Candidate Profile: Joseph P. Gresko, 121st House District

STRATFORD, 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.

Joseph P. Gresko, 58, of Stratford, is running for re-election to the House of Representatives in the 121st District to represent Stratford.

Campaign website

https://www.joegresko.com

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

BS CCSU Environmental Science

Occupation

Green Energy/Environment Coordinator 6 years

Family

Extended immediate family

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Stratford Town 5th Councilman 2015-2016

Why are you seeking this office?

To continue my work as State Representative, doing the best for Stratford.

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

Taxes. Continue to lower state taxes, like the legislature accomplished in 2022. We eliminated the state income tax on social security ($75K and lower), pensions and 401K's, restored the property tax credit on state income tax filings, suspended the state gas tax, increased the EITC, removed sales and use tax on our water bills

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

Experience, knowledge, results, public service, accessibility, involvement in Stratford community

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

As House Chair of the Environment Committee, I intend to continue working for clean air, clean water, combat climate change, resiliency, expanding Extended Product Responsibility (EPR) for discarded tires

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

Legislator of the Year from the Bridgeport Regional Business Council in 2019, from Connecticut Water Works in 2022. Endorsed by Stratford Firefighters Local 9988. Besides working on and voting for the state tax breaks from 2022, I've worked to modernize the bottle bill, protect women's reproductive/health rights, increase opportunities for residents to cast their ballot and secured funding for Stratford in the way of bonding for Sterling House, Shakespeare Theatre property and South End Community Center. Also assisted constituents with navigating through CoVid challenges.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen to your instincts

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

Born and raised in Stratford. I have the best interest of the town in mind while moving our state forward. I have the network, knowledge and skill to continue being the best State Representative for the 121st District