Logan urges attendance at hearing in Hartford on school regionalization

State Sen. George Logan, R-Ansonia

HARTFORD - Multiple bills that would force towns and cities to regionalize school districts will be discussed at a public hearing in Hartford on Friday, March 1.

The proposals, made by Connecticut Democrats, include a bill that would force any school district with fewer than 2,000 students to regionalize. 
Another bill would force any town with a population of fewer than 40,000 to consolidate with other towns to form new school districts matching the state probate court districts (click to view a map of what regions could look like).

While encouraging towns to share services can be beneficial, forcing towns and cities to regionalize their school districts without considering their unique needs raises concerns.

This public hearing is an opportunity to make your voice heard and share your opinion on these proposals. 
Here’s how to speak out:

Send a brief email to edtestimony@cga.ct.gov.
Put “Bill 457 and Bill 738” in the subject line.
Include your name and town.
If you can, attend the public hearing at 1 p.m.  Friday in Room 2E of the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Ave. 
If you cannot attend you can still submit testimony as explained above.

You can read more and track the bills at the following links:
Senate Bill No. 457
Senate Bill No. 738

Do you support forced regionalization?
Yes
No

This is a press release from state Sen. George S. Logan.

Ansonia/Derby school regionalization committee meeting schedule posted

*Information shared by Derby Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo.

Valley lawmakers welcome regionalization study funds

HARTFORD - The Derby and Ansonia legislative delegation in Hartford - Democratic state Rep. Linda M. Gentile of Ansonia, House Republican Minority Leader Themis Klarides, Republican state Sen. George S. Logan of Ansonia, and Republican state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria of Seymour welcomed funds for Ansonia and Derby for a study on the feasibility of regionalizing the two cities' education departments or the possibility of sharing these services.

The $168,500 grant, included in H.B. 5028, has been allocated to fund the study and will be administered by the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments. 

“These funds are very important to cities like ours,” Gentile said."I am open to regionalization initiatives that if proven practical, would lead to more efficient services beneficial to our constituencies. This study will help us learn more about these possibilities and how beneficial this would be for Ansonia and Derby.”

Local decision

“Ansonia and Derby are smart to decide to study regionalizing their school systems,” 
said Klarides. “The state should help municipalities out in their efforts to regionalize, but it should always be up to the local residents to do so.” 

Logan said, "This is forward-thinking, common sense, bipartisan legislation which will benefit Ansonia and Derby taxpayers. I am proud to be a part of this team effort."

Klarides-Ditria said,“Regionalizing schools in Ansonia and Derby is something that has been talked about for years. I applaud the two cities' efforts to move forward with this study and thank my colleagues for supporting this study. It will not only save the state money but it will also help the local communities.” 

This is a press release from the state legislators' office.

Ansonia Republican kicks off campaign for 104th District seat

Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Republican Joe Jaumann recently announced his run for state representative for the 104th District at the site of Farrel Pomini’s new building at the Fountain Lake Industrial Park. 

Farrel Corp. has a 150-year manufacturing history in Ansonia and the Valley.

“We are at Fountain Lake, because from this vantage point we have a view of much of the 104th District which includes Derby and Ansonia and because this site is representative of what can happen when a municipality works with private development and when you incentivize economic development,” Jaumann said.
“I'm not going to Hartford to talk. I'm going there to get things done for the hard-working people of the 104th District. 

"Farrel-Pomini Corp. was fleeing Ansonia and the Valley taking with them over 100 manufacturing jobs. To lose them would have been devastating. 
"Ansonia fought to keep them and to retain valuable jobs. That was done through the swift actions of elected officials and I was proud to be a part of that. I learned how to create the kinds of partnerships and incentives needed to retain and increase jobs. That’s exactly what I’m going to do in Hartford. I’m going to help save jobs and help restore our economy. We are in desperate shape in Connecticut and we need decisive leaders who are willing to move swiftly to help our taxpayers.”

As an attorney, Jaumann has spent years advocating for the rights and for the liberties of his clients. 

From the elderly struggling on a fixed income to meet their financial obligations, to young people and families seeking work and decent paying jobs, Jaumann has delivered. He fights for his clients and he will fight for the residents of Ansonia and Derby.
As an alderman, Jaumann has advocated for the taxpayers and students. 

Most recently, he spearheaded the movement to study regionalization in our schools.
“By studying regionalization now, we can become more efficient and less dependent on Hartford in the future,” said Jaumann.

While serving on numerous boards like Planning and Zoning Jaumann made difficult decisions that helped bring development into the Valley.
“I want to make life easier for the constituents of the 104th. Taxes are too high and unemployment is high," he said. 

"I’ll work for everyone in Hartford to bring a better quality of life for all residents. It’s time to lesson the burden on the taxpayer. That will be my priority.”
Ansonia and Derby need someone who is no stranger to rolling up his sleeves, making tough decisions and getting teal results.
“I believe our communities and our residents deserve the kind of advocate in Hartford that will take action to do what right for his constituents," said Jaumann. 

"I understand the needs of our cities and I will be a voice for all the people of the 104th.” 

This is a press release from Jaumann's campaign.

Newsletter features Legislative Town Hall meeting in Derby

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features a Legislative Town Hall in Derby, and the movie, The Post, brings back my memories of newspapering.

Thanks for reading!

Patti