Chris Poulos

Saturday is Veterans Day. I want to thank all Veterans for their service.

As a member of the Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee, we held a public information hearing on Wednesday to help us prepare for the 2024 Legislative Session and we heard in-person and remote testimony from Veterans and advocates about a wide range of issues affecting them.

I also got to share my family's story of service, from my grandfather during World War II after emigrating from Greece to my father getting an ROTC scholarship to attend college. Their stories, which you can hear by clicking on the video below, helped me recognize the importance of public service and giving back to the community, starting as a Peace Corps volunteer and continuing today in government. 

My grandfather and father's stories are those of unity in patriotism and service. Whether as a Veteran or in another role, I encourage you to share your story of service so that others, especially young people, may learn from your example, similar to how I did from my grandfather and father.

During the hearing, I welcomed Southington Veteran, Ray Higgins, to testify and advocate for legislation that would extend the municipal benefits available to Veterans to those who served during the Cold War era. Mr. Higgins shared his story of service with the aim that his advocacy will inform the legislation that our committee will pursue during the upcoming legislative session. Thank you, Mr. Higgins, for your service!

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

It was amazing to watch the steel beam signed by residents and local officials be put in place at this week’s Topping Off Ceremony for the Southington Public Library. This marks the completion of the steel framing of the originally proposed project.  As a result of the $5 million in state bond funding that the town received, an additional 4,000-5,000 square feet will be added to the current structure. Once the additional space is designed and approved by the town, they will break ground on the south side of what you currently see and build the additional section of the library. 

Also, the library building committee has formed a subcommittee that will be working with the architects and construction company on the aesthetic upgrades that will result due to the additional funding from the state. Looking forward to seeing the ongoing progress of the library that our community deserves. 

Thank you to all poll workers for your service this past Election Day to our country, state and local municipalities! 

Please join me on Saturday at 11 a.m. in front of the America Legion Kiltonic Post 72 on 64 Main Street for Southington’s annual tribute to our Veterans.