North Haven DTC chair challenges incumbent in 87th

NORTH HAVEN — The town’s Democratic Town Committee chairwoman is launching a challenge againt a longtime incumbent for the 87th District state House race this November.

The DTC unanimously nominated Chairwoman Kathy Grant to go up against state Rep. Dave Yaccarino, the Republican Town Committe’s endorsed candidate.

Grant said she was humbled by her party’s nomination. She has lived in North Haven for more than 22 years, raising three children. Grant works at a rehabilitation facility in Guilford and as a per diem teacher for Wallingford Public Schools.

“People want a change in leadership,” Grant said. “They want someone who will listen to them and work towards real solutions. I raised my family in North Haven, and I know North Haven is a great place to live, but only if you can afford to do so. Many people have been struggling for a while. Looking ahead, the plan is to reach out to as many voters as possible. People want to be heard, and I intend to listen to each of them and work towards the best outcomes for all of us.”

State Sen. Len Fasano, R-North Haven, nominated Yaccarino and First Selectman Michael Freda seconded the nomination, sending Yaccarino into a run for his sixth term as state representative.

As a lifelong North Haven resident, Yaccarino owns DJ Comics in town and served as a 16-year volunteer for the Boy Scouts and co-founder of Boy Scout Troop 811. He also coached Max Sinoway Baseball and North Haven Girls Softball.

“It’s a honor representing the town I grew up in and raised my three children,” Yaccarino said in a statement on social media. “I will continue to listen, be diligent and responsive to the people of North Haven and the State of Connecticut. As for now, I will be focusing on helping with the needs of so many residents because of Covid-19. Be it financial or health wise.”

Grant said the pandemic has shed light on food insecurities, people living paycheck to paycheck and the high cost of health care that people are suffering in North Haven and elsewhere.

“Deciding to run for state representative was not a hard decision considering my extensive community service and activism,” Granted said.

Grant volunteers for the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center and serves on the Town of North

Grant

Yaccarino