Governor Rell has unveiled her plan to close the state’s budget gap – it includes cutting aid to cities and towns by 3% or $84 million.

The cuts are part of a “deficit mitigation plan” – prompted by a $470 million dollar shortfall. While many agencies that help the sick and needy say the overall cuts of more that 330 million will affect many residents – the people who lead municipalities are wondering how they’ll pay for other essential services, like police, fire, trash, parks and repairs.

Today, Where We Live, we’ll check in with newly-elected mayors and first selectmen about how these cuts will affect their towns. We’ll also ask these civic leaders about their visions for their communities – and how towns and cities can compete, cooperate, survive and thrive in Connecticut.