3 April 2010

From The Chairman: GOP Trash Talk Needs To End at Budget Time

Last November Mayor Tim Stewart began a new term with a call for a more cooperative approach between his office and the Democratic-controlled Common Council – an “end to political warfare.” But Stewart betrayed that bipartisan pledge almost immediately with negative remarks directed at the Council leadership, saying Majority Leader Phil Sherwood was a person he would neither break bread with nor talk to in conducting the city’s business. Stewart, though subsequently issuing a mea culpa, referred to Sherwood as a “carpet bagger” and a “hack” after the election was over.

The anti-Council, anti-Sherwood rhetoric has continued as Council members, overturning a mayoral veto in December, had their integrity and characters questioned en masse by grandstanding GOP surrogates of the mayor at Council meetings over the re-appointment of William Candelori to the Mattabassett District.

More recently Team Stewart has filed an elections complaint against Sherwood’s 2009 campaign, citing several bookkeeping errors, but falsely and frivolously accusing Sherwood of making an improper personal contribution to his own campaign. By contrast, Democrats have so far refrained from complaints against Republicans who may have made numerous violations in their 2009 campaigns for not adhering to disclaimer rules for candidate committees. It’s been a GOP pattern to use the official complaint process to go after opponents in a partisan fashion first and worry about the merits of their complaints last.

In March, the drumbeat continued as the mayor was reluctant and some council members condemned Sherwood for his resolution to post new budget proposals on the city website for public review. You’d think Sherwood would get a pass or even a nod for asking that important public documents be posted. Incredibly, a few councilors argued that posting budget proposals would tend to “confuse” voters. In the effort to demean Sherwood, these overly partisan critics managed to insult residents who have a right to know what the budget numbers are, proposed or otherwise. As Sherwood observed, more transparency allows more public input before final decisions are made.

Those who truly want more civility at City Hall need to push for an end to the GOP trash talk and sniping that has occurred with regularity in the current term. April 15th is not only tax day, but the date Stewart presents a 2010-2011 proposed budget to the Common Council. It would be a propitious time for the "civility" that was pledged months ago to begin. The upcoming budget process is going to be difficult enough. Attacking individuals from a co-equal branch of government with personal animus is no way to run a city.

JJB Dinner Features U.S. Sen. Mark Warner on April 12th

The state Democratic Party's 62nd annual Jefferson Jackson Bailey Dinner will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford on Monday April 12th with cocktails at 6 and dinner at 7 p.m. This year's William O'Neill Award Recipient is Ellen Camh, Stamford's Town Chair and National Committeewoman. Va.Senator Mark Warner will be the keynote speaker. Reservations due April 6th. Information www.ctdems.org. Phone 860-560-1775.

Candidate Updates

March Madness Finale with AG Candidate George Jepsen Monday, April 5th

Local supporters of former State Party Chair George Jepsen, a candidate exploring a run for Attorney General, will hold a fund-raising party on Monday, April 5th, at 8 p.m. at the Roma Restaurant, Allen Street, New Britain, on the occasion of the NCAA Championship game. There is a suggested donation of $20 to Jepsen 2010 committee. Information available by calling 860-573-5051.

DeFronzo Kick-Off Is Sunday April 25th

The re-election campaign of State Senator Don DeFronzo (D-6) will kick off on Sunday April 25th, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Generale Ameglio Hall, 13 Beaver Street

The "Best of New Britain" DeFronzo for State Senate event will include ethnic food, ice cream and music as Senator DeFronzo seeks a fifth two-year term representing New Britain, Berlin and a portion of Farmington in the state Senate.

There is a minimum contribution of $5.00 per adult and children under 12 are free. Tickets are available by contacting newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

Treasurer Nappier Committee to Hold New Britain Spaghetti Dinner April 29th

State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier's re-election campaign will hold a spaghetti supper in New Britain on Thursday, April 29th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pride of Connecticut Lodge of Elks, 24 Elm Street in downtown New Britain. The suggested donation range is from $5 to $100. Information and tickets email: newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

Rep. O'Brien To Kick Off Re-Election Campaign May 7th

The O'Brien for State Representative Committee will hold a kick-off fund-raising event on Friday, May 7th from 6-8 p.m. at the Italian Fraternal Society, 131 Monroe Street. Donations will be welcome from $5 to $100 for the campaign of the 24th Assembly District lawmaker whose district encompasses parts of New Britain and Newington. To join O'Brien's online community visit http://timobrien.groupsite.com/group/OBrien4StateRep

End Quote: Obama's message on Easter and Passover

One such war-time service was held on the black sands of Iwo Jima more than sixty years ago. There, in the wake of some of the fiercest fighting of World War II, a chaplain rose to deliver an Easter sermon, consecrating the memory, he said “of American dead – Catholic, Protestant, Jew. Together,” he said, “they huddled in foxholes or crouched in the bloody sands…Together they practiced virtue, patriotism, love of country, love of you and of me.” The chaplain continued, “The heritage they have left us, the vision of a new world, [was] made possible by the common bond that united them…their only hope that this unity will endure.”

Their only hope that this unity will endure.

On this weekend, as Easter begins and Passover comes to a close, let us remain ever mindful of the unity of purpose, the common bond, the love of you and of me, for which they sacrificed all they had; and for which so many others have sacrificed so much. And let us make its pursuit – and fulfillment – our highest aspiration, as individuals and as a nation. Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all those celebrating, here in America, and around the world

www.whitehouse.gov

NB Dems Praise Murphy On Health Care Vote; Push for Public Option

The New Britain Democratic Town adopted a resolution at its delegate selection meeting this week praising Rep. Chris Murphy (D-5) for his affirmative vote on health care reform last Sunday and calling upon the Connecticut delegation to continue a push for a public option on health insurance:

To: Cong Murphy and the CT delegation
New Britain Democratic Town Committee Public Option Resolution

WHEREAS, the health care system of the United States is in crisis, and too many CT citizens are denied access to adequate and affordable health care while the costs of private coverage continue to rise. This results in inadequate access to care, rampant preventable illness, and premature death. Further; this scourge, which is responsible for 62 percent of personal bankruptcies and has greatly exacerbated the financial crisis, has led our nation to the edge of an economic abyss; and

WHEREAS, New Britain Democrats commend President Obama, Cong. Murphy and the Democratic Caucus for laying the foundation for universal health care with passage of the health reform act on March 21, 2010.
WHEREAS, public polls show that an overwhelming majority of Americans want health care reform to offer the choice of a robust public option similar to the Tricare system that is offered to our soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. In the words of President Obama, “keep the insurance companies honest,” while co-ops or so-called “triggers” are ill equipped measures intended to pacify the progressive movement. They are wholly insufficient, and will not adequately address the health care crisis. They will not create significant competition, and will deepen the already cavernous pockets of the medical insurance industry; and

WHEREAS, health insurance lobbyists, and their Republican allies have organized and funded groups of extremists to disrupt efforts on the part of the Democratic majority and administration to reasonably discuss the issue with the American people. They have served as obstructionists, and are unwilling to compromise in any way to pass meaningful health care reform;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the New Britain Democratic Town Committee, urge Cong. Murphy and the CT delegation to continue to work for healthcare reform that contains a robust public option, and encourages Cong. Murphy to use any available parliamentary means to serve the American people’s interest;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we shall send a copy of this resolution to all Democratic members of Congress who represent our state.
March 25, 2010
New Britain Democratic Town Committee www.newbritaindemocrat.net

25 March 2010 Delegate Meeting Today

DTC Resolution Thanks Murphy for Health Care Reform (HCR); Calls for Public Option

The Democratic Town Committee is expected to consider a resolution on Health Care Reform at its meeting this week thanking U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy for supporting the newly enacted federal legislation as a “first step” toward a public option and universal health care.

The resolution will be taken up on Thursday, March 25th at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall as city Democrats endorse slates of delegates to attend conventions in May.

The resolution will commend Rep. Murphy and his Democratic colleagues for voting for the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” signed into law Tuesday by President Obama. It will urge lawmakers to use the new law as “a first step toward a robust public option that will bring competition to the health insurance marketplace, further contain costs and pave the way for health care for all.”

Delegate Meeting

In endorsing slates, New Britain Democrats will send 35 delegates to the May 21-22 state convention where candidates for Governor, U.S. Senate and all the state constitutional offices will be endorsed. Slates will also form to attend conventions for Cong. Murphy of the 5th Congressional District, the Judge of Probate now held by Walter Clebowicz, the 6th State Senate District represented by Don DeFronzo and three state representative districts, the 22nd represented by Betty Boukus and the 24th represented by Tim O’Brien.

May's Convention Schedule
Congressional Convention (U.S. House) – May 10th
Judge of Probate - May 11
State Convention - May 21-22
State Senate Convention – May 24
State House of Representatives Conventions (Multi-Town Districts) – May 25th

On The Calendar Next Week

Candidates

Chris Murphy
Monday March 29th 5-7 pm: Chris Murphy for Congress' reception at the home of Terry and Frank Gerratana, 674 Lincoln Street, New Britain. Suggested contribution $50. All contributions will be gratefully accepted. RSVP to jessica@murphyforcongress.org
Telephone: 860-223-5532. www.murphyforcongress.org

Dan Malloy
Tuesday, March 30th 5-7 pm: Fundraising reception for Dan Malloy for Governor at Whinstone Tavern at Stanley Golf Course, 245 Hartford Road, New Britain. Suggested contributions of $100 (friend) or $50 (supporter) will be appreciated. RSVP to 203-588-1345 or kate@danmalloy.com

Neighborhoods

The North-Oak NRZ will hold its March meeting on Monday, March 29th at 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Ann Pilla, the executive director of Trinity On Main performing arts center. The meeting will he held at HRA's

The newly-formed New Britain Community Organization (NBCO), focusing on neighborhood and quality of life issues throughout the city, will hold an organizing and planning meeting on Wednesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. at The Regency Building Community Room, 55 Spring Street.

End Quote

But here's the thing. Community hasn't succeeded very often in American politics, but when it has, it's tended to work better than advertised. Social Security and Medicare (universal coverage for senior citizens) are very popular. Once changes like these are made, well, it takes a while, but most people tend to like them. And maybe that's the real reason Republicans are so unhinged right now.

-Michael Tomasky The Guardian March 22
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/22/health-care-vote-us-obama

13 March 2010

New Britain Democrats Karaoke Kick Off $20.10, March 23

Join New Britain Democrats for music (of their own making), singing delegates and good cheer at the kick-off reception for the 2010 Nov. 2nd election for Governor, all state constitutional offices, U.S. Senate, Congress (District 5), Judge of Probate, State Senate (District 6) and State Representatives (Districts 22,24,25,26).

The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23rd at the Pulaski Democratic Club, 89 Grove Street. A special thanks to DJ Rich Marzi for providing the music. The suggested donation is $20.10. Proceeds will benefit the NB-DTC's voter registration and Get Out The Vote activities. [Please note contributions from businesses, state contractors, communicator lobbyists and their family members are prohibited). An NBDTC event.

Town Committee Re-Elects Leaders, Welcomes 18 New Members

The Democratic Town Committee held its organizational meeting March 4th, re-electing leaders and welcoming 18 new members to the 52-member party committee.

John McNamara, a member since 1986, was re-elected to a ninth term as Town Chair. Robert Sanchez, a member of the Board of Education, was elected to a third term as Vice Chair. Officers elected include John Valengavich, Treasurer; Ray Matyszyk, Assistant Treasurer; Rosemary Klotz, Recording Secretary, ,and; Peter Spano, Corresponding Secretary.

New district members of the committee include Lidia Agramonte-Gomez, Laura Woodie, Michael Dagata, Nereida Claudio, Pernell Young, Mike Platosz, Elrick George, Emmanuel Sanchez, Stephanie Podewell, Jaclyn Falkowski, Andrzej Lesniak, Yvette Ghannam, Earl Proulx, Teresa Sapieha-Yanchak, Todd Szabo, Zulma Garcia, Peruse Khachoyan and Richard Reyes. The DTC will elect assembly district leaders and fill committee positions at the March 25th and April meetings.

The DTC welcomes associate members to serve on committees and to volunteer for campaign activities. For information interested Democrats may e-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

DTC Delegate Meeting To Be Held March 25th
The Democratic Town Committee will convene Thursday March 25th at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall to endorse slates of delegates to this year's political conventions. New Britain Democrats will send 35 delegates to the May 21-22 state convention where candidates for Governor, U.S. Senate and all the state constitutional offices will be endorsed. An August Primary looms for Governor and other offices. Slates will also be selected for Probate Judge, U.S. Congress,the 6th State Senate, the 22nd and 24th state representative districts.

May's Convention Schedule

Congressional Convention (U.S. House) – May 10th
Judge of Probate - May 11
State Convention - May 21-22
State Senate Convention – May 24
State House of Representatives Conventions (Multi-Town Districts) – May 25th

Upcoming Candidate Events in New Britain

Chris Murphy
Monday March 29th 5-7 pm: Chris Murphy for Congress' reception at the home of Terry and Frank Gerratana, 674 Lincoln Street, New Britain. Suggested contribution $50. All contributions will be gratefully accepted. RSVP to jessica@murphyforcongress.org. Telephone: 860-223-5532. www.murphyforcongress.org

Dan Malloy
Tuesday, March 30th 5-7 pm: Fundraising reception for Dan Malloy for Governor at Whinstone Tavern at Stanley Golf Course, 245 Hartford Road, New Britain. Suggested contributions of $100 (friend) or $50 (supporter) will be appreciated. RSVP to 203-588-1345 or kate@danmalloy.com

End Quote: For a Health Care Reconciliation With Public Option

The overwhelming majority of Americans want a public option. The latest New York Times poll on this issue, in December, shows that despite the attacks of recent months Americans support the public option 59% to 29%. Support includes 80% of Democrats, 59% of Independents, and even 33% of Republicans.Much of the public identifies a public option as the key component of health care reform -- and as the best thing we can do to stand up for regular people against big insurance companies. In fact, overall support for health care reform declined steadily as the public option was removed from reform legislation. Although we strongly support the important reforms made by the Senate-passed health reform package, including a strong public option would improve both its substance and the public’s perception of it. The Senate has an obligation to reform our unworkable health insurance market -- both to reduce costs and to give consumers more choices. A strong public option is the best way to deliver on both of these goals, and we urge its consideration under reconciliation rules.

U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO),Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) in a letter to Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) urging inclusion of public option for health insurance when reconciliation bill reaches Senate.
More information at http://democracyforamerica.com

3 March 2010

Town Committee Starts New Term Thursday, March 4th;
Officers and Leaders To Be Elected
The Democratic Town Committee will start a new two-year term at an organizational meeting Thursday, March 4th at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street.
On the agenda will be election of officers and district leaders for the 52-member committee which includes representatives from the city’s 15 voting districts.
Town Chair John McNamara and Vice Chair Robert Sanchez will seek re-election to lead the DTC in this gubernatorial election year. In a letter to members, McNamara and Sanchez said “it has been our shared commitment to organize a diverse and active town committee, a committee that is inclusive and respects all points of view in the Democratic Party, and works to elect Democrats who will be responsible and responsive to their constituents. We want to continue that commitment in a new term.”
“Like any volunteer organization,” the letter stated, “the DTC needs to continuously revitalize itself by recruiting new leaders to serve and run for office, to engage in activities that will maximize citizen participation and to speak out on issues that matter to residents, particularly at the municipal level.”
The DTC leaders also called for new party voter registration drives through canvassing, public events and awareness campaigns. Voter registration near the end of February showed Democrats represent 54% of the electorate with 17,376, Republicans at 10% with 3,220 and unaffiliateds at 35% with 11,296. A total of 32,283residents are registered to vote.
The Town Committee also plans to continue to encourage community service and volunteerism in a new term by filling vacancies for Justices of the Peace.
The March 4th meeting and all meetings of the Democratic Town Committee are open to the public.

Campaign 2010: DTC Delegate Meeting To Be Held March 25th
The 2010 campaign will begin in earnest this month when the Democratic Town Committee will convene Thursday March 25th at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall to endorse slates of delegates to this year's political conventions.
New Britain Democrats will send 35 delegates to the May 21-22 state convention where candidates for Governor, U.S. Senate and all the state constitutional offices will be endorsed. An August Primary looms for Governor and other offices. Slates will also be selected for Probate Judge, U.S. Congress,the 6th State Senate, the 22nd and 24th state representative districts.


Support Your Neighbors Who Work For Stop & Shop
A major strike of 15,000 grocery store workers looms in Connecticut if the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW)and Stop & Shop management do not agree on a contract this week. Negotiators face a considerable divide on agreeing on a wage and health care package that is reasonable and fair to the work force, according to the latest press reports.

Stop & Shop workers, represented by the UFCW, have voted to authorize a
strike if negotiations fail and they are unable to come up with a fair
contract. The company is mobilizing to hire replacement workers if talks break down. The impasse has significance for the entire food store industry because S&S wages and benefits set a wage standard that other chains must maintain even if the work force is not unionized.

"In the midst of a recession in 2009, Stop & Shop's parent company made over
$28 billion in the first three quarters. In fact, their net sales increased
10% from the same period in 2008. Not bad for a recession," states Citizens for Economic Opportunity (CEO), a CT-based labor advocacy group.

"To make matters worse, they have begun seeking "replacement workers" (aka,
strikebreakers or scabs) and advertising $3 more per hour than they pay
their current employees" according to the CEO statement.

HOW TO HELP

* Agree not to cross a picket line if there is a strike; send a message Send a message to consumer relations<
* Join the Facebook group www.facebook.com/pages/If-Stop-Shop-Workers-are-forced-to-strike-Sto">

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.