Witkos Selected as State Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore [Canton Compass]
November 6, 2014State Sen. Kevin Witkos (R-8) has been selected to serve as Senate’s minority leader pro tempore.
He was appointed to the position by Len Fasano, R-North Haven, who was chosen by Senate Republicans to serve as Senate Minority Leader. Fasano succeeds Sen. John McKinney, R-Fairfield, who did not seek re-election.
The position essentially means Witkos is second in command for senate Republicans. The role will involve active dialogue with his own party and Senate Democratic leaders on setting the calendar, listing priorities, negotiating and communicating when the party can agree on issues and when it doesn’t. He would also serve as leader in Fasano’s absence.
Witkos is now in his fourth state senate term and served as a three-term representative for Canton and Avon. He worked in law enforcement for 28 years before retiring as a sergeant with the Canton police Department. In 2012, he joined the Community Relations division of Northeast Utilities and he and wife Esther are the owner/operators of Wilson’s Pub in Collinsville.
Witkos said he was thankful for the appointment and said he feels his party recognizes his work at the capital as well as the perspectives he can offer, having served in both the private and public sectors.
“It was an honor,” Witkos said of the appointment. “I think he recognizes by the various views I have.”
On Tuesday, Witkos won re-election against his Democratic challenger Melissa Osborne.
Statewide, the governor’s race and many others were heated but Witkos said he feels the parties will now work together for the state.
“At the end of the day, we’re going to do our best for the state of Connecticut,” he said.