CT Patch Candidate Profile: Jeff Litke For State Representative

NAUGATUCK, 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.

Jeff Litke, 43, a Democrat, is running for state representative of the 70th House District.

What city or town do you live in?

Naugatuck.

Education

Bachelor's Degree, Political Science, University of Connecticut Master's Degree, Public Administration, University of New Haven.

Occupation

Sr. Human Resources Generalist, 7 years.

Family

Husband, Andrew Cosenza, 53.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Chair, Naugatuck Board of Education, Nov. 2017 - Present, Naugatuck Zoning Commission, Mar. 2007 - Sept. 2009, Naugatuck Inland Wetlands Commission, Oct. 2016 - Nov. 2017

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for State Representative because I am committed to Naugatuck and Connecticut and continuing to make them the best place to live, work and raise a family. My experience serving on the Board of Education and local land use boards has allowed me to get to know our residents and I truly believe that I am best positioned to represent them in Hartford. Having been born and raised in Naugatuck gives me the perspective of knowing our Town. I have seen Naugatuck grow and become more diverse and we need to reflect that in our representation. We need a representative who will go to Hartford and be able to work across party lines to get things done for Naugatuck. I believe I am that candidate as I have been able to work across party lines and build consensus as a member of the Board of Education. I am endorsed by the Democratic Party and the Independent Party because I am a free thinker who will speak my mind and represent our residents to the best of my ability.

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

At the present moment I believe the number one issue facing Connecticut is the cost of living and rising prices. Inflation has come down and it seems that the cost of gas is also going down at the present time. Those are two good things. But we need to do more to assist our families and residents in Connecticut. We need to ensure access to healthcare and health insurance, we need to provide tax incentives and credits to put more money in the hands of our residents, we need adequate public transportation options so that folks can get to and from work if the choose public transportation. We also need to focus on education and providing training programs for our students. All of those things go hand in hand to provide for our residents so that they have the ability to find employment, stay employed or seek a new career path and meet their basic needs. We must ensure our residents can meet their needs.

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?

In order to address this properly we need to really know what is causing the deaths. That said, from a legislative standpoint we can increase the number of State Police on our roadways, lower and/or adjust speed limits, look at the design of roadways to ensure the design is not causing accidents and look at our levels for intoxication. Those are just a few things that we can do to make our roadways safer for motorists.

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

I don't always like to talk about the differences between myself and other candidates, but focus more on why I am the best candidate. I am the candidate that is endorsed by both the Democratic Party and the Independent Party because of my ability to be reasonable and work across party lines. I know Naugatuck and share the same values as our residents.

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

I believe that my experience serving on the Naugatuck Board of Education and being able to work across party lines and with each member is a testament to who I am as a person and that I will be able to go to Hartford and do the same. I have worked hard to keep our education budget reasonable while also providing for our students and ensuring that they receive the best education possible.

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

I come from a family of hard working Naugatuck residents that have instilled in me a passion for our town and hard work. I am someone that thinks before I speak and does their research on topics so that decisions are not made on the fly. I will do the same in Hartford.