Election Questionnaire for Tony Emilio, House District 50
In your opinion, what are some of the most important issues facing the 50th District, and Eastford specifically?
“For Eastford and the 50th District, the most important issues are affordability, local control, strong schools, reliable infrastructure, and public safety. Families, seniors, and small businesses are feeling the pressure of high taxes, rising energy costs, and the overall cost of living. I will support responsible state budgeting, oppose unfunded mandates, and fight to keep more money in Connecticut residents’ pockets. Eastford’s rural character is one of its greatest strengths. Hartford must respect decisions made by local residents and town leaders—not impose one-size-fits-all policies. I will advocate for dependable school funding, safe roads and bridges, expanded rural broadband, and support for first responders. Most importantly, I will bring a thoughtful, respectful Republican voice to Hartford — focused on practical solutions, accountable government, and stronger communities for every family in our district.”
How do you hope to tackle these issues if elected to the House of Representatives?
“If elected, I will approach these challenges with the same practical, business-minded discipline I have brought to my work and service in Pomfret. I will listen first — to families, local officials, educators, first responders, and small-business owners — then work across the aisle when it produces real results for our communities. I will fight to control state spending, reduce unfunded mandates, and protect taxpayers from policies that drive up property taxes and energy costs. I will advocate for strong local schools, safe roads and bridges, rural broadband, and dependable support for public safety. The 50th District deserves a representative who is accessible, prepared, and focused on solutions — not partisan talking points. I will bring a respectful Republican voice to Hartford and work every day to make Connecticut more affordable, accountable, and better for the families who call our communities home.”
Why did you decide to run for election to the House of Representatives?
“I ran in the Republican primary because I believe our district — and Connecticut — deserved leadership rooted in respect, integrity, and common sense. I was honored to earn 80 percent of the vote, sending a clear message that hate and divisiveness have no place in our party or our state. My experience in finance, as a business owner, and through years of involvement in Pomfret civic life has prepared me to serve effectively in the House of Representatives. Serving in various town positions has shown me how state and local decisions affect families, small businesses, taxpayers, and our communities. I will bring a thoughtful, practical Republican voice to the State House — focused on fiscal responsibility, accountable government, stronger communities, and respectful leadership. I look forward to working hard for every community in our district and earning the opportunity to represent you.”
Talk about your background. What makes you stand out as the best choice for State Representative?
“I am a longtime Pomfret resident, small-business owner, and former insurance executive who understands the challenges families and employers face when costs rise and government becomes less accountable. My background in finance and business has taught me to make responsible decisions, balance priorities, and respect every taxpayer dollar. I have also served our community as a former Pomfret selectman and Board of Finance member. That experience gave me a firsthand understanding of local budgets, public safety, schools, infrastructure, and the impact that Hartford’s decisions have on small towns. What sets me apart is a record of local service combined with real-world business experience. I will bring a practical, respectful Republican voice to the State House — one that listens, works across differences when it benefits our district, and stands up for affordability, local control, and accountable government.”
Can you share a personal story or experience that highlights your commitment to public service?
“I have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to public service through leadership roles that strengthen my local community, expand educational opportunity, and support essential institutions. In Pomfret, I have served on local boards and commissions and chaired the Pomfret Fire building addition, helping support an important investment in public safety and community infrastructure. That work reflects my belief that effective public service often happens close to home — listening to residents, planning responsibly, and helping ensure the community has the facilities and services it needs. I have also supported healthcare access and community well-being through Day Kimball Hospital, where I served as chairman of the Development Committee. In that role, I helped advance philanthropic efforts that support the hospital’s ability to provide high-quality care to the people and families who depend on it. I value the opportunity to contribute to an institution so central to the region’s health and resilience. Education has been another major focus of my service. I participated in early scholarship committees and later chaired the Rhode Island AGC Education Committee. One of the most meaningful accomplishments of that work was helping develop the first college-credit course in construction management. The goal was not only to prepare students for careers in a vital industry, but also to create a clearer pathway from education into skilled, meaningful employment. Taken together, these experiences have reinforced my commitment to public service as practical, collaborative work — supporting public safety, healthcare, and education while helping create opportunities that benefit the broader community.”
What is the most important thing you would say to an undecided voter heading to the polls on Nov. 3?
“The most important thing I would say is this — your vote should be about who will work hardest for your family, your town, and the future of our district. I am running to bring practical experience, respectful leadership, and common-sense solutions to Hartford. I understand that families are concerned about taxes, energy costs, schools, roads, and whether state government is listening to rural communities like ours. I will be an accessible representative who listens to every resident — Republican, Democrat, and unaffiliated — and puts the needs of the 50th District ahead of political gamesmanship. My commitment is simple — protect taxpayers, defend local control, support safe and strong communities, and make Connecticut a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. On November 3, I respectfully ask for the opportunity to earn your trust and your vote.”
THE LIGHTNING ROUND
1. Coffee or tea? Coffee
2. Early bird or night owl? Night owl
3. What’s your favorite restaurant in the 50th District? Pizza 101
4. What song do you always turn up when it comes on? “Happy,” by Pharrell Williams, or any Beatles song
5. What was your favorite subject in school? Animal science
6. What’s one TV show you could watch over and over? Seinfeld
7. If you suddenly had a completely free Saturday, how would you spend it? Playing with my grandson or playing with my dogs
8. What’s one thing you’re surprisingly good at? Any hidden talents? I’m good at demolition; my hidden talent is photography
9. What’s your favorite local place to visit? My pond
10. Finish this sentence: “People might be surprised to learn that I…” Have traveled extensively to many countries through both my professional work and my involvement in dog events. Those experiences have given me a valuable perspective on how people from different cultures, backgrounds, and political systems approach common challenges. Whether meeting business colleagues, participating in international events, or simply spending time in unfamiliar communities, I have learned that people often share far more in common than public debate may suggest. These experiences have shaped my political outlook. I believe public officials should approach differences with civility rather than division, seek practical solutions rather than ideological conflict, and recognize that our community’s success is connected to a wider world. My travels have made me more appreciative of the freedoms, institutions, and civic traditions we have at home, while also reminding me that we can always learn from others.