Sen. Joe Markley Keeping His Promise

Senator Joe Markley talking with seniors at the Calendar Senior Center in Southington

Southington, CT – Newly elected State Senator Joe Markley took some time out on Friday January 28th to visit with seniors at the Calendar Senior Center in Southington. Senator Markley says he was keeping a campaign promise to stay connected.

Senator Markley said, “These folks supported me and I want to stay in touch and be responsive to their needs.”

The voters who supported Markley in the general elections say they were pleased to see him and respected that he kept his word and returned to their center.

At lunch, Sen. Markley made his way around the cafeteria and listened to more than two dozen seniors as they enjoyed home made soup – a weekly part of the elderly nutrition program a the center. With the prices of food, gasoline and labor increasing each year, many of the residents said they were concerned about the state funding to their low cost program. Right now a resident who can afford it pays $2.50 per meal. Those who don’t have money to pay are not turned away.

The centers director, Bob Verderame, also raised concerns about a state matching grant program for elderly and disabled transportation. Verderame asked Senator Markley to make sure the program remains intact. The town receives 80% reimbursement from the Department of Transportation and a $50,000 state matching grant all of which pays for buses and drivers. “I understand the need for transportation and recognize Southington is not on a transit district line and has no taxi service,” said Senator Markley.

Before leaving the senior center Senator Markley asked constituents to contact him with any future concerns. Adding, “If we all work together, Southington will remain a great community to live and work in for years to come.”

Senator Joe Markley represents the 16th district towns of Southington, Waterbury, Wolcott and Cheshire.

Contact Sen. Markley at [email protected] or toll free at 1-800-842-1421.