NEWS
DATE: 10/03/24
Cohen Quiet While Senate Hopeful Crisci
Sounds Alarm on Crime
In many areas of Connecticut, concerns about crime have usually been a low-profile issue, especially in small rural towns with smaller populations. One area relatively immune to high-profile crimes is District 12, which includes rural towns like North Branford, Killingworth, Durham, and Middlefield, along with shoreline towns such as Branford, Guilford, Madison, and parts of East Haven. In recent years, most crimes in these areas have been limited to petty theft and occasional domestic disputes. However, concerns about crime in the state and District 12 have become more pronounced despite claims that crime statistics indicate a decline.
When asked if they felt crime was decreasing, a Guilford resident stated, “I have always felt safe in Guilford, and fortunately, I have not experienced crime myself, but I keep hearing about crimes in our area on police blotters and in the news, which makes me concerned that things have been changing.” Another Branford resident added, “I keep hearing crime is down, but I guess the car thieves haven’t gotten the memo because I’ve had my car broken into twice.”
Recent weeks have seen several atypical crimes in District 12. Most notably, last week, News 12 reported a federal raid in East Haven, resulting in what was termed the largest drug bust in the state’s history, involving over a hundred thousand counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. Authorities also confiscated a pill press capable of producing one hundred thousand dangerous counterfeit pills per hour. These pills, disguised as popular medications, actually contained fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine—substances responsible for numerous overdoses and tragic deaths. U.S. Postal Inspection Service Officer Ketty Larco-Ward stated, “This operation disrupted a significant source of illicit pills destined for our neighborhood.” Investigators believe many of these counterfeit pills had already reached Connecticut streets.
Senate hopeful Crisci expressed his concerns, stating, “This is just one of many issues that the majority leadership in Hartford has put us in regarding crime.” He reminded everyone that this was a major reason he decided to run in 2022 and is runningagain in 2024. “I grew up in the Bronx, New York, during the seventies and eighties when crime was at an all-time high, and never once was I a victim of crime,” he noted. “Now, living in Branford, I have personally been a victim of two car break-ins, and my daughter’s home was robbed.” Crisci pointed out that similar reports have become common in his neighborhood over the past two years.
Crisci indicated that it was only a matter of time before criminals became bolder, citing that the acceptance of petty crimes often leads to more serious offenses like car theft and drug trafficking. “It’s becoming acceptable to overlook the signs of what will inevitably become larger issues. Criminals are opportunistic; if given an inch, they will take a foot until someone holds them accountable.” He highlighted an incident on September 20th when police responded to a robbery at Stop & Shop, where a thief driving a stolen Kia Sportage stole an elderly woman’s purse. “It’s only a purse snatching until something goes wrong. Are we really going to wait until someone dies?” he emphasized.
Crisci also referenced a shocking incident reported by the Branford Police blotter, where three suspects were arrested in connection with a violent assault and torture that occurred in Branford on September 1st. An unnamed victim suffered severe abuse, including being slashed, set on fire, and sexually assaulted. “Does anyone see a disturbing trend?” Crisci asked. “These aren’t just kids stealing candy; they are dangerous crimes that could happen to any of us. Yet my opponent, Senator Christine Cohen, is sending out campaign mail touting her special interest record. It is her job to support law enforcement by voting for legislation that holds criminals accountable, not tying the hands of our police.” He reminded, “Our towns do not have boundaries. Crime will continue to find its way into every town if we don’t do something about it.”
NEWS
DATE: 9/19/24
Utility Bill Shock Becomes an Inconvenient Issue During Election Season
Connecticut Republicans have sounded the alarm, demanding explanations and solutions from Governor Lamont as constituents voice their frustrations. Senator Republican leader Harding (R) and House Minority Leader Vinny Candelora (R), among other GOP figures, have called for a special session to address the crisis. However, Democrats have largely remained quiet, with Senator Looney (D) accusing Republicans of attempting to score political points during this contentious election season. Looney stated, “They’re looking to take advantage, scapegoating Democrats for 2017, and now all of a sudden, they want to run away from it. Republicans are banking on the complexity to simplify and take political advantage.”
In the midst of this political back-and-forth, Senate hopeful Paul Crisci has stepped forward with both concerns and proposed solutions. A two-time candidate for the District 12 senate seat, Crisci remarked, “I can’t say I often agree with the views of Senator Looney, but I do agree that this is nothing new. Everyone involved knew this was an issue, and many chose to ignore it.” Crisci emphasized that two key questions demand answers: how Connecticut arrived at its current situation and who is responsible for the various pass-through fees inflating electric bills.
Crisci highlighted the fundamental issue at stake: the management of taxpayers’ dollars. “Electricity just happens to be the issue of the moment, but the core issue is how Majority leadership in Hartford is handling finances,” he stated. During his 2022 campaign, Crisci raised concerns about the state’s fiscal management, only to be dismissed as “clueless.” He insists that what the politicians label a “rainy day fund” is instead a redirection of ARPA funds, federal aid meant to help states during the pandemic.
“Connecticut received $2.8 billion in ARPA funds from the U.S. Treasury Department. Why were these funds not used to pay the moratorium fees Governor Lamont instituted during the COVID crisis?” Crisci questioned. He emphasized the controversial “Public Benefit Charge” listed on Eversource bills, urging scrutiny of how long the Democratic majority has been in power without addressing these concerns. Crisci expressed frustration over the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure charges that appear on Eversource bills also as a “public benefit charge”. “Residents are being asked to pay for infrastructure that should be funded by the already high vehicle property taxes Connecticut residents pay,” he argued. “Considering more than 90% of residents have shown little or no interest in owning an electric vehicle, it seems unfair.”
Moreover, Crisci criticized Senator Cohen’s push for a 100% electric vehicle mandate by banninggas-powered vehicles no later than 2035, calling it a potential burden that could lead to even higher costs for taxpayers.
NEWS
DATE: 9/17/24
PAUL CRISCI, CANDIDATE, 12TH SENATE DISTRICT-
Information Regarding Cohen – Crisci Debate Scheduling
As many of you know, Paul Crisci’s state senate campaign was slated to have a town hall event, “Pizza with Paul,” on Monday, September 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Shortly after advertising this event, we were contacted by the Women’s League of Voters regarding a scheduled debate with opponent Senator Christine Cohen. The Women’s League of Voters had a target date of Tuesday, October 22nd, for our debate, stating that the Guilford Community Center was limited on dates available due to prior reservations.
Due to concerns that the debate would occur after early voting begins on October 21st, the Paul Crisci campaign offered to forgo our event at the Guilford Community Center on September 23rd. This would allow the debate between Paul Crisci and Senator Cohen to take place earlier, giving voters more time to reflect, research, and make an informed decision for the District 12 state senate race. Unfortunately, after some deliberation and conferring with Senator Cohen’s campaign, the Women’s League of Voters informed us that the date change would not be an option. Although we are disappointed, we respect the decision of the Women’s League of Voters and the Cohen Campaign and accept the later debate date of October 22nd.
Unfortunately, due to the delayed response to these events, the “Pizza with Paul” event has been rescheduled for October 2nd at the Stony Creek Brewery from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Radio host Vinnie Penn will be hosting the event, and Senator Cohen will receive a formal invitation to join us for discussions about our towns, district, and state.
We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing all of you, as well as Senator Cohen, on Wednesday, October 2nd, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
NEWS
DATE: 9/12/24
PAUL CRISCI, CANDIDATE, 12TH SENATE DISTRICT-
Common Sense Candidate Crisci Proposes Purpose-Driven State Legislation
A “Purpose Driven State” is how one candidate is beginning to rise above the rhetoric and capture the attention of many moderate, commonsense voters. His name is Paul Crisci, and he is making his second run at the District 12 state senate seat currently occupied by three-time incumbent Christine Cohen. For anyone not familiar with the District 12 area of responsibility, it encompasses the towns of Branford, Madison, North Branford, Killingworth, Durham, and Guilford, with portions of Middlefield and East Haven.
In 2022, Crisci ran on a message of “common sense,” something both Democrats and even some Republicans questioned the substance of. Crisci eventually lost but surprised many with a substantial voter count of over 21,000 votes. Now, in 2024, it seems Crisci has refined his platform with a substantive message he refers to as “Project 18-29 and Beyond,” something the second-time District 12 senate candidate hopes will resonate with voters. When Crisci was asked to define his messaging, he replied, “It’s about creating a purpose-driven state for residents, and it all starts with our young adults.”
Crisci went on to say, “Over the past decade, we have slowly but surely lost our identity as a state.” He continued, “Through repeated failures by Hartford’s majority leadership, the state of Connecticut is now unfortunately known for one thing: being too expensive to live in.”
Crisci was criticized in 2022 when he repeatedly took aim at price increases in gas, food, and even utility bills. Now, two years later, Crisci reminds voters that he wasn’t so wrong after all, referring to the inflation issues seen over the past two years affecting many residents in District 12 towns.
When asked what “Project 18-29 and Beyond” was, he explained, “It is a plan that offers Connecticut young adults between the ages of 18 to 29 (and now 34) high-paying, welltrained jobs in Connecticut.” When asked how he plans to get businesses to agree to his proposed legislation, he said, “That’s the easy part. Project 18-29 and Beyond will incentivize businesses by offering them a stair-step tax relief on their Connecticut state taxes. The higher the salary, the greater the job training, the more the business can enjoy tax discounts in their yearly filings.”
Crisci continued, “And that’s not the only incentive. Young adults ages 18 to 34 will be encouraged to buy homes by offering a range of tax-free opportunities when purchasing their homes, including ‘no tax’ on any upgrades made to the home in the first year of ownership. They will also be free of tax when purchasing furniture or covering other moving expenses.” Crisci furthered his explanation by offering a few other incentives, including but not limited to a tax write-off for first-time automotive buyers and first mortgages.
NEWS
DATE: 9/5/24
PAUL CRISCI, CANDIDATE, 12TH SENATE DISTRICT-
Is Second Time the Charm for Cohen-Challenger Crisci?
As summer vacations are coming to a close, college students are packing their bags, and school shopping is in full swing, there is one other item of business residents of District 12 and Connecticut will have to contend with — the 2024 election rematch. While a Biden versus Trump matchup would have been entertaining, current circumstances only allow us to wonder what might have been. But never fear. As fate would have it, residents of District 12 will still have a front-row seat to another rematch: Senator Christine Cohen versus her two-time opponent, Paul Crisci.
Two years ago, relatively unknown Paul Crisci, a resident of Branford, threw his hat in the proverbial political ring against then-two-time incumbent Senator Christine Cohen of Guilford. Crisci announced his run for the District 12 State Senate seat on April 1, 2022. Considering he did not immediately seek party endorsement and seemed to come out of nowhere, many political figures, including Republicans, thought it was an April Fools’ Day joke. To everyone’s surprise, Crisci was not only serious but burst onto the political scene like a bull in a china shop. Self-funding his campaign and leveraging his years of marketing skill with a message of “No Politics…Just Common Sense,” Paul Crisci made waves with a campaign presence not often seen in Connecticut’s local elections.
His seemingly moderate common sense approach resonated at a time when many Connecticut residents were lamenting the absence of common sense governance, with issues concerning parental rights, police oversight, crime, and rising costs of everyday necessities at the forefront. Crisci’s timing appeared to be a win for his messaging. However, many challenged his tagline of “No Politics… Just Common Sense,” arguing it was not a winning platform. Crisci responded to his critics assertively, stating, “Ask me a question, and I will give you a common sense answer and, more importantly, a solution.”
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE DATE: 9/5/24
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PAUL CRISCI, CANDIDATE, 12TH SENATE DISTRICT-
PAUL CRISCI RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT FROM CONNECTICUT FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE FOR DISTRICT 12 STATE SENATE
Paul Crisci is the Republican-endorsed candidate for State Senate District 12. District 12 represents East Haven, Branford, North Branford, Guilford, Madison, Durham, Killingworth, and Middlefield communities. Photo courtesy Paul Crisci for State Senate District 12
A letter of endorsment for Paul Crisci from Sgt. John Flynn, President of the Connecticut State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police. Click on the letter to view.
Branford, Connecticut – Paul Crisci, the candidate for District 12 State Senate, is proud to announce that he has received the endorsement of the Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police. This marks the second time Crisci has earned this significant support, reaffirming his commitment to law enforcement and public safety in the state.
In a letter from Sgt. John Flynn, President of the Connecticut State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, the organization highlighted Crisci’s dedication to making Connecticut a safer state for both its citizens and law enforcement officers. Sgt. Flynn expressed confidence that Crisci’s leadership in the State Senate would be a tremendous asset to Connecticut.
“The State Lodge has over 2,400 members and 30 lodges statewide. Our membership believes that as a State Senator, you will be a tremendous asset to the citizens of the State of Connecticut and CT law enforcement officers,” Flynn stated in the endorsement letter. Crisci responded to the endorsement with deep appreciation: “I’m honored to be endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police for the second time. This support renews my steadfast commitment to ensuring that law enforcement in Connecticut is always represented at our State Capitol.”
Public safety remains the cornerstone of Crisci’s campaign. He has consistently emphasized that a lack of support for the police can lead to undermine the peace and security of Connecticut communities. Crisci highlighted a recent incident in Connecticut in early August where fentanyl was found being sold in marijuana products to unsuspecting customers. Fentanyl is deadly in even the smallest quantities, making it a significant threat to public health and safety. Without the intervention of law enforcement, this situation could have had fatal consequences. “This incident underscores the critical need to support our police during this pivotal time in our nation,” Crisci said. “Without their vigilance, deadly situations like these would go unchecked, putting countless lives at risk.”
“As a state senator, I pledge to continue my unwavering support for law enforcement,” Crisci said. “I will also work to revisit the police accountability legislation to ensure that all first responders are safe on the line of duty, supported, and operating with peace of mind. It is crucial that we, as legislators, remain proactive rather than reactive when it comes to maintaining community safety.”
With the endorsement from the Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police, Paul Crisci’s campaign for District 12 State Senate continues to gain momentum as he advocates for a safer, stronger Connecticut. For more information on Paul Crisci’s campaign, please visit https://pcforct.com
About Paul Crisci: Paul Crisci is a dedicated public servant with a strong commitment to public safety and supporting law enforcement. His campaign for District 12 State Senate focuses on proactive legislation to maintain community safety and ensure law enforcement officers have the support they need to keep Connecticut safe.
Paul Crisci is a candidate for State Senate District 12, representing East Haven, Branford, North Branford, Guilford, Madison, Durham, Killingworth, and Middlefield communities.
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE DATE: 5/20/24
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PAUL CRISCI, CANDIDATE, 12TH SENATE DISTRICT-
Crisci Announces Unanimous Convention Endorsement for State Senate District 12
Paul Crisci is the Republican-endorsed candidate for State Senate District 12. District 12 represents East Haven, Branford, North Branford, Guilford, Madison, Durham, Killingworth, and Middlefield communities. Photo courtesy Paul Crisci for State Senate District 12
Paul Crisci, the Republican candidate for State Senate District 12, announced May 16 that the Republican Nominating Committee in Branford unanimously endorsed him on May 14, making him the Republican-endorsed candidate for District 12 State Senate.
Ed Boughton, delegate and former chairman of the North Branford Republicans, seconded the nomination of Paul Crisci at the convention.
“Paul Crisci has fought for the values of Connecticut Residents, and I do not doubt Paul will reflect all of our values when he gets to Hartford as an advocate and lawmaker for the people of District 12,” Boughton said.
“First, thank you to everyone who nominated me, but more importantly, to those who believed in what we accomplished in 2022,“ Crisci said. ”Although it wasn’t the result we all hoped for, we drew the attention of tens of thousands of residents of District 12 with our ‘no politics, just common sense’ message. I will continue to advocate for common sense when addressing issues that are top of mind for our families and working-class citizens of the district. I’m excited to hear from all the residents of District 12 on the campaign trail, and looking forward to earning their vote on November 5.”
Crisci is the Republican-endorsed candidate for State Senate District 12. District 12 represents East Haven, Branford, North Branford, Guilford, Madison, Durham, Killingworth, and Middlefield communities.