Betts wins convention vote

Bristol Republican Whit Betts emerged on top of a 5-3 vote at the GOP's 78th District convention so he'll be the candidate unless there is a primary.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Showdown for the 78th tonight

At this evening's Republican convention for the 78th District, Plymouth's at-large town councilor, Tom Zagurski, is expected to challenge former Bristol city Councilor Whit Betts for the right to claim the GOP line on the November 2 general election ballot.
At the convention, Plymouth has five delegates and Bristol has four, but that may not be decisive.
The decision to step down announced last week by state Rep. Bill Hamzy, a Plymouth Republican, opened the seat to a newcomer in the GOP for the first time since 1994.
The Democrats have several people eyeing the seat, said Elliott Nelson, the party chair in Bristol, but none who are ready to talk to the press about it.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Whit Betts jumps into race; others may join him

There are “quite a few” candidates interested in seeking the job that state Rep. Bill Hamzy has held since 1994, city GOP leader TJ Barnes said this morning.

“You’d be amazed how many people are interested,” Barnes said. One of them, former Bristol city Councilor Whit Betts, declared his intention today to run. He is Barnes' uncle.

“Obviously the goal is to get the best potential candidate,” Barnes said.

Republicans have a convention slated for Tuesday in Plymouth to pick a candidate.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Democrats caught unaware by Hamzy's move

Not only had the Democrats given up on finding a candidate to challenge state Rep. Bill Hamzy, the Plymouth Republican who is stepping down this year, they didn't even plan to go through the motions.
To pick a contender, the party has to schedule a convention in the 78th District with delegates from both Plymouth and Bristol.
On the assumption that nobody would step forward to run, the party didn't bother to pick delegates or schedule a convention.
City Democratic Chair Elliott Nelson said he's scrambling today to get the arrangements in place before the May 25 deadline set by the state.
So far, by the way, no Democratic hopefuls have talked with Nelson. But he said he expects to hear from some before long.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

CBIA endorses Hamzy

Press release from the CBIA:

CBIA ENDORSES WILLIAM HAMZY FOR STATE HOUSE SEAT 78TH DISTRICT – BRISTOL & PLYMOUTH

The Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) today endorsed the re-election of William Hamzy for the state House of Representatives, representing the 78th District.

With the crisis in the financial markets further destabilizing the economy, and the state budget deficit rising, we need legislators now more than ever who will work to strengthen Connecticut’s economy and business climate.

“Bill exemplifies the leadership needed to revitalize our economy and move Connecticut forward,” said John R. Rathgeber, CBIA president and CEO. “He has the vision, experience and commitment needed to make our state a better place for all Connecticut residents."

Legislators elected to the 2009 General Assembly will face many critical issues, including job growth, health care, taxes, transportation, energy and workforce issues — all of which affect the health and vitality of Connecticut's economy and the quality of life for the people of the state.

“We encourage voters in the 78th District to re-elect Bill, who we believe will work to make decisions that will improve our economy and make Connecticut a better place to live and work,” said Rathgeber.

Hamzy, who lives in Terryville, is seeking election in the 78th District, which includes the towns of Bristol and Plymouth.

More about Hamzy can be found at CBIA’s election Web site, CTbizVotes.com. A complete list of CBIA-endorsed candidates and information on key issues in the upcoming elections are also available on the site.

CBIA is the state’s largest business organization, with 10,000 member companies.


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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Denski challenging Hamzy

Democrat Jacqui Denski of Plymouth is taking on the tough task of challenging state Rep. Bill Hamzy, a Plymouth Republican, in the 78th District. Hamzy's held the seat since 1994, when he defeated Democrat Ellen Zoppo, and typically hasn't even had a challenger.
Here's what Denski told Democrats last night:

When I was first asked to be the Democratic Candidate for the 78th District I admit, I was a little skeptical. I scheduled meetings with many of my colleagues, some that are in this room today, to get their opinions and feedback. What I was told, in a variety of different and colorful ways was that winning this election would be a Major Challenge. I am standing here today willing to accept that challenge.
Let me give you my brief history:
I am originally from
New Jersey ,
I have been employed by the United States Army at Joyce Kilmer,
In the fast food Industry,
As a dental assistant,
In the child care industry,
Banking Industry
And, the Insurance Industry
I’m a Former Girl Scout Le ader
Past Vice President of
Pymouth Center School PTA
Past President of the
Plymouth PTA Council
Former Wamogo FFA Alumni Secretary and Vice President
Iworked extremely hard on the new Terryville high school referendum committee
I was co-anchor to our local cable channel 16 television show, “It’s All Good” which highlighted all the positive places, history and events of Pequabuck, Terryville and Plymouth
Currently:
I am a happy and proud wife and Mother
Husband: Brian for over 15 years
Daughter: Jennifer 17, will be a senior in High School next year
Son: Jon 14, will be a freshman in High School next year
Daughter: Brianna 4, will be entering Kindergarten next year
We are very active Members of Asbury United Methodist Church.
We have lived in Terryville for over 18 years.
I am a licensed Realtor in the State of Connecticut ,
Apprentice Black Belt in Tang Soo Do Karate at Excel Martial Arts
And, District 1 Councilwoman in the town of
Plymouth
Being the liaison to the Park and Recreation Commission, Board of Education and the Library Board
I work very hard in every aspect of my life! This will carry through this campaign and continue into Hartford when I represent the 78 th District in the House of Representatives.
It Is Time…
It has been too long since the Democratic Party has had a candidate in the 78 th District.
It Is Time…
It has been too many years that my opponent has gone unopposed!
It Is Time…
Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to receive the best health care regardless of race, religion, sex or income level!
It Is Time…
The Real Estate market is flooding with homes going into Foreclosure. Utility Costs are rising, Fuel prices are sky rocketing on a daily basis and the minimum wage stays the same.
It Is Time…
There are assistance programs for low income households, but what about the Middle Class?
It Is Time…
Our Nursing Homes are under financed and under staffed. This is the possible future for all of us. How do we want to live when it is our turn?
It Is Time…
The Board of Education is more than half of the town’s budget. Tax payers can’t afford more taxes, the town’s are struggling to operate on the limited budget and the Board of Education still must cut teachers and programs. Who is suffering? Our Children – Our Future!
To Quote Hillary Clinton in her August 27, 1996 speech, “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child”:
“One Thing we know for sure is that change is certain. Progress is not. Progress depends on the choices we make today”.
Thank you for making me your choice
IT IS TIME…!!!

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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com