Joy For Branford Starts Campaigning Early

Early this morning while most of the town was sleeping, Republican First Selectman candidate Joy McConnell hit the ground running on her first-ever local campaign trail (you can read a with her here).

Armed with Boxes of Joe from Dunkin' Donuts, McConnell stood at Branford's recently renovated Shore Line East train station to meet riders and introduce herself as the Republican candidate.

Most riders were meeting McConnell for the first time and quickly took her information card before rushing off to catch the early train. Other riders took time to meet McConnell and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Steve Brown, a first time SLE rider who recenly moved to Branford, chatted with McConnell and seemed happy to accept a form from her. He declined her offer to bring it to , but accepted the free coffee and engaged in a little morning conversation. 

Meeting and chatting with people, said McConnell, "is what I like to do."

Also in the business of politics, McConnell stated that she was present at the station this morning, as she will be weekly, to learn about citizen concerns.

One rider approached McConnell and asked if the station was cash only? Was there an ATM? McConnell jumped at the request, stating that listening is what her campaign is all about (there is no ATM at the station).

In a mostly democrat town, McConnell encountered little friction as she greeted riders but supporters of incumbent Democrat First Selectman Anthony "Unk" DaRos were among the morning commute mix.

A relative to DaRos, Allison said she'll be voting for DaRos and added, "I think he's done a wonderful job leading Branford."

Aboard the platform enjoying a hot morning beverage courtesy of McConnell, Branford resident and commuter Brendan Morrissey said, "I think it's a good idea to get out here and talk to the town's people."

When asked if he's seen candidates at the station before, his friend and fellow commuter Scott McCormack of North Branford responded, "Yes, but they didn't bring coffee."