15 March 2009

In Memoriam: Ray Joyce, Eight-Term Rep From the 25th

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

NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter, contact newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com
and write "Cancel" in the subject box. THANK YOU

8 March 2009

2008 Republican State Senate Campaign Fined By SEEC

The campaign of 2008 Republican State Senate Nominee Tom Bozek has been cited for violating state campaign finance laws on proper attribution of solicitations, reporting expenses and accepting a contribution from a member of a lobbyist's household. The State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) rendered those judgments in February and imposed three individual fines totalling $1,500.00 on candidate Tom Bozek, committee treasurer Gary Zeil and Thomas Evanko, who is related to a state registered lobbyist. The commission found insufficient evidence on a fourth complaint that alleged the Bozek campaign used unattributed e-mail solicitations to raise qualifying funds.

On the question of unattributed solicitations, the Commission agreed that a violation occurred "for failing to include the property attribution on the mailing." It further said there was a failure to report a campaign expenditure from personal funds for mailings in October 2008 and that soliciting and obtaining a contribution ($25.00) from the spouse of a lobbyist constituted an "illegal practice."

Bozek, a Democrat turned Republican nominee, qualified for public campaign financing last year by raising $15,000 in private contributions. State Senate candidates were eligible to receive $85,000 in public financing under the "Clean Elections" law that forbids lobbyist and state contractor contributions. The new law requires a candidate to raise a minimum number of contributions from his or her own district and community.

Bozek lost handily to State Senator Donald DeFronzo last November in a re-match of a 2002 contest. In 2002, Bozek, the incumbent state senator at the time, lost the Democratic nomination to DeFronzo. He then switched parties but not his party affiliation to accept the Republican nomination.

Bozek became the Republican nominee again in 2008 when a Berlin Republican withdrew his candidacy and the New Britain Republican Town Committee chose Bozek to run.

The complaints against the Bozek campaign and upheld by the SEEC were filed by Democratic Town Chairman John McNamara. "The new campaign finance law and citizen's elections program worked very well across the state last year including New Britain," said McNamara. "I feel it's important that everyone involved in the process follow the rules in a system that keeps the undue influence of money out of the politics in state races. "

See related story at http://nbpoliticus.blogspot.com/2008/09/back-to-future-divisive-bozek-gets-gop.html

COMPTROLLER WYMAN SAYS DEFICIT GROWING; CALLS FOR DECISIVE ACTION

State Comptroller Nancy Wyman continues to report sliding state revenue numbers for the balance of this fiscal year, estimating last week that the deficit has grown to $1.2 billion. Her estimate comes on the even of state Democrats proposing alternatives to Gov. Rell's budget proposal, which has been criticized for being out of balance for the fiscal year that will begin July 1. Many observers are predicting a protracted debate between lawmakers and the Governor on what combination of service cuts, employee concessions and tax increases will be proposed to fund what Rell has called the state's "core" services.

"As the final quarter of the fiscal year approaches, the decline in these major tax categories is accelerating," Wyman said. "Decisive action to reduce this historic shortfall must be taken quickly to avoid completely draining our $1.4 billion Rainy Day Fund," said Wyman. "The income tax was expected to bring in $7.6 billion this year, but will likely fall at least $900 million short of that target due to the decline of the financial markets and the loss of about 29,000 jobs in Connecticut. The state will also pay out about $140 million more in tax refunds than was anticipated.

"Collections of the sales tax are expected to decrease by about $352 million from original estimates, and the corporation tax is down by about $183 million. Wyman's estimate, which includes close to $650 million in deficit-mitigation steps approved by the General Assembly, is about $295 million higher than that of the Governor's budget office. The current projected deficit of $1.2 billion is based on a 2009 budget of $18.4 billion.

This Week

UNICO'S Pasta Dinner For Scholarships Wednesday 5 to 7 pm at VFW

The local chapter of UNICO, the Italian American service organization, will hold a pasta dinner is on Wednesday March 11th from 5 pm to 7 pm at the VFW Hall on Veterans Drive in New Britain. Tickets are $10.00 and may be purchased at the door. Proceeds will benefit the UNICO scholarship funds.

New Britain Common Council Meeting Wednesday, March 11

The Common Council will meet Wednesday, March 11, in Council Chambers at New Britain City Hall. Public participation starts at 7:00pm. The Common Council meeting immediately follows public participation. Town committee members and interested citizens are urged to attend. More information www.new-britain.net

This Month

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. The event is part of the great volunteer organizing work of Police Officer Carol Jezut in making the annual TRIAD Senior Prom possible. That event will be Thursday evening, April 16th at New Britain High School.

END QUOTE

"The true American faith endures in “Our Town.” The key word in its title is the collective “our,” just as “united” is the resonant note hit by the new president when saying the full name of the country. The notion that Americans must all rise and fall together is the ideal we still yearn to reclaim, and that a majority voted for in November. But how we get there from this economic graveyard is a challenge rapidly rivaling the one that faced Wilder’s audience in that dark late winter of 1938."


New York Times Columnist Frank Rick, March 8, 2009 opinion

Town Committee Meets On March 19 At City Hall

The Democratic Town Committee will meet on Thursday, March 19th, at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street, at 7 p.m. in room 504. The Committee will continue its re-nominations of Justices of the Peace for individuals who were not sworn in at the start of the term in January. Also on the agenda will be voter registration issues. A guest speaker will be announced. The public is invited to attend.

Federal Stimulus: Focus on Children, Families At March 10 Forum

The Connecticut Commission on Children will host a discussion on the federal stimulus' impact on children and families on March 10th from 9 to 11:30 am at the Legislative Office Building's room 2B in Hartford. "The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 gives Connecticut an opportunity to help families address some of the challenges created by the recession, said State Rep. David McCluskey (D-West Hartford). "There will be grants to compete for, incentives for state and local agencies to work together, and—above all—a need for policymakers to find new and cost-effective ways to address the changing needs of the family." A panel of experts from around the country will discuss how the stimulus package may affect Connecticut families in the areas of poverty reduction, health care, early child care, education, and job creation.

More On Federal Stimulus:

DeFronzo Represents State Senate on Economic Recovery Working Group.

State Senator Donald J. DeFronzo (D-New Britain) will play a pivotal role in use of federal stimulus funds for "shovel ready" projects in Connecticut with his appointment to thte "Recovery Working Group" by Senate President Donald Williams.

DeFronzo joins "a broad-based working group of municipal officials, business leaders, state agency heads and other lawmakers organized by Governor M. Jodi Rell to determine the final, prioritized list of “shovel-ready” projects to be funded through the state’s share of the $787 billion federal economic stimulus package," according to a statement last month.

“This working group has an extremely important and intensive task ahead of it, and I’m honored to accept this appointment and contribute to the panel,” said Senator DeFronzo, who chairs the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee. “Connecticut is slated to receive about $3 billion in stimulus funding, much of which will be directed toward transportation and infrastructure improvement. We have a great opportunity with this infusion of federal dollars to create jobs and invest in our state, if we make wise decisions." Williams cited DeFronzo's "grasp of the state's financial systems and his knowledge of the state of the state's infrastructure needs" in making the appointment. DeFronzo is Senate chair of the Legislature's Transportation Committee. Prior to being elected Mayor from 1989 to 1993, he was an officials in the Office of Policy and Management (OPM).

Connecticut is expected to be in line for about $3 billion in federal stimulus funds. According to the Governor's office more than $10 billion in individual projects from local governments and community based organizations have been submitted for consideration. New Britain's list, released by the Mayor's office after a citizen request was made at a February Council meeting, includes $36 million in infrastructure and physical improvements.

The Courant's Rick Green posted a helpful story and links on the "shovel ready" lists for Connecticut in his blog last month at

http://blogs.courant.com/rick_green/2009/02/stimulus-frenzy-in-shovelready.html

Municipal Endorsements: Committee Work To Begin In April

The Town Committee's five-member nominations committee will begin reviewing candidate information and developing a party platform in April in the run up to July endorsements for all municipal offices. The Democrats' slate will include Mayor, Town and City Clerk, Tax Collector, Treasurer, Common Council (10 District, 5 At large), Board of Education (3), Board of Assessment Appeal (2) and Constable (4). Candidate information forms are available upon request to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

Voter Update: A February Blues Drop From 2008 High
New Britain voter rolls totaled 33,258 at the end of February with some fall off recorded from 2008 highs of the Presidential Election. The Registrar's office reported 17,873 Democrats (53.8%), 3,625 Republicans (10.8%), 11,581 Unaffiliateds (34.8%) and 179 in minor parties (.7%). The Democratic Town Committee will be organizing voter registration activities during the spring to keep voter enrollment as high as possible for the municipal election.

Around Town This Month (So Far)

Friday March 6 - Accordianist Michael Platosz, son of Ward Two Alderman Adam Platosz, will appear today at 8 p.m. The Amber social Club, 90 John Street, at 8 p.m. Congratulations Mike.

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.

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. The event is part of the great volunteer organizing work of Police Officer Carol Jezut in making the annual TRIAD Senior Prom possible. That event will be Thursday evening, April 16th at New Britain High School.

Save The Dates: Town Committee Meeting and Municipal Election Schedule
(All meetings on Thursdays unless otherwise noted)

March 19, 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
New Britain Democrat e-letters and updates may be found at
http://newbritaindemocrat.blogspot.com

NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter, contact newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com
and write "Cancel" in the subject box. THANK YOU

22 February 2009

Ethics Flap Prompts Billy Mac To Resign; Salvio's Complaint Called A "Fishing Expedition"

A comment from http://nbpoliticus.blogspot.com

The resignation of former Mayor William McNamara from the city ethics commission adds another partisan twist to the sorry state of affairs on a board charged with keeping municipal officials honest. 

The Courant and Herald covered McNamara's move this past week.

Billy Mac, a supporter of the incumbent Mayor and the emcee at Stewart's inaugurals, derided a decision by the Common Council not to accept a ruling against Ald. Paul Catanzaro for participating in a Council discussion related to work at the Parks and Recreation Department. Republican Ald. Lou Salvio, a prolific filer of official complaints against Democrats, brought the original charge. On the first go around the ethics commission threw out the allegation. But it got a second life as the Herald's James Craven reports:

A quorum of the commission dismissed the complaint 2-1, but on Dec. 22, commissioner Jill Kemp, a Republican, made a motion to reconsider the dismissal. During a Jan. 21 meeting, the commission heard testimony and added two letters to its investigation. After reviewing the material, Republican commissioners William Dworski, Jill Kemp and Carmelo Rodriguez, along with Democrats Kemp and McNamara, voted unanimously that Catanzaro be reprimanded for two violations.

The reconsideration has brought charges from Democrats that Salvio openly violated the ethics rules himself by disclosing information that is supposed to remain under wraps as part of the ethics process. And then there is the matter of Billy Mac himself. Members of the ethics commission, while they can contribute to political candidates, may not endorse or campaign for a candidate. By all accounts, former Mayor McNamara has been a public supporter of Stewart during his re-election bids.  READ MORE at http://nbpoliticus.blogspot.com

Town Committee Creates Nominating Committee For Municipal Offices

A five-member nominating committee was created by the Democratic Town Committee at its February 19th to review candidacies and issues for the November 3rd municipal election.  The Town Committee will endorse a slate of candidates in July, including mayor, tax collector, treasurer, 15 for common council seats, two for board of assessment appeals and four constables for two-year terms. The Town and City Clerk and three Board of Education seats will be endorsed for four-year terms.

All candidates will be asked to complete a questionnaire as part of the endorsement process, according to Town Chair John McNamara. The candidate form and additional information are available with inquiries to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com. The nominating committee will provide a report on issues and candidate recommendations for a vote by all members at the endorsement meeting in the summer. Serving on the committee are Carlo Carlozzi, Francisco Cuin, Frank Gerratana Rosemary Klotz and Emma Pierce.

Common Council Meets This Week: February 25

The Common Council will hold its second meeting of the month Wednesday in Council Chambers at New Britain City Hall. Public participation starts at 7:00pm. The Common Council meeting immediately follows public participation. Town committee members and interested citizens are urged to attend.

Save The Dates: Town Committee Meeting and Municipal Election Schedule
(All meetings on Thursdays unless otherwise noted)

March 19, 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

16 February 2009

DEMOCRATS WILL DISCUSS IMPACT OF FEDERAL STIMULUS, PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS ON NEW BRITAIN AT THURSDAY 2/19 MEETING

The impact of federal stimulus funds and the Governor's state budget proposal will be discussed at the February meeting of the New Britain Democratic Town Committee. The meeting will be held Thursday, February 19th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Pulaski Democratic Club, 89 Grove Street.

Democratic Town Chair John McNamara said New Britain legislators and city elected officials will be invited to address the town committee meeting on challenges facing state and city government amid a severe and growing recession. According to recent press reports, New Britain's share of state aid to cities and towns will drop by more than two percent in the Governor's budget. The city's grand list fell in 2008 -- a development that will place a greater burden on city taxpayers.

"Democrats will be looking for the best use of the federal stimulus for New Britain and alternatives to the Governor's budget proposal that shortchanges New Britain," said McNamara.

The $18.8 billion budget proposed by Governor Rell has drawn praise for holding the line on state aid to education, but may be as much as $3 billion out of balance according to the legislature's nonpartisan budget office. In remarks to the Hartford Courant, State Rep. John Geragosian (D-25), the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, said: "It punts to the legislature the politically hard work. It is a partial effort, but it is not a serious effort."

State Rep. Tim O'Brien (D-24) noted positive parts of Rell's budget but expressed disappointment in the bottom line: " A freeze in the Education Cost Sharing Grant funding is better than a cut, but I am deeply concerned that Gov. Rell's budget would result in higher property taxes and less local services - such as larger class sizes for kids in our local schools. It is not a complete budget, either, leaving a state deficit of $2.7 billion over two years. I do not know why it is that the Governor would submit a budget so far out of balance. I will say that the Governor's job creation program, bringing back the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps is a good idea. It is an idea that I have been talking about as a good way to help people in these tough times with what they want - jobs. But the fact that it is so far out of balance and leaves many, many important needs unmet makes this budget proposal very problematic. I had hoped for better and I am disappointed."

In other business, the Town Committee will consider forming a nominations committee for candidates for the November 2nd municipal election and will continue to fill Justices of the Peace vacancies. The meeting is open to the public.

In Memoriam:

Jim Carey Jr., 86, a former Mayor of New Britain and longtime member of the New Britain Democratic Town Committee, died February 4th. Mayor Carey was an Army veteran having served in the 102nd army infantry division in Europe. He received two Purple Hearts including his service during the Battle the Bulge. An educator, Mayor Carey was proud to play a part in bringing the Head Start program to New Britain. He also worked in the labor movement as a director of public relations for the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 4.

New Britain Democrats extend sympathy to Mayor Carey's wife, Maxine, and all the members of the Carey family. The family requests that memorial donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 1755 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06053 or the Hospital of Central Connecticut Dialysis Unit, New Britain Campus 100 Grand St. New Britain (http://www.thocc.org/giving/givingonline.aspx).

Irving Stolberg, 72, a former Speaker of the CT House of Representatives, died February 13th in New Haven after a lengthy illness. Rep. Stolberg rose up in New Haven politics with U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman and the Caucus of CT Democrats in the late 60s and early 70s. Stolberg broke with Lieberman in 2006 over the Iraq war and foreign policy and endorsed Ned Lamont.

Former Rep. Stolberg, a progressive Democrat who led the General Assembly in the 1980s, became a strong advocate for peace and social justice throughout the world following his legislative career. His work with the United Nations Association and the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad led him to many countries as an advisor on democracy and in promoting educational and cultural exchanges with other countries. Memorial services are planned in New Haven and Hartford and will be announced.

2 February 2009

Justices of the Peace Re-Nominated; Monday Feb. 9th Deadline For Swearing In

Incumbent Justices of the Peace who missed a January 5th deadline were re-nominated for the 2009-2013 term at the January 29th Democratic Town Committee meeting. The nominees, endorsed last May for the November election, may visit the Town & City Clerk's office through Monday, February 9th, to be sworn in for the new term. The Town Committee continues to welcome requests from Democrats who wish to fill available vacancies for Justice of the Peace. Interested persons are asked to contact the Town Chairman and provide information on their volunteer service and involvement in the community. The DTC requests that prospective nominees show they are donating a minimum of two hours per month to a civic, school or charitable cause. Request in writing to: Town Chair, New Britain Democratic Town Committee, Post Office Box 2112, New Britain, CT 06050. By e-mail visit: www.newbritaindemocrat.net Click the contact button to make the request.

Obama Calls For Local "Economic Recovery" House Parties This Weekend

As pressure builds for passage of economic recovery and reinvestment legislation in the U.S. Senate President Obama is calling for "Economic Recovery" informational parties across the nation this weekend that will include a video on the financial crisis produced by the Democratic National Committee.

"It's not enough for this bill to simply pass Congress. Americans need to know how it will affect their lives -- they need to know that help is on the way and that this administration is investing in economic growth and stability, said Obama in an e-mail to his base of supporters. "Governor Tim Kaine has agreed to record a video outlining the recovery plan and answering questions about what it means for your community. You can submit your questions online and then invite your friends, family, and neighbors to watch the video with you at an Economic Recovery House Meeting. You can help restore confidence in our economy by making sure your friends, family, and neighbors understand how the recovery plan will impact your community.

Sign up to host or attend an Economic Recovery House Meeting and submit your question for the video now:

http://my.barackobama.com/recovery

Meanwhile, the Connecticut Citizen Action Group (CCAG) is urging residents to contact Senators Dodd and Lieberman in support of the stimulus plan that will need to be reconciled with a House version that passed last week with not a single Republican vote. Senator Dodd's office can be reached at (800) 334-5341 and Senator Lieberman's office at (800) 225-5605.

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

Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050
New Britain Democrat e-letters and updates may be found at
http://newbritaindemocrat.blogspot.com

NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter, contact newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com and write "Cancel" in the subject box.
THANK YOU.

1 February 2009

The Republican State Central Committee, hit hard by losses in state House races last year, left Hartford for New Britain's A.H. Harris Building in December in office space that is "twice as big as our current digs and provides us with some exciting new opportunities," according to a GOP blog. The opportunities, say the Republicans, involve a facility big enough for in-house training classes "so that our candidates can improve their communication skills, learn about web-based tools...and engage in discussions on key policy questions with the smartest people we can find."

In Scott Whipple's recent Herald story on the Republicans' move, State Chair Chris Healy explained:

“New Britain is really the heart of the state..Not just geographically. It’s emblematic of the kind of hard-working, family-oriented, community-involved city where we want to be.....The city has its own notable Republicans: Mayor [Tim] Stewart, Nancy Johnson and Tom Meskill. We didn’t need to be in the capital city, yet we wanted to stay in metro Hartford.”

Nonetheless New Britain seems an unlikely place for the state GOP to locate an office. There are 18,072 Democrats here compared to about 3,699 Republicans -- part of the surge that favored Democrats everywhere in 2008. When unaffiliateds (11,749) are counted, Republicans account for little more than 11 percent of the electorate. Republicans would counter that they hold the Mayor’s office with incumbent Tim Stewart, who rode into office when residents were hit with 40% revaluation hikes a few years ago. Stewart certainly didn't get elected because he is a Republican; residents in a divided government mood voted the incumbent out for ignoring assessment hikes in a property tax system that state Republicans, by and large, want to maintain. Two years ago, however, Stewart’s expected coattails didn’t materialize as the GOP lost ground on the Common Council. His state party’s presence is also a double-edged sword for the Mayor. The only party affiliation you’ll find on his lawn signs is "Democrat" (as in “Democrats for Stewart”). The same could be said for former Congresswoman and New Britain resident Nancy Johnson who finally lost in 2006 when her Republican antics and actions in Washington finally outpaced her moderate, bi-partisan tone back home, complete with the "Democrats for Johnson" lawn signs all over town in her recent elections.

The often acerbic and confrontational Healy appears to be borrowing a page from the national strategy of former Democratic National Chair Howard Dean whose 50-state strategy is credited with turning red states to blue in the Presidential and congressional races last year. He says his party's candidates need to get support from all parts of the state, not just Fairfield County where even the last of the GOP members of Congress in New England, Chris Shays, lost last year.

Healy's challenges, however, run much deeper than finding and training candidates to run for office. In the Herald story, he unwittingly lets us in on the problem with the Republican brand:

“I’m not worried. We have plenty of talented people who want to run. We’ve got Republican mayors in Danbury, Middletown and New Britain with ability and passion. Democrats will always have people who want to make a career out of politics. A lot of Republicans come from the real world; they’re not interested in government.”

They're not interested in government. That statement provides as good an explanation as any of the mounting foreign and domestic troubles of the country with Republicans in charge of the White House and Congress over these last eight years. You might say Bush and the Republicans "weren't interest in government working effectively," leading to the train wrecks left to the Obama administration to solve now.

And in New Britain, Healy couldn't be thinking of his Mayor, Tim Stewart, with his lifelong career in government in the Fire Department. Nor his local party chair, Paul Carver, who left the private sector years ago to take a Rowland patronage appointment to the DPUC. Actions speak louder than words, and phony arguments that always tear down the public sector can't help our current difficulties when public and private solutions are needed for the recovery. Whatever happened to that well-known Republican Abraham Lincoln who famously said the role of government is "to do for the people what they can't do for themselves."

Healy's mantra and that of many of his Republican brethren remains that the individual is more important than the community; that private interest and gain should always trump the public interest even in these dire economic times. Witness the incredible display of selfishness by Republican House members last week in Washington: not one GOPer voted for a federal stimulus and reinvestment package that would reach down and provide some measure of relief to local governments, schools and the unemployed. Better to fork over more tax breaks to the wealthy and continue Wall Street welfare; promise that all of the government largesse will eventually trickle down to the rest of us living in Hooverville.

The acerbic Healy knows that that message will never sell in New Britain. He must know that a conservative Republicanism serving the interests of corporate giants over Main Street and small business is morally and politically bankrupt. The only thing left to do is to keep tearing down Democrats without offering much in the way of solutions or programs in return. In his new New Britain digs, Healy joins kindred spirits with the likes of Mayor Stewart, Ald. Lou Salvio and Chairman Paul Carver who could write a book on petty politics. Instead of reaching out to govern on a bipartisan basis between elections, their tactics frequently involve personal attacks, using official complaint processes for partisan ends and losing one Freedom of Information case after another to keep public information from Democrats and everyone else.

Let the battle for the hearts and votes of New Britain voters begin in 2009. Meanwhile, New Britain Democrats welcome the state Republican office to New Britain. And kudos to State Party Chair Chris Healy for demonstrating that New Britain is not a bad place to re-locate a business or a group seeking to rebound from a disaster.

By John McNamara

Photo Credit: http://forwardliberally.wordpress.com/2008/11/21/more-from-the-republican-civil-wars/

A New State Central Committeeman For Sixth District: Welcome Kevin Murphy

New Britain Democrats congratulate Kevin Murphy of Berlin as the newest member of the Democratic State Central Committee representing Berlin, New Britain and a part of Farmington.

Delegates to the 2006 state convention convened on January 15th at Berlin's Italian Independent Political Club to unanimously elect Murphy. Murphy, a member of the Berlin Town Committee, replaces Ned Statchen who recently relocated to Unionville. He will work alongside State Central Committeewoman Emma Pierce of New Britain, the state party treasurer.

Federal Economic Stimulus: Education

The U.S. House adopted a comprehensive stimulus package last week to stave off growing unemployment lines and a bad economy from getting worse. The package -- addressing infrastructure, health, employment, local government and education needs with a price tag of more than $800 billion -- did not receive one Republican vote in the House of Representatives. The legislation now needs to be reconciled with a Senate version to be considered this week.

Here's a look at what the House Democrats adopted for education

Education for the 21st Century: To enable more children to learn in 21st century classrooms, labs, and libraries to help our kids compete with any worker in the world, this package provides:
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$41 billion to local school districts through Title I ($13 billion), IDEA ($13 billion), a new School Modernization and Repair Program ($14 billion), and the Education Technology program ($1 billion).
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$79 billion in state fiscal relief to prevent cutbacks to key services, including $39 billion to local school districts and public colleges and universities distributed through existing state and federal formulas, $15 billion to states as bonus grants as a reward for meeting key performance measures, and $25 billion to states for other high priority needs such as public safety and other critical services, which may include education.
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$15.6 billion to increase the Pell grant by $500.
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$6 billion for higher education modernization.

You can access the complete bill (H.R. 1) at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:h.r.00001:

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

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