News

First Selectman: Be Proactive in Protecting Student Data and Privacy

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Dear residents ,

This April, the Connecticut General Assembly put forth Bill #7017 known as An Act Concerning Student Data and Privacy, which received bipartisan support from the Education Committee. Considering the recent release of student data in Hamden, which took place unbeknownst to the families involved, and the speed with which technology is changing the way students are taught, this legislation should move forward quickly. We can all agree that supporting the protection of student data and their privacy is of the utmost importance. This bill, among other things, would ensure that school or state contracts involving the use of student data clearly specify retention, security and breach practices, and also provide clear stipulations for usage, family access, and control, including the ability to correct erroneous information. While the provisions of this bill may evolve in the future, supporting Bill 7017 would ensure that Connecticut is in alignment with other states which are quickly moving to protect the data and privacy of their students.

Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

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The New Canaan Preservation Alliance on Sunday afternoon presented awards to two individuals and five properties in its eighth annual Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Halstead Property. Speakers included Rose Scott Long, the outgoing president, state Sen. Toni Boucher, NCPA Founder and past President Mimi Findlay and Rachel Carley, an historic consultant hired by the Alliance to continue the inventory of New Canaan’s historic houses. The gallery above spotlights award winners, including NewCanaanite.com for the Media Award—a huge thank-you to the NCPA! ***

Manfredi Jewels at 72 Elm St. is holding its Grand Opening party from 12 to 7 p.m. Friday and 12 to 5 p.m. Saturday this week, following an invite-only celebration Thursday of its special collection of Rolex timepieces.

Government

Election 2014: O’Dea, Boucher Re-Elected; Wilms Wins; Malloy Claims Victory

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As a close race for the governor’s seat kept Connecticut residents awake into the predawn hours Wednesday, voter returns from Election Day showed that New Canaan constituents backed winners in the state legislature. New Canaan resident and State Rep. Tom O’Dea (R-125) retained his seat in the Connecticut General Assembly by a convincing margin—88 percent versus 12 percent for challenger David Bedell of the Green Party. Incumbent state Sen. Toni Boucher (R-26) also won re-election, defeating Democrat and fellow Wiltonian Philip Sharlach. In those two contests, and the race for the 142nd House District seat, the majority of New Canaan voters cast ballots for winners. Candidates for New Canaan’s delegation to Hartford in the state House and state Senate both debated in town two weeks ago.

Government

Candidates for State Senate Debate Future of New Canaan’s Metro-North Branch Line

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[A message from the League of Women Voters of New Canaan: If you or any friends couldn’t attend Candidates Night on Tuesday at New Canaan High School, please check the Channel 79 website (www.nctv79.org) for the viewing schedule beginning Friday morning, Oct. 24th.]

Connecticut’s 20 percent subsidy for rail commuters “very clearly” would go away if there’s a change in administration this fall, a candidate for office in the state legislature said Tuesday. What’s more, branch lines lose money and unless the state has a “concerned governor” in office, “branch service will be gone,” Philip Sharlach, a Democrat and Wilton resident who is challenging incumbent State Sen. Toni Boucher (R-26) said during a “Meet the Candidates” forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of New Canaan. “In the short-term, New Canaan, you’ve got a problem,” he said. Sharlach added: “To think that it can’t happen is absolutely ridiculous, because it almost happened before. Bad things happen to good people.