House Republican Press Release

April 18, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Reps Hamzy, Burns, Nicastro: House Confirms Bristol Attorney Jon P. Fitzgerald as Human Rights Referee

Legislators Urged Fitzgerald’s Reappointment in Remarks on House Floor

The state House of Representatives today voted unanimously to confirm Bristol attorney Jon P. Fitzgerald for another term as a human rights referee, said state Representatives William A. Hamzy, Ron Burns and Frank N. Nicastro Sr., who supported his nomination in remarks on the floor of the House.

“Jon is a fair-minded, reasonable and intelligent person who has served with distinction as a human rights referee for the State of Connecticut since 1999,” said Representative Hamzy, R-78^th District. “He is a gentleman who has always been evenhanded and fair to both sides as a human rights referee. He will continue to do a great job. I strongly recommend his confirmation for another term.”

“I have known Jon for more than five years and served with him on the Bristol Development Authority,” said Representative Burns, R-77^th District. “I have always found him to be thorough in his deliberations, and thoughtful in considering every party’s point of view. He has a wealth of prior experience as a human rights referee and I urge my colleagues to support his confirmation.”

“I served with Jon on the Inland Wetlands Commission 20 years ago and we both worked together as members of the Bristol Development Authority for several years,” said Representative Nicastro, D-79^th District. “I have always found him to be a caring, compassionate and well-spoken person who makes his decisions based on the facts. I was honored to support his confirmation today.”

Mr. Fitzgerald also has served as a small claims commissioner for the Manchester Superior Court and as a fact finder/arbitrator for the New Britain and Hartford courts. Human rights referees hear complaints brought to the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.