MONROE, CT — Longtime Monroe resident, business owner, and current Planning and Zoning Commission member Leon Ambrosey has officially entered the race for first selectman of the town of Monroe.
Ambrosey’s candidacy comes after Monroe Democrats launched a grassroots petition drive garnering over 200 signatures in just over 48 hours, ensuring a contested election against current First Selectman Terry Rooney, a Republican who had been running unopposed.
“First, I want to thank the people who took an entire weekend of their time to help me get enough signatures to qualify as a candidate for first selectman,” Ambrosey said. “I also want to thank all of those who signed petitions on my behalf. Your unbelievable outpouring of support has been both exciting and gratifying. Now let’s get down to business.”
“Why am I doing this? I love this town: a town in which I have raised my family; a town which has supported my business for many years,” he said. “I believe that its people deserve a choice — a choice between the status quo and change, a choice between listening and dictating.”
“When someone comes into my auto repair shop, I first listen to what the problem is and then try to solve it,” Ambrosey continued. “If elected first selectman, I will listen to the people and the issues that affect their lives on a local level. That’s the kind of change I am talking about. It is long overdue. I look forward to meeting everyone on the campaign trail this fall and hearing what all of you have to say.”
Born and raised in Bridgeport, Ambrosey is the first boy in a family of seven children. He developed a strong work ethic early on, helping his father repair trucks and starting a career in auto mechanics at a young age. In 1993, Ambrosey and his wife, Cindy, opened Cross Hill Citgo, now Cross Hill Auto Repair, which has been serving Monroe residents for more than 30 years.
Ambrosey and his wife have lived in Monroe for over 25 years, raising their three sons — Bobby, Bryan, and Drew — and building deep community ties.
In 1999, they established their own horse breeding farm, continuing Cindy’s lifelong equestrian involvement in Monroe since 1976. The couple has been active in the American Quarter Horse Association, the Connecticut Farm Bureau, and other agricultural organizations, and Cindy has served on the town’s Conservation Board.
Leon’s civic service includes more than a decade on the Planning and Zoning Commission, where he has advocated for thoughtful growth that preserves Monroe’s small-town character. He has also been involved with local organizations such as the Connecticut Quarter Horse Association, Connecticut Gymkhana Association, Fairfield County Fish & Game Club and Connecticut BMX.
“My entire adult life has been about hard work, community involvement, and making sure Monroe remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” Ambrosey said. “That includes making our public schools second to none, so every student has the opportunity to succeed and feel valued.”
Ambrosey says his campaign will focus on transparent leadership, supporting small businesses, protecting Monroe’s rural heritage, strengthening public schools, and engaging residents in local decision-making.
With his decades-long commitment to Monroe, his experience as a small business owner, and his dedication to public service, Leon Ambrosey said he is ready to bring a balanced, community-first approach to the role of first selectman.
Congrats Leon!