Meet the Candidate: Don Trinks for State Representative

Mayor of Windsor, and small business owner for 8 years, Don Trinks is seeking to put his experience to work for the citizens of district five on the statewide level.

He has served as Mayor of Windsor for a decade, but sees the opportunity to run for State Representative as a "challenge" he can't pass up.

"For me this is an opportunity for another challenge... to do some more good for the town of Windsor," said Trinks.

At the top of his list of concerns for Nutmeggers is the lack of support for small businesses like the one he owns, Bart's Drive-In.

"I would like to address what is going on in Connecticut for small businesses and what isn't. Small business is the backbone [of jobs]," he said, recalling the many teenagers he has put to work over the years. 

"I have enjoyed introducing them to the working environment," he said.

"As a small business owner, I know first-hand the importance of job creation in the community, as well as the struggles small businesses face in this economy. Getting someone in the Capitol that can advocate for both is key to the success of keeping small businesses thriving."

But, according to Trinks, that someone doesn't have to be a political insider. In, fact, Trinks says, it's time voters stop sending political insiders back to the capitol year after year. Instead, "We just need to do the right things for the right reasons," he said.

In his run for office, Trinks is drawing on the experiences he's shared with the average Windsor residents. And it's those experiences he feels will allow him to be successful in office.

"I don't live an extravagant life by any means," he said. "I have put a daughter through college, I have worked a lot of hours."

Over those long hours, Trinks has become well acquainted with the needs of business owners and homeowners, who Windsor's mayor recognizes are hurting.

"Home ownership increases self worth and community pride," he said. "We have to look at this whole banking system - the availability of loans and streamline the process."  He perceives ongoing problems in Hartford with absentee owners who don't properly maintain their properties.

The includes a portion of Windsor and Hartford. There are two other Democrats running for this General Assembly position, including Hartford's Brandon McGee and Windsor's Leo Canty who has recieved the majority of Windsor Democrats' support. The Republican candidate is Windsor Board of Education Minority Leader Paul Panos.