Every Tuesday leading up to the election on Nov. 5, GOOD Morning Wilton publishes endorsements of candidates made by public officials, civic organizations, interest groups or recognizable individuals. This information has been compiled from press releases and other information submitted to GMW by the campaigns or entities making the endorsement. These are not endorsements from GOOD Morning Wilton; GMW does not make any candidate endorsements. Endorsements can be submitted through the “Submit a Story” linkon GMW‘s main menu before noon on Mondays. Learn more about our election coverage guidelines and policies, and requirements for endorsements, here.
Sierra Club Endorses Savet Constantine for State Representative as “Pro-Environment Candidate”
The Sierra Club has endorsed Savet Constantine to represent the 42nd State House District of the CT General Assembly, including the towns of Wilton, New Canaan, and Ridgefield. Voters have long relied on Sierra Club’s endorsements to identify candidates who will champion environmental protection.
Savet Constantine confirms, “Climate change demands action now — for us and for our children. As a Sierra Club endorsee, I will advocate for legislation that promotes resiliency planning in infrastructure, expands renewable energy, and protects our natural environment. These efforts will not only address climate change, but also create new jobs and build long-term prosperity for our district. Connecticut can and should be a leader in sustainable practices, and I’ll work to make that a reality.”
CT Against Gun Violence Endorses Savet Constantine — “Champions Gun Safety”
42nd District State House Rep. candidate Savet Constantine has been identified by CT Against Gun Violence (CAGV) as a candidate who will be a leader in passing measures to lower gun death and injury in Connecticut and who has distinguished herself as a champion of gun violence prevention.
“Gun violence is a public safety crisis, especially for our children. I’m proud to be endorsed by CT Against Gun Violence and I will advocate for measures that protect our communities by expanding gun violence prevention programs and protect our poll workers by prohibiting concealed carry at voting stations. I’ll work to ensure we strike a balance between safety, particularly our children’s, and safeguarding Second Amendment rights,” Constantine said.
Planned Parenthood Votes Endorses Savet Constantine for State Representative and Ceci Maher for State Senator — “We are in an Urgent Moment”
The following is a statement from Planned Parenthood Votes! CT Chapter:
“There is an abortion access public health crisis in our country which has worsened over the past two years since the United States Supreme Court’s opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ending our federal constitutional right to abortion. It is more important than ever for state legislatures and elected officials to enact policies to further protect people’s ability to access abortion care and providers’ ability to deliver abortion care in our state. As 22 states across the country have banned abortion outright or severely restricted access to abortion care, we need to know there are elected champions in our state who will fight to protect our health, our rights, and our freedoms.
“We are grateful that Savet Constantine and Ceci Maher have indicated that, as legislators, they are willing to advocate for protecting and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people. We are in an urgent moment and working together we can achieve our vision for a future where all people in Connecticut can realize the right to control their bodies, their lives, and their futures.
“We are proud that Connecticut has maintained its strong historic record of support for reproductive health and rights. Our elected champions have shown what it looks like to protect and expand access to abortion. Thanks to the Connecticut General Assembly, we have fended off the dangerously restrictive laws enacted in many states and the right to abortion has been protected in state law since 1990. During the 2022 legislative session, elected leaders understood the urgency of the moment and took necessary action passing the most significant abortion rights legislation in a generation — the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act (Public Act 22-19) and strengthened provider protections in the 2023 session while expanding access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care for college students, and expanding access to birth control and emergency contraception.
“We need to keep Connecticut moving forward with legislators who will defend our existing state policies, advocate for improving sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people, and invest in the reproductive health care provider infrastructure in our state. We are confident that Savet Constantine and Ceci Maher will help us achieve this. PPV!CT will continue to advocate for the issues that impact Planned Parenthood patients and communities, working with coalition partners promoting racial justice, voting rights, economic equality, LGBTQ+ rights, workers’ and immigrant rights.”
Sincerely,
Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut
Senator Chris Murphy Endorses Ceci Maher and Savet Constantine
According to a statement submitted from U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy: “There’s a big difference between the two parties in this election, and that’s why I’m endorsing Ceci Maher for State Senator [of the 26th District] and Savet Constantine for State House Representative of the 42nd District.
“Ceci [Maher]knows that childcare is one of the most important infrastructure supports for labor and people being able to work. She understands that we need to take care of our children and we need to keep our communities safe.
“Savet Constantine has been so committed to the community through her work on the PTA and in recruiting candidates and appointees for town office in Wilton. She has been steadfast in her vision for keeping this community a place that families want to be a part of.
“You can vote early this year two weeks leading up to this election, don’t sit this one out. The stakes are way too high.”
Congressman Jim Himes endorses Savet Constantine and Ceci Maher — Highlights Candidates’ Leadership on Education, Reproductive Rights and Environment
According to a statement submitted from U.S. Rep. Jim Himes: “I’m delighted to endorse Savet Constantine in her race to represent Wilton, parts of Ridgefield, and parts of New Canaan in the State Assembly, along with Ceci Maher who has been serving us so well in the State Senate.
“Savet [Constantine] is focused on something that is so essential — it may be the most essential issue — which is how we bring up and educate our young people. Having raised two daughters, I know how important that is and I’m going to be excited to partner with Savet as she does everything she can to make our schools better and make sure every single child in this area has the very best education.
“The reason I’m endorsing Ceci Maher is because she knows what it is to bring thoughtful, independent leadership to defending our freedoms — notably a woman’s right to make her own choices, and to stand up for the environment and this beautiful place we all live. I’m so happy that Ceci has chosen to stand for re-election.
“I hope you’ll join me on Nov. 5 in supporting Ceci Maher and Savet Constantine.”
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz Endorses Savet Constantine “for Reproductive Freedom, Gun Safety, Small Businesses”
In a video statement, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said, “I’m so proud to endorse Savet Constantine for State Representative. You can count on her to stand up for women’s reproductive rights and gun safety. Also, she will support small businesses, make Connecticut more affordable, and help us continue to cut taxes. Please join me in supporting Savet Constantine.”
CT Attorney General William Tong Endorses Ceci Maher, Savet Constantine “As Strong Legislative Partners”
In a video statement, CT Attorney General William Tong said, “I met Ceci Maher in 2005 and I’m so proud she’s now a State Senator. What Ceci is focusing on in Hartford is fighting for kids and in particular children’s mental health. I sued Meta–Instagram and Facebook, and we’re looking at TikTok too because of the impact on young people and their mental health, and we need our legislative partners as our champions.
“I’m also excited to support Savet Constantine for State Representative. I know how important it is to make sure that her voice on education is heard. This is why we do this work — for our kids and our families, and that’s where Savet’s experience is focused.
“Let’s vote for Savet Constantine for State Representative, and Ceci Maher for State Senate.”
Reproductive Equity Now endorses Constantine and Maher
In a statement, Reproductive Equity Now announced: “Two years since the Dobbs decision decimated the national right to abortion access, and on the precipice of one of the most important election cycles in history, Reproductive Equity Now has announced its first slate of endorsed candidates for the Connecticut Legislature. These candidates will continue the groundbreaking work that the Connecticut state government has done to meet the post-Dobbs moment and work to advance a reproductive equity agenda for all Nutmeggers.
“’The stakes have never been higher for abortion access and reproductive equity, and these candidates are prepared to meet the post-Dobbs moment,’ Reproductive Equity Now President Rebecca Hart Holder said. ‘The right to abortion, contraception, IVF, and all forms of reproductive health care are facing existential threats on the national stage. State legislatures have the opportunity to act as a firewall, protecting the reproductive freedom of their constituents through comprehensive, proactive legislation and budgeting. Not only can our leaders in Hartford ensure that Nutmeggers retain their right to reproductive health care, but what our leaders do in Connecticut has a ripple effect on the abortion landscape nationwide. Reproductive Equity Now is proud to endorse this impressive slate of candidates who are ready to fight for reproductive equity and ensure that Connecticut remains a firewall for abortion access in post-Roe America.'”
Wilton Second Selectman Joshua Cole Endorses Kim Healy for State Rep
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kim Healy on the Wilton Board of Selectmen for three years, and I’ve known her even longer. A true numbers person, Kim reviews budgets with keen financial acumen, drawing on her years of experience as an auditor. These skills are desperately needed in Hartford, where ballooning budgets result in cuts to local town tax reimbursements and unfunded mandates.
Kim will fight policies like the public benefit tax on our electric bills, so-called “fair share” legislation that would destroy rural and farming communities in the state, one size fits all educational initiatives, and other short-sighted legislation. Repeatedly testifying against state policies that would not benefit Wiltonians, Kim has always maintained a decidedly local focus.
While some politicians shout about party affiliation instead of ideas, Kim is focused on making Connecticut affordable by reducing junk fees, encouraging private investment in our environment, ensuring children have access to quality, locally controlled educational opportunities, making healthcare and mental health services accessible, and protecting the rights of women and girls. She will bring true, independent leadership to Hartford.
When you cast your ballot, think about what matters most, the party affiliation next to someone’s name, or the proven leadership they’ve supplied? I know leadership, skills, and ideas are how we build back Connecticut and, if you agree, join me in supporting Kim Healy for State Representative.
Joshua S. Cole, Esq.
Wilton Second Selectman
P&Z Vice Chair Melissa-Jean Rotini Endorses Kim Healy
Early voting has begun and those looking to reduce the high cost of living in Connecticut should be voting for Kim Healy as State Representative.
Experience and qualifications matter. As an unaffiliated voter and elected official, I’ve long made that statement on the campaign trail and in endorsements. If you’re not sure why a vote for Kim is a vote for the qualified candidate, let me tell you about her.
A CPA who worked as an auditor for PriceWaterhouse Coopers, Kim knows how to identify misuse of funds and monitor government spending. She’s committed to reducing costs through identifying waste.
As both an elected Wilton [selectwoman] and a board member on the state’s Reading Leadership Implementation Council, Kim has developed an understanding of the governmental process. Working within the bounds of governmental regulations is unlike any other experience. To be effective in government, you need an understanding of how to navigate policy creation, budgetary processes, departmental rules, and a host of other uniquely governmental concerns. When we send people to the state without this type of experience, we do ourselves a disservice. Instead of jumping right in, newly elected officials who lack this experience need to learn how to navigate through government. Kim will be able to dig right into the issues that matter.
Kim’s dedication to public service is something with which she was raised. Growing up with a police officer as a father and mother who was a nurse gave her a sense of responsibility to the community.
Is she “one of us”? If that means caring about local issues — then, of course. Kim is there for all of us. Kim believes in fiscal responsibility, rights for women and that diversity makes us strong. It’s absurd to claim otherwise with a track record like Kim’s!
- Kim has been a defender of local control in education and zoning.
- She recognizes the public benefit tax on our electric bills is unreasonable.
- She understands the issues surrounding affordable housing, and will fight against expanding laws that don’t solve those issues.
- She’s worked to keep our Wilton budget low, sits on the Employee Retirement Plan Investment Committee, and Trust Fund for Post-Employment Benefits [Committee].
- She works for local charities as a board trustee for the Norwalk Family and Children’s Agency, and is a member of the Wilton Garden Club, and Minks to Sinks.
- She’s been a Wilton resident for 16 years, where she and her husband, who is an immigrant, raised their four children.
- She worries about the safety of her children, and the health of her husband.
- She’s a professional who has juggled work and family life.
Cross-endorsed by the Independent Party, Kim recieved the backing of the Fraternal Order of Police. I urge you to join them in supporting her this election, and vote Kim Healy for State Representative.
Melissa-Jean Rotini, Esq.
Vice Chair, Planning and Zoning Commission