Patch Candidate Profiles 2022: Tammy Nuccio, 53rd House District

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

Tammy Nuccio, a Tolland resident, is running for State Representative 53rd District

Campaign website

https://www.nuccio4ct.com

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

Associates of Account, Bachelors of Business Management, Masters of Business Administration

Occupation

Senior Financial Analyst - 30+ years in Finance

Family

My husband Mark and I were high school sweethearts and have been together for 37 years. He is my rock and best friend. Together, we have three amazing daughters, Alexandria - 28, Sarah - 25, and Cassidy - 23 who are doing their best to change the world. They are our pride and joy!

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

51

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Tolland Town Council - since 2017, State Representative of the 53rd district since 2020

Why are you seeking this office?

To help my residents and try and make this state more affordable for everyone. For the last five years on the Tolland Town Council and the last two as your State Representative I've looked for ways to help my residents be safe, secure and financially stable.

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

Affordability. Inflation is impacting every, some more so than others. Heating season is just starting and people are concerned they’re not going to be able to heat their homes and buy food. People are calling me with concerns about meeting their basic essential needs of food, shelter and clothing. This is what we need to be focusing on right now, this is the major concern of our residents. So affordability is my issue.

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

Well, my campaign is about what I intend to do in the next session. Nothing more, nothing less - no lies, no misinformation. It's what I'm hearing from constituents on all political sides - including the unaffiliated and the disenfranchised voters. My platform is bringing their voice forward and pledging to advocate for them in Hartford. The difference is, have a public voting record to stand on. I have no need to attack or berate anyone.

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

n/a

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

My three major issues are: affordability of the state - both personally and as a business, accessibility and affordability of healthcare, protecting individual rights and freedoms.

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

As a freshman legislator I was able to get legislation passed on healthcare accessibility and affordability, the largest mental health bill the state has ever passed, I was able to secure funding for my towns in excess of a million dollars and was able to work across the aisle and with the Governors office on workforce initiative issues and many others including crumbling foundations and other issues important to my district. I'm just getting started.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"If you've got people on both sides of the aisle mad at you, you're probably doing something right." I'm here for the people, not just a party. I have no problem casting my vote for what is right for my residents, regardless of who may or may not like it.

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

I am a "New England Republican". I'm a fiscal conservative who will always look to have a small government that is less intrusive on your life. I believe in transparency and that you're smart enough to "understand" what's going on and your opinion is valid. I believe in individual liberties and will always protect your ability to "govern" yourself. I believe in equal rights for everyone. I believe we can disagree without attacking or lying about people. I also believe my vote is one of 25,000. I have a heavy responsibility to cast my vote for the betterment of my 25,000 people, even if I don't believe the same. My beliefs do not override the needs of my residents.