Democrats Nominate Joe Serra for State Representative

The Democratic Town Committee met on Thursday evening as a nominating convention for the offices of Democratic Registrar of Voters and State Rep. in the 33rd District. Sandra Faraci and Joseph Serra were nominated, each unanimously, to continue their service in those positions.

Registrar of Voters.

Sandra Faraci was nominated by Council Majority Leader Tom Serra. Serra lauded her 27 years on the Democratic Town Committee and praised her as a "long-time friend of the Serra family." Dan Drew, Dan Russo, and Joe Serra each seconded the nomination. Russo praised the running of the Middletown Registrar's office,

saying it "always comes through with glowing accolades."

Faraci graciously accepted the praise, and the flowers delivered by Ted Raczka. She said, "It's my honor to serve all the Democrats in Middletown."

State Representative for the 33rd District

Although Middletown is represented in 4 different State Legislative and 2 different State Senate districts, only the 33rd Legislative district is entirely within Middletown. Joe Serra has represented this district since 1992.

Serra was nominated for a 10th term by Councilman Gerry Daley. Daley said of Serra, "He's truly been a really good legislator." Daley gave three highlights of Serra's work as a legislator. He said that Serra was responsible for the $8M sewer extension, "that opened up development in the South end of town..." He said that in the most recent legislative session, Serra helped to resolve a tax issue for the A.M.E. Zion church, and helped Middletown postpone a property assessment.

Daley's nomination was seconded by Tom Serra, Dan Russo, Christine Bourne, Representative Matt Lesser, and former mayoral candidate Dan Drew. All spoke about Joe Serra's connection to the people of Middletown. Tom Serra, "My brother knows everybody in Middletown." Bourne recalled how her grandmother worked with Serra in City Hall. Lesser called Serra a mentor to him as he learned his way as a first year legislator. All spoke of Serra's quiet but effective work. Russo said, "He serves Middletown in ways that people don't know."

Serra rose to accept the nomination and thanked the Town Committee for their support. He said the next two years were critical for Middletown because of the budget problems facing the state. He went on to talk about his work in securing an appropriation for an Alzheimer's respite center, the ConnPace prescription drug benefit program for seniors, and legislation which requires a background check for all home health care workers.

Serra said he always enjoyed helping people, "I always try to put myself in their position." He credited people skills for his effectiveness in Hartford, saying that other legislators trusted him. He also credited voters for re-electing him, "Voters are a lot smarter than politicians think they are."