Francis Collins (interview) (Oral History)

Francis Collins (interview)

Collins, Francis

Janick, Herbert F.

Tape stock length: 60 min; Running Time: 44 min

Label Contents: F. Collins

Collins, a Connecticut legislator from the late 1960s-1980s, discusses the political climate during his terms as in the State legislatur and his role in the development of WestConn's WestSide; his views of Ruth Haas are often expressed. Oct 3, 2000

2000

Danbury (Conn.)--History

0-10 Min: Change to Democratic control; Collins minority leader; 1971, income tax was passed for a few weeks; Tax package of early 1970s; Governor wanted the spending but not the income tax; Let tax become law without Gov. signature; Bill Ratchford under pressure;
10-20 Min: Bill Ratchford then repealed the income tax under pressure; Nixon's reelection swept Republicans back into the majority; WestConn got a big chunk of funding in the early 1970s; Ratchford and Collins were solid supporters of WestConn in addition to Esposito, Spain?, Clark Call?, Sullivan, Catroni?; 1971, WestConn had support to help WestConn expand to the Westside Campus; Mechanics of funding for the purchase of land; Haas very engaged with the expansion and tenacious; Haas was an effective lobbyist; 1974, Haas involved in securing a bonding package for Westside;
20-30 Min: Adolph Carlson?; Bonding money; 10 million bonding package was presented to the Governor, 1974; Difference between appropriation, and bonding package; Haas was thrilled; Republican Party support for WestConn; Governor Dempsey and the first billion dollar budget; Deficits; Nick Pernusio?; income tax;
30-40 Min: Early 1970s, Special session for a budget; Joe Lieberman; SIDE 1 END; Tom Meskill; 1971-1972 fiscal issues; Ella Grasso - credit for the WestSide justified?; Bob Bersi; Haas' vision; Expansion of the downtown campus;
40-50 Min: Tremendous maintenance expenditure; Attended WestConn and Miami University; Haas "graciously forceful", "lady-like","put everyone at ease";