Orange attorney throws hat into the ring; Milford attorney who hold seat says focus remains on current session not election


By Bridget Albert
Special to the Register
It may be lawyer versus lawyer as Orange Town Attorney Vincent Marino on Tuesday officially declared his candidacy against two-term state Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford.
Marino, above right, a former Republican Town Committee chairman who has spent more than two years as town attorney, said he’s running because “this is a critical election for working families and small businesses.”
The 14th senatorial district includes Milford, Orange and parts of West Haven. Marino said Democrats have failed in Hartford and it’s time for new leadership.
“This week the legislature concluded its business for the year having failed to pass a true three strikes law for repeat violent criminals; having failed to enact the ethics reforms Ms. Slossberg and her colleagues promised; and having failed to provide any economic relief for working families and small businesses who are paying record-high prices for everything from gasoline to groceries,” Marino said in a prepared statement.
Slossberg, above left, who is a former practicing attorney, declined to comment on whether she is seeking reelection except to say “right now there are 48 hours left in session and I’m focused on passing good legislation that helps the people of Milford, Orange, West Haven and the state of Connecticut.”
Marino said if elected he will work to reduce government spending, seek to revitalize the economy and work to lower taxes.
“In fact, I believe the legislature should convene in special session now to provide immediate, needed relief to working class families by reducing state gas taxes,” Marino said.
Marino said improving education and public safety will also be top priorities.
“Unlike my opponent, I believe that three-time violent criminals like rapists, kidnappers and arsonists should go to jail for life, no ifs ands or buts,” Marino said.
Orange First Selectman James Zeoli said Marino has “always worked to the highest standards as counsel for the town of Orange, working for the people’s best interest.”
“Vin Marino understands the needs of the cities and towns in Connecticut,” said Milord Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. “I am confident that he will be an outstanding candidate and represent the needs of Milford, Orange and West Haven with distinction.”
Milford Democratic Chairman Richard Smith said he is shocked that someone has come forward to challenge Slossberg.
“I’m a bit disappointed that the Republicans are putting someone up at all. When you have a state Senator who works as hard for her district as Senator Gayle you would kind of hope that interests of the people of the district would outweigh political party interests and Republicans would have cross-endorsed her,” Smith said.
“Since that seems not being the case, we’ll let Gayle’s record of tireless commitment to the people of the 14th Senate district speak for itself. I know you would have to look long and hard to find any state senator who works harder or is more committed to her work than Gayle,” Smith added.
Marino is an attorney with the law firm of Cohen and Wolf. He and his wife, Debra, have two children, Lauren, 6, and Jason, 4.
Slossberg earned her law degree at New York University School of Law. She and her husband, David, have three children, Jeremy, Alex, and Rebecca. Slossberg served as minority leader of the Milford Board of Alderman from 2001 to 2004.
The Republican convention is May 13 and the Democratic convention is May 19.
Milford Bureau Chief Brian McCready contributed to this story.