United States Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today announced his endorsement of Democratic State Senate candidate Dante´ Bartolomeo, who is running for the 13th Senate District seat that represents Meriden, Cheshire, Middletown, Middlefield and Rockfall. In announcing his support, Senator Blumenthal cited Bartolomeo’s longstanding dedication to the residents and families living in her community.
“Dante´Bartolomeo has spent her career in public service fighting for her constituents, and I am confident she will bring a passionate voice to the Capitol on their behalf,” Senator Blumenthal said. “Dante´ is dedicated to strengthening her community by fostering greater economic opportunities for small businesses and ensuring access to employment training, and by improving public safety through code enforcement, support for police and fire services and the revitalization of City neighborhoods.”
“I am honored and grateful to receive Senator Blumenthal’s endorsement for my State Senate race, and will continue to work hard to justify his faith in me,” Bartolomeo said. “Senator Blumenthal has proven his leadership and dedication to Connecticut throughout his career in public service, and I look forward to working with him and his staff to ensure a brighter future for all citizens in the 13th District.”
In particular, Senator Blumenthal pointed to Bartolomeo’s efforts to provide enhanced educational opportunities for Meriden students during her current tenure as a City Councilwoman and as a longstanding community advocate. In addition to her role as City Council Liaison to the Board of Education, Dante´ also served as a member of the Board’s All-Day Kindergarten Committee that today has enabled Meriden to expand its full-day kindergarten program citywide and enhance the City’s early education outreach.
“Dante’s track record of ensuring our students have access to the quality of education they deserve will be a tremendous asset to her District and the entire State of Connecticut,” Senator Blumenthal said. “I have every confidence that Dante’s leadership and experience will benefit future generations by improving curricula, recruiting the highest quality of teachers and expanding access to early education.”
In contrast, current 13th District State Senator Len Suzio, Bartolomeo’s Republican opponent in the November 6 general election, voted in 2011 to cut $165 million in state education funding and opposed the Earned Income Tax Credit, the latter of which benefits lower-income residents by providing financial benefits that can reduce poverty and create jobs.
“The 13th District deserves an elected representative who will lead by example and get results,” Senator Blumenthal said. “I have no doubt that Dante´ will continue to exemplify those traits as a State Senator.”
About Dante Bartolomeo
Dante´ Bartolomeo has served on the Meriden City Council since 2008 and is currently Deputy Majority Leader. She is also Chair of the Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee, Vice-Chair of the Finance Committee and Liaison to the Board of Education. Under her watch, Meriden has reduced its operating expenses three out of the last four years, fully funded its pension obligations and increased its bond rating by three notches to AA-. Prior to her role as a City Councilwoman, Bartolomeo served her community as an advocate for universal health care and enhanced educational opportunities for Meriden students. She and her husband, Doug, have two sons: Riley, 16 and Cameron, 10.
