State Rep. Morin named to three committees

01/11/2007

By: G. C. Gould , Staff Writer

State Rep. Russell Morin, D-28th District, is learning fast about the travails of life as a state assemblyman. Having just been sworn in last week, now he has been placed on the committees he will serve on until the end of this legislative session.
He has also had his employment profile changed. In his previous role as mayor, he worked at the state Department of Transportation. Having to resign that post in order to serve in the General Assembly, he now works in sales and customer service for a company in Suffield.
The first issue Morin spoke about during a telephone interview this week was the issue of electric energy.
Electric energy prices are affecting the whole state said Morin, who is on the energy and technology committee. The issue "effects the residential and business climate and is a difficult situation we need to address," he said.
Morin said he is compiling information on the energy issue that has been assimilated from past years.
"They are giving information to us to start formulating opinions," he added.
On the environmental committee, Morin said he will be working on clean water, especially funding for clean water in the Wethersfield Cove.
Morin said that while he is also looking into clean water issues that will affect the entire state, including Long Island Sound, he sees that everything comes with a cost.
Other legislators with more experience than Morin, such as recently elected state Sen. Paul Doyle, D-9th District, who was a state representative for 12 years, have been giving Morin a little guidance.
"Pieces of advice have been great for me," Morin added.
Morin said he would also like to see volunteer firefighters able to volunteer in one town and serve as a paid firefighter in another town.
"Unions will not allow them to volunteer. We would like to see that changed," he said.
On the transportation committee, Morin said they are looking into ways to alleviate traffic congestion on the major roadways. One possibility is to increase the rail travel options in the state, he said.
He said he also wants to help alleviate the property tax burden in Connecticut. "Being a former mayor, I understand and will work with other districts," he said. "Connecticut is very diverse. Cities have different needs from towns. That doesn't mean you don't have to try to get things done," he said.