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
