Greenwich Legislative Delegation Attends League of Women Voters Forum

Senator Frantz speaks at the legislative forum hosted by the League of Women Voters.

Greenwich – State Senator L. Scott Frantz, R-36th District, along with State Representatives Livvy R. Floren, R-149th District, Lile R. Gibbons, R-150th District, and Fred Camillo, R- 151st District participated Tuesday in a legislative forum hosted by the League of Women Voters at the Nathaniel Witherell Nursing Home.

The room was full with area residents abuzz over the potential changes to Education Cost Sharing (ECS), pension funding, election law, and the most recent downgrade to the state credit rating.

“This was a wonderful opportunity to hear concerns and update our neighbors on the issues coming up in the 2012 Legislative Session,” said Rep. Floren. “We all agree that increased voter participation is a laudable goal. Broadening the criteria to allow someone to vote by Absentee Ballot would be a great step to increase people’s ability to participate in elections”

“I appreciate all the ways that the League connects engaged citizens to facts, research and experts on the issues,” said Rep. Gibbons. “I am sure that those in attendance were not aware of all the different factors considered when developing a town’s share of education money, and how adjusting the formula may possibly lessen the money that comes back to Greenwich. We will not know any final decisions to change, or not change, the ECS formula until the panel reports in October.”

“I would like to thank the League of Women Voters for providing this opportunity to learn from our constituents,” said Senator Frantz. “After discussing the many pressing issues of the day, it is clear that the state budget is a major concern. While there is no immediate solution to this problem, we must seriously consider proposals that will put our state back on the path to fiscal solvency.”

Even with so much at stake with the state economy, the topics discussed varied greatly. The environment, including the need for water programs and restricting the placement of cell towers, were some of the top concerns.

“I certainly want to make sure future policies protect our waterways, marshland and open space,” said Rep. Camillo. “I am proud to say that I grew up on the Mianus River and promoting green practices and greater awareness will allow us to preserve these natural resources for generations to come.”