Freda begins first term as CCM president By Everett Bishop The Citizen
CCM is the “state’s largest, nonpartisan organization of municipal leaders, representing towns and cities of all sizes from all corners of the state, with 169 member municipalities,” according to North Haven First Selectman Michael Freda, right, greets Gov. Ned Lamont before a tour of Amazon's its website.
During his time as president, Freda plans on addressing three particular ini-
newest Robotics Fulfillment Center in North Haven on June 20, 2019. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal
tiatives, how the state manages special education, providing municipalities with predictability in budgeting and mill rates, and also improving transportation and infrastructure across the state.
“We need to have that stability for our taxpayers in our various cities and towns,” Freda said. “It’s critically important that they are not looking over See Freda, A9
Disaster training underway By Everett Bishop The Citizen
The North Haven Community Emergency Response Team began its free training classes at the Northeast Fire Department Tuesday, Jan.14. Although the session is underway, there is still time for residents to sign on. The full announcement for the program is available on the CERT Facebook page along with additional in-
Fasano: It’s time for Dem leaders to show their hand on tolls By Jacqueline Rabe Thomas © The Connecticut Mirror
January marks the beginning of First Selectman Michael Freda’s term as president of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, the first time he has held that position.
Freda was elected at CCM’s 2019 statewide convention at Foxwoods Resort Casino. He takes over from Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary. Last year, Freda served as first vice president under O’Leary.
Friday, January 17, 2020
www.northhavencitizen.com
Volume 12, Number 43
formation from member Cindy Snow, including a link to an application form. She urged interested individuals to get their applications in ASAP.
each class about two hours.
“They learn about the CERT program and basic disaster situations so that when things get bad people can protect themselves, So far, CERT has about a dozen people signed up for help neighbors and protect the community,” Coppola the course. CERT team said. leader Lou Coppola said the organization will continue to accept applica- The organization says it wants to start the year betions for the classes up to two weeks into the course. ing “proactive, not reactive The program runs between eight to 10 weeks, with See Training, A9
Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R- North Haven, called an impromptu press conference Monday to demand Democratic leaders in the senate and the governor’s office show their hand about whether they have the votes to pass a transportation bill that includes tolls on trucks. “They need to stop pretending they can pull a deal off because they can’t,” Fasano said. “It’s been talked about forever and we are no step closer to resolving this issue to the detriment of businesses and the state of Connecticut. … They had their shot. They tried the best they could. They can’t get there.” Gov. Ned Lamont’s push to get the General Assembly’s approval for tolls began last January, but has failed to be called for a vote since then. When the legislative session ended last spring, the administration aimed to generate support over the summer and bring it across the finish line during the fall, after municipal elections. That goal has been pushed back month after month, and the administration is now aiming for a vote before the legislative session begins Feb. 5. But that window is closing. No vote is scheduled this week and legislators have not been told to reserve a date to come in for a vote.
Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano talks with the media Monday about tolls. Jacqueline Rabe Thomas, CT Mirror
Fasano says that’s because the votes are not there. “You are running out of time,” said Fasano. “We all know the truth: these guys are never going to do tolls in regular session.” Last week, Senate Democrats met privately to discuss whether they had enough votes to approve tolls. Senate President Pro Tem Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, said at the time that members of his caucus had a significant list of questions and conditions that must be addressed before he can assure the 18 votes necessary for passage in the Senate. “We have a contingent consensus of 18 members who have not rejected the concept of a bill to toll trucks on bridges only,” Looney said. On Monday, a spokesman for the Senate Democrats said nothing has changed. “When Senator Looney said the Senate Democratic caucus had a contingent conSee Tolls, A8