Seymour Resident Hopes To Challenge Conroy For State Rep. Seat

CONTRIBUTEDAn Seymour resident who bills himself a fiscal conservative is seeking the Republican Party’s nomination to challenge incumbent State Rep. Theresa Conroy, a Democrat, in the 105th District.

Richard Demko, a Seymour resident since 2008, has no previous political experience, but he does not see that as a disadvantage.

I surveyed about 300 people in the area, both in person and on the phone, and aside from the typical complaints about things happening in our state government, one thing was made very clear … they are totally sick of career politicians and they would 100 percent back and support a non-political candidate,” Demko said.

Demko, a Republican, 33, and his wife, Lauren, have a 5‑year-old son, Richard Jr.

According to the biography on his website, he works as a surgical technologist at Saint Vincent’s Medical Center. He’s held the job for 10 years. His wife is a teacher in Shelton.

Demko is from Monroe originally and graduated from Masuk High School in 1998, after which he joined the Marine Corps.

His time in the corps was cut short because he badly injured his knee during a tactical exercise. He left with an honorable medical discharge.

On his website, Demko said he opposes liberal” spending on the national level, along with the liberal career politicians” in Hartford. Demko also criticizes Obamacare and is opposed to the implementation of the Common Core national standards for education.

Politicians beholden to lobbyists and special interest groups are bad for politics, Demko said.

He formed an exploratory committee in November.

He’s an avid follower of politics and said his desire to run is simply to help his community.

I’ve always talked politics. It was suggested many times by a few of my friends and colleagues that I have sensible views on things and that I should think about running for office,” Demko said. I investigated it and I think I can make a difference in the lives of many people.”

The state 105 District covers Beacon Falls, Seymour and parts of west Derby.

If no other GOP contenders emerge, he would face Conroy, who has deep roots in the Naugatuck Valley.

Conroy unseated Republican Len Greene, Jr. in November 2013, but she held the two-year seat previously.

Greene, by the way, is now on the Seymour Board of Selectmen. He is not planning to run for his former seat in Hartford.

As much as I loved my time spent as State Representative I’m focused on work, representing the people of Seymour on the Board of Selectmen and spending time with our 9 month old daughter,” he said.

Conroy recently released her list of priorities for the just-started legislative session.

More information about Demko can be found at the Rick D for CT 105” website at www.rickd4ct.org

Demko’s e‑mail address is .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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