State Sen. Marilyn Moore, D-22nd, of Bridgeport, is seeking another two-year-term in a three-way-race that includes challengers Steve Choi, a Republican, and Stephen Dincher, an Independent Party candidate.
Moore answered questions posed by CT New Junkie, “a Connecticut news site that understands the usual media offerings just aren’t enough.” The site gave permission for The Sun to publish the Q & A so its readers can learn about the candidate:
What can be done to improve the business climate in Connecticut while COVID-19 continues to be a risk?
We should provide as much financial support as fiscally possible to support innovative ways that will allow businesses to relook their business model. It may mean supplying them the support of consultants who are experienced in rebranding their product or service.
What specific legislation would you support to reduce racism in Connecticut?
Legislation begins with an idea, it also begins in the mind of the person presenting it. I strongly support that every piece of legislation is questioned by legislators. The question should be “what role does racism play in this legislation and how does it impact BIPOC”?
With so much uncertainty ahead about COVID-19, how would you ensure that the people’s business – both at the legislature and in all of our elections – will be conducted effectively, and with full participation, in the safest possible manner for the foreseeable future?
We have learned that monitoring early on is a powerful weapon against spreading the virus. Business owners should be trained on precautions the same way a restaurant receives approval to do business there should be an ongoing evaluation that safety precautions are in place to protect the customers and cut back on the spread of the virus. Adopt a process, Implement, review, and evaluate on a consistent basis.
What is one specific policy you support to help protect African Americans as an at-risk group during the pandemic?
This is a difficutlt question since the harm to AA has already been done by not testing early on in urban centers. Going forward I would place the responsibility on the chief executive of every city that has an at-risk population to communicate an emergency plan at the onset of a pandemic. Each urban center has a health director who whoul be prepared to implement a plan that focuses on at-risk groups. I would support legislation that codifies that cities submit their plans annually.
What should Connecticut do to re-tool our public health for COVID-19 and the possibility of future pandemics, while also addressing other chronic illnesses that put people at risk every day?
Clear, consise education in all languages should be available at all times. The same way we educate for chronic diseases, we must provide education at an education that is easy to comprehend and in several languages; not just spanish. Our state is diverse and our education should be inclusive of the diversity.
How can Connecticut lower healthcare costs while also improving quality and access to care?
Prevention is key to keeping people healthy. We must promote healthy eating, exercise,and offer affordable or free programs on teaching how to eat healthy and exercise. Places like the Y’s and Boy’s and Girls Clubs should increase their reach to children and engage them in exercise and health education. Contine to teach children how eat healthy and participate in growing their own vegetables in community garden. It begins with creating healthy habits among our children so they will become healthy adults. Healthcare costs can be lowered if we strive to be healthier and promote healthy living.
