Ben McGorty

Ben McGorty was born in Greenwich, Connecticut. McGorty earned an associate degree in management from Housatonic Community College in 2004. His career history includes working as a realtor with Coldwell Banker and William Raveis. McGorty has also served as a lieutenant and deputy fire marshal for the town of Stratford, as a fire commissioner for Shelton, as a firefighter with the Huntington Fire Department, and as an EMT. He has also been affiliated with the St. Lawrence Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.[1][2][3][4]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I represent the 122nd district of Shelton, Stratford and Trumbull it’s been a true honor to represent all of the Republicans, Democrats, the unaffiliated the independence and a non-voters in Hartford. No matter what your party affiliation is I am there to represent you. This is a job I take very serious. I love providing a constituent service to all Connecticut residence within my district and outside my district. I will continue to make Connecticut affordable, keeping our retirees and seniors here in Connecticut, while providing them with safe living environment. I am committed to eliminate wasteful spending from our state of Connecticut government.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I want to make Connecticut affordable for our retirees and senior citizens to continue to live here.I want to eliminate the Connecticut income tax for all that collect Social Security benefits and pensions.I want to cut wasteful spending by our Connecticut State government.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public safety is a passion of mine, and I will continue to make sure Connecticut is a safe place to raise your family and retire in.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

State Representative Ben McGorty is serving the 122nd Assembly District in the legislature, where he has been a leading voice for making Connecticut safer, more affordable, and a better home for businesses.

Rep. McGorty serves as Assistant House Republican Leader and his district encompasses parts of Shelton, Stratford, and Trumbull.

“Connecticut needs trusted and sensible leadership to tackle its most serious issues and to provide oversight on its greatest challenges. I am continually humbled to receive the support of our community to elect me as your State Representative. I am proud to have been your voice in Hartford for the last ten years and will never take it for granted,” Rep. McGorty said.

“I am proud to call Shelton our home and this fuels my career in representing the great people of Shelton, Stratford, and Trumbull. Through my engagement with community members and in several leadership positions at home and in Hartford, I have cultivated strong relationships that fuel me to make informed decisions that benefit residents of the 122nd District,” McGorty said. “Connecticut is in an affordability crisis affecting residents and business owners and it needs bold ideas to take the necessary steps to correct it. We have struggling critical infrastructure and constant pressure on municipalities to regionalize zoning and education. It will take experience and clear decision making to put our state on the best path forward.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Lower taxesSmaller governmentStop unfunded mandates to municipalities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Safety and security

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Be honest and represent the people that put me there.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I’m honest and attentive and I put others before self.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Be that elected official and not a politician

What legacy would you like to leave?

He was a defender for the people that couldn’t defend themselves

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The collapse of the Mianus River Bridge I was the first responder that night as a volunteer firefighter at the age on 20.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Produce worker in a grocery store 2 years

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

There must be respect for each other

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Affordability

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No. Just be yourself and be honest.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely. We are both there to serve the people. We need a working relationship.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Ronald Reagan

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Not at this time

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Listening to men and women testifying about their frustrations with family court after losing custody of their child.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes. No one person should hold all of the power.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

The elimination of the state income tax on pensions and social security.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I don’t seek endorsements as I do not want to owe anyone anything

What committees interest you?

Public Safety, Environment and Judiciary

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Everything we do shall be transparent

Ben McGorty did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Ben McGorty did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.