The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Parker endorsed for 101st House seat
MADISON — John-Michael Parker became the endorsed Democratic candidate for state representative in Connecticut’s 101st District during a convention held via Zoom May 18.
The Madison candidate was able to raise over $5,000 from more than 175 constituents in less than a week, meeting the requirements to qualify for public campaign financing, according to a press release. Parker unsuccessfully challenged incumbent state Rep. Noreen Kokoruda, D-Madison, in the 2018 election, when she won by 18 votes.
Parker received an unanimous endorsement.
More than 40 people joined virtually for the convention proceedings. In his invitation to friends and delegates, John-Michael acknowledged the public health crisis that forced the convention into a digital format:
“Our community has suffered in ways big and small during this crisis, and it is not lost on me that the profound duty of public service has taken on an even deeper meaning in these trying times. I'm grateful for the opportunity to run as the Democratic candidate in this important race, during this important year,” Parker said during the meeting, according to the news release.
He also encouraged those joining the convention to support Madison’s local businesses by purchasing takeout or a treat to be enjoyed during a digital celebration following the event.
Selectman Al Goldberg said Parker is “someone we have learned to respect, to treasure, and to love,” adding the candidate has deep roots and commitment as a citizen of Madison, intellectual curiosity, and being grounded in “values that last — values like honesty, hard work, responsibility, fairness, generosity, and respect for others.”
Martin Anderson from Durham seconded the nomination, saying he first met Parker during his run for state representative in 2018, and was impressed with how he was able to engage with anyone he met, not only asking for their votes, but also asking about what was most important to them, the release said.
“We are in dark and uncertain times, and we need — the state needs — someone like John-Michael right now who is full of energy and ambition, kindness, intelligence, love and respect of others…to lead us and be attuned to our local needs,”Anderson said.
Parker is the executive director of Arts for Learning Connecticut, the state’s provider of arts in education serving over 175,000 students in 100 towns across Connecticut each year.
Parker said in the release he has tripled the organization’s contributed income and launched a high-level partnership with the Connecticut Office of the Arts, working to bring their service to every student in the state.
Campaigning in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic will be different from the door-knocking campaign that he ran in 2018, Parker said. “It is yet to be seen if we will be able to go door to door, shake hands, and meet people where they are. We’ll have to rely on old tools, like mail, social and digital media, and phone calls.
We’ll have to get creative and come up with new ideas for how to reach people and be sure that they are listened to now, so that in 2021 they can be truly and fully represented,” he added.
The campaign is hosting a virtual Zoom gathering for volunteers Sunday at 6 p.m. To register, visit jmp4ct.com. Contact Parker at jmp4ct@gmail.com or 203-6235068.
The 101st state House district encompasses Durham and Madison.