Malloy picks up first endorsements.
New Britain’s Pulaski Democratic Club was the site of the first salvo of formal endorsements by sitting Democratic officials in the race for Governor.
Stepping to the podium yesterday afternoon were Berlin Mayor Adam Salina; State Senator and dean of New Britain’s delegation at the capitol, Don DeFronzo; State Rep. (and New Britain Democratic Mayoral challenger) Tim O’Brien; and Berlin Democratic Town Chair Fred Jortner. New Britain Democratic Town Chair John McNamara emceed the joint announcement. Video:
Malloy’s Press Release after the jump.
New Britain, Berlin Political Leaders Pledge Their Support to Dan Malloy for Governor
Posted by Team Malloy on Monday, February 1, 2010 – 4:19pm
Former Stamford Mayor and potential candidate for Governor Dan Malloy was joined today by a number elected officials and community leaders from New Britain and Berlin who publicly announced their commitment to “electing Dan Malloy as Connecticut’s next Governor” should Malloy become an official candidate.
Backing Malloy in New Britain: State Sen. Don DeFronzo (D-6th Senatorial District); Town Chair John McNamara; State Rep. and 2009 Democratic nominee for Mayor Tim O’Brien (D-24th Assembly District); Town Council President Michael Trueworthy; Alderpersons Adam Platosz, Eva Magnuszewski, Shirley Black and Larry Hermanowski; City Treasurer Teresa Sapieha Yanchak; and Former Alderman and City Treasurer Jason Jakubowski.
From Berlin, Malloy’s pledged support includes: Mayor Adam Salina; Town Chair Fred Jortner; State Rep. Joe Aresimowicz (D-30th Assembly District); Deputy Mayor Steve Morelli; State Central Committeeman Kevin Murphy; Former Berlin Mayor Art Powers; and Town Committeeman John Luddy.
“There is no question in my mind that Dan Malloy represents the Democratic Party’s best chance in a generation to win the Governor’s race,” said DeFronzo. “More important, I’m completely convinced that, of all the potential and announced candidates, he’d be the best Governor. Dan spent 14 years doing in Stamford what we need done across Connecticut: he’s created jobs, balanced budgets, held the line on taxes, built affordable housing, lowered crime rates, fixed broken transportation systems, and made government more effective and efficient.”
Said O’Brien, “As New Britain legislators, we have been fighting for good-paying jobs, property tax reform, education, health care, seniors and working people. I’m supporting Dan Malloy because we need to have a Governor who supports our efforts on these issues for the people of New Britain and Connecticut, rather than standing in the way, like the current administration. Four years ago, I supported a different candidate in the Democratic primary for Governor, but I’m now standing with Dan because he’s reached out to people of differing points of view, and he’s shown that he is the kind of leader who can bring Democrats and the people of Connecticut together to build a better future.”
Salina said that in addition to Malloy’s record as Mayor, it’s his “integrity and personal story” that makes him such a strong candidate.
He continued, “When Dan Malloy tells you something, you can take it to the bank. He is a man of his word. He’s a decent, honest guy who doesn’t compromise his principles for political reasons – something that’s all too rare. And I know he’s reluctant to talk about it, but Dan has overcome a lot of obstacles in his life to get to where he is today. It says something about his character, his resolve, his strength, and his integrity.”
McNamara said he believes the fact that Malloy “isn’t from the Hartford crowd” makes him an attractive candidate.
“A Governor Malloy will restore confidence and end State Capitol gridlock. We desperately need a change in Hartford,” continued McNamara. “We need to send someone to the Capitol who isn’t from there. We need someone who’s going to go in, shake things up, and get Connecticut working again. When Dan took over as Mayor in Stamford the place was a mess. He shook it up, fixed it, and now look at it. That’s what Connecticut needs.”
Jortner believes Malloy’s work in Stamford well qualifies him for the job, saying, “When you talk to him about his vision for the state, you know you’re talking to someone who can deliver on it – because he did it for 14 years. Dan has the experience a Governor needs, and he’s got the character and personal resolve to change the way we do business.”
For Malloy’s part, he was grateful for the outpouring of support.
“I’ve spent a lot of timing visiting communities and town committees across Connecticut, speaking with community leaders about the challenges facing our state, and how I think we can get things back on track. I’m glad to hear that message is resonating and, should I decide to run, I’m honored to have the support of so many local leaders in New Britain and Berlin.”
http://danmalloy.com/news/020110/new-britain-berlin-political-leaders-ple
