House Republican Press Release

January 25, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. FREY APPOINTED TO CONNECTICUT CAPITOL PRESERVATION & RESTORATION COMMISSION

State Rep. John Frey, House Minority Whip, has been appointed by House Republican Leader Lawrence Cafero to the Connecticut Capitol Preservation & Restoration Commission. Representative Frey was named to the panel because of his strong interest in the 128 year old building and the history and traditions of the General Assembly.

Rep. Cafero said, “John Frey has for years shown his passion for historic preservation and restoration. I see no better person to appoint to the Connecticut Capitol Preservation & Restoration Commission.”

Now in his ninth year representing the Town of Ridgefield, Rep. Frey has worked hard to secure state funding for local historic properties such as the Cass Gilbert Fountain, the Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield Town Hall,  major capital improvements to the Ridgefield Community Center (know as Lounsbury House -- home of former CT Governor Phineas Lounsbury), and the reconstruction of the Scott House. 

Rep. Frey is a Trustee of the Ridgefield Historical Society and former President of the Ridgefield Community Center.

“I have a long interest in preserving our heritage, including maintaining historical properties and the Capitol building has to be preserved and I hope to use my position on the commission to help make sure the necessary steps are undertaken," said Frey.

“In addition to being the heart of government here in Connecticut, the Capitol building is an historical and architectural treasure," said Rep. Frey. "I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve on this commission," added Frey.

Rep. Frey recalled working in the state capitol during the early 1980’s.  The building underwent a thorough – and costly – restoration after many years of neglect.  “I recall with pride the Ridgefield connection to that restoration project – the contractor doing the work was Morganti, Inc, which was a then a family-owned Ridgefield company,” Rep. Frey noted.

The mission of the twelve member commission is to undertake a continuing review and study of the State Capitol building and grounds with a view to developing a master plan for its’ preservation and restoration. That includes necessary structural changes, the consideration of plans to enhance the interior and exterior of the building, making better use of existing space, and reducing public safety hazards.