Republican Town Committee
Ridgefield, Connecticut

May 23, 2008

CONTACT: Bill Wyman
203-438-0730

REPUBLICAN CAUCUS ENDORSES HOPE WISE AND JOHN FREY FOR RE-ELECTION

At the Republican Caucus held on May 22, 2008, Ridgefield Republicans enthusiastically endorsed Hope Wise for Registrar of Voters and John Frey for State Representative.

Ms. Wise is seeking her 4th term as the Republican Registrar. “Hope’s professionalism and commitment to her job are the reasons I am proud to nominate her,” said longtime Ridgefield resident Gloria Stearns.

Mr. Frey is seeking his 6th term in the State Assembly. “We are lucky to have him represent us.” said Bob Cascella, current board of Finance member and former Newtown First Selectman, in his nominating speech. “John is currently Minority Whip and has constantly opposed unfunded mandates. His contribution to Ridgefield can be summarized as follows: he cares, he calls you back, he gets involved with your issues and he delivers – for example, State grants for The Fountain, Keeler Tavern, Aldrich Museum, The Community Center, The Boys & Girls Club, The Library, Meals on Wheels, The Playhouse, The Old High School, Affordable Housing, The Accessible Playground, The Scott House plus others.”

Tom Reynolds, Sandi Rose, and Gloria Stearns seconded Mr. Frey’s nomination. “When John receives a plea for help, he doesn’t ask about party affiliation. He gets to work and gets the job done. John loves Ridgefield and the people who live here. Because of this love and his hard work, Ridgefield is a much better place to live,” said Mr. Reynolds. Ms. Rose said, “I have observed the relationship that John has with the citizens of Ridgefield. He has the interest of the Town at heart.” And finally Mrs. Sterns, in the middle of battling a serious illness, thanked Mr. Frey for intervening on her behalf to cut through the red tape to get her needed medical care.

Mr. Frey thanked the caucus for its endorsement. “Representing Ridgefield has been an incredible honor. It has given me opportunities that I would have never dreamed of and I am forever grateful,” said John. John said his focus has been delivering for Ridgefield in three key areas: 1. State Grants, 2. Legislation and 3. Constituent Service.

In addition to State Grants mentioned by Mr. Cascella, John has brought in money for defibrillators, thermal imaging units, arts programs at elementary schools, Tiger Hollow and ROAR as well as maintaining the 22% reimbursement for school capital expenditures.

Concerning legislation John said, “In addition to those bills that I’ve been part of like Jessica’s Law and strengthening laws against indemnity theft and drunk driving, sometimes defeating something is less noticeable but equally important.” John gave the following examples to illustrate his point – “defeating in-state tuition rates to illegal immigrants, anti-business legislation, last year’s billion plus in new taxes that would have raised the income tax and this year’s democrats’ plan to allow towns to impose their own income and sales taxes.”

Constituent Service “is by far what I enjoy doing the most,” said John. “It’s not just a job I do when we are in session it is 365 days.” John explained, “On average I handle about 5-8 request a day or more than 2500 a year.”

In summary, John said, “Every day I walk into the House Chamber, it is with the same excitement as my first day. I know this isn’t my seat, it’s Ridgefield’s seat. I care deeply not only about our town but each and every resident. I continue to be humbled at the trust Ridgefield has placed in me for ten years. With your support, I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve.”

The final comment about Mr. Frey was made by longtime Planning and Zoning member John Katz who said, “If all elected officials conducted themselves like John – the title politician would be like that of Doctor or Attorney.”

The Republican Town Committee is thrilled that John Frey is seeking re-election and will continue delivering for Ridgefield.

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