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Carlo Leone

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This article is about the Connecticut Politician. For The Italian historian, see Carlo Leoni (historian).

Carlo Leone
Member of the Connecticut State Senate
from the 27th district
In office
February 23, 2011 – January 5, 2021
Preceded byAndrew J. McDonald
Succeeded byPatricia Billie Miller
Member of the Connecticut House of Representatives
from the 148th district
In office
January 1, 2003 – February 23, 2011
Preceded byAnne McDonald
Succeeded byDan Fox
Personal details
Born (1963-02-03) February 3, 1963 (age 61)
Rose, Calabria, Italy
Political partyDemocratic Party
Residence(s)Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.
EducationSacred Heart University (BBA, MBA)
Military service
Branch/service United States Air Force
Years of service1981–1987

Carlo Leone (born February 3, 1963)[1] is an American politician serving as the senior adviser to ConnDOT commissioner Joseph Giulietti. Leone formerly represented the 27th district of the Connecticut State Senate as a Democrat from 2011 until his resignation in 2021. While in the State Senate, he served as deputy president pro tempore and chair of the Transportation Committee.[2] Leone also served in the Connecticut House of Representatives representing the 148th district from 2003 to 2011. As a Democrat, he served as the deputy majority whip in the House of Representatives.

Personal life

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Carlo Leone was born in Rose, Italy. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from Sacred Heart University. Leone and his wife, Karen, have one child.[3]

Career

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Leone served in the United States Air Force from 1981 to 1987.[4] During his service in the Air Force, Leone served with NATO forces in Spain, Italy, and Turkey.[5] Following his Air Force service, he worked at Xerox as a technician. Leone left Xerox after 17 years of working there. Following that, he founded The Workplace, an agency that helps homeless veterans find housing in Fairfield County.[6]

Connecticut House of Representatives

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From 2003 to 2011, Leone served in the Connecticut House of Representatives representing the 148th district, which encompasses a small portion of Stamford. While in the House, as a Democrat, Leone served as the Deputy Majority Whip of the House.[7] While in the House, Leone also served as the Vice Chair of the Regulations Review committee.[8] Among the committees that Leone served on during his tenure in the House were the Transportation, Regulations review, and the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding committee.[4]

Connecticut State Senate

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On February 23, 2011, Leone won a special election for the 27th District seat against Republican Bob Kolenberg; the election was held to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Andrew J. McDonald, who left the Senate to serve as Governor Dan Malloy's chief legal counsel.[9] Leone won the 2012,[10][11] 2014,[12] 2016,[13] and 2018[14] elections and won re-election for the 5th time in the 2020 election.[15] Winning by 9,865 votes over Republican Eva Maldonado, who also ran against Leone in the 2014 election.[16] Leone formerly served as Chairman of the Transportation Committee and Vice Chairman of both the General Law Committee and the Finance, Revenue, and Boarding Committee in the General Assembly.[4] Leone also served as the Deputy President pro tempore of the Senate and Chairman of the Veterans Affairs committee.[17]

General Assembly

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In 2013, Leone and then-State Representative William Tong co-authored a bill to help preserve homeowners rights during the Foreclosure process.[18] In 2018, Leone was one of 6 members of the General Law Committee to vote in support of Marijuana legalization. The bill ultimately failed to make it to the General Assembly as it was struck down in a 6–11 vote.[19] In November 2019, following a report that stated that the Connecticut Port Authority was misspending several thousands of dollars on expensive meals and liquor. Leone was one of 21 Democrats to vote for a police reform bill in July 2020. And later stated that he hoped that similar bills would pass in the regular session in January 2021.[20] When Hurricane Isaias hit Connecticut in August 2020, hundreds of thousands of residents were left without power for several days.[21] Eversource, which supplies most of Connecticut with electricity, was criticized for their slow response to the storm damage.[22] After this, the Connecticut State Senate passed a bill in a 35–0 vote that would hold utility companies such as Eversource to tougher standards. Leone was one of many state senators who spoke out in support of the bill, saying: "We’re not here by choice, We’re here because our constituents demanded us to act."[23]

School Regionalization

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In January 2019, President pro tempore Martin Looney drafted a bill that would force towns with a population of below 40,000 full time residents to consolidate and regionalize their school districts with neighboring towns.[24] In response, Leone claimed that the bill was "only a starting point to have serious discussions" and that it was "Not prudent to rush to any judgements" in a statement given to the Darien Times.[25] Leone has also spoken out in support of consolidating Connecticut Community colleges.[26]

Transportation Committee

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While Chairman of the Transportation Committee, Leone worked on pedestrian safety legislation. In 2019, Leone wrote a bill that would impose $20 fines on pedestrians for what he referred to as "distracted walking" or using a cellphone while walking on a street.[27] The bill faced scrutiny from many prominent Republicans.[28] Leone reasserted his claims, citing that the state transportation fund is set to be completely depleted by 2024. And reasserted that there is a risk of major transportation projects being canceled as a result of the waning transportation funds.[29] In December 2020, Governor Ned Lamont announced that he would move to raise the Gasoline Tax.[30][31]

Resignation

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On December 31, 2020, it was announced that Leone would be leaving the State Senate in order to take a leadership position in Governor Ned Lamont's administration as a senior adviser to state Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti.[32] Leone resigned from the Senate on January 5, 2021.[33] A special election in order to replace Leone took place on March 2, 2021.[34][35] State Representative Patricia Billie Miller won the election.[36][37][38]

DOT adviser

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On January 5, 2021, Leone began serving as the senior adviser to ConnDOT commissioner Joseph Giulietti.[39]

Electoral history

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Leone has run for election/re-election in the Connecticut State Senate six times. Beginning with a special election in 2011, where he defeated Republican challenger Bob Kolenberg. Leone has won at least 60% of the vote in his re-election campaigns every year except for 2014, where he won 54% of the vote. Leone has raised $648,802 in campaign contributions since 2002.[40]

2008

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Leone ran virtually unopposed in the 2008 election. Easily coasting to re-election against David Bedell, the write in candidate who scored 8 votes.

2008 Connecticut House of Representatives election, District 148[4]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Carlo Leone 5,686 99.999
Write-In David Bedell 8 0.001
Total votes 5,694 100.000
Democratic hold

2010

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Leone once again won re-election to the House of Representatives. Winning against Republican Phil Balestriere and Green Party candidate Rolf W. Maurer.

2010 Connecticut House of Representatives election, District 148[41]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Carlo Leone 3,182 64.20
Republican Phil Balestriere 1,690 34.10
Green Rolf W. Maurer 84 1.70
Total votes 4,956 100.00
Democratic hold

2011 special election

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After Incumbent Democrat Andrew J. McDonald resigned to take a position in newly elected Governor Dan Malloy's administration. The 27th Senate seat became vacant. Leone won a special election against Republican Bob Kolenberg. The election was held on February 22, 2011.

2011 Connecticut State Senate Special election, District 27[42]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Carlo Leone 4,517 54.80
Republican Bob Kolenberg 3,725 45.20
Total votes 8,242 100.00
Democratic hold

2012

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Carlo Leone won re-election to a 2nd term after defeating Republican challenger Barry Michelson. Green Party candidate Ronald W. Sala also ran in the election, receiving 497 votes.

2012 Connecticut State Senate election, District 27[42]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Carlo Leone (incumbent) 19,834 61.50
Republican Barry Michelson 11,925 37
Green Ronald W. Sala 497 1.5
Total votes 32,256 100.00
Democratic hold

2014

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Carlo Leone won re-election to a third term after defeating Republican challenger Eva Maldonado. Green Party candidate David Michel also ran, collecting 357 votes. Maldonado would later run again in the 2020 election, once again unsuccessful.

2014 Connecticut State Senate election, District 27[42]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Carlo Leone (incumbent) 12,142 54.70
Republican Eva Maldonado 9,695 43.70
Green David Michel 357 1.6
Total votes 22,194 100.00
Democratic hold

2016

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Carlo Leone won re-election to a fourth term after defeating Republican challenger Gino Bottino as well as Green Party candidate Cora Santaguida.

2016 Connecticut State Senate election, District 27[42]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Carlo Leone (incumbent) 24,149 65.24
Republican Gino Bottino 11,993 32.40
Green Cora Santaguida 874 2.36
Total votes 37,016 100.00
Democratic hold

2018

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Carlo Leone won re-election to a fifth term after defeating Republican challenger Jerry Bosak.

2018 Connecticut State Senate election, District 27[43]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Carlo Leone (incumbent) 22,161 64.8
Total Jerry Bosak 11,649 34.1
Republican Jerry Bosak 11,101 32.5
Independent Jerry Bosak 548 1.6
Green Cora Santaguida 392 1.1
Total votes 34,202 100.0
Democratic hold

2020

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Leone won re-election to a sixth term after defeating Republican challenger Eva Maldonado.[44] This was the 2nd time that Maldonado had campaigned against Leone. The other time being in 2014.

2020 Connecticut State Senate election, District 27[42]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Carlo Leone (Incumbent) 24,661 62.50
Republican Eva Maldonado 14,796 37.50
Total votes 39,457 100.00
Democratic hold

References

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  1. ^ United States Public Records, 1970-2009
  2. ^ Connecticut Senate Dems. "About Senator Leone". Ctsenatedems. Connecticut Senate Dems. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  3. ^ Carella, Angela (September 27, 2020). "Carlo Leone: Democrat, candidate for the state 27th state Senate District". Stamfordadvocate.com. Stamford Advocate. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d Ballotpedia. "Carlo Leone". Ballotpedia. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  5. ^ Stamford Citizen of the Year. "Senator Carlo Leone". stamfordcoty.org. City of Stamford Citizen of the Year. Retrieved August 11, 2021.
  6. ^ Carella, Angella (October 14, 2020). "Ex-Air Force vs. ex-officer: Leone, Maldonado vie for District 27 Senate seat". Darientimes.com. Darien Times. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  7. ^ CBIA. "Carlo Leone CT State Senator for Stamford and Darien". cbia.com. CBIA. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  8. ^ Stuart, Christine (January 3, 2007). "Leadership Assignments". ctnewsjunkie.com. CT News Junkie. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  9. ^ "Special elections means more expenses, more rhetoric". CT Post. January 10, 2011. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  10. ^ Donahue, Casey (November 7, 2012). "Leone Re-Elected To Darien's 27th Senate District". dailyvoice.com. Darien Daily Voice. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  11. ^ Connecticut Secretary of State. "2012 election results". Secretaryofstate.ct.gov. Connecticut Secretary of state. Archived from the original on October 13, 2014. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  12. ^ CT.gov. "Statement of vote" (PDF). CT.gov. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  13. ^ Ct.gov. "Statement of vote" (PDF). Ct.gov. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  14. ^ Ballotpedia. "2018 Connecticut state senate elections". Ballotpedia. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  15. ^ Staff Reports (November 5, 2020). "Final results show Stamford Dems grasping decisive victories". stamfordadvocate.com. Stamford Advocate. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  16. ^ Ballotpedia. "Connecticut State Senate District 27". Ballotpedia. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  17. ^ Bill Track 50. "Legislator Detail". BillTrack50.com. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ King, Kate (August 17, 2013). "New law helps homeowner facing foreclosure". Stamfordadvocate.com. Stamford Advocate. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  19. ^ Keating, Christopher (March 20, 2018). "Democrats And Republicans Unite To Reject Marijuana Legalization Bill In Committee". Courant.com. Hartford Courant. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
  20. ^ Pazniokas, Mark (July 29, 2020). "Police reforms clear Connecticut Senate on partisan vote". Ctpost. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  21. ^ NBC Connecticut Staff (August 4, 2020). "1 Dead, Over 675,000 People Without Power in Conn. After Tropical Storm Isaias". nbcconnecticut.com. NBC Connecticut. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
  22. ^ Walton, Robert. "Following outrage over Hurricane Isaias response, Connecticut bill would put utilities on the hook for outage costs". Utilitydrive.com. Utility Drive. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
  23. ^ Dixon, Ken (October 2020). "Senate approves tougher standards for utilities". Ctpost.com. Connecticut Post. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
  24. ^ Kramer, Jack (January 28, 2019). "Regionalization and Consolidation of School Districts Has Towns on Edge". Ctnewsjunkie.com. CT News Junkie. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  25. ^ Shultz, Susan (January 29, 2019). "UPDATE: Connecticut regionalization bill filed with error in language regarding population". stamfordadvocate.com. Stamford Advocate. Retrieved August 11, 2021.
  26. ^ Fox, Sandra Diamond (January 31, 2020). "Norwalk High School, regionalization among topics at Darien Dem reps coffee". Darientimes.com. Darien Times. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  27. ^ Schott, Paul (January 22, 2020). "Stamford's Democratic state legislators give truck tolls green light". Stamfordadvocate.com. Stamford Advocate. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  28. ^ Krasset,Dixon, Kaitlyn,Ken. "Tolls opponents on new bill: 'Unacceptable'". Ctinsider.com. Ctpost. Retrieved January 2, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  29. ^ Dixon, Ken (January 3, 2021). "State fund for transportation, on track to fail in 2024, will be focus of General Assembly". The Middletown Press. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  30. ^ Fitch, Mark E. (December 21, 2020). "Gov. Lamont signs on to regional gasoline tax". Yakeeinstitute.org. Yankee Institute. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
  31. ^ Dixon, Ken (December 21, 2020). "Gasoline taxes could rise as Lamont joins regional climate group". Ctpost.com. CT Post. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
  32. ^ Dixon, Ken. "Veteran Stamford senator will take job with Lamont administration". Ctpost.com. Connecticut Post. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  33. ^ NBC Connecticut (January 3, 2021). "State Sen. Carlo Leone Resigns Days Before Tentative Start of Legislative Session". Nbcconnecticut.com. NBC Connecticut. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  34. ^ Lamont, Ned. "Governor Lamont Sets March 2 Special Election for State Senate Seat in Darien and Stamford". portal.ct.gov. Governor Ned Lamont. Retrieved January 21, 2021.
  35. ^ CBIA. "Special Elections Pending for Stamford, Darien Voters". cbia.com. CBIA. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  36. ^ Valle Del, Veronica. "Stamford Dems: Miller will seek Senate seat vacated by Leone". ctinsider.com. Stamford Advocate. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
  37. ^ Del Valle, Veronica. "Miller, Esses likely to duke it out for Leone's state Senate seat in March special election". stamfordadvocate.com. Stamford Advocate. Retrieved January 21, 2021.
  38. ^ Keating, Christopher (March 3, 2021). "Rep. Billie Miller declares victory in special election for state Senate in Stamford and Darien". courant.com. Hartford Courant. Retrieved March 9, 2021.
  39. ^ Stuart, Christine (January 4, 2021). "Stamford Lawmaker To Join Lamont Administration". ctnewsjunkie.com. CT News Junkie. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  40. ^ Follow The Money. "Contributions to LEONE, CARLO L". Followthemoney.org. Follow The Money. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  41. ^ "Connecticut House of Representatives elections, 2010". Ballotpedia.
  42. ^ a b c d e "Public Reporting". Connecticut Elections Management System. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  43. ^ "Connecticut State Senate District 27". Ballotpedia.
  44. ^ Carella, Angela. "Leone in lead after in-person votes tallied, absentees due Wednesday". stamfordadvocate.com. Stamford advocate. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
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