Ridgefield News
May 6, 2001

AG Blumenthal Speaks In Ridgefield

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal Addresses Key Health, Education and Legal Issues in Lively Community Forum at Temple Shearith Israel

From left: Roger Garbow, co-president of the Temple Shearith Israel Brotherhod and DTC member, who organized today's event; Attorney General Dick Blumenthal; First Selectman Rudy Marconi; and Rabbi Jon Haddon.

May 6 -- Attorney General Richard Blumenthal ably demonstrated why he was re-elected to his post with over 70% of the vote today when he presented insight about major issues in CT including tobacco regulations, child abuse and neglect, diversity in education and consumer protection. The self-described "people's lawyer", Blumenthal warned the assembled crowd to work vigilantly with their State representatives to insure that a higher portion of the $500 million dollars received to date by Connecticut from the tobacco settlement--a case which he litigated with other State Attorneys General--go towards education, anti-smoking campaigns, enforcement and treatment of the addiction. As he stated, "Every day, 60 more young people become addicted to cigarettes. Today, the average age at which a child begins to smoke is 11. The battle is not over."

Attorney General Blumenthal (photo, left, being welcomed to the podium by First Selectman Marconi) noted that First Selectman Rudy Marconi set a great example for how to best serve the people of Connecticut. "He is on the front lines, and listening all of the time. We all need to use both of our ears more and our mouth less." Blumenthal also makes a practice of attending local events and community forums across the State, doing the listening that he preaches.

First Selectman Marconi thanked Attorney General Blumenthal for his intercession with the State on the award of $800,000+ of funds from BHC fines to purchase a portion of the McKeon Farm. Mr. Marconi, who raised over $2 million dollars in private donations to acquire the site, learned that the $800,000 in trust with the State, was jeopardized due to technicalities regarding the definition of open space. Attorney General Blumenthal stepped in and helped to resolve the issues, thereby permitting the funds to be awarded for the Farm's purchase. "Dick Blumenthal is a great friend to Ridgefield," noted Mr. Marconi.

The brunch and forum was presented by the Brotherhood at Temple Shearith Israel. The 50-some attendees enjoyed the Attorney General's presentation, and a number participated in the Q & A session which followed.

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