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.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
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.
T
he 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”
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.
T
he 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”
Sunday, September 20, 2009
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
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
Sunday, September 13, 2009
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
Monday, September 7, 2009
7 September 2009: Labor Day
At The Common Council: Anti-Blight, Hospital Garage Lease On Committee Agenda Tuesday, Sept. 8th
The Common Council’s Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing will take up the Stewart administration’s proposal to weaken the city’s anti-blight ordinance at a public hearing and meeting slated for Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. At issue is whether to maintain the local ordinance that exceeds the standards of a more general state statute. Other aspects of the proposal -- a provision on homesteading and creating a blight committee -- appear to have gained bipartisan support.
Also on the agenda is a proposal to terminate the lease the city has with the Hospital for Central Connecticut for the Quigley Garage located next to the hospital that was due to end in 2013. While parking receipts from the garage now boost city revenues by more than $600,000 annually, the Stewart administration favors ending the lease to gain a one-time income boost this year of an estimated $2 million. The one-shot revenue is needed to close a growing shortfall from the administration’s estimates sales of property for development recorded in prior years that have not materialized.
The full Common Council may take up the same issues at its regular meeting scheduled for Wednesday, August 9, at the Council Chambers.
State Budget: O’Brien, NB Delegation Instrumental In Preserving State Aid, Services To City
A $37.6 billion state budget, which took effect last week for the biennium ending in 2011, spared New Britain the loss of key resources and services—cuts that had been sought by Gov. Rell and Republicans. The Governor, critical of the two-year package, allowed the “compromise” plan to stand without signing it to end a two-month impasse over state revenue and expenditures.
“This budget cuts spending and lowers taxes for middle class and poor families while preserving important public services,” said Representative Tim O’Brien (D-24), the Democratic nominee for Mayor. “While I do not agree with everything this budget does, it is a reasonable compromise.”
According to legislators, the budget bill cuts approximately $3 billion in state spending over the biennium and raises $1.25 billion in new revenue to help balance an $8.56 billion deficit over the next two years. Focusing on New Britain the budget also:
• Preserves the state matching grant program for Dial-a-Ride services that benefit seniors and the disabled;
• Increases operating grants for area magnet schools to encourage increased enrollment;
• Restores cuts to the state’s Family Resource Centers and Head Start programs;
• Increases funding for adult daycare services;
• Rejects the governor’s proposed cuts to nursing homes;
• Rejects a proposed increase in bus fares;
• Makes no changes to the ConnPACE prescription drug program for seniors and the disabled;
• Preserves the state’s $500 property tax credit;
• Provides full funding for the Care4Kids program;
• Saves the New Britain Department of Motor Vehicles branch office;
• Protects municipal aid, including Town Aid Road and the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant.
“This budget represents a balance of cuts and revenues and it represents a shared sacrifice of everyone across the state of Connecticut while preserving vital service,” Representative John Geragosian (D-25), co-chair of the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee. “This budget represents the values of our state and protects our most vulnerable.”
“These are very difficult times,” said Senator Donald J. DeFronzo (D-6), “but these are the times when people need the services and programs that their government provides more than ever. This budget contains heavy cuts, but it saves those things that seniors, working parents, children, low-income families and the disabled need to survive, and it’s this support that will help to bring us out of this recession. This is a balanced approach, a compromise approach.”
A detailed analysis of the bill may be found at http://www.cga.ct.gov/2009/BA/2009HB-06802-R01SS1-BA.htm
The Democratic Slate (One of A Series): Alderwoman Black Seeks New Term in Ward Three
City Alderwoman Shirley Black is seeking re-election to represent Ward 3 in 2009, citing her work on the Council’s planning, zoning and housing committee and efforts to improve neighborhoods in the center of the city over the last two years. The ward includes voting districts 5, 7 and 8.
Black says her priorities will be to continue to support the city’s anti-blight enforcement, a senior property tax relief program that the Stewart administration has failed to implement and effective public safety. A retired machinist long active in her union and its retiree group, Black is widowed and has three grown children, Charissa, Alfred, Jr. and Kevin. She serves on the Democratic Town Committee and is president of the Black Democratic Club. She was a 2004 Connecticut delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
“I am honored to represent the people of Ward 3 on the Common Council and strive to represent their best interests in the way I vote on the city budget and policies that come before the Council,” said Black. “I have worked to improve Ward 3 neighborhoods with support of the Willow Street park development; the re-establishment of a Building Commission and bringing sweat equity and home ownership to the area via Habitat for Humanity. I am accessible to constituents for any concerns they may have with City Hall and city services.”
Since charter change was adopted earlier in the decade this year marks the fourth city election in which 10 city councilors are elected from council districts or wards, two from each area. The other five aldermen are elected at large.
Photo Credit: The Hartford Courant, December 2008
Labor Pushing For Health Care Reform
Former DNC Chair Dean Counts Votes For Public Option In Senate
This Labor Day and on the eve of President Obama’s address to Congress, nothing is more critical to working families than seeing real progress on health care reform. According to the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), every week that health insurance reform is delayed: 44,230 more people will lose their health insurance coverage; 16,653 more people will file for bankruptcy because they can't pay their medical bills and s many as 423 people will die because they lack health coverage. From: http://www.seiu.org/index.php
Here is a Democracy for America link on former DNC Chair Howard Dean’s Senate vote count for a public option http://standwithdrdean.com/whipcount-results
End Quote
The Common Council’s Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing will take up the Stewart administration’s proposal to weaken the city’s anti-blight ordinance at a public hearing and meeting slated for Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. At issue is whether to maintain the local ordinance that exceeds the standards of a more general state statute. Other aspects of the proposal -- a provision on homesteading and creating a blight committee -- appear to have gained bipartisan support.
Also on the agenda is a proposal to terminate the lease the city has with the Hospital for Central Connecticut for the Quigley Garage located next to the hospital that was due to end in 2013. While parking receipts from the garage now boost city revenues by more than $600,000 annually, the Stewart administration favors ending the lease to gain a one-time income boost this year of an estimated $2 million. The one-shot revenue is needed to close a growing shortfall from the administration’s estimates sales of property for development recorded in prior years that have not materialized.
The full Common Council may take up the same issues at its regular meeting scheduled for Wednesday, August 9, at the Council Chambers.
State Budget: O’Brien, NB Delegation Instrumental In Preserving State Aid, Services To City
A $37.6 billion state budget, which took effect last week for the biennium ending in 2011, spared New Britain the loss of key resources and services—cuts that had been sought by Gov. Rell and Republicans. The Governor, critical of the two-year package, allowed the “compromise” plan to stand without signing it to end a two-month impasse over state revenue and expenditures.
“This budget cuts spending and lowers taxes for middle class and poor families while preserving important public services,” said Representative Tim O’Brien (D-24), the Democratic nominee for Mayor. “While I do not agree with everything this budget does, it is a reasonable compromise.”
According to legislators, the budget bill cuts approximately $3 billion in state spending over the biennium and raises $1.25 billion in new revenue to help balance an $8.56 billion deficit over the next two years. Focusing on New Britain the budget also:
• Preserves the state matching grant program for Dial-a-Ride services that benefit seniors and the disabled;
• Increases operating grants for area magnet schools to encourage increased enrollment;
• Restores cuts to the state’s Family Resource Centers and Head Start programs;
• Increases funding for adult daycare services;
• Rejects the governor’s proposed cuts to nursing homes;
• Rejects a proposed increase in bus fares;
• Makes no changes to the ConnPACE prescription drug program for seniors and the disabled;
• Preserves the state’s $500 property tax credit;
• Provides full funding for the Care4Kids program;
• Saves the New Britain Department of Motor Vehicles branch office;
• Protects municipal aid, including Town Aid Road and the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant.
“This budget represents a balance of cuts and revenues and it represents a shared sacrifice of everyone across the state of Connecticut while preserving vital service,” Representative John Geragosian (D-25), co-chair of the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee. “This budget represents the values of our state and protects our most vulnerable.”
“These are very difficult times,” said Senator Donald J. DeFronzo (D-6), “but these are the times when people need the services and programs that their government provides more than ever. This budget contains heavy cuts, but it saves those things that seniors, working parents, children, low-income families and the disabled need to survive, and it’s this support that will help to bring us out of this recession. This is a balanced approach, a compromise approach.”
A detailed analysis of the bill may be found at http://www.cga.ct.gov/2009/BA/2009HB-06802-R01SS1-BA.htm
The Democratic Slate (One of A Series): Alderwoman Black Seeks New Term in Ward Three
City Alderwoman Shirley Black is seeking re-election to represent Ward 3 in 2009, citing her work on the Council’s planning, zoning and housing committee and efforts to improve neighborhoods in the center of the city over the last two years. The ward includes voting districts 5, 7 and 8.
Black says her priorities will be to continue to support the city’s anti-blight enforcement, a senior property tax relief program that the Stewart administration has failed to implement and effective public safety. A retired machinist long active in her union and its retiree group, Black is widowed and has three grown children, Charissa, Alfred, Jr. and Kevin. She serves on the Democratic Town Committee and is president of the Black Democratic Club. She was a 2004 Connecticut delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
“I am honored to represent the people of Ward 3 on the Common Council and strive to represent their best interests in the way I vote on the city budget and policies that come before the Council,” said Black. “I have worked to improve Ward 3 neighborhoods with support of the Willow Street park development; the re-establishment of a Building Commission and bringing sweat equity and home ownership to the area via Habitat for Humanity. I am accessible to constituents for any concerns they may have with City Hall and city services.”
Since charter change was adopted earlier in the decade this year marks the fourth city election in which 10 city councilors are elected from council districts or wards, two from each area. The other five aldermen are elected at large.
Photo Credit: The Hartford Courant, December 2008
Labor Pushing For Health Care Reform
Former DNC Chair Dean Counts Votes For Public Option In Senate
This Labor Day and on the eve of President Obama’s address to Congress, nothing is more critical to working families than seeing real progress on health care reform. According to the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), every week that health insurance reform is delayed: 44,230 more people will lose their health insurance coverage; 16,653 more people will file for bankruptcy because they can't pay their medical bills and s many as 423 people will die because they lack health coverage. From: http://www.seiu.org/index.php
Here is a Democracy for America link on former DNC Chair Howard Dean’s Senate vote count for a public option http://standwithdrdean.com/whipcount-results
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In comparison with the casualties of industrial society in the past, unemployment today provokes new forms of economic marginalization, and the current crisis can only make this situation worse. Being out of work or dependent on public or private assistance for a prolonged period undermines the freedom and creativity of the person and his family and social relationships, causing great psychological and spiritual suffering. I would like to remind everyone, especially governments engaged in boosting the world's economic and social assets, that the primary capital to be safeguarded and valued is man, the human person in his or her integrity.from the Pope’s ENCYCLICAL LETTERCARITAS IN VERITATE, June 29, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
1 September 2009
Congressional Health Care Forum On Tap For Murphy, Larson Wednesday, 9/2
Advocates of universal health care will participate in Congressional forums on health care legislation on Wednesday in the 1st and 5th Congressional Districts. The push for reform will include pre-forum rallies.
A Hartford rally and march previously scheduled at Cong Larson's and Senator Dodd's Hartford offices has been cancelled, according to organizers in a move to encourage participation at the forums.
1st District -- Cong. John Larson
4:30 PM West Hartford - Health Care Town Hall Forum with Congressman John Larson
There will be a 4:30 pm rally at West Hartford Town Hall, 50 South Main Street, West Hartford followed by the health care forum with Congressman Larson beginning at 5:30 PM.
5th District -- Cong Chris Murphy
5:30 PM Washington - Rally and Health Care Town Hall Forum with Congressman Chris Murphy. There will be a 5:30 pm rally at Shepaug Valley High School, 159 South Street, Washington, CT followed by the health care forum with Congressman Murphy beginning at 6:30 PM.
State Budget Will Stand After Parting Shots But No Veto From Governor
Governor Rell announced late Tuesday afternoon that she will allow a two-year state budget plan just approved by the House and Senate to stand without signing it. Her move to support a 1 percent increase on the state income tax for wealthy households paved the way for passage amid falling tax revenues and a multi-billion deficit. Rell said she agreed to the income tax hike on the highest income earners ($500,000 and up) because, she said, all the cuts that could be made have been made. In a contradictory statement Tuesday,however, Rell criticized Democratic legislative leaders for not cutting enough. Democrats say they have trimmed up to $3 billion from state spending without severe cuts to the social safety net and dismantling of key state services.
CT News Junkie's Christine Stuart covered the announcement and reactions.
Monday, August 31, 2009
31 August 2009
Statewide Push For Health Care Reform Is Underway:
Wednesday Rally In Hartford, Congressional Town Hall Forums On Tap
Proponents of Congressional action on health insurance reform that includes a public option are beginning a new push the first week of September in every Congressional district in Connecticut.
On Wednesday September 2nd a “Send Them Back To Work rally will be held at 4:30 p.m. at the offices of Congressman John Larson, 211 Main Street, Hartford that will include a march to Senator Chris Dodd's office on 14 Lewis Street. Both Congressman Larson and Senator Dodd have played key roles in moving a public insurance option forward in the House and Senate. Cong. Larson will host a Town Hall Health Care Forum in West Hartford at the town hall, 50 South Main Street.
In the 5th Congressional District, a 5:30 p.m. rally will be held at Shepaug Valley High School, 159 South Street followed by a health care forum with U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy at 6:30 p.m.
The New Britain Democratic Town Committee platform calls for “affordable, universal health care and insurance for children and families that provides easy and timely access to appropriate providers throughout the State and high quality care for all individuals.” Its resolutions have supports Connecticut's Sustinet plan, the Health Care Partnership initiative and federal legislation that provides affordable coverage for all citizens.
More information on all events and activities in the state at www.ccag.net
The Democratic Slate (part of a series)
Platosz Seeks New Term In Ward Two; Wants Energy, Insurance Rates Cuts
Veteran City Alderman Adam Platosz is seeking re-election to the Common Council to represent Ward Two. “I am an accessible member of the common council committed to improving neighborhoods and solving the serious financial problems the city faces,” said Platosz. “I am also a committed member of the Democratic Party and support its values and principles that benefit working people and retirees.”
Platosz, who served as an alderman at large during the administration of former Mayor Donald DeFronzo, has introduced and pushed for legislation that would reduce the high costs of energy and electricity for city government and residents over the last two years. “I intend to continue the effort to reduce these soaring costs of energy and insurance to lower property taxes,” he said.
Along with reducing those costs, Platosz says his priorities will be to further reduce blight in Ward 2 and to develop new strategies to develop jobs and job opportunities in the city.
A widower and father of two grown children, Platosz has more than 25 years experience in data processing and computer operations in banking and health care. A longtime member of the Democratic Town Committee, Platosz belongs to the the Elks Club, the 8th Ward Political Club and other civic and fraternal organizations.
Suzanne Bielinski Sets Pre-Primary Fundraiser September 10th
The Committee for Ald. Suzanne Bielinski, the endorsed Democrat for Town and City Clerk, will hold a happy hour on Thursday September 10th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the home of Carolyn Palmer-Camp, 7 Hickory Hill Road, New Britain. The suggested donation is $50 but any amount will be appreciated for this Bielinski for Clerk event. To RSVP and for information contact Carolyn at 223-8048 or Suzanne at Sooze544@msn.com (or call 225-5151)
Bielinski, a six-term member of the Common Council and its President Pro Tem, said she seeks the Clerk post “to deliver process improvements with a goal of exceptional service in the Clerk’s office, including reducing wait times and improving phone service and increased access to forms,licences and other information that can be made available to residents on the internet." Bielinski cites her 17-year career at CIGNA where she is a business analyst and has served as a contract specialist as “a good blend to provide the base from which I can achieve the goals I have to improve the office.”
A primary for Town and City Clerk will be held Tuesday, September 15th. All polls will be open from 6 am to 8 pm.
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Ted Kennedy’s life’s work was not to champion those with wealth or power or special connections. It was to give a voice to those who were not heard; to add a rung to the ladder of opportunity; to make real the dream of our founding. He was given the gift of time that his brothers were not, and he used that gift to touch as many lives and right as many wrongs as the years would allow.
President Obama in his eulogy of the late Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA), August 30th.
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