Press Release from North Haven Democratic Town Committee

In a series of successful events hosted by the North Haven Democratic Town Committee (DTC), the North Haven community had the opportunity to meet, greet, and support unanimously endorsed local Democratic candidates Brandi Mandato, who is running for state senator in District 34 encompassing Durham, East Haven, North Branford, North Haven, and Wallingford; and Kieran Ahern, who is running for state representative in District 87 representing North Haven.

The first event, a Coffee with the Candidates event held at Twelve Percent Beer Project on June 22, drew in around 40 participants who engaged Mandato and Ahern on issues including education, combating climate change, making our neighborhoods safer, protecting a woman’s right to choose, and safeguarding worker and consumer rights, all while enjoying tasty beverages and treats.

Ahern discussed his core priorities, such as promoting education, good union jobs, and climate change solutions, a key passion of his.

“Climate change is a potential extinction-level event,” Ahern said. “Major legislation was proposed this last legislative session that would do things like increase solar caps and create better access to home energy audits. Our current state representatives have failed to take this climate threat seriously, which pushes the burden to our towns.”

In addition to her policy priorities, Mandato discussed her 20-plus years of work experience in policy and workforce development in which she created opportunities for some of the most vulnerable populations. She said the impetus for this work had its roots in values impressed upon her by her family.

“I grew up in a very working-class family where we learned about picket lines and unions at the dinner table. I didn’t realize we were poor until we were older because we had a big family, and we all took care of each other,” Mandato said. “That is what oriented me towards public service, answering the question: How do I make life a little easier for the people that I love?”

The Dinner with the Candidates event was hosted at Bellini’s in North Haven on June 24 amidst the backdrop of a warm atmosphere and delicious Italian food. The event raised $2,500 in donations for the DTC to help support electing Democrats this fall. Attendees includes Mandato and Ahern, as well as Connecticut Democrats Vice-Chair Jimmy Tickey, a former campaign manager for State Representative Rosa DeLauro; Hamden State Representative Josh Elliott; and Rebecca Hyland, a candidate for state representative in the 90th District representing Wallingford and Middlefield.

“North Haven has had Republican representation for some time, but a Democrat can win the House and Senate districts. You just need great candidates who can assemble a strong team to talk directly with voters,” Elliott said. “North Haven deserves representation that understands how to grow the middle class, protect workers’ rights, and wants to invest in our neighborhoods. Brandi and Kieran are ready to fix the problems North Haven has been waiting for.”

Mandato and Ahern both emphasized that local support will be critical to making the positive changes needed in their respective districts and promised to democratize high-level information to make sure it is accessible to all voters.

“No one has time in their day-to-day life to have an in-depth understanding of policy. But in many instances, we know what the solutions to these problems are,” Mandato said. “[This campaign] represents an opportunity for real change here, and I’m honored to be able to do this work with all of you.”

The DTC will continue to host opportunities to meet with and support its candidates for higher office throughout the summer and the fall. Next on the calendar is the Cornhole with the Candidates event, a casual and fun event taking place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 14 at the North Haven Green. The event is free and open to all interested voters, regardless of party affiliation.

Voting for the State Representative and State Senate races will take place on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, at each town’s designated polling places. Registered voters may also vote early every day from Monday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Tuesday, Oct. 29 and Thursday, Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. In North Haven, all early voting will take place at Town Hall at 18 Church Street. Those who will be unable to appear in person during this time period can request an absentee ballot from Town Hall or online at myvote.ct.gov/getab. Other accessible options are also available. Contact Town Hall at 203-239-5321 for more details.

In North Haven, the polling places for Election Day are as follows: District 1: Mildred Wakeley Recreation Center gym, 7 Linsley Street; District 2: Montowese Elementary School gym, 145 Fitch Street; District 3: Ridge Road Elementary School gym, 1341 Ridge Road; District 4: Green Acres Elementary School gym, 146 Upper State Street; District 5: Clintonville Elementary School gym, 456 Clintonville Road.

For more information, please visit Northhavendemocrats.com, Mandatofor34th.com, and Kieran4NorthHaven.com.