FROM JOE KELLY · 36TH DISTRICT

Joe Kelly congratulates Senator-Elect Jill Oberlander and reflects on what he heard from voters across the 36th District.

I want to begin by congratulating Jill Oberlander on her election as the next State Senator for the 36th District. Running for office takes time, energy, and a real commitment to public service.

Jill made that commitment, and the voters of Greenwich, north Stamford, and New Canaan have placed their trust in her.

Over the past several months, I had the privilege of meeting thousands of our neighbors. They talked to me about electricity bills that keep climbing, property taxes, housing costs, and whether their children will be able to afford to stay in Connecticut. Business owners told me about the costs of investing, hiring, and growing here. Parents told me they want excellent schools and a meaningful local voice in how those schools are run.

Those conversations don’t end with an election. They are Connecticut issues, not Republican or Democratic ones, and they deserve serious attention in Hartford.

In every role I’ve held in this community, as a business owner, coach, volunteer firefighter, and member of the Board of Education and the Board of Estimate and Taxation, I’ve seen that the best decisions come when people with different perspectives sit down, listen, and work toward a practical solution. I hope Senator-Elect Oberlander brings that spirit to the State Senate, and I’m ready to help wherever it makes the 36th District more affordable, competitive, and accountable.

To my family, my volunteers, and everyone who voted: thank you. Your participation is what keeps our community’s voice strong, and I’m grateful for every conversation along the way.

— Joe Kelly