Former New Milford mayor runs for 30th District seat

Former New Milford mayor runs for 30th District seat
David Gronbach will run against incumbent Republican Craig Miner for a Senate seat in the 30th District. Photo submitted

David Gronbach, a former mayor of New Milford, is the Democratic challenger to state Sen. Craig Miner (R-30) in the November 2020 election.

Gronbach is an attorney and works for a biotech company. He is actively involved in special education and asylum issues. He and his wife, Vanessa,  also owned and operated a bookstore in New Milford.  Gronbach was mayor  of that town from 2015-17.

Interviewed by telephone on Wednesday, May 13, Gronbach was asked why he is running for the state Senate. He said that in public service he sees an opportunity to work on “big projects and ideas.”

Despite his term as mayor, he doesn’t consider himself a politician — but as mayor he did learn about the relationship between municipalities and state government.

“I think I can do more for the region.”

Gronbach said his priorities include protecting the middle class (particularly when it comes to health insurance), and protecting first responders. 

He would like to see health insurance programs expanded to include more people, including small businesses.

“It’s not health insurance, it’s bankruptcy insurance.”

He said economic development is an issue that “segues into almost everything.” He spoke favorably of renewable energy programs in Vermont and Massachusetts.

Gronbach said getting better internet service in the district is a top priority. As the state recovers from the economic turmoil caused by the response to COVID-19, he wants “to return to the way things were — and make it better.”

To accomplish that, “we need advocacy from our state senator. I know how to advocate for these things.”

The 30th Senate District includes the towns of Brookfield, Canaan (Falls Village), Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, New Milford, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Torrington, Warren and Winchester.

Asked about campaigning in the COVID-19 era, Gronbach said the restrictions on public gatherings have “thrown us off-course.”

“When COVID-19 hit we were just getting into the meet and greets.”

He said the campaign will use online meetings and social media to get its message to voters.

“It’s difficult. It’s a big district,” he said.

His opponent, incumbent Miner, is a veteran of the Connecticut General Assembly. Asked if he believed he could beat Miner, Gronbach said yes. 

“I wouldn’t be running if I didn’t think I could win.”

Latest News

Salisbury ski jumpers put on show for students

Gus Tripler prepares to jump from the new 36-meter jump.

Margaret Banker

SALISBURY - With the Winter Olympics just weeks away, Olympic dreams felt a little closer to home for Salisbury Central School students on Feb. 4, when student ski jumpers from the Salisbury Winter Sports Association put on a live demonstration at the Satre Hill Ski Jumping Complex for more than 300 classmates and teachers.

With screams of delight, student-athletes soared through the air, showcasing years of training and focus for an audience of their peers. The atmosphere was electric as the jumpers soaked up the attention like local celebrities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Scoville Memorial Library: is seeking an experienced Development Coordinator to provide high-level support for our fundraising initiatives on a contract basis. This contractor will play a critical role in donor stewardship, database management, and the execution of seasonal appeals and events. The role is ideal for someone who is deeply connected to the local community and skilled at building authentic relationships that lead to meaningful support. For a full description of the role and to submit a letter of interest and resume, contact Library Director Karin Goodell, kgoodell@scovillelibrary.org.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - February 5, 2026

Legal Notice

The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Salisbury will hold a Public Hearing on Special Permit Application #2026-0307 by Amber Construction and Design Inc for vertical expansion of a nonconforming structure at 120 Wells Hill Road, Lakeville, Map 36, Lot 09 per Section 503.2 of the Salisbury Zoning Regulations. The Owners of the property are Joseph Edward Costa and Elyse Catherine Nelson. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:45 PM. There is no physical location for this meeting. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom where interested persons can listen to & speak on the matter. The application, agenda and meeting instructions will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/agendas/. The application materials will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/planning-zoning-meeting-documents/. Written comments may be submitted to the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, P.O. Box 548, Salisbury, CT or via email to landuse@salisburyct.us. Paper copies of the agenda, meeting instructions, and application materials may be reviewed Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM at the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, Salisbury CT.

Keep ReadingShow less
Putting a stamp on Norfolk

Antonio Alcalá

Provided

As part of the Norfolk Economic Development Commission’s campaign to celebrate the Norfolk Post Office and the three women who run it — Postmaster Michelle Veronesi and mother-and-daughter postal clerks Kathy Bascetta and Jenna Brown — the EDC has invited USPS art director and stamp designer Antonio Alcalá for a visit.

Postage stamps designed by Antonio Alcalá.Provided

Keep ReadingShow less