Date: Fri 30-Jan-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Pavia-politics-senate

Full Text:

Easton Attorney To Take On Lovegrove

(with cut)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Earlier this month, Republican John Pavia of Easton announced his plans to run

for the State Senate from District 28.

The seat is currently held by fellow Republican Fred Lovegrove of Fairfield,

who has been the district's state senator since 1982.

Mr Pavia, a 34-year-old attorney, believes he has what it takes to become the

district's next senator. The district includes Newtown, Fairfield, Monroe and

Easton.

Mr Pavia vowed he would not make his run against Mr Lovegrove a "referendum

based on the incumbent's record."

Mr Pavia, also an adjunct law professor at the Quinnipiac College Law School,

has a wife, Robin, and two children. He grew up in Monroe.

Mr Pavia's platform includes the need to balance economic growth with land

preservation, the need to cut down on the state's education deficit and the

need for a moratorium on some affordable housing. He believes the state's

current density formula for affordable housing is not economically affordable

for some towns, including Newtown.

Mr Pavia is also in favor of shipping some prisoners out of state, believing

many are still active with the outside world when imprisoned in their own

backyard. Mr Pavia is a former Brooklyn prosecutor.

At the March GOP convention, Republicans will have to decide on whether to

support Senator Lovegrove or his opponent. The loser has the right to primary.

Mr Pavia said he is very encouraged about his chances and has received a good

response during his visits with the Republican Town Committee of Newtown.

RTC chairman Marie Sturdevant said she first met Mr Pavia while both were

involved in the Bob Dole campaign. Mr Pavia, a member of the Easton RTC, is

expected to speak to the Newtown RTC at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

Mr Pavia practices law at the Levy & Droney law firm in Farmington.

In November 1995, Sen Lovegrove defeated Democratic challenger Tom Ganim in a

hotly contested battle. The senator, a resident of Fairfield, has also

defeated Democrat Gary Fetzer of Newtown on two separate occasions.