Sen. Witkos Defines Plans for New Leadership Role

November 7, 2014

Hartford – Today, State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) defined his plans for the next legislative session as a new leader in the Senate Republican Caucus. Senator Witkos was chosen by the newly elected Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano (R-34) to fill the role of Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore. As a newly appointed deputy leader, Senator Witkos will help bring attention to Republican priorities in the State Senate.

“I am truly honored by this opportunity to serve the Republican Caucus and the people of Connecticut as a leading voice for the GOP,” said Witkos. “As Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore I plan to prioritize the needs of Connecticut families and children and will focus on protecting our environment. I look forward to a productive two years crafting legislation aimed at making Connecticut a better place to live, work and raise a family.

“I plan to put families first and fight for policies that will reduce the burdens people face across the state. I believe we must improve our tax structure and create a business friendly environment to foster job growth. Every family needs to be given an opportunity to find success and thrive. Strengthening our economy and reducing unemployment is vital to this goal.

“Our children deserve to grow up in a state where they have access to the best education, affordable quality healthcare, a beautiful and clean environment, and unlimited opportunities for their future. As Minority Leader Pro Tempore, my agenda focuses on transforming Connecticut into the state our children deserve,” said Witkos.

Senator Witkos was elected to serve his fourth term in the State Senate this November. Prior to being elected to the State Senate, Senator Witkos served six years in the State House of Representatives. Senator Witkos is also a former Canton Police Department sergeant who now works in the Community Relations division of Northeast Utilities and owns Wilson’s Pub, a restaurant in the Collinsville section of Canton.

In addition to his 28 year career in law enforcement, Witkos has a long history of community involvement. He has served as Vice Chairman of the Canton Board of Education, as Chief of the Canton Volunteer Fire Department, as the Capitol Area Substance Abuse Council Representative, and as past President of the Local Chapter of AFSCME Council #15.

Witkos previously served as Deputy Minority Leader Pro Tempore for the Senate Republicans. He is also the current Caucus Chairman for Outreach of the Senate Republican Caucus, Ranking Member on the General Assembly’s General Law Committee and Internship Committee, and a member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee and Public Safety and Security Committee.

Senator Witkos received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and his Associate’s from Tunxis Community College. Senator Witkos is also a graduate of the Connecticut Municipal Police Academy and the New England Institute of Law Enforcement Management at the University of Massachusetts.

Senator Witkos lives in Canton with his wife Esther and their two children, Kyra and KC. He represents the 8th Senate District, which includes the communities of Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Granby, Hartland, Harwinton, New Hartford, Norfolk, Simsbury and Torrington.