WOODBURY – U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy spent part of Sunday afternoon touring the town, getting a read on how local businesses are faring in today’s post-COVID economic climates.

Murphy began his tour at the Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust, along with First Selectman Barbara Perkinson and state Rep. Karen Reddington-Hughes.

From there, it was on to New Morning Market where Murphy met with owner John Pittari, who said demand for his organic food products is high, but reported a real struggle with workforce shortages.

Pittari said that the past few years have seen people “reevaluate” their work situation, prompting several of his longtime staff members to leave.

Murphy then visited Wayne Mattox Antiques, just down the road, where Mattox himself gave Murphy a glimpse of his many vintage treasures up for sale, including a wooden plate from the 1650s, and a political coin from the 1840s during the campaign of William Henry Harrison.

“He was the first guy to campaign as a log cabin guy,” Mattox said.

Murphy said face-to-face visits like Sundays help him to better understand how business owners are doing here in Connecticut.

“I was coming through town today, and it’s been a while since I visited businesses in Woodbury,” Murphy said. “I do this fairly often around the state, trying to get a sense of what businesses need. Woodbury is a thriving small-town business community, but a lot of our small downtowns are struggling in Connecticut these days. I have a specific interest in making sure businesses can thrive and grow, so hearing their specific stories is really important. The workforce issue is the one you consistently hear.”

In the New Morning parking lot, Murphy was approached by Caroline Schwartz of Southbury, who credited the senator for his leadership in the push for stricter gun control laws, especially since the tragedy at nearby Sandy Hook Elementary School.

“I had never realized how much of an act of faith it was to bring your kids to school, and it shouldn’t be that way,” Schwartz said.

Murphy also stopped off at Woodbury’s Abrash Galleries and Farmhouse Antiques.