Faienza to Lamont: Open state ‘sooner than later’

CROMWELL — Warning that small businesses will not survive, Mayor Enzo Faienza is calling up Gov. Ned Lamont to “believe in the people” and reopen the state “sooner rather than later.”

At present, Lamont has signaled his intention to reopen the state on a phased plan beginning on May 20.

But in a two-page letter he sent to Lamont on Friday, Faienza said even that will be too late for too many small businesses.

“There are households all around the state that rely on not one, but two small business incomes to support their families.

Their cries for help are deafening,” he said.

He also shared his concerns in an interview on WFSB-Channel 3 on Sunday morning.

A three-term Republican, Faienza knows the situation only too-well. He runs a family-owned tile company in Hartford.

“We are blessed to have been deemed essential,” he wrote in his letter to the governor.

Even so, “our business is nowhere near what it used to be” before the pandemic struck.

Faienza commended Lamont for the steps he has taken to keep residents safe, and he expressed his “sincerest gratitude” to first responders and health care providers for their tireless efforts during his pandemic.

He also expressed his sympathy for those have lost loves ones as a result of COVID-19.

However, Faienza also called the governor’s attention to the disparity that is negatively affecting so many small businesses.

They have remained shuttered for two months while the so-called “big-box stores,” which have access to greater resources, have remained open.

“It doesn’t make sense why (small businesses) which sell the same things, are now closed,” he said.

“Small businesses by their nature are not designed to withstand this long of a period without revenues.”

“To say that small businesses are suffering is an understatement.” They “have been experiencing unimaginable suffering,” Faienza said.

“Many small businesses will not be reopening on May 20th,” he warned.

“I know for a fact that May 20th is much too late for many of these businesses. I’m even more fearful for small businesses that aren’t designated for the May 20th reopening date. It’s simply too late!”

Because of those fears, Faienza said, “I can no longer stand idly by and remain silent when our small businesses are pleading for help.”

Faienza emphasized that the businesspeople with whom he has spoken are committed to following safe practices.

“A lot of small businesses have great plans in place” to protect both their staff and employees was well as their customers, Faienza said in a Sunday afternoon telephone call.

Many of those same businessowners “have reached out to me in desperation,” Faienza said.

He has heard from one Main Street businesswoman who sells plus-size ladies’ clothes.

The owner — whose store remains closed — told Faienza she can manage social distancing in her store much more effectively than a big-box store.

He has also heard from a message therapist who detailed the numerous steps she has taken to protect customers once her business reopens.

“All they are asking for is a chance,” he said, adding, “I’m hearing from more and more people every day.”

“If you believe in the people and give them that chance, they will prove me right,” he added.

Faienza said he has not heard back from the governor as yet.

Asked if he expected to hear from Lamont, Faienza said, “I hope so – but I doubt it.”