Trumbull & Fairfield, CT - Fred Garrity, the universally respected Chairman of Trumbull’s Planning and Zoning Commission, filed candidate paperwork this week with the State Elections Commission to run for State Representative for the 134th District representing Trumbull and Fairfield.
“I am running for State Representative for very practical reasons. I believe that financial accountability at the State level needs improvement. Our State’s financial performance needs to be monitored on a weekly, and monthly basis, NOT just during budget season. The State has not done a satisfactory job scrutinizing finances that needs to change now, as it is crippling Connecticut taxpayers. To control spending, reduce our tax burden to small businesses and residents, we need real world governing of our State economics, thru better financial accountability and reporting at the operational level, every day of the year. Electing more fiscally responsible representatives into office is crucial for building Connecticut’s future.
Education, we all agree is the key to our children’s future; how we both support and make sure we have qualified teachers is crucial, do we balance testing versus educating correctly, these are important issues to all of us.
Fairfield County’s Transportation infrastructure supports thousands of commuters’ daily. Are the right resources being applied to upgrades and future needs for Highway and Railways.
I am ready for that challenge. I am proud of having a track record of successfully leading and working across the aisle, at the local and regional level, and I am now ready to bring my experience to the State level.” Garrity announced.
Garrity’s unique background includes senior leadership positions in commercial, municipal, organized labor, and nonprofit disciplines. Currently serving a second term on Trumbull’s Planning and Zoning, he also served on the Zoning Board of Appeals. He served as Chairman of the Board for the Greater Bridgeport Regional Planning Agency and twice elected by the bipartisan Board of Directors from Fairfield, Trumbull, Easton, Stratford, Monroe, and Bridgeport.
Fred may best be known locally, regionally, and statewide as the visionary and Executive Director of The CT United Ride, CT’s largest 9/11 tribute, and one of the largest charity motorcycle rides in New England. Through Garrity’s leadership this event has annually become the largest fundraiser for Police and Fire in the State of CT, sponsored by the UPFFA of CT. Garrity frequently serves as master of ceremonies, for a variety of charitable causes such as The CT Burn Center and The Center for Family Justice.
He is currently employed as Director of Operations for Ruane Attorneys At Law, with offices in Shelton, New London, and Wethersfield. Previously, he was senior manager of Operations and Labor Relations at Northrop Grumman for over 25 years.
For over a decade, he was an organized labor leader, elected multiple times serving as local union president, on the executive board of the Fairfield County Labor Council and as a Vice President of the CT State AFL-‐CIO.
Garrity, a Trumbull resident for over two decades, was born and raised in the Hollow section of Bridgeport, the oldest of four sons from working parents, (a registered nurse, and a funeral director), he also spent a good deal of time during his adolescent years in Fairfield at his paternal grandparents home.
Fred and his wife Holly Bart Garrity have four children together, Fred’s two children Freddy III (24) and Christina (17), and Holly’s daughters Samantha (23) and Melynda (21). Fred was widowed in 2004. He met Holly in 2012 and they were married in 2013.
When told of Garrity’s announcement: Mike Tetreau, First Selectman, Fairfield; "Fred has a great feel for the pulse of the voters. He is passionate and dedicated about the needs of the people in his district".
Chief Denis McCarthy, Fairfield Fire Department; “I am honored and privileged to know Fred Garrity. He has dedicated his life in service to others. Fred has the ability to bring support from across the region and state to support programs and projects that are important to the community. He is a genuine public servant. I am confident that Fred will bring that personality and leadership to serve the residents of Fairfield and Trumbull as our State Representative.”
Anthony Musto, Trumbull Town Treasurer; “Fred has always impressed me as someone who leads by actually working with everyone. His ability to lead bi-‐partisan efforts as Chairman of Planning and Zoning has brought millions of dollars of economic development to our town. He brings this same passion to raising money for charity every year, and in raising his two children as a single parent since the death of his wife. No one I know has a greater commitment to family and community. He's already a great public servant, and I would be proud to say he's my representative in Hartford.” Anthony Musto is also a former State Senator.
Debra Greenwood, CEO, President, The Center for Family Justice, Bridgeport; "Fred Garrity has been a dedicated supporter of The Center for Family Justice over the past 5 years organizing our Ride Against Child abuse and volunteering with many of our events to help us raise greatly needed proceeds that allow us to provide free and confidential services to both domestic and sexual violence victims which include children, individuals and families. Fred's leadership in our community has helped many people by raising awareness on where to go for help!"
Paid for by “Fred Garrity 2016”, Eric Newman Treasurer, Approved by Fred Garrity, Jr