Bysiewicz Will Speak To New Britain Democrats At Thursday, April 30th, Meeting

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, a potential Democratic candidate for Governor in 2010, will be the guest speaker at the April meeting of the Democratic Town Committee (DTC). The meeting will be held on Thursday, 4/30, at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, Room 504, 27 West Main Street. The DTC meeting will also take up activities for voter registration and communication committees in addition to Justice of the Peace appointments.

The public is welcome to attend.

Nominations Committee Accepting Candidate Forms For City Election

The Democratic Town Committee's nominations committee continues to gather information from candidates as part of the DTC's endorsements of city offices this year. 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). All Democrats interested in seeking office are asked to submit information to the committee in preparation for July endorsements. Candidate information forms are available upon request to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com. An update on the committee's work will be provided at the April 30th meeting.

The JJB: Montana Governor To Keynote Annual Democratic Dinner

The 61st annual Jefferson Jackson Bailey Dinner will be held on Monday, June 1st at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer will be the keynote speaker and CT AFL-CIO President John Olsen will receive the Gov. William A. O'Neill Award. Tickets are $175 per person. Information at www.ctdems.org or by calling 860-560-1775

Condolences for Inolfo Lopes

New Britain Democrats extend condolences to former Ward One Alderman Rick Lopes and his family on the passing of his father, Inolfo Lopes, 75, of West Hartford. A native of Portugal, Mr. Lopes immigrated to Hartford in 1962 and worked at Chandler Evans in West Hartford for 36 years. A West Hartford resident, Mr. Lopes was a member of the Hartford Portuguese Club of Newington.

Calling hours will be Sunday April 26^th from 4-7 PM at the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10AM at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 50 Kane St., Hartford, CT. Donations in Inolfo Lopes' memory may be made to: Our Lady of Fatima Community Center, 50 Kane St., Fatima Square, Hartford, CT 06106, or a charity of your choice.

Urban Oaks Farm Fundraiser May 2

Cong. Chris Murphy (D-5) and other officials will cut the ribbon on a long-awaited, renovated store at Urban Oaks Farm, 207 Oak Street, on Saturday, May 2, from 3 to 5 p.m. Supporters of Urban Oaks Organic Farm are celebrating the move into the new farm store formerly known as Pete's Garage. Mechanic Pete Sanford has relocated to another city location. The event will feature food donated by CASIAS, Chabaso Bakery, City Fare, Grants Restaurant, Rizzutto's, Scoozi and Zinc. Farm tours, music and entertainment will be part of the celebration.

Mother's Day Weekend: Support The Connecticut Breast Health Initiative At The Race In The Park

Saturday, May 9th is the annual Connecticut Race in the Park at Walnut Hill Park to benefit the CT Breast Health Initiative. The event includes a 5K run, 4K walk, 1-mile walk and Kids' challenge races. To contribute, form a team and join in support of the CTBHI call 860-827-7103 or visit www.ctraceinthepark.org.

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

Labor donated. New Britain Democratic Town Committee.
John Valengavich Treasurer. Approved by John McNamara

19 April 2009

O'Brien To Bring Red Sox and Yankee Fans Together

State Rep. Tim O'Brien's exploratory committee for Mayor seeks to bridge the impossible chasm between Red Sox and Yankee fans on Saturday, April 25th with a fund-raising party. Supporters will watch the game between the American League rivals at the Roma Restaurant, 382 Allen Street, on Saturday April 25th at 4 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $20 to the "O'Brien for New Britain Committee". For information call 225-1575.

Stewart Again Seeks To Exclude Elderly From Tax Relief Program

In his budget message earlier this month, Mayor Stewart again nixed extending tax relief for older, income-eligible homeowners -- an issue that will need to be resolved in adopting a final budget for the new fiscal year that begins in July. It appeared as part of a budget-cutting reallocation that includes calls for layoffs and a 5 percent across the board reduction to city departments. Alternatives to the Mayor's proposal along with a careful review of Stewart's revenue estimates are expected before a Common Council vote occurs in June.

Over the last four years the City Council has adopted a budget that has provided seniors with some additional tax relief beyond the current state program in paying regressive property levies. In all of those years the Stewart administration has not used the appropriated funds. Last year, for example, the Council budgeted $350,000, extending income limits for single seniors from $29,800 to $33,000; for couples from $36,500 to $39,000. "This is only for senior citizens, single elderly folks who don't make a lot of money," commented Democratic Majority Leader Mike Trueworthy when the Council adopted the measure last year. "It will help a few needy citizens."

In a recent Herald letter to the editor laced with name calling and personal attacks against Democrats, Republican Ward One Alderman Louis Salvio again re-stated Stewart's position against senior tax relief. Salvio referenced the Mayor’s hand-picked, advisory task force that found -- with information provided by the Mayor -- that such a program would be “unworkable and ill advised." Democrats believe the finding was "a smokescreen for Republicans who are quick to grant tax abatements for businesss with no guarantee of living wage jobs but oppose tax fairness for older residents." The senior tax relief program is just one of the potentially contentious items expected at public hearings and discussions by the mayor and common council as the June deadline approaches for a new municipal budget.

The work of the Mayor and Council is made more difficult at this time of year because of the uncertainty on what actual state aid amounts will be in any agreement reached between Governor Rell and the Legislature. The state faces a multi-billion dollar deficit that will require a combination of cuts, tax or revenue increases and use of federal stimulus funds.

Upcoming Events For A Cause

Sons of Italy Breakfast To Benefit Charities, Sunday, April 26th

The Sons of Italy, Angelo Tomasso Lodge will hold a charity pancake breakfast,Sunday April 26th from 8am to 12 noon at the New Britain Senior Center on Pearl Street. Tickets are only $6.00 per person and may be purchased at the door. Menu consists of: pancakes, eggs and sausage, o.j, coffee and tea. Proceeds from the event will benefit Cooley's Anemia, Alzheimer Foundation and Coaches vs. Cancer.

North/Oak Revitalization: Urban Oaks Farm Celebrates Opening of New Store May 2

Cong. Chris Murphy (D-5) and other officials will cut the ribbon on a long-awaited, renovated store at Urban Oaks Farm, 207 Oak Street, on Saturday, May 2, from 3 to 5 p.m. Supporters of Urban Oaks Organic Farm are celebrating the move into the new farm store formerly known as Pete's Garage. Mechanic Pete Sanford has relocated to another city location. The event will feature food donated by CASIAS, Chabaso Bakery, City Fare, Grants Restaurant, Rizzutto's, Scoozi and Zinc. Farm tours, music and entertainment will be part of the celebration.

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

Labor donated. New Britain Democratic Town Committee.
John Valengavich Treasurer. Approved by John McNamara

6 April 2009

Health Care Forum at Pulaski Democratic Club, April 18th

A Coalition of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and other organizations will sponsor a forum with Cong Chris Murphy (D-5) in New Britain on April 18th at the Pulaski Democratic Club, 89 Grove Street. The forum will be held from 10 a.m. to noon.

President Obama and Cong. Murphy have embraced Health Care for America Now (HCAN) principles which state that "all of us benefit from healthy communities, where we all have access to affordable, quality health care from a provider of our choice, at the time we need it, at a cost we can afford. Our mutual goal is affordable, quality health care for everyone in America and for our nation."

A statement form the SEIU coalition on the forum says: "Now is time to fix our health care system. Come and share your story about how and why our health care system needs to be reformed, and hear about the latest reform proposals before Congress. Learn how you can get involved in bringing health care reform to America now!

Please Contact Stacey for more information or to RSVP. Stacey Zimmerman SEIU - CT State Council stacey@ccag.net 203-733-0173. Additional information is available at www.healthcareforamericanow.org

Rell, GOP Missing In Action On Budget Talks

Democratic legislative leaders were awaiting word on Monday (April 6) from Governor Rell on when she will be available to begin negotiations on a new two-year budget that begins on July 1.

Democratic-led appropriations and finance committees unveiled a fiscal plan last Thursday, as reported by CT News Junkie, that addresses a monumental deficit that may reach $10 billion without tax increases and budget cuts. On the spending side the Democratic plan cuts Rell's proposed spending by almost $150 million but preserves many education and a social safety net programs. The centerpiece of the Democrat's revenue plan is adoption of a progress income tax that would raise rates on a graduated scale in upper income brackets. Rell is said to be adamantly opposed to income tax hikes despite her call two years ago to underwrite an education initiative with $3 billion in tax increases when the economy was relatively stable. Other aspects of the revenue plan would end exemptions on various sales tax items and elimination of the $500 property tax credit on all but low-income people. The Democrats' use of these regressive measures is unusual and underscores the steep shortfall the state will find itself in on July 1.

Democrats called for immediate talks with the administration, but Rell has thus far refused to begin discussions on a bipartisan compromise. The Legislature's Republican caucus, meanwhile, has refused to offer any budget proposals and continues to be missing in action on the most serious fiscal crisis the state has faced the state in a generation. GOP rhetoric rails against state spending and invokes the "no new taxes" pledge but Republican leaders have offered few specifics on how they would address the deficit problem and maintain core state services. Rell's initial budget, according to nonpartisan accounts, has been estimated to be more than $2 billion out of balance.

The Administration and a coalition of public employee unions has been engaging in serious talks on concessions that would increase health care premiums and related costs for all state workers, impose as many as seven payless furlough days over the next two years, assess employees a 3% of gross income fee toward retirement health insurance and offer a retirement incentive program that would allow eligible personnel to leave state service. Labor concessions, if agreed to by all sides, could save upwards of $800 million and would be part of a no lay-off agreement for two or three years.

Registered Voters Drop To 32,817 In March

The number of registered voters declined in March from 33,258 to 32,817 -- a decrease of 441. The March 31st totals include 17,673 Democrats (53.8%), 11,376 Unaffiliated (34.6%) and 3,593 Republicans (10.9%).

End Quote

"So today, I state clearly and with conviction America's commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons. I'm not naive. This goal will not be reached quickly -- perhaps not in my lifetime. It will take patience and persistence. But now we, too, must ignore the voices who tell us that the world cannot change. We have to insist, "Yes, we can." -- President Obama last week in Prague calling for new efforts on elimination of nuclear stockpiles and weapons.

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

Labor donated. New Britain Democratic Town Committee. John Valengavich Treasurer.

Approved by John McNamara

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

THANK YOU

29 March 2009

Hospital Merger Talks Prompt Calls For Public Disclosure, Community Input by Senator DeFronzo

The Hospital of Central Connecticut (HOCC), better known in these parts as New Britain General, has been more than an interested bystander in the debate over the future of John Dempsey Hospital at the University of Connecticut Health Center and its possible takeover by Hartford Hospital.

With everyone's eye on the state-financed bid to build a new UCONN hospital under the aegis of the Hartford Hospital Corporation, however, serious takeover talks involving New Britain's hospital, the city's largest employer, were confirmed last week by the Hospital's CEO and President, Laurence Tanner, in a Herald story by Scott Whipple. Tanner described the move as "an integration of hospital systems."

State Senator Don DeFronzo (D-6), in a strongly-worded letter to Tanner on March 18th, expressed "profound disappointment" that the Hospital administration and its board has engaged in "substantive merger discussions with no meaningful public disclosure, community scrutiny or opportunity to comment." Added DeFronzo: "The institutional silence with which the matter has been treated raises grave concerns. Residents of communities in the hospital service area deserve a full accounting of the nature and rationale for the proposed merger, the content of such proposal, operational and governance provisions, the impact on hospital staff, affect on health care access and the long term impact on the provision of medical services."

Widespread speculation in New Britain's medical community points to the existence of a draft memorandum of understanding that is already in "final negotiations" that would pave the way for the New Britain Hospital to become a part of the nonprofit Hartford Health Care Corporation, the parent entity that consists of Hartford Hospital, Meriden's Midstate Medical Center and other affiliate health care agencies. Two members of the 14-member Hartford Health Care Corporation board reportedly reside in New Britain General's service area.

Senator DeFronzo's plea for more information is expected to result in further responses from hospital officials this coming week. DeFronzo has asked Tanner for " a complete record of the evolution of this merger discussion" and suggested the Hospital should "conduct several community forums to better inform the public on this important issues and potential impacts."

Photo credit: Hospital of Central Connecticut

Save the Trail: Dodd and Murphy In Farmington Monday On Federal Protection For Local Trail

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5) will host a press conference Monday, March 30, at 1:45 p.m. at the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington to announce that President Obama is poised to sign into law their legislation to protect the Metacomet Monadnock Mattabesett (MMM) Trail. The MMM Trail, which crosses the Hill-Stead Museum property, provides recreational activities for thousands of hikers, rock climbers, Boy Scouts, snowmobilers, and horseback riders. The law will provide a shared Park Service Employee to help manage the trail, as well as funds to help provide better signage on the trail, more consistent management and better promotion of the trail. The law preserves the voluntary, cooperatively-managed nature of the trail, as it has been administered by the Connecticut Forest & Parks Association for decades. The event on Monday will be held at the Museum's "Makeshift Theater", 35 Mountain Road, Farmington.


Municipal Endorsements: Nominations Committee To Meet

The Democratic Town Committee's nominations committee will meet the week of April 6th to begin work on endorsements of city offices this year. 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).

All Democrats interested in seeking office are asked to submit information to the committee in preparation for July endorsements. Candidate information forms are available upon request to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com. The April meeting of the town committee is scheduled for April 30th.

Sustinet Health Initiative Gains: First Step Toward Universal Coverage

Last week the Legislature's Public Health Committee favorably reported this year's comprehensive health insurance reform legislation, SustiNet (HB 6600), in the first move necessary for universal and affordable coverage for all state residents. Sustinet also received strong support on Thursday at a New Britain City Hall legislative budget hearing conducted by local legislators and House Speaker Chris Donovan.

For updates on the legislation or to join the campaign visit www.healthcare4every1.org

Rev. King To Be Remembered Saturday, April 4th

Members of the Mary McCloud Bethune Club will mark the 41^st anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Saturday April 4^th. Club members and friends will gather at the Martin Luther King Park on the corner of Stanley Street and Martin Luther King Blvd. at noon.

End quote

"...And I've looked over, and I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land. So I'm happy tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man."

Martin Luther King Jr., Speech in Memphis, April 3, 1968, the day before King was assassinated

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

Labor donated. New Britain Democratic Town Committee.
John Valengavich Treasurer. Approved by John McNamara

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 March 2009

Legislative Budget Forum At City Hall Thursday, March 26th

New Britain's legislators will hold a state budget forum on Thursday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the City Council Chambers. Speaker of the House Chris Donovan (D-Meriden) may join local lawmakers at the forum that will give residents an opportunity to share concerns and ask questions about the 2010-2011 budget that begins July 1.

The New Britain forum will come just ahead of a critical phase in budget deliberations at the state Capitol and when cities and towns are formulating local budgets that are reliant on educational cost sharing (ECS) and other forms of state aid. The forum is being billed as "an opportunity for citizens to hear about, ask questions and speak out about the state budget."

The Governor and Legislature need to address major declines in existing tax revenue amid the economic recession. Negotiations between the two branches are expected in April that will involve significant cuts to current spending, use of federal stimulus funds and new revenues to balance a budget said to be billions of dollars out of balance. The talks are expected to pick up steam in April because new information on tax revenue, labor negotiations and alternatives to Gov. Rell's initial "no new taxes" budget will emerge. Many independent observers believe the Rell budget proposed in February is more than $2 billion out of balance and does not represent a serious plan to preserve "core services." State Rep. John Geragosian (D-25), the Co-Chair of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee, said Friday he expects a revised plan to be put on the table the first week in April. The New Britain forum will involve the city's state House delegation including State Senator Don DeFronzo, State Representives Geragosian, Betty Boukus (D-22), Tim O'Brien (D-24) and Peter Tercyak (D-26).

Rep. O’Brien Explores Mayoral Bid

Rep. Tim O’Brien (D-24) told an overflow and supportive crowd last Monday that he is considering a run for mayor in this year’s municipal election. O’Brien began a series of meetings and a listening tour at a Saint Patrick’s Day Eve party at the Italian Fraternal Society. O’Brien is a four-term lawmaker and one of the legislature’s most outspoken advocates of property tax relief. He previously has served on the Common Council gaining approval of a city ordinance on living wages and charter change that paved the way for voter approval of neighborhood or district representation on the Council.

Referring to last year’s national election and the surge of new voter interest, O’Brien told the March 16th gathering: “we all know that that the change President Obama is talking about could not simply come down from Washington...that only by working together in communities across our nation can we build a brighter future for ourselves and our children. President Obama has challenged us to help him to carry out the change America needs. So, many people here in New Britain began to think about how we could create that change by working locally. They began to talk about how we can work together to inspire the people our community to believe and to have hope that we can do better. That we can build a community that is not stuck in mediocrity, even in the best of times. That we can can have a City Hall that truly stands up for everyone in our city....a City Hall that sees all of New Britain's people as partners to work with and does not lock the citizens of our city out their own local government.”



Lending supporting remarks to the announcement were State Senator Don DeFronzo, who emceed the meeting, Ald. Eva Magnuszewski, former Board of Education President and Common Council member Pete Rosa, retired educator Gerri Brown-Springer and North-Oak neighborhood leader Rich Marzi.

O'Brien asked the audience for help on his exploratory campaign. "Over the next few months I will be meeting concerned people like you all across our city. And I want to ask you and people across our city your opinions of how I can serve you best, especially whether the people of New Britain call on me to serve as their mayor."

James Craven provided Herald coverage of the announcement

Remembering Rev. King April 4^th

Members of the Mary McCloud Bethune Club will mark the 41^st anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Saturday April 4^th. Club members and friends will gather at the Martin Luther King Park on the corner of Stanley Street and Martin Luther King Blvd. at noon.

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

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.

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"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