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Meet the candidates 2024
The Lakeville Journal asked candidates for Connecticut’s Senate District 30 and House District 64 to respond to the following prompts. CT-30 includes the towns of Brookfield, Canaan (Falls Village), Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, New Milford, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Winchester, Warren and part of Torrington. CT-64 includes the towns of Canaan (Falls Village), Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon and Washington.
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Justin Potter (D)
Challenging CT-30 State Senator
Profile
I grew up on a dairy farm in Washington, Conn., and graduated from Shepaug in 1998. After graduating from Cornell University in 2002 with a degree in economics, I moved to New York and started an e-commerce business in 2005, which I still run. I married my junior year prom date from Shepaug, Claire, and we now live in Kent with our two young kids. I serve as the President of Kent Affordable Housing, as an alternate on the Kent ZBA, and volunteer at the Kent Food Bank.
Why are you the best person for the job?
Growing up on the farm, I learned at a very young age that if there’s a problem, you don’t complain about it — you get to work fixing it. I’m eager to start addressing the many challenges we face. I consider myself a “practical Democrat,” which means not letting ideological or partisan lines get in the way of solutions, carefully considering the costs and tradeoffs associated with pursuing important goals, and being willing to say no to vocal interest groups, if that’s what is needed for the greater good.
My background working on housing in NWCT will be very helpful as the legislature tackles this key issue. So much housing policy, current and proposed, doesn’t address the needs and realities of our rural towns.
As someone who has started and runs a small business, I’m well suited to address the challenges and advocate for the interests of small businesses.
Finally, I’d give the region a voice in the Senate majority to make sure our issues are heard and we get the resources we need.
If elected, what are your top priorities?
We need to address our affordability crisis, maintain fiscal discipline, and protect Connecticut from the fallout of what’s happening at the federal level. On affordability, housing is a big part of it, and I believe we can address our needs while working with local control of zoning, and continuing to preserve open space. We also need to address the tax burden, and the cost of utilities, childcare, healthcare and everything else that contributes to the cost of living.
How will you reflect the values of the Northwest Corner?
NWCT has always been moderate, as have I. I’m a practical Democrat. I believe in fiscal discipline, as well as common sense gun safety, and reproductive freedom. Growing up, we were represented by moderate, pro-choice elected officials - and many of them were Republicans. We’re in a new era now. My opponent praised JD Vance in multiple interviews, and served as a delegate for Trump this summer. He’s taken a hard right turn. I’m the one candidate reflecting our region’s moderate values.
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Stephen G. Harding (R)
Incumbent CT-30 State Senator
Profile
I am a near lifelong resident of the 30th District. I am married to my wife, Kelly, a New Milford school teacher. We have two children: Carter, 6, and Piper, 3. I volunteer in many local organizations and a coach locally for both youth baseball and football. I am an Attorney. I previously served on the Brookfield Board of Ed, served as a State Representative from 2015-2023 and was elected to my first term as State Senator, representing the entirety of the Northwest Corner, in 2022.
Why are you the best person for the job?
I believe it is imperative that our local community has a voice in Hartford that will always put our neighbors first. Whether it’s school funding, protection from over-development, protection of open space or affordability for ourselves and our families, I will always put this community first, above anywhere else in our State. I am a near lifelong resident of our district and am now raising my own family here in the same community. I have deep ties to this community, and I have never left and will never leave. Simply, I want what’s best for my family and all of my neighbor’s families. Thus, I approach every vote I make with that lens. My fellow neighbors deserve that. This has fostered my advocacy on local issues such as maintaining Sharon Hospital’s labor and delivery, working with neighbors and local officials on hydrilla treatment at Twin Lakes, and protecting Housatonic Meadows State Park from DEEP’s clear cutting of trees. All while advocating for state policy which is best for the Northwest Corner.
If elected, what are your top priorities?
Preserving our local communities open space and beauty and protecting local towns from efforts in Hartford to force high density housing development.
Opposing any tax and fee increases. Our state is unaffordable to begin with. I oppose raising taxes and fees which will do nothing but hurt our local economy.
Fighting to reduce our electric bills. We need to find funds to provide immediate relief to rate payers, as well as prevent policies in Hartford, which continue to drive up energy costs.
How will you reflect the values of the Northwest Corner?
Local issues have been critically important as State Senator and will continue to be. As mentioned, maintaining Sharon Hospital’s labor and delivery, working with neighbors and local officials on hydrilla treatment at Twin Lakes, and protecting Housatonic Meadows State Park are main priorities. Further, I believe strongly in bi-partisanship and breaking through gridlock. Something important to those in the Northwest Corner. Thus, I am cross endorsed by the Independent Party.
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Maria Horn (D)
Incumbent CT-64 State Representative
Profile
After growing up in rural Ohio, I worked in finance before becoming an attorney and federal prosecutor. My husband, Tom Quinn, and I moved to Salisbury to raise our three kids and have remained there ever since. Before running for office, I served on and chaired several nonprofit boards focusing on education, domestic violence, and public safety, and on the Salisbury Board of Finance. I am now running for my fourth term serving the 64th House District in the Connecticut General Assembly.
Why are you the best person for the job?
I believe in the ability of good, transparent and responsive government to help create a level playing field that gives all citizens the chance to succeed. In my three terms in office, including chairing the Public Safety & Security Committee in my second term and currently chairing the Finance, Revenue, & Bonding Committee, I have been able to ensure that the voices and perspectives of our small towns are heard loud and clear in Hartford and are reflected in our budgets. In my career, I have served in both the for-profit and nonprofit sector and have worked in all levels of government (local, state, and federal) in all three branches (executive, judicial, and legislative).
I draw on the skills I learned in each of those jobs, as well as what I continue to learn from the people of the 64th District, every day in representing you in state government, and hope I have the honor of returning.
If elected, what are your top priorities?
As Finance Chair, the budget remains my top priority. Every dollar the state is able to spend on services comes from a taxpayer, and I take seriously the responsibility to ensure that our system is as fair and transparent as possible.
Specific policy priorities include protecting the environment that underpins our economy, health, and way of life; ensuring access to healthcare for rural communities such as ours; and ensuring our children have access to a quality education.
How will you reflect the values of the Northwest Corner?
My husband and I raised our three children here and I want other families to be able to do that, too. In my years in this office, I have knocked on thousands of doors in the nine towns I represent, and there is no better way to learn the needs and priorities of the people who call this region home. I am very grateful they have been willing to share that with me, and I hope I can continue to serve.
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Barbara Breor (R)
Challenging CT-64 State Representative
Profile
Connecticut born and bred. I moved to Goshen from Beacon Falls at the age of eight.
Started working in Goshen Town Clerk’s office while in high school. I have worked numerous elections in many capacities. Volunteer firefighter/EMT, involved in numerous volunteer organizations in many roles. First elected Town Clerk 28 years ago.
Why are you the best person for the job?
As Town Clerk you become a main source of information and looked upon to solve many issues. Listening to all and representing the office and the Town to the best of one’s ability is a daily must.
I have learned to set a budget and work to stay in the budget while performing the job. Reading statutes and understanding the language of them to perform the duties of the office.
I have worked with senators and representatives to protect residents’ interests on proposed bills and have worked with many state agencies over the years.
A State Representative should represent the district as a whole and bring the voice of the district to Hartford. A representative that works for the people that elected them in a fair and unbiased way. I believe I can be that individual.
If elected, what are your top priorities?
Electric rates, freedom of car choice, local control of schools and zoning, protecting our natural resources, support of state and local law enforcement and first responders, and supporting our small businesses.
How will you reflect the values of the Northwest Corner?
I will work to try to keep our elderly/veterans in the homes and area where their family are, keep the rural character and beauty of our towns as they are. Our towns have some of the best volunteers, from the first responders to the volunteers that serve our towns government and community organizations. They need to all be able to afford to stay here to help protect the citizens and the resources. They also need to be able to run or work a local business so they may stay here.
Karen Blakey Fisher
CORNWALL - Karen Blakey Fisher, born on May 26, 1956, in Torrington, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Oct. 9, 2024, at Hartford Hospital, Hartford Connecticut. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend who touched the lives of many with her infectious laughter and unwavering spirit.
Karen dedicated her life to her family and her passions. She and her husband, Gordon, spent countless hours nurturing their garden, sharing their love for flowers, and creating beautiful planters. An avid cook, she delighted in preparing meals for loved ones and cherished moments spent by the water, especially during family trips to Cape Cod. Karen was known for her adventurous spirit, often embarking on exciting outings with her daughter, Melissa, and granddaughter, Devyn. She had a remarkable ability to keep everyone entertained and was always the happiest person in the room.
Karen was a proud graduate of Housatonic Valley Regional High School and dedicated her professional life to helping others. After working in home healthcare, she and her sister, Lori, opened an environmentally conscious product store in Torrington. Later, she ran a deli in Cornwall, managing it from start to finish with her characteristic flair.
She is survived by her husband, Gordon Fisher; daughter, Melissa Root; granddaughter, Devyn Root; father, Gerald Blakey; mother, Patricia Benedict Blakey; brother, David Blakey; sister, Lori Blakey-Welles and her husband, David Welles; and cousin, Pamela Blakey-Hart. Karen’s legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Karen will be remembered by her family at a private burial service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Cancer Society, honoring Karen’s compassionate spirit and her desire to help others. Her favorite quote, “What are they going to do, take away your birthday?” will always remind us to celebrate life, just as she did.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
Deborah Barlow Merwin
MILLERTION — Deborah Barlow Merwin, 72, a thirty-seven-year resident of Millerton, and formerly a ten-year resident of Amenia, died peacefully on Monday, October 14, 2024 at her home in Millerton, surrounded by her loving family. Debbie had a decades long career as a Medical Secretary for the Sharon Hospital in Sharon, and former Hudson River Community Health Center in Amenia, as well as others.
Born Aug. 19, 1952, in Brockport, New York, she was the daughter of Duane Barlow of Brockport and the late Patricia (Rayburn) Barlow. Following high school she attended Central City Business Institute in Syracuse. On Aug. 25, 1973, in Brockport, she married John M. Merwin, together sharing over 51 years of marriage. Mr. Merwin survives at their home in Millerton. The Merwin’s were longtime members of the Congregational Church of Salisbury in Salisbury. Debbie’s greatest joy was spending time with her beloved family and her adoring grandchildren.
In addition to her husband John, Debbie is survived by two daughters, Melissa A. Merwin of Meriden, Conn., and Sarah M. Thomen and her husband Corey of Falls Village; two grandchildren, Ian and Gabriel Thomen of Falls Village; her brother, David Barlow and his wife Debra of Holley, New York; two sisters, Rebecca Conrow and her husband Thomas of Brockport and Cynthia Wilson and her husband Robert of Albion, New York; her nieces and nephews, Spencer, Matthew, Joy, Jill, Andrew, Peter, Nicholas and Avery and several additional family members and close friends.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY 12546. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Congregation Church of Salisbury, 30 Main Street, Salisbury, CT 06068. A reception is Debbie’s honor will follow in the fellowship hall at the Congregation Church of Salisbury. Burial will be private at Irondale Cemetery in Millerton at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Red Cross. To send an online condolence to the family, flowers to the service or to plant a tree in Debbie’s memory, please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com.
Town plan under review
SALISBURY — Salisbury Planning and Zoning Commission met Monday, Oct. 7 to revise and incorporate public comments into the draft of the ten-year Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), which is due to update this year.
Over the course of the three-hour meeting, P&Z meticulously combed every page of the 121-page document, addressing stylistic and formatting concerns alongside input gleaned from the public engagement meeting held on Sept. 30. At that meeting, the Commission fielded comments from the public on a draft of the document, both from a live audience and from written letters submitted prior to the workshop.
P&Z Chair Michael Klemens expressed his gratitude to the community for its participation in developing the document: “I’m very pleased with participation both at the public engagement meeting and through the written comments,” he said. He emphasized that the public commentary was very helpful in developing the draft to send out for review.
The POCD is “an advisory framework to address long-term community needs consistent with the Growth Management Principles of the State of Connecticut’s Conservation and Development Plan,” as per the Salisbury town website. Salisbury’s last POCD was approved in 2012, and Connecticut state law required municipalities to update the plan every decade. Due to Covid-19 related concerns, the town was granted until the end of 2024 to complete document, a deadline the commission must meet in order to ensure discretionary state funding.
P&Z submitted the edited document on schedule to the Northwest Hills Council of Governments and the Salisbury Board of Selectman for a statutory 65-day review period.