Updated Nov. 7, 2:40 a.m.
Republican Stephen Walko said he spent most of Election Day at the Old Greenwich School. It was there he was able to commiserate with people who are now his constituents.
"I spoke with people who lost their homes," said Walko, who like 5 percent of town residents, still had not had power restored to their homes a week after Hurricane Sandy.
Walko said he was excited to begin his work as the state representatiave for Greenwich's shoreline—from Byram to Old Greenwich. He promised to make good on his campaign promise to advocate for fiscal responsibility. He said, "I'm excited. I'm excited because I truly believ we can do good work in Hartford for our children. Besides a hug, the best thing we can do for our children is to bring this state out this (financial) morass."
While waiting for the voting tallies, his mother, Bea Walko, beamed, "I'm so elated. I'm so proud of him ... he's so principled ... nice guys do win."
Walko also praised his Democratic opponent Stephanie Paulmeno saying their campaign focused on issues rather than mud-slinging. "It was refreshing to be talking about the issues ... I think we had a better message," Walko said.
Original story, Nov. 6
The district runs along the shoreline from Byram to Old Greenwich and the Democrat seeking the 150th state House seat is from Old Greenwich and the Republican is from Byram.
Old Greenwich resident Stephanie Paulmeno has picked up the Democratic mantle, and Stephen Walko, the Republican endorsement, for the seat that's being vacated by retiring Republican state Rep. Lile Gibbons.
Paulmeno has a background in health administration and is a former director of nursing at the town-owned The Nathaniel Witherell Nursing Home. She now operates Global Health Systems Consultants LLC and has served on the Representative Town Meeting. Paulmeno also has served on several local, regional and state health-related agencies and commissions including the Commission on Health Equity in Hartford, former Chairman of the Board of the Transportation Association of Greenwich, and is founding President of the CT Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
in Greenwich, is a former member of the Greenwich Representative Town Meeting and the Board of Estimate and Taxation of which he served as chairman for several years. He also has served as an arbitrator to the State Board of Mediation or Arbitration.
*The timestamp on this story was updated for layout purposes.
