Editorial Reply:  More Marked Cruisers

In a recent editorial, Cablevision asked why there wasn't more of a police presence on Interstate 95 between Greenwich and New Haven. As a state representative from Fairfield County and the ranking member of the Public Safety Committee, I can tell you that this issue is simply one of manpower.

First and foremost, everyone needs to know the State Police at Troop G based in Bridgeport do an outstanding job. They are responsible for long stretches of I-95 from Greenwich to Branford and the Merritt Parkway from Greenwich to Stratford, along with other highways. On a typical day, they receive more than thirteen hundred 911 calls.

Compounding the problem, I-95 was constructed for 40,000 vehicles per day, but now handles as many as 160,000. Accidents on I-95 now number more than 5,000 a year. Traffic fatalities make I-95 the deadliest highway in Connecticut.

Nonetheless, for years the State Police have been short of their authorized number of twelve hundred forty eight troopers statewide. Even State Police Troop G in Bridgeport, though designated a "supertroop" because of its heavy workload, has never been fully staffed.

But, immediately following the tragic accident of January 17th that claimed the lives of four Yale University students, I obtained assurances that led to increased enforcement on I-95 and the Merritt Parkway. Now I'm working to make them permanent, and to bring Troop G to supertroop staffing levels. There is no higher priority than protecting life and assuring public safety on our highways.

I ask for your support. Please let me know of your views by writing, calling or e-mailing me at the State Capitol in Hartford. Thank you.