Are you a housing extremist more concerned about where you will be "summering"?

The CT Mirror obtained internal emails that revealed the communications leading up to the decision by CT Governor Ned Lamont (D) to veto the affordable housing bill (HB 5002) in June. The Governor went up against his own Democrat House and Senate lawmakers in vetoing the bill. The emails provided many insights about the process.

Calls and emails worked. Most importantly, the Governor received thousands of emails and calls opposing the housing bill. The Governor's office concluded that most feedback came from those opposed to the bill. Many of those opposed had been effectively persuaded to contact the Governor by CT169Strong, a group that exposed the flaws in this complex/last minute legislation. Heavy opposition came from Fairfield County towns such as Greenwich, New Canaan, Fairfield, Darien and Westport. Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo reached out (story here), as did head of Planning & Zoning Margarita Alban (see her editorial here).

Disrespect for taxpayers revealed. Most revealing was the disdain expressed in these emails by CT Democrats toward Connecticut residents who carry much of the state's heavy tax burden. They issued a statement calling those who opposed the bill a small group of "housing extremists" who are probably more worried about where they'll be "summering" this season than they are about someone else's plight to find housing.

This housing bill has not died. CT169Strong has issued an update here. Meetings are underway to resurrect a version of HB 5002 that will be attempted to be passed in a hurry without much diligence, discussion or input from local stakeholders.

Between the Lines: Did you realize that your elected state representatives have such disrespect for you? It makes you want to move out - oh that's right many already have.

Story here