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06/04/2020 12:00 AMState Representative Noreen Kokrouda has announced that she is seeking a sixth term to the Connecticut House of Representatives this November to represent the 101st District, which encompasses Madison and a portion of Durham.
“For my whole life, public service has been both my passion and purpose. Serving the people of Madison and Durham has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am pleased with what I have accomplished for both of these wonderful communities,” said Kokoruda. “With Connecticut combating a public health emergency and grappling to maintain its economic stability after the spread of the coronavirus and subsequent stay-at-home order and business closures, I believe the bi-partisan relationships I have forged over the last nine years in the General Assembly will prove essential to help rebuild our state.”
In a prepared statement at her online social distancing nominating convention, Kokoruda stated, “Today it is both my honor and privilege to officially announce that I am running for re-election for state representative for the 101st District in the General Assembly. I’m very proud of serving Durham and Madison over the past years. I have represented the too often silent voice of small towns in Connecticut.”
She added, “My unwavering support for fiscal accountability and social responsibility is something that is just part of my DNA. Throughout my political career, I have gained a reputation for balance and fairness and for working hard every day. My priority has always been and will continue to be advocating for every resident and business in the 101st District. I am again ready to work for each of you and with both sides of the aisle to move Connecticut forward at this very difficult time.”
This 2019-2020 legislative term, Noreen was appointed a House Republican deputy leader at large under House Republican Leader Themis Klarides and also serves on Education, Appropriations, Children, Legislative Management, and Planning and Development committees.
Kokoruda is a member of several bi-partisan caucuses and task forces, including Coastal Resiliency, Water Safety, Tourism, and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She has also been honored by the Connecticut Alliance for Early Childhood, Connecticut Chiefs of Police, the Connecticut Charter Schools Association, the Connecticut Youth Service Board, and Connecticut YMCAs.
Some of her major legislative achievements are:
· Giving a voice to small towns
· Helping craft new laws on those who dyslexia
· Advocating for the education of all special need students,
· Supported major budget structural reforms (spending & bonding caps) that saved taxpayers millions
· Working to promote for anti-vape and smoking legislation
· Ensuring student safety in our schools
“During these unprecedented times small towns need leaders, like Noreen, who have a proven track record of working across the aisle to make things happen. She has built strong relationships with her fellow representatives based on her honesty and integrity. People respect Noreen because of who she is not what party she is affiliated with. Noreen is who we need in Hartford,” said Jean Fitzgerald, the Madison Board of Finance chair. “Noreen’s advice and guidance has helped me lead during times of significant state educational changes, natural disasters, difficult financial times and now a health crisis. Her experience has guided Madison out of the most difficult times and we are incredibly lucky that she has decided to run again. We need her now more than ever.”
In endorsing Noreen Kokoruda, Durham First Selectwoman Laura Francis said, “Noreen has done an incredible job of representing for our district. As a local leader, I see the positive impact that she has made fighting against legislation that would hurt our towns. Re-electing Noreen will keep Durham and Madison moving forward.”
“For almost a decade, when we’re discussing an important initiative at the Economic Development Commission, Noreen is often the first person I call,” said Ryan Duques, the chair of Madison’s Economic Development Commission. “As an experienced leader, Noreen is able to navigate Madison’s priorities through the complex legislative process, in a successful, non-partisan manner. The challenges our state and community face will require an experienced leader like Noreen to help guide important decisions.”
Noreen Kokoruda has lived in Madison for more than 40 years, dedicating most of her life to public service, including 14 years a s a member of the Board of Selectmen. Professionally, she served for almost 15 years as the executive director of the Shoreline Foundation. She lives with her husband Dan and is the proud mother of two sons and five exceptional grandchildren.