10 October 2009

O’Brien Unveils Property Tax Relief Initiative

Democratic Mayoral candidate Tim O'Brien has announced Friday his plan to address high and rising property taxes in New Britain -- responding to tax hikes that have hit "the overwhelming majority of taxpayers under the current City Hall."

“I believe that New Britain needs a Mayor who fights strongly for reform to lower unfair property tax burdens,” said O'Brien.

Rep. O'Brien (D-24), known as the toughest fighter in the state legislature for property tax reform, announced his three point plan:
• Enacting local senior property tax relief to increase relief provided under the current state-funded relief program and to extend relief to seniors whose incomes are modest but exceed current limits under the state program.
• Extend property tax relief to all homeowners by requiring owners of blighted buildings in the city to pay their fair share through a strong anti-blight assessment ordinance.
• Strongly advocacy for state property tax reform.

“It breaks my heart to see many senior citizens struggle to pay their bills and stay in their homes because of property tax unfairness,” said O'Brien. “Senior property tax relief is just the right thing to do.” O'Brien added, “And it is unfair to homeowners who work hard to keep up their properties that they are paying more in taxes, while the owners of blighted buildings get the benefit of lower assessments exactly because they don't keep up their properties. That is unfair, it is wrong and it will change when I am Mayor.”

O'Brien builds his local property tax reform plan on a strong track record in the legislature fighting for property tax reform, including winning property tax relief by expanding the state property tax credit to $500, gaining tens of millions of dollars in new state aid to New Britain that kept property taxes from rising even higher and winning approval of important property tax reform that would have provided millions of dollars tax relief to New Britain taxpayers each year (a measure that was vetoed by Republican Gov. Jodi Rell).

O'Brien added, “I have already told my colleagues in the legislature that, as Mayor of New Britain, they can expect to see me at the State Capitol fighting hard for property tax reform, state property tax relief and state support for education and other local services. I have my program for property tax relief in New Britain. I also plan to be the most active Mayor in the state advocating for reform of unfair property taxes.”

Support Tim O'Brien for Mayor at a pasta supper on Sunday October 18th from 1-4 pm at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 41 Veterans Drive, New Britain. The suggested donation is $20. Tickets and information: 223-9125. An O'Brien for New Britain 2009 event. Monica Hermanowski-Defronzo Treasurer. Approved by Tim O'Brien

Roy Centeno seeks new term in Ward 5; Fundraiser Sunday, October 11

The Centeno for City Council Committee will hold a wine and cheese fundraiser for Ward 5 Councilor Roy Centeno on Sunday, October 11, from 2:30 to 5 pm at the Centenos' 289 Slater Road home. There is a suggested donation of $25 in support of Centeno who is seeking a second term on the Council representing residents who vote at Gaffney, DiLoreto and Holmes schools in the city's northwest area.

Centeno, a retired police officer and detective and product of the Connecticut Police Academy, has been active in the community in mentoring youth for the New Britain Youth Bureau and ASPIRA. He was court liaison for Central CT State University and formerly served as a city Health Commissioner. Centeno is running on the Democratic slate in Ward 5 with Carlo Carlozzi, Jr.

Mike Trueworthy Seeks Re-election at large; Tuesday, October 13, Fundraiser

The Trueworthy for Common Council Committee will hold a fundraiser for Council at large and majority leader Mike Trueworthy's re-election on Tuesday, October 13, from 6-8 p.m. at the home of Gerri Brown-Springer, 15 Brookside Road.

Trueworthy, a member of the Common Council since 2003 and former Chair of the Board of Assessment Appeal, said he is committed to continue work on the financial well being of the city and improving policies on blight and neighborhood reinvestment, senior tax relief and upgrades to public facilities. Trueworthy resides on Monroe Street with his wife Elena and two daughters, Nadia and Abigail.

Ward 3's Silvia Cruz seeks new term; Thursday, Oct. 15 fundraiser planned

Supporters of Ward 3 Councilor Silvia Cruz will gather on Thursday, October 15, from 6-8 p.m. at the home of DTC member Vicky Ramos, 98 Willow Street, for a fundraiser for the Cruz campaign in voting districts 5,7 and 8.

In seeking re-election to a fourth two-year term, Cruz cited her work on the Council: "I am proud to have been a part of many actions that the Council has taken. We as a Council voted to create the Building Commission, adopted a resolution for zoning the North Street areas as one for business and supported the environmental clean up of the Willow Street Park and its rehabilitation as a part for residents."

"I want to continue to serve the people of ward 3 so I can help to continue to revitalize neighborhoods and be their voice at the city level."

Gourmet Pizza Party for Row B Democrats Monday October 19th

A gourmet pizza party will be held at the Roma Restaurant on Allen Street on Monday, Oct. 19th from 6-8 p.m. at the Roma Restaurant on Allen Street. The suggested donation is $20. Placemat ads are available. An NBDTC event.

League, Herald Sponsor Municipal Debate October 20 at City Hall

The League of Women Voters New Britain Area and the New Britain Herald are sponsoring municipal debates in New Britain and Berlin. The Berlin debate will include the candidates for Town Council and will be held on Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Berlin Peck Memorial Library. The New Britain Debate will be held in the Common Council Chambers in New Britain City Hall on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. The candidates for Alderman will debate first and the candidates for Mayor will follow the alderman. Questions for the candidates can be submitted to lwvnba@lwvct.org or in writing at the debates.

End Quote:

Mayor Stewart On Slumlords “They’re businessmen….”

"We don't call people names who are building owners in New Britain, at least I don't. They're businessmen, too," Stewart replied. "And they provide a roof for people. It may not be in the best condition, but it's still a home."
Hartford Courant, October 8, 2009



New Britain Democratic Town Committee
PO Box 2112, New Britain,CT 06053
John Valengavish, Treasurer
Approved by John McNamara

4 October 2009

Firefighter Events for Muscular Dystrophy Association Sunday, Oct.4

The New Britain Firefighters Union. Local 992, is again stepping up in a big way to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) with two fund-raising event today (Sunday, October 4). A “poker run” bike ride will be held in the morning starting at 10 a.m.that will be followed by a traditional pasta supper from 4 to 8 p.m. at the VFW Hall on Veterans Drive. The donation to the supper is $10 with all proceeds benefiting the MDA.

New Britain Democrats are urged to come out and support the annual charitable event.


The Democratic Slate In Ward One

Carlos Pina,Jr. will focus on quality education, increasing economic development; fundraiser set for Thursday, October 8th.

Carlos Pina, Jr. running for the common council in Ward One, is emphasizing a commitment to improve public schools and safety for youth in his first bid for elective office. Pina, with a career at the Connecticut Department of Children and Families behind him, has more than 18 years’ experience coaching sports that includes a stint as an assistant for NBHS football.


“One of the key issues I intend to focus on is quality education for all, which includes proper funding and improving academic performance and test scores,” said Pina. He also emphasized that public safety for youth is a priority and that he will push for strong blight control and increased economic development activities by the city.

A graduate of Meriden’s Platt High School, Pina is married to Janice Delgado-Pina and the father of four daughters, Alyssa, Celinez, Gabriella and Jordyn.

“I care and believe in the future of New Britain. I chose to move here and raise my family where my wife is a lifelong resident. Our eldest Alyssa, graduated from NBHS and we will soon have another daughter graduate in 2010. My goals and focus are that all children of New Britain have the same positive experience as my daughters did.”

Pina describes himself as a life long Democrat who believes “that the city of New Britain has a great deal of resources to offer our students to be life long learners. Through my career experience working with children and families with DCF and 18 years of coaching sports, I’m optimistic about our future here in New Britain.”

The Pina for Alderman 2009 committee will hold a fund-raising event on Thursday, October 8, at 5:30 p.m. at Carlos Pina's home, 66 South Mountain Drive. For information call 827-0898 or e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com


Marie Lausch cites public safety, improving schools and keeping good jobs as priorities; fund-raising event set for Friday, October 9th.

Marie Lausch, Democratic candidate for Common Council in Ward One, is one of six new Democratic candidates seeking seats on the City Council this year.


Lausch, making her first bid for public office, identified three key issues that will be her focus if elected: public safety, improving public education and keeping good jobs in New Britain. “I would like to give back to citizens of New Britain what this city has given me,” said Lausch in seeking the Democratic nomination, “a solid education, a decent job, and a safe community in which to live. I have an innate sense of fairness, am a good team player, and am not afraid to speak up, especially to right injustices.”

Lausch, the mother of three grown children, several stepchildren, 14 grandchildren and “one spoiled Golden Retriever”, is sharing her story with voters on the campaign trail: ‘I am a true child of New Britain; my parents Ed & Freda Barks met at Stanley Tools and built a good life for my brother and me. I was born and educated in the Hardware City, and have always had pride in her. For the past 40 years, I have been a tireless fighter for human rights, and an advocate for American workers. I have volunteered at New Britain schools and community events. Through my union work, I have attended workers’ forums and convergences in Japan, Mexico, and many parts of the United States, and am an accomplished leader and speaker. “

A graduate of New Britain High School, Marie resides on Colt Street and has been a 911 dispatcher for the city for 17 years.

The Lausch for Common Council Committee will hold a fund-raising event on Friday, October 9th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pulaski Democratic Club, 89 Grove Street. More information contact 223-9125 or e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

From The Chair:
Mayor Stewart Misleads On Pay, Budget Numbers


A symbolic gesture by Republican Aldermen to return 5% or $175 of their $3,000 annual stipends in the face of rising property taxes drew a favorable reaction last week from Mayor Timothy Stewart who said they have “put their money where their mouth is.”

The same standard of returning something to the city treasury in austere economic times, however, will not apply to the Mayor and his office budget.

Stewart charged that I was making “disreputable” claims for saying that the mayor’s position was “hypocritical” for applauding the council members in putting “:their money where their mouth is” when Stewart has accepted $7,000 in pay increases over the last two year and continued to see increases in the Mayor’s overall office budget.

Stewart claimed “I haven’t had a raise and I’m not asking for one” and termed “misinformation” anyone saying he has.

His assertion of no raises is contradicted by the municipal budget which shows that in each of the last two fiscal years the Mayor’s salary has increased in a compensation agreement worked out two years ago by Stewart and the Common Council. The legitimacy of the pay raise is not at issue here. It is the mayor’s dissembling about whether he got one amid the calls for saving money be they symbolic or substantial. Based on the 2007 resolution adjusting salaries of full-time elected officials including the mayor, tax collector, registrar of voters and town clerk, the Mayor’s salary went from $83,461 in 2007 to $86,414 in 2008 and $87,971in 2009.

Where’s the hypocrisy?

In the run up to the adoption of this year’s budget Stewart hinted at layoffs and proposed across the board cuts for everyone. In the end he failed to include his own office in the “shared sacrifices” that motivated the GOP members, mindful of the November 3rd election, to give $175 back when so many residents are absorbing property tax and water fee increases.




Five Ways To Help Tim O'Brien and the Democratic slate. Vote Row B November 3rd. Your time and support are needed now.

- Make calls, enourage your neighbors to vote Election Day, November 3rd
= Drop literature in the neighborhoods/sign up new voters
- Send cards to family, friends and neighbors
- Get an O’Brien for Mayor lawn sign
- Make a financial contribution



NBDTC Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050
New Britain Democrat e-letters and updates
may be found at http://newbritaindemocrat.blogspot.com
Labor donated and paid for by. New Britain Democratic Town Committee.
John Valengavich Treasurer. Approved by John McNamara