Candidate for State House District 121

Joe Gresko (D)

Candidate for State House District 121

Bio: Joe Gresko

State Representative Joe Gresko, first elected in 2016, is proud to serve the 121st Assembly District. As the House Environment Committee Chair and a member of both the Energy & Technology Committee and the Executive & Legislative Nominations Committee, he is deeply committed to his legislative roles.

A Stratford native, Joe’s educational journey took him from Holy Name Elementary to Stratford High School. He then went on to earn his Bachelor’s in Environmental Science from Central Connecticut State University. Early in Joe’s career, he worked as a Weather Forecaster at Western Connecticut State University and Techni-Weather. He then went on to enter the world of radio news, becoming a Reporter/Anchor at WICC/WEBE. His journalism was recognized with numerous Associated Press honors and the prestigious Ellen Abrams Award for best radio reporter in the state, which he won twice.

Joe’s diverse career also encompasses a role in the City of Bridgeport’s’ administration, overseeing media relations and public affairs, including for the police and fire departments. Additionally, he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Connecticut’s House Speaker Jim Amann. Currently, Joe works on green economy initiatives in Bridgeport, focusing on energy efficiency, renewable resources, urban forestation, and sustainable development.

Dedicated to community service, Joe actively supports the Connecticut Food Bank, leads the annual Housatonic River Clean-Up, and is involved with the Stratford Rotary, Lordship Fathers Club, Lordship Improvement Association, and the Stratford Oldtimers Athletic Association. His community engagement extends to the VFW Post 9460 as an auxiliary member, and he was appointed to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission by Governor Ned Lamont.

Joe’s advocacy for Stratford has brought tangible results, such as securing funding for Stratford High School and community projects, including the South End Community Center, Sterling House, Connecticut Air and Space Center, Fletcher African American Museum and the preservation of the Grasso property. His dedication was recognized with the Legislator of the Year Award by the Bridgeport Regional Business Council in 2019, by both the Connecticut Waterworks and the Connecticut Farm Bureau in 2022 and the YMCA in 2024.

• Which office are you running for, and why?

I’m seeking re-election as the State Representative for House Assembly District 121 which comprises the West Side, South End and Lordship sections of Stratford.

I hope to continue my work providing funding to Stratford in the way of increased Education Cost Sharing funds, environmental grants and Community Investment funds; keeping the state on our path toward better financial footing (paying down unfunded pension liabilities, better credit ratings, removing taxes on social security and pensions) and forwarding a robust environmental agenda aimed at keeping our air and water clean and addressing climate change.

• What are your qualifications for this position?

I have a BS in Environmental Science and have served the town of Stratford as a Town Councilman, Inland Wetlands Commissioner and for the previous eight years as the State Representative for the 121st District.

I have extensive experience of the workings at the State Capitol which has served Stratford over the years. I’ve dedicated my career to public service and I take my responsibility as a duty to the town. I am accessible, participating in many organizations/events where I hear first hand from my Stratford neighbors.

• What is your vision for Stratford’s future?

I see Stratford continuing to grow as a place where diversity is welcomed and celebrated. By securing as much state funding as possible, I see Stratford remaining fiscally stable while providing the services our community requires.  

• What do you believe can be your greatest contribution to Stratford in this position?

To continue being the voice for the town with the leadership of the House of Representatives. I’ve been fortunate to serve my neighbors in the 121st District for eight years, which provides some seniority at the Capitol when I advocate for increased state funding or being awarded grants. Knowledge and experience create results, not change for the sake of change.