The City Council will hold a budget hearing for the fiscal year that begins July 1 on Monday, May 17th, at 6 p.m. at New Britain High School about 20 days before the 2011 fiscal plan for municipal government needs to be adopted. This budget cycle arrives with flat funding from state aid, a tax hike proposal from the Mayor's office and the threat of "hundreds" of layoffs in the public schools.
The following article on the municipal budget appeared in part in a recent edition of the Hardware City Journal. This is the full text of the article.
By John McNamara
Don’t Cut Front-Line Jobs
The full weight of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression is falling on the city’s budget makers in shaping a fiscal plan for the year that begins July 1st. Few cities or towns in Connecticut and the nation are exempt. And with Connecticut’s over reliance on property taxes the fiscal crisis falls most heavily on cities such as New Britain.
If there is one item across all city departments and divisions that should not be cut it is jobs – specifically: the frontline jobs that are integral to government functioning effectively. In times like these layoff proposals are inevitable because personnel represents such a huge junk of expenditures.
Maintaining direct service positions, however, should be the priority for the Mayor, the Common Council, department heads and labor unions as all parties look at tough options, including an increase in the mill rate. Maintaining frontline staff is all the harder because state aid won’t grow by much, and not enough federal stimulus dollars have been appropriated to bring local governments through the recession.
Eliminating municipal jobs, including the patrolman on the street, the on-duty fire fighter and the teacher in the classroom, certainly represents the easiest path to save the millions of dollars that will be necessary to hold the line on regressive taxes. But there is a direct correlation between layoffs of direct-service personnel and the reduction of essential services – a prospect that city residents will find untenable and an outcome that will prove more costly to the city over the long term. Cutting teachers means crowded classrooms. Cutting public safety personnel can lead to longer response times in an emergency. Pink slipping inspectors or depriving the city law office of sufficient legal counsel could even mean less revenue because of insufficient enforcement of what is due the city.
It is to be expected that the Mayor and Common Council will implement standard austerity measures for this year: hiring and spending freezes, consolidated purchasing between City Hall and the School District, eliminating the non-essential wherever possible -- ultimately raising the mill rate as the last resort as the Mayor has proposed.
All of these efforts, however, will not be enough to preserve services, avoid lay offs and minimize a tax hike. To implement a no-layoff budget the city and unions will have to strike deals through good-faith bargaining. Temporary furloughs are one option. State employees are in the middle of giving up seven pay days over two years along with other other short-term concessions that turned into job savers.
Municipal employees may be willing to step up, but only if management steps up first for the shared sacrifices that will be needed in fiscal year 2011 to preserve jobs and deliver city services.
There’s no guarantee that it’ll work completely, but setting the goal of a no-layoff municipal budget will serve the city and its residents best.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
6 May 2010
Rep. O'Brien Kicks Off Campaign With Friday, May 7th Fund Raiser
State Representative Tim O'Brien, who represents the 24th Assembly District that includes parts of New Britain and Newington, will kick off his re-election campaign at a Friday, May 7th fund raiser, at the Italian Fraternal Society, 131 Monroe Street. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Rep. O'Brien is participating in the Citizens Election Program and individuals donations will be accepted from $5 to $100 in accordance with campaign finance law. To connect with Rep. O'Brien's campaign and online community visit www.timobrien.org
Kevin Murphy and Emma Pierce Re-Elected To State Central Committee
Democrats from Berlin, Farmington and New Britain met at New Britain City Hall on May 4th and re-elected state central committee members from the 6th Senatorial District. Berlin's Kevin Murphy was elected to a first full term having filled the vacancy left by the relocation of Ned Statchen last year. New Britain's Emma Pierce, the state Democratic Party Treasurer, won her re-election.
The Democratic State Central Committee is a 72-member committee comprised of an equal number of men and women from the state's 36 State Senatorial Districts. State Convention delegates elect members every two years. For more information: www.ctdems.org
In photo from left Berlin delegate Art Powers, Kevin Murphy, Emma Pierce and New Britain Chairman John McNamara at the state central election (photo courtesy of Frank Gerratana)
Let the Conventions Begin
A series of conventions to nominate candidates for state and congressional offices will begin on Monday May 10th when Democrats in Connecticut will hold endorsing conventions for five incumbent Congresspersons.
In the 5th Congressional District, Democrats will meet at Crosby High School in Waterbury where U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy is expected to gain the nod for a third term. A challenger will be nominated at the state convention on May 21-22 by the "Party of No" aka the Republicans at the Connecticut Convention Center.
A Judge of Probate Convention for the district that covers Berlin and New Britain will be held Tuesday May 11th at Crystal Ballroom in New Britain. Judge of Probate Walter Clebowicz is seeking re-election to a four-year term.
Democrats will hold the state convention for Governor, US Senate and the state constitutional offices on Friday May 21 and Saturday May 22 at Hartford's Expo Center. The conventions will wrap up for New Britain Democrats with the State Senate Convention on Monday, May 24th and for the 22nd and 24th conventions on Tuesday, May 25th. The Democratic Town Committee also plans to hold endorsements for state rep districts within city boundaries -- the 25th and 26th -- on Tuesday, May 25th. Whether or not you are a delegate all Democrats are welcome to attend the conventions. For information e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com
Rell Urged To Sign Energy Reform Bill for Lower Electric Rates
Proponents of electric rate reform, including Connecticut's American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the Connecticut Citizens' Action Group, want you to ask Governor Rell to sign the Nardell-Fonfara bill (SB 493) named "An Act Reducing Electricity Costs and Promoting Renewable Energy". The bill stems from the negative effects of deregulation and sharp spikes in utility bills in recent years.
Supporters say the legislation will reduce electric rates by 15% and provide discount electric and gas rates for seniors and low-income households. It’s urgent that the Governor hears from you now.
Consumer and ratepayer relief provisions in the bill include measures reforming the procurement of electricity that sets a goal of reducing rates by 15%. Streamlining the procurement process will lower rates for all consumers, including those who buy electricity from a competitive, retail supplier. For low-income households, the bill establishes a discount electric rate funded through existing low-income programs. The legislation also protects consumers, who buy electricity from a retail electric supplier, from unscrupulous, aggressive marketing practices.
"Connecticut ratepayers, including seniors on fixed incomes, are tired of paying the highest rates in the continental United States while the gap between Connecticut’s rates and the next highest rates continues to grow," said AARP's John Erlinghauser, "S.B. 493 preserves consumer choice and ensures that the State take concrete steps to lower electricity costs across the board for all Connecticut ratepayers."
To contact Governor Rell's office in the Greater Hartford Area: 860-566-4840 or
e-mail: Governor.Rell@ct.gov
Terry Gerratana is guest speaker at League of Women Voters' Annual Meeting, May 24th
Terry Gerratana, a former state representative and state elections enforcement commissioner, will be the guest speaker at the 2010 annual meeting of the Berlin-New Britain League of Women Voters (LWV). The meeting will be held on Monday May 24th at Central Connecticut State University's Memorial Hall, Connecticut Room.
The event begins at 5:30 followed by a catered dinner of chicken francaise or vegetable lasagna (6 pm), speaker (7 pm and the annual meeting (8 pm). Reservations are payable in advance to Marjola and Leonard Nelson, 407 Steele Street, New Britain, CT 06052. $25 per person. Parking at CCSU will be available at the Vance Garage accessible via Manafort Drive; walk around Vance Building and use side door to enter Memorial Hall. The Connecticut Room is in the back of the building.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
24 April 2010
Senator DeFronzo's "Best of New Britain" Kick Off Is Sunday, 4/25, 1-4 p.m.
The re-election campaign of State Senator Don DeFronzo, representing Berlin, New Britain and a part of Farmington, will be held tomorrow, Sunday April 25th, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Generale Ameglio Hall, 13 Beaver Street.
The "Best of New Britain" DeFronzo for State Senate event will include ethnic food, ice cream and music as Senator DeFronzo, a former two-term Mayor elected to the Senate in 2002, seeks a fifth two-year term in the 6th Senatorial District.
There is a minimum contribution of $5.00 per adult and children under 12 are free. Maximum allowable individual contribution is $100. Tickets are available by contacting newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com. DeFronzo, as are all New Britain legislators, is participating in the Citizens Election Program. A DeFronzo for State Senate event. Suzanne Bielinski, Treasurer.
New Britain Supports State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier at Thursday, 4/29 dinner
New Britain friends and supporters of State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier will hold an April 29th spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the re-election of the trailblazing Nappier who was first elected to state office in 1998. The dinner will be from 5;30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pride of Connecticut Lodge of Elks I.B.P.O.E., 24 Elm Street in downtown New Britain.Hosting the dinner will be State Central Committeewoman Emma Pierce, Ward 3 Alderwoman Shirley Black, Gail Crockett and Darlene Clark, among others.
Individuals are asked to support Nappier with qualifying contributions of between $5 and $100 in accordance with campaign finance laws. Contribution information will be available at the door or by e-mailing newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com. A Nappier for State Treasurer 2010 event, Bruno W. Mazzulla, Treasurer.
Town Committee Meets Thursday, 4/29, Ahead Of May Endorsing Conventions
The Democratic Town Committee will hold its April meeting on Thursday, April 29th, at 7:30 p.m. (following the Nappier for Treasurer spaghetti supper) at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street, Room 504.
On the agenda will be an update on the 2010 election including May endorsing conventions, the selection of district leaders, several sub-committees and plans for a summer Democratic picnic. Justice of the Peace vacancies will also be filled.
All Democrats and interested citizens are welcome to attend the meeting. For more information contact newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com
Looking Ahead...
O'Brien Sets Kick Off Event: The campaign for the re-election of State Rep. Tim O'Brien of the 24th District will hold a kick-off fund-raising event on Friday, May 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Italian Fraternal Society, 131 Monroe Street.
May's Convention Schedule
Congressional Convention (U.S. House) – May 10th
Judge of Probate - May 11
State Convention - May 21-22
State Senate Convention – May 24
State House of Representatives Conventions (Multi-Town Districts) – May 25th
If you are a delegate convention information will be sent to you by the Democratic State Central Committee.
End Quote:
"The difference between Democrats and Republicans has always been measured in courage and confidence. The Republicans believe that the wagon train will not make it to the frontier unless some of the old, some of the young, some of the weak are left behind by the side of the trail...We Democrats believe that we can make it all the way with the whole family intact...." former NY Governor Mario Cuomo, 1984.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
3 April 2010
From The Chairman: GOP Trash Talk Needs To End at Budget Time
Last November Mayor Tim Stewart began a new term with a call for a more cooperative approach between his office and the Democratic-controlled Common Council – an “end to political warfare.” But Stewart betrayed that bipartisan pledge almost immediately with negative remarks directed at the Council leadership, saying Majority Leader Phil Sherwood was a person he would neither break bread with nor talk to in conducting the city’s business. Stewart, though subsequently issuing a mea culpa, referred to Sherwood as a “carpet bagger” and a “hack” after the election was over.
The anti-Council, anti-Sherwood rhetoric has continued as Council members, overturning a mayoral veto in December, had their integrity and characters questioned en masse by grandstanding GOP surrogates of the mayor at Council meetings over the re-appointment of William Candelori to the Mattabassett District.
More recently Team Stewart has filed an elections complaint against Sherwood’s 2009 campaign, citing several bookkeeping errors, but falsely and frivolously accusing Sherwood of making an improper personal contribution to his own campaign. By contrast, Democrats have so far refrained from complaints against Republicans who may have made numerous violations in their 2009 campaigns for not adhering to disclaimer rules for candidate committees. It’s been a GOP pattern to use the official complaint process to go after opponents in a partisan fashion first and worry about the merits of their complaints last.
In March, the drumbeat continued as the mayor was reluctant and some council members condemned Sherwood for his resolution to post new budget proposals on the city website for public review. You’d think Sherwood would get a pass or even a nod for asking that important public documents be posted. Incredibly, a few councilors argued that posting budget proposals would tend to “confuse” voters. In the effort to demean Sherwood, these overly partisan critics managed to insult residents who have a right to know what the budget numbers are, proposed or otherwise. As Sherwood observed, more transparency allows more public input before final decisions are made.
Those who truly want more civility at City Hall need to push for an end to the GOP trash talk and sniping that has occurred with regularity in the current term. April 15th is not only tax day, but the date Stewart presents a 2010-2011 proposed budget to the Common Council. It would be a propitious time for the "civility" that was pledged months ago to begin. The upcoming budget process is going to be difficult enough. Attacking individuals from a co-equal branch of government with personal animus is no way to run a city.
JJB Dinner Features U.S. Sen. Mark Warner on April 12th
The state Democratic Party's 62nd annual Jefferson Jackson Bailey Dinner will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford on Monday April 12th with cocktails at 6 and dinner at 7 p.m. This year's William O'Neill Award Recipient is Ellen Camh, Stamford's Town Chair and National Committeewoman. Va.Senator Mark Warner will be the keynote speaker. Reservations due April 6th. Information www.ctdems.org. Phone 860-560-1775.
Candidate Updates
March Madness Finale with AG Candidate George Jepsen Monday, April 5th
Local supporters of former State Party Chair George Jepsen, a candidate exploring a run for Attorney General, will hold a fund-raising party on Monday, April 5th, at 8 p.m. at the Roma Restaurant, Allen Street, New Britain, on the occasion of the NCAA Championship game. There is a suggested donation of $20 to Jepsen 2010 committee. Information available by calling 860-573-5051.
DeFronzo Kick-Off Is Sunday April 25th
The re-election campaign of State Senator Don DeFronzo (D-6) will kick off on Sunday April 25th, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Generale Ameglio Hall, 13 Beaver Street
The "Best of New Britain" DeFronzo for State Senate event will include ethnic food, ice cream and music as Senator DeFronzo seeks a fifth two-year term representing New Britain, Berlin and a portion of Farmington in the state Senate.
There is a minimum contribution of $5.00 per adult and children under 12 are free. Tickets are available by contacting newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com
Treasurer Nappier Committee to Hold New Britain Spaghetti Dinner April 29th
State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier's re-election campaign will hold a spaghetti supper in New Britain on Thursday, April 29th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pride of Connecticut Lodge of Elks, 24 Elm Street in downtown New Britain. The suggested donation range is from $5 to $100. Information and tickets email: newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com
Rep. O'Brien To Kick Off Re-Election Campaign May 7th
The O'Brien for State Representative Committee will hold a kick-off fund-raising event on Friday, May 7th from 6-8 p.m. at the Italian Fraternal Society, 131 Monroe Street. Donations will be welcome from $5 to $100 for the campaign of the 24th Assembly District lawmaker whose district encompasses parts of New Britain and Newington. To join O'Brien's online community visit http://timobrien.groupsite.com/group/OBrien4StateRep
End Quote: Obama's message on Easter and Passover
www.whitehouse.gov
Last November Mayor Tim Stewart began a new term with a call for a more cooperative approach between his office and the Democratic-controlled Common Council – an “end to political warfare.” But Stewart betrayed that bipartisan pledge almost immediately with negative remarks directed at the Council leadership, saying Majority Leader Phil Sherwood was a person he would neither break bread with nor talk to in conducting the city’s business. Stewart, though subsequently issuing a mea culpa, referred to Sherwood as a “carpet bagger” and a “hack” after the election was over.
The anti-Council, anti-Sherwood rhetoric has continued as Council members, overturning a mayoral veto in December, had their integrity and characters questioned en masse by grandstanding GOP surrogates of the mayor at Council meetings over the re-appointment of William Candelori to the Mattabassett District.
More recently Team Stewart has filed an elections complaint against Sherwood’s 2009 campaign, citing several bookkeeping errors, but falsely and frivolously accusing Sherwood of making an improper personal contribution to his own campaign. By contrast, Democrats have so far refrained from complaints against Republicans who may have made numerous violations in their 2009 campaigns for not adhering to disclaimer rules for candidate committees. It’s been a GOP pattern to use the official complaint process to go after opponents in a partisan fashion first and worry about the merits of their complaints last.
In March, the drumbeat continued as the mayor was reluctant and some council members condemned Sherwood for his resolution to post new budget proposals on the city website for public review. You’d think Sherwood would get a pass or even a nod for asking that important public documents be posted. Incredibly, a few councilors argued that posting budget proposals would tend to “confuse” voters. In the effort to demean Sherwood, these overly partisan critics managed to insult residents who have a right to know what the budget numbers are, proposed or otherwise. As Sherwood observed, more transparency allows more public input before final decisions are made.
Those who truly want more civility at City Hall need to push for an end to the GOP trash talk and sniping that has occurred with regularity in the current term. April 15th is not only tax day, but the date Stewart presents a 2010-2011 proposed budget to the Common Council. It would be a propitious time for the "civility" that was pledged months ago to begin. The upcoming budget process is going to be difficult enough. Attacking individuals from a co-equal branch of government with personal animus is no way to run a city.
JJB Dinner Features U.S. Sen. Mark Warner on April 12th
The state Democratic Party's 62nd annual Jefferson Jackson Bailey Dinner will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford on Monday April 12th with cocktails at 6 and dinner at 7 p.m. This year's William O'Neill Award Recipient is Ellen Camh, Stamford's Town Chair and National Committeewoman. Va.Senator Mark Warner will be the keynote speaker. Reservations due April 6th. Information www.ctdems.org. Phone 860-560-1775.
Candidate Updates
March Madness Finale with AG Candidate George Jepsen Monday, April 5th
Local supporters of former State Party Chair George Jepsen, a candidate exploring a run for Attorney General, will hold a fund-raising party on Monday, April 5th, at 8 p.m. at the Roma Restaurant, Allen Street, New Britain, on the occasion of the NCAA Championship game. There is a suggested donation of $20 to Jepsen 2010 committee. Information available by calling 860-573-5051.
DeFronzo Kick-Off Is Sunday April 25th
The re-election campaign of State Senator Don DeFronzo (D-6) will kick off on Sunday April 25th, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Generale Ameglio Hall, 13 Beaver Street
The "Best of New Britain" DeFronzo for State Senate event will include ethnic food, ice cream and music as Senator DeFronzo seeks a fifth two-year term representing New Britain, Berlin and a portion of Farmington in the state Senate.
There is a minimum contribution of $5.00 per adult and children under 12 are free. Tickets are available by contacting newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com
Treasurer Nappier Committee to Hold New Britain Spaghetti Dinner April 29th
State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier's re-election campaign will hold a spaghetti supper in New Britain on Thursday, April 29th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pride of Connecticut Lodge of Elks, 24 Elm Street in downtown New Britain. The suggested donation range is from $5 to $100. Information and tickets email: newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com
Rep. O'Brien To Kick Off Re-Election Campaign May 7th
The O'Brien for State Representative Committee will hold a kick-off fund-raising event on Friday, May 7th from 6-8 p.m. at the Italian Fraternal Society, 131 Monroe Street. Donations will be welcome from $5 to $100 for the campaign of the 24th Assembly District lawmaker whose district encompasses parts of New Britain and Newington. To join O'Brien's online community visit http://timobrien.groupsite.com/group/OBrien4StateRep
End Quote: Obama's message on Easter and Passover
One such war-time service was held on the black sands of Iwo Jima more than sixty years ago. There, in the wake of some of the fiercest fighting of World War II, a chaplain rose to deliver an Easter sermon, consecrating the memory, he said “of American dead – Catholic, Protestant, Jew. Together,” he said, “they huddled in foxholes or crouched in the bloody sands…Together they practiced virtue, patriotism, love of country, love of you and of me.” The chaplain continued, “The heritage they have left us, the vision of a new world, [was] made possible by the common bond that united them…their only hope that this unity will endure.”
Their only hope that this unity will endure.
On this weekend, as Easter begins and Passover comes to a close, let us remain ever mindful of the unity of purpose, the common bond, the love of you and of me, for which they sacrificed all they had; and for which so many others have sacrificed so much. And let us make its pursuit – and fulfillment – our highest aspiration, as individuals and as a nation. Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all those celebrating, here in America, and around the world
www.whitehouse.gov
Friday, March 26, 2010
NB Dems Praise Murphy On Health Care Vote; Push for Public Option
The New Britain Democratic Town adopted a resolution at its delegate selection meeting this week praising Rep. Chris Murphy (D-5) for his affirmative vote on health care reform last Sunday and calling upon the Connecticut delegation to continue a push for a public option on health insurance:
To: Cong Murphy and the CT delegation
New Britain Democratic Town Committee Public Option Resolution
WHEREAS, the health care system of the United States is in crisis, and too many CT citizens are denied access to adequate and affordable health care while the costs of private coverage continue to rise. This results in inadequate access to care, rampant preventable illness, and premature death. Further; this scourge, which is responsible for 62 percent of personal bankruptcies and has greatly exacerbated the financial crisis, has led our nation to the edge of an economic abyss; and
WHEREAS, New Britain Democrats commend President Obama, Cong. Murphy and the Democratic Caucus for laying the foundation for universal health care with passage of the health reform act on March 21, 2010.
WHEREAS, public polls show that an overwhelming majority of Americans want health care reform to offer the choice of a robust public option similar to the Tricare system that is offered to our soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. In the words of President Obama, “keep the insurance companies honest,” while co-ops or so-called “triggers” are ill equipped measures intended to pacify the progressive movement. They are wholly insufficient, and will not adequately address the health care crisis. They will not create significant competition, and will deepen the already cavernous pockets of the medical insurance industry; and
WHEREAS, health insurance lobbyists, and their Republican allies have organized and funded groups of extremists to disrupt efforts on the part of the Democratic majority and administration to reasonably discuss the issue with the American people. They have served as obstructionists, and are unwilling to compromise in any way to pass meaningful health care reform;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the New Britain Democratic Town Committee, urge Cong. Murphy and the CT delegation to continue to work for healthcare reform that contains a robust public option, and encourages Cong. Murphy to use any available parliamentary means to serve the American people’s interest;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we shall send a copy of this resolution to all Democratic members of Congress who represent our state.
March 25, 2010
New Britain Democratic Town Committee www.newbritaindemocrat.net
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
25 March 2010 Delegate Meeting Today
DTC Resolution Thanks Murphy for Health Care Reform (HCR); Calls for Public Option
The Democratic Town Committee is expected to consider a resolution on Health Care Reform at its meeting this week thanking U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy for supporting the newly enacted federal legislation as a “first step” toward a public option and universal health care.
The resolution will be taken up on Thursday, March 25th at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall as city Democrats endorse slates of delegates to attend conventions in May.
The resolution will commend Rep. Murphy and his Democratic colleagues for voting for the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” signed into law Tuesday by President Obama. It will urge lawmakers to use the new law as “a first step toward a robust public option that will bring competition to the health insurance marketplace, further contain costs and pave the way for health care for all.”
Delegate Meeting
In endorsing slates, New Britain Democrats will send 35 delegates to the May 21-22 state convention where candidates for Governor, U.S. Senate and all the state constitutional offices will be endorsed. Slates will also form to attend conventions for Cong. Murphy of the 5th Congressional District, the Judge of Probate now held by Walter Clebowicz, the 6th State Senate District represented by Don DeFronzo and three state representative districts, the 22nd represented by Betty Boukus and the 24th represented by Tim O’Brien.
May's Convention Schedule
Congressional Convention (U.S. House) – May 10th
Judge of Probate - May 11
State Convention - May 21-22
State Senate Convention – May 24
State House of Representatives Conventions (Multi-Town Districts) – May 25th
On The Calendar Next Week
Candidates
Chris Murphy
Monday March 29th 5-7 pm: Chris Murphy for Congress' reception at the home of Terry and Frank Gerratana, 674 Lincoln Street, New Britain. Suggested contribution $50. All contributions will be gratefully accepted. RSVP to jessica@murphyforcongress.org
Telephone: 860-223-5532. www.murphyforcongress.org
Dan Malloy
Tuesday, March 30th 5-7 pm: Fundraising reception for Dan Malloy for Governor at Whinstone Tavern at Stanley Golf Course, 245 Hartford Road, New Britain. Suggested contributions of $100 (friend) or $50 (supporter) will be appreciated. RSVP to 203-588-1345 or kate@danmalloy.com
Neighborhoods
The North-Oak NRZ will hold its March meeting on Monday, March 29th at 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Ann Pilla, the executive director of Trinity On Main performing arts center. The meeting will he held at HRA's
The newly-formed New Britain Community Organization (NBCO), focusing on neighborhood and quality of life issues throughout the city, will hold an organizing and planning meeting on Wednesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. at The Regency Building Community Room, 55 Spring Street.
End Quote
-Michael Tomasky The Guardian March 22
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/22/health-care-vote-us-obama
The Democratic Town Committee is expected to consider a resolution on Health Care Reform at its meeting this week thanking U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy for supporting the newly enacted federal legislation as a “first step” toward a public option and universal health care.
The resolution will be taken up on Thursday, March 25th at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall as city Democrats endorse slates of delegates to attend conventions in May.
The resolution will commend Rep. Murphy and his Democratic colleagues for voting for the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” signed into law Tuesday by President Obama. It will urge lawmakers to use the new law as “a first step toward a robust public option that will bring competition to the health insurance marketplace, further contain costs and pave the way for health care for all.”
Delegate Meeting
In endorsing slates, New Britain Democrats will send 35 delegates to the May 21-22 state convention where candidates for Governor, U.S. Senate and all the state constitutional offices will be endorsed. Slates will also form to attend conventions for Cong. Murphy of the 5th Congressional District, the Judge of Probate now held by Walter Clebowicz, the 6th State Senate District represented by Don DeFronzo and three state representative districts, the 22nd represented by Betty Boukus and the 24th represented by Tim O’Brien.
May's Convention Schedule
Congressional Convention (U.S. House) – May 10th
Judge of Probate - May 11
State Convention - May 21-22
State Senate Convention – May 24
State House of Representatives Conventions (Multi-Town Districts) – May 25th
On The Calendar Next Week
Candidates
Chris Murphy
Monday March 29th 5-7 pm: Chris Murphy for Congress' reception at the home of Terry and Frank Gerratana, 674 Lincoln Street, New Britain. Suggested contribution $50. All contributions will be gratefully accepted. RSVP to jessica@murphyforcongress.org
Telephone: 860-223-5532. www.murphyforcongress.org
Dan Malloy
Tuesday, March 30th 5-7 pm: Fundraising reception for Dan Malloy for Governor at Whinstone Tavern at Stanley Golf Course, 245 Hartford Road, New Britain. Suggested contributions of $100 (friend) or $50 (supporter) will be appreciated. RSVP to 203-588-1345 or kate@danmalloy.com
Neighborhoods
The North-Oak NRZ will hold its March meeting on Monday, March 29th at 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Ann Pilla, the executive director of Trinity On Main performing arts center. The meeting will he held at HRA's
The newly-formed New Britain Community Organization (NBCO), focusing on neighborhood and quality of life issues throughout the city, will hold an organizing and planning meeting on Wednesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. at The Regency Building Community Room, 55 Spring Street.
End Quote
But here's the thing. Community hasn't succeeded very often in American politics, but when it has, it's tended to work better than advertised. Social Security and Medicare (universal coverage for senior citizens) are very popular. Once changes like these are made, well, it takes a while, but most people tend to like them. And maybe that's the real reason Republicans are so unhinged right now.
-Michael Tomasky The Guardian March 22
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/22/health-care-vote-us-obama
Saturday, March 13, 2010
13 March 2010
New Britain Democrats Karaoke Kick Off $20.10, March 23
Join New Britain Democrats for music (of their own making), singing delegates and good cheer at the kick-off reception for the 2010 Nov. 2nd election for Governor, all state constitutional offices, U.S. Senate, Congress (District 5), Judge of Probate, State Senate (District 6) and State Representatives (Districts 22,24,25,26).
The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23rd at the Pulaski Democratic Club, 89 Grove Street. A special thanks to DJ Rich Marzi for providing the music. The suggested donation is $20.10. Proceeds will benefit the NB-DTC's voter registration and Get Out The Vote activities. [Please note contributions from businesses, state contractors, communicator lobbyists and their family members are prohibited). An NBDTC event.
Town Committee Re-Elects Leaders, Welcomes 18 New Members
The Democratic Town Committee held its organizational meeting March 4th, re-electing leaders and welcoming 18 new members to the 52-member party committee.
John McNamara, a member since 1986, was re-elected to a ninth term as Town Chair. Robert Sanchez, a member of the Board of Education, was elected to a third term as Vice Chair. Officers elected include John Valengavich, Treasurer; Ray Matyszyk, Assistant Treasurer; Rosemary Klotz, Recording Secretary, ,and; Peter Spano, Corresponding Secretary.
New district members of the committee include Lidia Agramonte-Gomez, Laura Woodie, Michael Dagata, Nereida Claudio, Pernell Young, Mike Platosz, Elrick George, Emmanuel Sanchez, Stephanie Podewell, Jaclyn Falkowski, Andrzej Lesniak, Yvette Ghannam, Earl Proulx, Teresa Sapieha-Yanchak, Todd Szabo, Zulma Garcia, Peruse Khachoyan and Richard Reyes. The DTC will elect assembly district leaders and fill committee positions at the March 25th and April meetings.
The DTC welcomes associate members to serve on committees and to volunteer for campaign activities. For information interested Democrats may e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com
DTC Delegate Meeting To Be Held March 25th
The Democratic Town Committee will convene Thursday March 25th at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall to endorse slates of delegates to this year's political conventions. New Britain Democrats will send 35 delegates to the May 21-22 state convention where candidates for Governor, U.S. Senate and all the state constitutional offices will be endorsed. An August Primary looms for Governor and other offices. Slates will also be selected for Probate Judge, U.S. Congress,the 6th State Senate, the 22nd and 24th state representative districts.
May's Convention Schedule
Congressional Convention (U.S. House) – May 10th
Judge of Probate - May 11
State Convention - May 21-22
State Senate Convention – May 24
State House of Representatives Conventions (Multi-Town Districts) – May 25th
Upcoming Candidate Events in New Britain
Chris Murphy
Monday March 29th 5-7 pm: Chris Murphy for Congress' reception at the home of Terry and Frank Gerratana, 674 Lincoln Street, New Britain. Suggested contribution $50. All contributions will be gratefully accepted. RSVP to jessica@murphyforcongress.org. Telephone: 860-223-5532. www.murphyforcongress.org
Dan Malloy
Tuesday, March 30th 5-7 pm: Fundraising reception for Dan Malloy for Governor at Whinstone Tavern at Stanley Golf Course, 245 Hartford Road, New Britain. Suggested contributions of $100 (friend) or $50 (supporter) will be appreciated. RSVP to 203-588-1345 or kate@danmalloy.com
End Quote: For a Health Care Reconciliation With Public Option
The overwhelming majority of Americans want a public option. The latest New York Times poll on this issue, in December, shows that despite the attacks of recent months Americans support the public option 59% to 29%. Support includes 80% of Democrats, 59% of Independents, and even 33% of Republicans.Much of the public identifies a public option as the key component of health care reform -- and as the best thing we can do to stand up for regular people against big insurance companies. In fact, overall support for health care reform declined steadily as the public option was removed from reform legislation. Although we strongly support the important reforms made by the Senate-passed health reform package, including a strong public option would improve both its substance and the public’s perception of it. The Senate has an obligation to reform our unworkable health insurance market -- both to reduce costs and to give consumers more choices. A strong public option is the best way to deliver on both of these goals, and we urge its consideration under reconciliation rules.
U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO),Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) in a letter to Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) urging inclusion of public option for health insurance when reconciliation bill reaches Senate.
More information at http://democracyforamerica.com
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