Candidates for Connecticut's 30th Senate District debated Friday, Oct. 19. Incumbent Republican Stephen Harding (left) is running for his second term as state senator. Challenger Justin Potter (right) aims to be the first Democrat to win the 30th seat since 1979.
LITCHFIELD — Incumbent State Senator Stephen Harding (R-30) and challenger Justin Potter (D) went toe-to-toe for approximately 90 minutes Friday, Oct. 18.
The debate was hosted and moderated by the League of Women Voters of Litchfield County and was held at Lakeview High School. Questions were submitted by the audience in advance.
The candidates spoke to the crowd throughout the evening and rarely directly addressed each other. Potter took a few jabs at Harding’s voting record, which Harding disputed, but otherwise the debate was cordial.
Overall, the two candidates held relatively similar stances on the majority of topics, which included energy costs, illegal immigrant services, abortion, election security, energy solutions, taxes, the environment, agriculture, small businesses and transgender athletes.
Affordable housing was a notable exception to their consensus. Harding recognized a lack of affordable housing options but stated opposition to General Statute 8-30G and the mandate on each town to designate 10% housing stock as affordable. He felt Hartford should not dictate local zoning policy. Potter supports increased state funding for housing solutions, including accessory dwelling unit (ADU) incentives.
On energy, both opposed the Millstone nuclear power plant and the Brookfield natural gas compressor station. They both agreed that neither project would directly benefit the Northwest Corner. Potter pointed to testimony that Harding gave in support of natural gas expansion and said Republicans supported the Millstone project. Harding stated he voted against Millstone and, while he does not support the Brookfield project, he remains open to natural gas as an energy resource.
They agreed managing energy costs is a top priority. Potter suggested the state should begin stabilizing utility rates with regulatory authority. Harding said state energy subsidies should be paid by the state budget instead of added to residential electric bills.
Each candidate felt small businesses are the cornerstone of the Northwest Corner’s community. Harding supports reducing energy rates, taxes and overall spending to benefit business owners. Potter said he wants to cut back on “the hurdles, the costs, the paperwork, the headaches.”
Both candidates expressed support for amending the state constitution to guarantee a woman's right to an abortion and reproductive choices.
Both supported financial aid to agricultural businesses through tax incentives.
Both advocated for increased funding to childcare and early childhood education.
Both felt school sports should be segregated by biological sexual orientation.
Both stated Connecticut’s election process is secure and trustworthy.
Both said it is time for Connecticut to implement a hunting season for black bears to control the growing population.
Both supported compassionate care of undocumented immigrants as members of the community, but Harding stated immigration policy should be left to the federal government while Potter wanted to continue “reasonable policy” in Connecticut.
In closing statements, both candidates advocated for bipartisanship and expressed goals of creating a viable future for the Northwest Corner’s next generation. Both men are fathers of children younger than 10.
“I believe [children] should be able to aspire to be police officers, teachers, nurses, artists or farmers and see a path to independence, raising up a family and retiring comfortably right here in Northwestern Connecticut,” said Potter. “I’m looking forward to getting to Hartford to create a more affordable and sustainable future for all of us.”
“What’s important to me is what goes on with our neighbors right here at home,” said Harding. “I believe in bipartisan solutions. I don’t care if it’s a Republican or Democrat idea or constituent. I will always take your issue with the utmost importance regardless of party affiliation because you’re a neighbor of mine and that’s why I do my job.”
Harding was elected state senator in 2022 and is running for his second term. Potter would be the first Democrat to win the 30th Senate District since Joseph Ruggiero in 1979.
In post-debate discussions with audience members, three Democrats shared their takeaways.
“Harding is the most honest politician I’ve ever met,” said one self-proclaimed lifelong Democrat. He felt Harding won the debate for being more articulate in his answers.
Another Democrat found Harding's opposition of G.S. 8-30G to be problematic. She supported Potter's stance on increased state funding to grow affordable housing stock in the Northwest Corner.
A third said she went in with an open mind and wondered if Harding would convince her to vote red. Afterwards she was still undecided and wanted to do more research on the nuanced issues.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polling stations will open across the state for 14 days of early voting beginning Monday, Oct. 21.
SHARON — Dr. Fred G. Kantrowitz, 78, of Medfield, Massachusetts, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts and Sharon passed away Nov. 13, 2024, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He was the loving husband of Anne Kirby, devoted father of Gregory and William, father-in-law of Katie and Brittanny, and proud grandfather of Jack, Ava and Jameson.
Fred was born Dec. 10, 1945 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of the late Theo and Dinah (Kotick) Kantrowitz. His own health struggles as a child, intellectual curiosity and desire to help others led him to a career in medicine. Fred’s illustrious medical career was highlighted by nearly 50 years on the Beth Israel staff, more than 30 published works and a chapter as teamdoctor for the Boston Celtics. Later in his career, he developed a reputation for being the doctor to handle only the most complex cases, including long Covid.
Fred’s work also occasionally crossed with his personal interests, which were numerous. From interviewing Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford for his book on sports medicine to his passion forliterature, Fred’s intellectual curiosity meant he could hold a conversation with nearly anyone on any topic. His many hobbies and interests included model trains, stamps and coins, freshwater fishing, horseback riding, sports, and history.
Fred married Anne, the love of his life, on Dec. 5, 1981 during a blizzard in Boston. In addition to Anne and his immediate family, he is survived by his brother Marc (Marianne), sister Sue (Mark), and many loving nieces and nephews.
A private memorial service was held at the Kenny Funeral Home in Sharon, on Saturday Nov. 16, at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial at St. Bernard’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the following causes: Martha’s Vineyard (MV) Museum, 151 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, Sharon Historical Society, 18 Main Street, Sharon, CT, 06069 , Charles River School, 6 Old Meadow Road, Dover, MA 02030.
CANAAN — Rose Moskowitz, 98, of Geer Village in Canaan, passed away on Nov. 9, 2024. She was the loving wife of the late Bernard Moskowitz.
Rose was born Aug. 2, 1926, in New York City, the daughter of the late David and Regina (Shanker) Gunn.
Rose graduated from high school in the Bronx.
Her late husband served in the U.S. Army during WWII and survived D-Day on the beaches of France. Rose Moskowitz was a kind and sweet woman who deeply loved her family.
She is survived by a son, Larry Moskowitz (Nancy Moskowitz) of Sharon, a daughter, Arlene Greenspan (Harold Greenspan) of Boston, five grandchildren; Jesse, Melissa, Evan, Keith and Elena and two great grandchildren, Hazel and Simon. She was predeceased by her five siblings.
A private memorial service for the family will be held in the spring.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Housing Trust, P.O. Box 1168, Sharon, CT. 06069 or on the website SHTCT.org. in memory of Rose Moskowitz.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
WASSAIC — Doreen B. Newton, 76, a lifelong resident of Wassaic, died on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at Kindred Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey. Ms. Newton was an assistant social worker at Taconic Developmental Disabilities Office in Wassaic, for 30 years, retiring in 2005.
Born on Nov. 24, 1947 in Sharon, she was the daughter of the late William and Doris (Shook) Barlow. She was a graduate of Webutuck High School Class of 1965. An avid reader, Ms. Newton enjoyed mystery novels and crossword puzzles. Above all, she loved her grandchildren.
Ms. Newton is survived by her son, Brent Newton of Wassaic, and two daughters, Catherine Newton and Jennifer Vallely and her husband, Glenn, both of Wassaic; her sister, Constance Sprossel of Maine; her brother, Jesse Barlow of Peru, New York and her grandchildren, Emma and Lucas Vallely and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Marylou Farnham and a brother, Thomas Barlow. To send the family an online condolence, visit www.hufcutfuneralhome.com.
LAKEVILLE — Mary Markert Arnold, 84, died on Nov. 11, 2024. She was born on Feb. 19, 1940, in Shanghai, China. She grew up around the world, spending significant portions of her childhood in Mexico and Puerto Rico, two countries that left an indelible mark on her life. She moved back to the United States to attend high school at the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and soon after graduation she married her husband, the late John T. Arnold. They settled in Summit, New Jersey, where they lived for 28 years to raise their family. While raising her children, Mary studied nursing at Seton Hall University, received a master’s degree in nursing from New York University, and then became a Licensed Nurse Practitioner (LNP). She worked as an emergency room nurse and became the Patient Ombudsman at Overlook Hospital in Summit. She was also a member of the Summit Volunteer Rescue Squad.
Later in her career, she worked as a Specialist in Oncology at Memorial Sloane Kettering and Columbia Presbyterian Hospitals in New York City. She also completed the Post-Master’s Certificate Program at Ackerman Institute for the Family.
For the last 30 years, Mary called Lakeville her home spending the last two years at Brandywine Living in Litchfield. She was an active member of the local community, starting a family therapy practice and working closely with the local food pantry. She was an avid horsewoman and loved being at the barn with her beloved horses – first Bagan and then Quieto. She travelled extensively, often visiting Latin America, a region close to her heart since childhood. A fluent Spanish speaker, she loved the Spanish language, Latin American culture and Mexican music. She often used her professional expertise and language skills to volunteer with health and humanitarian groups across the region. Mary also enjoyed spending time outside with her dogs, tending to her gardens, reading, listening to music and doing handiwork. She was a master weaver and craftswoman – often combining her love of weaving and gardening by dying wool using hollyhocks from her garden. She often marveled at the behavior of the birds that took up residence in the kitchen gutter and the design of a spider web glistening in the morning dew.
Mary was predeceased by her husband, John T. Arnold, her daughter, Tina Arnold, and her parents, Philip and Maxine (Maxwell) Markert. Mary is survived by three children; Mark Arnold (Elaine) of Lakeville, Heidi Prins (Tom) of Tiverton, Rhode Island and Estero, Florida, and Matthew Arnold (Tama) of Lexington, Massachusetts. She is also survived by seven grandchildren; Suzanne (Soadad) and Jim (Madison) Arnold, John (Kennedy), Philip and Trescher Prins, and Naomi and Nina Arnold. Her brother, Philip Markert (Susan) of Washington Depot, also survives her, as do sisters-in-law Ellen Lloyd of Haverford, Pennsylvania and Judy Arnold of Willow Street, Pennsylvania and brother-in-law William Arnold (Margaret) of McKinney, Texas. She also leaves behind many adored nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of Mary’s life will take place on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at the Salisbury Town Grove, 42 Ethan Allen Street, Lakeville, CT, 06039.
Arrangements are under the care of Ryan Funeral Home, 255 Main St., Lakeville.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Corner Food Pantry, PO Box 705 Lakeville, CT 06039 (thecornerfoodpantry.org/) or Salisbury Association, PO Box 553, Salisbury, CT 06068 (https://salisburyassociation.org/).
To offer an online condolence, please visit ryanfhct.com
