4 January 2008

Town Committee Gathers Tuesday, 1/8/08; N.H. Primary Night Reception To Follow


There will be an informal meeting of the Democratic Town Committee on Tuesday, January 8th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Roma Restaurant, 382 Allen Street. Members will discuss the 2008 political calendar including the Town Committee petition and election process. Also on tap are voter registration and the Feb. 5th Presidential Primary, approval of Justice of the Peace appointments and the new campaign finance "clean elections" law.


The meeting will be followed by a Primary Night reception at the Roma – the night of New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation Presidential Primary. The reception will be held beginning at 8:00 p.m. Local Democrats will watch the returns in what is expected to be a close contest among the remaining candidates in the Democratic field. The New Hampshire Primary will follow last night's Iowa caucuses and will kick off state-by-state voting in January that includes Michigan on January 15th and Florida on January 29th. A minimum donation of $10 is requested for the Primary reception.


The DTC is seeking to register more Democrats in New Britain to vote in the Connecticut Presidential Primary to be held on February 5th. January 31st is the mail-in registration deadline for new voters and unaffiliated voters who want to vote in the Primary. At the end of November approximately 15,500 were registered as Democrats in the city constituting 54% of registered voters.To attend the event and support New Britain Democrats contact newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com.


DTC Recommends Lucretia Holley For Board of Education Vacancy


The Democratic Town Committee is recommending that Lucretia C. Holley, a Skinner Drive resident, fill a Board of Education seat vacated by the Rev. Charles Tillett who relocated to North Carolina late in 2007. Holley, an associate director of admissions at Tunxis Community College, spoke to DTC members at a December meeting and has the support of a majority of DTC members, according to Town Chair John McNamara. In a letter to Democratic members of the Common Council, McNamara said Holley "possesses strong educational credentials and is well equipped to step into the Board of Education immediately." The Common Council may act to fill the vacancy at one of its January meetings.

Dodd Comes Homes After Fighting Good Fight

Senator Chris Dodd ended his Presidential bid Thursday after posting low numbers in Iowa precinct caucuses in which voters select delegates to conventions. Dodd, who is reported to be a a candidate for Senate Majority Leader in the Congress, thanked his supporters in an e-mail message:

"I count the past year of campaigning for the presidency as one of the most rewarding in a career of public service. Unfortunately, I am withdrawing from that campaign tonight.

But there is no reason to hang our heads this evening -- only the opportunity to look towards a continuation of the work we started last January: ending the Iraq War, restoring the Constitution, and putting a Democrat in the White House.

I know a lot of you came to this email list through a shared desire to return our nation to one that respects the rule of law, and I want to make one thing clear to all of you:

The fight to restore the Constitution and stop retroactive immunity does not end with my Presidential campaign. FISA will come back in a few weeks and my pledge to filibuster ANY bill that includes retroactive immunity remains operative.

You've been an invaluable ally in the battle, and I'll need you to stick by my side despite tonight's caucus results.

So, one more time, thank you for all of your efforts throughout the course of this entire Presidential campaign.

We made a real difference in shaping the debate, and we'll continue to do so in the coming days, weeks and years."

New Britain Democrat e-letter: John McNamara, Chair and Editor;New Britain Democratic Town Committee Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050 www.newbritaindemocrat.net

NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com . Write cancel in the subject box. Please send address corrections and additions to the same address. THANK YOU.

29 December 2007

Happy New Year!

NAACP To Hold Emancipation Day Program January 1

The New Britain NAACP will hold its annual Emancipation Day Program on Tuesday, January 1 at the Spottswood AME Zion Church, 25 Crestwood Lane. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature guest preacher, Suffragan Bishop John H. Thomas of Bethesda Apostolic Church.

Let the Bush Out of Office Countdown Begin: Primary Party Night Reception Jan. 8th

The Democratic Town Committee will host a Primary Night Party on Tuesday, January 8th – the night of New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation Presidential Primary. The event will be held beginning at 8:00 p.m. at the Roma Restaurant, 382 Allen Street, where local Democrats will watch the returns in what is expected to be a close contest among candidates in the Democratic field. The New Hampshire Primary will follow the January 3rd Iowa caucuses and will kick off state-by-state voting in January that includes Michigan on January 15th and Florida on January 29th.

The DTC is seeking to register more Democrats in New Britain to vote in the Connecticut Presidential Primary to be held on February 5th. January 31st is the mail-in registration deadline for new voters and unaffiliated voters who want to vote in the Primary. At the end of November approximately 15,500 were registered as Democrats in the city constituting 54% of registered voters.To attend the event and support New Britain Democrats contact newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

Rep. Geragosian To Receive U.A.W.’s Community Activism Award

State Rep. John Geragosian (D-25) will receive the Community Activism Award in January from the United Auto Workers (UAW). The UAW, with Region 9A offices based in Farmington, will hold its 15th annual Civil Rights Awards dinner at the Hartford Hilton on January 25th. Elected to the state House in 1994, Geragosian is the dean of New Britain’s legislative delegation and Chair of the Democratic House Caucus in the Legislature. Additional information about the awards dinner will be announced. Congratulations to Rep. Geragosian.

Finally CT Gets A Clean Election Law (Excerpted from NB Politicus)

A system of public financing of political campaigns will bring dramatic change to many state House and Senate races in 2008. While the full impact will not be felt until 2010 when races for Governor and statewide offices will occur, the law’s intent is to begin to restrict the corrosive influence of money in politics that reached its nadir during the Rowland years……

“It is an exciting time for democracy in Connecticut,” says State Rep. Tim O’Brien (D-24) who served on the GAE Committee that helped craft legislation designed to diminish the influence of lobbyist money and includes an outright contribution ban on contractors who do business with the state.

“For generations, we have dreamed of an open election system in which people's voices matter more than special interest money. Now, it is a reality,” declares O’Brien in launching his campaign for the state House that will rely on grassroots contributions from individuals. Read more at http://nbpoliticus.blogspot.com/

SEIU Union Wins Major Wage and Benefit Gains For Office Cleaners

Hartford area office cleaners represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ gained an 11th hour pre-Christmas agreement giving members a new four-year contract. Union leaders noted significant wage and benefit gains for employees "who clean more than 90 percent of large commercial office space in downtown Hartford and office parks and building in other parts of Hartford County."

"This new contract will provide Hartford's office cleaners the opportunity to live the American Dream," said Kurt Westby, Local 32BJ Connecticut Director. "More office cleaners will be able to take their kids to the doctor and have retirement security." The contract provides 17% wage hikes over four-years in the city and nearly 20 % in the suburbs. Fully employer-paid family health care coverage will be maintained for all full-time workers, and part-time workers have an improved health benefit, which will include life insurance, a prescription drug benefit and dental and optical insurance. Under the new contract, suburban office cleaners won a pension benefit for the first time and gained two personal days. Employers agreed to an improved training program, which includes industry-skills classes as well as English as a Second language courses, and also to a legal services benefit program. Congratulations to Local 32BJ's Political Director Art Perry and the members of the Local who include New Britain residents. More information: Hartford Courant story on the settlement.


End Quote

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt

New Britain Democrat e-letter: John McNamara, Chair and Editor;
New Britain Democratic Town Committee Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050 www.newbritaindemocrat.net

NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com . Write cancel in the subject box. Please send address corrections and additions to the same address. THANK YOU.

15 December 2007

December Meeting Re-Scheduled To Tuesday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at City Hall: Presidential Race, BOE Vacancy Up For Discussion

The Democratic Town Committee will hold its re-scheduled December on Tuesday, December 18th at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street in room 504. The meeting was cancelled last Thursday because of the snow storm.

The agenda includes the 2008 Election Calendar and presidential politics. The Connecticut Presidential Primary has been moved to February 5 and information on the early primary process and candidates will be available. One or more representatives of presidential campaigns are expected to attend. The DTC has also been asked to recommend a candidate to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education created by the resignation of the Rev. Charles Tillett of Spottswood AME Zion Church. Rev. Tillett's term runs through 2009. The Common Council is expected to fill the vacancy before year's end. Vacancies for Justice of the Peace will also be filled at the meeting.


Members and friends are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church food pantry on North Street. All Democrats and friends are welcome to attend.



G.O.T.V. Iowa For Dodd in New Britain, CT: Phone Bank Monday, Dec. 17, 7-9 p.m.


New Britain area supporters of Senator Chris Dodd's Presidential campaign will be able to encourage Iowans to support his bid on Monday Dec. 17th and you won't have to fly to Des Moines to do so. A Volunteer Night will be held on Monday December 17th from 7-9 p.m. at AFSCME Council 4, 444 East Main Street. "People in Iowa want to hear from us and learn more about Chris Dodd, this is our chance to make a difference in the campaign right here from CT," said CT Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Scully. New Britain Democrats are encouraged to stopy in and make some calls. For this event or to help the Dodd campaign in New Hampshire call 860-244-2008 or email connecticut@chrisdodd.com



SEIU March For Janitors Thursday, Dec. 20th

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ will hold a rally and march on Thursday, 12-20-07 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in support of janitors working in area office buildings for good wages and adequate health care coverage in a new contract.

The event will be held in downtown Hartford at the corner of Main and Gold streets. "It’s the season for giving, please attend and give your support, your voice and your spirit as our janitors demand justice and a fair contract," said Art Perry, organizer for the SEIU Local that includes New Britain residents in its membership. For more information contact Perry at 860-560-8674 Ext. 307.

GOP-Controlled FCC Pushing More Big Media Takeovers Of Local Stations

This may be a timely message in a week when New Britain COMCAST Cable eliminated C-Span 2 (BookTV) from the basic services of non-digital subscribers with barely a notice or announcement.

From www.freepress.net

"The Federal Communications Commission plans to open the floodgates of further media consolidation across America. If FCC Chairman Kevin Martin gets his way, your community will be inundated with even more mass-produced celebrity gossip and infotainment, and less local reporting and quality journalism: more of the the junk news that is making us sick.
Together we can stop them. We blocked them in 2003, and today we need you to show Washington that you don't want more media consolidation. To do it, we're building a "Wall" of opposition: your photo next to thousands of others, standing shoulder to shoulder against Big Media. We're going to deliver this Wall to the FCC. FCC Chairman Martin wants to "Super Size" Big Media allowing companies like Gannett, News Corp. and Tribune to swallow up even more local TV, newspaper and radio outlets. Martin wants to let one company own both the major newspaper and a TV station in your hometown, drowning out the few remaining independent voices, so that media moguls like Rupert Murdoch can expand their empires."

For more information and to join the campaign against big media consolidations visit www.freepress.net

End Quote

"He said there's no other calling in life where you can do as much for as
many people as you can through public service. Lawyers only have so many
clients, doctors only so many patients, but a well- intentioned public
servant can make a difference in the lives of millions of people. That's my
motivation. I want to carry that tradition on. That's why I'm running for
president."

Senator Chris Dodd recalling his late father Tom Dodd's response to a reporter's question on any regrets about his life in politics and government. Dodd's response came during the Dec. 13th PBS Presidential debate in Iowa.

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

New Britain Democratic Town Committee Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050 www.newbritaindemocrat.net

NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com . Write cancel in the subject box. Please send address corrections and additions to the same address. THANK YOU.

13 December 2007

Democratic Town Committee Meeting Postponed

The Democratic Town Committee meeting scheduled for today (December 13th) at New Britain City Hall has been postponed because of the inclement weather.

It will be re-scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 18th, at 7 p.m.

6 December 2007

Celebrating the Life of Tony Norris -- Dinner is Sunday, December 9th

Friends and associates of Urban Oaks Organic Farm Founder Tony Norris will hold a dinner buffet and program in celebration of his life on Sunday, December 9th, at 4 p.m. at the Marchegian Society Ballroom, 40 Acorn Street. Democratic Party leaders, including former State Senator Joe Harper, State Rep. John Geragosian and Council Majority Leader Mike Trueworthy, will participate as part of the tribute. Norris, 59, died November 18th after a long battle with cancer. The New Britain native, a longtime citizen activist, established Urban Oaks in 1999 with his partner, Mike Kandefer. Interested persons may RSVP for the dinner to Maria Agramonte-Gomez at (860) 826-7585 or by e-mail to the Urban Oaks Farm at urbanoaks@earthlink.net .

There is no admission charge but financial contributions in memory of Norris are encouraged to: Urban Oaks Farm, c/o Human Resources Agency of New Britain, 180 Clinton Street, New Britain, CT 06053.

New Britain Dems To Meet Dec. 13th:
Presidential Politics, School Board Vacancy On Tap

The Democratic Town Committee will meet Thursday, December 13th at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 Main Street for its final meeting of the year. The agenda will include the 2008 Election Calendar and presidential politics. The Connecticut Presidential Primary has been moved to February and representatives of the presidential candidates will be invited to attend. Delegate information will also be available. The DTC will also be asked to recommend a candidate or candidates to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education created by the resignation of the Rev. Charles Tillett of Spottswood AME Zion Church. Rev. Tillett's term runs through 2009. He has been appointed pastor of a church in North Carolina. New Britain Democrats thank Rev. Tillett for his public service and extend best wishes to him in his new ministry.

Holiday refreshments will be served and members and friends are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church food pantry on North Street

Presidential Primaries and Voter Registration:
15,555 Democrats with 29,781 Total Voters: Drive Needed For February Primary

Less than two months before voters will go to the polls to vote for President in party primaries, the total number of registered voters in New Britain hovers at 29,781 -- a total below the 30,000+ voters eligible in the gubernatorial and congressional contests of 2006. Connecticut's Presidential Primary will be held February 5th. The calendar calls for an early push to put the number of New Britain Democrats above 16,000 in the first quarter of 2008. Twenty years ago New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation Primary was held in March. On January 8th, N.H. voters go to the polls just five days after the Iowa caucuses. The Presidential calendar and the front loading of the process, including Connecticut, has greatly accelerated the selection process. Media gas bags -- also known as pundits and commentators -- are elevating and dismissing top tier candidates by the hour. They barely mention or cover all the candidates in the field, including Senator Chris Dodd. Senator Dodd's principled campaign and efforts in Iowa and New Hampshire will finally get the attention they deserve, not from the punditocracy, but from real voters early in the New Year. The Presidential Primaries will be discussed at the December 13th Town Committee meeting.

Public Transit Is The Key To Downtown's Future: DeFronzo Backs Busway With New Bond

Senator Donald J. DeFronzo (D-New Britain), Senate chair of the Transportation Committee, has taken steps over the last year to increase mass transit as a way to spur economic growth in New Britain. In the recently approved state bonding package additional state resources were committed to the planned New Britain to Hartford busway that is now a key to an emerging plan for downtown's rejuvenation. "We define transit oriented development as the development of residential commercial and employment centers within a half-mile walking distance of public transportation facilities, and in that regard the New Britain busway is ideal for implementing a transit oriented development plan," said Senator DeFronzo. "The area is ripe for local development, and the busway corridor will open transit opportunities for the city residents and employers." The New Britain-to-Hartford Busway will be eligible for $250,000 to $1,000,000 as one of four projects that qualify for transit oriented funding. The funding can be used for implementing a transit oriented plan, market analysis to determine economic viability, financial planning, environmental assessments, infrastructure studies and surveys, and other expenses related to planning and development surrounding the mass transit system. The issue was raised in a new post (below) from the NB Politicus blog. It calls for some interim moves to begin a transit-based economic development strategy well ahead of the busway's implementation

Downtown New Britain is no longer a "downtown," if that word means
anything. But if it's no longer the city's commercial or business center, then
what is it?

from http://nbblogs.com

The revitalization of downtown New Britain was not much of an issue during the 2007 municipal campaign. The welcome news of Carvel Corporation's move to the long vacant Smart Park (the former Stanley Works factory parcel)and a meaningless flare up over the location of a new police station were about the only headlines drawing attention to the city's vital center this year.

Downtown is ripe for new investment and development that needs to be managed wisely by city and state officials over the next five years. One of the big challenges of putting a viable downtown New Britain back together has to do with Route 9, the highway that connects I-84 to I-91 and shore points. New Britain is not unique among U.S. cities in having a four-lane roadway built 40 or 50 years ago that hastened decline of the central business district. The major task now is to undo that public works and public policy fiasco that cut the city in two.

Read more at http://nbpoliticus.blogspot.com

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

New Britain Democrat e-letter: John McNamara, Chair and Editor; New Britain Democratic Town Committee

Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050 www.newbritaindemocrat.net

NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com . Write cancel in the subject box. Please send address corrections and additions to the same address. THANK YOU.

26 November 2007

Celebrating the Life of Tony Norris -- Sunday, December 9th

Friends and associates of Urban Oaks Organic Farm Founder Tony Norris will hold a dinner buffet and program in celebration of his life on Sunday, December 9th, at 4 p.m. at the Marchegian Society Ballroom, 40 Acorn Street. [Photo Credit: John Woike, The Hartford Courant, April 21, 2006]

Norris, 59, died November 18th after a long battle with cancer. The New Britain native, a citizen activist who helped many Democratic candidates through the years, established Urban Oaks in 1999 with his partner, Mike Kandefer. The former Sandelli Florist property on Oak Street, blighted and unused, was converted into a working organic farm serving the public and restaurants throughout the state. It is considered one of the largest urban farms in the Northeast.

Interested persons may RSVP for the dinner to Maria Agramonte-Gomez at (860) 826-7585 or by e-mail to the Urban Oaks Farm at urbanoaks@earthlink.net. There is no admission charge but financial contributions in memory of Norris are encouraged to: Urban Oaks Farm, c/o Human Resources Agency of New Britain, 180 Clinton Street, New Britain, CT 06053.

League To Discuss Immigration At Monday (11/26) Meeting

A committee of the local chapter of the League of Women Voters (LWV) will present positions on immigration at a Monday, November 26th meeting at 6:30 p.m. at First Church on Corbin Avenue. League members may vote on a position on the issue which is expected to be a major point of debate during the 2008 Presidential Election. If the New Britain/Berlin chapter, and other chapters around the country agree on a position, the LWV will advocate for reform legislation. Admission is free

Remembering Bill O'Neill: Connecticut's Long-serving Governor, "Common Man"

Former Gov. Bill O'Neill, 77, died Saturday at his lakefront home in Easthampton. There are many deserved tributes that collectively convey a politician who never forgot his roots and who was more comfortable if people called him "Bill" instead of "Governor." Appropriately, the endowed professorship at Central CT State University for the former Governor is named the "Governor William A. O'Neill Endowed Chair in Public Policy and Practical Politics." A Koren war veteran, O'Neill ran his family's tavern, joined the Democratic Town Committee in 1954 and won election to the legislature in 1966. Paying those political dues led to his elevation to House Majority Leader and successor to John Bailey as State Party Chair. He was tapped for Lt. Governor by the legendary Ella Grasso and, assuming gubernatorial responsibility because of Grasso's fatal illness, would go on to lead the state through good times and bad for more than two full terms. His administrations worked closely with Democratic legislative leaders who included at the time State Senate President John Larson, House Speaker Irving Stolberg, House Leader William Cibes and New Britain's State Senator Joe Harper, who served as Co-Chair of the Legislature's Appropriations Committee. From his official biography: "Governor O'Neill characterized his approach to public service as being governed by a few basic rules: "to use common sense to solve problems; work with my colleagues to achieve sound and responsible government; and use my knowledge and experience for the benefit of all of our citizens." (from Press release, March 4, 1982) As Democrats look toward the gubernatorial race in 2010, O'Neill will be fondly remembered for his "common touch" and as the last member of his party to hold the corner office.

New Britain Democrat e-letters may be found at http://newbritaindemocrat.blogspot.com
New Britain Democrat e-letter: John McNamara, Chair and Editor; New Britain Democratic Town Committee
Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050
www.newbritaindemocrat.net

NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com . Write cancel in the subject box. Please send address corrections and additions to the same address. THANK YOU.

22 November 2007 Happy Thanksgiving!

Gratitude disposes us to hope, even when the facts may be stacked against us. 'Thank you' is the perfect prayer not only for things received but also for good things that may come."

-- Editorial, November 23rd National Catholic Reporter www.ncronline.org



New Britain Dems To Meet Dec. 13th:

Presidential Politics, School Board Vacancy On Tap

Bring a non-perishable item for St. Ann's Church food pantry

The Democratic Town Committee will meet Thursday, December 13th at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 Main Street for its final meeting of the year. The agenda will include the 2008 Election Calendar and presidential politics. The Connecticut Presidential Primary has been moved to February and representatives of the presidential candidates will be invited to attend. Delegate information will also be available. The NBDTC is supporting the candidacy of U.S. Senator Chris Dodd.

The DTC will also be asked to recommend a candidate or candidates to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education created by the resignation of the Rev. Charles Tillett of Spottswood AME Zion Church. Rev. Tillett's term runs through 2009. He has left New Britain to lead a congregation in North Carolina. New Britain Democrats extend best wishes to Rev. Tillett and his family and thank him for his service. Holiday refreshments will be served and members and friends are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church food pantry on North Street.

Team Trueworthy Plus One

New Britain Democrats congratulate Council Majority Leader Mike Trueworthy and Elena Trueworthy on the birth of their second daughter, Abigail. Abigail entered this world on Monday, November 19th, weighing eight pounds, six ounces, 20 inches tall. Abigail was unavailable for comment but her father says she is a Democrat.

Update on the Bush War Machine and its Hired Thugs:
Cong. Murphy Seeks Answers On Blackwater and No-Bid Contracts In Iraq

Thirty-three foreigners and 10 Iraqis – all employees of a private security firm – were arrested in Baghdad on Monday after an Iraqi woman was shot and wounded as their convoy passed by

-Associated Press, By Dan Murphy 21 November 2007 from the Christian Science Monitor

U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy (D-5), joined by two other House members, is seeking answers about federal contractor Blackwater, Inc. the private security firm that has billed the U.S. for a billion dollars for its operations in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001.

Last week, Murphy (CT-5) wrote to Erik Prince, CEO of Blackwater USA, to follow up on unanswered questions about the company from the October 2nd House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing on private security contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Murphy is a member of the Committee.

At the October 2nd hearing, Murphy, Reps, Peter Welch (VT-At Large) and John J. Duncan, Jr. (TN-2) pressed Prince on his company's lucrative government contracts, its profit margin, and his salary. However, Prince refused to answer many of their questions. In 2001, Blackwater's contracts with the United States Government were less than $1 million. Since the Iraq war began, however, Blackwater's government contracts have spiked to over $1 billion.

The unanswered questions on Blackwater include:
• The exact percentage of Blackwater's business that comes from U.S. government contracts. Prince testified that approximately 90 percent of Blackwater contracts were with the U.S. government.
• Prince's exact compensation from 2001 through 2006, including salary, retirement and deferred compensation, and all other benefits of any monetary value from The Prince Group, LLC, Blackwater and all related entities. Prince testified that his personal compensation from Blackwater in 2006 was "over a million dollars."
• The exact profit margin for the years 2001 through 2006 for The Prince Group, LLC, Blackwater and all related entities. Prince testified, under questioning by Duncan, that Blackwater's corporate profit margin was ten percent but was unsure of that figure in follow up questions from Welch and Murphy.

"Taxpayers in my district and across the country are paying for 90 percent of Blackwater's business, so they deserve to have the facts on how their money is being spent in Iraq. And while Erik Prince is making millions of dollars off of government contracts, our soldiers' families are struggling to make ends meet here at home," said Murphy.

Welch said, "It is clear taxpayers are getting ripped off by no-bid contracts for the war in Iraq and Blackwater's obscene profits are just another example of how corrupt this war has become. What we have seen until now is a complete disrespect for the taxpayer and a president willing to provide fat paychecks to private companies and then turn around and cut health care benefits from our soldiers."

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held the hearing on October 2 to determine if Blackwater's presence is advancing or undermining U.S. efforts and the costs to U.S. taxpayers for the reliance on Blackwater and other private military contractors.

Cong. Murphy, in a trip to Iraq and Afghanistan earlier this year, estimated there may be as much as $10 billion to $12 billion being spent in the war zone, much of it unaccounted for and awarded via no-bid contracting. Besides Blackwater, contractors include Halliburton or its subsidiaries, the Texas-based firm headed by Vice President Cheney prior to his election.

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

New Britain Democrat e-letter: John McNamara, Chair and Editor; New Britain Democratic Town Committee,

Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050

www.newbritaindemocrat.net

NOTICE: If you do not wish to receive this e-letter reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com . Write cancel in the subject box. Please send address corrections and additions to the same address. THANK YOU.