Voters guide
to local candidates
SENATE DISTRICT 14 PAM STANESKI
Party: Republican Job: State Representative for House District
119; EDUCATION: Old Dominion University: Office/ Community Groups:
former member of the Milford Board of Education eight years and Board of Aldermen two years, trustee
Boys and Girls Club; cofounder Milford Prevention Council and past president Milford Promise; Top Is
sues: Reduce taxes, stop tolls and bring new business into the state to create more jobs; Town: Milford AGE: 58 Campaign
Website: www. facebook. com/ Pam4Senate
JAMES MARONEY
Party: Democrat Job: education consultant and owner of First Choice College Placement; Education: Yale University; Office/ Community
Groups: State Representative for House District 119 in 2013- 15; former member Milford Board of Education, member Devon Rotary Club, Milford Education Foundation and served on Connecticut Planning Commission for Higher Education. Top Issues: Balance the budget responsibly that funds our infrastructure and boosts wages and economy; fight for world class education; support the middle class. Town: Milford Age: 44 Campaign Website: www. maroneyforus. com
SENATE DISTRICT 17 GEORGE LOGAN
Party: Republican, incumbent Job: Senator representing 17th District and director of environmental affairs for the Aquarion
Water Co. Education: University of Bridgeport Offices/ Community Groups:
board of directors of Griffin Hospital, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, CCC YMCA and Junior Achievement and corporator of Boys & Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley Top Issues:
“Not raising taxes or installing tolls.”
Town: Ansonia Age: 49 Campaign Website: www. reelectlogan. com
JORGE CABRERA
Party: Democratic Job: Union organizer Education: Quinnipiac University Offices/ Community
Groups: United Way, Boys and Girls Club, National Read Aloud, Neighborhood Watch and PTA Top Is
sues: “Better funding for public education, equity in pay and paid family leave. I believe Connecticut’s economy can be rebuilt through better jobs and infrastructure.” Town: Hamden Age: 44
Campaign Website: cabreraforstatesenate. com
MONICA BRILL SENATE DISTRICT 21
Party: Democratic Job:
Served as Senior Finance Director at Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, and is currently Controller at New Opportunities, Inc., an agency that provides an array of social service programs to the low income population in 27 municipalities including Waterbury. Managed large accounts, such as the Guggenheim Museum, for the international accounting firm Coopers & Lybrand Education: Queens College, BA Top issues: “I chose to run for state Senate to work collaboratively across party lines to tackle Connecticut’s economic challenges head- on. Connecticut needs an economic strategy that generates a long term recovery while building an economy that provides good paying jobs and more opportunity for young workers entering the workforce.” Age: 52; Town: Stratford Campaign Website: http:// monica4ctsenate. com/# section1
KEVIN KELLY
Party: Republican, incumbent Job: Senate Republican co- chair of the Aging Committee and the Insurance and Real Estate Committee and he also serves as the Senate Republican ViceChair of the Housing Committee and the Human Services Committee. Education: Assumption College B. A., Fairfield University, MA, , University of Connecticut School Of Law, J. D.; Top issues: “I am an advocate for common sense solutions to reduce government spending and create jobs for middle- class families. He prioritizes environmental stewardship and issues pertaining to Connecticut’s senior citizens.” Age: 58 Town: Stratford Campaign Website: http:// ctsenaterepublicans. com/ home- kelly/
SENATE DISTRICT 22 RICH DEECKEN
Party: Republican Job: Bridgeport Public Schools Education: Trumbull High School and Sacred Heart University Offices/ Community Groups: Trumbull Planning & Zoning Commission and Inland Wetlands Commission, youth athletic coach and official ( football, soccer, cricket), assistant director of the Bassick High School Jazz Band Top Issues: “We must invest in our youth by preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow. As a Bridgeport teacher, I fight every day for our students, and I understand the importance of education to the vitality of our community. A trained, skilled labor force will attract businesses, creating jobs and opportunities.” Town: Trumbull Age: 31 Campaign Website: https:// www. richdeecken. com/
MARILYN MOORE
Party: Democratic, incumbent Job: Executive Director/ Witness
Project of CT Education:
Central High School in Bridgeport, Housatonic Community College and the University of Bridgeport Offices/ Community Groups: National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women, Juneteenth Parade Committee, NAACP, past officer of Hall Neighborhood House Top Issues: “Everything associated with protecting women’s reproductive rights that are under attack.” Town: Bridgeport Age: 69 Campaign Website: facebook. com/ MooreForStateSenate/
SENATE DISTRICT 23 DENNIS BRADLEY
Party: Democratic Job: Attorney Offices/ Community Groups: Board of Education member/ past chairman, member of the NAACP, Hispanic Commerce Association Top Issues: “Economic development, especially along East Main Street, Stratford and Connecticut avenues, bringing a casino to Bridgeport, education and school choice, reforming the judicial system and jury selection process to make juries more diverse.” Town: Bridgeport Campaign Website: facebook. com/ bradleyforsenate/
JOHN RODRIGUEZ
Party: Republican: Job: ShopRite Education: Evander Childs
and Mt. St. Mary; Offices/ Community Groups:
Board President of Bridge Academy for three years and board member for five years of prison re- entry ministry Top Issues: “Education is the key. From pre- K through adult education. Education will give us good paying jobs, family stability, home ownership, reduce crime, and produce tax paying citizens. Education will make Bridgeport more attractive to companies looking to relocate and for local companies to expand their business.” Town: Bridgeport: Age: 65
SENATE DISTRICT 26 WILL HASKELL
Party: Democratic Job: Education: Georgetown University Offices/ Community Groups: Top Issues: “Currently, 350 bridges in Connecticut are structurally deficient, including dozens in the 26th District. Connecticut’s fiscal crisis compromises the state’s ability to fix these overdue infrastructure problems. I plan to push for an infrastructure lockbox, to ensure that revenue from sources like train fares go directly to improving Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure.” Town: Age: 22 Campaign Website: WillHaskellforCT. com
TONI BOUCHER
Party: Republican, incumbent Job: State Senator/ State of CT and a finance executive with a CT based Institutional Asset Management Firm Education: American University and USD, BA, UCONN, MBA Offices/ Community Groups: Wilton Board of Education Chair, Board of Selectman, State Board of Education, State Representative, Assistant Minority Leader, State Senator, Chief Deputy Leader Top Issues: “The top issue is Connecticut’s fiscal stability. Our economy, jobs and home values are shrinking. The only thing growing are taxes which have made Connecticut unaffordable and have people leaving. My goal is to make our state financially competitive by reducing the cost of living and running a business.” Town: Wilton Campaign Website: www. boucherforct. com
SENATE DISTRICT 28 MICHELLE LAPINE MCCABE
Party: Democrat Job: Director, Center for Food Equity and Economic Development, The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport Education: Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, University of Texas - Austin ( MA) Offices/ Community Groups: PTA Council ( Chair Fuel for Learning Partnership, 4th Vice President of Leadership), Board of Trustees - Fairfield Public Library, Sacred Heart University School of Social Work Advisory Council, Governor’s Agriculture Council, Connecticut Food System Alliance member, Accountable Health Community Advisory Board, Connecticut Asset Building Collaborative Steering Committee, Women’s Business Development Council Advisory Committee. Top Issues: “My top issue is economic development, attracting more businesses and residents to Connecticut, and making Connecticut more equitable and affordable for all.” Town: Fairfield Age: 49 Campaign Website: www. michelleforct. com
TONY HWANG
Party: Republican, incumbent Job: Real Estate/ William Raveis Education: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY Offices/ Community Groups: LEGISLATIVE: Fairfield RTM; CT General Assembly House District 134; CT General Assembly Senate District
28; Co- Chair of Housing Committee, Vice Chair, Aging and Energy & Technology Committee; CoChair Bipartisan Bioscience Caucus COMMUNITY: Operation Hope ( Homelessness), The Family Justice Center ( Domestic Violence), The Kennedy Center ( Developmental Disabilities), Autism Speaks ( Developmental Disabilities) Top Issues:
“Our focus is a passionate commitment to our community. Fiscal accountability ( reduce/ prioritize government spending and ease the tax burden on CT families) Jobs & economy ( create an ecosystem that will empower job seeks and businesses toward long- term growth/ success) SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ( leadership to ensure our most vulnerable & at- risk are protected).”
Town: Fairfield Age: 54 Campaign Website: TonyHwang. org
SENATE DISTRICT 32 ERIC BERTHEL
Party: Republican, incumbent Job: State Senator for the 32nd District and employed at Post University Education: Pomperaug High School in Southbury, Manhattanville
College and University of Bridgeport Offices/ Community Groups: State Representative House District 68 2014- 17, vice chairman of the Watertown Public Schools Board of Education, Brass City Young Marines, Water/ Oak Crimestoppers Top Issues:
“Reduce wasteful spending, lower taxes, reject installation of tolls and make Connecticut great again.” Town: Watertown Age: 51 Campaign Website: www. berthelforsenate. com
CATHERINE DECARLI
Party: Democratic Job: Marketing for Support/ Vision Engineering
Education: Charter Oak
State College Offices/ Community Groups: Vice chairman of the Southbury Democratic town committee, secretary to the South
Britain Historic District Committee and member of Connecticut Pops Top Issues: “Connecticut needs to balance its budget but not on the back s of the working and middle class. If Republicans plan to repeal the income tax which is 51% of the state’s revenue then I am concerned about the well being of the Husky Program and other services.” Town: Southbury Age: 54 Campaign Website: www. cathyforct. com
HOUSE DISTRICT 104 KARA ROCHELLE
Party: Democratic Job: Administrator, Shabtai at Yale Education: Fordham University Offices/ Community Groups: Derby Ethics Board, Derby Democratic Town Committee, Derby Elks, Executive
Vice President of CT Young Democrats, President of Naugatuck Valley Young Democrats, Honoree of the Ella T. Grasso Women in Leadership Award; Top Issues: “My priority is economic stability for our residents in the 104th and for hard- working families across the state. We need good paying jobs, tax relief for middle and working class families, affordable health care, child care, and education, and policies that focus on growing our middle class.” Town: Derby Age: 35 Campaign Website: Karaforct. com
JOSEPH JAUMANN
Party: Republican Job:
Attorney and owner of
Drapp & Jaumann, LLC, Bridgeport Education: University of Albany ( SUNY), Quinnipiac University Law School and American University for Master of
Laws Offices/ Community Groups: Fifth Ward Alderman and member of, Board of Fire Commissioners, Economic Development Commission, Ansonia- Derby Temporary Regional Study Committee, Ansonia Little League vice president, honorary member of the Ansonia Blue Fundraising Committee and former chairman of Planning and Zoning Commission, former chairman of Zoning Board of Appeals and Charter Revision Commission, all in Ansonia and former board member of the Children and Family Guidance Center Top Issues: “My focus is on the economy, protecting the taxpayers and bringing better paying jobs and opportunities back to the Valley. We need to prioritize spending to ensure the district receives its full and fair share of education funding while protecting our seniors, veterans and the disabled.” Town: Ansonia Age: 41 Campaign Website: www. Jaumann2018. com
HOUSE DISTRICT 105 NICOLE KLARIDES- DITRIA
Party: Republican, incumbent Job: State Representative for
District 105, head trainer at Lauralton Hall High School, Milford Education: Quinnipac University and Southern Connecticut State University Offices/ Community Groups:
Deputy First Selectman
2011- 16, Board of Finance 2011- 13 both in Seymour and member of Walter Camp Football Foundation Top Issues: “I have fought to reverse the tax and spend habits in Hartford and implemented solutions... I’m working to protect our taxpayer dollars, funding for our communities and creating an economy that will give everyone the opportunity to achieve the American dream.” Town: Seymour Age: 49 Campaign Website: www. reelectNKD. com
KEVIN MCDUFFIE
Party: Democratic Job: electronics technician Education: Emmett O’Brien Technical School Offices/ Community Groups: chairman Beacon Falls Planning and Zoning Commission, vice chairman Beacon Falls Democratic Town Committee and former chairman and vice chairman of the Ansonia Housing Authority Top Issues: “We need a change in this state. No one is working together. And as I see it we are all suffering. We’re losing businesses to neighboring states due to our taxes. Our seniors and veterans need help. They have paid their dues so now it’s time to take care of them.” Town: Beacon Falls Age: 63 Campaign Website:
HOUSE DISTRICT 113 JASON PERILLO
Party: Republican, incumbent Offices/ Community Groups: House Republican Whip, serves on the Finance, Public Health, and Executive and Legislative Nominations Committees
. Town: Shelton Campaign Website: facebook. com/ Rep. JasonPerillo/
ELAINE MATTO
Party: Democratic Offices/ Community Groups: Planning and Zoning Commission secretary Town: Shelton Campaign Website: facebook. com/ ElaineMattoShelton/
HOUSE DISTRICT 114 THEMIS KLARIDES
Party: Republican, incumbent Job: State House Representative from the 114th District, State House Minority Leader and lawyer with Cohen and Wolf Education: Trinity College and Quinnipiac University
School of Law Offices/ Community Groups: Griffin Hospital board of directors, former member of Seymour Board of Finance and Derby Planning and Zoning commission, The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, Top Issues:
“Fixing the state’s economy, regaining the confidence of businesses and residents,
making the state a more affordable place to live, work and retire. I am also working to eradicate the opioid crisis.” Town: Age: 53 Campaign Website: votethemis. com
MARY WELANDER
Party: Democratic Job: Homemaker Education: University of Massachuetts, Amherst, Mass. Offices/ Community Groups: Orange Board of Education, Race Brook
School PTA board member, Connecticut Ambassador for
Sandy Hook Promise, vice chairman of the Orange Democratic Town Committee, Orange Community Women, Girls Scouts Top Issues: “I will fight for common sense policies that move our state forward which include smart investments in technology and infrastructure that will attract and retain business which will lift the burden off our seniors and middle class families and provide opportunities for our children to succeed without leaving the state.” Town: Orange Campaign Website: welanderforct. com
HOUSE DISTRICT 117 CINDY WOLFE BOYNTON
Party: Democratic Job: writer, adjunct journalism professor Offices/ Community Groups: Connecticut
Chapter president, National Organization for Women Top Issues: “Too many of us are struggling. Connecticut needs new leaders, with new ideas, to lead us in a new direction.” Town: Milford Age: 51 Campaign Website: www. cindywolfeboynton2018. com/
CHARLES FERRARO
Party: Republican, incumbent Job: Owner, West Haven Academy of Karate Offices/ Community Groups: Member of General Assembly’s Human Services and Energy and Technology committees, ranking member of the Veterans Committee Top Issues: “We need to bring more manufacturing back to Connecticut ... we need to increase skilled labor.” Town: West Haven Age: 65 Legislative Website: www. cthousegop. com/ ferraro/ main/
HOUSE DISTRICT 118 KIM ROSE
Party: Democrat/ Independent, incumbent Job: Emergency Operations and Homeland Security- City of Bridgeport Education: Gateway CC Offices/ Community Groups: Planning and Zoning Board Vice Chair, State of CT House of Representatives: Bipartisan Chair of Women’s Caucus, Rare Disease Task Force Member, Tourism Caucus, Assistant Majority Whip, Vice Chair Housing Committee, Veterans Committee, Former President of VFW Post 7788 Ladies Auxiliary, Member: Boys and Girls Club of Milford, Milford Elks, American Legion, Life Member VFW Post 7788 Auxiliary, Walnut Beach Assoc, Milford Irish Heritage Society, Milford Arts Council, CT Audubon Society, Milford Senior Citizens, PTA St. Gabriel School, Girl Scout Leader, Downtown Milford Business Assoc. founder Top Issues: “There is no doubt that the budget has been and will continue to be our number one priority. We are faced with fixed costs that have been created over a span of 40+ years by both parties. We cannot balance the budget on the backs of our middle class working families or businesses.” Town: Milford Age: 60 Campaign Website: votekimrose. com
CONNIE JAGODZINSKI
Party: Republican Job: writer Education: Sacred Heart University Offices/ Community Groups: Home Front, Habitat For Humanity, Love146 ( fighting child sex trafficking and exploitation), Milford Council On Aging, Rivercliff Neighborhood Watch Top Issues: “Control spending. Cut waste. Lower taxes. We’re overtaxed. For 30+ years it has been one budget crisis after another. Politicians have attempted to solve our budget problems by raising taxes. We’re the most heavily taxed state in the country. Lower taxes will grow business and provide good- paying jobs.” Town: Milford Age: 65 Campaign Website: www. ConnieForMilford. com
HOUSE DISTRICT 119 ELLEN BEATTY
Party: Democratic Job: Retired administrator, Southern Connecticut State University Offices/ Community Groups: member of Board of Aldermen. Top Issues: ( from her Facebook campaign page) “I will be an advocate in creating policies that help women and families to work safely, have access to quality healthcare, have access to safe and effective schools, and live in safe, environmentally healthy neighborhoods.” Town: Milford Campaign Website: www. voteellenrussellbeatty. com
KATHLEEN KENNEDY
Party: Republican Job: Milford city employee Offices/ Community Groups: Board of Aldermen secretary Top Issues: ( from an earlier article) “The main reason I really decided to run, I’m a single mom, I’m divorced, my kids are adults — it just struck me as people in Connecticut ... are really working hard to make ends meet and barely getting by, still.” Town: Milford Campaign Website: facebook. com/ KathyForThe119th/
HOUSE DISTRICT 120 PHIL YOUNG
Party: Democratic, incumbent Job: Representative for the 120th House district; former chef for the Bridge House Restaurant in Milford Education: Eastern Connecticut State University Offices/ Community Groups: Former Stratford Town Council member; Top Issues: “Being fiscally responsible and restoring money to the state’s Rainy Day Fund, getting Educational Cost Sharing funds for Stratford and working for the environment and Long Island Sound in particular.” Town: Stratford Age: 55 Campaign Website: www. facebook. com/ PhilYoungforCT/
JAMES FEEHAN
Party: Republican Job: President of New England Fire Equipment and Apparatus Education: Patchogue- Medford ( N. Y.) High School, Norwich University, BS Offices/ Community Groups: Former Town Council chairman, former Board of Education chairman Top issues: “I support reduction or elimination of taxes on income, gasoline, social security and no tolls. I support Stratford receiving its fair share of ECS ( education cost- sharing) funding, and decreasing the size of the state bureaucracy.” Town: Stratford Age: 56 Campaign Website: www. facebook. com/ FeehanforStateRep/
HOUSE DISTRICT 121 JOE GRESKO
Party: Democratic, incumbent Job: Representative for the 121st House district, formerly worked as a news reporter/ anchor at WICC, winning several Associated Press awards and twice the Ellen Abrams Award for best radio reporter in the state. Worked as legislative aide for the late Terry Backer, D- 121. Education: Central Connecticut State University, BA; Offices/ Community Groups: Former Stratford Town Council member, served on the Inland Wetlands and Conservation Commissions; Top issues: “I secured funding for the renovation of Stratford High School as well as grants for the improvements at the South End Community Center and the funding for the Sterling House upgrades. I will seek to increase educational funding for Stratford and advocating for Stratford in any casino legislation.” Town: Stratford; Age: 54; Campaign Website: http:// www. housedems. ct. gov/ Gresko
ROBERT MITCHELL
Party: Republican/ Independent; Job: attorney, Mitchell & Sheahan, P. C. Education: Ohio Wesleyan University, Tulane University School of Law Offices/ Community Groups: Former member of the Monroe Town Council, assistant town attorney in Stratford Top issues: “I’ll work to get the Stratford Army Engine Plant on the tax rolls and bringing sanity to state budgeting.” Age: 65 Campaign Website: www. facebook. com/ BobMitchell forStateRep/
HOUSE DISTRICT 122 BEN MCGORTY
Party: Republican, incumbent Offices/ Community Groups: serves on the Legislature’s Judiciary and Environment Committees, as well as the Transportation Committee.
Top Issues: Wants no new taxes, tolls or unfunded mandates. “I don’t want to see any more jobs leaving Connecticut. I don’t want to see our retirees leaving Connecticut because they can’t afford to live here.” Town: Shelton Legislative Website: www. cthousegop. com/ mcgorty/ main/
JOSE GONCALVES
Party: Democratic Offices/ Communi- ty Groups: Board of Education Top Issues: “I think you are going to see a blue wave this fall. People want change. The mayor is always cutting the Board of Education budget. My kids have gone to Shelton schools. I want to make them better.” Town: Shelton Campaign Website: facebook. com/ Jose- Goncalves- for- State- Representative
HOUSE DISTRICT 123 DAVID RUTIGLIANO
Party: Republican, incumbent Job: Representative for the 123rd House district, also a partner in the local SBC Restaurant Group, which owns and operates Southport Brewing Company and the Sitting Duck Tavern Education: Johnson & Wales University, BA; Offices/ community groups: Former member of both the Trumbull Board of Finance and the Trumbull Economic Development Commission; Top issues: “I will advocate for an environment that promotes small business and job creation. Everyone who wants a job should be able to get one.” Town: Trumbull Age: 53 : https:// www. rutiglianofortrumbull. com/
SUJATA GADKAR- WILCOX
Party: Democratic Job: professor of Constitutional law and human rights law at Quinnipiac University Education: Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania School of Law Offices/ community groups:
Director of a nonprofit legal education program in Westchester County, N. Y. Top issues: “We need to get back to the idea of politics for the public good. I will be the voice of the community and I will compromise to move forward. We need to get people’s voices back into government.” Town: Trumbull Age: 39 Campaign Website: http:// sujataforct. com/
HOUSE DISTRICT 124 ANDRE BAKER
Party: Democratic, incumbent Job: Funeral Director Education: SUNY Farmingdale
Offices/ Community Groups: City Council,
Board of Education, Zoning Commission Top Issues: Economic development, senior housing; Town: Bridgeport Age: 55 Legislative Website: http:// www. housedems. ct. gov/ Baker
JOSE QUIROGA
Party: Republican Job: Retired Education: B. S. Lehman College CUNY Offices/ Community Groups: Three time president of Bridgeport Fireside Apartments Resident Association Top Issues: Economic development and immigration reform Town: Bridgeport Age: 56
HOUSE DISTRICT 126 MANUEL BATAGUAS
Party: Republican Job: Translations Services of America/ Self employed Education: Casa Pia de Lisboa, Portugal and Hartford High School, University of Hartford, American Institute of Banking Offices/ Community Groups: Notary Public, Justice of Peace, Official Translator, Author American Citizenship Study Guide ( English, Portuguese, Spanish), Volunteer Instructor of USA Citizenship, Stamford Planning Board, several Portuguese Clubs in Connecticut, Republican Town Committee, Editor of Immigrant Newspaper, preparer of immigration documentation Top Issues: “Increase revenues by promoting Bridgeport casino, family entertainment, restoration of downtown, and domestic and international manufacturers. Reduce property taxes.” Town: Bridgeport Age: 75
CHARLES STALLWORTH
Party: Democratic, incumbent Job: Senior pastor Education: J.
F. Shields High School, Selma University, Vanderbilt University Offices/ Community Groups: President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance Top Issues: “My top issues this term will be working with the Bridgeport delegation seeking creative financing and ideas that will enhance Bridgeport’s economy and job market, more funding for our schools, and sustained youth and senior programs.” Town: Bridgeport Age: 54
HOUSE DISTRICT 127 JOHN HENNESSY
Party: Democratic, incumbent Job: FedEx Education: St. John’s Prep, Dan- vers, Mass., and Boston
College Offices/ Community Groups: state representative Top Issues: “Ensuring Bridgeport gets its fair share of money from the state, especially when it comes to public education funding. Passing the MGM casino/ entertainment center bill which will provide over 4,000 jobs to Bridgeport.” Town: Bridgeport Age: 67
PETER PERILLO
Party: Republican Job: General manager of the Red Roof Inn in Milford Education: Central High School, Bridgeport and Sacred
Heart University Office/ Community Groups: Night of Columbus, Port 5 Navel
Veteran Top Issues: “Safety and security, the economics of living in Connecticut and in our district, education.” Town: Bridgeport Age: 61
HOUSE DISTRICT 128 ETHAN BOOK
Party: Republican Job: Owner/ operator of New England Limousine Service of Fairfield Education: Frederick High School, Azusa University, Thunderbird School of Global Management Offices/ Community Groups: Justice of the
Peace, The Hollow Neighborhood Revitalization Zone, El Alfarero Hispanic Prison Ministry, Bridgeport Republican Town Committee and Fairfield Representative Town Meeting Top Issues: “State financial crisis.” Town: Bridgeport
CHRISTOPHER ROSARIO
Party: Democratic, incumbent Job: Records Administrator for the Town of Shelton Education: Harding High School Offices/ Community Groups: Board Member of Alpha Community Services, ABCD, Hispanic Caucus Chairs, National Association of Latino Elected Officials, National Caucus of State Legislators Top Issues: “Job creation through smart economic development. At the Capitol I led the charge on passing legislation that would bring $ 675 million of private investment to Bridgeport’s Steel Point Project that would result in over 2,000 permanent jobs to the City of Bridgeport.” Town: Bridgeport Age: 39
HOUSE DISTRICT 129 VALLORIE L. CLARK
Party: Republican Job: Retired Education: New York School of Interior Design Offices/ Community
Groups: McGivney Community Center, Casey Family Services, Polka Dot Playhouse Top Issues: “To increase access to vocational education as well as fine arts education. I believe that not all of Bridgeport’s students will be able to afford college, therefore training for employment or a profession must come from from other sources.” Town: Bridgeport Age: 68
STEVE STAFSTROM
Party: Democratic, incumbent Job: Attorney with Pullman & Comley, LLC Education: Amity High School, Fairfield University, St. Louis University School of Law Offices/ Community Groups: Bridgeport City Council Top Issues: “Building Bridgeport into the regional economic driver our state needs it to be by creating jobs, reducing the property tax burden and investing in education, housing, infrastructure and cultural attractions.” Town: Bridgeport Age: 35 Campaign Website: facebook. com/ Stafstrom2018/
HOUSE DISTRICT 130 EZEKIAL SANTIAGO
Party: Democratic, incumbent Job: Special Project Coordinator with Bridgeport’s Public Facilities Department Education: Trumbull High School, Gibbs College Offices/ Community Groups: Puerto Rican Day Parade Committee of Fairfield County, current vice chairman of the Bridgeport Economic Development Corporation board, former board member of the YMCA Top Issues: “Brownfield redevelopment — making vacant, contaminated, underutilized land more productive to increase the tax base, fighting for more state funding for education and other city needs, fighting to built a resort/ casino in Bridgeport.” Town: Bridgeport Age: 45
TERRY SULLIVAN
Party: Republican Job: School bus driver in Wilton Education: Andrew Ward High School Top Issues: “Jobs, taxes, rent
control, homelessness, municipal waste, transportation and infrastructure, education and trade schools.” Town: Bridgeport Age: 58
HOUSE DISTRICT 131 DAVID KEITH LABRIOLA
Party: Republican, incumbent Job: State House Representative for District 131 and an attorney with Labriola & Labriola Education: Yale University and University of Connecticut Law School Offices/ Community Groups: former Naugatuck Borough attorney and former Naugatuck Borough Police Commissioner Top Issues: “Reduce taxes, control spending and eliminate some regulations so small business can grow and create jobs. I will strengthen our economy to attract new businesses and will work to preserve open space and protect our environment.” Town: Oxford Age: 58
JAMES KROCHKO
Party: Democrat Job: closing manager at
ShopRite, Southbury Education: Southern Connecticut State University Top Issues:
“Create jobs by partnering businesses with universities, vocational and technical schools and expand programs for first- time home buyers.” Town: Oxford Age: 19 Campaign Website: Facebook James Krochko for Ct 131
HOUSE DISTRICT 132 BRENDA KUPCHICK
Party: Republican, incumbent Job: Co- owner Peter Kupchick Heating & Cooling Inc. Education: Fairfield University Offices/ Community Groups: Fairfield RTM 1999- 2003, Board of Education 2003- 2009, State Representative: House Minority Whip, Ranking Member, Housing Committee, Member Finance, Revenue & Bonding and General Law Committees 2011- present. Member of Fire & EMS legislative Caucus. Co Chair Animal Welfare Legislative Caucus. Member, School Safety & Security Legislative Caucus, Volunteer Operation Hope, Center of Family Justice, Fairfield Police K- 9 Unit. Top Issues: “Getting Connecticut’s fiscal house in order, improving our economy, and investing in our infrastructure. Fairfield County is the economic engine of the our state and is crucial toward growing our economy. Connecticut outspends the national average in road construction by $ 250,000 per mile due to high administrative costs.” Town: Fairfield Age: 53 Campaign Website: https:// brendakupchickforfairfield. com
CAITLIN CLARKSON PEREIRA
( From her website) Party: Democratic Job: works with aspiring teachers in the School of Education at Southern Connecticut State University. Education: graduate degree in counseling at Central Connecticut State University Offices/ Community Groups: member of the Fairfield Democratic Town Committee, sits on the planning board for
Women Leading the Way to Wellness, an American Cancer Society fundraising event to increase awareness around women’s health. Town: Fairfield. Campaign Web
site: www. caitlinforct. com
HOUSE DISTRICT 133 CRISTIN MCCARTHY VAHEY
Party: Democratic, incumbent Job: State Representative / State of CT Education: University of Notre Dame, MSW, University of Washington Offices/ Community Groups: State Representative, 2014 - Present; Fairfield Board of Selectmen 2011- 2014; Fairfield Representative Town Meeting ( Deputy Moderator, Minority Leader) 2005- 2011;
Fairfield Cares Community Coalition ( founding member and former co- chair); Fairfield League of Women Voters; Girl Scouts;
Boy Scouts; PTA; Operation Hope; National Charity League; Church Community Top
Issues: “Promoting economic development strategies that support small businesses and attract and retain both employers and a strong workforce. A primary aspect of this will be providing a 21st century transportation system that connects people to jobs and supports trains, cars, bikes, pedestrians and telecommuters.” Town: Fairfield Age: 48 Campaign Website: cristinmccarthyvahey. com
SALLY CONNOLLY
Party: Republican Job: Speech Language Pathologist/ Preferred Therapy Solutions at Cambridge Health and Rehabilitation in Fairfield Education: Brown University ( B. S. Neuroscience) Boston University ( M. S. Speech- Language Pathology) Offices/ Community Groups: Tomlinson Middle
School, PTA VP of Enrichment; Past Mc
Kinley Elementary School PTA Director of Cultural Arts, co- chair of World’s Fair, and Executive Board member for over 5 years Top Issues: “I would focus on streamlining waste in CT’s budget and reducing the size of ‘ big government.’ We need to fix infrastructure, pay down debts, reduce taxes and attract businesses in order to make CT affordable and competitive for its residents.” Town: Fairfield Age: 40 Campaign Website: www. rallyforsally. com
HOUSE DISTRICT 134 LAURA DEVLIN
Party: Republican/ Independent, incumbent Job: Representative for the 134th House district, serving on the legislature’s Transportation, Finance, Revenue and Bonding committees; also president of Strategic Communica-
tions Consulting Offices/ Community Groups: Former member of the Fairfield RTM and the Board of Assessment Appeals Education: University of Illinois, Champaign/ Urbana, BS; Top issues: “I will advocate for people who would hope to remain in their own homes. I will address the state’s unfunded liabilities. I will also advocate for the environment and education.” Age: 58 Town: Fairfield Campaign Website: http:// lauraforstaterep. com/
ASHLEY GAUDIANO
Party: Democratic Job: Licensed attorney and a consultant to nonprofit agencies Offices, community groups: Trumbull Town Council member; Education: Elon University, BA, Loyola University School of Law, JD Top issues: “This election is all about the community, which deserves a strong advocate in Hartford — someone who will be focused on growing an economy, access to quality health care and investment in transportation infrastructure. And, with two children, I’m also very interested in adequate funding for education.” Age: 31; Town: Trumbull; Campaign Website: http:// www. ashleygaudianoct. com/
HOUSE DISTRICT 135 ADAM DUNSBY
Party: Republican, incumbent Job: First Selectman, Town of Easton Education:
Ph. d. in finance, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania Offices/ Community Groups: Current First Selectman of the
Town of Easton Top Issues: “Restore fiscal stability to the state without raising taxes. Connecticut’s fundamental problem is that its economy has not grown in over a decade.
We need pro- growth policies.” Age: 50 Town: Easton Campaign Website: https:// www. facebook. com/ AdamDunsbyForStateRep/
ANNE HUGHES
Party: Working Family Job: Social Worker, Coordinator of Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at Jewish Senior Services Education: College of New Rochelle, Master of Social Work Offices/ Community Groups: CT Against Gun Violence, Coalition Against Casino Expansion Top Issues: “Accountability across all levels of government - proactive, inclusive representation of all ages, regardless of socioeconomic status, affiliation, age, gender and promote increased civic engagement from our community on all levels.” Age: 53 Town: Easton Campaign Website: www. annehughesproactivect. org
HOUSE DISTRICT 136 JONATHAN STEINBERG
Party: Democratic, incumbent Job: State Legislator, State of CT Education: Yale, M. B. A., NYU Stern School of Business Offices/ Community Groups:
State Representative, Co- Founder, Westport Cinema Initiative Top Issues: “Achieving a sustainable State Budget by addressing the biggest reason for annual deficits: the unfunded pension liabilities. As Chair of the state’s Pension Sustainability Commission ( see article at Forbes com) I’m working on a concept to dedicate proceeds from underutilized state real estate assets to pay down the pension liabilities.” Age: 62 Town: Westport Campaign Website: Jonathan. Steinberg. org
GREG KRAUT
Party: Republican Job: K Property Group Education: George Washington University Offices/ Community Groups: Westport Representative Town
Meeting Top Issues: One specific idea is to monetize state- owned commercial properties. Governments don’t need to own their offices. Selling government- owned commercial office space and leasing back what is needed is a time- tested a way to raise revenue and has been employed by the Federal government and many states for decades.
Under current financial conditions, it makes more sense than raising money by more borrowing or raising taxes.” Age: 42 Town: Westport Campaign Website: Gregkraut. com
HOUSE DISTRICT 143 GAIL LAVIELLE
Party: Republican, incumbent Job: CT House of Representatives Education: BA, Cornell University, College of Arts and Sciences; MA, Yale University,
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences; and
MBA, University of Connecticut Offices/ Community Groups: State Representative since 2011; Wilton Board of Finance 20092013; Wilton Energy Commission ( appointed); CT Public Transportation Commission ( appointed); advisory board of Wilton Go Green; Board of Norwalk Senior Center; Westport Sunrise Rotary; Wilton Kiwanis Top Issues:
“Restoring the state’s economy and finances so that everyone can count on a future in Connecticut: Reduce taxes; Reduce spending ( including reducing debt and unfunded liabilities); Promote economic and job growth; Make smart investments in transportation, education, and essential services.” Town: Wilton Campaign Website: www. laviellect. com
STEPHANIE THOMAS
Party: Democratic Job: Stetwin Consulting Education: New York University, New School University ( formerly New School for Social Research) Offices/ Community Groups: I am a proud member of the Norwalk Democratic Town Committee ( NDTC); Member of NDTC Executive Committee; Member of the Development Committee, Carver Foundation of Norwalk; Member of the Luncheon Committee, Fairfield County Community Foundation’s Fund for Women and Girls; Member of the Norwalk Housing Authority College Scholarship Committee Top Issues: “Connecticut faces many long- term fiscal challenges that have developed over several decades but need to be addressed resolutely. I prefer to see this challenge as an opportunity and will work tirelessly to devise ways to increase revenues and find efficiencies in government without the rancor currently prevalent in politics.” Age: 49 Town: Norwalk CampaignWebsite: info@ votestephaniethomas. com