Joe Zullo Makes Decision On Whether He Will Run for Albis Seat

EAST HAVEN, CT - It's official: Joe Zullo wants to replace James Albis as East Haven's state representative.

Here is what Zullo said in his statement, released first to Patch:"I have spent the entirety of my professional career protecting our community and serving as a voice for our residents. I've worked in our community, especially in our schools, listening to the concerns of our residents, volunteering to help others, and building bridges in our community. I am a proven leader who understands the needs of our town and I am ready to head to Hartford to work to make our state a better place to live and to fight to ensure the needs of our residents are addressed," said Zullo.

Zullo said he aims to serve as a fiscal watchdog with the goals of reducing spending and keeping taxes stable. He also wants to work with legislators to address a variety of social and quality of life issues including the ongoing opioid epidemic and the minimum wage.

Zullo is also passionate about creating opportunities for Connecticut’s children. Zullo is a longtime volunteer with the town's school system, serving as an annual sponsor of Momauguin School's Field Day, a participant in the school's DARE Graduations, a district math competition judge, and a volunteer as a Capstone judge for high school seniors.

Zullo explained, "We have to curb the state's out-of-control borrowing. We don't run our homes like that and we shouldn't run our state like that. If elected, I would fight to significantly rein in the state’s bonding by protecting the new bond cap, which over the long-term would help reduce the state's yearly debt payments and move us towards economic stability. I would also work to reduce the tax burden on our residents, and keep more money in taxpayers' pockets. Here in East Haven taxes have been stable and our town has been responsible with its funds - this is a lesson that needs to be brought to the Capitol."

Zullo also emphasized his ideas for addressing the state’s minimum wage.

"We need to have an honest discussion about minimum wage that balances the need for people to be able to earn a fair wage with the need to reduce the costs of doing business in Connecticut. We also need to be mindful that raising the minimum wage could inadvertently disqualify some the state's neediest residents from other support and aid they currently receive. Coming from a blue collar town like East Haven, the minimum wage is something I care a lot about and something that I'd look to focus on as a new representative."

"I want to be a voice for our community. To do that, I need our residents' support over the next forty-five days and on Election Day. Please go to my website at www.joezullo.com, register for a lawn sign, and sign up to work in our call center."

Zullo concluded, “I am proud to be a part of this great community and I want to be a passionate, enthusiastic advocate for our town and for our state. If elected, I will fight to make this state an affordable place to live, work, and raise a family and I will do everything I can to work across party lines to address the social and quality of life concerns of the people of East Haven and the state of Connecticut."