Rich Mette is more than just a candidate; he’s a neighbor, a friend, and a community member dedicated to making a difference. With years of experience in public service, Rich believes in the power of listening to the people and serving their needs. His commitment to transparency and integrity makes him a trustworthy ally in our journey towards progress.

As a lifelong Republican, Mette promises to bring a committed voice to the legislature. His focus will center around lowering taxes, reducing unfunded government mandates, and working to create a more business-friendly environment. His approach is grounded in practical problem‑solving, love of community, and a belief in government being accountable to the people it serves.

As a retired Senior Aerospace Quality Manager with Sikorsky Aircraft, Mette brings more than 30 years of high‑level leadership experience from one of Connecticut’s premier aerospace leaders. During his tenure, he earned the Sikorsky Aircraft President’s Award for his success in reducing spending and driving continuous improvement through Six Sigma practices. This leadership experience led to meetings with Senior International Military Leadership in Washington, DC.

Beyond his professional career, Mette has raised two amazing children and is engaged to be married. He has called Plainville his home for the last three years and in his spare time is an avid fisherman. His community service includes being named the Chair of Trout Unlimited, a non-profit organization that focuses on conservation and the care for trout and salmon watersheds. It’s this passion that has resulted in bipartisan collaboration with members of the Connecticut General Assembly as he works to protect and enhance this industry. His testimony and advocacy in this area have resulted in bills being signed into law.