Michael Goldstein

Michael Goldstein was born in New York, New York. He earned a high school diploma from Francis Lewis High School, a bachelor's degree from Harpur College of Arts and Sciences in 1970, an M.D. from SUNY Downstate Medical School in 1974, and a J.D. from the Elizabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in 2006. Goldstein's career experience includes working as a physician and as an attorney.[1]

As of 2024, Goldstein was affiliated with the following organizations:[2]

NY County Medical Society

Med Soc State of NY

American Academy of Ophthalmology

Fairfield County Medical Association

Alumni Board and Alumni Fund SUNY Downstate School of Medicine

Temple Sholom Greenwich

American Bar Association

Health Law Section ABA

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am an Ophthalmic Surgeon who later became an attorney. As an officer, past President, and past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the NY County Medical Society I have been an active advocate for improving our healthcare system. In 2022 as a political unknown I petitioned onto the ballot and obtained 40% of the votes in the Republican Congressional Primary. Since 2022, I have remained politically active and was elected to the Greenwich RTM where I serve on the Health and Human Services Committee. I believe in giving back and I have served on the boards of non-profits, including serving as President and later Chairman of the Board of my medical school alumni assn. I live in Greenwich CT with my wife Belle who is also a physician; I raised my children here. I am passionate believer in the greatness of our American democracy and the opportunities it offers to all people regardless of, race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and economic circumstances to achieve success. I have seen this great country being destroyed from within by the Biden administration and enablers like my congressional opponent and I cannot stand by and let this happen. I am determined to fight for our way of life so that our democracy is preserved for the next generation. This is a driving force for my run for Congress. I believe that a Congressman needs to serve the people by taking positive steps to improve their lives while acting in the best interests of the US.

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?

Our economy is suffering from high energy prices, reckless government spending & the printing of money. Life has become unaffordable for many Americans. The price of gasoline, & heating oil have doubled. Natural gas, electricity, food prices & consumer goods are much higher. Higher interest rates make housing & car loans unaffordable. The interest costs on our federal debt will lead to higher taxes. We are being forced to buy oil from dictatorships rather than produce it here and creating American jobs. Ct. faces some of the highest electric bills in the country because federal laws block us from buying enough domestic natural gas to generate our electricity. We have to import it at higher prices. These laws must be changed.Our border must be closed to illegal immigration. Criminals, gang members, terrorists , drug, sex and child traffickers must be deported. Illegal aliens must be defunded. It is absurd that we are providing extensive economic benefits to illegal entrants into our country. Crime shouldn’t pay. Fentanyl originating in China, packed in Mexico and smuggled into the US, is killing tens of thousands of Americans. Counterfeit pills labeled oxycodone or something else contain fatal doses of fentanyl are killing unsuspecting Americans. To me that is murder and those who sell lethal fentanyl pills are murderers. I will propose laws that make this crime murder and those who make and distribute these pills should be prosecuted for murder.Our healthcare system has become overly expensive and overly bureaucratic. Physicians and other healthcare providers suffer burnout from the regulatory compliance that takes up to 20 hours per week of their time. Patients feel that healthcare has become more of a business and they feel that they are no longer the priority. High deductibles keep middle class and working class people from seeking medical care and they loose the benefit of preventive care. There is little competition and choice in healthcare. This needs to be reformed, competition which lowers prices and improves quality must be expanded. Patient dissatisfaction, physician burnout, overregulation, and loss of competition and choice must be reversed. Patients must come first.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about creating a more cost-effective healthcare system where physicians can focus on their primary goal of treating patients rather than bureaucratic compliance, patients come first & there is competition & choice how medical care is provided. I am for streamlining our FDA regulatory process so that drugs can come to the market sooner & at lower prices. I strongly believe that Congress must play an active role, through legislation, to ensure that the regulatory state is limited to carrying out the laws passed by Congress rather than rewriting them. Regulations must be changed so that Mini-nuclear power plants can be built cost effectively & faster enabling us to expand reliable production of green energy.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to Benjamin Franklin. He was a patriot, inventor, statemen and businessman. He was good at all of these activities.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand although written almost 70 years ago it has predicted the consequences of a government that strongly resembles the Biden administration. Putting unqualified people in positions of power can have devastating consequences. That is happening now. It describes the consequences of government managed economy that is subject to political influence and even corruption. Government micromanagement of the economy needs to be replaced by a free market based on competition and market forces. When the government picks winners and losers good companies can fail and weak companies that would fail prosper. But in the end even these bad companies fail. Creativity, ingenuity, hard work and innovation must be rewarded or these skills will remain unused. An untruthful government that does not disclose its failures is on borrowed time because the truth eventually comes to light. We have seen it today with the covering up of President Biden’s cognitive decline and allowing not elected officials to exercise power.

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

An elected official must be an advocate for their constituents. They also must be credible and trustworthy. Constituents must believe in that credibility and integrity or there is distrust in the political system. The ability to assess which other legislators are friend or foe is essential to building the coalitions necessary to legislate. Since not all legislation is passed by one party the ability to deal effectively with legislators of the opposing party without compromising one’s principles is necessary. The final quality is the ability to get elected. Without electability a candidate never gets elected and the other skills and traits don’t matter.

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

I have the qualities of leadership and the courage of my convictions I am able to think outside of the box and come up with different approaches and innovative solutions. As a physician who for many years has treated patients of all backgrounds and socioeconomic classes I am able to interact with just about anybody. I treat all people with respect and listen to their concerns. I able to have civil conversations with people who do not agree with me. My background and both a physician and an attorney gives me unique skill sets to deal with healthcare issues and look at legislation from a legal perspective.

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

An elected official is a representative, obliged to serve the interest of their constituents. A representative must fulfill the responsibilities of being present during the legislative session, attend committee meetings and vote on all bills. Prior to voting a legislator must understand the legislation. They should publicly express their support or objection to a bill and their reasons. A legislator must also seek and arrange for passage of legislation that directly benefits their district. An infrastructure that is accessible to the constituents that is properly staffed must be created. Constituent’s letters must be answered and the should be updated regarding what is happening in Congress.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I have the qualities of leadership and the courage of my convictions I am able to think outside of the box and come up with different approaches and innovative solutions. As a physician who for many years has treated patients of all backgrounds and socioeconomic classes I am able to interact with just about anybody. I treat all people with respect and listen to their concerns. I able to have civil conversations with people who do not agree with me. My background and both a physician and an attorney gives me unique skill sets to deal with healthcare issues and look at legislation from a legal perspective.

I would like to be remembered as someone who came to Washington and was the proponent of legislation that improved people’s lives. Returning our healthcare system to a cost effective, competitive system that puts patients first that enable doctors to fulfill their role as patient advocates and eliminates excessive bureaucracy is one of my goals. Reforming our regulatory system so that regulatory agencies follow the laws written by congress rather than making new laws by regulation. Congress must re-assert its role as a legislative body.

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

The first historical event was breaking my leg at three years of age. I remember lying in the back seat of my parents car and being taken to the doctor where I was xrayed and castes. I remember walking around in a plaster cast until it healed. I then remember the cast being sawed off my leg

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

My first job was in the summer between high school and college where I worked as a tray carrier and later a busboy in a hotel located in the Catskill region of New York State

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Appeal by John Grisham

This describes the ugly side of our political system where an economically powerful entity can select, promote, finance and elect, an otherwise unqualified person, who then carries out the bidding of those who got him elected. This is the type of political corruption and manipulation that must be avoided. It is scary and yet this story is not farfetched.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I like Rocky Balboa someone who is a man of the people who through hard work and determination succeeded in achieving his goals. That is the message of what America is all about. A land of opportunity where if you have the strength determination and ability and are willing to fight for what you believe in you can make it happen.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

An old song by Frank Sinatra that brings us back to a different America.

Frank Sinatra – The House I Live In (That’s America to Me)

These are the words

“What is America to me

A name, a map, or a flag I see

A certain word, democracy

What is America to me

The house I live in

A plot of earth, the street

The grocer and the butcher

Or the people that I meet

The children in the playground

The faces that I see

All races and religions

That's America to me

The place I work in

The worker by my side

The little town the city

Where my people lived and died

The howdy and the handshake

The air a feeling free

And the right to speak your mind out

That's America to me

The things I see about me

The big things and the small

That little corner newsstand

Or the house a mile tall

The wedding and the churchyard

The laughter and the tears

The dream that's been a growing

For more than two hundred years

The town I live in

The street, the house, the room

The pavement of the city

Or a garden all in bloom

The church the school the clubhouse

The millions lights I see

Especially the people

That's America to me”

These words hark back to a bygone era of unity, pride, optimism and the freedom to speak your mind. We need more of that today.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I have had many struggles in my life but I have almost never viewed them as struggles but instead opportunities. One of the greatest struggles in my life involved the unnecessary death of my mother and my inability to obtain justice. In 2016 my mother was visiting my brother, who had advanced lung cancer in Houston Texas. My mother was walking along the side of the hospital on her way to the hospital entrance to visit him when she tripped , fell on her face and stopped breathing. Employees from the hospital, including nurses, were called. But even though they knew that my mother was not breathing, they did nothing to help except call 911 for an ambulance. A long time elapsed and despite the fact that she was resuscitated she was brain dead. Her death was unnecessary and there was no recourse. No agency would take any action. Despite the fact that my mother had insurance she was left on the street to die as hospital workers watched it happen. My struggle with this situation strengthens my resolve to make sure that something like this never happens to someone else’s. spouse, parent sibling or child. Even writing about this brings back painful memories.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The house is the most representative bodies in the US government. Representation is based on population and each district gets to choose the representative who most closely represents the positions and values of their community. Both parties are represented on committees based on the number of members but everyone gets a chance to express their opinion. The term is short so that when attitudes or demographics within a district change so can who represents the district change. It is the most responsive part of our Constitutional Republic to the citizens.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Understanding how a legislative body works and its limitations are important to having realistic expectations as a new congressman. Too much political experience leads to detachment from the voters. A candidate must have real life and real world experience to best serve ordinary constituents. Therefore some experience is good but too much is not.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The US population is polarized and that has been exacerbated by divisive political rhetoric. There needs to be a realization that despite our differences that all citizens have more in common than that which divides us. Inflation must be curbed by achieving energy independence, reducing wasteful government spending and stimulating economic growth. We need to intelligently exploit renewable and nuclear green energy that is domestically manufactured and does not produce environmental unintended consequences. We need to use our capacity to produce oil and natural gas in excess of our needs that can be sold to countries that are friendly to us. Both are cleaner energy sources than coal. We must use economic power to weaken the countries that are our military adversaries through lowering global energy prices leaving countries like Russia and Iran with less money to fund wars and terrorism. Our education system must be refocused from indoctrination to teaching the skills necessary in a 21st Century economy. The world is geopolitically unstable with China, Russia, Iran and North Korea looking to join forces and achieve global dominance. This outcome would be disastrous. We must use economic power to weaken them, we must be prepared militarily to deter them and we must strengthen alliances with countries who would be adversely affected if these goals were achieved. This would include strengthening our alliances in Asia with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia and India. We must keep Israel strong and encourage the gulf states and Israel’s neighbors to collaborate in stopping Iranian nuclear, military and terrorist sponsored aggression. The border must be closed to illegal immigration and the destabilizing effect of illegal aliens who are terrorists, criminals, gang members, sex, human and drug traffickers must be eliminated. We must restore a sense of pride patriotism and unity in all Americans and the need to unite for the common good.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Two years is a good time. The only problem is that too much time is spend on re-election campaigns. We need to simplify the election process.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Being a congressman is not a lifetime job. The longer someone stays in office the more detached they become from those who have elected them. Longer term legislators are more loyal to their political bosses then their constituents. Therefor there must be term limits. Term limits must take into account that there is a learning curve for being a legislator. This could take up to two years. The legislator then needs time to be an effective legislator and that time should be maximized. Finally there is a transition to detachment from the voters which is when it is time to leave. Specific term limits should be based on objective data properly analyzed not some arbitrary limit.

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

The representatives that are most visible are the ones that are the best at self promotion. Often they are not the ones I would like to emulate. The best representatives often work in the background and are relatively unknown. I am hopeful that I will get to meet and learn from them.

Both sitting representatives 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?

When I was one of only two Republicans to march in the Bridgeport Puerto Rican Day Parade I heard multiple stories regarding the poor quality of the Bridgeport Public Schools. They are in the bottom five school districts in the state. Concerned parents who wanted the best for their children told stories about how they had to take on second and third jobs so that their children could attend a private or parochial school. This is unacceptable and I told them that I believed in school choice and vouchers that would ease that burden. They were so grateful that someone cared enough to try and help to change the system. I will do my best to make that happen and offer better education opportunities in our cities without breaking the backs of working-class Americans.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Unfortunately you can’t always get everything you want in a bill. You must fight as hard as you can to create legislation that you believe in and serves the best interest of your constituents. Sometimes compromise is necessary, as long as the results are acceptable, and does not require that you compromise your principles and beliefs.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The need for revenue bills to originate in the House empowers the House ,even when the other party has the majority in the Senate and controls the Presidency, to limit how much the government spends. Unreasonable taxes can be blocked. Necessary ones can be authorized and have expiration dates. Income tax and corporate tax rates can be modified. This gives the House the power to protect the citizens and businesses from being overtaxed.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The House needs to use its powers to investigate, corruption, malfeasance, incompetence and activities by government officials that are not in the best interest of the country.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Ct Lodge Frat Order of Police

- N Y Young Republican Club (NYYRC)

- Med Soc State of New York (MSSNY)

- Latinos United Conservative Action (LUCA)

- Stand For Health Freedom

- Ct Federation of College Republicans

- Ct RNC Woman &Frmr US Senate Candidate Leora Levy

- Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding

- Greenwich CT First Selectman Fred Camillo

- Greenwich CT First Selectman Lauren Rabin

- Ct State Senator Ryan Fazio

- Oxford First Selectman George Temple

- Oxford Selectman Arnie Jensen

- Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti

- State Representative Tom O’Dea

- Kevin Jenkins, CEO Informed Class LLC

What committees interest you?

Below are committees that have subcommittees that I would be interested in serving on.

Agriculture, Appropriations, Armed Services, Budget, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, Judiciary, Natural Resources, Science, Space and Technology, Small Business, Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans' Affairs, Ways and Means, Intelligence (Permanent Select)

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

In the end the truth comes out so why not disclose it from the beginning. Our government’s support by the people depends on the people believing that it is both transparent and truthful. When it is not distrust and loss of support results. Elected officials who are proven liars do not get re-elected. President Truman ran the government by the principal that ‘The buck stops here”. This means that the president is ultimately responsible for the success or failure of an administration. That is what is expected from a responsible president.

Campaign website

Goldstein’s campaign website stated the following:

THE PLATFORM FOR FREEDOM

What is My Platform?

I AM FOR:

America First and our Constitution

Freedom & Liberty

Secure Borders

Affordable Food, Energy & Healthcare

Parental Rights & NO MANDATES

Medical, Religious and School Choice

Accountability

Supporting Israel

I AM AGAINST:

Runaway Inflation

Foreign Oil

Dependence on China

Unaffordable Food and Energy

Unsustainable Green Energy

CRT & Indoctrination

Cancel Culture

Drug & Human Trafficking

Illegal Immigration

Career Politicians

Special Interests

Hate Speech and Anti-Semitsm

Why Goldstein for Congress? Vote Your Values

I have been a Connecticut Resident for Over 30 Years. I have moved up to Greenwich Connecticut in 1987 to escape taxes and mismanagement of government. I have watched Connecticut become as bad if not worse than New York and many of these wrongs have been while Jim Himes has been in office. It is time to serve Connecticut and represent YOU.

Over the past 30 Years, Connecticut has become a bureaucratic empire mismanaged by the majority of its elected officials that continue to saddle this great state with debt while driving good tax payers and industries out of the state in search of better economic opportunities.

I am running for Congress as I am tired of seeing the Democrats of this Constitution State not abiding by the constitution and will do everything I can to prevent the state from becoming the next Detroit. I am also extremely concerned about rising anti

I am all about protecting your freedoms. We are here to protect your freedoms as parents and your right to make the best decision for your children, your medical rights, and the protection of your inalienable rights.

The issues facing most Americans are not partisan. They include not being bankrupt from filling our gas tanks, heating our houses and feeding our children. The fact that we have no formula is unacceptable. Our children need the best quality education possible not indoctrination. Parents have the absolute right to fight for that.

Reform Means Reduced Regulation

Healthcare costs and all Regulatory costs are on the rise and health insurance is not affordable for most Connecticut residents. Drug prices are rising while manufacturing costs of prescription drugs are on the decline. The new gun legislation increases healthcare costs

As one of the last sole practitioners in medicine, I have watched the decline of our health care systems on the front line. Your healthcare expenses go to pharmaceuticals and administration of healthcare. It does not go to your doctor.

As a small-business owner, I have experienced the pain you have felt and the push to get rid of "Main Street."

If Democrats and non-business minded politicians continue down this course, we will be headed for a healthcare and economic crisis of epic proportions. We cannot be subjected to more taxes to subsidize decades of mismanaged policies.

Taxes cannot be our only solution to this problem.

Efficient de-regulation and a reduction of administration costs across all sectors ensure a brighter future for our healthcare system and many other business sectors.

The Road to the Socialist Highway Ends with Reform

Connecticut faces potential tolls and gas taxes on our interstates. This is not only a reality but a metaphor for ALL programs of the Democrats. While this is a local issue, it represents a false reality that increased costs equal solutions.

If the Democrats continue to have their way, new programs will be added to the Federal budget that will force taxes to go up.

Socialist policies of the progressive Democrats will destroy the economic structure of our economy and turn us into a third world country, if we have not already become one.

Under the right leadership at the Federal level, our problems can be solved.

Continuing down the same road with increased potholes and speed bumps from bureaucratic policies will not work.

It is time for new leadership and new ideas in Connecticut that start at the Federal Level and directly impact Connecticut without increased taxation.

Its time for real progress, not the regressive policies of Progressive Democrats that have stalled Connecticut.[3]

—Michael Goldstein’s campaign website (2024)[4]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am running to reform healthcare and the wrongs that I have experienced first hand as a physician which have plagued our country.

I am a Physician and Attorney and Small Business Owner and Bring my experience as a small business owner to Congress to reform healthcare, reduce the regulatory burden in healthcare and many over-regulated industries to foster growth of the small business again.

I am also running to protect our fundamental rights from the erosion of their meaning and value and allow freedom of choice in healthcare and education and competition across all industries. I want to help curb inflation that hurts Americans at the gas pump, the grocery stores and the corner deli. This includes energy independence and freedom from foreign oil, mini-nuclear power and bringing manufacturing back to the US.

I also am running for secure borders and sound immigration policies.

For Connecticut, I want to foster the growth of manufacturing and technology jobs from the state that put man on the moon.

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 am not a career politician and believe that politicians should be industry veterans that bring their experience to change policyAmerica comes first and we need to take care of our citizens by securing the border, restoring energy independence and preserving our fundamental rightsRegulation needs to be smart, sensible and based on sound cost-benefit analysis

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare, especially reform and proving a system that