Patch Candidate Profiles 2022: Marek Kozikowski, 14th House District

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — The 2022 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers.

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Marek Kozikowski, a South Windsor resident, is running for the Connecticut General Assembly in the 14th District.

Campaign website

https://MarekKozikowski.com

Party affiliation

United Community

Education

Masters in Public Administration (MPA), UConn; MA in Economics, UConn; BA in Economics & Geography, UConn.

Occupation

City Planner; 17 years.

Family

Married with 4 children: 12, 10, 9 and 6 years old.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

39

Previous public office, appointive or elective

South Windsor Town Council (2021-Present)
South Windsor Board of Education (2019-2021)
South Windsor IWA/CC (2018-2019)

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for this office because I am devoted to serving my community in the largest capacity available to me. As a State Representative, I can leverage my professional experience working in government to best serve my community in South Windsor.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

the State government is passing one-size-fits-all laws for housing development across all towns, and I will fight for South Windsor to maintain local control on its future growth and development.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I provide nearly two decades of professional experience in the area of planning and economic development. I have countless experiences solving problems for both residents and business owners from my position working as a government official.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

The incumbent has been in this position for several years now, and it is time to bring a fresh perspective and new skillsets to the office.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

We are in an unprecedented time where there are so many federal and state grant opportunities available, and South Windsor is not taking advantage them. As State Representative, I will work to open up grant opportunities and solicit funding for projects in South Windsor that will result in improving the quality of life and lowering the tax burden of the residents.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have written and advocated for zoning changes to facilitate large economic development projects and transit oriented development in various communities I served as Town/City Planner.

I facilitated the purchase of over 200 acres of open space and farmland in Middletown while serving as City Planner.

I have written zoning regulations and ordinances to assist small businesses.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

There is always more work to do.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am dedicated to my family, my career, and my community. Everything I do is to make each of those somehow a little better.