February Meeting: Thursday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m. City Hall
State Candidates To Speak
The Democratic Town Committee (DTC) will meet Thursday, Feb. 25th, at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main St. in Room 504, with candidates for state office and plans for 2010 on the agenda.

Invited to be guest speakers are Secretary of the State hopefuls, including New Haven Alderman Gerald Garcia, House Majority Leader Denise Merrill (D-Mansfield) and State Senator Jonathan Harris (D-West Hartford). Former State Party Chair and state senator George Jepsen, who is vying for the Attorney General nomination, is also expected to attend the meeting.

Committee members will discuss a 2010 Campaign Karaoke Kick-Off in March. The public is invited to this and all meetings of the Democratic Town Committee.

DTC Organizational Meeting, Thursday, March 4, 7 p.m. City Hall
The Democratic Town Committee (DTC) will hold its organizational meeting to start a new, two-year term on Thursday, March 4th, at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street in Room 504. The agenda includes the election of officers, district leaders and the formation of sub-committees. Statewide candidates will also be invited as guest speakers at the March 4th meeting.

From The Chair:
Remembering Bill Kerr, CCSU Politics Prof: Service Saturday,Feb. 27

A celebration of the life of Charles W. (Bill) Kerr will be held at the New Britain Museum of American Art in New Britain, CT, on Saturday February 27, 2010, at 1 p.m. Kerr, 78, died on February 2, 2010 in his home at Sun City, Hilton Head, SC. A Missouri native, Kerr was a professor emeritus of Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) and served as Chair of the Political Science Department.

In the early ‘80s I first met Bill Kerr and his wife Marietta at a meeting of the Caucus of Connecticut Democrats (CCD) a few years before moving to New Britain. Thanks to connecting with Kerr outside of the city, I got a quick introduction to the New Britain Democratic establishment when I moved here and was fast-tracked into local politics – winning a seat on the Democratic Town Committee in ’86, and beginning what’s turned into 24 years of being involved in campaigns and elections.

Meeting Kerr at the CCD – the liberal group that in its heyday mobilized Dems for direct primaries, civil rights and an end to the war in Vietnam – was no accident. Bill Kerr, the partisan, was an unabashed progressive – supporting liberal candidates and favoring groups such as the Legislative Electoral Action Program (LEAP) and the Connecticut Citizen Action Group (CCAG).

Though I was never in one of his classes, Kerr, the teacher, had keen insights and possessed a wry and dry sense of humor about politics that you would have had to be around to appreciate. Those attributes, not to mention a Ph.D in political science, commanded respect from the left and right, and from Rs and Ds in Connecticut.

At CCSU, Kerr had a good run of organizing conferences and workshops, bringing experts and pols of all stripes together. One year it would Cong. Nancy Johnson. The next it would be Barney Frank. He organized these forums under his Institute for Practical Politics (IPP), a fitting name at an institution drawing many sons and daughters of the working class to become teachers and professionals or, in some cases, local and state elected officials.

Kerr’s Institute was no high falutin’ think tank, but a series of “practical” sessions among academics and citizens on policy and political strategy. Kerr’s knowledge of CT politics and players always made IPP conferences informative and helped extend his teaching of politics and government well beyond the classroom.

When someone we know and respect dies it can be a comfort to say we are better persons for having known that person. In Bill Kerr’s case, I and I’d guess many of his students would say we are better citizens for having known him as fellow activists or students.

New Britain Democrats extend condolences to Marietta, Melanie and all the members of the Kerr family.

End Quote

“The state’s economy has undergone a critical structural change as the degree of outsourcing—whether to other states or abroad—has grown quickly for more than a decade. The result is that even strong growth in total output may not translate into rapid improvement in employment. The effect shows in a pattern of progressively slowed jobs recovery. Before 1990, Connecticut’s economy recovered jobs lost in recessions in ten months or less; recovery took 23 months and then 39 months in the last two recessions.”

From “No Jobs Recovery! When will Connecticut’s Misery End? February 2010 Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis, University of Connecticut. http://ccea.uconn.edu/

14 February 2010

Republican “Roadmap” Undermines Retirees, Working Families, Middle Class
The Republican Party’s alternatives to Democratic proposals for economic stimulus and health care plans have come out of the woodwork. Republican Congressman Paul Ryan (WI) is the point man for a strategy that would, according to press reports, make wholesale cuts to Social Security and Medicare, let the wealthiest 1% of Americans keep their Bush, deficit-causing tax cuts and create a “simpler” tax system that includes an 8.5% federal consumption (sales) tax. Notes the widely read TPM blog: “That's a tax on all goods and services that shifts the tax burden from corporations to individual consumers.”

The GOP “blueprint” undermines the Medicare program in future years with this provision: “For those currently under 55 – as they become Medicare-eligible – it creates a Medicare payment, initially averaging $11,000, to be used to purchase a Medicare certified plan. The payment is adjusted to reflect medical inflation, and pegged to income, with low-income individuals receiving greater support.” Put simply, the GOP plan throws Medicare eligible individuals to the insurance industry that would reap a taxpayer windfall without a benefit guarantee, or worse, a decrease in those benefits.
You can read the “roadmap” in its entirety at http://www.roadmap.republicans.budget.house.gov/ complete with Rep. Ryan's bragging about how good it is.

Andy Stern, the president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), who has worked with members of the Business Roundtable on health care reform over the last several years told TPM: "It's hard to imagine that this is a 21st century plan. It seems like we're going back to the future. Particularly when George Bush inherited a surplus and drove it into a massive deficit, I'm not sure we should trust the Republican party's rehashed ideas to not just bankrupt the country in the end."

The Connecticut Republicans seeking a seat in the 5th CD and elsewhere this year should be called out for their position on their party’s “roadmap.” Prediction: They will run away from it as fast as they can to avoid talking about issues and being labeled as proponents of the same lame ideas espoused by Bush 43. Lest we forget the Bush-Cheney war mongering, deregulation and fiscal policies plunged the country into harshest economic trouble since the Great Depression. Well, maybe all of CT GOPers except Linda "Smackdown" McMahon, the current darling of New Britain's Republicans.

NB Dems February Meeting: February 25 at City Hall
The Democratic Town Committee will meet on February 25th at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street for its final meeting of the 2008-2010 term. Members and friends will receive updates on key issues emerging at the state House and City Hall this year. Candidates for statewide offices will also be welcomed.

Organizational, Delegate meetings scheduled to start the 2010-2012 term: March 4, March 23-30
The Democratic Town Committee will hold its organizational meeting for a new term on Thursday March 4th at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street. The Committee will elect officers, district leaders and appoint committees to kick off the 2010 election cycle. Democrats not serving as elected members from district who wish to volunteer as associate members are welcome to attend and join. For more information, e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com or call the Town Chair at 860-827-9469.

DTC Leader Francisco Cuin appointed to state Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission
DTC member and District Leader Francisco O. Cuin has been appointed to serve on the state’s Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission (LPRAC) for the next two years. Cuin, active in voter registration and citizen involvement, has served on the town committee for three terms and was elected citywide to the Board of Assessment Appeal (2007-2009). A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Francisco is a member of the board of the Spanish Speaking Center and is an elected member of the city’s Board of Assessment. He is also the co-founder of the Parent Network of New Britain, which works to improve quality of life of New Britain Latinos. Cuin currently works for the Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. in the Head Start Program and with the New Britain Foundation for Public Giving. He holds multiple degrees, including a juris doctorate from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.
Democratic legislators had praise for Cuin’s work in the community and his appointment to the statewide commission:
“Francisco Cuin is a civic leader in the city of New Britain and is a strong advocate for the Latino community in our city,” said Senator Donald J. DeFronzo (D-6). “He will be a welcome and positive addition to the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission.” Representative Betty Boukus (D-22) said, “Mr. Cuin has a long history of advocacy and will bring an important voice to the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission.” Said State representative John Geragosian (D-25): “Francisco will make a wonderful addition to the commission. He understands the challenges facing the Latino community and the community at-large. He will be a strong advocate for change.”
Created in 1994, LPRAC is a nonpartisan public policy agency within the state’s Legislative Branch. LPRAC consists of 21 appointed volunteers who are mandated to advise the General Assembly and the governor on policies that foster progress in the Latino communities residing in Connecticut. For more information, visit www.cga.ct.gov/lprac/.

New Britain Democrats Rx for the February Blues: Irish music, Southern cooking

The menu: Saturday, February 20th, Noon
4th annual winter BBQ sponsored by the Pride of CT Lodge 1437, 24-30 Elm Street. Smoked ribs, BBQ chicken, fried fish, Georgia hots, baked beans, salads and corn on the cob. Come early. Stay late.
The Music: the New Britain Irish Social Club, 39 South Street
Friday, February 19th, 8:30-11:30 p.m. presenting the Marksmen
Friday, March 5th, 8:30-11:30 p.m. presenting Celtic Music of Calley McGrane and the Exiles.
New Britain Irish Social Club (Hibernians) 860-832-8023

End Quote
“The difference between Democrats and Republicans has always been measured in courage and confidence. The Republicans believe that the wagon train will not make it to the frontier unless some of the old, some of the young, some of the weak are left behind by the side of the trail…We Democrats believe that we can make it all the way with the whole family intact….” Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo at the 1984 Democratic National Convention.

Democratic Town Committee To Meet Thursday, January 28th

The Democratic Town Committee will hold its first meeting of 2010 on Thursday, January 28th at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street beginning at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in Room 504.

Democrats seeking statewide offices will be given opportunities to introduce their candidacies at the January meeting and again at the February meeting (February 25th) before the start of the new term.

The Committee will also take up Justice of the Peace appointments, discuss the upcoming legislative session and review the 2010 political calendar.

Legislators Holding Community Meetings This Week

Members of the New Britain legislative delegation are holding a pair of general community meetings for the public to attend and discuss state government, the economy and other issues facing New Britain residents. The Legislature will convene for its 2010 session next week on Wednesday, February 3rd. The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 26, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at the New Britain Senior Center, 55 Pearl Street. The second will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. at the Human Resource Agency of New Britain, Community Room, 180 Clinton Street. All members of the public are invited to attend.

Online Connecticut Mirror Gives Politics and Government Coverage A Boost

The launch of the online Connecticut Mirror this week is expected to add considerably to the extent and breadth of coverage of politics and government in Connecticut. The Mirror, funded with foundation grants, is a hopeful response to the continuing decline of state capitol coverage by newspapers.

The CT Mirror (www.ctmirror.com), describes itself as “an independent source of news and information about our state’s government, politics and public policy. From dealing with Connecticut’s budget crisis to choosing its top officials, 2010 will be a year of critical decisions. We hope you’ll be with us as we cover it all. Our goal is to bring you in-depth coverage of the issues and events that will affect the lives of all Connecticut residents for years to come.”
The Mirror, which includes a guide to state politics and government, began online publishing on Monday.

Stand Up For Health Care Coalition Not Backing Off From Push For Health Care Reform

The coalition of local and national organizations calling for Congressional action on comprehensive health care reform is stepping up efforts for passage of a House-Senate compromises despite the loss of a 60th Democratic vote for cloture in the U.S. Senate.

In a letter to Congressional leaders,Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA, links the need for health care reform with the health of the economy:

“Without reform, health costs will continue to grow much faster than wages. Without reform, many millions of hard-working people and their families will join the ranks of the uninsured and underinsured. And without reform, businesses, staggered by increasing employee health costs, will either drop coverage or will be unable to make needed investments. As a result, our nation's economy - and the ability to create good jobs - will suffer. We must not let that happen. Some members of Congress have said that we should abandon health reform for a later time. But make no mistake, if we abandon reform now - after moving further than ever before towards meaningful reform - we will not get back to this crucial agenda for a long, long time. Some other members have suggested that we play "small ball": adopt only the most popular measures, such as prohibiting exclusions of coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, and drop the more systemic reforms. Unfortunately, that will not work.”

For more information and to contact members of Congress visit Families USA www.familiesusa.org or Connecticut Citizen Action Group.

UPCOMING MUNICIPAL MEETINGS
CITY COUNCIL, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27TH 7 P.M. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGINS AT 7 P.M.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST

End Quote

“The question for Democrats is whether there is anything that will wake them up to their obligation to extend a powerful hand to ordinary Americans and help them take the government, including the Supreme Court, back from the big banks, the giant corporations and the myriad other predatory interests that put the value of a dollar high above the value of human beings.”

New York Times columnist Bob Herbert, January 23rd
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/23/opinion/23herbert.html

17 January 2010

Monday’s King Day Observances in New Britain
The city Human Rights and Opportunities Commission will hold its annual breakfast and program in honor of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday on Monday, January 18th with a 9 a.m. breakfast and program at Angelico’s Restaurant on East Street followed by a brief ceremony at the King Park monument at the corner of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Stanley Street. The King Park ceremony will begin at approximately 10:30 a.m.

A program sponsored by the Mary McLeod Bethune Club will be held in the afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. at the McCullough Temple on Chapman Street, New Britain. The guest speaker is Rory Edwards.

Forum on Fate of Clean Elections Law Planned for Tuesday, January 19th
An informational forum on the status of the citizen’s election program will be held on Tuesday, January 19th from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the University of Hartford in West Hartford. The forum is being organized by Common Cause Connecticut.
Connecticut’s campaign finance law, put in jeopardy by a court ruling last year that found the law abridged the rights of minor party candidates, requires immediate action by the Connecticut General Assembly to make the law more accessible to minor parties and to preserve a new “clean elections” system hailed by supporters as a model for the nation. Maine (through a referendum) and other states have previously enacted public financing laws that have been in effect for years.
The case has brought the Connecticut American Civil Liberty Union (ACLU), representing the Green Party, and the Connecticut Association of Lobbyists (if you are thinking politics makes strange bedfellows you’d be right in this case) together to kill election reform unless the Legislature acts to change the law in time for the 2010 election for Governor and all state offices.
According to clean elections advocates, “the Governor and legislature need to amend the law as soon as possible to make sure it continues to be successful for the 2010 elections. This law has made it possible for people who are not rich or well connected to lobbyists to run for state legislature and for statewide office. It is a model for the nation. Without making changes to the law we risk going back to the John Rowland days of pay to play politics.” The widespread corruption of the Rowland administration – a legacy that taxpayers still pay for every day – spawned the clean election law that is in jeopardy in the first gubernatorial year it would effect.

The Clean Elections law received the strong support of New Britain’s legislative delegation and a strong push for a special session to revise the law is anticipated in the coming days. Fighting the issue in the courts has proven to be ineffective with no hope of a remedy that would preserve the move to clean elections that took effect in 2008.

For more information call Connecticut Common Cause at 860-794-8342

Happy Birthday Harriet!


New Britain realtor Harriet Geragosian (Unique Realty) celebrated her 80th birthday this past week with the good wishes of her many friends, including New Britain Democrats. Harriet, a longtime election volunteer and supporter of Democratic candidates, is a past recipient of the Connecticut Democratic Party’s women’s leadership award and was one of the early recipients of the New Britain Democratic Party’s Distinguished Service Award. New Britain Democrats congratulate Harriet and look forward to her continuing service in 2010. [NBDTC Photo: Harriet Geragosian with Atty. Harold Geragosian and State Rep. John Geragosian at a Democratic awards ceremony]

Massachusetts Senate Race: Call Goes Out To Support Democrat Coakley (No Matter Where You Are)
President Obama’s appearance at a Boston rally Sunday underscored the importance of Democrat Martha Coakley winning the U.S. Senate seat for health insurance reform to be adopted in the Congress under the current cloture rules.
The closeness of the special election contest and the expected low turnout on Tuesday, January 19th, is bringing appeals from our neighbors to the north to help Get Out The Vote in the Bay State.
New Britain Democrats wishing to help get out the vote in MA may go to www.democrats.org to be connected to the “neighbor to neighbor” campaign; the technology will enable volunteers to call five or more voters on behalf of Coakley and the passage of health care reform.

Haiti Relief: A compilation of resources to help from Google

www.google.com/relief/haitiearthquake/#utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-sk&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=haiti%20charity

End Quote

So, yes, we're passing through a hard winter. It's the hardest in some time. But let's always remember that, as a people, the American people, we've weathered some hard winters before. This country was founded during some harsh winters. The fishermen, the laborers, the craftsmen who made camp at Valley Forge -- they weathered a hard winter. The slaves and the freedmen who rode an underground railroad, seeking the light of justice under the cover of night -- they weathered a hard winter. The seamstress whose feet were tired, the pastor whose voice echoes through the ages -- they weathered some hard winters. It was for them, as it is for us, difficult, in the dead of winter, to sometimes see spring coming. They, too, sometimes felt their hopes deflate. And yet, each season, the frost melts, the cold recedes, the sun reappears. So it was for earlier generations and so it will be for us.

President Obama, speaking Sunday at the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.

10 January 2010

DeFronzo, Senate Push Bonds For Job Creation
State Senator Donald DeFronzo (D-6) and other state Senators have rolled out a "Connecticut Jobs Now" plan that would use $1 billion in state bonding to invest in transportation infrastructure, housing, energy conservation, clean water and higher education.

Picking up where the federal stimulus hasn’t gone yet, state Senate Dems describe the policy as "an aggressive plan to create jobs, stimulate Connecticut’s sluggish economy and promote economic recovery." They will need the cooperation of Governor Rell to launch the jobs initiative with her control of the state bond agenda.

“Connecticut needs jobs, and needs them now; we have a responsibility to create and sustain jobs in our state. The unemployment rate in Connecticut is 8.2 percent; construction industry employment is upwards of 25 percent,” said DeFronzo. “Our current market conditions offer an unprecedented opportunity for the state to make wise capital investments in new facilities, clean water projects, roads and bridges, mass transit and many other projects that could be bid and under construction in a very short period of time.” DeFronzo is Senate Chairman of the Legislature's Transportation Committee and General Bonding subcommittee.

"Connecticut Jobs Now", promising a 12-month push to create 16,000 jobs, calls for the funding of only those projects that were previously authorized. Wyman and other state officials would most certainly oppose any new bonding given the high levels of current debt incurred by state government from the Rowland/Rell years. The Jobs Now strategy calls for allocation of those projects that could be implemented within 90 to 120 days. Several state agencies, including the state Department of Transportation and Department of Public Works have already developed project lists that meet the recommended criteria.

For a copy of the plan by CT Senate Democrats visit www.newbritaindemocrat.net

Additional story at http://nbpoliticus.blogspot.com/2010/01/strategic-bonding-senate-dems-push-jobs.html

Municipal Meetings This Week
Board of Education Monday, January 11th 7 p.m. 2010-2011 Operational Budget.

City Council, Wednesday, January 13th 7 p.m. The Common Council holds its first regular meeting of the year. Public participation at 7 p.m.

Democratic Town Committee Petition Period Begins Wednesday, January 13th
Petitions for seats on the Democratic Town Committee for the 2010-2012 term will be available beginning Wednesday, January 13th and will be due back to the Registrar of Voters by Wednesday, January 27th. Based on current enrollment the Democratic Town Committee will be expanding from 48 to 52 members. For more information e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

City To Honor Rev. King on Monday, January 18th
New Britain’s official observance of the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be held on Monday January 18th from 9-11 a.m. with a breakfast and program sponsored by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. Guest speaker will be Dr. William Howe of the Connecticut Department of Education. The program will continue at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park on the corner of King Drive and Stanley Street at approximately 10:30 a.m. Information 860-826-3410. Check the community calendar at www.newbritaindemocrat.net for additional King Day observances.

Democratic Town Committee To Meet Thursday, January 28th
The Democratic Town Committee will hold its first meeting of 2010 on Thursday, January 28th (Location to be announced) beginning at 7:30 p.m. Democrats seeking statewide offices will be given opportunities to introduce their candidacies at the January meeting and again at the February meeting (February 25th) before the start of the new term.

END QUOTE

A few closing thoughts. I believe in bipartisan solutions, but I also believe you only achieve those results with vibrant, robust, and civil partisan debate. I am a Democrat and very proud of my party’s contributions to the vitality and strength of America. I would never have had the opportunity to serve in the Congress had I not had the support and backing of my political party over the years. I appreciate the passionate party activists who have never faltered in their support of my efforts.

U.S. Senator Chris Dodd announcing he will not seek re-election on Feb. 6th


New Britain Democrats thank Chris Dodd for standing tall on access to health care and education and support of children and families and for his continuing life of public service, from the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic following his graduation from Providence College to the United States Senate.






Photo: Senator Dodd with Rep. Chris Murphy at the Puerto Rican Society festival in New Britain in July 2006 (NBDTC photo)

20 December 2009

Dems Meet Monday (12/21): Comptroller Wyman, JP appointments, 2010 Schedule On Tap

The Democratic Town Committee will meet on Monday, December 21st for its December meeting and holiday gathering at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall 27 West Main Street. Guests for the meeting will include State Comptroller Nancy Wyman.

The winter solstice gathering will include Justice of the Peace appointments and the 2010 political calendar. The Justice of the Peace appointments involve new nominees. The terms of Justices of the Peace who were sworn in after the 2008 Presidential Election will not expire until 2012 and do not require re-nomination. The committee encourages Democrats to fill JP vacancies if they are donating a minimum of two hours per month to a civic, church or charitable organization.

Members and friends are invited to bring a non-perishable food item or a donation to benefit New Britain's Spanish Speaking Center .

Petitions for seats on the Democratic Town Committee for the 2010-2012 term will be available beginning Wednesday, January 13th and will be due back to the Registrar of Voters by Wednesday, January 27th. Based on current enrollment the Democratic Town Committee is likely to expand from 48 to 52 members with new seats being added in Voting Districts 4, 5, 10 and 13. For more information e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com or call 860-416-0665.


City Hall Update: Majority Leader Seeks Internet Access To Meetings

City government will become more open and accessible to citizens if a proposal by Majority Leader Phil Sherwood is implemented. In a story by Jennifer Abel carried in the print edition of The New Britain Herald Friday, December 18th, Sherwood favors establishing a policy that would post audio and video recordings of the twice-a-month City Council meetings on line at www.new-britain.net. The meetings are now taped and broadcast on Nutmeg TV and DVDs of the proceedings are available to the public.

"We already record the meetings which air on Nutmeg TV and we have the DVDs but very rarely does someone request to view them," Sherwood told the Herald. "In fact, I don't think most people even know they can look at the DVDs. But if we can put it on the City Council page people can call them up and view them at anytime if they couldn't make the meeting due to weather or some other reason."

Sherwood also said the technology may be available to stream meetings live on the Internet. According to the Herald, Mayor Stewart did not oppose the use of the Internet for posting meetings as long as Sherwood "has a mechanism to pay for it."

Cities across the country are strengthening "sunshine" policies by using the web to post or stream public meetings, either by using their existing capacity or through upgrading technology and websites. The city's current capacity and the issue of accessing the meetings on the web will be raised at the Council in January.

NBC-Comcast Merger Raises Fears of Excessive Concentration of Power In Media

Advocates of net neutrality and a free press are warning that a merger of NBC Universal and Comcast "is a dangerous attempt by media moguls to seize control of both media content and distribution, and to use this control to squeeze consumers."

The issue will come before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Justice Department, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that have regulatory authority on the merger. Reformers are urging President Obama "to make good on his campaign pledge to act 'against the excessive concentration of [media] power in the hands of any one corporation, interest or small group.'"

Comcast, the nation’s largest cable company and the second largest Internet provider, would merge with one of the world’s biggest producers of TV shows and movies. Opponents say the consequences of merger will be:

•Higher Prices: With Comcast in control of everything from MSNBC, Bravo and E! to Universal Pictures, they’ll be able to raise prices for their competitors that will be passed on to you.

•Fewer Choices: Comcast would have a near-media monopoly in some communities, controlling cable and Internet access as well as local TV stations. They could push NBC shows ahead of other local and independent voices and programs, making it even harder to find alternatives on cable.

•Less Innovation: This merged Goliath could control what you watch and how you watch it, starving online video competitors or making you subscribe to Comcast to watch TV on the Internet.

To sign a petition and learn more visit www.freepress.net

State Convention May 21-22 In Hartford

The opening rounds for what are expected to be multi-candidate contests for Governor and Secretary of the State in the Democratic Party will begin on May 21-22 when the 2010 nominating convention will be held at the Connecticut Expo Center in Hartford.

The nominating convention, made up of delegates selected by Town Committees, will field candidates for United States Senator, Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of the State, Treasurer, Comptroller and Attorney General. New Britain sends 31 delegates to the state and congressional conventions and chooses state legislative candidates at the town committee or in conventions for state senator and the 22nd and 24th state representative districts.

End Quote: On Joe Lieberman

He is the face of corrosive political vanity, dishonesty, greed, arrogance and untrustworthiness. He is everything we tell the kiddies not to be when they grow up. He must not be allowed to keep his stature in the Democratic party he loathes and betrays; he must not be allowed to hold his committee assignments or perks. So what if he threatens to quit the coalition? He isn’t in it. He brings nothing to it. He isn’t worth the shoe polish that would smear on his rear end when he is kicked over to the nutjob right where he so loves to be.

Author Denis Horgan -- www.denishorgan.com

5 December 2009

DTC Meeting and Holiday Gathering Set For Monday, December 21st at City Hall;
Donations to be collected for Spanish Speaking Center

The Democratic Town Committee will meet on Monday, December 21st for its December meeting and holiday gathering at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall 27 West Main Street.
The agenda for the winter solstice gathering will include Justice of the Peace appointments and the 2010 political calendar. Members and friends are invited to bring a non-perishable food item or a donation to benefit the Spanish Speaking Center.

Petitions for seats on the Democratic Town Committee for the 2010-2012 term will be available beginning Wednesday, January 13th and will be due back to the Registrar of Voters by Wednesday, January 27th. Based on current enrollment the Democratic Town Committee is likely to expand from 48 to 52 members with new seats being added in Districts 4, 5, 10 and 13. For more information e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com or call 860-416-0665.

State House Update: Mid (Fiscal) Year Budget Battle Ahead

The Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, co-chaired by State Rep. John Geragosian (D-25), will hold public hearings on Wednesday, December 9th amid Gov. Rell’s call for a special session and her proposed, new state budget cuts that include $84 million in reduced aid to cities and towns.

The mid-fiscal year call for adjustments stem from projections released by State Comptroller Nancy Wyman on December 1 that show a $549 million shortfall because of a continued decline in receipts of the income and sales taxes. According to Wyman: “receipts of the income tax remain weak, despite an increase in the tax rate for upper-income residents. Collection of the quarterly estimated income tax payments typically made by investors is down by 29.4 percent and revenue from the payroll-withholding tax dropped by 4.3 percent.” Wyman’s report noted that Connecticut added 1,000 payroll jobs in October but still has lost more than 70,000 jobs since October 2008.

In response, House Speaker Chris Donovan Friday denounced Republican legislative leaders call for devastating cuts to local school aid. GOP lawmakers also called for the elimination of the Citizen’s Election Program that keeps lobbyists and state contractors out of the campaign finance system.

Donovan said the Appropriations Committee would hear from the public first before considering actions or negotiating with the Governor on budget mitigation. Said Donovan:

“The plan presented by Republican leadership today (December 4) is misleading and deceptive. On the one hand, they agree that the Governor’s proposal to cut municipal aid is a bad idea. Yet on the other hand, they recommend tens of millions of dollars in cuts to municipal education programs like priority school districts, magnet and charter schools. They want to give new tax benefits to wealthy estates, but want to cut dental care for seniors. They want to give huge tax cuts when we’re facing a deficit. But they want to cut job growth programs that can create tax revenue. That doesn’t make sense. On the national level, Republican policies helped us into recession. Here in Connecticut, the Republican proposal just doesn’t add up. Let’s be honest. Their 6.5 percent across the board cuts are not only indiscriminate, but double what they claim. The truth is that coming mid-year, when almost half of budget allocations have been spent and more committed, this is really a 13 percent cut that will devastate programs.”

“We’ll go through the real numbers at public hearings on December 9 and listen to what the people of Connecticut have to say,” said Donovan on how Democrats will respond to balance the current fiscal year budget.
Related story in the Courant by Don Stacom.

City Hall Update: Downtown Development Hearing Tuesday 12/8 , Council Meeting Wednesday 12/9

The Common Council and the Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing will hold a regular meeting and public hearing on Tuesday evening, December 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. A presentation on Arete Development's proposal on construction of a new police headquarters and related commercial/retail development may be considered. The new police station project is considered a linchpin of bigger plans for downtown’s revitalization that also include surrounding properties such as the old New Britain Herald building and the uses of frontage retail space on Main and Chestnut streets.

On Wednesday, December 9th the City Council will hold a regular meeting when public participation opens at 7 p.m. On the agenda is Mayor Stewart’s veto of reappointments to the regional Mattabassett District of Gerry Amodio, William Candelori and Edward Sasso. Mayor Stewart’s veto stems from his objections to former State Rep. Candelori, who is Chairman of the Mattabassett board, for “ethical” issues and his past legal problems. On two prior occasions Stewart did not object to Candelori serving on the regional board, but in a veto message last month Stewart said Candelori is unfit to serve.

In a Herald story by Jim Craven Mayor Stewart denied acting “illegally or inappropriately” in acknowledging his advocacy for New Britain-based Maguire Group in bidding on a $100 million water treatment project being undertaken by the Mattabassett District.

The Mattabassett District, formed as a regional authority in 1961, has a 12-member board of which New Britain has a majority – seven members appointed by the Common Council. Its mission is to provide waste water treatment New Britain, Berlin and Cromwell, as well as adjoining communities in its watershed including portions of Farmington, Middletown, Newington and Rocky Hill.


Semper Fi:
Donations Being Accepted for Marines Deployed To Iran, Afghanistan

Elbridge Road resident Marjorie Hackett-Wallace and family invite New Britain Democrats to contribute to a second annual holiday care package drive to benefit U.S. Marines deployed to Iran and Afghanistan. Volunteers are collecting personal care items, snacks and other comforts to go to Marines and will be accepting donations on up to December 21st. Cash donations will be accepted to defer the cost of shipping. Each Care Package costs $10.50 to ship. Donations are welcome at Hackett-Wallace’s home at 103 Elbridge Road For more information please contact Marjorie or Craig at 860-224-7635 or 860-280-6686.The Marines’ Care Package Wish List includes: deodorant, body powder, tooth paste/tooth brushes, razors, foot powder, boot socks, hand sanitizer, vitamins, baby wipes cough drops; snacks and food need to be pre-packaged individual serving size: Rice Krispies Treats, beef jerky snack mixes,sunflower seeds, chewing gum, nuts, freeze dried coffee, Individually wrapped snacks Granola, Soup Mix, Cereal Bars, Hot Chocolate andPringles Chips; International Calling Cards, Ziploc Bags, Poker Chips, Playing Cards, Dice , AA Batteries, Sewing Kit, Lysol Wipes,paperback books, magazines, newspapers, tobacco products, pens, paper, and stamps.
For additional information on this giving opportunity go to http://www.devildogadvocates.org/

Congratulations on a New Arrival!
Congratulations to former Ward One Ald. Greg Gerratana and Jessica Gerratana on the birth of a son, Gregory Luke Gerratana born November 30th at the Hospital of Central Connecticut. The proud grandparents are former State Rep. Terry Gerratana and DTC member, Dr. Frank Gerratana.

In Memoriam: Alvin B. Brooks
New Britain Democrats extend condolences to the family of artist Alvin B. Brooks , the son of DTC member and leader Alton B. Brooks, who passed away on December 1. A Homegoing Celebration for Alvin will be held Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, at 11 a.m. from Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, 25 Crestwood Lane, New Britain, with the Rev. Sherman G. Dunmore Sr., pastor, presiding. Committal service and final resting place will be in Fairview Cemetery, 120 Smalley St., New Britain. Relatives and friends may call at Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, Monday from 10 to 11 a.m.

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Reports from The Hill in Washington D.C. are that Democratic Senators are preparing to offer a "compromise" amendment to the healthcare bill as soon as next week that would destroy the public option. It's likely to include every one of the insurance industry's greatest hits -- a trigger, state-based co-ops, and could even replace the already bad Opt-Out clause with an even worse one that would require states that want a public option to Opt-In instead. And what should come as no surprise to anyone, they're likely to still call this new sell-out to the insurance industry a "public option. No matter what they call it, enough is enough. It's time to stop negotiating with defeat and reject all amendments which weaken the public option.

Charles Chamberlain, Political Director, Democracy for America
http://democracyforamerica.com