OGC in the News

Christopher Forte Speaks at Transgender Day of Visibility at State Capitol

Assistant General Counsel Christopher Forte was a featured speaker, along with the Lieutenant Governor, at a flag raising at the Connecticut State Capitol Building in honor of the Transgender Day of Visibility. Forte, who founded Middletown Pride, one of New England's largest Pride events, drew parallels to raising the transgender flag at the State Capitol and raising the Pride flag at City Hall. Forte said, "The power of visibility can be seen in the story of Middletown Pride. It started at an event like this one—a flag raising I coordinated with then-mayor Dan Drew for Pride Month in 2018 as a symbol to the city’s LGBTQ+ community that they belonged." Forte continued, "We raise the transgender flag at City Hall to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility and to honor Transgender Day of Remembrance." Forte remains a fierce LGBTQIA+ advocate at a time when such advocacy is critical, not just nationally but locally. Five bills targeting transgender rights are pending here alone.

City Saves Shepherd Home and Helps Homeless Vets

The OGC worked with state and city leaders to restore a majestic, but deteriorating, historic building and convert it into a state-of-the-art permanent supportive housing facility for our homeless veterans.

OGC Wins Law Tribune Excellence Award

The Office of the General Counsel was recognized by the Connecticut Law Tribune for the annual GC Impact Award. The award, which was not just limited to the public sector, recognizes the OGC for being one of the leading in-house legal departments in the entire state.

Christopher Smedick Speaks at Flag Raising

Assistant General Counsel Christopher Smedick addressed a large and diverse audience, with leaders from all over the city, raise the flag in honor of Pride Month. He has been spearheading the city's first annual pride event.

Christopher Smedick in Press on Pride Event

NBC 30 CT Live Feature on Middletown Pride

Kori Wisneski Spearheads Multimillion Dollar Deal

Deputy General Counsel Kori Wisneski spearheaded multi-year, multi-million dollar negotiations on the waste-to-energy plant in Lisbon. The Eastern Connecticut Resource Recovery Authority, which is an alter ego of the city, owns the plant and signed a ten-year deal with Wheelabrator that will provide substantial revenue to the city for years to come.

General Counsel Named President of CAMA

General Counsel Brig Smith was elected president of the Connecticut Association of Municipal Attorneys. CAMA is a professional organization of lawyers who practice in the field of municipal law. CAMA includes members from the private and public sectors and from approximately two-thirds of Connecticut’s cities and towns.

Middletown Press Article on CAMA

Kori Wisneski Shepherds Regional Agreement to Improve State Police Radio Network

Deputy General Counsel Wisneski worked on passage of an agreement to improve the Statewide Trunked Radio System, which will give Norwich officers seamless communications with State troopers. The improvement will be located at the Lisbon Waste-To-Energy Plant, which is owned by Middletown's related agency, the Eastern Connecticut Resource Recovery Authority.

Christopher Forte Pushes Pride Forward

Assistant General Counsel Christopher Forte is featured in the Middletown Press's lead story. The feature details his extraordinary efforts to build on Middletown Pride's amazing start. Christopher has been the driving force behind this event from its inception.

Christopher Forte in Municipal Lawyers Magazine

Assistant General Counsel Christopher Forte is featured in the latest edition of Municipal Lawyers Magazine for his work in creating Middletown Pride. He is also the first-ever recipient of the International Municipal Lawyers Association's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award.

City Receives Big Check

The Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency, which insures the city, provided us with a big check, literally and figuratively. The city received $68,706 as an equity distribution. The payment resulted from the city, and other members of CIRMA, being careful stewards and shrewd risk managers.

Kori Termine Wisneski Named 2021 Winner of International Municipal Lawyers Association Award

Kori Termine Wisneski, Deputy General Counsel for the City of Middletown, has received the 2021 Brad D. Bailey Award from the International Municipal Lawyers Association. The Bailey Award recognizes an assistant local government attorney who has provided outstanding public service, has an exemplary reputation and the highest of ethical standards, and who revels in maintaining a work and family life balance. Said Mayor Florsheim, “I am incredibly proud—but not surprised—that Kori’s outstanding work is being recognized with this award. She is among the best and brightest attorneys not just in the state, but in the country. The City of Middletown is lucky to have her.” About receiving the award, Wisneski said, “Serving the City I love is reward enough, but I am honored to be recognized in this way and to work side by side with others who care deeply for our community and its success.”

Christopher Forte Leading Charge to Implement LGBTQIA+ Training

Assistant General Counsel Christopher Forte is featured in the Middletown Press about his efforts to bring LGBTQIA+ training to all city employees. His efforts are an outgrowth of his work in establishing Middletown Pride, for which he has received national attention and accolades.