David Sepulveda Photo
Announcing that she’s running for reelection, New Haven State Rep. Pat Dillon called for a greater sense of “shared sacrifice” statewide — in contrast to Connecticut’s governor’s blanket “no new taxes” proposal.
Democrat Dillon announced her candidacy to a crowd of more than 40 supporters at Deja Brew coffee shop in Westville on Sunday. Elm City politicos, including Mayor John DeStefano and former State Rep. Bill Dyson, called Dillon a strong voice for New Haven community groups in Hartford.
Zak Stone Photo
Dillon has served as state representative from New Haven’s 92nd House District since 1985. So far, no one has declared candidacy as a challenger. Westville Alderman Sergio Rodriguez is rumored to be considering a primary challenge; DeStefano’s presence Sunday on behalf of the independent-minded Dillon, who’s sometimes at odds with the Democratic political machine, was a signal that unlike four years ago she may have City Hall behind her. (Rodriguez Sunday declined comment on a possible candidacy.) The event drew both organization Democrats, such as Westville Alderman Greg Dildine and Democratic Town Chairwoman Susie Voigt, as well as politicians who have taken on the machine, such as State Rep. Gary Holder-Winfield (with Dillon in photo).
Dillon said that the governor’s announcement the she won’t raise any state taxes in this budget-crisis year translates to “no sacrifice for some” of Connecticut’s residents. She said that she worries that New Haveners might have to sacrifice more should local property taxes rise to make up for lost tax revenue.
She said that she wants to help set a tone of more “community responsibility and shared sacrifice.”
It’s “not a question of liking taxes,” she said, but of feeling like “we’re all in this together.”
“All of us are going to be tested next year” by tough economic realities compounded by slashes to the state budget, she said.
Dillon said that whenever she is discouraged by political gridlock in Hartford, she is happy to return to New Haven’s “wonderful and nourishing” environment of civic engagement. Dillon referred to past achievements in the community, like moving students from the Dwight School after it was sold to Amistad Academy, and working with Westville village merchants to remake the commercial district. She said that will continue raising money for New Haven’s community groups to help them “preserve their mission.”
David Sepulveda Photo
DeStefano (pictured) said that Dillon is “passionate” about community groups, “tenacious” and “detail oriented.” New Haven’s neighborhood organizations could have “no better tactician in Hartford,” said the mayor. Dyson added that Dillon is “knowledgeable,” “hardworking,” “loyal,” and “a friend.”
Dillon said that one of the “tougher” challenges of her job is “just getting the government to do its basic job.” Frustrated by the state’s lack of consolidated information on New Haven’s food pantries, she decided to take matters into her own hands, she said. Now she’s in the process of creating a Facebook page called “Serving New Haven,” which will provide details on making donations.
“No one in New Haven should go hungry,” she said.
Sorry to close to King John for me. Also how come these Black Politician are not geting together to run African American Candidate for Office.At least the
Latnio community has some one who is in the govern race.