On May 17, State Representative Joe Zullo (R-99) was formally endorsed by the East Haven Republican Town Committee to seek re-election in the Nov. 8 election.

“This community is my life, and it is an honor and privilege to represent us all in Hartford. Thank you, to the East Haven Republican Town Committee, for your hard work, past support, and for your endorsement this evening. I humbly, and enthusiastically, accept your nomination,” Zullo announced to a capacity crowd of 120 supporters gathered at Bistro Mediterranean in East Haven.

Zullo, who was elected in February 2019, won re-election to his first full term in the 2020 election cycle, taking 58.5 percent of the vote by a margin of 6,775 to 4,795. When session reconvened in 2021, he was elevated by his caucus to serve as ranking member on the state’s Planning and Development Committee, where he has been an unwavering advocate for the preservation of local control of housing and zoning matters. Just two months ago, Zullo was recognized by the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, the state’s largest non-partisan organization of municipal leaders, as one of its 2021 legislative champions and for his advocacy helping build stronger and more vibrant communities.

In a Facebook video released May 25, Zullo added, “When you believe in something, when you’re passionate about something, you fight for it. I have always fought for East Haven. And, if re-elected, I’ll continue fighting for common sense solutions to make our state more affordable because families and small businesses deserve to not just get by, but to get ahead.”

Zullo, whose nomination was made by Attorney Lawrence Sgrignari and seconded by East Haven Town Councilwoman Samantha Parlato, seized the evening to emphasize the need to improve affordability in Connecticut and to address a number of enduring quality of life issues across the state.

Zullo explained, “We cannot continue asking taxpayers to reach deeper into their pockets. Solutions require that we re-prioritize our finances and find efficiencies and eliminate waste in our government. If I’m privileged to be re-elected, I’ll not only fight to make our state more affordable, I’ll continue fighting to make our state a safer place to live, a more enriching place to raise a family, a more fertile place to start a business, and a more stable place to retire in.”

Zullo, who was born and raised in East Haven, is a partner with his father Alfred Zullo in the law firm of Zullo, Zullo and Jacks, LLC where he works as a legal advocate to a diverse group of clients. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, he was one of just 2.5 percent of attorneys under age 40 in Connecticut recognized as a rising star by Super Lawyers. He served as East Haven’s town attorney from 2011 to 2019 and currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the town’s Chamber of Commerce, as the treasurer for the East Haven Fall Festival Committee, and as a member of the town’s Community Classic 5K Road Race Committee.

Zullo added, “I owe so much to this community, where I grew up, where I began my career and now work each day, and where my fiancée and I continue to build our lives together. This community is my life, and it is an honor and privilege to represent us all in Hartford.”

In celebrating his endorsement and nomination, Zullo also emphasized that while fiscal accountability has been and remains a priority, the state has several other issues to address.

Zullo noted, “I also recognize that being a good leader requires more than just addressing the state’s financial needs. That’s why I’ve co-sponsored initiatives creating a task force to reduce student loan debt, expanding eligibility for property tax relief for senior citizens, creating a working group to expand tax relief for veterans, and creating a pilot program to expand resources to battle the opioid epidemic.”

Zullo concluded, “Once again, I want to thank the East Haven Republican Town Committee, and the people of East Haven, for the privilege to serve and for their continued support. If re-elected, I’ll not only continue to be the strong voice East Haven needs in Hartford, but I’ll continue to be a compassionate, accessible, and responsible resource for our residents here in our community.”

For more information, visit www.joezullo.com or email zullo2022@joezullo.com.