Fernadez/Lesser Debate Scheduled

Battle for the 100th District!

After a week or more of vigorous negotiations, it is settled.  On Wednesday, October 29 at 5:00 PM a live debate between incumbent representative of the 100th district, Matt Lesser and his challenger, Angel Fernandez will take place.

The debate, hosted by Don DeCesare, will air on both WLIS AM 1420 and WMRD AM 1150.  In addition to the on-air broadcast, it will be live-streamed on the station's web site, http://www.wliswmrd.net/.  The debate will last for one hour and be replayed once, over next weekend.

Through election day, the debate will be available through the On-Demand feature on the station's website, as well as their "TuneIn" app.

Anyone wishing to submit a question to the candidates, may do so by email to, questions@wliswmrd.net.

Matt Lesser announces 'The Affordable Napkin Act for Illegal Aliens'

MIDDDLETOWN-   According to Middletown McDonald’s representatives: It’s official, the napkin kiosk has returned to its rightful home, next the beverage center at the South Main Street establishment.
 

 “I pushed hard for the McDonald’s on S. Main Street to put the napkin container back on the beverage center, because illegal aliens need napkins too,” said the Matt Lesser Democratic state Representative from the 100^th.   A few months ago, the managerial staff of McDonald’s pulled the napkin container from the beverage counters because according to their data, “patrons were stealing napkins and frankly the company was losing money.”

Lesser pushed the bill to provide drivers 
licenses for illegal aliens. Today the TANAI Bill
(D-100th) Matt Lesser "Do you want napkins with that?"

 Enter the Lesser, the legislator who in the past has fought for such causes as The Shannon Blair Foundation, The Dannel Malloy Voting Syndicate and The I Only Had 1 Beer Society explained:  “In the past when somebody spills a little bit of ketchup on themselves-  it is within their constitutional rights to stand up and grab a bundle of napkins from the container and go back to their meal, the McDonald’s corporation has violated this be only giving their patrons ONLY two napkins per meal.  It has been reported to me that illegal aliens coming into Connecticut are upset about this part of Americana.  That is why I am proposing  Connecticut State Statute: 10-220-0898 or simply known as : The Affordable Napkin Act for Illegal Aliens (TANAI). 

“I am a strong proponent of TANAI,” said Planning and Zoning member Stephan H. Devoto at last week’s meeting. “Although I hate McDonalds and don’t want to see a napkin waste in this state, I feel that if I suck up to the Dems a little bit I may be able to become chairman of the committee,” said the freshmen Planning and Zoning Commissioner from a special Wi-Fi hook up streamlined to his ten-speed.  “I wasted no time at all when Dan Russo had a stroke, I took the high road

and tried to usurp his position, so why stop now?”

“This is a new territory,” Lesser said. “I am already attempting to bring unions to the college ball payers society, so I figure besides giving illegal aliens more rights than Americans citizens I will fight for the illegals because when it’s time for them  to vote guess who wins? It’s not you, its me and the Democrats, we just want your vote and we will sell all you down the river. Vote Matt Lesser in 2014!” 

CT 5th Worst State for Business : Check out 3 Middletown Candidates for Change

They both raised your taxes & took your jobs away. Stop Dannel. 
Stop the protege Dan Jr.

Well, well, Big Dannel really did it to us.  With decades of Democratic majorities in our state legislature, and now with a Democrat in the Governor's Mansion, here is Connecticut's current ranking for business: 45. Its official: We are the 5th WORST state to make a living in in the country!
Come on Middletown! Our Mayor Mini-me Dan Drew hasn't done us much better raising our taxes. Summer campaigns are heating up! Check out the latest GOP candidates who have started campaigning to represent Middletown:

Suzio for state senator for the 13th district

Len Suzio seeks another term as State Senator for the 13th District:
https://www.facebook.com/suzio2014
Remember as a freshman state rep Suzio took on the gas tax & the early release of violent criminals in the nutmeg state. He is back with more fire than ever!

Contribution form for Suzio: HERE


Local Middletown Board of Education member, author, and woman on a mission Linda Syznkowicz has ideas about health care, fixing over spending, and government accountability - she is already giving the old guard a run for their money on the BOE imagine what she can do in Hartford! Check out Syznkowicz and her plans to become the State Rep for the 33rd District here:
https://www.facebook.com/szynkowicz2014

Syznkowicz for the 33rd District

Contribution form for Syznkowicz: HERE 

Fernandez for the 100th District

Middletown's Deputy Emergency Management Director, combat veteran, and business owner Angel Fernandez  brings fresh ideas and integrity to the scene. It's about family, follow-through, and forward thinking. Learn more about Fernandez's campaign for the State Rep of the 100th District here:
https://www.facebook.com/AngelforMiddletown2013

Contribution form for Fernandez: HERE

All of the above Republican candidates are seeking to make the minimum contributions to qualify for public financing. See the links to the donation forms below. You do not have to be in the district to donate. At the bottom of each form on page 2 is the address of where to mail it and the contribution.

Middletown Veteran & Candidate Angel Fernandez Receives Award for Rescue Efforts

Angel Fernandez

Local veteran & Deputy Chief of Middletown's Emergency management Angel Fernandez reminisces as he marks the decade anniversary of his receiving a special award for going above the call of duty to serve the public. Fernandez, who is also the Deputy Director of the  National 65th Regiment Historical Society and former Amvet Warrior Transition Coordinator (a national position with a 1 year term), was honored for heroic actions which helped to save lives. Fernandez received this honor in 2004, and 10 years later, still recounts the day as one that made him want to better serve his community by running for public office.

Currently, Fernandez, a conservative Republican, is running for State Legislator in the 100th District, much of which is comprised of Middletown. Fernandez studied Public Safety Administration and Criminal Justice at Central Connecticut State University. Fernandez is a veteran, having served in combat during wartime.  Fernandez was enlisted in the U.S. Navy from  1989 to 2007. Upon retirement from the Navy in 2007, he received the J. Edgar Hoover award. Fernandez has young children in the Middletown public school system, and is the father of a soldier currently serving overseas.  

When asked for this article what he learned in his military career that will make him suitable as a state representative, Fernandez said:

Conceptualized over 4 years ago, 

The Five Conflict Memorial 

 Middletown was dedicated this past 

Memorial Day . Fernandez played a key role in 

working with local, state, & national

 Veterans' organizations to bring the project to fruition. 

Having himself served in combat, this project was

 particularly important for Fernandez.

“What I learned in the military is that you listen to your people and take care of them. Be honest during good and bad moments. Honesty will take you a long way. Lying will do nothing but diminish your character as a leader. That's my game plan as a legislator; to use my leadership skills to help people understand that I am living and sacrificing on a daily basis. I know what it is to struggle in our state's current economy. I can relate to any resident because that’s what I did whenever I went to foreign country; I trained to understand people of different cultures and diversities.”

Fernandez, founder/president of  Eleven Charlie LLC, a security training company,  previously captured the spirit of altruism & giving back to the community when he donated specialized disaster training to Middletown Emergency crews and police.

Read about this training project in our previous article here: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/06/citizen-angel-fernandez-donates.html

More information about Fernandez & his campaign for the 100th District can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/angel.fernandez.5015983

The full article, published at Dolphin News, serving New London's Naval community, explaining Fernandez's heroism award is below:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By:JO3 Steven Feller
http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=13403

West Hartford, Conn. - The last thing Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Angel Fernandez (PJ) expected to deal with as he drove down Interstate 84 on March 12 was a multi-vehicle accident, but that was exactly the hand life dealt him. Six weeks later, Fernandez was recognized by the West Hartford Police Department (WHPD) for his role in responding to the accident and rendering first aid to the victims.

In a ceremony at City Hall last Friday, Fernandez and seven other citizens, were awarded the WHPD Recognition Award, which is given to citizens and officers who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist the WHPD and the general public.

Fernandez said he had just left work and was on his way to a medical appointment when fate steered him in another direction."I was driving west on I-84 when an eastbound driver crossed the median and hit a vehicle," said Fernandez. "Nobody was stopping; so I turned around, turned my lights on, deployed flares and secured the scene."

After a passing motorist called 911, Fernandez was working solo for five minutes before two officers from the WHPD arrived on scene.

"When we (WHPD Officers James Mahon and Brian Wallace) arrived, we saw that Fernandez had shut down a traffic lane by himself...and that's not easy. We have trouble doing that with our cruisers," said Wallace.

While other emergency personnel were en route to the scene, Fernandez began first aid. One victim was lying in the middle of the road and the others were trapped in their vehicles.

"There were a lot of broken legs and head and chest injuries," said Fernandez. "As emergency personnel extracted the victims from their vehicles, I relayed information to the emergency personnel. I also talked with the victims, maintained their vital signs and helped get them stabilized."

Assistant Police Chief Robert McCue said it is difficult to measure the amount of lives saved by Fernandez' actions.

Letter to the Editor: Rep. Lesser's Proposition of Triple Overtime on Thanksgiving Draws Questions

State Representative for Middletown Matt Lesser (D-100th District) would like to have retail stores closed on Thanksgiving, and those which stay open be mandated to pay employees triple overtime.  The representative held a press conference at the capital  on November 26th with Union Labor representatives from the AFL-CIO along side him, expressing full support of the proposed measure. Last year, Connecticut lawmakers voted to allow stores to sell alcohol on Sundays, modifying one of the states decades old "blue laws."

In September, Lesser attended rallies in Middletown along side fellow Working Family party candidates Phil Pessina and Carl Chisem, in support of fast-food workers who wanted minimum rage raised .  Workers at Subway in Harford held on protest demanding $15 an hour for minimum wage in August of this year. On January 26, 2013, the General Assembly’s Labor and Public Employees Committee is scheduled to hear testimony Thursday on a bill that would raise the current rate of $8.25 an hour to $9 on July 1, and to $9.75 an hour on July 1, 2014.

Below David Greaves*, a Middletown resident responds to Lesser's proposed bill. All opinions expressed in letters to the editor are that of the writer and not necessarily that of the Middletown Insider blog staff.

*Editors note: Greaves was a candidate for Assessment Appeals in the 2013 Municipal Election cycle.  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Matt,
Help me figure this out.
You are proposing a bill that you were quoted as saying “the idea was born in reaction to news that retailers like Walmart, Staples, Macy’s and Target are planning to open
for Black Friday shopping on Thanksgiving Day.”

Sorry to be the one to break the bad news to you, but you are not the father - this baby was conceived, born, delivered and acted upon, in two other states, before your “idea” was even a twinkle in your eye. 

You also state that “Thanksgiving is a time when residents should be with their families, not forced to cater to Black Friday crowds,” Lesser said. “This is about basic family values.”

….YET your proposed legislation would curtail the practice by forcing retailers who want to open on Thanksgiving to pay their employees triple overtime. So Matt, are you trying to say that family values have a price tag? And is the price for those “family values” triple over time? Why not just be closed period?
Lastly – You posted on Facebook, with what seem to be some pride;” 

Ad from The Middletown Press website... at least unlike WalMart and other stores they're
not forcing their workers to work all day. Save Thanksgiving!” 

The ad you mentioned was that for Westfarms Mall who plans on opening their doors
at 8pm on Thanksgiving Day. Since what appears to be your acceptance of such (by your post) you are OK with a 8pm opening on Thanksgiving Day…um… will your proposed bill reflect it being OK to open at 8pm on Thanksgiving or will it be from 12am to 11:59pm Thanksgiving Day?

David Greaves, Middletown

Letter from Deb Kleckowski

Congratulations to Matt Lesser on his win last night and thank- you to all of you who helped on my campaign and who voted for me. Though I may not have won, our voice still can be heard and must be heard. 

 I pledge to you as a member of the Common Council and an active member of this community that I will continue to work hard and bring your voices forward. It is imperative that we work together to provide solutions for the challenges which lay ahead. I encourage you all to hold the newly elected officials to their word on reinvigorating our sluggish economy and to stop the massive tax hikes and perpetual spending; it is our obligation.

 
Again, thank you to everyone who supported me in my effort and I look forward to working with you to make Middletown an even better place to live and to work. God Bless AMERICA!

Letter to the Editor: Kleckowski is Fiscally Responsible

Currently the 100th district is represented by a two-term incumbent. During the last several months he participated in developing and writing the Democrat platform, participating as a delegate at the Democratic National Convention
     During the summer months the Democratic Party worked diligently to develop the Party platform specifically noting the importance of the Community Colleges in the education landscape. For me what makes these details so interesting is anyone interested in how the State of Connecticut choose to spend stimulus money designated for the State can go online at recovery.gov.to find the following:
1. As of June 20, 2012 Yale University was awarded $149,561,891 in stimulus funding. Second only to the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

2. Middlesex Community College, located within the 100th district received a grand total of $0 in stimulus monies.

     The intent of this letter is not to dispute the merits of the grants awarded to Yale University. Of the 323 grants awarded many were designated for medical research However, for me it does raise questions about the priorities for investment in higher education. In these difficult economic times our state and federal elected officials ought to have directed a portion of stimulus monies to Middlesex Community College.
     While the current representative for the 100th district may not have been able to directly dictate how stimulus grants were awarded, any efforts on his part to represent the community college in his district must be deemed unsuccessful. While our current representative may envision himself in command of a larger world vision of higher education at some point I believe he must simply be an advocate for the citizens of the
100th district and the state institutions within that district.
     The republican candidate, Deborah Kleckowski, was raised in Middletown. She is a graduate of Wilson High School, Eastern CT ST University and earned a Master’s degree from Wesleyan University. She has dedicated the last 25 years of her professional career as an advocate for educational opportunity and access especially for low-income/first
generation students.
     Deborah Kleckowski’s professional experience, unwavering commitment to education and the community make her the superior candidate for the 100th district and the representative we deserve.

Beverly D. Talbot-former Middletown resident

Letter to the Editor: Suzio Works for Working Class

To the Editor:

This letter is to urge all voters in the 13th District to re-elect Senator Len Suzio.

Need I enumerate all the reasons why? Do you like paying high gas prices? Senator Suzio single-handedly spearheaded the call to cap the gas tax. How about violent criminals being released onto our streets?

He has vowed to suspend the Prisoner Early Release Program. Senator Suzio has an admirable voting record and has accomplished much during his first term in office. I am confident he will accomplish even more in his second term.

Sue James, Middletown

Letter to the Editor: Kleckowski Goes the Extra Mile

To the Editor:

     This letter is to urge ALL voters in the 100th District to elect Deborah Kleckowski as our next state representative. A dedicated mother of two and councilwoman, Deb always goes the extra mile for her constituents.

She is a proponent of making the Board of Education its own taxing authority, has made public safety a top priority and will work to repeal the prisoner early release program.

Matt Lesser is all about voting the party line — which means HIGHER TAXES, violent criminals being let loose on our streets and no capping of our exorbitant gas tax.

The choice is obvious — vote for Deb.

Patricia Knowles, Middletown

Guest Blog: The Lesser Man

The Lesser Man
Part 3 of a short series of articles on Political Events in Connecticut by Tim D. Enchanter
Opinions expressed are those of the author, not necessarily the editors of the Insider

graphic by Insider staff as commentary

In the 100th State Assembly District, from what I have observed, it seems that Matt Lesser has declared war on all Republicans, deciding that representation should mean representing those who elect you rather than all those in the district.

This could be interpreted as laziness because it is easier to represent a smaller section of the population who share your viewpoints.
It could also be interpreted as Chicago-style politics used to establish personal power rather than serving the people.
The Middletown Insider has some interesting articles which indicate to me that they are dealing with the second interpretation:
Mayor Drew Appoints Crony as City Attorney
http://www.middletowninsider.com/2012/10/mayor-drew-appoints-crony-as-city.html
Your Daily Spin from the Middletown Mess: Liar Liar Pants on Fire
http://www.middletowninsider.com/2012/10/your-daily-spin-from-middletown-mess.html
Vote Kleckowski, Lesser Supported Largest Tax Increase in Ct History
http://www.middletowninsider.com/2012/10/letter-to-editor-vote-kleckowski-lesser.html
South Fire's Endorsement of Lesser 'Shameful'
http://www.middletowninsider.com/2012/10/guest-blog-south-fires-endorsement-of.html

     Some Middletown residents may wonder how they elected someone to represent their interests who now runs the town and dictates their interests. Somewhere in the world of journalism there might actually be some integrity left and an investigative reporter could actually conduct an investigation instead of just regurgitating talking points. This is why I have a list on my blog titled, “Whom Do You Trust?” For now, I can only speak to what I observed and allow the full analysis to be done by those who know more.
      Shortly before Election Day 2008, I learned a little about Matt Lesser and where he came from. I was told that the Democrat political machine chose a young man to appeal to the college students of Middletown and sent him to Arkansas for training as a Community Organizer. Upon his return, he used his new talents to convince the students at Wesleyan University to unite behind him and take over the town because they are the future, the future belongs to them, and their time has come.
     I was told how he promoted the idea of students registering to vote in the town where their college is located claiming their school residence as their primary residence. My first reaction was to ask if anyone is checking to find out if these students were also voting in their home towns via absentee ballot.
     When I raised these concerns to the FBI office in New Haven, I was told that there would have to be an investigation after Election Day but only if someone filed a complaint and could prove voter fraud. To prove it you would have to check the list of ballots cast by Absentee Ballot in one state and have someone witnessing the same voter voting in another state.
Continued: 

Guest Blog: South Fire's Endorsement of Lesser 'Shameful'

Deborah Kleckowski, 2010, Moose Riders, photo South Fire District website

Dear Citizens,

  The South Fire District Firefighters' Union has announced its endorsement of incumbent representative Matt Lesser (D) for the 100th district. No surprise, unions typically always endorse Democrats no matter what the facts really are.  The Middletown Patch quoted Local 3918 Union President James Mastroianni as follows:  “Matt Lesser has been a friend of South Fire District’s  Professional Fire Fighters for many years and we fully support this  endorsement.”

      I would like to know what exactly has Matt Lesser done to deserve this endorsement? Where are the actual facts?

      Councilwoman Deborah Kleckowski, Lessor's Republican challenger, was not even given a fair shot for this endorsement as she was never given an opportunity by union members to discuss any South Fire issues or  interviewed by them before the endorsement was summarily announced.  Furthermore, no vote was taken by the local union members nor were they otherwise polled to determine who they wished to endorse.
      Deborah Kleckowski has always been a proponent of public safety. She  sits on the Public Safety Committee of the Common Council. In 2011, she and  former Republican Mayor Sebastian Giuliano aided in the support of the Middletown Moose Riders'  program to distribute stuffed animals to children during emergency calls. Kleckowski ardently supported the South Fire budget every year, attended the Fire Ops 101 Training program for public officials and completed the entire exercise.
     In 2010, Matt Lesser showed up for this training briefly to show off his Dan Malloy campaign shirt and take a photo before leaving. Kleckowski spearheaded the effort to purchase  and install specialized communication equipment inside the helmets of all city firefighters so that they may more effectively communicate in a fire, not only helping to save  more lives, but to ensure their own safety on the job as well.

      When no emergency access road was designed into the original plans for the new Middletown High School, Deborah Kleckowski advocated and made sure a road was installed at the site.

      Kleckowski worked tirelessly at the emergency shelter set up at the High  School after the power outages last summer and fall. She worked  to make sure emergency personnel had access to the facility when the last  Board of Education Administration fought to block the shelter from even being set up. She also made sure all the union workers- everyone- was paid when the Board of Education, under the direction of then Superintendent Michael Frechette, withheld their pay for over a month. During all this, Lesser was nowhere to be found.
      It would be most enlightening and helpful to be able to compare Lesser's status as a "friend of South Fire District's Professional Fire Fighters" with Kleckowski's actual involvements and accomplishments.

     The failure of the employees of South Fire not to stand up for a person like Kleckowski, and to permit their parent union to endorse Matt Lesser is shameful.

       Kleckowski has proven herself as a true public servant time and time again. Not endorsing her is demeaning, not only to the rank and file firefighters, but to all of the residents and taxpayers of the South Fire District. 

     What is more, it perpetuates a stereotype in Middletown that party affiliation and cronyism outweigh proven hard work  and dedication to the greater good. The firefighters' union owes taxpayer’s more of an explanation than Lesser is a “friend.”

William Wilson,

Vice-Chair Middletown Republican Town Committee

Letter to the Editor: Vote Grippo!

  Dear Middletown Residents,
       Vote for Callie Grippo for State Representative!!!   I have known Callie for
  over seven years.  She has proven to be a very smart, loyal , and caring
  friend.  She is a wonderful mother of two young children and a supportive
  wife and homemaker.
       Callie Grippo is not only a friend, but she is the best choice for State
  Representative. Callie is very educated and has the background needed for
  this position. Mrs. Grippo is very outspoken and does her research, before
  getting her point across. She knows the issues in Middletown that need to be
  addressed, such as parking, taxes, and getting businesses to grow.  Mrs.
  Grippo knows how to propose and pass bills to get these issues resolved.

      A vote for Callie Grippo would be a vote to make Middletown a better place
  for our children to grow up in!!!

  Sincerely,

  Lora Congelosi
  Middletown Resident

Grippo, Kleckowski, Suzio: End Early Release for Violent Criminals

Local Middletown Councilwoman Deborah Kleckowski, candidate for the 100th District and candidate Callie Grippo for the 33rd District rally along side incumbent candidate Senator Len Suzio to protect our families. Board of Education member Ryan Kennedy, MRTC vice chair William Wilson, former councilman David Bauer also lent support at the rally to suspend the early release laws which Senator Suzio is leading the charge for.

Original article & video by Cassandra Day at the Middletown Patch blog
http://middletown-ct.patch.com/articles/city-republicans-rally-behind-suzio-s-call-for-halt-to-early-inmate-release#photo-11447729

Middletown Republicans Host Wayne Winsley for Congress

                                Third Congressional District Candidate Wayne Winsley

A gathering of some 20 Middletown Republicans and others were on hand Saturday August 18th for a "Meet and Greet" with Wayne Winsley, 3rd Congressional District candidate for U.S. Congress. The event was hosted through the courtesy of the newly opened Michael's Deli at 83 Broad Street and was sponsored by Middletown Republican Town Committee. Mr. Winsley is planning to defeat the long entrenched Rosa DeLauro.

                           Wayne Winsley Thanks Hosts Chris and Helena of Michael's Deli

The group was also pleased to welcome Deborah Klekowski, Republican candidate for CT 100th District, which embraces most of Middletown. The two term Republican member of the city council hopes to win the seat currently held by Matt Lesser.

                               Deb Klekowski with town Republican Chair Ken McClellan

Middletown Republicans wish to extend a vote of thanks to the folks at Michael's Deli and wish them great success with their new addition to the city's culinary delights.

                                Michael's Deli-William Wilson Presiding at the Door

Video from the event:

Read more from Middletown Patch

Republican Candidate for the 100th District Deborah Kleckowski endorsed by Middletown Independent Party

Candidate for the 100th District Deborah Kleckowski

Republican Common Councilwoman Deborah Kleckowski has won the endorsement of Middletown's Independent Party for the 100th state House District. Kleckowski will face off against incumbent Matt Lesser (D). Read more on Patch

Downtown Business District Event Successful

On  Friday July 27 the inaugural Cash Mob hosted by the Downtown Business District, Ladybug Boutique, and Tuscany Grill, took place to show support & appreciate support of local businesses through out the city of Middletown. Pictured above at Lady Bug Boutique located at 122 College Street, Councilwoman and Candidate for the 100th District Deborah Kleckowski (R) was out shopping with her twin boys and so was Quentin Phipps, City Treasurer and Downtown Business District Chair. Part of Kleckowski's platform is to reform regulations that make it difficult for small businesses to survive or even start.

CT Elections 2012: Deborah Klekowski candidate for the 100th District

As originally posted in the Middletown Patch today.
The Insider's take: Deborah Kleckowski  is a two term Councilwoman in Middletown on the Republican ticket. She is challenging incumbent Matthew Lesser in the 100th District. Kleckowski brings her experience as a mother, actual Wesleyan graduate (Lesser dropped out to run for politics), and life long social activist to the table. Kleckowski advocated vigorously this past fall for the firing of Superintendent Michael Frechette and was the ONLY City official to do so publicly. Kleckowski also helped draft an un-adopted city budget that would have saved tax payer money and not increased taxes. She has worked with several Middletown families of special needs children during the "scream room" debacle to get them into programs that better suited their needs when the BOE Administration ignored their documented requests for intervention and abuse investigations now substantiated by State reports.

Deborah Kleckowski (R) of Middletown  for Representative for the 100th District

General Information

Name : Ms. Deborah Kleckowski
Also known as : Deb
Date of birth : 14 February 1962
Place of residence : Coleman Road

Education

College

Attended college : Yes
College : Eastern CT State University
Degree : Bachelor of Arts
Year of graduation : 1984

Grad school

University : Wesleyan University
Degree : MALS
Year of graduation : 1998

Political Information

Party affiliation : Republican
Running for a: State office
Running for position: State Representative
Chamber/district: 100th District
Incumbent: No
Previous elective offices : Common Council Planning and Zoning
Unsuccessful bids for elective offices : None

Party HQ

Address 197 Coleman Rd
Middletown
CT
6457

URLs

Facebook : Deborah Kleckowski

Other facts 

Other facts
I have dedicated my professional career to enhancing the lives of others through education, counseling and advocacy. I continue my passion for public service in the realm of government. I believe we, the people, can in fact change City Hall, the State and even the Federal Government. I believe in the basic foundation of the Constitution, ""we the people"". Today, many challenges lay ahead, the most significant, the economy. Providing an environment that is rich for the creation of small businesses (jobs, jobs, jobs!) is of the utmost importance. The cost of doing business in Connecticut has become prohibitive. Lower taxes, lower fees and capping the gas tax must be implemented in the next General Assembly session. We have a spending problem not an income problem. A feasibility audit of state agencies, commissions, programs, and hiring practices of contractors or consultants is a priority to determine the efficaciousness of these areas and the total cost to the citizens. Additionally, the cities must be paid in full for hosting private and state entities such as colleges which do not pay taxes. Full funding PILOT monies-Payment is Lieu of Taxes, to cities is essential to the economic growth and health of communities, especially Middletown. Public Safety is an area in which we need to ensure the level of staffing is sufficient, equipment is up to date and emergency procedures developed and practiced. Middletown's public safety, Police, Fire and Emergency Management did a phenomenal job in keeping the residents safe and secure in the city, especially those residents who utilized the shelter. It is incumbent upon the state to work with local officials to implement the most safe and efficient plan in the event of emergencies. As an educator, education is always a priority. Recently, Middletown experienced many difficulties in financial accountability and the administration of policies, especially Special Education. I propose the Board of Education become its own tax district thereby taking out the political wrangling and blaming. The Board of Education would be directly responsible to the voters and present their budget to the voters. Hundreds of thousands of dollars was wasted on needless court battles and administrative perks. In the end, adults were not good role models and students and teachers did not receive resources. It is a less than optimal situation when parents receive a two page list of needed materials (glue sticks, yarn, etc.) for students when so much money was given in perks such as mileage stipends on July 1-paid in full without any documentation. Of course, there were serious issues such as the ""scream rooms"" which left parents scared and frustrated that their child was not receiving required and necessary services or that their child was unsafe. In these rare situations the state must respond swiftly in their investigation and act boldly in the resolution. Though I believe education is local, I do contend that when the state is called action must be more timely. Government must be transparent. It is not acceptable that votes are taken in the middle of the night and changes to legislation are made "up to the minute" prior to a vote. Legislators should have completed Bills 48 hours prior to the vote, and more importantly, the public should have ample time for review. No vote should be taken past midnight and public hearings on proposed legislation should be in the evening to allow for citizens to speak, not just special interest groups. I look forward to representing the residents of Middletown. I am eager to tackle the problems which lay ahead to work cooperatively to ensure the problem is being addressed by strategies that are best for the community, not the promotion of a political point of view. Problems must be solved in a manner that is best of the City and the State of Connecticut. I have demonstrated my ability to listen to constiuents to bring problems to the forefront, and to follow-through until resolution. I will be honored and humbled to represent the citizens of Middletown.