The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Committee endorses Buckbee’s run for reelection in 67th
The New Milford Republican Town Committee has asked State Rep. Billy Buckbee to continue his service as State Representative to the 67th House District.
Buckbee accepted the unanimous nomination at a virtual convention on May 21.
Initially elected to the House of Representatives in the fall of 2016, Buckbee will look to return to Hartford for his third term.
“Representing the town of New Milford is the greatest honor of my life,” he said.
“While the current circumstances of the pandemic have certainly tested our mettle, I have seen how resilient New Milford can be in these times of uncertainty,” Buckbee said. “The pandemic has compounded many issues the state had been facing prior to the outbreak, but I accept the challenge of providing a clear pathway ahead as we reopen and rebuild.”
A fourth-generation New Milfordite, Buckbee and his family have organized several local events and charitable fundraising for local and state-wide initiatives, as well as countless hours of volunteer work within the community.
He has coached youth sports in New Milford for many years, including basketball, baseball and football. He has volunteered on the fire department, on town committees, and most recently working to help those with mental health issues.
During his time of service at the State Capitol, Buckbee has illustrated leadership. In 2017, he led the charge to pass a historic bipartisan budget, which helped create the budget reserve funds that will be used to offset financial damages caused by the pandemic.
Buckbee hosted a local job fair at the John Pettibone Community Center to help New Milford residents get back to work. He established New Milford Day at the State Capitol which is an annual event showcasing the businesses, nonprofit organizations and services the town has to offer.
Buckbee is an advocate for those fighting addiction and has introduced legislation to increase the access to recovery resources and create tougher penalties for the crime of selling and distributing illegal substances.
He has opposed statewide tolling plans and advocated for commuter rail.
“I have met with the DOT Commissioner, spoken with the governor, and will continue to fight until we can get funds as the train brings strong economic vitality and increased property values to the town we love,” Buckbee said.
Buckbee is employed as the executive director of Harrybrooke Park in New Milford and also owns a small business. He serves the community as a Justice of the Peace.
For more information, visit www.Buckbee67th.com or on Facebook @reelectbuckbee.