MEET THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR 2006

Labor Day weekend is always considered the unofficial ending of summer and the entrance of the fall season. It also is when political campaigns kick off their campaigning in force.

This year is no different. Republicans running for office, although they have already been out knocking on your doors, begin to focus on introducing themselves to the voters and getting their message out.

Over the next two months I will give you a chance to get to know each candidate more personally. But this week I just want to introduce them to you so you can get familiar with their names.

Now some are already Enfield household names, but some are new to the office they are running for this year.

Here are your local 2006 Republicans. First, Congressman Rob Simmons is running for re-election in the 2nd congressional district. Rob has faithfully cared for our town, as well as his entire district, in a great way. Our Congressman spends a great deal of time in the town of Enfield making sure that our needs are met. He has gone beyond just being a politician, but has become Enfields greatest friend in Washington D.C.

Second, is State Senator John Kissel. John has held this seat for over a decade and has represented the 7th Senatorial District with great enthusiasm and energy. I have watched our Senator as he has fought for common sense spending in Hartford, promoting education, caring for the elderly, and supporting our veterans. Both Republicans and Democrats have supported him the past and I hope they get behind once again.

Now we move on to the Republicans running for the State Representative seats in the 58th and 59th District.

First, in the 58th District is Sue lavelli-Hozempa who currently serves of the Enfield School Board. This is the first run at State office for Sue, but trust me she knows the issues. Sue is well read and knowledgeable about the issues. She has been the guest on talk radio in the Connecticut and impressed even the greatest public policy experts in our State. Sue always speaks up and is ready to ask the hard questions. Sue has been knocking on doors, having “Meet and Greets” with the community, and Sunday she attended the wonderful Family Day on the Green. Note: Great job to the people who organized this event. My wife and I enjoyed the day.

Then in the 59th District is local political activist Charles Wood. This is Charles second run for this seat. This man does his homework. He knows the workings of the Town of Enfield which is proved by his regular attendance at the Town Council meetings. Two years ago Charlie and I both ran for the State House of Representative. In the course of the campaign I became aware that he is well schooled in public policy, and I am sure that he is even more prepared this year.

All four of these candidates want to go to Hartford and Washington to work on your behalf. Over the next few weeks you will see advertisements in the paper for chances to meet these candidates. If you would like to get an email alert of events to meet these candidates you can email me at GTStokessr@aol.com and I will do my best to let you know their schedules.