CT Rep. Billy Buckbee Receives Unanimous Nomination

Press release from the Office of Rep. Billy Buckbee: On Thursday night, New Milford Republicans asked Rep. Billy Buckbee to continue his service as State Representative to the 67th House District. Buckbee accepted the unanimous nomination at a virtual convention. Initially elected to the House of Representatives in the fall of 2016, Buckbee will look to return to Hartford for his third term.

“Representing the Town of New Milford is the greatest honor of my life,” said Buckbee. “While the current circumstances of the pandemic have certainly tested our mettle, I have seen how resilient New Milford can be in these times of uncertainty. The pandemic has compounded many issues the state had been facing prior to the outbreak, but I accept the challenge of providing a clear pathway ahead as we reopen and rebuild.”

A fourth generation New Milfordite, Buckbee and his family have organized several local events and charitable fundraising for local and state-wide initiatives, as well as countless hours of volunteer work within the community. He has spent his lifetime coaching youth sports in New Milford, including basketball, baseball and football, volunteering on the fire department, on town committees, and most recently working to help those with mental health issues.

During his time of service at the State Capitol, Buckbee has illustrated true leadership. In 2017, he led the charge to pass a historic bipartisan budget, which helped create the budget reserve funds that will be used to offset financial damages caused by the pandemic.

Buckbee brings his acute business sense with him to Hartford. Working strongly with local business owners and economic development, his concern with building the economy is paramount. He hosted a local job fair at the John Pettibone Community Center to help New Milford residents get back to work. Buckbee also established “New Milford Day” at the State Capitol which is an annual event showcasing the businesses, nonprofit organizations and services the town has to offer so that the entire state can see why New Milford is the best town in the U.S.A.

Buckbee is a staunch advocate for those fighting the awful grips of addiction and has introduced legislation to increase the access to recovery resources and create tougher penalties for the crime of selling and distributing illegal substances. Buckbee has spent the last year working with local families and legislators on both sides of the aisle to ensure we keep our communities safe from drugs and find assistance for those with illness.

He also worked to defeat an everchanging state-wide tolling plan and continues to advocate for commuter rail as an additional means of transportation for New Milford residents and tourists. “I have met with the DOT Commissioner, spoken with the Governor, and will continue to fight until we can get funds as the train brings strong economic vitality and increased property values to the town we love,” said Rep. Buckbee.

Buckbee is currently employed as the Executive Director of Harrybrooke Park, which is known as the ‘hidden gem’ of New Milford, and also owns a small business. Buckbee also serves the community as a Justice of the Peace.

This press release was produced by Office of Rep. Billy Buckbee. The views expressed here are the author's own.