LeBorious, Democrat of East Windsor, will run against Hall for the 59th House

East Windsor resident and former Enfield mayor Rick LeBorious says he’s been involved in public policy his entire adult life and now feels the need to advocate for his communities as a representative in state government.

To that end, LeBorious has been endorsed by East Windsor and Enfield Democrats to challenge Republican Rep. Carol Hall for the 59th House District seat in November. Enfield resident Hall was first elected in 2016.

“I was honored to be a part of both communities,” said LeBorious, who grew up in Enfield and, with his wife, Betsy, raised three children in the city before moving to East Windsor in 2000 to help care of Betsy’s parents. LeBorious said he has “two hometowns” and has served on several boards and commissions in each city, including as vice mayor and then briefly as mayor in Enfield while on the city council from 1977-89.

Both cities need continued support, he said, and his goal is to be their spokesperson in the state legislature.

This is LeBorious’ first time running for state office. “To me, there is no greater calling in our democracy than to serve your fellow citizens in elective public office,” he said. “I thought long and hard before I decided to do this challenge.”

LeBorious said he asked himself several questions before making his decision: “Could I be clear enough to express the concerns of my constituents at the state Capitol? Do I have the stamina to fight for the pressing needs of our district? I still have the passion I had. as a young man elected for his first term as an Enfield councillor?”

His answers to questions, LeBorious said, are “yes, yes, yes.”

At 73, LeBorious said he’s not young anymore, but he feels the same passion for public service as he did when he was 25 and was appointed to the Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission, the first time he’s served a city in -a public office. From there, he also served on two Charter Review Committees and, after moving to East Windsor, served on the Diversity Council and remains a member of the East Windsor Democratic Town Committee.

LeBorious continues to operate his business, United Metalworking Industries, in Enfield.

Leading up to Election Day on Nov. 5, LeBorious said he will be knocking on doors and holding forums to learn about topics of interest from the two communities. “The future of democracy depends on the knowledge of its citizens about their role and interest in preserving democratic values ​​and norms,” ​​he said. “It depends on our ability to foster a dialogue based on a shared set of facts and beliefs.”