Mar. 8 -- While the weather was stormy, the lights were bright on Sunday
night as Ridgefield Democrats honored out-going Town Committee Chairman
John Kukulka. In a standing-room only affair, dozens and dozens of Ridgefield
Democrats heard Democratic leaders from across the state honor Mr. Kukulka
at a gala party hosted by Selectman Mike Jones. Kukulka's accomplishments
were memorialized by one of the largest gatherings of Connecticut Democratic
leaders in recent memory, including Attorney General Dick Blumenthal, Danbury Mayor Gene Eriquez and Congressman
Jim Maloney, all of whom spoke glowingly of Mr. Kukulka's accomplishments.
(A large group of well-wishers from Ridgefield and
beyond gathered in the home of Mike Jones to thank John Kukulka for his
four years as Party Chairman. Here, Ct. State Attorney General Dick Blumenthal lauds John's outstanding record.)
In addition to Blumenthal, Maloney, and Eriquez, State Central Committeeman Stuart Smith of Wilton, Westport Democratic Chair Martha Aasen, Ridgefield State Representative Chris Scalzo and retired Ridgefield Republican Town Chairman Susan Reynolds appeared to honor the retiring DTC chair. They were joined by more than 50 local Democrats and friends of John Kukulka.
Congressman Maloney and Mayor Eriquez, Danbury residents who traveled here to honor one of Ridgefield's young leaders, jointly claimed the limelight for
presenting the top honors of the evening. 
Mayor Eriquez spoke first and
quite movingly, obviously proud of the Democratic Party's efforts in Ridgefield.
He eloquently described Kukulka's many contributions to the Democratic party.
Speaking as a friend and a colleague, the Mayor presented Kukulka with a
proclamation from the City of Danbury highlighting John's many accomplishments.
These included receiving the 1993 Democratic National
Committee's Lawrence O'Brien Award, and his key role in returning Ridgefield
to "two-party status."
Fifth District Congressman Jim Maloney presented Kukulka with the coveted
Special Congressional Recognition for Meritorious Achievement. The Congressman
spoke of Kukulka's hard work and enormous accomplishments in reinvigorating
the Ridgefield Democratic party. He recalled a wonderful moment he enjoyed
with Kukulka during the grueling 1996 campaign when Mr. Maloney visited
the Ridgefield Democrats' huge campaign headquarters on Main Street, and
returned to the campaign reinvigorated and reassured by the strength of
neighboring Ridgefield's efforts.
Attorney General Blumenthal hailed Kukulka's role in propelling Ridgefield to an important position in statewide politics. He spoke of the importance of the town's support in his own statewide coalition, and renewed his call for support from Ridgefield Democrats in the upcoming election.
Selectman Mike Jones, who hosted the soiree, presented Mr. Kukulka with
a plaque from the entire Democratic Town Committee honoring his tireless
energy over the past four years as chairman. Mr. Jones spoke of John's "passion
for winning, passion for the fight, and passion for the democratic perspective
of justice which has served this country so well for two centuries."
Tonight's affair was unique in recent memory for attracting not only
local Democrats, but also key Democratic figures from across the state.
In wrapping up the party, Selectman Jones said "John Kukulka provided
unique and memorable leadership to Ridgefield Democrats at a crucial time
in our party. The turnout tonight is evidence of the importance of his work
to Connecticut Democrats." (Photo, John Kukulka being congratulated by AG Blumenthal and Danbury mayor Eriquez)
Mr. Kukulka officially steps down this month after four years as the chairman of the Ridgefield Democrats. His immediate plans, he notes, "are to focus on my health, my family and my career."
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