Zupkus Selected as a MADD “Legislator of Year”, Kicks Off Awarness Campaign

CHESHIRE — State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus has been selected as a “legislator of the year” by the national office of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and today she joined representatives from the organization’s statewide chapter as well as local law enforcement officials to kick off the 28th annual Tie One On for Safety holiday Red Ribbon awareness campaign.

Richard Chevrolet hosted the event for the second year in a row, and Zupkus, who serves the 89th House District, described briefly the devastating impact a drunken driver had on the life of a close friend. She encouraged people to plan ahead for a designated non-drinking driver if they’re planning to drink this holiday season.

Zupkus on Thursday was among 81 legislators nationwide who received “legislator of the year” honors for their contribution to eliminate drunken driving, advance the rights of drunken driving victims, and preventing underage drinking.

“MADD graciously thanks these lawmakers who authored and helped advance legislation central to MADD’s mission of eliminating drunk driving, serving victims and preventing underage drinking,” said MADD National President Jan Withers. “To these lawmakers who worked tirelessly to protect our families from drunk drivers and to help protect our young people from underage drinking, we are forever grateful.”

The Tie One On for Safety awareness campaign launched Thursday urges drivers to display a red ribbon on their cars as a reminder to plan ahead for a designated non-drinking driver, and in support of law enforcement crackdown efforts.

Cheshire Police Chief Neil Dryfe, at Richard Chevrolet, said his officers would continue their vigorous work to combat drunken driving. Town Manager Michael Milone described a state grant that would help law enforcement in that fight.

Zupkus and Adinfoli were recently honored as “Community Champions” by MADD Connecticut for their efforts to strengthen intoxicated driving laws and for raising awareness to MADD campaigns to promote safe and sober driving.

The communities of Cheshire, Hamden and North Haven have teamed in the fight to combat drunken driving, and first selectmen of North Haven, Michael Freda, said officers in his town also have a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to intoxicated drivers. The second annual Tri-Town 5K fun family walk that raises funds to support MADD’s mission will be held March 28. For information, click here or call MADD at 203-764-2566.

This year’s TriTown walk is dedicated in the memory of Michael Albert.