Former State Rep. John Hetherington Endorses State Rep. Gail Lavielle

Letter to the Editor:

FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN HETHERINGTON ENDORSES LAVIELLE FOR REELECTION

NEW CANAAN, CT – Former 125th district State Representative John Hetherington announced today his endorsement of State Representative Gail Lavielle, who is running for reelection to the 143rd House district, which includes parts of Wilton, Westport, and Norwalk.

Commenting on his endorsement, Hetherington said, “As a State Representative, I was privileged to represent part of Wilton while Gail Lavielle covered the rest. I therefore had a chance to see how she responds to the community as well as to see her in action on the House floor. She is first-rate in both respects.”

Hetherington continued, “Smart, Gail quickly understood the workings of the legislature. Sophisticated, Gail readily grasped how things really get done. She saw immediately that legislation virtually never survives as introduced, and that a subtle language change in committee or in caucus screening can make all the difference for a community. She quickly built the reputation for reasonableness and the bipartisan relationships that are necessary for moving legislation forward and achieving results for constituents.

“It is worth noting that early in her legislative service, Representative Lavielle’s work earned her appointments to leadership roles as Ranking Member of the Commerce Committee and of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation. She has also been appointed to serve as a member of the key Appropriations, Education, and Higher Education Committees.

“Distinctly cosmopolitan, Gail sees issues in a broad context. At the same time, she understands immediately the importance of every local issue and constituent concern.

“Gail is especially well suited to her office both by personal strengths and recognized achievements. Her balanced approach to issues is reflected in her endorsement by both business and environmental groups, as well as the CT Association of Retired Teachers and the Commuter Action Group.

“Gail understands what representative government means and frequently seeks out her constituents to be sure she learns about their most pressing concerns,” Hetherington continued. “Few people could understand and represent as well as Gail the issues of the City of Norwalk and the two towns of Wilton and Westport. I am proud to endorse Gail Lavielle for reelection as State Representative.”

John Hetherington served as the State Representative for the 125th House district (New Canaan and Wilton) from 2003 through 2012.

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