Durham Selectman Elected President Of Council Of Small Towns

Information via Connecticut Council of Small Towns

DURHAM, CT — The Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST) elected Durham First Selectman Laura Francis as President of COST at its annual meeting on February 8 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT.

“I am honored to be elected by my peers as COST’s President,” said Laura Francis, First Selectman, Town of Durham. “2022 will continue to present many challenges for Connecticut’s municipalities due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, there are a number of issues that we must work together to address to position Connecticut for social and economic recovery.”

“COST’s 2022 Legislative Platform calls for action on our top legislative priorities, including 1) preserving state aid to municipalities to reduce overreliance on the property tax to fund critical services; 2) supporting continued investment in critical infrastructure; 3) enhancing efforts to tackle Connecticut’s solid waste management issues by expanding recycling efforts and improving materials management; 4) assisting municipalities in upgrading school facilities to address indoor air quality issues; 5) facilitating efforts to meet the broadband needs of underserved/unserved areas; and 6) strengthening efforts to address public health and safety issues, including juvenile crime, mental health, and opioid abuse.”

“I look forward to working with COST and our member towns to ensure that we have a strong, united voice at the state Capitol on issues of concern to our smaller communities,” Francis said.

“As First Selectman of Durham, Laura has been successful in addressing the town’s infrastructure needs, including critical water main extensions and natural gas construction. These efforts have helped address longstanding drinking water issues and expand economic development opportunities while preserving Durham’s small town charm,” said Betsy Gara, Executive Director of COST. “The experience and leadership that Laura brings to the table will enhance COST’s role at the state Capitol as a strong advocate for Connecticut’s smaller communities,” Gara added.

COST also elected Anthony Salvatore, Town Manager, Cromwell as Vice President; Michael Freda, First Selectman, North Haven as Secretary, Don Stein, First Selectman, Barkhamsted, as Treasurer, Tom Dunn, Mayor, Wolcott as Past President, and Maria Capriola, Town Manager, Simsbury as the at-large Executive Committee member.

COST represents 115 smaller communities throughout Connecticut and works to give rural and suburban municipalities a strong voice in the legislative process. Our members are Connecticut towns with a population of less than 35,000. Additional information is available at: http://www.ctcost.org.