Mayor's Community Update - March 2016
We had a busy and productive month in the Town of East Hartford! Our Police Department and High School Band both won best in class at the Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Governor Malloy and I visited Connecticut’s First Kid Governor at her school, Dr. Thomas O’Connell Elementary. We also had our first monthly TEDx talk at the Library.
Last week we kicked off National Donate Life Month with a flag raising ceremony at Town Hall to encourage residents to consider becoming an organ donor. Becoming a donor is a great way to save lives and has no impact on your life or medical care. The Donate Life Flag will fly through the month of April.
From the Mayor’s Office:
I am pleased to announce that I was appointed to several statewide boards and commissions last month. Governor Malloy asked me to serve on the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, which works to improve relationships between Towns and Cities and the State Government. Senate President Martin Looney appointed me to serve on the Regional Special Education Funding Working Group, which tries to improve regional Special Education in the State.
I also had the opportunity to testify at the State Capitol on several important bills that would make a difference for East Hartford. Two bills stand out. The first, HB 5484, would allow municipalities to use and redevelop land where the town can demonstrate a substantial benefit, to combat blight or deterioration. This will help us with new development opportunities and draw businesses to our town. The second, HB 5184, would expand the Capital Region Development Authority district to many prime development and redevelopment locations in our town. This will help us target key areas for development, such as Founders Plaza, the Commerce Center, Downtown, Silver Lane, Rentschler Field, and the area around Goodwin College.
Upcoming Events:
Public Meeting: I-91 Interchange Relocation and Widening Project
Thursday, April 28, 2016; 6:30PM, Raymond Library
The Department of Transportation is running the meeting and will inform residents on the impact of work on local traffic patterns as well as answer questions.
Public Safety:
Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Saturday, April 30, 2016, 10AM-2PM, Public Safety Complex, 31 School St.
Sponsored by the Police, Fire, and Health Departments, residents can return prescription medication, capsules, and caplets. This program reduce the risk of drug abuse and protects our rivers and streams.
The Library
CT Passport to Connecticut Libraries Program
Running April 1-30, Raymond Library
Participants receive a passport that can be stamped at 124 participating libraries around the state. Visitors to 5 participating libraries will be entered into a drawing to win a $150 Visa gift card for adults, and a $100 Visa gift card.
Naturalization / Citizenship Info Session – April 13, 6:30 – 8PM
Wednesday, April 13, 2016, Raymond Library Lower Level
This program is for legal permanent residents and others interested in the naturalization and citizenship process and topics include naturalization process, the new naturalization test, and the rights and responsibilities of US Citizenship.