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09/23/2020 08:00 AMDemocrat Dave Yaccarino, 36, works in a molecular biology lab in Guilford that is focused on improving COVID-19 test capacity. Yaccarino got his political start in 2017 gathering East Haven signatures for a petition about tax equity. He sits on the executive board of the Democratic Town Committee and is running for office for the first time.
“I bring a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to the job. I have knocked on 3,000 doors in the campaign and have listened to stories from hundreds of different people in every part of East Haven,” Yaccarino said. “Even with a busy schedule, I always reply when people call or email. I have a day job in science that I love, so I am not moving into politics as a career. I am seeking this office so that I can represent the people of East Haven.”
Yaccarino has lived in town for the past six years, living with his fiancée Stephanie. He grew up in North Haven where he was an eagle scout and his family is involved with civil service; his father is the multi-term Republican state representative for the 87th Assembly District. He said that both he and his fiancée have been through layoffs and job searches, having to face issues with healthcare and finances.
“I understand the needs of middle-class families in East Haven. My fiancée and I are not wealthy,” said Yaccarino. “We have had issues with healthcare costs and worry about money. East Haven residents can’t afford more of the same in Hartford. The district need new ideas and bold solutions to ease the financial stress that working people feel.”
In talking to residents of East Haven, Yaccarino said that many voiced concerns about healthcare and out-of-pocket costs. If elected, he plans to fight for strong caps on those costs and deductibles, as well as a public insurance option for those operating small businesses.
“Healthcare costs are the most universal concern when I talk to voters of any age. One couple told me that their private plan had a $16,000 out-of-pocket maximum last year and that they had to pay it,” said Yaccarino, who said he’ll also focus on tax equity. “On top of that, we’ve seen rising electric rates and a tax code that favors the wealthy in Connecticut. People rightly feel that they are being exploited by the greedy and left behind by the state. I will fight to change that.
“The tax burden in the state is unfairly placed on working class communities like East Haven,” Yaccarino added. “During a time of huge inequality, we need to have the political courage to demand the rich pay their fair share. We need a voice in Hartford to take on that fight and that is why I am running.”
He also looks forward to bringing his 13 years of experience working as a scientist to Hartford.
“We need to get through this pandemic safely and be more prepared for infectious disease threats in the future,” said Yaccarino.
For more information, visit www.daveforeasthaven.com or DaveforEastHaven on Facebook.