Governor's Veto Of HB 5002 'Is A Victory,' Westport First Selectwoman Says

WESTPORT, CT — Westport First Selectwoman and gubernatorial candidate Jen Tooker was a vocal opponent of HB 5002, a controversial affordable housing bill, and she recently issued the following statement about Gov. Ned Lamont's veto of the legislation:

"When HB 5002 – the 92-page omnibus housing bill that prioritized developers over Connecticut residents - passed the state legislature nearly three weeks ago, I felt compelled to speak out. As written, this bill would have severely undermined local zoning authority, stripping towns and municipalities, like Westport, of the ability to shape our communities, protect our environment, and plan for our future — handing that power instead to developers.

"It was heartening to see the broad, bipartisan coalition of residents and leaders who raised their voices in opposition. As Westport’s First Selectwoman, I was proud to be among the first to do so.

"My campaign for Governor is centered on addressing the affordability crisis in our state, including the need to create more affordable and diverse housing. While I agree with the stated goal of HB 5002, I disagree with its one-size-fits-all approach and the heavy-handed tactics used to push it through the legislature.

"Governor Lamont’s veto is a victory, for sure, but much work remains to be done. I urge our state legislators to go back to the drawing board to craft a better, more thoughtful solution for the residents of our beautiful state – one that respects the needs and individuality of our 169 towns and municipalities, and empowers them to take the lead."