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First Selectman's Report - January, 28, 2013

Posted on: January 28, 2013 - 4:29pm

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

January 28, 2013

 

Martin Luther King Jr. Remembered

More than 150 people attended our remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. last Monday at the First Church of Christ in Simsbury.  We were fortunate to have lots of music – the Simsbury High School Big Band and the Henry James Memorial Select Choir did a wonderful job – and some wonderful speakers, including Deacon Art Miller and representatives from congregations of different faiths in and around Simsbury.  The gathering also featured the 15 minute film “MLK in CT” which was created by Simsbury High School Students and which tells the story of Dr. King’s time here in Simsbury – an experience which brought him to the ministry and probably changed the course of history.

There are many to thank for this wonderful service including First Church of Christ, the Simsbury Free Library and Simsbury Historical Society, the musicians and the members of the 2013 MLK in Simsbury Celebration Committee and MLK in CT Memorial Committee.  Through all of these people and organizations, Dr. King continues to have an impact on our lives and on how we view our world.

 

Officials, Residents Voice Concerns at Public Hearing on Potential Diversion of Water from Farmington River to UConn Storrs Campus

Town and State officials, including me, Lisa Heavner, State Representative John Hampton and State Senator Kevin Witkos attended a public hearing on January 22, 2013 to voice concerns about the potential diversion of water from the Farmington River watershed to supply the growing needs of the UConn Storrs campus.  While we expressed support for finding a solution to the water resource needs of the Storrs-Mansfield region, we urged consideration of better and cheaper alternatives to the MDC proposal, which seeks a massive transfer of resources from one part of the state to another without consensus on a well-designed plan.  In particular, we recommended that the water needs of UConn-Storrs and Mansfield be addressed in the context of a state plan taking regional needs into consideration, as opposed to a reactive, “one-off” solution.  I would like to thank members of the public for participating in this process – our biggest concern was a lack of transparency – many people were not even aware this was an issue. 

 

If you wish to submit comments for consideration by the University of Connecticut you have until January 31, 2013 to do so.  The comments I submitted can be found on the Board of Selectmen’s page on the Town website (www.simsbury-ct.gov). 

 

Simsbury to Host Congresswoman Elizabeth H. Esty’s Gun Violence Prevention Roundtable

We are pleased to serve as host for Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s Gun Violence Prevention Roundtable which is being held tomorrow, January 29, 2013 here in Town Hall.  Congresswoman Esty will be meeting with elected officials and staff from the Town of Simsbury, the Board of Education and representatives from other communities and organizations to conduct a discussion on immediate concerns around policy or legislative issues with respect to gun violence.  The Congresswoman will begin the meeting by giving an update on efforts around gun violence prevention in Washington.  The group will discuss next steps for the community and will end with a discussion on how different stakeholders want to be involved as efforts continue forward.

 

I would like to thank Congresswoman Esty for her initiative on this important subject – we certainly look forward to tomorrow’s roundtable discussion.