New Haven Independent

“So far we haven’t gotten a lot of response from the state on this,” said Alderman Edward Mattison, who co-authored a resolution urging Gov. M. Jodi Rell to help New Haven find another manufacturer to replace the departing U.S. Repeating Arms Company and give jobs to its 186 workers who face unemployment at the end of the month.

“There are some obvious political differences between the city and the current state administration, but that’s not a reason to stick it to the workers,” said Mattison after the meeting. Moved by workers’ testimony at a public hearing last week, he urged the state to help New Haven recapture incentives given to USRAC and secure the best severence benefits for its workers. Aldermen unanimously supported the gesture.

In another unanimous vote, aldermen okayed the use of city funds — $20,000 — for consultants Workout Solutions, Inc. to continue to help the city find ways to keep the factory, and the Gun that Won the West, alive.