John-Michael Parker

State Representative John-Michael Parker (D- Madison) State Senator Christine Cohen (D- Madison), and Madison First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons today celebrated the State Bond Commission’s approval of $500,000 for a back-up generator at Polson Middle School for the town’s emergency shelter. 

"With the rising number of disruptive weather-related events in Madison, residents face electricity loss, flood damage, and danger to their wellbeing, making it absolutely critical for our town to be prepared,” Rep. Parker said. “The funding for the back-up generator system provides the assurance our town needs: a secure, reliable shelter that our residents know they can trust in times of emergency. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their support and passage of these funds.” 

In early 2023, Polson Middle School was chosen as the best location for the town’s emergency shelter, moving from the previous location at the Town Campus Gym. 

"Thank you Governor Lamont for supporting state funding for this important public safety project for our Town,” First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons said. “As a coastal community, we continue to see a significant rise in storm related events that require us to provide greater emergency services. Establishing a new emergency shelter at Polson Middle School will allow us to offer an improved shelter facility, better services and more amenities before, during, and after severe storm events. This funding will supplement the $1 million grant we received from the federal government last year, and help offset some of the costs to Madison taxpayers associated with installing an emergency generator at the new shelter. We are also grateful to State Senator Christine Cohen and State Representative John-Michael Parker for their strong advocacy for this important infrastructure project, and for all they do to make Madison a more resilient community." 

"As severe weather events become more and more common, the need for a safe place for our most at-risk residents grows," said State Sen. Christine Cohen. "I am so thankful to First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons and her administration for producing an effective and thorough plan for providing emergency services, and for working with both myself and Representative Parker to secure the necessary funding. These dollars, both state and federal, result in significant savings to Madison taxpayers. A big thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for continuing to invest in municipalities big and small all across our state." 

Representative John-Michael Parker represents Madison and Durham. Senator Christine Cohen represents Madison, Guilford, Branford, Killingworth, North Branford, Durham, East Haven, Middlefield and Rockfall. First Selectwoman Lyons has represented Madison since 2019.