Darien Times
Republican Terrie Wood to run for Ryan's state House seat

May 12, 2008

ORIGINALLY REPORTED Saturday 9:40 a.m. (Updated below)

Terrie Wood, former Darien Land Trust president, and a current member of the Republican Town Committee, will announce her candidacy for state representative this afternoon, The Darien Times has learned.

Rep. John J. Ryan, who is in his seventh term as the 141st District representative, announced this week he would not seek re-election. At the time he told The Darien Times that he was doing so because he knew a good replacement was ready to run for the position.

Wood, who serves as the RTC's chairman of campaigns and analytics, sent an email to supporters Friday asking them to attend her announcement rally at Pear Tree Point Beach at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

"I am very enthused about this opportunity to continue the good work on behalf of Darien and Rowayton and look forward to representing you all in Hartford," Wood said in her e-mail message.

The 141st District is made up of Darien and Rowayton. Democrats have not said if they will challenge for the position. But earlier this year, when it was not known that Ryan would step aside, the Democratic Town Committee chairman, John Davis, told The Darien Times that his committee did not plan to run a candidate.

For more on Ryan, click here.

The May 15 Darien Times will have much more on this story.

E-mail Darien Times editor Joshua Fisher at editor@darientimes.com.

***PRESS RELEASE FROM THE WOOD CAMPAIGN***

TERRIE WOOD TO RUN FOR 141ST DISTRICT ASSEMBLY SEAT

Darien, Connecticut, May 10   This afternoon at both Pear Tree Point Beach in Darien and Pinkney Park in Rowayton, Republican Terrie Wood of Darien announced her candidacy for the Connecticut General Assembly, 141st District. 

The 141st district, comprised of Darien and Rowayton, is currently served by State Representative John Ryan, who recently announced that he will not seek re-election in November.  Republican delegates will select their nominee at the Thursday, May 15th convention, 8:00 p.m. at Darien Town Hall.    

Mrs. Wood, a 32-year resident of Darien and longtime community leader, thanked the enthusiastic gathering for its confidence in her and Representative Ryan for his 14 years of service. 

“John has always understood and appreciated the concerns of Darien.  I have served and supported the town in many ways over the years, and now I look forward to the opportunity to represent it in Hartford.” 
“I’m announcing my candidacy with the backdrop of the Long Island Sound for a specific reason.  Darien and Rowayton residents have always prized our natural resources.  I am looking forward to putting my experience to good use in state government and doing everything I can to continue to protect our environment.” 

As President of the Darien Land Trust for the last 4 years, Wood was instrumental in protecting open space from development in Darien and Rowayton -- to preserve it for future generations. 

“In addition to our natural resources, I am committed to protecting our other assets, including our excellent schools, strong sense of community, and spirit of volunteer service.” 

Representative Ryan applauded Wood’s candidacy.  “Terrie is a rare blend of effective leadership, compassion and determination.  She’s an excellent listener but also knows first-hand how the political process works, and how to achieve results.”

Mrs. Wood was a co-chair of the “YES DHS!” Political Action Committee that helped bring a new high school to Darien.  She has served in numerous local campaigns, as well as on the Darien Republican Town Committee.  Her community leadership includes serving on the Board of The Community Fund of Darien and the Advisory Board of Person-to-Person, as a Trustee of the Darien Library, and as co-founder and first chairman of the Darien Environmental Group. 

Harry Artinian and Art Scialabba, chairs of the Darien and Norwalk Republican Town Committees, respectively, were on hand to offer their congratulations. 



© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers