Sens. Kelly, Formica Statement on State Elevating Oversight of West Haven Finances

May 17, 2022

HARTFORD – Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) and Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore Paul Formica (R-East Lyme) released the following statement in response to Gov. Lamont accepting Connecticut’s Municipal Accountability Review Board (MARB) request to elevate West Haven to Tier IV status and increase state oversight following alleged misuse of federal COVID-19 relief funds:

 

“MARB has already been overseeing the town of West Haven during the time the alleged appalling abuse and mismanagement of pandemic-relief funds occurred. Increasing MARB oversight appears to be a step forward, but it is far too late to reverse the alleged misspending that occurred while MARB was already providing oversight. If this could happen in one town, how do we know it isn’t happening in others? We called for swift action months ago and both the legislature and the administration have dragged their feet on this issue. CT Democratic lawmakers refused to advance proposed legislation to increase transparency and oversight of all federal covid relief dollars during the legislative session. We put forward common sense transparency measures in our plan for a Better Way to an Accountable Connecticut. But Democrats refused to vote on those proposals. We need a full accounting of the entire administration’s management of federal funds. These funds were entrusted to the state of Connecticut during the pandemic to help people in need. Unfortunately for the citizens of West Haven, justice is delayed and the taxpayers’ sacrifices disrespected. To enable Connecticut to move forward, we continue to call for strong and swift action to restore the public’s trust and confidence in the state’s finances. We need transparency and accountability now.”