House: 139th District
CANDIDATES
Kevin Ryan, Democrat

Endorsed - View The Day Editorial Endorsement
Occupation
Legislator/College Teacher
Town
Oakdale
Incumbent
Yes
Contact
Phone: 860-848-0790
Email: ReelectRyan@aol.com
Age (as of Nov. 4, 2014)
62
Family
Education
B.A.:English; B.S. Biology -Villanova University B.S. Science; O.D.- Pennsylavania College of Optometry Master in Community Psychology- University of New Haven
Civic Involvement
New London Elks Montville Rotary Knights of Columbus Board of Alliance for Living Big Brother Big Sisters Board Spirit of Broadway Board Puynam Science Academy Advisory Board Peace Institute Advisory Board Bethsaida Community
Elected/appointed offices held
Montville Board of Education Justice of the Peace
Other government service
Member of Nuclear Energy Advisory Council
What makes you the best candidate for this office?
I believe that my backgrounds in education, healthcare as well as my business experience provide me with knowledge in areas of great concern for the people of the district. I have also worked with non-profits which offer another perspective to the needs of people in Southeastern Connecticut. Having served as a legislator for a number of years also provides me with the institutional knowledge on how to work effectively in state government and with local municipalities in a bipartisan manner which best serves the needs of the region.
Estimates of the state's unfunded pension and benefit liability for retired teachers and state employees are in the tens of billions of dollars. Should the state continue offering a defined benefit pension plan or switch to some type of 401(k) defined contribution plan, which has become standard in the private sector? Please explain why you do or do not support such a change.
The state has worked to fully fund the state pension system in recent years and I will work to help ensure that we continue to do so. There should be better oversight of both private and public pension plans to ensure they are properly managed to ensure that pensions are secure. I am not sure how a defined contribution plan serves our retirees in both the private and public sector as they get older especially in economic times such as we have recently experienced where their plan does might not provide them the income they need to survive. Will they be in a position to make necessary investment decisions later in life? I am concerned about how a defined contribution will provide security for retirees in their well-deserved retirement which they should be able to enjoy. It should also be noted that in a recent debate that both candidates for governor noted that moving state employees into a 401(k) type retirement plan would not save the state money.
If a bill came before the General Assembly to repeal or amend the gun control law passed last session after the school shootings in Newtown, would you vote to amend the law? If so, what would you want to change?
Considering that the bill passed by a large majority, I doubt that any attempt to repeal the bill would be successful or even attempted. I do believe that efforts to enhance the mental health aspects of the bill will emerge to provide better and more accessible mental health services to our youth as well as adults. These should be ongoing efforts which I would support. I would also allow for an amnesty period for gun owners who wanted to register their guns but missed the registration deadline to do so.
Jonathan C. Gilman, Republican

Occupation
Self Employed/Owner Gilman Financial Services
Town
Gilman
Incumbent
No
Contact
Phone: 860-222-3296
Email: jonathangilman01@gmail.com
Age (as of Nov. 4, 2014)
61
Family
Divorced 2 Sons Nathan 34, Nicholas 28
Education
B.A. Political Science Baldwin-Wallace University Working on MBA Jones International University (will finish in Dec)
Civic Involvement
Bozrah RTC Chairman Past Member 19th Senatorial State Central Committee Vice-Chairman Grassroots East Chairman GRE Training and Education Committee
Elected/appointed offices held
Bozrah Board of Education Justice of the Peace Past Member ZBA
Other government service
None
What makes you the best candidate for this office?
I would make a good candidate for State Representative because I want to make my state the best in New England. I know what it takes to be a leader that cares about his constituents. Using common sense and vision to anticipate problems and look for solutions to the core problems not just dealing with the symptoms. I would develop a list of top priorities that government should provide and budget for them. I will listen to all sides of an issue and vote not by party line but what is in the best interests of all the citizens of Connecticut. I will stand up for those who don't have a voice and be an advocate of the weak and disenfranchised. I will work across the aisle and find common ground so compromise is not a bad word, but a way to build trust and a spirit of cooperation with my colleges in the House. It is time to provide a fresh set of eyes and new ideas to a governing body that has had the same people elected over and over again and producing poor results.
Estimates of the state's unfunded pension and benefit liability for retired teachers and state employees are in the tens of billions of dollars. Should the state continue offering a defined benefit pension plan or switch to some type of 401(k) defined contribution plan, which has become standard in the private sector? Please explain why you do or do not support such a change.
I would provide a choice for all new employees. If they want to manage their own funds and have the state administer the 457 plan or be part of the current plan that is failing. I would make the option less favorable to take the DB option.
If a bill came before the General Assembly to repeal or amend the gun control law passed last session after the school shootings in Newtown, would you vote to amend the law? If so, what would you want to change?
I would change the provisions that would make honest hard working citizens felons and often without their knowledge. I would work hard to provide real solutions to the Newtown tragedy which relate more to mental health issues and not taking away 2nd amendment rights to give the impression that something was done to fix the problem.
Election News
Election complaint in Norwich mayoral race dismissed
An election complaint filed by then-mayoral candidate Peter Nystrom against petitioning candidate Jon Oldfield was dismissed Wednesday, and Oldfield said he is "furious" and is considering a...
Richards, de la Cruz qualify for state campaign financing
Incumbent Democratic State Rep. Joe de la Cruz and his Republican challenger Ken Richards, have qualified for public campaign financing through the state's Citizens' Election Program.
State coming up with ways to spend $5.1 million to prevent election tampering
Connecticut's secretary of the state is tasking a group of local, state and federal officials to come up with the best way to invest $5.1 million in federal funds to protect the state from cyber...
Soto will seek second term representing New London in Hartford
Freshman state lawmaker Chris Soto, D- New London, announced this week he would seek a second term representing the 39th District.
Donahue qualifies for state campaign financing
Chris Donahue of Pawcatuck, one of the two candidates for the Democratic nomination to run for state representative from the 43rd District, has announced that he has qualified for public campaign...
Seaside might have hotel developer before election

The outcome of the selection process for a hotel developer at Seaside could be an issue in the race for the 20th District state Senate seat.
Republican John Scott qualifies for Citizens’ Election Program
John Scott, a Republican candidate for the 40th District House seat, announced last week that his campaign has reached the necessary fundraising threshold to qualify for the state Citizens' Election...
Kelley qualifies for public campaign financing grant
Dan Kelley of Pawcatuck, one of the candidates seeking the Democratic nomination to run for the 18th District state Senate seat now held by Republican Heather Somers, has announced that he has...
Pay New London's mayor more money
Many of the city department heads make more than the mayor they report to.
Norwich Republican announces plan to run for 139th state House seat
A Marine veteran and sales manager for AT&T announced plans Thursday to seek the Republican party nomination to challenge long-term incumbent state Rep. Kevin Ryan in the 139th state House...
Cynthia Nixon's political debut puts gay rights in spotlight

Cynthia Nixon's entry in NY governor's race puts gay rights, Cuomo's record on issue in spotlight
Washington lawmakers keep their state of Connecticut medical plans
Gubernatorial candidate Tim Herbst cites five former Connecticut lawmakers who have stayed on the state's medical plan for retirees, because it is so generous.
Democrat's dilemma: An energized left or moderation

Democrats face a conundrum in some midterm campaigns as the party tries to decide whether liberals, moderates or some combination are best to take on Republicans in GOP territory where President...
State Rep.Christine Conley qualifies for Citizens’ Election Program
State Rep. Christine Conley, D-Groton, has qualified for the Citizens' Election Program, which provides public financing to candidates who demonstrate support from residents in their local district.
Mastroianni seeks GOP nod to run for 43rd District House seat
Republican Shaun Mastroianni, a member of the Stonington Planning and Zoning Commission and a borough burgess, is seeking his party’s nomination to run for the 43rd District state...
Second Democrat announces intention to run for Urban's seat
Chris Donahue, 29, of Pawcatuck announced Friday that he will be seeking the Democratic nomination to run for the seat which represents Stonington and North Stonington.
Carney, Pugliese to run for 23rd District state House seat
State Rep. Devin Carney, R-Old Lyme, and Matt Pugliese, a Democrat, have announced that they are running for the 23rd General Assembly District that covers Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and part of...
McKenney, Cheeseman running for 37th District state House seat
Incumbent state Rep. Holly Cheeseman, R-East Lyme, a Republican, and Salem Selectman Hugh McKenney, a Democrat, have announced their candidacy for the 37th General Assembly District. The district...
Andy Lockwood to launch campaign Tuesday for 46th District state rep seat
Republican Andy Lockwood plans to announce Tuesday he is seeking to run for the 46th District state representative seat.
Bob Statchen to seek Democratic endorsement for 18th District state Senate seat
Democrat Bob Statchen of Stonington has announced he will be seeking his party’s nomination to run for the 18th District state Senate seat held by Republican Heather Somers of Groton.
Boughton campaign announces endorsements from local officials
A group of more than two dozen local officials and grass-roots Republican leaders this week endorsed Mark Boughton for governor, Boughton's campaign announced Tuesday.
Urban announces she will not seek 10th term in General Assembly

State Rep. Diana Urban, D-North Stonington, announced Sunday that she will not seek a 10th term this fall but instead be supporting former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz’s bid for...
Retired Norwich policeman to run against Osten in 19th Senate District
Retired Norwich police Detective Mark Lounsbury will seek the Republican nomination to challenge three-term incumbent Democratic state Sen. Cathy Osten in the 19th Senate District this fall.
Kelley subject of election complaint, says old data led to address error
Dan Kelley of Pawcatuck, the lone announced Democratic candidate for the 18th District state Senate seat held by Republican Heather Somers is the subject of an Elections Enforcement Commission...
Former state Rep. John Scott announces run for 40th District seat
Republican former state Rep. John Scott of Mystic has launched a campaign for a seat in the 40th General Assembly District, which covers sections of Groton and Ledyard.
Daniel Kelley to seek Democratic nomination to run for 18th District state Senate seat
A recently retired corrections officer from Pawcatuck who has served on the Groton City Council, is the first Democrat to say he is seeking his party’s nomination to challenge Republican...
Needleman, Ziobron run for 33rd District state Senate seat
Essex First Selectman Norm Needleman, a Democrat, and State Rep. Melissa Ziobron, R-East Haddam, announced that they are running for election to the 33rd State Senate District. The district covers...
State Sen. Heather Somers announces re-election bid for 2018
State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton announced Thursday she will seek re-election to the 18th District.
Cheeseman endorses Boughton for governor
State Rep. Holly Cheeseman, R-East Lyme, is among a group of elected officials and Republican leaders that have endorsed Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton for governor.
East Lyme Democrats to host three candidates for attorney general
The Democratic Town Committee will host the three Democratic candidates for attorney general: Chris Mattei; State Rep. Mike D’Agostino, D-Hamden; and State Rep. William Tong, D-Stamford, at 7...
Businessman Lamont launching candidacy for governor of Connecticut
Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont is launching another bid for the Democratic nomination for governor
Russian pollster stops publishing results on elections

Russia's major independent polling agency says it has stopped publishing results of opinion polls on the upcoming presidential election, fearing legal repercussions
Wooden, Linares open campaigns for treasurer
Shawn Wooden, the former president of the Hartford City Council, and state Sen. Art Linares, R-Westbrook, have opened campaigns to succeed Treasurer Denise L. Nappier, the Democrat who announced last...
New Mashantucket tribal councilors inaugurated
Two new members of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council — Latoya Cluff and Matthew Pearson, both of whom were elected in November — took oaths of office Tuesday.
Groton charter proposal petition has more than 800 signatures
A group of residents seeking to petition the Charter Revision Commission report to referendum has collected more than 800 signatures, nearly half the number needed to place the question on the ballot.