72°
From semi-pro football player to representative-elect for the Connecticut General Assembly, Republican John Shaban has his sights set on one thing: fiscal responsibility.
"At the top of my agenda is to get state spending under control, stop incurring debt to fund operations and try to promote job creation," Shaban said. "Whether by force or by policy, we can't keep going in the direction we've been heading. Some may argue who actually caused the problem, but we've got to put the brakes on this crazy spending."[breakhere]
Shaban will replace longtime state Rep. John Stripp, who has represented Easton, Weston and Redding constituents in the state House for the past 18 years. Stripp endorsed Shaban's bid for the 135th District seat after not seeking re-election.
"Stripp's endorsement was helpful; I've know him for a bunch of years," Shaban said.
As a father of three young boys, the 42-year-old Shaban is eager to take the helm in January and extend his record of public service into state government. Shaban has served on a variety of commissions in Redding and is founder and president of Giants in the Community Inc., a nonprofit organization that teaches children to transfer their enthusiasm for sports into the classroom.
Shaban said Connecticut should look past the recent voting problems in Bridgeport, where the polling places ran out of printed ballots, causing controversy in the gubernatorial election. "You can only learn from history and from your mistakes. It seems like [voting officials] jumped through the right hoops, though."
Community values are strong in the Shaban family, and he is thankful that "good, honest people are still willing to step up and serve. That's what makes the community stronger. ... I look up to a lot of guys. Even though I disagree with you if you're approaching public service with a good heart and good intentions I look up to anybody if they're doing things in good faith."
Constituents can reach John Shaban via email.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Westport and receive free news updates.
