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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Wednesday, July 7, 2021: Edition #5
Shawn Daly
Chairman, West Hartford Republican Town Committee
Dear ,
So this past Independence Day, holiday weekend, my wife, my daughter and I decided to head up for the first time to Lake Winnipesaukee for a bit of respite before the upcoming election caucus and the dog days of summer are upon us.
While the weather wasn't optimal, we did get the chance to have dinner with my roommate from college who was recently able to retire and move there (they love no state income or sales tax). We also got the opportunity to take a cruise around the lake. While on the cruise, we learned that the name "Winnipesaukee" is loosely interpreted to mean, "the smile of the Great Spirit" in honor of a legendary tale about the love of two Native Americans from different tribes and a rainbow that formed after a storm, which served as the sign of a blessing during their wedding ceremony.
After the cruise that day we were treated to fireworks all around the lake that night and afterward, we got a chance to watch the movie, "1776", on Turner Classic Movies (TCM). It's one of my most favorite movie musicals. Several years ago I even got the chance to see the play at the Bushnell when my wife surprised me so, you can imagine I'm a big fan, with memorized quotes throughout the script that I love to recall when the situation requires.
The movie (and the play), which centers around the Congressional debate and vote to declare independence from England, is a masterpiece that highlights the strengths and flaws of our Founding Fathers. And although it's a musical, as TCM host Ben Mankiewicz describes, the script was well researched and historically, quite (but not completely) accurate. In fact, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the hit Broadway musical, "Hamilton" loved the play "1776" and it influenced him to ensure "Hamilton" was just as well researched and historically (but not completely) accurate. As Ben puts it, "Lin has always felt that the truth in history has always been more exciting than anything a writer can dream up."
I couldn't help but draw some parallel inspiration. With all that is happening in local politics, I couldn't help but admire the valor it takes as a Republican in West Hartford to run for office and I've been so impressed by the conviction, character and integrity of the potential candidates with whom I've spoken. I've also been witness to how quickly the West Hartford Republican Town Committee (WeHa RTC) came together and voted on new leadership. I am so proud of our Republican supporters and our Republican Town Committee members here in West Hartford.
I want to thank the WeHa RTC members for voting me in as their new Chairman at last month's meeting on Monday, June 21. The Town Committee also voted in a new Vice-Chairman (P.J. Louis), Treasurer (Ethan Goldman) and Deputy-Treasurer (Anthony Mancini). Kaye Straw, of course, continues to remain as our Secretary. Please see the article below for information about the new Executive Team for the WeHa RTC.
Even more exciting news was the volume of new, non-Town Committee members who attended our Town Committee meeting last month. It was nothing short of a record and several non-members came up to me at the end of the meeting asking to join our Town Committee and we will be voting on adding those individuals next month. In addition, we had several emails and inquiries from our website and Facebook pages requesting to attend our July meeting so, we expect to continue to fill our open spots on the Town Committee. We also continue to add to our list of newsletter subscribers. If you have friends and family that would like to receive our monthly newsletter, please email me with their name and email address and we will add them to our subscriber's list. It is clear that much like the Winnipesaukee legend, there is a rainbow with "the smile of a great spirit" blessing our organization after the storm our local party has experienced.
Please send me an email if you would like to attend our next town committee meeting. For those who receive this newsletter and have a West Hartford street address, you will be receiving a separate email invitation to our July meeting.
PLEASE NOTE: Our meetings are typically held on the third Monday each month. However, for July, 2021 - it will be a little different. By statute, we are required to hold our caucus to endorse our candidates for municipal election, any day between Tuesday, July 20 - Tuesday, July 27. Therefore, we are moving July's meeting from Monday, July 19, to Tuesday, July 20, at 7:00pm EST. Our meetings are now held at the West Hartford Town Hall, Room 400.
Speaking of the upcoming caucus for the municipal elections this November, I mentioned that we are evaluating a slate of candidates and have received inquiries and commitments from several potential candidates. We are working on the vetting process and will be announcing our slate after the Republican caucus, which as mentioned above, will be held on Tuesday, July 20, at 7pm EST at the West Hartford Town Hall. See below to learn more if you are interested in being a candidate and running for municipal office this November.
In addition, we are hosting our annual Lincoln/Reagan fundraising dinner on Thursday, July 22, at 6:00pm at Rockledge Grille in West Hartford. Please join us and see below for the full details on how you can RSVP and purchase tickets to the event. Normally, this event is held in April but due to COVID restrictions we were able to recently move the date and secure the venue for July 22nd.
I do have some very sad news to deliver. One of our beloved West Hartford Republican Town Committee members, Jane Keleher, passed away last month. Jane was a fantastic lady and will be sorely missed. Please read the article below about Jane as well as the access to her obituary.
Also below are our Town Council, Board of Education, Registrar of Voters and State Central reports.
Please remember, as we head into the elections, we can’t do this without your support of time and financial donations. This allows us to reach more members of our community and share our vision. If you have any questions, feedback or if you need additional information, please feel free to call the West Hartford RTC office at 860-840-7430 or email me at chair@whgop.org.
Take care,
Shawn Daly
We Need Your Donations Now!
With a new party being added this year, competition for municipal elections seats are going to be challenging. Your donations are critical to our continued success and are more important now than ever.
Our municipal and state elections are coming up very soon. We need your donations to help get our candidates elected and implement our platform to enhance the resident experience in town.
Please click on the button below and help by donating to the West Hartford Republican Town Committee. Any donation amount is helpful and appreciated.
Your Contribution Will Make A Difference
The West Hartford Republican Town Committee Seeks Candidates to Run for Town, State Office
Have you considered running for the West Hartford Town Council, the West Hartford Board of Education or the Connecticut State Legislature? Do you think you can help make changes with Republican values that are right for our town?
The West Hartford Republican Town Committee is accepting requests from those who may be interested in running for municipal or state elected office for this November's election. Let us help you create a winning campaign this year!
If you're interested in being considered by the Town Committee, please click on the button below and send an email to our Chairman, Shawn Daly, to receive an application so you may be considered. We must receive your completed application before July 13, 2021.
West Hartford Republican Town Committee Elects New Executive Team
On Monday, June 20, the West Hartford Republican Town Committee elected a new Executive Team. Please see below for information about the newly elected team and keep an eye out for a press release which will be sent out very soon.
Shawn Daly was elected as the new Chairman for the West Hartford Republican Town Committee.
Shawn has lived in West Hartford for nearly 50 years. Currently, he is Head of Group Retirement Experience and Product Management for MML Investors Services, LLC, which is a broker/dealer owned by MassMutual.
Shawn graduated from Conard High School, earned a BA in English from The University of Connecticut and also earned an MBA in Managing in the Global Economy from Excelsior College in Albany, NY.
With his wife, Eileen, and daughter, Shannon (a student at Hall High School), Shawn is very active in the philanthropic community. He is currently Vice-Chairman of the West Hartford Conservation and Environment Commission. He is also President of the West Hartford Girls Basketball League and is on the Tournament Executive Committee for The Travelers Championship, a PGA Tour Event in Connecticut that raises millions of dollars for charitable organizations throughout Connecticut. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus. A former Jaycee, Shawn is also a Jaycee Statesman.
P. J. Louis was elected as the new Vice-Chairman for the West Hartford Republican Town Committee
P.J. has lived in West Hartford for 16 years. Currently, he is General Manager and Vice-President for Century21 AllPoints, based in Connecticut with an office in West Hartford and has been in the local and national real estate scene for over 25 years including overseeing the eastern US for all Century21 franchises.
P.J. attended Trinity College in Hartford and shortly after became involved in playing soccer before moving into a career in real estate.
With his wife, 3 children and a Golden Retriever, P.J. has been active in the community as a travel team girls soccer coach as well as a coach in the West Hartford Youth Baseball League. In addition, P.J. likes to cook (especially Greek food), coach, fish and of course, spend time with his family.
Ethan Goldman was elected as the new Treasurer for the West Hartford Republican Town Committee
Ethan has lived in West Hartford for over 30 years. Currently Ethan is the CFO of a privately held, mid-sized, international manufacturing firm. He is also a veteran and retired Major from the Field Artillery Branch of the United States Army/Army Reserve/Mass NG.
Ethan has a BA from The University of Pennsylvania College and BS in Economics from The University of Pennsylvania Wharton School. He also earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Master of Science and Accounting Taxation from The University of Hartford.
With his wife and four children who grew up in West Hartford, Ethan is on the Pension Committee for the Town of West Hartford. He is also a Board member of the West Hartford Youth Soccer Association (WHYSA) and is a former coach in the WHYSA, the West Hartford Girls Soccer League and other sports leagues.
Ethan was also a former Treasurer of The Greater Hartford Jewish Federation and a member of other non-profit community related boards and committees in the Greater Hartford area.
Anthony Mancini was elected as the new Deputy Treasurer for the West Hartford Republican Town Committee.
Anthony has lived in West Hartford for his entire life of 19 years. Currently, Anthony is a student at Central Connecticut State University where he is majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Financial Systems.
Anthony has been with the West Hartford Republican Town Committee for the past year and serves as the Chairman of the Candidate Support subcommittee.
Anthony strives to make the Town of West Hartford the absolute best it can be through collective conservative values that highlight a newly strengthened resolve.
Lincoln/Reagan Fundraiser Dinner Event
We will be holding our annual Lincoln/Reagan Dinner on Thursday, July 22, at Rockledge Grille in West Hartford. Our guest speaker will be candidate for Governor of Connecticut, Themis Klarides and we expect our newly endorsed candidates for municipal elections will also be speaking at the event. We are planning a cocktail reception from 6:00pm - 6:45pm with dinner immediately following. Tickets to the event will be $100.
An invitation will be sent out to everyone very shortly. Even if you are unable to attend, we would appreciate it if you would buy a ticket to the event. If you have any questions, please email our Fundraising Committee Chairman and State Central Representative, Dennis Swanton at statecentral@whgop.org or call our office at 860-840-7430.
Jane Caveness Keleher
1944 - 2021
On Tuesday, June 15, 2021, Jane Keleher, our beloved member of the West Hartford Republican Town Committee suddenly passed away. Jane was a member of the Town Committee for only a short time of about two years but she made a big impact during her tenure.
Jane was a brilliant, retired educator, wife, mother of three sons and grandmother of seven grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family during vacations and holidays on the Connecticut shoreline.
Jane was a member of the Fundraising subcommittee and contributed greatly with ideas and strategies to help improve our organization. Her vibrant spirit, her infectious laugh and her sharp wit will be sorely missed. Our hearts are broken.
Please click on the button below to see her full obituary.
Town Council Report
The West Hartford Town Council, through committee, is looking at the possibility of extending overnight street parking post pandemic. This has been proposed for mufti family housing where there is inadequate parking. Obviously, there are many logistics to consider. Please reach out to me if you have thoughts on this proposal.
Recently, the Connecticut legislature voted in favor of and the Governor signed into law the approved use of recreational marijuana. In response, the Town Council passed a resolution authorizing the town manager to analyze the impact to West Hartford and its residents based on the new law.
The future use of the Saint Brigid Campus, which was purchased by the Town of West Hartford, will be coming up soon on our agenda. It will be insightful to see what actual plans emerge and I will keep you up to date.
Panhandling remains active and an issue. The Town Council continues to discuss options but for now, only aggressive panhandling is prohibited.
Board of Education Report
The Board of Education’s last meeting was Tuesday, June 1 and we will not meet again until the first week of September. We’ll update the monthly newsletter once we’re back to our regular schedule. Of course if anything comes up we’ll email the group. Have a great summer!
Registrar of Voters Report
Hello Friends of the West Hartford RTC!
Lately, it seems there is a news story regarding new or pending election and/or voting legislation almost daily. This past July 1 st marked the passing of one of the most significant pieces of voting legislation in the past 50 years – the ratification of the 26th Amendment. The 26th Amendment, which declared “The right of
citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of age” became law in 100 days, the fastest route to ratification of any of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, due in large part to bi-partisan support. With its ratification, ten million
new voters were enfranchised 1n 1971.
The fight to lower the voting age first began in the early 1940s, in response to World War II. Between 1940 and 1942, Congress passed two Selective Service laws that lowered the military draft age first from 21 to 20, and then from 20 to 18. The 1942 age limit sparked debate in Congress about the connection between the voting age of 21 and the age of military service, and the fairness of conscripting men into service who could not vote. “Old enough to fight, old enough to vote” became a common slogan for a youth voting rights movement. Legislators introduced multiple bills into the state and federal legislatures calling for a lower voting age, but none passed at the federal level.1
The debate came up again as the United States committed more troops to the Vietnam Conflict and by the mid-1960s, politicians from both sides of the aisle took a public stand in favor of moving the voting age to 18.2 And by 1968, according to a Gallup poll, two-thirds of Americans agreed that “persons 18, 19, and 20 years old should be
permitted to vote.”
Finally, on March 10, 1971, the Senate voted unanimously in favor of the proposed amendment and on March 23rd the House followed suit, and the 26th Amendment went to the states for ratification. It officially went into effect on July 1, 1971, though President Nixon signed it into law on July 5, 1971 and he remarked in his speech: “The
reason I believe that your generation, the 11 million new voters, will do so much for America at home is that you will infuse into this nation some idealism, some courage, some stamina, some high moral purpose, that this country always needs.”3
Today the youth vote today has become increasingly important to candidates. Data collected by from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University, shows that voters under the age of 30 came out to the polls in record numbers for the 2020 presidential election; 52% to 55% of registered
voters under 30 cast ballots in 2020 which is a substantial increase from 42% to 44% of under 30 voters at the 2016 presidential election.4 West Hartford currently has just over 8,000 voters under the age of 30, which accounts for 19% of the electors in town so successfully capturing the youth vote could be the difference between a win or a loss at the polls in November.
1 https://www.history.com/topics/united-states-constitution/the-26th-amendment
2 https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/amendment/amendment-xxvi
3 https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-ceremony-marking-the-certification-the-26th-
amendment-the-constitution
4 https://www.businessinsider.com/young-voters-record-voting-turnout-biden-trump-presidential-election-2020-
State Central Report
On June 22, the state Republicans elected a new Chair. Ben Proto became the new state Chairman in a well contested race.
Ben is a lawyer from Stratford and has been involved in Connecticut politics for quite some time. Ben will be looking to unite the party and while he recognizes that Republicans have diverse views and do not walk in "lockstep" like our opponents from across the aisle, he feels there are several opportunities to bring the party closer together.
For further information, click on the button below to see the recent article in WeHa.com.
Want to See the WeHa RTC Proposed Platform?
The objective of the West Hartford Republican Town Committee is help enhance the resident experience for all West Hartford citizens in an economically sustainable manner while helping candidates get elected who share that vision.
If you haven't seen our newsletter before or haven't had a chance to look at the West Hartford Republican Town Committee Platform, please click on the button below to download your copy from our website.
How Do I Get Involved?
Would you like an opportunity to really contribute to the town? We have a few spots still available for membership on the West Hartford Republican Town Committee. Please click on the button below to see how to join our committee. If you're interested in attending one of our Town Committee meetings, please email our Town Committee Chairman, Shawn Daly at chair@whgop.org and he will provide you with the details.
How Can I Get Even More Information
Click on the buttons below to visit our West Hartford Republican Town Committee Website or you can click on the button to learn about our volunteer opportunities or donate to the West Hartford RTC.
