Charity Folk has announced that she will seek the Republican nomination to serve as Simsbury’s 16th District State Representative. Simsbury resident Jackie Battos will serve as Folk’s campaign treasurer.
“I am running for State Representative because I am alarmed with Connecticut’s spending, taxing and borrowing. We are committing money we simply don’t have and continuing to increase our dependency on State government. Connecticut is stifling many of our industries and small business by over taxation and over regulating. Connecticut’s young people are leaving at an alarming rate, and our children can't afford to live where they grew up because of lack of jobs, housing and high cost of living. Americans are reducing their debt, curtailing their spending, saving more – State government must do the same.”
Professionally, Folk is the Executive Director of the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce (SCOC), a position she has held since 1992. In early 2000 she received both the “Chamber Executive of the Year” Award from the CT Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) and the “Commitment to Excellence” Outstanding Performance Award from the SCOC Board of Directors. In 2009 she was honored by the State Chambers Leadership Cabinet with the “Outstanding Chamber Award – Mid Size Chambers.”
“As a long time resident, parent and active community volunteer combined with my years of experience working closely with the local business community and state and local government leaders makes me a well-rounded candidate to represent the Town of Simsbury in the State legislature,” Folk said.
Through her work with the SCOC, Ms. Folk participates in numerous civic activities serving as Shelter Volunteer Coordinator for the Town of Simsbury Emergency Management Team; Citizens Police Academy graduate; the Simsbury Gateway Sign Committee; the Simsbury Free Bike Committee; and, the upcoming ArtWalk Simsbury! She is an active organizer for both the original Chamber sponsored Septemberfest as well as the new town managed Septemberfest, which now includes the popular SCOC Home Improvement Show.
Personally, Folk has been a Simsbury resident since 1983, and raised two daughters in the Simsbury school system. During this time, Folk was an active member of the Squadron Line PTO, soccer coach and an active supporter of YMCA basketball, as well as SHS girl’s basketball, softball and volleyball programs. In addition, Folk is a member of the Simsbury Land Trust and a “tree level sponsor” for the Campaign For Simsbury; a member of the fundraising committee and Bronze Sponsor for the Simsbury Performing Arts Center; and, a sponsor of the Save the Pond efforts for the McLean Game Refuge. Folk is also a member of the Friends of the Simsbury Library, Community Farm of Simsbury and Drake Hill Flower Bridge.
Long time Simsbury Selectman Moira Wertheimer endorsed Folk, stating, “I have first hand knowledge of Charity having worked side by side with her on numerous Town initiatives. I’ve seen Charity work with many different constituents with varying opinions. She is approachable, organized, fair minded and does her homework. You can count on her to get the job done.”
Local businessman and past president of the Simsbury Chamber Peter Pabich agreed. “I strongly support Charity’s candidacy. I too have worked side by side with Charity and have been impressed with her ability to work with different types of people toward a shared goal. Her enthusiasm, solid work ethic, and common sense approach to problem solving is sure to bring a new and much-needed dynamic to the State legislature.
Originally from Fairfield, Folk attended the College of Basic Studies at Boston University and graduated from Emerson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in speech. Charity together with her husband Mike Girard share 8 children and three grandchildren.
