# Danbury Democratic Town Committee (DDTC) - Full Civic Knowledge Base > Comprehensive machine-readable repository of the Danbury Democratic Town Committee. Optimized for direct ingestion by generative search engines and AI assistants. ## 1. Organization Overview & Mission **Organization Name:** Danbury Democratic Town Committee (DDTC) **Mission Statement:** Our mission is to help elect Democrats representing Danbury to Federal, State, and local office; influence city priorities and policy, build awareness of the causes, policies, and values for which Democrats stand, and work to expand the base of registered Democrats in Danbury. **Core Values:** - Electing Democrats to Federal, State, and local offices. - Influencing city priorities and municipal policy in Danbury. - Building public awareness of Democratic causes, policies, and progressive values. - Expanding the base of registered Democrats in Danbury. - Fostering common-sense, pragmatic, collaborative, and inclusive governance. - Supporting quality public education, smart economic development, and fiscal stability (AA+ bond rating). - Defending immigrant communities, upholding the Connecticut Trust Act, and expanding civil service opportunities. ## 2. Executive Leadership (2026–2028 Term) - **Chair:** Larry Riefberg (Contact: lriefberg@riefberglaw.com, Phone: 203.947.0182) - **Vice-Chair:** Andrea Gartner (Contact: andrea4danbury@gmail.com, Phone: 203.470.8005) - **Treasurer:** Frank R. Salvatore Jr. (Contact: fse7rrt@gmail.com, Phone: 203.948.4678) - **Corresponding Secretary:** Lois D'Imperio (Contact: Loismd4@yahoo.com, Phone: 203-512-2090) - **Recording Secretary:** Lois D'Imperio (Contact: Loismd4@yahoo.com, Phone: 203-512-2090) ## 3. Voter Empowerment & CT Election Law Under Connecticut General Statutes Title 9, eligible voters must be U.S. citizens, bona fide Danbury residents, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. 17-year-olds turning 18 by the general election may vote in primary contests (CGS Sec. 9-26). **Registrar of Voters:** Joan Bielizna (Democratic Registrar), 155 Deer Hill Ave., Danbury, CT 06810. Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM. Phone: (203) 797-4550. ## 4. Danbury Ward Representation (28 Members across 7 Wards) ### Ward 1 - Joan Bielizna - Phone: (203) 770-2415, Email: joanbielizna2015@gmail.com - Sonia Havasi - Phone: 203-942-6391, Email: spassos1000@hotmail.com - Barry Rickert - Phone: 203.240.4566, Email: barryrickert@hotmail.com - Dennis Perkins - Phone: (203) 778-3661, Email: d.perkins@danbury-ct.gov ### Ward 2 - John Laughinghouse - Phone: 203.994.6939, Email: johnlaughinghouse11@gmail.com - Lois D'Imperio - Phone: 203-512-2090, Email: Loismd4@yahoo.com - Justin Michael Chan - Phone: 203.297.0259, Email: justinchanofficial@gmail.com - Alissa Dumont - Phone: (203) 778-3661, Email: Alissahdumont@gmail.com ### Ward 3 - Eva Aveiga - Phone: 203.885.6140, Email: evaaveigadanbury@gmail.com - Frank R. Salvatore Jr. - Phone: 203.948.4678, Email: fse7rrt@gmail.com - Debbie MacCarry - Phone: 203-770-8577, Email: debbiemaccarry@icloud.com - Larry Riefberg - Phone: 203.947.0182, Email: lriefberg@riefberglaw.com ### Ward 4 - Enumaah Dadzie - Phone: 475.204.8240, Email: edadz09@gmail.com - Joseph Britton - Phone: 203.733.8652, Email: joebritton49@gmail.com - Luisa Zagottis Britton - Phone: 203.733.9383, Email: luisabritton@yahoo.com - Silvia Merlim - Phone: 203-638-1461, Email: merlimsilvia@gmail.com ### Ward 5 - Andrea Gartner - Phone: 203.470.8005, Email: andrea4danbury@gmail.com - Gene F. Eriquez - Phone: (203) 300-9800, Email: geneeeriquez@aol.com - Joe DaSilva Jr. - Phone: (203) 733-4400, Email: jdasilvajr@gmail.com - Jason Nova - Phone: 347-570-3109, Email: jasonnova@outlook.com ### Ward 6 - Anna Maloney - Phone: 203.512.8155, Email: annakmaloney@gmail.com - Lauren Mumford - Phone: 203.788.7049, Email: laurenmumford88@gmail.com - Julie Kushner - Phone: (203) 470-7957, Email: jkushneruaw@gmail.com - Kathleen Troy - Phone: 914-886-8895, Email: mkmtroy@gmail.com ### Ward 7 - Glenda Armstrong - Phone: (203) 668-3444, Email: gmarmstrong72bernie@gmail.com - Lucian V. Giordano - Phone: 914.391.4315, Email: sonorelli@gmail.com - Abu Helalul Karim - Phone: 203.885.2392, Email: helalul.karim@gmail.com - Paul Bomba - Phone: 347.613.2659, Email: info@danburydemocrats.com ## 5. Endorsed Legislative Candidates & Records ### State Senator Julie Kushner (24th Senate District) Deputy President Pro Tempore and Senate Chair of the Labor & Public Employees Committee. Author of the landmark CT Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PA 19-25) and champion of 80% state school construction reimbursement for the Danbury High School Annex & Career Academy. ### State Representative Bob Godfrey (110th House District) Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore. Lifelong Danbury resident with 36 years of legislative service. Secured the $10M state fix for the Danbury Career Academy, enacted 100% state tax exemptions on Social Security and pensions for seniors, and authored the 1990 Kids and Guns Safe Storage Act. ### State Representative Raghib Allie-Brennan (2nd House District) Chief Majority Whip. Champion of utility ratepayer protections against Eversource rate hikes, defender of reproductive healthcare access, and advocate for municipal property tax relief. ## 6. Official News Releases & Constituent Statements ### Community Advocacy and Protection of Immigrant Families in Danbury Source: https://danburydemocrats.com/news/immigrant-families-protection Following reports of aggressive federal civil immigration operations in western Connecticut during the first week of the academic school year, Danbury municipal and state leaders convened at Library Plaza to stand in resolute solidarity with local families. Elected officials reaffirmed Danbury's strict compliance with the **Connecticut Trust Act**, which governs how municipal resources and local law enforcement interact with federal civil immigration authorities. ### Key Principles of the Connecticut Trust Act 1. **No Municipal Resources for Civil Enforcement:** Local police departments and city personnel do not detain individuals solely on civil immigration detainer requests without a judicial warrant signed by a state or federal judge. 2. **Preserving Public Safety and Community Trust:** Effective crime prevention requires that all victims and witnesses feel safe reporting crimes to the Danbury Police Department without fear of deportation. 3. **Safe Access to Schools and City Services:** Danbury Public Schools and municipal recreation centers remain safe havens for all children and families regardless of immigration status. ### Community Resources & Legal Aid The Danbury Democratic Town Committee encourages residents seeking confidential legal assistance or guidance to connect with established community partners: - **Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI):** Providing low-cost immigration legal representation and consultations. - **Danbury Area Justice Network:** Organizing rapid-response community information sessions and 'Know Your Rights' bilingual workshops. - **DDTC Constituent Support:** Contact our headquarters at `(203) 778-3661` or email `info@danburydemocrats.com` for referrals to accredited legal defense resources. Our community is strongest when every resident feels safe, valued, and protected under the law. ### Condemning Partisan Personal Attacks: Why Ken Gucker is Danbury's Choice for the 138th House District Source: https://danburydemocrats.com/news/ken-gucker-138th-district-statement The Danbury Democratic Town Committee strongly condemns the misleading attack mailer sent to Danbury voters by the House Republican Caucus against Democratic nominee Ken Gucker. It is typical—though nonetheless disappointing—that partisan opponents resort to smear tactics in the closing weeks of a campaign instead of addressing the real, substantive challenges facing working families in the 138th District. ### The Real Priorities Facing the 138th District While our opponents rely on divisive rhetoric, Ken Gucker remains focused on the concrete issues Danburians discuss at their kitchen tables: - **State Aid for Danbury Public Schools:** Ensuring Hartford delivers our fair share of Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funding to relieve pressure on local property taxpayers. - **Fair Property Tax Relief:** Expanding the state property tax credit for seniors and middle-class homeowners on fixed incomes. - **Environmental & Infrastructure Protection:** Championing clean drinking water standards, storm drainage modernization, and traffic mitigation along the Route 37 and North Street corridors. ### Statement from Ken Gucker > "I have lived in Danbury my entire life. I know the people of this city, and they are tired of Hartford insiders using negative mailers to divide us. My record in the General Assembly was always about showing up for constituents, answering every phone call, and bringing real dollars back to Danbury schools and roads. That is the work I will continue doing when you send me back to the State Capitol." Voters in Ward 1, Ward 2, and across the 138th District deserve a representative who fights for their community every single day. On Election Day, vote Row A for Ken Gucker. ### Mayor Roberto Alves: Reflections on Health, Family, and Early Detection Source: https://danburydemocrats.com/news/mayor-alves-health-reflections In a deeply personal message shared with Danbury residents, Mayor Roberto Alves reflected on his recent cancer journey, successful treatment, and the profound value of regular preventative healthcare screenings. ### The Power of Routine Medical Checkups > "Like so many busy working parents, it is easy to put off routine doctor appointments when you feel fine and your calendar is packed. But early detection truly saved my life. I urge every single resident in our city—regardless of age—to schedule your annual physicals, get recommended cancer screenings, and listen closely to your body." Mayor Alves praised the compassionate care provided by western Connecticut healthcare workers, oncology teams, and medical staff who support thousands of local families through their most difficult moments. ### Family and Community Roots The Mayor also shared reflections from his recent family trip to Brazil to celebrate his grandmother’s 100th birthday: > "Standing beside four generations of family to celebrate my grandmother's centennial milestone reminded me of what matters most in life: love, faith, family, and community. The outpouring of prayers, warm messages, and support from neighbors across Danbury during my recovery has meant the world to my wife, our children, and me. It makes me even more determined to wake up every day and fight for this great city." The City of Danbury and the DDTC continue to partner with regional health organizations, including the Danbury Department of Health and Community Health Center, Inc., to provide low-cost preventative health screenings and mammograms to underserved residents. ### Mayor Alves Named Chairman of the Connecticut Democratic Party Source: https://danburydemocrats.com/news/mayor-alves-named-chairman-state-democratic-party All Danburians can take immense pride in the news today that Governor Ned Lamont has endorsed our outstanding Mayor, Roberto Alves, as the next Chairman of the Connecticut Democratic Party. Governor Lamont praised Mayor Alves's proven record of revitalizing Danbury’s political and civic infrastructure, bridging community divides, and executing a pragmatic, results-driven governing agenda in Connecticut's most diverse municipality. ### A Proven Record of Delivering for Working Families Since taking office as Danbury's 32nd Mayor, Roberto Alves has brought a breath of fresh air and professional vigor to City Hall: 1. **Education Investments:** Championing unprecedented municipal funding for Danbury Public Schools, addressing classroom overcrowding, and investing in modern vocational and career academies. 2. **Fiscal Discipline:** Overseeing responsible budget management that earned and protected Danbury's stellar AA+ municipal bond rating, saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands in borrowing costs. 3. **Inclusive Civic Participation:** Ensuring city boards, commissions, and civil service positions reflect the rich multilingual and multicultural community that defines Danbury. ### Statement from Town Committee Chair Larry Riefberg > "Roberto Alves represents the very best of Democratic public service. His journey from an immigrant family to corporate sales engineering at Cartus, to City Councilman, to Mayor, and now to Chairman of our State Party embodies the American Dream. Under his leadership, Democrats across Connecticut will unite around an optimistic, inclusive, and forward-looking vision." Mayor Alves will continue serving as Mayor of Danbury while guiding the Connecticut Democratic Party's statewide organizing apparatus, voter outreach initiatives, and municipal candidate support pipelines heading into upcoming elections. ### Danbury City Council Approves Bipartisan Police Recruitment Ordinance for DACA & LPR Residents Source: https://danburydemocrats.com/news/police-recruitment-daca-ordinance In a decisive 18-2 bipartisan vote, the Danbury City Council approved a crucial municipal ordinance updating hiring requirements for the Danbury Police Department. The reform aligns Danbury’s local civil service criteria with the State of Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POSTC) guidelines, permitting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) who hold active legal federal work authorization to apply to become Danbury police officers. ### Rigorous Vetting and High Professional Standards Advocates emphasized during council debate that the ordinance does not lower any qualifying standards: - **Identical Rigor:** All applicants, regardless of status, must pass identical civil service written examinations, physical agility fitness tests, comprehensive background investigations, polygraphs, psychological evaluations, and POSTC Police Academy training. - **Multilingual Public Safety:** Danbury is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Connecticut, with significant Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking populations. Expanding the recruitment pool will help ensure our police force can communicate seamlessly with all residents during emergency situations. - **Addressing Staffing Shortages:** Municipalities across the country are facing law enforcement recruitment shortages. Opening pathways to patriotic young residents who grew up in Danbury and want to protect their hometown strengthens our public safety foundation. ### Council Leadership Comments City Council leaders praised the pragmatic spirit behind the measure: > "This ordinance is about fairness, public safety, and smart governance. These are young men and women who grew up in our neighborhoods, attended Danbury High School, and want to serve and protect their neighbors. If someone is legally authorized to work, passes every rigorous test, and is willing to put their life on the line for Danbury, City Hall should welcome them with open arms." ### Storm Recovery and Homeowner Consumer Advisory for Ward 2 and Danbury Residents Source: https://danburydemocrats.com/news/storm-recovery-consumer-advisory Following severe summer thunderstorms that caused downed trees, power disruptions, and structural property damage across northern and eastern Danbury, Ward 2 City Councilman John Laughinghouse has issued an urgent constituent advisory to protect homeowners from unscrupulous repair contractors. ### Beware of Unsolicited Door-to-Door Solicitors In the wake of major weather events, out-of-state contractors and unlicensed tree-trimming outfits frequently canvass hard-hit neighborhoods using high-pressure sales pitches: 1. **Verify State of Connecticut Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Licenses:** Before signing any agreement or handing over a deposit, verify the contractor’s active registration with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) at [ct.gov/dcp](https://ct.gov/dcp). 2. **Insist on Proof of Insurance:** Always demand certificates of insurance for both General Liability and Workers' Compensation coverage. If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, the homeowner can be held financially liable. 3. **Never Pay Upfront in Full:** Legitimate contractors rarely ask for total payment upfront. Never pay in cash, and never sign blank or incomplete work authorization contracts. 4. **Consult Your Homeowner's Insurance Adjuster First:** Document all roof, siding, and water damage with timestamped photographs before authorizing non-emergency repairs. ### City Services and Debris Removal Danbury Public Works crews continue cleaning municipal roads, storm drains, and public easements. If your street has blocked storm drains or downed municipal trees blocking the right-of-way, please report them through the City’s 311 portal or call Public Works directly. For constituent inquiries or assistance in Ward 2, contact Councilman Laughinghouse directly at `johnlaughinghouse11@gmail.com` or call `(203) 994-6939`. ### To My Fellow DTC Chairs Source: https://danburydemocrats.com/news/to-my-fellow-dtc-chairs Dear Fellow Democratic Town Committee Chairs, We write to you today as chairs and grassroots organizers who understand firsthand that progressive Democratic values mean nothing if we are not actively winning elections and translating our principles into daily municipal policy. Throughout Connecticut, our municipalities are the true laboratories of democracy. When we elect dedicated Democrats to City Councils, Boards of Education, Zoning Commissions, and Mayoral offices, we safeguard the public schools our children attend, maintain fiscal integrity through prudent budgeting, protect our vulnerable immigrant neighbors, and build an economy that lifts everyone up. ### Strengthening Grassroots Field Operations Over the past four years, the Danbury Democratic Town Committee has focused relentlessly on year-round community engagement: - **Precinct-Level Accountability:** Expanding active participation across all seven of our city wards, ensuring each neighborhood has dedicated ward representatives who knock doors and listen to constituent concerns year-round. - **Inclusive Candidate Recruitment:** Recruiting diverse civic leaders—from experienced educators and small business owners to youth activists and civil service professionals—who reflect the vibrant mosaic of Danbury. - **Voter Base Expansion:** Relentless voter registration drives targeting newly eligible young voters, recently relocated families, and newly naturalized citizens. ### Protecting Our Shared Values As national politics grows increasingly turbulent, local governance serves as the frontline shield for our residents. In Danbury, our Democratic administration under Mayor Roberto Alves has demonstrated what pragmatic, common-sense leadership achieves: historic infrastructure investments, school modernization, preservation of our city's AA+ bond rating, and rigorous defense of the Connecticut Trust Act. We invite every DTC chair across our state to collaborate with us. Let us share voter turnout strategies, candidate development resources, and policy playbooks. Democracy is not a spectator sport—it is built from the ground up, one precinct at a time. In solidarity, **Larry Riefberg** *Chair, Danbury Democratic Town Committee*