East Lyme Democrats honor Representative Ed Jutila

October 13 was a night of appreciation, celebration, and anticipation for the East Lyme Democratic Party. At an Octoberfest at Smarty’s Tavern in Niantic, the Democratic Party and guests gathered to honor Representative Ed Jutila who will be retiring after 12 years of service to the 37th District.

Secretary of State Denise Merrill, the main speaker, congratulated Rep. Jutila on his outstanding service to the 37th District and to the entire State of CT. She especially praised Rep. Jutila’s work as Chairman of the committee that oversees elections.

Ms. Merrill presented proclamations by Congressman Joe Courtney and State Senator Paul Formica. She also presented a lithograph of the State Capitol and a proclamation from the General Assembly.

Representative Jutila concluded the evening by speaking eloquently of the important issues he had pursued and the vital support he had received from his wife Donna, throughout his 12 year tenure. After the entire group wished them well in their new endeavors, Terry Donovan, chairman of the E.L. Democratic Town Committee, presented Rep. Jutila with a gift certificate from the E.L. Democrats for a get-away outing.

Other speakers at the event made note of the fact that in attendance were four Democratic representatives who had served East Lyme effectively and capably over the past 35 years-Former Representative and Senator Mark Powers, former Rep. John Hoye, former Rep. Gary Orifice, and retiring Rep. Ed Jutila, all long- time public servants. The E.L. Democrats pledged their support to continue this tradition of Democratic representation by working to elect Beth Hogan as the next Democratic Representative from East Lyme.