MALLOY APPOINTS STATE REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS CARUSO TO POSITION WITHIN DECD

January 4, 2011

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor-Elect Dan Malloy today announced that he has appointed State Representative Chris Caruso to a position within the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), where he will provide counsel to Governor-Elect Malloy on urban initiatives, housing and smart growth. Representative Caruso's role will require him to resign his member-elect status and not be sworn in to a new term in the State House.

"As a former mayor of an urban center, I know that many of the issues cities face can be unique and complex," said Governor-Elect Malloy. "While no more or less important that the issues our state's other areas face, they certainly are different, and I am looking to Chris to draw from his experience living in and representing a city to help shape policy at DECD."

"I've enjoyed serving in the Connecticut House of Representatives, but this is an opportunity I could not turn down," said Representative Caruso. "The chance to help shape urban policy and provide counsel to the Governor is one in which I believe my experience as a legislator from Bridgeport could be helpful. I'm looking forward to working with the staff at the department to implement many of the ideas and issues Governor-Elect Malloy and I have worked on throughout the years."

Representative Caruso, a native of Bridgeport, was elected as a Democrat representing the 126th Assembly District in 1991. Presently, he is the Ranking Member of the Regulations Review Committee, and member on the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, Public Safety Committee and Transportation Committee. Previously, Representative Caruso chaired the Government, Administration and Elections Committee; served on the Appropriations Committee; and co-chaired the Subcommittee on Tourism.
Representative Caruso spearheaded legislation to clean up corruption in state government and reform Connecticut's campaign finance law.

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