Senator Frantz Hosts Town Hall Meeting in New Canaan [The Hour]

Article as it appeared in The Hour on March 18, 2013

New Canaan legislative delegation holds a Town Hall meeting

NEW CANAAN — State Reps. Lawrence Cafero (R-142) and Thomas O’Dea (R-125) along with State Senators Scott Frantz and Toni Boucher (R-26) hosted an old-fashioned town hall meeting with over 50 New Canaan residents this week at New Canaan Library.

The lawmakers who all represent a portion of New Canaan discussed the current state budget deficit, Connecticut’s poor job creation record as well as the pending legislative proposals on gun violence, school security and mental health treatment being negotiated by legislative leaders. The officials explained the complexity of each the issues regarding the Newtown tragedy and answered questions from attendees.

Rep. Cafero said, “It is always helpful to talk directly to the people we represent and exchange ideas on how best to go about the peoples’ business. I always look forward these opportunities and want to thank all who took the time to come out.’’

“I wish to thank those who joined my colleagues and me last night for a productive discussion of state and local matters. I took to heart the comments and suggestions that folks offered, and will keep them in mind when considering the issues that affect New Canaan and surrounding communities” said Rep. O’Dea.

“As one of several legislators representing New Canaan, I believe it is important to provide you with an update on the current budget proposal and to bring your thoughts and concerns back to Hartford,” said State Senator L. Scott Frantz (R-36). “In an effort to produce the best budget possible and avoid situations such as allowing New Canaan to lose $3.5 million in car tax revenue, I will be sharing your input with other legislators to in the coming weeks and months.”

As the co-chair of the school safety and security working group of the Bipartisan Task Force on Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety, Senator Boucher was charged with providing recommendations in response to the Sandy Hook shooting.

“I was pleased to see many in the audience take an active interest and role in the legislative process. This unique bipartisan process considered input from all stakeholder including, teachers, parents, school administrators, mayors and first selectmen, police and fire, and threat assessment experts,” said Sen. Boucher. “We considered all suggested improvements and developed a consensus document that was delivered to the chairs of the Bipartisan Task Force, which included, allowing school construction grants to include safety features, ensuring the development of emergency plans, providing intensive, individualized interventions for the most high risk students.”