Month: March 2023 (Page 1 of 2)

Jim Himes represents Connecticut’s 4th District in the United States House of Representatives where he is serving his eighth term. He serves as Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and on the House Financial Services Committee. Jim plans to have a conversation with us that will cover a number of current topics including (among others): the most feasible path to raising the debt ceiling; continuing efforts to forge a middle ground consensus on sensible legislation that, if enacted, could alter the course of destructive gun violence spreading across our nation; the likelihood that Connecticut will continue to receive its fair share of federal government funding for major infrastructure and military investments; the likelihood that Congress will authorize funding to sustain our country’s support of Ukraine at a level that, in combination with contributions from our allies, will eventually permit Ukraine to achieve some version of victory against Russia; the recent intelligence leaks, the risks posed by Chinese spy balloons, and the ever-growing threat of cyber-warfare; and the fervent desire of many Americans that both parties in Congress move away from ideological extremism to pursue practical and reasonable legislative solutions designed to preserve our democracy and enable all Americans to have the opportunity to live productive, meaningful and satisfying lives.

Jim grew up as the child of a single working mom in a small town. As a member of Congress, Jim works hard to provide all American children the same opportunities he had to succeed: access to a first-rate public school, affordable and effective health care, a decent and safe home, and a supportive community.

Born in Lima, Peru in 1966 to American parents, he spent the early years of his childhood in Peru and Colombia while his father worked for the Ford Foundation and UNICEF. As an American abroad, Jim grew up fluent in both Spanish and English and was raised with an awareness of the unique position of the United States in the world. At the age of ten, Jim moved with his mother and sisters to the United States.

Jim graduated from Hopewell Valley Central High School and then attended Harvard University. After completing his undergraduate work, Jim earned a Rhodes Scholarship, which enabled him to attend Oxford University in England where he continued his studies of Latin America, including research in El Salvador.

Prior to his service in Congress, Jim ran the New York City branch of The Enterprise Community Partners, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the unique challenges of urban poverty. Jim’s team led the way in financing the construction of thousands of affordable housing units in the greater New York metropolitan region, often using new green technologies to achieve energy efficiency and reduce utility costs.

Jim’s experience at Enterprise spurred his involvement in politics. Putting his expertise in affordable housing to work, Jim served as a Commissioner of the Greenwich Housing Authority, ultimately chairing the board and leading it through a much-needed program of reforms. Jim went on to become an elected member of his town’s finance board, setting tax and budget policy for Greenwich. Jim has also served as Chair of his local Democratic Town Committee, organizing others in the community to become more active in the political process.

Jim began his professional career at Goldman Sachs & Co. where he worked his way up to Vice President over the course of a 12-year career. He worked extensively in Latin America and headed the bank’s telecommunications technology group there. Jim and his wife Mary live in Greenwich (with not frequent enough visits from their daughters Emma and Linley).

Video Presentation 

Humorist Jerry Zezima, who is a Stamford native, writes a humor column for Tribune News Service and is the author of six books, including his latest entitled One for the Ageless: How to Stay Young and Immature Even if You Are Really Old. The work is a fun and irreverant collection of reflections on aging.

In his meditation on the funny sides of the golden years, Jerry will take us on one retirement adventure after another, introducing us to his long-suffering wife, his kids and grandkids, and all the antics he gets involved in from story to story.

Kirkus, in its laudatory review, observes that Jerry is a natural storyteller, never more delightful than when readers suspect he might be, shall we say, exaggerating, adding that his comic timing is impeccable, and neatly balanced with his self-deprecating humor. Even though serious subjects come up (failing health, Covid-19), the author very winningly never takes himself too seriously.

Jerry has a strong social media presence, has made many radio and television appearances, has done several YouTube videos, is a popular public speaker, and is writing a sitcom. He also has a blog: jerryzezima.blogspot.com.

Jerry lives on Long Island with his wife, Sue. They have two daughters, five grandchildren and many creditors.

Video Presentation