Politics & Government
Mr. Belsito Goes to Hartford
He resigns his council seat and takes the oath of office at the Capitol. The council is now awaiting a nominee to fill his local seat.
On Monday, Sam Belsito became a former Tolland Town Council member.
On Wednesday, he became state Rep. Sam Belsito.
Belsito took the oath of office and was sworn in to the General Assembly during a ceremony in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Meanwhile, local Republicans are saying they could have the now-vacant council seat filled by Tuesday's scheduled meeting.
The 53rd District seat in the state House of Representatives became vacant when Bryan Hurlburt resigned to take a federal agriculture position. The Republicans and Belsito captured the seat by winning a special election on June 11.
The 53rd Assembly District, covers most of Tolland, and Ashford and Willington.
“This state faces significant fiscal challenges ahead and I’m ready to hit the ground running,” Belsito said. “We need to reduce the tax burden, rein in out-of-control state spending and make Connecticut more business-friendly in order to drive the economy and restore jobs.”
Belsito officially resigned from the Town Council on Monday. In his letter of resignation, he said, "I want to thank all individuals who have helped me in my town council position. I also want to thank the citizens of Tolland for their support in my election."
Town Council Chairman Jack Scavone said Republican Town Committee Chairwoman Laura Roberts could have a nominee in place to fill the vacancy by Tuesday's scheduled council meeting. Belsito runs the Tux King clothier in Vernon.
Belsito said, “I plan to spend the next few weeks meeting with local families, employers and elected officials to better understand how I can work to make Ashford, Tolland and Willington safer and more affordable places to live. It’s a true honor to be serving these communities.”
Republicans now control 53 seats in the Connecticut House of Representatives, boosting the caucus membership to the highest it has been in nearly a decade.
Belsito is the first Republican in 40 years to represent the 53rd District – a seat once held by Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
