Community Corner

Political Tides Shift in One Town, Hold Steady in Another; 2-Year-Old Hero Saves Family; and a Century of Philanthropy

"The Towns Around Us" looks at what's making news in neighboring communities.

CHESHIRE – It’s been at least 30 years since a Republican held the 13th District seat in Connecticut’s Senate. But when Tuesday’s special election was over, Meriden businessman Len Suzio put an end to Democrat’s hold on the multi-town senate seat.

Suzio, 63, captured all four towns from Democratic challenger Thomas Bruenn, 71, in the Feb. 22 special election to fill the seat vacated by 16-year state Sen. Tom Gaffey. A Democrat from Meriden, Gaffey resigned prior to pleading guilty on misdemeanor charges of double-billing his political action committee and the state legislature for the same expenses.

Suzio supporters attributed his win, in part, to Gov. Dannel Malloy’s proposal to trim the state’s deficit by cutting spending by $1.76 billion and increasing taxes by $1.51 billion.

Find out what's happening in Bethwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I hope this sends a message to the governor loud and clear – no more taxes,” Suzio said. “I think this is the beginning of a conservative revolution in Connecticut.”

Click here to see complete election results and more reactions.

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EAST HAVEN – Democrats maintained their stronghold in town this week when James Albis narrowly defeated Linda Monaco in a special election for the 99th General Assembly District.

The 26-year-old beat Monaco by just 96 votes. The two were vying for a seat vacated by longtime state Rep. Mike Lawlor.

“He’s a smart guy but he’s also low-key and humble,” Lawlor said of Albis. “You always want to put your best and brightest in Harford. He’s no showboat.”

So what exactly does Albis have to offer, and what are Republicans saying in the wake of their defeat? Read the full story to find out.

http://patch.com/A-fskW

 

HAMDEN – A family has a 2-year-old neighbor to thank for potentially saving their lives from a house fire.

"I was cooking dinner at the stove and heard him say, ‘Daddy, Daddy, fire!,’” recalled Steven Considine, the father of the young hero, Damon Lasek.

Sure enough, when Considine looked out the window he saw large flames running up the side of the neighbor’s house. He immediately called 911 and, within minutes, the fire department was on scene to extinguish the blaze.

Fire officials are crediting Damon with potentially saving the lives of the family - two adults, several children and two dogs – who were inside the house at the time. They even hooked the toddler up with some firefighter gear.

Click here to read more about the cause of the fire and to see pictures of the young hero.

http://patch.com/A-fkf7

 

 

ORANGE – George Posner has made it his life’s purpose to give back.

The 99-year-old has a history of philanthropy and service, beginning during World War II when he a civilian worker for the War Department. In the years since then, he has donated more than $1 million to area hospitals and charitable organizations.

This week it was Posner’s turn to receive. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro visited Posner at his home to personally deliver a $34,000 check that he was owed for his service during World War II. True to character, Posner plans on donating the money.

Check out the full story to find out where he will donate the money and to see what this generous man looks like.

http://patch.com/A-fwZl


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