Ansonia mayor announces bid for state representative in 104th District

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti – six term Mayor of Ansonia and former amateur boxer – formally announced his campaign for State Representative of the Connecticut’s 104th District, representing Ansonia and Derby, in a rousing speech delivered at the Riverwalk Gazebo on Division Street this past Wednesday morning before a large crowd of supporters.

“Up in Hartford ... up there at the Capitol ... I’m sorry, we just are not seeing the same fighting spirit that we have here in the Valley,” Mayor Cassetti said, before excoriating state legislators for “throwing in the towel” on vital issues including fair education funding for distressed communities, affordability, and crime.

Pulling no punches, Mayor Cassetti observed that Hartford was “balancing its budget on the backs of local taxpayers and schools” while “passing laws that redefine crime to the point that criminals feel empowered and untouchable.”

Cassetti, a popular local official is well known for his successful Ansonia Recharged revitalization initiative, warned that the economic comebacks of Valley cities like Ansonia and Derby are being imperiled by Hartford’s mistakes: “they are putting everything we are fighting for at risk,” he told supporters.

Mayor Cassetti announced that he would be stepping forward as “a new champion for the Valley in Hartford” and “the voice of a unified Valley that will never throw in the towel.”

An amateur boxer in his youth, Mayor Cassetti pointed out the crucial difference between fighting “against others” in the ring and “for others” as a public servant. He concluded that fighting for his community was ultimately more satisfying, and that his accomplishments as Mayor – such as “lowering taxes by 13 mills” and “clearing acres of empty factory space to create new jobs” – were “the real knock outs.”

Cassetti also made clear to supporters that he intends on continuing his term as Mayor of Ansonia while serving as State Representative, making him an even more effective and credible representative for the Valley on the floor of the State House. 

This is a release from Cassetti's campaign.

Klarides-Ditria to host safe virtual 'bell ringing' for Salvation Army

This year, in order to stay COVID-19 friendly, I am hosting a safe and secure virtual “Bell Ringing” through the Salvation Army to collect funds for those in need this holiday season.

The pandemic has changed how we have traditionally done many things, and while Salvation Army bell ringers are still in front of some area stores, I felt it was best to participate online only this year to make it easier for you, and safer for everyone in our community.

If you are able to contribute, please click here to make an online donation, or you can go to www.salvationarmyusa.com to learn of other ways to do good this holiday season; for example, by donating cars, clothing, household goods, airline miles, bonds and stocks, or volunteering for the community.

As a group, the Republican caucuses have raised more than $200,000 for the Salvation Army over the past several years. 

The Salvation Army responds to natural disasters such as wildfires and tornadoes, provides meals and toys to families in need, and conducts research and analyses regarding human needs around the country. 

They also provide adult rehabilitation, veteran services, elderly services, missing person searches, housing assistance, youth recreation, sponsorship, and support in the fight to end human trafficking.

Please consider making a donation and together, we can make a difference!

Thank you,

Nicole

Rochelle offers information on SNAP replacement benefits after tropical storm

 

Did your food spoil during the power outage resulting from Tropical Storm Isaias? There's assistance available.

If you are a SNAP recipient who lost power in the storm and your food has spoiled, you can request replacement benefits. Call the Department of Social Services Benefit Center at 1-855-626-6632 or complete and mail in the request forms, linked below, before Sept. 3, 2020.  Request for Replacement SNAP Benefits W-1225 Request for Replacement SNAP Benefits (in Spanish) W-1225S Proof of Food Loss W-1226 Proof of Food Loss (in Spanish) W-1226SIf you are not a SNAP recipient, there are options in our community to help you if you need support replacing spoiled food. Valley Community Gardens: Visit valleyunitedway.org/grow-your-own for a list of community gardens in our area Food pantries: Click here for a list of food pantries in our region, or visit 211ct.org/foodpantries or call 2-1-1 (option 3) TEAM, Inc: TEAM, Inc. can help connect you to food, diapers, medical transportation, housing assistance, and other basic needs. Visit www.teaminc.org, email info2@teaminc.org or call 203-736-5420

This is shared from a press release from Rochelle's office.

Rivers to kick off campaign at CWV in Derby for state representative seat

Jaumann endorsed by National Federation of Independent Business

Joseph Jaumann

The National Federation of Independent Business has backed Joe Jaumann, Republican and Independent candidate for state representative in the 104th District.   

“As a small business owner and Alderman in Ansonia, I have worked hard to recharge our local economy,” Jaumann said. “The decisions made by Governor Dan Malloy and the majority have gotten in our way. But, as we do in Ansonia and in the Valley we don’t back down from a challenge. I am proud of the work Team Cassetti has done and what we have done here locally is exactly the approach we need to bring to Hartford.”    

NFIB is the leading small-business association in the nation with thousands of members in Connecticut representing a cross-section of the state’s economy. 

Since its founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses and remains so today. 

This is a press release from Jaumann's campaign.

Ansonia Republican kicks off campaign for 104th District seat

Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Republican Joe Jaumann recently announced his run for state representative for the 104th District at the site of Farrel Pomini’s new building at the Fountain Lake Industrial Park. 

Farrel Corp. has a 150-year manufacturing history in Ansonia and the Valley.

“We are at Fountain Lake, because from this vantage point we have a view of much of the 104th District which includes Derby and Ansonia and because this site is representative of what can happen when a municipality works with private development and when you incentivize economic development,” Jaumann said.
“I'm not going to Hartford to talk. I'm going there to get things done for the hard-working people of the 104th District. 

"Farrel-Pomini Corp. was fleeing Ansonia and the Valley taking with them over 100 manufacturing jobs. To lose them would have been devastating. 
"Ansonia fought to keep them and to retain valuable jobs. That was done through the swift actions of elected officials and I was proud to be a part of that. I learned how to create the kinds of partnerships and incentives needed to retain and increase jobs. That’s exactly what I’m going to do in Hartford. I’m going to help save jobs and help restore our economy. We are in desperate shape in Connecticut and we need decisive leaders who are willing to move swiftly to help our taxpayers.”

As an attorney, Jaumann has spent years advocating for the rights and for the liberties of his clients. 

From the elderly struggling on a fixed income to meet their financial obligations, to young people and families seeking work and decent paying jobs, Jaumann has delivered. He fights for his clients and he will fight for the residents of Ansonia and Derby.
As an alderman, Jaumann has advocated for the taxpayers and students. 

Most recently, he spearheaded the movement to study regionalization in our schools.
“By studying regionalization now, we can become more efficient and less dependent on Hartford in the future,” said Jaumann.

While serving on numerous boards like Planning and Zoning Jaumann made difficult decisions that helped bring development into the Valley.
“I want to make life easier for the constituents of the 104th. Taxes are too high and unemployment is high," he said. 

"I’ll work for everyone in Hartford to bring a better quality of life for all residents. It’s time to lesson the burden on the taxpayer. That will be my priority.”
Ansonia and Derby need someone who is no stranger to rolling up his sleeves, making tough decisions and getting teal results.
“I believe our communities and our residents deserve the kind of advocate in Hartford that will take action to do what right for his constituents," said Jaumann. 

"I understand the needs of our cities and I will be a voice for all the people of the 104th.” 

This is a press release from Jaumann's campaign.

CT Independent Party endorses Jaumann in 104th

ANSONIA - The Connecticut Independent Party has endorsed Republican Joseph Jaumann for state representative in the 104th District. 

Joseph Jaumann

Jaumann, a political newcomer, is a local attorney and chairman of the Ansonia Planning and Zoning Commission, and his name will now appear on both the Republican and Independent ballot lines on Election Day.

“I’m proud to be endorsed by both the Republican and Independent parties and I look forward to serving the residents of our great community,” Jaumann said. 
“The Independent Party’s goal of non-partisan problem solving is the same approach that I believe in, and it is same the approach that we need in Hartford to move Connecticut in the right direction.”
The Independent Party is the third-largest political party in Connecticut and has endorsed many candidates across the state this year.

It is estimated that Connecticut will face another budget deficit in the 2017 legislative session. In 2011 and 2015, state Rep. Linda M. Gentile sided with Gov. Dannel Malloy, and voted for the two largest taxes in state history.

To that point, Jaumann added, “We need a new start. A leader who will be independent minded and a voice of the people of Ansonia and Derby, and not simply a rubber stamp for the Governor. It is clear that the policy of raising taxes and borrowing to pay for the state’s spending problem isn’t working. We need to have and open and honest discussion about our budget and not wait till the 11th hour to have the conversation. We need to tackle the budget problems in this state head on starting on the first day of the session, so we can start focusing on the future and our children’s futures.” 


This is a press release from the Jaumann campaign.

Jaumann to kick off campaign Thursday at event on Derby Green

DERBY- Valley-area attorney and Ansonia resident Joseph A. Jaumann will kick off his campaign Thursday for state representative in Connecticut’s 104th District.

A press event will be held at 11:30 a.m. on the Green.

“It’s time for new leadership in Hartford,” Jaumann said in a release. 
“We need a strong, independent voice representing Ansonia and Derby. I built a successful law practice by working tirelessly to protect the rights and liberties of my clients. Now I would like the chance to do the same for the residents of the 104th.”

“As state representative I will fight for lower taxes, business development, and fair funding for our schools," Jaumann said. 

“Honestly I’m tired of seeing Connecticut ranked on the bottom of every list of economic indicators. I’m tired of seeing Ansonia and Derby pay the price for the failures of career politicians in Hartford. I believe that new ideas and new energy can reverse the path our state is on. I’m asking for the opportunity to advocate for real change.”

Attorney Jaumann is a partner at the firm of Drapp & Jaumann, LLC. 

He serves as Chairman of Ansonia’s Planning and Zoning Commission, which he was appointed to by Mayor David S. Cassetti. 

His involvement in local government began when he was first appointed to Ansonia’s Zoning Board of Appeals by former Mayor James Della Volpe. 

He also serves as a member of the city’s Economic Development Commission and volunteers as a blight appeals hearing officer.

“My family and I are proud to call the Valley home,” said Jaumann. “As state representative I will work to ensure that our community’s needs are no longer ignored.”

Paid for by Jaumann2016, Crystal A. White, Treasurer. Approved by Joseph A. Jaumann.


This is a slightly edited press release from Attorney John C. Drapp, III.