Government

Election 2014: O’Dea, Boucher Re-Elected; Wilms Wins; Malloy Claims Victory

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As a close race for the governor’s seat kept Connecticut residents awake into the predawn hours Wednesday, voter returns from Election Day showed that New Canaan constituents backed winners in the state legislature. New Canaan resident and State Rep. Tom O’Dea (R-125) retained his seat in the Connecticut General Assembly by a convincing margin—88 percent versus 12 percent for challenger David Bedell of the Green Party. Incumbent state Sen. Toni Boucher (R-26) also won re-election, defeating Democrat and fellow Wiltonian Philip Sharlach. In those two contests, and the race for the 142nd House District seat, the majority of New Canaan voters cast ballots for winners. Candidates for New Canaan’s delegation to Hartford in the state House and state Senate both debated in town two weeks ago.

Government

Candidates for State Senate Debate Future of New Canaan’s Metro-North Branch Line

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[A message from the League of Women Voters of New Canaan: If you or any friends couldn’t attend Candidates Night on Tuesday at New Canaan High School, please check the Channel 79 website (www.nctv79.org) for the viewing schedule beginning Friday morning, Oct. 24th.]

Connecticut’s 20 percent subsidy for rail commuters “very clearly” would go away if there’s a change in administration this fall, a candidate for office in the state legislature said Tuesday. What’s more, branch lines lose money and unless the state has a “concerned governor” in office, “branch service will be gone,” Philip Sharlach, a Democrat and Wilton resident who is challenging incumbent State Sen. Toni Boucher (R-26) said during a “Meet the Candidates” forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of New Canaan. “In the short-term, New Canaan, you’ve got a problem,” he said. Sharlach added: “To think that it can’t happen is absolutely ridiculous, because it almost happened before. Bad things happen to good people.