Local Leaders Condemn Divisive Rhetoric Of State Rep. Bob Godfrey And First Selectman Steve Dunn

**News Release Submitted by Karl for Brookfield campaign and Alan Donnelly**

June 30, 2025

Karl Hinger, Republican candidate for First Selectman, and Alan Donnelly, Republican candidate for Selectman, are speaking out against the extreme and inflammatory rhetoric used by State Rep. Bob Godfrey (D-110, Danbury) and Brookfield First Selectman Steve Dunn in their recent comments regarding affordable housing legislation and local opposition to HB5002.

In a June 27 article published by patch.com, Rep. Godfrey claimed that “racism” is the primary reason small towns oppose the sweeping housing reform bill vetoed by Governor Ned Lamont. “Too many small, white suburban towns are saying affordable housing means allowing brown and black people into our towns,” Godfrey asserted. First Selectman Dunn added, “He might have a point.” “These comments are shameful and insulting,” said Hinger, “It is outrageous to smear entire communities as racist simply because they question a one-size-fits-all housing mandate that undermines local control and fails to address the practical realities of development.”

Many small towns across Connecticut have shown a willingness to address housing needs without surrendering local planning authority or accepting state overreach. What they oppose is not affordable housing, but extreme legislation that bypasses public input, ignores infrastructure limitations and imposes unrealistic, top-down mandates.

“Suggesting that any town that opposes this particular bill is motivated by racism is not only inaccurate, it’s dangerous,” said Hinger. “It poisons the well of public discourse and silences thoughtful debate. Accusations like these are used to bully and intimidate anyone who dares to disagree.”

The bill in question, HB5002, would have stripped municipalities of essential zoning tools and imposed top-down mandates without providing the funding or infrastructure support needed to make development viable. Even Dunn, a supporter of housing reform, admitted the bill was “a mishmash” of ideas and “ridiculous” in parts.

“It’s not racist to ask questions. It’s not racist to insist on local input, safe development, or basic parking requirements,” Donnelly stated. “We need to work together in a polite, respectful and bipartisan manner to reach consensus and do what’s best for our beautiful town of Brookfield. Leaders like Godfrey and Dunn should be focused on building solutions, not dividing their community.” Donnelly continued. “My mother, God rest her soul, taught me the golden rule, ‘Alan, always treat other people the way you yourself would want to be treated.’ That’s a principle I’ve tried to live by.”

Housing affordability is a serious issue that requires collaboration, respect, and realistic planning— not name-calling and moral grandstanding. Hinger and Donnelly remain committed to working on smart, locally guided housing policies that serve all residents, without resorting to fear-mongering or political theater.