Lamont Visit & May 26 Meeting

The Woodstock Democratic Town Committee held its May meeting on May 26th to a full house, including a special visit from Governor Ned Lamont and State Representative Pat Boyd. Governor Lamont highlighted Connecticut's fiscal turnaround — from multi-billion dollar deficits to a healthy rainy day fund — and outlined priorities for his next term, including reform of school funding, universal free school lunches, and expanded affordable health care. He also took questions from attendees on topics close to home: Eversource rate regulation, Day Kimball Hospital's integration into the UConn Health system, and the state's Blue Ribbon Commission on education reform, which aims to find regional solutions to the rising costs of special education. The Governor also gave a strong endorsement to DTC member and candidate for the 35th State Senate Seat Ethan Werstler, and made it clear why having Ethan in Hartford representing us would be a fantastic improvement for the region. While the Woodstock DTC has not yet endorsed a candidate in the gubernatorial primary, there was universal appreciation for the Governor taking time to visit our DTC.

The committee also heard from two candidates running in northeastern Connecticut House districts. Dr. Angelina (Lina) Wagner, candidate for the 51st District, spoke about her commitment to listening to constituents and her advocacy on environmental issues including the fate of Old Killingly Pond. Marcus Palumbo, running in the 47th District, outlined a platform centered on lowering costs for working families, supporting labor rights, and increasing Education Cost Sharing funding as a path to property tax relief. Members also heard from Max Gigle of the Quiet Corner Democrats, a regional organization working to support Democratic campaigns and flip seats across northeastern Connecticut.

On the organizational front, the committee formally adopted a new mission statement and party platform, launched its new official website at WoodstockDTC.org, and endorsed Jessica Weaver Boose as the committee's nominee for Registrar of Voters. The committee set an ambitious fundraising goal of $15,000 for the year to support voter outreach, digital advertising, and Get Out The Vote efforts ahead of the August 11th primary and the November elections.