Greenwich legislators to hold coffee hour

GREENWICH — Coffee with the legislators is being served up April 4 at the Glory Days Diner in central Greenwich.

State Sen. L. Scott Frantz (R-36th) and State Reps. Livvy Floren (R-149th), Michael Bocchino (R-150th) and Fred Camillo (R-151st) will be available to hear from residents and take questions.

The popular events have been held several times in the past years; the most recent was in November.
The event will begin at 8 a.m. at the diner, 69 East Putnam Ave., and last about an hour. Members of the public are invited to stop in at any time during the event.

“It’s a great way to stay in touch with constituents and also to be able to better explain what is going on in Hartford in person,” Frantz said. “We leave the subject choices to those attending, but I would like to see them take up the issue of our never-ending budget deficit struggle and transportation funding, amongst others.”

The budget has been the main focus of the ongoing state legislative session. Republicans have praised Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy for his proposed budget, which includes plans to reduce the state workforce and reduce spending. Some Democrats have worried the cuts will hurt hospitals, mental health services and children.

“I thoroughly enjoy the conversations between our delegation and those we represent,” Bocchino said. “Our constituents are intelligent and direct and that is incredibly helpful. I’m certain we will talk in length about deficit mitigation and our economy.”

Camillo said the coffees were invaluable because they allowed for direct interaction with people, an insight especially important before the state budget vote, which is scheduled before the legislative session adjourns May 4.

“I always enjoy listening to constituents and learning what is on their minds and in their hearts,” Floren said.

Past coffees have included discussions of budget cuts to social services agencies, changes to the state tax code to encourage businesses to come to Connecticut, the need for universal pre-K and worries about the nearby Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant in New York.

In November, residents asked the legislators about labeling food products with GMOs in them, the desire by residents to see the Old Greenwich Post Office remain open and the growing problem of drug addition to opiates in Fairfield County and throughout the region.
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