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08/24/2018 03:56 PMThe following statement was issued by Vincent Mase of North Branford on August 24, 2018:
My name is Vince Mase and I have been nominated and endorsed by the North Branford Democratic Town Committee for the seat of State Representative for the 86th General Assembly District. The 86th District represents North Branford, Northford, and sections of Wallingford, North Guilford, and Durham.
I have been a resident of Northford for the past 34 years. I have three adult children and all three attended and graduated from the North Branford Public Schools. After they graduated from North Branford High School, they attended college and each one then went on to earn Doctorate Degrees in various professional fields.
I have been active in our community. In the past, I have served on the North Branford Little League Board, coached the Girls Park and Recreation traveling basketball team for 6 years, and served a short time on the North Branford Town Council in 2017. I currently serve as a member on our Board of Education. Over the past few years, I attended many meetings opposing the possibility of a "bulk propane" company on Ciro Road in North Branford. I also attended the meetings to support and to keep the North Branford Dispatch right here in North Branford where it belongs. During those tumultuous times, I believe that the presence of the State Representative would have been beneficial to the residents of our communities; however, such representation was not present.
I believe in moving the 86th District forward by investing in all of our local towns. Agriculture, small businesses, and education will be the focal points of my campaign. I will continue to address these issues through avenues such as investing in local farms and small businesses, supporting current businesses to succeed, and trying to bring new businesses to provide jobs and offset our tax base. A focus will be on new businesses that are environmentally friendly to other businesses and, most of all, to our families, children, and grandchildren. Our towns need small businesses that will increase the values of our homes and not businesses that will depreciate the values of our homes.
Currently, I have two grandchildren in the North Branford schools following in their parent's footsteps. I strongly believe that we must invest in education for all of our children. This year, I have been a staunch advocate, working across the political aisle, to get the Board of Education Budget 2018-2019 approved in order for the Superintendent of our schools to hire the best and brightest teachers and administrators for our North Branford Students in all grades.
I believe in hard work, not just words, but in leading by example. I worked as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service for over 30 years before retiring in 2005. Even though I was employed full time, I attended college at night for approximately 26 years. First, I attended South Central Community College and earned an Associates Degree in Business Administration. I then moved onto Southern Connecticut State University where I earned a BS Degree in Business Economics. Finally, I attended Quinnipiac University School of Law where I earned my Juris Doctor in Law in 2003.
I currently have my own Law Practice. I am a member of the New Haven County Bar Association, the Connecticut Bar Association, and the Connecticut Trial Lawyer's Association. I have been a union member of the National Association of Letter Carriers AFL-CIO since 1978 and currently serve as the President of Branch 19, NALC, a position I have held for the past 12 years. I am also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
I believe in team work and working well with others. I have a proven track record of bringing parties, opponents, and opposite sides together to achieve a resolution and bring benefits for all involved.
I believe that a "State Representative" must go beyond the halls and corridors of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. I truly believe that our "State Representative" has not only a duty, but an obligation to be a leader at home, right here in our own backyards as well. We have not had that experience in recent years. We need a change!
I will be that "State Representative" that will stand with you both in Hartford and at home.
Reporters Note: Mase's entry makes it a three-way race for the 86th District seat, with Republican-endorsed candidate and incumbent Vincent Candelora of North Branford and Green Party-endorsed candidate and Guilford resident Colin Souney having announced their November 2018 election bids in June, 2018 press releases published at www.zip06.com