Patch Candidate Profile: Jonathan Fazzino For 83rd State House

MERIDEN, CT — The 2024 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Eyes are primarily focused on the U.S. presidential election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs.

All five of Connecticut's congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

State Rep. Jonathan 'Jack' Fazzino, D-Meriden, is running for another term in office against Republican challenger Joseph Vollano of Meriden.

What office are you seeking? State representative.

District: 83rd House District

Website: https://fazzinoforct.com/

What city or town do you live in? Meriden

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Bachelor of Arts, University of Notre Dame; Master of Arts, Georgetown University; Juris Doctor, Boston College Law School.

Occupation: Attorney, Cohen & Wolf, P.C.

Family: n/a.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No.

Previous public office, appointive or elected:

Berlin Town Councilor, (2021-23); State Representative (2023- present)

Age: 30

Why are you seeking this office?

I am one of only a handful of legislators who represent the district in which they grew up.

Right now, it is critical for young people to step up, pay it forward, and give back to their community. I owe so much to this district, which quite literally raised me, and this job allows me to help people I have known my entire life.

As a practicing attorney and a lifelong public servant, I have a deep respect for the democratic process, which demands a government that is responsible and accountable to its people.

It is a process that allows for the free exchange of ideas, beliefs, and values, whether in a public forum or at someone’s doorstep. This process is what makes our nation unique. And this process is worth protecting.

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

Connecticut is a beautiful state and I am proud to be from here. Nevertheless, it remains one of the most expensive states for middle-class families to grow and succeed.

The district I represent is incredibly diverse and middle-class, covering neighborhoods of one city and two mid-size towns.

Between expensive utilities, taxes, insurance costs, health care, and many other expenses, middle-class and working-class families are feeling tremendous pressure at the end of the month.

As my district’s voice in Hartford, I am committed to addressing those costs head-on by promoting fiscally wise budgeting practices, investing in infrastructure and programs that are proven to yield positive outcomes for taxpayers, exploring new forms of tax relief, and addressing health care and prescription drug costs for seniors.

Furthermore, we must deliver greater transparency and accountability to the public utilities sector, while also ensuring that ratepayers and consumers are getting a fair shake on their electric bills.

There have been an alarming number of deaths on Connecticut's roadways. Is there anything from a legislative standpoint that can be done to address that?

Road safety is another important concern for residents of my district, which includes some of the busiest state roads in central Connecticut: the Berlin Turnpike (Route 15), Broad Street (Route 5), and Highland Avenue (Route 10).

In my first session, I was proud to vote in support of Public Act 23-116, which adopted many recommendations concerning road safety, from speeding to wrong-way driving.

I will continue to work with the municipalities I represent to implement the recommendations of this law on our district’s roadways.

Moreover, road design also is a major factor in road safety. Better-designed roadways can help reduce weaving, last-minute merging, and speeding.

That’s why in Meriden, we’ve led a significant redesign of the Route 15-91-691 interchange, one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the state.

This project has required tremendous investment from federal and state sources. I am committed to contributing to this crucial project by securing additional state funds, if necessary.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Work ethic. In my first time and throughout my service in local government, I have proven time and again that I will go the extra mile for my constituents to deliver good outcomes when they need it most.

We need problem solvers in government right now, people who can work alongside folks from all ends of the political spectrum to achieve results.

We don’t need more finger-pointing, toxic partisanship, and blatant misinformation.

Having grown up in this district and knocked over 12, 000 doors right here over the last three years, I know what our neighbors need.

I will continue to be there for them if and when they need a service, whether they vote for me or not.

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

I bring to this job years of experience as a practicing attorney.

In my practice, I’ve successfully defended homeowners facing foreclosure. I’ve advised elected officials on complex municipal questions. I’ve helped vindicate Ponzi Scheme victims. I’ve successfully argued in front of the Appellate Court.

In a job that requires precise, thoughtful decision-making, my accomplishments as a lawyer have paved the way for my successes as a legislator.

By understanding the law and how complex processes work, I’ve been able to hit the ground running in my first term and take charge of substantive policy work.

I also offer years of government service to this job.

I began my service as a town councilor in Berlin. I understand the challenges local governments face and the harm that unfunded state mandates can create for them.

I’ve learned how municipal budgets are created, how schools are funded, and where hard-earned tax dollars need to go to get their best value.

I’ve also built important relationships at Town Hall in each of the municipalities I represent.

Finally, I’ve emerged as a strong, credible, and responsible voice for millennials in the state legislature.

In my first term, I haven’t shied away from leadership opportunities on the Commerce, General Law, and Public Safety Committees, where I have spearheaded legislation that reduces burdens on small businesses, protects consumers and backs our first responders.

Through my efforts, I’ve also secured millions of dollars in funding for our students, police officers, firefighters, non-profits, and other essential community stakeholders.

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

All politics is local. And my focus will always remain on the district I represent and the people who elected me to go to work for them.