Connecticut Patch Candidate Profile: Tami Zawistowski For State Rep

EAST GRANBY-SUFFIELD-WINDSOR LOCKS, 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: Tami Zawistowski

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 61st House District

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? East Granby

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: B.A., University of Connecticut

Occupation: Founder and owner of Resource Books, buying and selling used and rare books since 1996. Previously Executive Vice President at Northeast Savings, F.A.

Family: Married to Edward Zawistowski.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: I've been honored to serve as State Representative since 2014. I previously served on the East Granby Board of Finance.

Age: 67

Why are you seeking this office?

It's important for the people of the 61st district to have a strong voice in Hartford, and I work hard so that those voices can be heard. I'm very accessible to constituents and attend a lot of local events where people feel free to spontaneously reach out with their concerns. I'm also an advocate for small business including our district's many farms, and have been recognized each election cycle with an endorsement by the National Federation of Independent Business - CT.

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

By far the most pressing problem facing Connecticut is the high cost of living. I was involved with crafting the 2017 budget that installed spending, borrowing and volatility caps, paid down debt and set the stage for the personal income tax cuts in the 2023 budget. I will continue next term to follow through on my proposals to reduce energy bills, review insurance cost hikes and increase government efficiencies, along with opposing any proposed tax increases.

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?

The laws are already there; we just need enforcement, particularly for reckless driving. The number of state police officers has been reduced over the past few years and we need to make sure policies are in place for young people to view law enforcement as a viable career, and then provide them with the tools to do their jobs well. This includes repealing some of the restrictions that were passed essentially along party lines in the Police Accountability bill of 2020 (I opposed) and which make it harder for police to do their jobs.

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

I view this position as an opportunity to serve my communities and am dedicated to putting in the work to understand and act upon the needs of the 61st district. My experience and leadership position enables me to do so effectively through finding common ground with other legislators and focusing on problem solving.

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

On the Appropriations Committee I have continuously pushed to rein in spending and successfully fought for caps on spending, borrowing, and reforms to pay down long term debt and grow the state’s rainy-day fund. I was actively involved in gaining passage of the historic personal income tax cut in 2023. On the Transportation Committee, I worked to defeat tolls and preserved consumer choice by defeating a push for electric vehicles which would have restricted and eventually eliminated the ability to purchase gas powered vehicles in Connecticut. Based on my work in the Planning & Development Committee, I received awards from the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and Connecticut Council of Small Towns for opposing unfunded mandates, defending local autonomy in zoning and increasing property tax abatements for volunteer first responders. These are highlights; I have also worked on bills to benefit veterans, seniors, children and adults with autism, many others.

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

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as State Representative. You can always count on me to work on your behalf in Hartford. Your vote on November 5th will let me continue that work.