Sen. Fasano Recognized for Leadership

State Sen. Len Fasano (R-34th) has received a Town Crier Award from the Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST) for his leadership on issues affecting Connecticut’s smaller communities.

Fasano represents residents in East Haven, North Haven, Durham and Wallingford.

COST’s Town Crier Award was established to recognize and honor state legislators and other public officials who have distinguished themselves as outstanding advocates on issues affecting Connecticut’s small towns. 

“Senator Fasano has been awarded COST’s Town Crier Award for his leadership role in winning passage of legislation to assist towns in complying with the state’s phosphorus reduction standards and creating a process to ensure that towns can work with the state to develop more workable, cost effective approaches to improving water quality,” said Dick Smith, COST’s President and First Selectman of Deep River.  

“In addition, Senator Fasano has been instrumental in supporting several proposals over the years to provide towns with relief from unfunded state mandates, including calling for a moratorium on any new unfunded mandates,” Smith added.

Town officials were told Wednesday that small towns like Durham and Middlefield should expect cuts to municipal aid as Connecticut deals with yet another budget crisis.

“Senator Fasano’s commitment to developing thoughtful solutions to complex issues is deeply appreciated,” said Betsy Gara, COST’s Executive Director. “We applaud his efforts to help address the needs of Connecticut’s smaller communities.” 

The award was presented at COST’s 2013 Connecticut Town Meeting held in Cromwell, which was attended by more than 350 municipal leaders, public officials and state lawmakers. 

This year’s other recipients are Sen. Steve Cassano, Rep. Linda Gentile and Rep. Craig Miner.  

This report includes information provided in a press release from COST.