Delegation Celebrates Danbury Day at Capitol

May 17, 2017

Sen. McLachlan Danbury Day 2017

 

Hartford – Legislative representatives of the Hat City feted the border community with a reincarnation of the legendary Danbury State Fair in the capitol’s Old Judiciary room.

State Senator Michael McLachlan (R-24) and State Representatives David Arconti (D-109), William Duff (R-2), Michael Ferguson (R-138), Bob Godfrey (D-110), Stephen Harding (R-107), and Richard Smith (R-108) were joined by Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton and Superintendent Dr. Sal Pascarella in a celebration of one of the state’s most diverse cities.

As a junior member of the delegation, Rep. Ferguson volunteered to organize the annual event that in addition to featuring fair food, honored four outstanding community members and the principal of five of Danbury’s six schools of distinction.

“I have been looking forward to Danbury Day since my first day in the legislature,” said Rep. Ferguson.  “Danbury is the place where I was born, raised and educated.  I still serve on the Board of Education there and it is such an honor to represent my hometown in the General Assembly.  We had such a spectacular turnout and I was proud to show off the people who have worked to make Danbury special.”

Rep. Godfrey presented General Assembly citations to Danbury NAACP President Glenda Armstrong and Danbury Nurses Union President Mary Consoli for their lifelong dedication to the improvement of Danbury.

“Danbury Day recognizes the unique diversity and character of our city, and I look forward to this celebration of my hometown every year,”Rep. Godfrey said. “What truly makes any place great is the people, and I was glad to help honor community members who have devoted themselves to improving Danbury.”

Sen. McLachlan presented General Assembly citations to CityCenter Danbury founder Frank Capiello and Rizzo Companies founder and CEO Anthony Rizzo Sr. for their years of service to the city and its residents.

“It is my great pleasure to stand with my fellow legislators and showcase our great city, and also use this occasion to honor some of our exemplary citizens,” Sen. McLachlan said. “One of the reasons Danbury is a great city is because of the efforts of dedicated servants like Ms. Armstrong, Ms. Consoli, Mr. Cappiello, and Mr. Rizzo. Their hard work and character are an example for us all.”

Rep. Arconti said he hopes those who attended the event will be motivated to visit and learn more about Danbury.

“It was an honor sharing Danbury Day with our colleagues in the General Assembly and to recognize the accomplishments and rich history of the City,” Rep. Arconti said. “I believe the folks who turned out enjoyed the celebration and now appreciate why we love Danbury so much.”

Attending his first Danbury Day at the Capitol, Rep. Duff said the event is an opportunity to showcase the positive aspects Connecticut’s seventh largest city.

Rep. Duff said, “As a first-year legislator, who represents a portion of Danbury, I am pleased we were able to showcase our great city to the rest of the General Assembly. It’s a day of pride and a celebration of our diverse culture at the State Capitol for us representing the Hat City.”

Rep. Harding said the event had a great turnout.

“I was proud today to join my fellow colleagues from the Danbury delegation along with Mayor Boughton and many distinguished guests to celebrate Danbury Day,” Rep. Harding said. “I am truly honored to represent this amazing city with its rich history, culture, and economy that sets the example for all cities in the state.”

Rep. Smith said he hopes that having six city schools named as Schools of Distinction will show businesses that Danbury is committed to education and can provide the workforce they need. The schools and principals honored are Ellsworth Avenue School with Dr. Anna Rocco, Hayestown Avenue School with Stephanie Furman, Mill Ridge Primary School with Dr. Mary Cronin, Morris Street School with Bill Santarsiero, and South Street School with Heather Pellicone. A sixth school, Park Avenue School with principal David Krafick was not present to accept a citation.

“I always enjoy celebrating the Hat City and our part of Connecticut in Hartford,” said Rep. Rich Smith.  “I want to offer my congratulations to all of the honorees for their well-deserved recognition.  You are what makes Danbury such a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”