GROTON — Democratic state Rep. Aundré Bumgardner and Republican challenger Thaler Hefel drew contrasts on household costs, health care and automated license-plate readers during an October 22 debate in Groton.
The League of Women Voters of Southeastern Connecticut moderated the 41st House District forum at the Thrive 55+ Active Living Center. The district covers eastern Groton, Mystic and western Stonington, according to The Day’s report from the event.
On affordability, Hefel proposed cutting the state fuel excise tax, removing the public-benefits charge from electric bills and reducing unfunded mandates. Bumgardner pointed to expanded early-childhood education, called for broader access to public power and emphasized property-tax relief for older residents.
The candidates also differed on automated license-plate readers. Hefel said municipalities should retain control and that any system would require strong limits, including short data retention; he later said he would vote against Flock cameras. Bumgardner called for a full ban on Flock technology and automated license-plate readers, citing privacy concerns.
Both candidates said state Education Cost Sharing funding should increase. The Day also reported common ground on cutting taxes on Social Security and supporting public transportation.
Bumgardner and Hefel discussed health-care affordability, climate policy, immigration enforcement, ranked-choice voting, redistricting, campaign financing and possible rail-service expansion. They closed the forum by describing the campaign and debate as respectful despite their policy differences.
The accompanying photograph by Kimberly Drelich of The Day shows the League of Women Voters moderating the October 22 debate at the Thrive 55+ Active Living Center.