Stamford City Rep To Make Legislative Run

STAMFORD, CT - Stamford City Rep. Steven Kolenberg recently announced his candidacy for Representative of the 144th District.

For the last three years, the Stamford native has served as representative of Stamford's 16th District. During his tenure, Kolenberg has played a key role in the clear sidewalk ordinance and fighting against increasing food licensing fees.

Kolenberg said the inefficiency of state government, harsh economic climate, and disconnect between representatives and their constituents are among the reasons he decided to run.

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“Our state is in serious trouble. I could discuss our unfunded pension liability or our predicted tax hikes or even our outrageous budget deficit, but I’d like to take your time to talk about another, more troubling deficit in Connecticut, and that is our deficit of hope.” Kolenberg said in a statement.

Kolenberg is seeking the seat held by Caroline Simmons, a Democrat who was elected to her freshman term in 2014.

Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst, a friend and mentor, said in a statement, “Steve has tremendous integrity and work ethic. This is somebody who is in public service for all the right reasons, who will go to Hartford on behalf of the people of Stamford to turn the page and set a new course for our state.”

In his statement the 22-year-old Kolenberg said, “I make my promise ... to all of you, that when I’m elected, I shall never put anything above the interests of this city.” Kolenberg said, “I will never vote to make your lives more difficult. I will always have your back. And so, it’s with great pleasure that I say here today, I will seek the nomination of my party and I announce I will seek the office of the 144th State House District and we will bring hope back to Connecticut!”

Contributed photo: Steven Kolenberg.