GOP stays with its horse in the 63rd

WINSTED — Republicans from Connecticut’s 63rd District gathered at Winsted Town Hall May 11 to reiterate their support for their incumbent state representative, John Rigby, who accepted a unanimous nomination to run for a second term in the House.

Rigby, who lives in Colebrook and grew up in Barkhamsted, won a seat in the House in 2008 after a personal scandal forced Democratic incumbent George Wilber, also of Colebrook, to step down.

During his first term, Rigby has shown strong support for funding programs at Northwestern Connecticut Community College and has criticized Democrats for not doing more to control spending and support businesses in Connecticut.

Two Winsted delegates to the 63rd District, former Winsted selectmen Richard Lavieri and David Cappabianca, joined in nominating Rigby for another term, saying he has been “on the right side of the issues� for the past two years.

“I am honored by this nomination,â€� Rigby said. “I’m grateful for the outpouring of support I have received from folks in the district. I’m committed to helping the citizens I represent, and the people throughout Connecticut, to get  back to work.â€�

In his first term, Rigby served on the Finance, Energy & Technology, Higher Education & Employment Advancement and Human Services committees. He worked specifically on initiatives to rescind the state’s business-entity tax and to consolidate and eliminate certain state agencies.

“The real challenges lie ahead of us, and I want to finish the work I’ve started,� Rigby said. “It’s time for everyone to roll up their sleeves and do the job residents expect of us.�

Democrats from the 63rd District, who have not yet announced a potential opponent to Rigby, will hold their convention Tuesday, May 25.