Sen. Guglielmo: State Gun Range Proposal “Makes No Sense” for Willington, East Windsor

February 3, 2016

Sen. Tony Guglielmo (R-Stafford) today applauded area residents for attending a Feb. 2 informational forum at the State Capitol to express their opposition to a new State Police firing range in Willington or East Windsor.

“The proposal to build the range out here makes no sense,” said Sen. Guglielmo. “Not only does it not make financial sense, but it also would harm our environment and our quality of life.”

“We already have a state facility in East Haven where the Connecticut National Guard trains. That facility is available to the State Police for 240 days a year. Why do we need to spend up to $11 million of taxpayers’ money on a new facility? Connecticut government agencies should be sharing resources like the firing range in East Haven in order to save taxpayers money.”

Guglielmo serves as ranking senator on the legislature’s Public Safety and Security Committee. The panel held the forum to gain more information about the proposed range from state officials.

Guglielmo said state officials took note of the many concerned residents from Willington and East Windsor who made the trip to watch the proceedings at the State Capitol Complex.

“Clearly, that presence sent a message,” Guglielmo said. “That message was ‘we don’t want it’. Republicans and Democrats on our panel received that message loud and clear, and I am certain that the high-ranking officials from our state agencies received that message as well.”

Guglielmo cited the hearing as a prime example of how taxpayers can make their voices heard.

“I will continue to keep area residents up-to-date on the status of this proposal,” Guglielmo said. “I urge the public to continue to speak out until this idea is taken off the table. These are our tax dollars. This involves the character of our communities. We’ve got to keep the pressure on. If we do, we will win this battle.”

Guglielmo can be reached at [email protected] or 1-800-842-1421