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.
Stephanie Thomas Receives ‘Gun Sense Candidate Distinction’ from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
State Representative candidate Stephanie Thomas (143rd District) received the Gun Sense Candidate Distinction from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.
“We are happy to inform you that your campaign has been given the Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction. Thank you again for standing up for gun violence prevention and recognizing gun safety,” said Norma Rahall, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense.
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes. Since its inception after the tragedy at Sandy Hook School, Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country and, along with Mayors Against Illegal Guns and the Everytown Survivor Network, is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with more than four million supporters.
In receiving this support, Thomas said, “I thank Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense for their work on this important public safety issue. Like many Connecticut residents, the gun violence that surrounds us feels personal to me. When I go to public places, I find myself searching for the emergency exit…just in case. Numerous people on the campaign trail share this fear–for themselves and for their children. We must work to make Connecticut’s gun laws stronger by bringing everyone to the table to create common sense solutions that protect us all.”
Vanderslice Endorses Lavielle, O’Dea and Boucher: Experience Needed in Hartford
The following is a statement released by Wilton’s first selectwoman, Lynne Vanderslice.
When I vote, I pick candidates that I consider best qualified for the job. I don’t recall casting a ballot when all my choices were from one party.
For the state legislative elections this November, state and local issues—not national issues—are at stake. With the political division in the country, I understand the temptation to send a message with a vote based on party affiliation. But whether or not, and how, the state deals with its fiscal and transportation issues will impact both Wilton’s and the state’s economy, the education of your children, your property value, and whether you and your adult children want or can afford to remain in Connecticut. We must elect the most competent and experienced candidates, regardless of which party they represent.
I seriously and carefully listened to what was said at the candidate forum and only then decided to issue this endorsement.
Gail Lavielle and Tom O’Dea have put forth realistic, creative, non-partisan ideas to deal with our fiscal and transportation issues.
Wilton greatly benefits when the multi-town state senator lives in Wilton; especially one like Toni Boucher, who has a demonstrated ability to get things done and a passion for our town. I respect her failing grades from the NRA because of her post Newtown votes and her calling out the President on Putin and offensive comments.
Watch the candidate forum. Get the facts. We are best served by candidates with knowledge and experience: Toni Boucher, Gail Lavielle, and Tom O’Dea.
Selectwoman Lori Bufano Endorses Gail Lavielle
Lori Bufano is a member of the Board of Selectmen. She sent the following statement endorsing Gail Lavielle:
Gail Lavielle is a tireless advocate for Wilton’s interests, and deserves reelection. As a former Board of Finance member, she has tremendous insight into our town’s finances and economy. She understands Wilton’s future depends on a strong state economy, which will drive growth by incentivizing new business and strengthening our housing market. Gail has helped defeat unfair attempts to reduce our education cost sharing allocation. She has been a proponent of Metro-North, including her successful efforts to restore early morning service on the Danbury Branch. Gail is a true partner in ensuring a vibrant future for Wilton, and will have my vote.
Stephanie Thomas Endorsed by Connecticut Working Families Party
State Representative candidate Stephanie Thomas (143rd District) has been endorsed by the Connecticut Working Families Party.
The Connecticut Working Families Party is an independent political organization that stands up for hard-working families across Connecticut.
“The CT Working Families Party is excited to endorse so many inspiring candidates for office in 2018—more candidates than ever before in our history. Voters in 2018 face a defining moment in our history, with our civil, social, and economic rights under attack in ways we hadn’t seen in decades. Now more than ever, we need elected officials who will not only resist these attacks, but will push forward with smart, forward-thinking ideas like paid family leave, a $15 minimum wage, and debt-free college,” said Lindsay Farrell, state director of the CT Working Families Party.
In receiving the endorsement, Thomas remarked, “The CT Working Families Party has been fighting for decades for affordable health care, job creation, quality public education, raising the minimum wage, alleviating the student debt crisis, and environmental reform. I know first-hand that most people want a hand up and not a hand out. Good health, quality education and the ability to earn a living wage are the building blocks to ensure that families can take care of themselves without state support.”
Lavielle Receives “Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate” Distinction
State Representative Gail Lavielle (R-143) announced recently that she has received the ‘Gun Sense Candidate of Distinction’ designation from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country.
“We are happy to inform you that your campaign has been given the Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction,” wrote Norma Rahall of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America in a letter to Lavielle. “Thank you again for standing up for gun violence prevention and recognizing gun safety.”
Respecting the policy of the organization, the Lavielle campaign has been careful not to call this distinction an endorsement, because Moms Demand Action, unlike its founding organization, Everytown for Gun Safety, does not offer formal endorsements of candidates. Instead, they recognize candidates who have pledged to support gun safety measures.
According to the Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America website, where voters can find a “gun sense” candidate in their district, “The Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction is separate from any formal Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund endorsement, and intended to demonstrate political will for gun violence prevention. Multiple candidates in a race can receive the distinction and, just like common-sense gun safety, the distinction is non-partisan.”
“People in the 143rd district have made clear their desire to see bipartisan action on gun safety and school security, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished in the legislature to address this. I am grateful to Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense for according me the distinction of ‘Gun Sense Candidate,’ and look forward to continuing to work hard in support of sensible gun safety measures,” said Lavielle.
During the 2018 legislative session, Lavielle voted to ban the sale of possession of bump stocks in Connecticut and advocated for the banning of so-called “ghost guns” and other untraceable firearms. Addressing ghost guns and 3D-printed guns gun is on her list of gun safety priorities.