Clinton Voters Hear Connecticut House, Senate Candidates Debate

Politics were especially local at The Morgan School Oct. 29, when the Political Science Club hosted candidate debates for Connecticut State Senate District 33 and House District 35. More than 100 citizens heard five candidates respond to questions developed by the high school students.

Needleman and Ziobron Vie for Senate Seat 33

When incumbent State Senator Art Linares (R) married and left the 33rd Senatorial District, two candidates quickly emerged to campaign for the position. The district includes Clinton, Chester, Colchester, Deep River, Essex, East Hampton, East Haddam, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook.

Norm Needleman is the endorsed Democratic candidate, a businessman and fourth term First Selectman in the town of Essex. He owns Essex-based Town Laboratories, manufacturing effervescent products, and employs 150 people.

State Representative Melissa Ziobron (R) is in her third term in the House, representing the District 38 towns of Colchester, East Haddam and East Hampton. She is Assistant Minority Leader, Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee and a member of the Environment and General Law Committees.

The two have run robust campaigns and held four debates. They are pictured here after their final debate at The Morgan School in Clinton, with Morgan Political Club members (L to R) Ella Franzoni, Sara Auletta, Dan Radka and Caleb Adams-Hull.

Adler and Leveille Challenge Incumbant MacLachlan for House Seat 35

Jesse MacLachlan (R) is looking to win his third term in the Connecticut House, representing District 35 towns of Clinton, Killingworth and the portion of Westbrook north of I-95. MacLachlan lives in Westbrook, and serves on the House Transportation, Energy, and Technology Committe and the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. He is an asset manager for Green Skies, a solar energy company.

Clinton resident Jason Adler is the endorsed Democratic candidate challenging the incumbent. A school guidance counselor in Waterford, Adler is a member of Clinton Democratic Town Committee and president of his school's chapter of the American Federation of Teachers.

Green Party endorsed candidate Madeleine Leveille, also of Clinton, is a semi-retired forensic psychologist working in Waterford. She serves on the Clinton Human Services Board and its Youth Advisory Committee.

Pictured (L-R) here back row, Jason Adler, Madeleine Leveille and Jason MacLachlan.

Front row Political Club moderators Daniel Radka and Caleb Adams-Hull.

Morgan Political Club

Founded in 2005, the high school's Political Club provides students an open, nonpartisan environment where members debate, explore, and share opinions about issues on the local, state, national and sometimes international political scenes.

Club Advisor Eric Bergmann said all views are welcome and respected by the club. "We believe that the exchange of ideas is vital to a healthy and vibrant democracy, " he said, adding the Club hosts events like the debates and organizes field trips. (photos Bethany Knight)