Josh Shuart
ANSONIA-DERBY — A city official with a PhD in sport management from the University of Connecticut intends to challenge state Rep. Kara Rochelle in the 104th district.
“I am definitely planning to run for the seat in the 104th district representing Ansonia and Derby,” Josh Shuart wrote in response to a question emailed to him by The Valley Indy Tuesday (Feb. 8). “There will be a more formal announcement, as well as formal filing, later this week.”
Shuart is the president of the Ansonia Board of Aldermen. He was appointed to the board to fill a vacancy in September 2016 and was re-elected in 2017, 2019, and 2021. Shuart represents the city’s Sixth Ward.
He has been a professor at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield since 2002, where he teaches primarily in the sport management program, according to the bio listed on the school’s website.
In his email, Shuart said he’s proud of the positive, “Ansonia Recharged” energy that Mayor David Cassetti’s administration has brought to Ansonia, where there has been an influx of businesses and developments downtown.
“I am also frustrated and continually disappointed with the overall lack of support from Hartford for our communities. As a professor, I view myself as a problem solver and innovator, and I do not make excuses and I try to not point fingers. So I would rather try to become part of creative, continuous solutions,” Shuart said.
He said he would advocate for education, economic development, and emergency services.
“I love the Valley, and my family has been involved with the schools, recreation, etc. in both Derby and Ansonia since moving here almost 20 years ago,” he said. “Although happy with certain things, I imagine a tomorrow (in both communities) where outside perception of the Valley is raised to where I think we belong.“
Shuart said he wants to see more funding come to Ansonia and Derby, two economically distressed cities.
“It is heartbreaking to see wealthier, more affluent communities receive more funding than they need, and us frequently getting the short end of the stick. There are positive things going on, and I feel confident with the many allies I have, and my communication skills, that we can become even better,” Shuart said.
Rochelle recently announced she is running for a third term, according to The Connecticut Post.
She posted an announcement to Facebook Feb. 5, which can be viewed here.
“In my short time since elected, I’ve delivered extraordinary levels of new state investment in Ansonia and Derby, and have been a deeply dedicated fighter for our hard-working residents,” Rochelle said in an email Tuesday. “I’ve worked thoughtfully and with great care to bring tens of millions of dollars in funding to support our residents and revitalize our region. I’ve been an advocate for policies that touch our residents’ lives – from expanding affordable healthcare and cutting prescription drug costs to raising the minimum wage and enacting a paid family-medical leave program. I’ve supported tax cuts for seniors, working families, and small businesses, and helped open a free manufacturing training program right here in the 104th so our residents can compete for good-paying jobs. I love my neighbors, and I love being their State Representative. This race is about who is qualified, capable, has the best ideas, and the track record of delivering for the people of Ansonia and Derby. I want to congratulate Alderman Shuart, and look forward to a spirited campaign this year.”
