Rafael Irizarry

Rafael Irizarry was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Irizarry earned a bachelor's degree from The World University in 1983. His career experience includes working as a political consultant. He has been affiliated with Handicapped Children of Puerto Rico and the YMCA.[1]

State House

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U.S. House

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State House

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U.S. House

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am the American Success story. I came from Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1984 with $25. I settled in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

1. Grew up in Puerto Rico as an orphan, worked his way through college earning a BS in Political Science and Education.

2. 30 years' experience in city politics.

3. Elected to the Bridgeport City Counsel for the 137 district (Father Panic Village) 1987 -1994.

4. Coordinated the recovery of the city from bankruptcy.

5. Rebuilt Bridgeport's police resources to combat the huge drug problem and street crime. Obtained funding for many non-profit organizations to help the city recover.

6. Organized the cities church leaders and politicians to work together.

7. Strong connections with the Hispanic and African American communities.

8. Advisor for the Hispanic community for 3 governors

9. 30 years' experience as a mental health counselor for the State of Connecticut.

10. 20 years worked as a Connecticut Delegate for the Nurses Union SEIU 1199.

11. Now run my own small business and am a real American success story.

Now I am running for the US Congress to represent Connecticut. Connecticut made it possible for me to have a wonderful life. I want to pay the people here back for what they have given me. I believe that I can bring something new to our representation in Washington.

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?

Integrity and honesty. We don't lie to the people. The truth may not be popular, but it is necessary.Fairness before the law and government policies is a founding principle of our constitutional government.

Favoritism to any group over another is inherently contrary to these founding principles.Opportunity. I believe that our country still offers the best opportunity for people to advance their lives. To build families and a supportive community for their children and grandchildren to grow and prosper.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Dealing with our aging population. Social Security and Medicare was never designed to cover enough to live on. We need a better system that will be proved a better retirement.

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

My second foster mother. She taught me so many good values that I rely on today.

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

President Herbert Hoover. Hoover started many programs at the beginning of the great depression (The American Relief and Construction Act, Reconstruction Finance Corporation, etc...) When Rosevelt took office, he took credit for them by renamed them The New Deal.

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

Honesty. Unfortunately, most will tell you what you want to hear, and not the truth.

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

I am a hard worker and I have kept my integrity.

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

Represent the all the people in your district. They are the ones you are responsible to.

What legacy would you like to leave?

To be an example to people as to what you can be.

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

I remember where I was when the world Trade Center was attacked. I was 40 years old. It change many lives.

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

Worked at a bakery in Puerto Rico for four years while working my way through college.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Money Financial and budgeting.

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

Rambo.

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

I need to Know, by Mark Anthony.

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

I feel frustrated when trying to help people and they refuse to be helped

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

Congress is the most powerful branch of the government. They control the money. They declare War. They enact the Presidents policy.

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

Yes. Otherwise, they will be eaten by the sharks.

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

The economy, and the safety of our family, community, State, and Nation.

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

Four years is about right as you have to learn the system before you can be effective. Two years is too short, especially for a first termer. Campaigning also eats up a lot or that time for a Congressman.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

The candidate needs to decide if they can do the job. Their districts' voter needs to believe that they can do the job. This topic will be a continuing debate. It is still in the hands of the voter.

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

Tip O'Neal

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 in 1990 we voted for remove the Mount Trashmore site in the city Bridgeport, CT. This trash removal cost over $2,000,00 but it was necessary for the health and safety of the city residents.

Tell us your favorite joke.

"Be Real!!!" that is a joke to me.

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

There is no other way.

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?

Taxation and accountability must go hand in hand. Do the taxpayers get what we are paying for. It hurts the men and women that have the money taken out of their take home pay before they even get it.

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

Unfortunately, the members of the House have been abusing their powers. Recent event has shown the use of this power of intimidation to advance political agenda. This abuse has been bi-partizan. The House should show better self-restraint over this problem.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Seymore and Stratford Town Committees.

What committees interest you?

Intelligence, Way and Maens, Immagration.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

100%. One of the many problems is we have very limited feedback on many programs. We don't check which programs are really working the way they were intended. Many programs are running that are not fluffing their mission.