Republican Dave Yaccarino is seeking reelection as the state representative for the 87th General Assembly District, a position he has served in for the past 10 years. Yaccarino, a lifelong North Haven resident, has three adult children, David, Joseph, and Carolyn.

“I wish to continue representing our town because it’s where I grew up, raised my family, and where I have owned my business for nearly 30 years,” said Yaccarino, who has owned DJ’s Cards and Comics for 23 years. “Over the last 10 years I have constantly put the people of North Haven first. I help everyone with their state or town needs regardless of party affiliation or where we stand on the issues.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Yaccarino has seen his constituents face many issues in addition to the health risks, such as increased unemployment, food and housing insecurity, difficulty educating children safely and effectively, and the struggles facing local businesses trying to remain solvent.

“All these sectors are struggling all at once and it is imperative to me to use my experience to work as hard as possible to assist all of us navigating this uncertain world,” said Yaccarino. “It is incredibly important to me to continue the fight for the needs of our community, whether it is problems with healthcare, COVID-related unemployment, or education issues, to protect our public safety, and our seniors.”

Beyond COVID, Yaccarino plans to continue to work on building the bioscience sector in the state. As the co-chair of the bi-partisan bioscience caucus, he noted that this industry brings many high-paying jobs with healthcare benefits to the state. He also plans to focus on the state budget, “sensible spending,” and helping with the efforts to implement the vaccine for COVID.

Yaccarino will also be sure that North Haven is getting “our proper share” of state education dollars, noting that he has helped increase the town’s state education funding by nearly $1 million over the past 10 years.

In addition to serving as the state representative and running his business, Yaccarino also gives back to the community in a variety of ways. He is a member of the North Haven Republican Town Committee and has volunteered for the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, the Columbus House for Homeless Veterans, multiple food and clothing drives, PPE distribution, reading sessions at the elementary schools, and civic discussion sessions with high school seniors.

Yaccarino has also served as a 16-year volunteer for the boy scouts and was the co-founder of Boy Scout Troop 811. He coached Max Sinoway baseball and North Haven girls softball. Yaccarino volunteered for Saint Francis Cabrini Church where he is a member of the mens club and worked as a youth group mentor.

“It is critical for everyone in our community to help one another wherever we can,” said Yaccarino. “I have a strong work ethic, a passion for my job, and I believe in being honest with my constituents. These values were taught to me from my parents and my time in the U.S. Naval Reserve.”

Yaccarino hopes to continue serving as state representative and is thankful for his support staff in Hartford as well as the “teamwork offered by” First Selectman Mike Freda, the Fire and Police departments, and the town’s boards and commissions.

“There is a lot of angst in our country and your town and state officials are working as hard as they can to get all of us through these times,” said Yaccarino. “I am proud of my three adult children who are all involved in local politics and give back to society. I am always available 24-7 to help you with your concerns and always put the needs of the wonderful people of North Haven first.”