Laura Dancho (R)
Candidate for State House District 120
Bio: Laura Dancho
Raised in Stratford, I was grateful to have attended Stratford public schools, and graduated from Bunnell High School in 1976. I worked at Dresser Industries (now Ashcroft) in the International and Domestic Sales office from 1978-1985, then focused on raising my children. In 1993, I began working in the Stratford Public School offices. In 1999, I began working as the Senior Program Coordinator at Fairfield University, where I still work today. With a longtime commitment to Stratford, I took the extra step to get involved and served three terms as Town Councilor for District 10 from 2017 to 2022. Today, I am honored to be in my first term as State Representative of Stratford’s 120th District.
- Which office are you running for, and why?
I am running for re-election as State Representative for District 120 because the issues of affordability, crime, housing, and quality education need to be addressed to keep our families, residents, seniors, and small businesses here. After investing the majority of my life in Stratford, I know what it takes to serve our residents, and I will continue to ensure everyone has a voice on issues that matter.
- What are your qualifications for this position?
Everything that I do as State Representative has been to support the diverse needs of Stratford. As someone with significant life experience in town, I have the unique ability to understand and relate to issues from all perspectives, working to create common sense solutions as an independent-minded thinker. As a parent, I have learned that a solution for one resident may not work for another. That’s why I will continue to give all voices a seat at the table and be the only candidate who has proven to work well with anyone, regardless of their party affiliation. Stratford deserves that voice in Hartford, and I will remain dedicated to being a voice for all.
In my six years serving on Town Council, I have worked to reduce taxes in five of the six budget years. As State Representative, I supported legislation positively impacting our law enforcement, protecting tax benefits for seniors, veterans, and small businesses, fully funding our schools and special education programs, and investing in Stratford town projects and services. I have also proposed over twenty new bills directly in response to constituent concerns, secured over millions in funding to our town, and have highlighted local businesses, advocating for their needs in Hartford.
- What is your vision for Stratford’s future? Please be as specific as possible.
After speaking to countless residents, the most important issue is affordability. Whether you feel the financial squeeze at the grocery store, in the housing market, or especially with your electric bill, the majority party has made it more challenging for families and businesses to thrive. Today, residents leave our state because we have too many taxes, which is why I am fighting to eliminate taxes on pensions and social security to keep our retirees from moving to other states. I also will continue to propose removing sales tax on clothing, personal essentials, and consigned goods, roll back the gas tax, and eliminate the highway use tax. When we place a tax on goods and services, they trickle down to the hardworking consumers like you and me, making it more expensive to purchase necessities. Additionally, I will support a $2,000 child tax deduction and cut back on unnecessary small business filing fees to keep and attract families and businesses to stay in Stratford.
- What do you believe can be your greatest contribution to Stratford in this new position?
With experience as State Representative, my greatest contribution has been my commitment to passing the largest income tax cut in state history and my record on prioritizing Stratford interests. I will continue fighting for affordability and public safety, education funding, as well as bringing significant state funding to our district to build a more sustainable community. Representing Stratford requires someone who is invested and actively participates in community service and events, which was something I did before my time in office. Professionally, I work in education and have been recognized for my ability to budget both time and finances effectively. Finally, as a mother and grandmother, I have cared for my hometown like my own family, and I will continue to do so.
