March 18, 2024
It's been just over four months since our historic election this past November. I am honored and humbled to serve as your Selectman alongside our First Selectman David Bindelglass. We continue to show that Democrats deliver in Easton.
In January, I joined Dave in welcoming Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz for the announcement of $396,000 from the CT State Bond Commission towards infrastructure work at the site of Easton’s EMS headquarters. These funds would not have been possible without the strong support and hard work of Rep. Anne Hughes, David Bindelglass, and the state’s Democratic leadership. We are looking forward to Easton’s dedicated emergency responders having a renovated headquarters—something that is much needed and way overdue.
In February, the Board of Selectmen approved a task force to study and make recommendations regarding the protection of town officials and civility in governance. I am serving as chair of the task force. This is an important issue. We want residents to continue to volunteer to serve on boards and commissions. Further, we want our town employees to know that we will not tolerate their harassment. Civility is an important issue to Dave and myself. We pledge to build a stronger and more prosperous community by advocating for civil engagement, respecting others and their viewpoints, and finding solutions for the betterment of our town.
Many people have seen on social media the recent discussion on an proposed bill in the state legislature that would exempt watershed communities from 8-30g appeals. Dave and I wholeheartedly endorsed this proposal. We sent letters to multiple state legislators showcasing our support. We will continue to work with members of both parties in support of this issue. On another issue, we recently sent a letter to Easton’s delegation in the legislature seeking their support for financial aid to municipalities for early voting.
Governor Ned Lamont signed into law legislation this past month an additional $17 million to cover a gap in federal assistance for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP). This legislation designates $13.5 million in supplemental aid for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and $3.5 million for Operation Fuel. Low income residents--in particular senior citizens on a fixed budget--often utilizes this program to help offset the high cost of home heating. Easton residents should contact Daniel Simonelli, the Municipal Agent for the Aging / Social Services, at 203-268-1137 or dsimonelli@eastonct.gov for more information on how to apply to this program.
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