Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra is making his first appearance on Face the State since being elected to a full term.  During the taping we talked his plans for the next four years and we concentrated on development.  I wanted to know his ideas for filling  empty buildings  and finally getting something built on the acres and acres of vacant land that scar the downtown area, some of which have been empty for thirty years.

The vision the mayor has does not include a casino.  I asked him if the Governor and legislature decided to expand gambling to compete with the impending Massachusetts casinos, would he want a casino for Hartford.    Segarra told me he is personally opposed to it, but says that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t happen.   A casino in Hartford would create thousands of jobs, instantly bring more retail to the city, and maybe get back some of the performers who now pass on Hartford in favor of Foxwoods and Mohegan.  Remember when Billy Joel used to play here? 

The Mayor  also was asked about the XL Center project, reported some encouraging news about Coltsville, talked about what needs to be done at Adriaen’s Landing, and how to get the young new residents to vote.

UPDATE:  Here is the interview with Mayor Segarra that aired December 11, 2011  on Face the State, only on Channel 3. http://www.wfsb.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6538922