The Commission
The State Capitol Preservation and Restoration Commission was created by the enactment of Public Act 73-460, which took effect July 1, 1973. There had been a group formed in March 1972 which worked for the passage of the legislation that created the Commission.
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 the 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.
Commission Members
Representative Emil “Buddy” Altobello, Chair
David Barkin, DAS Commissioner designee, ex officio
Mary E. Finnegan
Brian Flaherty
Barbara Gordon
Lorraine Guilmartin
Dr. Andy Horowitz, State Historian
Sally M. Martin, Vice Chair
William Morgan
Sandy Nafis
Senator Catherine A. Osten
Elizabeth A. Conroy, Clerk
| Commission Awards | [+] |
The late Bob Harris, Commission Chairman (2006-2017), holds the “CONNie” award statuette, presented to the Commission at a ceremony on April 28, 2010, at the Legislative Office Building. The occasion was the CT Commission on Culture and Tourism’s event at which the Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Culture and Tourism and Distinguished Advocates are presented. The award to the Commission was done as a special presentation, in recognition of the Commission’s 35-plus years of work in restoring and preserving the State Capitol Building. |
The award statuette, affectionately known as “CONNie”, was sculpted by Connecticut artist Davis Boyajian. It is a replica of Randolph Roger’s statue entitled “The Genius of Connecticut”, done in 1878. The Commission gave its approval to the Commission on Culture and Tourism to use the image of the Genius for its award statuette a few years ago. |
| Thanks to Elaine Ogren-Speranza of Wethersfield for the photos | |
| Statutory Reference | [−] |
Sec. 4b-60. (Formerly Sec. 4-24l). Commission on Capitol Preservation and Restoration.
(a) There shall be a State Commission on Capitol Preservation and Restoration to consist of twelve members to be appointed as follows: Two members shall be appointed by the Governor, two by the speaker of the House of Representatives, two by the president pro tempore of the Senate, one by the House minority leader, one by the Senate minority leader, two members of the Joint Committee on Legislative Management, one appointed by each of the chairmen of said committee, and one member of the Culture and Tourism Advisory Committee appointed by its chairperson. The Commissioner of Administrative Services, or the commissioner's designee, shall be an ex-officio member of the commission and shall attend its meetings. Vacancies on the commission shall be filled by the original appointing authority for the unexpired portion of the term. The members shall serve without compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The commission shall meet at least quarterly, and more often on the call of the chairman or on the written request of a majority of the members. The commission may designate subcommittees to carry out its functions. Any member who fails to attend three consecutive meetings or fails to attend fifty per cent of all meetings held during any calendar year shall be deemed to have resigned.
(b) The commission: (1) Shall undertake a continuing review and study of the State Capitol building and grounds, with a view to developing a master plan for the preservation and restoration of the Capitol, including necessary structural changes, consistent with the original historical character of the building, with due regard being given to enhancing the interior and exterior beauty of the building, making better use of existing space and reducing public safety hazards; (2) may consult with state, federal or private agencies with respect thereto, and disseminate information on its activities; and (3) shall report on its activities to the Joint Committee on Legislative Management annually or as often as the committee shall direct. The Department of Administrative Services shall provide professional staff assistance to the commission when available. If such assistance cannot be provided within a reasonable time, the commission may, with the approval of the Joint Committee on Legislative Management, retain technical advisors to assist in reviewing project plans and work.
(c) The commission is authorized to accept gifts, donations and grants from the federal government or other public or private sources for the purpose of such preservation and restoration.
(d) The Joint Committee on Legislative Management may undertake capital expenditure programs for which capital funds are authorized, in connection with such preservation and restoration. Such programs shall be carried out by the committee, pursuant to plans and specifications approved by the commission and in accordance with the bidding procedures in part II of chapter 60. The commission shall adopt regulations establishing basic artistic standards in keeping with the original historical character of the Capitol to assist the committee in the preparation of plans and specifications.
(e) The commission shall be an independent body within the Legislative Department for administrative purposes only.
