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.