PROUDLY SERVING THE 35TH DISTRICT
State Senator Jeff Gordon
Dr. Jeff Gordon, elected in 2022, represents Connecticut’s 35th District. He serves as a Ranking Member on the Planning & Development and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, and is a member of the Appropriations, Public Health, and Public Safety Committees. Jeff is Co-Chairman of the Rural Caucus. As one of only two medical doctors in the Connecticut legislature, “Doctor-Senator” Jeff is known for his work on health insurance reform, prescription drug pricing, patient care access, and healthcare affordability, especially for people in rural communities. Dr. Jeff’s motto is Common Sense, highlights his work as a State Senator.
FEATURED STORY
Sen. Gordon Stands up for Taxpayers and Government Transparency during Senate Debate on Opening Day
HARTFORD, CT — State Senator Jeff Gordon (R–Woodstock) stood strong for the taxpayers of the 35th District and Connecticut, and for the core democratic principles of government accountability, transparency, and the public’s constitutional right to representation by their elected officials. He strongly stood against government overreach, behind-the-scenes use of taxpayer money, and the concentration of spending authority in the hands of a single individual (the Governor) without public input and legislative oversight.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Senator Jeff Gordon invites you to attend a Legislative Update in Tolland!
“The people of Connecticut want common sense, a fair deal, and their state government to work for them. They know what is best for their families and them. My goal is to take this message to the Capitol for you, working to deliver solutions that make your lives better.”
I learned yesterday that the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch signed an agreement to buy property at 303 Merrow Road (Route 195) in Tolland for the purpose to build a 20-bed criminal juvenile detention center. Youth to be housed at this facility would be serious offenders. State government sought this property and made a decision to purchase it completely behind closed doors.
At no time did state government notify me, my legislative colleagues, and the Town of Tolland about what was being planned and was being done.
At no time were the people of Tolland or the general public notified, included in what was going on, asked to provide input, or given any opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns.
Again, it was all done secretly.
To make matters worse, state government refuses to provide needed answers to questions and details of what happened and what is being planned for a criminal juvenile detention center in Tolland, hiding conveniently behind a non-disclosure agreement with the property seller, an agreement that was made in secret so that people in Tolland would not know about it.
This is a terrible way for the State Judiciary Branch and state government to do things. A huge surpise to the people of Tolland. The residents of Tolland do not deserve to be treated this way!
I AM OPPOSED TO PUTTING A CRIMINAL JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER IN TOLLAND.
I AM OPPOSED TO STATE GOVERNMENT NOT BEING TRANSPARENT AND FAIR TO THE RESIDENTS OF TOLLAND.
Things done in secret like this by state government are a huge disservice to the people of Tolland. It is massively disappointing that the Judicial Branch and state government would behave this way. It is obvious that they did not want the people and town government of Tolland to know till the deal was completed and there by limit what could be done in response.
As Town Manager Brian Foley stated, “While some may characterize our residents' concerns as classic NIMBY-ism (“Not In My Backyard”), one could argue that this is not our backyard — it's our front yard. This property sits on our main thoroughfare within our primary business district corridor.”
There are very real public safety concerns about this juvenile detention center, not just because serious criminal offenders would be housed at this facility, but also housed in a location near day care centers and a public school, and on a major trafficed road in a key commercial zoned district in town. How in the world would the Judiciary Branch and state government think this is a good idea?!
I have quickly set out to work with my legislative colleagues (State Rep Tammy Nuccio and State Rep Tim Ackert), the Town Manager and town government, and others to uncover more about what is going on, to keep the people of Tolland informed, to have their voices heard by a state government that spught to exclude them, and to strongly fight this. I will be attending an upcoming Town Council meeting on this matter. I am looking to visit the juvenile detention center in Hamden, to push the Judiciary Branch and stste government to provide more information, and to talk with others to learn more about this situation.
🌟Congratulations to the Capt. Nathan Hale Middle School Girls Basketball team on their Northeast Middle School Athletic Conference championship win! Awesome.
GO PATRIOTS!🏀
Coventry Public Schools
📞Today is National 211 Day! 📞
211 is your one-stop connection to essential local services, from utility assistance and housing to child care, elder care, crisis intervention, and more. Available 24/7, 211 is always ready to assist those in need.
📲 Dial 2-1-1 or visit online to find support. If you’re outside Connecticut or have trouble using 211, call 1-800-203-1234
United Way of Connecticut