Noah Kim photo
Esther Armmand speaks with Looney & Paolillo.
East Siders got a chance to talk politics with their state representatives Saturday and offer their own solutions.
State Rep. Al Paolillo Jr. and State Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney met with the constituents over donuts and coffee at the Dunkin’ Donuts at 189 Forbes Ave. At a table by the window, the legislators met one by one with members of the electorate in meetings that ranged from 10 to 20 minutes. The tone of the conversations was serious but cordial, with Looney and Paolillo offering both measured explanations of current policy and friendly banter.
Some attendees, like Esther Armmand, legislative assistant for policy analysis at City Hall, arrived with specific policy proposals in mind. Others, like attorney John Cirello, were there to get the inside scoop on recent developments at the state level. Common concerns included the planned implementation of highway tolls, the environment, and affordable housing.
Ralph Zovich gets a turn,.
Armmand came to the table with two concerns in mind: First, she wanted to talk about the problems caused by underfunding for the state PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) program, which she says puts an undue burden on taxpayers. Second, she propsede that residents have more of a say in regulating property development that could have adverse effects on the environment.
“It’s about having processes where people could vigorously weigh in,” said Armmand. “[Development] really does have an impact on quality of life for residents who live in the city.”
Alder Rosa Ferraro Santana.
Next up was Ralph Zovich, a resident of Fort Hale gardens, said he’s concerned about the “looming problem of unfunded pension liability.” He is worried that the burden of the growing pension gap will eventually fall on younger Connecticut residents, he said.
Al Paolillo (right) and Martin Looney (left).
Fair Haven Heights Alder Rosa Ferraro Santana, fresh off a hearing about affordable housing and homeless youth, spoke about young people “who don’t make enough to afford a rent.” She cited the fact that some students at Gateway Community College are sleeping in classrooms at the college because they cannot find affordable housing in the area.
“Students we come across want to go to school but find it difficult because of the housing issue,” she told Looney and Paolillo.
Longtime Heights political worker Arthur Natalino asked about the new highway tolls proposed by the Lamont administration.
Noah Kim photo
New Haven residents gather to talk to their representatives.
“We need another revenue stream to substitute for the gas tax,” said Looney, who supports the proposal. “When we implement tolls, we’re trying to capture more from people coming from out of state.”
“We’re also planning potential rebates for people traveling within the state to relax the effect of these tolls,” said Paolillo.
“I was just about to ask about that,” said Natalino.
“Arty, our synergy is so good,” joked Paolillo.
Many of the constituents said that the legislators had listened respectfully and seriously to their arguments. Zovich, in particular, said he was grateful for the opportunity to be heard.
“They seem very attuned to the needs of the community,” he said. “It’s not often you get to bend the ear of the president pro tempore.”
“I thought it was an interesting process,” said Armmand. “I’m glad I put the issues on their radar, but it’s important to keep raising them. I plan to follow up with a written letter.”