♪ This week.

The wheel mean, we're talking to the Jim Griffin, John Larson in us.

One.

For Connecticut public com, Frankie Graziano.

This is the wheelhouse.

So that connects politics to the people.

We got your weekly dose of politics in Connecticut beyond right here.

♪ And today we're kicking off a series of interviews with political candidates in our state.

We're talking with both sides, Republicans and Democrats, incumbents and challengers in some key races in Connecticut.

The first congressional district is centered around Connecticut's Capital City.

Hartford.

First district includes 27 cities and Towns and Hartford, Litchfield and Middlesex counties.

More than 700,000 residents actually live in the first district.

Here's a pre-tape conversation I had earlier this week with Congressman John Larson.

He currently represents Connecticut's first district.

♪ Congressman Larsen is originally from East Hartford.

It is in his 13th term.

Congressman Larsen, so great to see you this morning.

Thank you for joining us on the wheel.

House.

with you, Frank.

Good to be with you as well.

Thank you so much for checking in with us.

While you're working down in D C. Well, absolutely.

I want to start off a with a question from a listener, actually.

And I think you're going to like this question.

You're a former teacher, a question from a listener regarding education and 2024, it comes from Jimmy Connors in West Hartford.

What is being done to sure up support for public school teachers in the state.

Burnout is high.

Salaries are low.

We're facing a host of talented teachers leaving the profession.

And this will greatly affect children's educational opportunities.

John Jenny wants to know what's being done to support educators here.

Well, as a former teacher myself having a daughter.

Who is a teacher as well.

number one priority has to continue to be education of students.

I happen believe specifically to as a former history and political science teacher, they teaching in the area civics and history also needs to be upgraded in underscored.

And so, you know, she's right.

sounds like he's a former teacher or teacher you know, and they need to be paid decent salary and the federal government, you know, the state is primary and the local communities are primarily served on the board of education.

at one point and the town council and also a state senator.

That's where the primary mechanism is for funding for education, but the Department of Education at federal level also has responsibility to make sure that we're sending the funds that are going to be needed.

You know, both in terms of teaching and technology in the ability for us to utilize that technology as we go forward in the classroom in the course that means funding and I'm all in favor of additional funding for education and and being well spent money, rich.

We needed and just maybe your comment on this with we know what the the the kind of struggle that the flagship, a city in the district Hartford has recently with, you know, I think it was 37 million dollar deficit or something like that is the Connecticut Mirror has reported.

What have you been able to say to educators in that area?

I know it always is going to rely on maybe additional federal funding for you to jump in here.

It's more of the state funding as we get primary primarily a state and municipal role, etcetera.

And the primary goal of the federal government is when you hear this to turn and get funding, we will work very closely with that tomorrow.

So whose side, as you know, the ranking member now but will be the chair of the Appropriations Committee.

And that's where the funding will come from and we'll make sure that the you know, that our cities in Townsend get appropriate level of funding that they need.

Congressman Larsen, the elder care sector, at least supporting people that are elderly.

We know that Connecticut has an aging population.

We hear the word crisis being thrown a lot in this regard.

The Connecticut Mirror published series of reports are lucky to have them on the show around this time.

Exploring issues with staffing shortages in nursing homes, patient concerns about quality care and the high cost of care for older adults.

I know I just told you that Connecticut has an aging population, much of America does as well, too.

So what can you do to support some folks out there?

While the number one thing that we must and Congress hasn't done anything in more than 53 years is to make sure that they're getting adequate Social Security and Medicare.

But no Social Security has been my focus.

You can Congress.

And as I noted, it's been more than 50 years since Congress has last extended Social Security.

And with more than 10,000 baby boomers a day becoming eligible that elder population that you talked about is only growing and expanding.

this is something that the president can do through executive order, nor is going to happen to the Supreme Court.

This is something Congress has to do directly.

It's why why I'm proposing an increase across the board for Social Security.

Tax cuts for Social Security, for people to continue to work and get Social Security and also making sure that we repeal wept in Tpo for retired teachers, firefighters, police officers as well so that they're going to be able to get the kind of benefits they're going to need to survive with rising costs all the time that Colin needs to be fixed in a way is is the AARP has noted will allow seniors to receive the kind of money this compares to rip with what's actually happening economically in their state, in their community as well.

We accomplish all of that and something we cross Social Security.

2100, which is to make sure that Social Security is they're insolvent into the next century, but also enhanced in a way that it hasn't been.

You realize, of course, that there over 5 million Americans to get below poverty level checks from Social Security from their primary insurer, which is the United States government.

That is a shame that people in the wealthiest nation in the world get below poverty level checks having paid into a system and now finding themselves in a situation where because Congress has not acted to enhance those programs.

This is what they're receiving.

So all of those will be the primary mechanism that in enhancing Medicare and Medicaid as well because those are 2 other primary needs that seniors elder community have with respect to both there.

Medical in pharmaceutical needs that they have as well.

Congressman Larsen, I think it's been well documented over the last 8 to 10 years.

The the gridlock in the House of Representatives, which I'm sure you're working diligently to always overcome.

But is Social Security an issue that you think?

I understand you'll be reaching across the aisle but you think that you all can soft together.

Yes, they do.

But whether we solve it together or not.

It has to be done.

And most importantly, Frankie, and I don't think this emphasized enough.

It's nice to vote.

And let's say, for example, things won't be bipartisan very long.

If you're forced with legislation.

And you look at the legislation and what it does and then you have to vote.

What if there's never vote?

How does the public know where you stand and how do you get to that point of compromise?

Most recently there was a bill put forward, you HR 82.

It's called to repeal weapon Gpo was initiated by Republicans.

Great, totally in favor of One thing then pay And that the entire.

That's the same thing that Donald Trump is proposed is going to repeal a weapon gpo.

He's going to do great things simply doesn't pay for.

And who does that hurt?

That hurts the entire trust fund.

So in an effort to help 2.9 million people rightfully you don't pay for it.

You end up hurting.

70 million people because trust fund is depleted.

So but we need to do is come together and I believe the items are put on the floor, Frankie, I'm hopeful that there be bipartisan agreement.

Certainly I don't see anyone disagreeing with the issues when you put forward what they haven't done.

He's voted.

And you hope that that deadlock will be broken soon.

I wanted to give you another question here from a listener.

I think you get another opportunity here from a listener.

This comes from Steven Coleman in Farmington.

He wants to ask you about reproductive rights.

turning of Roe v Wade instigate, sweeping regressive, performs in over a dozen states across the country severely restricting access to life-saving medical care for millions of women.

In an ironic twist, there have now been cases where the inability to access abortion for non viable pregnancies is renewed hope for mothers incapable of again bearing children.

No one should ever suffer the way we have observed states like Texas and Mississippi where abortion is fully banned.

What are candidates doing to ensure that women's rights and in a broader sense, the right to health care and body autonomy in Connecticut are protected.

Stephen really thinks.

yeah, go ahead to Stephen.

Yeah.

We try to help you out with that.

Stephen.

Really concerned about what's happening now in states like Texas and Mississippi.

Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has really given the power to the states to decide on a reproductive rights in Luce, sort of of Roe v Wade.

So what can you tell, Steven?

Because he shared an anecdote there about people not able to bear children after they have one of issues with their poor care down in one of the state.

So what can you say to Stephen?

I'm so glad that this is a national issue and this is.

and center with respect to the Harris campaign frankly with the with the Trump campaign, as and primarily because, you know, it overturn Roe versus Wade and 2, then I, you know, having 2 daughters of my women, reproductive rights and reproductive access to appropriate medical care.

It runs contrary to everything this nation stands for and believes.

And I was proud.

To among the first states.

Dot rover subway to and to reproductive rights said George Jepsen at the time was a state senator and went on to be attorney general.

Now Senate president at the time of the state of Connecticut.

And we took great pride leading the way in Connecticut will continue to lead the way.

But it's the gentlemen pointing out this is something from nations.

No one should have to state.

And at their own risk and go to another state to try to get reproductive care that they need.

And that also means to make sure that we're expanding this in the future.

So that for contraceptive, from health standpoint and also from a medical standpoint is accessible and available to anyone who needs it.

So I think he makes the a great point and he's got the support the entire Connecticut congressional delegation, House and Senate.

We're working our minute are to make sure that we get this stuff.

I spoke to a lot of would-be constituents for you at the at the parade recently at the Puerto Rican Day Parade in Hartford.

And a lot of folks talking about issues with me as I'm asking questions about the election and just in general politics, people are worried about the housing crisis.

Congressman Larson, that's what a lot of people are talking about.

So can you help me out here?

I think 7th highest percentage change in housing prices from 2023 to 24 in Connecticut.

According to report from the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

What are hoping can be done with a in terms of housing the in the country?

Well, there's no question about especially in hard, not only South Park for but North Fire for the all across the first district all across country.

You know, the housing shortage is playing in clear what we have to do and especially with the rising cost housing is make sure that we're providing affordable housing I'm pleased that this administration and Harris administration is going to be calling for this and making sure that we have double housing there for individuals who have qualify for the need and make sure that we're working with states and local communities and associations to make that happen.

again, all of these things require funding.

But that's the kind of thing we need to talking about because these of the Rio kitchen table discussions that actually impact people's daily lives Congress needs to step up and address When I say step up, I mean, by appropriate thing, the dollars that are going to be needed associated with the kind of housing that will be critical in all of our 50 states.

Congressman Larsen, thank you so much for joining us.

Thank you so much.

joining us, why you're down in DC working for the country.

I appreciate it very much.

Thank you for coming on the wheel house today.

Thank you for can't kicking off our candidates series here.

Well, thank you, Frank.

look forward to coming on wheelhouse as well.

We've got a number of issues I want to talk to you about is well down the Yeah.

You can come in saying what?

Everyone I'm I'm over here in Hartford will have you on.

Thank you, Frank.

Thank you so much.

Congressman Larsen, great speaking with you.

Coming up, we're going to hear from challenger Jim Griffin.

If you've got questions for Jim Griffin or if you have questions for our panel that will talk to us about what's happening later in the show.

Give us a call.

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This is the wheelhouse from Connecticut, public Radio.

I'm Frankie Graziano.

We just heard from incumbent Congressman John Larson of Connecticut's first Congressional district.

And now we're going hear from his challenger, Republican Jim Griffin.

For our listeners.

This questions may sound that we had posed to Congressman John Larson want to just make sure that we are being fair were considering democracy and giving both the chance to and to answer similar issues based questions.

Jim, thank you so much for coming thank you.

Thank you for invitation.

So nice to have you on any questions for Jim Griffin or our panelists.

Give us a call.

8, 8, 7, to 0 9, 6, 7, 7, Jim, just a little bit about Graduated from West Point, worked Capitol Hill during the Reagan years.

A lot of experience in Army intelligence just pick out one of those particular items of experience that I pointed out and explain why that makes you ready for this job.

I think what when I was out when I was at West Point, I made the decision 2, 1, to go, military intelligence, my branch and most my classmates were going infantry armor.

But I had a couple of events and happenings to me when I was a youngster growing up, when was the assassination of John Kennedy.

The other was the fact that my mother headed up the American Cancer Society fundraising here in Connecticut for a good deal of her purse.

Years after she was Army nurse during World War.

2.

And she was very idealistic about the fact that we're going to try to when the war against cancer.

But as it turned out when President Kennedy was killed, I was convinced persuaded convinced that he actually wasn't killed by Harvey Oswald.

And my mother was chagrined to find out that after almost 40 years of raising money for finding a cure for cancer, that no cure was ever just road discussed.

and I was interested, but I went to West Point to find out why that was in my beautiful country that I believe believed in.

What was the little cancer that was inside of our country.

That would not give us a fair question answered about who killed President Kennedy and the fact that probably know how to cure cancer but have never come out with it.

Got a question for you from a listener regarding education in 2024, it comes from Jimmy Connors in West Hartford.

You're gonna get to hear a video clip here, Jen.

All right.

What is being done to sure up support for public school teachers in the state.

Burnout is high.

Salaries are low.

We're facing a host of talented teachers leaving the profession.

And this will greatly affect children's educational opportunities.

Well, I'm a I'm not an expert on on compensation for teachers, but my understanding that we have one of the highest compensation rates in the country.

We also have a high high cost of living here in Connecticut.

My my best notion for our the state of education here connected helps press address the angst that you got your discussing within education ranks is that we return that.

He was that we return the function of education to the states.

It's never meant by the founding fathers.

The founding mothers.

I was try to include the founding mothers because the Tony father couldn't couldn't do without their partners.

But I think we made a mistake in making education federal agency weather leaving at the state level when we were at the state level with education, America always finish one or 2 or 3 in the world and our educational since we're going to Earth federal educational system leaving requirement to the federal agencies.

We've dipped down to something like 30.

35.

I think some of that angst that years discussing them may be attributed to bill to the fact that we stop teaching basics of education in our schools.

We go into teaching just sort of social issues.

We have we have the federal United States Department of Education.

We also do have some some local funding for education as well, including education cost sharing.

So I'm just thinking about a town like Hartford.

That is a city like Hartford.

That really is the flagship of this district that you're going to be big deficit.

The Connecticut Mirror said something like nearly 37 million dollars in June So any thoughts for teachers there the administration there?

Well, I think what my mother was born on Garden Street, 900 years ago today, 100 years ago, last month, 1924. and she said that we should group on Garden Street went to school.

It Saint Michaels and Clark Street and she couldn't have had a nicer upbringing in Hartford when we had jobs.

When we had jobs good manufacturing value added jobs in Connecticut, there was no drugs.

no shootings.

Remember, there was a very memorable front page article in the Hartford Current a few months ago.

The show too.

Christian ministers armed to the teeth walking up and down Capen Street, Mother, Street Garden Street to make sure that shootings and take place.

We the missing link and that was that we had jobs here.

One of the things I will lead taking John Larson's place in Washington, Mr. Bree Patriots are middle-class jobs that were stolen funded by the Federal Reserve.

I might add it.

as U.S.

I want to talk now about the elder care sector, this is something a lot of people are paying attention to nationally.

The aging population expanding in Connecticut a lot of people might say it's in crisis earlier this year.

The Connecticut Mirror published series of reports exploring issues with staffing shortages in nursing homes.

We were lucky enough to have them on the show at this point.

Patient concerns about quality care.

The high cost of care for older adults.

What are your plans to address some of these issues?

I think the homelessness issue exacerbated what you're talking about, frankly, we we had jobs.

We didn't have homelessness that doing today and beyond that, the the point I would make 2 the listers on that point is that we actually know how to cure many diseases that are afflicting our elderly and making their own senior years.

Very difficult.

We know what your diabetes, not a cure MS. We know that you're Parkinson's and cancer.

And if give those the cost of all those as you the cost of all those treatments can come way down.

We actually use them natural substances.

First is from.

What about what about funding?

What about funding for elder care?

What about Social Security?

Social Security has been a threat to get cut.

People think of the federal level.

Again, we never had problems with funding Social Security when we had industrial base manufacturing value added industry base, we need to bring home our jobs from China that were ripped out of our culture and sent over there also funded by the Federal Reserve.

We need to bring repatriate repatriate them and bring him home so that we have those wages that then fund Social Security.

Social Security only funded if you have people have jobs.

We lost their jobs.

When we sent our middle class to China in the 70's 80's and 90's, we need to bring them home question from a listener in Farmington regarding reproductive rights.

This is Steven Coleman.

your part.

Turning of Roe V Wade instigate, sweeping regressive, performs in over a dozen states across the country severely restricting access to life-saving medical care for millions of women.

And ironic twist, there have now been cases where the inability to access abortion for non viable pregnancies has rendered hopeful mothers incapable of again bearing children.

No one should ever suffer the way we have observed states like Texas and Mississippi where abortion is falling band.

What are candidates doing to ensure that women's rights and in a broader sense, the right to health care and body autonomy in Connecticut are protected.

Generally our safe harbor state here in Connecticut talking about a federal any kind of federal protections.

Do you think that that I'm I was an altar growing up in Bristol Anthony's, that little boy.

But West Point, was a cadet.

I do believe in God's will.

The creators will that gave us a free ride free will to have cautious to what we do with bodies presumably with the with the body that sits within us.

But what we had when I was growing up in 60's 70's and 80's, we had the 10 Commandments on the walls.

We had quest to great commandment.

So if you had a difficult decision such is that whether or not you carry the baby 2 full term while you have the right to do something like that and God gives you a free will do something like that.

You all can help.

Yes, that's right.

And that's good that we do that in Connecticut.

But I can understand where the other states are coming from.

But I I think that what Trump's that I think is the fact that God gave us all a free will even to do something difficult.

But I think you need a moral support, a person's right to get an abortion if they would choose to.

Yes, yes, yes, I do.

And then but a guy, I say it when we did that when this in the 40's 50's 60's, we had a moral ethical backdrop to all the children's education when they became young adult making pregnant.

That said, you know, social not killed.

And if there's going to get an abortion has to be a really, really reason.

But help me understand everybody's giving looking at the federal level.

If you get elected.

A lot of people are concerned about a federal abortion ban.

So you get a vote if you get elected, would you vote for a for a national abortion?

I think I think that would my first sense is no simply because I believe in Gods gave us a free will.

And so I think it's it's a personal decision for the woman.

But I think the woman entitled to and what we used to give women.

Is ethical backdrop for the difficult decision?

Connecticut facing in affordable housing shortage?

We're going to go from there from reproductive rights, including areas across the first district.

I went to the Puerto Rican Day parade the other day and a lot of folks that I talked to at the parade while having a great time.

We're also I think at the Preston, what I was asking about issues they brought up housing.

You have plans expand access to affordable housing.

lot of people in your district needed And what's going on right now?

We should just to give a heads up to he's up to the folks that I worked on that intelligence committee and worth a little CIA and NSA India and was it's going us who's been in the housing market is difficult is difficult.

If families are young, adults are going to ever own a house because this rapid increase in the value of the House is being orchestrated, not just a by laws of economics but orchestrated make it more difficult.

It sounds good to the homeowner today that the house gone worth know 200,000 to 450,000 since last Tuesday.

But that's not good for people trying enter the market.

I think this has been choreographed by by the Federal Reserve to make it more difficult to put more strain and make people more likely to go one world order because, you know, but you talk about the federal things and Alonso was going to be able to afford a house.

I'll be with an interest rate.

Is that something we're talking about even today?

I don't know if it's official yet.

I'm on the air with you here.

But they were talking about a quarter of a percentage rate decrease here.

And and the Federal Reserve here in terms of the interest like, do you support something like that?

it They'll have initial good effect.

But state I'm not a big fan of keeping the Fed.

They're I think should be constitutional entity the for the interest of the country, not just for the banks, that that the Fed represents and deficit spending, where we get a lot inflation is out of control because that's one of things that the Fed does.

It does deficit spending deliberately to make is bankrupting have to have inflation hurt the person that that the bark at the food market and gas and gasoline heating all those costs go up and now housing is going up trying my my main thought here is that we need to cut the fat out of the way so that we can have a a constitutional economy again.

And then we're gonna do stuff for the American people, not for the banks to run the Fed.

What about the recent flooding across the state highlighting the need for infrastructure updates, something that your your opponent, John Larson, as always been about infrastructure in the capital city and the area surrounding it and a focus on climate resiliency.

Do you got any plans to support our local economy and our local infrastructure.

Now that the weather has been such a such a such an impact on I'm a I'm a leader.

A fan of fellow, but want to call a Tesla.

test smarter than Einstein.

Even the lines.

I was a brilliant guy.

You want to have an issue partner, Ken Ken Web.

even I sense that the clay got everything right.

Tesla's showed us that we know how to affect the weather.

That when I was a cadet at West Point, we had a class actually owning the weather.

So all the climate change stuff, it's something that we can manipulate because testing showed us how to do it.

whether it's going climate change or whatever the case is, we have floods.

We can make flows or not big floods or have hurricanes are not have hurricanes because tests showed us how so that technology should be.

It also enough free energy, free energy, Energy Nikola.

Tesla showed us that we know how to do that as as Connecticut Public Radio's Meteorologist Garrett, our Genus always tells me you got a temperature increase in the ocean and that's making weather changes drastic in the United States and abroad.

So it's going to be very hard to manipulate climate change.

I would disagree with you Tesla when Tesla died, the government got his all his papers.

When we only got a couple of minutes left here.

So I'm going to be one last chance here to reach maybe across the aisle or you don't have to.

As we've seen many lawmakers nationally, how can you reach across the aisle speak to folks?

Here is the last question.

thank you for that, started my life most most of it as a Democrat, a month 3 tonight constituents in Hartford and West Hartford and Bloomfield, everywhere else you That's where my heart starts with.

Started with a became dissolution.

Only when I saw my party go from being concerned about the middle class to just being concerned about doing with the Federal Reserve wants to do, which is a global one world order.

That's not in anybody's interest, but I the only new world order I know was in professional wrestling which which is which is 1, 1, to enjoy.

We've got about a minute left here okay if we have a I would think we want to have a a constitutional bank.

Not not one that's been thrust on us deceptively and we want to be able to have gold and silver standards that we have don't have runaway inflation that would be something I would do for the middle class.

and I would also try to make known the fact we know how to cure cancer from a good Democratic friends with something that my opponent will never tell them.

Just such a blast to have you on here today.

We're out of time and thank Thank you very Wheelhouse on Friday, Graziano.

This is Jim Griffin.

He's running against.

John Larson is the Republican challenger in us.

Want thank you so much for coming on.

Coming up, we're going to unpack what we just heard from both candidates with Susan Raff chief political reporter, Capitol reporter for WFSB and marked as Cause.

Capital Bureau chief and co-founder of the Connecticut mayor.

You have questions about what you just heard.

Join the conversation.

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This is the wheelhouse from Connecticut, public Radio.

I'm Frankie Graziano.

Hey, this hour, we heard from candidates for Connecticut's first Congressional district.

We have the incumbent Democrat Congressman John Larson and Republican challenger Jim Griffin.

But now maybe my favorite part of the show.

I get to hear from some great friends.

Lets unpack what we just heard.

Susan Raff chief Capitol reporter for WSB News Channel 3.

Good morning.

Nice to see when you look very handsome Great to see you as well.

Thank you so much.

I appreciate it.

Mark past notice, Capitol Bureau chief and co-founder of the CT Mayor.

Good Morning.

Hey, good morning to you.

Thank you so much for being here.

Folks.

Give us a call.

Maybe want to comment on anything that you heard.

8, 8, 7, 2, 0, 9, 6, 7, 7, Maybe I didn't hold these guys accountable.

Maybe got a question that I didn't ask.

Give us a call right now.

888-720-9677.

Susan, we just heard from both candidates reproductive rights, housing, even teacher burnout.

Do you have any initial thoughts on which just hurt?

think those are all very important issue.

for political campaigns this year.

I thought there was some insight into Social Security, which is a big concern in this country.

And what John Morrison was saying that 70 million people, you know, depend on those benefits.

But we have some 10,000 baby boomers every day who need those benefits.

And I think some of the proposals want to raise the age again.

So we need to do something about that.

But and I think it I think I don't know John really is going to have an answer for this or anybody is.

But it didn't seem like we were able to give our listeners any kind of hope that something might be able to happen for You know, I think his hope is that Democrats take back the house and then he's going to be the chair of the Socialist Committee.

And if he does, but still, I mean, Congress hasn't done anything in 53 years.

I'm not very hopeful that in the next election cycle, something Mark Cascio because what you're Lister's just witness I think gives them a sense of the challenge that the press has it looking at.

And how do you cover congressional race where let's be honest.

There's no contest.

This is a solidly Democratic district.

John Larson, who was elected in 1998.

Was the only relatively close race.

He had any anyone by 15 or 16 point when it was an open race.

So what you see and what you just we just heard.

Is you have Republican challenger and some years the Republican challenger, even though he or she has no chance of unseating the Democratic incumbent.

May force.

Congressman Larson to explain himself to to challenge what we just heard was a little bit different.

Let's put come on.

Let's be Mr. Griffin engaged in some conspiracy theories about the Federal Reserve Bank.

It sounds like this was a whole life experience for for Jim since he was young talking about the Kennedy assassination is kind of continued right when we sat down together and I interviewed Jim, I don't know, couple of weeks ago he believes that the Federal Reserve and the big banks are conspiring to take away our constitutional rights global world order.

new world order.

Yeah.

So that is a bit concerning.

But I think what Mark points out is very true.

And that is in a state like Connecticut where Democrats by and far outnumber Republicans and that district probably one of the most Democratic in the state.

So, you know, is there a real challenge here?

Probably not.

No.

And it it does these campaign should be covered because it's important for, you know, WFP or for the rest of the press and for the quite frankly, the Republican Party.

examine and to challenge the incumbents.

But again, Mr. Griffin was a impressive background West Point it could prevent a severe in the military.

But yeah, he said some things here today that I think people would he would give pause to the suggested that there are for MS Parkinson's and Diabetes, which I think that that would be news to people who are suffering from those chronic diseases.

Let's let's mark.

You're very sweet, man.

I'm glad you brought that we're being very nice.

Here's a phone call that is going to address what you just exactly said about MS because they're so unfortunately no cure for MS. Go ahead.

We'll in Wallingford.

I got thanks for taking my call.

I go to after listening.

You know, I think there's problems with with their sponsors for both candidates on on the Democrat, but you know, I I listened the Democratic candidate, you know, even more closely start their.

I think the question on affordable housing.

You know, just saying over and over again that we need more affordable housing.

And when pressed for specifics, it's just that we need to appropriate more money at the federal level.

It's that I'm concerned that with that there is just 0 plan and and just saying we need more money.

It is not a plan.

And then I do not spend too much Republican candidate.

But, you know, as someone whose mother died from cancer in out in my 20, that it would be wonderful to know what the candidate had, what information they have about curing cancer, you know, non pharmaceutical and I'm so glad I'm not sure Saturday will because this is the most important part so we won't spend too much time it.

But unfortunately, and that I'm really I'm glad we can solve climate change by minute live in the But, you know, more concerning, I think for the Democratic candidate, I just you know, it's such a massive issue.

It's such a massive issue.

And have yet to hear really good solid plan for how to be addressed in Hartford across the state.

So thank you.

Take my call.

Tokyo will do me a favor.

Please call back next week.

This is a great phone call.

I really appreciated.

That was a great conversation.

I just want to say before we hit addresses, think we'll hit on head and 3 different subjects or so.

But Marina just want to say she's from West Hartford candidates just said that we have a cure for MS.

I am a nurse for MS. We do not have a cure for MS.

Very breaking news there from Maureen and West are for.

Thank you so much for sharing that says the statements were very misleading.

Yes, I think that's an issue.

But just a full disclosure kind of Just like you guys do.

I think we care very much about democracy at Connecticut, public and if that's a Republican endorsed candidate, I think you got to have him on the show.

If you're going to do these and yeah, I think you're gonna get something like we just got right?

Well, I think we'll have very valid point about housing.

And I want to stick with that because when we heard about medical care simply and weather is is is really not true.

But the fact is here in Connecticut, that's an issue, too.

And it's going to be a priority for the legislative session.

We need more housing and there is some housing being built.

But the question is, is that affordable housing?

And we're seeing a lot of it.

You know, New Britain has some new how housing going up.

There's a lot of infrastructure.

But the question for a lot of people, they can't afford it.

They can't move into an apartment that's 12 for $1400 a month.

So that has to be addressed, not just in Connecticut but around the country.

I think housing might be one of those things the where we live just had a great show on housing yesterday and zoning yesterday.

Go back to Connecticut.

Public DOT org and go look in the archives there.

But we know that that is something that's always going to be a fight between the towns in Fairfield County and the legislature up here.

But it seems like if we're ever going to get affordable housing, it's probably going to happen closer to it.

2 train stations, bus stations, things like that.

Do we know if work live?

Ride my comeback.

This year.

Yeah.

I think there will be another attempt to do It'll be with the new legislature and that's when you try to take another crack at something like that.

But, you know, there are broader problems beyond zoning.

Zoning is part of it.

But the cost to land.

I mean, you There there are no easy solutions to that other than government subsidies to have, you know, blended financing, try to leverage private financing the way.

That we see in Hartford with the Capital Resources Development Authority.

They've been very successful and taking some public funds and leveraging a lot of private money to build new housing or to convert commercial office space to housing rates that are relatively speaking affordable.

You know, it's always a relative term.

You know, there's no magic bullet.

There's a lot of different issues when it comes to affordable housing, the cost of land in Connecticut the supply chain, you know, construction costs went, you know, bonkers during COVID and they come down somewhat on some of the basic things, but that's still expense.

So there's just, you know, you're fighting zoning.

You're fighting the realities of economics.

I think this was an issue that that I personally was wondering about what Joe Biden when he was talking about the economy and sometimes that the people, the thing that people love about Donald Trump is when he's trying to relate to people, not whether some of that information might be accurate and land sometimes.

But nonetheless, I want to know if the people that we listen to today, the candidates that we listen to at least sounded like they cared about the folks that are going through the affordable housing crisis because it's easy to say like with the economy that there's inflation is going down and bills are getting a little bit better.

And yadda, yadda, yadda, maybe the housing prices are going to come down at some point.

But does it sound like the candidates care about the people that are going through housing crisis?

I'll let you take that Mark Herbert Walker Bush message right I think I I think all these folks care could a great, great, you know, and Larson's major over the course was insolvency of seizure of Social Security as well as the sufficiency of the benefits.

And that an issue that's approaching a tipping point in next decade that you're going to approach the point where?

If something isn't done to beef up the solvency Social Security, you'll see benefits start to erode because that's the first line of defense you're approaching of a trust fund that's less than solvent.

You know, Larson, he's a he's proposed certain easy one R well, not politically easy is to raise the cap on wages that are subject to the federal payroll tax.

I think right now anything over $160,000 is exempt from fight the federal payroll tax.

That funds Medicare and Social Security.

But, you know, that is something that is is it's still a little bit over the horizon.

I think you have to give Congressman Larson and others credit for trying to get the Congress to address it now before it truly a crisis point, right?

think the reality, too, for Social Security was never designed for to be your, you know, your retirement or your.

It was just kind of safety net in a sense or maybe more than that.

And we're still seeing many, many Americans who who don't have enough to retire on the new talk about housing and that goes up and people are on a fixed income.

So that's a huge problem.

We apparently have at least a live fact check or at least the concern over the candidates answers about housing because we have on the phone now, I understand housing reporter for Connecticut Public Abby brought great friend of mine.

Abby, go ahead.

What he got.

Good morning.

Thank I wanted provide a little bit had contact some of housing that came The issue building more affordable housing.

really hot right now the election and something it has with Congressman Jim There isn't a lot of control over the housing market where I at federal level a largely a local So there that federal candidate you can do or it's more about local zoning live local construction site.

That's where state level meetings and it sounds like and I can't have you on for too long, Abby, because where?

Well, I got about 3 minutes left on the air, but it sounds like we're not getting a lot of help at the local level as your reporting has uncovered.

Yeah, yeah.

in voting huge in Connecticut to something that former President Trump and the big man of something that a lot Democrats would like back thank you so much, Abbi.

I appreciate a good luck getting down to work.

Hopefully you're safe.

we have a couple minutes left.

First of all, thank you guys for doing this today.

I think like, oh, yeah.

Extra bottles of bourbon what I just put you through might have been rather tough.

And then the questions I'd ask to follow up.

We're interesting to say the least, but just lastly, let's button up the candidates talk is when we got a minute or so left.

Erin Stewart says that she was going to step aside in the in the race for mayor.

It's not gonna run for reelection next Aaron?

What's the what's next for Aaron?

No surprise there.

We were at the announcement yesterday.

She called everybody.

I think she's been, you know, contemplating this for a while.

As you know, she entered the race in 2018.

She entered late.

She didn't have a lot of fundraising, chance issues.

And I think she definitely wants to run for governor.

She will announce that in 2025. she's quite popular.

You know.

We'll see what happens.

Any comment that air, but you get it pretty much.

You think you know, question is if there's more conservative in a Republican you know, will she have any difficulty doing that?

Will she have the discipline this time?

She was kind of all over the place exploring for governor and then falling back into the race for O J.

But yeah, I mean, the Republican Party right now is someone disarray when it comes to who's on the bench.

And she has been a bright spot for them, killing it in New Britain and cats are a beating back to rising star and she's pro-choice.

She's clearly a moderate Republican in a state that is moderate.

So.

Most say, yeah, I mean win it.

If you have a younger percent of Republican doing well and ethnic Democratic city.

You know, that person is always by default is can they get it to certain attention?

You talked about discipline, maybe got to get data off of Facebook and Twitter.

Maybe that's going to have that.

He was not at the announcement yesterday.

Probably a good Now a I defer to you now marked as cause, Capitol bureau chief and co-founder of CT Mayor.

Mark, thank you so much for dealing with us today.

You are.

Well, your sweet You did really well under tremendous Sarah circumstances.

There.

Biting your tongue may be Susan Raff.

Thank you so much.

Thanks as always for coming to not sweep but okay, no, very and very helpful in this interview and conducting with Jim Griffin.

I appreciate it.

Chief Capitol reporter for WFSB.

Thank you.

You were tremendous.

Thank you so much.

Always great to have you on the show.

It's a wrap on our first of 5 candid interview shows next week.

We're going hear from candidates for Connecticut's 3rd congressional district.

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro is going to be on the show.

We're also gonna have Michael Massey, who's the challenger there today.

Show produced by Chloe Wind.

Thank you so much, Chloe.

Edited by Robin.

Do in a can technical producer is the maestro Dylan Reyes, Joe cost Bradley O'Connor manager, a livestream graphics for live stream created by Sam Hockaday.

Thanks to test terrible Megan Boone for helping us in studio that don't oversees the production of the wheelhouse.

Also supported by Megan Fitzgerald, special, thanks to Julie and chief.

Download that Sandy Time on your favorite podcast app.

I'm Frankie Graziano.

This is the wheelhouse.

Thank you for listening.

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