Supporters of Democrat Theresa Conroy jammed Beacon Falls Town Hall Tuesday night to hear the Democratic incumbent announce she will seek another term as 105th District state representative.
“I am proud to represent the needs of the people of Seymour, Derby and Beacon Falls. I like to give back to my community and I look forward to being able to continue to do so,” Conroy said to a cheering crowd.
Conroy gave an extensive interview earlier this month on “Valley Navel Gazing,” this website’s weekly talk show.
Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto cited Conroy’s efforts to restore threatened funding cuts to Griffin Hospital as an example of the work Conroy has done on behalf of her constituents.
“Theresa isn’t a talker, she’s a doer,” Dugatto said.
But Conroy’s re-election bid will be a difficult one this November. She is facing a formidable challenger in Seymour Deputy First Selectman Nicole Klarides-Ditria.
Klarides-Ditria, a Republican, is no stranger to the political scene. She’s been a member of the Board of Selectmen since 2011, and was the top vote-getter out of all her fellow selectmen candidates during the last three municipal elections.
And her sister is Themis Klarides, Republican state House Minority Leader in the 114th District. Klarides-Ditria was interviewed earlier this month on “Valley Navel Gazing.”
Conroy’s announcement happened during Klarides-Ditria’s first campaign fundraiser in Derby. But the Democrats gathered in Beacon Falls said they’re up for the challenge.
“We will do whatever it takes’’ to rally support for Conroy, said Beacon Falls Democratic First Selectman Christopher Bielik.
There weren’t just local Democrats at the announcement supporting Conroy. Also in attendance was Ben Florsheim, who works in U.S. Senator Christopher Murphy’s office.
“I can’t think of someone who is more dedicated and responsive than Theresa,” Florsheim said.
Conroy was first elected to the 105th District seat in November 2008, after it was vacated by Len Greene Sr.
Len Greene Jr. then unseated Conroy in the November 2010 election, but Conroy won the seat back in a 2012 rematch.
In 2014 she won easily against Republican Robert Willis.
