Local Democrats Endorse Hurlburt for 53rd District

Press Release Sent to Tolland Patch: 

Surrounded by family and friends from across the 53rd General Assembly District, Representative Bryan Hurlburt received the unanimous endorsement from local Democrats to serve a fourth term in the Connecticut General Assembly. Rep. Bryan Hurlburt declared he is ready to prove himself once again as the ideal candidate to serve the citizens of the 53rd House District.

 “Two years ago we were here to accept my nomination, and we had a lot of challenges… I made a commitment to you that I would go to Hartford as a voice of reason and fiscal responsibility, that I wouldn’t forget the people who need our help the most, and that I would always put you first,” Rep. Hurlburt said to dozens of constituents at the 53rd House Convention at Willington Pizza House. “And I’m happy to report that I think I’ve made good on all those commitments.”

Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, a previous occupant of the 53rd District House seat, nominated Rep. Hurlburt for another term, stating, “When I met Bryan, I knew he was going places. And he still has much to do for this district and for this state. I continue to see his potential to go far in Connecticut.  He fights for us at the Capitol, and I see it first hand.”

Rep. Hurlburt’s candidacy received seconding speeches from across the district.  Jean McCarthy, a long-time Ashford resident stated, “I’ve gotten to know Bryan and I appreciate the thoughtfulness and sincerity he brings to policy discussions. He looks out for our small businesses and always brings a different perspective to the discussion. We are lucky to have his voice in Hartford.”

“I’ve know Bryan since his first campaign, and always appreciate his willingness to listen and offer assistance. As a small business owner, I’ve asked Bryan for help identifying state resources and he’s responded.  He makes himself available to people and takes their thoughts and ideas into consideration and brings their voice to Hartford,” said Chopeta Lyons, former Board of Finance member of Willington, in her seconding speech.

The final speech, by Tolland Board of Education member and former Vice Chair Gayle Block, noted his ability to get things done locally and at the state. 

“Bryan has always been a tireless advocate for education, since his time on the Town Council. He’s there as a resource for us. On the other hand, he knows how to get things done at the Capitol. As president of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, I asked Bryan for help getting a bill done, one that hadn’t been able to pass in over a decade. Bryan’s leadership was what it took to get the bill over the threshold.”

In his acceptance speech, Rep. Hurlburt cited his work during the storms of 2011 as a resource and voice for the residents. He pushed CL&P for more help multiple times a day, coordinated with local and state resources, and became a venue for people to know what was happening in their neighborhood through his outreach efforts. At one point, he stopped a utility crew from leaving until the vice president of CL&P assured him that there would be replacement crews to the area.

Rep. Hurlburt also talked of how people know that they can turn to him for assistance. His office has responded to thousands of inquiries, requests for help, legislative research, grant requests, local issues, and other questions over the past two years. And Rep. Hurlburt has no intention of allowing the voices of the 53rd from being unheard or unanswered in Hartford.

As a closing statement, Rep. Hurlburt stated, “I’m not done being a voice in Hartford for fiscal responsibility. I’m not done being a champion for the environment or agriculture. I’m not done putting your perspectives first in a state where sometimes you can get lost.”

Rep. Hurlburt has not lost his passion and desire to be at the forefront of policy discussions in Hartford. And until the energy and passion has left his heart, he won’t give up on those who have need a voice. With the support of the community, and with the consistent support of his constituents across the district, Bryan looks to continue to serve his district with pride and be a voice of reason and compromise for Ashford, Tolland, and Willington.