Southbury Democratic Town Committee Headquarters Grand Opening

SOUTHBURY – The Southbury Democratic Town Committee (SDTC) invites voters to meet their Democratic candidates at the Grand Opening of their Southbury Headquarters on Sunday, September 15 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at 134 Main Street South, Suite 62F in Bennet Square.

“Join us for a slice of pizza, a cold beverage, and good conversation. Get to know the candidates on your ballot, ask questions, share concerns, and learn why they are the best people to represent you in Hartford,” said SDTC Chair Michael Carrington.

“We are very proud of the slate of candidates we have endorsed this General Election. This is an opportunity for voters to meet and speak with Democratic candidates from the 32nd State Senate District, and the 69th, and 131st State Representative Districts,” Carrington said.

Candidates include Jeff Desmarais, running for the 32nd District State Senate seat. Desmarais is a small business owner and a financial advisor by trade. While he currently chairs the Watertown Democratic Town Committee, Desmarais is a former registered Republican. He prides himself on his ability to work across the aisle to find by-partisan solutions to pressing issues impacting voters.

Desmarais proudly served his country in the National Guard for six years and earned his battalion’s Soldier of the Year distinction. He has previously served on the Watertown Town Council, the Public Buildings Committee, the School Capital Projects Committee, and briefly on the Committee on Aging.

“I hope to do my part, as an elected representative, to put forward and support legislation that strengthens our communities, brings more security to working families, protects seniors and retirees, defends women’s reproductive rights, and ensures our continued pride in this great state,” said Desmarais.

“People need to have faith that their elected leaders hear and understand them. No matter their political affiliation, they need to know they will be represented, and that their voice will be heard in Hartford,” Desmarais concluded.

Former Southbury First Selectman Ed Edelson, who is running as the candidate for the 69th District State Representative, will also be in attendance.

“The 69th needs a representative whose voice will be heard in Hartford and who will be in the room when important decisions are being made,” says Edelson.

“With my extensive and diverse experience in CT and around the country, I will be working to improve the quality of life for all those living in the 69th, whether they are seniors, families with children or those who own and manage businesses,” he said.

Following an extensive career with Exxon Corporation, where among other accomplishments, he worked on the long-range energy outlook and on developing the annual corporate plan, Edelson took early retirement and became a small business owner in Southbury prior to becoming the town’s First Selectman.

As a retired resident of Heritage Village (HV), he now serves as a Trustee of the HV Master Association and HV Village Foundation. He also was elected to the Executive Committee of the acclaimed 55-and-over community.

Ellen Fox is the 131st District candidate for State Representative endorsed by both the Democratic and Independent Parties.

“I’m running to restore trust in government and to be a voice for small towns,” said Fox. “We deserve honest, responsible budgets, fair taxes and affordability. I will push back against unfunded mandates, advocate to provide needed equipment and training for first responders and seek to acquire our fair share of education cost sharing funds,” she said.

Fox is Oxford’s Democratic Registrar of Voters. According to Fox, she has fostered strong relationships with Democrats, Republicans, Independents and Unaffiliated voters and protects voting rights by conducting elections with integrity.

Following a 21-year teaching career, Fox focused on volunteering. Seymour Pink, Spooner House and the Seymour-Oxford Food Bank have all benefited from her time and energy. Since the recent unprecedented flood, Fox has been working to collect food and needed supplies, volunteering at the food bank, raking debris at devastated sites, and posting information about available assistance.

State Democratic representatives have also been invited to attend.

Please RSVP to the SDTC at southburydems@gmail.com with the number in your party.