Zupkus, Harrigan to contend for 89th District

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After running unopposed in 2016, Republican incumbent state Rep. Lezlye Zupkus will face a challenge from Democrat Anne Harrigan in the 89th House District in the November election.

Zupkus is running for her fourth consecutive term representing the 89th House District, which covers Prospect, Bethany and a part of Cheshire.

Zupkus, a 51-year-old Prospect resident, said she’s running again because she believes this election is crucial to the state’s future. She said Democrats have controlled the legislature for 38 out of the past 40 years, and the state has seen two large tax increases recently.

“The time is now to change the leadership in Hartford,” Zupkus said.

Zupkus added, “If the voters do not change leadership we will see tax increases.”

Zupkus said she’s honored to receive the nomination again and wants to continue to serve her constituents.

“I am grateful for the people that have put me in Hartford to speak for them and fight on their behalf,” Zupkus said.

Zupkus said she wants to work to ensure Connecticut is a state people and businesses want to stay in.

“We are a gorgeous state. There is so much we have to offer. However, people are leaving and companies are leaving,” Zupkus said.

Harrigan, a 57-year-old Cheshire resident, said she decided to run because she felt the government wasn’t providing for people the way it should.

“In a democracy we are governed by the people and for the people,” Harrigan said. “More and more I was feeling our government was leaving our most vulnerable people behind. So, I said I can do something about that.”

Harrigan, who works as an adjunct professor at Quinnipiac University, said she has seen the impact state government has had on children during her three years as a member of Cheshire’s Board of Education.

“In the past couple years, the state’s budget definitely has greatly affected the people. It comes down to the municipal level and the funding for our schools,” Harrigan said.

Harrigan added she wasn’t happy that Zupkus ran unopposed in 2016.

“It is going to be tough, but I am looking forward to the debate and talking about the issues,” Harrigan said.