Politics & Government

Rep. Dan Carter Speaks to Constituents Over Coffee

Bethel resident Dan Carter, now a new state representative in the 2nd District, hung out at Molten Java Saturday morning.

Now with several weeks of Hartford experience under his belt, Rep. said it feels like he's always been working in government.

"I've learned a lot of different things in Hartford, like how fast things move," Carter said. "The thing I've also noticed is how very comfortable I am there. Very quickly you feel like you've been there a long time."

Carter, from Bethel, won the 2nd Assembly District race last November and held office hours at Saturday morning.

Find out what's happening in Bethelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As of about 11 a.m. that morning, Carter said the people who spoke to him were mostly concerned about the economy. 

"People are still concerned with spending in the state, I'd say that's the number one thing," Carter said. "...Taxes are second, as they typically go hand in hand with spending. I think it's because we've heard so much from (Gov.) Malloy about 'shared sacrifice' and 'contribution;' those are all buzz words for higher taxes and people are concerned."

Find out what's happening in Bethelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Since arriving in Hartford, Carter is now a member of the public health, energy and technology and banks committees. He was also appointed to the special education council last week.

Though his main goal is to work on Connecticut's spending, Carter said he's working on cutting spending, creating jobs and benefitting small businesses through his committee meetings while waiting for the budget to be announced.

Carter said getting involved with special education was unexpected, but is now working hard to improve special education in schools, working with Ability Beyond Disability and creating a better transition to real life. 

"[Overall,] I didn't expect to get where I am today, but I'm thankful every day I get a chance to do it," Carter said.

Carter said he will also continue to hold more office hours throughout his district and encouraged all wishing to contact his to visit his website, www.repcarter.com.


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