Jan Giegler
State Representative Janice R. Giegler (R-138) has announced that she will not seek re-election as state representative for the 138th District in the Connecticut General Assembly representing Danbury, New Fairfield and Ridgefield for the 2017-18 session.
Rep. Geigler’s District includes northern Ridgebury — she represents voters in Ridgefield who live north of George Washington Highway.
“Deciding not to run for re-election as state representative has been an emotional decision, and not one I undertook lightly,” Rep. Giegler said. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of the 138th District for the past 14 years.”
Rep. Giegler was first elected in 2002, and was re-elected to her seventh term in 2014.
“The opportunity to run initially for political office was presented to me quite unexpectedly by former State Senator David Cappiello,” she said. “Little did I know that that decision would begin one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life,” Rep. Giegler said.
In the General Assembly, she most recently was named as the House Republican Whip for the 2015-16 session by House Republican Leader Themis Klarides. She also served as a House Republican Leader and as the former Ranking Member on the Public Safety & Security Committee, Public Health Committee, Executive & Legislative Nominations Committee and House Chair of the Select Committee on Internships. Currently, she serves on the Transportation Committee, Public Safety & Security Committee, Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee and Internship Committee.
“One of the most important roles as a legislator is to be accessible to your constituents and to be their advocate,” Rep. Giegler said. “I appreciate each person who took the time to reach out to me, whether in support or against legislation brought before us or one who needed assistance in navigating the state
system to resolve an issue.”
Rep. Giegler has been an advocate for Western Healthcare Network joining her colleagues in gaining approval for advanced cardiac care and bringing dollars to Regional Hospice and Ann’s Place; working to get the Danbury Public Schools a greater share of state education dollars and securing dollars for school-based health centers; at Western Connecticut State University working to secure bonding dollars for facilities such as the new Performing Arts Building; and securing bonding for Richter Park and the War Memorial in support of veterans.
STEAP grants were also awarded to New Fairfield’s library, streetscape and Senior Center, and to the Town of Ridgefield.
Rep. Giegler also championed the reinstatement of the state police dispatch center at Southbury’s Troop A in Southbury. Rep Giegler was granted approval for transportation projects in the Danbury area and has opposed each proposal for border tolls and casinos.
During her tenure, Rep. Giegler was involved in a variety of community and service organizations such as the YMCA task force and Danbury Homelessness task force and as a member of Women in Government as a state director. She currently serves as a major in the Civil Air Patrol’s Ct Legislative Squadron and on the Danbury Chamber Women’s Business Council.
Though she will no longer be serving as state representative, her commitment to public service will continue in her role as the elected Town Clerk for the City of Danbury.
“Being a state representative has been a job like no other,” Rep. Giegler said. “There is no way to prepare for the fast-paced, demanding environment you have to immediately perform in, but it’s a commitment which I have truly enjoyed and where there is camaraderie among peers and where integrity, hard work and common sense count. It’s a job I will miss very much.
I have to thank my family for accepting the days and hours I was away from home, the friends who supported my efforts through the years and the Greater Danbury area legislative delegation and the collaborative efforts that allowed us to accomplish so much for our community,” Rep. Giegler said.
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