Independent seeking Amann’s seat

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — There is at least one name confirmed on the ballot for this November to possibly succeed state House Speaker James Amann, D-Milford.
It’s neither a Democrat nor a Republican: Independent candidate Rocco J. Frank Jr. is the first officially to declare for Amann’s 118th District seat.
Amann announced last month that he is retiring after 18 years in the General Assembly, including two terms as speaker of the House. Amann said he is retiring so he can spend all of his time campaigning for governor.
Former Miss Connecticut Heidi Voight also has expressed interest in a possible run for the seat.
Frank, CEO of ComputerFox Stores, a Milford computer repair chain, said he has received the endorsement of the Independent American Party, and his campaign is viable because most people register as independents.
Frank has ties to the Republican Party. He worked for former President George H.W. Bush’s campaign in 1988, and was a member of the Connecticut and the National Federation of Young Republicans.
But Frank said neither the Republican nor Democratic party appeals to him.
“The Republicans are a party that represents the wealthy elitists that make up less than 5 percent of my district,” Frank said. “The Democrats have dropped the ball and exported all of the jobs overseas.”
He said it’s very important to have a choice between Democrats and Republicans. He said the Republican Party did not challenge Amann in the last election, and there was no choice for voters.
“To have one candidate on the ballot is not serving the public interest,” Frank said. “People do deserve a choice.”
Frank first said more than a year ago that he planned to seek the 118th District seat.
Frank said his campaign platform would focus on “quality of life” issues. He said he wants to advocate affordable health care, a top notch educational system, and safe communities.
Democratic Town Chairman Richard Smith said several Democrats have discussed running for the position, including himself. No final decision has been made. Smith said Frank has advocated for some “strange things” and he would think voters might have serious reservations about voting for him.
Republican Town Chairman Tom Jagodinski said Aldermanic Minority Leader Vincent Ditchkus Jr., R-3, and Alderwoman Judith Toohey, R-2, are interested in the seat, as are a few other unnamed candidates.
Jagodinski claimed even should Frank somehow win, he’d have a tough time working in Hartford and getting anything accomplished.