Two Shelton residents square off Tuesday (July 22) in a special election to fill the 122nd District state House of Representatives seat formerly held by Larry Miller, who died May 31.
The 122nd District covers parts of Shelton, Trumbull, and Stratford.
Last month Republicans nominated Ben McGorty, a realtor and 25-year volunteer firefighter who also serves on Shelton’s Board of Fire Commissioners.
Democrats nominated Arlene Liscinsky, a former business owner who has served on Shelton’s Board of Education for 13 years.
In Shelton, polling places for the 122nd District are Mohegan Elementary School, 47 Mohegan Road, and Long Hill Elementary School, 565 Long Hill Ave.
Voters can cast ballots between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.
If you’re not sure whether you live in the 122nd District, the Shelton Registrars of Voters can be reached at 203 – 924-2533, Ext. 1.
In a statement after being nominated, McGorty said he wants to “complete the great work that Larry Miller was focused on” in areas like fair affordable housing laws, environmental issues, and job growth.
Liscinsky said she is committed to improving education for children across Connecticut and will work to increase state funding for special education. She also wants to prevent tolls roads in the state and preserve the environment.
The Shelton Herald caught up with the candidates this week, and not surprisingly, the state’s economy was the main issue on their minds.
Liscinsky told the Herald that as a former owner of two liquor stores, she understands the challenges faced by small businesses.
McGorty said Connecticut’s high taxes have the state headed in the wrong direction, and criticized Gov. Dannel Malloy for expanding state government.
Click here to read the full story.
Regardless of who wins Tuesday’s election, a special election will take place in November because Miller’s term was due to expire this year.
Voters will elect a candidate for the full, two-year term Nov. 4 after an Aug. 12 Republican primary between McGorty and Stratford resident Michael Vickerelli.
Click here to read a preview of the race from the Hartford Courant.
Click here to read a Connecticut Post story on the race.
