Biography
Melissa Ziobron is a lifelong resident of the District with an extensive record of community service. She was Assistant Minority Leader and Ranking Member of the legislature’s influential Appropriations Committee. In 2017 she was reappointed to the Environment Committee and newly appointed to the General Law Committee. In 2017 she was named a State Park Champion by Connecticut League of Conservation Voters and Legislator of the Year by Connecticut Citizens Defense League. In 2018 she received the Excellence in Land Conservation award from the Connecticut Land Conservation Council. She previously served on the legislature’s Public Health and Children’s Committee.
Q1: What is the biggest problem facing the state, why is it the biggest problem, and what would you do to help solve it?
We have several problems, but our large budget deficits — built over decades of mismanagement — is chief among them. This is an end result brought on by mainly by not funding pension payments. We also have a stagnant state economy, fueled by uncertainty in the legislature’s ability to live within its means and an atmosphere of extreme partisanship that makes collaboration difficult.
We need to work towards a model that changes the way we budget at the Capitol. Democrats have been content to develop a spending package without consideration of revenue. Reorganizing the budget process should be a priority; waiting to vote on a budget until the last few days of session is unacceptable. A Ways and Means Committee would be a possible solution that could be immediately implemented.
Q2: What do you think of our leadership in Washington?
I voted for and support our President.
Q3: What policies or infrastructure do you support at the state level for fostering or managing growth in your district?
I have intimate knowledge of this district because I have lived here all my life. I think environmental conservation is vitally important. Our state and local municipalities have done great work in protecting open space, the lower Connecticut River valley and the shoreline.
More broadly, I think our region of the state should continue investing and promoting tourism, as this sort of commerce supports thousands of business across the 33rd district. The state should do as much as it can to support and bolster small business, particularly light manufacturing, regional farming and cottage foods. I helped bring a new Cottage Food law into effect this year, which will be a benefit for small food based entrepreneurs.
Q4: Why are you running for this position?
I love our state and am dedicated to public service. As A moderate Republican, I feel parity in representation is the key to working our way our of the current state of affairs in Hartford.