George Colli
For State Senate (CT-7)
Blog
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The Honor Was Mine
Posted Nov 05 at 9 AM
I will be trying to reach out to all of you over the following days to thank you for all the support and messages of encouragement you sent today.
First, I'd like to congratulate Senator John Kissel on winning a hard fought race. He is a gentleman and ran the race as such. I'd also like to thank his family for the sacrifice they have made for our communities and will continue to make over the next two years. I look forward to working with him as we now must tend to solving the issues our state and our district face in the coming years.
This was an incredible day for my family and me. There were moments when I felt as if we would pull this victory off, but in the end we feel just short. This experience has changed my life for the better and it is because of the people I met along the way. I look forward to learning from this and continuing my goal of serving my community as best I can. While I will be contacting all of you over the coming days and weeks, I must thank my family for their dedication, patience and sacrifice. Political campaigns can be grueling on everyone involved. They stuck by me and did everything in their power to make this experience as positive as it was.To all of you who worked so hard on this campaign - THANK YOU!!!! The election day operation put forward throughout this district was incredible. Jesse Clark and I put over 100 miles on our car today as we traveled to every corner of this district. Volunteers were found at every stop. The turnout was historic and thanks to all of you who played a part in it. This was a day we can all be proud of.I will never forget the time you spent and the effort you put into making this race what it was.
Thank you all for your support. You were all there for me from the start and your trust and friendship through this means more to me than you know. It was an honor to be the Democratic nominee to the 7th Senate District and it is a badge I will always carry with honor.
See you all very soon!
Gratefully yours,
George -
Thank You and Get Out the Vote
Posted Nov 03 at 11 PM
Dear Friends-Over the last seven months we've been through a lot. Together, we've knocked on doors. We've sat at diner counters. We've walked the sidelines of your child's game .I enjoyed every moment of it!You have stood with me and have helped me reach out to voters across this district. We've heard from you and from families across North Central Connecticut that we can do better than we have done over the last 16 years. Your efforts have meant the world to me and I cannot thank you enough.That is why tonight, I ask you for one last favor.Tomorrow, get out and vote.When your done voting reach out to five friends, ask them to give me a shot.We've come so far and we are so close. You've helped me so much, now help put me over the top.When the polls close, we'll be gathering at Chicago Sam's in Enfield to watch the results come in and to celebrate this historic election. I hope to see you there and that we can celebrate our victory tomorrow.Thank you for standing with me, I'll never forgot it. Now, let's make history tomorrow.Best,George Colli -
Our Time is Now! Includes link to the Suffield Debate
Posted Oct 29 at 10 PM
Link to the Suffield debate from October 22:
Dear Friends,
Election Day is less than SIX DAYS away! This campaign started over seven months ago with a promise of giving you and your neighbors a different voice in the state senate. My vision for the towns of the 7th Senatorial District came straight from you.
I've spent mornings listening to you at the diner counter, afternoons listening to you at your doorstep and evenings listening to you at your children's little league and soccer games. I heard your concerns about your jobs, your health care, paying your mortgage and the safety of your neighborhood.
I have taken what you told me and spread the message in every corner of this district.
As your state senator, I will work to keep our young people here in the state as they begin their careers by giving tax credits on their student loans.
I will make our lives more energy independent and affordable while creating good paying green collar jobs with benefits.
I will help residents and businesses save money by giving incentives to retrofit their properties using geothermal, solar panels and fuel cells.
I will help make our town centers vibrant once again by working with private, local, state and federal officials in connecting our towns to Hartford and Springfield by rail.
I will fight to secure our streets, educate our young and keep our communities healthy.
Now is the time for us to think big and plan smart in North Central Connecticut.
I need any help you can give over the next five days. I'm asking you to call your family, friends and co-workers to ask them if they would give me the greatest civic gift they're afforded - their vote.
I'm asking if you would be willing to join me at the Enfield Democratic Headquarters this Saturday morning at 9:30am and join us in a literature drop in the largest town in the district.
I'm also asking if you would be willing to volunteer some time on Tuesday making phone calls or standing by the polls to help put me over the top.
I want to thank you for all you have done. This race is going to be one of the closest in the state and it is because of the trust you have shown in me. I want to invite you all to join us at Chicago Sam's on 95 Elm St. in Enfield next Tuesday night after the polls close for a celebration of this historic election and a thank you for everything you have done to get me here.
All the best,
George
P.S. - At the top of the page is the link to the Suffield debate held at Suffield Academy on October 22. I appreciated the preperation and time put in by faculty and students to make this debate happen. The debate can also be viewed by clicking here .
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Quite a Week with Debate and Event Video
Posted Oct 19 at 2 PM
We had quite a week!
It started Monday night with the first debate in Enfield. It was sponsored by the North Central Chamber of Commerce, hosted by Asnuntuck Community College and moderated by Ralph Williams of the Journal Inquirer. I was joined on stage by Congressman Joe Courtney, State Representative Kathy Tallarita and State Representative Karen Jarmoc. It was a great night for our Democratic team and appreciate all the support from those of you in the audience.
Wednesday night was the Windsor Chamber of Commerce "Meet the Candidates" night. With nine of us on stage the responses were limited, but the event was run efficiently and enjoyed the conversation allowed with all the candidates and the folks in the audience.
Friday afternoon may have been the most memorable of the entire campaign. It started with a lunch for the Democratic Senate Caucus in Hartford. I had the chance to sit down with U.S. Senator Chris Dodd, Sanford Cloud, Jr., Majority Leader Don Williams, State Senators' Martin Looney, Jonathan Harris, Andrew Maynard, Gary Lebeu and John Fonfara. The discussion revolved around the future of the state and the nation and I was honored to have the opportunity to listen and join in on this enlightening conversation.
This was followed up by an appearance by Senator Dodd in support of me in Enfield. The event was held at Democratic headquarters and was incredibly well attended by 7th District State Reps Jarmoc and Tallarita, State Rep. candidate Annie Hornish, First Selectmen David Pinney of Somers and Steve Warwuck of Windsor Locks, Town Chairs Tony DiPace, Bud Devlin, Leo Canty, Ed Ferrari and Enfield Council people Cindy Mangini and David Kiner and a large group of supporters. Thanks to so many of you for coming over on such short notice. We had a great discussion revolving around making our town centers vibrant once again and the positive impact that updating our railways could have specifically on Thompsonville and Windsor Locks. I'm very appreciative to Senator Dodd for taking time out of what has a very busy month for himself to show his support of my candidacy.
The first debate and the Dodd event can be seen at http://tonyq.net/colli . Thanks to Tony Q for uploading these videos and I will have them up at www.georgecolli.com in the coming day.
This upcoming week promises to only get busier as we have three more debates. The first is Tuesday morning in East Granby at 8:30 am at the Community Center. The second is in Suffield on Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm. Suffield Academy will be hosting and it will be held at Centurion Hall on its campus. This is a change from the originally scheduled building. Thursday brings me to Somers Town Hall for the 7:00 pm debate. I am continuing to knock on doors, visit businesses, make phone calls and attend soccer, football and field hockey games in every town. Let me know if there are any events in your town that I should try and get too.
With 16 days to go, I am asking that you all continue spreading the word about this campaign. We are in a great position to pull off this victory, but it will take help from every one of you. Thanks again!
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Debate Schedule
Posted Oct 09 at 8 AM
Dear Friends,
27 DAYS!!! November 4 is fast approaching and our race is closer than ever. The next four weeks are the most important part of this process. We will be knocking on doors, making phone calls, sending emails and spreading the word in every corner of this district. I want to thank all of you for the tremendous commitment you have given to this campaign. I hope that you will continue working with me to bring the change we need to the Seventh District by reaching out to family, friends and neighbors and asking them for their vote .
I entered this race because I believe our best days are ahead of us. I believe I have the passion, energy and ability to solve the problems we face. In the coming weeks, I will detail my vision for the future of the 7th District. "The Colli Plan" makes North Central Connecticut a more affordable place to live and do business. It will create good paying jobs with benefits in industries that lesson our dependence on foreign oil. I will be sharing ideas on how we can keep our future's most valuable asset- our young people- right here in the seven towns of the 7th as they start their careers. It will provide solutions for keeping your hard-earned money where it belongs - your wallet!
Nothing has ever been accomplished by saying "we can't."
When it comes to solving the greatest challenges we face my answer is "we can and we will."
Thanks again for all your help. Keep spreading the word through emails, phone calls and casual conversations. If you are interested in phone banking, canvassing, sign waving or working the polls on Election Day than contact my campaign manager, Jesse Clark, at 860-836-7881 or 860-418-7812. We can also be reached by email at George@georgecolli.com.
Best Wishes,
George
Debate/Forum Schedule
October 13 - 7:00 pm - Enfield Chamber of Commerce "Meet the Candidates" Debate
Asnuntuck Community College, 170 Elm St, Enfield CT
October 15 - 5:30 pm - Windsor "Meet the Candidates" Debate
Windsor Town Hall, 275 Broad St, Windsor CT
October 21 - 8:30 am - East Granby Chamber of Commerce "Meet the Candidates" Debate
East Granby Community Center, 20 Center St, East Granby, CT
October 22 - 6:30 pm -Suffield 7th Senate Candidates Debate
Suffield Academy, Tisch Auditorium, 185 North Main St, Suffield, CT
October 23 - 7:00 pm- Somers Debate sponsored by Somers DTC and RTC
Somers Town Hall, 600 Main St, Somers, CT
October 26 - 7:00pm- Windsor League of Women Debate
Windsor Town Hall, 275 Broad St, Windsor, CT
October 27 - 7:00 pm- Enfield High Schools Debate
Enfield High School, 1264 Enfield St, Enfield, CT
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Kissel Pulls Out of Suffield Debate
Posted Sep 29 at 3 PM
It has come to our attention that Senator Kissel has pulled out of the scheduled debate for this Thursday night to be held at Suffield Academy. He has yet to commit to rescheduling a future debate to be held in Suffield.
It is unfortunate that the concerned voters of Suffield will not get an opportunity to listen first hand to the important issues that face their future and the future of our town. I am committed to an open campaign that is about the issues and the differences between our visions for the direction of our state and our district. The residents of Suffield have been ignored for far too long. The same can be said for residents in East Granby, Granby, Windsor Locks and Somers.
I have committed to several debates in Enfield and Windsor. Coincidently, they are the two towns the Senator has resided in and currently calls home. I will continue to push for the rest of the district to be included in the process in this very important election.
I will keep you updated through email and at www.georgecolli.com. Please spread the word about
this cancellation.
Regards,
George
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Road to Victory
Posted Sep 29 at 1 AM
It's hard to believe we're only 38 days away from Election Day. The past five months have been the most rewarding of my life and I want to thank you all for the dedication and support you have given me throughout this exciting and important time. I want you to know that I've listened to you and am prepared to bring YOUR voices to the forefront of this campaign.
I have heard your concerns about your children's future, your retirement, your healthcare, your security, your jobs and your business. I understand how the lack of leadership in our district on energy, transportation and property tax reform are making life just that much tougher for you, your families and friends. I'm ready to lead on these issues, I have some interesting and new ideas on how to do it, and over the next month I'll be sharing these initiatives with the rest of the district.
Now that we're in the homestretch, now more than ever, I need you to help me spread this message.
There are several ways we could use your help. I understand how busy you all are and we want to work around your busy schedules in helping us reach out to your friends and neighbors. To make things easier, we've cut the entire district into neighborhood precincts. Each precinct has approximately 100 individual homes. And now, we're looking for "Colli Captains": which would entail making phone calls, maybe dropping off a sign or literature, or just generally spreading the word about this campaign. If you're willing to be the "Colli Captain" in your neighborhood, please respond to this email and put in the subject "COLLI CAPTAIN." Working with just a few other people - a spouse, children or friends - it shouldn't take more than two hours to reach an entire precinct.
Some of you might be more comfortable reaching out to friends and family through email. Others may be more comfortable calling people you don't know personally. However you reach them, whomever you reach…will help get the word out.
I know that in business a referral is the best form of advertising. It's just the same in campaigns. I'm now asking for your recommendation, I'm asking for your vote, I'm asking for your voice.
The week ahead… Colli v. Kissel - The Suffield Debate
This Thursday night will be the first in a series of debates planned over the next month. It will be held at Centurion Hall on the campus of Suffield Academy at 7 pm. Suffield Academy is located at 185 North Main Street in Suffield's Center. Get there early to help us fill the room with supporters! Dates and times for the future debates will be emailed or you can check into www.georgecolli.com.
I'd like to thank Liam Sweeney for his hard work over the past few weeks. To reach the campaign now, please call 860-418-7812 or email George@georgecolli.com or friendsofgeorgecolli@hotmail.com.
Best Wishes,
George
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Fairs, Floats and Remembering
Posted Sep 17 at 2 PM
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This was a fantastic weekend for the campaign. We were all over the district from Somers to
Thursday marked the 7th year since the tragedies of 9/11. I attended two events. The first, in
Friday was an upbeat night at the Somers Four Town Fair. Although it was rainy, spirits were high. I tried to shake every wet hand out there while getting soaked myself. The fair was full of young people eager to enjoy their Friday evening despite the weather; it looked as if most accomplished their goal.
Saturday started off with the Four Town Fair Parade. I was met at our meeting spot before the parade by about 50 supporters. The support was unbelievable! I was joined by a sea of people in “George Colli for State Senate” T-shirts and signs. The enthusiasm our group showed carried into the crowd of thousands lining the parade route. Our Democratic team consisted of Congressman Joe Courtney, Comptroller Nancy Wyman, Treasurer Denise Nappier, Rep.Karen Jarmoc, Rep. Kathy Tallarita, Rep. Ted Graziani, State Senator Gary LeBeau and State Rep. candidate Arlene Avery as well as a number of Somers Town Committee members. I tried to shake every hand from
After the parade I shot over to
Sunday morning, I made it over to the soggy Windsor Locks v.
I am working hard to meet the people of the 7th District and show them that I am the right candidate to vote for on November 4th. I could definitely feel from the people I spoke with, and all the hands I shook, that this campaign is really gaining some strong momentum. I need your help over the next 48 days in spreading our message of positive, prosperous change for North Central Connecticut. If each one of you could let ten friends know about my campaign and ask them to vote for me then we will be one step closer to bringing our vision for the future of the 7th District to Hartford.
Thank you.
George
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A Busy Weekend!
Posted Jul 15 at 10 PM
Our campaign is hitting the ground running and I wanted to tell you all about our amazing weekend!
We started off Thursday night at the Windsor Locks Fire Department Carnival, enjoying the rides, games, and of course all of that great food. I had an opportunity to speak with a number of voters who are all eager for change and excited to hear about the campaign.
Friday took us to Enfield where I participated in the annual Democrats vs. Republicans Softball Trophy game! Enfield Democratic Town Chairman Anthony DiPace led our team to an 11-8 victory over the Republicans, keeping the trophy in Democratic hands for another year! You may have seen me covering third base on the front page of the Journal Inquirer this weekend.
After a quick shower I headed to the Enfield 4th of July Celebration, spending time meeting voters and enjoying even more great food from local vendors. We closed the evening listening to the Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen tribute bands, and of course meeting more 7th District voters.
On Saturday morning we returned to Enfield to march in the 4th of July Celebration Parade with Congressman Joe Courtney and State Representatives Karen Jarmoc and Kathy Tallarita.
We had an overwhelmingly positive response from parade goers who voiced their support and encouragement along the parade route!After spending some time meeting voters on the Enfield Green we went back to Windsor Locks for the Firemen's Parade. I marched with State Representative Peggy Sayers and Selectman Joe Calsetta. A special congratulations goes out to newlyweds First Selectman Steve Wawruck and his wife Lisa who were married earlier that morning!
Sunday it was back to Enfield for the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, the amazing fireworks display, and meeting voters who were eager to share their ideas with me.
This is just one weekend out of many we have ahead of us. If you haven't already, please visit our website and sign up to volunteer! We will need your help to get our message out to the voters of the 7th District.
I look forward to hearing from you soon!
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Press Coverage
Posted Jul 05 at 1 PM
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George Colli for State Senate in the Press
Fox 61 news and political reporter Laurie Perez featured George Colli during a "Day in the Life" piece leading up to the nominating convention on May 19.
Fox 61 - Politician "Day in the Life" - May 19,2008
George Colli was invited to post a running diary on www.FutureMajority.com . Future Majority is a site that focuses on young voters and in how candidates can reach out to the next generation of voters.
Future Majority Diary #1 - June 25,2008
On June 26,2008, George participated in a live blog taking questions from site moderator Michael Connery and people from around the country.Future Majority Live Blog - June 26,2008
On July 30, 2008, George posted his second running diary entry, "What Matter Most" on FutureMajority.com . It touches on what some of the lessons George learned during the month long Breakfast Club listening tour throughout the 7th District.
www.futuremajority.com/node/2202
The popular Connecticut blog My Left Nutmeg has followed the campaign of George Colli from the very beginning of his campaign.
Legislative Candidate Open Forum - May 17,2008
www.myleftnutmeg.com/showDiary.do
Colli vs. Kissel - May 22,2008
www.myleftnutmeg.com/showDiary.do
Saturday Open Thread - May 24,2008
www.myleftnutmeg.com/showDiary.do
Independance Day Open Thread - July 4,2008
www.myleftnutmeg.com/showDiary.do
The Journal Inquirer covers North Central Connecticut. Reporter Stacey A. Silliman has been covering the 7th Senate Race.
Suffield Democrat Weighs Challenge to Kissel - April 24,2008
journalinquirer.com/articles/2008/04/28/connecticut/doc4810a1f66c961612946534.txt
Suffield Dem to Run Against Kissel in 7th Senate District May20,2008
www.journalinquirer.com/articles/2008/05/20/towns/suffield/doc4832ed4e2e27c537164237.txt
Record Crowd Cheers on Memorial Day Parade in Enfield - May 25,2008
www.journalinquirer.com/articles/2008/05/25/towns/enfield/doc4839ef6e4dc28037477073.txt
Retail Politics Update - Connecticut Local Politics
http://ctlocalpolitics.net/2008/09/22/retail-politics-update/
