Greenwich Citizen
Freshman state Senator-elect Scott Frantz, R-36 (Greenwich and portions of New Canaan and Stamford), expects to tackle the state's shuddering deficit and sinking economy when he reports for duty in the Connecticut General Assembly in Hartford on Jan. 7.
Frantz also has on his mind a crusade to shoo 18-wheelers off I-95 and beef up transportation of freight by rail. Only 3 percent of freight moves by rail in Connecticut - compared to 30-to-40 percent in many other states. The reliance on trucks makes I-95 a nightmare day and night, particularly in Fairfield County.
Energizing Frantz, Greenwich resident and community leader, for those tasks are appointments to crucial committees in the General Assembly announced over the weekend. The appointments made by state Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, R-Fairfield, were announced by Brett R. Cody of the state Republican Office.
McKinney appointed Frantz ranking member of the legislative body's powerful Commerce Committee. He also selected Frantz for berths on the Appropriations, Program Review and Transportation committees. (Ranking member means Frantz is a member of the Senate minority party in the Democratic-dominated Senate.) Experience on Several Fronts ...
.....In naming Frantz to the various committees, McKinney said:
"As a successful entrepreneur and having just stepped aside as chairman of the Connecticut Development Authority for the last five years and a member of the board for over 14 years, Scott has first-hand knowledge of what it takes to make a business efficient and successful.
"That expertise will be invaluable as the state looks for new and innovative ways to make government more efficient, protect jobs and grow our economy."
In taking on a state senator's role, Frantz has had to step aside from another public service commitment of long duration, the chairmanship of the Board of Directors at Bradley International Airport.
The Transportation Committee Senator-elect Frantz will serve on is wrestling with reaffirming Connecticut's commitment to infrastructure projects and mass transit solutions.
"Connecticut's transportation model is not adequate for the 21st century," Frantz said.
"Transportation gridlock, particularly in lower Fairfield County, is a drag on economic growth. It is polluting our air, and it is a public safety hazard.
"I believe there are ways to stimulate our economy and improve our quality of life by making smart investments and finding immediate, cost-effective solutions in mass transportation, getting trucks off our highways, and moving more goods by rail."
Renowned for his community service in Greenwich, Frantz is idolized by teenagers. He was chief stem-winder in founding the popular Arch Street Teen Center.
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