Last Night At Democratic Headquarters

On Tuesday, Feb, 22, East Haven was home to a historical election. The election was the first-ever special election in town. Last November, Mike Lawlor was reelected to the position of state representative in the 99th District and then decided to take a job with incoming governor, Dan Malloy, making his seat available to whoever wanted to fill it.

Two great candidates were put up by their parties and the door knocking and phone calls began. After about six weeks of campaigning the race between Democrat James Albis and Republican Linda Monaco came to an end with the Democrat coming out on top with a victory only awarded to him by a modicum of votes. Albis was awarded the victory when his opponent Monaco fell short by just about 96 votes.

When the polls closed at 8 p.m., James Albis’ campaign headquarters was filled with his many supporters and volunteers. The numbers began to roll in from the polls from the first, second, fourth and fifth districts. The unofficial numbers were in and it was made known that James was the victor.

He was introduced to make a victory speech by Democratic Town Committee Chairman Gene Ruocco who said, “James is going to follow Mike Lawlor and fill his shoes.”

James began his speech by thanking everyone for all their hard work and support. He thanked a large group of people starting with his campaign manager, Mike Smith, his mom, Jackie Albis, dad Michael Albis, brother Mark Albis and grandmothers and said he wished his sister, who is away at school, could have been there. James also thanked Gene Ruocco and Democratic Mayor April Capone. He concluded his many thanks by mentioning two hardworking volunteers, Maryanne Pellegrino and Dan Hoff.

James was followed at the podium by some dignitaries. First was Mayor Capone who said many kind words about James. She said that he was the right choice for the job and was plenty qualified to do the work of the state representative.

Mike Lawlor then stepped up to the podium to make a special presentation. He grabbed from a bag his State Legislature 99 license plate and presented it to James. The already excited crowd erupted into a roaring applause. This concluded the speeches and everyone dispersed throughout the room.

James walked around accepting congratulations from not only the people in the room but people contacting him by telephone, whether it be from up the street or from Florida. The mingling continued and everyone enjoyed some refreshments including pizza and baked goods.

The room was filled with conversation about a variety of topics. James then quieted the crowd to make sure everyone was aware that his opponent, Linda Monaco, had called and conceded, making his victory official. He said that she called and politely offered her congratulations for his victory.

The night soon came to an end when the crowd that was once about 40 people simmered down to a mere few consisting of mainly DTC board members, close friends and family.

Andrew Monico is a student at East Haven High School.