Rep. Chris Caruso, just re-elected to his 11th consecutive term, has been elected by the Bridgeport legislative delegation to lead them in what may turn out to be the ugliest, nastiest General Assembly session since 1991, his very first year in the Legislature.
“I deeply appreciate the support of my Bridgeport colleagues for electing me chairman of the Bridgeport delegation,” Caruso said in a statement this morning. “By working together we will succeed in getting results for the citizens of Bridgeport. This is going to be a very challenging year, particularly for legislators from the state’s largest cities like Bridgeport.Despite a very difficult economy, we must ensure that the state budget is not balanced on the backs of Bridgeport’s residents. It will also be important for Connecticut’s municipalities to be able to consider revenue options other than relying on the property tax.”
“We feel like our delegation works well together,” said Senator Edwin A. Gomes, D-Bridgeport. “And we felt that Representative Caruso was very experienced and very able to lead the delegation. His knowledge of the legislative process is beneficial to us.”
“It was my honor to nominate Chris for the position of Chair because of the fact that during my first two years he always offered to assist and was there whenever I called on him,” said Rep. Ezequiel Santiago, D-Bridgeport. “He has the tenure and experience to allow the delegation to build on the progress we have made over the last two years.”
“As the senior member of our delegation, Representative Caruso has been a tireless supporter of our City of Bridgeport for many years at the state capital,” said Rep. Charles D. Clemons Jr., D-Bridgeport. “I am sure he will continue to work on the issues that affect us all.”
“Rep Caruso is an effective and dedicated public servant and his years of service prove I am not the only one that believes that,” said Rep. Jack Hennessy, D-Bridgeport. “I therefore have no reservations and fully support Chris for Chair of the Bridgeport legislative delegation.
“Representative Caruso’s experience at the municipal and state level makes him very effective at getting legislation passed,” said Rep. Auden Grogins, D-Bridgeport. “We are pleased that Chris has volunteered his time and service for this important position.”
Rep. Andres Ayala, D-Bridgeport, said: “Chris Caruso’s extensive experience in the legislature will serve our entire delegation well as chairman and will help promote our city in Hartford.”
“I’ve learned a great deal from Representative Caruso over the last two years, and I respect his ability to get things done,” said Senator Anthony Musto, D-Trumbull. “I look forward to his leadership for our delegation as we enter this difficult budget year.”