Middletown at the CT State Democratic Convention

After his nomination, Governor Dannel Malloy visited with Rep. Matt Lesser, former Mayor Dominique Thornton, and other members of the city's delegation at the Connecticut Convention Center.

Legislators Praise $44M Authorized For MxCC

State Representative Matthew Lesser (D) joined colleagues to announce Wednesday that for the state legislature has authorized $44 million for design and construction of a new academic building at Middlesex Community College (MxCC). It will need to be approved by the state Bonding Commission prior to release.

“I promised my constituents at the beginning of this term that I would do what I could to reduce the overcrowding at Middlesex Community College,” stated Rep. Lesser. “This was a team effort and I am proud of the work we were able to accomplish, which will provide the single biggest investment in Middlesex in a generation.”

Lesser singled out for praise his legislative colleagues in Middlesex County, the Board of Regents of Higher Education, and Rep. Betty Boukus and Sen. Andrea Stillman, chairs of the bonding subcommittee of the Committee on Finance. “I particularly want to call out the remarkable efforts of Middlesex President Anna Wasescha, a real force of nature who made the inarguable case that Middlesex’s resources are insufficient to meet rising demand. While this still needs to be approved by the bonding commission, I am hopeful that the arguments made to secure this authorization will help the Bonding Commission approve the item.”

“I want to thank Representative Matt Lesser for his unstinting support of Middlesex Community College, as well as the legislative delegation who supported this initiative, the Board of Regents, Interim President Phil Austin, and the chairs and members of the bonding subcommittee of the Committee on Finance,” said President Wasescha, “Although we have had very little investment in the physical plant of the college for decades, the prospect of a new building comes at a time when we now know a great deal about designing spaces to promote student success and how to do that in extraordinarily energy efficient buildings. The timing is perfect. We thank everyone for this vote of confidence in the college and for investing in the future of this community.”

Senator Danté Bartolomeo (D - Cheshire, Meriden, Middlefield & Middletown) shared similar enthusiasm, saying she was, “thrilled to work with Rep. Lesser for this well-deserved investment in quality education. We are putting our support into a school that has proven its record as a valuable asset to our community.

"Middlesex Community College offers more than 50 degree and certificate programs, and is a valuable partner in the community," said Senator Paul Doyle. "Unfortunately, the college's infrastructure has been neglected over the years, and I am proud to work with my colleagues to achieve this good investment.”

“I am so pleased that the legislation has had the foresight to provide MXCC with an additional building,” stated Representative Joesph Serra. “As my alma mater, this school is close to my heart, and I know it is a great institution that provides a quality education, and that this investment is long overdue.”

Lesser Tapped as Assistant Majority Leader

Rep. Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) has been appointed Assistant Majority Leader by Democratic leaders, incoming Speaker of the House J. Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) and Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin).

Lesser, 29, was re-elected to his third term in November. This is the first time Rep. Lesser has been tapped to join Democratic leadership.

"I'm gratified by the appointment and look forward to working with our new leadership in the new year," Rep Lesser said.

"As Assistant Majority Leader, Matt will play a key role in moving our legislative agenda forward," said incoming Speaker of the House Sharkey. "Rep. Lesser's experience serving on a broad spectrum of committees makes him a great fit for this leadership position."

City's Legislative Delegation Receives Mixed Ratings On Environmental Votes

The bipartisan Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) released its annual scorecard of legislative votes on Monday. Two of our State Representatives, Democrats Gail Hamm and Matt Lesser, and one of our State Senators, Republican Len Suzio, received a perfect score from the environment watchdog. Lesser has received a perfect rating each of the 4 years he has served in Hartford.

The CTLCV scored legislators' votes on 21 bills in the 2011 session. Some of these votes were in committees, so not all legislators voted on all of those bills. The full report of the CTLCV is available HERE.

Paul Doyle (D, Senate 9th) 82%
Doyle took what the CTLCV considers the pro-environment position on each of the 8 bills that reached the Senate floor. However, in the Judiciary Committee, he voted in favor of the Environmental Protection Act Rollback (SB343), which would have made it much more difficult for the public to oppose development applications (the bill passed the Judiciary Committee but died on the Senate calendar). He also voted in the General Law Committee against the Safe Pharmaceutical Disposal Act (SB92), which would have required state and local police to maintain lockboxes for anonymous disposal of unused and expired pharmaceutical drugs (The bill died in the General Law Committee).

Len Suzio (R, Senate 13th) 100%
Suzio took what the CTLCV considers the pro-environment position on each of the 8 bills that reached the Senate floor. He did not serve on any of the committees that considered other bills.

Joe Serra (D, House 33rd) 88%
Serra took what the CTLCV considers the pro-environment position on each of the 5 bills that reached the House floor. However, in the House Judiciary Committee, he voted in favor of the Environmental Protection Act Rollback (SB343), which would have made it much more difficult for the public to oppose development applications (the bill passed the Judiciary Committee but died on the Senate calendar).

Matt Lesser (D, House 100th) 100%
Lesser took what the CTLCV considers the pro-environment position on each of the 5 bills that reached the House floor. He also took pro-environment positions on two bills that he voted on in committee, the Water Conservation Bill (SB415) in the Energy and Technology Committee (this bill passed the House but failed in the Senate), and the Chemicals of High Concern for Children Bill (SB274) in the Public Health Committee (this bill died on the Senate calendar).

Gail Hamm (D, House 34th) 100%
Hamm took what the CTLCV considers the pro-environment position on each of the 5 bills that reached the House floor. She did not serve on any of the committees that considered other bills.

Christie Carpino (R, House 32nd) 88%
Carpino took what the CTLCV considers the pro-environment position on each of the 5 bills that reached the House floor. However, in the House Judiciary Committee, she voted in favor of the Environmental Protection Act Rollback (SB343), which would have made it much more difficult for the public to oppose development applications (the bill passed the Judiciary Committee but died on the Senate calendar).

City Hall Memorial Service - 2 year Anniversary Kleen Energy Explosion

Today marks the tragic February 7, 2010, explosion at the Kleen Energy natural gas powered electric generating plant under construction in Middletown, Connecticut, that killed six workers and injured at least 50 others. After the blast the community rallied together to try and cope with the tragedy, fundraisers for the families of the six who died were held shortly after by a variety of organizations and local unions. Citizens home on that day will never forget where they were or what they were doing when they heard the blast miles away. This past August, the CT legislature passed a bill introduced by representative Matt Lesser calling for fines and stricter controls regarding the flushing of gas lines on construction sites.

-----------------------------------------------------

My eyes stung from the cleaning solution as I wiped the window sill in my grandfather's bathroom Sunday morning. In the hall my uncle Joe Salafia, Jr. vacuumed. Then he stopped.

"I can't believe its been 2 years." said Joe. I stopped. My grandmother has only been dead a month; I have no idea what he is talking about. It seems like yesterday. I pick up and wipe under her things still in the bathroom, it seems wrong to put them away, after all they have been in the same spots for at least thirty years. We are a sight, me trying to do my best imitation of domestic goddess, and my uncle - a hulking, rough & tat'd construction worker tries his best to daintily move the vacuum around the narrow hall. He is vacuuming the slate foyer, I know because the sixty year old grout is starting to dislodge and it rattles as its is being picked up. All my relatives have this same blue-red slate flooring. As a child, I used to think if you were Sicilian and wanted to live in Middletown you had to have this slate as some mandatory symbol in order to live here.Maybe it was given out to all our immigrant ancestors as they got off the boat since I've noticed in many other local old homes owned by people of my same background. My parents have it in their basement, and my friends on Catherine Street in theirs, and the apartment my cousin rented on Burr Ave. had it. Now I know it wasn't ever a style trend, but a throw back to when friends and neighbors knew each other better, and helped each other; when you were lucky enough to have had something you could give away you did. Together Joe and I are out of place, going through the motions of what we think we should be doing, both guilty for not helping years before.

"Two years since what?" I ask.

"The Explosion." he says.

" You were on that job weren't you?". I ask.

I know the answer. Joe was working up until six days before the accident. He knew all the men. He had been in the area doing exactly what the men were doing. My uncle is a union sheet metal duct builder and foreman and has been for twenty years. He had been laid off from the job; the reasons irrelevant- typical job site politics and scheduling issues like with any job, routine; but it was upsetting because the pay had been particularly good and he enjoyed the men he worked with. He had been told the job would last at least two or three more years, full time work, that was a huge deal. When it ended for him it I knew it stung hard for him, although Joe never said so. I remember my dad calling me to tell me he was laid off, I was sad, but really didn't know what it felt like to be laid off until a few months later when I was laid off for the first time. You feel like a failure, you ask why me, and you struggle to comprehend how the bills will get paid. He is looking for work again, two years later, and the status unemployment has become too familiar.

"I was supposed to work that day. it could have been me. I could have been gone Just think those guys just got up and went to work to do their job that day." Joe is now looking out the window over my shoulder staring off into the trees outside.

My grandmother potty trained me in this bathroom, my cousins, and my uncle and father before me, an odd thought as I wipe down the sill and wall again. My family, like any other, doesn't always get along. We have epic fights. We come and go in each others lives sometimes like strangers and it makes me sad, but we are all equally to blame, equally as stubborn and argumentative. My cousins and grandmother stopped speaking seven years before this; I used to be embaressed by this fact, but now I know no family is perfect. We all do the best we can. Up until two months before she died, my grandfather still did it all, barely able to stand for long, he insisted on no help, and we were too stubborn to insist otherwise. In trying to figure out how to get some sense of normalcy back we both decided to become an improve cleaning crew of sorts. It will never be as spotless as when my grandmother did it years before, I can hear her in my head telling me all the things I am doing wrong; and my uncle wears steel toe boots to vacuum which is good since I can hear him run his feet over, but its working for us and I am happy.

" I'm glad we can do this together. I'm really glad your here." I said.

Local State Senator Suzio Proposes Gas Tax Cap

Senator Suzio (R) represents the 13th District which includes part of Middletown

Article as it appeared on the website of WFSB3 on Jan 10, 2012 5:33 PM

Channel 3 (WFSB) – Like many drivers, State Sen. Leonard Suzio of Meriden is fed up paying the highest gas taxes in the country and the state.

“There’s no limit to it and as a consequence, as gas prices have gone up, Connecticut has been collecting a windfall,” Suzio said.

Suzio is introducing a proposal to cap the gross receipts tax on gas whenever prices hit $3 a gallon.
Right now, Connecticut is averaging $3.58. Residents can thank the state excise tax for 25 cents of that price, but gross receipts also makes up another quarter.

So if Suzio’s bill were to pass, he said the price at the pump today would drop by a nickel.
“It needs to be regulated. They need to start thinking about us as the people who are driving everyday, back and forth,” said resident Nick Bisaccia.

Any savings is a welcome sight for drivers, but the state said gross receipts is what keeps the roads toll free.

In 2010, the tax raked in $340 million and covered the cost of various road projects.
Suzio will be introducing the bill in February.

http://www.wfsb.com/story/16490364/state-lawmaker-wants-to-cap-gas-prices

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earlier in the week fishmuscle reported Rep. Matt Lesser (D) representing the 100th District of the Legislature is considering a challenge Suzio for a State Senate seat for the 13th District.Read here: http://middletowneyenews.blogspot.com/2012/01/record-journal-lesser-considering.html

Record-Journal: Lesser Considering A Challenge To Suzio

The Meriden Record-Journal is reporting that State Representative Matt Lesser, who represents represents the 100th District in the Legislature, is considering putting his name in for the Democratic nomination for the State Senate, in District 13.

District 13 is currently represented by Republican Len Suzio.

The Democratic challenger is chosen by a convention of delegates from each of the towns within the district. The district, recently redrawn, is dominated by Meriden, which provides the majority of the delegates to the convention.

Middletown's Legislative Delegation Has Mixed Record On Environmental Protection

The bipartisan Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) released its annual scorecard of legislative votes. One of our State Representatives, Democrat Matt Lesser, and one of our State Senators, Republican Len Suzio, voted on all environmentally important legislation and received a perfect score from the environment watchdog.

The CTLCV scored legislators' votes on 12 bills in the 2011 session. Some of these votes were in committees, so not all legislators voted on all of those bills. The full report of the CTLCV is available HERE.

Overall, the CTLV concludes that state lawmakers got caught up in the effort to weaken environmental protections that swept the nation this year. However, there were 38 lawmakers with perfect scores, and they led the effort for environmental protection. CTLV Co-Chair David Bingham said:

Connecticut’s core group of legislators who understand the necessity of a healthy environment to sustain a healthy economy were sorely tested this year. Despite the pressures of economic distress, they upheld policies that are critical to providing clean air and water and make Connecticut an inviting state to do business. But holding the line is insufficient. There is much still to do, much still at risk.

Here is how members of our city's delegation were scored:

Paul Doyle (D, Senate 9th) 83%
Doyle voted on all 6 of the scored bills which he was able to vote on. One of his votes was not considered the environmentally responsible one: he voted in favor of the Haddam land swap, which passed.

Len Suzio (R, Senate 13th) 100%
Suzio voted on all 5 of the scored bills which he was able to vote on.

Joe Serra (D, House 33rd) 71%
Serra voted on all 7 of the scored bills which he was able to vote on. On 2 of those, his vote was not considered the environmentally responsible one. He voted in favor of the Haddam Land swap, which passed. He also voted in favor of a bill which would have mandated ATV trails on State Land without providing any money to care for them, this bill did not pass.

Matt Lesser (D, House 100th) 100%
Lesser voted on all 6 of the scored bills which he was able to vote on.

Gail Hamm (D, House 34th) 100%
Hamm did not vote much on environmentally important issues, casting a vote on only 1 of the scored bills she was able to vote on.

Christie Carpino (R, House 32nd) 67%
Carpino voted on all 6 of the scored bills which she was able to vote on. She voted against a bill banning BPA in thermal paper receipts, which passed. She also voted in favor of the Haddam land swap.

Kleen Energy Fallout: New Standard “Clear Message To Industry”

Elected officials invoked the memory of six men who died in the Kleen Energy plant explosion at a press conference on Tuesday.

“We can hopefully say that the six men who died last February did not die in vain, and that this tragedy will be the last of its kind,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.

DeLauro helped announce a new standard to regulate the procedure that went horribly wrong in February of 2010, killing the workers and injuring some 50 others.

Highly pressurized natural gas was used to purge pipes at the under-construction plant on River Road. It ignited, and the explosion was felt dozens of miles away. The National Fire Protection Association, a non-profit which provides codes and standards on fire risk, investigated how the ‘gas blow’ was conducted. “What we learned was there really wasn’t a standard for this operation” said Jim Shannon, the NFPA’s president.

The new NFPA standard says flammable gas should not be used to clear pipes of debris. “This is a clear message to the industry that gas blows are inherently unsafe”, said Chemical Safety Board chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso. Other options, such as compressed air or inert nitrogen gas are available.“The tragedy at Kleen Energy was preventable.”

The state of Connecticut has since outlawed the use of flammable gas in such operations, but it is the only state to do so. Congressman Joe Courtney said “As a nation we are shifting towards natural gas”, so it is important that a national standard is set.

Courtney and DeLauro worked with the NFPA to have the standard written and released quickly. The standard does not have the force of law, but NFPA says their standards are often referenced or adapted as laws. Shannon said industry and manufacturers are already citing the standard.

In answer to questions about ultimate accountability for the blast, Mayor Sebastian Giuliano said civil and criminal investigations were still ongoing, and evidence was still being held.

Also in attendance at the city hall press conference were State Representatives Matt Lesser and Joe Serra, and State Senator Paul R. Doyle.

The six men killed were: Raymond Dobratz Jr., 58, Old Saybrook; Peter C. Chepulis, 48, Thomaston; Ronald Crabb, 42, Colchester; Chris Walters, 48, Florissant, Mo; Roy Rushton, Hamilton, Ontario; and Kenneth Haskell, 37, Durham, N.H.

CT Hearing About Irene Press Release

The Connecticut General Assembly

House Democrats

For IMMEDIATE Release Contact: Rose Ryan

September 15, 2011 (860) 240-8527

REP. LESSER SAYS LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS ABOUT IRENE START NEXT WEEK

Twitter, Facebook Accounts Set Up for

Those Unable to Attend Hartford Hearings

State Representative Matt Lesser (D-Durham, Middlefield, and Middletown) said that the legislature will begin holding hearings investigating the quality and effectiveness of Connecticut’s readiness and response to Tropical Storm Irene beginning next week.

Four committees of the General Assembly—Energy & Technology, Public Safety, Labor & Public Employees, and Planning & Development—will hold hearings on September 19^th and 26^th to hear from representatives and workers from electric, phone and internet companies, along with municipal officials and members of the general public.

"Lots of questions need to be answered about our preparedness for a storm," Rep. Lesser said. "While my hat is off to the heroic efforts of utility crews and our local response in Durham, Middletown and Middlefield, we were only hit by a tropical storm. If Irene had hurricane force winds, how bad would things have been? These hearings are a first step in taking a sober look at the utilities and our readiness."

Rep. Lesser, who sits on the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, said that House Democrats have set up Facebook and Twitter accounts at http://www.facebook.com/pages/After-Irene-CT/262762473747233 and http://twitter.com/#!/AfterIreneCT to accept public comments and suggestions about experiences with the storm and the state’s readiness for and response to it.

“As far as I know, this is the first time the public has had the opportunity to submit official testimony using social media. It's a great way to make sure your voice is heard,” said Rep. Lesser.

On September 19th, the hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. with representatives of CL&P, UI and municipal utilities, followed by municipal representatives and officials from telephone, cable and wireless utility companies. The hearing will conclude at 4:30 p.m.

On September 26th, members of the public will have the opportunity to appear before the committees beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by union representatives and the electric utility companies. Members of the public will have an additional chance for comment before the hearing close that afternoon.

###

State Representative Matt Lesser is serving his second term representing the 100th Assembly District of Durham, Middlefield, Rockfall and Middletown. He is Vice Chair of the state legislature’s Government Administration and Elections Committee.

Rose Ryan

Communications Coordinator

House Democrats

Connecticut General Assembly

Legislative Office Building

Room 5000

Hartford, CT 06106

(860) 240-8527

Rose.Ryan@cga.ct.gov

Matt Lesser Releases Budget Polling Results

In late March and early April, State Representative Matt Lesser solicited his constituents' view on how to balance the state budget. In a series of mailings and press releases, Lesser asked residents of his 100th District (Middlefield, Durham, Rockfall, and parts of Middletown) to fill out a survey on state spending and state revenue. Lesser said he got a few hundred responses.

State Spending
Residents were given a choice in 18 different spending areas, to either "Cut a lot", "Cut a little", or "Protect". In 14 of those areas, the most common response (about 50%) was "Cut a little". In the areas of Aid to the Disabled, Aid to the Mentally Ill, Public Schools, and Veterans Services, the most common response (about 50%) was "Protect".

No area of spending was considered by a majority of respondents to be a place where it was appropriate to "cut a lot", but some were closer than others. These included "State Universities" (38%), "Rental Assistance for Families" (37%), "Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation" (37%), "Buses and Railroads" (36%), and "Protecting the Environment and Open Space" (34%)

Revenue
Residents were asked to respond "yes" or "no" on a variety of ways to increase revenue. Respondents overwhelmingly supported "Increase the income tax on individuals who earn $250,000 or higher a year" (67%), "Allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays" (70%), and "Increase the tax on alcohol and tobacco" (64%). Very few were in favor of "Increase the income tax on all individuals" (21%), "Increase the gas tax" (14%), "Increase taxes on businesses and corporations" (29%).

Residents' concerns
Lesser also asked about the concerns that residents have. About two-thirds of respondents expressed concern over the cost of energy, and a similar proportion were concerned about the cost of health insurance.

The Budget Process
Governor Malloy's submitted budget assumes $2 Billion in concessions from the State employee unions. The State Senate began debating a budget bill yesterday afternoon; they introduced 75 amendments to the bill. Lesser said the house was likely to begin considering the bill today.

Lesser said that the survey results indicated that there was no unanimity on any one area which should be cut. He said, "The results reflect the need for reasonable compromise." Lesser was pleased to learn from the poll that his own views on the budget priorities reflected those of his district, "I actually agree with my constituents."
-----------------------
The survey questions and results are HERE

Lesser Speaks to Westfield Residents

Representative Matt Lesser gave his perspective on the state’s budget woes and fielded questions from concerned residents at the Third Congregational Church in Westfield last night. Lesser, who represents about half of Westfield in the Capitol, was the featured speaker at the Westfield Residents Association quarterly meeting (disclosure: I am vice-chair of the WRA). About 25 residents came to hear from him about the impacts of decisions in the Capitol on Middletown.

Lesser blamed the state’s $3.3 Billion deficit on previous governors, in particular John Rowland, whom he said used “gimmick accounting” and borrowed money to finance too many pet projects.

Connecticut’s newly elected governor, Dannel Malloy, has agreed with the Democratic leadership in the State Legislature on a balanced budget which relies on $2 Billion in concessions from state workers, consolidates state agencies and raises taxes. Lesser said that these negotiations were not completed, but he seemed hopeful

Lesser acknowledged that state expenses must be cut, “We’ve got to cut spending, but you’ve got to do it intelligently.” He said about taxes, “Priority has to be to protect middle class and seniors.” He said Governor Malloy’s budget plan was fair, in that it requires a sacrifice from everybody, “The good news is that everybody is unhappy.”

Lesser said that the budget maintains last year’s level of funding for Middletown, most of which comes in the form of an Educational Cost Sharing grant.

Energy costs were another topic of concern to both Lesser and residents of Westfield. Lesser, who serves on the Energy and Technology Committee, said one of his priorities in the budget is to make sure that it contributes to a lowering of electricity prices. He also called for a reduction in the use of energy by the State.

Lesser said that he was opposed to a proposed 3 cent increase in the state gasoline tax.

The most vocal Westfield residents in attendance were concerned about the efficiency of government operations, expressing outrage about the number, the salaries and the performance of state workers. Ed Dypa also expressed his concern that in a state with an aged population of 20%, the State Department of Aging has only 4 or 5 employees.

At the end of the 90 minute presentation and discussion, Lesser received warm applause from residents, who were grateful to Lesser for the opportunity to hear what is happening at the State Capitol.

Lesser Hails Bill On Domestic Violence

The Judiciary Committee of the State Legislature held a public hearing yesterday on a bill which would protect teen violence victims, strengthen restraining orders, and tighten the requirements for bail bonding. Matt Lesser, representing Middlefield, Durham, and parts of Middletown in the Legislature, is one of three sponsors of the bill.

Lesser said, “This proposal is based on listening to victims of domestic violence, prosecutors, and judges and I believe this will have a real impact on reducing the incidence of domestic violence in our towns.”

The bill implements the recommendations of a bipartisan legislative task force to formulate Connecticut’s response to domestic violence. Lesser praised Durham Second Selectman John Szewczyk, who ran against Lesser in the 2010 election, for his testimony in the public hearing, “I was impressed with John’s testimony and appreciate his support for these reforms.”

Lesser Projects Victory

At 10:30, after all the Middletown precincts had reported results, there were still about a dozen core members of the Democratic Town Committee at party headquarters on Main Street. Most were happily watching Linda McMahon's concession speech on the television.

In the corner, glued to his laptop and cell phone, Matt Lesser was getting reports on the latest vote totals from Middlefield and Durham. He stopped long enough to speak with The Eye about the election results. He said that the results showed him to have won, but he wanted to wait until hearing from his opponent, John Szewczyk. "I'm not going to announce it until I get a concession or until I get sworn in."

Lesser said it was a very difficult race, "an uphill race in the greatest Republican year since 1938."

He also expressed his respect for Szewczyk, "We ran a strong ground game against an incredibly strong challenger."

Lesser attributed his victory to his ability to deliver on issues important to all three of the areas in his district, Middlefield, Durham, and parts of Middletown, he said, "I feel enormously validated by my constituents."

Lesser Votes 'NAY' on State Budget

State Representative Matt Lesser talked with The Eye about the just-concluded legislative session, and in particular the State Budget, which passed just before the session closed at midnight Wednesday. He was one of the few Democrats to vote against the budget deal brokered between the Democratic Legislative leadership and Republican Governor Rell.

The Budget passed by a vote of 93 to 57, opposed by all 37 Republicans, and only 20 out of the 114 Democrats in the House. Representatives O'Rourke, Serra, and Hamm each supported the budget bill (SB-494), as did Senators Doyle and Gaffey.

Lesser, a Democrat, is in his first term representing the 100th District, which encompasses parts of southern and western Middletown, along with Durham and Middlefield. I asked him how individual legislators had exerted influence on the budget negotiation process. Lesser said that prior to commencing negotiations, the Democratic leadership asked him for a list of issues important to his constituents, but he said that by necessity, the negotiations with the governor involved only the leadership, "At the end of the day, the leaders were in the room with the governor."

In a Facebook posting, Lesser praised the work that went into the budget, but said that it fell short:

A lot of hard work went into achieving a budget compromise that the Democratic legislature and our Republican Governor could live with. These things are never easy, and I have an enormous amount of respect for the work of my colleagues and the Governor's office in achieving a no-tax-increase balanced budget compromise. ... This is far from the worst budget imaginable, and it may poll well with the public, but I think we could have done a lot better.

Lesser said his biggest concerns were the raiding of specific funds to be used for the general budget, listing electric rate payer funds, money for farm preservation, money for publicly funded campaigns, and the energy efficiency fund. Lesser did not indicate what cuts in expenditures or increases in revenues he would have preferred.

Lesser said that the decision to vote against the budget was not an easy one personally, but he did not get any pressure or criticism from the Democratic leadership. He said they all understand that Democrats represent a wide variety of kinds of districts, "It's always a dilemma, and at the end of the day you have to look at your district."

Meet Your Greens

Welcome to

Meet Your Greens--

Middlesex County's monthly green drinks happy-hour network providing opportunities to make connections and exchange news about environmental issues in Middlesex County. Based on the popular Green Drinks in CT and nationwide, this informal gathering of people drawn from the community, nonprofit groups and the business world offers time to brainstorm ideas and plant seeds for collaboration. All are welcome with no reservations or advanced registration necessary.

Join us at

Tavern at the Armory

April 20, 2010

5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

At Our Service...

What's it like serving a first term in CT's General Assembly? Come hear a first-hand account from Matt Lesser, representing the 100th District ( the towns of Middlefield, Middletown, Rockfall and Durham) and sitting on the Energy & Technology and Environment committees.

People's Action for Clean Energy (PACE) named Representative Lesser a 'Rising Sun' for his "critical and effective support" of clean-energy policy during the 2009 legislative session. He also was awarded a 100 percent rating for his support and advocacy for environmental initiatives by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) in their 2009 Environmental Scorecard.

And a special invite for all municipal land use staff.... come meet Erica Larner, the Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District's new Natural Resource Specialist, your primary point of contact at the District for technical assistance and education on natural resource protection and management, including site plan reviews, on-site natural resource assessment, and technical training. Come put a face with her name and learn more about what she can do for your town, and enjoy the opportunity to network with your colleagues from other towns, along with the rest of the greens!

Tavern at the Armory

Located in the Inn at Middletown in a former National Guard Armory, the award-winning Tavern serves traditional regional and seasonalNew England cuisine. Enjoy beer and wine specials!

70 Main Street Middletown, CT06457
Phone: (860) 854-6300

http://www.innatmiddletown.com/tavern

Meet Your Greens meets every third Tuesday of the month. Venues and times change-- join our e-list for updates and invites by contacting Claire Rusowicz,crusowicz@rockfallfoundation.org; or Jennifer Weymouth,jaweymouth@yahoo.com.

You can also join us on Facebook ("Meet Your Greens").

Schedule updates are also provided on The Rockfall Foundation website, www.rockfallfoundation.org.

Questions? Please e-mail or call Claire Rusowicz (860)347-0340.

PACE ourselves for Clean Energy

A common experience for almost everybody these days is the constant stream of invitations to events, pleas for donations, and calls to action. Whether its in your paper mail, your email inbox, over the phone, radio, or word of mouth, we are all constantly bombarded with messages and faced with the choices of which causes to support with time or money, which messages to pay closer attention to. People's Action for Clean Energy (PACE) struck me as a worthy cause because of their grass roots nature, simple message and sensible position focusing on concrete actions that can be taken to achieve a common goal.

PACE is sponsoring a free educational event and award ceremony this Saturday which will feature Middletown's Representative in the state legislature Matt Lesser among other distinguished local guests, speakers, and awardees. More event details are at the bottom of this post.

Bob Wall of the CT Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) gave me some statistics on how Middletown is doing to promote and utilize clean energy.

"As of September 30, 2009 (most recent info available), Middletown had:

395 signups for CTCleanEnergyOptions – 11^th place overall (signing up is easy and can be done from the PACE-cleanergy.org website. And it DOES NOT cost you any more as a consumer.)

28 clean energy systems (27 photovoltaic [PV] solar systems, 1 fuel cell)

Middletown was the first town in the state to qualify as a Clean Energy Community. It has earned 5 kW of which 2 kW were installed on the former Middletown High School (Vo Ag School).

Solar has been increasing everywhere including in central CT. Although funding for commercial solar has tightened up, the CCEF’s residential program is going strong. In addition, a solar thermal program was just launched with funding from the ARRA. These systems, which cost about one-quarter of a PV system, heat water for your home (showers and kitchen use only; not allowed to heat swimming pools per federal regulations)."

Could we be doing more?

The truth about a taboo subject: Nuclear Power
and
A Clean Energy Exposition

Saturday 21 November 2009

Event Location:

Unitarian Society of Hartford, 50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, (1/10 mile north of intersection of Routes 44 & 189)

Admission is free to the public. Donations are welcome.

4:00 - 5:30	Film: Meltdown (FX Cable)
5:00 - 7:00	Exposition open Solar Energy Installers (CT Clean Energy Fund) Environmental Exhibits Little City Pizza; homemade desserts; coffee
7:00 - 7:15	PACE Annual Meeting (Jim O’Rourke, President)
7:15	Awards Lifetime Achievement: Eric Epstein - Three Mile Island Alert Staff - Beyond Nuclear Legislative: Rep. Vickie Orsini Nardello Rep. Sean Williams Rep. Matthew Lesser Lonnie Reed Elizabeth Esty Organization: Chris Phelps - Environment Connecticut Media: Adam Ney - Buildingctgreen.com
8:00	“THE TRUTH ABOUT NUCLEAR POWER” Eric Epstein - Three Mile Island Alert Cindy Folkers, Kevin Kamps, Paul Gunter, Linda Gunter - Beyond Nuclear Award Winners and National Experts

Last Illegal Sunday?

As hungry residents crowded the table of fresh produce and prepared dishes like garlic-flavored chard, garlic bread, oatmeal fruit bake and peach cobbler, members of Food Not Bombs joined in the meal happy that this Sunday could be the last in which their actions are considered "illegal."

On Friday, after a concerted effort by Middletown's State Senator Paul Doyle, and Representative Matt Lesser, the legislature passed a budget implementer bill which contained an amended version of a law concerning food distributed to the public as a charity.

The new language is actually stronger than language submitted by State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. The new language, which replaces the word "seller" with the word "person" to make sure that operations like Food Not Bombs could be shut down again on a technicality.

The Connecticut Health Department attempted to strengthen the language in a way that would have kept the Food Not Bombs meal as an illegal operation, but those changes were rejected by legislators.

The implementer bill is currently on the governor's desk, and while there is a chance she may veto it because of budget differences, there is a level of confidence that the bill is acceptable and will be signed today.

On Sunday, local ministers encouraged parishioners to attend Monday's Common Council meeting where the topic of food distribution is on the agenda.

Eye on the Air, July 24, 2009

Eye on the Air Archive, July 24, WESU 88.1 FM

Guests

Matthew Lesser, Connecticut State Representative for Middletown, Middlefield, Durham

Matt Pugliese, Managing Director of Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater

Dems Show Support for Mental Health and Developmental Education

The symbolism was irresistible.

On the one hand, our Republican governor, desperate to deliver a balanced budget in the face of a $8 billion deficit, expresses the need to cut funding for Family Resource Centers at elementary schools in Connecticut, and to close Riverview Hospital, the only Connecticut State Hospital which treats children and teens with severe mental health issues.

On the other hand, Democratic legislators anxious to pass their own version of a budget which replaces draconian cuts with new taxes on millionaires, coming to the rescue of the children and families who use Family Resource Centers and the families whose children suffer from debilitating mental health issues.

On Wednesday, Democratic legislators, including Speaker of the House Chris Donovan, and State Representatives Joe Serra and Matt Lesser met with doctors, staff and administrators of Riverview Hospital, then caravaned across town to Farm Hill Elementary School and addressed a roomful of parents, kids, teachers, Family Resource Center staff and school administrators.

The rallies were designed to show Democratic support for these two programs and institutions, both conveniently represented in Middletown.

At Farm Hill, Matt Lesser introduced his colleagues.

"The governor has proposed cutting the Family Resource Centers," Lesser said. "And we think it's a terrible mistake."

"I come from a family of educators," Joe Serra added. "So I know the value of starting education early."

Family Resource Center advocates and participants explained how the centers act as a transitional program for families and children, especially for those individuals who might not otherwise develop a mutually-supportive relationship with schools.

After the meeting Lesser explained that valuable programs like these should not be on the chopping block, even though the legislator and the governor are locked in a protracted, and difficult set of budget negotiations.

"At the end of the day, we'll have to raise taxes," Lesser admitted. "But I think it's unconscionable that the governor asked us to close the Family Resource Centers. If you say we'll have to raise taxes for Connecticut residents who make more than a million dollars to keep the Family Resource Centers open, then that's how it will have to be. We've made our own set of cuts, and have gotten $70 million in concessions from state unions. But some cuts just don't work."