Darien Democratic Town Committee June 1st Campaign Kick-Off: A Resounding Success!

Posted on by admin
Senator Blumenthal, Congressman Himes, State Rep Matt Blumenthal, with 141st candidate Sheila Quinn

Darien Democratic Town Committee
June 1st Campaign Kick-Off

On June 1st, the Darien Democratic Town Committee hosted a highly successful campaign kick-off event to officially launch their candidates’ campaigns for the 141st State Representative, Sheila Quinn, and Board of Education hopefuls, Joanna Walsh and Mike Balzano. The event, held at a private residence in Darien, drew an enthusiastic crowd, signaling strong community support and a promising start to the election season.

A Star-Studded Lineup of Political VIPs

The event was graced by an impressive lineup of political VIPs, underscoring the significance of the occasion and the high regard in which the Darien DTC candidates are held. Among the distinguished guests were: 

141st State Rep Candidate, Sheila Quinn with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz
141st State Rep Candidate, Sheila Quinn with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz
  • Senator Richard Blumenthal
  • Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz
  • Congressman Jim Himes
  • State Senator Ceci Maher
  • State Senator Pat Billy Miller 
  • Former Mayor of Hartford, Luke Bronin
  • State Representative Matt Blumenthal

Campaign Messages and Community Impact

Sheila Quinn, the candidate for the 141st State Representative, delivered a stirring speech in which she outlined her vision for Darien and the broader community. Quinn emphasized her commitment to education, mental health, and local economic development, promising to bring real results to our communities.

Board of Education candidates Joanna Walsh and Mike Balzano also shared their backgrounds and aspirations for Darien’s schools. Walsh, a longtime advocate for educational equity, is currently serving as Co-Chair for the Council of Darien School Parents. Balzano, a social studies teacher, will bring a teacher’s perspective to the Board of Education.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Joanna Walsh, Mike Balzano, Sheila Quinn, and Senator Ceci Maher.

An Overwhelming Turnout

The event saw an overwhelming turnout, with over 70 community members from all walks of life coming together to show their support. The high attendance was a testament to the candidates’ strong local connections and the community’s desire for effective representation.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with the candidates, ask questions, and discuss issues important to them. The atmosphere was one of optimism and determination, with Senator Blumenthal stating, “This election year is unlike any other in our history, democracy is on the line.” Congressman Jim Himes made it clear to all of us that “This is the year we can turn the 141st blue!”

Conclusion

With strong support from prominent political figures like Blumenthal, and Himes and the local community, candidates Sheila Quinn, Joanna Walsh, and Mike Balzano are set up to win their races!

 

Darien and Norwalk Democrats Endorse Sheila Quinn for State Representative

Posted on by admin

Darien and Norwalk Democrats Endorse Sheila Quinn for State Representative

Darien, CT – At last night’s Democratic Party convention for the 141st state assembly district, Democratic delegates from Darien and Norwalk voted unanimously to endorse Sheila Quinn for State Representative for the General Election to be held on November 5th. Quinn will be challenging Republican Tracy Marra who has held the seat since 2022. The district has long been a Republican stronghold but local Democrats see opportunity in 2024.

“I am honored to receive such overwhelming support from my Democratic colleagues and from so many who have encouraged me to run,” Quinn said in a statement.  “I am incredibly grateful to have earned their trust and support as the endorsed candidate for the 141st district representing portions of Darien and Norwalk. I look forward to the party’s continued support as we move forward to November’s election and work to elect a Democrat who can partner with House leadership to get things done and achieve meaningful progress for the people in our communities.”

In her address to delegates, Quinn said, “I am running because we need to put a Democrat in the state assembly to represent our communities and I strongly believe now is the time to make it happen. I am ready and looking forward to meeting folks in our towns, shaking hands with Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike. Because I believe we need leaders who represent all people.” Quinn stated her campaign is focused on everyday issues including improving Connecticut’s economy, investing in education, addressing the mental health crisis and bringing the state’s infrastructure into the 21st century.

“Our issues are the issues of everyday people. With the help of everyone here tonight and throughout our towns, I believe we can win this seat. We’ve seen it happen before in the communities around us. Now we have the chance to make it happen here in our community,” Quinn noted, adding, “I have the support of our neighboring state representatives and Senators and of Susan Bysiewicz and Jim Himes, who have pledged their full support for my campaign.”

Quinn is a graduate of New York University where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She and her partner Filippo Pistone opened their own business, Bacchanal Wine Imports, with more than 500 clients throughout Connecticut. Quinn resides in Darien with her two daughters, one who recently graduated and another entering high school.

For questions or more information about her campaign, contact Patrick Romano at patrick@dnacampaigns.com.

Spark Better Business

Sheila Quinn Democratic 141st State Representative Candidate

Seize Your Moment

Left: Rob Richards, Darien DTC Chair Middle: Sheila Quinn Democratic 141st State Representative Candidate. Right: Goody Gray, Darien DTC Vice Chair

Campaign Kick-Off!

Posted on by admin

Darien DTC Campaign Kick-Off

Meet our 2024 Candidates for Cocktails & Conversation
With LT. Governor Susan Bysiewicz
(and other special guests)

141 State Representative & Board of Education

Private Darien Residence

(Location available upon RSVP)

Purchase Tickets

 

June 1, 2024

4:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m.

Meet our 2024 candidates for cocktails & conversation

With LT. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz (and other special guests) along with our 141 State rep and Board of Education

 

Corey Frate Needs Your Vote!

Posted on by admin

What?
Corey Frate is a candidate to represent Darien at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on August 19-22.

And if you reside in the 4th Congressional District (Jim Himes), then Corey would like your vote!

Where?
The convention to elect Corey for the 4th District will be held at Norwalk City Hall, located at 125 East Ave in the Community Room. 

When?
Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Arrive at 6:30 p.m.

Special Instructions
Please note that you need to arrive at 6:30 pm to be signed in for voting. The voting is for selecting 4 men and 4 women who will represent us at the DNC. The event is expected to last for 2 hours. Corey is one of the 17 male candidates and the only one from Darien! Therefore, it is crucial for as many of us as possible to be present there and vote for him. 

Early Voting

Posted on by admin

Next week, on March 26, early voting opens in Connecticut! For the first time ever, you will have the freedom to cast your ballot EARLY in the Presidential Preference Primary.

  • Early Voting will be conducted from 10:00am to 6:00pm at Darien Town Hall (2 Renshaw Road) in Room 119; there is only one central location for early voting for all Darien voters.
  • Early Voting will be conducted on Tuesday, March 26th; Wednesday, March 27th; Thursday, March 28th; Saturday, March 30th. No voting on Friday or Sunday due to the holidays.
  • It is too late to enroll in a party for the Early Voting period (as of noon today), but there is still time to vote in the April 2nd election.
  • Voters will be able to enroll with the Democratic Party in person up until April 1st at Noon to be eligible to vote in the April 2nd primary. 


Early voting is convenient and easy, and we hope you will take advantage of Connecticut’s expansion of voting rights. Click the button below to find your polling location, voter registration information, and more.
 

New Leadership Announced for 2024-2026 Darien Democratic Town Committee

Posted on by admin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Darien, CT – March 13, 2024

New Leadership Announced for 2024-2026 Darien Democratic Town Committee

The 2024-2026 Darien Democratic Town Committee is proud to introduce its newly elected leadership team, bringing renewed energy and commitment to local engagement as we face new opportunities and challenges. The committee’s leadership for the upcoming term includes:

  • Chair: Rob Richards
  • Vice Chair: Goody Gray
  • Treasurer: Dan Noble
  • Secretary: Sheila Quinn

 

In addition to the executive team, the committee welcomes an esteemed group of members who reflect a diverse range of perspectives and experiences:

  • Adam Balgach
  • Michael Balzano
  • Katherine Gray Bunoski
  • Krista Carnes
  • Marcia Cleary
  • Lenore Douglas
  • Kristin Edwards
  • Susie Flaherty
  • Corey Frate
  • Susan Gray
  • Ric Grefé
  • Abigail Hornstein
  • Alicia Johnson
  • Kathy Piro
  • Erika Procaccini
  • Sherry Ramsay
  • Jennifer Leahy Slotkin
  • Maureen Early Vlak
  • Alison von Klemperer

 

“2024 marks a pivotal election year, and it has never been more important for the Darien community to actively participate at the National, State, and LOCAL levels,” stated Rob Richards, a former Selectman and the newly appointed Chair. “We urge individuals to contribute as volunteers or consider becoming candidates themselves. Your involvement is crucial to developing policy and pursuing strategies that protect our children’s health, safety, and education and continue to develop Darien with respect for people, place, and planet.”

 

Goody Gray, Vice Chair and head of Nominating emphasized a commitment to developing winning local strategies and called for widespread participation. “We are actively seeking individuals to engage with us as we shape effective local approaches,” Gray stated.

 

As part of their efforts to enhance local representation, the committee seeks candidates to run for the 141st State Representative position. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Goody Gray at vicechair@dariendemocrats.com for further information.

 

The 2024 Democratic Town Slate, poised for election this year, includes:

  • 141st State Representative
  • Board of Education – Julie Best
  • Registrar of Voters – Susan Gray

The 2024-2026 Darien Democratic Town Committee looks forward to an enthusiastic and engaged community as they work towards a prosperous future for Darien.

 

For media inquiries, please contact Ric Grefé at press@dariendemocrats.com. 

Connecticut Ranked the 7th Fastest Growing Economy in the Country

Posted on by admin

Connecticut Ranked the 7th Fastest Growing Economy in the Country

Did you know Connecticut was ranked the 7th fastest growing economy in the country and that Gen Z is choosing to move here more than any other state? Millennials are not far behind, moving to our state at the fourth-highest rate.

The contrast between red states and blue states could not be clearer. 

States that have restricted reproductive choice since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade have seen a 10% drop in the number of applications for OB-GYN residencies. Meanwhile, the assault on higher education in Southern states is causing faculty to leave. Universities are reporting declines in applications for open positions, with many reporting declined job offers. Reactionary social policies forced upon K-12 schools have caused increasing teacher resignations and classrooms unable to fill vacancies. America’s 10 worst states in which to live and work, according to CNBC, are all led by the GOP.

In Connecticut, we will continue our work on strengthening our home care system by protecting worker safety through transparency and protective technology. We will further the effort to increase the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs by identifying drugs facing potential supply shortages before those shortages occur and allowing Canadian pharmaceutical imports. We will provide more access to paid sick days for up to 1.6 million more workers by expanding access, provide more protections for victims of domestic violence through expanding existing programs and resources available through our legal system, develop vital safety measures for users of artificial intelligence, and cut junk fees for broadband and streaming service consumers.

To safeguard our precious freedoms, this year we are proposing an amendment to the Connecticut constitution. It will address and enshrine personal freedoms – such as reproductive rights, marriage equality, interracial marriage, and the use of contraception – that had been considered settled Constitutional law until a Trump-appointed U.S. Supreme Court decided to upend decades of common sense precedent and potentially undermine the “right to privacy” first articulated as a Constitutional principle in 1965 in Griswold v. Connecticut.

Read more of the op-ed by Senate President Martin Looney and me here: