Every Tuesday leading up to Election Day, GOOD Morning Wilton publishes endorsements received by the candidates. This information has been compiled from press releases sent by the campaigns or endorsement letters sent to GMW by public officials/organizations. These are not endorsements from GOODMorningWilton.com. To learn more about our election coverage guidelines and policies, click here.
Boucher Endorsed by Connecticut Business and Industry Association
State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) has been endorsed by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA).
CBIA is a leading advocacy group for business and industry in Connecticut with thousands of member companies. Their mission is to champion policy within the state that will make Connecticut’s economy more competitive regionally, nationally and globally.
In a statement, Joseph F. Brennan, president and CEO of CBIA, said of Boucher, “In your time in the legislature, you have shown a strong commitment to promoting an environment where companies can compete, attract much-needed investment to our state, and drive economic growth and job creation.” He added, “We appreciate your willingness to work with the business community and look forward to working together over the next two years to reduce the cost of government, make Connecticut more affordable, and make this an even better state to live, work and raise a family.”
In reaction, Boucher remarked, “I am proud to receive this recognition from the CBIA. Our number one priority right now is to turn around Connecticut’s economy and make our state, once again, a place where business can compete and families can work and prosper. To accomplish this we must focus on lowering taxes on families and businesses, reducing our burdensome state regulations and eliminating wasteful government spending.” She added, “Toward this end, I’m thankful for the good work of the CBIA in advancing these issues.”
Blumenthal, Murphy, and Himes Endorse Tartell for State Representative of 125th District
Over the course of his campaign, Ross Tartell has received endorsements from US Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, and US Congressman Jim Himes. “Ross Tartell’s dedication to making the communities of New Canaan and Wilton great towns is demonstrated by his selfless volunteer efforts and community involvement over the past 30 years,” Blumenthal stated. “He has the business background to bring people together to solve the biggest challenges facing our state–and the passion to get things done.”
Murphy also referenced Tartell’s career in his endorsement of the Democratic candidate for State Representative of the 125th District as he addressed a crowd in Wilton last month. He focused on Ross’s understanding that Connecticut’s fiscal house must be in order to support the things we take for granted, like a compassionate health care system and great schools. Murphy summarized his support of Tartell’s campaign by saying, “It’s great to have people with a business background who have that moral compass.”
During an event in New Canaan earlier in the month, Himes told attendees that Ross has “exactly the kind of experience that Connecticut needs today.” Himes noted that Tartell’s extensive experience training people to find ways to learn and come together at GE and Pfizer, through executive coaching, and through years teaching at Columbia is “exactly what our country needs today.” He added that, “Ross also stands for the values that we all care about–the values of inclusion, the values of equality and standing up for women and families and all Americans.”
Sierra Club Endorses Lavielle for Reelection
The Sierra Club, the largest and oldest environmental grassroots group in the country, has endorsed State Representative Gail Lavielle for reelection to the 143rd House district, which includes parts of Norwalk, Westport, and Wilton.
“Our endorsement sends a message of your strong support for the environment and your proven track record in environmental issues,” wrote Ann Gadwah, political chair of the Sierra Club’s Connecticut Chapter, in a letter to Lavielle dated Oct. 20. “The Sierra Club wholeheartedly extends our support for your campaign.”
“Protecting our environment is vitally important for preserving the unique character of our beautiful state, and for public health and safety,” said Lavielle. “I will continue to fight for initiatives that protect our open space, conserve precious natural resources, and keep our air and water clean and safe. As always, I will be attentive to ensuring that these initiatives are undertaken within a framework of sound fiscal discipline. I thank the Sierra Club for its many years of service to the environment, and I am honored to have received its endorsement.”
During the 2017 and 2018 legislative sessions, Lavielle fought to protect state-owned conservation land and open space; ban the transport, disposal, and storage of fracking waste in Connecticut; preserve the state’s water supply and designate water as a public trust; allow direct manufacturer sales of electric vehicles; provide better, more timely information to address sewage spills; and improve coastal zone resiliency.
Lavielle’s endorsement by the Sierra Club comes just weeks after her endorsement by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, which has recognized her six times as an Environmental Champion.
-30-