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06/07/2019 12:00 AMBefore a crowd of more than 50 local residents Francesco Lulaj, owner of the local restaurant La Foresta and father of four school-aged children who are enrolled locally, announced his candidacy for the office of first selectman of Killingworth.
“I am deeply moved and immensely grateful for the tremendous support that I have received since discussing my interest in running,” Lulaj said. “What’s more, the financial support that has already been shown is overwhelming, and I am overwhelmed.
“These are critical times for this town. Hartford is threatening to shift its budget challenges to the local municipalities. Smaller towns like ours are particularly vulnerable to these budgetary maneuvers and gimmicks,” Lulaj said. “It’s my view that we need to bring a new brand of leadership to Town Hall this year, and I’m stepping forward to do my part to be part of the solution.”
Lulaj told the crowd, “I will be working hard to earn your support. In the coming weeks and months I’ll be going door-to-door and I will make every effort to speak directly to every voter that I can find.”
Lulaj said he will be running on a platform of controlling spending and opposing tax increases, improving town services through innovation and vigorous management, and working to protect and preserve Killingworth’s rural character.
Born and raised in Albania, where he attended the military academy and was an accomplished athlete, Lulaj arrived in the U.S. in 2002. He quickly built a string of successful businesses.
He married his wonderful wife, Cassandra, in 2007. Two years later they moved to Killingworth.
After investing heavily in renovating a building on Route 81, in 2014 they opened the restaurant La Foresta, which has earned worldwide awards and recognition.
Lulaj proudly became a U.S. citizen in 2008. He and Cassandra have four beautiful children and make their home on Jacob Lane in Killingworth.