Updates from State Rep. Farley Santos for Sept. 12, 2025

September 12, 2025

What a great week to celebrate our diversity and my heritage.

On Sept. 5, I was deeply honored to be invited by Representatives Priscila Sousa, Rita Mendes, and Danillo Sena to deliver the keynote address at the Massachusetts State House in celebration of Brazilian Independence.

Within the walls of this historic and inspiring building, I reflected on my own journey as a Brazilian immigrant, from arriving in this country as a child, to living undocumented for many years, to now serving in elected office. I spoke about the strength of our immigrant communities, who not only sustain our cities but help build their future.

I also shared the words of my friend, Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, who reminds us at every flag-raising how blessed we are to live in a nation where we can honor another country’s independence alongside the American flag. That freedom is extraordinary. That freedom is America.

May we continue to celebrate the diversity that defines us, and may the spirit of Brazil forever enrich the fabric of our great nation.

The next day, (much) closer to home, we proudly raised the Brazilian flag at City Hall to mark Brazil’s 203rd Independence Day! Danbury’s vibrant Brazilian community continues to enrich our city with culture, hard work, and heart. I’m deeply proud of my heritage. Congratulations to Gustavo Fuchs, who was recognized for his many contributions to our community! How lucky we are to live in a county that allows us to celebrate another country’s independence. Let us never allow that to be changed!

Then, on Sept. 7, we celebrated an incredible Brazilian Day Danbury Festival!

The music, the food, and the pride in our culture filled the green. It’s a privilege to celebrate our heritage here in our home and it’s the American flag

that gives us the freedom to do so. Danbury is made stronger every day by the contributions of our Brazilian community.

Battle of the Badges

Battle of the Badges returned with a Police vs. Fire softball game! The camaraderie between our first responders was on full display and even Hulk Hogan Cop made an appearance to cheer on the fun.

Final score: Fire 13 – Police 9

It was also so good to see Judy and the Koukos family there, serving up those famous JK’s hot dogs that Danbury truly misses.

Welcome Rev. Dr. Chris Williams

This morning we warmly welcomed Rev. Dr. Chris Williams to New Hope Baptist Church and to Danbury. His inaugural sermon was inspiring and filled with hope for the future. Here’s to many years of success.

Wrong Way Driver System Maintenance

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will perform wrong way driver counter measure system maintenance and recertification on I-84 westbound at Exit 8 in Danbury from the evening of Sept. 29 to the morning of Sept. 30.

I-84 westbound at Exit 8 Ramp in Danbury will be closed from 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 29, to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Motorists will need to seek alternate routes.