State Representative Heffernan Sworn in at the State Capitol

January 30, 2024

 

HARTFORD - State Representative William "Bill" Heffernan (D-West Haven) was sworn in last week at the State Capitol for his first term representing the 115th District. Heffernan won a special election on January 23 to replace Dorinda Borer, who resigned after she won her race for West Haven Mayor in November 2023.

 

The swearing-in ceremony took place in the House Chamber on January 26.

 

“I’m happy to welcome Representative Heffernan to the Connecticut General Assembly. I know he’s no stranger to public service, but I’m thankful he chose to run for public office and continue to serve in a different aspect,” said House Speaker Matt Ritter.

 

“I extend my sincerest congratulations to Representative Heffernan and look forward to a busy and productive session ahead,” Representative Jason Rojas said. “He is a retired firefighter and previously served on the board of the West Haven Community House and the public library. His life experience will be a welcome addition to the House of Representatives. We are pleased to have him as a member of our caucus!”

 

“Representative Heffernan has demonstrated his commitment to West Haven and public service for decades, so there is no doubt that will continue at the State Capitol as an advocate for our great city," said Mayor Dorinda Borer. "Residents of the 115th House District are in great hands since Representative Heffernan knows the needs of our community, which is a really good foundation for being a state representative. He will be able to help, and I look forward to collaborating with Representative Heffernan as part of the West Haven delegation."

 

“I am truly honored that the people of West Haven’s 115th District chose me to represent them," said Representative Heffernan. "I have big shoes to fill with the departure of my predecessor, Dorinda Borer, and I will do my best to represent this district. I want to thank my wife and family for supporting my campaign for state representative. Now let’s get to work for the 115th!”

 

Representative Heffernan owned and operated Alpha Carpet from 1990 to 2015 and Johnny's Grille (owner/partner) in West Haven from 2004-2019 (and permittee from 2010-2019). He served as a consulting producer on the TV series "Tacoma FD," which can be found on Netflix. He was a career firefighter in the West Haven Fire Department, retiring after 28 years at the rank of Lieutenant, and now serves as Department Historian, an honor bestowed in January 2023. Among the many organizations Heffernan belongs to, he currently serves on the Board of Directors for the West Haven Community House (2010 – present), serves as president of the Village Improvement Association, as vice president of the West Haven Historical Society, and as treasurer of the Friends of West Haven Library. 

 

Representative Heffernan will serve on the Human Services, Commerce, and Veterans committees for the 2024 Legislative Session.

 

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Representative Heffernan is sworn in by Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, while House Speaker Matthew Ritter looks on.