CT Patch Candidate Profile: Savet Constantine For State Rep

WILTON, CT — Election Day on Nov. 5 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Ridgefield

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

Candidate’s Name: Savet Constantine

What office are you seeking? State Representative

District: 42nd CT State House District

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Wilton

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Bachelor of Arts from Carleton College, Master of International Affairs from Columbia University

Occupation: Former Marketing Executive and Community Advocate, 25+ years

Family: I have been married to my wonderful husband, Craig, for 28 years and we have two children, both in university.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

I served for 5 years on the Wilton DTC with 2+ years as Nominations Chair, focusing on resident outreach to serve on town boards and commissions. Previous to that, I served several terms as the elected president of the PTA in Wilton’s middle school and high school.

Age: 54

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m running to represent our community because I’ve spent years volunteering on the ground, working directly with the people of Wilton. My priority is ensuring we have a representative in Hartford who deeply understands the issues that affect our families and residents, from education and healthcare to economic growth and safety. I’ve been involved in schools to improve our children's education, and I've worked closely with various community organizations. These experiences have given me a broad understanding of what makes our town strong and resilient.

I am committed to addressing key concerns, like maintaining excellence in education, promoting job growth, ensuring safety, and supporting our seniors as they navigate healthcare complexities. These aren’t abstract policy points for me—they’re issues I live and work on every day. I will bring that same level of dedication to Hartford, where I’ll work tirelessly to implement constructive, local solutions that strengthen our district and the State.

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

The most pressing issue facing my constituents is the imbalance between taxes and services, particularly the burden placed on homeowners due to declining commercial values. To relieve this pressure, I will work to secure state funding, cut red tape that hinders business growth, and advocate for policies that drive meaningful economic expansion in our area. This approach will reduce the tax burden on families while enhancing local services. I believe a balanced approach of economic development, coupled with targeted tax relief, will create sustainable growth and long-term financial security for our district.

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 legislature must continue taking action to make our roads safer through the work of the Vision Zero Council. Addressing the huge increase in distracted driving is critical, along with aggressive and impaired driving. We must also look at improving infrastructure—better signage, enhanced road lighting, and empowering local law enforcement with the tools they need to effectively manage speeding and road safety. Our solution must be comprehensive, addressing all aspects of roadway safety with practical, data-driven measures.

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

I am deeply committed to protecting and preserving reproductive rights, which are under threat even in states like Connecticut. While some may believe these rights are settled, the reality is that national and state-level forces are actively working to restrict them. It is crucial that we have strong, unwavering voices in Hartford to maintain and defend these rights and push back against efforts to undermine our freedoms.

I also bring a deep understanding of town budgets and related processes, having worked directly with stakeholders to understand how assets are allocated effectively and responsibly. This experience ensures I can address financial challenges while also advocating for broader community priorities.

I will focus on enhancing gun safety legislation, ensuring our schools are properly funded, and supporting teachers with the resources they need to meet the evolving educational demands of our students. Our children deserve the best, and I will work to secure the funding and training required to keep our schools thriving.

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

I’ve dedicated 16 years to volunteering in our schools, including five years as PTA president, where I’ve led initiatives, managed finances, and set agendas based on the needs of students, parents, teachers and administrators. This hands-on experience taught me that the best solutions come from actively engaging and collaborating with all stakeholders. My background contrasts with my opponent’s focus on financial management; my leadership has always centered on collaboration and community-driven problem-solving.

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

At this point in my life, I have the time, energy, and experience to fully dedicate myself to representing our district. Over the past 20 years, I’ve volunteered in public schools and recruited residents to serve on town boards. As a mother and daughter, I have personal experience with both the educational and healthcare challenges that face families today. I recognize that getting meaningful legislation passed and delivering equitable benefits to our district requires close collaboration with leaders at all levels—local, state, and federal. I am proud to have the support and strong relationships with key leaders in Connecticut who can help drive impactful change for our community. These relationships will enable me to hit the ground running and effectively advocate for our district from day one. I will always listen to you and work hard to represent our community’s interests in Hartford.