Conroy announces run for re-election

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Beacon Falls Democratic Town Committee Chairman and Selectman Peter Betkoski, left, introduces state Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-105) Tuesday at Beacon Falls Town Hall. Conroy announced her candidacy for re-election. –LUKE MARSHALL
Beacon Falls Democratic Town Committee Chairman and Selectman Peter Betkoski, left, introduces state Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-105) Tuesday at Beacon Falls Town Hall. Conroy announced her candidacy for re-election. –LUKE MARSHALL

BEACON FALLS — Democrat Theresa Conroy is hoping to continue her work representing the 105th House District.

“I feel I am the best person in the district to go up to Hartford, advocate for people’s needs down here, and make sure that I am not only advocating, but actually bringing things back to the district,” Conroy said.

Conroy, 59, announced her candidacy for re-election Tuesday night at Beacon Falls Town Hall. If re-elected, Conroy would win a third consecutive term and fourth overall representing the 105th District, which covers Beacon Falls, Seymour and parts of Derby.

Conroy was first elected to the seat in 2008, then again in 2012. Most recently, in 2014, Conroy defeated Republican challenger Robert Willis for the seat. Conroy, a Seymour resident, also served on the Seymour Board of Selectmen from 2011 to 2013.

Conroy said she is running for office again because she wants to continue to work for her constituents.

“For me it’s about giving back to my community,” Conroy said.

Conroy retired as an advanced practice registered nurse from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in 2007. Conroy said she uses her nursing background to help her tackle one of the biggest problems currently facing the state.

“One of my big things that I am fighting right now is the heroin and opioid crisis in the state,” Conroy said. “When I hear that at least one person a day is dying in our state it’s something that needs to be done.”

Conroy said she is working with first responder groups to ensure that all first responders are carrying Narcan, a medicine that helps alleviate the effects of an overdose, in their vehicles.

Beacon Falls Democratic Town Committee Chairman Peter Betkoski, who is also a selectman, and First Selectman Chris Bielik spoke highly of Conroy’s ability to get things done for the district.

Betkoski said Conroy has represented the district very well and brought grants to her towns.

“It’s easy to endorse Theresa because of her record,” Betkoski said.

Bielik pointed out the work Conroy did in re-opening Cold Spring Road. The road had been closed by the Connecticut Department of Transportation due to concerns about its proximity to a rail line. Conroy was able to help convince the DOT to re-open the road, Bielik said.

“That’s the kind of action she does. She protects our interests. She wants to know what’s on our minds. As soon as you pick up that phone and call, she is on it and will get back to you. She will do whatever it takes to make her constituents have a satisfactory outcome, just like in her healthcare days,” Bielik said.

Republican Nicole Klarides-Ditria, deputy first selectman in Seymour, intends to challenge for the seat.