Top state Democrats endorse Torrington mayoral candidate

https://www.rep-am.com/local/localnews/2021/08/31/top-state-democrats-endorse-torrington-mayoral-can

TORRINGTON — The city’s Democratic mayoral candidate received the endorsement of leading state Democrats on Monday.

U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-5th District, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and Attorney General William Tong endorsed Stephen Ivain.

Ivain and other Democratic candidates for city offices came together at Bad Dog Brewing Co. on Water Street for their annual summer picnic.

“COVID has taught us that municipal leadership is so very critical, and Steve not only has the finance and the business skills and managerial skills that he honed in his professional career in finance, he is a lifelong resident of Torrington and knows this town well,” Bysiewicz said in a video taken from the brewery and posted on the campaign website.

Ivain said Tuesday the support will mean “a new level of cooperation between our city and our Capitol to help our city move forward,” if he’s elected.

Ivain credited the state and Rep. Michelle L. Cook, D-Torrington, for increasing state funding for the city’s new middle/high school from 62% to 85%.

“We are going to use that (the new middle/high school) to attract new businesses and we will prosper because of that,” Ivain said. “It will take a lot of hard work, but you’re not voting for me because it’s easy, you’re voting for me because it is hard. We are going to do the heavy lifting.”