Carpino Reaches Out to Constituents in Storm Aftermath

PORTLAND — Rep. Christie Carpino’s dedicated her week to meeting with constituents and touring the district she represents in the wake of a snowstorm that wreaked havoc on Connecticut. Residents all over the state were left frustrated by the utility company responses prolonged power outages, and Carpino talked to residents during repeated trips to the emergency shelter here and in Cromwell and Middletown. And in her trips to all three communities, conversations between Carpino and constituents have covered everything from the management of Connecticut Light & Power to debris clean up and the availability of federal funds to help municipalities. Carpino discussed the latter subjects during a stop at Portland Golf Club today, where she talked with course owners and staff as well as First Selectman Susan Bransfield. Golf courses are crucial to the economic landscape here, and staff at Portland Golf Club saw the late October snowstorm cause significant damage damage to trees along the course. Carpino and the group discussed clean-up options there as well as options available to the town, where public works staffers are still managing debris created by Tropical Storm Irene. Carpino will work with local officials in their pursuit of federal emergency funds.