Thomas Breen file photo
Lemar: "I am excited to guide the legislature through this transformative time for our state's infrastructure."
New Haven State Rep. Roland Lemar will again be in a top legislative role for developing statewide transportation policy come January as he prepares to serve a third term as House chair of the Transportation Committee.
Lemar, a Democrat who has represented New Haven’s and East Haven’s 96th Assembly District since 2010, announced that reappointment in an email press release sent out Thursday morning.
According to that press release, state House leadership has tapped Lemar to serve another two-year term as the House Chair of the Transportation Committee.
Click here to read a previous Independent article about Lemar’s work last legislative session to pass a bill improving pedestrian and cyclist safety — minus speed cameras. And click here to read a recent Independent article about Lemar’s work in helping secure state funding for repairs to a bridge that connects Cedar Hill and Fair Haven, and about the infrastructure upgrade opportunities presented by a surge in federal funding.
Lemar’s reappointment comes a week after Gov. Ned Lamont announced that he’s picked fellow New Havener Garrett Eucalitto to serve as the head of the state Department of Transportation starting in January.
See below for Thursday’s press release in full.
State Representative Roland Lemar (D‑New Haven/East Haven) is pleased to announce that Speaker of the House Matt Ritter (D‑Hartford) and House Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D‑East Hartford, Manchester) have reappointed him as House Chair of the Transportation Committee for a new term.
“With a commitment to the health and safety of our infrastructure and everyone who uses our roads, bridges and public transportation, Roland has the vision and experience to navigate this complex policy area,” said Speaker Ritter. “He is an innovator when it comes to transportation.”
“As conversations and initiatives to better the state’s infrastructure remain critical to preparing for Connecticut’s future, Rep. Lemar’s continued leadership is essential,” Majority Leader Rojas said. “Rep. Lemar has led the committee through a number of challenging policy debates, always remaining optimistic and focused on the work we can accomplish together. He’s been a critical voice in implementing policies that are building a sustainable future for funding transportation infrastructure and has been a determined voice in improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.”
“I am thankful to Speaker Ritter and Majority Leader Rojas for trusting me to continue leading the Transportation Committee and the Finance Sub-Committee for Transportation Bonding as we work together to explore opportunities to revamp our transportation system,” Rep. Lemar said. “Providing real options and real equity in the services we offer to our residents are some of our top priorities and I am excited to guide the legislature through this transformative time for our state’s infrastructure.”
This will be the third consecutive term with Lemar leading the Transportation Committee.
Roland Lemar was first elected in 2010 to represent the 96th Assembly District of New Haven and East Haven.