NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letters of endorsement. Please email endorsements to editor@newcanaanite.com for publication here.
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Dear New Canaanite Editor,
I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse Ryan Fazio for State Senate. As a dedicated public servant Ryan has consistently demonstrated his commitment to improving our state’s education system, energy policies, and zoning regulations.
Ryan’s commitment to education is evident through his years of volunteer work tutoring in inner-city charter schools and his service on the leadership of the KIPP charter school network. I fully support his focus to make sure that control of schools and educational agendas stays within the local community and not handed down by state bureaucrats, who put policy ahead of our kids.
In his role as Ranking Member of the Energy & Technology Committee, Ryan has been at the forefront of shaping Connecticut’s energy future, advocating for lower electricity and utility costs. He co-authored a 6 point plan to reduce energy costs and save money for the average family.
As Ranking Member of the Planning & Development Committee, Ryan has been a strong advocate for local control over zoning decisions. He authored and successfully passed Senate Bill 333, which aims to restore decision-making powers to towns and cities, making it easier to get a moratorium under 8-30g and ensuring that our communities have a say in their own development.
Ryan Fazio’s blend of community involvement, legislative accomplishments, and commitment to improving the lives of the constituents and community he serves makes him an excellent choice to re-elect to the State Senate.
Sincerely,
Matthew Guadagno
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Dear Editor:
This letter serves as an enthusiastic endorsement of Democrat Savet Constantine for State Representative to serve the General Assembly’s 42nd House District of New Canaan, Wilton and Ridgefield. Having gotten to know Savet over the past several months, it is so evident why she will make an outstanding representative for our District. Savet is a great family person and accomplished member of the community, having worked her way up in the Wilton public schools from classroom mom to dedicated PTA president following a career in marketing. Savet is smart, and a great listener. She cares deeply about the community and the people in each of her conversations. She is highly knowledgeable on the issues. Savet is always curious about others’ ideas, but will never rush to tell them exactly what they want to hear simply to score political points.
Savet is authentic, credible and eager to be a sensible voice for our District. But don’t just take my word for it: Savet has been endorsed this year by Planned Parenthood, Reproductive Equity Now, CT Against Gun Violence, the Sierra Club, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy and Congressman Jim Himes, among others. In 2024, our choice for the 42nd House District is clear: Savet Constantine.
Tim Klimpl
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To the Editor –
The upcoming election on November 5th will decide who will represent New Canaan in Hartford. Unless you want to guarantee a legislative supermajority for State Democrats, I strongly recommend that you cast your vote to re-elect Republican Ryan Fazio in the 36th State Senate District.
Ryan represents Greenwich, north Stamford and most of New Canaan. He has lived in the district for most of his life. Since he was elected in 2022, he has truly represented New Canaan’s interests in Hartford, fighting for the issues we really care about. He has fought to hold down taxes, maintain local control and reduce crime. Most importantly he has led the Senate Republican’s efforts to rein in the skyrocketing electricity rates, something affecting all residents.
His opponent is a Hartford bureaucrat who is leveraging his family ties to the area to justify his run. He is the son of a wealthy developer who has used his Dad’s connections to open doors. He has raised two-thirds of money for his well-funded campaign outside of the state.
Our state has been run continuously by Democrats for 16 years. They have a stranglehold on power in Connecticut and have edged towards supermajority over the past few years. The result of Democratic control has been tragic, a stifling business environment, rising crime, rising cost-of-living and outward migration.
What does a supermajority allow Democrats to do? It allows them to pass whatever they want without the need for any compromise. It allows them to nullify Governor Lamont’s veto power which he has effectively used to kill off the most radical proposals from the Democratic caucus. Is any of that good for New Canaan or Connecticut? No, it is not.
The choice the election is clear – vote for Republican Ryan Fazio, a local guy who knows our community and has a track record of fighting for our interests in Hartford.
Thank you for sharing my thoughts,
Jeremy Thompson
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Editor:
After 12 years, it is time for new representation for New Canaan. Jason Bennett is running for the 125th General Assembly District, which encompasses most of New Canaan. Jason is young, smart, collegial, and technologically savvy. He has started and run several businesses. He will bring new energy, new ideas, and new supporters, giving him a finger on the pulse of what the State needs to understand about New Canaan and what New Canaan needs from Hartford. His opponent, representing Trump’s party, is a nice guy, but he will be under pressure to support Trump’s policies should Trump win. We need Jason Bennett to represent our interests in Hartford.
Toddy Turrentine
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To the Editor,
The race for Connecticut’s 36th district Senate seat between incumbent Republican Ryan Fazio and Democratic challenger Nick Simmons carries profound implications, especially when it comes to reproductive rights.
Fazio may claim to support reproductive rights, but his voting record tells a different story. When given the chance, he sided with the far-right wing of the national GOP, which has been systematically chipping away at abortion access. Most strikingly, he voted against HB 5414, the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, a landmark bill that expanded abortion protections in Connecticut, safeguarded providers, and shielded women seeking abortions from other states. This decision is a glaring signal that Fazio is willing to prioritize the pro-life agenda over the reproductive rights of his constituents, despite Connecticut being a pro-choice state. And don’t be fooled by his selective support of HB 6788—access to birth control alone doesn’t equate to reproductive freedom. True freedom means defending the right to choose, and Fazio has repeatedly fallen short.
Our town has long been divided on fiscal issues, but we’ve historically come together on one basic principle: keeping the government out of personal lives. However, under the gravitational pull of Trump and the far-right, Connecticut Republicans like Fazio have strayed from this ideal. His votes against common sense gun reform and his refusal to distance himself from extremists in his party, including the former President, paint a clear picture of where his priorities lie.
In contrast, Democrat Nick Simmons gets it. He knows what’s at stake. He understands that reproductive rights are non-negotiable, and he stands with the women who consider this a litmus test issue. Simmons is grounded in the values of our community. He grew up here during a time when Democrats and Republicans shared common ground—when representing people, not partisanship, was the priority. He’s fiscally moderate, socially progressive, and understands what it means to truly represent the people of this district. On women’s rights, and beyond, Nick Simmons is the right choice.
Sincerely,
Jess Heckerling