Lavielle Receives Republican Endorsement to Run For State House Seat 143

 GAIL LAVIELLE NOMINATED UNANIMOUSLY BY REPUBLICANS

TO RUN FOR SECOND TERM AS

143rd DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVE

 Lavielle was applauded by the delegates for her tenacious advocacy on behalf of her constituents, and for keeping the district informed about developments in Hartford. Lavielle is a member of four powerful committees that have a direct impact on residents of the 143rd district:  Appropriations, Education, Transportation, and the Higher Education Consolidation Committee.

As a member of the House Republican caucus’ budget team, Lavielle has consistently proposed fully vetted budget alternatives that require state government to operate more cost-effectively and efficiently and reduce the tax pressure on families, businesses, and municipalities. She is a strong advocate for small businesses, mass transit, and K-12 education, as well as for mandate relief for schools and municipalities and the preservation of open space. In 2011, she received ConnCAN’s Tip of the Cap Award in recognition of her legislative efforts in education.

Wilton Second Selectman and former Wilton Republican Town Committee Chair Hal Clark nominated Lavielle, and commended her for the extraordinary energies she has devoted to representing her constituents. Clark told the convention, “I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Gail Lavielle for a decade. She cares deeply about her constituents, she always takes the time to listen to them, and she has an uncanny ability to translate their concerns into persuasive arguments. Her mastery of our state’s critical issues is impressive. With Gail as our advocate, we know that our district’s voice is not only heard, but listened to. She has been assiduous in keeping the district informed about what is happening in Hartford, taking constituent communication to new levels. I do not know anyone who works harder than Gail Lavielle for our town, our district, and our state. ”

Peter Torrano, a member of Norwalk’s Police Commission, seconded Lavielle’s nomination, and stressed Lavielle’s dedication to her constituents in Norwalk: “Gail has adopted Norwalk as her second home, and she has fought hard for the families and businesses in our district. She has been instrumental in calling attention to the huge inequity in Norwalk’s state education funding and in taking steps in Hartford to change it. We couldn’t ask for a more dedicated and effective representative.”

Westport RTC chair Robert Zappi added, “I have come to know Rep. Gail Lavielle as a hard-working and thoughtful leader in Connecticut’s State House. I look forward to her representing a portion of Westport after the November election.”

Former 26th district State Sen. Judi Freedman of Westport, chaired the convention, said, “Gail is a natural fit for Westport. She shares our residents’ strong interest in education, the environment, and cultural activities, and we all appreciate the time she is taking to understand our town’s key issues. It will be a privilege to have her representing us.”

After receiving the nomination Lavielle addressed the convention, thanking the delegates for their confidence and their support. She went on to say, “It has been a privilege to serve all of my constituents in Wilton and Norwalk, and I look forward, if I am fortunate enough to serve again, to working with new constituents in Westport as well. I am honored by this nomination, and deeply grateful for the enthusiastic support I’ve received from all three communities. There is still much work to do for the people of our district, and I am ready to continue fighting for concrete solutions that will improve our economy, our educational system, and our infrastructure, and make it possible once again for everyone, young and old, to plan for a future in Connecticut.”

Commenting on Lavielle’s nomination, House Republican Leader Lawrence F. Cafero (R-Norwalk) said, "Since she was elected to the legislature in 2010, Gail has been the consummate public servant. She is tireless in her advocacy for her constituents and she has been a wonderful addition to the House Republican caucus and our Norwalk delegation. I am so pleased that the delegates from Wilton, Norwalk, and Westport have nominated her for a second term."

State Rep. John Hetherington (R-New Canaan), Chairman of Lavielle’s campaign, said, "Serving in the General Assembly with Gail Lavielle is an inspiration. Right from the start Gail was in the thick of it, working for our communities. She wasted no time before speaking on the floor and focusing in committee to shape better legislation. Gail has the respect and attention of colleagues on both sides of the aisle."

State Sen. Toni Boucher (R-Wilton), who held the 143rd district seat for 12 years, said, "Gail Lavielle has distinguished herself as a dedicated, hard-working, and articulate public servant. I am grateful not only that Gail is seeking re-election, but also to be working together with her in furthering the interests of our constituents in the CT General Assembly, where she has done exemplary work."

Lavielle’s background combines extensive business experience and public service at both the town and the state levels. She worked for more than 25 years in finance, marketing, and communication, holding senior executive leadership positions with Fortune 500 corporations, and held Series 7, 66, and 31 securities licenses. She has served on the Wilton Board of Finance and the Wilton Energy Commission, as well as on two state commissions. She also taught upper-level courses to undergraduates at UConn. Active in many community organizations, she is a member of the Board of the Norwalk Senior Center, and the Advisory Boards of Wilton Go Green, ITN Coastal, and Norwalk Hospital. She has also served on the Board of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Fairfield County and the Stamford Symphony Chairman’s Council, and has been a delegate to the Yale Assembly. She holds an MA in French from Yale, a BA in English from Cornell, and an MBA in finance from UConn, and is the author of a book on opera. She and her husband Jean-Pierre live in Wilton.

# # # # #