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Honoring the Life and Legacy of Margaret Mary Curtin
Margaret Mary Curtin devoted her life to the people of New London. She was steady, present, and unafraid to lead when the city needed her most. Over decades of public service, she served on the City Council, guided New London as mayor, and later helped strengthen our schools through her work on the Board of Education, including her time as board president.
Her impact reached far beyond elected office. Early in her career, she broke barriers as President of the Connecticut Young Democrats, paving the way for more women to step into leadership. She fought for fair education funding, pushed for stronger support for students and teachers, and made it a priority to keep communication open between families, the district, and city leaders.
Margaret believed deeply in public service. She encouraged young people to get involved, mentored those stepping into civic life, and inspired programs—including a scholarship in her name—supporting young women pursuing public service. She carried herself with humility and purpose, always guided by the belief that New London deserved strong voices and compassionate leadership.
Her service shaped this city, and her example will continue to guide it. New London is better because she was here. Her legacy will live on in the community she loved.
May she rest in peace. |
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Supporting Our Tenants
Last week I stood again with the Connecticut Tenants Union as residents of New London at 183 Williams Street, 36 Nathan Hale, and others across our city who are facing sudden rent hikes, no-fault eviction notices, and pressure tactics that put long-time tenants at risk.
What’s happening here isn’t just a disagreement between a landlord and a few renters — it’s a clear example of gentrification creeping into New London. When a company buys up buildings, issues quit notices, and raises rents from affordable levels to prices that longtime residents simply can’t pay, that’s not “revitalization.” that’s displacement.
It’s the process of turning a working-class, diverse community into a high-value investment, while the people who built that community are pushed aside. New London is a place where seniors, families, veterans, and workers should be able to stay rooted without being squeezed out. No one should fear losing their home because a company sees more profit in turnover than in stability.
I’ll keep standing with these tenants, pressing for fairness, and pushing back against practices that threaten the character and dignity of our neighborhoods. Our residents deserve safe, stable homes — not uncertainty, intimidation, or impossible rent hikes.
Thank you to CTU President Hannah Srajer, Director Beth Sabilia
Of Centers for Housing Opportunity Eastern Connecticut and CTU VP Luke Melonakos for the hard work and fighting for residents.
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Winter Heating Program
While the $500 million emergency fund plans to cover the lack of funding for the national Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), there are other state resources available now.
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program and Eversource offer resources for those in need to help to cover the cost of their home energy bills this winter. Visit ct.gov/dss or the Eversource website for more information.
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Energy Rate Increases
Starting January 1, rates for the supply portion of your electric bill are going up for customers of Eversource and United Illuminating (UI). Higher energy demand in winter and constrained natural gas supply push electricity costs higher.
Eversource customers will see an approximately 10.5% increase in their total bill, driven by a 29% jump in the supply portion. Savings from reduced public benefit charges, which we passed during the 2025 legislative session, aren’t enough to offset the higher supply costs.
UI customers will see about a 6% increase, but public benefit charge reductions mean bills are still 4% lower than last winter.
Review your usage and look for ways to cut back this winter, consider switching to a third-party supplier on EnergizeCT.com, and explore state assistance programs such as the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, Matching Payment Program, and Low-Income Discount Rate.
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Youth Empowerment ConferenceThis week I had the honor of spending time with more than 200 middle school students from across New London County at the first Youth Empowerment Conference. These students filled the Garde Arts Center with energy, curiosity, and the kind of promise that reminds you why investing in our young people matters. The conference, created by Bennie Dover Jackson leaders Paul Winston and James Childs, brought together students from New London, Groton, Norwich, and surrounding districts for an afternoon of real leadership lessons from people who’ve walked the path. I was honored to join a strong group of local role models — Roger Bidwell, former UConn Avery Point coach and athletic director; Tiffany Caouette, 2012 Connecticut Assistant Principal of the Year; Community Level Up founder Miles Daniels; financial adviser Dwayne Stallings; and Connecticut Sun assistant coach Ashley McGee. Each of them shared their own journey and the challenges they pushed through to get where they are. Being part of a day focused on empowering our next generation of changemakers was truly a highlight. New London County is in good hands with these young leaders coming up. If you would like to see more about the conference, The Day wrote an article about it: https://theday.com/.../inaugural-new-london-student.../# If you would like to watch the conference, our amazing photographer and videography Tyre Blackman did an outstanding job streaming it: https://www.youtube.com/live/eS_DunVeRkM?si=nJJJKSPBxgt4SA_l
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CT Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee Guests
A proud moment for me this week to see Adonis and Deivone up in Hartford join the CT Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee as two young men now on the Community Expertise Group. Adonis and Deivone shared life's experiences in the Juvenile Justice system It is so great to see them being great change agents throughout Connecticut. Always know a single chance can rewrite a life - When we believe in our youth, they don’t just change—they exceed every expectation we ever had for them.
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Bodega Benefit BallLast week I had the great opportunity to attend an evening of art, piano and poetry at the 2 YR Anniversary BODEGA Benefit Ball. This was presented by the Marvin Espy Artist Art Gallery downtown City of New London, Connecticut. It was a great evening of celebration to help raise funding for the Bodega and all the great work they do for the NL community. The Place for Community Wellbeing offers a number of resources, support & services to community members.
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Honoring Councilor Jocelyn Rosario
The New London City Council recently honored Councilor Jocelyn Rosario for her outstanding service, commitment, and dedication to our community. Throughout her tenure, Councilor Rosario worked tirelessly to represent the people of New London, championing initiatives that improved city life and strengthened neighborhoods. While she will be deeply missed on the Council, we look forward to her continued involvement with the ADNL / Asociación de Dominicanos de New London, a local nonprofit that supports not only the Dominican community but all - through cultural programs, education, and advocacy, as well as other community events and initiatives. Thank you, Councilor Rosario, for your exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication. |
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Upgraded DSS Phone System
The Department of Social Services (DSS) has successfully launched a new streamlined and user-friendly experience for callers with an upgraded phone system.
The Benefits Center phone number has not changed. Customers still contact DSS at 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632).
The new system includes:
- A simplified phone menu designed to help customers reach the right service
- A self-service experience for checking case status and benefit information
Customers who enter their Client ID when calling will benefit from a customized service and be routed to the correct call queue. Additionally, for those who prefer to self-serve, the system now allows them to:
- Check if DSS has received their documents and when they were reviewed
- View their case status and, if active, access benefit details
Customers now have access to call-back options, allowing them to:
- Save their place in line, or
- Schedule a call at a time that works best for them
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Preventing Financial Scams Among Connecticut Seniors
The Connecticut Intelligence Center, a law enforcement partnership within the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, is warning about a dramatic increase in financial scams targeting the elderly in Connecticut and the nation.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 859,532 complaints in 2024, with losses reported at $16.6 billion, a 388% increase from 2023. In 2024 “false pretense” scams cost an estimated $31.9 million to Connecticut victims, most of whom were 65 or older, according to the 2024 Crime in Connecticut Report.
What to Watch Out For
- High pressure, urgent timeline (“you must send money now”).
- Request to pay with gift cards, wire transfer, prepaid cards, personal checks or cryptocurrency.
- Caller says you must not contact family or police.
- Caller ID spoofing (it may show a local number or government agency but is fake).
- Unwilling to meet in person or hesitation to identify themselves with official credentials.
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What to Do if You Believe You Are a Victim
- Contact the local police to report the incident.
- Do not transfer money and do not give any payment information.
- Do not give any personal information or confirm/repeat social security numbers, birthdates, bank information or account numbers.
- Verify by calling the family member with a known number not one provided by the caller.
- If you have already made a payment contact your bank or the payment service immediately
Where to Go for Help
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DMV Job Opportunity
Below is a message from the CT Department of Motor Vehicles:
Now Hiring Across Connecticut!
The DMV is searching for friendly, detail-oriented team players to join as Motor Vehicle Operator License Agents at branches statewide. You'll handle vehicle inspections, road tests, and knowledge exams—keeping drivers safe and our roads moving. Make a real impact—one driver at a time!
Why Join Us?
- Full-time & Part-time positions available
- Gain valuable experience in public service
- Be part of a team that keeps Connecticut moving
Apply today and drive your career forward:
Perfect for those who love helping people, staying organized, and have a passion for all things automotive!
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If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 860-240-8512 or email me at Anthony.Nolan@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "Like" my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for news and legislative updates.
Sincerely,
Anthony Nolan
State Representative |
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