Connecticut Patch Candidate Profile: Jennifer Dzen For State Rep

ELLINGTON-EAST WINDSOR-VERNON, CT — Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024, is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Connecticut.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the state and town.

Candidate’s Name: Jennifer Dzen

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 57th House District which includes Ellington, Vernon and East Windsor

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Ellington

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management and Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts Johnson and Wales University, Providence RI

Occupation: 18 years' experience as Bookkeeper & Farm Assistant, previous owner of Dzen Meeting Management specializing in corporate event management

Family: My husband and I just celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary. We have three amazing children. Our oldest is a freshman at UCONN studying agronomy and our twins are juniors at Ellington High School. We also have Siberian Husky and two German Shepherds.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Serving my 7th year on the Ellington Board of Education, the last three years as Board Chair

Age: 54

Why are you seeking this office?

At first, I decided to seek office because of the lack of support for local growers who continue to face extreme weather patterns and diseases, then as Chair of the Board of Education in Ellington I was reviewing all of the unfunded mandates passed down from the state not just to the schools but to the town as well causing local municipalities to shift funds away from their priorities, and like everyone else my family feels the cost of living burden in the state of Connecticut.

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

Cost of living. Connecticut is pricing residents out. Too many people are another tax hike away from leaving. We need to find ways to reduce taxes like the prepared food tax in grocery stores. People who are looking for a healthier solution to meals than fast food restaurants are being penalized for grabbing something at the grocery store. Another tax reduction that needs to be reviewed is the Highway tax that charges trucks for driving in our state. That cost is being passed down to us, the consumer who is already paying sales tax on the item.

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?

Seeking guidance from the federal government including the Department of Transportation to improve road safety would be a good place to start, however it is not just about passing new laws. We need to address the root causes of the problem including distracted driving, road rage and impaired driving. I believe that will require public education campaigns and increased enforcement of existing laws. Our police need to be able to do their job effectively with our support.

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

I believe there should be tax reductions that will put money back in all Connecticut residents’ pockets. Grants are great for targeted projects, but they do not always benefit everyone. I would like to see towns and residents keeping more of their hard-earned income.

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

As chair of the board of education during the pandemic we were faced with many challenges including when to return to in person learning, what safety protocols would be necessary and navigating residents’ emotions and concerns during that time. We were one of the first schools to return to in-person learning in the state which contributed to us being one of only 3 schools in the state that saw growth in learning returning from the pandemic. I also feel my leadership and listening skills will help me navigate this challenging role.

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

Our family runs a small farm business which has been in operation since the 1930’s. Farmers across the state have been struggling for the last few years with unpredictable weather and diseases. The state is slow to respond and limited with suggestions. There needs to be reform for the agricultural community with quicker response times and stronger programs to keep our local farmers in business. With 97% of businesses in Connecticut being small businesses we need to do a better job of supporting them and helping them find ways to grow.