This morning legislators representing New Britain, Bristol, Newington and other towns, as well as Gary Friedle, Chairman of the New Britain Downtown District, met with state Economic and Community Development Commissioner Joan McDonald to discuss the economic development assistance that could be appropriate to find new owners for the New Britain Herald, the Bristol Press and 11 weekly newspapers.
As I wrote previously, I am very concerned about harm that New Britain would experience, both in our economy and our community life, if we did not have a daily newspaper based in our city. The other New Britain legislators, Sen. Don DeFronzo, Rep. John Geragosian, Rep. Peter Tercyak and Rep. Betty Boukus, share these concerns. The legislators representing Bristol and the towns covered by weeklies, including the Newington Town Crier, agree.
It was very important that Gary Friedle joined us at the meeting to discuss the concern we share about the negative effect that losing our daily newspaper could have on New Britain's businesses and economy. He advocated very well for our city.
The meeting was very productive and I am pleased with the proactive approach that the Commissioner is taking. I offer her and the Governor my thanks for their assistance.
We will be meeting again in a couple of weeks to talk about any progress.
