DeStefano and Slifka Rally and Mobilize in West Hartford

June 01, 2006

New Haven - Joined by an impressive rank of supporters, John DeStefano and his running mate, West Hartford Mayor Scott Slifka, held a rally Thursday in West Hartford center to launch Slifka's candidacy for Lt. Governor - the first West Hartford resident to ever run for Lt. Governor. After the rally, dozens of supporters fanned out across West Hartford - 50 supporters on 50 corners - to begin an aggressive field operation aimed at energizing voters and getting Democrats to stand up, come together, and come home this gubernatorial election.

"I'm thrilled to be running with Scott," DeStefano said Thursday in West Hartford. "He's been an excellent mayor and he truly understands the challenges that are facing Connecticut's families. Rising property taxes, skyrocketing energy costs, and a continuing health care crisis are hurting job growth and putting a huge burden on families. Scott and I are committed to winning this election and then getting to work to solve these problems."

"I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish in West Hartford, and I wish I could say we've done it with the state as a full partner," said Slifka. "Sadly, Gov. Rell and her predecessor have stood as an obstacle to enacting real property tax reform, overhauling our transportation infrastructure, and investing in public education."

First elected in 2001 to West Hartford's Town Council, Slifka became mayor in 2004 and was re-elected in 2005 as the highest municipal vote getter in Connecticut. He has been recognized for maintaining West Hartford's AAA bond-rating and keeping property taxes in check while strengthening his town's school system. Slifka and DeStefano worked together this past year on an important environmental initiative, encouraging residents of each community to sign-up for the clean energy option on their electric bills. Their friendly competition helped New Haven and West Hartford lead the state in the number of residents who are using clean energy.

DeStefano enjoys strong support in West Hartford. He's been endorsed by Lt. Gov. Kevin Sullivan, State Senator Jonathan Harris, Deputy Mayor Art Spada, and Town Council Members Shari Canto, Maureen Kelly McClay, and Carolyn Thornberry. He's also been endorsed by West Hartford's Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Maureen Magnan.