Chris Poulos

I was appalled by the actions of the Board of Pardons and Paroles under Giles’ leadership, which drastically reduced 71 sentences for violent offenders, including 44 convicted of murder.

Victims' families thought these criminals would be serving their entire negotiated sentences and Giles was the architect of this broken process, which led to an alarming rise in the rarely employed power of commutations. As a moderate legislator in good conscience, I could not support Giles' reappointment. The buck stopped with him.

Earlier this month, Gov. Ned Lamont removed Giles as Board of Pardons and Paroles chair and steps have been taken to correct a broken process. The governor's office also recently organized a meeting where the Board of Pardons and Paroles announced a pause on the commutation process pending a review of its policies and processes.

Gov. Lamont said the meeting was the start of a collaborative process in which the leadership of the Board of Pardons and Paroles committed to working with leadership of the Connecticut General Assembly's Judiciary Committee to consider revisions to its policies, including stakeholder input.

I am hopeful that new leadership for the Board of Pardons and Paroles – and hard work of the legislature – will revamp the fractured process.

Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks for taking the time to read them!

The UConn Men's Basketball Team, fresh off its fifth national championship, came to the State Capitol on Thursday and it was great to celebrate the Huskies' amazing achievement during our House session!

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that a milling and resurfacing project will be performed on Route 10 in Cheshire and Southington from Stoney Hill Road to the beginning of the overpass to Route 322.

This milling part of the project is scheduled for April 30-May 8. The resurfacing segment of the project is anticipated to be May 15-28.

Expect lane closures on Route 10 in Cheshire and Southington from Stoney Hill Road to the beginning of the overpass to Route 322. The night work schedule for this project is Sunday-Thursday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions.  Please maintain a safe speed when driving in the area during the work schedule.

Members of the Connecticut General Assembly, Democrats and Republicans alike, are coming together outside of their offices and chambers, in the spirit of bipartisanship, for some fun and good causes.

The second annual CGA Kickball Classic is set for Monday at 4:30 p.m. (gates open at 3:30) at Dunkin' Park in Hartford, home of the Yard Goats. 

The admission price is $10, and proceeds will go to two great causes: the Q Fund at the Middlesex County Community Foundation, in memory of State Rep. Quentin "Q" Williams, who tragically died in a car crash at the start of the 2023 legislative session; and the Sarah Foundation, in memory of former State Rep. Noreen Kokoruda. 

We welcome the public to cheer on your favorite team and support two great causes, as we honor two great legislators who left us far too soon. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to CT Foodshare, too.

To purchase tickets online, click HERE (there is a $2.25 fee for online purchases), or purchase at the gate. 

To learn more about the Q Fund at the Middlesex County Community Foundation, click HERE.

To learn more about the Sarah Foundation, click HERE.

The Arc of Southington’s 13th Annual Community Shred It Event is set for May 6 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at 201 West Main Street in Plantsville. Make any size donation to shred up to two boxes (per vehicle) of old documents for safe disposal. Please remove all plastics and binders before shredding. Call (860) 628-9220 for more information.