News, Commentary and Opinions in New Britain CT and Our Nation
Monday, November 17, 2008
OPEN FORUM NUMBER FIVE
OPEN FORUM NUMBER FOUR WAS SO POPULAR THAT IT RAN OUT OS SPACE SO I AM POVIDING THIS NEW FORUM NUMBER FIVE IN ORDER FOR THE RESIDENTS TO TELL THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS HOW THEY FEEL ABOUT CURRENT ISSUES.
At the New Britain Board of Education meeting held on November 17, 2008 the election of officers was held for the ensuing year as follows:
President; Board Member Sharon Beloin Saavedra
Vice President; Board Member Brian Riley
Secretary of the Board; Board Member Pat Coyle
When a Board Member serves as a board officer he or she spend many extra long hours of devotion to the task as officers and should be commended for their willingness to serve our community in their new capacities.
For obvious reasons, A number of you spoke in opposition to the appointment of Leslie Jacobs to the Republican vacancy on the Board of Education at last Wednesday night's Council meeting. The Democratic majority chose to ignore your will, and appointed their own puppet, even though the appointment was for a Republican candidate. It has since become public that this is something the Democrats had planned and orchestrated weeks ago, and that they never even considered the candidate put forward by the Republican Town Committee for a Republican vacancy.
The DIRTY DOZEN that was responsible for this miscarriage of justice is listed below. All twelve of these people voted to ignore the will of the Republican party and the parents and citizens who supported the nomination of Jamie Giantonio. If you are not happy with this sleight of hand perpetrated by the council, contact them and let them know about it:
There seems to be a pattern emerging with the council Democrats making statements that they later deny.
Just like when Phil Sherwood told Frank Smith that he couldn't support him for the vacancy on the council because that seat could only go to a Puerto Rican, he later denied ever saying it, and then later admitted he might have said it should go to "a Hispanic," now several council Democrats made statements to Mr. Giantonio which together amount to the fact that this appointment of Leslie Jacobs was a "done deal" months ago, no doubt worked out in some back door compromise. There is little doubt that this appointment was engineered by the majority leader, Michael (Truly-Worthless) Truworthy, and put in motion by his community organizing soldier Phil Sherwood.
Let me remind everyone that this appointment is for a Republican vacancy, and the Republican Town Committee is the appropriate entity to be naming the candidate for such a vacancy. After careful consideration of a number of qualified candidates, they did just that when their chairman recommended Mr. Giantonio. I can only imagine the public outcry that would exist, if this appointment were for a Democrat, and a prominent member of the Republican party reached inside the Democratic party to manipulate the appointment process. These same Democrats on the council would be outraged, and rightfully so.
One thing is for certain: we need to find elected officials who are honorable enough to stand by their statements. Does anyone on the council have the courage of your convictions, or all you all puppets for Truly-worthless, Catanzaro and Sherwood?
I was delighted to hear of your plans to veto the council’s recent appointment of Leslie Jacobs to the Board of Education and I commend you for your plan to do the right thing for the children of this city.
The Republican Party worked hard to find a suitable appointee for this vacancy and they found what they believed was the right person in Jamie Giantonio. Mr. Giantonio has a background in teaching and is the parent of two young children, so he has a vested interest in the well being of our educational system.
Filling of this vacancy, being a Republican seat on the Board, should be left up to the leadership of the Republican Party, free from interference of Democratic Aldermen who appear to have other interests besides the welfare of the children in mind.
The public and more specifically, the parents, agree. I have heard from a number of parents who are simply outraged over this entire process. A long line of public members, mostly parents, spoke against this appointment at the council meeting last Wednesday, but the council simply chose to ignore them. I urge you to listen to the people of this city and do what is right for our children.
Congratulations to Sharon Beloin Saavedra for being voted President of the Board of Education, and to Brian Riley,Vice President, and Pat Coyle as Secretary. This is certainly an improvement over the previous president. Best wishes to you all.
All the negativity that has evolved from the 'appointment' of Leslie Jacobs has shown how the majority of New Britain residents of all political persuasions feel about the situation. Mayor Stewart is considering vetoing the appointment, which will prolong the council's recommendation...a good move on the Mayor's part. We must now move forward, and concentrate on the future of our city's well being. Get involved in the political process, and support the candidates you feel will represent us in an honest way, working to make New Britain a city we can all be proud to live and work in.reioni
Instead of editing out the public comments from the taping of the November 12 Council Meeting, how about editing out Michael Trueworthy's and Suzanne Bielinski's long, boring, drawn out self-serving dissertations they express at almost all council meetings?
Leslie Jacobs is nothing but a Republican in sheep's clothing and Phil Sherwood is the sheep herder.
By Jacobs' own admission to a reporter, Community Organizer Phil Sherwood is the Democratic Alderman who "organized" her for the position on the Board of Education and will continue to pull her strings for the duration that she serves on the board.
Clearly, Ms. Jacobs is there to represent the interests of Phil Sherwood, and not the interests of your children, or their education.
I appreciate all the support. It is refreshing to see that someone I have never even met or talked to, can see through the political BS and recongize that I was the logical candidate for this appointment.
I just want to clear up one thing, not sure how this started. I am a parent of a child in the school system, and I do have another on the way, but I do not have a teaching degree, nor was I ever a teacher. That does not change anything. I am still very committed to making sure our schools are the best they can be. I also understand the need to be fiscally responsible- there needs to be some balance there. I have been involved with the schools in NB. I was very involved in the St. Francis community prior to it's closing, I served on the PJP2school board for a period, and my wife and I are active in the Lincoln PTO.
I was very disappointed in the outcome of the council meeting last Wednesday. I found it interesting that the council referred to the show of support for the golf course when voting against that, but other than the Republican Council members mentioning the people who showed up for me, you would have never known anyone did.
I was even more disappointed after the meeting when I spoke to three members of the council,and was informed of a few things (which they will deny as they told me they would): 1. I did not get the appointment because I did not have enough friends on the board. 2. I never had a chance. Some members of the board committed to Ms. Jacobs before my recommendation from the RTC and never even considered me.
Also very interesting to see that the Herald was not there, nor have they mentioned it at all. When I spoke to mr Guinness on Monday, i expected to see him Wednesday, or at least hear from him. Now talk of the meeting being trimmed for TV? I wonder what will get trimmed?
Very interesting stuff going on in NB. Good to see since the papers aren't covering it, there are blogs like this to at least keep people informed.
The Mattabassett District has a new appointee to the district:
Mrs. Paula Mele of New Britain, Ct. was appointed to the district board of directors and she bring to the district her background experience in the medical field including a Bio Chemical background which as been completely lacking on the board of directors make up over the past years.
Come to this of it it is really stupid to watch the democratic leadership ignoring the wishes of the Republican Town Committe in its recommendation of the replacement to the Board of Eductaion.
Mayor Stewart: Has the ethis commission review the conflict of interest of Alderman Cantanzaro for being the president of HRA,a city employee,and a member of the city council all at the same time.
Watch the 11/12/08 Video of Council TV Broadcast on Nutmeg Television at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday Nov.19 and at 6:30 p.m. on Friday Nov. 21...
When the New Britain High School Audio-visual Club students had the job of video taping the Council meetings they utilized a two camera system operated by two students. One fixed TV camera covered the shot of person speaking at the podium and other TV camera covered the Mayor and the 15 Aldermen with wide angle shots and ability to zoom in on any alderman speaking.
Then the Council signed a contract with Plainville Nutmeg TV to video tape meetings with two public broadcasting sessions scheduled on Wednesday and Friday night at 6:30 p.m. In controlling costs with the Nutmeg TV contract they have one person operating only one zoom camera.
But at this point in time...not the public...only Trueworthy/Sherwood/and FOI Act know the contents of Nutmeg TV- New Britain Common Council written contract? Why the secret...Mr. Sherwood? What are your concealing?
Some area towns televise the council meetings live on public access TV, why can't we have that done here in New Britain?
The only justification I can think of is if it goes out in a live feed, then the politbureau of Trulyworthless, Sherwood and Catzanaro would be powerless to censor what portions of the meeting the public is allowed to view.
Those who fail to learn from history, are destined to repeat it!
A rumor is making the rounds that now that Sharon Beloin Saavedra is the new president of the Board of Ed, replacing Phil Sherwood's buddy, Peter Kochol, the Democrat's choice of appointing Leslie Jacobs will be rescinded...Sharon cares too much for the children of New Britain to put up with the likes of Sherwood and his cronies.
Tune into Nutmeg TV to see the part of the council meeting that the Dirty Dozen will allow you to see, after Trulyworthless and Sherwood finished editing and splicing out the comments they don't want you to know about. Isn't that great, a meeting that lasted over 2 hours condensed to an hour at their discretion of what to eliminate. How many of the comments against appointing a radical nut job to the Board of Education do think will still be included?
Russia and Nazi Germany had nothing on these guys.
The Town Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m,
Meetings are broadcast live on Newington Community Television (NCTV 14).
Hartford Government Access Television Channel 21 Hartford City Council Meeting provides live gravel-to-gravel coverage every second and fourth Monday of the month at 8:00p.m.
Residents in West Hartford, Newington and even Hartford have the luxury of tuning into their community access TV to view live broadcasts of their town and city council meetings. As the Hartford Community television describes it: "GAVEL TO GAVEL LIVE COVERAGE."
New Britain residents don't have this luxury. You are offered an abbreviated or "condensed" version of the meeting telecast a week later after the powers that be have had the opportunity to edit out whatever issues that they may want to keep the general public from hearing.
If a city as large as Hartford, and a town as small as Newington is able to broadcast live coverage of each meeting, then why can't New Britain. Why should New Britain residents settle for filtered information that the party bosses decide is the information you should be allowed to view?
Mayor Stewart should work with Nutmeg TV to arrange for the live broadcast of all city council and board of education meetings. An open government demands nothing less.
It is astonishing to learn that the New Britain City Council has a racial quota, as set forth by Alderman Phil Sherwood’s statement that a vacancy in the third district belongs to a Puerto Rican. It just doesn’t belong to anyone with knowledge, wisdom, or capabilities “just ethnic” is the criteria you need in order to be selected.
This liberal criteria fostered by Sherwood should end with his defeat in his next bid for re-election to the City Council.
It is time for this country to move beyond race, gender, and ethnicity and focus on an individual's qualifications.
Since Phil Sherwood is so intent on filling racial and ethnic quotas on the council, and we already have our quota of white males on the council, maybe he should step down so that a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group could be represented on the council.
Anonymous who asking for Sherwood to step down from the city council to make room for the underrepresented on the council is a great ides and hopefully is the resolve for Sherwood’s dilemma in finding the right balance he is seeking to be one the city council.
Frank, You apparently found a place that your handicapped permit isn't valid. They didn't want you parking your old, handicapped butt at city hall. Why don't you ask your good buddy, Trulyworthless if you want to know the truth.
Anonymous said... Democrats;;;;;of the city concil!!!
Appoint the recommended selction made by the Republican town Committee to the Board of Education.
Stop this power mania that is only in you heads and no where else
November 18, 2008 6:12 AM
Anonymous, you must have gone to school during Leslie Jacobs term on the Board of Education. Although you have the right idea for the council to follow the Republican lead for the nomination to the Board of Ed, your spelling and grammar is awful!
This makes for interesting reading...Do you suppose that Aldermen Trueworthy and Catanzaro think they are above it all? This on top of the Leslie Jacobs fiasco very well may cause them to be elected out of office next year:
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2008 Council Majority Leader and Accomplice lose $100,000 in federal funding for the City
You heard it first folks, Democratic Majority leader Mike Trueworthy, and alderman Paul Catanzaro are the reason that New Britain will not be receiving the CDBG funds of $66,000 to fund the Ben Franklin Renovations and $30,718 ESG monies for the cities Eviction and Foreclosure Mediation Program.
They are the reason we will not be receiving the funding for two important projects in our city because HUD has found conflicts of interest between the two members and the projects at hand. Mr. Trueworthy’s wife, Elena works for HRA. Her salary is a direct beneficiary of funds from CDBG, HOME, and ESG grants. Mike Trueworthy has been in a position to participate in the decision making process regarding the allocation of SEVEN PROGRAMS this year alone!
These grants are what funds things like PAL football, playscapes for our schools, food shelters, outreach programs, Park rehabilitations, Urban Oaks Organic Farm, etc. Our city needs these funds ot keep these organizations functioniny properly.
Here is a list of the Programs there was suspected conflicts for: Food Security Collaborative, Ben Franklin Renovations, East Side Community Action/NRZ Support, Special Needs Recreation, Polish Outreach Program and Supportive Housing for People with AIDS.
Thanks a lot guys.
There were also conflicts with the Eviction and Foreclosure Mediation Progam; this involved 4 people; Trueworthy, Catanzaro, CCND Commissioner Kevin Nodell, and CCND Chairman Alphonse Wright. Mr. Nodell and Mr. Wright were both members of the HRA board at the time when they voted on issues securing funds for this program, after the conflict was brought to light, the two commissioner did the moral thing and chose one of the boards to serve on, Mr. Nodell resigned from CCND, and Mr. Wright resigned from the HRA Board.
Mr. Trueworthy and Mr. Catanzaro [who is President of the HRA Board] did not resign from any of boards that cause them conflict.
Of course they wouldn’t, because it’s all about the power. Not the people. I seem to be saying that a lot lately. But its true! If they cared about our city, they would make sure that they do the things necessary to keep our funding. The only word to describe that is Selfishness.
I have my own wonders about these conflicts of interest; if that is the case, then how can Mr. Catanzaro even serve on the council – he is employed by the city working for Public Works. How can Tonilynn Collins serve without a conflict? Her mothers direct salary (for ULA) is determined by the council.
So confusing.
Bottom line: Trueworthy and Catanzaro – due to their selfishness – are the reason that the feds are taking $100,000 away from programs that need funding. Maybe we should send them out to the tax payers and ask everyone in the city for 5 dollars to fund the programs that they screwed up on…we’ll see what people think of them then.
Way to go guys. Thanks for that.
GET RID OF THIS COUNCIL! WATCH THE COUNCIL MEETING FROM LAST WEEK TONIGHT ON NUTMEG TV (CHANNEL 21) Posted by NBGrrrrL at 5:39 PM 0 comments Labels: Catanzaro, democrats, nutmeg tv, Trueworthy
If the mayor issues a veto for appointing Leslie Jacobs it will be overturned by the dumb majority. Let it play out through election time when it will have the most impact. Can you imagine sitting on the BOE and having to take this woman seriously? It's going to bring things to a head,finally. We'll see Kurtz on the chopping block. Maybe this city will finally send her and her fat contract packing.
What is the protocol for filing an ethics investigation regarding Paul Cantanzaro sitting on the common council, being employed by the city of New Britain and working on the HRA commission? Has anyone filed a complaint to date? Mr. Salvio filed a conflict of interest on these HUD funds opening a fire storm of negativity against himself when the funds were held for months while this was reviewed. But, how else do we get to the bottom of these issues if everyone simply lets it happen. Mr. Salvio is always at the center of controversy because he takes the time and effort to "push the envelope" even when the outcome can be difficult and it's not the most likable thing to do. New Britain voters need to start taking an active approach to what is going on with our council. You voted in a new mayor for two terms. Now give Tim people that will work for a better New Britain.
Many people are wondering if the Mayor will have the nerve to actually go through with the veto of Leslie Jacobs, the puppet the Democrats appointed to the Republican vacancy on the Board of Education.
From the way I see it, vetoing this radical appointment will make the Mayor a hero among the parents of school aged children, not to mention the many other citizens who are outraged over this nonsense that the Democrats on the council are attempting to get away with.
Mr. Mayor. don't worry that the left wing loons on the council will no doubt override your veto. The public outrage over such a move will help to seal their fate in the next municipal election.
Just veto this appointment and show the citizens that you are willing to listen to them even when the council so blatantly ignores their voices.
This is one way you can demonstrate that you truly are a leader, so ink up that "VETO" stamp and show us what you can do.
Sec. 2-851. Prohibited practices. No person shall deceive or obstruct any applicant in respect to his or her right of test under the provisions of this chapter or falsely make, grade, or estimate or report upon the test or standing of any person tested hereunder, or aid in so doing, or furnish to any person, except in answer to inquiries of the commission, any special information for the purpose of either improving or injuring the rating of any such applicant for appointment, employment or for the purpose of improving his or her chances or prospect for appointment or promotion. No applicant shall make any misrepresentation or false statements whether under oath or not to the commission for purpose of improving his or her chances or prospect for appointment or promotion. No person shall solicit, orally or by letter, and no applicant or employee shall receive or solicit or be in any manner concerned in the receiving or soliciting of, any money or valuable thing from any official or any employee holding a position in the classified service for any political party or purpose. No person shall directly or indirectly give, render, pay, offer, solicit, or accept any money, service, or other valuable consideration for any appointment, promotion or proposed promotion, or any advantage in a position in the career service. No person shall use his or her official authority to directly or indirectly compel, order, or require a city employee to secure for any person, any appointment, to any position in the classified service or to act in violation of this chapter or regulations thereunder with respect to appointment and promotion. No person shall, by means of threats or coercion, induce or attempt to induce any person holding a position in the classified service to resign his position or to take a leave of absence from duty or to waive any of his or her rights under this chapter. A resignation executed previous to appointment shall be of no effect.
Regarding the racial /ethnic quota of the council--it looks pretty diverse to me...2 black women, 1 Hispanic woman. Is Roy Centeno Hispanic? I'm not sure of Lori Rocha's ethnicity...is she black and/or Hispanic?
Too many white dudes though, let Sherwood resign and we'll replace him with another ethnic or racial minority. That should make him happy. How about if he resigns, then stipulates what race and sex he wants to be replaced.
You guys better stop picking on Sherwood like that, he will run crying to trueworthless, crying like a little baby, Daddy, they are picking on me, make them stop!!
Wah, Wah, Wah
But then he will find out just how truly worthless trueworthless is!
If it is true that the mayor did veto the appointment today, that was great work Mayor Stewart!!! There should have been a brass band celebration over this one.
I am sure that the Dirty Dozen led by left wing kooks like Truly Worthless Micahel Trueworthy and filthy Phil Sherwood will do what they do best and totally and completely ignore the will of the people to push their left wing radical agenda to get a puppet of their own appointed to the Board of Education.
The mayor did the right thing and listened to the people. What these power mongers will be doing by overriding the mayor's veto is to send a message to the parents, the voters and the taxpayers that resonates loud and clear and that message will be that they could care less what you think. They will be saying: You will not stop us from forcing our radical agenda onto the rest of you. We are in control and you are not! We are the power and the rest of you are nothing!
This scandal in city hall is breaking so big that we might be seeing the making a major history in this city. If this dirty dozen keeps playing their shenanigans the way they have been, we might just see all 12 of them swept from office in the next municipal election. Keep up the good work Dirty Dozen!
Alderman Sherwood, did the Mayor’s veto message make you look like the fool you really are in the eyes of the parents? I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you are the laughing stock of this community.
In retrospect, the Mayor is absolutely correct in his initiating his veto power against this atrophic choice that you and your fellow members of the democratic membership of the city council made.
You refer to a phone you claim you received versus the letter you received from another candidate vying for the same position as your reason.
Yes, Alderman Sherwood you are, along with your fellow democrats who are facing HUD sanctions for conflicts of interest, all the topic of the public comments at coffee breaks.
The more you speak, the more the rest of New Britain laughs!
The late, former Connecticut State Representative, Anthony (“Tony”) Tercyak (R 26), was a respected and revered public servant and a former public school educator. He was a gentle, well-mannered person. I don’t know or wish to know of anyone who had a contrary opinion of Tony.
Leslie Jacobs, the person nominated by New Britain Common Council Democrats to fill the New Britain Board of Ed. vacancy created by the resignation of BOE member Marilyn Kraczkowsky, is, in my opinion, the exact antithesis of Anthony Tercyak.
NB Council Democrats, led by Mike Trueworthy and Phil Sherwood, overrode the nomination of Jamie Giantonio, the person who had been endorsed unanimously by the New Britain Republican Town Committee to fill the BOE vacancy. This was a childish power play, a tool of NB Council Democrats that has become characteristic and expected of every vote they take on anything that has the potential of dissing Republicans.
To imply that Leslie Jacobs is, “ … a Republican in the Tony Tercyak tradition” is a revolting implication. It is also denigrating, despicable and disgusting to the memory of Tony Tercyak. But this is what people in NB have come to expect from Alderman Phil Sherwood, the person who made that statement at the 11/12/08 Council meeting - contrary to what was reported in today’s Herald.
As one speaker – name being withheld here - stated in public participation, it’s time for Democrats on the Council to stop this foolishness. The lady specifically addressed her remarks to Mike Trueworthy.
Although I don't always agree with Lou Salvio, I would like to thank him for making that point about the late Rep. Tony Tercyak. Tony was a good friend to many of us in New Britain, and a true gentlemen.
It makes many of us who knew him sick to see his son continue to use his memory for his own political gain - now we have Sherwood doing it too. Tony would be mortified to hear himself linked with Leslie Jacobs - and rightly so.
This just proves that nothing is too low for these miscreants on the Council. They will say and do anything just because they can.
"Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" Wake up New Britain before more damage is done. I for one plan to go to the December Council meeting and voice my opinion. I hope others, especially those whose lives were touched by the REAL Rep. Tercyak, not the imposter we have now, will join me.
Comments by Mr. Anonymous suggestion it’s time for me to change my party registration.
Your arguments are sily, sily, sily and full of half truths.
Then you refer to Mayor Stewarts’ ousting the democratic Town Committee nominee for city council Rick Lopes.
He did fare a square according to the charter. The mayor won.
You continued by stating now the democrats are following his lead. Stewart broke the tradition. Stewart pays the price with getting the Jacobs.
Well Mr. Anonymous your statements are making the rumors truthful that the democratic move is a pay back move against Stewart.
WRONG!
It’s the Children of the school system that are paying back for the democrat’s childish approach in forgetting the needs of the children in order to carry out their vendetta against the Mayor.
Calling me silly is a badge of honor for my sTand against antagonistic smell permeating from the democratic side of the council chamber.
From the many emails I have received from parents of the children with their giving me their support, you as democrats must be reminded, that they may be parents but they also are voters and they will remember you vindictive attitudes that affect the needs of their children.
NO! I will not change party as you suggest! I will continue to point out when the party direction is faltering as it is in carrying out its vendetta!
Also please note that in addition to my comments there are many postings agreeing with my stand and could of those postings have been placed by parents?
The Democratic Leadership must ask why Mayor Stewart won three elections with the higher democratic registration according to the registrar of voters.
Think! Think! Those voters are parents that you are so bent in denying their wishes in order to carry out your so called vendetta!
Now that I have had time to evaluate the anonymous’ comment that I should change my party registration;
I would like to kindly remind this so called party leader, that I am currently an elected official of the party, and that I plan to serve out the current term in office.
Parents and Grandparents of New Britain School Children:
On November 19th our Mayor, The Honorable Timothy T. Stewart, issued his veto to the resolution passed by the Democratic Council members and his statement is as follows: [ re-print ] :
To the members of the Common Council:
Our forefathers had some lofty and admirable goals when drafting the Constitution of the United States. They envisioned a government where checks and balances among the three branches of government protected our citizens from abuses of power. They tried to build a system of government where legislatures would debate critical issues with civility and respect and those whose views were in the minority could still speak freely and be heard.
If those framers of the Constitution were somehow magically transported here to 2008 New Britain, I believe they would recoil at how far we have strayed from their vision and how petty, bitter and partisan our local government has become. While our City has always had a reputation for hard fought political battles, I believe last week’s Common Council actions hit a new low in political gamesmanship at the expense of good government.
The debate in filing a Board of Education vacancy should be about the needs of New Britain’s school children. But instead of a debate about children, we had a debate where the participants acted like children.
Council Democrats gave no clear reasons for rejecting a father of two young children with a long history of service to New Britain’s youth. Jamie Giantonio, a young professional who stepped up to take time away from his career and family to serve on the Board of Education, certainly deserved a better explanation than the poor excuse from Alderman Sherwood-that he picked the person who called him on the phone rather than Mr. Giantonio who only sent his a letter. This absurdity would be laughable if it were not being carried out at the expense of the education of our City’s children.
No member of the Council majority has denied that filing the vacancy with Leslie Jacobs is retaliation for a previous vacancy appointment and again, no qualifications other than her once having served on the Board of Education were given. During public participation, ten residents spoke on behalf of Mr. Giantonia---none spoke in favor of Miss Jacobs. In fact, several speakers mentioned reasons why her past service on the Board should be the reason NOT to appoint her to fill this vacancy.
In answering questions at Wednesday’s Council meeting, Miss Jacobs did nothing to hide the arrogant, flippant attitude that earned her a reputation as an ineffective member during her earlier time on the Board. I cannot stand by and let this appointment go through without giving the Council the opportunity to rethink this action and put aside partisanship in favor of doing what is right for this community’s children.
State statutes specifically delineate minority representation on school boards in an attempt to achieve that balance of power as envisioned in the Constitution. It is hoped that an almost even split creates a spirit if bipartisanship that allows Board members to concentrate on educational rather than political issues.
With the appointment of Miss Jacobs, the Democratic majority has only violated that spirit of bipartisanship, they have thrown a live partisan grenade into the New Britain Board at a time when resources are low and needs and tensions are high.
I therefore veto Resolution #30383 in the hopes that you reconsider the chilling message you are sending to people in our community: that political power is more important than sound public policy. Consider this appointment as if you own children or grandchildren’s education depended on it---the citizens of New Britain deserve nothing less. Sincerely,
Timothy T. Stewart Mayor, city of New Britain
I strongly urge all the parents to call the leadership of the PTO group for their child’s school and ask them to contact the parents of all the children to attend the Council meeting on December 10th in order to support the Mayor’s veto of the Democrat’s choice for appointment to the Board.
When elected to serve the city in any capacity, those elected must take an oath to serve the City and its citizens according to the provisions in the City Charter and the city’s ordinances. It is also understood that as citizens of the state and our country we must all abide by State and Federal statutes and the U.S. CONSTITUTION. Anyone who needs more than this information about how to behave as an honest member of society should not run for office. Surely, there are times when for whatever reasons people make judgment errors. No amount of special rules written anywhere can erase human errors.
That being said, while I applaud the effort by the “Freshman members...” of the Common Council to erase conflict of interest situations involving city officials from occurring, I believe that adding a whole new set of regulations to city ordinances regarding conflicts of interest is unnecessary especially when these regulations may be redundant with the city’s own regulations and State Statutes.
Since Mayor Stewart was first elected in 2003, Council Democrats have attempted to copy state government structure and regulations into our city ordinances. Efforts to mirror state legislature committee structure, FOI regulations, etc., have largely failed. Why, some are in conflict with our City Charter, some are not compatible with out city government structure or, as already pointed out, are redundant. Most of these actions taken by the Democratic Council Majority are attempts that have been made to usurp Mayoral prerogatives or to micromanage departments, boards, commissions or committees. Many times, important city business has been delayed or obstructed with debilitating results to the City and its residents. Recent examples, all involving conflicts of interest of some kind are: The Stanley Golf Course food service fiasco, the BOE replacement for Mrs. Kraczkowsky and the landscaping contract for the Badolato Garage.
Perhaps two thirds of Council members have conflicts of interest in their duties as elected city officials arising out of: personal, financial, and/or familial relationships. They are aware of these potential conflicts and the consequences for ignoring them. There is no need for a “fresh set of eyes.” Of the violations of laws and conflicts of interest that have been reported over the past five and one half years, “old eyes” have exposed them.
I remind our “freshman” Council members of an old saying, “ be careful what you wish for, you may get it.” Also, be careful that what what you hope to accomplish now doesn’t come back to bite you in the derriere.
Hoping that the conflict of interest problems with Aldermen Catanzaro & Trueworhty and Adlerwoman Collins are resolved prior to Wednesday's Council meeting of next week or maybe they should not show due to the conflicts.
State Representative Tim O’Brien should be commended for his spearheading the legislative efforts to save the New Britain Herald and The Bristol Press together with his legislative colleagues.
The Press Staff Steve Collins and Adam Benson have reported today that the state commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development Ms. Joan McDonald stated there could be serious discussions under way for the two dailies.
Continuing by noting we are going to aggressively outreach to see if there are other potential buyers.
Both New Britain and Bristol fervently need a source of local news and unfortunately another paper published nearby has neglected the reporting of New Britain’s local news effectively.
Tim’s legislative colleagues deserve the recognition of their efforts with this matteras well.
To the anonymous individuals that are concern with the Mayor’s veto letter not being in the council's agenda.
Since I have printed a re-print of the letter in its entirety it would seem very difficult for the Majority Leader of the Council to remain oblique on this important issue.
Could he be planning to dump Jacobs by writing in a substitute name for the replacement?
Maybe after hearing from 100's of outraged citizens, they are actually going to do what is right and let Leslie Jacobs go down with the Mayor's veto of her?
Any decent person would simply withdraw her name after learning how disliked she is by the general populace.
Posted by new britain town crier to Frank Smith Says NB at December 7, 2008 4:15 PM
Some four years ago I wrote an article in our local newspapers describing of the mere fact that you as a city employee coupled with your being an elected city Alderman placed you in a conflict of interest at either location until such time you resign from one or the other.
You ignored the warning with your complacent attitude.
And then a few years back you proposed a resolution at a council meeting calling for the elimination of all city undertakers from being able to serve on the cemetery commission and when it was time to vote on your proposal you were cautioned by the Minority Leader of the council that your vote would place you in a conflict of interest since your boss at the city’s park department, where you work, also serves as the Chairperson of the cemetery Commission. With your complacent attitude you acted as though you are above the law and went ahead by voting for your motion. I again wrote an article admonishing your actions in the local newspapers with your continued disdain of your being within the dictates of law.
Paul, it is amazing that it took all this time for these facts to surface and with the additional complaint filed with HUD about your HRA involvement along with two of your other Democratic Alderman who are in conflict as much as you are and are being dragged through the mud and slime of politics because of your insistence that you can do no wrong.
With the aforementioned facts I cannot agree more with the HUD edict that all three of you, should resign from the council due to your conflict of interest and that mandate includes you, Alderwoman Tonilynn Collins, and the council Majority leader Alderman Michael Trueworthy. Furthermore; It would be much wiser for all three to not attend any future council meetings until such time all the legal conflict issues have been resolved with the HUD Agency.
The saddest part is watching you tear down the democratic ideology through your extreme desire to show the electorate that you have the power and God help anyone who might come between you and your thirst for power.
When elected to serve the city in any capacity, those elected must take an oath to serve the City and its citizens according to the provisions in the City Charter and the city’s ordinances. It is also understood that as citizens of the state and our country we must all abide by State and Federal statutes and the U.S. CONSTITUTION. Anyone who needs more than this information about how to behave as an honest member of society should not run for office. Surely, there are times when for whatever reasons people make judgment errors. No amount of special rules written anywhere can erase human errors.
That being said, while I applaud the effort by the “Freshman members...” of the Common Council to erase conflict of interest situations involving city officials from occurring, I believe that adding a whole new set of regulations to city ordinances regarding conflicts of interest is unnecessary especially when these regulations may be redundant with the city’s own regulations and State Statutes.
Since Mayor Stewart was first elected in 2003, Council Democrats have attempted to copy state government structure and regulations into our city ordinances. Efforts to mirror state legislature committee structure, FOI regulations, etc., have largely failed. Why, some are in conflict with our City Charter, some are not compatible with out city government structure or, as already pointed out, are redundant. Most of these actions taken by the Democratic Council Majority are attempts that have been made to usurp Mayoral prerogatives or to micromanage departments, boards, commissions or committees. Many times, important city business has been delayed or obstructed with debilitating results to the City and its residents. Recent examples, all involving conflicts of interest of some kind are: The Stanley Golf Course food service fiasco, the BOE replacement for Mrs. Kraczkowsky and the landscaping contract for the Badolato Garage.
Perhaps two thirds of Council members have conflicts of interest in their duties as elected city officials arising out of: personal, financial, and/or familial relationships. They are aware of these potential conflicts and the consequences for ignoring them. There is no need for a “fresh set of eyes.” Of the violations of laws and conflicts of interest that have been reported over the past five and one half years, “old eyes” have exposed them.
I remind our “freshman” Council members of an old saying, “ be careful what you wish for, you may get it.” Also, be careful that what what you hope to accomplish now doesn’t come back to bite you in the derriere.
LOU SALVIO, REPUBLICAN ALDERMAN
-- “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away.” H.D. Thoreau
Speaking of out of control spending. Several people have in passing informed me that the BOE offices on West Main Street are privileged to enjoy extravagant catered lunches on a regular basis.
Who is approving this spending?
The answer is simple:
The Board of Education Board Members so they can eat well prior to their Board of Education meetings.
Jamie Giantonio has left a new comment on your post.
The Council is exercising its judgment and responsibility in accordance with the city charter, according to McNamara.
I find it laughable that Mr McNamara is saying that the council is using judgement and responsibility. How does someone make a responsible decision without weighing both options? I was NEVER contacted by ANY of the Democratic council members. Not only was I not contacted, but after the last council meeting, I was told by 3 of the council members that I NEVER had a chance and was NEVER EVEN CONSIDERED.
If you are reading this blog, and are unhappy by the way this is going down- PLEASE, come to the council meeting tomorrow and let them know. 7PM City Hall- Council Chambers.
Posted by Jamie Giantonio to Frank Smith Says NB at December 9, 2008 5:37 AM
I have received the following information via email to post for the New Britain Town Crier.
Since I do not know who this individual is my only means of communicating with him or her is by posting the information meant for the New Britain Town Crier regarding additional appearances of conflicts of interest by other city Aldermen and Alderwomen when voting for the city’s annual budget approval:
In addition to Catanzaro, Town Crier might also be interested in knowing that Shirley Black was/is a NB school crossing guard, Ald. Centeno and wife are employees of NB public schools, Ald. Hermanowski’s daughter is married to Dave DeFronzo ( a teacher at NB High), Ald. ToniLyn Collins (NB Water Dept.) are also players.
Catanzaro is Pres. of The HRA Board, Majority Leader Alderman Trueworthy’s wife works for HRA and Sherwood’s wife works for AFSCME.
There were enough prevarications in today’s Herald Article about HUD by Rick Guinness to make one vomit. For Rocco Tricarico to say what he did is proof that he should not be running that agency. Surprised that the Herald didn’t call HUD for corroboration.
Know this, nobody worked harder that Mayor Tim Stewart to gain the exemptions required by HUD in awarding the CDBG funds! Had the Mayor not intervened in the professional manner that he did, other CDBG Funds would have been denied. As it stands now, only about $100K was denied. Only after I suggested that no Democrats came forward to thank the Mayor for his efforts did Phil Sherwood offer a belated and “choking” thank you. So much for “class.”
It is apparent that when the liberal Democratic contingent is not getting its way, the group looks for someone –some group – to blame. Thankfully there are yet some responsible journalists and bloggers.
About the Hartford/New Britain Busway; a couple of years ago, our State Legislative contingent was out there on the former Greenfields’ property getting their photos taken with Gov. Rell, promoting the busway, all of them, DeFronzo, O’Brien, Geragosian, etc.. Now, all of a sudden there is an opportunity to throw a monkey wrench into New Britain’s Downtown Redevelopment Proposal. Another opportunity to thwart Mayor Stewart’s efforts to help NB taxpayers. Throw the busway under the bus and forge a $1 billion proposal to use trains instead. On whose side is our legislative contingent anyway? You be the judge! Sincerely,
At the New Britain Board of Education meeting held on November 17, 2008 the election of officers was held for the ensuing year as follows:
ReplyDeletePresident; Board Member Sharon Beloin Saavedra
Vice President; Board Member Brian Riley
Secretary of the Board; Board Member Pat Coyle
When a Board Member serves as a board officer he or she spend many extra long hours of devotion to the task as officers and should be commended for their willingness to serve our community in their new capacities.
ATTENTION NEW BRITAIN PARENTS:
ReplyDeleteFor obvious reasons, A number of you spoke in opposition to the appointment of Leslie Jacobs to the Republican vacancy on the Board of Education at last Wednesday night's Council meeting. The Democratic majority chose to ignore your will, and appointed their own puppet, even though the appointment was for a Republican candidate. It has since become public that this is something the Democrats had planned and orchestrated weeks ago, and that they never even considered the candidate put forward by the Republican Town Committee for a Republican vacancy.
The DIRTY DOZEN that was responsible for this miscarriage of justice is listed below. All twelve of these people voted to ignore the will of the Republican party and the parents and citizens who supported the nomination of Jamie Giantonio. If you are not happy with this sleight of hand perpetrated by the council, contact them and let them know about it:
THE DIRTY DOZEN:
Mayor Pro Tem Suzanne Bielinski
225-5151
Majority Leader Michael Trueworthy
827-8816
Asst Majority Leader Paul Catanzaro
224-4707
Asst Majority Leader Adam Platosz
225-9258
Majority Whip Tonilynn Collins
348-0062
Alderman Shirley Black
826-8244
Alderman Roy Centeneo
223-1852
Alderman Gregory J. Gerratana
826-0723
Alderman Larry Hermanowski
225-9540
Alderman Eva Megnuszewski
805-7131
Alderman Lori A. Rocha
223-6289
Alderman Phil Sherwood
770-6740
There seems to be a pattern emerging with the council Democrats making statements that they later deny.
ReplyDeleteJust like when Phil Sherwood told Frank Smith that he couldn't support him for the vacancy on the council because that seat could only go to a Puerto Rican, he later denied ever saying it, and then later admitted he might have said it should go to "a Hispanic," now several council Democrats made statements to Mr. Giantonio which together amount to the fact that this appointment of Leslie Jacobs was a "done deal" months ago, no doubt worked out in some back door compromise. There is little doubt that this appointment was engineered by the majority leader, Michael (Truly-Worthless) Truworthy, and put in motion by his community organizing soldier Phil Sherwood.
Let me remind everyone that this appointment is for a Republican vacancy, and the Republican Town Committee is the appropriate entity to be naming the candidate for such a vacancy. After careful consideration of a number of qualified candidates, they did just that when their chairman recommended Mr. Giantonio. I can only imagine the public outcry that would exist, if this appointment were for a Democrat, and a prominent member of the Republican party reached inside the Democratic party to manipulate the appointment process. These same Democrats on the council would be outraged, and rightfully so.
One thing is for certain: we need to find elected officials who are honorable enough to stand by their statements. Does anyone on the council have the courage of your convictions, or all you all puppets for Truly-worthless, Catanzaro and Sherwood?
Mayor Stewart:
ReplyDeleteI was delighted to hear of your plans to veto the council’s recent appointment of Leslie Jacobs to the Board of Education and I commend you for your plan to do the right thing for the children of this city.
The Republican Party worked hard to find a suitable appointee for this vacancy and they found what they believed was the right person in Jamie Giantonio. Mr. Giantonio has a background in teaching and is the parent of two young children, so he has a vested interest in the well being of our educational system.
Filling of this vacancy, being a Republican seat on the Board, should be left up to the leadership of the Republican Party, free from interference of Democratic Aldermen who appear to have other interests besides the welfare of the children in mind.
The public and more specifically, the parents, agree. I have heard from a number of parents who are simply outraged over this entire process. A long line of public members, mostly parents, spoke against this appointment at the council meeting last Wednesday, but the council simply chose to ignore them. I urge you to listen to the people of this city and do what is right for our children.
VETO THE APPOINTMENT OF LESLIE JACOBS!
TAKE A HIKE, MIKE
ReplyDeleteIGNORED OUR WILL, PHIL
DROPPED THE BALL, PAUL
FOR OUR KIDS, YOU DIDN'T CARE
THAT'S A SHAME YOU'LL ALWAYS WEAR
FOR YOU, WE'LL VOTE NO MORE
TO YOU THREE, IT'S THE DOOR
HEAR THE WORD FROM THE STREET
NEXT YEAR YOU'LL KNOW DEFEAT.
Congratulations to Sharon Beloin Saavedra for being voted President of the Board of Education, and to Brian Riley,Vice President, and Pat Coyle as Secretary. This is certainly an improvement over the previous president.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you all.
All the negativity that has evolved from the 'appointment' of Leslie Jacobs has shown how the majority of New Britain residents of all political persuasions feel about the situation. Mayor Stewart is considering vetoing the appointment, which will prolong the council's recommendation...a good move on the Mayor's part. We must now move forward, and concentrate on the future of our city's well being. Get involved in the political process, and support the candidates you feel will represent us in an honest way, working to make New Britain a city we can all be proud to live and work in.reioni
ReplyDeleteInstead of editing out the public comments from the taping of the November 12 Council Meeting, how about editing out Michael Trueworthy's and Suzanne Bielinski's long, boring, drawn out self-serving dissertations they express at almost all council meetings?
ReplyDeleteLeslie Jacobs is nothing but a Republican in sheep's clothing and Phil Sherwood is the sheep herder.
ReplyDeleteBy Jacobs' own admission to a reporter, Community Organizer Phil Sherwood is the Democratic Alderman who "organized" her for the position on the Board of Education and will continue to pull her strings for the duration that she serves on the board.
Clearly, Ms. Jacobs is there to represent the interests of Phil Sherwood, and not the interests of your children, or their education.
Frank-
ReplyDeleteI appreciate all the support. It is refreshing to see that someone I have never even met or talked to, can see through the political BS and recongize that I was the logical candidate for this appointment.
I just want to clear up one thing, not sure how this started. I am a parent of a child in the school system, and I do have another on the way, but I do not have a teaching degree, nor was I ever a teacher. That does not change anything. I am still very committed to making sure our schools are the best they can be. I also understand the need to be fiscally responsible- there needs to be some balance there. I have been involved with the schools in NB. I was very involved in the St. Francis community prior to it's closing, I served on the PJP2school board for a period, and my wife and I are active in the Lincoln PTO.
I was very disappointed in the outcome of the council meeting last Wednesday. I found it interesting that the council referred to the show of support for the golf course when voting against that, but other than the Republican Council members mentioning the people who showed up for me, you would have never known anyone did.
I was even more disappointed after the meeting when I spoke to three members of the council,and was informed of a few things (which they will deny as they told me they would):
1. I did not get the appointment because I did not have enough friends on the board.
2. I never had a chance. Some members of the board committed to Ms. Jacobs before my recommendation from the RTC and never even considered me.
Also very interesting to see that the Herald was not there, nor have they mentioned it at all. When I spoke to mr Guinness on Monday, i expected to see him Wednesday, or at least hear from him. Now talk of the meeting being trimmed for TV? I wonder what will get trimmed?
Very interesting stuff going on in NB. Good to see since the papers aren't covering it, there are blogs like this to at least keep people informed.
Thanks again
Jamie Giantonio
I never knew that Sherwood is so focused on racism. He hides it well.
ReplyDeleteThe Mattabassett District has a new appointee to the district:
ReplyDeleteMrs. Paula Mele of New Britain, Ct. was appointed to the district board of directors and she bring to the district her background experience in the medical field including a Bio Chemical background which as been completely lacking on the board of directors make up over the past years.
Frank Smith, a former director of the board
Come to this of it it is really stupid to watch the democratic leadership ignoring the wishes of the Republican Town Committe in its recommendation of the replacement to the Board of Eductaion.
ReplyDeletestupid Stupid stupid
wake up Trueworhty---or is Trueworhtless?
Democrats;;;;;of the city concil!!!
ReplyDeleteAppoint the recommended selction made by the Republican town Committee to the Board of Education.
Stop this power mania that is only in you heads and no where else
The Board of Eductaion needs the expertice of the recommended selction made by the New Britain republican town committee
ReplyDeleteMaror Stewart: Veto Veto Veto the appoinment of Leslie Jacobs to the NB Board of Education.
ReplyDeleteMayor Stewart: Has the ethis commission review the conflict of interest of Alderman Cantanzaro for being the president of HRA,a city employee,and a member of the city council all at the same time.
ReplyDeleteConflict-----Conflict!
Mayor Stewart, we are all counting on you to do the right thing, VETO!
ReplyDeleteWatch the 11/12/08 Video of Council
ReplyDeleteTV Broadcast on Nutmeg Television at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday Nov.19 and at 6:30 p.m. on Friday Nov. 21...
When the New Britain High School Audio-visual Club students had the job of video taping the Council meetings they utilized a two camera system operated by two students. One fixed TV camera covered the shot of person speaking at the podium and other TV camera covered the Mayor and the 15 Aldermen with wide angle shots and ability to zoom in on any alderman speaking.
Then the Council signed a contract with Plainville Nutmeg TV to video tape meetings with two public broadcasting sessions scheduled on Wednesday and Friday night at 6:30 p.m. In controlling costs with the Nutmeg TV contract they have one person operating only one zoom camera.
But at this point in time...not the public...only Trueworthy/Sherwood/and FOI Act know the contents of Nutmeg TV- New Britain Common Council written contract? Why the secret...Mr. Sherwood? What are your concealing?
Some area towns televise the council meetings live on public access TV, why can't we have that done here in New Britain?
ReplyDeleteThe only justification I can think of is if it goes out in a live feed, then the politbureau of Trulyworthless, Sherwood and Catzanaro would be powerless to censor what portions of the meeting the public is allowed to view.
Those who fail to learn from history, are destined to repeat it!
A rumor is making the rounds that now that Sharon Beloin Saavedra is the new president of the Board of Ed, replacing Phil Sherwood's buddy, Peter Kochol, the Democrat's choice of appointing Leslie Jacobs will be rescinded...Sharon cares too much for the children of New Britain to put up with the likes of Sherwood and his cronies.
ReplyDeleteGood for Sharon, for once we will put the interests of the children before partisan politics!
ReplyDeleteThis would be a very popular move for her and the mayor.
NutmegTV...
ReplyDeleteGovernment Access Channel-21 (COMCAST)
Wednesday, Nov. 19
5:30 pm: Around New Britain with Mayor Stewart.
6:30 pm: New Britain Town Council Meeting.
Friday, Nov. 21
6:30 pm: New Britain Town Council Meeting.
Tune into Nutmeg TV to see the part of the council meeting that the Dirty Dozen will allow you to see, after Trulyworthless and Sherwood finished editing and splicing out the comments they don't want you to know about. Isn't that great, a meeting that lasted over 2 hours condensed to an hour at their discretion of what to eliminate. How many of the comments against appointing a radical nut job to the Board of Education do think will still be included?
ReplyDeleteRussia and Nazi Germany had nothing on these guys.
Hopefully Mayor Stewart will do the right thing in veto this nonsense.
ReplyDeleteWEST HARTFORD RESIDENTS GET LIVE COVERAGE OF THEIR CITY COUNCIL AND BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAbout West Hartford Community Television:
West Hartford Community Television, WHC-TV, is the only channel that gives West Hartford residents:
* live coverage of school and government meetings and elections
*****LIVE COVERAGE, Not edited covered that has to clear the editing of a radical censor like Trulyworthless!
The Town Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m,
ReplyDeleteMeetings are broadcast live on Newington Community Television (NCTV 14).
Hartford Government Access Television
Channel 21
Hartford City Council Meeting provides live gravel-to-gravel coverage every second and fourth Monday of the month at 8:00p.m.
Residents in West Hartford, Newington and even Hartford have the luxury of tuning into their community access TV to view live broadcasts of their town and city council meetings. As the Hartford Community television describes it: "GAVEL TO GAVEL LIVE COVERAGE."
ReplyDeleteNew Britain residents don't have this luxury. You are offered an abbreviated or "condensed" version of the meeting telecast a week later after the powers that be have had the opportunity to edit out whatever issues that they may want to keep the general public from hearing.
If a city as large as Hartford, and a town as small as Newington is able to broadcast live coverage of each meeting, then why can't New Britain. Why should New Britain residents settle for filtered information that the party bosses decide is the information you should be allowed to view?
Mayor Stewart should work with Nutmeg TV to arrange for the live broadcast of all city council and board of education meetings. An open government demands nothing less.
Sherwood would never like this at all. If the citizens can watch everything live, how can he cut the portions of the tape he wants silenced!
ReplyDeleteMr. Smith, the New Britain Propaganda Ministry, headed by Trulyworthless, Sherwood and Catzanaro are not going to be very happy with you!
ReplyDeleteImagine letting the people see what really happens without their censorship. What is this city coming to.
It is astonishing to learn that the New Britain City Council has a racial quota, as set forth by Alderman Phil Sherwood’s statement that a vacancy in the third district belongs to a Puerto Rican. It just doesn’t belong to anyone with knowledge, wisdom, or capabilities “just ethnic” is the criteria you need in order to be selected.
ReplyDeleteThis liberal criteria fostered by Sherwood should end with his defeat in his next bid for re-election to the City Council.
It is time for this country to move beyond race, gender, and ethnicity and focus on an individual's qualifications.
Since Phil Sherwood is so intent on filling racial and ethnic quotas on the council, and we already have our quota of white males on the council, maybe he should step down so that a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group could be represented on the council.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous who asking for Sherwood to step down from the city council to make room for the underrepresented on the council is a great ides and hopefully is the resolve for Sherwood’s dilemma in finding the right balance he is seeking to be one the city council.
ReplyDeleteDo they have any handicapped individuals, or is that perhaps what Sherwood had against you?
ReplyDeleteFrank, You apparently found a place that your handicapped permit isn't valid. They didn't want you parking your old, handicapped butt at city hall. Why don't you ask your good buddy, Trulyworthless if you want to know the truth.
ReplyDeleteYour friend,
Bugs
Sounds like something Sherwood would say he can be very nasty especially if you dare to disagree with him.
ReplyDeletestill waiting for the mayor to do the right thing by our kids:
ReplyDeleteVETO!
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteDemocrats;;;;;of the city concil!!!
Appoint the recommended selction made by the Republican town Committee to the Board of Education.
Stop this power mania that is only in you heads and no where else
November 18, 2008 6:12 AM
Anonymous, you must have gone to school during Leslie Jacobs term on the Board of Education. Although you have the right idea for the council to follow the Republican lead for the nomination to the Board of Ed, your spelling and grammar is awful!
Did anyone who was at the council meeting watch it last night? What (if anything) was cut?
ReplyDeleteI think there is someone on the council with a disability. Doesn't Phil Sherwood have a learning disability?
ReplyDeleteCome on Mayor Stewart, We are all waiting for you to tell the Democrats what you think of their appointment of Leslie Jacobs:
ReplyDeleteVETO VETO VETO
Just asking, that is a good question, if you count mental disabilities, the council is overwhelmed with handicapped people!
ReplyDeleteput truly worthless and sherwouldn't into a room together and they will drive each other crazy trying to outdo each other's stupidity!
ReplyDeleteNOW THAT WOULD BE A ROOM OVERFLOWING WITH STUPIDITY--DUMB AND DUMBER--YOU FIGURE OUT WHICH IS DUMBER?
ReplyDeleteThis makes for interesting reading...Do you suppose that Aldermen Trueworthy and Catanzaro think they are above it all? This on top of the Leslie Jacobs fiasco very well may cause them to be elected out of office next year:
ReplyDeleteTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2008
Council Majority Leader and Accomplice lose $100,000 in federal funding for the City
You heard it first folks, Democratic Majority leader Mike Trueworthy, and alderman Paul Catanzaro are the reason that New Britain will not be receiving the CDBG funds of $66,000 to fund the Ben Franklin Renovations and $30,718 ESG monies for the cities Eviction and Foreclosure Mediation Program.
They are the reason we will not be receiving the funding for two important projects in our city because HUD has found conflicts of interest between the two members and the projects at hand.
Mr. Trueworthy’s wife, Elena works for HRA. Her salary is a direct beneficiary of funds from CDBG, HOME, and ESG grants. Mike Trueworthy has been in a position to participate in the decision making process regarding the allocation of SEVEN PROGRAMS this year alone!
These grants are what funds things like PAL football, playscapes for our schools, food shelters, outreach programs, Park rehabilitations, Urban Oaks Organic Farm, etc. Our city needs these funds ot keep these organizations functioniny properly.
Here is a list of the Programs there was suspected conflicts for:
Food Security Collaborative, Ben Franklin Renovations, East Side Community Action/NRZ Support, Special Needs Recreation, Polish Outreach Program and Supportive Housing for People with AIDS.
Thanks a lot guys.
There were also conflicts with the Eviction and Foreclosure Mediation Progam; this involved 4 people; Trueworthy, Catanzaro, CCND Commissioner Kevin Nodell, and CCND Chairman Alphonse Wright. Mr. Nodell and Mr. Wright were both members of the HRA board at the time when they voted on issues securing funds for this program, after the conflict was brought to light, the two commissioner did the moral thing and chose one of the boards to serve on, Mr. Nodell resigned from CCND, and Mr. Wright resigned from the HRA Board.
Mr. Trueworthy and Mr. Catanzaro [who is President of the HRA Board] did not resign from any of boards that cause them conflict.
Of course they wouldn’t, because it’s all about the power. Not the people. I seem to be saying that a lot lately. But its true! If they cared about our city, they would make sure that they do the things necessary to keep our funding. The only word to describe that is Selfishness.
I have my own wonders about these conflicts of interest; if that is the case, then how can Mr. Catanzaro even serve on the council – he is employed by the city working for Public Works. How can Tonilynn Collins serve without a conflict? Her mothers direct salary (for ULA) is determined by the council.
So confusing.
Bottom line: Trueworthy and Catanzaro – due to their selfishness – are the reason that the feds are taking $100,000 away from programs that need funding. Maybe we should send them out to the tax payers and ask everyone in the city for 5 dollars to fund the programs that they screwed up on…we’ll see what people think of them then.
Way to go guys. Thanks for that.
GET RID OF THIS COUNCIL!
WATCH THE COUNCIL MEETING FROM LAST WEEK TONIGHT ON NUTMEG TV (CHANNEL 21)
Posted by NBGrrrrL at 5:39 PM 0 comments
Labels: Catanzaro, democrats, nutmeg tv, Trueworthy
That is a paradox that could drive the rest of us crazy--attempting to figure out which one of those two is the dumber of the two!
ReplyDeletewhen's the mayor gonna to do what's right and veto the appointment of the nutjob to the board of ed?
ReplyDeleteIf the mayor issues a veto for appointing Leslie Jacobs it will be overturned by the dumb majority. Let it play out through election time when it will have the
ReplyDeletemost impact. Can you imagine sitting on the BOE and having to
take this woman seriously? It's going to bring things to a head,finally. We'll see Kurtz on the chopping block. Maybe this city will finally send her and her
fat contract packing.
What is the protocol for filing an
ReplyDeleteethics investigation regarding Paul
Cantanzaro sitting on the common council, being employed by the city
of New Britain and working on the
HRA commission? Has anyone filed a
complaint to date? Mr. Salvio filed a conflict of interest on these HUD funds opening a fire storm of negativity against himself
when the funds were held for months while this was reviewed. But, how else do we get to the bottom of these issues if everyone
simply lets it happen. Mr. Salvio
is always at the center of controversy because he takes the time and effort to "push the envelope" even when the outcome can
be difficult and it's not the most likable thing to do. New Britain voters need to start taking an active approach to what is going on
with our council. You voted in a new mayor for two terms. Now give Tim people that will work for a better New Britain.
Everyone always claims that Lou Salvio is the cry baby on the council, but in reality the true cry baby is Truly-worthless' lap dog Phil Sherwood.
ReplyDeleteNow we know which one is the dumber of the duo!
Phil Sherwood is the DUMBEST of the DUMB!
Many people are wondering if the Mayor will have the nerve to actually go through with the veto of Leslie Jacobs, the puppet the Democrats appointed to the Republican vacancy on the Board of Education.
ReplyDeleteFrom the way I see it, vetoing this radical appointment will make the Mayor a hero among the parents of school aged children, not to mention the many other citizens who are outraged over this nonsense that the Democrats on the council are attempting to get away with.
Mr. Mayor. don't worry that the left wing loons on the council will no doubt override your veto. The public outrage over such a move will help to seal their fate in the next municipal election.
Just veto this appointment and show the citizens that you are willing to listen to them even when the council so blatantly ignores their voices.
This is one way you can demonstrate that you truly are a leader, so ink up that "VETO" stamp and show us what you can do.
Mayor Stewart, for God sakes, DO THE VETO
ReplyDeleteLet the DIRTY DOZEN override you, that will be their problem.
ReplyDeleteis there a time limit that the mayor has to sign this or veto it?
ReplyDeleteyou have it backwards, Sherwood is the head nut on the council and it is Trueworthless that is the follower.
ReplyDeleteConcerned citizen, good suggestion about sending Cantazaro and Trueworthy door to door asking for donations.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Sherwood could teach them how to beg. Since he is the one who has all the associations with ACORN, he must be good at it.
Sherwood teach em all the tricks just give em loosies for each donation like with the voting.
ReplyDeleteCatzanro:
ReplyDeleteSec. 2-851. Prohibited practices.
No person shall deceive or obstruct any applicant in respect to his or her right of test
under the provisions of this chapter or falsely make, grade, or estimate or report upon the test or
standing of any person tested hereunder, or aid in so doing, or furnish to any person, except in
answer to inquiries of the commission, any special information for the purpose of either
improving or injuring the rating of any such applicant for appointment, employment or for the
purpose of improving his or her chances or prospect for appointment or promotion. No applicant
shall make any misrepresentation or false statements whether under oath or not to the
commission for purpose of improving his or her chances or prospect for appointment or
promotion. No person shall solicit, orally or by letter, and no applicant or employee shall receive
or solicit or be in any manner concerned in the receiving or soliciting of, any money or valuable
thing from any official or any employee holding a position in the classified service for any
political party or purpose. No person shall directly or indirectly give, render, pay, offer, solicit, or
accept any money, service, or other valuable consideration for any appointment, promotion or
proposed promotion, or any advantage in a position in the career service. No person shall use
his or her official authority to directly or indirectly compel, order, or require a city employee to
secure for any person, any appointment, to any position in the classified service or to act in
violation of this chapter or regulations thereunder with respect to appointment and promotion.
No person shall, by means of threats or coercion, induce or attempt to induce any person
holding a position in the classified service to resign his position or to take a leave of absence
from duty or to waive any of his or her rights under this chapter. A resignation executed previous
to appointment shall be of no effect.
Regarding the racial /ethnic quota of the council--it looks pretty diverse to me...2 black women, 1 Hispanic woman. Is Roy Centeno Hispanic? I'm not sure of Lori Rocha's ethnicity...is she black and/or Hispanic?
ReplyDeleteToo many white dudes though, let Sherwood resign and we'll replace him with another ethnic or racial minority. That should make him happy. How about if he resigns, then stipulates what race and sex he wants to be replaced.
ReplyDeleteYou guys better stop picking on Sherwood like that, he will run crying to trueworthless, crying like a little baby, Daddy, they are picking on me, make them stop!!
ReplyDeleteWah, Wah, Wah
But then he will find out just how truly worthless trueworthless is!
Filthy Phil is not going to like you!
ReplyDeleteWord from City Hall: Mayor Stewart vetoed the Leslie Jacobs appointment this morning.
ReplyDeleteLet's see if anyone is listening.
If it is true that the mayor did veto the appointment today, that was great work Mayor Stewart!!! There should have been a brass band celebration over this one.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that the Dirty Dozen led by left wing kooks like Truly Worthless Micahel Trueworthy and filthy Phil Sherwood will do what they do best and totally and completely ignore the will of the people to push their left wing radical agenda to get a puppet of their own appointed to the Board of Education.
The mayor did the right thing and listened to the people. What these power mongers will be doing by overriding the mayor's veto is to send a message to the parents, the voters and the taxpayers that resonates loud and clear and that message will be that they could care less what you think. They will be saying: You will not stop us from forcing our radical agenda onto the rest of you. We are in control and you are not! We are the power and the rest of you are nothing!
the most bazaar fact is that these guys on the council haven't yet figured out that they are all laughing stocks.
ReplyDeleteThis scandal in city hall is breaking so big that we might be seeing the making a major history in this city. If this dirty dozen keeps playing their shenanigans the way they have been, we might just see all 12 of them swept from office in the next municipal election. Keep up the good work Dirty Dozen!
ReplyDeleteAlderman Sherwood, did the Mayor’s veto message make you look like the fool you really are in the eyes of the parents? I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you are the laughing stock of this community.
ReplyDeleteIn retrospect, the Mayor is absolutely correct in his initiating his veto power against this atrophic choice that you and your fellow members of the democratic membership of the city council made.
You refer to a phone you claim you received versus the letter you received from another candidate vying for the same position as your reason.
Yes, Alderman Sherwood you are, along with your fellow democrats who are facing HUD sanctions for conflicts of interest, all the topic of the public comments at coffee breaks.
The more you speak, the more the rest of New Britain laughs!
11/23/08
ReplyDeleteThe late, former Connecticut State Representative, Anthony (“Tony”) Tercyak (R 26), was a respected and revered public servant and a former public school educator. He was a gentle, well-mannered person. I don’t know or wish to know of anyone who had a contrary opinion of Tony.
Leslie Jacobs, the person nominated by New Britain Common Council Democrats to fill the New Britain Board of Ed. vacancy created by the resignation of BOE member Marilyn Kraczkowsky, is, in my opinion, the exact antithesis of Anthony Tercyak.
NB Council Democrats, led by Mike Trueworthy and Phil Sherwood, overrode the nomination of Jamie Giantonio, the person who had been endorsed unanimously by the New Britain Republican Town Committee to fill the BOE vacancy. This was a childish power play, a tool of NB Council Democrats that has become characteristic and expected of every vote they take on anything that has the potential of dissing Republicans.
To imply that Leslie Jacobs is, “ … a Republican in the Tony Tercyak tradition” is a revolting implication. It is also denigrating, despicable and disgusting to the memory of Tony Tercyak. But this is what people in NB have come to expect from Alderman Phil Sherwood, the person who made that statement at the 11/12/08 Council meeting - contrary to what was reported in today’s Herald.
As one speaker – name being withheld here - stated in public participation, it’s time for Democrats on the Council to stop this foolishness. The lady specifically addressed her remarks to Mike Trueworthy.
Lou Salvio, Republican Alderman, NB
New Britain Common Council
Although I don't always agree with Lou Salvio, I would like to thank him for making that point about the late Rep. Tony Tercyak. Tony was a good friend to many of us in New Britain, and a true gentlemen.
ReplyDeleteIt makes many of us who knew him sick to see his son continue to use his memory for his own political gain - now we have Sherwood doing it too. Tony would be mortified to hear himself linked with Leslie Jacobs - and rightly so.
This just proves that nothing is too low for these miscreants on the Council. They will say and do anything just because they can.
"Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" Wake up New Britain before more damage is done. I for one plan to go to the December Council meeting and voice my opinion. I hope others, especially those whose lives were touched by the REAL Rep. Tercyak, not the imposter we have now, will join me.
Comments by Mr. Anonymous suggestion it’s time for me to change my party registration.
ReplyDeleteYour arguments are sily, sily, sily and full of half truths.
Then you refer to Mayor Stewarts’ ousting the democratic Town Committee nominee for city council Rick Lopes.
He did fare a square according to the charter. The mayor won.
You continued by stating now the democrats are following his lead. Stewart broke the tradition. Stewart pays the price with getting the Jacobs.
Well Mr. Anonymous your statements are making the rumors truthful that the democratic move is a pay back move against Stewart.
WRONG!
It’s the Children of the school system that are paying back for the democrat’s childish approach in forgetting the needs of the children in order to carry out their vendetta against the Mayor.
Calling me silly is a badge of honor for my sTand against antagonistic smell permeating from the democratic side of the council chamber.
From the many emails I have received from parents of the children with their giving me their support, you as democrats must be reminded, that they may be parents but they also are voters and they will remember you vindictive attitudes that affect the needs of their children.
NO! I will not change party as you suggest! I will continue to point out when the party direction is faltering as it is in carrying out its vendetta!
Also please note that in addition to my comments there are many postings agreeing with my stand and could of those postings have been placed by parents?
The Democratic Leadership must ask why Mayor Stewart won three elections with the higher democratic registration according to the registrar of voters.
Think! Think! Those voters are parents that you are so bent in denying their wishes in order to carry out your so called vendetta!
Sincerely,
Franks smith and remaining a registered democrat
Now that I have had time to evaluate the anonymous’ comment that I should change my party registration;
ReplyDeleteI would like to kindly remind this so called party leader, that I am currently an elected official of the party, and that I plan to serve out the current term in office.
Check this URL out:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.hud.gov/utilities/print/print2.cfm?page=80$^@http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ehud%2Egov%2F...(dated 9/26/08)
Press release regarding the HUD funds
Parents and Grandparents of New Britain School Children:
ReplyDeleteOn November 19th our Mayor, The Honorable Timothy T. Stewart, issued his veto to the resolution passed by the Democratic Council members and his statement is as follows: [ re-print ] :
To the members of the Common Council:
Our forefathers had some lofty and admirable goals when drafting the Constitution of the United States. They envisioned a government where checks and balances among the three branches of government protected our citizens from abuses of power. They tried to build a system of government where legislatures would debate critical issues with civility and respect and those whose views were in the minority could still speak freely and be heard.
If those framers of the Constitution were somehow magically transported here to 2008 New Britain, I believe they would recoil at how far we have strayed from their vision and how petty, bitter and partisan our local government has become. While our City has always had a reputation for hard fought political battles, I believe last week’s Common Council actions hit a new low in political gamesmanship at the expense of good government.
The debate in filing a Board of Education vacancy should be about the needs of New Britain’s school children. But instead of a debate about children, we had a debate where the participants acted like children.
Council Democrats gave no clear reasons for rejecting a father of two young children with a long history of service to New Britain’s youth. Jamie Giantonio, a young professional who stepped up to take time away from his career and family to serve on the Board of Education, certainly deserved a better explanation than the poor excuse from Alderman Sherwood-that he picked the person who called him on the phone rather than Mr. Giantonio who only sent his a letter. This absurdity would be laughable if it were not being carried out at the expense of the education of our City’s children.
No member of the Council majority has denied that filing the vacancy with Leslie Jacobs is retaliation for a previous vacancy appointment and again, no qualifications other than her once having served on the Board of Education were given. During public participation, ten residents spoke on behalf of Mr. Giantonia---none spoke in favor of Miss Jacobs. In fact, several speakers mentioned reasons why her past service on the Board should be the reason NOT to appoint her to fill this vacancy.
In answering questions at Wednesday’s Council meeting, Miss Jacobs did nothing to hide the arrogant, flippant attitude that earned her a reputation as an ineffective member during her earlier time on the Board. I cannot stand by and let this appointment go through without giving the Council the opportunity to rethink this action and put aside partisanship in favor of doing what is right for this community’s children.
State statutes specifically delineate minority representation on school boards in an attempt to achieve that balance of power as envisioned in the Constitution. It is hoped that an almost even split creates a spirit if bipartisanship that allows Board members to concentrate on educational rather than political issues.
With the appointment of Miss Jacobs, the Democratic majority has only violated that spirit of bipartisanship, they have thrown a live partisan grenade into the New Britain Board at a time when resources are low and needs and tensions are high.
I therefore veto Resolution #30383 in the hopes that you reconsider the chilling message you are sending to people in our community: that political power is more important than sound public policy. Consider this appointment as if you own children or grandchildren’s education depended on it---the citizens of New Britain deserve nothing less.
Sincerely,
Timothy T. Stewart
Mayor, city of New Britain
I strongly urge all the parents to call the leadership of the PTO group for their child’s school and ask them to contact the parents of all the children to attend the Council meeting on December 10th in order to support the Mayor’s veto of the Democrat’s choice for appointment to the Board.
Frank Smith
When elected to serve the city in any capacity, those elected must take an oath to serve the City and its citizens according to the provisions in the City Charter and the city’s ordinances. It is also understood that as citizens of the state and our country we must all abide by State and Federal statutes and the U.S. CONSTITUTION. Anyone who needs more than this information about how to behave as an honest member of society should not run for office. Surely, there are times when for whatever reasons people make judgment errors. No amount of special rules written anywhere can erase human errors.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, while I applaud the effort by the “Freshman members...” of the Common Council to erase conflict of interest situations involving city officials from occurring, I believe that adding a whole new set of regulations to city ordinances regarding conflicts of interest is unnecessary especially when these regulations may be redundant with the city’s own regulations and State Statutes.
Since Mayor Stewart was first elected in 2003, Council Democrats have attempted to copy state government structure and regulations into our city ordinances. Efforts to mirror state legislature committee structure, FOI regulations, etc., have largely failed. Why, some are in conflict with our City Charter, some are not compatible with out city government structure or, as already pointed out, are redundant. Most of these actions taken by the Democratic Council Majority are attempts that have been made to usurp Mayoral prerogatives or to micromanage departments, boards, commissions or committees. Many times, important city business has been delayed or obstructed with debilitating results to the City and its residents. Recent examples, all involving conflicts of interest of some kind are: The Stanley Golf Course food service fiasco, the BOE replacement for Mrs. Kraczkowsky and the landscaping contract for the Badolato Garage.
Perhaps two thirds of Council members have conflicts of interest in their duties as elected city officials arising out of: personal, financial, and/or familial relationships. They are aware of these potential conflicts and the consequences for ignoring them. There is no need for a “fresh set of eyes.” Of the violations of laws and conflicts of interest that have been reported over the past five and one half years, “old eyes” have exposed them.
I remind our “freshman” Council members of an old saying, “ be careful what you wish for, you may get it.” Also, be careful that what what you hope to accomplish now doesn’t come back to bite you in the derriere.
The Big Dipper Says:
ReplyDeleteHoping that the conflict of interest problems with Aldermen Catanzaro & Trueworhty and Adlerwoman Collins are resolved prior to Wednesday's Council meeting of next week or maybe they should not show due to the conflicts.
State Representative Tim O’Brien should be commended for his spearheading the legislative efforts to save the New Britain Herald and The Bristol Press together with his legislative colleagues.
ReplyDeleteThe Press Staff Steve Collins and Adam Benson have reported today that the state commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development Ms. Joan McDonald stated there could be serious discussions under way for the two dailies.
Continuing by noting we are going to aggressively outreach to see if there are other potential buyers.
Both New Britain and Bristol fervently need a source of local news and unfortunately another paper published nearby has neglected the reporting of New Britain’s local news effectively.
Tim’s legislative colleagues deserve the recognition of their efforts with this matteras well.
To the anonymous individuals that are concern with the Mayor’s veto letter not being in the council's agenda.
ReplyDeleteSince I have printed a re-print of the letter in its entirety it would seem very difficult for the Majority Leader of the Council to remain oblique on this important issue.
Could he be planning to dump Jacobs by writing in a substitute name for the replacement?
It is a thought to ponder with.
Maybe after hearing from 100's of outraged citizens, they are actually going to do what is right and let Leslie Jacobs go down with the Mayor's veto of her?
ReplyDeleteAny decent person would simply withdraw her name after learning how disliked she is by the general populace.
Posted by new britain town crier to Frank Smith Says NB at December 7, 2008 4:15 PM
The Autocratic Alderman Paul Catanzaro:
ReplyDeleteSome four years ago I wrote an article in our local newspapers describing of the mere fact that you as a city employee coupled with your being an elected city Alderman placed you in a conflict of interest at either location until such time you resign from one or the other.
You ignored the warning with your complacent attitude.
And then a few years back you proposed a resolution at a council meeting calling for the elimination of all city undertakers from being able to serve on the cemetery commission and when it was time to vote on your proposal you were cautioned by the Minority Leader of the council that your vote would place you in a conflict of interest since your boss at the city’s park department, where you work, also serves as the Chairperson of the cemetery Commission. With your complacent attitude you acted as though you are above the law and went ahead by voting for your motion. I again wrote an article admonishing your actions in the local newspapers with your continued disdain of your being within the dictates of law.
Paul, it is amazing that it took all this time for these facts to surface and with the additional complaint filed with HUD about your HRA involvement along with two of your other Democratic Alderman who are in conflict as much as you are and are being dragged through the mud and slime of politics because of your insistence that you can do no wrong.
With the aforementioned facts I cannot agree more with the HUD edict that all three of you, should resign from the council due to your conflict of interest and that mandate includes you, Alderwoman Tonilynn Collins, and the council Majority leader Alderman Michael Trueworthy. Furthermore; It would be much wiser for all three to not attend any future council meetings until such time all the legal conflict issues have been resolved with the HUD Agency.
The saddest part is watching you tear down the democratic ideology through your extreme desire to show the electorate that you have the power and God help anyone who might come between you and your thirst for power.
+I rceived this for Posting:
ReplyDeleteWhen elected to serve the city in any capacity, those elected must take an oath to serve the City and its citizens according to the provisions in the City Charter and the city’s ordinances. It is also understood that as citizens of the state and our country we must all abide by State and Federal statutes and the U.S. CONSTITUTION. Anyone who needs more than this information about how to behave as an honest member of society should not run for office. Surely, there are times when for whatever reasons people make judgment errors. No amount of special rules written anywhere can erase human errors.
That being said, while I applaud the effort by the “Freshman members...” of the Common Council to erase conflict of interest situations involving city officials from occurring, I believe that adding a whole new set of regulations to city ordinances regarding conflicts of interest is unnecessary especially when these regulations may be redundant with the city’s own regulations and State Statutes.
Since Mayor Stewart was first elected in 2003, Council Democrats have attempted to copy state government structure and regulations into our city ordinances. Efforts to mirror state legislature committee structure, FOI regulations, etc., have largely failed. Why, some are in conflict with our City Charter, some are not compatible with out city government structure or, as already pointed out, are redundant. Most of these actions taken by the Democratic Council Majority are attempts that have been made to usurp Mayoral prerogatives or to micromanage departments, boards, commissions or committees. Many times, important city business has been delayed or obstructed with debilitating results to the City and its residents. Recent examples, all involving conflicts of interest of some kind are: The Stanley Golf Course food service fiasco, the BOE replacement for Mrs. Kraczkowsky and the landscaping contract for the Badolato Garage.
Perhaps two thirds of Council members have conflicts of interest in their duties as elected city officials arising out of: personal, financial, and/or familial relationships. They are aware of these potential conflicts and the consequences for ignoring them. There is no need for a “fresh set of eyes.” Of the violations of laws and conflicts of interest that have been reported over the past five and one half years, “old eyes” have exposed them.
I remind our “freshman” Council members of an old saying, “ be careful what you wish for, you may get it.” Also, be careful that what what you hope to accomplish now doesn’t come back to bite you in the derriere.
LOU SALVIO, REPUBLICAN ALDERMAN
--
“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to
the music he hears, however measured or far away.” H.D. Thoreau
The Question asked by Anonymous:
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of out of control spending. Several people have in passing informed me that the BOE
offices on West Main Street are privileged to enjoy extravagant
catered lunches on a regular basis.
Who is approving this spending?
The answer is simple:
The Board of Education Board Members so they can eat well prior to their Board of Education meetings.
Jamie Giantonio has left a new comment on your post.
ReplyDeleteThe Council is exercising its judgment and responsibility in accordance with the city charter, according to McNamara.
I find it laughable that Mr McNamara is saying that the council is using judgement and responsibility. How does someone make a responsible decision without weighing both options?
I was NEVER contacted by ANY of the Democratic council members. Not only was I not contacted, but after the last council meeting, I was told by 3 of the council members that I NEVER had a chance and was NEVER EVEN CONSIDERED.
If you are reading this blog, and are unhappy by the way this is going down-
PLEASE, come to the council meeting tomorrow and let them know. 7PM City Hall- Council Chambers.
Posted by Jamie Giantonio to Frank Smith Says NB at December 9, 2008 5:37 AM
I have received the following information via email to post for the New Britain Town Crier.
ReplyDeleteSince I do not know who this individual is my only means of communicating with him or her is by posting the information meant for the New Britain Town Crier regarding additional appearances of conflicts of interest by other city Aldermen and Alderwomen when voting for the city’s annual budget approval:
In addition to Catanzaro, Town Crier might also be interested in knowing that Shirley Black was/is a NB school crossing guard, Ald. Centeno and wife are employees of NB public schools, Ald. Hermanowski’s daughter is married to Dave DeFronzo ( a teacher at NB High), Ald. ToniLyn Collins (NB Water Dept.) are also players.
Catanzaro is Pres. of The HRA Board, Majority Leader Alderman Trueworthy’s wife works for HRA and Sherwood’s wife works for AFSCME.
December 9, 2008 4:59 PM
There were enough prevarications in today’s Herald Article about HUD by Rick Guinness to make one vomit. For Rocco Tricarico to say what he did is proof that he should not be running that agency. Surprised that the Herald didn’t call HUD for corroboration.
ReplyDeleteKnow this, nobody worked harder that Mayor Tim Stewart to gain the exemptions required by HUD in awarding the CDBG funds! Had the Mayor not intervened in the professional manner that he did, other CDBG Funds would have been denied. As it stands now, only about $100K was denied. Only after I suggested that no Democrats came forward to thank the Mayor for his efforts did Phil Sherwood offer a belated and “choking” thank you. So much for “class.”
It is apparent that when the liberal Democratic contingent is not getting its way, the group looks for someone –some group – to blame. Thankfully there are yet some responsible journalists and bloggers.
About the Hartford/New Britain Busway; a couple of years ago, our State Legislative contingent was out there on the former Greenfields’ property getting their photos taken with Gov. Rell, promoting the busway, all of them, DeFronzo, O’Brien, Geragosian, etc.. Now, all of a sudden there is an opportunity to throw a monkey wrench into New Britain’s Downtown Redevelopment Proposal. Another opportunity to thwart Mayor Stewart’s efforts to help NB taxpayers. Throw the busway under the bus and forge a $1 billion proposal to use trains instead. On whose side is our legislative contingent anyway? You be the judge!
Sincerely,
Louis Salvio