Steven Stafstrom

State Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, issued the following statement regarding the city of Hartford’s agreement with the Municipal Accountability Review Board (MARB). The agreement calls for state intervention and support that would include the state assuming a portion of Hartford’s debt.

“I am encouraged that the state seems to finally be recognizing that Connecticut’s economic growth is dependent on healthy and vibrant urban centers. I have long said Bridgeport should be seeking outside assistance to help stabilize its tax rate and address its unfunded liabilities. MARB is a powerful tool to help cities improve their fiscal health and jumpstart their economies. As I have said before, I strongly encourage the city of Bridgeport to at least start publicly discussing the pros and cons of entering MARB,” Stafstrom said.