Campbell Addresses Massage Parlor Law Proposal - BranfordSeven.com

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Human trafficking has gained increasing national attention in recent years. In fact the problem has become so endemic that towns like Branford, which were previously perceived as exempt from such challenges, are now faced with the dilemma of how to respond effectively to the trafficking of humans--including minors--into our community.
In an effort to help our community respond appropriately, I joined Branford's Massage Parlor Task Force this spring. Working with the Health Department and the Police Department, and other Town departments including Building, Planning and Zoning, and the Fire Marshal, we sought to address some issues now found in Branford, but which also have resulted in many arrests in neighboring shoreline communities. As part of this effort, I appeared before the Rules and Ordinances Committee of the Branford Representative Town Meeting (RTM), to propose draft legislation intended to address the concern of human trafficking and prostitution in Branford.
However, in working with the Task Force and after meeting with Branford constituents and affected businesses, especially licensed massage therapists, I have withdrawn my request to the RTM for them to create a Branford law on this important issue. Rather, the Task Force has decided to address this matter through the East Shore District Health Department, which represents Branford, North Branford and East Haven. The Task Force will work in coordination with the affected businesses, through a possible modification of existing health regulations which may be proposed in the next few months. Because the problem is a growing concern in our neighboring towns, as well, the Health District is the appropriate regulatory agency. Not only for their expertise in regulating health matters, but also of because recent arrests in East Haven and the conversations about this issue with the North Branford Town Council, our regional Health Department is in the forefront of fighting this problem.
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To be clear, I completely support the efforts of the East Shore District Health Department in working with Branford’s affected businesses in appropriately addressing this concern. I am also confident that the regional ordinance process will be collaborative and fully transparent and that all businesses involved in the massage profession will be involved and have a voice on structuring any new procedures or laws.
I also need to acknowledge that the massage profession has been wrongly associated with human trafficking and prostitution, and that the practicing Licensed Massage Therapists and massage businesses that I have met with add value and are an asset to our community.
Furthermore, I have asked our state representatives to consider taking up this issue in their next legislative session so that full coordination among state, regional and local health and law*enforcement officials is assured, and the health and safety of every person in Branford is promoted, and that the victims of any criminal conduct within Branford, especially minors, are not further exploited, to the extent of our abilities.
I look forward to continuing to work with the Task Force toward an appropriate resolution to this problem.
Andrew J. Campbell
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