Kadeem Roberts

I am also proud to announce that I was selected as the Robert J. Thompson Eastern Leadership Academy (ELA) President for the Class of 2025. 

Each year, 30 state and provincial officials from the 18 CSG Eastern Region member jurisdictions gather in Philadelphia for the academy. This group of state officials receives training to enhance their leadership and communication skills from a variety of experts in media, education, and government.

It is an honor to hold this position. Click here to watch my acceptance speech. 

Law enforcement is reminding drivers to make safety a priority by not getting behind the wheel while impaired. You can expect to see an increased police presence across the state. If your plans include drinking, plan for a sober ride home.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation encourages these safe alternatives:

• Designate a sober driver. Even one alcoholic beverage can impair your ability to drive; don’t take the risk
• Use a taxi, a rideshare program, or public transportation. Plan by downloading apps and checking local transit schedules
• Be a good friend. If someone is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them find a safe way home. They might be upset in the moment, but they’ll thank you later
• Report impaired drivers. If you see someone driving erratically, slow down, keep your distance, and call 911 when it’s safe to do so

For more information on the dangers of impaired driving, visit nhsta.gov.

Attention Norwalk residents -  the city is looking for your input in shaping their Arts & Cultural Plan.

Last year, an area around Norwalk's downtown was named an official Arts & Cultural District, making Norwalk the first large city in Connecticut to earn this designation. 

As a result, the City of Norwalk is developing a community-driven plan to guide investments, public art, programs, and partnerships over the next decade. Take the short survey and tell the City what inspires you, what's missing, and how the City can better support the arts. The survey is quick and available in English and Spanish. It will remain open until September 5.

The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) will host its annual Stand Down event on September 19. 

This event is a commitment to serving Connecticut’s veterans, military personnel, and their immediate families by providing “one-stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, veterans organizations, and community-based nonprofits at regional sites across the state.
 
A formal ceremony will be held at the Rocky Hill Stand Down location at 9:30 a.m.; however, you're welcome to attend any of the six Stand Down locations at any time throughout the day:

• Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Avenue, Bridgeport
• Southington: Southington Armory, 600 Woodruff Street, Southington
• Danbury: Danbury War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive, Danbury
• Norwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Avenue, Norwich
• Rocky Hill: Connecticut Veterans Affairs campus, 287 West Street, Rocky Hill
• Stamford: UConn at Stamford, 1 University Plaza

Click here for more information.