See the text of Rep JP Sredzinski’s resignation letter in separate coverage at newtownbee.com.

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal along with other local officials and members of Newtown’s state legislative delegation is reacting to the news released February 17 that State Rep JP Sredzinski (R-112) had resigned from office to devote more attention to his family and career.

His district encompasses several neighborhoods in southern Newtown, as well as all of Monroe.

Sredzinski, who first took office in January of 2015, ran unopposed in his last two bids for reelection. He most recently served on the General Assembly’s Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee and the Human Services Committee, and was the ranking member on the assembly’s Public Safety and Security Committee.

He notified the secretary of the state, The Newtown Bee, and his constituents in a letter Wednesday. Upon receipt of the resignation, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill announced that under state law, the governor has ten days to issue a writ of election to choose a successor in the 112th House District.

That special election must be held on the 46th day after the issuance of the writ of election. Major party conventions must take place by 36 days before the special election.

Ahead of his reelection last fall, Sredzinski appeared in a virtual candidate forum with The Newtown Bee, during which he reflected on his ability and willingness to work in bipartisan fashion with Democratic colleagues. The respect, admiration, and appreciation for his bipartisanship and more were shared by many of those he worked with closely.

'Straightforward Approach'

In reacting to the news, Rosenthal said he always appreciated Sredzinski’s “kind, thoughtful, and straightforward approach.”

“JP has served Newtown and his hometown, Monroe, well over the past six years, and I have greatly appreciated his friendship and the opportunity to work with him,” the first selectman said. “I am also fortunate to know JP’s wonderful family and I am happy for them.”

Newtown State Rep Mitch Bolinsky spent a lot of time with his colleague from Monroe at the statehouse and at many events and activities in Newtown during their period of elected service together.

“JP is a friend and a genuinely nice, caring young man,” Bolinsky said. “I will miss him personally, as a colleague, and as a partner in the legislature [and] wish him all the best in his family and professional lives.”

Bolinsky said when he and Sredzinski spoke about his leaving, it was clear that his decision was a tough one — but made for the right reasons.

“Ultimately, he chose to prioritize his family life, and I can think of no better choice,” Bolinsky said, noting that his former colleague had recently earned a big promotion and with it, expanded responsibilities.

“He has a lot on his plate. Most people do not know that Connecticut’s legislature is actually set up to be part time; yet to do justice to the job, especially the critical needs of constituents, caring folks like JP are on call 24/7/365. At times, serving in this capacity makes it difficult to balance family and career,” Bolinsky observed.

Despite this, Bolinsky said, “JP did a great job serving the people of Newtown, Monroe, and our state with kindness and distinction.”

“I’ll always know JP for his quick smile and compassion and hope we’ll remain friends,” Bolinsky added.

Strong Newtown Advocate

Former First Selectman Pat Llodra worked closely with Sredzinski for more than five years, and during that time, she saw him serving, “admirably and well as a member of the House, representing Monroe and a slice of Newtown.”

“JP was a strong advocate for our communities,” Llodra recalled. “His calm, measured, personable approach enabled him to navigate some thorny issues around municipal funding, school support, emergency management services, and more.”

Llodra said she especially remembered JP providing compelling and professional insights into the local and state discussions about consolidating dispatch services across smaller municipalities.

“He showed great skill as a listener, as a compromiser, and as a leader,” Llodra said. “JP did well by Monroe and Newtown — and now I wish him equally well as he concentrates on family and career.”

Rep Raghib Allie-Brennan, whose 2nd District covers several western areas of Newtown, said despite party differences, he and his fellow delegation member were always focused on what was best for Newtown.

“Representative Sredzinski and I have worked together on issues to help Connecticut families,” Allie-Brennan said. “We’ve not always agreed with one another, but we’ve always been able to put our differences aside to do what’s best for our state. I thank JP for his career of public service and wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors.”

Overwhelming Responsibilities

State Senator Tony Hwang said he understands how the demands of work and family must take precedence even above service, and that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic made those challenges a precarious balancing act for his fellow lawmaker.

“I have to say I was not surprised by the news,” Hwang said. “COVID has changed so much of the dynamic of people’s perspectives. And the job of a state legislator, with the workload and responsibility each of us have, can be at times overwhelming.”

Hwang spoke of the sacrifices Sredzinski made and his appreciation of the fact that the former lawmaker is taking the opportunity to turn his energies toward his young family and work. Last September 11, Sredzinski, a public safety dispatch supervisor for the town of Stratford, was promoted to dispatch superintendent.

Reflecting on the resignation letter, Hwang agreed that “politics have changed.”

“JP talks about the sometimes ugliness of politics, the divisiveness, the deception, and lack of transparency,” Hwang said. “The people we served together deserve better. As he said [in his resignation letter], with a little more humbleness, we could all be a lot more successful. We shared a common passion — to represent and work hard, and I’m glad we had the honor and privilege of representing Newtown and Sandy Hook together.”

Newtown Legislative Councilman Ryan Knapp worked closely with Sredzinski, occasionally testifying in Hartford beside him. Knapp described the former legislator as “a tireless advocate for Newtown and our interests.

“JP has always worked to bring our community’s concerns forward in Hartford,” Knapp said. The local councilman pointed to protecting Newtown’s education funding and addressing the mandates that increase local costs for projects such as cleaning up Fairfield Hills.

“[These] are two issues I have testified on; and each time, Rep Sredzinski was by my side in support of Newtown. I am grateful that those comments were heard and acted on favorably in both instances, speaking to his effectiveness as a legislator,” Knapp recalled.

Knapp acknowledged that being a state representative is a part-time job with a full-time workload.

“And JP balanced his service with his professional career admirably,” he said. “I wish him all the best and am grateful for his service, his support, and his friendship.”