Selectman Cartier Unanimously Endorsed at Convention as Republican Candidate for Senate

Without a debate, Republican delegates from the 12th state Senate district swiftly endorsed Selectman Cindy Cartier Monday night in Guilford.

“I have known Cindy for many years on a personal and professional level and she will be a true asset to our State Legislature as she will advocate for legislation and programs that will benefit the citizens and businesses of the 12th District,” said Representative Vincent Candelora, while nominating Selectman Cartier. “She understands the challenges of what families are going through at this time including paying the household bills despite the increased costs to live in this State.”

Cartier, who lives in Guilford with her husband and two children, has been a Selectman since 2007 and also served on the Boards of Planning and Zoning and Education. She and her husband, Richard, own New England Car Wash with locations in Branford and Waterford. She is also Assistant General Counsel with Nationwide Insurance Company. 

In her acceptance speech, Cartier came out strong against her opponent, Senator Ed Meyer, saying it is unhealthy for government to have “a one-party system.” The system, she said, has allowed unfettered spending and taxing — with more taxes for residents than ever before on items like over-the-counter drugs, and clothing and shoes under $50. 

“We don’t need the type of representation we have been getting from Senator Meyer,” Cartier said. “We do not need a senator who claims to be independent but has voted with his leadership 90 percent of the time. We do not need a senator who claims to be fighting battles, but has yet to win any victories. We do not need a Senator who says he is going to against mandated health insurance coverage for employees to support the businesses of our district, but turns around and voted for it anyway-one of the many flip flops that he has done in the last eight years–to the detriment of the folks and businesses of our district.”

“She’ll work relentlessly to relieve the tax and regulatory burdens on crippling Connecticut businesses. And as a business owner herself in Branford, she gets it,” said State Representative Noreen Kokoruda, who seconded her nomination. “Cindy has tremendous energy and passion in everything she does and it is her leadership that is needed in Hartford to restore balance to our State government.”

Cartier was very clear on what is needed in the 12th District. “We need someone who has courage, strong leadership, hard work and planning to solve our problems and better serve the 12th District,” said Cartier. 

“For me, these aren’t just words – I am living it each and every day – running our businesses in Branford and Waterford, working a job, and managing our family with my husband. I have also done this in every position I have served including on Guilford on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Education and my current position as a Selectman in Guilford – I have and will continue to make decisions that benefit the citizens  – you, my customers. You are the ones that are paying for our services and you deserve better results,” added Cartier.

“If there is anyone who can make a difference in Hartford, it is Selectman Cartier,” stated Jim O’Keefe, a Guilford resident and delegate to the convention. “She has made a tremendous difference in the lives of the citizens of Guilford with all the work she has done on the various boards she has served.”

Cartier also spoke about the cost the state has had on not only to individual taxpayers as well as businesses, but also to organizations that have relied upon government support to remain afloat. 

“All of us are jeopardized by the way the State has conducted its business.  Organizations like SARAH here along the Shoreline, and let us not forget to mention the municipalities who are hurting due to the continual increased costs to do business with the State accompanied by an increase in state unfunded mandates,” stated Cartier.

Cartier outlined her priorities to cut wasteful spending and regulatory burdens to help business create jobs and ease the burden on taxpayers and restore sound government finances as she is doing in Guilford without sacrificing needed services, particularly to those citizens in the 12th District.

“If you told me a year ago that I would be standing before you running for State Senate, that my husband and I would have opened a second car wash location and most especially we would have a new baby daughter, I would have said – I hope so…but I also know that it takes more than hoping and dreaming to make things happen–it takes planning, preparation and action,” stated Cartier. “The problem with the State Government is that they are just hoping and dreaming, but we need doers. Folks who take action to get the job done. I am one who takes action and am the right person for the right time!” 

“Current legislators have given us record unemployment, high taxes and deep debt,” added stated Madison resident Peter Parisi. "New leaders like Cindy will help bring back prosperity to the 12th District. Cindy is definitely the right person for the right time…and that time is now."

For those interested getting involved with the campaign, please contact Campaign Manager Ken Wilson at (203)453-5315 or kewjr@snet.net.