Rep. O'Brien Congratulates Mayor; Renews Call For Positive Change

Rep. Tim O'Brien, the Democratic candidate for Mayor, congratulated Tim Stewart on the day of his inauguration and looked forward to continuing to advocate for the people of New Britain on the important issues.

"I congratulate Tim Stewart on his inaugural day," said Rep. O'Brien, "and give best wishes to him and his family in the coming years. I hope today is a joyous one for them."

O'Brien said he is happy to be continuing his work at the State Capitol. "As I said during the campaign, my passion for my work at the Capitol on behalf of the people I represent is as strong as it ever was."

"I am proud of what I have accomplished in the legislature," O'Brien added, "but there there are many more victories needed for the people I represent and I glad to be continuing that important work."

O'Brien expressed deep appreciation to the many people who supported his campaign for Mayor.

"I want to give my thanks to everyone who helped with and supported our campaign to change New Britain for the better for everyone in our city," said O'Brien. "And I thank the thousands of people who came out to vote in hope for a brighter future for New Britain."


O'Brien added, "We should be proud of what we accomplished. We gave hope to thousands of people in our city that we can change things for the better - lowering unfair property taxes, improving education opportunities, improving neighborhoods and creating good paying jobs."

"Most of all," O'Brien said, "we spread hope that we, everyday people, working together as a community, can truly improve life for everyone in New Britain. What we started this year is genuinely good."


O'Brien said that he plans to continue to advocate for the important changes his campaign championed. "The work that we started this year is not over. It is just beginning. We should keep building and organizing to win a brighter future for our city."

"Together, we can build a brighter future for New Britain," said O'Brien.

U.S. House Takes Step Toward Affordable Health Care
Rep. Murphy: “This bill starts the process of fixing it….”

By a razor thin margin (220-215) and only one Republican vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Affordable Health Care for America Act” Saturday (Nov. 7) with the support of U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy (D-5).

According to a statement released by Murphy’s office, affordable health insurance is slipping from the grasps of too many Connecticut residents. This summer, Connecticut's biggest insurer announced that it was increasing rates for individuals by over 30%. And a recent report by Families USA found that 28,100 Connecticut residents will lose their health coverage in 2009 as a result of losing their jobs. By the end of the year, Connecticut will be home to 303,000 uninsured adults, an increase of ten percent in just one year.

"Every night in this country, thousands of children go to sleep, sick in their bed because their mother couldn't afford to get them to the doctor. And every day, thousands more families file for bankruptcy, losing everything they own, because their loved one got sick and they couldn't afford the bills anymore. This is the most affluent, compassionate nation in the world, and it makes no sense that our health care system leaves so many behind. This bill starts the process of fixing it, for people in Connecticut and across the country," said Murphy.

The debate in the U.S. House included delaying and sometimes juvenile tactics by House Republicans but the measure passed after more than 14 hours. Proponents of the heavily-compromised bill cite the components of the legislation as a major step forward in the fight for universal and affordable coverage:

• reforms insurance law to stop discrimination based on pre-existing conditions;
• ends the practice of patients losing their insurance if they get too sick;
• provides tax credits for businesses that provide health insurance coverage to their employees;
• strengthens Medicare by beginning to close the prescription drug donut hole immediately, cutting co-payments for preventive services, and slashing waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare system; and
• reduces the deficit while covering 96% of Americans

The close House vote was attributable to some progressive Democrats opposing the measure for what they called a “weakened” public option. U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, a former Presidential candidate from Ohio’s 10th Congressional District, stated:

“But instead of working toward the elimination of for-profit insurance, H.R. 3962 would put the government in the role of accelerating the privatization of health care. In H.R. 3962, the government is requiring at least 21 million Americans to buy private health insurance from the very industry that causes costs to be so high, which will result in at least $70 billion in new annual revenue, much of which is coming from taxpayers. This inevitably will lead to even more costs, more subsidies, and higher profits for insurance companies — a bailout under a blue cross.”

Debate on the issue is far from over. The House-adopted bill now goes on to the U.S. Senate and a merged version of the legislation will be developed in a conference committee for a final vote.

City Government Begins Anew On Tuesday (Nov. 10)

Gov. M. Jodi Rell is scheduled to administer the oath of office to newly elected municipal officials on Tuesday in ceremonies to begin at 11 a.m. Trinity-On-Main Performing Arts Center in downtown New Britain. The public is invited to attend.

A Correction on Tuesday’s Municipal Election Numbers

The Nov. 7th New Britain Democrat e-letter incorrectly stated that 1,000 more voters voted in the Nov. 3 Municipal Election. The comment should have said:

Only 200 more voted this year compared to 2007 (9,006 to 8,808) making the turnout a paltry 27.86%. The lower percentage but slightly higher turnout is attributable to the "Obama bounce" of 2008. In 2007, there were 30,433 registered voters. This year enrollment was 32,323. The likelihood is that a few more percentage points would have led to a different outcome. The challenge remains: to encourage citizen participation at the local level where government can impact people the most.

End Quote for Veteran’s Day

“In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.” - Mark Twain

7 November 2009

From the Chair....

The 2009 Election

This is to thank candidates of all parties and volunteers for being a part of the municipal campaign this year.

Just 200 more people voted compared to 2007 (9,006 to 8,808) making the turnout a paltry 27.86%. The lower percentage but higher turnout is attributable to the "Obama bounce" of 2008. In 2007,there were 30,433 registered voters. This year enrollment was officially at 32,323. Anyone walking neighborhoods during this election, however, would find the official voter count to be inflated. The likelihood is that a few more percentage points would have led to a different outcome. The challenge remains: to encourage citizen participation at the local level where government can impact people the most.

Although 80 or so votes shy when the polls closed, Tim O'Brien delivered everything he could and led his party to retain a super majority on the Council.

Rep. O'Brien overcame unexpected adversity, an entrenched incumbent Mayor and a Republican noise machine full of slanderous and anonymous comment to get very close to victory. Throughout 2009 it was hard to find the GOP offering any ideas or substance to move the city forward. Tim Stewart is to be congratulated on his victory, but he knows once again the voters rejected his call to give him a rubber-stamp council. The election and campaign were last week. Next week it's time to govern in a spirit of mutual respect and what is in the best interests of the city.

Rick Lopes and Kate Breslin deserve praise for giving of their time, talent and tremendous organizational skills to the O'Brien campaign. Thanks to DTC member Sue McKinley and Vice Chair Bob Sanchez for their E-day organizing as well as all GOTV teams and volunteers.

Newcomers Marie Lausch and Carlos Pina, Jr.-- campaigning in the most Republican oriented area of the city -- waged positive and hard fought campaigns; we were fortunate to have them as part of the team and to join us as leaders who will be heard from again. Juan Verdu stepped into a void to run for Tax Collector and deserves special thanks for his efforts and for bringing out votes on Tuesday. Thanks to Laura Woodie for her close at large bid and another newcomer, Ryan Hurlburt, for his candidacy and new perspectives. Congratulations to City Treasurer Teresa Sapieha Yanchak and Town Clerk Peter Denuzze on their re-elections. Thanks to new Constables Mike Dagata and Sue Hodge for their efforts throughout the campaign.

Congratulations go to the new Democratic Council: Catanzaro, Magnuszewski and Trueworthy at large; Collins and Platosz (2), Black and Cruz (3), Hermanowski and Sherwood (4) and Carlozzi and Centeno (5). A heartfelt thanks to my alderwoman, Shirley Black, whose daily presence at headquarters set an example. Kudos to BOE President Sharon Beloin-Saavedra for her staunch support and ideas on education. And thanks to my neighbor, Phil Sherwood, for his guidance and support of all during the Democratic campaign and Mike Trueworthy for his support of the Council slate.

Next steps? We build a coalition based around the issues that Tim O'Brien raised in this campaign --- property tax relief, an education policy that addresses overcrowding and doesn't hold children hostage to the property tax, real blight enforcement, transparency in city government and creating a jobs-friendly climate for New Britain.

It's no time to rest or mourn. It is time to organize.

Historic Vote On Public Option Health Insurance Looms Today (Nov. 7) Call Now

The U.S. House's first full vote on health reform legislation may come today (Saturday, Nov. 7). It'll be the first time in more than 60 years that the full body votes on comprehensive reform with a close vote expected.

The insurance industry and their allies are putting extraordinary pressure on every representative to defeat H.R 3962. "We know that their expensive lobbyists will be dashing to each congressional office, attempting to twist arms. The only question is whether the phones will be ringing off the hook with constituents supporting reform while that happens," according to a statement from Organizing for America.

Reinforce support for a public option calling Cong. Murphy at 202-225-4476

Tell friends around the country to contact their U.S. Rep. immediately www.house.gov

For complete information on the legislation visit Cong. Chris Murphy's site at http://www.chrismurphy.house.gov/



End Quotes

Health care is a moral issue. It is viewed as a fundamental human right, not only advocated in Catholic Social Teaching but also in the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This right is reflected in the values of the economic systems of every western industrialized country except one, the United States of America. We are the only country among those 27 industrialized nations that does not provide universal health care. In contrast, our Church has been at the forefront of advocating for health care as a right for decades, including pastoral letters in 1981 and 1993.

from Catholic Democrats www.catholicdemocrats.org

2 November 2009

If You Want Change, It's Time To Get Out The Vote

From The Chair...

Election Day 2009 gives New Britain an opportunity to change leadership at City Hall and to move the city forward on many fronts.

With Rep.Tim O'Brien as the nominee, we have a candidate for Mayor whose record on the City Council and in the Legislature has been among the most progressive and reform-minded. As mayor, Tim O’Brien will make New Britain a better place to live; he will be a powerful voice on property tax reform, education funding, workplace rights, transparency at City Hall and reducing blight and disinvestment.

O'Brien, as he has said on the campaign trail many times, seeks to raise expectations for ourselves and this community. He has laid out constructive plans on reducing the property tax burden, reinvigorating a jobs and economic development strategy and letting the thousands of voters he has met know that his administration will be open and transparent. His opponent may boast that he "is" New Britain, but O'Brien, through words and deeds, has made it clear that he is "for" New Britain.

Your help and support is needed now. To volunteer in the effort to Get Out The Vote and elect Tim O'Brien and the Row B Democrats, please call the headquarters at 223-9125. It is located at 46 Broad Street. E-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

End Quote

“……New Britain certainly needs hope that we can change things for the better. So call me a "hope-monger," too, because I want New Britain to believe in itself again. That is why I want to ask you, all of you, and all the people of New Britain, to join with me in building a new future for our city." -
Rep. Tim O'Brien, Democratic candidate for Mayor, July 2009

For more information visit

www.timobrien.org

www.newbritaindemocrat.net

Campaign Update: Gourmet Pizza Party, Town Committee Meeting Thursday, 10/22

A gourmet pizza party, originally scheduled for Monday 10/19, will be held Thursday, Oct. 22nd, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Democratic headquarters 46 Broad Street. The suggested donation is $20 for the Town Committee event that will benefit GOTV activities for the Democratic candidates.

The Town Committee meeting will follow the party. On the agenda will be an update on the status of legislation on health coverage in Congress, an update on the municipal campaign and vacancies for Justices of the Peace

See you Thursday 10/22 to:

Get a lawn sign
Get literature to encourage your neighbors to vote Election Day, November 3rd
Make a donation



NBDTC Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050
Labor donated by New Britain Democratic Town Committee.
John Valengavich Treasurer. Approved by John McNamara

17 October 2009

It's Time To Get Out The Vote: Pasta Supper For O'Brien Kicks Off Stretch Run
A pasta supper for Rep. Tim O'Brien, Democratic nominee for mayor, will kick off the stretch run toward the municipal election on Sunday, October 18th, from 1-4 p.m. at at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 41 Veterans Drive, New Britain. O'Brien will be joined by members of the Democratic slate, state party leaders and elected officials. The suggested donation for the O'Brien for New Britain 2009 event is $20.

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

- Visit the Headquarters, 46 Broad Street 223-9125
- 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

Stewart Criticizes Tax Relief Plan; O'Brien Reiterates Need For Change
Rep. Tim O'Brien, the Democratic candidate for Mayor, responded to Republican criticisms of the actions he would take to reduce the property tax burden

O'Brien has asserted that 90 percent of property owners have experienced tax increases because of revaluation. He has called for implementation of local property tax relief for seniors, extending relief to all homeowners via a strong anti-blight assessment ordinance and building support for statewide reform that would reduce the over reliance on property levies to pay for schools and municipal services.

Republican Stewart opposes a local senior relief program and stated that revenues gained from anti-blight assessments cannot be used to lower the tax burden. Stewart has also opposed property tax changes in state law proposed by O'Brien that have been vetoed by Gov. Rell.

"When I first decided to run for Mayor, I said that some politicians think it is their job to lower people's expectations and to tell them why things cannot be done," said O'Brien. "I believe in my heart that we can do better, improving neighborhoods, ensuring quality education and lowering unfair property tax burdens."

"We can and should do what we can, as a community, to help homeowners and especially senior citizens by lowering unfair property tax burdens," said O'Brien. "That is why I have fought on behalf of the people of New Britain for property tax reform in the state legislature, and it is why the people of our city can count on me to work hard for them as Mayor."

O'Brien said he disagreed with Tim Stewart's interpretation of state law allowing for anti-blight assessments, which O'Brien plans to use to force the owners of blighted buildings to pay for the costs they cause for the people who live in New Britain. "Over the years, as I have gone door to door talking with the people of our city," said O'Brien, "I have seen how frustrated people are that some politicians make excuses for why problems cannot be solved when, instead, we need leaders who find ways to get things done. That is why I am running for Mayor."

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 New Britain Debate will be held in the Common Council Chambers in New Britain City Hall on Tuesday, 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.

Town Committee Meeting, Gourmet Pizza Party For Row B Thursday, October 22
A gourmet pizza party, originally scheduled for Monday 10/19, will be held Thursday, Oct. 22nd, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Democratic headquarters 46 Broad Street. The suggested donation is $20 for the Town Committee event that will benefit GOTV activities for the Democratic candidates. A Town Committee meeting will follow the party. On the agenda will be an update on the status of legislation on health coverage in Congress, an update on the municipal campaign and vacancies for Justices of the Peace.

Catanzaro To Hold Fundraiser October 23rd; Seeks Re-election At Large
Supporters of Councilor At Large Paul Catanzaro, seeking re-election to the Common Council, will hold a fundraiser on Friday, October 23rd from 5 to 8 p.m. at 44 Eddy Glover Boulevard The suggested donation for the Re-Elect CATANZARO "09" event is $30.

Catanzaro, employed at the parks and recreation department, said that his key priorities in a new term will be property tax relief, public safety and economic development. A member and past President of AFSCME Local 1186 and delegate to AFSCME's Council 4, Catanzaro has long been active as a volunteer in the community, including the Italian Fraternal Society, Care of Services and the Human Recources Agency. He also served as an officer on the New Britain Labor Council.

End Quote: On "Pricing The Kids Out" of big league games

Almost every adult I’ve ever spoken with who went to a baseball or football game as a child remembers the shock of entering the stadium and then suddenly coming upon the glorious expanse of emerald green grass, sparkling beneath the sun or the brilliant lights at night games.

I remember that those games seemed to go by with the speed of light. The seventh and eighth innings — or the fourth quarter in football — used to come so fast. You never wanted it to be over.

Maybe this is not the biggest issue facing the country, but I can’t help feeling we’re making a big mistake pricing these games out of the reach of today’s boys and girls who are growing up in families of modest means

.

New York Times' columnist Bob Herbert, October 17, 2009

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

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