Bart Pacekonis

For more than a decade, Bart Pacekonis has served as a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission for the town of South Windsor, Connecticut – most recently as its vice-chair.

A business representative and organizer for Local 43 of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters, Pacekonis says his decision to get involved in local politics was simple: He just didn’t like what he saw.

“You can sit home and complain all you want but the only real way to effect change is to get involved. Support what you believe in and use your voice to be heard. Build a team of like-minded individuals and get as many people involved as you can,” he said.

“Public service can be very rewarding – not financially – but it does help your community. Being active provides the opportunity to have your voice heard and introduces you to other individuals who have common interests, some even from other union trades.”

“It gives you a more recognized voice when speaking to your elected officials and party leadership. It also gives more of a voice in decision making in a time when the bottom dollar gets the most attention.”

“Getting involved gave me the experience to move with the tide or against the tide when needed.”