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STAMFORD, Conn. – The Daily Voice sent five questions to each of the candidates running for statewide office this fall. The following responses are from Nicola Tarzia, a Republican running for state representative in the 147th District, which includes Stamford and Darien.
Tarzia, 49, is owner of the Tarzia Group. He previously served as vice president of the Stamford Board of Education. He is a co-founder of Darien Business Networking International, a member of the board of the Stamford Public Education Foundation, a member of the Wright Tech Citizens Advisory Committee, a former commissioner of the Stamford Sewer and Water Commission and a member of Stamford BNI.
The lifelong Stamford resident counts running, health and physical fitness, computers and technology and reading among his hobbies. He is challenging Democratic incumbent William Tong. Daily Voice: What are the biggest issues facing the 147th District?
Tarzia: Fostering economic development, balancing the budget and curtail spending; modifying educational cost spending formula so Stamford and Darien receive their fair share of state education funding; insuring the excess cost reimbursement for special education, a safety net for all Connecticut schools is fully funded; modifying the states affordable housing land use appeals procedure. DV: What would you do different than the current office-holder?
Tarzia: I would bring a new perspective to Hartford; that perspective is blue collar and of a small business owner, focusing on job creation in new emerging fields of green and new technologies. I would be available for constituents 24/7; being fully dedicated to this job, which the current office holder could not say. I am not looking at this job as a stepping stone to other jobs and missing significant legislative time while pursuing those jobs. DV: Is Connecticut going in the right or wrong direction?
Tarzia: No, Connecticut is not going in the right direction. Currently, Connecticut is ranked 45th in the country for business-friendly environment and places to retire. It's ranked 50th in the country for its financial position and our government is controlled by a majority party that could use some new faces to help change the discussion. DV: What would you do to involve your constituents in your decision-making process?
Tarzia: As I have to be available at all times day and evening for my clients in my business, I will carry that same philosophy into my job as state representative, should I be elected. Please do not hesitate to call or email me at (203) 322-1900 or email at ntarz@tarziagroup.com. Other things I will do include giving capital updates at community meetings and events.
DV: Why should people vote for you?
Tarzia: I have a long history serving the community with various boards and organizations. I have vested a tremendous amount of interest into our education system, environmental issues and business infrastructure. I work across party lines to find common ground and real solutions. I am a person of action. I would like to continue to do serve the community by representing you well in Hartford.
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