I love Hartford. It’s the place I’ve called home since I was six years old. Hartford is a great city because of its people, its neighborhoods, its parks and historic buildings, the beautiful riverfront as well as its rich history and diverse culture.
Like most cities, we have our problems, but they can be overcome if we work collectively to solve them. I have been talking recently with city officials, neighborhood groups, residents, business owners, law enforcement and others to discuss our problems. I want to use these community meetings to develop plans that will solve our problems – permanently – and improve the quality of life for residents and for visitors to the capital city.
Here are some of the issues we face: the illegal sale of alcohol, drugs and untaxed cigarettes; prostitution; poor zoning; lack of a business-friendly atmosphere; and the need to enforce and strengthen our regulations and laws. Everyone I talk to is supportive and wants to help, but I want to see action.
I speak often with small business owners in my district to gain an understanding of what I can do to support them. Thriving businesses are critical to growing the job base in the city and creating much-needed revenues. Also, finding new uses for vacant buildings can be achieved by promoting redevelopment. The empty lots at the corners of Main and Park streets are examples of prime property ready for development and capable of reshaping Downtown South.
As a state representative, I have a responsibility to my constituents. I can help to improve their quality of life by introducing legislation to increase penalties for illegal drug and alcohol sales, soliciting a prostitute, and the illegal use of ATV’s on city streets. The bottom line, though, is to have cooperation from officials at the local and state levels. I will continue my community meetings for as long as it takes to get everyone on board and focused on what’s best for Hartford.
I have made this commitment because it’s the right thing to do and the outcome will benefit all of Hartford, its suburbs, and the state. I call upon city and state officials, residents, business owners and other stakeholders to join with me in re-making Hartford into the city we know and love.
Angel Arce was elected in 2012 to the Connecticut General Assembly to represent the 4th Assembly District in Hartford. He came to the legislature with extensive professional and community service experience having worked with several local organizations as well as serving on various boards. Rep. Arce now serves as Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee, Assistant Majority Leader and a member of the Housing, Judiciary, Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committees.
