A Bridgeport city councilman says he's "hopeful" about President Barack Obama's announcement that he is taking steps to re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba.

City Councilman Rick Torres says he hopes Wednesday's news will lead to an economic relationship between both countries. Torres lived in Cuba for about seven years.

Much of the time that Torres was in Cuba was volatile. The United States had already severed economic ties with Cuba and then came the missile crisis in 1962. In all, the two countries have had 54 silent years.

Aside from the politics, there is a cultural element that Torres says he would love to experience once again. He says he would love to visit the country again with his children.

Torres also told News 12 that most who oppose the move have economic interests at play and have benefited from the embargo.