Election day is Tuesday, November 8th. After months of campaigning, voters will finally go to the polls to cast their votes. The polls will close at 8:00 PM and it will be over. I have no doubt that both candidates and voters will be relieved.
But, make no mistake. Although it will be over with for the voters, the work of the elected officials will just begin. The work will require long hours away from family and difficult decisions that are guaranteed to disrupt the sleeping patterns of even the soundest of sleepers. It is work that requires careful analysis, lengthy discussions, intelligent debate and a strong desire to do the best for the most. It is work that demands balance and fairness for all. It requires someone who is looked up to for guidance and leadership who can build consensus and bridge divide and has the experience, maturity and composure to get the job done.
I believe I am the right person. That is why I have been endorsed by Connecticut’s leading business organizations, such as the CT Realtors & the CT Business and Industry Association, as well as union organizations like the CT Police and Fire Unions have endorsed me.
I have worked vigorously on issues and concerns for hard-working families, women and children. That is why CT’s Working Families Party has cross-endorsed me, as well as the National Organization for Women, CT Chapter and the American Federation of Teachers.
Through the years, my legislative accomplishments and record have earned recognition and reward from eight different non-partisan organizations. I have been awarded Legislator of the Year for my work on helping children with disabilities, creating efficiencies in municipal government, improving public safety, protecting the environment and preserving open space, to name a few.
Former Republican Mayor Staffieri praised my successful efforts to save the Derby Courthouse, a centerpiece to downtown Derby’s economic stability. The head of the State Republican Party, a former opponent of mine, complimented my work on behalf of our local volunteer firefighters. All of this validates my 76% bipartisan voting record. In fact, premiere brownfields land banks legislation that I cosponsored to boost economic development in abandoned, industrial properties like Farrel’s, Ansonia Copper and Brass and behind BJs in Derby was highlighted by my current opponent.
I have helped secure millions of dollars in state grants for education programs and projects. The construction of sidewalks near Ansonia High School will ensure students’ safety. With help from my colleague, Senator Crisco, I secured more than $2M in funding needed to purchase six portable classrooms to relieve overcrowding and reduce very costly out of district student placement. This was accomplished at no cost to Ansonia. It is the only time that this has ever been done in the history of the legislature. Only an experienced and respected legislator would know how to accomplish this.
Over the last 12 years, I’ve developed not only the necessary skills and critical relationships to to perform the job very effectively. I have worked with my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, as well as every department and organization in state government and on a whole host of issues. It has taken over a decade to build the network of resources necessary to solve constituents’ problems or provide answers for any of the challenges that arise every day. My experience and my efforts are visible all over the 104th district and are needed by Mayor Cassetti and Mayor Dugatto to allow for needed local property tax relief and continued economic progress for our cities.
I was born in Derby and I have lived in Ansonia my whole life. I know the residents of this district and I know that half-truths or empty promises will not fool them. They know me, and they trust me. They know that I have fought tirelessly on their behalf and I will continue to do nothing less. This has always has been my home. The wonderful people of this district are my family, friends, neighbors and relatives. They are the people that I work for and I look forward to serving their needs for another term. I will always be grateful for their support.
