Wolcott Town Hall Round Up

Here is a round up of our town hall meeting as reported by the Waterbury Republican American Newspaper.

Gun laws, auto tax on voters' minds

REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

WOLCOTT — About 40 people attended a town hall meeting hosted by two local legislators Thursday, asking questions about proposed changes to gun ownership laws, how the legislature can help prevent jobs from leaving the state and whether Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's proposed changes to the vehicle taxes would help or hurt the economy.

Sen. Joe Markley, R-16th District, and state Rep. Rob Sampson, R-Wolcott, hosted the meeting, which began at 6:30 p.m. at Wolcott Town Hall. They spent most of the meeting fielding questions from the audience. One attendee, who identified himself as Tom, asked, "what are we doing about bringing jobs to the state of Connecticut?"

Markley said the state has a dreadful business climate "and no slogan is
going to make a difference when that's the bottom line."

Sampson echoed those sentiments, noting that the First Five program, which
awarded state money to companies that created jobs in Connecticut, failed to
spur the economy.

"It's counterproductive to use money to ask businesses to come here,"
Sampson said.

He said the legislature needs to create incentives for businesses to remain in
Connecticut. He said the paid sick leave bill, which requires most businesses
to offer their employees sick time, is an example the types of burdens
Connecticut places on businesses.

Chris O'Brien, chairman of the town's Economic Development Commission, asked
about Malloy's proposal to eliminate taxes on vehicles assessed at less than
$20,000.

"Do you see this as a power grab for the next election?" said O'Brien,
alluding to the fact that not having to pay car taxes would disproportionately
benefit certain segments of the population.

Markley agreed, saying, "It seems like just an attempt to pander ... by
giving them a shiny object."

The discussion also included the topics of gun control and mental health, in light of the recent mass shooting in Newtown. Some audience members expressed concerns that the legislature would increase taxes on ammunition and make the names of gun owners public information. Markley and Sampson said they would oppose those measures.

"(Anti-Gun Rights advocates) don't understand the notion of owning firearms and enjoying them," Markley said, noting that most gun owners are well-behaved with
their weapons.

Attendees also voiced support for a bill that would require people with certain
mental illnesses to be required to obtain outpatient treatment.