Cartier Annouces Candidacy For 12th Senatorial District

 Over 100 supporters filled Anthony’s Restaurant in Guilford Wednesday night, ready to support the launch of Republican Cindy Cartier’s campaign for the state senate.  Selectman Cartier was introduced by Jerry Farrell, Vice Chairman of Republican State Central and 1st Selectman Joe Mazza.

“Cindy is extremely enthusiastic, passionate and accomplished in all that she does,” stated Mazza. “She will serve the citizens of the 12th District very well and we would all be fortunate to have her as our next State Senator.”

Cartier chose the venue, “a business in my town because of what it represents – my Italian heritage.  First of all, I am a 3rd generation Italian American. My great grandfather immigrated to the United States for a better life for him and his family.  He worked hard so that his children and generations later could enjoy the rewards of his labor and the freedoms of this great country. I am a product of his hard work and effort being the first in my family to graduate from college."

"My family believed that if you worked hard, you would receive the rewards. However, the American dream is slowly dying for many in CT as folks leave to pursue their dreams in other states,” Cartier said in a prepared release.  “But I also chose this place because of the owners, the Ciocca Family – they too immigrated more recently to this country for a better life for their families. They have been able to do this in some part, but it is getting harder and harder for smaller and medium size businesses to survive in this state due to the decisions and ineffectiveness of our State Government.”

Cartier was surrounded by many of her supporters during her announcement, including Peter Parisi, a member of Madison's Republican Town Committee.

“Current legislators have given us record unemployment, high taxes and deep debt.  New leaders like Cindy will help bring back prosperity to the 12th District,” Parisi said.

That the goal was to unseat Meyer was clear from the outset of her speech.

“We don’t need the type of representation we have been getting from Senator Meyer,” Cartier said. “We do not need a senator who claims to be independent, but has voted with his leadership 90% of the time. We do not need a senator who claims to be fighting battles, but has yet to win any victories. We do not need a Senator who says he is going to against mandated health insurance coverage for employees to support the businesses of our district, but turns around and voted for it anyway-one of the many flip flops that he has done in the last 8 years-to the detriment of the folks and businesses of our district.”

During the last legislative session, Meyer stated along with states representatives Lonnie Reed and Pat Widlitz, that he would not support the Paid Sick Leave bill, which mandates employers pay accrued sick time for employees, Cartier said in the prepared release. She added: "Once non-profits were exempted, helped largely by lobbying efforts by the YMCA, Meyer did vote for the bill, and was the deciding vote in the Senate.   Both Reed and Widlitz did not vote for the bill.  However, this legislation has had an extremely negative effect on municipalities increasing already exorbitant health care costs."

“We do not need a Senator that speaks of economic renaissance as if we are in the Middle Ages,” she continued. “We do not need a senator who has no clue about what it is to open and run a business in this state-in this district-at this time.”

Cartier was very clear on what she thinks is needed in the 12th District.  “We need someone who has courage, strong leadership, hard work and planning to solve our problems and better serve the 12th District.  Someone who understands the struggles of running a business in this State, despite a dwindling economy.  Someone who understands the challenges of what a middle class family is going through at this time including paying the household bills despite the increased costs to live in this State,” said Cartier.           

“For me, these aren’t just words – I am living it each and every day – running our businesses in Branford and Waterford, working a job, and managing our family with my husband.  I have also done this in every position I have served including on Guilford on the Planning and Zoning Com, Board of Education and my current position as a Selectman in Guilford – I have and will continue to make decisions that benefit the citizens – you, my customers.  You are the ones that are paying for our services and you deserve better results,” added Cartier.

“If there is anyone who can make a difference in Hartford, it is Selectman Cartier,” said Amy Bradley, Guilford resident, in the prepared release. “She has made a tremendous difference in the lives of the citizens of Guilford with all the work she has done on the various boards she has served.”

Cartier also spoke about the importance of recognizing and working with local business.  As a local business owner herself with her husband, they own New England Car Wash of Branford and recently Waterford, Cartier stated that “our local businesses need to feel that we are partners in this process and as a business owner in Branford, I will work with you. Unlike my opponent, I do not feel that my work is all about Hartford and not here in the community – a community where we live and work.  I will be here for you, working with you side by side and helping you to foster and grow our local economy.”

“If Cindy finds a 10-foot wall, she gets a 20-foot ladder,” said Don Pritchard, Business Owner Branford, in the prepared release. “She’ll work relentlessly to relieve the tax and regulatory burdens on crippling Connecticut businesses.  And as a business owner herself in Branford, she gets it!”

Cartier outlined her priorities to cut wasteful spending and regulatory burdens to help business create jobs and ease the burden on taxpayers; restore sound government finances as she is  doing in Guilford noting the current State deficit of over $50 million dollars after enacting the biggest tax increase last year by the legislature; provide the District with a stronger voice in Hartford and not forget that Killingworth, Durham and North Branford are part of this District as she asserted Meyers has done; work to eliminate unfunded mandates that are constraining our towns and improving communications between citizens and Hartford.

For those interested getting involved with the campaign, please contact Selectman Cartier at (203)916-2430 or cynthia.cartier@comcast.net.

This information was provided by Cindy Cartier. If you have something you'd like Madison Patch to run, please send it to pem.mcnerney@patch.com.