CPBN Media Lab: Interview Series

6.4.2009
Joe Amarante
Journalist

"Having a sedentary job, I basically shake my leg for exercise."
6.4.2009
Joe Amarante is a writer for the New Haven Register. Known for his humorous columns, Amarante covers entertainment and media-related topics. He also blogs about all things media at J4: Java Joe's Journal Jive . Check out the blog for his latest insights on everything from network television programming to local news. Amarante describes himself as a writer, editor, family guy, softball and baseball fan with an interest in conservation, peace, health, travel, justice, and a good sandwich. Courtesy of http://www.blogger.com/profile/00869625038366415860
7.15.2009
Walmart Jeff
Kiss 95.7 Radio Personality

"I talk a big game on the radio, but when it comes down to it, I'm pretty shy"
7.15.2009
Walmart Jeff joined Kiss 95.7 in October of 2002. Jeff was born and raised in Enfield and enjoys watching sports. He loves the Red Sox and any team that beats the Yankees. Jeff is married and is expecting a baby girl in August.
7.15.2009
Courtney
Kiss 95.7 Radio Host

"You're the first to see this."
7.15.2009
Courtney joined Kiss 95.7 twelve years ago. Before joining Kiss 95.7, she worked at a classic rock station in her hometown of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She loves animals and spends her afternoons with her horse. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire in communications. She is recently engaged and looking forward to planning her wedding.
6.17.2009
Mark Twain
Author

"I'd take credit for anything, believe me."
6.17.2009
John Pogson began educating himself about the legendary humorist after several people commented on his remarkable resemblance to Mark Twain (the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens). As Pogson studied, he realized he not only looked like Twain, but he also shared many of the author's interests, hobbies and opinions. These shared characteristics only reinforce his commitment to portraying Twain as authentically and accurately as possible. Pogson’s debut as Mark Twain occurred during Hartford, Connecticut's first Mark Twain Days in 1996; his commitment is enthusiastic and ongoing. Pogson has appeared nationally on CBS and ESPN; he can currently be seen on the Home and Garden Network (HGTV) in a segment titled Famous American Authors Homes, as well as on PBS in an award winning documentary produced by CPTV titled Mark Twain's Neighborhood: Nook Farm. He has also appeared as Twain in the New York Times, on NPR, Radio America, the Fox Network, WTIC, WTNH and Russian Children's Television. He has, and continues to host many corporate and private functions, as well as performing speeches at conventions and entertaining audiences from all over the world. His client list is impressive to say the least. Twain’s forward-thinking views are relevant today; Pogson enjoys “holding court” as Twain, enlightening and entertaining corporate and private clients as well as students, educators, and audiences of all ages and sizes. Pogson also appears with actress, Lisa Steier, portraying Mark Twain and his wife Olivia Langdon Clemens, in a series of original dramatic programs incorporating Twain's personal papers and examining lesser-known facets of the author's life and work. Courtesy of s&L Productions
7.28.2010
Bob Maxon
Meteorologist

"It's great to be right when you're the meteorologist."
7.28.2010
Bob Maxon is the weekday morning meteorologist on NBC Connecticut News Today from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., and again at 11 a.m. He's been with NBC Connecticut since August 1995. He grew up in Oswego, N.Y., and graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science degree in meteorology. Bob has forecast the weather for several areas in the northeast. In 1987 he worked for Cable News Center 7 in Ithaca, N.Y., before making the transition to Binghamton, N.Y., to work at WMGC in 1988. Between 1989 and 1995, Bob gained most of his experience working for WMUR in Manchester, N.H. The American Meteorological Society had awarded Bob with it's "Seal of Approval" for weather forecasting and broadcasting. During his tenure as a professional meteorologist, Bob has covered many of the major storms that have struck the northeast including Hurricane Bob in 1991, the Great Winter Storm of '93, and the Blizzard of '96, and the amazing President's Day Blizzard of 2003. He volunteers for many statewide charities and sits on the planning board for the Brain Injury Association of Connecticut's annual golf tournament. Bob also serves as the Master of Ceremonies for the Jamie Tillona Memorial Golf Tournament each summer. He also plays in the Connecticut Junior Republic, Connecticut Special Olympics and many other local golf tournaments. Bob lives in Simsbury with his wife, Jacqui, their two daughters, Katie and Marleigh, and the dog, Brady. Courtesy of http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/station/about-us/Bob_Maxon.html
5.29.2009
Doug Schwartz
Director of the Quinnipiac Polling Institute

"Gotta eat!"
5.29.2009
Douglas Schwartz, PhD, director of the Quinnipiac University Poll, is responsible for the poll’s methodology and all aspects of the survey process, directing each project from conception through analysis. He is also the chief spokesperson for the Connecticut polls. Schwartz began his career as a survey associate with the CBS News election and survey unit and as an election night analyst for the late 60 Minutes correspondent Ed Bradley. He has taught courses at Quinnipiac on polling methodology and has served as president of the American Association for Public Opinion Research’s New England Chapter. He earned a BA from Connecticut College, and both an MA (in political science with a concentration in survey research) and PhD (in political science) from the University of Connecticut. Courtesy of Quinnipiac University Polling Institute
4.2.2010
R. Nelson "Oz" Griebel
President and CEO of MetroHartford Alliance

"Let's give ourselves a chance, let's everybody join arms to work together to restore our State to fiscal sanity."
4.2.2010
R. Nelson "Oz" Griebel has been the President and CEO of MetroHartford Allliance, the region's chamber of commerce and economic development leader, since April 2001 and joined the election race for Connecticut Governor in 2010. Griebel significantly contributed to improving the State's transportation system by consulting to then Governor, John Rowland, and the Connecticut Legislature on the establishment of Connecticut's transportation strategy board and served as the Board's Chairman. From 1999-2000, Griebel served as Director, President and Chief Operating Officer at MacDermid, Inc., an international specialty chemicals company in Waterbury, Connecticut. In 1976, Griebel began his career with the then BankBoston Corporation where he worked in finance, legal, marketing and operations positions of over 22 years, concluding his service as President of the Bank's businesses in Connecticut and Western Massachusettes in 1999. Griebel received his B.A from Darmouth College in 1971 and his J.D from Suffolk University School of Law in 1977. Among Griebel's many acknowledgements of his services in the public and business sectors, are included the Hartford Courant Business Leader of the Year Award in 19995, the Capitol Regional Council of Governments Regional Leadership Award in 1996, the Distinguished Citizen Award of the Connecticut Council Boy Scouts of America in 1999 and the Hartford Business Journal Business Leader of the Year in 2001. Griebel and his wife, Kirsten; who is the founder and Chair of Simsbury Citizens First and as a board member of Connecticut Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; reside in Simsbury, Connecticut. -Courtesy of Chris Griebel
6.25.2009
Jason Hawkins
Eating CT Host

"I'd play coffee-fetcher for the Red Sox."
6.25.2009

Jason Hawkins is originally from the Hartford area. He has written and produced a number of series for major networks such as the Food Network, HGTV and the Discovery Channel. Jason has also done extensive work in front of the camera, doing food segments for a popular Boston food show, appearing in a number of commercials and lending his voice to the Food Network's "Great American Beer Festival " special. - Courtesy of www.cpbn.org

10.29.2009
Ralph Nader
Consumer Advocate

"Shape up, we've got a lot of work to do in this country."
10.29.2009

Ralph Nader, consumer advocate and former presidential candidate, was born and raised in Winsted, Connecticut. He graduated from Princeton University in 1955 and from Harvard Law School in 1958. Mr. Nader has been a grassroots advocate and writer for over four decades. He first came into the public's eye in 1965 with his book, Unsafe at Any Speed, which exposed the life-threatening, designed-in flaws of General Motors' Chevrolet Corvair. Thanks to his efforts, automobiles are required to have standard safety features such as seat belts and airbags. Mr. Nader has also been on the forefront of promoting consumer protection, clean air, and food and drug safety. He has also established numerous non-profit organizations such as Public Citizen and Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). Mr. Nader continues to work towards grassroots-based reform. In his latest book, Only the Super-Rich Can Save Us, Mr. Nader writes a humorous, fictional account of a turn of events in 2006 when Warren Buffet decides to lead a team of the wealthiest Americans to remedy the nation's ills with realistic solutions. Only the Super-Rich Can Save Us is available in stores and online. More information is available at http://onlythesuperrich.org/.

Courtesy of Ralph Nader: A Biography by Patricia Cronin Marcello, An Unreasonable Man (2006)

6.22.2010
Brad Drazen
NBC Morning News Anchor

"I feel like I'm an easy mark."
6.22.2010
Brad Drazen can be seen bright and early every weekday morning as the co-anchor of NBC Connecticut News Today. He has won several awards for his work, including four Boston/New England Emmy Awards: for Feature Reporting, News Writing and as Executive Producer and Host of the NBC Connecticut specials "Connecticut Discoveries" and "Destination Education." Brad grew up in Binghamton, N.Y., and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Anderson School at UCLA. Before coming to NBC Connecticut, Brad worked as a reporter at the CBS affiliate in Traverse City, Michigan, and in marketing for the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer. When he is not at work, Brad enjoys playing golf, basketball and acoustic guitar. Most importantly, he likes to spend time with his wife and three children. Bio Courtesy of nbcconnecticut.com
5.29.2009
Richard Blumenthal
Attorney General

"My life is an open book."
5.29.2009

First elected in 1990, Richard Blumenthal is serving an unprecedented fifth term as Attorney General. Blumenthal’s aggressive law enforcement for consumer protection, environmental stewardship, labor rights and personal privacy, has helped reshape the role of state attorneys general nationwide -- and recover hundreds of millions of dollars for Connecticut taxpayers and consumers each year. Blumenthal previously served as administrative assistant to U.S. Sen. Abraham A. Ribicoff, aide to former U.S. Sen. Daniel P. Moynihan when Moynihan was Assistant to the President of the United States, and law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry A. Blackmun. He was U.S. Attorney for Connecticut, the state’s chief federal prosecutor, from 1977 to 1981 -- prosecuting drug traffickers, organized and white collar crime, civil rights violators, consumer fraud and polluters. He served in the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1984 to 1987, and then the State Senate from 1987 to 1990. Blumenthal graduated from Harvard College (Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude), and Yale Law School, where he was editor of the Yale Law Journal. Attorney General Blumenthal lives in Greenwich with his wife, Cynthia, and their four children. The Attorney General can be reached via e-mail at Attorney.General@po.state.ct.us, or constituents may view the Attorney General's Web page. Courtesy of http://www.ct.gov/ag/cwp/view.asp?A=2178&Q=295440

Attorney General Blumenthal announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on January 7th, following the news that U.S. Senator Chris Dodd, Connecticut's longest serving Senator would not seek re-election. For more about these developments, listen to Where We Live at http://www.cpbn.org/program/where-we-live/episode/wwl-dodd-out and The Colin McEnroe show at http://www.cpbn.org/program/colin-mcenroe-show/episode/cms-chris-dodd
11.19.2009
Colin McEnroe
Journalist

[The newspaper] was kind of a different business then...first of all, they were printed on papyrus.."
11.19.2009

Colin McEnroe has been a columnist and reporter for the Hartford Courant for over 30 years and currently maintains a weekly column in the Courant’s Northeast Magazine. McEnroe’s columns have appeared in newspapers nationwide as well as abroad. A significant contributor to Men’s Health, Best Life, McSweeney’s, Cosomopolitan, Maribella, Mademoiselle, Family Fun, and Verge (to name a few), McEnroe is also a contributing editor to the New York Times op-ed page.

Having hosted a weekday drive-time talk show on WTIC-AM, McEnroe is recognized as a radio personality and is currently hosting the new “Colin McEnroe Show” on WNPR, a media service of the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network. The program is broadcast live Monday through Friday at 1:00 p.m. from WNPR's Hartford studio, and is also available live and on-demand at WNPR.org. In 2003, McEnroe’s play, “A Woman of a Certain Age,” was produced in collaboration with former Courant colleagues, Steve Metcalf and Lary Bloom, at the Ivoryton Playhouse in Connecticut. As the author of three books, McEnroe received the Connecticut Book Award in 2004 for the biography on his father, published by Warner Books, titled, My Father’s Footprints. When McEnroe moderated the Connecticut Forum featuring Anthony Bourdain, Alice Walters and Duff Goldman in 2009, it marked the sixth time he has performed that task in the seventeen year history of the Connecticut Forum, the most of any moderator.

Colin McEnroe was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and graduated from Kingswood-Oxford and then Yale University. He began his writing career with newspapers and magazines in the 1980’s and is currently teaching a course on old and new media at Trinity College.

Courtesy of Connecticut Forum

7.1.2010
Ned Lamont
Candidate for Governor

"This is a tough time for the State of Connecticut, and it takes a different type of leader."
7.1.2010
Ned Lamont is a businessman with a proven commitment to public service. He is running for governor of Connecticut at this critical time because he believes that while our state needs better management, we also need bold leadership with a comprehensive plan to create jobs and make government work for our families -- and the courage to make that vision a reality. It's no surprise that Ned has chosen to take on this challenge at this moment. It's what he has done his entire life. In 2006, Ned took on the political establishment by defeating Joe Lieberman for the Democratic nomination for United States Senate. Ned campaigned on the message that our nation's fiscally reckless foreign policy was distracting us from pressing issues that demanded our attention at home -- including the economy, education, health care, and energy independence. In their endorsement of Ned for the general election, the New York Times wrote that Ned's "willingness to take on Mr. Lieberman when no one else dared to do it showed real courage and conviction." In the years following his historic race for Senate, Ned has served as a fellow at the Kennedy School of Government's Institute of Politics, and as co-chairman of the Obama campaign in Connecticut. Ned has also stayed involved in many of the issues he campaigned on in 2006 by serving on the boards of Mercy Corps, which provides job training skills for disadvantaged youth in the Middle East; Conservation Services Group, the fastest growing energy efficiency company in the country; and Teach for America CT, which recruits and trains college graduates to teach in under-served school systems. In a 2007 editorial, the Stamford Advocate praised Ned for "continuing to stand up publicly for the causes he supported during his election campaign." Bio courtesy of NedLamont.com
7.14.2009
Carl Salsedo, PhD
Extension Educator, Sustainable and Environmental Horticulture

"Maybe we should refer to organic as more of a natural process."
7.14.2009
Dr. Carl A. Salsedo is the host of CPTV's Gardening with Nature series. Carl has been an Extension Educator in Horticulture with the University of Connecticut's Cooperative Extension System (CES) since 1975. He has collaborated on various programs with the commercial green industries in Connecticut, including nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, and landscaping operations. His work also includes the Master Gardener Program, coordinating a training and volunteer service based out of the University of Connecticut's West Hartford Campus. An avid "plantsman", he gardens with his family on a hillside location in Burlington, Connecticut. His research interests include sustainable landscaping and the use of plants within the suburban landscape. Gardening with Nature http://www.cpbn.org/program/gardening-nature
7.10.2009
John Dankosky
WNPR News Director/Host of Where We Live

"As a kid I wanted to be Dr. Johnny Fever."
7.10.2009
John Dankosky has been working in radio - mostly public radio - for 20 years. Since coming to Connecticut in 1994, he has helped to build WNPR's award-winning newsroom, cultivating one of the most talented news staffs in public radio. He has reported for National Public Radio on presidential elections, crime, education, drug abuse, immigration and more. He has edited award-winning documentaries on Connecticut history, 9/11, and the mental health of children, and has been involved in editorial planning for Public Radio News Directors, Inc., The Public Radio Exchange, and NPR's Local News Initiative. He has won awards for reporting, hosting Where We Live, and "overall station excellence" from the AP. Since 2004, Mr. Dankosky has served as an adjunct journalism professor at Quinnipiac University. He has also worked as an editor at NPR in Washington, and at stations in Boston and Pittsburgh. He's a native of the "Steel City," and tells anyone he meets about the Steelers, the Pirates, and Primanti Brothers sandwiches. He is an amateur drummer, who regularly plays music with other WNPR musicians, and dreams of being Charlie Watts or Elvin Jones, or even...well, decent. He lives in Winsted with his wife Jennifer, and cats, Daisy and Dirk. Courtesy of cpbn.org
6.25.2009
Scot Haney
Meteorologist

"I might be a Greek God."
6.25.2009
Scot Haney joined WFSB in November 1998. He has a bachelor's degree from St. John's University, a master's degree from Syracuse University and a degree in meteorology from Stony Brook University. Before joining WFSB, Mr. Haney got his first on-air job in Topeka, KN as a weekend meteorologist and weekday general assignment reporter. He loves to help his community and the people around him. My Sisters' Place honored him with their Advocate Award in 2007 for, "his extraordinary effort in bringing attention to important causes through hundreds of personal appearances each year." In 2003, Mr. Haney received the American Red Cross Service Award. The Hartford Advocate has honored him as the Best News Personality in Connecticut for eight consecutive years.
6.5.2009
Steve Kotchko
Journalist

"They call me the bird man."
6.5.2009
Steve Kotchko is one of the most respected journalists in Connecticut. He is the “dean” of State Capitol resporters, hosts “OTR-On The Record” which is a Connecticut Public Television political program and frequently contributes articles to Connecticut Magazine and the New York Times. Kotchko has interviewed numerous national figures including Jimmy Carter, Ronald Raegan, George Bush, Bill Clinton and most presidential candidates. He is also the Connecticut Radio Network’s Vice President for Communications. He joined CRN in 1973. Courtesy of http://crncontent.com/ctr/steve/steve_kotchko_bio.html
8.7.2009
Rachel Lutzker
Fox 61 Reporter, Acoustic After Dark Radio Host

"I learned it on the monorail in Disney, and I never forgot it."
8.7.2009
Rachel Lutzker began her broadcasting career as a traffic reporter for several Hartford-area radio and television stations. In 2001, Ms. Lutzker moved to New York City as a dedicated traffic reporter for WCBS-TV. She returned to Connecticut for the launch of TimeSaver Traffic on WFSB-TV, WHCN, WPHH, WWYZ and WKSS. Currently, she is the traffic reporter for the Fox 61 Morning News weekdays from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and then hosts the Fox 61 Morning News with Jeff Valin from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Ms. Lutzker continues to provide traffic reports for Clear Channel stations WWYZ, WKSS, WURH and WPOP and serve as evening host on Clear Channel Radio's WHCN The River. In addition to traffic reporting, Ms. Lutzker is the on-air host of the nightly program Acoustic After Dark on The River (WHCN).

Courtesy of www.fox61.com

7.8.2010
Tom Foley
Candidate for Governor

"We need to change the way government is conducted."
7.8.2010
Tom Foley is a highly respected business leader with over 25 years experience as a business owner and executive. Tom started from scratch and made his own way in business. He started the NTC Group in 1985 to acquire under-performing businesses and turn them around. Within ten years, NTC Group grew to employ over 6,000 people. Tom knows what it takes to meet a payroll and keep a business going. Tom believes the same expertise and problem-solving skills he used to fix problems in his businesses can be used to fix our economy and our broken government in Hartford. Tom has an undergraduate degree in Economics from Harvard and a MBA from Harvard Business School. He has served twice in government and understands how government works. From October of 2006 until January of 2009 he was the United States Ambassador to Ireland. In 2003 and 2004, the White House asked Tom to serve in Iraq overseeing most of Iraq’s state-owned businesses and developing a plan for re-establishing a strong private sector economy. Tom earned the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Award for his service in Iraq. Learn more about Tom’s service in Iraq here http://www.tomfoley2010.com/?page_id=1138 The fourth of six children, Tom learned early how to listen. He showed an early interest in fixing things and he liked to venture out. Curious about a bigger world than he was experiencing in school, Tom took a year off at seventeen to work and travel around the country. He worked a construction job and then worked on an assembly line at a can factory where he was member of the union. He zigzagged across the country from Boston to Alaska working and meeting people along the way. Tom knows a lot about what makes this country work and the views, problems, and needs of people from all over. Tom is a lifelong Republican and has been working hard supporting Republican candidates for over 30 years. Tom believes in the Republican principles of individual freedom, limited government, lower taxes, and reliance on the private sector and free markets for economic growth. These are the principles on which his campaign and his Plan Forward for Connecticut are based. These are the same principles on which he will lead Connecticut. Throughout Tom’s career he has been involved in charitable causes focused on improving educational opportunities for children. Tom served on the board of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and was a Trustee of the Kent School in Kent, CT. He was appointed to two Governor’s Commissions including the Governor’s Commission on Divorce, Custody and Children, which he co-chaired, and the Governor’s Commission on Education Finance. Tom’s wife, Leslie, is an attorney. Tom’s son, also named Tom, is nineteen and a freshman in college. Courtesy of http://www.tomfoley2010.com
7.28.2009
Bill Potvin
Co-owner, Hosmer Moutain Soda

"My name means jug of wine in French."
7.28.2009
Bill Potvin manages the Hosmer Mountain Soda Co. with his younger brothers John, Andy, and Chuck. The Potvins became the fourth family to run Hosmer Mountain Bottling Co. when his father, Arthur J. Potvin, purchased the company in 1958. The Potvins have since worked hard to create a line of unique soft drinks that are delivered to local restaurants and customers' homes throughout eastern Connecticut. Over 30 soft drink flavors are produced at Hosmer Mountain Soda. The company also uses environmentally friendly packaging with their trademark reusable glass bottles. Courtesy of http://www.hosmersoda.com and http://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/09/nyregion/view-hosmer-mountain-willimantic-bottlers-who-keep-making-soda-with-old.html
7.2.2009
Al Terzi
News Anchor

" I was originally AJ the DJ."
7.2.2009
One of the state's most-respected broadcast journalists since the 1960s, Al Terzi anchors the weekday editions of WFSB Eyewitness News at noon and 5:00 P.M. Mr. Terzi started at WFSB in January 1994. He previously worked for WFSB from 1968 to 1978, and then spent two years in Florida working as a news anchor and news director at a station in West Palm Beach. In 1980, Mr. Terzi returned to Connecticut to work at WTNH-TV in New Haven, where he worked for 14 years until returning to WFSB. Mr. Terzi has shared two Emmy awards since rejoining WFSB. He recieved one Emmy award for "Best Newscast" and a second was for a series of specials on the UConn Huskies basketball team. Mr. Terzi's education includes undergraduate work at both Yale and Central Connecticut State universities. He also holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. A military veteran, Mr. Terzi served more than seven years of active duty with U.S. Air Force intelligence operations in Taiwan and South Korea. He is also a long-standing member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Courtesy of www.wfsb.com
7.17.2009
Steve Roslonek
Singer/Songwriter

"I’ll tell you what my secret talent is not- Ventriloquism."
7.17.2009
Steve Roslonek is an American children's music performer whose band SteveSongs has garnered several awards from parenting organizations, such as the Parents' Choice Award and the iParenting Media Awards. His music is featured on CPTV in the Miss Lori and Hooper segments of PBS Kids Preschool Destination, where he appears as "Mr. Steve" and performs original songs between other programs. Prior to his career as a recording artist, Roslonek graduated from Wesleyan University and performed with a professional a cappella group on Martha's Vineyard. After graduating, he worked as a business and technology consultant with Anderson Consulting. He began performing in 1997 and moved to a full-time recording career in 1999. He tours extensively around the country, performing between 200 to 400 concerts in a year. Roslonek resides with his wife and child in Connecticut. -Courtesy of Wikipedia
6.14.2010
Michael Fedele
Candidate for Governor

"As governor, one of the number one priorities is to create jobs, and the second part is to put people back to work."
6.14.2010
Republican Mike Fedele has lived in Stamford since coming to Connecticut from Minturno, Italy with his parents and siblings when he was three years old. He grew up in Stamford, attended local public schools and attended Fairfield University. In 1983, Businessman Mike Fedele founded the Stamford-based Pinnacle Group, which has grown into a national information technology firm that has created hundreds of jobs in more than 30 states. Mike also began his public service in 1983, when he was elected to the first of two terms on Stamford’s Board of Representatives. Starting in 1992, Fedele served for ten years as State Representative from the 147th district. As a Republican legislator, Mike was instrumental in several important job creation bills including legislation to expand the role of Connecticut’s community-technical colleges in job training and the phase-out of the succession tax. As a leader on the Insurance Committee, Mike played key roles in passing laws that banned drive-through deliveries and required insurance coverage for mastectomies and prostate cancer. On January 3, 2007, Republican Mike Fedele was sworn-in as the 107th Lieutenant Governor of the State of Connecticut. Since becoming Lieutenant Governor, Mike Fedele has taken a lead role in state economic development issues and has met with hundreds of businesses, employers and workers across Connecticut. He has used his decades of experience as a businessman while meeting with firms in other states and countries to encourage them to create jobs in our state -- and his efforts have already brought new companies and new jobs to Connecticut. Mike Fedele has lived in Stamford for 50 years with his wife Carol of 32 years. They have three children: Michael, Briana and Alesandra. Courtesy of http://fedele2010.com
6.7.2010
Dan Malloy
Gubernatorial Candidate

"Growing up with physical and learning disabilities shapes your attitudes."
6.7.2010
A former Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, Dan Malloy returned home in 1995 to run or Mayor of Stamford, CT. After winning a landslide victory, he served for 14 years- the city's longest serving mayor. Stamford was revitalized under Dan's leadership. In a state that has struggled to create employment opportunities, Malloy brought nearly 5,000 new jobs to Stamford. While Connecticut continues to lose residents he was able to attract 12,000 new people to the city. His administration reduced crime by 63%, consistently earning Stamford the label of one of the 'Top 10 safest cities in the U.S' by the FBI. He implemented the first citywide pre-school program, ensuring that all 4-year-old children have access to pre-K regardless of their economic circumstances. His administration also built thousands of units of affordable housing, championed clean energy, and made dramatic improvements to Stamford's transportation infrastructure. In 2006, Dan ran for Governor and was the Democratic Party's endorsed candidate. He is running again in 2010 for the same position. Born and raised in Stamford, CT, Dan is the youngest of 8 siblings. He currently lives in Stamford with his wife, Cathy, and their three sons; Dannel, Ben, and Sam. -Bio courtesy of DanMalloy.com
7.12.2010
Peter Schiff
Candidate for Senator

"I can go to Washington with my perspective...and hopefully convince enough politicians to do the right thing."
7.12.2010
Right on the Economy. Right for Connecticut. Right Now. Peter Schiff is a successful businessman, bestselling author, and economic expert widely credited with foretelling the U.S. economic crisis years before it occurred.

Peter is not a politician and has never held elected office, instead dedicating his entire adult life to economics and finance.  A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Peter studied finance and accounting before joining a prominent brokerage firm. In 1996, he acquired Euro Pacific Capital, a small brokerage with no clients or revenues, building it into an industry leader in international investment strategies with thousands of clients and six offices nationwide.

In 2006, Peter sounded the alarm that the U.S. economy was facing significant challenges as the credit and housing bubbles neared deflation. Established insiders met his numerous appearances on national television predicting the recession with skepticism, but Peter continued to warn of the coming economic collapse.

Peter maintains that government intervention through regulation, stimulus programs, and corporate bailouts can only worsen our economic crisis. 

Peter is a Connecticut native, and the third generation to call the Nutmeg State home.  His paternal grandfather settled in Connecticut at the turn of the century, working as a skilled laborer on a number of local landmarks including the Yale Bowl.  Connecticut continues to play a central role in Peter’s life.  He chose Westport as the headquarters for his business and lives in Weston, where he is raising his seven-year-old son.

Peter embraces strong fiscally conservative principles and believes that our economic recovery should be left to the free market through businesses and individuals – not the federal government. He believes that, out of 100 members of the U.S. Senate, at least one should have real world experience in finance and economics. Courtesy of Jennifer Millikin
7.13.2009
Lindsay Whalen
Former CT Sun Basketball Player

"I still have a little of the hockey mindset."
7.13.2009
Lindsay Whalen starred for the Golden Gophers from 2000-04, culminating her Minnesota career at the Final Four in 2004. She was a three-time All-American, an Academic All-American and the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2002. She is Minnesota’s all-time leading scorer with 2,285 points to her credit. Whalen’s number 13 is retired and honored with a banner hanging from the rafters in Williams Arena. Whalen entered her first season on Pam Borton’s Minnesota women’s basketball staff as an administrative assistant. She returned to her alma mater after leading the Connecticut Sun to the 2006 Eastern Conference regular-season title and the second round of the WNBA playoffs. Whalen will assist with the team’s community service projects, marketing, alumni relations and other administrative aspects of the program. Whalen earned her bachelor’s degree in sports management in 2005. On Monday, January 11, Lindsay Whalen was traded by the CT Sun to the Minnesota Lynx. See how the story was received in Minnesota, as reported by Tim Leighton in the St. Paul Pioneer Press and in Connecticut by John Perez from the Norwich Bulletin. St. Paul Pioneer Press It took six years, but the Minnesota Lynx finally got their Golden Girl. Former University of Minnesota women's basketball star Lindsay Whalen is coming home to play for the Lynx after being traded by the Connecticut Sun in a deal that was completed late Monday. Minnesota sent point guard Renee Montgomery and the No. 1 overall pick in April's college draft to the Sun for Whalen and Connecticut's first-round pick, No. 2 overall. Read the full story: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/sports/wbasketball/story.asp?list_id=20&story_id=3382041 Norwich Bulletin Mohegan, Conn. — The Connecticut Sun’s trade of Lindsay Whalen Tuesday came with mixed emotions within the organization. Whalen, who spent the first six years of her WNBA career with Connecticut, was dealt to Minnesota on Tuesday, along with the second overall pick in April’s college draft, in exchange for former University of Connecticut star Renee Montgomery and the draft’s top pick, expected to be UConn senior Tina Charles. Read the full story: http://www.norwichbulletin.com/sports/x1689202978/Sun-Trading-Whalen-not-easy
7.17.2009
David Glass
Gourmet Dessert Chef

"Yak tastes like something sent by the Gods."
7.17.2009
David Glass went to Paris to further his studies in art history but took a slight detour after a mind-blowing meal at Archestrate. Never had he tasted, or even heard of, mussel souffle, sea bass with beurre rouge (red butter sauce), filet of beef with a foie gras sauce, frise salad with truffle oil and aged sherry vinegar, and chocolate chestnut torte. Quickly changing professions, David worked at Archestrate (now called Lucas Carton) in Paris, Troisgros in Roanne, and Girardet in Crissier, Switzerland, all Michelin 3-star restaurants, the finest restaurants in the world. To round out his training, he then proceeded to work at restaurants in Istanbul, Tehran, Delhi, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Tokyo. He also hiked in the Himalayas where he learned to cook rice, potatoes and yak. His company is committed to making the most delicious desserts in the world. Drawing upon ideas and ingredients from all over the world, they create stunning, unique flavors for your ultimate dining pleasure. Courtesy of davidglass.com
7.13.2009
Henry Lee, PhD
Forensic Scientist

"Just like CSI, but we can't solve the case by the second commercial."
7.13.2009
Dr. Henry Lee is currently the Chief Emeritus for Scientific Services for the State of Connecticut and is an occasional lecturer of forensic science at the University of New Haven, where he has helped to set up the Henry C. Lee Forensic Institute. He is also a visiting professor at the East China University of Poitical Science and Law. Previously, he has served as Connecticut's Commissioner of Public Safety, the Director of the Connecticut State Police Forensic Science Laboratory, and as the state’s chief criminologist from 1979 to 2000. He has worked on famous cases such as the JonBenét Ramsey murder, the O.J. Simpson and Laci Peterson cases, the post-9/11 forensic investigation, the Washington, DC sniper shootings, and the reinvestigation of John F. Kennedy's assassination. Dr. Lee currently resides in Connecticut with his wife Margaret, to whom he was married in 1962. Courtesy of Wikipedia
7.10.2009
Stew Leonard Jr.
President and CEO of Stew Leonard's

"You create today, it doesn't create you."
7.10.2009
Stew Leonard Jr. has been the President and CEO of Stew Leonard's since 1991. Stew Leonard's is one of the most famous food stores in the world. The company includes three food stores and four wine stores and makes more than $300 million dollars a year. For the last five years, Stew Leonard's has been recognized a "100 Best Companies to Work For." Mr. Leonard graduated from Ithaca College in 1976 and received his MBA from UCLA in 1982. He is also a member of the Master Sommelier Society for wine. He and his wife, Kim, have four daughters and reside in Westport, Connecticut. He has authored two books on water safety, Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim and Swimming Lessons with Stewie the Duck, and two cookbooks, You Can Do It with Bryan Miller and Stew Leonard’s Winning Recipes Cookbook. Mr. Leonard is also on the Norwalk YMCA board of directors. Courtesy of www.yonkersbusinessweek.com
6.4.2009
Ann Nyberg
News Anchor

"I've been known to Twitter and Facebook while on air live."
6.4.2009

For nearly 30 years, Ann Nyberg has reported the news. She has anchored various broadcasts during her 20-year tenure at News Channel 8. Presently, she anchors the 6, 10, and 11 o'clock nightly newscast. While at WTNH, Ms. Nyberg has served as both an investigative and general assignment reporter and has extensive experience working "live" in the field. In 1998, she traveled to Cuba to report on Pope John Paul ll's historic visit to the nation.

Ms. Nyberg has been nominated for an Emmy for her work as an anchor and a reporter and has been voted "Best News Anchor" in Connecticut Magazine; reader's poll from 1998 through 2007. Not only does she bring integrity and dedication to the job, she also feels very strongly about reaching out to the community. Ms. Nyberg is involved with countless organizations around the state and enjoys lending a helping hand where ever it's needed.

Courtesy of http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/news_team/ann_nyberg

7.28.2009
Helen Ubinas
Journalist

"I'm not good at chit-chat. I don't do chatty."
7.28.2009
Helen Ubiñas was born in New York and received her bachelor's degree from Boston University. She began her career in journalism in 1994 when she started with the Hartford Courant as a city desk reporter and has held a number of positions there since, including town reporter, features reporter, and lifestyles and specialties reporter. Since 2000, Ms. Ubiñas has been a Courant columnist. Ms. Ubiñas has been awarded a number of honors and was a finalist for the Livingston Award for Young Journalists. She is also a member of a Pulitzer Prize winning team for breaking news. In 2004, she was apart of a team that won the Scripps Howard Foundation National Journalism Award for public service. In 2005, she was a finalist for her column writing for the National Headliner Award and the American Society of Newspaper Editors Award. She was also a finalist for the Howard Scripps Foundation National Journalism Award for commentaries in 2006. She also won first place for her column writing from the New England Associated Press News Executives Association. Courtesy of http://knight.stanford.edu/fellows/2008/ubinas/
6.17.2009
Denise Merrill
Majority House Leader

"I think I have my dream job."
6.17.2009
Denise Merrill graduated from the University of Connecticut before serving Mansfield, Storrs and Chaplin as a representative since 1992. She is currently the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives. Merrill is actively involved in issues of higher and lower education, including chairing a legislative task force on education technology and spearheading the School Readiness and the Early Reading Success legislation in 1997 and 1998. For her work on these issues she was recognized by the Connecticut Library Association, the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, and the Connecticut Education Association. In 1995, she passed the "UConn 2000", a $1 billion program to refurbish and rebuild the campus of the University of Connecticut. In 2005 she was named by the National Conference of State Legislatures as Co-Chair of their Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education, a national panel of legislators formed to make recommendations regarding affordability and access to higher education. Representative Merrill was appointed to the National Conference of State Legislatures Executive Committee in 2006, and also serves as a Co-chair of the Appropriations Committee.
8.3.2010
Rob Simmons
Candidate for Senator

"I love my country and I don't like where it is going."
8.3.2010
Rob Simmons is the great grandson of Irish immigrants who fled their homeland in search of a better life in the United States. Within a generation, America’s promise and free enterprise system gave Rob’s grandfather the opportunity to send his only son – Rob’s father – to college and retire as a successful owner/operator of five small family businesses. On his mother’s side, Rob’s grandfather was a newspaper editor who in 1934 won a Pulitzer Prize for “meritorious public service” for his campaign against “unscrupulous politicians” who were exploiting the Depression economy and utilizing violence to seize political power in Oregon. The family passed the Pulitzer medal to Rob in recognition of his own dedication to public service. Rob’s public service career began when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1965 as a Private, and spent 19 months in Vietnam where he earned two Bronze Star Medals. Rob continued his military service in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Military Intelligence Officer, retiring as a Colonel in 2003 with over 37 years of active and reserve service. He is past commander of the 434th Military Intelligence (MI) Detachment New Haven, CT, which won the Reserve Officers Association’s Outstanding Small Unit Award in 1996. In 1998, Rob was recognized by for his contributions to the Military Intelligence Corps with the Knowlton Award for "Integrity, Moral Character, Professional Competence and Selflessness.” Following his active duty service in the Army, Rob joined the Central Intelligence Agency, working as an Operations Officer for a decade, including five years on assignment overseas in East Asia where he participated in difficult and dangerous missions to protect America’s national security. Upon his return from East Asia, Rob left the CIA to join the staff of Senator John H. Chafee (R-Rhode Island) where he was Legislative Assistant for Military, Foreign and Veterans Affairs. In 1981, he was assigned as a staff member to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and soon thereafter was appointed by Chairman Barry Goldwater (R-Arizona) to serve as Staff Director of the full committee. Rob worked with the committee and the Reagan Administration on some of the most important national security challenges of the Cold War. CIA Director Casey presented him with the Agency Seal Medallion – its highest civilian award – in 1985. That year, Rob returned to his hometown of Stonington, Connecticut where he chaired the Police Commission, and taught courses on government at both Yale College and the University of Connecticut. In 1991, Rob was elected by the people of Stonington and North Stonington, and the villages of Mystic, Old Mystic and Pawcatuck to represent them in the Connecticut General Assembly. In his first term, Rob opposed the imposition of a state income tax, fought for fiscal responsibility and took a lead role on transportation issues. Rob developed a reputation as a strong advocate for his constituents. As a result, he won reelection four times. Troubled that entrenched 10-term 2nd District incumbent Congressman Sam Gejdenson had lost touch with his constituents, Rob challenged him in 2000 in a campaign many said a Republican could not win. In that race, Rob came back from a double-digit deficit to defeat Gejdenson in a district where Democrats outnumbered Republicans by 34,000 voters. He was the first Republican in 50 years to win three terms in the district. While in Congress, Rob fought to make sure his fellow veterans received the benefits they were promised. He helped pass the historic “concurrent receipt” legislation that allows military retirees to collect their military retirement and the disability benefits to which they are entitled, and secured critical funding for new construction at the Veterans Home in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Rob’s landmark accomplishment was working with Team Connecticut to save the Groton Submarine Base when it was targeted for complete closure by the Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission. Rob led the fight to keep the base operating, saving 31,000 Connecticut jobs and a critical national security asset in the “Submarine Capital of the World.” After three terms in Congress, Rob was appointed by Governor M. Jodi Rell as Connecticut’s first Business Advocate. During his two year term, Rob visited over 400 local small businesses to listen to employers and workers, and help them address the challenges facing small businesses in Connecticut. Rob Simmons is a 1965 graduate of Haverford College, PA, where he won six varsity letters and was captain of the cross-country and track teams. He earned a Master in Public Administration degree from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in 1979, where he was a Littauer Fellow. Rob and his wife, Heidi, have been married for 35 years. She is a public school teacher at the Regional Multicultural Magnet School in New London, CT, specializing in early childhood education and literacy. Rob and Heidi are blessed with a daughter, Jane, who is a graduate of Trinity College in Hartford and lives in New York City; and a son, Robert, who is a graduate of Providence College and lives in Boston. Rob and Heidi live with their three dogs -- Bailey, Lucy and Grigio -- in Stonington, CT. Bio courtesy of http://beta.joinrobsimmons.com/meet-rob