NewCanaanite.com received the following letters of endorsement. No new endorsement letters will be published after Oct. 21.
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Dear Editor,
It is my honor and privilege to endorse the Democratic candidates running for state office to represent New Canaan in this year’s election. With the intent to offer our voters a real choice, the New Canaan Democratic Town committee has endorsed candidates running for each office, including challengers to incumbents.
Our candidates are moderate Democrats who observe state laws and support local control over schools and zoning. Moreover, they support our values of protecting women’s freedom and access to health care. They strongly advocate for common sense gun safety to keep our children safe in schools. Our candidates are fiscally conservative and align with our Governor Ned Lamont who has reduced our debt and kept state finances under control, including protecting the Rainy-Day Fund and adhere to state budget guard rails while delivering support to our local districts.
Nick Simmons, running for State Senate District 36, who worked as Governor Lamont’s Deputy Chief of Staff, will be an effective leader in our state capitol. Ceci Maher, running for reelection in State Senate District 26, will continue to advocate for children and families. Lucy Dathan, who represents Silvermine and advocates for New Canaan, will proceed with exercising fiscal oversight on the Appropriations committee to keep spending under control. Jason Bennett, a technology officer and father of three young children, will seek to bring more innovation to Connecticut’s economy. And Savet Constantine will work to protecting our outstanding education system and advocate for seniors and community safety.
The democrats running to represent New Canaan are committed to reducing the cost of living for Connecticut residents and to continue our Governors’ success in providing both fiscal stability and economic growth in our state. They deserve our support.
Sincerely,
Christina Fagerstal
Chair, New Canaan Democratic Town Committee
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Editor:
I am writing in support of Ryan Fazio, Tom O’Dea, Kim Healy and Kami Evans in the 2024 election. Ryan and Tom have proven themselves as effective legislators who work productively across the aisle, and all four are committed to representing all the citizens and taxpayers of New Canaan in our state government. We need true bipartisan representation in the Connecticut General Assembly, and electing these four Republicans will help to ensure that we have it. To suggest that electing any of their Democrat opponents would bring any meaningful “change” to Hartford is preposterous. Since 1996, the CT State Senate has seen a Democrat majority every year except in 2016, when that body was evenly split, 18 to 18. Since 1992, the CT House of Representatives has always been a Democrat majority. It is precisely the Democrat-controlled Connecticut state legislature that has repeatedly raised taxes and enacted legislation that erodes local control over zoning, driving businesses and residents out of our state. To allow a super-majority to exist in the State Senate would only continue that trajectory, and further erode any sense of bipartisan representation. Please join me in supporting our Row B candidates.
Respectfully submitted,
Eric Thunem
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To the Editor –
I am writing to endorse Ryan Fazio for State Senator in the 36th District. Ryan cares about the issues that are important to New Canaan and has a track record of fighting for our interests in Hartford. He is a bipartisan leader with a track record of delivering for his constituents.
Education is an issue that is important to me. I moved to New Canaan so that my kids could benefit from the high-quality schools that this town offers. These great schools are no accident – they are the product of years of investment, positive parental involvement, exceptional teachers and administrators and a school’s board that is keeps the focus on education.
I am concerned that a one-size-fits-all reading program and proposals for school regionalization would destroy what we have built. We need an ally in Hartford who will understands that the path to a better education system statewide is to celebrate and emulate success, not trying to impede our great schools.
Ryan Fazio knows our town and cares about what is important to us. He will fight for local control in education and against unhelpful mandates from Hartford. Vote for Ryan on November 5th.
Samantha Davids
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As election day nears, New Canaan voters have important roles in ensuring Connecticut’s continued economic growth, support safety against gun violence and back the foundational principle that women and their doctors, not politicians in Washington and Hartford, can make decisions regarding their reproductive rights.
Nick Simmons, running for the 36th District Senate, supports lowered taxes, growing the state’s economy and maintaining fiscal responsibility in Hartford. With his background as deputy chief of staff to Gov. Ned Lamont, Simmons is deeply knowledgeable about state operations and can be a voice for the constituent needs of New Canaan, Stamford and Greenwich, the towns in his district. Having seen government up close, he knows the benefits of lower taxes, reducing costs and investing in infrastructure can yield. With those positions, Nick has also been endorsed by the Independent Party.
Seeking election in the 125th House District, Jason Bennett would be a new day for the district, an advocate for reproductive rights, protecting the environment and growing the state’s economy through innovation. As an innovator, Bennett is chief technology officer of a technology consulting firm and understands what it takes for a small business to succeed. Concerned about people, he has served as a volunteer crisis counselor. The father of three young children, he is committed to prioritizing and maintaining excellence in our schools.
Both Nick and Jason will serve as dedicated, thoughtful voices for moving our state and our towns forward, putting constituents at the forefront of their efforts, and working to improve our state and our towns.
Michael Dorfsman
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I am pleased to support Kim Healy for State Representative. As a CPA and former auditor, Kim has extensive experience in fiscal responsibility. She is focused on local issues that are important to our town. As a current member of the Board of Education I am acutely aware of local needs and how important representation is. Kim has been appointed to the Reading Leadership Implementation Council and is a strong voice for local control. I am confident that Kim will be an advocate for our positions while in Hartford. Please join me in electing this well qualified candidate.
Lori Bufano