Category Archives: Politics

State Rep. Carney Appointed House Ranking Member of New Government Oversight Committee

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HARTFORD/LYME/OLD LYME – State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd), whose Distrcit includes both Lyme and Old Lyme, was recently appointed Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s newly-created Government Oversight Committee by House Republican Leader State Representative Vincent Candelora (R-86th).

State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd)

It is expected that the committee will focus on matters related to transparency in government, seek to eliminate waste and other inefficiencies, and highlight the monthly reports of state agencies released by the Connecticut State Auditors.

“I am looking forward to serving as the lead House Republican on the new Government Oversight Committee,” Rep. Carney said. “Serving on this committee will give me the opportunity to do a deep dive into government operations and finances.”

He continued, “It is essential that Connecticut’s government is efficient and doesn’t waste taxpayer dollars.  I want to thank House Minority Leader, Vin Candelora, for entrusting me with this important position and I am eager to get working for the residents of the 23rd District and the State of Connecticut.”

“Representative Devin Carney’s appointment as the House Ranking Member of this new committee underscores his dedication to good governance and accountability,” Candelora said, adding, “Devin has consistently demonstrated a commitment to transparency and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent effectively. His experience and thoughtful leadership will be invaluable as this committee tackles the critical task of improving oversight and building trust in government operations for the people of Connecticut.”

A Ranking Member is the designated leader from the minority party on a committee. Each committee has a House and Senate ranking member. Individuals who serve in this role are responsible for bringing forward legislation and communicating to their caucuses details about bills voted out of committees.

Rep. Carney’s new assignment will take effect Wednesday, Jan. 8 at the start of the new legislative term.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued Dec. 17, by State Rep. Carney’s Press Secretary.

Incumbent State Rep. Carney Thanks Voters For Giving Him a Sixth Term, Commends Opponent Wisialowski on “Strong Race”

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State Rep. Devin Carney (R) has retained his seat in the 23rd District.

LYME/OLD LYME—After winning a sixth term in the Connecticut House 23rd District, which includes both Lyme and Old Lyme, incumbent State Rep. Devin Carney sent us a message regarding his victory. We have printed it in full below:

“I want to thank the voters of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook for entrusting me with their support for another term. I have worked incredibly hard over the last 10 years and my positive message of economic opportunity, reducing energy costs, and keeping local control carried the day. This was not an easy year as my campaign treasurer and boss, John Bysko [of Old Lyme], passed away unexpectedly in October and I was unable to campaign as much as in the past. I know he would be proud of me – and the race I ran – and that means more than anything.

My opponent ran a strong race, and I give her credit. As the only Republican to win in the district, it could have very easily gone the other direction. But voters were able to recognize my experience, dedication, and integrity and I received many crossover votes. I’ve truly given my all these past 10 years and it has been the honor of a lifetime. I look forward to getting back to work for the amazing people of the 23rd District.”

Incumbent State Sen. Needleman Wins Fourth Term in 33rd District, Thanks All Voters—Regardless of Whether They Voted for Him

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State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) has won a fourth term to serve the 33rd Senate District.

LYME, CT—State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) today thanked voters in Connecticut, whether they voted for or against him, as he happily celebrated winning his fourth term serving the 33rd Senate District in the State Senate.

With this victory part of a continued pattern of success for Sen. Needleman after he was first elected to the Senate in 2018, he reflected on the power that every vote holds.

“To have the opportunity to return to Hartford and continue working for the people of Connecticut is one I cherish,” said Sen. Needleman.

He added, “For six years, I have been able to give our towns a voice in the Capitol and make sure we have representation for issues impacting our daily lives. I’m grateful and thankful to everyone who voted, whether they cast a ballot for me or my opponent.”

Continuing, “This year’s election drew large numbers of voters to the polls, which is the best possible outcome for any election, no matter the final results – the more people who make their voices heard, the better,” Sen. Needleman concluded, “That’s something I will not take lightly.”

Sen. Needleman’s first three terms saw him serve as Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, leading passage of several impactful bills seeking to improve transparency and quality of service for Connecticut energy ratepayers.

Sen. Needleman serves in addition as Vice Chair of the Planning and Development Committee and a member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding, Transportation and Commerce Committees.

Sen. Needleman will continue to represent the town of Lyme as well as the towns of Colchester, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook.

Sen. Needleman founded and runs a manufacturing company, Tower Laboratories in Centerbrook, and is currently serving his sixth term as the First Selectman of Essex.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued Nov. 6 by Senator Needleman’s office.

Old Lyme Results Reflect Statewide Wins for Democrats Murphy, Courtney; District 23 Win for Incumbent Carney (R)

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OLD LYME — 11/6 UPDATES—Unofficial results indicate incumbent Martha Marx (D) has won a second term in the 20th State Senate District, which includes Old Lyme.

The ballot question regarding the use of absentee ballots looks as though it will likely pass according to unofficial results. This amendment would support a law allowing any voter to vote by absentee ballot, without needing an excuse. At 3:34 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, the New York Times reported 56.8 percent supporting the measure and 43.2 percent voting against it, with 59 percent of the vote counted.

The unofficial results of Tuesday’s election in the Town of Old Lyme are below. The first number is from in-person voting at Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School on Tuesday and the second number from both Early Voting and Absentee votes. All numbers are provisional.

Connecticut US Senator Christopher Murphy (D) and Connecticut US House Representative Joe Courtney, both Incumbents, have respectively been declared winners.

Incumbent State Rep. Devin Carney (R) has claimed victory in the 23rd District and his challenger Jane Wisilowski has conceded to him. Carney was running to secure a sixth term. The 23rd District includes both Lyme and Old Lyme.

Incumbent State Senator Norm Needleman (D) has been declared the winner in the 33rd District, which includes Lyme.

No winner has yet been declared in the 20th State Senate District, which includes Old Lyme. Incumbent Martha Marx (D) is seeking a second term—she is being challenged by Republican Shawn Mastroianna.

SHALL THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE BE AMENDED TO PERMIT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ALLOW EACH VOTER TO VOTE BY ABSENTEE BALLOT?
Yes: 2,532
No: 1,736

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS
Harris and Walz (D): 3,107
Trump and Vance (R): 2,127
Stein and Ware (G): 42
Oliver and Ter Maat (L): 26
Kennedy, Jr. and Shanahan (PC): 29

UNITED STATES SENATOR
Christopher S. Murphy (D) & (WF): 3029 + 97
Matthew M. Corey (R): 2,026
Justin C. Paglino (G): 25
Robert Finley Hyde (CGGP): 32

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
Joe Courtney (D): 3,269
Mike France (R): 1,999

STATE SENATOR
Martha Marx (D) & (I): 2,786
Shawn Mastroianni (R): 2,266

STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Jane Wisialowski (D) & (WF): 2,540
Devin R. Carney (R) & (I): 2,706

REGISTRAR OF VOTERS
Jennifer Datum (D): 2,882
Catherine Carter (R): 2,256

Wisialowski Concedes to Incumbent State Rep. Carney in 23rd District

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Jane Wisialowsi was the Democratic candidate for the 23rd District State Representative.

OLD SAYBROOK/OLD LYME/LYME—Democrat Jane Wisialowski issued a statement tonight conceding victory in the 23rd District to five-term incumbent State Rep. Devin Carney (R). The 23rd District includes both Lyme and Old Lyme.

Her statement read, in full, as follows:

Jane Wisialowski, first time Democratic state representative candidate, narrowly lost to incumbent Republican, Devin Carney. 

“Obviously we are disappointed with the outcome but, with your help, we ran a race we can be  proud of. We came closer than any other candidate has to defeat a five-time incumbent. We knew it would be an uphill battle, but I believe we sent an important message to my  opponent – the people of the district are watching how you vote and you need to better  represent our values,” Jane said tonight addressing a crowd of enthusiastic supporters.  

After decades working in her corporate career, Jane became an advocate for people struggling with healthcare and financial hardships. She’s lived, worked, and raised her family in Old  Saybrook for 25 years. She has also spent countless hours volunteering in the schools and  serving her community in elected positions at the Old Saybrook Parks and Recreation  Commission and Board of Education. 

In May, her campaign for State Representative qualified for public financing within a week and secured the endorsement of more than a dozen labor and issue oriented organizations. Jane  and her team knocked more than 5,600 doors throughout the district and rallied countless  volunteers. 

“Old Saybrook had an outstanding Democratic candidate in Jane,” said Old Saybrook Selectman Matt Pugliese. “Those who voted for her saw how well she represented their values and  appreciated that she was focused on giving those values a platform in Hartford. We hope that  Representative Carney will recognize Jane’s strong show of support and the importance of  these issues for the residents in the district he represents.”  

Kim Thompson, Chair of the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee remarked, “Jane worked  really hard. She relentlessly knocked doors on both sides of the river and truly got to know the  people and the issues of Old Lyme and Lyme. We were exceptionally proud to support her.”