Locals & Legislators Meetings

The HBA of CT's Government Affairs Committee has launched a new series of meetings called "Locals & Legislators."  After the success of  Home Building Industry Day at the Capitol, where many members met and discussed issues with legislators in small groups, these "Locals & Legislators" meetings will be the same kind of meetings, set in communities rather than at the Capitol.  The goal is for HBA of CT members to get to know their state representatives and senators and be able to talk about the issues that are important to the industry in an informal setting. 

Locals & Legislators meet in Ellington
The HBA of Hartford County held the first L&L meeting on October 29 at the Clubhouse at Deer Valley Condominiums.  Eleven HBA members and four staffers met with Sen. Tony Guglielmo, Stafford Springs, Rep. Bill Aman, South Windsor, Rep. Bryan Hurlburt, Tolland, Rep. Claire Janowski, Vernon, and Rep. Joan Lewis, Coventry.  Using the HBA of CT's Government Affairs issues list as a starting point, a wide range of issues was discussed.  Several members shared stories of the hurdles builders face in trying to get a building permit,  to the way that the state's Plan of Conservation & Development is used to prevent development.   

Members expressed their concern about the state's budget and the long term economic health of the state, urging the legislators to be conservative with taxpayer money.  Builders and associate members talked about the frustration of the anti-business climate in the state and the need to streamline regulations to encourage rather than discourage entrepreneurship.  

At left, Santo Veneziano talk to Sen. Guglielmo after the meeting.  Members were able to ask questions and explain some of the challenges they face in building homes.  In turn, legislators were able to ask members about their priorities and learn more about the home building industry.  Above right, gathered around the table, Bill Ethier, the HBA's CEO and in-house lobbyist , Elaine Mocklis, Chris Nelson, Rep. Aman, Rep. Lewis, Jennifer Vail (in back),
Santo Veneziano, Lois Santini, and Todd Mannarino.  Below right, Rep. Hurlburt, Kevin Santini, Eric Santini Jr.

Many thanks to the Santini's for providing the meeting room and taking the time to host the event. 

 Locals & Legislators meet in Middletown
Rep. Matt Lesser, Middletown and Rep. Brian O'Connor, Clinton, met with HBA of Hartford County members on November 17 at the Middletown Chamber of Commerce offices.  Chris Nelson, Bob Fusari Sr., Jim Didomenico and Santo Veneziano joined HBA staff Eric Person, Bill Ethier and Lisa Kidder for a discussion that focused on the ways various state agencies are road blocks to home building and economic development.  Fusari and Nelson shared examples of delays due to the approval process as well as projects they walked away from due to the potential for lengthy and costly delays.  The issue of "Right to Cure" legislation was also discussed. 

Both legislators stressed the value and importance of input from their constituents.  "It's important to put an issue on our radar  and share your concerns early in the process. Then we can learn about it BEFORE we're asked to vote on it," said O'Connor.

Lesser and O'Connor mentioned that phone calls and e-mails were the best ways to reach them and that "local contacts go to the top of their lists" when reviewing messages.  Lesser mentioned that while prepared statements and information from groups is helpful, personal contact from a constituent is better.

The HBACT working with HBA of New Haven County and BAEC to plan more "Locals & Legislators" meetings.  We will be looking for meeting rooms that can hold about 20 people.  If you have suggestions for meeting sites or for more information call the office, 860-521-1905.

If you haven't talked to or met with your State Representative or State Senator this year, call and introduce yourself today. By establishing a working relationship with them now, you'll be in a better position to talk about critical industry issues as they come up during the legislative session in 2 months!  Find contact information for your legislators: http://www.cga.ct.gov/maps/townlist.asp