Rep. Zawistowski Honored by Connecticut Council of Small Towns
Posted on February 19, 2020
SOUTHINGTON – State Representative Tami Zawistowski (R-61) was recently recognized by the Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST) as a “Town Crier” at their 2020 Town Meeting.
COST was founded in 1975 and is the only association exclusively dedicated to standing up for the state’s smaller towns. Any town with fewer than 35,00 residents is eligible to join the association, which currently represents the interests of 142 of Connecticut’s 169 municipalities.
The prestigious Town Crier award recognizes state legislators for their efforts in promoting the interests of small towns. This year, Rep. Zawistowski was recognized alongside Sen. Paul Formica, Sen. Christine Cohen, Rep. Cristin McCarthy-Vahey, and Rep. Gail Lavielle.
“I’m honored to be recognized by COST as a Town Crier,” said Rep. Zawistowski. “I’m proud to represent a district that includes two smaller towns. I have been focused on economic development issues to make sure residents have good opportunities even in our small towns. Additionally, I have fought hard to protect property tax payers by opposing unfunded mandates that increase costs for local governments and helping cut red tape for towns that want to share services. I will continue working towards these goals during the 2020 legislative session.”
According to the organization, Rep. Zawistowski was selected for the award based on her, “efforts as Ranking Member of the legislature’s Planning & Development Committee to address numerous issues, including efforts to address unfunded mandates, facilitate voluntary regional/shared service programs, and support changes in land use laws to promote economic development, such as Tax Increment Districts, Land Bank Authorities, and Arts & Cultural Districts.”
The Planning and Development Committee has cognizance of all matters concerning local governments and related state programs. The Ranking Member serves as the leader of the minority party in committee meetings.
In December 2019, Rep. Zawistowski was also recognized as “Legislator of the Year” by the state’s other municipal association, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM).
For more information about the Connecticut Council of Small Towns visit their website at www.ctcost.org.