Community Corner

Bartolomeo to Challenge Suzio for 13th District Seat

Meriden City Councilwoman and Mercy High School graduate Dante Bartolomeo receives party endorsement to challenge incumbent state senator.

Meriden City Councilwoman , Democratic senatorial candidate for the state's 13th District, won her party’s endorsement. Dan Pickett, Middletown Democratic Town Committee chairman, formally nominated Bartolomeo Monday evening at Violis Italian Restaurant in Meriden.

“Given her experience on the Meriden City Council, in addition to real-world knowledge, will make her an effective state senator,” Pickett said Tuesday.

She will challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Len Suzio in the November general election. He has held the post since last February’s special election, called following to six counts of misdemeanor larceny for double-billing his political action committee and the state legislature for $2,500 in expenses. 

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A Mercy High School graduate, Bartolomeo has said she supports small business owners and job creation, protecting workers’ rights, ensuring access to quality health care, providing children with a superior education, controlling government spending, keeping taxes to a minimum, and assisting seniors and families with daily life.

Pickett says as state senator, Bartolomeo will bring “intelligent and real solutions to the issues facing citizens of Connecticut.”

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As a Meriden councilwoman, she has served as deputy majority leader, vice chairwoman of finance, chairwoman of public works, parks & recreation, and liaison to the board of education.

Suzio, who served on Meriden's Board of Education for 14 years, ran and lost against Gaffey in the November 2010 general election — and two times before, in 1998 and 1996.

He is a frequent presence in Middletown, hosting breakfast meet-and-greets with taxpayers and town hall meetings with constitutents, most notably for his work to cap and and a vocal supporter of package.

Most recently, Suzio walked with state and local dignitaries in the city’s on Sunday, as Bartolomeo spoke with supporters outside the church alongside state Rep. Joseph Serra (D-33rd).

Early Tuesday, he met with taxpayers at Guida’s Restaurant in Middlefield for “Coffee With Len,” and visited MiddeOak Insurance to congratulate workers for their support of their National Guard and reservist employees.

Connecticut’s 13th Senatorial District encompasses Meriden, Cheshire, Middletown, Middlefield and Rockfall.


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