Rise in cost may spark new debate over resident trooper

NORTH CANAAN — A nearly 10 percent increase to the resident state trooper contract is part of the 2011-12 town budget proposal. It is year two of a two-year contract. The $6,977 hike would be part of a renewed contract for the next two years, and could spark renewed debate over the necessity of the program for North Canaan. In 2009, more than 100 people came out to the town budget meeting; many of them said they were there specifically to talk about cost versus need. A proposal by then-Gov. M. Jodi Rell would have phased out state underwriting of 30 percent of the cost of the program.The local program was continued following a paper ballot vote. And as it turned out, state funding was not cut.Many spoke passionately at that meeting, and at a town meeting two years prior, of the need for a police officer who was assigned specifically to the town. Others were just as convinced that having the State Police Troop B headquarters in town is sufficient. The state police say that where a troop is located doesn’t matter. Only four road troopers are assigned per shift and they cover more than 500 square miles. There is, however, a perceived higher presence because they pass through town at the beginning and end of shifts, and several troopers live in town.Towns with resident state troopers pay 70 percent of all costs, including salary, benefits, fuel, uniforms and meal stipends. The amount, for towns with just one resident trooper, varies according to how much that trooper earns, but averages about $100,000.North Canaan’s cost was nearing the average when Trooper Bob Janco was the resident trooper. The total dropped dramatically when Janco left to take a promotion and was replaced by rookie Jim Promotico in November 2007.The non-negotiable contract total for the coming year is $79,890.The bigger picture of the resident state trooper program could change dramatically if proposed legislation is passed. State Rep. Craig Miner (R-66) has raised an amendment that would allow two or more towns to share resident troopers. Miner represents Morris, Warren, Bethlehem, Litchfield and Woodbury. The last three have resident troopers. The premise is that adjacent small towns could receive sufficient coverage from a shared trooper. Those five towns are somewhat smaller in area than the six Region One School District towns, but they are more spread out and have about a third larger population.The state currently has 55 towns with resident state trooper programs. The proposed amendment to the state law has been referred to the joint committee on planning and development.

Latest News

Water main cleaning in North Canaan

NORTH CANAAN – Aquarion Water Company today announced a water main cleaning project in the company’s North Canaan system. The project is scheduled to take place from Monday, April 1 through Tuesday, April 16, and is being undertaken to ensure customers in North Canaan continue to receive the highest quality water.

The cleaning for April 1 and April 4 (subject to change) will take place on the following streets:

Keep ReadingShow less
Robert Cray’s soulful blues coming to Infinity Hall

Robert Cray

Photo provided

Blues legend Robert Cray will be bringing his stinging, funky guitar and soulful singing to Infinity Hall Norfolk on Friday, March 29.

A five-time Grammy winner, Cray has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and earned The Americana Music Awards Lifetime Achievement for Performance. He has played with blues and rock icons including Albert Collins, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton and many more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Cabaret comes to St. Andrew's in Kent

George Potts

Photo provided

Music in the Nave will again tap into local talent April 6 at 7 p.m. when its features George Potts in an intimate cabaret concert in the St. Andrew’s Church parish house.

Pott is a well-known figure in the community, both through his presence in the perennially popular Fife ‘n Drum, the restaurant started by his father-in-law, renowned pianist Dolph Trayman, and through his own career as a folk musician.

Keep ReadingShow less