Guerrera Praised For His Efforts By Colleague From Other Side Of The Aisle

It was a difficult legislative session for a lot of reasons for both state representatives and senators. 

State Rep. Tony Guerrera struggled with a bill on the 60 West Street project and saw it pass 106-30 but get "passed temporarily." 

He also fought on behalf of the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry and hopes that the Department of Transportation would not double its fee from $3 a car to $6 a car as proposed beginning July 31. 

Guerrera's efforts did not go unnoticed. He was praised by a colleague from the other side of the aisle. Rep. David A. Scribner, Assistant Minority Leader, Ranking Member, Transportation & Transportation Bonding of the 107th District (R) Brookfield, Bethel, Danbury made the following remarks on the floor of the House. 

The General Session of Connecticut's General Assembly came to a conclusion on Wednesday, June 5 at midnight, as required by the state's constitution. By all accounts it was an exceptionally challenging five month session, greatly overshadowed by the focus on legislation to address the tragic events that occurred in Newtown on December 14th, as well as the looming budget deficit and creation of a new biennium budget.

"I have been privileged to serve in the House of Representatives for 15 years, 11 of them as a leader on the Transportation Committee," said Rep. David A. Scribner. "For nine years, I have served along side of Rep. Tony Guerrera, Chairman of the committee. We have worked well together, respectfully, to benefit all people of Connecticut on transportation issues involving the Department of Transportation, Department of Motor Vehicles, and Public Safety. We have a common interest to do what is best for our constituents in a thorough, rational, fair and reasonable approach. I am proud of what we have accomplished together as leaders and colleagues, and to have him as a valued friend.

"The session began with a unique challenge for the people of Rocky Hill and Rep. Guerrera. The unexpected consequences of legislation that would allow the state to place a segment of our prison population into a privately operated former nursing home in a residential neighborhood in Rocky Hill without any opportunity for local officials, or residents to be heard. Rep. Guerrera was understandably outraged. As well as I know and respect him, I have never felt as proud of him as he worked tirelessly and valiantly to prevent this transition. He was steadfast, took the lead, rallied support, introduced legislation, and successfully convinced the majority of legislators across the state that this was wrong.

"He had the courage to take on the administration publicly, identifying this as a poor policy decision that was sure to have inevitable,  negative impact on the quality of life in his community. I witnessed him travel to an off site public hearing during a snow storm in March along with Sen. Paul Doyle, addressing the Public Health Committee. He was thoroughly prepared, well documented, passionate, and focused on protecting his constituents. He never gave up and continued his fight, on your behalf,  through the final days and nights of session.

"The people of Rocky Hill, Newington, and Wethersfield are blessed, and can be confident and grateful that they are being well represented by Rep. Guerrera. He is loyal, dedicated, hard working, and fiercely proud of the  people in the communities that he serves."