Former State Representative Ray Joyce, 81, died late last week at the Hospital of Central Connecticut. Joyce, who ran his own insurance agency and served on the parish council of Saint Francis of Assisi Church, was a member of the Democratic Town Committee in the 1970s leading to his election to the state House of Representatives in 1978, where he served eight terms representing the 25th district. Joyce rose to chair the energy and public utility committee. In 1994, Joyce was one of the first recipients of the Town Committee's Distinguished Service Award, an honor he shared with two other Chairs and outgoing legislators that year, State Senator Joe Harper (6) and State Rep. Gene Millerick (22).
"Ray Joyce's service to his community and political party will be fondly remembered by New Britain Democrats." said DTC Chair John McNamara, who indicated that Joyce first recruited him to run for town committee in 1986. "In the Legislature Rep. Joyce acted wisely and in accordance with his conscience. In politics he never took his constituents for granted. We extend condolences to Ray's children and all the members of his family." A veteran of the Korean War, Rep. Joyce was a 1951 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross. Pre-deceased by his wife Betty, Ray leaves five sons and 11 grandchildren.
Calling hours are today (Sunday) from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Farrell Funeral Home with a funeral scheduled for Monday morning. Memorial donations may be made to Saint Francis Church. More at www.farrellfuneralhome.com
Democrats Will Discuss Same Day Voter Registration At Thursday March 19 Town Committee Meeting
The Democratic Town Committee will hold its March meeting on Thursday, March 19th with a discussion of same-day voter registration legislation currently before the Connecticut General Assembly. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held in Room 504 of New Britain City Hall.
Same Day Registration (SDR), also called Election Day Registration (EDR), is included in House Bill 6435 and was introduced by State Rep. Andy Fleischmann of West Hartford. It is being supported by Common Cause and other public interest groups.
Proponents say an EDR law will increase voter turnout, citing data from 2008 when EDR states recorded 69% compared to a 62% average for non-EDR states. The proposal drops the current deadlines, which in CT are two weeks from election day for mail-in registrations. Some local election officials and registrars have opposed the legislation as impractical and too great a burden in conducting the election. Proponents counter that those issues have been overcome in EDR states leading to a higher percentage of citizen participation.
In other business, the DTC will continue to re-nominate Justices of the Peace who missed the January deadline and will review the endorsement process for municipal candidates. The public is invited to attend
Common Cause Says Investigate Trail Of Abuses In Bush Years
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) recently opened the debate on whether the actions of the Bush Administration in the name of fighting terrorism warrant a truth commission or similar inquiry. Common Cause, the national government reform organization has taken up the cause. To support the inquiry and for more information go to http://www.commoncause.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=5030301
Around Town
Monday April 16: Saint Patrick's Day Eve Party Monday. Rep. Tim O'Brien (D-24) is holding his first "Saint Patrick's Day Eve" party on Monday, March 16th, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Italian Fraternal Society, 131 Monroe Street, New Britain. For more information call 225-1575.
Tuesday March 17 - The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), better known as the New Britain Irish Social Club, will hold its annual, award-winning corned beef and cabbage dinner on St. Patrick's Day from 4 to 8 p.m. Admission is $10. children 10 and under are free. The event will be held at the Assyrian Hall, 40 South Street. The celebration will continue at the club downstairs with live music. Invited guests include Barack O'Bama.
Thursday March 19 - The March meeting of the New Britain Democratic Town Committee will be held at New Britain City Hall. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
Sunday March 22 - A breakfast fundraiser for the New Britain TRIAD Senior Prom will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at the NB Senior Center on Pearl Street. The Irish-themed event features a menu of sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns, orange juice and coffee. There will be Irish music, a bake sale and contests for kids. Cost is $5 per adult; $4 for seniors and children under four years old are free
End Quote
“My father was a minister of the church, and I have learned again what I was taught by him — that wealth must help more than the wealthy, good fortune must serve more than the fortunate.”
Great Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown in his address to the the U. S. Congress
Save The Dates: Town Committee Meeting and Municipal Election Schedule
(All meetings on Thursdays unless otherwise noted)
April 30, May 21, June 18.
July: The Committee is required to meet between July 21 and July 28 for city office endorsements
August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17
Primary Day: September 15 (if necessary) Election Day: November 3
New Britain Democrat e-letter: John McNamara, Chair and Editor
Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050
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