All The Democratic News Fit To Print In and Around New Britain, CT (USA)

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

29 December 2007

Happy New Year!

NAACP To Hold Emancipation Day Program January 1

The New Britain NAACP will hold its annual Emancipation Day Program on Tuesday, January 1 at the Spottswood AME Zion Church, 25 Crestwood Lane. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature guest preacher, Suffragan Bishop John H. Thomas of Bethesda Apostolic Church.

Let the Bush Out of Office Countdown Begin: Primary Party Night Reception Jan. 8th

The Democratic Town Committee will host a Primary Night Party on Tuesday, January 8th – the night of New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation Presidential Primary. The event will be held beginning at 8:00 p.m. at the Roma Restaurant, 382 Allen Street, where local Democrats will watch the returns in what is expected to be a close contest among candidates in the Democratic field. The New Hampshire Primary will follow the January 3rd Iowa caucuses and will kick off state-by-state voting in January that includes Michigan on January 15th and Florida on January 29th.

The DTC is seeking to register more Democrats in New Britain to vote in the Connecticut Presidential Primary to be held on February 5th. January 31st is the mail-in registration deadline for new voters and unaffiliated voters who want to vote in the Primary. At the end of November approximately 15,500 were registered as Democrats in the city constituting 54% of registered voters.To attend the event and support New Britain Democrats contact newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

Rep. Geragosian To Receive U.A.W.’s Community Activism Award

State Rep. John Geragosian (D-25) will receive the Community Activism Award in January from the United Auto Workers (UAW). The UAW, with Region 9A offices based in Farmington, will hold its 15th annual Civil Rights Awards dinner at the Hartford Hilton on January 25th. Elected to the state House in 1994, Geragosian is the dean of New Britain’s legislative delegation and Chair of the Democratic House Caucus in the Legislature. Additional information about the awards dinner will be announced. Congratulations to Rep. Geragosian.

Finally CT Gets A Clean Election Law (Excerpted from NB Politicus)

A system of public financing of political campaigns will bring dramatic change to many state House and Senate races in 2008. While the full impact will not be felt until 2010 when races for Governor and statewide offices will occur, the law’s intent is to begin to restrict the corrosive influence of money in politics that reached its nadir during the Rowland years……

“It is an exciting time for democracy in Connecticut,” says State Rep. Tim O’Brien (D-24) who served on the GAE Committee that helped craft legislation designed to diminish the influence of lobbyist money and includes an outright contribution ban on contractors who do business with the state.

“For generations, we have dreamed of an open election system in which people's voices matter more than special interest money. Now, it is a reality,” declares O’Brien in launching his campaign for the state House that will rely on grassroots contributions from individuals. Read more at http://nbpoliticus.blogspot.com/

SEIU Union Wins Major Wage and Benefit Gains For Office Cleaners

Hartford area office cleaners represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ gained an 11th hour pre-Christmas agreement giving members a new four-year contract. Union leaders noted significant wage and benefit gains for employees "who clean more than 90 percent of large commercial office space in downtown Hartford and office parks and building in other parts of Hartford County."


"This new contract will provide Hartford's office cleaners the opportunity to live the American Dream," said Kurt Westby, Local 32BJ Connecticut Director. "More office cleaners will be able to take their kids to the doctor and have retirement security." The contract provides 17% wage hikes over four-years in the city and nearly 20 % in the suburbs. Fully employer-paid family health care coverage will be maintained for all full-time workers, and part-time workers have an improved health benefit, which will include life insurance, a prescription drug benefit and dental and optical insurance. Under the new contract, suburban office cleaners won a pension benefit for the first time and gained two personal days. Employers agreed to an improved training program, which includes industry-skills classes as well as English as a Second language courses, and also to a legal services benefit program. Congratulations to Local 32BJ's Political Director Art Perry and the members of the Local who include New Britain residents. More information: Hartford Courant story on the settlement.


End Quote

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt

New Britain Democrat e-letter: John McNamara, Chair and Editor;
New Britain Democratic Town Committee Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050
www.newbritaindemocrat.net

NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com . Write cancel in the subject box. Please send address corrections and additions to the same address. THANK YOU.




Saturday, December 15, 2007

15 December 2007

December Meeting Re-Scheduled To Tuesday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at City Hall: Presidential Race, BOE Vacancy Up For Discussion

The Democratic Town Committee will hold its re-scheduled December on Tuesday, December 18th at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street in room 504. The meeting was cancelled last Thursday because of the snow storm.

The agenda includes the 2008 Election Calendar and presidential politics. The Connecticut Presidential Primary has been moved to February 5 and information on the early primary process and candidates will be available. One or more representatives of presidential campaigns are expected to attend. The DTC has also been asked to recommend a candidate to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education created by the resignation of the Rev. Charles Tillett of Spottswood AME Zion Church. Rev. Tillett's term runs through 2009. The Common Council is expected to fill the vacancy before year's end. Vacancies for Justice of the Peace will also be filled at the meeting.


Members and friends are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church food pantry on North Street. All Democrats and friends are welcome to attend.



G.O.T.V. Iowa For Dodd in New Britain, CT: Phone Bank Monday, Dec. 17, 7-9 p.m.


New Britain area supporters of Senator Chris Dodd's Presidential campaign will be able to encourage Iowans to support his bid on Monday Dec. 17th and you won't have to fly to Des Moines to do so. A Volunteer Night will be held on Monday December 17th from 7-9 p.m. at AFSCME Council 4, 444 East Main Street. "People in Iowa want to hear from us and learn more about Chris Dodd, this is our chance to make a difference in the campaign right here from CT," said CT Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Scully. New Britain Democrats are encouraged to stopy in and make some calls. For this event or to help the Dodd campaign in New Hampshire call 860-244-2008 or email connecticut@chrisdodd.com



SEIU March For Janitors Thursday, Dec. 20th


The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ will hold a rally and march on Thursday, 12-20-07 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in support of janitors working in area office buildings for good wages and adequate health care coverage in a new contract.

The event will be held in downtown Hartford at the corner of Main and Gold streets. "It’s the season for giving, please attend and give your support, your voice and your spirit as our janitors demand justice and a fair contract," said Art Perry, organizer for the SEIU Local that includes New Britain residents in its membership. For more information contact Perry at 860-560-8674 Ext. 307.

GOP-Controlled FCC Pushing More Big Media Takeovers Of Local Stations

This may be a timely message in a week when New Britain COMCAST Cable eliminated C-Span 2 (BookTV) from the basic services of non-digital subscribers with barely a notice or announcement.

From www.freepress.net

"The Federal Communications Commission plans to open the floodgates of further media consolidation across America. If FCC Chairman Kevin Martin gets his way, your community will be inundated with even more mass-produced celebrity gossip and infotainment, and less local reporting and quality journalism: more of the the junk news that is making us sick.
Together we can stop them. We blocked them in 2003, and today we need you to show Washington that you don't want more media consolidation. To do it, we're building a "Wall" of opposition: your photo next to thousands of others, standing shoulder to shoulder against Big Media. We're going to deliver this Wall to the FCC. FCC Chairman Martin wants to "Super Size" Big Media allowing companies like Gannett, News Corp. and Tribune to swallow up even more local TV, newspaper and radio outlets. Martin wants to let one company own both the major newspaper and a TV station in your hometown, drowning out the few remaining independent voices, so that media moguls like Rupert Murdoch can expand their empires."

For more information and to join the campaign against big media consolidations visit www.freepress.net

End Quote


"He said there's no other calling in life where you can do as much for as
many people as you can through public service. Lawyers only have so many
clients, doctors only so many patients, but a well- intentioned public
servant can make a difference in the lives of millions of people. That's my
motivation. I want to carry that tradition on. That's why I'm running for
president."
Senator Chris Dodd recalling his late father Tom Dodd's response to a reporter's question on any regrets about his life in politics and government. Dodd's response came during the Dec. 13th PBS Presidential debate in Iowa.



New Britain Democrat e-letter: John McNamara, Chair and Editor;
New Britain Democratic Town Committee Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050 www.newbritaindemocrat.net


NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com . Write cancel in the subject box. Please send address corrections and additions to the same address. THANK YOU.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

13 December 2007


Democratic Town Committee Meeting Postponed
The Democratic Town Committee meeting scheduled for today (December 13th) at New Britain City Hall has been postponed because of the inclement weather.
It will be re-scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 18th, at 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

6 December 2007

Celebrating the Life of Tony Norris -- Dinner is Sunday, December 9th

Friends and associates of Urban Oaks Organic Farm Founder Tony Norris will hold a dinner buffet and program in celebration of his life on Sunday, December 9th, at 4 p.m. at the Marchegian Society Ballroom, 40 Acorn Street. Democratic Party leaders, including former State Senator Joe Harper, State Rep. John Geragosian and Council Majority Leader Mike Trueworthy, will participate as part of the tribute. Norris, 59, died November 18th after a long battle with cancer. The New Britain native, a longtime citizen activist, established Urban Oaks in 1999 with his partner, Mike Kandefer. Interested persons may RSVP for the dinner to Maria Agramonte-Gomez at (860) 826-7585 or by e-mail to the Urban Oaks Farm at urbanoaks@earthlink.net .

There is no admission charge but financial contributions in memory of Norris are encouraged to: Urban Oaks Farm, c/o Human Resources Agency of New Britain, 180 Clinton Street, New Britain, CT 06053.

New Britain Dems To Meet Dec. 13th:
Presidential Politics, School Board Vacancy On Tap

The Democratic Town Committee will meet Thursday, December 13th at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 Main Street for its final meeting of the year. The agenda will include the 2008 Election Calendar and presidential politics. The Connecticut Presidential Primary has been moved to February and representatives of the presidential candidates will be invited to attend. Delegate information will also be available. The DTC will also be asked to recommend a candidate or candidates to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education created by the resignation of the Rev. Charles Tillett of Spottswood AME Zion Church. Rev. Tillett's term runs through 2009. He has been appointed pastor of a church in North Carolina. New Britain Democrats thank Rev. Tillett for his public service and extend best wishes to him in his new ministry.

Holiday refreshments will be served and members and friends are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church food pantry on North Street

Presidential Primaries and Voter Registration:
15,555 Democrats with 29,781 Total Voters: Drive Needed For February Primary

Less than two months before voters will go to the polls to vote for President in party primaries, the total number of registered voters in New Britain hovers at 29,781 -- a total below the 30,000+ voters eligible in the gubernatorial and congressional contests of 2006. Connecticut's Presidential Primary will be held February 5th. The calendar calls for an early push to put the number of New Britain Democrats above 16,000 in the first quarter of 2008. Twenty years ago New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation Primary was held in March. On January 8th, N.H. voters go to the polls just five days after the Iowa caucuses. The Presidential calendar and the front loading of the process, including Connecticut, has greatly accelerated the selection process. Media gas bags -- also known as pundits and commentators -- are elevating and dismissing top tier candidates by the hour. They barely mention or cover all the candidates in the field, including Senator Chris Dodd. Senator Dodd's principled campaign and efforts in Iowa and New Hampshire will finally get the attention they deserve, not from the punditocracy, but from real voters early in the New Year. The Presidential Primaries will be discussed at the December 13th Town Committee meeting.

Public Transit Is The Key To Downtown's Future: DeFronzo Backs Busway With New Bond

Senator Donald J. DeFronzo (D-New Britain), Senate chair of the Transportation Committee, has taken steps over the last year to increase mass transit as a way to spur economic growth in New Britain. In the recently approved state bonding package additional state resources were committed to the planned New Britain to Hartford busway that is now a key to an emerging plan for downtown's rejuvenation. "We define transit oriented development as the development of residential commercial and employment centers within a half-mile walking distance of public transportation facilities, and in that regard the New Britain busway is ideal for implementing a transit oriented development plan," said Senator DeFronzo. "The area is ripe for local development, and the busway corridor will open transit opportunities for the city residents and employers." The New Britain-to-Hartford Busway will be eligible for $250,000 to $1,000,000 as one of four projects that qualify for transit oriented funding. The funding can be used for implementing a transit oriented plan, market analysis to determine economic viability, financial planning, environmental assessments, infrastructure studies and surveys, and other expenses related to planning and development surrounding the mass transit system. The issue was raised in a new post (below) from the NB Politicus blog. It calls for some interim moves to begin a transit-based economic development strategy well ahead of the busway's implementation

Downtown New Britain is no longer a "downtown," if that word means
anything. But if it's no longer the city's commercial or business center, then
what is it?

from http://nbblogs.com

The revitalization of downtown New Britain was not much of an issue during the 2007 municipal campaign. The welcome news of Carvel Corporation's move to the long vacant Smart Park (the former Stanley Works factory parcel)and a meaningless flare up over the location of a new police station were about the only headlines drawing attention to the city's vital center this year.

Downtown is ripe for new investment and development that needs to be managed wisely by city and state officials over the next five years. One of the big challenges of putting a viable downtown New Britain back together has to do with Route 9, the highway that connects I-84 to I-91 and shore points. New Britain is not unique among U.S. cities in having a four-lane roadway built 40 or 50 years ago that hastened decline of the central business district. The major task now is to undo that public works and public policy fiasco that cut the city in two.

Read more at http://nbpoliticus.blogspot.com

New Britain Democrat e-letters may be found at http://newbritaindemocrat.blogspot.com

New Britain Democrat e-letter: John McNamara, Chair and Editor; New Britain Democratic Town Committee
Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050 www.newbritaindemocrat.net
NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com . Write cancel in the subject box. Please send address corrections and additions to the same address. THANK YOU.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

26 November 2007

Celebrating the Life of Tony Norris -- Sunday, December 9th

Friends and associates of Urban Oaks Organic Farm Founder Tony Norris will hold a dinner buffet and program in celebration of his life on Sunday, December 9th, at 4 p.m. at the Marchegian Society Ballroom, 40 Acorn Street. [Photo Credit: John Woike, The Hartford Courant, April 21, 2006]

Norris, 59, died November 18th after a long battle with cancer. The New Britain native, a citizen activist who helped many Democratic candidates through the years, established Urban Oaks in 1999 with his partner, Mike Kandefer. The former Sandelli Florist property on Oak Street, blighted and unused, was converted into a working organic farm serving the public and restaurants throughout the state. It is considered one of the largest urban farms in the Northeast.

Interested persons may RSVP for the dinner to Maria Agramonte-Gomez at (860) 826-7585 or by e-mail to the Urban Oaks Farm at urbanoaks@earthlink.net. There is no admission charge but financial contributions in memory of Norris are encouraged to: Urban Oaks Farm, c/o Human Resources Agency of New Britain, 180 Clinton Street, New Britain, CT 06053.


League To Discuss Immigration At Monday (11/26) Meeting

A committee of the local chapter of the League of Women Voters (LWV) will present positions on immigration at a Monday, November 26th meeting at 6:30 p.m. at First Church on Corbin Avenue. League members may vote on a position on the issue which is expected to be a major point of debate during the 2008 Presidential Election. If the New Britain/Berlin chapter, and other chapters around the country agree on a position, the LWV will advocate for reform legislation. Admission is free

Remembering Bill O'Neill: Connecticut's Long-serving Governor, "Common Man"

Former Gov. Bill O'Neill, 77, died Saturday at his lakefront home in Easthampton. There are many deserved tributes that collectively convey a politician who never forgot his roots and who was more comfortable if people called him "Bill" instead of "Governor." Appropriately, the endowed professorship at Central CT State University for the former Governor is named the "Governor William A. O'Neill Endowed Chair in Public Policy and Practical Politics." A Koren war veteran, O'Neill ran his family's tavern, joined the Democratic Town Committee in 1954 and won election to the legislature in 1966. Paying those political dues led to his elevation to House Majority Leader and successor to John Bailey as State Party Chair. He was tapped for Lt. Governor by the legendary Ella Grasso and, assuming gubernatorial responsibility because of Grasso's fatal illness, would go on to lead the state through good times and bad for more than two full terms. His administrations worked closely with Democratic legislative leaders who included at the time State Senate President John Larson, House Speaker Irving Stolberg, House Leader William Cibes and New Britain's State Senator Joe Harper, who served as Co-Chair of the Legislature's Appropriations Committee. From his official biography: "Governor O'Neill characterized his approach to public service as being governed by a few basic rules: "to use common sense to solve problems; work with my colleagues to achieve sound and responsible government; and use my knowledge and experience for the benefit of all of our citizens." (from Press release, March 4, 1982) As Democrats look toward the gubernatorial race in 2010, O'Neill will be fondly remembered for his "common touch" and as the last member of his party to hold the corner office.

New Britain Democrat e-letters may be found at http://newbritaindemocrat.blogspot.com
New Britain Democrat e-letter: John McNamara, Chair and Editor; New Britain Democratic Town Committee
Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050
www.newbritaindemocrat.net


NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com . Write cancel in the subject box. Please send address corrections and additions to the same address. THANK YOU.



Thursday, November 22, 2007

22 November 2007 Happy Thanksgiving!

Gratitude disposes us to hope, even when the facts may be stacked against us. 'Thank you' is the perfect prayer not only for things received but also for good things that may come."

-- Editorial, November 23rd National Catholic Reporter www.ncronline.org



New Britain Dems To Meet Dec. 13th:

Presidential Politics, School Board Vacancy On Tap

Bring a non-perishable item for St. Ann's Church food pantry

The Democratic Town Committee will meet Thursday, December 13th at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 Main Street for its final meeting of the year. The agenda will include the 2008 Election Calendar and presidential politics. The Connecticut Presidential Primary has been moved to February and representatives of the presidential candidates will be invited to attend. Delegate information will also be available. The NBDTC is supporting the candidacy of U.S. Senator Chris Dodd.

The DTC will also be asked to recommend a candidate or candidates to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education created by the resignation of the Rev. Charles Tillett of Spottswood AME Zion Church. Rev. Tillett's term runs through 2009. He has left New Britain to lead a congregation in North Carolina. New Britain Democrats extend best wishes to Rev. Tillett and his family and thank him for his service. Holiday refreshments will be served and members and friends are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church food pantry on North Street.

Team Trueworthy Plus One

New Britain Democrats congratulate Council Majority Leader Mike Trueworthy and Elena Trueworthy on the birth of their second daughter, Abigail. Abigail entered this world on Monday, November 19th, weighing eight pounds, six ounces, 20 inches tall. Abigail was unavailable for comment but her father says she is a Democrat.

Update on the Bush War Machine and its Hired Thugs:

Cong. Murphy Seeks Answers On Blackwater and No-Bid Contracts In Iraq

Thirty-three foreigners and 10 Iraqis – all employees of a private security firm – were arrested in Baghdad on Monday after an Iraqi woman was shot and wounded as their convoy passed by

-Associated Press, By Dan Murphy 21 November 2007 from the Christian Science Monitor

U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy (D-5), joined by two other House members, is seeking answers about federal contractor Blackwater, Inc. the private security firm that has billed the U.S. for a billion dollars for its operations in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001.

Last week, Murphy (CT-5) wrote to Erik Prince, CEO of Blackwater USA, to follow up on unanswered questions about the company from the October 2nd House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing on private security contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Murphy is a member of the Committee.

At the October 2nd hearing, Murphy, Reps, Peter Welch (VT-At Large) and John J. Duncan, Jr. (TN-2) pressed Prince on his company's lucrative government contracts, its profit margin, and his salary. However, Prince refused to answer many of their questions. In 2001, Blackwater's contracts with the United States Government were less than $1 million. Since the Iraq war began, however, Blackwater's government contracts have spiked to over $1 billion.

The unanswered questions on Blackwater include:
• The exact percentage of Blackwater's business that comes from U.S. government contracts. Prince testified that approximately 90 percent of Blackwater contracts were with the U.S. government.
• Prince's exact compensation from 2001 through 2006, including salary, retirement and deferred compensation, and all other benefits of any monetary value from The Prince Group, LLC, Blackwater and all related entities. Prince testified that his personal compensation from Blackwater in 2006 was "over a million dollars."
• The exact profit margin for the years 2001 through 2006 for The Prince Group, LLC, Blackwater and all related entities. Prince testified, under questioning by Duncan, that Blackwater's corporate profit margin was ten percent but was unsure of that figure in follow up questions from Welch and Murphy.

"Taxpayers in my district and across the country are paying for 90 percent of Blackwater's business, so they deserve to have the facts on how their money is being spent in Iraq. And while Erik Prince is making millions of dollars off of government contracts, our soldiers' families are struggling to make ends meet here at home," said Murphy.

Welch said, "It is clear taxpayers are getting ripped off by no-bid contracts for the war in Iraq and Blackwater's obscene profits are just another example of how corrupt this war has become. What we have seen until now is a complete disrespect for the taxpayer and a president willing to provide fat paychecks to private companies and then turn around and cut health care benefits from our soldiers."

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held the hearing on October 2 to determine if Blackwater's presence is advancing or undermining U.S. efforts and the costs to U.S. taxpayers for the reliance on Blackwater and other private military contractors.

Cong. Murphy, in a trip to Iraq and Afghanistan earlier this year, estimated there may be as much as $10 billion to $12 billion being spent in the war zone, much of it unaccounted for and awarded via no-bid contracting. Besides Blackwater, contractors include Halliburton or its subsidiaries, the Texas-based firm headed by Vice President Cheney prior to his election.


New Britain Democrat e-letters may be found at http://newbritaindemocrat.blogspot.com
New Britain Democrat e-letter: John McNamara, Chair and Editor; New Britain Democratic Town Committee,
Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050

NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com . Write cancel in the subject box. Please send address corrections and additions to the same address. THANK YOU.

Friday, November 16, 2007

17 November 2007





You can't always get
what you want.
But if you try sometimes you might find You get what you need

- The Rolling Stones

City Democrats gained a ward seat and a 13-to-two majority on the Common Council in the November 6th municipal election,

As 30% of eligible voters went to the polls, incumbent Timothy Stewart's win did not produce the legislative coattails that the GOP had hoped for. GOP incumbent Peter Gostin's loss in Ward 4 reduced Republicans on the Council to Councillor at Large and former Democrat Mark Bernacki and Ward One Councillor and former Democrat Louis Salvio.

"I think that it shows that the Democratic base is strong," DTC Chair John McNamara, told The Hartford Courant. "I think the mayoral decision was that people were still comfortable with a divided government, but I think our council people ran very good races in terms of reaching voters. The Republicans thought they could make gains when the voters thought otherwise."

The Republicans came away with the win for the heavily favored and well-financed Stewart over At Large Councillor Jim Wyskiewicz. Cheryl Blogaslawski also unseated 14-term incumbent Fred Menditto for Tax Collector, ending Menditto's long and distinguished tenure at City Hall. Democratic City Treasurer Teresa Sapieha Yanchak, the first woman to hold that post, comfortably won re-election at the top of the ticket.

For another two years voters decided they wanted power sharing at City Hall between the Mayor's office and Common Council, but with more power to the Democrats. The majority party was strengthened by not only the one-seat gain on the Council, but the election of four Democratic newcomers who are expected to give the majority a veto-proof margin over Stewart and a revitalized caucus.

Newly elected to the Common Council were Eva Magnuszewski (at large), Greg Gerratana (Ward 1), Phil Sherwood (Ward 4) and Roy Centeno (Ward 5). Incumbent Democrats re-elected included Majority Leader Mike Trueworthy, Mayor Pro Tem Suzanne Bielinski, Councillor At Large Paul Catanzaro, Tonilynn Collins and Adam Platosz (Ward 2), Shirley Black and Silvia Cruz (ward 3), Larry Hermanowski (Ward 4) and Lori Rocha (Ward 5).

Board of Education President Peter Kochol won re-election to the school board along with incumbent Brian Riley and newcomer Aram Ayalon, associate DTC member and a strong advocate of establishing small "learning communities" to ease overcrowding. Board of Assessment Appeals Chair Robert Wysocki will be joined by newcomer Francisco Cuin on the three-person panel on the eve of implementation of property tax revaluation.

From The Chair: A Post-Election Thanks

Reports that Democrats were greatly divided and that Republicans would make gains to rubber stamp Stewart administration actions were --as Mark Twain might have said -- "greatly exaggerated" in 2007.

In the Council election, voters responded affirmatively to both the composition of the Democratic slate and the ideas advanced by Democratic candidates:

  • The Democratic slate of candidates from top to bottom was a far more accurate reflection of who lives in New Britain. Of 15 aldermanic candidates, seven were women with one-third of candidates coming from the African American and Latino communities. By contrast, the GOP fielded 14 Council candidates -- all of them men with little in the way of diversity.
  • November 6th also showed that partisanship and ideology generally don't play well with voters in local governance. For the most part the electorate responded to Democratic candidates who talked issues and neighborhood concerns instead of making the promise to be Tim Stewart's "yes" men.

This election should not pass without thanking all of our Democratic candidates, regardless of a win or loss, for seeking public service.

The Town Committee also acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of two individuals who brought Democrats together and gave much of themselves to help others throughout the municipal election. Thanks to:

  • Rep. Timothy O'Brien (D-24) for his boundless encouragement, volunteer organizing and brilliant direct mail program for Democratic candidates.
  • Councillor At Large Mike Trueworthy who, in helping himself get re-elected, devoted much of his time and talent to building a diverse slate and working with all candidates to encourage voter support for Democrats.

Above Photo: It was a full court press by members of Council Majority Leader Mike Trueworthy's family on election day to get out the vote.

New Britain Democrat e-letter: John McNamara, Chair and Editor; New Britain Democratic Town Committee, Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050

www.newbritaindemocrat.net

If you do not wish to receive this e-letter reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com write cancel in the subject box. E-mail address corrections and additions may also be forwarded to the same address.



Sunday, October 28, 2007

28 October 2007




Labor Rallies For New Britain Firefighters Tuesday


Wyskiewicz Gets Strong Backing



A rally in support of New Britain's firefighters will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at AFSCME Council 4, 444 East Main Street, New Britain that will include the involvement of firefighters throughout Connecticut



Harold A. Schaitberger, General President of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) will appear at the New Britain rally in what labor officials said was an unprecedented move for the union to take part in a local election. The IAFF has also endorsed the candidacy of Presidential candidate Chris Dodd.

“This represents the first time in the history of the 89 year old IAFF that the IAFF has seen fit to become involved with a campaign at such a local level,” said Ed Preece, President of the Firefighters Union. “Their feeling is that it is necessary to step in and lend support to our local branch because the current administration continues to abuse the power with which it was entrusted in order to exercise petty vendettas. The IAFF's rally for Jim Wyskiewicz demonstrates that they will go to any level of government to support their firefighters.”

Mayoral challenger Jim Wyskiewicz has vowed to put an end to the closed-door administration practices and to restore "a politically neutral merit based promotion system."

A Taste of Soul Food For Ward Two's Tonilynn Collins Monday, October 29th

The campaign of Ward 2 Ald. Tonilynn Collins is holding a fundraiser in support of her re-election to the City Council. The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pride of CT Lodge of Elks, 24 Elm Street. There is a suggested donation of $25. All Democrats and friends are welcome. Bring your appetite.



Courant Turns A Blind Eye To Stewart's Real Indiscretions


Last week The Hartford Courant editorial board found another way to endorse Tim Stewart by defending some foul-mouthed language of the incumbent in a call to a dispatcher during 2005 flooding. The call, widely circulated in a You Tube posting, drew considerable press coverage. "The most appalling thing about this episode is that New Britain's Democrats can't seem to come up with anything better," opined an editorial last week. "They ought to be playing ball by telling New Britain residents how they'll further the city's future; instead, they're low-balling."


The Courant states the obvious in saying voters could give a rat's *** (excuse the paraphrase) over Tim Stewart's mouth. But the editor's indulgence of Stewart's trivial "indiscretion" comes after the same editorial board ignored the facts and circumstances of Stewart's public policy indiscretions --- indiscretions raised by James Wyskiewicz and other Democrats that can hardly be called "low-balling" unless the Courant feels transparency in government and telling the truth to residents matters. The Courant devoted no less than three editorials on "Tilcon Water Rat" legislation last summer, condemning legislators but not once mentioning that it was Stewart's request and misrepresentation of facts that prompted the special legislation. Subsequently, New Britain lawmakers rescinded the action that would have allowed a Tilcon lease of watershed land. Did the Courant acknowledge that Democratic legislators addressed their concerns? We're still waiting. According to one comment to latest editorial: "So after giving the mayor three passes on negatively written comments, they proceed to give the mayor a glowing endorsement, and again not mention his significant role in the creation of hated legislation. To compound this oversight, neither the editorial board nor any reporters ever comment on the fact that the mayor actually went ahead and signed a lease with Tilcon a few days before the legislature repealed the enabling legislation. He did this despite the fact that the original bill had provisions in it clearly stating the mayor could not do this without first holding multiple public hearings and having the city council approve the lease."


As Courant editors defend the mayor on his salty language and his right to get a good night's sleep during '05's serious flooding, they ignore a far more serious indiscretion over the Tilcon "rat" they professed to care so much about. Colin McEnroe, whose blog is carried by the Courant, found no small amount of irony in the Courant's defense of the Mayor over last week's episode over Pottymouthgate.


Help Get Out The Vote For Row B November 6th


Your time and support is needed between now and November 6th to help get out the vote.- Make calls to voters about November 6th- Send cards to family, friends and neighbors- Get a lawn sign- Volunteer election day to increase voter turnoutC

Contact newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com. Call Wyskiewicz for Mayor headquarters at 348-0175





New Britain Democrat e-letter John McNamara, Chair and Editor
New Britain Democratic Town Committee Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050
http://www.newbritaindemocrat.net/







NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com write cancel in the subject box. E-mail address corrections and additions may also be forwarded to the same address.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

21 October 2007

Rep. Geragosian Makes Plea On Armenian Genocide Resolution


State Rep. John C. Geragosian (D-25) today urged the U.S. Congress to adopt a resolution acknowledging the 1915 massacres of Armenians by Ottoman Turks as genocide. In a Hartford Courant Commentary published October 21 ("Who Speaks Today?") Geragosian argues for passage of a resolution with the last "eyewitnesses" to the genocide dying out. "Without these survivors, the Turkish government and its powerful and sleazy lobbyists who profit from 1.5 million dead souls will be even more emboldened. No witnesses. No genocide," wrote Geragosian. Geragosian is the only Armenian American member of the General Assembly and organizes an annual commemoration for the Armenian dead at the state Capitol each year. For decades U.S. Administrations and Congress have failed to recognize these well-documented crimes against humanity perpetrated in the World War I era. Official Washington's rationale against a holocaust recognition vote has always been to maintain smooth relations with Turkey -- one of the key members of the NATO alliance. Vice President Dick Cheney and CT Senator Joseph Lieberman have drawn sharp criticism from Armenian Americans for their positions and for refusal to back the Congressional resolution that has been raised in session after session. Early in his Senate career, Lieberman told a West Hartford audience that he couldn't back the resolution because it would offend "a defense contractor in Fairfield County" who did business with Turkey.

Said Geragosian: "Acknowledging the genocide would only benefit Turkey. It would enhance Turkey's prospects for much desired membership in the European Union. Modern Germany fares better today for having recognized the atrocities of the Holocaust."

This month the resolution won a vote in the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling for a "new direction" on the question. The 2007 resolution, however, faces opposition from the Bush administration and is fiercely opposed by the center- right Turkish government according to recent news reports.



Town Committee Meets Monday at City Hall


The Democratic Town Committee will meet Monday, October 22nd, at 7 p.m. to discuss campaign activities, including an October 27-28 literature drop and Election Day activities. Justice of the Peace vacancies may also be filled. The meeting will be held at New Britain City Hall 27 West Main Street, 27 West Main Street. Room 504. Parking is available in the adjoining municipal garage. All Democrats and friends are welcome to attend.


Help Get Out The Vote For Row B November 6th

Your time and support is needed between now and November 6th to help get out the vote.
- Make calls to voters about November 6th
- Send cards to family, friends and neighbors
- Get a lawn sign
- Volunteer election day to increase voter turnout

Contact newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com


New Britain Democrat e-letter John McNamara, Chair and Editor

New Britain Democratic Town Committee Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050

http://www.newbritaindemocrat.net/

NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com write cancel in the subject box. E-mail address corrections and additions may also be forwarded to the same address.

Friday, October 12, 2007

12 October 2007

The Difference Between Democrats and Republicans:
Council Dems Approve Tax Credit For Elderly, Disabled On Party Line Vote

NEW BRITAIN - The Democratic-controlled Common Council voted Wednesday night to open a $375,000 account to help poor elderly and disabled homeowners pay their property taxes. Republican Mayor Timothy Stewart seems to be going along for the ride. Rick Guiness story in the New Britain Herald, 10/12/2007

The October 10th City Council meeting brought good news for older New Britain citizens on fixed incomes who are among the hardest hit by regressive property tax levies. Eleven Democrats on the 15-member Council raised and adopted a measure brought forward by Council Majority Leader Mike Trueworthy. The measure was opposed by the three GOP Council members Mark Bernacki, Peter Gostin and Louis Salvio.

In an election year conversion, Mayor Timothy Stewart departed from his Republican councillors and supported the measure. Throughout his term Stewart opposed the property tax credit saying that the city could not afford it. Not so less than a month before he has to face voters. The funds to pay for the property tax credit came from unused and unspent funds in several city accounts as books were closed for the year ending June 30, 2007. The program will give couples earning up to $40,000 and single individuals earning up to $34,000 tax relief. The income limits for a state-subsidized program are lower, leaving many seniors in the city ineligible for the property tax break.

The vote by the Council and the about-face by the incumbent Mayor are reflective of how city government has operated during the Stewart administration and how things get done in the best interests of the community. Council Democrats set the agenda on fiscal and policy matters and Stewart responds based on which way the political winds are blowing. That was the case on this vote even though Stewart had to leave his GOP allies high and dry and set aside his usual demogoguery on taxes and spending.

Here's Your Weekend Line Up

Wyskiewicz for Mayor Open House, Saturday, October 13 11 a.m.-1 p.m.The grand opening celebration of the new Wyskiewicz for Mayor Headquarters will be held this Saturday morning, October 13th from 11 to 1pm. The public has been invited to join the ‘neighborhood block party’. A live band will perform and food and refreshments will be served. The headquarters is located in the heart of downtown New Britain, in the Webster Bank building at 450 Main Street on the 2nd floor (Suite 201).

Centeno for Council Fundraiser, Saturday, October 13, 2-5 p.m. Ward 5 Aldermanic candidate Roy Centeno will hold a fund raiser on Saturday, October 13th from 2-5 p.m. at the Centenos' home, 289 Slater Road. Centeno is running for the Council seat in Districts 4, 1, 4 and 15 with Ald. Lori Rocha. The suggested donation is $25. A Centeno for Council event

DTC Party for Education and Row B Democrats, Sunday, October 14, 2-5. You're cordially invited to a Democratic Town Committee party for Row B candidates and better schools on Sunday, October 14th, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the home of Steve Horowitz and Adrienne Benjamin. 288 Steele Street, New Britain. There is a suggested donation of $25.00 at the door payable to the New Britain Democratic Town Committee, Post Office Box 2112, New Britain, CT 06050. For information call DTC Chair John McNamara at 860-827-9469

Help Get Out The Vote For Row B November 6th

Your time and support is needed between now and November 6th to help get out the vote.

  • Make calls to voters about November 6th
  • Send cards to family, friends and neighbors
  • Write letters to the editor
  • Get a lawn sign
  • Volunteer election day to increase voter turnout

Contact newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

League of Women Voters Candidate Forum

The New Britain/Berlin League of Women Voters (LWV) will sponsor a municipal candidates forum for broadcast on community access television on Tuesday, October 16th at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street, 7 p.m.


New Britain Democrat e-letter
John McNamara, Chair and Editor
New Britain Democratic Town Committee
Post Office Box 2112
New Britain , CT 06050
www.newbritaindemocrat.net

NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter reply to
newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com write cancel in the subject box. E-mail address corrections and additions may also be forwarded to the same address. Thank you

Sunday, October 7, 2007

7 October 2007

Local, State Officials Expected At Columbus Day Observance

Local and state elected officials will join representatives of the city’s Italian American organizations on Monday, October 8th for the annual observance of Columbus Day.

A Roman Catholic mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at Saint Ann’s Church on North Street followed by a march to the Columbus statue a short distance away. The event will be followed by a reception for participants at the Fr. Giusani Center (former St. Ann School) across from the church, according to Democratic Town Committee member Carlo Carlozzi. Carlozzi is the state president of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, Sons of Italy in America.The event is being hosted by the combined Italian American community in New Britain, including the Angelo Tomasso Sr Lodge, Order Sons of Italy, The New Britain Chapter of UNICO National, The Generale Ameglio Civic Association, The Italian Fraternal Society and the Calabria Mia Society and others.

Wyskiewicz Events Planned At Pulaski Club (10/11) and with Cong. Murphy (10/21)

A Thursday, October 11th reception for Democratic Mayoral Nominee Jim Wyskiewicz will be held at the Pulaski Democratic Club, 89 Grove Street from 6 to 8 p.m. to be hosted by Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, former Mayor Lucian Pawlak, Ald. Larry Hermanowski and Dominick Swieszkowski. To contribute or for details call 860.225.9540.

Cong. Chris Murphy (D-5) will host a fundraiser for Jim Wyskiewicz, candidate for Mayor, on Sunday, October 21, from 3-5 p.m. at Angelico's Restaurant on East Main Street. For information or to make a donation call 860-306-0672

More on the Wyskiewicz for Mayor at www.Jim4Mayor.org

Ward 5: Centeno To Hold Fund Raiser Saturday, October 13

Ward 5 Aldermanic candidate Roy Centeno will hold a fund raiser on Saturday, October 13th from 2-5 p.m. at the Centenos' home, 289 Slater Road. Centeno is running for the Council seat in Districts 4, 1, 4 and 15 with Ald. Lori Rocha. The suggested donation is $25. A Centeno for Council event

League of Women Voters Candidate Forum

The New Britain/Berlin League of Women Voters (LWV) will sponsor a municipal candidates forum for broadcast on community access television on Tuesday, October 16th at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street, 7 p.m.

Lincoln School Parents Seek Volunteers For Playground Build Beginning Oct.18th

After a two-year fundraising effort that raised $143,000, the Parents of Lincoln Elementary School and its Parent Community Relations Committee is preparing to construct a a Barrier-Free Playground at the school. School parents and volunteers are organizing a "community build" from Thursday, October 18 through Saturday, October 20th from 9 to 5.

If you could help let people know about this great event happening in New Britain or are interested in volunteering more information is available by calling Kris Ziegler (860) 662-4080.

End Quote

"Today we learned that the same President who is willing to throw away half trillion dollars in Iraq is unwilling to spend a small fraction of that amount to bring health care to American children. The Congress has done its job, passing a bipartisan bill that meets a critical need without adding a penny to the federal deficit. The President has broken his promise to America’s children. We must not break ours. We will be back today, and tomorrow, and the next day, and for however long it takes to see this bill become law.”

Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA): October 3 Statement On Bush veto of bipartisan Child Health Care Insurance legislation


Sunday, September 30, 2007

30 September 2007

Update On Hickory Hill Watershed Controversy:
Letters, Secret Agreement Reveal Mayor's Doublespeak On Tilcon Deal


An exchange of August letters and documents between the administration of
Mayor Tim Stewart (R-New Britain) and the state Department of Public Health
shows that Stewart deliberately misled residents and other public officials
in an effort to gain quick approval for a controversial deal giving Tilcon
Connecticut, Inc. 131 acres of watershed land for its mining
operation.

In September, State Rep. Tim O’Brien (D-24) and State
Senator Don DeFronzo (D-6), reacting to concerns of residents and
environmentalists as well as Stewart’s contradictory statements and actions
on the issue, successfully sought repeal of a law that had initially cleared
the way for a Tilcon takeover of watershed land to expand its quarry
operation....To read the full story go to http://nbpoliticus.blogspot.com/




Morale, Abuse of Merit System By City Administration Cited in Endorsement of Wyskiewicz by Firefighter Local


New Britain Fire Fighters Local 992 (AFL-CIO) has endorsed the candidacy of Jim Wyskiewicz for Mayor favoring the at large alderman over incumbent Timothy Stewart, who has worked in the city Fire Department for 18 years.


Ed Preece, President of Local 992, spoke to the New Britain Democratic Town Committee on September 24th and announced his union's support for Wyskiewicz. "Morale is at an all time low. Any firefighter will tell you morale is at an all time low, said Preece." According to Local 992 officials, 38 members of the department have left over the last three years including four deputy chiefs and two assistant chiefs. Grievances have increased over the last three years and unresolved locally. The Firefighters' union said that 12 cases decided at the state level have supported the union's position.

New Britain Democratic Town Chair John McNamara asserted that Mayor Stewart is abusing a merit-based system for hirings and promotions in the department by reaching down and showing favoritism. "High-ranking candidates who have experience and come through the merit tests are being passed over. Cronyism and nepotism should not be replacing what is in place. Whatever the Mayor's experiences were in the Fire Department, he should not be using his office for vendettas or personal agendas. This will ultimately undermine public safety in the city."

In accepting the endorsement Ald. Wyskiewicz called the the situation "completely unacceptable." Said Wyskiewicz: "Areas of public safety are not playgrounds for politics."

Campaign Calendar:

Thursday October 4: Re-elect Adam Platosz for Alderman fundraiser at the Pulaski Democratic Club, 89 Grove Street, 6 p.m. Suggested donation $25.

Friday October 5: Absentee ballots become available. For applications visit the Town and City Clerk's office at City Hall, 27 West Main Street, New Britain.

Saturday, October 6: A evening reception for Jim Wyskiewicz for Mayor at the home of Olga Flores Jiantonio, 44 Eddy Glover Boulevard. Suggested donation $25.

Friday, September 21, 2007

21 September 2007

Lamont Leads CCSU Forum On Iraq, Wednesday, Sept. 26th

Central Connecticut State University will be hosting a forum at 4 pm on Wednesday, September 26 to discuss: "The War, The Surge, and Staying the Course in Iraq." The panel includes Brigadier General Ret. John Johns and Michael O'Hanlon, a Brookings Institute scholar. The forum will be moderated by former Democratic candidate for Senate Ned Lamont, an adjunct faculty member in philosophy and political science this semester. "Connecticut helped kick off the debate about our military strategy in Iraq last year, so it seems appropriate that we get an update from two experts with different views on the war," said Lamont who remains politicially active since his U.S. Senate run last year. "Congress is still trying to make up its mind, what next. Maybe they should fly up to CCSU and listen in."

General Johns served in Vietnam and has written extensively on military strategy including: Counter Insurgency Operations: Mission Impossible. After retiring from the Army, he served as Assistant Secretary of Defense, Professor at The National Defense University at Fort McNair, and he is on the Board of the Council for a Livable World. Michael O'Hanlon returned from Iraq last summer and co-wrote a much discussed piece in The New York Times: "A War We Might Just Win." He is author of Hard Power: The New Politics of National Security.


The CCSU forum is open to the public and will take place from 4-5:15 at Founders Hall in the Administration Building at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain. Free parking is available at the Student Center parking lot, accessible via Ella Grasso Blvd.

Campaign Week: September 23-29
DTC Meeting Is Monday, September 24th

The September meeting of the Democratic Town Committee will be held Monday, September 24th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Pulaski Democratic Club, 89 Grove Street. Democrats will welcome Row B candidates and discuss :
  • the 2007 municipal campaign and Get Out The Vote activities

  • a vacancy for recording secretary on the Town Committee

  • Justice of the Peace appointments to fill current vacancies.

All Democrats are welcome to attend. For more information newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

Gregory Gerratana Campaign To Hold Fund Raiser, Wednesday, September 26
A reception in honor of Gregory J. Gerratana, candidate for city council in Ward 1, will be held Wednesday, September 26, 2007, 5-7 p.m.at Great Taste Chinese Restaurant, 597 Main Street, New Britain. The suggested donation is $75 Program advertising is available.

GOTV Supper For Democratic Slate Thursday (9/27) at Italian Fraternal Society

There will be a GOTV Supper for the Democratic slate on Thursday, September 27th, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Italian Fraternal Society, 131 Monroe Street. Cost is $20 per person; table sponsors $100. Call 827-9469 to make a reservation. An NBDTC event.

Wyskiewicz For Mayor Saturday Meetings

The Wyskiewicz For Mayor Committee holds weekly meetings on Saturdays at 9 a.m. at the Pulaski Democratic Club, 89 Grove Street. For more information www.jim4mayor.com






Tuesday, September 11, 2007

12 September 2007

Roy Centeno and Lori Rocha Gain Nominations For Ward 5 Council Seats

From The Hartford Courant, 9:03 PM EDT, September 11,
2007

"Rolando "Roy" Centeno and Lori Rocha, a common council member,
won the Democratic primary for two Ward 5 seats Tuesday, earning them slots on
the Nov. 6 ballot. Unofficially, Rocha received 349 votes. Centeno, a retired
police officer and political newcomer received 328 votes. John Carroll,
the only Democratic incumbent not to receive his party's endorsement, received
245 votes."


Rocha and Centeno thanked supporters at a post-primary party held at Zabbara's at Stanley Golf Course. "This has been an experience which I will never forget and one which has allowed me to learn and grow," said Centeno, a district leader on the Democratic Town Committee. "I will continue to work hard to make our city better."

Rick Guinness has the story in the New Britain Herald at http://www.newbritainherald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18807263&BRD=1641&PAG=461&dept_id=10109&rfi=6

Residents Opposing Tilcon Watershed Deal To Meet Wednesday, September 12th;

Wyskiewicz Hits Stewart's "Double Dealing" on issue


West End residents opposed to Tilcon Inc.'s plan to use watershed land in New Britain and Plainville have organized a meeting Wednesday, September 12th, at 6:30 p.m, at the Quartette Club, Wooster Street, Mayoral nominee and Ald. Jim Wyskiewicz is calling on the Stewart administration to heed a petition signed by 350 residents that expresses concerns about the plan that would involve expanded mining operations on the New Britain-Plainville border.

Mayor Stewart's contradictory statements on the land deal and failure to share information with the public in a timely fashion have prompted State Senator Don DeFronzo and State Rep. Tim O'Brien to call for repeal of special legislation approved in June that would have allowed the city to approve the deal in exchange for $15 million over 40 years. Blaming legislators, Stewart told residents in August that he would consider scuttling the deal if they brought him a petition. He subsequently moved back to his original position when he asked lawmakers to provide an exemption to environmental laws. New Britain lawmakers supported the 11th hour bill but inserted environmental safeguards into the approved bill.

Said Wyskiewicz: "For too long our town has been held hostage and our opportunities compromised by special interests and private dealings. I advocate truly representative government where citizens themselves are incorporated at every stage of the legislative process. In this instance, our government failed its citizens. Sadly, the current absence of leadership has caused a loss of accountability to the people we serve."

"In no active stage of the decision making process were the residents of Hickory Hill or citizens of New Britain at large consulted. Further, the legislation itself was hastily constructed and advocated by the current administration, leaving little time for review, dissent, or environmental analyses," said Wyskiewicz. His statement asserted that "Mayor Tim Stewart has received campaign donations from the principles of the corporation this deal advantages. Jim Wyskiewicz, alternatively seeks to advantage the citizens of the community and feels their interest should remain our only priority."

Local and state officials are reportedly in talks to resolve the issue in a manner that addresses environmental and public disclosure concerns that have arisen since Stewart's statements in early August.


Iraq Is Topic Of Cong. Murphy's Forum at Slade School, Thursday, September 13

U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy will hold a second New Britain forum on Iraq policy on Thursday at the Slade Middle School, New Britain, at 7 p.m. as Congress considers ways to change Bush administration's course in the Mideast.

On Monday, Murphy who traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan in the spring with other lawmakers, issued a statement on testimony given by General Petraeus that sought to buy more time for the Bush policy:

Said Murphy: "General Petraeus attempted to put a positive spin on a failed policy. While the General highlighted some notable military successes, other credible reports underscore the lack of real progress we have made in Iraq. The Government Accountability Office’s report released last week shows the Iraqis have failed to achieve fifteen of eighteen benchmarks. General Jones’ report states that the Iraqis are far from being able to take over for their own security. And the daily news reports out of Iraq paint a grim picture. Our Armed Forces, stretched and deployed nearly to the breaking point, have done their duty bravely and courageously, but the ends to which they have been directed – the political stability of Iraq - are increasingly beyond their control. This surge isn’t working and General Petreaus effectively admitted this today. This summer has been the bloodiest yet so far for U.S. troops in Iraq, with 264 soldiers killed. There is indisputable proof that this strategy has not accomplished the basic goal laid out by the President in January – giving the Iraqis breathing room to achieve political consensus. To grant this Administration an extension of this failed policy would not only put our soldiers at greater risk, it would put this country as a whole in a more perilous position. I hope that today marks a new era in our national debate on Iraq. The President must face the facts; achieving military success will not lead to Iraqi political success." http://chrismurphy.house.gov/

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

5 September 2007

Primary Day For Ward 5 Council Seats Is Tuesday, September 11

Vote Will Mark First Use of New Ballots



The Democratic Primary for Ward 5 seats on the New Britain City Council will take place at three polling places on Tuesday, September 11th. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m at Gaffney School, 322 Slater Road (District 4), DiLoreto School, 732 Slater Road (District 15) and Holmes School, Nye Road (District 14).



The Council district includes 3,388 registered Democrats who will be eligible to vote in next Tuesday's primary. Endorsed Democrats Roy Centeno and Ald. Lori Rocha (Row A) face incumbent John Carroll in the primary that will mark the city's first use of optically scanned voting cards that are being introduced statewide this year.


Centeno and Rocha received the endorsement of the Democratic Town Committee at its July 24th meeting. "Roy Centeno and Lori Rocha represent a good team on the City Council for Ward 5 residents," said Democratic Town Chair John McNamara. "They will proactively represent residents on neighborhood issues. Residents are going to need strong and independent voices on the council from that area, particularly as the Mayor's office seeks development of Pinnacle Heights."



On The Campaign Calendar



Tuesday, September 11: Primary Day in Council District 5. Polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Gaffney, DiLoreto and Holmes Schools.



Wednesday, September 12: Registrar of Voters holds lottery to determine order on election ballot of names of candidates for multi-seat offices (e.g. City Council)


Thursday, September 13: U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy (D-5) will hold a second New Britain discussion on Iraq at the Slade Middle School at 7 p.m.

Friday, September 14: State Rep. Elizabeth A. “Betty” Boukus and longtime former Democratic State Central Committee member Rosemary Morante will be honored by local Democrats at the party’s inaugural recognition reception slated for Friday, Sept. 14, 7 to 9:30 p.m., at the Whiting House, 65 Whiting St. Contact Plainville DTC Chair Jason Rupaka; (860) 793-8832.



Sunday, September 16: A Campaign Reception for Ward 3 Ald. Shirley Black will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the home of Gerri Brown-Springer, 15 Brookside Road, New Britain. The suggested donation is $25 payable to the Friends of Shirley Black, 301 Tremont Street, New Britain, CT 06051 Information is available at 826-8244.

Thursday, September 20: Wine & Cheese reception for Ward 3 Ald. Silvia Cruz at the home of former BOE member Deidre Ierardi, 130 Hazelmere Road, New Britain from 7 to 9 p.m. The suggested donation is $25 payable to Silvia Cruz for Council, 269 Washington Street, New Britain, CT 06051.

Thursday, September 27: Democratic Town Committee GOTV (Get Out The Vote) Pasta Supper, 6-8 p.m. at the Italian Fraternal Society, 131 Monroe Street. Tickets $20 pp; Table sponsors $100. New Britain Democratic Town Committee, Post Office Box 2112, New Britain, CT 06050.

Community Events

Saturday, September 8: New Britain's Irish Social Club, Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), will hold the 2007 Family Picnic from noon to 5 p.m. at the Quartette Club, Wooster Street, New Britain. $12 pp, $20 Family. SLAINTE!

Saturday, September 15: New Britain Ukrainian Festival at Polanka-Falcon Field, Farmington Avenue, noon-10 p.m. sponsored by St. Josephat Ukrainian Catholic Church. Concert, dance and Ukrainiian Kitchen. Tickets at gate $5.

Saturday, September 22: New Britain Branch NAACP annual Freedom Dinner. 6 p.m. VIP Social Hour; 7 p.m. dinner at CCSU Student Ballroom, Ella Grasso Boulevard, New Britain. $60 pp includes membership; $100 VIP Social/membership; $30 for youth 21 and under. Guest Speaker: Dennis Hightower, former President of Disney Motion Pictures and Television. Information (860) 827-8322, 518-3347, 517-9891 or write: NAACP, P.O. Box 323, New Britain, CT 06050.

End Quote

"When anybody you elect tries to end the war, Bush blocks all intentions with a veto or threats of a veto that prevent it. And his Supreme Court is ready to validate whatever he does, this court with its five Catholic justices, and a chief who falls on his face a couple of times that we know of. Our politicians despair that there can be no way to override Bush and save our young and everybody of any age in Iraq. Of course there is. By all the energy and dignified disgust of a nation that needs it to keep any semblance of greatness, there is an extraordinary need for an impeachment of this president and his vice president. You start an impeachment with an investigator who starts to develop a case. That's what got Nixon out. He had the most expensive, elaborate defense in the world, and when they were pressed his assistants folded and Nixon quit. I wonder whether Bush and his people can do any better when pressed." -- Jimmy Breslin, columnist and author, Newsday, 8/26/2007







Friday, August 24, 2007

25 August 2007

New Britain’s Dozyinki Tradition Continues Saturday and Sunday at Falcon Field

Dozyinki 2007 – the centuries-old Polish tradition of celebrating a bountiful harvest -- is being held this weekend at Falcon Field on Farmington Avenue in New Britain. The two-day event begins on Saturday, August 25th, with a procession and an 11:00 a.m. Field Mass. Leaders of the Polish American Council will preside at the opening ceremony to be held at noon. Dozyinki, one of the oldest and best known of the city's cultural and ethnic celebrations features music, dance and food from the “excellent Polish Kitchen”.

The event runs through 9:30 p.m. Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, August 26th. Parking is $2 per vehicle.


Making Schools Better: Hartford Superintendent's High School Plan Is Instructional For New Britain

In his earliest days as Hartford School Superintendent, Steven J. Adamoski was critical of the $100+ million investment that had been made in Hartford Public High School which kept the facility a big-box, comprehensive high school with too many students in one place.

One of the nation's oldest secondary schools, Hartford Public has faced years of accreditation issues and troubling measures of student performance that the physical overhaul and capital investment did not improve.

Adamoski, a former superintendent of Cincinnati, OH schools, was brought to Hartford by Mayor Eddie Perez and the Board of Education for change and reform in the capital city's troubled 25,000 pupil school system. His task is to implement a "turnaround plan." Several days ahead of the 2007-2008 school year the details of an "all-choice" plan for Hartford have emerged. According to the Hartford plan the district "will undertake a dramatic investment in the creation of new schools with the goal of bringing over 30 new, high-performing public schools into the Hartford system by 2017, with the majority of new schools up and running in the first five years."

Dismal student achievement scores have prompted a call by Adamowski for decentralization of its big high schools A story by Bob Frahm in the August 24th Hartford Courant focuses on the effort to be made over the next several years "to break the high schools up into smaller units."

"We have to redesign our [large] comprehensive high schools. We can't have these high schools continue to operate" in their current form, Adamowski told the Courant.

Like Hartford Public High, New Britain High is facing accreditation issues discussed by school board members, school officials and the public at an August 14th community meeting in New Britain. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Commission on Secondary Schools report of October 2006 noted deficiencies that NBHS needs to address: "The current plant at New Britain High School is not capable of adequately housing its rapidly increasing student body." The Commission noted that the Board of Education is taking steps starting with a 9th grade academy (to open this year). But the Commission also noted that "support for student learning is inadequate" with a student to counselor ratio of 330 to 1 and two library media specialists to serve 3,200 students.

Those ratios demonstrate that NBHS is still too much of a comprehensive high school that needs smaller units of students to deliver a better learning environment -- the sort of thing Adamowski is now trying to create in Hartford.

The New Britain Democratic Town Committee's platform calls for similar action: "The opening of a freshman academy is a positive first step toward a multi-faceted strategy of ce-centralizing education and creating learning communities." Despite the inequities that are built into the current means of financing the schools, a bold plan for high-performing schools similar to that being proposed in Hartford is needed in New Britain.


Dodd Presidential Campaign Comes To Portland, CT For Sunday 8/26 Fundraiser
State Democratic leaders and elected officials are hosting a "garden luncheon" for U.S. Senator Chris Dodd in support of his campaign for President on Sunday, August 26th at Saint Clements Castle, 1931 Portland-Cobalt Road in Portland. A $250 per person host reception will be held from noon to 1 p.m. A $100 per person general reception will be held from 1-3 p.m. at the banquet facility and grounds on the Connecticut River. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Kate Urbank at (203) 569-4942 or kurbank@chrisdodd.com. www.chrisdodd.com/aug26ct


A Gathering of Friends For Jim Wyskiewicz For Mayor August 28th

Colleagues and friends of Democratic Mayoral candidates Jim Wyskiewicz will hold an after work reception on Tuesday, August 28th from 6-8 p.m. at AD's Pizza, 377 South Center Street in Windsor Locks. The Wyskiewicz for Mayor event includes appetizers and a cash bar. Make a reservation to Jim4mayor@gmail.com .





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New Britain Democrats

New Britain, Connecticut, United States
New Britain Democrat is a digest of e-newsletters that present news, views and information from the New Britain Democratic Town Committee. John McNamara, the Town Chair, is the editor. Mailing Address: Post Office Box 2112 New Britain, CT 06050 John Valengavich, Treasurer