Representative Mitch Bolinsky hosted a town hall-style presentation and Q&A Monday evening, April 3, at the C.H. Booth Library, attended by approximately two dozen residents. The evening gave Mr Bolinsky the opportunity to tout his successful - and sometimes not so successful - efforts in the state House of Representatives, as well as his accessibility to citizens and willingness to engage.

The representative of the 106th District encompassing the majority of Newtown (William Duff and J.P. Sredzinski represent smaller sections of Newtown), who is into his third term at the state level of government, said prior to the start of what would be nearly two and a half hours of back and forth conversation that he was there to hear from and learn from his constituents.

Mr Bolinsky opened the evening with an introduction of himself and some of the bills he has supported over the time he has served, as well as "a few words on the state of the state and how it dovetails with what is happening in Newtown," and allowed for "a little bit of rambling about things I value." He acknowledged that his base knowledge was at the state level, but that he was aware of national and local issues of interest to residents of the town.

Describing himself as not only a Newtown resident but a politician who loves his job - "It gives me the opportunity to serve you" - Mr Bolinsky said he loves taking up causes, and is a fiscally responsible conservative. A Republican, he also noted during the course of the program that he has no qualms about voting outside party lines when they do not line up with his beliefs or with what he believes is best for the people he represents.

Despite describing the state of Connecticut as being in "a bit of financial stress" with old liabilities and an unbalanced budget, he also had praise for Governor Dannel Malloy. The governor, he said, is "doing things hard to do," and has been "very kind to Newtown." There is reason to be optimistic about the future, he said.

That said, Mr Bolinsky noted that the governor had gotten "particularly sharp with his scissors this year" in suggesting budget cuts and actions, many of which directly affect towns like Newtown.

"What I tell people is that the governor's budget is nothing but a starting point," he reassured the group. "We just don't agree with his structural changes."

The state representative also provided a printout of the 2017 major issues created by the Office of Legislative Research (OLR). The papers offer descriptions of issues the General Assembly may face this session, as well as links to read various OLR reports for more detailed information. Those issues pertain to banks, children, commerce, education, energy, environment, finance, law, elections, housing, human services, insurance, real estate, labor, and more.

It was upon several of those issues that attendees directed questions to Mr Bolinsky, most of which he handled deftly and with grace. Only when confronted with questions regarding House Bill 7000, An Act Equalizing Access to Student Generated Financial Aid, allowing all students - including those of undocumented citizens - the ability to access financial aid for higher education, pointed out resident Sue Roman - did Mr Bolinsky falter. Stating that it was not fair for those students to access aid paid for by others paying taxes, he was immediately challenged by several in the audience who corrected him, that undocumented workers do pay taxes in the state.

"Then educate me and I'll consider my position," Mr Bolinsky responded. Further questioned by one resident regarding "dreamers," that if those young people are not helped, "you lose them," and the possibility of contributions they may provide the state in future years, Mr Bolinsky demanded, "Provide me with information that shows a path to documentation," and moved on, saying he did not want to get buried in the issue.

"You need to take it up a notch" regarding that issue, one resident added. "You're representative of our citizens."

Questions raised Monday evening ranged from his plans to vote on House Bill 6200, An Act Concerning The Presentation Of A Permit To Carry A Pistol Or Revolver (He is the first Republican co-sponsor of that bill and supports it) to his concerns about the need for a more closely defined definition of open carry to prevent profiling ("The face of Connecticut is changing") to what appeared to be another uncomfortable issue for the representative. Asked if he would pledge to keep Title 10 funding to support women's health and Planned Parenthood, Mr Bolinsky was careful to share that he was a person who believes in life, but assured that funding for women's health care, including Planned Parenthood, would not go away in Connecticut, even if federal funding is cut.

Other issues raised were that of House Bill 6405, An Act Prohibiting Social Media Sites From Accessing A User's Personal Contact List To Engage In Unsolicited Advertising; concerns about the possibility of fracking waste being carried into Connecticut; environmental concerns; the carbon tax; and local taxes. His opinion on Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operations ("Not yet familiar with bills that may come to the floor") and funding for the Attorney General's office ("My suggestion would be to increase the Attorney General Office budget...") were other issues raised by those in attendance, along with mental health care funding, the opioid dilemma, tolls ("I hate them.") and lock boxes to ensure that taxes go to dedicated spending (money is often "frittered away" rather than going to earmarked projects.)

Regarding HB 6405, Mr Bolinsky noted it is a complex issue, and one that has to be brought back in a more robust form next year, to better address privacy issues.

"We should have clean air. We should have clean water," Mr Bolinsky responded to questioning on the seemingly precarious future of environmental protection. The environment is a priority in Connecticut, he said, and addressing the carbon tax, he declared he was "totally opposed" to it, believing that the carbon tax would never be used for anything other than filling budget holes, nor does he support any gas and oil subsidies.

More than once during the evening, Mr Bolinsky reminded the audience to not confuse federal and state issues.

In response to one gentleman's comments regarding high state taxes, Mr Bolinsky explained that many years ago, the state was known as a low tax state and attracted many businesses and individuals. "We got into the habit of spending," he said, resulting in an eventual decrease in state revenue.

"You paint a picture of how life has become in Connecticut," he told the questioner. The answer, he said, is in the current consideration to downsize all state agencies and allow them to shrink, as well as consolidation of services. Right sizing agencies, a halt to raising taxes, and providing job training will alleviate the situation, Mr Bolinsky told the group.

He repeated his stance as being fiscally conservative, "but I believe in making changes." The state needs to be realistic and spend only what is taken in, he said.

Taking final questions nearly 45 minutes past his planned end time, Mr Bolinsky also answered a question on the concealed carry reciprocity, stating that Connecticut has state rights to regulate any concealed carry laws.

Throughout the program, Mr Bolinsky shared personal stories that he hoped clarified his answers, as well as returning to his dedication to serving the public.

"I am listening," he stressed. "You think in a different way than I do... I try to be accessible and be always willing to change my mind," he said at one point, adding that he tallies up calls he receives on issues as to constituents' desires for an up or down vote.

"I see a bunch of things we do have solutions for. The day we stop trying and say it's over, it just may be. Shove every idea you have at me," Mr Bolinsky urged.

Mr Bolinsky serves on the Appropriations, Education, and Aging Committees. He can be reached at 860-240-8700 or 203-364-0287, or at mitch.bolinsky@housegop.ct.gov.