New contender for 63rd

COLEBROOK — Republican John Rigby of Colebrook has thrown his hat into the legislative ring, vying for a seat in the state House of Representatives.

Rigby, 39, is looking to unseat three-term incumbent George Wilber (D-63), and though he is not yet the official GOP nominee, all signs point to Rigby’s candidacy being approved by party officials.

"I’ve been seeing a lot of families in the area struggling with property taxes and trying to pay for fuel oil and health insurance," Rigby said. "I want to bring in some business and better paying jobs to the area and help reduce spending at the state level. If we can create jobs in Winsted that pay decent wages and benefits, I think it will get people to spend more money with local businesses."

In line with core Republican values, Rigby said he wants the state to move away from entitlement programs and spend more time providing incentives for businesses to move here and grow. Many economic problems among constituents would be solved, Rigby said, if more high-paying jobs were available. "Not having health insurance is a huge problem for many people," he said. "The way to provide health insurance is to provide jobs. We need a state legislature that’s pro-business."

Rigby, who grew up in Barkhamsted, moved to Colebrook two and a half years ago and quickly became involved in the community. He was elected to a seat on the Colebrook Board of Education, serving as secretary.

In his business life, Rigby is a loan officer with Guaranty Federal Financial Corp. in Farmington. He and his wife, Kelly, have an 8-year-old daughter, Soren, and a baby boy, Everett.

Rigby said his experience in different workplaces will come in handy if he is elected. He worked in manufacturing for 12 years and held a management position with the aerospace company Glastonbury Products. "Having worked in manufacturing and banking, I have an understanding of those businesses," he said. "I can attract those businesses to the area and try to create an environment that’s pro-business."

Rigby did not have anything harsh to say about his intended opponent. "He seems like a good fellow," he said. "I have a lot of respect for his service, but I think the district is ready for a change and a fresh, aggressive approach to improve economic conditions for residents."

Rigby has already received the nod from Winsted Republicans, including Selectman David Cappabianca, who ran unsuccessfully against Wilber in 2002. Cappabianca said an informal district meeting of party members will happen tomorrow (Saturday, April 19) and that Rigby is the only Republican he is aware of who has sought the nomination.

The official nomination will happen at the 63rd District Republican convention on May 15.