16 August 2008

Fired Up and Ready To Vote:
August 28th National Convention Night Reception At Roma Restaurant

The Town Committee will host a convention night TV party at the Roma Restaurant, 382 Allen Street, New Britain, on the convention's final night when Senator Barack Obama delivers his acceptance speech in Denver.

The New Britain reception will be held from 7:30 to 11 p.m. and is being held to support New Britain Democrats' city-wide efforts to register new voters and get out the vote on Election Day. The evening will include complimentary beverages and appetizers and will give supporters an opportunity to meet candidates and Democratic elected officials. Representing New Britain at the national convention will be State Senator Don DeFronzo who was chosen an alternate delegate at the spring Congressional Delegate Caucus.

The suggested minimum donation is $25.00 to the New Britain Democratic Town Committee. Seating is limited. Make reservations to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com or by calling 827-9469.
A New Britain Democratic Town Committee event. John Valengavich Treasurer

Black Dems Host Soul Food Fest Sunday, August 16th

The New Britain Black Democratic Club will hold its annual Soul Food Fest on Sunday, August 16, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Pride of Connecticut Lodge of Elks, 24 elm Street, New Britain. Tickets are $15. All Democrats are welcome. Club members will have Barack Obama shirts and buttons on sale.

Long Lost Building Commission Restored by City Council

After months of debate, the Common Council voted to re-establish the Building Commission this month, a commission that was removed from city government during the charter change almost a decade ago.

“There’s been so much talk about blight, boarded up properties, and accountability, I think this is one way that we can help address the problems. I’ve been fighting this fight for the past five years. We’ve done some things right, but we really do have a long way to go to do a better job of cracking down on irresponsible and absentee landlords,” said Michael Trueworthy, the Democratic Majority Leader and the sponsor of the proposal.

Recently, council members asked for a list of the number of citations that were given out to delinquent property owners for violations. Members were not pleased with what they received back from city hall officials in that it provided none of the answers to the questions they asked.

“The truth is, we just don’t have enough inspectors and they are not being given the tools to do their job. I’m hoping that this commission will act as an advocacy group for the public and the building department, so there is more coordination between departments and better enforcement of the laws that we currently have,” said Trueworthy

During debate on the issue in committee, council members stated that they we’re hoping the commission would give the public another place to turn to alert City Hall of potential problem properties. Other council members noted that having an appointed board of New Britain citizens could also give members of the public somewhere to turn if they feel aggrieved by City Hall.

Democratic Chairman John McNamara, a proponent of restoring the commission, said the Council and Mayor now need to go further by re-establishing and strengthening a Certificate of Occupancy ordinance covering multi-unit and nonowner occupied apartment buidlings. He said a new Building Commission should promote coordinate code enforcement actions with the health department and Fire Marshal's office utilizing the current staff at those departments.

The Commission proposal calls for a 5 member commission, all of whom would be appointed by the Mayor.

20 July 2008

You can tell there are no "whiners" over at McCain Headquarters. Alternatively, they may be listening to Joe Lieberman. Kudos to Ned Lamont for sharing this update from the GOP camp

Town Committee Meets Thursday: Vacancies In Three Districts On The Agenda

The Democratic Town Committee will hold its July meeting on Thursday, July 24th, at 7:30 pm Reports are expected on voter registration, Justices of the Peace for the current and new term that begins in 2009 and vacancies on the Town Committee in Districts 6, 9 and 15. The DTC may also recommend a replacement for Constable to the City Council for the seat vacated by Joe Willis.

Democrats To Make New Push For Health Care For All

The Democratic Town Committee is expected to re-adopt a resolution calling upon the Governor and state Legislature to pass health insurance for all Connecticut citizens -- something Gov Rell's industry- (not patient) driven Charter Oak plan and previous legislative proposals have failed to do.


State Party Chair Nancy DiNardo recently called upon all DTCS to get behind legislation backed by the http://www.healthcare4every1org/ that would endorse the advocacy organization's campaign and urge legislative and state action for more comprehensive coverage of state residents. The healthcare4every1 group is a broad-based and nonpartisan coalition that is urging coverage for all based on the following criteria:

CONTINUOUS...stays with us from job-to-job and in between,
AFFORDABLE...for our families and our businesses,
SUSTAINABLE...for our state's economy,
HIGH QUALITY...supports good health.

The health-care-for-all sample resolution contains some familiar whereas's and data that show the difficulties and predicaments in the "best health care system in the world" [if you are rich and can expend unlimited resources on health care]. Below are excerpts:


Whereas, the United States has the most expensive health care system in the world in terms of absolute costs, per capita costs, and percentage of gross domestic product (GDP); and

Whereas, despite being first in spending, the World Health Organization has ranked the United States 37th among all nations in terms of meeting the needs of its people; and

Whereas, approximately one out of every ten Connecticut residents – an estimated 356,000 people – is uninsured and, with such, Connecticut has a higher rate of uninsurance than any other state in New England; and

Whereas, health care costs continue to increase, jeopardizing the health security of working families and small businesses;

Whereas, medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcy in Connecticut; and

Whereas, racial, income, and ethnic disparities in access to care threaten communities of color across Connecticut and ..........


The above data confirms U.S. health care is expensive. And billions of the spending goes to inefficiencies (inadequate use of information technology, fragmented patient data) when there is a paucity of public investment in nursing and quality of care challenges.

Democrats should take Gov. Rell at her word when she said she would work with legislators after vetoing the health care partnership proposal this year. The Health Care Partnership bill pushed by Majority Leader Chris Donovan was hardly a step toward universal coverage. It did, however, allow local government employees and small businesses to opt in to the state health plan, creating a consumer pool that would extract improved benefits and less costs at a time when those costs are rapidly escalating for municipalities and many businesses are opting out of providing health coverage altogether.


Democratic leaders on the House and Senate side, along with State Comptroller Nancy Wyman and other Democratic officeholders, should work in unison next year (one voice, one plan) to extract some concession out of Rell on this issue. Without some tangible improvements in the system in terms of affordable coverage and reducing costs here and across the nation, voter cynicism will grow and the best you can hope for is not to get sick.

End Quote: Update on Joseph Lieberman (?-CT)

"WASHINGTON — Joseph I Lieberman, lapsed Democrat of Connecticut, strolled into the weekly lunch of the Senate Democrats last Tuesday, unaccompanied by a food taster."

from page one story in the New York Times, July 14, 2008, by Mark Leibovich

9 July 2008

SUMMER BREAK AT THE BALL PARK Last Chance To Go To Shea: Mets vs. Cardinals Sunday July 27th

New Britain Democrats and friends are invited to attend the National League game between the New York Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday afternoon, July 27th. Every participant will receive a commemorative Shea Stadium pin with this being the final season of play at Shea -- a ball park that opened in 1964.

The price for a ticket ($25) and motor coach bus transportation ($26) totals $51 payable to John McNamara (no relation to the Red Sox manager who left Buckner at first in Game 6 of the '86 World Series at the aforementioned Shea Stadium).

While sales have been brisk among Red Sox fans seeking to scout NL teams for match ups against the Red Sox in the 2008 World Series, tickets remain for any Cardinal or Mets fans out there. Besides, there are no designated hitters and everyone in attendance hates the Yankees.

For tickets and reservation contact newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com. Phone 860-416-0665


JULY 24TH MEETING FOR DEMOCRATS AT CITY HALL

The Democratic Town Committee will meet on Thursday, July 24th, at 7:30 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street. The meeting will be held in Room 504.

Among the agenda items are DTC vacancies in two voting districts, the 2008 campaign and voter registration activities. and a vacancy for city constable.

All Democrats and friends are welcome to attend.

From NB Politicus: Remembering Sam Goldberger

With the sudden passing of social activist Sam Goldberger of West Hartford on June 9th advocates of peace and economic justice in Greater Hartford lost a local hero who traveled the world for the causes he believed in and gave generously of his time and resources for them.

Goldberger, a graduate of Yale ’64 and Columbia where he earned a Ph.D. in Central European History, probably could have pursued academics behind Ivy walls. Instead, he returned to Connecticut to teach at Capital Community College for 33 years. He also became a campus leader in his faculty union, the Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges. It would be a good guess that Sam’s activism and immigrant roots in Bridgeport led him to a community college where working people and first generation college goers get a chance to move up the education ladder. Through the years he shared his passion for intellectual inquiry with his students and gave of his time generously advising to student groups.

Sam was a member of the West Hartford Democratic Town Committee and, as the saying goes, was in good standing with the “Democratic wing of the Democratic Party.”

He participated in We Refuse To Be Enemies -- a group of Jews and Muslims who talked peace and understanding amid Mideast turmoil and border disputes. Every peace and progressive organization in Greater Hartford probably benefited from Sam's involvement.

Just recently he was exhorting friends to contribute to Bethlehem University of the Holy Land, a Catholic, co-educational institution of higher learning established in 1973 to meet the needs of the Palestinian society that is open to people of all faiths.

Said fellow West Hartford Democrats Carol and Win Heimer: “Pardon the cliche, but Sam had a heart as big as all outdoors. He was kind, compassionate and a true humanist. We are privileged to have known him as a labor activist, Democratic Town Committee Member, and advocate for peace and justice here and in the Middle East.”

27 June 2008

Backyard Picnic for Rep. O'Brien Sunday, June 29th:

Candidate led efforts for new Citizen Election Program

The campaign of State Rep. Tim O'Brien (D-24) will hold a backyard picnic on Sunday, June 29th from 1 to 4 p.m. at the home of Ned Statchen and Liz Fitzsimmons, 196 South Mountain Drive, New Britain. Rep. O'Brien, a champion of Connecticut Citizen Elections campaign finance program when he served in the Legislature's GAE committee, is participating in the "clean elections" system that bars lobbyists and state contractors from making contributions to state candidates.

"This important new campaign reform makes it so that modest contributions from regular people like you to the candidates you believe in allow those candidates to successfully run for state office, without having to receive large contributions from wealthy individuals, corporations and other special interests," said O'Brien. Donations from $5 up to $100 will be accepted at the picnic. For more information visit O'Brien's website at http://www.timobrien.org/ for more details on his participation in the Citizen Election Program.

Lots of Life After Presidential Bid: Edwards To Take Anti-Poverty Campaign Into Connecticut

Senator John Edwards, who garnered early support for President from a fair number of New Britain Democrats this year, is coming to Connecticut on July 10 to talk with leaders, advocates, and residents about strategies to reduce poverty. Senator Edwards is the National Chair of Half in Ten: From Poverty to Prosperity, a new campaign to cut poverty by 50% over the next ten years. Here is the link to the Half in Ten campaign: www.halfinten.org/

Local organizers say Senator Edwards’ visit to Connecticut is particularly important because Connecticut was the first state in the nation to pass legislation that mandates child poverty be cut by 50% by 2014. His visit provides an opportunity to call attention to growing inequality in the state and a child poverty rate that has not budged despite the existence of this legislation since 2004. New Britain Democrats are expected to join Senator Edwards as a local partner as part of his new campaign. Events are planned in Hartford and Bridgeport on July 10th

Legislature Overturns Rell's Veto Of Minimum Wage Increase

New Britain Lawmakers Unanimously Back Higher Minimum

With strong and unanimous support from New Britain's legislative delegation, the General Assembly overrode Gov. Rell's veto of an increase in the minimum wage on June 23rd.

Connecticut will now increase the wage from the current $7.65 an hour to $8 on Jan. 1, 2009, and to $8.25 in 2010. The vote marked only the second time that a Rell veto has been set aside. The Republican caucus even lost some of its own with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle acknowledging that it was time to raise the floor on the minimum wage that is especially important for the working poor.

Gov. Rell, aligning herself with the CBIA and business lobbyists as she did on the Health Care Partnership Act, called the decision "seriously short-sighted" and that it will "have long-lasting negative consequences for employers and employees alike all over Connecticut.” Proponents discounted Rell's argument that a higher minimum would hurt economic growth. Analyses that the minimum wage can cost jobs and hurt business have been found to be false by most economists whenever state or federal minimums have been raised. In reality the minimum wage remains far from adequate given the cost of living in Connecticut. A living wage in Connecticut would exceed $17 an hour for many households with families by most estimates. In statements to the New Britain Herald, State Representatives Tim O'Brien, John Geragosian and Peter Tercyak and State Senator Don DeFronzo explained their votes to override.

Said Tercyak (D-26) “Now that the federal minimum wage is finally going up, this is the best time to increase Connecticut’s minimum wage. The difference between the federal minimum wage and Connecticut’s new minimum wage will be the smallest difference in years. Even with our increase, Connecticut will be more competitive now. It’s nice when the right thing to do works so well for all sides involved. The Connecticut families whose income includes a minimum wage job or two deserve this, and need it now more than ever."

Said DeFronzo, (D-6) “The most compelling reason for the increase in the minimum wage is that during the past eight years the gap between the poor and the wealthy is growing faster in Connecticut than in any other state in the country. This legislation will benefit working poor families who are attempting to remain financially independent.”

More coverage on the issue may be found at CT News Junkie

http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/state_capitol/both_chambers_override_minimum.php

Support Connecticut Citizen Action Group Saturday (6/14) in New Britain

Cong. Murphy, State Leaders Join New Britain Dems For Fundraiser

For Grassroots Advocacy Organization

The Connecticut Citizen Action Group (www.ccag.net) will host a fundraising event on Saturday June 14th at the home of Council Majority Leader Mike Trueworthy and Elena Trueworthy , 383 Monroe Street, New Britain.

The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Joining New Britain legislators and city Democratic elected officials will be Cong. Chris Murphy (D-5), House Majority Leader Chris Donovan, Secretary of the State Susan Byciewicz and Comptroller Nancy Wyman at what has become an annual backyard event that benefits CCAG's advocacy on key consumer issues such as universal health care and tax fairness and clean elections.

The suggested donation is $30. Donations or gifts to CCAG are not tax deductible.

Voter Registration Hits Disappointing Lull In May

A Presidential Primary surge in Democratic and overall voter registrations in the first quarter of the year ebbed considerably in May and the number of registered voters in the city again fell below 30,000 to 29,947.

The May 30th numbers show 16,064 Democrats compared to 16,232 on April 30th, a drop of 168 voters. Registered Republicans total 3,547 and Unaffiliated voters 10,163, also declining from April totals.

New Britain is a community that faces a chronic problem of low voter registration compared to the number of persons who are eligible to vote. The Democratic Town Committee will be organizing special party registration activities in the summer, including canvasses and tables at shopping locations and events in the run up to the November 4 Presidential Election.

Democratic Town Chair John McNamara said he will also be making requests of the Registrar of Voters to beef up the registration drive and support the Town Committee in its efforts. The Town Committee will propose that Deputy Registrars set up voter sign up tables on the first floor of City Hall to promote increased registration starting in July.

The tables in the vicinity of high traffic Assessor, Tax Collector and Clerk offices will encourage voter enrollment among visitors to the seat of local government, according to McNamara.

End Quote

"We’ll see whether Senator Obama gets elected president. But whether he does or not, this is a moment of which Americans can be proud, a moment the society can build upon. So a victory lap is in order. Not for Senator Obama (he still has a way to go), but for all those in every station in life who ever refused to submit quietly to hatred and oppression. They led us to a better place."

from commentary by Bob Herbert New York Times, June 7

16 May 2008

The Week Ahead: Conventions and Endorsements

DeFronzo Re-Nomination Set For State Senate Convention Monday (5/19)

The 6th State Senate convention for the district represented by Sen. Don DeFronzo will be held at Trinity on Main, 69 Main Street, New Britain at 7 p.m. with a 6 p.m. reception. (31 New Britain Delegates)

Reps. Boukus (22), O'Brien (24) Conventions Tuesday (5/20)

The 22nd Assembly District represented by State Rep. Betty Boukus of Plainville will hold its multi-town convention at Pagliacci's Restaurant, East Street, in Plainville. (2 New Britain Delegates). Rep. Boukus represents Plainville, a portion of Bristol and Voting District 15 in New Britain.

The 24th Assembly District convention (portions of New Britain and Newington) will be held at East Side Pizza, 619 East Street, New Britain at 7 p.m. State Rep. Timothy O'Brien is seeking re-nomination for a new term. (10 New Britain Delegates)

Town Committee To Endorse For Registrar, Justices of the Peace Thursday (5/22)
25th and 26th General Assembly Districts Also On Agenda

The Democratic Town Committee will hold an endorsement meeting at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street, Room 504. The nomination of state representative candidates in the 25th and 26th Districts will be made by members in those districts. State Rep. John Geragosian (25) and State Rep. Peter Tercyak (26) are seeking re-election. The entire Town Committee will endorse a candidate for Registrar of Voters for a four-year term. Incumbent Edward Dzwonkowski is seeking re-election. Ward 3 Ald. Silvia Cruz is also seeking the endorsement. A slate of Justices of the Peace will also be nominated for the four-year term beginning in January.

Justice of the Peace Nominations

Democrats interested in becoming a Justice of the Peace should attend the Mary 22nd meeting or should contact the Town Chair at newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com. Town Chair John McNamara asks that Democrats interested in a Justice of the Peace nomination share that they are donating a minimum of two hours a month of community service/volunteering. All Democrats are invited to a 6 p.m. reception preceding the meeting.

Cartoonist Englehart At LWV Annual Meeting Monday May 19th

The annual meeting of the New Britain League of Women Voters on Monday, May 19th, will feature Bob Englehart, political cartoonist for The Hartford Courant. Dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at Central Connecticut State University's Memorial Hall. The cost of the event is $30 for League members and $35 for non-members. For information call 224-1858 or 828-1015

House PAC Fundraiser Monday 5/19 Features Speaker-In-Waiting Donovan

The House Democratic Caucus Political Action Committee will hold a fund-raising reception with Major Leader and House Speaker-In-Waiting Chris Donovan (D-Meriden) on Monday, May 19th, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Cosa del Sol Restaurant, 901 Wethersfield Avenue, Hartford. For more information, please call 203 394–3301. Donation of choice, A House Democrats Caucus Committee Event.

Boukus Re-Election Fundraiser June 6

A pasta dinner fundraiser for the re-election campaign of Elizabeth "Betty" Boukus will be held Friday, June 6 at the Dance Hall, 161 Woodford Ave., Plainville, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. To volunteer on the committee or for any other information, call Rosemary at (860) 747-9621 or Claire at (860) 747-5168.

Milestones

Best wishes to Emma Pierce, DTC member, State Central Committee and State Party Treasurer, on the occasion of her 80th birthday this month.

Congratulations to Michael McNamara, Justice of the Peace and a member of the New Britain for Obama Committee, on his graduation from Providence College on May 18th. He is receiving a Bachelor of Arts in music education.

End Quote

“If George Bush and John McCain want to have a debate about protecting the United States of America that is a debate I am happy to have any time, any place.”

Democratic Presidential Candidate and Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), Friday, May 16th

8 May 2008

"The status quo does not give up without a fight." - Presidential Candidate Barack Obama at the North Carolina Jefferson Jackson Dinner, May 2

Here Come The State and Legislative Conventions and Town Committee Endorsement Meeting:

Saturday - May 10 The Democratic State Convention will be held at 9 a.m. at Central Connecticut State University's Kaiser Hall, 1615 Stanley Street (Enter at Ella Grasso Boulevard). The agenda includes nominations of three CT seats on the Democratic National Committee and the nomination of seven Presidential electors who will vote following the election in the Electoral College. (31 New Britain Delegates)

Monday - May 12 The 5th Congressional District Convention will be held at Crosby High School, 300 Pierpont Road in Waterbury at 6:30 p.m. when U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy will be nominated for a second term. (31 New Britain Delegates)

Monday - May 19 The 6th State Senate convention for the district represented by Sen. Don DeFronzo will be held at Trinity on Main, 69 Main Street, New Britain at 7 p.m. with a 6 p.m. reception. (31 New Britain Delegates)

Tuesday - May 20 The 22nd Assembly District represented by State Rep. Betty Boukus of Plainville will hold its multi-town convention at Pagliacci's Restaurant, East Street, in Plainville. (2 New Britain Delegates)

Rep. Boukus also invites friends and supporters to her fund raiser: Friday June 6th from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dance Hall, 61 Woodford Avenue, Plainville. Minimum donation $5 up to $100 for individuals. Children under 12 free.

Tuesday - May 20 The 24th Assembly District convention that includes portions of New Britain and Newington will be held at East Side Pizza, 619 East Street, New Britain at 7 p.m. State Rep. Timothy O'Brien is seeking re-nomination for a new term. (10 New Britain Delegates)
New Britain delegates are asked to find a proxy if they will not be able to attend or contact the Town Chair at newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

Thursday - May 22 The Democratic Town Committee will hold an endorsement meeting at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street, Room 504. The nomination of state representative candidates in the 25th and 26th Districts will be made by members in those districts. State Rep. John Geragosian (25) and State Rep. Peter Tercyak (26) are seeking re-election. The entire Town Committee will endorse a candidate for Registrar of Voters for a four-year term. Incumbent Edward Dwzonkowski is seeking re-election. Ward 3 Ald. Silvia Cruz is also seeking the endorsement. A slate of Justices of the Peace will also be nominated for the four-year term beginning in January. All Democrats are invited to a 6 p.m. reception preceding the meeting.

Obama Forces Mobilize For Voter Registration: Kick Off Saturday, May 10th in Hartford

All across America on May 10th, Obama volunteers will host a nationwide Voter Registration Kick-Off and Mobilization. Connecticut's Kick-Off will be held at the Pope Park Recreation Center at 30 Pope Park Drive, Hartford CT, from 2:00 to 7:00 PM. There will be a brief program followed by voter registration training -- no prior experience necessary! Speakers include Ned Lamont, the 2006 nominee for US Senate. Members of the following groups will be participating: Greater Hartford Progressive Democratic Women Club, Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford, and the New Britain and Greater Hartford NAACP chapters

When: Saturday May 10th
Time: 2:00 - 6:00 PM
Where: Pope Park Recreation Center, 30 Pope Park Drive, Hartford CT
Guest speaker: Ned Lamont

For more information visit http://www.ctobama.org/

Mynamar Cyclone Disaster Relief: What Are The Main Priorities?

Press reports indicate the authoritarian government in Mynamar (Burma) are holding up internation relief efforts following a devastating cyclone and fears of 100,000 lives lost. According to Doctors Without Borders "Food, shelter and access to clean water are critical. The population affected by this cyclone was already vulnerable. They now live in extremely precarious conditions, without food or clean water, often sleeping outside. In addition, malaria and dengue fever are prevalent in this area. We’re planning a mosquito net distribution in the coming days."

More information and donation information may be found at the web sites of the the following organizations:

Doctors Without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Red Cross
www.redcross.org