Kissel Nominated for Re-Election in 7th Senatorial District

Connecticut's 7th Senate District Sen. John A. Kissel was nominated unanimously for re-election during a May 14 convention held at Enfield Town Hall.

"It is an honor to serve the people of the 7th District and I look forward to a spirited campaign this fall," Kissel said. "At the state Capitol, I have been a strong advocate for north-central Connecticut residents, fighting for lower taxes, the elimination of wasteful state spending, and tough-on-crime measures. If the voters send me back to Hartford, I will continue to work tirelessly on their behalf."

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The incumbent is being challenged by former state Rep. , whom Kissel defeated by nearly 1,000 votes in the 2010 election.

Kissel said that his frequent "" events he holds outside of local supermarkets and pharmacies have been an effective way for him to stay connected with taxpayers and to hear their concerns. He added that his Town Hall Meetings have also been useful forums for town leaders and residents to get their questions answered and to provide state Capitol updates.

"These outreach events, I feel, have made me a better legislator," Kissel said. "I hear from constituents informally, and we talk at length one on one. I take their ideas with me to Hartford. I follow up on their questions and concerns. I enjoy helping the people of my district and doing all I can to help improve the quality of life for everyone in our region."

Kissel said that if re-elected, he will continue to push for policies aimed at job creation and retention. As an example of such a policy, he cited the bipartisan Jobs Bill passed in the fall. Kissel successfully fought for a substantial injection of funding for . The center produces skilled workers who are ready to hit the ground running at area manufacturers once they graduate. The funding injection will soon be paying large dividends: the governor has approved $1.1 million for Asnuntuck and another $1.1 million will follow next year.

Kissel is currently serving his tenth term representing the people of East Granby, Enfield, Somers, Suffield, Windsor Locks and portions of Granby and Windsor. Kissel is the Senate's Ranking Member on the Committees on Judiciary and Program Review and Investigations. He also serves on the General Law Committee. Kissel is currently Chief Deputy Minority Leader as well.

Kissel has received numerous awards, is a member of many civic organizations, including Enfield's Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society, is married to his wife Cindy, and has two sons, Nathaniel, 16, and Tristan, age 8.

Election Day is Nov. 6.