McGorty (R)
District 123
David Rutigliano (R)
District 124
Andre Baker (D)
District 125
Tom O'Dea (R)
District 126
Fred Gee (D)
District 127
Marcus Brown (D)
District 128
District 129
Steven Stafstrom (D)
District 130
Antonio Felipe (D)
District 131
Arnold Jensen (R)
District 132
Jennifer Leeper (D)
District 133
Cristin Vahey (D)
District 134
Sarah Keitt (D)
District 135
Anne Hughes (D)
District 136
District 137
Kadeem Roberts (D)
District 138
Kenneth Gucker (D)
District 139
Kevin Ryan (D)
District 140
Travis Simms (D)
District 141
Tracy Marra (R)
District 142
Lucy Dathan (D)
District 143
District 144
Hubert Delany (D)
District 145
Corey Paris (D)
District 146
District 147
Matt Blumenthal (D)
District 148
District 149
Tina Courpas (R)
District 150
Steve Meskers (D)
District 151
Hector Arzeno (D)
Democratic Party (102)
Republican Party (49)
