12 October 2009

Nobel Peace Prize:
The Party of No In Another Extremist Attack on Obama

Many of you may have already received the message from President Obama on his unexpected Nobel Peace Prize for Obama's pledge to rid the world of nuclear weapons and other international initiatives in the first year of his administration.

Attacks on this recognition are stridently coming from GOP blowhards and the usual media gas bags. Behold the words of GOP National Chairman Michael Steele:

"The Democrats and their international leftist allies want America made subservient to the agenda of global redistribution and control, And truly patriotic Americans like you and our Republican Party are the only thing standing in their way.”
“It’s a stunning, if not truly surprising, indication of just how meaningless a once honorable and respected award has become.”

This latest virulence from the anti-Obama GOP warrants a reprise here and elsewhere of Obama's reaction to the prize:

This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.

That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

10 October 2009

O’Brien Unveils Property Tax Relief Initiative

Democratic Mayoral candidate Tim O'Brien has announced Friday his plan to address high and rising property taxes in New Britain -- responding to tax hikes that have hit "the overwhelming majority of taxpayers under the current City Hall."

“I believe that New Britain needs a Mayor who fights strongly for reform to lower unfair property tax burdens,” said O'Brien.

Rep. O'Brien (D-24), known as the toughest fighter in the state legislature for property tax reform, announced his three point plan:
• Enacting local senior property tax relief to increase relief provided under the current state-funded relief program and to extend relief to seniors whose incomes are modest but exceed current limits under the state program.
• Extend property tax relief to all homeowners by requiring owners of blighted buildings in the city to pay their fair share through a strong anti-blight assessment ordinance.
• Strongly advocacy for state property tax reform.

“It breaks my heart to see many senior citizens struggle to pay their bills and stay in their homes because of property tax unfairness,” said O'Brien. “Senior property tax relief is just the right thing to do.” O'Brien added, “And it is unfair to homeowners who work hard to keep up their properties that they are paying more in taxes, while the owners of blighted buildings get the benefit of lower assessments exactly because they don't keep up their properties. That is unfair, it is wrong and it will change when I am Mayor.”

O'Brien builds his local property tax reform plan on a strong track record in the legislature fighting for property tax reform, including winning property tax relief by expanding the state property tax credit to $500, gaining tens of millions of dollars in new state aid to New Britain that kept property taxes from rising even higher and winning approval of important property tax reform that would have provided millions of dollars tax relief to New Britain taxpayers each year (a measure that was vetoed by Republican Gov. Jodi Rell).

O'Brien added, “I have already told my colleagues in the legislature that, as Mayor of New Britain, they can expect to see me at the State Capitol fighting hard for property tax reform, state property tax relief and state support for education and other local services. I have my program for property tax relief in New Britain. I also plan to be the most active Mayor in the state advocating for reform of unfair property taxes.”

Support Tim O'Brien for Mayor at a pasta supper on Sunday October 18th from 1-4 pm at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 41 Veterans Drive, New Britain. The suggested donation is $20. Tickets and information: 223-9125. An O'Brien for New Britain 2009 event. Monica Hermanowski-Defronzo Treasurer. Approved by Tim O'Brien

Roy Centeno seeks new term in Ward 5; Fundraiser Sunday, October 11

The Centeno for City Council Committee will hold a wine and cheese fundraiser for Ward 5 Councilor Roy Centeno on Sunday, October 11, from 2:30 to 5 pm at the Centenos' 289 Slater Road home. There is a suggested donation of $25 in support of Centeno who is seeking a second term on the Council representing residents who vote at Gaffney, DiLoreto and Holmes schools in the city's northwest area.

Centeno, a retired police officer and detective and product of the Connecticut Police Academy, has been active in the community in mentoring youth for the New Britain Youth Bureau and ASPIRA. He was court liaison for Central CT State University and formerly served as a city Health Commissioner. Centeno is running on the Democratic slate in Ward 5 with Carlo Carlozzi, Jr.

Mike Trueworthy Seeks Re-election at large; Tuesday, October 13, Fundraiser

The Trueworthy for Common Council Committee will hold a fundraiser for Council at large and majority leader Mike Trueworthy's re-election on Tuesday, October 13, from 6-8 p.m. at the home of Gerri Brown-Springer, 15 Brookside Road.

Trueworthy, a member of the Common Council since 2003 and former Chair of the Board of Assessment Appeal, said he is committed to continue work on the financial well being of the city and improving policies on blight and neighborhood reinvestment, senior tax relief and upgrades to public facilities. Trueworthy resides on Monroe Street with his wife Elena and two daughters, Nadia and Abigail.

Ward 3's Silvia Cruz seeks new term; Thursday, Oct. 15 fundraiser planned

Supporters of Ward 3 Councilor Silvia Cruz will gather on Thursday, October 15, from 6-8 p.m. at the home of DTC member Vicky Ramos, 98 Willow Street, for a fundraiser for the Cruz campaign in voting districts 5,7 and 8.

In seeking re-election to a fourth two-year term, Cruz cited her work on the Council: "I am proud to have been a part of many actions that the Council has taken. We as a Council voted to create the Building Commission, adopted a resolution for zoning the North Street areas as one for business and supported the environmental clean up of the Willow Street Park and its rehabilitation as a part for residents."

"I want to continue to serve the people of ward 3 so I can help to continue to revitalize neighborhoods and be their voice at the city level."

Gourmet Pizza Party for Row B Democrats Monday October 19th

A gourmet pizza party will be held at the Roma Restaurant on Allen Street on Monday, Oct. 19th from 6-8 p.m. at the Roma Restaurant on Allen Street. The suggested donation is $20. Placemat ads are available. An NBDTC event.

League, Herald Sponsor Municipal Debate October 20 at City Hall

The League of Women Voters New Britain Area and the New Britain Herald are sponsoring municipal debates in New Britain and Berlin. The Berlin debate will include the candidates for Town Council and will be held on Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Berlin Peck Memorial Library. The New Britain Debate will be held in the Common Council Chambers in New Britain City Hall on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. The candidates for Alderman will debate first and the candidates for Mayor will follow the alderman. Questions for the candidates can be submitted to lwvnba@lwvct.org or in writing at the debates.

End Quote:

Mayor Stewart On Slumlords “They’re businessmen….”

"We don't call people names who are building owners in New Britain, at least I don't. They're businessmen, too," Stewart replied. "And they provide a roof for people. It may not be in the best condition, but it's still a home."
Hartford Courant, October 8, 2009



New Britain Democratic Town Committee
PO Box 2112, New Britain,CT 06053
John Valengavish, Treasurer
Approved by John McNamara

4 October 2009

Firefighter Events for Muscular Dystrophy Association Sunday, Oct.4

The New Britain Firefighters Union. Local 992, is again stepping up in a big way to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) with two fund-raising event today (Sunday, October 4). A “poker run” bike ride will be held in the morning starting at 10 a.m.that will be followed by a traditional pasta supper from 4 to 8 p.m. at the VFW Hall on Veterans Drive. The donation to the supper is $10 with all proceeds benefiting the MDA.

New Britain Democrats are urged to come out and support the annual charitable event.


The Democratic Slate In Ward One

Carlos Pina,Jr. will focus on quality education, increasing economic development; fundraiser set for Thursday, October 8th.

Carlos Pina, Jr. running for the common council in Ward One, is emphasizing a commitment to improve public schools and safety for youth in his first bid for elective office. Pina, with a career at the Connecticut Department of Children and Families behind him, has more than 18 years’ experience coaching sports that includes a stint as an assistant for NBHS football.


“One of the key issues I intend to focus on is quality education for all, which includes proper funding and improving academic performance and test scores,” said Pina. He also emphasized that public safety for youth is a priority and that he will push for strong blight control and increased economic development activities by the city.

A graduate of Meriden’s Platt High School, Pina is married to Janice Delgado-Pina and the father of four daughters, Alyssa, Celinez, Gabriella and Jordyn.

“I care and believe in the future of New Britain. I chose to move here and raise my family where my wife is a lifelong resident. Our eldest Alyssa, graduated from NBHS and we will soon have another daughter graduate in 2010. My goals and focus are that all children of New Britain have the same positive experience as my daughters did.”

Pina describes himself as a life long Democrat who believes “that the city of New Britain has a great deal of resources to offer our students to be life long learners. Through my career experience working with children and families with DCF and 18 years of coaching sports, I’m optimistic about our future here in New Britain.”

The Pina for Alderman 2009 committee will hold a fund-raising event on Thursday, October 8, at 5:30 p.m. at Carlos Pina's home, 66 South Mountain Drive. For information call 827-0898 or e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com


Marie Lausch cites public safety, improving schools and keeping good jobs as priorities; fund-raising event set for Friday, October 9th.

Marie Lausch, Democratic candidate for Common Council in Ward One, is one of six new Democratic candidates seeking seats on the City Council this year.


Lausch, making her first bid for public office, identified three key issues that will be her focus if elected: public safety, improving public education and keeping good jobs in New Britain. “I would like to give back to citizens of New Britain what this city has given me,” said Lausch in seeking the Democratic nomination, “a solid education, a decent job, and a safe community in which to live. I have an innate sense of fairness, am a good team player, and am not afraid to speak up, especially to right injustices.”

Lausch, the mother of three grown children, several stepchildren, 14 grandchildren and “one spoiled Golden Retriever”, is sharing her story with voters on the campaign trail: ‘I am a true child of New Britain; my parents Ed & Freda Barks met at Stanley Tools and built a good life for my brother and me. I was born and educated in the Hardware City, and have always had pride in her. For the past 40 years, I have been a tireless fighter for human rights, and an advocate for American workers. I have volunteered at New Britain schools and community events. Through my union work, I have attended workers’ forums and convergences in Japan, Mexico, and many parts of the United States, and am an accomplished leader and speaker. “

A graduate of New Britain High School, Marie resides on Colt Street and has been a 911 dispatcher for the city for 17 years.

The Lausch for Common Council Committee will hold a fund-raising event on Friday, October 9th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pulaski Democratic Club, 89 Grove Street. More information contact 223-9125 or e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

From The Chair:
Mayor Stewart Misleads On Pay, Budget Numbers


A symbolic gesture by Republican Aldermen to return 5% or $175 of their $3,000 annual stipends in the face of rising property taxes drew a favorable reaction last week from Mayor Timothy Stewart who said they have “put their money where their mouth is.”

The same standard of returning something to the city treasury in austere economic times, however, will not apply to the Mayor and his office budget.

Stewart charged that I was making “disreputable” claims for saying that the mayor’s position was “hypocritical” for applauding the council members in putting “:their money where their mouth is” when Stewart has accepted $7,000 in pay increases over the last two year and continued to see increases in the Mayor’s overall office budget.

Stewart claimed “I haven’t had a raise and I’m not asking for one” and termed “misinformation” anyone saying he has.

His assertion of no raises is contradicted by the municipal budget which shows that in each of the last two fiscal years the Mayor’s salary has increased in a compensation agreement worked out two years ago by Stewart and the Common Council. The legitimacy of the pay raise is not at issue here. It is the mayor’s dissembling about whether he got one amid the calls for saving money be they symbolic or substantial. Based on the 2007 resolution adjusting salaries of full-time elected officials including the mayor, tax collector, registrar of voters and town clerk, the Mayor’s salary went from $83,461 in 2007 to $86,414 in 2008 and $87,971in 2009.

Where’s the hypocrisy?

In the run up to the adoption of this year’s budget Stewart hinted at layoffs and proposed across the board cuts for everyone. In the end he failed to include his own office in the “shared sacrifices” that motivated the GOP members, mindful of the November 3rd election, to give $175 back when so many residents are absorbing property tax and water fee increases.




Five Ways To Help Tim O'Brien and the Democratic slate. Vote Row B November 3rd. Your time and support are needed now.

- Make calls, enourage your neighbors to vote Election Day, November 3rd
= Drop literature in the neighborhoods/sign up new voters
- Send cards to family, friends and neighbors
- Get an O’Brien for Mayor lawn sign
- Make a financial contribution



NBDTC Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050
New Britain Democrat e-letters and updates
may be found at http://newbritaindemocrat.blogspot.com
Labor donated and paid for by. New Britain Democratic Town Committee.
John Valengavich Treasurer. Approved by John McNamara

30 September 2009: Dem Chairman Cites GOP Budget Hypocrisy On Council Pay

Democratic Town Chairman John McNamara today criticized Mayor Stewart for being “hypocritical” in his call for common council members to return $175 each in annual pay to help the city save money.

“The position of the Mayor and Alderman Salvio is the height of hypocrisy given their support for five percent pay raises for the Mayor and other officeholders during the budget making process this year,” said McNamara.

McNamara took exception to Stewart’s support for GOP aldermen “for putting their money where their mouth is” when Stewart has accepted more than $7,000 in pay increases over the last two years and no reduction in his own office budget. "The concept of shared sacrifice has not reached the mayor's office," stated McNamara.

McNamara cited city budget numbers showing the mayor’s office budget has risen 13.5% between 2003 and 2010, from $249,370 to $283,114. “The Mayor should put his money where his mouth is as well,” said McNamara.

“Getting $175 back from city council members is good as far as it goes. But Mayor Stewart should join the council in giving something back when the vast majority of residents are absorbing property tax and fee increases,” added McNamara.

27 September 2009

O’Brien for New Britain Headquarters Grand Opening, Fundraiser Monday, September 28

A headquarters grand opening and fundraiser will be held on Monday September 28th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the 46 Broad Street headquarters. The headquarters is located across from Polam Credit Union a couple of doors down from Cracovia Restaurant.

The suggested donation is $20.00 for this O’Brien for New Britain event. For information call 223-9125 or email newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

NEW BRITAIN DEMOCRATS GET STATEWIDE HONORS

New Britain’s Emma Pierce Is the First Recipient of Ella Grasso Award

Democratic State Central Committeewomen Emma Pierce has been selected to receive the state party’s first Ella Grasso Award at the sixth annual Democratic Women’s Leadership Awards Breakfast October 16th.

The annual awards program recognizes women active in local and state politics and the Democratic Party for their outstanding service. Pierce, a current member and former officer of the New Britain DTC, is the treasurer of the Connecticut Democratic Party.

Pierce, who previously received a distinguished service award from the Town Committee, has been active in the Democratic Party since the 1960s. In the United Auto Workers (UAW), Emma served as financial secretary of Local 133. She has carried her union’s commitment to economic and social justice to the workplace, the community and to party politics. Her service as party treasurer was preceded as treasurer of the state Federation of Black Democrats. Married to the late Dallas Pierce, Emma worked and raised her family in New Britain. She is a grandmother and great grandmother and renowned for her cooking at church, lodge and Democratic Party events.

The breakfast will be held Friday October 16th from 8 a.m. to 9:30 am at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville with State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier the keynote speaker. Pierce will receive the Grasso Award and will be recognized with 10 other Democratic women. Harriet Geragosian, a New Britain realtor and longtime Democratic Party volunteer, is a past recipient of the annual women’s leadership award from the state party. Tickets and additional information are available at www.ctdems.org

DTC Vice Chair Bob Sanchez Named Citizen of The Year By Latino- Puerto Rican Affairs Commission

Town Committee Vice Chairman Bob Sanchez will be honored on October 24th as a “citizen of the year” at the 12th annual Awards Gala in Hartford sponsored by the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission.

The event, designed to recognize the contributions and successes of Latinos across the state, has become the largest annual gathering of its kind in Connecticut. This month Sanchez was recommended by the Democratic Town Committee to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education.

“New Britain Democrats congratulate Bob for this statewide honor,” said DTC Chairman John McNamara. “His work in early childhood education serves hundreds of families and children in the city and he is widely respected in the education community. His efforts to register voters and encourage citizen participation has set an example for others to follow.”

Tickets to the event are $60. More information available at 240-8330, email Lucy.Hernandez@cga.ct.gov. Seating is limited.

Slogans May Say All You Need To Know About the Mayor’s Race

“O’Brien FOR New Britain”

“Stewart IS New Britain”

Town Committee Meets Monday, September 21; O'Brien To Share Jobs Policy Initiative

The Democratic Town Committee will meet Monday, September 21, at 7 p.m. at campaign headquarters, 46 Broad Street. On tap will be the 2009 municipal campaign and discussion of a Board of Education vacancy created by the resignation of Democrat Peter Kochol who stepped down recently.

State Rep. Tim O'Brien (D-24), the mayoral nominee, is expected to outline part of his plans for jobs creation in the city. All members and friends are urged to attend. For more information: newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

New Council Resolution Seeks To Protect Senior Property Relief Funds

A resolution to be introduced at the New Britain Common Council Wednesday, Sept. 23rd, will seek to restrict use of funds appropriated for property tax relief for senior citizens, veterans and persons with disabilities.

The issue has been a bone of contention between Mayor Stewart and the Common Council for at least two budget cycles on the release of appropriated funds for earned property tax reduction. The new measure would hold funds in a special account or what could be termed a "lock box" earmarked only for senior tax relief.

The Stewart administration has come down against extending property tax relief to seniors over and above a state property tax credit program.

The Council meeting will be held at City Hall on Wednesday, September 23rd, with public participation beginning at 7 p.m.


The Democratic Slate (one of a series)

Phil Sherwood Seeks New Term In Ward Four

The Committee for Ward 4 Alderman Phil Sherwood's re-election will hold a fund-raising event on Thursday, September 24th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Italian Fraternal Society, 131 Monroe Street.

The suggested donation is $30.


Sherwood, a first-term alderman, outlined four key issues facing the city in seeking his aldermanic nomination: access to good paying jobs, alternatives to the over reliance on property taxes, the quality of education and programs for youth and the need for city government to work on long-term planning.

“Over this first term my work for positive change and responsive government has included more transparency at City Hall, protecting families and children from potential environmental hazards, keeping our neighborhoods quiet and peaceful, and moving New Britain towards becoming a city our residents are proud of," said Sherwood in a statement to his supporters. “Challenging the status quo has brought harsh criticism and threats. But my experiences talking to my constituents door-to-door are the driving force behind everything I do as their elected representative.”

Sherwood, first elected to the Common Council in 2007, is the Deputy Director of the Connecticut Citizen Action Group (CCAG). He is a 2000 graduate of the University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music . He resides on Commonwealth Avenue with his wife, Dena Fleno, and son Miles.

Denuzze Is Victor In Town Clerk Primary

Incumbent Town and City Clerk Peter Denuzze won the primary for Town and City Clerk against Ald. Suzanne Bielinski, the endorsed candidate, with approximately 10 percent of registered Democrats going to the polls. New Britain Democrats congratulate Denuzze on his hard-earned victory.

National League of Women Voters (LWV) Under Attack From Opponents of Health Care Reform

It appears that not even a respected, nonpartisan citizen organization is immune from forces within and sympathetic to the Republican Party's right wing.

League of Women Voters leaders are appealing for support across the nation against what they call "intentional lies, disorderly conduct and threatening and confusing actions" by opponents of health care reform currently before Congress.

In a message to members, LWVUS President Mary Wilson said her organization is a target of an organization calling itself the “League of American Voters.”

This group, says Wilson, "is conducting an advertising campaign against health care reform that seeks to undermine public support by sowing fear and mistrust. We sent a letter calling them to task for using a name clearly designed to be confused with the League of Women Voters in order to disseminate misleading information and block health care reform. We asked them to reveal the major sources of funding for the advertising campaign. Their response? A blast email to their followers condemning the League of Women Voters."

Wilson continues: “We have begun to get disruptive and downright rude phone calls and emails from “supporters” of the so-called League of American Voters. We are arranging for greater security due to a variety of threats that have been made. And we’ve begun exploring what legal options are available to help us protect our name in the face of those who are misusing it.

In seeking contributions to fend off the "League of American Voters" the LWV repeated its resolve to push for health care for all Americans: "Make no mistake: The League of Women Voters believes quality, affordable health care should be available to all Americans. As a 90-year-old membership organization that is one of the most trusted nonpartisan voices in the United States, we know that health care reform must protect coverage for those who have it, provide coverage for those who desperately need it, and protect us all against skyrocketing costs." More information at www.lwv.org

13 September 2009

Town and City Clerk Primary Is Tuesday, September 15

The Democratic Primary for Town and City Clerk will be held Tuesday with all city polling places open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Clerk’s post is the only municipal office being contested in the Primary.

Endorsed Democrat Suzanne Bielinski, the President pro tem of the Common Council, is seeking the nomination after serving six terms on the council. Ms. Bielinski, an insurance company analyst who attended Michigan State University and CCSU, is seeking to become the first woman Town and City Clerk in the city’s history. She has campaigned on a platform of bringing “process improvements in the Town Clerk’s Office to deliver exceptional service” and increased access to online information and forms.

Incumbent Peter DeNuzze is the challenger.

For polling place or other information e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com


From the Chair: On The Politics of Cheap Shots and Animus

Callous and mean-spirited chatter appearing in the Herald reader comments about Mayor Timothy Stewart and traced to a misused state Capitol computer last week are part of an escalating use of the internet for political cheap shots.

In a September 12th editorial The Herald has it exactly right in saying it’s time to “raise the level of political discourse, focusing on ideas, rather than personalities; discussing issues rather than making personal smears.”


Unfortunately this latest political smear fits a pattern of negative, personal attacks that has been occurring with regularity here in New Britain for several years.

Hardball politics has always had its share of name calling and derisive back and forth here. Didn’t Sen. Joe Lieberman used to joke in his Democratic days that “New Britain is the Beirut of Connecticut politics?”

Anonymous forms of political sniping, however, are showing up in the unfiltered threads of the Herald in a way that shows the newspaper is having a hard time managing it. They are routine in a blogosphere where only the cost of a modem is needed to spread derogatory remarks, innuendos, family and ethnic slurs. In one recent instance, a threat of violence against City Alderman Phil Sherwood was made on the “franksmithsaysnb” blog. A police investigation ensued and confirmed the identify of the person making the threat (the spouse of an officer on the Republican Town Committee). The New Britain Herald, with a newsroom then in transition and under a new publisher, chose not to publish a story on the internet threat to a Democratic elected official.

For campaign 2009, a Republican-leaning blog such as the “bizy bee” is now the source of frequent, anonymous posts with a heavy sprinkling of lies and character assassination, including this excerpt:

“Lets take alderman at-large candidate Ryan Hurlburt for example; the kid was born and raised in Cornwall. He didn't move to New Britain until last year when he decided to expand his slumlord business to central conncticut. he's running for council becasue he was forced to by McNamara, after expressing that he wanted to be a part of the Board of Assessment Appeals (where hes looking for a tax credit on his three family on Ellis Street). The poor kid has no idea what he's getting himself into. Why should this carpetbagger, recruited by John McNamara, deserve to represent us New Britainites who have lived here our entire lives when we know that WE are more qualified to run for council than he is?

This is not the only example of carpetbaggers on the Democratic slate; their candidate for Mayor, Tim O'Brien, has only lived here for less than 15 years, and some question if he even does reside here. He doesn't even pay real estate taxes in the city but yet he wants to be mayor? He doesn't even own any property, and some have said he even lives out of Manchester, but rents a crappy apartment to make it seem that he lives in his district.

Phil Sherwood, NOT from New Britain, BOTH candidates in Ward one-NOT from New Britain , two At-Large candidates-NOT from New Britain, SEVEN ward candidates -NOT from New Britain. The Democratic ticket is made of carpetbaggers because they simply couldn't find anyone else who wants to be part of the Democrats embarrassing behavior.

Is this the kind of political discourse the Herald has in mind in calling for a more civil conversation on city issues? Is calling a new candidate a “slumlord” without evidence or deliberate lies about the residency of Democratic candidates “sticking to the issues?”

The “Bizy Bee” has the fingerprints of Mayor Stewart’s inner circle and the Republican Town Committee all over it. The blog links to Stewart’s campaign Facebook page and the Republican Town Committee web site extols its virtues as a conduit for its own lies and cheap shots. “You may have noticed that The Bizy Bee is in our blog roll now. Please check it out for another great look at what goes on in New Britain. It is a great read and well written,” says the official organ of New Britain Republicans.

As Republicans charge Democrats with mudslinging and claim they are as pure as the driven snow, they officially promote and sanction a deliberately false campaign of animus and character attack. Theirs is a race to the bottom when it comes to having a campaign based on issues.

Isn’t it time for everyone on all sides engaged in local politics to own up to their own words? And it is past the time for a dialogue on where the city is headed on key issues -- a burgeoning municipal deficit, downtown revitalization, property tax relief, the future of Pinnacle Heights and improving the quality of schools.


On the Calendar (Send your announcements)

Saturday, September 19: The New Britain Irish Social Club (AOH) holds its annual picnic from noon to 5 pm. Tickets $20 for families; $12 for individuals 12 and over. Telephone 832-8023. The event will be held at New Britain VFW Pavillion, Veterans Drive.

Monday, September 21: Democratic Town Committee will meet at the Headquarters, 46 Broad Street at 7 p.m.

Thursday, September 24: Fund-raising campaign event for Ward 4 Ald. Phil Sherwood, 6:30 p.m., Italian Fraternal Society, Monroe Street.

Friday, September 25: The New Britain Irish Social Club (AOH) music from 8 to 11:30 p.m. featuring The Boomers (Jimmy Buffet style) at the club, 39 South Street.

Saturday, September 26: New Britain Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner will be held at CCSU Student Center ballroom from 7 to 11 pm. Honorees this year include one of us – Ward 3 Ald. Shirley Black. A New Britain Branch NAACP event, P.O. Box 323, New Britain, CT 06050. More information e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

End Quote

But Wilson’s shocking disrespect for the office of the president — no Democrat ever shouted “liar” at W. when he was hawking a fake case for war in Iraq — convinced me: Some people just can’t believe a black man is president and will never accept it.

New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd, September 12, 2009 at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/13/opinion/13dowd.html