Sen. Formica Honored for his Continued Commitment to Small Towns

February 19, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 19, 2020

SOUTHINGTON – Today Senator Paul Formica (R-20) was honored by Connecticut’s Council of Small Towns (COST) at their 2020 Annual Town Meeting of with the Town Crier Award.  This prestigious award recognizes lawmakers and municipal officials who have taken a leadership role in advocating for public policies to benefit Connecticut’s small towns.

Senator Formica previously served as the First Selectman of East Lyme.  While First Selectman, COST awarded him with the Town Crier Award.  His continued commitment to Connecticut towns earned him the award again in his current post.

“As a First Selectman I was constantly having to monitor state policies to make sure that fiscal burdens were not being shifted from the state to municipalities.  Whether it was potentially becoming responsible for teacher’s state-promised pension costs or losing the revenue from car taxes, I have made it my primary pledge as a state senator to stop the budgetary shell game and protect our towns and cities.”

COST commended Sen. Formica on:

  • his efforts to defeat the proposal to shift teachers’ pension costs to towns.
  • his pledge to expand opportunities for towns to participate in virtual net metering and other energy efficiency programs to reduce costs.
  • his ongoing efforts to support fair share funding for small towns, enact meaningful mandate relief, and support the Resident State Trooper program.

In addition to receiving the Town Crier Award, Sen. Formica also participated in a Legislative Panel at the event.  The panel discussed proposals being considered during the current legislative session, including the looming vote to establish tolls.

“The legislature is facing its biggest challenge this session.  I am calling on my fellow elected officials to cope with reality and make changes to the current budget that only enforce the right priorities for Connecticut.  I will continue to fight against shifting any burden to towns or the taxpayers. It is time to address the conflicts or shortages that have emptied the Special Transportation Fund so we can focus those monies on the infrastructure improvements for which they were intended.”

Senator Paul Formica serves the 20th senatorial district which includes the towns of Bozrah, East Lyme, Montville, New London, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Salem.