Thanks to a new monthly event held at Town Hall called Brown Bag Lunch with the First Selectman, Clinton residents now have a new avenue to voice concerns directly with First Selectman Christine Goupil.

The event is held once a month in the Town Hall Rose Room, with times posted on the town’s calendar at www.clintonct.org. The next lunch is on Thursday, May 17 from 11:30 a.m. to  1 p.m. No registration is required.

Goupil said the event will rotate between being held at lunch and dinner time to “attract different brackets” of people. The town has held two such meetings so far.

At the meetings, to which residents are invited to bring their own meal if they desire, the group begins with introductions and then people are welcome the share their thoughts.

Goupil said that the talks offer a way for residents to have informal conservations, learn about her and her policies, or discuss whatever issues are on their mind. Recent discussions include the state of the old Morgan School, the proposed fracking ordinance, the proposed budgets, and economic development.

Goupil said that all Clinton residents are welcome, not just those who may share her stance on an issue.

“If we agree to disagree, it’s positive,” she said. “This is another opportunity to have a robust discussion...Ideally, a solution comes out of it.”

The talks are also a way to encourage people to join more boards and commissions, she noted.

“Listening to someone’s idea, we might be able to suggest a board or commission they would be well-suited to serve on,” Goupil said. “Clinton will benefit with a more diverse body of applicants for these important positions.”

Goupil said she got the idea for the meals last year when she was canvasing neighborhoods trying to spread word about her campaign. Goupil said a common theme was that people found it hard to get information or feedback from Town Hall.

“It is important to stay in touch with our residents and business owners,” Goupil said. “I will continue this through my term.”