BERLIN — State Rep. Jack Fazzino of the 83rd House District was honored by elected officials in Berlin during his last meeting on the Town Council, Jan. 17.
Mayor Mark Kaczynski presented Fazzino with a proclamation recognizing his service. “Congrats on moving up, Jack, and we’re sorry to see you go,” Kaczynski said.
Also, during the Jan. 17 council meeting, Fazzino nominated fellow Democrat Donna Risolo to fill his seat on the council. Risolo was unanimously voted in by the body.
“It’s been an honor to serve my hometown in local government,” Fazzino said. “I will definitely miss the daily work of Town Hall, and I’m grateful that the voters of Berlin entrusted me with the opportunity to make a difference. I have every confidence that Councilor Donna Risolo will offer a thoughtful, fresh perspective on the Town Council.”
As a councilor, Fazzino worked with other Berlin officials on developing and implementing a $96 million municipal budget for fiscal year 2023. He also assisted with planning large-scale town projects, which included appropriating more than $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds toward historic HVAC improvements at one of Berlin’s elementary schools.
Fazzino was also part of the planning and development of Berlin’s five-year Affordable Housing Plan, which prioritized expanding housing opportunities for young families and senior citizens and investing in transit-oriented development.
A lifelong Berlin resident and practicing attorney, Fazzino was first elected to the Town Council in November 2021. One year later, voters of the 83rd district elected him to represent parts of Berlin, Cheshire and Meriden.
On Jan. 4, Fazzino was sworn in at the State Capitol. “I am humbled that I get to represent the residents of the 83rd District because this community is my home, and there isn't anything I wouldn't do for it," Fazzino said at the swearing-in. "I will take a constituent-centered approach to represent the 83rd because that's the most important thing when you're elected to office, you're elected to represent everybody, and I understand and embrace that."
Fazzino will serve as vice chair of the Commerce Committee and as a member of the General Law and Public Safety and Security committees for the 2023 legislative session. He also was appointed as an assistant majority leader.
As for Berlin, Fazzino said he would continue to work alongside Town Manager Arosha Jayawickrema, Kaczynski, Berlin’s state delegation, and other town officials.
“We must continue supporting our strong school system, building our small business base, and uplifting our growing senior community,” Fazzino said. “Progress is a team effort. It will take each and every one of us to keep our town moving forward.”