Perillo Wins 113th District, Will Serve 4th Term

Update, 10:36 p.m.

Jason Perillo won the election for the 113th Assembly District and will serve his fourth term representing Shelton in Hartford.

At the Republican Headquarters Tuesday night, Perillo thanked his supporters, campaign staff and family.

"I'm very, very grateful to the residents of Shelton for the opportunity to go to Hartford and fight for their interests," he said. "My parents and grandparents taught me about public service is -- that you have to live it -- and that's what I try to do."

Original Story

In the race for the 113th district, three-term incumbent Republican Jason Perillo is being challenged by Democrat Elaine Matto.

Jason Perillo is a Shelton native who began his volunteer career with the city's Echo Hose Ambulance in 1999, serving as Chief from January 2004 through 2008. Prior to being elected to the State House, Jason served as Vice-Chairman of Shelton's Tax Board, as a member of the city's Planning and Zoning Commission, and as a member of the Board of Aldermen.

In his announcement to run for re-election, Perillo cited past successes along with his desire to do more for Shelton in the next term.

“Particularly in this economy, there is much at stake for Shelton residents. Now is not the time for tax increases. Given that the state’s financial picture is bleak, I will be proposing budget cuts this session that do not put jobs at risk. We need to remove regulations and bureaucratic red tape that holds employers back and prevents them from hiring workers.”

Elaine Matto is a registered nurse and case manager at St. Vincent's Medical Center. The Shelton Democratic Party's website says Matto is running for State Representative "because she is very concerned about the direction we are heading." Part of her candidate statement (posted in the Huntington Herald) is as follows:

"In 25 years of nursing, I have served people from all walks of life, young and old, rich and poor, caring for them over periods of months and even years, as they struggle with life's greatest challenges. It is astonishing, humbling and revelatory to be a part of these lives, to help, to know what they are up against, and to witness true heroism. Again and again, I see how the ways we are organized as a society can support or fail them."

Who are you voting for in this race and why?