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Volume 26, Number 5
Friends craft birthday cards for local children By Everett Bishop Town Times
A Democratic candidate has thrown her hat into the ring for the state Senate seat to be vacated by Len Fasano.
But two local sixth graders are showing other kids that their special day hasn’t been forgotten.
Durham sixth grader Scotland Forbush sits in her home making birthday cards for local kids whose birthday celebrations have been postponed due to the COVID-19 self-isolation order. Photos courtesy of Cheri Forbush
looking for something to do, and I have a ton of craft supplies, so I suggested making cards.” It wasn’t long before the younger Forbush and her friend, fellow sixth grader Mackenzie Spooner, started churning out birthday cards. “I think it’s important be-
cause little kids don’t really understand what is going on,” Scotland Forbush said, referring to the pandemic. “And it’s sad that they have to cancel their birthday parties and aren’t able to celebrate with their friends. Maybe this will make them happy.” See Cards, A16
EDC rolls out business survey By Everett Bishop Town Times
Last month, the Durham Economic Development Commission sent a survey to residents asking for input on the types of businesses the commission should recruit to town. Within two days, 200 responses were received. “We’re looking to do a deeper dive to pinpoint
Wallingford Democrat making second bid for 34th District seat By Lauren Takores Record-Journal staff
One of the most exciting times of the year for any child is their birthday. Recently, the celebrations have been put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My daughter Scotland has been constantly on FaceTime with her friends since school let out,” said Cheri Forbush. “We started seeing and hearing about friends who have to celebrate their birthdays with no friends around. One day she was
Friday, May 1, 2020
what kinds of businesses we should recruit to come to Durham,” said First Selectwoman Laura Francis. “With the information that we can glean from this survey and subsequent focus groups, we will be ready when the economy starts to rebound.” The survey, which can be taken at research.net/r/ DurhamEDSurvey, is looking for suggestions on busi-
nesses, including industrial.
EDC Chair Janet Morganti said the town last did a survey like this four years ago. “I certainly think that data and attitudes have changed over the last four years,” she said. Francis also said that the EDC will continue to work to grow local businesses as well as continue to look for public input. See EDC, A12
Fasano, the North Haven Republican who leads his party’s Senate caucus, announced in April that he would not be seeking a tenth term representing the 34th District of East Haven, North Haven, Durham and Wallingford.
McKeen
announced in April that he is seeking the Republican nomination in the 34th District seat.
Wallingford resident Aili McKeen filed her paperwork es- McKeen feels the race has become easier without a tablishing her intent to run long-standing incumbent, in January. adding that she spoke with In 2018, McKeen unsuccess- many voters last time fully challenged Fasano in around who agreed with her her first run for legislative positions—investing in small office, winning 41.5 percent business, equitable educaof the vote. Fasano had not tion, environmental protecbeen challenged for the seat tion, affordable health since 2012. care—but still supported McKeen, a member of Wall- Fasano. ingford's Inland Wetlands The ongoing coronavirus and Watercourses Commis- pandemic has affected her sion, said she expected it plans for campaigning and would take more than one voter outreach but not attempt to win the seat. her platform, she said. “It’s a lot of work and we McKeen is a personal propreached out to a lot of peoerty specialist for a public ple, but there really wasn’t adjuster. She’s a Lyman Hall enough time to reach all the High School graduate and voters I wanted to reach,” has studied at Southern McKeen said. Connecticut State University. The 2018 Democratic prima- She’s married to Bruce Conry was held in mid-August, roy, who ran for a seat on leaving less than three the Wallingford Board of Edmonths before the general ucation last year, and has election. Still, she and her two daughters, one of team were able to knock on whom, Erin Conroy, is an approximately 17,000 to EMT for a private ambu18,000 doors, she said. lance company. Paul Cicarella Jr., vice chair- The state Democratic nomiman of the North Haven Re- nating convention is schedpublican Town Committee, uled for May 19.