A Star Takes a Bow. Guglielmo Will Not Seek 14th Term.
The legislature’s most natural politician will not run for re-election. State Senator Tony Guglielmo (R-Stafford) announced Friday he will end his long tenure this year. Guglielmo defeated three-term incumbent Democrat Marie Herbst in 1992 in an upset seen as a reaction to the imposition of a state income tax. Eastern Connecticut working families were particularly vexed by the enormous tax hike. They directed their wrath at Herbst, who was the key vote in the Senate to open the spigot on vast increases in state spending.
Guglielmo issued this statement:
“I truly love public service,” Guglielmo, 78, said. “It’s been a great ride, but I feel that now it’s time to pass the torch.
“I just want to say how grateful I am to the people of northeastern Connecticut. It’s been an honor and a privilege to represent them in Hartford. The people of the 35th Senatorial District are well-informed and they have never been shy about telling me their opinions. Their ideas and feedback have made me a better, more effective, more responsive legislator. Their input, and the friendships I have made with them through the years, has enriched my experience as a lawmaker.
“This is my 26th year as a state senator. Over that span, I have met and worked with so many amazing and talented people who have dedicated themselves to improving the quality of life here in Connecticut. To the lawmakers and staff that I have been so fortunate to get to know over the years: thank you.
“Most importantly, I thank my family, especially my wife Doris, for the sacrifices they have all made in allowing me to serve Connecticut taxpayers. My family has been my rock, and I’m a very lucky man to have them in my life.
“Over the next several months, I will be working to help Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne become the new state senator for our region. Dan has the experience and knowledge to do an excellent job as state senator. He cares deeply about the future of our state and he will always put taxpayers first.
“I’m looking forward to this, my final legislative session. I have prided myself on being able to work with Democrats and Republicans in areas such as public safety, and I know that cooperation will continue this year. Politics is about relationships and it’s about finding common ground in order to pass meaningful legislation that helps people in their daily lives. We all need to continue striving toward that common sense goal because we all love and believe in Connecticut.”
Guglielmo is the Co-Chair of the Public Safety Committee. He is a Member of the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee. He represents Ashford, Chaplin, Coventry, Eastford, Ellington, Hampton, Pomfret, Stafford, Tolland, Union, Vernon, Willington, Woodstock.
Guglielmo, a relentless provider of constituent services, has enjoyed a firm hold on his northeastern Connecticut district, which in this fall’s race will likely lean Republican.