Connecticut

Connecticut Patch Candidate Profile: Bob Hendrickson For State Rep

Published

1 year ago

October 16, 2024

ENFIELD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024, is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Connecticut.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the state and town.

Candidate’s Name: Robert Hendrickson

What office are you seeking? State Representative 58th District

District: 58th House District

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: Graduated high school and attended Western New England College

Occupation: Small Business Operator – Food Delivery

Family: I’ve been married to Kathie for 15 years. We have a grown son and daughter, and our dog Bones..

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Currently, District 4 Town Councilor – Previously a commissioner on Wetlands & Watercourses Agency

Age: 59

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking this office to enact meaningful change in the lives of Enfield residents. Our community faces significant challenges, including high taxation and insufficient funding from the state. My primary goal is to reduce the tax burden on all citizens, including businesses and farmers, thereby fostering a more equitable financial environment. To achieve this, we must prioritize prudent management of our revenue and become better stewards of taxpayers’ money. By advocating for a reduction in the state income tax, we can enable residents to retain more of their hard-earned income, allowing them to invest in their own priorities rather than entrusting their funds to government oversight. This approach not only enhances individual financial freedom but also stimulates local economic growth, ultimately benefiting the entire community and state. I believe that empowering individuals and families will lead to a more vibrant and resilient Enfield.

What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?

The number 1 issue facing my constituents is the burden of excessive taxation, and this is what I intend to do about it. My plan begins with a targeted reduction of the state income tax by at least half a percent each year. This gradual approach will provide immediate relief to families and businesses while ensuring sustainable revenue for essential services. I will also advocate for the maintenance of the fiscal guardrails established in 2017, which have played a crucial role in stabilizing our budget. The political landscape, with a narrow Democratic majority in the House and a tied Senate, had demonstrated that bipartisan cooperation can effectively address our financial challenges, including the alarming $7.7 billion pension debt, the highest in the nation. Furthermore, attempts to dismantle these guardrails only threaten our fiscal responsibility and could lead to further tax increases. The recent budget surplus clearly indicates that Connecticut is overtaxing its residents. To combat this, we need balanced legislation that prioritizes the interests of the people, ensuring that we keep our taxes low while promoting economic growth and stability in our community. Electing representatives committed to these principles is essential for fostering a fairer and more prosperous future for all Enfield residents.

There have been an alarming number of deaths on Connecticut’s roadways. Is there anything from a legislative standpoint that can be done to address that?

• Stricter Penalties: Advocating for harsher penalties for speeding and DUI offenses can serve as a deterrent. This might include mandatory minimum sentences or increased fines for repeat offenders. • Enhanced Licensing Requirements: Reforming the process for obtaining a driver’s license to include more rigorous testing on road rules and signs, as well as practical driving assessments, could ensure that all drivers possess essential knowledge and skills.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The major differences between me and the other candidate seeking this post revolve around my commitment to reducing taxes and prioritizing fiscal responsibility. I firmly believe that Hartford—and politicians in general—should not be in the business of investing taxpayer money. Instead, we should empower small businesses and residents by lowering their tax burdens, enabling them to reinvest in their communities and the state. While the other candidate may advocate for increasing taxes under the guise of bringing more funding to Enfield, I contend that this approach is fundamentally flawed. It’s essential to recognize that taking less from residents initially leads to greater overall benefits for the community. My focus is on prudent budget management and ensuring that the hard-earned money of constituents remains in their pockets, allowing them to drive economic growth and enhance their quality of life. Ultimately, my vision prioritizes empowering individuals and businesses over expanding government control, setting me apart from my opponent who may seek to increase taxes as a means of addressing our challenges.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a small business operator, I have firsthand experience with the challenges that the average person faces, particularly regarding taxation and regulation. This unique perspective equips me to address the concerns of my constituents effectively. Additionally, my 40 years of experience managing a major grocery store has provided me with a solid foundation in budget management and public service. I understand the importance of balancing a budget while prioritizing customer satisfaction, which translates directly to being a responsible steward of taxpayer money. These accomplishments demonstrate my ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and advocate for practical solutions that benefit our community. My focus on effective management rather than overtaxing is rooted in my professional background, making me well-suited to handle the responsibilities of this office.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I want voters to know that my primary focus is on putting Enfield first. I believe in representing the interests of our community above all else. My commitment to reducing taxes, managing budgets responsibly, and supporting local families and businesses reflects my dedication to improving the quality of life for all residents. I encourage everyone to consider the importance of strong, local representation that prioritizes our community’s needs. Please vote for me on November 5th to be your next state representative for the 58th district. Together, we can create a brighter future for Enfield!

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Connecticut

Connecticut’s Chuckles the groundhog predicts six more weeks of winter

Published

7 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Press Room

Connecticut’s Chuckles the groundhog predicts six more weeks of winter

MANCHESTER, CT (WFSB) – Connecticut celebrated Groundhog Day on Monday as Chuckles the groundhog made her annual weather prediction at the Lutz Children’s Museum.

Dozens of people were at the museum as early as 6 a.m., excited to see Chuckles make her prediction.

Chuckles saw her shadow, which means 6 more weeks of winter, according to Manchester Mayor Moran.

Traditionally, if Chuckles sees his/her shadow, that means six more weeks of winter. If they don’t, Connecticut would be in for an early spring.

The museum said it has been putting on the event since 1968.

This year’s Chuckles, “Chuckles the 11th,” wasn’t the only one in the building.

“Last year, the other Chuckles made an appearance, our male,” said MacKenzie Watkins, animal curator at the Lutz Museum. “Then this year, our female Chuckles [had] the spotlight.”

Spots for the event filled up ahead of time. The museum put up its own livestream of the prediction on its Facebook page here.

Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog from Punxsutawney, PA, also made his prediction around 7:25 a.m. He too forecasted 6 more weeks of winter.

Not to be outdone, Scramble the Duck in Eastford, which boasts 100 percent accuracy, also predicted more winter.

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Connecticut

New study finds the “100 Most Romantic Restaurants” across the country

Published

19 hours ago

February 1, 2026

Press Room

New study finds the “100 Most Romantic Restaurants” across the country

(NEXSTAR) – It can always be tricky trying to figure out the perfect date for Valentine’s Day. Do I take them somewhere fancy? Maybe somewhere more casual and relaxed? Is the lighting really that important?

Luckily, OpenTable has found the answers for you, having officially named the 100 most romantic restaurants across the U.S.

To find this, OpenTable examined over 9 million reviews from the past year as well as a variety of other metrics to determine which restaurants were the most swoon-worthy spots.

Coming out on top, having the most restaurants to choose from, was Florida, which had ten different restaurants make the list.

Not far behind were both California and Ohio, each having eight restaurants making the list.

Find the closest romantic hot spot to you right here on the full list of the 100 most romantic restaurants in the country, according to OpenTable.

Alabama

Voyagers – Perdido Beach Resort – Orange Beach, AL

Arizona

Cafe Monarch – Scottsdale, AZ
Vivace Restaurant – Tucson, AZ

California

Boulevard – San Francisco, CA
FARM – Palm Springs, CA
Gary Danko – San Francisco, CA
Jeune et Jolie – Carlsbad, CA
Mister A’s – San Diego, CA
Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch – Santa Barbara, CA
Summit House – Fullerton – Fullerton, CA
The Marine Room – San Diego, CA

Colorado

Barolo Grill – Denver, CO
Shanahan’s Steakhouse – Denver, CO

Connecticut

J. Gilbert’s – Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood – Glastonbury – Glastonbury, CT
Millwright’s Restaurant – Simsbury, CT

Florida

Angelina’s Ristorante – Bonita Springs, FL
Bern’s Steak House – Tampa, FL
Charley’s Steak House – Tampa, FL – Tampa, FL
Collage Restaurant – St. Augustine, FL
KRES CHOPHOUSE – Orlando, FL
La Nouvelle – St. Augustine, FL
Sails Restaurant – Naples, FL
Sale e Pepe – Marco Beach Ocean Resort – Marco Island, FL
Savour – Tallahassee, FL
The Black Pearl – Dunedin, FL

Georgia

Canoe – Atlanta, GA
Marcel – Atlanta, GA
The Olde Pink House Restaurant •- Savannah, GA

Hawaii

Honu Oceanside – Lahaina, HI
Merriman’s – Maui – Lahaina, HI

Idaho

Chandlers Steakhouse – Boise, ID

Illinois

Geja’s Cafe – Chicago, IL
Meson Sabika – Naperville, IL
Mon Ami Gabi – Chicago, IL
North Pond – Chicago, IL

Indiana

Vida – Indianapolis, IN

Kentucky

Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano – Lexington, KY

Louisiana

Irene’s – New Orleans, LA

Massachusetts

Pellana Steakhouse – Peabody, MA
Sorellina Boston – Boston, MA

Maryland

Osteria 177 – Annapolis, MD

Maine

Earth at Hidden Pond – Kennebunkport, ME

Michigan

Leo’s – Grand Rapids, MI

Minnesota

Baldamar – Roseville, MN

Missouri

Charlie Gitto’s “On the Hill” – St. Louis, MO

North Carolina

JOLO Winery & Vineyards – EndPosts Restaurant – Pilot Mountain, NC
Ryan’s Restaurant – Winston-Salem, NC
Steak 48 – Charlotte – Charlotte, NC

New Hampshire

Ristorante Massimo – Portsmouth, NH

New Jersey

618 – Freehold, NJ
Franklinville Inn – Franklinville, NJ
Il Mulino New York – Atlantic City – Atlantic City, NJ
Washington Inn – Cape May, NJ

New Mexico

Geronimo – Santa Fe, NM
Sazon – Santa Fe, NM

Nevada

Eiffel Tower – Las Vegas, NV
Ferraro’s Ristorante – Las Vegas, NV
Ocean Prime – Las Vegas – Las Vegas, NV
Piero’s Italian Cuisine – Las Vegas, NV

New York

The Northport Hotel – Northport, NY
The River Cafe – Brooklyn, NY

Ohio

BOCA – Cincinnati, OH
Butcher & Rose – Columbus, OH
Carlo & Johnny – Cincinnati, OH
Cento – German Village – Columbus, OH
Jag’s Steak & Seafood – West Chester, OH
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse – Columbus – Columbus, OH
Lindey’s – Columbus, OH
Pier W – Cleveland, OH

Oregon

RingSide Steakhouse – Uptown – Portland, OR

Pennsylvania

Alla Famiglia – Pittsburgh, PA
Altius – Pittsburgh, PA
Belvedere Inn Restaurant and Bar – Lancaster, PA
Butcher & Singer • Philadelphia, PA
Monterey Bay Fish Grotto – Mt. Washington – Pittsburgh, PA

Puerto Rico

Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar – Old San Juan, PR

Rhode Island

Boat House Waterfront Dining – Tiverton, RI
White Horse Tavern – Newport, RI

South Carolina

Charlie’s Coastal Bistro (L’etoile Verte) – Hilton Head, SC

Tennessee

Coastal Fish Company – Memphis, TN
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro – Townsend, TN
Porch & Parlor Prime Steakhouse – Memphis, TN
Sinatra Bar & Lounge – Nashville, TN

Texas

Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood – San Antonio, TX
Jeffrey’s Restaurant – Austin, TX
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse – Galleria – Houston, TX
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Park District – Dallas, TX
Truluck’s – Ocean’s Finest Seafood & Crab – Austin Arboretum – Austin, TX

Utah

Log Haven – Salt Lake City, UT
Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Salt Lake City – Salt Lake City, UT

Virginia

2941 Restaurant – Falls Church, VA
Bistro L’Hermitage – Woodbridge, VA
Bookbinder’s Seafood and Steakhouse – Richmond, VA
L’Auberge Chez Francois – Great Falls, VA
L’Opossum – Richmond, VA
Le Yaca – Williamsburg – Williamsburg, VA
The Ivy Inn Restaurant – Charlottesville, VA

Washington

Il Terrazzo Carmine – Seattle, WA
The Pink Door – Seattle, WA

Wisconsin

The Del-Bar – Wisconsin Dells & Lake Delton – Wisconsin Dells, WI

To learn more about these restaurants, visit OpenTable’s website for information about each location.

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Connecticut

No. 2 UConn pulls away late in 1st half on way to 85-58 rout of struggling Creighton

Published

1 day ago

February 1, 2026

Press Room

No. 2 UConn pulls away late in 1st half on way to 85-58 rout of struggling Creighton

Braylon Mullins scored 16 points and Alex Karaban and Silas Demary Jr. had 15 apiece to lead No. 2 UConn in an 85-58 rout of Creighton on Saturday night.

The Huskies (21-1, 11-0 Big East) won their 17th straight game and posted their biggest winning margin in a conference road game in two years.

Creighton (12-10, 6-5) has dropped two straight games by a total of 51 points. The 27-point loss to the Huskies matched the most lopsided at home in coach Greg McDermott’s 16 seasons at Creighton, according to Sportradar.

The Huskies had won five of their previous six games by six points or less, but this turned into a blowout after Creighton went into an offensive lull late in the first half and never recovered. The Huskies shot 54.1% from the field, their best mark in a Big East game this season, and turned 13 offensive rebounds into 23 points. They were 16 of 31 from 3-point range (52%).

Mullins returned to the lineup after sustaining a concussion a week ago against Villanova and missing Tuesday’s game against Providence. He made a couple of early 3s and finished with four in 29 minutes.

Nik Graves and Blake Harper made their first starts since Dec. 7 after McDermott revamped his lineup following a 24-point loss at Marquette. Graves led the Bluejays with 17 points and Harper added 11.

Creighton played on even terms with the Huskies for most of the first half. But the Bluejays went the last 4:41 without a field goal and UConn’s 14-3 spurt to close the period made it 41-30 at the break. The Huskies led by as many as 30 in the second half.