Kalechman to Run for State Representative

Simsbury resident Robert H. Kalechman recently announced his candidacy for the 16th District State Representative seat in the Connecticut House of Representatives.

The Connecticut Secretary of State's office acknowledged Kalechman's application and the issuance of nominating petition forms on Feb. 2.

Kalechman has not held an elected position, but he did run for the 16th District seat in 2010.

"I have a good knowledge of how our system works and how it should work," Kalechman said.

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone every day with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

The 79-year-old candidate has a background in business working as an account executive with NBC Connecticut and a salesperson with Hoffman Ford. Kalechman also has 14 years of military experience serving the U.S. Marine Corps as a combat war veteran in the Korea from 1950-1954. Kalechman was also recognized for his service in the 1st Batalion 25th Division Marines, a reserve unit.

Kalechman has served as a Trustee for the State Department of Veterans Affairs under former Governors Lowell Weicker, John Rowland, and Jodi Rell. Kalechman has also served five terms as a Commander for the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 12.

Kalechman's platform candidate will focus on veterans issues, tax policy, campaign finance issues, and probate court reform.

"I'm going to see to it that these veterans are properly housed," Kalechman said. He feels the state has failed to support the veteran population and hopes to work to restore accreditation to the Rocky Hill Veterans Hospital.

The candidate is encouraging fellow candidates to not use state elections commission funds to finance their campaigns.

"I'm going to finance my own campaign," Kalechman said. "I won't tap the treasury and I won't take money from taxpayers."

Kalechman said he will also work to reform the "unfair tax policies of the Connecticut state legislator."

"They've taxed and spent and now we have a $143 million deficit.

Kalechman joined the race without party designation and will run against Republican candidate Charity Folk. Simsbury Deputy First Selectman John Hampton, a Democrat, is expected to officially announce his candidacy this week.