Valley Independent Sentinel

UPDATE: Rally Held To Save Derby Courthouse

by Eugene Driscoll | Jun 23, 2009 12:22 pm

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Posted to: Derby

DERBY —

Update, 12:22 p.m.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s office released the following statement regarding Monday’s rally in front of the Derby courthouse:

“The spending cuts proposed by Governor Rell represent some very difficult choices, but the alternative is the Democrats’ proposal to raise taxes by nearly $3 billion — which would be the largest tax hike in Connecticut’s history.

We are approaching the end of the fiscal year and the Democrats have yet to vote on a state budget. Instead of doing their job and passing a budget, they are holding press conferences like these, because they know Governor Rell will never allow their massive tax hikes on families and businesses to become law.

The people of Connecticut, many of whom are already struggling after losing their jobs and their homes, cannot afford the Democrats’ tax plans.

Connecticut residents want the size and cost of their state government to be reduced.

They want government to cut spending, just as they have had to do in their own household budgets.”

Original story is as follows:

What happens if the state closes the Derby courthouse?

The estimated 11,000 people a month who pass through its doors will be yanked from Elizabeth Street, the heart of downtown Derby.

That was part of the message Monday at a rally meant to convince Gov. M. Jodi Rell to take the courthouse at 106 Elizabeth St. off the chopping block.

State officials are considering closing the courthouse as a cost-saving measure.

However, merchants such as Mark Lanzieri, who has owned Courthouse Dogs, a hot dog stand, outside the courthouse for 25 years, said closing the courthouse would leave Elizabeth Street a ghost town.

“If it does close, it would have a big impact on Derby and the Valley. I just don’t think it makes sense,” Lanzieri said.

Monday’s rally was attended by about 45 people, including local police, courthouse workers, lawyers, state Rep. Linda Gentile, state Rep. Christopher Donovan, state Sen. Joseph Crisco, along with Ansonia Mayor James Della Volpe and Derby Mayor Anthony Staffieri.

Attorney James Sheehy, president of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Bar Association, said he group starting preparing for this fight back in January.

“We contacted all our legislators to remind them this is an important part of the valley,” Sheehy said.

Gentile said closing the courthouse, which employs about 40 people, would only save the state $100,000 — a savings that come at the expense of the many restaurants and shops surrounding the courthouse.

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