OLD SAYBROOK/OLD LYME/LYME/WESTBROOK—On Wednesday, May 15, delegates representing the 23rd House District towns of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and part of Westbrook nominated Jane Wisialowski  as the Democratic candidate for their State Representative.  

A resident of Old Saybrook (OS) for 25 years, Wisialowski is a member of the OS Board of Education and an OS Parks & Recreation Commissioner. In addition to holding these elected positions, Wisialowski works as a professional conservator and fiduciary appointed by Connecticut probate judges to help individuals manage their financial and personal affairs.

She also currently serves as vice chair of the Old Saybrook Democratic Town Committee (DTC). 

In selecting her as the Democratic candidate for the Connecticut House of Representatives, District 23 delegates and area Democrats have praised Wisialowski for her long history of leadership and community service, and her commendable background in business development and care for families and individuals facing hardships.

“We are thrilled to put forward such a strong candidate to represent our district in Hartford,” said Old Lyme DTC Chair Kim Thompson.

She continued, “Jane has represented Democrats in important leadership positions in Old Saybrook and has a proven ability to connect with local voters. Her expansive professional network and sensitivity to issues facing seniors, women and families make her an excellent candidate for State Representative. We look forward to an exciting campaign season.”  

In announcing her plans to run for State Representative, Wisialowski said, “I have learned through my work the hardships that many seniors face and the positive role that government can play in easing  their burdens. I have learned through my own personal struggle to conceive the importance of IVF and a woman’s right to reproductive health care.”

She added, “I believe it is up to each of us to make our district the most thriving, equitable place it can be – one  whose natural beauty is protected; where children can grow up with access to all the best books and without fear of gun violence; where seniors can live out their lives in dignity in homes they can afford; and where women can always have access to the health care they want and need.” 

Wisialowski will run against five-term Republican incumbent Devin Carney in the November 2024 election.

She  lives in Old Saybrook with her husband Todd and their two sons.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued by the Old Saybrook Democratic Town Committee.

OLD SAYBROOK/OLD LYME/LYME/WESTBROOK—On Thursday, May 16, State Rep. Devin Carney (R-23rd) announced his unanimous endorsement from 23rd District Republicans.

In a convention held at the Vicki Duffy Pavilion in Old Saybrook, Carney received the nod from delegates from the district’s four communities: Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. 

Rep. Carney was first elected to serve the 23rd District in 2015. He is now seeking his sixth term in the position.

“I’ve always worked hard to put the people of the 23rd District first – above special interests and party interests,” said Carney, who in 2021 earned a national award for his bipartisan approach to legislating.

He continued, “To me, this is my responsibility as Representative. It is the honor of a lifetime to go  to Hartford to be the voice of our communities, and I look forward to spending this summer and fall to tell constituents about my work and listen to their concerns and ideas about how we can work together to make Connecticut a better state for everyone.” 

During his tenure, Rep. Carney has maintained a strong attendance record at the Capitol and has continued to be active in community events in all four towns of the 23rd district. Rep. Carney  has also been praised for his accessibility, bipartisanship, and work ethic during his tenure as State Representative.

He is also known for being a stalwart advocate for small towns and, in 2024, was given the “Town Crier Award” by the Connecticut Council of Small Towns for his legislative work. 

Rep. Carney serves in a leadership role within his caucus as the House Republican Policy Chair and also serves as the House Co-Chair of the bipartisan Future Caucus.

His committee assignments have put him at the center of many important policy debates at the Capitol. On the Transportation  Committee, he worked to improve safety on District roads and bridges and to improve operations at the DMV. On the Education Committee, Rep. Carney fought to give communities local control over education and to stop government mandates that can hurt children’s learning. 

“Our local public schools are a source of pride for our communities and the state should not be able to dictate what we teach or how we teach it,” said Carney. He added, “As long as I am State Representative, I will fight any measures that will weaken the quality and integrity of our education.”  

Serving on the Finance, Revenue, & Bonding Committee, Rep. Carney has focused on balancing the state budget, paying down debt, and growing the local economy and jobs. His involvement during the 2023 budget negotiations led to a reduction in taxes on pensions and retirement accounts.

“Improving affordability and opportunity in Connecticut and confidence in government are incredibly important to me and I will continue pushing policies to achieve these goals,” Rep. Carney concluded.

In addition to his legislative work, Rep. Carney works locally in finance and volunteers for many local organizations. He serves on the the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center Board of Trustees, on the board of Old Saybrook Senior Housing; he is a member of both the Greater Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club of Old Saybrook.

He was also recently appointed National Caucus of Environmental Legislators Board Treasurer.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued by State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd).