HARTFORD/LYME/OLD LYME – In recognition of his work on behalf of Connecticut’s small towns, State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd) has been named a recipient of the Connecticut Council of Small Towns’ (COST) Town Crier Award during their 2024 Town Meeting held Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville.
The award is given annually to legislators who have distinguished themselves as outstanding advocates on issues affecting Connecticut’s small towns.
“It is such an honor to be recognized by the Connecticut Council of Small Towns, an organization for which I have deep respect,” Rep. Carney said. “As the representative of four small towns [Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and part of Westbrook], I believe communities like the ones I represent are the backbone of our state. With this award, I will continue to be a voice for local control of municipal government and education, mandate relief, and ensuring our towns are safe.”
During the award ceremony, Paula Cofrancesco, First Selectman of Bethany and COST’s President said “Rep. Carney has long been recognized as a legislator who reaches across party lines in a collaborative manner to address issues facing the state’s smaller communities, including finding solutions to the state’s waste management issues, supporting enhanced rail service, and stopping unfunded mandates that would impose costly administrative burdens on our communities. COST is honored to present our Town Crier Award to Rep. Carney for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the state’s small towns.”
Founded in 1975, The Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST) is an advocacy organization committed to giving small towns a strong voice in the legislative process. Its members are Connecticut towns with populations of less than 35,000.
Other recipients, who also received awards at the event, included State Senator Ryan Fazio (R-36) and State Representative Pat Boyd (D-50). State Senator Cathy Osten (D-19) was unable to attend the event but is also scheduled to receive an award.