News

Letter: Former NCHS Principal Calls CT Gubernatorial Candidate Mike Handler ‘A Hidden Treasure’

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Dear Editor,

I was thrilled to learn that Mike Handler is running for Governor of Connecticut. Mike is a hidden treasure and a man of courage and vision. My experience in working with Mike is that he is a man who gets things done, and in a time when people trip over one another to receive accolades, Mike is only interested in getting things done. He has served both Democratic and Republican administrations and has demonstrated a unique ability to rise above partisan politics and petty interests. Mike has proven success in both business and government and will bring a sorely needed professional acumen and problem solving ability to the citizens of Connecticut.

Government

New Canaan Republican Michael Handler Announces Candidacy for Governor

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Touting his work in getting Stamford on stronger financial footing, New Canaan Republican Michael Handler announced Monday that he’s making a bid for Connecticut’s highest elected office. Employed as director of administration for Stamford and serving as director of Emergency Management in New Canaan, Handler is known to thousands of local households as the recorded voice that advises residents about rescue efforts, shelter options, safety precautions and road closures during and after major storms.

Handler, 47, filed for a candidate committee for the office of governor July 14 and the state on Tuesday approved his filing, he said. Describing himself as “hands on” and with background in investments and finance in the private sector who also has “a very strong background in public safety” and the public sector, “having dedicated myself to public office in Stamford for the last five years,” Handler said he’s already achieved success in areas that now are of pressing concern for the state, such as negotiating multiple contracts with unions. “I have, more than anybody else out there, the experience of understanding what the prior administrations have done to Stamford financially and how to clean it up,” Handler told NewCanaanite.com. “The most critical issues facing Connecticut are primarily fiscal, and there is no question that governors for many years have failed to address the State’s structural costs and instead opted to kick the can down the road,” Handler said.