2 March 2008

In Memory of Father Augustine Giusani

The parishioners of St. Ann’s Church on North Street are somber this Sunday and so is the City of New Britain. Fr. Augustine Giusani, the retired pastor, died on Friday, February 29th, during Lenten services.

Though officially “retired” after more than 60 years in the priesthood, Fr.Giusani was still conducting masses and tending to his congregation with daily acts of kindness and spiritual support to the end. He passed away at age 85 in the same church where he had presided over thousands of masses, baptisms, weddings and funerals for generations of church goers of mostly Italian heritage. To say that he was beloved and irreplaceable to St. Ann’s and the larger community would be an understatement.

Through the years the neighborhood around the church benefited from Fr. Giusani’s leadership on the North Oak Revitalization Zone committee, one of four grassroots citizen organizations recognized by the city. He hosted meetings of NRZ residents and city officials and was an effective community organizer who promoted improvements in a diverse and economically disadvantaged neighborhood. Through his service on the NRZ, Father Giusani took on the most vexing issues – public safety, dilapidated housing, jobs and hunger, always bringing candor and calm to the dialogue.

New Britain Democrats express sympathy to the family of Fr. Giusani and to all the parishioners of St. Ann’s; we honor the memory of a humble parish priest and good citizen.

City Council Eyes Revival of CAO Ordinance and Building Commission

Action on reviving a long-dormant city Building Commission and a Certificate of Occupancy ordinance for non-owner occupied rental housing (CAO) is expected by the New Britain Common Council in March. City Councilors expressed support for the proposals amid press reports of code violations at a 100 West Street property. Council Majority Leader Michael Trueworthy confirmed that the Council “has a desire to move forward and explore ways the city can do a better job at improving code enforcement of the cities blighted properties.”

A CAO ordinance, adopted by the Common Council in 2005, would have required that apartment buildings have mandatory inspections and that would have assured that apartments were safe, legal and habitable. When violations of the cities blight, health or building codes were to be found, fines would have been levied accordingly. The measure was vetoed by Mayor Stewart and the veto was sustain when there were not 10 votes to override the measure.

Commented Ward One Councilor Gregory Gerratana: "New Britain has serious issues with blighted properties, and it's very clear that the city is not enforcing the state law and city codes. Clearly things have to change and that time for change is now." Ward Four Councilor Phil Sherwood noted the state legislature granted municipalities greater powers to address blighted buildings in 2006 (Public Act 06-185) "It's important that the city take advantage of this anti-blight legislation." Sherwood added, "Aside from it being a major public health and safety issue, it's not in the cities interest to have an image of being soft on absentee landlords that own blighted properties. It's important that we act to hold absentee landlord abuses accountable and that's what this current council hopes to do."

DTC Chair John McNamara, a former Building Commission chairman, said a CAO ordinance is a necessary tool for the city to preserve and revitalize older housing stock. He said instituting a new building commission would help city officials to pinpoint problem streets and buildings without adding more expenses to the city budget. “Code violations need to be addressed with concentrated code enforcement by building, health and fire officials,” he stated. “The commission would ensure that problem areas are addressed comprehensively.” The City of New Britain has been without a Building Commission since passage of a new City Charter eliminated many board and commissions. The charter, however, allows the Council to institute new commissions without a further charter changes that need to be adopted by referendum.

Democratic Town Committee To Begin New Term Thursday, March 6

The Democratic Town Committee will begin a new two-year term on Thursday, March 6, at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street. The organizational meeting includes the election of officers and district leaders. The Town Committee’s March schedule also includes:.

March 19: 5th Congressional District caucus for the election of National Convention delegates. As the result of the February 5th Primary, the 5th CD will send three delegates pledged to Barack Obama and three delegates for Hillary Clinton to the national convention to be held in August in Denver, CO. The 5th Congressional District sites for the Clinton and Obama caucuses will be announced by the Democratic State Central Committee.
March 25-April 1: Window for selection of delegates to conventions. This will include the selection of delegates for Congressional, State Senate and multi-town state representative districts, 22nd and 24th.

DeFronzo For State Senate’s “Best of New Britain” Sunday, March 9

The DeFronzo for State Senate Committee invites Democrats and friends to the “Best of New Britain” kick-off on Sunday March 9th from 1-4 p.m. at Generale Ameglio Society, Joseph Bianca Ballroom, 13 Beaver Street. The event, will feature ethnic food, ice cream and family fun as State Senator Don DeFronzo, seeks re-election to a fourth two-year term from the 6th Senatorial District. The minimum contribution is $5 per individual and $100 maximum under new Citizen’s Election program. Children under 12 are free. A DeFronzo for State Senate event.

END QUOTE

“And while both of our Party's remaining candidates are extremely talented and would make excellent commanders-in-chief, I am throwing my support to the candidate who I believe will open the most eyes to our shared Democratic vision. I'm deeply proud to be the first 2008 Democratic presidential candidate to endorse Barack Obama. He is ready to be President. And I am ready to support him - to work with him and for him and help elect him our 44th President.”

Senator Chris Dodd (C-CT) announcing his endorsement of Barack Obama for President.