The views stated here are those of the individual contributor and do not necessarily reflect those of the staff of Haddam-KillingworthNow.com.
September 23, 2018
Senate district # 33
I will vote for Democrat Norm Needleman for state senate on November 6th. Please let me tell you why. Norm is the First Selectman of Essex. The town is about equally divided among Republicans, Democrats and Unaffiliated voters. We citizens have elected him four times. We have elected him not because of party affiliation but because he is a strong leader. Our schools are wonderful.  We have beautiful parks and excellent recreational facilities and programs all while maintaining among the lowest taxes in the state. Every year since Norm has been first selectman Essex has had balanced bipartisan budgets. As first selectman, he led economic development efforts that made the town home to over 700 businesses. He started his own manufacturing company in Essex that employs nearly150 people. We are grateful that he chooses to bring this successful business experience to public service.
While I am reluctant to have him leave Essex, we need him in Hartford. He will bring proven bipartisan problem solving skills to the state’s finances and attract new business just as he has done in Essex. He favors a law to ensure equal pay for women that will strengthen families and he will support world-class education for the state as he has done for our town and region.
We have enough charismatic people posing as public servants. Norm Needleman will go to Hartford with boots on the ground leadership, a strong mind and a caring spirit. He has earned our votes and we need him to represent us.
I hope you will join me in voting for Norm Needleman on November 6th.
Claire K. Matthews
3 South Cove Lane
Essex, CT
