Sen. Kane, Rep. Williams Discuss Pro-Business Initiatives in Watertown

From the Waterbury Republican-American

WATERTOWN — Connecticut is a state that everyone is in a hurry to leave, according to local business leaders and politicians.

Business leaders gathered Thursday morning to listen to their state legislators and pose questions on everything from state college tuition to energy plans.

Rep. Sean Williams, R-Watertown, told members of the Watertown-Oakville Chamber of Commerce that Connecticut loses more 18- to 25-year-olds than any other state except Alaska.

Sen. Robert J. Kane, R-Watertown, criticized a plan to raise in-state tuition at the University of Connecticut, saying Connecticut residents are losing spots to international students, students from other states and illegal residents.

He said Connecticut students who attend Connecticut schools stay in Connecticut.

The two legislators touched on bills they’re proposing to improve the atmosphere for business.

Kane said he’s trying to promote a development zone around Waterbury-Oxford Airport, has proposed a Connecticut antiques trail, and a bill to allow members of the armed forces to vote online.

Williams said the legislature should focus on helping people find jobs.

Thomas Ciarlo, owner of C-Tech Manufacturing, said lawmakers need to control the budget deficit while keeping taxes down. He said the state’s manufacturing jobs are moving south and overseas.

He said many of his customers, mostly screw machine houses, are leaving the state. Ciarlo said he’s told his children to move out of state once they graduate college, though he plans to stay.

He said high taxes, complicated regulations, and a lack of skilled workers are preventing him from expanding his business.

Vania Guerrera of Thomaston Savings Bank said her main concern is also attracting and keeping people in Connecticut. As a mortgage lender, Guerrera said she’d like to see incentives to help relocate people to local areas.

Richard Dupont, chairman of the board of the Watertown-Oakville Chamber, said the state needs to drive support for manufacturing and make sure new laws don’t penalize companies with insurance, energy or labor issues.

Catherine Risigo-Wickline, owner of Therapy Unlimited, said she lost 20 employees this year because a grant she’s received for 17 years for her birth to three program went to a provider out of state.