New Haven and Middlesex Counties Legislative Delegation 2015

New Haven and Middlesex Counties Legislative Delegation

2015 Regular Session of the Connecticut General Assembly

Source of Bios: www.cga.ct.gov

Legislators & Towns they represent

1. Abercrombie, Catherine: Meriden, Berlin 2. Adinolfi, Al: Cheshire, Southington & Wallingford

3. Albis, James: East Haven 4. Altobello, Emil “Buddy: Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall 5. Aresimowicz, Joe: Berlin, Southington 6. Bartolomeo, Danté: Cheshire, Meriden, Middlefield & Middletown 7. Candelaria, Juan: New Haven 8. Candelora, Vincent: Durham, Guilford, North Branford & Wallingford 9. Carney, Devin: Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook & 10. Carpino, Christie: Cromwell & Portland Westbrook 11. Crisco Jr., Joseph: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, 12. D’Agostino, Mike: Hamden Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck & Woodbridge 13. Dargan, Stephen: West Haven 14. Dillon, Patricia: New Haven

15. Doyle, Paul: Cromwell, Middletown, Newington, 16. Esposito Jr., Louis: West Haven Rocky Hill & Wethersfield 17. Fasano, Len: Durham, East Haven, North Haven & 18. Ferraro, Charles: Milford, Orange & West Haven Wallingford 19. Formica, Paul: Bozrah, East Lyme, Montville, New 20. Fritz, Mary: Cheshire & Wallingford London, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Salem & Waterford 21. Kennedy Jr., Ted: Branford, Durham, Guilford, 22. Klarides, Themis: Woodbridge, Orange & Derby Killingworth, Madison & North Branford 23. Kokoruda, Noreen: Durham & Madison 24. Lemar, Roland: New Haven, East Haven

25. Lesser, Matthew: Middletown 26. Linares, Art: Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland & Westbrook 27. Looney, Martin: New Haven, Hamden & North Haven 28. MacLachlan, Jesse: Clinton, Killingworth & Westbrook 29. Markley, Joe: Milford, Orange, West Haven & 30. Megna, Robert: New Haven Woodbridge 31. Miller, Philip: Chester, Deep River, Essex & Haddam 32. Mushinsky, Mary: Wallingford

33. Porter, Robyn: Hamden, New Haven 34. Reed, Lonnie: Branford/Short Beach, Pawson Park, Indian Neck & Branford Hills 35. Rose, Kim: Milford 36. Sampson, Rob: Wolcott & Southington

37. Santiago, Hilda: Meriden 38. Scanlon, Sean: Branford, Guilford

39. Serra, Joseph: Middletown 40. Sharkey, Brendan: Hamden

41. Slossberg, Gayle: Milford, Orange, West Haven & 42. Staneski, Pam: Orange, Milford Woodbridge 43. Walker, Toni: New Haven 44. Winfield, Gary: New Haven, West Haven

45. Yaccarino, David: North Haven 46. Ziobron, Melissa: Colchester, East Haddam & East Hampton 47. Zoni, David: Southington 48. Zupdus, Lezlye: Bethany, Cheshire & Prospect

Catherine Abercrombie is serving her sixth term as State Representative in the Connecticut General Assembly for the 83rd House District of Meriden, Berlin & Kensington; she claimed her seat in 2005 under a special election. Catherine is currently the House Chair of the Human Services Committee, Subcommittee Chair of Appropriations and a member of the Insurance Committee.

During her tenure in the General Assembly, Rep. Abercrombie has been a strong supporter and advocate of social service programs, children and family welfare, services for the disabled and educational issues. Cathy has also collaborated with several groups and organizations to help raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), a condition that affects as many as one in every 88 children in the United States.

Catherine has earned recognition for her community work and advocacy from various agencies and organizations across the state, including the 2013 Legislative Advocacy Award from the Connecticut Association for Adult and Continuing Education. Additionally she received the 2013 Legislator of the Year Award from LeadingAge Connecticut and the 2013 Outstanding Leadership Award from the Region II Regional Mental Health Board. She was named 2013 Legislator of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers, as well as a 2013 Children's Champion by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance. She also received the 2012 AARP Legislative Achievement Award and the 2012 Family Legislator of the Year Award from the Connecticut Council of Family Legislators.

Rep. Abercrombie is a small business owner and board member of "Beat the Street" in Meriden; The Meriden & Wallingford Substance Abuse Council (MAWSAC); First Initiative and The League of Women Voters.

Catherine and her husband John reside in Meriden, CT., and are the proud parents of three boys, Sean, Jason and Kyle.

For the seventh time, voters in Cheshire, Southington and Wallingford elected Al Adinolfi to the State House of Representatives in November 2014. Adinolfi was named an Assistant Republican Leader and he is a member of the legislature’s committees on Aging, Judiciary, Public Health and Veterans’ Affairs.

A U.S. Air Force Veteran of the Korean War era, Adinolfi has worked hard as an advocate for veterans’ and seniors’ issues. He is a member of the American Legion, and the former chairman of the Medal of Honor Living Classroom, which aims to teach young people about the legacy of Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.

Adinolfi previously served as state representative for the 103rd district from 1999-2001, and 2003-2009. Prior to his service in the Connecticut House of Representatives, Adinolfi served four terms on the Cheshire Town Council.

Advocacy group Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) named Adinolfi a “Community Champion” in 2013 and 2014, recognizing him for his work in keeping Connecticut’s roads safer. He was also the recipient of its national award, being named a “Legislative Champion.”

As a member of the legislature’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Adinolfi has worked consistently on behalf of members of the armed forces. In 2006 he was awarded the “Legislator of the Year” award from the Connecticut Chapter of the American Legion. Prior to this award, Adinolfi was awarded both the “Lifetime Achievement Award,” and the “Above and Beyond” award by the by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense organization, for his efforts in support of members of the National Guard, Reserves, and veterans. He served as Ranking Member on the legislature’s Select Committee on Aging for the 2007-09 term.

Adinolfi is a member of the Ancient and Accepted Free Masons, Temple Lodge #16, and is a Past Master of his lodge. He is also involved with the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and the Sphinx Shriners.

Al is a retired manager at DNE Technologies, a Wallingford based corporation, where he worked for 32 years.

A dedicated member of the Cheshire Republican Town Committee for over 26 years, Adinolfi resides in Cheshire with his Wife Lillian. They have two daughters and six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

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James Albis is serving his third term as State Representative in the Connecticut General Assembly for the 99th District – his hometown of East Haven. He claimed the seat in a February 2011 special election. In January 2015, James was appointed Chairman of the Environment Committee by Speaker of the House J. Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden). James also serves on the Finance, Revenue, & Bonding and the Executive & Legislative Nominations Committees. In addition to his committee work, James was appointed to chair the Speaker's Task Force on Shoreline Preservation in February 2012. This task force investigated the issues of sea level rise, coastal flooding, and extreme weather events, with the goal of ensuring the safety of homeowners along the coast and in other vulnerable areas. The task force released a report of recommendations in January 2013.

The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters has recognized Rep. Albis as a legislative champion from 2012-2014 for his work on coastal resilience and climate adaptation.James played an active role in passing bills advancing coastal issues, strengthening condominium law, and promoting organ donation awareness. James is a strong advocate for education, voting to protect East Haven's share of state education aid, as well as expanding the Family Resource Center at D.C. Moore School. He has worked to protect Medicaid and expand access to quality health care for our seniors.

Born and raised in East Haven, James was a member of the first graduating class of East Haven Academy in 1998 and a 2002 graduate of East Haven High School. Upon graduating from EHHS, James attended New York University in New York City. In 2005, James spent a semester at NYU’s campus in Florence, Italy, studying international economics. He graduated from NYU in 2006 with a B.A. in Economics.

James’s family has long been involved in the East Haven community. His grandfather, Dr. Francis Albis, practiced pediatrics in town for decades, caring for many of East Haven’s families over his long career as well as serving as the medical advisor to the local public school system. James’s father, the Hon. Michael A. Albis, serves as a Connecticut Superior Court Judge and previously served as East Haven’s Judge of Probate for twelve years. James’s mother, Jacqueline Albis, is an English teacher at EHHS and a former member of the East Haven Board of Education.

Biography:

Born and raised in Meriden.

Local Memberships/Interest: Ancient Order of Hibernians, Elks Club, North Italian Home Club, Meriden Humane Society, Friends of the Meriden Public Library, Meriden Hall of Fame, Boys & Girls Club Alumni and Daffodil Festival Volunteer.

First elected for a 4 year term to the Meriden City Council in 1987; re-elected in 1991.

Appointed Chairman of the City Council Public Works Committee in 1989.

Appointed Chairman of the City Council Finance & Budget Committee in 1991; reappointed Chairman in 1993.

Elected City Council Majority Leader by the Democratic Caucus in 1991, re-elected in 1993. While on the City Council; also served on the Meriden Board of Ethics, the Downtown Advisory Committee, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, and the Farmer's Market Committee.

First Elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in November 1994, continued to serve on the City Council as Majority Leader and Finance Chairman until March 1995.

Re-elected to the House in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014. Currently serving 11th two-year term.

General Assembly Committee assignments have included service on the: Energy & Technology Committee, Insurance & Real Estate Committee (Vice-chairman 1997-1998), Finance, Revenue, & Bonding Committee (Vice-chairman 1999-2000), Legislative Management Committee, General Bonding Sub-Committee, Transportation Bonding Sub-Committee (Co-Chairman 2001-2002), State Bond Commission (Ad Hoc 2001-2002), and the Legislative Screening Committee (2003- 2006), Bond Commission – Alternate.

Other leadership assignments include: Assistant Majority Leader of the House (2001-2002), Deputy Majority Leader (2003-2004), and Deputy Speaker of the House (2005-2012), Assistant Deputy Speaker (2013-Present

State Representative Joe Aresimowicz was first elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in 2004 to represent the 30th Assembly District, which includes Berlin and Southington. Following his re- election to a fifth term in 2012, his colleagues elected him as their Majority Leader of the House for the 2013-2014 legislative sessions.

Honorably discharged from the United States Army Reserve, where he served as a combat medic for almost a decade, veterans' issues are very important to Joe. During his tenure in the legislature he served as a long-time member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. He also served as a member of the Public Safety and Security Committee, the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, the Commerce Committee, and was Vice Chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee.

During his 10 years as a State Representative, Joe has received many awards and accolades. He received the 2012 Legislator of The Year Award from the YMCA, the 2013 Children's Champion Award from the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance, and the 2014 President's Award from the Connecticut River Salmon Association. Other organizations that have honored Joe include: The American Legion, the Connecticut State Firefighters Association, the Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Connecticut, the Connecticut Association of Optometrists, and the Connecticut Working Families Party.

Community and public service are very important to Joe. Prior to joining the legislature, Joe served three terms on the Berlin Town Council. He is also the Head Coach of Berlin High School's Freshman Football Team and has directed Berlin Midget Football for the past 14 years. He has also coached Berlin Little League and the New Britain Rising Stars AAU Basketball team.

When not at the legislature, Joe is the Education Coordinator for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 4.

State Senator Danté Bartolomeo ASSISTANT MAJORITY LEADER Chair: Children; Higher Education & Employment Advancement Member: Appropriations; Education Representing Cheshire, Meriden, Middlefield & Middletown

State Capitol Room 011 Hartford, CT 06106

Danté Bartolomeo was elected in November 2014 for her second term in the State Senate, serving the communities of Meriden, Cheshire, Middlefield, Middletown and Rockfall. She is Senate Co-Chair of both the legislature’s Committee on Children and the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, and is a member of the Appropriations and Education committees.

One of the signature accomplishments of Senator Bartolomeo’s first session in the General Assembly was her authorship and the unanimous, bipartisan passage of a new state law (Public Act 13-178) that seeks to reduce mental, emotional and behavioral health issues in children by creating the framework for a system that focuses on prevention, early identification and intervention, better communication and consistency within and between agencies, providers and families, and other new initiatives.

In her second session, Danté worked to pass a law that removes employment barriers for returning veterans who are entering the workforce. This legislation required state licensing authorities to accept military training and experience, where appropriate, as a substitute for their requirements, and will allow veterans to receive streamlined occupational certifications. Additionally, she spent her second session continuing to spearhead efforts to crack down on drunk drivers, and secured state support for local improvements and construction projects throughout her district. Danté served on the Meriden City Council from July 2008 until December 2012, rising to the position of Deputy Majority Leader. She also served as chair of the Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee, Vice-Chair of the Finance Committee, and Council Liaison to the Board of Education. Danté graduated from Mercy High School in Middletown in 1987 and cum laude from Colby College in 1991 with a B.A. in psychology. During her time in college, she served as vice president of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society for Psychology. She was employed in sales and marketing for the hotel industry from 1991-1996, and was a part-time consultant from 1998-2000. Danté has been married for many years to her husband Doug, who is a Youth Detective with the Berlin Police Department. Together they have two sons, Riley and Cameron.

Deputy Majority Leader, Juan Candelaria, has served New Haven’s 95th District since 2002. He is a member of the Appropriations, Education, Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committees and the Joint Committee on Legislative Management Committee.

In 2013, his colleagues elected him Chair of the Black and Latino Caucus to lead their legislative agenda in the legislature. In that role, he led efforts to pass legislation that would allow undocumented immigrants apply for Connecticut driver’s licenses.

Additionally, Rep. Candelaria was instrumental in passing Connecticut’s in-state tuition legislation in 2011 to allow students without legal documentation to pursue their educational dreams.

During his tenure in the General Assembly, Candelaria has been a strong supporter of education issues and has led efforts to empower youth and Latinos statewide to get involved in the democratic process through voter registration drives and education. He also leads a strong network of young people who have ambitious professional and social aspirations.

Juan has also worked tirelessly to support and enable groups such as the Spanish American Merchants Association (SAMA) to be recognized, making them eligible to receive state funding to help them move ideas and initiatives forward on behalf of local businesses.

Some of his former memberships include the Hill Development Corporation, the Regional Workforce and Centro San Jose in New Haven where he utilized his experience to support community driven initiatives.

Besides holding public office as a State Representative, he is a former New Haven Alderman and a current member of New Haven’s Town Committee. Additionally, Candelaria serves on several boards and organizations such the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, the Connecticut State Hispanic Caucus and the National Conference of State Legislators.

Candelaria is a graduate of Albertus Magnus College and holds an MBA from the University of New Haven.

State Rep. Vincent Candelora proudly represents the 86th General Assembly District covering Durham, Guilford, North Branford and Wallingford. He was elected to his fifth two-year term in November 2014. As a member of the legislature’s committee on Legislative Management, Candelora has held Deputy Republican Leader title since 2011. He also serves on the legislature’s committees on Finance, Revenue and Bonding, Judiciary, Public Health andRegulations Review. Candelora serves as the Chair of the screening committee that is tasked with reviewing all legislation before it is put up for a vote in the House.

Candelora has served on the North Branford Town Council for three terms, one term as Deputy Mayor. While on the Council, he served on the Finance Committee, Land Preservation Committee and served as liaison to the Board of Education. Vincent served on the Board of Education Strategic Planning Committee, which was responsible for reviewing and setting the goals and standards for the North Branford School System.

He works at Taconic Wire, a stitching wire manufacturing business and operates the Connecticut Sportsplex, both family owned businesses. Prior to this, he practiced municipal and transactional law with Susman, Duffy, & Segaloff, PC in New Haven and served as law clerk to the Honorable Antoinette L. Dupont, former Chief Judge of the Appellate Court of Connecticut. Vincent graduated from Connecticut College, and the Dickinson School of Law at Penn State.

He serves on the North Branford Little League board and as a Boy Scout adult leader. He has served as President of North Branford’s Chamber of Commerce and is Past-President of the North Branford Rotary Club. Prior to the Council, he served as Vice Chair of the North Branford Zoning Board of Appeals and Treasurer to the Republican Town Committee

Connecticut House Republican Office L.O.B. Room 4200, Hartford, CT 06106 860-240-8700 800-842-1423 (toll-free in CT)

State Rep. Devin Carney proudly represents the 23rd General Assembly District covering Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2014. Carney serves on the legislature’s committees on Environment,Transportation, and Higher Education and Employment Advancement.

As a life-long resident of the 23rd, he knows first-hand what is important to the residents of this district. Having gone through the Old Saybrook public school system from kindergarten through high school, he knows just how vital the success of our children is as well as the quality of education they receive.

Devin graduated from Brandeis University in 2006 where he received a BA in Political Science and a BA in American Studies with a minor in Film. After graduating college, he returned to his hometown of Old Saybrook. Like most college graduates bogged down by student loans, Carney worked part-time jobs at local small businesses, to help alleviate the college debt he incurred. Working on the front lines of a small business provided Carney with a strong foundation to later start his own small business in voiceover production and as a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker.

Carney is an active member of the community where he has served as: Lector at Grace Episcopal Church in Old Saybrook, board member and Emcee for the annual Academy Awards Night at The Kate, member of the Old Saybrook Players, member of ASPCA, and is very active with both the Old Saybrook and Lyme/Old Lyme Chambers of Commerce.

Connecticut House Republican Office L.O.B. Room 4200 Hartford, CT 06106 860-240-8700 800-842-1423 (toll-free in CT)

State Rep. Christie Carpino proudly represents the 32nd district of Cromwell and Portland. She was re-elected to her 3rd term in November 2014. Christie serves as the Chairperson on the Program Review and Investigations Committee, and as a member of the Judiciary and Public Health Committees.

Christie is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, magna cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She also holds a law degree from Northeastern University. Christie serves as General Counsel for a private corporation where she routinely navigates all aspects of the business world-from litigation and human resources, customer service and community involvement, to regulations and contract law. As a trial attorney, she advocated on behalf of her clients at all stages of the litigation process. She also served pro bono for the Legal Services School Expulsion Project where she volunteered her time to serve low-income families in need. Some of Christie’s accomplishments include:

• Kleen Energy Power legislation • CT version of Caylee’s Law • Major Education Reform • CT Jobs Bill • Protecting Victims of Sexual Assault on College Campus • Defeating Attempts to Shrink Drug-Free Zones at schools & daycare centers • New On-The-Job Training for Young Students • Legislation to Assist Veterans Returning to Civilian Life

State Senator Joseph Crisco, Jr. CHIEF DEPUTY PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE & FEDERAL RELATIONS LIAISON Chair: Insurance & Real Estate Vice-Chair: Banking; Commerce; Public Health Member: Executive & Legislative Nominations; Legislative Management Representing Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck & Woodbridge

Capitol Office Legislative Office Building Room 2800 Hartford, CT 06106

First elected to the Connecticut State Senate in November of 1992, Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. represents the 17th Senatorial District towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck, and Woodbridge.

Now serving his twelfth term, Senator Crisco is part of the leadership team for the Senate Democratic Caucus. He is the Chief Deputy President Pro Tempore and also serves as the Federal Relations Liaison for the caucus. Senator Crisco is currently Senate Chair of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee and Vice Chair of the Banks, Commerce and Public Health Committees. He is also a member of the Executive & Legislative Nominations and Legislative Management Committees.

Before being elected to the State Senate, Senator Crisco worked for the United Technologies Corporation. He joined UTC in 1976, serving in government liaison assignments before being named Director of Government Affairs in 1986. He was promoted to National Director of State and Local Government Affairs in 1990. Senator Crisco has also been an associate professor of economics at Quinnipiac University, Sacred Heart University, and the University of New Haven.

Senator Crisco, long known as an advocate for senior citizens, quality health care, and economic development, is the recipient of many awards and honors that include being recognized for his legislative leadership by United Seniors in Action and the Birmingham Group. In addition, he received the Connecticut Medical Society Legislative Award for Commitment to Quality of Patient Care, the Wilbur Cross Humanities Award, the Connecticut Council of Independent Colleges Award for Distinguished Service, a Distinguished Service Award from the Italian Government, a Legislative Leadership Award from the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, and has been recognized for his commitment to home health care and by the State Firemen’s Association. He received the Military Order of the Purple Heart Citation for his work on behalf of veterans and their families. He was named an Indoor Air Quality Hero for his efforts to help protect students and school employees from environmental health hazards, and the classrooms at the Redwing Pond House at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center were named after Senator Crisco because he helped obtain $30,000 in funding for the project.

Senator Crisco’s legislative accomplishments include passage of his Investment Tax Credit, ConnPACE COLA, Deployment Center, Corridor Zone, and Diabetes Coverage bills. Senator Crisco holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Connecticut and studied at the graduate level at Trinity College in Hartford. Raised in New Haven, he lives in Woodbridge with his wife, Pat. They have six children and sixteen grandchildren.

Prior to his election to the General Assembly, Michael C. D’Agostino served as a member of the Hamden Board of Education. First elected in 1999, his fellow Board members elected him to serve as the Board’s Chairperson in 2005. While as Chair, a national report entitled, The Same Starting Line: How School Boards Can Erase the Opportunity Gap Between Poor and Middle Class Children, positively cited Hamden as a model district where resources are distributed intelligently and equitably across the schools. Additionally, during Michael’s tenure, the Board consistently reduced its budget requests of the town and its taxpayers.

Michael moved to Hamden in 1984 after his father, Julius J. D’Agostino, became Superintendent of the Hamden Public School System. While at Hamden High School, Michael served as President of the National Honor Society and was an all-district starter on the varsity football team. A 1989 graduate of Hamden High School, Michael went on to attend the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia School of Law.

After graduating from law school in 1996, Michael returned to Hamden. Prior to his election to the Board of Education, Michael served as a member of the Farmington Canal Commission from 1996-98, where he helped oversee the plans to complete the popular canal trail connecting Hamden and New Haven. He also served as a Hamden Police Commissioner from 1998-99.

In addition to his state and local service, Michael is on the Board of Directors of Connecticut Appleseed, astatewide, non-profit organization that mobilizes the skills and resources of pro bono lawyers and other professionals to improve access to education, health care, financial and other services for the state’s less-fortunate residents.

Michael currently practices commercial law in Hartford at the international law firm of Bingham McCutchen, LLP. A partner at the firm, Michael coordinates the pro bono efforts of Bingham’s Hartford office. Michael and his wife Kate, also a lawyer, live in Hamden.

At the Capitol: In the District: Legislative Office Building, Room 3603 215 Beach Street Hartford, CT 06106-1591 West Haven, CT 06516 (860) 240-8585 | 1-800-842-8267 (203) 937-1985 [email protected]

Legislative Accomplishments Stephen D. Dargan was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in November of 1990 representing the 115th Assembly District in West Haven. In 1995, Steve was named co- chair of the Public Safety Committee. The committee is responsible for legislation relating to the state police, organized crime task force, state fire marshals, fire and building codes, civil preparedness, municipal police training, legalized gambling and military affairs, except veterans’ pensions. He is also a member of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee and the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee.

Political Involvement In 1981, Steve was elected as a fire commissioner in the city of West Haven where he served for more than twenty years. He served on the West Haven City Council from 1985-1991.

Education  Saint Lawrence Grammar School, West Haven, Connecticut  West Haven High School, West Haven, Connecticut  Quinnipiac College, Hamden, Connecticut

Service to Community Steve headed the Ken Strong Stadium Commission, served on the West Haven Flood and Erosion Commission and is a member of both the West Haven and Greater New Haven Umpire Associations. He is a long time volunteer and coach of baseball and basketball in the West Haven school system. He is also a volunteer in the West Haven Hook and Ladder Fire Department, as well as a member of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs. Representative Dargan is also a member of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Jaycees of Connecticut, the Irish American Club and the Elks Club.

Representative Patricia Dillon is an Assistant Majority Whip of the Connecticut House of Representatives and serves on the Appropriations, Judiciary, and Higher Education committees. She chairs the health subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee.

Pat came to government from a background of community activism. She was a community organizer in Appalachia and in New Haven and is a founder of programs for battered women. As the first director of New Haven's shelter she developed programs in Connecticut dealing with family violence.

After serving on New Haven's Board of Aldermen and chairing its budget committee, she brought her fiscal experience to the General Assembly and has worked on both sides of the budget - revenue and spending. She has served as Deputy Majority Leader, chair of the Public Health Committee, chair of the Screening Committee, and chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Hospitals.

Pat authored programs for crime victims, disease prevention, screening of newborns for life threatening conditions, universal child immunization, school-based health clinics, community health centers, and lead poisoning prevention. She co-wrote legislation creating needle exchange programs to prevent AIDS and breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment for uninsured women. She wrote uncompensated care law and initiated state regulation of for-profit takeovers of non-profit hospitals. She has shaped much of Connecticut's AIDS policy, family violence policy, injury prevention, addiction and mental health policy, and has been a consistent, effective advocate for the disabled. Pat has been honored many times for pioneering work such as setting up the first WIC produce nutrition program, AIDS pharmacy programs, and addiction treatment for pregnant women. She established an injury prevention program and a system for identifying injury in our emergency rooms. She co-authored Connecticut's HUSKY plan for children to cover the mental health needs of children. Most recently she has targeted healthcare for working artists and for military families. She established an initiative for mental health needs of National Guard and reserve families, and to screen our soldiers for exposure to toxins, both of which are national models.

State Senator Paul Doyle DEPUTY MAJORITY LEADER Chair: Energy & Technology Ranking Member: Regulation Review Vice-Chair: Judiciary Member: Executive & Legislative Nominations Representing Cromwell, Middletown, Newington, RockyHill & Wethersfield

Capitol Office Legislative Office Building Room 3900 Hartford, CT 06106-1591

Paul Doyle is serving his fifth term representing the residents of the 9th State Senate District, which consists of the towns of Cromwell, Middletown, Newington, Rocky Hill, and Wethersfield. He currently serves as Senate Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, as well as Vice- Chair of the Judiciary Committee, and Ranking Member of the Regulation Review Committee. Senator Doyle also serves as a member of the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee.

For 12 years prior to his Senate service, Senator Doyle served in the state House of Representatives from the 28th Assembly District; he was House Chair of the Banks Committee and a member of the Judiciary and Commerce Committees.

In 1997, Senator Doyle was selected as a Toll Fellow—a program that honors and acknowledges 40 individuals nationwide for their outstanding achievement and service to state government. Prior to his first election to the General Assembly in 1994, Senator Doyle was heavily involved in politics and government both at the state and local level.

In the mid-eighties, Senator Doyle worked on the Democratic State Central Committee in Hartford as an executive assistant. Locally, he served as the Wethersfield Town Treasurer for two years before he was elected twice to the Wethersfield Town Council. While on the Town Council, he was Chair of the Transportation, Refuse Disposal, and Ambulance Committees; he was also liaison to the Wethersfield Chamber of Commerce.

Senator Doyle holds a B.A. in History from Colby College and a J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law in Hartford. Senator Doyle also attended University College Galway (Ireland) and the University of Notre Dame Law School (London, England).

Senator Doyle lives in Wethersfield with his wife Diana, and has practiced law with several Connecticut firms. He is currently a partner in the firm of Heneghan, Kennedy & Doyle, L.L.C. in Rocky Hill.

At the Capitol: In the District: Legislative Office Building, Room 4112 56 Lakeview Avenue Hartford, CT 06106-1591 West Haven, CT 06516 (860) 240-8500 | 1-800-842-1902 [email protected]

State Representative Louis P. Esposito, Jr. was first elected to the General assembly in November 1992 to represent the 116th District in the Connecticut House of Representatives serving West Haven and New Haven.

He currently serves as Assistant Deputy Speaker and is a member of the General Law Committee, the Labor & Public Employees Committee, the Public Safety and Security Committee and the Joint Committee on Legislative Management.

As a longtime resident of West Haven, Lou has been active locally, having served on the city council for six years and as Fire Commissioner of the Allingtown Fire District for over 20 years.

In addition to his local civic and political involvement, Lou was a dedicated business owner and a Veteran of the United States Army. Throughout his distinguished career in the General Assembly, Rep. Esposito has worked to represent the needs and goals of the residents in his district and of the state.

He lives in West Haven with his wife Kathleen. They have five grown children and nine grandchildren. He is retired from his business of over thirty years, R & L Auto Service, which has given him a special understanding of the importance and challenges facing small businesses.

Lou welcomes your input and opinions on issues that you consider important. Please do not hesitate to reach out to him if you have any questions or suggestions on any issue. He looks forward to hearing from you.

Legislative Office Building Proudly serving the 34th District: Durham, East Haven, North Room 3400 Haven, Wallingford Hartford, CT 06106 Committees: Phone: 1-800-842-1421 Executive Nominations, Member [email protected] Internship, Member Planning and Development, Member Legislative Management, Ranking Member

State Senator Len Fasano represents the 34th Senatorial District communities of Durham, East Haven, North Haven and Wallingford. In 2014, he was elected to represent the Republican Caucus as Senate Minority Leader.

Fasano has served in the State Senate since January 8, 2003 and previously served as a Senate Deputy Minority Leader and Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore.

In addition to his current leadership position, Senator Fasano serves as Ranking Member on the General Assembly’s Legislative Management Committee. He also serves on the Executive & Legislative Nominations, Internship, and Planning & Development committees and is Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Round Table on Hospitals and Health Care.

Senator Fasano is an advocate of business-friendly policies and is committed to making state government more cost-effective and efficient. He has a long history of bipartisan legislative accomplishments as well, including championing efforts to reform Connecticut’s eminent domain laws and protect Long Island Sound, establishing the Connecticut Umbilical Cord Blood Collection Board, and enhancing the transparency and oversight of hospital conversions from non-profit to for-profit institutions.

Senator Fasano is the President and Founder of Fasano, Ippolito, and Lee, a law firm in New Haven.

Fasano earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Yale University in 1981, a Juris Doctorate from Quinnipiac Law School in 1984, and an L.L.M. Degree in Taxation from Boston University Law School in 1985.

Senator Fasano has three adult children and resides in North Haven with his wife, Jill.

Charles Ferraro is serving his first term in the Connecticut General Assembly, proudly representing the 117th Assembly District comprised of portions of Orange, Milford and West Haven. He currently serves on the legislature’s Appropriations, Human Services and Public Safety and Security Committees.

Charles studied his undergrad at the Southern Connecticut University in New Haven, with a Bachelors’ of Science Degree – Biology; Minor – Chemistry and went to Murray State University in Kentucky where he was a Masters’ of Science Degree Candidate in Fishery Biology.

Charles is the current Owner, CEO and Grandmaster of West Haven Academy of Karate, Inc. The W. Haven Academy of Karate is the longest running martial arts studio in Southern Connecticut area, serving West Haven, Orange, Milford, New Haven residents since 1976. He has operated the school as its principle and sole owner. His duties have included teaching all classes, managing marketing and promotion, acting comptroller, teaching and training instructors, coaching and training national and international competition teams.

Charles is also the co-founder the Worldwide Tang Soo Do Family which is based in West Haven, CT and Rotterdam, Netherlands. The WTSDF is an umbrella organization created for the purpose of uniting Tang Soo Do organizations worldwide. The main function of the WTSDF is that of promoting world peace and improved human relations through the practice and sharing of martial arts.

Additionally, Ferraro is the founder and president of Tang Soo Do Mi Guk Kwan Association, Inc., West Haven, CT. The TSDMGK Assoc. was founded in order to unite and administrate over 100 Tang Soo Do Dojangs (martial arts schools) in the United States and South America.

Charlie has conducted numerous kick-a-thons, charity events, food drives, demonstrations for various organizations such as “Meals on Wheels”, Smilow’s Breast Cancer Awareness Fund, Columbus House, Muscular Dystrophy, etc.

Previously, Charles was a territory representative (NY, CT, MA) for Westwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Bristol Meyers Corporation in Buffalo, New York, 1979 through 1882. He was responsible for maintaining a consistent rapport with dermatologists in that territory for the purpose of keeping them informed about products offered by Westwood Pharmaceuticals. He was also responsible for servicing and maintaining wholesale and drug store key accounts with emphasis on maintaining inventory and the promotion of new products.

Charles also represented numerous insurance companies as a general agent (manager) from 1976 to 1979. His agency specialized in the sale of life insurance, health insurance, disability insurance, annuities and financial planning.

State Senator Paul Formica Committees: Energy & Technology, Ranking Member Appropriations, Member Public Safety, Member Representing Bozrah, East Lyme, Montville, New London, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Salem and Waterford

Capitol Office Legislative Office Building Room 3400 Hartford, CT 06106 [email protected]

State Senator Paul Formica represents the residents of the 20th Senatorial District, which includes Bozrah, East Lyme, a portion of Montville, New London, Old Lyme, a portion of Old Saybrook, Salem, and Waterford.

Senator Formica has been the owner and operator of Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant for 31 years. He has served as the First Selectman of East Lyme since 2007, crafting balanced budgets, encouraging bipartisan participation and reaching regional solutions with neighboring communities which aim to improve transportation, public safety and environmental policies. Prior to becoming First Selectman, he served as a member of the zoning commission and the Board of Finance. Senator Formica has been Chairman of the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, where he chaired the regional rail committee and served on the regional water committee that resulted in a tri-town interconnection to conserve and share water.

In addition to town responsibilities, Senator Formica has also served in a leadership capacity for many organizations, from Chambers of Commerce to The Heart Walk, and through membership has supported great causes from Rotary to Little League.

At the State Capitol, Senator Formica will push to make state government more efficient through fiscal discipline, work to ease the regulatory burden on businesses, and fight to preserve essential services for local communities.

A resident of East Lyme, he is a widower and the father of four adult children — three daughters and one son.

State Representative Mary G. Fritz was first elected in November 1982 to represent the 90th District in the Connecticut House of Representatives. She currently serves as Assistant Deputy Speaker. Rep. Fritz is a member of the Planning & Development Committee, the Judiciary Committee and the Legislative Management Committee. Mary has also served as Deputy Speaker, Deputy Majority Leader, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Chair of the Internship Committee, Chair of the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee, and Vice-Chair of the Public Health Committee. She is a past member of the Education Committee and the Select Committee on Workforce Development.

Representative Fritz earned her B.A. from Emmanuel College in Boston, MA, in 1959 and performed graduate work at Boston College, Trinity College and Fairfield University. Prior to her election to the General Assembly, she served as a member of the Wallingford Board of Education, was a teacher and owner of a private nursery for nine years and was a Manager and Co-Owner of a custom furniture and gift store in Wallingford.

Representative Fritz has been a leading force in the General Assembly fighting for legislation affecting health care, job training, education, crime control, youth services, senior citizen care, and fair taxation. She guided landmark Managed Care Reform legislation through the General Assembly and wrote the Comprehensive Job Training legislation that gives people skills and training to get a job and climb the economic ladder. Additionally, she co-chaired the Task Force on Medical Malpractice, which finally passed the legislature in 2005 after three years of work. Through her legislative initiatives, Fritz:

 Removed the statute of limitations on perjury in murder cases and other serious crimes.  $1,000 Property Tax Exemption for Volunteer Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics and Ambulance Drivers.  Established a GPS monitoring program for domestic violence offenders.  Secured land for the North Farms Volunteer Fire Department.  Created a special economic zone in Cheshire in the event the town loses a major defense plant.  $42 million needed to complete the school renovation project.  $1 million for Sheehan H.S. turf for field and track -- for community use.  Passed legislation to force the plantings by Northeast Utilities in rights of way of the 345 KV lines.  Secured $1 million for the Wallingford Water Treatment Plant.  Brought Spruce Glen Back To Wallingford  Completed Many Road Construction Projects Eliminating Wallingford Bottlenecks.  Saved The Agricultural Experiment Station.

State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE MAJORITY WHIP Chair: Environment Ranking Member: Internship Member: Public Health; Transportation Representing Branford, Durham, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison & North Branford

Capitol Office Legislative Office Building Room 3200 Hartford, CT 06106-1591

Ted Kennedy, Jr. was elected to the Connecticut State Senate in November 2014 to serve the communities of Branford, Durham, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, and North Branford. Ted brings with him a wealth of experience in the private and public sectors. Ted received his Bachelor’s degree at Wesleyan University and graduated from the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. He received his law degree from the University Of Connecticut School Of Law.

In early 2014, Ted joined the national law firm of Epstein Becker & Green as a partner, working in the Health Care and Life Sciences practice. He advises health care providers, commercial insurers, and life science companies on critical issues related to health care reform policies. Prior to joining Epstein Becker & Green, Ted co-founded the Marwood Group, a leading healthcare-focused strategic advisory and financial services firm.

Ted began his legal career at the law firm of Wiggin & Dana in New Haven, focusing on state and federal regulatory and reimbursement issues affecting hospitals, home care agencies, long-term care providers, physician practices and mental health providers. Ted also represented individuals with disabilities and created an ADA compliance practice to help businesses develop effective policies and guidelines.

Ted’s commitment to healthcare issues began at an early age. Ted was twelve years old when he was diagnosed with bone cancer and needed to have his right leg amputated. Ted underwent months of intensive physical therapy and was eventually able to resume an active life including learning how to ski using adaptive equipment. As a teenager, Ted trained with the U.S. Handicapped Ski Team and won several national medals. After his experiences with surgery, two years of chemotherapy and learning how to walk with the use of a prosthesis, Ted understood how people like him faced a two-part struggle: the personal challenge of recovery and the public challenge of living in a society that did little to include people with disabilities. Since then, Ted has been a committed advocate for the self-determination and civil rights of people with disabilities. He served on President Reagan’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities.

Ted has also served on the boards of numerous cancer and disability organizations, including Special Olympics International, the Connecticut’s Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities and, for the past 15 years, the board of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the country’s largest disability civil rights and public policy organization. Ted has presented keynote addresses both nationally and internationally on topics related to disability law, cancer and healthcare policy.

Ted has lived in Branford for over 15 years with his wife, Katherine “Kiki” Kennedy, M.D., an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University and environmental activist, and their two children, Kiley and Teddy.

Themis Klarides Phone: 800-842-1423 (within Connecticut) House Republican Office 860-240-8700 L.O.B. Room 4200, Hartford, CT 06106 Fax: 860-240-0207

State Rep. Themis Klarides in 2014 was elected to her ninth term representing the 114th House District serving residents of Woodbridge, Orange and Derby, and members of the House Republican Caucus unanimously chose her to serve as House Republican Leader shortly thereafter. She continues to be an outspoken leader on issues regarding the state’s financial situation, job creation, education and many others. Klarides is a member of the legislature’s committee on Legislative Management. She served as Deputy Republican Leader from 2007 through 2014. As a member of the Walter Camp Football Foundation, Rep. Klarides is committed to improving education for all of Connecticut’s children. In January 2005, she was elected to the Board of Directors of the Greater Valley Boys and Girls Club. In 2010, Rep. Klarides was given the annual “Champion of Youth” award by the Connecticut Coalition of Boys & Girls Clubs. She also received the 2010 “Children’s Champion” award given annually by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance honoring community leaders and elected officials who show a strong commitment to early childhood issues. She is a volunteer with The Umbrella Domestic Violence Group, working to assist victims of domestic violence and providing volunteer legal assistance to women and children at the shelter for victims of domestic violence. She is a member of the National Foundation of Women’s Legislators’ Family Building Subcommittee focusing on women’s infertility issues. Rep. Klarides serves on the Executive Board of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and received their GLADD Award (Government Leaders Against Drunk Driving) in 2001, 2002, and 2003 for her efforts in passing legislation aimed at tightening restrictions against drunk driving offenders. She was also honored by the CT Coalition to Stop Underage Drinking in 2002 and 2003 for her efforts to make the social hosting of parties where alcohol is served to minors illegal, and those responsible for them, accountable. In 2006, she was appointed to the Board of Directors of Griffin Health Services in 2006, and is a member of the Residency Advisory Committee of Griffin Hospital in Derby. She is an outspoken advocate for first responders and public safety personnel including firefighters, police, and emergency medical technicians. In April of 2007, Representative Klarides was appointed co-chair of the State Fire Services Caucus and Institute in Connecticut, under the Joint Council of Connecticut Fire Services Organizations. In addition to her other legislative responsibilities, the House Republican Leader appointed Klarides to serve on the Connecticut-Israel Exchange Commission (CONNIX) to promote and expand economic, scientific, educational, technological, commercial, industrial and cultural cooperation and exchange between the State of Connecticut and the State of Israel. A native of Seymour, Themis Klarides was raised around a family supermarket business that taught her the value of hard work and the rewards of community involvement. Her commitment to these values is exemplified through her years of community service with various municipal, state and regional groups. She is a former member of the Planning and Zoning Commission in Derby, and a former member of the Board of Finance in Seymour. Themis Klarides is a graduate of Trinity College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and later graduated from Quinnipiac University School of Law. She is a practicing lawyer in the State of Connecticut and in the United States District Court for Connecticut. She is of Counsel to Bridgeport-based Cohen and Wolf in the firm’s Orange office.

At the Capitol: CT House Republican Office, Room 4200 Hartford, CT 06106 860-240-8700 800-842-1423 (toll-free in CT) [email protected]

State Rep. Noreen Kokoruda proudly represents the 101st General Assembly District covering Durham and Madison. She was sworn into office on Feb 25, 2011 after winning a Special Election and was reelected to her third term in November 2014. Noreen is serving on the General Assembly’s Committees on Children, Appropriations, Education and Aging. As a member of the legislature’s committee on Legislative Management, Kokoruda serves as House Republican Caucus Chair and is the leading House Republican lawmaker on the legislature’s Committee on Children.

Kokoruda has lived in Madison for over 30 years and has spent the entire time dedicated to public service. She loves getting things done that positively impact her community.

As Executive Director of the Shoreline Foundation, she worked for many years to provide safe and fun summer camps for local kids. She managed a $2 Million budget and oversaw the successful opening of the AquaDome, where children learn to swim and senior citizens can stay fit.

Noreen served as Chairman of Madison’s Beach and Recreation Commission for almost 10 years. While on that board, she worked for expanded recreational programs and additional playing fields, such as Exchange and Lowrey fields. Gov. Rell appointed her to The Connecticut Commission for Community Service.

During her thirteen year tenure on the board of selectmen in Madison, Kokoruda garnered a reputation for fiscal sanity, while maintaining municipal services that are the envy of the region. She believes that we must cut our bloated state government before talking about tax hikes.

Kokoruda led the effort in Madison to get all the schools renovated. Today the LOCAP (Long Term Capital Projects) sets aside over $1 Million per year to fix up our buildings and she was the key initiator. Since that was established Brown Middle School HVAC has finally been corrected, the overcrowded cafeteria has been enlarged and the whole building has been redone. Every school has been impacted (and continues to be) by this fund. Kokoruda championed for a new high school and when the first vote went down took a leadership position to finally get a new high school built. During her tenure she has supported over 75% increases in funding for education and an additional $12 million for renovating our schools and other town facilities such as the Surf Club.

Kokoruda has always fought to keep a bipartisan spirit in local politics, and has worked diligently to keep that same attitude in Hartford. She feels that the people you serve must be put before politics.

Kokoruda lives with her husband Dan in Madison and they have two adult sons and five grandchildren.

Roland Lemar was first elected in 2010 to represent the 96th Assembly District of Hamden and New Haven. After State-wide Redistricting in 2012, Roland has twice been re-elected to the General Assembly serving New Haven and East Haven.

Roland serves as the Majority Caucus Chairman for House Democrats and as the Vice Chair of the powerful Finance, Revenue, & Bonding Committee. He also serves on the Sub-Committee for Transportation Bonding and as a member to the Education, Judiciary, and Transportation Committees. In his first term in the General Assembly, Roland played a key role in securing the State's new Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working families, developing a jobs bill that has led to the hiring of 1,000’s of Connecticut residents, and the State's new commitment to clean energy financing and development that will save East Haven and New Haven consumers millions of dollars each year.

Now in his third term, Roland continues to be one of the legislature’s leading advocates for increased transportation investment with particular focus on railways, busways, pedestrians, and cyclists. He has also led the fight on bills to increase government spending transparency and played a key role in the fight to increase the minimum wage, paid sick leave and improved State funding for schools and municipalities.

After growing up in Rhode Island and attending the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Roland settled down in New Haven's East Rock neighborhood. Roland served as a member of the Board of Aldermen, chairing the New Haven Board of Aldermen's Legislation Committee, and as a member of the New Haven City Plan Commission. In those roles, Roland co–authored New Haven's "Complete Streets" ordinance to improve transportation infrastructure and make it safer for all users. In the wake of the foreclosure crisis, he co- authored the City's anti-blight legislation, intended to ensure that vacant and underutilized properties do not become eyesores in our neighborhoods. A committed environmentalist, Roland fought for and won new energy efficiency programs for residents, the creation of an Office of Sustainability, a new recycling initiative that kicked off in 2010, and the use of green cleaning supplies in all municipal buildings. Roland also led the fight to expand City support for commercial districts and merchants associations on State Street, Grand Avenue and the Town Green Special Services District.

State Representative Matt Lesser is serving his third term in the Connecticut House of Representatives, where at the age of 29 he has the privilege of serving as Assistant Majority Leader. In 2012, Matt ran for and was re-elected to a third term while successfully battling cancer. That same year, Matt had the honor of being asked to help write the Democratic Party's national party platform, where Matt led the charge to make campaign finance reform and paid sick leave strong party planks. In the legislature, Matt helped pass historic reforms to protect voting rights, allow Election Day voter registration, strengthen Connecticut's public campaign finance system and is helping to take on SuperPACs and the Supreme Court's decision of Citizens United. On energy and the environment, Matt has been a leader as well. Matt partnered with the AARP to lower electric rates for seniors and working families. He received an award for his work in support of renewable energy, and Matt helped author important energy efficiency and finance legislation. In 2013, Matt introduced legislation to put an end to the controversial practice of hydrofracking in Connecticut, until it can be proven to be safe. Matt is proud to have a lifetime 100% voting record from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters and is active in the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators. Matt has championed the rights of workers and consumers as well. Matt authored laws protecting the privacy of consumer credit histories from employers and protecting senior citizens from unscrupulous electric suppliers. After the Kleen Energy disaster claimed the lives of six workers in Middletown, Matt pushed through the toughest power plant safety regulations in the United States, which became a national standard. Middletown is Matt's home and Matt has never lost touch with the people who elected him. He works closely with Middletown's business community and has championed economic development. Matt is Vice Chairman of the Government Administration & Elections Committee, chairs the Legislative Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, serves on the Energy & Technology Committee and serves as Democratic ranking member of the Internship Committee. He previously served on the Education Committee, where he was named a "Children's Champion" and on the Public Health Committee, on the Speaker's Rate Relief Task Force, on the Speaker's Green Jobs Task Force, on the Majority Leader's Dairy Task Force, and on the Municipal Operations and Regional Efficiencies Committee. Matt is presently employed as the Executive Director of the Cancer Support Community of Southern Connecticut. Educated at Wesleyan University, Matt serves as Connecticut State Director of People for the American Way's Young Elected Officials Network and is a Corporator of Middlesex Community College. He serves on the Middlesex County Coalition on Housing and Homelessness Leadership Council, and on the Boards of Directors of Oddfellows Children's Playhouse and the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council. He previously served as an elected member of Middletown's Planning and Zoning Commission and lives in the South Farms Section of Middletown.

State Senator Art Linares ASSISTANT MINORITY LEADER Committees: Planning & Development, Ranking Member Internship, Member Judiciary, Member Education, Member

Serving the 33rd District: Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland & Westbrook

Legislative Office Building Room 3400 Hartford, CT 06106 [email protected]

Art Linares, 26, is State Senator for the 33rd Senate District, which encompasses the towns of Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.

A Westbrook resident, Sen. Linares is the lead Republican senator on the state legislature’s Planning and Development Committee. The panel has cognizance of all matters relating to local governments, regional planning and development activities, and economic development programs impacting local governments.

An Assistant Minority Leader, Sen. Linares also serves on the Education Committee, the Internship Committee and the Judiciary Committee. He has previously served on the Children’s Committee, the Commerce Committee and the Banks Committee.

Sen. Linares’ values stem from his family’s history. In 1961, a force of exiles trained by the CIA stormed Cuba in an attempt to free the country from a communist dictator Fidel Castro. After the inva- sion failed, Sen. Linares’ grandparents fled the country they loved in order to assure that their chil- dren were safe and able to grow up in a free country. In America, Sen. Linares’s father started a successful business, and that success inspired Sen. Linares to start a business out of his basement when he was 19 years old.

Sen. Linares co-founded Greenskies, a successful, Middletown-based, commercial solar energy company.

In 2010, Sen. Linares took a sabbatical from his solar power company to volunteer for U.S. Senator Marco Rubio in Washington D.C. He proudly assisted Sen. Rubio, gaining hands-on experience in public service by providing help to the senator’s constituents, conducting research and performing various administrative duties vital to the function of a public office. That positive experience working for Sen. Rubio inspired Sen. Linares to get involved in public service upon returning to Connecticut.

Sen. Linares attended Westbrook public schools and graduated from the Sykes College of Business at the University of Tampa in Florida, where he majored in entrepreneurship, developing his own company as he earned a college degree.

State Senator Martin M. Looney PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE Chair: Legislative Management Vice-Chair: Executive & Legislative Nominations Representing New Haven, Hamden & North Haven

Capitol Office Legislative Office Building Room 3300 Hartford, CT 06106-1591

Martin Looney currently is in his twelfth term having been elected to the State Senate in 1992. In January of 2015, Senator Looney was elected by the members of the State Senate to serve as President Pro Tempore, the highest-ranking legislator in the Connecticut General Assembly. Prior to his election as Senate President, Senator Looney served 12 years as Senate Majority Leader. During his career he served six years as Senate Chair of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee; Chairman of the Banks Committee; and one term as Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. In 2011 and 2012, Senator Looney helped craft and lead passage of two bipartisan Jobs Bills aimed at helping thousands of small and medium size businesses and manufacturers in hiring, buying, training and expanding. Additionally, the 2011 and 2012 Jobs Bills provide job-training support for post-9/11 combat veterans, as well as a marketing campaign that promotes Connecticut’s wealth of cultural, educational and tourist destinations and a business incentive program that encourages companies to move jobs from overseas back to Connecticut. In the Senate, Senator Looney has a record of supporting progressive legislation—most notably an earned income tax credit for the working poor and increases to the minimum wage. During his tenure as State Representative, Looney was appointed an Assistant Majority Leader and served as Chairman of the Planning and Development Committee, the Government Administration and Elections Committee and the Appropriations Judicial Subcommittee, and as Vice-chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Senator Looney has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Fair Haven Community Health Center and of Community Mediation, Inc. He has also been a member of the Board of St. Rose of Lima School in New Haven and is a past parish trustee and past president of the Saint Rose Parish Council. In 1992, he was honored as the recipient of the National Catholic Elementary School Distinguished Graduate Award. In 1993, he was honored as an Alumni Knight of Honor by Notre Dame High School in West Haven. Senator Looney is a graduate of Saint Rose School in New Haven, Notre Dame High School, and is a cum laude graduate of Fairfield University, where at commencement he was awarded Departmental Honors in English and Theology. He was selected as a National Woodrow Wilson Fellow for graduate study and earned a Master’s Degree in English from the University of Connecticut. He received his J.D. Degree in 1985 from the University of Connecticut School of Law and, since his admission to the Connecticut Bar in 1985, he has been engaged in the general practice of law. He is a partner in the law firm of Keyes & Looney. He is also a practitioner in residence with the Criminal Justice Program in the Department of Public Safety at the University of New Haven in West Haven and is an adjunct faculty member in the Political Science Department at Quinnipiac University in Hamden. Senator Looney resides at 132 Fort Hale Road in New Haven with his wife, Ellen. Their son, Michael, an urban planner, is a 1998 graduate of Yale College who also holds a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Senator Looney is the proud grandfather of Matthew and Anna Katherine.

State Rep. Jesse MacLachlan proudly represents the 35th General Assembly District covering Clinton, Killingworth and Westbrook. He serves on the legislature’s committees onTransportation, Energy and Technology as well as Higher Education and Employment Advancement.

After college MacLachlan returned to Westbrook to work for his family business, Biblio Tech Inc., which specializes in the preservation and relocation of corporate, academic and institutional libraries. Due to the early experiences pertaining to this family business, MacLachlan is able to recognize the struggles associated with maintaining a successful business in Connecticut.

For years, MacLachlan has been an avid community service volunteer with various municipal, state and regional groups. At Valley Shore Assembly of God church, he volunteers during Sunday school where he mentors young people within a community of faith.

In November of 2014, the voters of the 35th District chose MacLachlan as their representative voice in Hartford. MacLachlan understands that Connecticut spends too much, taxes too much and is too expensive to live in. As a young person himself, he understands the inability of young adults to settle in Connecticut and understands the struggles of seniors to afford retirement. The result is a phenomenon of individuals that leave the state in search of opportunity and an affordable place to live. MacLachlan knows first-hand the difficulties faced by many who choose to stay in Connecticut. MacLachlan’s primary concern is to help make Connecticut a more affordable place for young workers, families and retirees. The role of government should be to continue doing what it does well – which is creating a stable environment through public safety, health and education.

State Senator Joe Markley ASSISTANT MINORITY LEADER & SCREENING CHARIMAN Chair: Education Vice Chair: Human Services Member: Appropriations; General Law; Regulation Review Representing Milford, Orange, West Haven & Woodbridge

Capitol Office Legislative Office Building Room 3400 Hartford, CT 06106 [email protected]

State Senator Joe Markley represents the 16th Senatorial District, which includes the towns of Cheshire, Prospect, Southington, Wolcott and Waterbury.

Joe is a Southington native, descended through his mother, Priscilla Cowles, from a family which has resided in town continuously since the 1730s. Joe was educated in the Southington School System, graduating from Southington High School in 1974. He earned a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Amherst College, and a master’s degree in English from Columbia University. Joe was elected to the State Senate in 1984 – the first town resident to sit in that chamber in over forty years. As a freshman legislator, Joe chaired the Human Services Committee and the Welfare Subcommittee of Appropriations. In those roles, he crafted and sponsored the legislation which created the first home care program for seniors.

When Lowell Weicker proposed the state income tax, Joe fought back. As cofounder of the Connecticut Taxpayers Committee, he organized the massive Axe the Tax rally that drew 65,000 citizens to the state capitol.

Joe returned to the Senate in 2010, where he successfully challenged the Skullduggery tax, raised awareness of the New Britain to Hartford Busway boondoggle, and developed legislation to help adolescents with drug abuse. As Dan Malloy’s most outspoken critic, he continues to fight for freedom and prosperity – opposing the largest tax increase in state history and advocating real cuts in runaway spending.

Joe has been employed as an English teacher at the college and secondary level, as executive director of state and national trade associations, and as campaign manager for congressional and statewide races. He is a tireless advocate of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and personal liberty.

At the Capitol: In the District: Legislative Office Building, Room 2802 40 Foxon Hill Road, #54 Hartford, CT 06106-1591 New Haven, CT 06513 (860) 240-8585 | 1-800-842-8267 [email protected]

Representative Robert Megna was born and raised in New Jersey. He graduated from Bergen Community College in New Jersey with an Associate’s Degree and then went on to attend Oregon State University to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in business administration with a minor in environmental science.

As he worked on various environmental laws as an advocate for a clean environment, he became interested in running for state representative. One major determining factor in his decision to run was a vote taken by his then state representative against a beneficial environmental law he was proposing along with other advocates.

Representative Megna was elected in 2000 to represent the 97th District in New Haven and is serving his seventh consecutive term. He is the House chairman of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee and a member of the Energy and Technology Committee, the Environment Committee and Regulation Review Committee.

Representative Megna is a real estate investor and owns Robert Megna & Associates, a public adjusting firm, representing people and businesses with their insurance needs.

Committee Membership: Energy & Technology Committee, Environment Committee, Insurance & Real Estate Committee- Chair

Phil Miller was elected to his second term to the Connecticut General Assembly in 2012 after being first elected in 2011 in a special election. He represents the 36th Assembly District of Essex, Chester, Deep River and Haddam.

Phil serves as Vice Chairman of the legislature’s Public Health Committee which oversees over all matters related to the Department of Public Health; the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and the Department of Developmental. He also serves on the Human Services and Environment Committees.

A resident of Ivoryton since 1982, Phil served as First Selectman of Essex from 2003 to 2011. He is the former chair of the Middlesex County Revitalization Commission. Phil also chaired the Connecticut River Valley Council of Elected Officials now a full-fledged council of government.

Prior to serving as First Selectman, Phil was Director of the Bushy Hill Nature Center in Ivoryton, where he founded and developed a natural history day camp, named by Child Magazine as one of the nation’s “top ten youth programs.”

He has been recognized by such varied groups as the American Legion, the Water Partnership, the Essex Land Trust, The League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club, Gilead Community Services, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Phil graduated from Assumption College in 1981. He lives in the Ivoryton section of Essex. He maintains self employed as a naturalist and writer.

Mary Mushinsky was first elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1980 on a platform of environmental activism, consumer advocacy and improved energy policies. Elected to her sixteenth term in November, 2010, Mary was appointed Chair of Program Review and Investigations Committee where she is concentrating on economic rebuilding and workforce education policies, and recommendations for more efficient state agency responses to community needs. Mary served as co-chair of the legislature's Select Committee on Children for ten years and continues to concentrate on risk reduction among children and adolescents. She is the recipient of numerous awards for adolescent pregnancy prevention and reduction of child poverty.

Mary served for six years as co-chair of the legislature's Environment Committee. A biologist by training, Mary has been the chief proponent in the Connecticut legislature of major environmental legislation enacted during the 1980s and 1990s, including mandatory recycling, packaging reduction, open-space preservation, global warming mitigation and endangered-species protection laws.

The representative is a member of the Commission on Enhancing Agency Outcomes and the Results-Based Accountability Working Group to achieve greater efficiencies in taxpayer funded programs, as well as the Peak Oil Caucus to reduce the impact of high oil prices on residents and businesses.

In Wallingford, Mary initiated and serves as co-chair of the Quinnipiac River Linear Trail Advisory Committee, which works with local, state and federal officials and the community to expand the pedestrian/bicycle trail. She also serves on the Wallingford Energy Conservation Commission, which promoted the energy audit and energy management recommendations now being implemented by the Town of Wallingford school system.

Mary lives in Wallingford with her husband Martin J. Waters and has two sons, Martin and Edward Waters.

Robyn Porter was sworn into her first term of office on Monday, April 28, 2014, as the State Representative for the 94th Assembly District, which is part of Hamden and part of New Haven.

Ms. Porter acquired her AS from Gateway Community College with high honors, and her BA in Criminal Justice from Charter Oak State College, also completed with high honors. She was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society. She also completed the Bill Graustein Memorial Fund’s Community Leadership Program (CLP). Ms. Porter has been employed by the Communications Workers of America since 2001.

Robyn, a long-time community activist, brought her experience and advocacy to her next role on the Steering Committee for the Newhallville Community Resilience Team (NCRT). During her tenure at NCRT, she co-chaired the committee that focused on increasing public safety by building social cohesion. Her passion for people and love of community was the basis for the next chapter in public service, being elected State Representative.

Representative Porter is Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Government A Subcommittee. She is also a member of the Human Services and Judiciary committees.

Robyn is the proud parent of two adult children and has been a resident of New Haven, Connecticut since 2000.

At the Capitol: In the District: Legislative Office Building, Room 4026 60 Maple Street, #44 Hartford, CT 06106-1591 Branford, CT 06405 (860) 240-8585 | 1-800-842-8267 [email protected]

Representative Lonnie Reed is serving her fourth term in the Connecticut House of Representatives where she is House Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, Co-Chair of the bi-partisan Long Island Sound Caucus, Co-Chair of the Life Sciences Caucus, a member of the Manufacturer's Caucus and of the Shoreline Preservation Task Force. She was also recently appointed to the Bi-State Long Island Sound Committee. As a longtime businesswomen, Rep. Reed is committed to economic development. She serves on the Governor's Life Sciences Advisory Group within the Department of Economic and Community Development. The Group worked to bring the new $1.1 Billion Jackson Labs Bioscience research and development venture to Connecticut and is currently strategizing to invigorate the state's entire Life Sciences sector along with related industries such as science info-metrics and medical device manufacturing. Rep. Reed played a key role in recruiting to Branford, Durata Therapeutics, Inc. a developer of antibiotics, bringing 80 significant jobs and great growth potential.

Rep. Reed also fights hard for women's and children's health issues. A breast cancer survivor, she has been recognized by the Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Connecticut for her work to ban toxic chemicals such as bisphelol A (BPA) from baby bottles, food containers, toys and other consumer products. Recently, Rep. Reed was selected one of 40 promising state leaders from across the nation for the prestigious Toll Fellowship Program sponsored by the National Conference of State Governments.

Prior to entering elective politics, Lonnie Reed worked as an award winning newspaper journalist, television news correspondent, and anchor for television stations that include WFSB, Hartford and WNEW, NY and as a contributing correspondent to CBS News. She has been a White House correspondent; hosted Off the Set, a political talk show in NY; been honored for her investigative reports. Her work has received four Emmy Awards and several film festival prizes. Productions include the award- winning documentary, Muhammad Ali: The Whole Story.

A small business owner, Reed and her business partners head a filmmaking and television production company. Lonnie Reed has written, produced and/or directed projects for television networks such as NBC, TNT, PBS, The History Channel, and A&E.

At the Capitol: In the District: Legislative Office Building, Room 4002 292 Naugatuck Avenue Hartford, CT 06106-1591 Milford, CT 06460 (860) 240-8585 | 1-800-842-8267 (203) 701-6098 cell [email protected]

Kim Rose has been serving as your State Representative for the 118th Assembly District at the State Capitol since 2011 and is now on her second term. She is Assistant Majority Whip, Vice Chairman of the Housing Committee and serves on the Select Committee on Veteran's Affairs. She previously served on the Select Committee on Children, Environment and Planning & Development Committees. In addition, Representative Rose is a member of the Shoreline Preservation Task Force. Kim has a long history and connection with Milford. Her paternal grandparents moved to the city in the 1950's and opened the "Hunter Motel", which was located on Post Road directly across the street from the Connecticut Post Mall. Kim's mother graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall. Kim was born in Milford, and when her family decided to relocate to Derby when she was just a child, her love for Milford and all it had to offer drew her back to spend the summers at her Godfather's house on Laurel Beach. Always longing to return to Milford, Kim moved back just before the birth of her first child. Kim had a deep desire to become more involved in Milford's future. She opened an antique store in Downtown called "Grandma's Attic," and co-founded the Downtown Milford Business Association, where she also served as Vice President. With extensive expertise in event planning, she also owned and managed a catering business, as well as a bridal store, and worked at the Milford Citizen newspaper. Kim has two children. Her daughter, Crystal, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Chemistry from the Honor's College at Southern Connecticut State University and is a graduate of Quinnipiac University. She is a Physician Assistant in the ED at Manchester Hospital. Kim's second child, Casey, served a yearlong deployment in Afghanistan and was a Sergeant with the Connecticut Army National Guard. Kim, a Blue Star Mom, values our Veterans and knows firsthand the sacrifices and strain placed on the families left at home. She is a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Devon Post 7788 and has served as its Jr. Vice President for four consecutive years. Representative Rose is also a member of Milford Elks Lodge #1589, the Milford Historical Society, the Milford Preservation Trust and is an original board member to the Boys & Girls Club of Milford. She is an advisor to the Walnut Beach Association and a past member of the defunct Devon Revitalization Committee. Representative Rose is a member of Milford Elks Lodge #1589, the Milford Historical Society, the Milford Preservation Trust, the Audubon Society and is an original incorporator to the Boys & Girls Club of Milford. Kim was most recently elected President of the Ladies Auxiliary Travis C. Kitchen Devon Post 7788 where she is a life member. In pursuit of aggressively conserving and preserving our State's wonderful scenic areas, such as Silver Sand Beach, throughout Kim's adult life, she spent a significant amount of time working on several different projects. She helped to reduce the number of units at a condominium complex, where the health and safety of her neighbors was in jeopardy. She also worked on stopping the over-development of Milford's last large undeveloped parcel at Eisenhower Park, and organized her neighbors to stop a recycling facility from becoming operational at 990 Naugatuck Avenue. With a passion for serving her community, in 2007, Kim decided that she wanted to do more to represent her neighbors. She successfully ran for the Planning and Zoning Board and proudly served the 3rd District, while fighting for smart development and conservation. She was elected Vice-Chair in 2008 and 2009, and was instrumental in getting the Planning and Zoning meetings televised. In addition to her legislative duties, Kim continues to serve her community. She planned, organized and runs the Village of Devon Farmer's Market and maintains the Village of Devon Facebook page. She is currently employed by the City of Bridgeport. Rep. Rose has a long and distinguished history of public service to the residents of Milford and looks forward to helping to make not only Milford, but also the State of Connecticut a better place to work and to live.

Connecticut House Republican Office L.O.B. Room 4200 Hartford, CT 06106 860-240-8700 800-842-1423 (toll-free in CT)

Rob Sampson is currently serving his third term as State Representative for Connecticut’s 80th District which includes the entire town of Wolcott and the western end of Southington, including parts of Marion, Milldale, and Plantsville. He was reappointed Ranking Member of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee for the 2015-17 term, and serves on the Judiciary and Commerce Committees. In 2013, Rob was appointed to the legislature’s bipartisan task for on Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety. Sampson was promoted to Republican Ranking Member of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee for the 2012 session of the General Assembly, the first and only of the 17 freshman state representatives trusted with such responsibility.

Sampson has proven himself as a leader for several causes, challenging the Malloy administration’s budgets and policies including the early release of violent felons, the forced unionization of child care providers and personal care attendants, and the New Britain to Hartford Busway. He is known as CT’s leading opponent of Obamacare and the leading voice in state government for protecting our second amendment freedoms. He has recently gained remarkable recognition for his expertise in debating Constitutional principles.

Starting as an entry level insurance agent, he worked his way up and ultimately became successful in the independent insurance agency business, including managing several small but profitable offices. In 2002, Sampson made the decision to dedicate his efforts principally to real estate. He has been a top producer throughout his real estate career and currently works out of the Southington location of Realty 3 of Connecticut as both a Realtor and Regional Recruiter.

Hilda E. Santiago is serving her first term in the Connecticut General Assembly proudly representing Meriden's 84th District. She currently serves on the legislature's Finance, Revenue and Bonding, Human Services and Insurance and Real State committees. She successfully claimed her seat in November, after Christopher Donovan retired from serving in the state legislature.

Born in Naranjito, Puerto Rico and raised in New York City, Hilda's family moved to Meriden, Connecticut during her senior year of high school, where she attended and graduated Orville H. Platt High School. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Southern Connecticut State University, majoring in History and Latin American Studies.

Hilda has been a strong advocate of civil and human rights as well as an avid supporter of Latino equality throughout her years in college and as a community activist in Meriden.

Having been involved in local politics since 1990, Hilda was appointed to serve on the City Council in 1996 for one year and later became the first Puerto Rican female to win an open seat in Meriden's City Council in 2005. She has also served voluntarily on various local boards including the United Way, YWCA (WFC), Child Guidance Clinic, Catholic Charities, Kiwanis and Casa Boricua of Meriden.

Hilda is the proud mother of two children, who are the source of her inspiration and motivation.

At the Capitol: Legislative Office Building, Room 4024 Hartford, CT 06106-1591 (860) 240-8585 | 1-800-842-8267 [email protected]

Sean Scanlon was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly on November 4, 2014 and is currently serving his first term.

The son of a police officer and small business owner, Sean learned the values of public service and hard work at a young age. After graduating from Guilford Public Schools and Boston College, he worked as a Victim Advocate in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office where he helped crime victims understand the criminal justice process and assisted them in the aftermath of traumatic experiences like assault, robbery, and domestic violence.

In 2009 Sean joined the staff of then-Congressman Chris Murphy and worked as a community liaison before serving as Field Director on the Congressman's successful re-election campaign in 2010 and his campaign for U.S. Senate in 2012. He is currently the Director of Community Affairs in Senator Murphy's Hartford office.

In the community, Sean has been involved in local education efforts. He worked as part of the teams behind the successful efforts to build a new high school and adopt full day kindergarten in Guilford.

He serves on the Public Health, Transportation, and Environment committees and lives in Guilford.

Joseph C. Serra was elected to represent the 33rd District in the General Assembly in 1992. The 33rd District is located entirely within the boundaries of the City of Middletown.

Serra's first run for elected office was in 1992 as the Democratic nominee in the 33rd District. A lifelong Middletown resident, Serra has served on the Middletown Democratic Town Committee since 1984.

Serra has served the Middletown Department of Public Works since 1959. In 1979 he was appointed Deputy Director of Public Works and held that position until his retirement in August of 1996 after completing 37 years of service.

A graduate of the City's public schools, Serra received an Associate's Degree in Business Administration from Middlesex Community College in 1970. He earned his B.S. Degree in Public Administration from the University of Hartford in 1975.

Serra serves as a corporator for the Middlesex Memorial Hospital and St. Francis Hospital.

Serra is a former officer and member of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and has served as president and vice-president of Middletown Managers and Professionals Association (MMPA).

Serra serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the Connecticut Association of Street and Highway Officials (CASHO). He has held the position for the past 33 years.

Serra is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Middlesex Community College Foundation.

Rep. Serra is a Chair of the Aging Committee and serves on the Legislature's Judiciary and Transportation Committees.

Brendan Sharkey was re-elected on November 4, 2014 to serve his 8th term as State Representative, representing the 88th Assembly District in Hamden.

He was first elected by his legislative colleagues as Speaker of the House of Representatives on January 9, 2013. He previously served as House Majority Leader, chair of the Planning & Development and Program Review & Investigations committees, and as a member of the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee.

In February 2013, Speaker Sharkey reestablished the MORE (Municipal Opportunities & Regional Efficiencies) Commission, which he originally chaired in 2010 resulting in a set of new laws focused on encouraging regional cooperation among towns. The current incarnation of MORE is a bipartisan panel charged with helping cities and towns reduce their costs and increase efficiencies with the ultimate goal of lowering local property taxes.

Rep. Sharkey was born in Orange, New Jersey and moved to Connecticut in 1971. He attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., graduating in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts in English/Philosophy, and from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1989.

He is an attorney and small business owner, as well as a member of the Hamden Chamber of Commerce and Connecticut Bar Association. Brendan lives in Hamden with his wife, Diane.

State Senator Gayle Slossberg ASSISTANT MAJORITY LEADER Chair: Education Vice Chair: Human Services Member: Appropriations; General Law; Regulation Review Representing Milford, Orange, West Haven & Woodbridge

Capitol Office Legislative Office Building Room 3100 Hartford, CT 06106-1591

Gayle Slossberg is a dynamic leader who exemplifies a lifetime of community involvement. First elected in 2004, Senator Slossberg was reelected in 2014 for her sixth term as the State Senator representing Milford, Orange, the southern half of West Haven, and part of Woodbridge. She is Senate Chair of the General Assembly’s Education Committee and Vice Chair of the Human Services Committee. During her time in the legislature, she has earned a reputation as a tireless advocate for job creation in Connecticut. She was responsible for developing the first tax incentive program in the state aimed at increasing job growth and enticing new businesses to move to Connecticut. Senator Slossberg’s program became an essential part of landmark jobs legislation passed in 2011 and expanded upon in 2012. As part of this legislation, Connecticut created the highly successful Small Business Express Program. This program provides loans and grants to small business to spur business growth and promote job creation. So far, fifteen businesses in Milford, Orange, and West Haven have participated in the program, enabling the creation of 39 jobs and the retention of 155 more. As Chair of the Government Administration & Elections Committee, Senator Slossberg was a strong voice for transparent and ethical state and municipal government. She was the driving force behind sweeping campaign finance reforms, and helped shepherd legislation to create public financing for campaigns in Connecticut. She also fought for the empowerment of voters by leading the Senate in approving a resolution that gives 17-year olds who will be 18 by the general election the right to vote in primary elections. Committed to her district, Senator Slossberg successfully negotiated a land conveyance that saved the City of Milford $1.4 million and secured 2.4 acres of open space on Route 1. She secured $55 million for upgrades to the Housatonic and Beaverbrook water treatment plant, $24.5 million for the train station in West Haven, and has successfully advocated for the station in Orange. She also secured funding for West Haven’s West Shore Fire District for necessary capital repairs to the district’s two fire stations. Senator Slossberg served as Democratic Minority Leader on the Milford Board of Aldermen from 2001 until her election to the State Senate in 2004. She is a member of the Endowment Committee for “Bridges, A Community Support System, Inc.,” which provides a wide variety of community services. Senator Slossberg received her Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in 1987 and her law degree from New York University Law School in 1990. She practiced law with the firm of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton, though she is currently retired from the practice of law. Senator Slossberg grew up in Massachusetts and spent many years working and managing a family business that was started by her grandfather. She lives in Milford with her husband David and their three children: Jeremy, Alex, and Rebecca.

Connecticut House Republican Office L.O.B. Room 4200 Hartford, CT 06106 860-240-8700 800-842-1423 (toll-free in CT)

Pam Staneski represents the 119th General Assembly District of Milford and Orange. She was elected in November 2014 to her first-term. She serves on the Education, Veterans Affairs and Children committees.

Pam served for a decade as an elected official on the Board of Education and Board of Alderman, and has been deeply involved with several community service organizations. She is an outspoken leader on issues regarding substance abuse and underage drinking and is Co-founder of the Milford Prevention Council. She is a volunteer for United Way of Milford and the Rape Crisis Center of Milford, and served as Past President of Milford’s Promise.

Representative Staneski resides in Milford with her husband Paul, and their three dachshunds. When they have free time you can find them visiting one or more of their four children and catering to their granddaughter.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Old Dominion University.

Toni Edmonds Walker is a seasoned social activist and advocate for youth, education, and human rights. Toni has deep roots at Dixwell Congregation. There, Toni worked as both a fundraiser and the Director of the Dixwell Children's Creative Arts Center - a children's inner city program for arts and music. She continued her baccalaureate education at Southern Connecticut State University and received a Master's Degree in Social Work at Fordham University.

Rep. Walker serves as House Chair of the Appropriations Committee and participates on several other legislative bodies, including the Higher Education and Judiciary Committees. She is the former House Chair of the Human Services Committee as well. Rep. Walker also created and chaired both the Juvenile Jurisdiction Planning and Implementation Committee and the Juvenile Jurisdiction Policy and Operations Coordinating Council. She is also an active member of the Financial Advisory Council, serving as Speaker Donovan's appointee. In addition, Rep. Walker has been appointed to serve on several policy committees by legislative forums; including the National Conference of State Legislatures as Vice-Chair of the Human Services Committee, and the Council of State Governments as Vice Chair of the ERC Criminal Justice Advisory Board and Chair of the ERC Budget & Tax Committee. The Council of State Governments also once recognized Rep. Walker as a Tolls Fellow.

Rep. Walker is dedicated to the CT Black and Puerto Rican Caucus and is a member of the Adolescent Parenting Council, Local Interagency Service Team, Domestic Violence Legislative Task Force, Commission on Children, Medicaid Care Management Oversight Council, Behavioral Health Partnership Oversight Council, TANF Council, Children in the Recession Legislative Task Force, and Task Force on Community-Based Human Services.

For several years, Rep. Walker has committed herself to juvenile reform in Connecticut beginning with raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction. She introduced and championed legislation that would allow for 16 and 17 year- olds to be considered juveniles in the eyes of Connecticut courts. When she is not in Hartford, Toni is in district serving as Vice Principal and Coordinator of Special Services and Grants at New Haven Adult Education, where she plays an instrumental role in developing, designing and implementing community-based programs.

State Senator Gary Winfield ASSISTANT MAJORITY LEADER Chair: Banking; Housing Vice Chair: Education Member: Appropriations; Finance, Revenue & Bonding; Judiciary Representing New Haven & West Haven

Capitol Office Legislative Office Building Room 2400 Hartford, CT 06106-1591

Gary Winfield was elected in 2014 to represent the 10th State Senate District (New Haven & West Haven). Prior to his election, Gary had served as a state representative for the 94th Assembly District of New Haven and Hamden since his election in 2008. In the House of Representatives he served as a Deputy Majority Leader and most recently sat on the Appropriations, Education and Judiciary committees.

Senator Winfield was the lead sponsor of legislation to abolish the death penalty. He led the fight to pass an abolition bill in 2009, resulting in the first passage of an abolition bill by both the House and Senate. In 2012 Winfield again led the push that resulted in abolition of the death penalty. Believing that the issue of discrimination against transgendered people was of utmost importance to Connecticut, Winfield also led the fight to pass an anti-discrimination law in 2011. In 2012 Winfield again took the lead in working to fix the state’s racial profiling law.

Gary is recognized as a leader on campaign finance reform/clean elections, having been a speaker on the issue at the 2010 and 2011 policy conferences for the Center for Working Families (NY) and the keynote speaker at the 2010-2013 Democracy Matters Annual national Student Summit. Prior to being elected, Winfield has been a leader on the issue of education reform. Since 2008 he has pushed Connecticut forward as a key legislator changing laws around drop outs, school governance councils and early reading success. Winfield’s work has caught national attention resulting in his being invited to speak at various places around the country on education reform including The Excellence in Action National Summit on Education Reform in 2012 where he pushed back on the notion that unions are the problem. In 2014, Gary continued to fight for constituent rights by leading the unanimous and bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 371, which prohibits employers from to retaliating against immigrant employees for exercising their rights under various state labor laws. That same year, Gary helped lead Senate passage of legislation to develop a curriculum that local school districts could elect to use to teach the history of the labor movement and enhanced privacy protections for employees.

Senator Winfield was formerly enlisted in the United States Naval nuclear power program where he developed the skills he would later use as a field advisor and manager of electrical construction for Alstom Power. His job with Alstom brought him to New Haven, where he became involved with community issues and continues to reside.

Gary entered Southern Connecticut State University in 2003 and graduated three years later in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. He currently works for the Connecticut State University chapter of the American Association of University Professors.

Originally from Bronx, New York, Senator Winfield credits his experience of growing up in a tough environment, his father succumbing to drugs and watching his mother struggle as a single mother as the source of his passion for social justice.

Connecticut House Republican Office L.O.B. Room 4200 Hartford, CT 06106 860-240-8700 800-842-1423 (toll-free in CT)

State Rep. Dave Yaccarino proudly represents the 87th General Assembly District covering North Haven. He was re-elected to serve a third term in November 2014. Yaccarino serves as the leading House Republican lawmaker on the legislature’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Serving his third term as State Representative, he was appointed Assistant Republican Leader and will serve on the legislature’s committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding, Public Safety and Security as well as Energy and Technology.

A life-long North Haven resident, Yaccarino has owned DJ’s Cards and Comics located at 1 Lincoln Street, North Haven, CT for 23 years.

Yaccarino is an active member of the community where he served as: a 16 year volunteer for the Boy Scouts and Co-Founder of Boy Scout Troop 811. He also coached Max Sinoway Baseball and North Haven Girls Softball. Yaccarino volunteered for Saint Francis Cabrini Church and is a Member of the Men’s Club. He also worked as a Youth group mentor and lent a helping hand to special needs adults, emergency shelters and soup kitchens.

Yaccarino is a member of the North Haven Republican Town Committee and a former member of the U.S. Navy Reserve. He has an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Sciences from Gateway Community College where he is inducted into the Hall of Fame and taught a U.S. History course.

Connecticut House Republican Office L.O.B. Room 4200 Hartford, CT 06106 860-240-8700 800-842-1423 (toll-free in CT)

State Representative Melissa Ziobron is a lifelong resident of the 34th District and has an extensive record of community service. Ziobron serves as the leading House Republican lawmaker on the legislature’s Appropriations Committee. Now in her second term serving as State Representative, she was reappointed to the Environment Committee and will hold a new role on the Committee on Children. She also serves on the Legislature’s bipartisan Sportsman Caucus.

Ziobron is committed to many different local organizations and has spent countless hours volunteering in her community. She has served with the Friends of Devil’s Hopyard State Park and the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park, where she served as President. She also volunteered to lead letter-boxing hikes for the East Haddam Land Trust and taught students about her favorite outdoor pastime during an after-school class at Nathan Hale-Ray Middle School. Most recently she has been assisting the Belltown Garden Club raise funds to steward the gardens at the historic covered Comstock Bridge, facilitated a group of dedicated individuals interested in forming a Friends of Sunrise/Machimoodus State Park, and lent a hand to a group of volunteers working to help a recent Bacon Academy graduate obtain a new handicap van in Colchester. She has also been passionate about helping local Veterans, including assisting a WWII veteran obtain VA housing and presenting citation to hometown heroes returning from deployment.

Dave Zoni is a life-long Southington resident who is dedicated to public service and committed to improving the quality of life for Connecticut’s residents.

Dave is a graduate of Southington High School and Hartford State Technical College and holds a degree in Electrical Engineering. He also attended Quinnipiac College, where he studied Business Administration. He worked in private industry for 13 years; then, in the late 1980’s, he and a partner founded Priority Graphics, LLC, a local business that provides digital graphic design and printing services.

While serving on the Southington Town Council, Dave spearheaded the effort that brought to fruition Southington’s first formal Fiscal Policy and was the driving force behind the development of the “Rescue-A-Buck” program, a cost-containment initiative. He served as the Chairman of several committees: Charter Revision, Ethics Review, Energy and Senior Tax Relief. He was a member of the Open Space and Land Acquisition committee and is an avid proponent of our environment.

Dave is dedicated to community and public service. He is an active member of the Greater Southington Chamber of Commerce, UNICO International Club, Southington Rotary Club, and the Southington Italian-American Festival Committee.

Dave and his wife, Susan, a former public school teacher who now works with Dave at Priority Graphics, have been married since 1975. They have two sons: David, a master craftsman who manufactures custom trombones and is a musician performing with several area bands, and Steven, who will graduate in May from UMass School of Law at Dartmouth where he serves as Editor-in-Chief of Law Review.

Connecticut House Republican Office L.O.B. Room 4200 Hartford, CT 06106 860-240-8700 800-842-1423 (toll-free in CT)

Lezlye Zupkus proudly represents the 89th General Assembly District covering Bethany, Cheshire and Prospect. She was re-elected to her second two-year term in November 2014. Zupkus serves on the legislature’s committees on Public Safety, Commerce and Human Services.

Prospect resident Zupkus is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. Her professional experience includes work in both the private and nonprofit sectors, and her numerous volunteer activities include serving on the Board of Directors of Holy Cross High School.

In 2014, Zupkus was honored as a “Community Champion” by MADD for her legislative work on drunken driving-related issues.

Zupkus is employed as state director of Best Buddies Connecticut. She previously worked as director of development and volunteer services for Special Olympics Connecticut.

A former member of the Prospect Planning and Zoning Commission, Zupkus currently serves as a member of the Prospect Republican Town Committee.