Fontana defeats Kivela for a seventh term as state representative

Steve Fontana was re-elected as state representative for a seventh term on Tuesday night, prevailing over Republican challenger Veronica Kivela. The more experienced Fontana won by a comfortable margin over Kivela, who was a newcomer to politics. He captured 7,898 votes to Kivela's 4,836.

Fontana, who also serves as the town's second selectman, was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1996. He also serves as House Chairman of the General Assembly's Energy & Technology Committee, and is a member of the House's Transportation and Insurance and Real Estate Committees.

Kivela had not held public office prior to her decision to run. She was active in the community, and helped to found the Community Watchdog Project, a group that fights illegal immigration.

Fontana and Kivela clashed during the campaign over issues such as the size of government and educational funding in town. Kivela also took issue with Fontana's dual role as a selectman and state representative, claiming that attention should not divided between the two posts. However, Fontana argued that his experience ensured he could effectively serve in both positions.

At Democratic headquarters inside Grand Apizza, Fontana was optimistic before the results came in, expressing hope that North Haven residents would reward him for 12 years of service. The phone calls announcing the numbers came shortly thereafter, naming his as the winner.

"It's a pleasure to be before you again and celebrate another victory," Fontana told the assembled crowd. He thanked the volunteers who had gone door-to-door campaigning in his name, and jokingly thanked the supporters who had lifted his spirits by giving cannolis, tomatoes, and dinner.

"It's been my privilege and my honor to represent the people of North Haven and the general assembly," he said, calling the town's voters "the best."

"They appreciate hard work, and they appreciate honesty and straightforwardness," he explained. "They saw through a lot of what they heard."

"Steve Fontana is the most responsive representative," said First Selectman Janet McCarty. "He cares deeply about his constituents and about taking care of people. He represents the best about what government can do."

McCarty also praised Kivela for running a good campaign. She said that she was unknown at the beginning, but did well to raise awareness of her candidacy and was visible to the public throughout.

Fontana pledged to continue his service, and reaffirmed his dedication to the townspeople of North Haven. "I'm going to go back to Hartford," he said, "and keep working as hard as I can."

The Republican outlook was dismal on Tuesday night at its headquarters at Fantasia. As the numbers streamed in from the town's five voting districts, Republicans were disappointed to see Kivela falling behind Fontana.

To add to that, party members who were watching television results saw Republicans across Connecticut, and even nationally, losing races. One of the people in attendance called it "a cleaning out of the Republican party."

After comforting hugs from her supporters, and even some tears, Kivela was lauded by fellow Republican and State Senator Leonard Fasano. Fasano, who was up for reelection to his Senate seat this year, was unopposed in his race.

"Veronica ran a heck of a campaign," Fasano said. "She banged on thousands of doors. She was relentless in her message and she cares. For her it wasn't about politics, it was about taking care of people."

Fasano said Kivela, and the entire Republican party, faced a "tidal wave" in this election. "If you look at the numbers statewide, this was a crushing blow," Fasano said. "We took a blow, and this is going to be a tough year."

However, despite what they felt was a nationwide anti-Republican sentiment, Fasano said Kivela should be proud of the number of votes she received. Kivela said that Republicans like President George W. Bush and former North Haven First Selectman Kevin Kopetz "took me down."

After her loss, Kivela addressed her fellow Republicans saying that it was her goal with this campaign "to stand for principle, and to make an example of myself for the younger generation. In thanking the many people who helped with her campaign, Kivela named several young college students who also lent a hand, and noted that together they waged a campaign of honor, integrity and character.

This was the first time Kivela, 69, has ever run for office, and she said it has been an education. She learned who she could depend on and trust, and she also learned that the Republican Town Committee "needs to be modernized, changed, and fixed." Though she said she doesn't know if she will run for office again, Kivela plans to focus her efforts on reforming the RTC.

"We won't win another election until we can learn to work together and support each other," she said.