Larson Becomes Liability for Tong. Senator Refuses Public Hearing for Beleaguered Homeowners.

Maybe if it had something to do with coyotes state Senator Timothy Larson (D-East Hartford) would have allowed a bill on addressing the plague of crumbling foundations in the Hartford area and eastern Connecticut to receiving a public hearing. Instead, the co-chairman of the Committee on Insurance and Real Estate used his influence to deny the public an opportunity to make their case to require companies that insure homes to participate in a solution.

The courtesy of a public hearing is rarely denied advocates on a pressing issue–and is often accorded to minor ones. Communities in Larson’s district have been burdened with a growing number of distressed foundations. The former East Hartford mayor sided with insurance companies in opposing a hearing for the bill, according to the Journal Inquirer.

Larson is serving as the treasurer of Will Tong’s campaign for attorney general. His anti-homeowner stance will make Tong a target of furious homeowners. Tong will have a difficult time squaring his mildly populist appeal with Larson’s blow to thousands of homeowners. Social media was ablaze Wednesday with furious rebukes of Larson. He may be beyond the political reach of many but Tong is not. Beleaguered homeowners have been introduced to the levers of power in this protracted crisis. They heave learned to speak the language of Connecticut politics. Denying Tong local delegates to the state Democratic nominating convention is one way to revive the bill.

Meanwhile, Larson has been busy warning constituents that they and their pets face danger from a growing coyote population. He suggests fences may be the only solution.