As Connecticut lawmakers prepared to return to Hartford for the 2026 legislative session, State Representatives Joe Gresko and Kaitlyn Shake started by listening to the people they represent here in Stratford.
The two Stratford legislators held a pre-session Legislative Town Hall on January 29, giving residents an opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, and talk directly with their representatives about the issues they wanted addressed at the State Capitol.
For local elected officials, opportunities like these are an important part of representative government. The decisions made in Hartford affect our schools, local taxes, transportation, health care, public safety, the environment, and many other parts of everyday life in Stratford. Residents should have a voice in those conversations before votes are cast.
The town hall also included representatives from the ACLU of Connecticut and the Alliance for Community Empowerment, who provided information and resources to residents.
Representative Shake thanked Stratford residents who attended and emphasized that the ideas, questions, and concerns raised by constituents help inform her work during the legislative session. Representative Gresko similarly encouraged residents to bring forward the priorities they wanted their delegation to address.
That conversation did not end when the meeting was over.
Both legislators continued encouraging Stratford residents to contact their offices throughout the session with questions, concerns, and ideas.
The Stratford Democratic Town Committee believes accessible government begins with elected officials who are willing to listen. Town halls, neighborhood meetings, office hours, and direct conversations with constituents give residents a meaningful opportunity to participate in the decisions that affect their community.
We thank Representatives Gresko and Shake for continuing to make themselves available to the people of Stratford, and we thank the residents who took the time to participate.
Our democracy works best when people stay informed, speak up, and remain involved.