Francis Elected to COST Board of Directors

The Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST) is pleased to announce that Laura Francis, First Selectman of the Town of Durham, has been appointed to COST’s Board of Directors effective November 8.

Laura was first elected First Selectman in 2007. Prior to that, she served as Durham’s Town Clerk from 1997 - 2007. Laura currently serves as Chairman of the Regional Emergency Planning Team for the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Region 2, Chairman of the Middlesex County Revitalization Commission and as a member of the Police Officer Standards and Training Council. 

“Laura has been active on a number of issues affecting Connecticut’s small towns, including emergency preparedness, public safety, agriculture and economic development.  Laura’s hands on experience as a municipal official combined with her expertise on a wide range of issues will be a tremendous asset to COST in advocating for small towns at the state Capitol,” said Betsy Gara, COST’s Executive Director.

“We are fortunate to have Laura join COST’s Board of Directors to help guide us in advocating for Connecticut’s small towns at the state Capitol.  Municipal funding, education, public safety, and mandate relief will be big issues this session and Laura’s energy and expertise will position COST to play a major role in shaping the debate on these issues,” Gara added.

COST is an advocacy organization committed to giving small towns a strong voice in the legislative process. Its members are Connecticut towns with populations of less than 30,000. COST champions the major policy needs and concerns of Connecticut’s suburban and rural towns.  More information is available at www.ctcost.org