The following is an open letter from State Rep. Tony Scott, R-112th, to the residents of the district:

I am excited to announce my candidacy for a third term in Connecticut’s General Assembly representing the 112^thDistrict.  I take a lot of pride representing all my constituents in Monroe, Easton and Trumbull and look forward to doing so for another two years. Most importantly, with all the candidate paperwork and fundraising completed, and the session just starting last week, I can now turn my total focus on what the people sent me to Hartford to do … be their voice!

My goals this term, and if I get reelected, will be the same. Firstly, I want to be mindful of the over taxation that continues to keep happening in Connecticut to both businesses and individuals. I was able to support Governor Lamont’s budget last year because it had no tax increases and in fact a tax decrease for some. Along those lines, I will also be fighting against unfunded mandates that continue to hamper all municipalities. Those dollars have to come from somewhere and mostly come from your property taxes that in part go up every year due to these hidden costs to towns.

Last year, I was once again recognized by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) as having a 100-percent voting record on pro-business legislation, as well as preventing job-killing taxes and voting against harmful mandates.

Secondly, as the Ranking Member on the Housing Committee, I was able to work in a bipartisan fashion to support more funding to address Homelessness in Connecticut. Sadly, numbers have risen the last two years and we need to make sure we are doing everything we can to support those that are most vulnerable during the harsh wintertime.

On the other hand, I have vigorously fought against many in the majority party who blatantly want to strip local control for zoning decisions in the district. Most Democrats in Hartford feel they know what’s better for our towns, but we elect members to the Planning & Zoning Commissions and we should allow them to make those decisions.

Lastly, there will be many hot topics we will face this upcoming session, but one in particular is a direct attack on personal choice of all residents of Connecticut. The EV (Electric Vehicle) mandate that by 2035 all new car purchases must be electric or plug-in hybrid is preposterous. Our grid is nowhere close to being ready to be able to handle that new demand and there are not even 10% enough charging stations throughout the state.

Taking away the freedom of consumer choice should be eye opening to everyone. In full transparency, I personally own a 100-percent electric vehicle, but that is my choice as it is a really cool and fun car to drive. I would never vote to mandate everyone in the state to do what I did by choice. I will be an absolute NO if this bill ever makes it out of committee and to the House floor for a vote.

During the past year, I have enjoyed meeting and working with folks from the new part of my district in Easton and Trumbull. I have worked closely with the elected leaders there and in Monroe to help bring millions of additional funding via grants, bonding, etc. directly home to the 112^th District.

Some recent projects that I helped get funding for were: $500,000 STEAP grant for Monroe’s animal control facility, $500,000 in bonding for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Trumbull, $396,000 to replace septic system at Easton’s EMS facility and $35,000 for two local charities that help the homeless.

I am fully invested in the 112^th District as I have lived here for over 16 years, started a family and have kids in the public schools.  I care deeply to make sure we take the right path to make everyone prosperous and want to stay here for many years to come. Thank you for your continuing support and I ask for your help again in the race ahead!

For information on the Tony Scott for State Rep campaign, visit TonyScottforStateRep.com or reach out at [email protected].