City Going Downhill? Not New Britain!!!
By Tony Cane| Chairman of The New Britain Republican Town Committee at June 22, 2024 | 3:15 pm | Print
I was talking with someone from the eastern half of the state, and I told them that I lived in New Britain. They then said, “New Britain, that town is going downhill!”
I politely said, not my town.
I’m a history buff, and I’ve done a lot of research over the years about New Britain history. Yes, New Britain had a golden age where downtown was packed, our schools were highly rated, and factories pumped out jobs and quality products. We also had our dark ages where a highway was dug through our factories, our schools have struggled, and there are days and nights where downtown is a ghost town.
That was then. New Britain is in a SILVER AGE!
Since 2013, when Erin Stewart was elected, almost 50 new businesses have opened in town. You might think of big names like Costco’s and the New Britain Bees, but small ones like the Hardware City Café and Pizza Hut. Many, many jobs have been created and property put on the tax rolls.
The Mayor and her Republican Aldermen have put over $2.5 million into our school system. I’ve personally visited the schools and see a definite change. Gaffney and soon to be Smalley have been modernized. Unfortunately, our Democratic state representatives and State Senator have been unable to change state policies that would significantly benefit the amount of money that we can spend on each student, despite having a Democratic Governor who promised it.
Even the homeless have benefitted. The Stewart Administration got grants and worked with agencies to get more housing and services. The state has declared big improvements in New Britain’s chronic homelessness.
When I talk to or read the opposition, I hear them complain that the city’s “poor leadership” is hurting our town and that only they can save it. My response as the Chairman of the Republican party is “What city are you talking about? We are on the right track!”
