Wilton’s first selectman Bill Brennan has released an endorsement of both State Sen. Toni Boucher and State Rep. Gail Lavielle. On Wednesday, Oct. 22, Brennan sent reporters a statement saying he endorsed them both “strongly.”
Boucher is a Republican running for re-election in the 26th state senatorial district against Democratic challenger Phil Sharlach, and Lavielle, also a Republican, is the incumbent in the 143rd state house district race being challenged by Democrat Keith Rodgerson.
Calling them “incredibly active and articulate legislators, Brennan said, “Toni Boucher and Gail Lavielle have earned re-election by their tireless efforts in support of Wilton.”
Brennan led off with an economic argument: “The state of Connecticut is in serious financial trouble. Continuing huge deficits, underfunded state employee pension funds and uncontrolled spending have contributed to numerous ‘bottom of the barrel’ state rankings. Both Toni and Gail have fought to reduce state spending and the infinite array of taxes that burden all of us making it almost too expensive to live or die in Connecticut.”
He also credits the incumbents with providing Wilton the significant help it needed for an important project: “The Town applied for grants four times to the state for a pedestrian walkway bridge to connect the Wilton train station and the village. Toni and Gail’s tenacious, last-minute efforts greatly influenced the decision that eventually will be so beneficial to Wilton commuters and other residents who regularly use this station.”
Brennan adds that he believes both are very experienced, with key legislative committee spots that are particularly helpful to Wilton.
“Toni and Gail have worked effectively as a legislative team and have enviable voting records supporting commuter transportation, education and environmental issues,” he writes, adding, “Please vote with me for Toni Boucher and Gail Lavielle. They have earned our support!”