East Haven RTC 'Strongly Backs' Rep. Zullo’s 'Stand on Late-Night Tweed Maneuver '

Submitted by East Haven Republican Town Committee:

East Haven, CT – East Haven Republican Town Committee Chairman Eric Kropiwnicki today announced the Committee’s strong and unequivocal support for State Representative Joe Zullo’s decisive action at the State Capitol to block a late-night attempt to push Tweed Airport expansion language without transparency, accountability, or public input.

In what can only be described as an outrageous end-of-night maneuver, an amendment tied to the controversial Tweed Airport expansion framework was suddenly introduced onto House Bill 5452 just before 11 p.m.—after nearly 12 consecutive hours of legislative debate. The bill had no prior connection to Tweed, and the amendment itself had not gone through the proper committee process or afforded residents any opportunity to testify.

“This is exactly the kind of back-room politics that erodes public trust,” Chairman Kropiwnicki said. “At nearly 11 p.m., when lawmakers and the public are exhausted, an attempt was made to slip sweeping changes affecting East Haven into an unrelated bill. It is unacceptable, and our community deserves far better.”

“Rep. Zullo did exactly what leadership looks like in that moment,” Kropiwnicki continued. “He stood his ground, demanded a full, line-by-line review, and made it clear he would not allow East Haven to be steamrolled. Because of his resolve, the majority leader was forced to back down and skip the bill rather than ram it through.”

Chairman Kropiwnicki emphasized that the Tweed expansion carries serious consequences for East Haven residents, including increased traffic congestion, aircraft noise, environmental concerns involving wetlands and flooding, and long-term land use impacts that cannot be ignored.

“East Haven is not a dumping ground for backroom deals,” Kropiwnicki stated. “Our residents have a right to be heard, to understand what is being proposed, and to have a real voice in decisions that will affect their quality of life for decades. The idea that this could be pushed through under the cover of night is not just wrong—it’s offensive.”

“This is about protecting our town,” he added. “East Haven deserves transparency, respect, and a fair process—not political gamesmanship. Rep. Zullo has proven once again that he is our voice when it matters most, and make no mistake—he is our man at the Capitol when it comes to standing up for East Haven.”

The East Haven Republican Town Committee will continue to stand firmly with Rep. Zullo and fight to ensure that any Tweed-related legislation is handled openly, honestly, and with full public participation.