Marek Kozikowski shares with Patch why he should be elected to the 14th State House District seat, representing South Windsor.
SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024, is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Connecticut.
Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the state and town.
Candidate’s Name: Marek Kozikowski
What office are you seeking? State Representative
District: 14th House District
Campaign website
What city or town do you live in? South Windsor
Party affiliation: United Community Party
Education: Masters in Public Administration, UConn. MA in Economics, UConn. BA in Economics & Geography, UConn.
Occupation: City Planner (19 years)
Family: Wife Kristen, Children Samantha (14), Elaina (12), Nora (11), Colin (8)
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? N/A
Previous public office, appointive or elective: South Windsor Town Council (2021-2023); South Windsor Board of Education (2019-2021)
Age: 41
Why are you seeking this office?
Serving my community is a core goal in my life. I want service the community the best I can using the skills, education, and experience I've acquired. In this position, I can use my ability to communicate effectively, my negotiating skills, and understanding of government operations to help put South Windsor in a better position in a changing world.
What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?
The State of Connecticut is in a housing crisis where there is a lack of housing that is affordable across many income levels. I will bring forward and support legislation that creates incentives and empowers communities that can and can and want to create more housing units. I fight for local control over where and how much housing gets built.
There have been an alarming number of deaths on Connecticut's roadways. Is there anything from a legislative standpoint that can be done to address that?
Legislators should fund studies and construction projects that achieves a roadway system with zero traffic fatalities or serious injuries.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have worked as a professional and government official his entire career in planning and development. I understand what it takes to turn ideas into law and problems into solutions. As a third party legislator, I'm not bound to political agendas and ideologies of the major national parties. I can focus on developing practical solutions to real problems without using decisive politics. I leverage existing networks and seek partners in the general assembly and senate from communities with similar goals and needs as South Windsor.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Facilitated the purchase of 200 acres of open space for farming and natural resource protection. Developed local ordinances that supports local agriculture. Developed zoning regulations that created over $80million in economic development. Facilitated grants for open space preservation, accessibility to recreational trails, and roadway safety.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I'm running as a third party candidate because our leaders need the freedom to work for South Windsor and not a political party. I would be more effective working with other legislators from communities with similar challenges to South Windsor than being bound to party politics.