Shante` Hanks, former staffer for Congressman Jim Himes, appears well on her way to qualifying for public financing in her quest to unseat incumbent State Rep. Charlie Stallworth in an August Democratic primary. Her campaign kicked out a news release praising her quick fundraising work. Party endorsements will take place in May. Shortly after that the State Elections Enforcement Commission will parcel out public grants. Stallworth two years ago fended off school board member Maria Pereira in a close primary.
From Hanks campaign:
Shante` Hanks submitted the required contributions and signatures to the State Election Enforcement Commission to qualify for the public grant. Shante` had to raise approximately $5,200 from a minimum of 150 donations from constituents in the 126th assembly district to qualify for a grant of $25,000 from the State. She exceeded those goals by raising over $6,000, in exactly one month after filing.
“This past month has been inspiring,” Shante` said Friday. “The response we have received from our community has only reinforced my belief that this district strongly believes in change.”
Rev. James Morton applauded Hanks’ decision to run. “Shante` is an exceptional candidate for state representative for Bridgeport,” said Rev. James Morton. “I am not surprised, because I have known Shante` since she was a child and she has always been a firebrand.” James is the eldest son of the late Senator Margaret who was the first African American woman to serve as state representative in Bridgeport.
Before announcing her candidacy, Shante` previously served as Congressman Jim Himes’ Deputy District Director which included managing constituent services. She has served as Chair of Bridgeport Public Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, on the State of Connecticut Disparity Study Committee, and sat on the Bridgeport Regional Business Council’s (BRBC) Green Business Award nominating committee. She has also volunteered with numerous community organizations as well as serving on the Executive Board for Emerge America’s Connecticut chapter and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Connecticut Advisory Board. Shante` has been recognized as the Small Business Advocate of the Year by the Southern Connecticut Black Chamber of Commerce, and awarded the 100 Women of Color Award
Councilwoman Karen Jackson also expressed her support. “Being able to qualify in only one month really says everything about Shante`’s candidacy,” Karen Jackson said Friday. “She is organized, intelligent, hard working, and it is clear that she has the support of our community behind her.”
“During the events we have hosted, I have been most moved by the children, parents, and both young adults and older members of our community coming out together and sharing ideas of what Bridgeport could be,” Shante` stated.
Shante` currently lives on the North End in the Whiskey Hill section.
YAWN
A lot of Gold Coast-interest (Himes/Stamford-Greenwich) money involved here… Doesn’t bode well for Bridgeport….
Happy to see Reverend James Morton applaud Shante Hanks decision to run. I am delighted to see someone with real hands on experience dealing with the problems, issues and concerns that some 2500-5000 folks around the City using some slice of HUD program funds suffer routinely.
When you are suffering from joblessness, low income, health issues,etc. it really is helpful to have an office and person to reach out to who has practical experience in handling those issues, and not just a good heart and smile (though those are most helpful in addition). In a relatively short period of time Shante has put herself forward to share her abilities, energy and pragmatic experience to improve the quality of living in Bridgeport. Time will tell.
Karen Jackson supporting Shante Hanks, a huge supporter of Charter $chools that serves on the Governing Council of Dr. Perry’s Charter School.
I will definitely keep this in mind for her reelection in 2019.
Shanté Hanks may be the best candidate.