Get to Know a Candidate: Leslye Zupkus, Republican for 89th

• Name: Lezlye Zupkus
• Political Affiliation: Republican
• Hometown: Prospect
• Education: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona, FL

Zupkus, originally from Mississippi, moved to Prospect in 1993. She has served as Director of Development and Volunteer Services for Special Olympics CT, and as Director of Development for St. Mary's Hospital Foundation. Additionally, she has worked as an account coordinator for Clinique, Inc. and District Sales Manager for Jaci Carroll Staffing Services.

Zupkus is challenging Vickie Nardello for the 89th assembly district, including Bethany, Cheshire and Prospect.

On Small Business in Connecticut:

"We're voted the most unfriendly state to do business in. We need to encourage companies to stay and to have companies come in, especially our small businesses. The mandate of paid sick leave -- we're the only state that has that. So for companies that have 52 employees, they're going to lay off three people. So we need to make it where our companies can grow, create jobs and people can be prosperous."

Why She's Running:

"I've been approached for years to run, and I'm the kind of person who believes, if you don't vote, don't complain. I get passionate, and who am I to sit back and not do anything? That's why I'm running, and I think people all feel the same way. The path the state is on needs to change. I've been to over 5,000 houses and listening to people, they're hurting. They need jobs. They're overburdened in taxes. The time has come where we need to change the path our state is on. And I honestly believe it's that whole common sense thing."