Patch Candidate Profile: Arnold Jensen For 131st House

SOUTHBURY, CT — Republican state Rep. Arnold Jensen is seeking a second term representing the 131st House District, with taxes, energy costs and local control over zoning among his priorities.

Jensen, a retired engineer, faces Democratic challenger Heather Stafford, an acupuncturist. The district includes Oxford and parts of Naugatuck and Southbury. Election Day is Nov. 3.

Here are the candidate’s responses to Patch’s questionnaire.

Candidate's Name:

Arnold Jensen

What office are you seeking?

State Representative 131 District

Age:

66

District:

131

Party:

Republican

Campaign website:

https://JensenForCt.com

Occupation:

State Representative (Retired Engineer)

Family:

Wife and two adult children.

Does anyone in your family work in government?

My wife is on the Oxford Boad of Finance.

Previous public office:

Planning and Zoning Commission, Selectman.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking re-election because Connecticut needs a more practical, responsible approach to government. Families and businesses are struggling with high taxes, energy bills, and everyday costs. Hartford needs to control spending and ease those burdens.

In my first term, I have worked to be an accessible, responsive voice for Oxford, Southbury, and Naugatuck. I want to continue advocating for lower taxes, affordable energy, strong public schools, support for law enforcement, and local control over zoning.

After 40 years in manufacturing, I know that solving problems starts with listening, understanding the facts, and making tough choices. I bring that approach to this office, along with a simple commitment: represent our communities, respect taxpayers, and focus on results.

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

Affordability is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut. Families, retirees, and small businesses are being squeezed by high taxes, electric bills, housing costs, and everyday expenses. Too many residents wonder whether they can afford to stay here.

I will continue pushing for spending discipline, protection of our fiscal guardrails, and tax relief. State government must evaluate programs by their results, reduce unnecessary overhead, and stop passing unfunded mandates on to towns that drive up property taxes.

Energy costs also demand action. I support reviewing the charges added to electric bills and expanding reliable, affordable energy supplies, including nuclear power. On housing, I support expanding opportunities while respecting local zoning and accounting for infrastructure costs.

My approach is straightforward: scrutinize spending, demand measurable results, and make affordability a priority in every vote.

Energy costs have been soaring in Connecticut. What are your plans to help address this issue?

Connecticut needs an energy policy that puts affordability and reliability first. I will push to review the Public Benefits charges on electric bills, eliminate unnecessary costs, and oppose new mandates that increase what residents and businesses pay.

I support an all-of-the-above approach, including nuclear power, natural gas, and cost-effective renewable energy. Solar paired with battery storage can help meet summer demand, while advanced nuclear technology offers an opportunity to expand dependable power.

We also need closer scrutiny of long-term power contracts. Before committing ratepayers to decades of payments, the state should demonstrate that a contract provides good value and reliable electricity. Energy programs should be judged by their total cost, including costs shifted to other customers.

My goal is straightforward: expand reliable supply, demand accountability, and lower the total bill.

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Affordability has been a major topic across the country and here in Connecticut. How do you plan to address this issue?

Making Connecticut more affordable starts with controlling the costs government imposes on families and businesses. I will continue opposing new taxes, pushing for responsible spending, and protecting the fiscal guardrails that help keep our budget in check.

Property tax relief is a priority. The state should provide fair education funding to Oxford, Southbury, and Naugatuck and stop imposing unfunded mandates that force towns to raise taxes. We must also ensure more education dollars reach students and classrooms.

I support reducing unnecessary charges on electric bills, expanding reliable energy supplies, and cutting regulations that add costs without delivering a clear public benefit. Housing solutions should expand choices while respecting local infrastructure and avoiding additional burdens on existing taxpayers.

Every proposal in Hartford should face a simple question: Does this make life more affordable for the people who pay the bills?

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

My first term as state representative has shown that I take this job seriously. I maintained a 100% voting record during the 2026 session, serve on four legislative committees, and co-chair the Pesticide Modernization Working Group. I have worked with town officials and residents on local concerns while advocating for affordability, responsible spending, and local control.

Before entering public service, I spent 40 years in manufacturing, working in research, product development, supply chain planning, and packaging. With a degree in chemical engineering, I have helped bring new products to market, plan production capacity, and move packaging toward more sustainable materials. That work required solving problems, weighing costs, and bringing people together to get results.

I bring that same practical approach to Hartford: do the homework, ask hard questions, listen to the people affected, and make decisions with taxpayers in mind.

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

My wife, Paula, and I have lived in Oxford for more than 23 years, and both of our children graduated from Oxford High School. This is our home, and the decisions made in Hartford affect our family just as they affect yours.

I am a fiscal conservative who believes in responsible spending, lower taxes, strong public schools, support for law enforcement, and local control. I also believe good ideas deserve consideration regardless of which party proposes them.

You do not have to agree with me on every issue to reach out. My job is to listen, explain my positions honestly, and help residents navigate state government. I want to continue being an accessible, practical voice for Oxford, Southbury, and Naugatuck—and a voice of reason in Hartford.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.

Editor’s note: Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and the issues facing the state. The responses below were submitted by the candidate and reflect the candidate’s views.