The public hearing before the Planning and Development Committee on S.B. 333, An Act Concerning Local Charter Revisions, witnessed strong support from numerous attendees. The bipartisan bill, introduced by officials from Stamford and supported by both Republican and Democratic legislators, aims to restore local control over municipal charters.
Senator Ryan Fazio (R-Greenwich), Ranking Member on the Committee, highlighted the importance of this bill in reinstating power to Connecticut’s residents and municipalities. He criticized the previous session’s decision to remove such authority without public input. Fazio’s remarks underlined the overwhelming support for the bill, reflecting a desire for local democracy and control.
Representative Tom O’Dea (R-New Canaan) echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the bill’s role in reinforcing local governance. The bill’s necessity stems from the previous session’s covert passage of legislation, infamously dubbed the “Stamford Zoning Rat.” This legislation was inserted into a comprehensive spending bill, bypassing public hearings and debate. Many legislators were unaware of its content until after its enactment.
This contentious policy restricted towns and cities from modifying their municipal charters, affecting critical areas such as local planning, zoning commissions, eminent domain processes, and public land control. The lack of transparency and public involvement in this decision was a key point of contention for those supporting S.B. 333.
Representative David Michel (D-Stamford) stressed the importance of public involvement, especially concerning eminent domain. The bill’s aim is to reintroduce public participation in these processes, aligning with the interests of local communities.
Similarly, Representative Anabel Figueroa (D-Stamford) underscored the overwhelming support for S.B. 333 among constituents, as evidenced by the testimony presented to the Planning and Development Committee. This support is indicative of the electorate’s desire for more significant input and control over local matters.
Betsy Gara, Executive Director of the Connecticut Council of Small Towns, testified to the unintended consequences of the previous session’s legislation. She noted that the language, though initially intended only for Stamford, inadvertently affected 109 municipalities with local charters.
Senator Fazio concluded the hearing with a call for bipartisan collaboration, stressing its importance in delivering results for Connecticut’s constituents. The support for S.B. 333 from both sides of the aisle indicates a unified approach to addressing the concerns raised by the bill.
This hearing marks a significant step in the legislative process for S.B. 333. The strong support from various stakeholders, including legislators, local leaders, and the public, signals a concerted effort to amend the controversial decisions of the past session and restore a degree of autonomy to Connecticut’s municipalities.
By Anne White
