Patch PM CT brings you breaking and trending news stories from all across Connecticut each weeknight. Here are the top stories from across the entire state:

The official has been charged with money laundering and larceny and his bond was $250,000, according to a report.>>>Read More.

The 47 year-old began vomiting and experiencing intense headaches in August 2019 after doing yard work. He ended up dying this week.>>>Read More.

Whether your passion is spooks, or suds — or both! — there’s something happening up your alley this weekend in Connecticut.>>>Read More.

It was a banner day Tuesday for winning tickets in the CT Lottery.>>>Read More.

He is accused of trying to “forcibly enter a vehicle through the backseat door where the victim’s child was seated,” police said.>>>Read More.

A Silver Alert is in effect for the 41-year-old who has been reported missing from since Oct. 8.>>>Read More.

The religious organization has plans before the town’s zoning board this week regarding a massive rebuild.>>>Read More.

The Patch community platform serves communities all across Connecticut in Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, New London, Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield counties. Thank you for reading.

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!

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and electricity customers across the state have a potential ally in the fight against rising electricity costs: offshore wind power.

By joining forces with Massachusetts and Rhode Island to support offshore wind energy, Connecticut can help reduce electricity bills and protect electricity customers from the natural gas price spikes that drive the state’s high electricity prices.

The governor is understandably concerned about the increasing burden of electricity costs on residents. Connecticut’s high electricity rates are closely tied to natural gas prices, which tend to fluctuate unpredictably. When the price of natural gas spikes, often in the winter, it leads to sharp electricity bill increases on electricity customer bills in the following months. This year, increased payments to the Millstone nuclear plant to keep it online are further adding to the cost of electricity.

Amidst these rising costs, offshore wind presents an opportunity for relief —not an added burden.

Electricity prices in Connecticut, and throughout New England, are set in an hourly wholesale energy market. In this system, the price of electricity is determined by the most expensive power plants operating at any given hour. In New England, natural gas power plants tend to be the most expensive plants providing electricity, so they generally set the electricity price for that hour. And when the cost of natural gas spikes, the cost of Connecticut’s electricity spikes too.

Offshore wind, on the other hand, offers a much different dynamic. With no fuel costs, offshore wind electricity can be bid into the wholesale electricity market at a price close to zero. This influx of low-cost electricity can lower the market price paid to electricity generators across the board, an effect known as “price suppression.” By lowering the price for all electricity purchased in the wholesale market, this price suppression effect helps reduce electricity bills across New England.

Furthermore, offshore wind tends to produce the most power during the coldest winter months when natural gas prices are at their highest. This makes it a crucial tool for protecting consumers from the severe rate spikes that often occur during winter due to natural gas shortages for both heating and electricity generation.

A June report published by Synapse Energy Economics highlights the potential savings offshore wind could provide. Procuring 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2030 could reduce electricity bills for New England customers by $630 million annually, assuming moderate gas prices. If natural gas prices rise —a growing concern in today’s volatile energy market —regional savings could increase to as much as $1.7 billion annually. For the average Connecticut household, this translates to a decrease in electricity bills of approximately $108 a year at moderate gas prices, and $139 a year at high gas prices.

Some state leaders have raised concerns that the costs of offshore wind contracts exceed the typical wholesale market electricity price. However, this view fundamentally misunderstands the way that New England’s wholesale electricity market works.

While the contract price for offshore wind may be above the wholesale market price, the price suppression effect means offshore wind will ultimately lower customers’ electricity costs. As Synapse’s report shows, offshore wind will make electricity rates and bills go down, not up, because offshore wind has no fuel costs and therefore lowers the wholesale price for all electricity purchased in the market.

For Connecticut, investing in offshore wind means lowering electricity bills, reducing exposure to natural gas price spikes, and creating a more stable energy future. The idea that offshore wind will raise costs is simply not supported by the facts. Instead, offshore wind offers a clear and direct path to reducing electricity bills and ensuring affordable, reliable energy for all.

Melissa Whited is Vice President of Synapse Energy Economics.