Farley Santos

As state legislators, we have a duty to put families first and ensure that rapidly evolving technology does not harm our children. I strongly support Rep. Gary Turco’s efforts to address the growing risks posed by social media and artificial intelligence, particularly as studies and health officials point to rising anxiety, depression, and excessive screen time among young people.

Too often, social media platforms are intentionally designed to maximize engagement through addictive features like endless scrolling, algorithm-driven feeds, and constant notifications. While profitable for companies, these tools can negatively impact children’s mental health and well-being.

The legislation Rep. Turco has championed, Governor's Bill 5037, strikes the right balance. It preserves access to social media while establishing commonsense safeguards—such as limiting algorithmic feeds and notifications unless parents opt in, setting healthier default privacy protections, restricting late-night alerts, and allowing families to set reasonable daily usage limits. Importantly, it empowers parents to make decisions based on what works best for their children.

This approach does not censor content or restrict free expression. Instead, it targets the addictive design elements that keep kids online longer than is healthy. At the same time, we must remain vigilant about emerging risks, including unsafe interactions with AI tools.

Protecting children in the digital age is not optional—it is our responsibility. This legislation is a meaningful step toward ensuring technology serves families, not the other way around.

Danbury doesn’t just celebrate St. Patrick’s Day… we show up for it

From sunrise to sunset:

• Supporting Regional Hospice, a great organization and personally important to me.
• Listening to Gaelic hymns echoing through St. Peter Church at Mass.
• Raising the Irish flag on a cold but proud morning at Heritage Plaza.
• Honoring a (very sacred local) tradition with a must-stop at O'brien's Irish Pub. (Tradition is tradition.)
• Closing out the day at the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center with community, culture … and a well-earned Guinness (safely).

This is what makes Danbury special: heritage, pride, and people who show up every time.

Shoutout to Chris Setaro and the Setaro Law Firm for always stepping up to support these moments.

Days like this remind you … Danbury crowns them all.

After one of the toughest winters in recent years, potholes are popping up everywhere. Right now, Public Works crews are out filling potholes with cold patch until asphalt plants reopen and hot patch repairs can begin.

Here’s something many people don’t realize: it costs about $1 million to repave just ONE mile of road, including the necessary drainage work.

Danbury has over 244 miles of city roads, and last year Mayor Roberto Alves committed to paving 15 miles annually, ultimately paving 17 miles. Another 15 miles are planned for this year and forward.

For context, previous administrations averaged about 8 miles per year (with a little more typically done in election years).

See a pothole? Help the city fix it faster. Alert the city through:

• myDanbury App
• call 311
• contact the Mayor’s Office

We’re getting it done, together, Danbury.

Also, it can't go without mentioning a huge thanks to the Public Works crew!

Check out the video here for more.