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.

END QUOTE

"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

Town Committee Meets On March 19 At City Hall

The Democratic Town Committee will meet on Thursday, March 19th, at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street, at 7 p.m. in room 504. The Committee will continue its re-nominations of Justices of the Peace for individuals who were not sworn in at the start of the term in January. Also on the agenda will be voter registration issues. A guest speaker will be announced. The public is invited to attend.

Federal Stimulus: Focus on Children, Families At March 10 Forum

The Connecticut Commission on Children will host a discussion on the federal stimulus' impact on children and families on March 10th from 9 to 11:30 am at the Legislative Office Building's room 2B in Hartford. "The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 gives Connecticut an opportunity to help families address some of the challenges created by the recession, said State Rep. David McCluskey (D-West Hartford). "There will be grants to compete for, incentives for state and local agencies to work together, and—above all—a need for policymakers to find new and cost-effective ways to address the changing needs of the family." A panel of experts from around the country will discuss how the stimulus package may affect Connecticut families in the areas of poverty reduction, health care, early child care, education, and job creation.

More On Federal Stimulus:

DeFronzo Represents State Senate on Economic Recovery Working Group.

State Senator Donald J. DeFronzo (D-New Britain) will play a pivotal role in use of federal stimulus funds for "shovel ready" projects in Connecticut with his appointment to thte "Recovery Working Group" by Senate President Donald Williams.

DeFronzo joins "a broad-based working group of municipal officials, business leaders, state agency heads and other lawmakers organized by Governor M. Jodi Rell to determine the final, prioritized list of “shovel-ready” projects to be funded through the state’s share of the $787 billion federal economic stimulus package," according to a statement last month.

“This working group has an extremely important and intensive task ahead of it, and I’m honored to accept this appointment and contribute to the panel,” said Senator DeFronzo, who chairs the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee. “Connecticut is slated to receive about $3 billion in stimulus funding, much of which will be directed toward transportation and infrastructure improvement. We have a great opportunity with this infusion of federal dollars to create jobs and invest in our state, if we make wise decisions." Williams cited DeFronzo's "grasp of the state's financial systems and his knowledge of the state of the state's infrastructure needs" in making the appointment. DeFronzo is Senate chair of the Legislature's Transportation Committee. Prior to being elected Mayor from 1989 to 1993, he was an officials in the Office of Policy and Management (OPM).

Connecticut is expected to be in line for about $3 billion in federal stimulus funds. According to the Governor's office more than $10 billion in individual projects from local governments and community based organizations have been submitted for consideration. New Britain's list, released by the Mayor's office after a citizen request was made at a February Council meeting, includes $36 million in infrastructure and physical improvements.

The Courant's Rick Green posted a helpful story and links on the "shovel ready" lists for Connecticut in his blog last month at

http://blogs.courant.com/rick_green/2009/02/stimulus-frenzy-in-shovelready.html

Municipal Endorsements: Committee Work To Begin In April

The Town Committee's five-member nominations committee will begin reviewing candidate information and developing a party platform in April in the run up to July endorsements for all municipal offices. 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). Candidate information forms are available upon request to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

Voter Update: A February Blues Drop From 2008 High
New Britain voter rolls totaled 33,258 at the end of February with some fall off recorded from 2008 highs of the Presidential Election. The Registrar's office reported 17,873 Democrats (53.8%), 3,625 Republicans (10.8%), 11,581 Unaffiliateds (34.8%) and 179 in minor parties (.7%). The Democratic Town Committee will be organizing voter registration activities during the spring to keep voter enrollment as high as possible for the municipal election.

Around Town This Month (So Far)

Friday March 6 - Accordianist Michael Platosz, son of Ward Two Alderman Adam Platosz, will appear today at 8 p.m. The Amber social Club, 90 John Street, at 8 p.m. Congratulations Mike.

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.

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.

Save The Dates: Town Committee Meeting and Municipal Election Schedule
(All meetings on Thursdays unless otherwise noted)

March 19, 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

22 February 2009

Ethics Flap Prompts Billy Mac To Resign; Salvio's Complaint Called A "Fishing Expedition"

A comment from http://nbpoliticus.blogspot.com

The resignation of former Mayor William McNamara from the city ethics commission adds another partisan twist to the sorry state of affairs on a board charged with keeping municipal officials honest. 

The Courant and Herald covered McNamara's move this past week.

Billy Mac, a supporter of the incumbent Mayor and the emcee at Stewart's inaugurals, derided a decision by the Common Council not to accept a ruling against Ald. Paul Catanzaro for participating in a Council discussion related to work at the Parks and Recreation Department. Republican Ald. Lou Salvio, a prolific filer of official complaints against Democrats, brought the original charge. On the first go around the ethics commission threw out the allegation. But it got a second life as the Herald's James Craven reports:

A quorum of the commission dismissed the complaint 2-1, but on Dec. 22, commissioner Jill Kemp, a Republican, made a motion to reconsider the dismissal. During a Jan. 21 meeting, the commission heard testimony and added two letters to its investigation. After reviewing the material, Republican commissioners William Dworski, Jill Kemp and Carmelo Rodriguez, along with Democrats Kemp and McNamara, voted unanimously that Catanzaro be reprimanded for two violations.

The reconsideration has brought charges from Democrats that Salvio openly violated the ethics rules himself by disclosing information that is supposed to remain under wraps as part of the ethics process. And then there is the matter of Billy Mac himself. Members of the ethics commission, while they can contribute to political candidates, may not endorse or campaign for a candidate. By all accounts, former Mayor McNamara has been a public supporter of Stewart during his re-election bids.  READ MORE at http://nbpoliticus.blogspot.com

Town Committee Creates Nominating Committee For Municipal Offices

A five-member nominating committee was created by the Democratic Town Committee at its February 19th to review candidacies and issues for the November 3rd municipal election.  The Town Committee will endorse a slate of candidates in July, including mayor, tax collector, treasurer, 15 for common council seats, two for board of assessment appeals and four constables for two-year terms. The Town and City Clerk and three Board of Education seats will be endorsed for four-year terms.

All candidates will be asked to complete a questionnaire as part of the endorsement process, according to Town Chair John McNamara. The candidate form and additional information are available with inquiries to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com. The nominating committee will provide a report on issues and candidate recommendations for a vote by all members at the endorsement meeting in the summer. Serving on the committee are Carlo Carlozzi, Francisco Cuin, Frank Gerratana Rosemary Klotz and Emma Pierce.

Common Council Meets This Week: February 25

The Common Council will hold its second meeting of the month Wednesday 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.

Save The Dates: Town Committee Meeting and Municipal Election Schedule
(All meetings on Thursdays unless otherwise noted)

March 19, 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

16 February 2009

DEMOCRATS WILL DISCUSS IMPACT OF FEDERAL STIMULUS, PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS ON NEW BRITAIN AT THURSDAY 2/19 MEETING

The impact of federal stimulus funds and the Governor's state budget proposal will be discussed at the February meeting of the New Britain Democratic Town Committee. The meeting will be held Thursday, February 19th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Pulaski Democratic Club, 89 Grove Street.

Democratic Town Chair John McNamara said New Britain legislators and city elected officials will be invited to address the town committee meeting on challenges facing state and city government amid a severe and growing recession. According to recent press reports, New Britain's share of state aid to cities and towns will drop by more than two percent in the Governor's budget. The city's grand list fell in 2008 -- a development that will place a greater burden on city taxpayers.

"Democrats will be looking for the best use of the federal stimulus for New Britain and alternatives to the Governor's budget proposal that shortchanges New Britain," said McNamara.

The $18.8 billion budget proposed by Governor Rell has drawn praise for holding the line on state aid to education, but may be as much as $3 billion out of balance according to the legislature's nonpartisan budget office. In remarks to the Hartford Courant, State Rep. John Geragosian (D-25), the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, said: "It punts to the legislature the politically hard work. It is a partial effort, but it is not a serious effort."

State Rep. Tim O'Brien (D-24) noted positive parts of Rell's budget but expressed disappointment in the bottom line: " A freeze in the Education Cost Sharing Grant funding is better than a cut, but I am deeply concerned that Gov. Rell's budget would result in higher property taxes and less local services - such as larger class sizes for kids in our local schools. It is not a complete budget, either, leaving a state deficit of $2.7 billion over two years. I do not know why it is that the Governor would submit a budget so far out of balance. I will say that the Governor's job creation program, bringing back the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps is a good idea. It is an idea that I have been talking about as a good way to help people in these tough times with what they want - jobs. But the fact that it is so far out of balance and leaves many, many important needs unmet makes this budget proposal very problematic. I had hoped for better and I am disappointed."

In other business, the Town Committee will consider forming a nominations committee for candidates for the November 2nd municipal election and will continue to fill Justices of the Peace vacancies. The meeting is open to the public.

In Memoriam:

Jim Carey Jr., 86, a former Mayor of New Britain and longtime member of the New Britain Democratic Town Committee, died February 4th. Mayor Carey was an Army veteran having served in the 102nd army infantry division in Europe. He received two Purple Hearts including his service during the Battle the Bulge. An educator, Mayor Carey was proud to play a part in bringing the Head Start program to New Britain. He also worked in the labor movement as a director of public relations for the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 4.

New Britain Democrats extend sympathy to Mayor Carey's wife, Maxine, and all the members of the Carey family. The family requests that memorial donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 1755 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06053 or the Hospital of Central Connecticut Dialysis Unit, New Britain Campus 100 Grand St. New Britain (http://www.thocc.org/giving/givingonline.aspx).

Irving Stolberg, 72, a former Speaker of the CT House of Representatives, died February 13th in New Haven after a lengthy illness. Rep. Stolberg rose up in New Haven politics with U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman and the Caucus of CT Democrats in the late 60s and early 70s. Stolberg broke with Lieberman in 2006 over the Iraq war and foreign policy and endorsed Ned Lamont.

Former Rep. Stolberg, a progressive Democrat who led the General Assembly in the 1980s, became a strong advocate for peace and social justice throughout the world following his legislative career. His work with the United Nations Association and the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad led him to many countries as an advisor on democracy and in promoting educational and cultural exchanges with other countries. Memorial services are planned in New Haven and Hartford and will be announced.

2 February 2009

Justices of the Peace Re-Nominated; Monday Feb. 9th Deadline For Swearing In

Incumbent Justices of the Peace who missed a January 5th deadline were re-nominated for the 2009-2013 term at the January 29th Democratic Town Committee meeting. The nominees, endorsed last May for the November election, may visit the Town & City Clerk's office through Monday, February 9th, to be sworn in for the new term. The Town Committee continues to welcome requests from Democrats who wish to fill available vacancies for Justice of the Peace. Interested persons are asked to contact the Town Chairman and provide information on their volunteer service and involvement in the community. The DTC requests that prospective nominees show they are donating a minimum of two hours per month to a civic, school or charitable cause. Request in writing to: Town Chair, New Britain Democratic Town Committee, Post Office Box 2112, New Britain, CT 06050. By e-mail visit: www.newbritaindemocrat.net Click the contact button to make the request.

Obama Calls For Local "Economic Recovery" House Parties This Weekend

As pressure builds for passage of economic recovery and reinvestment legislation in the U.S. Senate President Obama is calling for "Economic Recovery" informational parties across the nation this weekend that will include a video on the financial crisis produced by the Democratic National Committee.

"It's not enough for this bill to simply pass Congress. Americans need to know how it will affect their lives -- they need to know that help is on the way and that this administration is investing in economic growth and stability, said Obama in an e-mail to his base of supporters. "Governor Tim Kaine has agreed to record a video outlining the recovery plan and answering questions about what it means for your community. You can submit your questions online and then invite your friends, family, and neighbors to watch the video with you at an Economic Recovery House Meeting. You can help restore confidence in our economy by making sure your friends, family, and neighbors understand how the recovery plan will impact your community.

Sign up to host or attend an Economic Recovery House Meeting and submit your question for the video now:

http://my.barackobama.com/recovery

Meanwhile, the Connecticut Citizen Action Group (CCAG) is urging residents to contact Senators Dodd and Lieberman in support of the stimulus plan that will need to be reconciled with a House version that passed last week with not a single Republican vote. Senator Dodd's office can be reached at (800) 334-5341 and Senator Lieberman's office at (800) 225-5605.

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.