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05/30/2018 12:00 AMEssex First Selectman Norm Needleman has been nominated as the Democratic Party State Senate candidate for the 33rd District. Delegates from Democratic Town Committees in the 12 towns comprising the 33rd District met on May 21 at the Gelston House in East Haddam to select a candidate. Needleman was nominated by acclamation on the first ballot.
Needleman accepted the nomination, and defined his approach to addressing issues facing towns in the district.
“We need a state senator who has the temperament, the credibility, and the experience to rise above partisan bickering and generate the ideas that solve problems,” he said. “Over the years, I have fostered consensus building that gets things get done in the real world. Job creation, balanced budgets, low taxes, treating people fairly, and infrastructure improvements define my accomplishments as an elected official.”
He continued, “I’m not here to advance my political career, or to lay the groundwork for higher office. I can’t be bought by any organization or special interest. I will be a state senator driven by the desire to do the right thing for the people and towns in our district, and I will do the hard work necessary to address the deep and abiding problems in our state.”
In placing Needleman’s name in nomination, Colchester resident Michelle Gilman said, “I have learned a lot about Norm in the years we have collaborated on the issues facing our towns’ families. I know that he will be the advocate and partner we so badly need in the State Senate. I know that he will fight for investments in education and investments in our communities. I know that he will make certain that the towns in our district get their fair share from Hartford. And just as important, I know he will lead across party lines to address the challenges facing our state.”
Needleman’s nomination was seconded by two prominent Democrats from the district: Emily Bjornberg, 2014 nominee for the 33rd State Senate Seat, and Stacia Libby, four-term selectman in Essex.
Bjornberg said, “When no one is watching, Norm is a quiet friend to myriad marginalized folks within his community. He quietly provides meals and housing. He quietly provides jobs and friendship. He quietly, yet unapologetically fights for the humanity of his fellow man. He is a pillar of his community without being a boast and he is a successful driver of the local economy without being a brag.”
Libby, who has worked as an elected official alongside Needleman for eight years, said, “What I have learned about Norm pales when compared to what I’ve learned from Norm. He taught me through his actions what it means to be a true leader. Norm is compassionate, intelligent and diplomatic. He listens. He considers all sides and viewpoints. Then he seeks solutions that are fair, balanced and in the best interest of our community.”
Norm Needleman has 20 years of public service experience in Essex, including four terms as first selectman. During his tenure as first selectman, he led economic development initiatives that made Essex home to more than 700 businesses. He balanced budgets and made infrastructure improvements while maintaining one of the lowest property tax rates in the state.
Needleman is the founder and CEO of Tower Laboratories, a manufacturing company employing 150 people, located in Essex. His two sons co-manage the company with him. He lives in Essex with his partner, Jacqueline Hubbard, executive director of the Ivoryton Playhouse.
The 33rd State Senate District consists of the towns of Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Portland, Westbrook, and a portion of Old Saybrook.