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10/10/2018 08:00 AMMadeleine Leveille is the Green Party candidate for state representative the 35th General Assembly District, which includes Clinton, Killingworth, and northern Westbrook.
“I thought it was important to have a candidate outside the red and blue power structures,” Leveille said.
Leveille is running on three core tenets: economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability.
Economic sustainability means “tax fairness for the middle and working class,” she said.
She also lists creating development and eliminating “crony capitalism” and waste as components of economic sustainability.
Leveille said that taxation fairness is her main issue and as such, she’s opposed the placing of tolls on highways.
“If you’re a hedge fund manager, [the toll fee] makes no difference. I’m concerned tolls would put an undue burden on the working poor,” Leveille said. “We need fair taxation. We are being held hostage by the super-wealthy.”
Leveille said that the wealthy use more services than other members of society. Leveille said she would like to pursue” placing limits on that.
“I’m also concerned about the estate tax,” said Leveille. “They need to be paying their fair share.”
For Leveille, transportation and infrastructure are also key issues she wants to address.
“Part of transportation is dealing with the infrastructure we have first,” Leveille said.
Leveille said an example of a way to take advantage of that existing infrastructure is the Clinton Train Station.
“We need to take advantage, and it has to be done in a coordinated way.”
In light of the current political climate, “We’re going to have to do more to protect women’s reproductive rights, people of color, and LGBTQ people,” Leveille said, adding that she would be interested in pursuing the passing of an amendment protecting those rights.
“We can rally around this. Making a change is difficult, but I’m willing to do it,” Leveille said.
A semi-retired licensed psychologist with a private practice, Leveille described herself as a “seasoned professional” who has dealt with some of the issues affecting the state. She said she has the time and energy to devote to the state office because of her flexible schedule as a semi-retired person.
Leveille hasn’t served in the state government, but noted her experience working with state agencies. Leveille said she has experience serving on municipal boards and commissions in Guilford and in Clinton.
“I’m also an excellent student and fast learner. I’m not afraid to ask for help if I need it,” Leveille said. “Also, I’m the only woman in the race and I think it’s very important that we have more women representing the state of Connecticut.”
Leveille said she is concerned that some voters might be apprehensive to cast a vote from her because she is a member of the Green Party.
“Just like an ice cream, there’s more flavors than just two,” Leveille said. “Part of the reason I’m running is to educate people on the Green Party. We’re not crunchy granola people.”