A LOOK AT STATE SENATOR JOHN KISSEL

From time to time I will profile individuals that have made a difference in Enfield. Some will be Republicans, some Democrats, and some who have no political affiliation at all. This week I want to share some thoughts about our own State Senator, John Kissel.

A couple of weeks ago I was in Hartford to testify on behalf of the Commission on Child Protection, where I serve as Vice Chairman. As I waited my turn to place a request for funding for that Commission I over heard a conversation that peaked my curiosity.

There were a number of people waiting for their time to address one of the committee's and I heard them talking about our own Senator. From what I gathered Sen. Kissel had just spoken on the issue of Adoption and these folks were complementing his style, substance, and passion as he spoke.

It gave me a since of pride as I listened to their exchange of praise for the man that represents me. In the Bible there is a passage that says "let it be others that speak well of you and not your own self". This scripture came to mind as I listen to how others perceive John Kissel.

State Senator John Kissel is currently serving his seventh term representing Connecticut’s 7th Senatorial District, which presently includes East Granby, Enfield, Somers, Suffield, Windsor Locks and portions of Granby and Windsor. Senator Kissel is the Senate’s Ranking Member on the Committees on Judiciary, Human Services, and the Select Committee on Aging and also serves on the Regulation Review Committee. Senator Kissel has been Ranking Senator on the Select Committee on Aging since it was first created in 1997.

As he has served in Hartford for many years, he has never done anything to let the people he represents down. He has fought for financial aid that has assisted in allowing the Town Council of Enfield to keep property taxes from increasing. He has worked on getting the prison sewer settlement dollars to Enfield ( credit also needs to go to Representative Jarmoc and Tallarita, Mr. Bromson, and our own Town Council as well). He has looked out for our interest and been successful, even though he is in the Minority Party in Hartford.

One of the things that I appreciate most about John is his accessibility. He appears at every event possible. He returns phone calls quickly and if he does not have the answer, he works to get the information we need.

Another thing that I admire about the Senator is that he avoids personal attacks during times of campaigning. In every campaign there are always people on both sides that want a good old fashion smear campaign. John has never bought into this and has refused to diminish his opponents character.

He has no problem with debating the issues and being firm in his conviction, but he has never lowered the class of his campaigning by lowering the ethical bar.

Also, for anyone to be successful in politics there must be a good support system and that begins with a persons family. We have many in town that have close families that stand behind their loved one as they serve others. I was blessed by my wife, Dawn, and our children helping in my campaigns, which included my two year old grand daughter helping at the polls on election day...okay, she just stood there looking cute!

John Kissel is blessed with a wonderful wife, Cynthia, and his two children, Nathaniel and Trystan. The Senator could never be successful if he did not have the loyal support of these people. So, to them we say "thank you" for sharing John with the towns he represents.

In closing I just want to say that when you have a need, concern, or problem just pick up the phone and give John a call. You will find a person that is interested in the your welfare and has a strong desire to make your life a little better.

Greg Stokes