Jennifer Leeper: What Good Representation Looks Like

I am writing to share my strong support to elect Jennifer Leeper for another term as our state representative.

I have known Jenn for more than three years now. Over that time, I’ve had the opportunity not only to get to know her and her character, but also to see firsthand how effective she is as our state representative.

My husband and I first met Jenn when we reached out to her with concerns about United Illuminating’s proposal to install enormous transmission monopoles through our community. UI’s project would have a devastating impact on residents, businesses, historic resources, and ultimately, the economy of our town. It would require taking 19.25 acres of predominantly private property from homeowners, businesses, churches, the Pequot Library, and public spaces. Curiously, this was not mentioned in UI’s communications to the public or to our local leadership; it was buried in their 1,000+ page application package to the Siting Council.

Rather than simply accepting our concerns at face value or dismissing them, Jenn did what I believe a good representative should do: she listened, asked questions, and then did her own research. Within 48 hours, she came back to us having done her due diligence and confirmed that our concerns were well-founded. Not only did she affirm our understanding of the facts, but she also came back with a plan - who to contact and what to do next to mount an opposition.

With only three days to react, Jenn’s input and guidance were absolutely critical in enabling us—and the Town of Fairfield, with whom we shared the information and our legal filing—to formally intervene before the deadline.

That was the beginning of what has become a three-year collaboration to protect our Town - a fight that continues today. Jenn was there with us from the very start. She connected us with people who became critical resources, helped us navigate an incredibly complicated issue, and has worked alongside us ever since to advocate for our community. She also helped bring the rest of the Fairfield state delegation into the effort and, eventually, other legislators in Hartford, creating a stronger, coordinated effort on behalf of Fairfield and Bridgeport. In addition, she was instrumental in passing legislation to improve Connecticut’s utility siting process and strengthen protections for communities across our state.

What has impressed me most, however, is not any single position she has taken. It is how she works.

Jenn is a fantastic listener. She asks thoughtful questions. She is collaborative, curious, and willing to do the hard work of understanding a complex issue before deciding how best to act. And when she believes something matters to the people she represents, she rolls up her sleeves and gets to work.

Over the past three years, I have watched Jenn consistently bring that same focus and commitment to other important issues in Fairfield and across our state. She works incredibly hard, and she genuinely cares about making our community and Connecticut a better place.

In a time when politics can so easily become about division, I think it is important to recognize and appreciate the people who are willing to show up, listen to their constituents, learn about complicated issues, and work collaboratively to solve problems. We may not always agree on every issue, but we should expect our representatives to listen to us, work hard for us, and take their responsibilities seriously.

Jenn does that.

We are very fortunate to have her fighting for Fairfield and representing us in Hartford. I am proud to support her and grateful for the work she does on our behalf.

Regardless of party or political affiliation, I hope people will remember the most important thing we can do as citizens is vote. Our local and state representatives have an enormous impact on our communities, and they deserve our attention, our engagement, and our participation in the process.

Sincerely,
Andrea Ozyck
Southport resident
Co-Founder, Sasco Creek Neighbors Environmental Trust, Inc. (SCNETI)