Upset residents came to the Capitol Thursday to rally for change.
They said they want less government, new leadership and more say.
Thursday’s tax day “tea party” drew a crowd of about 1,200. They were an enthusiastic group. Some held American flags; other had yellow “Don’t tread on me” flags. They recited the Pledge of Allegiance loudly and proudly, and they were eager to talk about why they wanted to see changes in government.
The Hartford tea party, organized by the Hartford Tea Party Patriots, was one of five tea parties scheduled in Connecticut Thursday — the last day to file taxes.
Arthur Caisse Jr., of Wolcott, held a sign in one hand and a dog leash in the other.
“We want to take America back,” he said as he navigated Fonze, his Maltese through the crowd.
Like his owner, Fonze also had a sign. It read, “Remember November,” and it was stapled to his sweater.
Nearby, Louiza and Jerry Martinez, of Winchester, stood quietly in the sun, surveying the crowd and listening to the speakers.
“It’s regular people who just have had enough,” Jerry Martinez said.