Saturday, July 31, 2010
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Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
SHERIFF JOE ARPAIO DEPLOYS .50 CALIBRE MACHINE GUNS TO PATROL DESERT FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS: KTVK-TV3 Video
Sheriff Joe also celebrated today the 16th anniversary of the opening of his desert tent city prison. To prepare for the new Arizona immigration law which goes into effect next week, Sheriff Joe just built a huge expansion to his tent city.
Another Radical Endorsement!
The Working Families party has selected another radical for the state office campaign. Bertha Lewis has blessed Kevin Lembo for state controller with her radical party's third line.
After thanking the WFP for its support calling it “a grassroots organization.” his opponent for the upcoming primary, Michael Jarjura, is currently suing in superior court whereby he contends that the State Election Commission improperly awarded Lembo a $375,000 campaign grant this week.
This case will be heard before Superior Court Judge James T. Graham at 2 P. M., Monday afternoon.
Chris Murphy, Justin Bernier butt heads on public option - The Bristol Press (bristolpress.com)
By Scott Whipple
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Bertha Lewis and Her Radical Working Families Party Is At Again With Endorsements!
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Smith photo
Her organization just endorsed Denise Merrill for the office of Secretary of State. Denise is a House Majority Leader, an attorney, a former school teacher from Mansfield, Conn. That is just what Connecticut needs is Bertha to come knocking on the legislative doors to get her endorse see to support her radical requests.
R0SS GARBER FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL!
Even though Martha Dean Of Avon won the GOP endorsement at the Republican convention; Larry Cafero announced his endorsement for a Shipman & Goodwin’s partner, Ross H. Gaber, for the upcoming Republican primary.
A well known attorney and getting this new support by GOP’s Cafero will give Mrs. Dean an unexpected defeat. He continued by citing that Mr. Garber is an accomplished attorney with unique legal experiences.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
This has to be the best quote of the year
"As an American I am not so shocked that Obama was given
the Nobel Peace Prize without any accomplishments to his
name, America gave him the White House based on
the same credentials."
Newt Gingrich
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Mayor Stewart:
Due to the continued economic downturn, City employees have been asked for financial givebacks. As elected City leaders we felt that we should also provide a giveback to help out our City.
Therefore, this week, City of New Britain Republican Common Council members, Mark Bernacki, Mary Marrocco, Wilfredo Pabon and Lou Salvio each elected to give back to the City, 5% of their annual Council stipend. Council members receive an annual stipend of $3500. Bernacki and Salvio did this last year as well – Marrocco and Pabon had not yet been elected.”
Please accept this donation to the City on our behalf.
Thank you,
Mark Bernacki; Mary Marrocco; Wilfredo Pabon; Lou Salvio
Therefore, this week, City of New Britain Republican Common Council members, Mark Bernacki, Mary Marrocco, Wilfredo Pabon and Lou Salvio each elected to give back to the City, 5% of their annual Council stipend. Council members receive an annual stipend of $3500. Bernacki and Salvio did this last year as well – Marrocco and Pabon had not yet been elected.”
Please accept this donation to the City on our behalf.
Thank you,
Mark Bernacki; Mary Marrocco; Wilfredo Pabon; Lou Salvio
Berlin renames town complex after Powers - The New Britain Herald (newbritainherald.com)
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By LISETTE VELASQUEZ
Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Letter to the Editor
Cris Carillo
New Britain has been plagued by a heat wave for the past couple of weeks, and
I have seen the ways that it has affected local children and families.
Instead of spending their summer vacation outside in the Chesley Park pool,
the children in my neighborhood have been locked indoors, and the pool is
empty.
As I go from door to door talking to residents and walk around my
neighborhood, one consistent question I am asked: Why are we facing tax
increases when the services we use and enjoy are being cut? What is
increasing our costs to the point that we have to cut budgets like Park and
Recreation just to sustain other services? Are the costs of providing
services so high that we need to cut popular programs for our youth in
order to remain functional?
What I explain is that unfunded mandates from the state legislature is a
significant reason for these tax increases. Many of these mandates are
well-intentioned. However, they often fail to meet their stated goals
because the legislature typically does not provide the funds needed for
implementation by cities and towns. As result, cities like New Britain are
forced to increase taxes to its residents to cover the shortfalls.
Instead of helping the City of New Britain by demanding adequate funding
for education and other city services or fighting to stop these unfunded
mandates, some members of our state delegation seem more focused on
meddling with our city budget and placing their own political aspirations in
the forefront, instead of looking out for the genuine interest of taxpayers.
If elected as the State Representative for the 24th District in New
Britain, I will not get involved in the petty political games that we have
all become a victim of this year. Instead, I will spend my time in Hartford
fighting for the taxpayers of New Britain. This great city needs proper
representation and state-level leadership to help alleviate the ever
increasing tax burdens residents face. Our state legislators cannot keep
writing checks that we have to pay. They cannot continue to tax us more and
more. Send me to Hartford, and I will tell them that the well has run dry.
Cris Carillo
Candidate for State Representative
24th District
www.Carillo2010.com
Monday, July 19, 2010
Americans Face Highest Income Tax Increase in U.S. History Thanks to Obama
Due to President Obama's total failure or refusal to extend the so-called "Bush Tax Cuts," American workers are about to face the largest income tax increase in U.S. history. The liberal media will have you believe that this is an increase in taxes on the rich, but in reality, the lowest wage earners are facing the steepest tax increases (as much as a 50% increase for someone making only $8,000 a year).
So does this mean that President Obama was outright lying to everyone when he promised that under his presidency, no one who makes less than $250,000 a year will pay one dime more in taxes? Let's take a look at the impact of Obama's massive tax increase:
sample annual income rates: 2010 tax schedule: 2011 schedule:
a single person earning $8,000: 10% or $800 15% or $1,200
a single person earning $34,020: 25% or $8,505 28% or $9,806
married couple $70,040 jointly: 25% or $17,500 28% or 21,851
This is just a small sampling of a few scenarios, but clearly every working person in America is facing huge federal income tax increases. This chart also doesn't take into account that the child tax credit is being reduced by 50% in 2011, so parents are only going to receive half the tax credit for each child next year that they receive this year.
For years the liberal media has been spinning the "Bush Tax Cuts" as only benefiting the rich, but a review of the tax schedules doesn't support the liberal's claims, unless you consider a single person making $8,000 annually to be rich. When the reality hits in January, and workers are faced with the huge increase in deductions from their paychecks, there is little doubt that the media will blame this on Bush too--even though it will be due to Obama's failure to extend Bush's tax cuts to all working class Americans.
It appears George W. Bush was more of a hero to the middle and lower classes than the media would ever have you believe, wasn't he?
Sunday, July 18, 2010
I'm sure you Bush Bashers won't appreciate this, but this is "class" "first class".
The doctor had his TV on in his office when the news of the military base shootings at Ft. Hood, TX came on. The husband of one of his employees was stationed there.
He called her into his office and as he told her what had happened, she got a text message from her husband saying, "I am okay." Her cell phone rang right after she read the message. It was an ER nurse,”I’m the one who just sent you a text, not your husband. I thought it would be comforting but I was mistaken in doing so. I am sorry to tell you this, but your husband has been shot 4 times and he is in surgery."
The soldier's wife left Southern Clinic in Dothan, AL and drove all night to Ft. Hood. When she arrived, she found out her husband was out of surgery and would be OK. She rushed to his room and found that he already had visitors there to comfort him. He was just waking up and found his wife and the visitors by his side. The nurse took this picture.
What? No news crews and cameras? This is how people with class respond and pay respect to those in uniform.
I sent my cousin in Fayetteville, N.C. (Retired from Special Forces) that picture of George W. visiting the wounded at Ft. Hood ... I got this reply:
What is even better is the fact George W. Bush heard about Fort Hood, got in his car without any escort, apparently they did not have time to react, and drove to Fort Hood. He was stopped at the gate and the guard could not believe who he had just stopped. Bush only asks for directions to the hospital then drove on. The gate guard called that "The President is on Fort Hood and driving to the hospital."The base went bananas looking for Obama. When they found it was Bush, they immediately offered escort. Bush simply told them to shut up and let him visit the wounded and the dependents of the dead.
He stayed at Fort Hood for over six hours, and was finally asked to leave by a message from the White House.
Obama flew in days later and held a "photo" session in a gym, and did not even go to the hospital.
I was told this by my sister..."The Nurse" who took the picture!
This Bush/Obama/Ft. Hood story is something that should be sent to every voter in the US.
Those who wanted "change" certainly got it.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Democratic Caucus Should Take Immediate Action!
FRANKSMITHSAYSNB EDITORIAL:
Mayor Pro-tempore, Alderman Michael Trueworthy, should immediately call for a Democratic caucus for the purpose of asking the majority leader to voluntary step down from his post, as majority leader. Failing Sherwood's cooperation, the caucus should start the proper action for his "immediate removal" from that position.
His constant agitating continues costing our city money for additional legal expenses, and now the expense of the police investigating an "unfounded" complaint. Our economy is suffering, tax collections are experiencing a shortfall because of the numerous unemployed taxpayers in town, and the most important priority for this Alderman continues to be agitating and disruption to the operations in city hall.
He continues to demonstrate no concern for the adversity his actions have caused to the city or its residents, and continues to demonstrate that the only priority for him is pushing his ultra liberal agenda at all cost and without regard for the taxpayers who have to pay for his nonsense. The only thing that seems to be bigger than his mouth as he bloviates endlessly at each council meeting, is this Alderman's imagined self importance.
The Democrats should take this action immediately to restore order to the legislative process. Most people in this city care more about how they are going to be able to afford their houses due to the increasing taxes, than they do about this one man's imagined self-importance. It is about time the council Democrats started listening to the taxpayers!
Mayor Pro-tempore, Alderman Michael Trueworthy, should immediately call for a Democratic caucus for the purpose of asking the majority leader to voluntary step down from his post, as majority leader. Failing Sherwood's cooperation, the caucus should start the proper action for his "immediate removal" from that position.
His constant agitating continues costing our city money for additional legal expenses, and now the expense of the police investigating an "unfounded" complaint. Our economy is suffering, tax collections are experiencing a shortfall because of the numerous unemployed taxpayers in town, and the most important priority for this Alderman continues to be agitating and disruption to the operations in city hall.
He continues to demonstrate no concern for the adversity his actions have caused to the city or its residents, and continues to demonstrate that the only priority for him is pushing his ultra liberal agenda at all cost and without regard for the taxpayers who have to pay for his nonsense. The only thing that seems to be bigger than his mouth as he bloviates endlessly at each council meeting, is this Alderman's imagined self importance.
The Democrats should take this action immediately to restore order to the legislative process. Most people in this city care more about how they are going to be able to afford their houses due to the increasing taxes, than they do about this one man's imagined self-importance. It is about time the council Democrats started listening to the taxpayers!
Sherwood's Complaint unfounded - The New Britain Herald (newbritainherald.com)
By James Craven
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
NBRTC Responds to the DTC'S Stance on Education
The reason the NBRTC is concerned about spending in the school system is because it appears wasteful to us and many citizens that, given the current economic situation, the school system would publish a magazine and spend six-figures on a public relations person! We are also concerned because we hear that all the superintendent's meetings are lavishly catered. Lastly, we are also concerned about the large salaries of administrators and the automatic raises given to teachers, not based on merit or performance.
What we have been calling for is greater transperancy - so that we have a better understanding of how our tax dollars are being spent and greater accountability - we want the BOE to ask the tough questions instead of being such sycophants.
We don't understand why Mr. McNamara is in such opposition to us and our attempts to ensure that tax dollars are being used effectively.
He needs to stop playing himself off as an "advocate for education." Mr. McNamara, Sherwood, O'Brien and Trueworthy are simply a mouthpieces for the union. They are doing what is in the union's best interest - that's all. We are trying to do what is best for the taxpayer and their children - help them get an effective and efficient school system that will give their children a good education, prepare them for college and give them the skills they'll need to have a better life. Why is there opposition to that?
What we have been calling for is greater transperancy - so that we have a better understanding of how our tax dollars are being spent and greater accountability - we want the BOE to ask the tough questions instead of being such sycophants.
We don't understand why Mr. McNamara is in such opposition to us and our attempts to ensure that tax dollars are being used effectively.
He needs to stop playing himself off as an "advocate for education." Mr. McNamara, Sherwood, O'Brien and Trueworthy are simply a mouthpieces for the union. They are doing what is in the union's best interest - that's all. We are trying to do what is best for the taxpayer and their children - help them get an effective and efficient school system that will give their children a good education, prepare them for college and give them the skills they'll need to have a better life. Why is there opposition to that?
The Guida proposal of Zone Change
FRANKSMITHSAYSNB EDITORIAL:
I Am Very Unhappy in reading The Hardware Journal Regarding account of The Guida's Proposal to sell its Dairy Property on Farmington Avenue.
John O'Dell's Account describes the Common Council Subcommittee's, Chair Roy Centeno, stated that the zoning change from S-2 to B-2, as requested by the Guidas', was not advisable for this location and that the subcommittee voted 7-1 to send the petition back to the full council with a negative recommendation.
The Guida's being a large taxpayer in our city and with being adversely treated by the radical culture of these liberals of the council's sub-committee.
I can only assume that the Guida family will start moving some of its operation to a lower tax city or town.
Therefore , I strongly urge that the full council in supporting the Guida Family with their request of the zone change.
I Am Very Unhappy in reading The Hardware Journal Regarding account of The Guida's Proposal to sell its Dairy Property on Farmington Avenue.
John O'Dell's Account describes the Common Council Subcommittee's, Chair Roy Centeno, stated that the zoning change from S-2 to B-2, as requested by the Guidas', was not advisable for this location and that the subcommittee voted 7-1 to send the petition back to the full council with a negative recommendation.
The Guida's being a large taxpayer in our city and with being adversely treated by the radical culture of these liberals of the council's sub-committee.
I can only assume that the Guida family will start moving some of its operation to a lower tax city or town.
Therefore , I strongly urge that the full council in supporting the Guida Family with their request of the zone change.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
OUR VIEW: It’s time to reconsider how we run our cities - The New Britain Herald (newbritainherald.com)
New Britain and Bristol both have good Leadership
Faith Outreach Women's Shelter Raffle
Vision of Faith Outreach Women's Shelter is raffling off a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Ticker are $100 and only 250 will be sold. Proceeds to benefit the shelter. The raffle will be held at their fundraising bazaar on July 17 at 70 High Street. In addition to the car, there will be a raffle for lots of other great prizes such as a flat screen television, BBQ grills, bicycles and much much more. Those tickets are one for $5 or three for $10.
Vision of Faith is a Christian based residence for women ages 18+ who are in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse. Services include counseling and in-house and off-site group meetings to help residents stay in recovery from substance abuse.
Contact Janet or Roslyn at (877) 885-8516 for more information.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vision of Faith is a Christian based residence for women ages 18+ who are in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse. Services include counseling and in-house and off-site group meetings to help residents stay in recovery from substance abuse.
Contact Janet or Roslyn at (877) 885-8516 for more information.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Sherwood's Apparent Waterloo!
FRANKSMITHSAYSNB EDITORIAL:
With the aid of his comrade, Alderman Trueworthy, they threatened the mayor with their plan to ram through their education agenda, thus forcing the taxpayers to pay a nine per cent tax increase effective July 1. 2010.
Mayor Stewart made the righteous move by vetoing the liberal socialist claim that the mayor didn't have the right to utilize a line item veto--the council even ignoring the city attorney's opinion as being legal. So the two comrades put in play a proclamation for the hiring of an outside attorney which forced the Mayor's veto to protect the interests of the taxpayers from this radical socialist agenda.
In the mean time,a council leadership meeting was held on June 14th. The Majority Leader, Phil Sherwood alleged that he was threatened by the Mayor but took about one week before making his complaint known to the New Britain Police Department--even then requesting that his complaint not be put in writing as reported by our local papers. The Local paper reported that Sherwood stated to the police that he had no wish to see the Mayor arrested or pursue the complaint.
Now new headlines appear with Sherwood reinitiating his complaint claiming that he had been misled by Chief William Gagliardi with his statement to the local papers that he was led to believe that they would make an attempt to corroborate and substantiate Sherwood's view of things--even though he made no official complaint.
Sherwood was also quoted by the local papers as besmirching Chief Gagliardi and one of his Lieutenants, proclaiming that they are incapable of investigating his complaint and suggesting that the council should hire an outside investigator--even more of your tax dollars!
Now a new actor surfaces through FOI documents of emails between Alderman Michael Trueworhty and Phil Sherwood and this actor, State Representative O'Brien. O'Brien apparently proclaimed to the duo of comrades that the Mayor's veto was illegal and O'Brien encouraged the council to hire outside counsel. O'Brien drafted a letter which questions the validity of the Mayor's veto and allegedly Sherwood replaced O'Brien's name on this document with his own, signing it as if Sherwood had authored the letter himself.
The Democratic Socialist Council voted to hire outside council with Sherwood pontificating his views for nearly an hour on the council floor. And the veto followed this liberal push for spending more money for education.
The craziness of this whole story is the constant agenda by the council socialists to make the rich taxpayers pay for their social programs without any concern for the local businesses being able to survive or homeowners who are already financially strapped to be able to afford their ever loving tax increases. Remember the Wal Mart store did say good-bye to the City of New Britain after being picketed by CCAG---Sherwood's Employer, SEIU, O'Brien, Catanzaro, Blumenthal and others.
Now the police investigation is ongoing and hopefully the alleged fabrications will surface and the proper actions will then be taken. Mayor Pro Tempore Trueworthy already threw his former comrade Sherwood under the bus by telling reporters that the mayor never threatened Sherwood in the first place.
More childish antics are surely to follow!
With the aid of his comrade, Alderman Trueworthy, they threatened the mayor with their plan to ram through their education agenda, thus forcing the taxpayers to pay a nine per cent tax increase effective July 1. 2010.
Mayor Stewart made the righteous move by vetoing the liberal socialist claim that the mayor didn't have the right to utilize a line item veto--the council even ignoring the city attorney's opinion as being legal. So the two comrades put in play a proclamation for the hiring of an outside attorney which forced the Mayor's veto to protect the interests of the taxpayers from this radical socialist agenda.
In the mean time,a council leadership meeting was held on June 14th. The Majority Leader, Phil Sherwood alleged that he was threatened by the Mayor but took about one week before making his complaint known to the New Britain Police Department--even then requesting that his complaint not be put in writing as reported by our local papers. The Local paper reported that Sherwood stated to the police that he had no wish to see the Mayor arrested or pursue the complaint.
Now new headlines appear with Sherwood reinitiating his complaint claiming that he had been misled by Chief William Gagliardi with his statement to the local papers that he was led to believe that they would make an attempt to corroborate and substantiate Sherwood's view of things--even though he made no official complaint.
Sherwood was also quoted by the local papers as besmirching Chief Gagliardi and one of his Lieutenants, proclaiming that they are incapable of investigating his complaint and suggesting that the council should hire an outside investigator--even more of your tax dollars!
Now a new actor surfaces through FOI documents of emails between Alderman Michael Trueworhty and Phil Sherwood and this actor, State Representative O'Brien. O'Brien apparently proclaimed to the duo of comrades that the Mayor's veto was illegal and O'Brien encouraged the council to hire outside counsel. O'Brien drafted a letter which questions the validity of the Mayor's veto and allegedly Sherwood replaced O'Brien's name on this document with his own, signing it as if Sherwood had authored the letter himself.
The Democratic Socialist Council voted to hire outside council with Sherwood pontificating his views for nearly an hour on the council floor. And the veto followed this liberal push for spending more money for education.
The craziness of this whole story is the constant agenda by the council socialists to make the rich taxpayers pay for their social programs without any concern for the local businesses being able to survive or homeowners who are already financially strapped to be able to afford their ever loving tax increases. Remember the Wal Mart store did say good-bye to the City of New Britain after being picketed by CCAG---Sherwood's Employer, SEIU, O'Brien, Catanzaro, Blumenthal and others.
Now the police investigation is ongoing and hopefully the alleged fabrications will surface and the proper actions will then be taken. Mayor Pro Tempore Trueworthy already threw his former comrade Sherwood under the bus by telling reporters that the mayor never threatened Sherwood in the first place.
More childish antics are surely to follow!
Friday, July 9, 2010
No Show Democrats
Act Three!
The special meeting called by President Pro Tempore, Alderman Trueworthy was cancelled, with a notice by the city Clerk, posting on the third floor level board.
Apparently the so called Democratic votes could not be accounted for a 2/3rd vote to override!
Good show fellows and the voters now know who to not vote for in the next city election.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The NB Town Committee Forum A Fiasco!
It began with a union rally in the Central Park Green prior to the scheduled meeting. They peppered the open forum with teachers and union members.
The Republican Town committee members also attended with former board of education member Pater Kochel attacking the Republican Town Committee Chairman, Dwight Blint, citing “he was full of baloney” with his asserting that the school system really doesn’t need the 1.5 Million dollars; which was the main dialog pertaining to the Mayor’s budget cut.
COPA President pointed out that he sent an FOI request to the Mrs. Kurtz requesting the cost for the English brochure that was enclosed with our local newspapers when 60% of our students do not speaks English as their primary language. She has replied with the cost being $18,000 and $100,000 dollars for the consulting fee additionally.
The claim by the Democratic leaders of the Mayor’s action being the main assertion that he is hurting the school system. Robert Sanchez, the school board vice president, cited referring to the mayor’s cuts “it doesn’t look good.”
Claims that we should not just attack the school budget and look at the rest of the city budget. Jamie Giantainio rejected that comment by pointing out that the Park and recreation budget that he chairs saw no increase but contractual obligations within the labor contracts.
Phil Sherwood added that even if the 1.5 million dollars should be restored many board positions would be eliminated.
The DTC Chairman never discussed that his legislative members have not representing New Britain school needs properly by their not getting the necessary funds for our city from the state.
The major comment came from President Pro-tempore with his announcing that the mayor’s budget veto “cannot be overridden“.
The Republican Town committee members also attended with former board of education member Pater Kochel attacking the Republican Town Committee Chairman, Dwight Blint, citing “he was full of baloney” with his asserting that the school system really doesn’t need the 1.5 Million dollars; which was the main dialog pertaining to the Mayor’s budget cut.
COPA President pointed out that he sent an FOI request to the Mrs. Kurtz requesting the cost for the English brochure that was enclosed with our local newspapers when 60% of our students do not speaks English as their primary language. She has replied with the cost being $18,000 and $100,000 dollars for the consulting fee additionally.
The claim by the Democratic leaders of the Mayor’s action being the main assertion that he is hurting the school system. Robert Sanchez, the school board vice president, cited referring to the mayor’s cuts “it doesn’t look good.”
Claims that we should not just attack the school budget and look at the rest of the city budget. Jamie Giantainio rejected that comment by pointing out that the Park and recreation budget that he chairs saw no increase but contractual obligations within the labor contracts.
Phil Sherwood added that even if the 1.5 million dollars should be restored many board positions would be eliminated.
The DTC Chairman never discussed that his legislative members have not representing New Britain school needs properly by their not getting the necessary funds for our city from the state.
The major comment came from President Pro-tempore with his announcing that the mayor’s budget veto “cannot be overridden“.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE by the CPOA
CITIZEN’S PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION (CPOA) REQUESTS INFORMATION ON COSTS OF “THE NEW BRITAIN EDUCATOR” NEWSPAPER UNDER FOIA
NEW BRITAIN, Connecticut (July 7, 2010): The Citizen’s Property Owners Association, Inc. (CPOA) of New Britain has filed a Freedom of Information Act with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doris J. Kurtz requesting information on the publication and wide spread distribution of a twelve page color newspaper entitled “The New Britain Educator”
Michael Wanik, CPOA President used the newspaper as an example of mismanagement of funds entrusted the school district. Amongst other delivery systems, the newspaper was an advertising insert in two local newspapers at an estimated cost upwards of forty thousand dollars while teaching funding was being discussed and teaching positions put on the line. Wanik had stated at the June 23, 2010 Common Council meeting that perhaps the full costs of just one addition of the newspaper equated to one or more of the education jobs currently in limbo; illustrating the financial mismanagement which appears rampant. Although present at the meeting, no school administrator present made any attempt to correct the record, indicating to CPOA that the figure is either accurate or low.
Wanik states: “The results of this FOIA will speak clearly to taxpayers how their money is being spent in this tough economy. We can’t afford to throw more dollars into a wasteful, unchecked, out of control system. We ask the Council find common ground with the Mayor on the vetoed budget and work towards intelligent controls and full transparency of the school budget for the next fiscal year. While we want a solid educational system, we can not burden taxpayers with unnecessary expenditures not related to educating the student in the seat”,
/////// A full copy of the FOIA follows this release ///////
ABOUT CPOA: The objective of the association shall be “to foster, encourage and promote interest in all activities of local, state and regional agencies by local taxpayer groups as those activities affect taxpayers of New Britain and the State of Connecticut; also to develop and establish an agenda in support of certain legislative initiatives which would affect greater economy, efficiency and effectiveness in our state and municipal governments and disseminate information regarding such state and regional agency activities and legislative initiatives to the state’s and New Britain’s taxpayers.” (CPOA By-Laws 3.0)
July 6, 2010
Dr. Doris J. Kurtz
Superintendent of Schools
272 Main Street
New Britain, Connecticut 06050-1960
Dear Dr. Kurtz;
In accordance with the State of Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Act, I, Michael W. Wanik, President of the Citizen’s Property Owners Association, Inc., formally request the opportunity to review and/or copy all receipts/records of any costs associated with producing and
distributing the New Britain Educator magazine for FY 2009, 2010 and 2011.
My request includes, but is not limited to, records of funds paid and/or encumbered that are associated with payroll/staff or vendor costs, printing and design cost, public relation firm consulting costs, web posting costs, or funds that have been paid or will be paid to distributors such as the New Britain Herald, Hartford Courant and other mechanisms. In other words, we wish to explain to the taxpayer what the “all in” cost of this publication is.
I also request the total number of New Britain Educator newspapers printed in each year above, as well as how those newspapers were distributed indicating how many went through each respective channel (e.g. through newspaper home delivery, distribution to staff and students, etc).
Lastly, please indicate if your initial budget submitted to the City for FY2010-2011 included monies earmarked for the Educator newspaper, and what that dollar amount was.
If you have any questions I can be reached at cpoanb@gmail.com.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.
Respectfully,
Michael Wanik
on behalf of the Citizen’s Property Owners Association
Cc: Mayor Stewart, BOE President Sharon Beloin-Saavedra
NEW BRITAIN, Connecticut (July 7, 2010): The Citizen’s Property Owners Association, Inc. (CPOA) of New Britain has filed a Freedom of Information Act with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doris J. Kurtz requesting information on the publication and wide spread distribution of a twelve page color newspaper entitled “The New Britain Educator”
Michael Wanik, CPOA President used the newspaper as an example of mismanagement of funds entrusted the school district. Amongst other delivery systems, the newspaper was an advertising insert in two local newspapers at an estimated cost upwards of forty thousand dollars while teaching funding was being discussed and teaching positions put on the line. Wanik had stated at the June 23, 2010 Common Council meeting that perhaps the full costs of just one addition of the newspaper equated to one or more of the education jobs currently in limbo; illustrating the financial mismanagement which appears rampant. Although present at the meeting, no school administrator present made any attempt to correct the record, indicating to CPOA that the figure is either accurate or low.
Wanik states: “The results of this FOIA will speak clearly to taxpayers how their money is being spent in this tough economy. We can’t afford to throw more dollars into a wasteful, unchecked, out of control system. We ask the Council find common ground with the Mayor on the vetoed budget and work towards intelligent controls and full transparency of the school budget for the next fiscal year. While we want a solid educational system, we can not burden taxpayers with unnecessary expenditures not related to educating the student in the seat”,
/////// A full copy of the FOIA follows this release ///////
ABOUT CPOA: The objective of the association shall be “to foster, encourage and promote interest in all activities of local, state and regional agencies by local taxpayer groups as those activities affect taxpayers of New Britain and the State of Connecticut; also to develop and establish an agenda in support of certain legislative initiatives which would affect greater economy, efficiency and effectiveness in our state and municipal governments and disseminate information regarding such state and regional agency activities and legislative initiatives to the state’s and New Britain’s taxpayers.” (CPOA By-Laws 3.0)
July 6, 2010
Dr. Doris J. Kurtz
Superintendent of Schools
272 Main Street
New Britain, Connecticut 06050-1960
Dear Dr. Kurtz;
In accordance with the State of Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Act, I, Michael W. Wanik, President of the Citizen’s Property Owners Association, Inc., formally request the opportunity to review and/or copy all receipts/records of any costs associated with producing and
distributing the New Britain Educator magazine for FY 2009, 2010 and 2011.
My request includes, but is not limited to, records of funds paid and/or encumbered that are associated with payroll/staff or vendor costs, printing and design cost, public relation firm consulting costs, web posting costs, or funds that have been paid or will be paid to distributors such as the New Britain Herald, Hartford Courant and other mechanisms. In other words, we wish to explain to the taxpayer what the “all in” cost of this publication is.
I also request the total number of New Britain Educator newspapers printed in each year above, as well as how those newspapers were distributed indicating how many went through each respective channel (e.g. through newspaper home delivery, distribution to staff and students, etc).
Lastly, please indicate if your initial budget submitted to the City for FY2010-2011 included monies earmarked for the Educator newspaper, and what that dollar amount was.
If you have any questions I can be reached at cpoanb@gmail.com.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.
Respectfully,
Michael Wanik
on behalf of the Citizen’s Property Owners Association
Cc: Mayor Stewart, BOE President Sharon Beloin-Saavedra
CPOA FOI'S NB Board Of Education!
Mr. Michael Wanik, President of the Citizens Property owners Association, Inc. has submitted an FOI request for the records/receipts of any cost associated with producing and distribution the New Britain " Educator" magazine for fY 2009, 2010, and 2011.
All Cost including staff/vendors, printing and distribution.
This Distribution was printed in English with the majority of the students read and write other languages.
Who was this magazine design to entice he queered? How many teachers salaries would have been saved without issuing this magazine?
All Cost including staff/vendors, printing and distribution.
This Distribution was printed in English with the majority of the students read and write other languages.
Who was this magazine design to entice he queered? How many teachers salaries would have been saved without issuing this magazine?
Berlin resident proposes naming complex after Powers - The New Britain Herald (newbritainherald.com)
By LISETTE VELASQUEZ
Staff Writer
Gov. candidates speak to GOP committee - The New Britain Herald (newbritainherald.com)
By James Craven
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Blame Game by the DTC Chairman!
ACT TWO
In a letter to the Editor in the Hardware Journal Mr. McNamara blames or implies that Mayor Stewart and his minions "seek to discredit Democratic Legislatures for not getting more state money for education."
Well John please recall the CPOA meeting where the state's Co-Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Rep. John Geragosian when asked as to why educational funding was provided for Waterbury, New Haven, New London and Bridgeport and not any added funds for New Britain and his answer was that those other towns needed more help than New Britain. The question that surfaced was Geragosion really representing New Britain for its needs?
As you stated in today's Hartford Courant you are planning a DTC meeting on Wednesday night for an "open dialog." Isn't it a closed minded meeting since you have been quoted on many occasions supporting the additional funding for the New Britain Board Of Education?
You May continue to blame the Mayor but the real culprits are Geragosian, O'Brian, Tercyak, your minions at the state Legislature.
frank smith
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Tim O'Brien's disingenuous comments
In yesterday’s edition of the The Harford Courant Representative Tim O’Brien was quoted as offering to broker a meeting between Phil Sherwood, Mayor Stewart, and School board President Sharon Beloin-Saavedra. He went on to say “The people of our city expect and deserve leadership that brings people together to overcome disagreements and move our city forward with as much unity as possible.” However, the recent FOI request that was conducted by the New Britain Republican Town Committee reveals that Tim O’Brien would hardly be an objective mediator in this dispute.
In a series of emails written on June 23, 2010 between Phil Sherwood, Michael Trueworthy, and Tim O’Brien, State Representative O’Brien wrote a letter stating that the Mayor’s veto was illegal. The letter then goes on to recommend that the Board of Education “should act to restore $1.5 million to their budget.” This exact letter was reproduced almost exactly verbatim by Aldermen Trueworthy and Sherwood. One of the only noticeable differences is the deletion of a line that makes it painfully obvious that Tim O’Brien was the author of the letter.
In fact, in the email dialog between Sherwood, O’Brien and Trueworthy, Phil Sherwood at one point stated “You said I could use this (but from me) as base for letter to press, commissioner of ed and School board right?” to which Tim O’Brien replied, “Well, there some things you should change to make it a letter, but yes, absolutely.” This letter became the basis for a great deal of the conflict now plaguing our city. This letter attempts to incite the Board of Education into pursuing legal action.
Furthermore, on his Facebook Page, in another disclosed document, Representative O’Brien stated “It is becoming clear that Mayor Stewart’s attempt to revoke the $1.5 million education funding restoration was not a legal use of his line-item veto power. So the education budget is as it was approved by the City Council.” This was that same Wednesday afternoon as the email communication with Sherwood and Trueworthy. Clearly Representative O’Brien is not as unbiased as he would like to present himself to be. If he truly wished to be unbiased he could seen a true neutral party rather than attempt to play the role of Solomon the Wise.
What is still unclear is how Aldermen Trueworthy and Sherwood came to seek out Attorney Mednick. We know that O’Brien and Mednick were both involved in the Charter revisions. We also know that on virtually every email between Aldermen Trueworthy and Sherwood regarding the decision to seek hiring Attorney Mednick and their subsequent letter to Corporation Counsel about their decision to retain Attorney Mednick. Even before the resolution was voted on O’Brien, Sherwood, and Trueworthy were in contact with Attorney Mednick and sending him letters to review and asking him for help in writing up the letter to Corporation Counsel. It makes one wonder if Attorney Mednick was doing that work for free or if perhaps he plans on attempting to bill the city for that time.
It is almost sad to read the series of emails leading up to the letter sent to Attorney Bizzarro. All the discussion about occurred between just Attorney Mednick, Phil Sherwood, Michael Trueworthy, and Tim O’Brien. Only once a final draft of the letter had been written were the other Democrats brought into the discussion with an email from Michael Trueworthy with a four-point clarification on the original letter. It makes it quite clear who is doing the thinking for the Democratic party. Hopefully the remaining Democrats on the council will take a stand against their runaway leadership and refuse to overturn the Mayor’s veto at the next Common Council meeting.
Friday, July 2, 2010
To The editor:
July 2, 2010
Threats. I am attempting with this letter to put a little different perspective on this issue that is dominating New Britain news these days.
What kinds of threats have you experienced? Real, those acted on that become reality to a victim. Implied, if you do this, I hope you rot in Hell – more about this one later. Frivolous, you should hope that I don’t face you in the batter’s box. To make a point, you should be tarred and feathered for what you did – this person had to have read, “Skipper Ireson’s Ride” in junior high school. These are just a few of the variations.
I use my second example to try to make a point. A couple of years ago the Common Council was going to vote on distribution of Federal Funds from HUD, referred to as CDBG Funds. The Council went back and forth on which of those organizations that had made application should/would receive the funds. There were conflicts of interest galore with the Council members who were voting on the funding. Most of the outcome as to which organizations eventually were awarded funds was as predicted, purely political. I felt that many worthy organizations were being denied to satisfy patronage obligations to those less worthy.
Thus, I made a statement to the Council that I hoped that all of those Council members that voted a certain way, i.e. contrary to my feelings, would “ROT IN HELL”! SOME COUNCIL MEMBERS STIIL PRESENT ON THE COUNCIL HAVE NEVER ALLOWED ME TO FORGET THAT STATEMENT.
One would have thought that someone actually believed that I had some special relationship with a supreme being who would grant my request. The inanity of that situation is this; while I feel that I am currently in good standing in the religion I practice, I have no special powers. But some on the Council that wish to make political hay out of my statement. They would have you believe I am just one step removed from Simon Legree.
Such is the case with Alderman Sherwood’s current claim against Mayor Stewart. You be the judge. And do it by yourself without relying on the sensationalism spewed by some members of the media.
Lou Salvio, Alderman, City of New Britain
103 Russwin Rd. New Britain 860-225-9992
Threats. I am attempting with this letter to put a little different perspective on this issue that is dominating New Britain news these days.
What kinds of threats have you experienced? Real, those acted on that become reality to a victim. Implied, if you do this, I hope you rot in Hell – more about this one later. Frivolous, you should hope that I don’t face you in the batter’s box. To make a point, you should be tarred and feathered for what you did – this person had to have read, “Skipper Ireson’s Ride” in junior high school. These are just a few of the variations.
I use my second example to try to make a point. A couple of years ago the Common Council was going to vote on distribution of Federal Funds from HUD, referred to as CDBG Funds. The Council went back and forth on which of those organizations that had made application should/would receive the funds. There were conflicts of interest galore with the Council members who were voting on the funding. Most of the outcome as to which organizations eventually were awarded funds was as predicted, purely political. I felt that many worthy organizations were being denied to satisfy patronage obligations to those less worthy.
Thus, I made a statement to the Council that I hoped that all of those Council members that voted a certain way, i.e. contrary to my feelings, would “ROT IN HELL”! SOME COUNCIL MEMBERS STIIL PRESENT ON THE COUNCIL HAVE NEVER ALLOWED ME TO FORGET THAT STATEMENT.
One would have thought that someone actually believed that I had some special relationship with a supreme being who would grant my request. The inanity of that situation is this; while I feel that I am currently in good standing in the religion I practice, I have no special powers. But some on the Council that wish to make political hay out of my statement. They would have you believe I am just one step removed from Simon Legree.
Such is the case with Alderman Sherwood’s current claim against Mayor Stewart. You be the judge. And do it by yourself without relying on the sensationalism spewed by some members of the media.
Lou Salvio, Alderman, City of New Britain
103 Russwin Rd. New Britain 860-225-9992
Correction:
July 2, 2010
Statement from Dwight Blint, New Britain Republican Town Committee
Chairman:
I find it utterly incredulous that State Representative Tim O'Brien would
make an offer to broker a meeting between Mayor Timothy Stewart, Council
Majority Leader Phil Sherwood and Board of Education President Sharon
Beloin-Saavedra.
Having Rep. O’Brien serve as a mediator in this dispute is like having George
Steinbrenner serve as the umpire in an important game between the Yankees
and the Red Sox.
After the Common Council voted to hire attorney Steven Mednick to
potentially sue Mayor Stewart, the Republican Town Committee issued an FOI
request to Aldermen Michael Trueworthy and Phil Sherwood and Rep. O’Brien.
We received a number of documents. What they show is that Rep. O’Brien was
clearly the catalyst for our ongoing budget dispute. He first suggested
that Mayor Stewart’s veto was “illegal” and he encouraged the Council
Democrats to hire an attorney. Rep. O’Brien even drafted a letter disputing
the validity of the mayor’s veto. That letter was submitted to the mayor’s
office by Sherwood who simply replaced Rep. O’Brien’s name with his own.
In cooperation with attorney Mednick, who has yet to be retained, Sherwood,
Trueworthy and Rep. O’Brien wrote the resolution that called for the hiring
of Mednick.
It is clear that Rep. O’Brien is more than a casual observer or a disinterested party. Some have suggested that, as part of his effort to run
for mayor again, he purposely stirred up this hornet’s nest. Instead of
being applauded, he should be held accountable by the voters and by the
Common Council members who were clearly left out of the initial
discussions.
Therefore, I ask those Council members not to override the veto. Residents don’t want
more spending and politically-motivated lawsuits that get us no where. What
they want is an end to this dysfunction and for the Council to work with
the mayor for the betterment of the city’s taxpayers.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Mayor Stewart's Veto Message
City of New Britain
Office of Mayor Timothy Stewart
MEDIA RELEASE
July 1, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STEWART VETOS HIRING OF OUTSIDE COUNSEL CLAIMING CITY OF NEW BRITAIN CANNOT AFFORD COSTS OF POLITICAL GAMES
New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart today exercised the authority granted the mayor in the City of New Britain charter by vetoing a recent Common Council resolution authorizing the Council to hire an attorney to review the Mayor’s line item veto of the FY 2011 budget.
In a veto message sent to Town and City Clerk Peter Denuzze, Stewart elaborated on his reasons for the veto: “In addition to the actual cost of the $20,000 appropriated for an attorney, there is the cost of uncertainty and the cost of continuing this mentality of dueling branches of government. We cannot afford either type of costs when we are literally watching every dollar in the current tight fiscal circumstances.”
Stewart had hoped that the bickering and political partisanship would cease given that the Board of Education had set its budget and the tax bills have been mailed out, but “most members of the Common Council have succumbed to the temptation that many in our society do today: If an outcome is not to your liking, sue. Unfortunately, this attempt to manipulate democracy to suit political agendas can have disastrous consequences for our City.”
The Mayor feels strongly that taxpayers should not pay the costs for political agendas, particularly when the Council had the authority and duty to act in a timely fashion. “If the Council felt so strongly about education funding, they should have acted earlier and made sure that they built in time in the budget process to override any mayoral veto.” Stewart added. “It is not my problem, nor should it be the taxpayers problem or cost, that the Council did not exercise all the authority and powers given to them under City Charter and ordinances. Is the Council willing to issue additional tax bills to plug the resulting $2 million hole in the budget? This is not an academic exercise; the outcome has real consequences for residents and businesses that need to be considered before proceeding.”
The Mayor concluded his message with a plea to members of the Democratic caucus to reconsider the hiring of outside counsel, “By picking and choosing what parts of the Charter they agree with, the Council is playing with fire that could bring local government to a standstill. I implore the other nine members of the Democratic caucus to carefully weigh their decision to override this veto. The citizens need to hear your voices and opinions, not just those of your President Pro Temp and Majority Leader. This is an important vote that should be made by personal conscience, not by political party.”
-30-
Note: A copy of the Mayor’s veto message is attached, including a copy of a letter from Aldermen Sherwood and Trueworthy that is referenced in the message.
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