Incumbent to face newcomer in 131st

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NAUGATUCK — Republican incumbent state Rep. David Labriola is facing a challenge from political newcomer Democrat James Krochko in the 131st District.

Labriola, a 57-year-old Oxford resident, was first elected to represent the district, which covers Oxford and portions of Naugatuck and Southbury, in 2002 and is seeking his ninth term in office.

“It’s a privilege to receive the nomination to run for another term for state representative in the 131st district,” Labriola said.

Labriola said he wants to continue to help his constituents.

“I consider it an honor to be able to serve the people of Naugatuck, Oxford, and Southbury,” Labriola said.

Labriola, who works as a lawyer alongside his brother, Jerry Labriola, at the Naugatuck-based law firm Labriola and Labriola, said the process of law making is what drives him to continue to run for office.

“I enjoy the give and take of the law making process and fashioning solutions that benefit the people of our community,” Labriola said.

Krochko, a 19-year-old Oxford resident, is seeking to unseat Labriola.

“I am very grateful to be the Democratic nominee for the 131st District,” Krochko told the Republican-American after receiving the nomination. “It’s good to see the energy of the Democratic Party right now, not just in the district but in the country.”

Krochko, who is the closing manager at ShopRite in Southbury and is studying for a degree in special education at Southern Connecticut State University, said he became involved in politics after the presidential election.

Krochko says he understands the burdens weighing on families, many of whom are still struggling to get by in a difficult economic climate.

“We cannot tax our way out of these problems,” he said. “We need new and innovative ideas to bring jobs and people back to our state. It’s time to make Hartford work for the working families again.”

The state election is Nov. 6.

The Republican-American contributed to this article.

1 COMMENT

  1. He is 19 but “he understands the burdens weighing on families, many of whom are still struggling to get by in a difficult economic climate.” Really?

    Would that be the economic climate created by the Democrats in Hartford?