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05/20/2020 12:00 AMOn May 19, Republican delegates from Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook unanimously endorsed State Representative Devin Carney (R-23) for a fourth term as representative for the 23rd District.
The delegates held a convention by web conference to endorse Carney, making his campaign for another two-year term as state representative official. Delegates gave remarks on Carney’s dedicated and effective record of public service as well as being a knowledgeable and accessible legislator for the four communities.
“Representing the 23rd District—the place where my family lives, where I was raised, where I went to school, where I work and volunteer—has truly been the honor of a lifetime,” said Carney. “I am proud to be your voice in Hartford to advocate for fiscal responsibility, small business growth, our wonderful public schools, and our precious shoreline coast. We are facing an uncertain future and need experienced leaders who put people over politics, something I have always done.”
Lyme-Old Lyme Board of Education Member, Dr. Mary Powell-St. Louis, nominated Carney.
“Devin has done a wonderful job representing people here in the 23rd District. He listens, cares, and is a real voice of reason,” said Powell-St. Louis. “As a Region 18 parent and Board of Education member, I was particularly pleased with how hard he worked against state forced expanded school regionalization last year—his leadership helped defeat what would have been devastating for our students, schools, and quality of life.”
Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna seconded Carney’s nomination.
“It has been a pleasure working with Devin over the past several years. He has been a strong advocate for small towns and small businesses and has worked diligently to ensure our needs are met,” Fortuna said. “His knowledge of state and local issues, active community outreach, and his legislative experience are exactly what we need as the state works through the COVID-19 crisis and its aftermath.”
Some other voices from across the district spoke in support of Carney’s nomination.
Westbrook Tax Collector Kimberly Bratz added, “From day one, Devin has worked incredibly hard to try to make Connecticut more competitive and has fought for fiscally responsible policies. Residents deserve someone in Hartford who will focus on rebuilding our economy without new, higher taxes, and that person is Devin.”
Judy Tooker, Old Lyme’s tax collector, commented, “Devin understands the unique needs of our community members, from healthcare and transportation to employment and jobs, and he will focus on the district, not partisan politics. We need his strong voice in Hartford now more than ever.”
In addition to receiving the Republican nomination on May 19, Carney reported that he had raised the necessary contributions to qualify for the state’s Citizens’ Clean Election Program.
Carney, who works in finance and real estate, was first elected to the legislature in 2014. He was born and raised in Old Saybrook and lives in Old Lyme with his significant other, Lisa. He currently serves as Ranking Member of the Transportation Bonding Subcommittee and serves on the legislative committees overseeing Transportation, Planning & Development, and Finance, Revenue, and Bonding. He was named a 2019 Environmental Champion by the League of Conservation Voters for his work supporting renewable energy and received the Legislative Service Award from the Connecticut Counseling Association for his work on mental health issues and opioid addiction. In district, he serves on the boards of the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center and Saye Brook Senior Housing. He is also an active member of the Old Saybrook Rotary Club, both the Lyme-Old Lyme and Old Saybrook chambers of commerce, and with Grace Church in Old Saybrook. In addition to his duties as state representative, he serves as an alternate to the Old Lyme Zoning Board of Appeals.