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02/05/2018 11:00 PMAfter spending additional time in heartfelt discussions with family, community leaders, and voters, I am announcing a change in course. Instead of running for re-election as state representative, I am running for the greater challenge of serving as State Senator in the 33rd District. This larger, 12-town district includes three towns I’ve been honored to represent—East Hampton, East Haddam, and Colchester—and nine more in the Connecticut River Valley that I will be spending many hours meeting new friends and voters this spring.
And I know what you are thinking: “Melissa, I thought you were running for re-election as state representative. Why the change?”
The short answer: Because I love the 34th State House District, and the Connecticut River Valley towns of the 33rd State Senate District, and our entire state—I want to see all of our friends and neighbors prosper.
I am encouraged by the bipartisan state budget we achieved in the last legislative session. But, it was a long and arduous process. We developed and delivered 10 different Republican budget proposals on time, while the majority party lacked any sense of urgency, debating non budget items for most of the session. Then the Democrats delivered their tax-and-spend plan—weeks late. It’s no secret we urgently need to address the state’s chronic over-spending!
We need a strong voice in the State Senate who: 1) is a proven fighter and has a reputation for putting their constituents first, fighting full-time for their small town communities, and 2) can immediately and effectively navigate the difficult legislative landscape, with the proven and dedicated commitment needed to focus on the budget, and 3) fights for fiscally conservative policies and has a record of implementing them, with bipartisan support, at the Capitol.
I’ve thought a lot about one question: How can I best help my state first survive over the near term, and then thrive over the long term? One option is to continue as a state representative. Certainly, it would be a less grueling election campaign and allow me to spend more time with my family. But I made a promise not just to the 34th House district, but all of Connecticut when I took the oath of office, and I am not ready to give up on this beautiful state! No matter which legislative chamber I serve, I will work to protect my district and offer the same high level of constituent service, and active community involvement, along with a laser-like focus on reducing wasteful and unneeded state spending. The bottom line: I can help more people in our state in service as your state senator.
I know this district. We launch our fishing boat under the Baldwin Bridge in Old Saybrook and we watch the amazing tree swallows, fish for striper, and catch blue crabs. We hike in our magnificent state parks, enjoy a burger at Haywire in Westbrook, a visit to Lobster Landing in Clinton or sushi at Ichiban in Colchester. We may visit antique stores along the way or take the ferry home. As a teenager I worked at the Country Restaurant in Tylerville (now Jack’s in Higganum), Frank Davis Resort and canoed around Selden Island. And like you, I have sat with gratitude one day and angst the next, at the East Haddam Swingbridge—while a sailboat glided by. How lucky are we to live in this special place? Our #ctsenate33 district is an amazing treasure.
I’ve never imagined myself living anywhere else.
To my friends in East Hampton, East Haddam, and Colchester, rest assured you will always be able to count on me. To my new, soon-to-be friends in Portland, Haddam, Clinton, Westbrook, Old Saybrook, Essex, Chester, Deep River, and Lyme, I’m thrilled for this opportunity to expand my many years of dedicated public service to this beautiful part of the state, I love. Visit www.melissaziobron.com to learn more about me and my long history of public service and what I’ve already accomplished!