Ansonia receives $385,000 for Main Street safety improvement project

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Friday towns across Connecticut would be receiving grants to help improve safety. 

Ansonia will receive a grant totaling $385,000 towards a safety improvement project which will include sidewalk and bump-out installations as well as improvements to street lighting.
“The safety of our community should always be a top priority,” said state Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia. “There are so many great benefits from Ansonia’s economic health to the physical health of our residents in addition to improved safety that will come with new sidewalks and improved lighting. With this grant we have an opportunity to make Ansonia healthier and safer for all ages to walk and enjoy the great things our community has to offer. I thank the Governor for this investment in our town.”

Over 40 towns and cities were selected to receive state grants totaling $12.4 million administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. 
The funding will be used to support a variety of projects that improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists.
For more information on the Community Connectivity Grant Program, please visit: http://ctconnectivity.com.

Newsletter features Seymour resident's 'silent protest'

Dear readers,

The latest Valley Voice newsletter features a disabled resident's protest against a lack of snow clearing in downtown Seymour. 
Also, Ralph writes about a major crisis facing the state's Centers for Independent Living with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's proposed funding cuts.

Please click here to read all about it.

Thanks,

~ Patti 

Newsletter highlights Malloy visit to Ansonia Library

Dear readers,

The latest Valley Voice newsletter is out. 
In it we focus on Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's visit to the Ansonia Library, which has been at the center of a budget controversy. 
Ralph included his pictorial essay about the beautiful library building.

Please click here to read all about it.

Thanks,

Patti 

19th-century Episcopal church stands tall on South Cliff Street in Ansonia

Christ Episcopal Church, 56 S. Cliff St., Ansonia.

I snapped a photo of the stately, gothic-style church Monday while waiting for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to arrive for a press conference at the Ansonia Library across the street. 
The press conference focused on a proposal to reallocate state funding for public education.

According to the church website, the church was built of Ansonia granite and New Jersey graystone in the English gothic style. 
Construction was completed in time for Christmas services in 1896, the site says. 

Malloy to visit Ansonia Monday

ANSONIA - Gov. Dannel P. Malloy will be speaking at the Ansonia Public Library at 11 a.m. Monday.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy   

He will be joined by Mayor David S. Cassetti, state Rep. M. Linda Gentile, and state Sen. George Logan.

Monday’s engagement is in response to Cassetti’s call for a bipartisan effort to support the governor’s proposal to reallocate state spending on public education. The proposal would restore millions of dollars in need-based funding to Ansonia schools, thereby easing local taxpayers’ burden in a tight budget year.

“This year our public schools require $3 million in additional funding due to skyrocketing special education costs and the loss of state grants,” Cassetti said. 

“That’s three years of education increases at once — and it cannot be supported and sustained without significant budget cuts or a tax increase.”

Cassetti has vowed to fight for fair state education funding to avoid the “worst case scenario” of budget cuts or tax increases. 

“Our city has been shortchanged on millions in state education dollars for years,” Cassetti said. “Our residents deserve fair treatment from Hartford, and I commend Governor Malloy’s proposal to finally address the inequity that has disadvantaged Ansonia students and taxpayers for years.”

“Ansonia has only been receiving 70 percent of its need-based funding,” Cassetti continued. “At the same time, wealthier communities have received 150 percent to over 200 percent of their funding. That’s not right, and we will fight to change it.”

The governor’s visit will be followed later in the month by a town hall meeting with Gentile and Logan. 
The town hall meeting will take place at Ansonia High School from 6:30-8 p.m. March 13. 


This is taken from a press release from Mayor Cassetti's office. 

Gentile comments on proposed state budget

By Linda M. Gentile

State Representative

104th District

On Wednesday, the governor delivered his annual budget address, proposing significant changes to balance the state’s bi-annual budget. 

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

It is important to note that the governor’s budget proposal is only a starting point to the process of creating a responsible, balanced budget. 

This proposal has some good ideas, such as increased funding to education and special education, but I also fully acknowledge that there are some areas that need vast improvement and I will work diligently to make sure those areas are addressed. 

I want to emphasize that each proposed change will be carefully assessed for its potential impact on taxpayers and the delivery of services to residents. 

I will make sure that we keep all of the things that hard working families value in mind with this budget.  

Things like, making Connecticut more affordable for seniors, keeping our young people in the state after they graduate, aligning our education system with jobs and employer’s needs, and promoting job growth and encouraging economic development.

Since this is only the beginning, I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues across the aisle to craft a budget that protects and preserves all of the important programs, services and issues that we all value. 

I will continue working to ensure that Ansonia and Derby receive the necessary funding needed to properly function and educate and protect our children, schools, and families. As you already know, my priority has always been, and will always be, fighting for the needs of my constituents and protecting hard working families of Connecticut. 

Certainly, there are many hard choices and decisions we, as legislators, will need to make in the coming months to balance the state’s bi-annual budget. 

As we address our challenges, I will continue to work to make Ansonia and Derby a better place to live, work, and raise a family. It is extremely important to me that this budget does the right thing to strengthen our economy and reflect the priority of the people of Connecticut.

As always, I welcome any thoughts, questions, or suggestions concerning the State budget process.

This is an op-ed piece submitted by Gentile, a Democrat. She represents parts of Ansonia and Derby.

Conroy, Blumenthal, Esty promote Overdose Awareness Day in Hartford

State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, at podium, is joined Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Etsy, left, and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal. /Submitted photo

HARTFORD - State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, joined U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty and AIDS Connecticut advocates Wednesday in Hartford to recognize Overdose Awareness Day. 

The officials reaffirmed their pledge to keep fighting the stigma associated with addiction and continue working to get people the help and treatment they deserve.

Conroy said there were more than 700 overdose-related deaths in Connecticut in 2015 and the numbers of deaths have been climbing significantly each year.

“As an advanced practice registered nurse, I have seen an explosion of opioids being used as the primary treatment for pain – even moderate pain. It is an alarming epidemic, and we have to do everything possible to stop it.” 

To help in the fight against addiction and overdoses, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy also announced Wednesday that the Department of Consumer Protection has developed a new, interactive online map that will allow consumers to locate pharmacies across the state where pharmacists are certified to prescribe the overdose-reversing medication naloxone – commercially known as Narcan.

The map was developed utilizing Malloy’s Open Data Initiative and can be accessed by visiting www.ct.gov/DCP/naloxone.

Over the last year, the number of pharmacies making naloxone available has increased significantly, making it available at pharmacies in every region of the state.  To date, there are 363 pharmacies in the state with staff that prescribe naloxone.  

Those who are looking to obtain a prescription for naloxone are encouraged to call the pharmacy ahead of time to make sure there are appropriate staff and supplies available.

Pharmacists with questions about the prescribing of naloxone can call DCP at 860-713-6100 or 1-800-842-2649 (toll free).

Those suffering from addiction or their loved ones who are looking for support should call the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services at 1-800-563-4086 (toll free).

This is a press release from Conroy's office.  

Conroy says Malloy needs to restore payments to hospitals

HARTFORD - State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby, is calling on Gov. Dannel Malloy and the Office of Policy and Management to release Medicaid reimbursement payments to the state’s hospitals.

Theresa Conroy 

This week, Malloy and OPM suspended millions-of-dollars in payments to Connecticut's hospitals – a potential loss of $728,516 to Griffin Hospital in Derby.

“Governor Malloy needs to make these payments to hospitals,” Conroy said. “He is ignoring the will of the legislature and the voice of the people. I know this will hit Griffin Hospital and the Valley hard.”

Over the past year, legislators have repeatedly worked to restore funding Governor Malloy has cut from hospitals. 

In June of 2015, Legislative Democrats approved a state budget that included $4.8 million for Griffin Hospital. 
In September, Gov. Dannel Malloy unveiled a package of budget rescissions that included up to $84 million in cuts to hospitals and reduced Griffin’s state funding to $1.2 million. 

Conroy worked to ease the impact to Griffin Hospital and by early October, Malloy agreed to restore $14.1 million to the state’s small hospitals.

In early December, Legislative Democrats approved a bill that restored funding for Griffin to $4.72 million.

This is a press release from Conroy's office.

Dugatto asks Derby citizens to fly flags at half-staff Friday

To remember terrorist attack victims

DERBY - In conjunction with the action of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, Mayor Anita Dugatto is reminding all citizens of Derby that U.S. and state flags should fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 men, women, and children who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The City will also remember the 14th anniversary of that tragic day by participating in a Memorial Service on the Derby Green at 6 p.m. led by the Hotchkiss Hose Company #1 of the Derby Fire Department.

“As we remember the victims and heroes from that terrible day 14 years ago, we pause to honor the sacrifices of so many people who make our country the best in the world,” Dugatto said. “We hope to see a large turnout in honoring the 161 Connecticut residents who lost their lives that day.”

Dugatto has directed city staff members to carry out the suggestion of Gov. Malloy.

Please see attached link to information from Gov. Malloy:

http://portal.ct.gov/Departments_and_Agencies/Office_of_the_Governor/Press_Room/Press_Releases/2015/09-2015/Gov__Malloy__Flags_to_Fly_Half-Staff_Friday_in_Recognition_of_9/11_Anniversary/

For further questions, contact the Office of Mayor Anita Dugatto, 203-736- 1450 or jdesroches@derbyct.gov.



This is a press release from Mayor Dugatto's office.

Crisco hails GPS installation for buses

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, D-Woodbridge, this week joined Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to announce that CTtransit buses throughout the state will soon be equipped with GPS devices that will provide real-time bus location information to riders.  

With a total of 42 million passenger trips taken per year, riders will be able to better plan travel with up-to-the-minute arrival and departure information, as well as a better experience, with the new devices.

Joseph J. Crisco

“Commuters expect and deserve to have modern technologies be used to make their transit experience convenient and efficient,” Crisco said. 
“The implementation of GPS devices to provide real-time bus location is just one step in the major transportation overhaul that we have initiated in Connecticut. This is a smart investment that will make transportation in Connecticut more accessible to the millions of passengers who use CTtransit buses every year.”

“This is all part of transforming our systems. It’s good for residents, it’s good for businesses, and it’s good for CTtransit. With real-time bus location information, it’s another step in our effort to take Connecticut into the future,” Malloy said.  
“We want the CTtransit experience to be easy and user-friendly, and the addition of this technology will make travel more convenient and reliable. This is a smart, strategic step in continuing the modernization of our infrastructure to move us towards a new era in economic growth that will support Connecticut families and businesses and create a best-in-class transportation system.”

This project will provide ‘intelligent technology’ for passengers on 500 CTtransit buses throughout the state.  Similar GPS tracking information has already been successfully deployed on CTfastrak buses in central Connecticut.  The new system is made possible by a $7 million allocation that was approved last month by the State Bond Commission.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is encouraging riders to download apps to their smart phones, such as “Transit App,” that will utilize the GPS tracking information provided on the bus system.

The installation of the new technology is the next step in a multi-phase statewide project that will include introducing new electronic fare boxes over the next six months. It will be compatible with the latest in new high-tech fare-paying options so that Connecticut can begin the design of a smart-card payment system as well as smartphone ticketing.

CTtransit is the CTDOT-owned bus service. In 2014, CTtransit provided 42 million passenger trips around the state.

This is a press release from Crisco's office. 

Conroy welcomes softball field funding at Seymour High

Ambassadors of Seymour softball join state Rep. Theresa Conroy, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, and state Rep. Themis Klarides at the state Capitol complex to celebrate a state grant for a new field. / Contributed photo

State Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s approval of funding for the softball field at Seymour High School.
“This funding is about building a new field and honoring the winning tradition of Seymour softball,” Conroy said.
“Our community supports this program from little league through high school.”

The $265,000 supplemental grant-in-aid to the town of Seymour will cover costs associated with a new softball field, lights, dugouts, press box, and the replacement of non-code compliant bleachers.

The new facility will be used by Seymour High School, George J. Hummel Little League, and Seymour Tradition travel teams.

Seymour High softball coach Ken Pereiras said, “The new field is a great addition to our program and the town of Seymour.”

“We can play longer and host tournaments with this new field,” Seymour High player Raeanne Geffert (C-16) said. “A flatter, cleaner field also reduces the risk of injuries. We will be able to cleanly field balls and run around securely fixed bases.”

George J. Hummel Little League Softball Commissioner Bob Lang said, “Seymour has one of the best softball traditions in the state and this new facility will help expand our program even further."

In 2014, the Bond Commission approved $1.895 million for the school’s football field. Today’s funding brings the total grant to $2,160,000.


This is a release from Conroy's office.

Valley lawmakers oppose proposed cuts to fire training schools

$35K cut sought for Derby school
Valley legislators submitted testimony to the general Assembly’s Appropriations Committee opposing proposed cuts to the state’s fire training schools.

Included in Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s 2015-17 biennial budget proposal are cuts to the state’s nine fire training schools amounting to $743,899. The proposed cut to the Derby training school is $35,283.

“The Valley Fire Chiefs’ Regional Fire School in Derby provides vital training to first responders in Seymour, Beacon Falls and Derby,” state Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) said. “The training they receive in Derby prepares firefighters for real-life emergencies.”
“Five of the seven municipalities in my district are served solely by volunteer fire departments,” said state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge). 

“Many of our region’s firefighters have benefited from the essential training they received at the state's Fire Training Schools. It is critical we do whatever we can to support these schools and the lifesaving practices they impart.”

“Our front line responders are vital to our towns and cities,” state Rep. Themis Klarides (R-Woodbridge, Orange, Derby) said. “We cannot afford to compromise our public safety. The work done at these training facilities is critical to upgrading skills and maintaining certifications, work not replicated anywhere else in the state.’’

Rep. Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia, Derby) said, “Our volunteer firefighters save our communities hundreds of thousands of dollars. Their work is vital to our public safety. We have an obligation to make sure that they are trained properly to not only prevent injury to themselves but to others.”

The funding provided to the schools in the state budget covers the operational costs of the regional fire schools. Instructors’ payroll, utility costs and facilities’ maintenance is covered by the state grant.
The proposed cuts would require the schools to increase tuition fees. For example, fees for the Firefighter I program would increase between 300 and 400 percent according to the Connecticut State Firefighters Association – The program, which costs today between $600 and $700, would jump to between $2,000 and $2,700 – a cost that would be borne by municipalities.

“Connecticut should be investing in firefighter training, not cutting it,” Conroy said.
“Emergency responders put themselves in the line of danger; we should stand by them.”

Testimony for the Appropriations Committee on the Governor’s Proposed Cuts for the State’s Fire Training Schools

Feb. 24, 2015

We are writing to members of the Joint Appropriations Committee regarding the proposed cuts contained in Gov. Malloy’s 2015-17 biennial budget to the state’s nine Fire Training Schools. Collectively, we represent the Naugatuck Valley towns and cities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls Seymour and Derby. The cuts for the nine training facilities amount to $743,899.

The proposed cut to the Derby training school is $35,283. On the surface, this specific loss of revenue may not seem like a huge cut in the overall spectrum of the state’s two-year, $40 billion budget. However, the effect of eliminating all state aid for our training sites represents a huge blow to Connecticut’s public safety.

Each year hundreds of firefighters and front line responders receive vital training at the schools and that has proved critical to maintaining and bolstering our emergency response efforts. These training regimens are not duplicated anywhere else in Connecticut. Our individual firefighting units rely heavily upon the facilities to upgrade the skills and certifications of their members.

We believe that the state should be putting more resources into the system, not less, and stand prepared to craft alternatives to the current budget proposal that would be acceptable compromises. Given the current fiscal status of our towns and cities and the uncertain outcomes of our local budget processes, we are concerned that there will not be sufficient municipal revenues to offset the loss of state funds.
Our local emergency responders sacrifice greatly to keep our communities safe; we should honor that commitment.

We urge you as members of the committee to consider an alternative path forward as the budget process unfolds in the coming weeks and months.


State Rep. Themis Klarides 114th District


State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco 17th District


State. Rep. Linda M. Gentile 104th District


State Rep. Theresa Conroy 105th District

This is a press release from CT House Democrats.

Connecticut to lift travel ban at 2 p.m.

Sharing info posted on the Valley Independent Sentinel:

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has announced the statewide ban will be lifted at 2 p.m. today.

I'm certainly relieved that "snowmaggeddon" didn't happen here in the Valley.

What are your thoughts? Anyone disappointed?

E-mail me at pmcv394@gmail.com and I'll post your comments.

Valley voters give thumbs up to Foley

Democrat Gov. Dannel P. Malloy may have won re-election but Republican challenger Thomas Foley proved popular in Valley communities.

Check out reporter Ethan Fry's Valley Independent Sentinel story about the results of Tuesday's election.