Hwang Promises ‘Better Days Ahead’ After Successful Re-election

State Senator Tony Hwang celebrates his win with his wife, Grace, after receiving the good news. Shortly after his successful win against Democrat Michelle McCabe to continue to represent the 28th Senatorial District, Republican state Senator Tony Hwang made some vows.

He promised voters he would work to help businesses impacted by COVID-19 in their recovery, to assist the district’s working families and other vulnerable populations who continue to struggle and to help children safely return to their classrooms.

“Our businesses need an opportunity to recover, our children need to be able to return to the classroom safely, and our democratic institutions and economy require strengthening,” Hwang said. “I remain committed to serving the best interests of our community and representing all of you. Better days lie ahead, and we will get there by working together to find solutions to the challenges before us.”

According to unofficial vote results, Hwang beat McCabe by just over 2,000 votes, including a vote margin in Easton of 2,776 to 2,173. The unofficial numbers were 31,494 for Hwang and 29,447 for McCabe.

“I am incredibly thankful for the continued trust placed upon me by the voters of the 28th Senate District,” Hwang said. “I am humbled to be given the opportunity to continue to represent and serve our community and state. I would also like to acknowledge Ms. McCabe, for a hard-fought campaign and wish her well.”

McCabe, a Fairfield resident who currently works as the director of the Center for Food Equity and Economic Development at the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, ran a -focused campaign. If elected, McCabe said that one of her priorities was to tackle the high cost of medical insurance and expand access to mental health care.

“I planned to bring my persistence and courage to see policies enacted that could bring immediate relief to the high cost of living in Connecticut while making sure that we leave no one behind, “McCabe said. Hwang will serve his fourth term in the state Senate. He previously served three terms as a state representative from the 134th district.

Hwang campaigned on his legislative record to rebuild the state’s economy after COVID-19 and restoring jobs. Locally, he said, he would maintain local control and input on housing, land use and zoning against the state-mandated 8-30g density housing law and educational excellence.

Michelle McCabe Candidate Statement: The Importance of Supporting Small Businesses

The CBIA and a dozen other organizations are calling for a $70 million state grant program to help small businesses struggling through the coronavirus pandemic. I fully support setting aside funds to assist our small businesses during the pandemic. In fact, I would argue we need to do more than just provide financial support. We will be living with COVID-19 for a long time, certainly through 2021. The impact most likely will involve moving between different stages of opening and closure with fluctuating numbers of people allowed to gather indoors. We need to work with our small businesses to adjust their business models accordingly so they too can shift between different means of delivery of services or production or even manufacturing based on restrictions.

For example, chain stores discovered that curbside delivery, as reported in The New York Times, “ has…emerged as many retailers’ best strategy for long-term survival in the e-commerce age. And what started as a coronavirus stopgap is likely to have a permanent impact on the way people shop, along with giving them a new reason to continue to visit beleaguered physical stores.”

While curbside may be a challenge for smaller retailers, we can help create an infrastructure that would allow stores on Main Street to collaborate on a curbside option for consumers.

We could similarly create a COVID consumer confidence initiative that identifies retail, restaurants, gyms, etc. as “safe spaces”, meaning they have been inspected and approved as following COVID-19 benchmarks or protocol.

We also need to pass a public option for health insurance so businesses can lower the cost of providing coverage and free up funds to reinvest. We need to lower the cost of electricity in order to produce the same result.

We need to partner with the small business community to explore ways that we can help them continue to generate revenue throughout the pandemic in order to ensure their resiliency and sustainability that will outlast any short-lived loan program.

As the director of the FEED Center, I have a demonstrated track record of leveraging resources for maximum impact, following a lean startup model in business to adjust to changes in the market, and assisting workers and entrepreneurs gain a successful foothold in our economy. I look forward to applying the skills and knowledge gleaned from doing the work into policy solutions that will truly help our business community and their workforce weather the impact of the pandemic.

Editor’s Note: This is McCabe’s second political statement. Per the Easton Courier Political Campaign Publication Policies, candidates may submit two statements, explaining their positions.

Michelle McCabe Candidate Statement: Supporting Easton Farmers is Key to Our Resilience

My career was launched by local agriculture. I learned where my food came from in 2007 when I read Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma. It changed not only how I got my food but also my life’s calling. For the last 12 years, I have endeavored to find ways to strengthen our local food system through supporting growers, harvesters, and consumers. In my current role as the Director of the Center for Food Equity and Economic Development with the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, I’m leveraging food waste to provide workforce training and food business launch for low-income area residents. Easton contributes mightily to our local food supply. I’m excited that as senator, I can partner with growers, harvesters, and consumers to support a sector that is necessary for our survival into the future.

My vision for the future of Connecticut centers on ensuring our collective resiliency, sustainability, and equity in all policies we pursue. Connecticut is entering a critical juncture where current events are forcing us to confront the realities of global warming, as well as economic and racial injustice. The success of local agriculture — the ability for farmers to be self-sustaining, for our food supply to be robust, and for season extension — is absolutely critical for our state and region to survive the supply chain disruptions caused by pandemic, extreme weather events, and economic fallout.

We need to ensure that the infrastructure exists to protect and expand our local growing, including but not restricted to animal processing facilities, fruit and vegetable production and processing facilities, ocean farming, hoop houses, and other season extenders.

Policies that can help the farming community be sustainable include reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between farms and green energy. I plan to help farmers diversify their revenue by partnering with solar and anaerobic digestion, exploring payment for carbon sequestering, and creating a market for seconds. I hope that working with local growers and harvesters, we can both ensure that farmers are financially successful while also providing fresh, local produce to all Connecticut residents, regardless of their income status.

A strong, well-staffed, well-informed, and responsive Department of Agriculture, UCONN Extension, and Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station who are equipped with cutting-edge information, robust technical assistance capacity, and ability to grant-make to the farming community are necessary in order for Connecticut to come closer to providing enough food for our residents. I plan to ensure that these agencies are responsive to the needs on the ground, rather than relying on a top-down approach to the work at hand.

Easton’s farming community holds the key to our collective ability to be resilient and sustainable into the future. As your senator, I will ensure that Easton farmers and residents get the support they need to be successful.

Editor’s Note: This is McCabe’s first political statement. Per the Easton Courier Political Campaign Publication Policies, candidates may submit two statements, explaining their position.

Letter: Elect McCabe Our Next State Senator

To the Editor:

A voice for the people — that’s what Michelle McCabe will give us as our next state senator. She cares about public educational excellence and so many other issues that matter to you and me. She will deliver for our district by voting to protect and promote what we care about and by having the ear of those in Hartford who control access to resources.

Michelle McCabe is the leader we need now to keep Easton, and the entire 28th State Senate district, on the move!

Elect Michelle McCabe so we have a senator that can get it done!

Bob Lessler

Member, Easton Board of Selectmen

Letter: Michelle McCabe for State Senator – 28th District

To the Editor:

Michelle has spent her career taking on some of the biggest challenges that face our community. As director of the Center for Food Equity and Economic Development (FEED) in Bridgeport, she has hands-on experience in small business development.

She will work to strengthen Connecticut’s green economy with an eye toward resiliency and job creation. This district needs someone with a bold vision who is singularly focused on investing in Connecticut and rebuilding the economy after Covid.

A vote for Michelle McCabe is a vote for a vibrant economy!

Paul Lindoerfer

Easton

Letter: Vote for Michelle McCabe

To the Editor:

I support Michelle McCabe for State Senate. Her life’s work as an advocate for the food insecure aligns with her calling to public service and her willingness to fight for what’s right. Contrast this to her opponent, who has had his share of issues in previous election cycles with campaign-financed advertisements. See https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-hwang-placemats-spending-20180509-story.htm l. After all we’ve been through these past four years, don’t we want elected officials who don’t skirt the edges of the rules but follow them?

Maureen Williams

Easton

Easton Republican Town Committee Commentary

This Nov. 3 we make decisions on who represents Easton in Hartford. It is so important that the people we put in office reflect the values and beliefs of the citizens who live here. Republicans in Easton believe in the things we all want.

We are not about giving up control over land use and education. We are not interested in defunding the police who make our town the safe community that it is. We are therefore standing behind John Shaban for State Representative of the 135th District and Tony Hwang for State Senator of the 28th District. John and Tony are listening to our voices telling them we want control over where our kids go to school and how our money is spent. You can find them in our town and not in neighboring cities protesting issues that are meant to move that candidate forward and not the residents of Easton.

We live in a unique town with farms and reservoirs that are resources for all of Fairfield County. That calls for unique representation. We have candidates who are respectful of its citizens and not furthering their own agenda. John and Tony are qualified and experienced. This is our time to be in charge of our local issues. Let’s make sure we elect people who respect that.

Wendy Bowditch

Chairman, Easton Republican Town Committee

Letter: State Senator Tony Hwang Represents Us

To the Editor: Easton, and the 28th Senate District, need the experience, dedication and passion that State Senator Tony Hwang brings to the Capitol. As a parent, I know he is fighting to ensure my children’s school is safe, has access to resources and remains under the control of this community.

As an elected official, I know Tony is always ready and willing to help. He immediately took action following August’s tropical storm to help push for more crews to help restore power in our town. He is a true public servant who we are lucky to have as our voice in Hartford.

Kristi Sogofsky

Easton Board of Selectmen

Senator Tony Hwang Unanimously Nominated by Republican Party for Fourth Term

FAIRFIELD, CT: State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) received the unanimous and enthusiastic backing of Republicans from Fairfield, Westport, Weston, Easton and Newtown to run for his fourth term serving the Connecticut General Assembly’s 28th Senate District.

“It has been the honor of my life, second only to my family, to serve the Connecticut residents of the 28th Senate district,” said Hwang. “During these difficult times, I have talked to many residents throughout our district who have been impacted, heroes who have answered the call to help those in need, and many who are worried about the future of our state and great country due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We will get through these difficult times by working together. We are in this crisis together and we can only overcome and succeed together.”

Former Newtown First Selectwoman E. Patricia Llodra nominated Hwang and praised his demonstrated leadership in the General Assembly. “Senator Hwang is someone our residents can count on during difficult times,” said Llodra. “He always puts people above politics and makes sure that our state government is providing the services and support that is needed to the communities he represents. I know I can count on Senator Hwang, and I know you can count on him to be there for all of us.”

Ryan DeWitt, a student in the Class of 2021 at Fairfield Warde High School seconded Senator Hwang’s nomination with enthusiasm and personal impressions. “Senator Hwang is a mentor, not just to me, but to many students throughout the district,” said DeWitt. “Senator Hwang takes time to visit with students and to listen to the concerns of young adults. He cares, he listens, he challenges and he is there for all of us.”

“Covid-19 has changed our world, country, state and local communities. We need to rebuild a better future despite the daunting challenges caused by this terrible healthcare pandemic and the ensuing economic devastation,” said Hwang. “My focus in the upcoming campaign is to address and solve our constituents’ concerns and needs as your state senator. It will be a priority to work for all of you right up to election day and afterward. The challenges are monumental and difficult decisions will need to be made. That is why experience and proven leadership are essential during times of crisis. My passion for the positive powers of public service is why experience and proven leadership are critical now more than ever.”

Hwang represents Connecticut’s 28th Senatorial District, which includes the towns of Fairfield, Newtown, Easton, Weston and Westport. He lives in Fairfield with his wife, Grace, and their children, Christina and Peter.

For more information about Hwang’s re-election campaign visit www.TonyHwang.org or email him directly at [email protected].

Michelle McCabe Secures Nomination as Democratic Candidate for 28th Senate District

Receives Unanimous Support from Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston, and Westport Delegates

FAIRFIELD, CT – On Tuesday evening, Michelle McCabe secured the Democratic nomination for the 28th State Senate District representing Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston, and Westport.

“At my 2020 kick off in January, I expressed the same Connecticut-focused position as I did in 2018. None of us could have predicted that months later, a pandemic would show us the degree to which our national division would threaten our very existence. The urgency with which we campaigned in 2018 now seems frighteningly prescient. It is not an overstatement that 2020 is the fight for our very lives and who we choose to lead us at all levels of government matters more than ever. The challenges that will be before all elected officials will require a strength of purpose and willingness to make unpopular but necessary decisions, ones that will test the public’s stomach for personal sacrifice like never before in our lifetimes,” said McCabe.

Referencing our nation’s core principles of “give me liberty or give me death” and “the land of the free,” McCabe speaks to the natural tension between being free and sacrificing some freedom to live in a society with others, an issue that has reached a dangerous boiling point amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

McCabe told convention attendees, “We aren’t terribly good at navigating the divide between what’s best for ourselves, and what’s best for the common good. That’s why we outsourced that kind of decision-making to government. Our elected leaders have the unenviable job of weighing opposing interests and making a decision. At least in theory, we elect people who we trust to make the right decision, to hear all sides of an issue, to ask experts as well as constituents, to take the long view and make a decision that will allow us all to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness even if it’s not exactly as we envisioned.”

McCabe, a dynamic community leader, seeks to bring a trustworthy, responsive, solution focused, and innovative approach to government.

“We will only survive the challenge ahead if we elect people who we trust to thoughtfully and decisively lead us out of the pandemic and into what will be a very different world, and who are willing to brave the fallout of very unhappy people in the process,” said McCabe. “My opponent is not that person. I am.”

McCabe’s résumé is lengthy: Director of the Center for Food Equity and Economic Development (FEED) at the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport; Sacred Heart University School of Social Work Advisory Committee member; Fairfield University Center for Social Impact Steering Committee member; Connecticut Asset Building Collaborative, Co-Chair; Bridgeport Regional Business Council, Member; Women’s Business Development Council, Regional Advisory Committee Member; Connecticut Emergency Support Functions #6, Task Team Member; Accountable Health Communities Program, Advisory Board; Connecticut Food System Alliance, Member. Despite her extensive professional expertise, McCabe said the most important quality she brings to the table is courage.

“I have the courage to know that I don’t know everything, to welcome all opinions especially if they challenge my own, and to steadfastly make decisions that strike the proper balance between personal freedom and the common good, even if it doesn’t please everyone,” said McCabe. “You will always know where I stand. I’ll earn your vote because of my character, and I won’t avoid talking about something that I believe is right for fear you might disagree.”

McCabe ended the evening pledging to work hard as the Democratic endorsed candidate, as Senator for the 28th district and said she would “rise to the challenges we face and fearlessly fight for our future.”

Michelle McCabe is a long-time resident of Fairfield, Connecticut where she lives with her three children. She is the Director of the Center for Food Equity and Economic Development (FEED) at The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport.

For more information visit www.michelleforCT.com Facebook.com/michelleforCT Instagram.com/michelleforCT Twitter.com/michelleforCT