Monday, February 28, 2011
The Academy Awards White House
With a president in the Oval Office whose mission it is to take down America.
Malloy Budget Favors Some Communities Over Others - CTnow
The Loss of the pilot program for the city of New Britain as proposed by our new Governor will be disastrous for the city.
With many state properties within the city boundaries including the state Court,The Trade School,and all the properties controlled by the New Britain Housing Authority will require a tax increase to support this loss of income to our city.
With many state properties within the city boundaries including the state Court,The Trade School,and all the properties controlled by the New Britain Housing Authority will require a tax increase to support this loss of income to our city.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
The New Britain Politicus is recommending mediation at city hall.
FRANKSMITHSAYSNB EDITORIAL:
It is not surprising to have the NBTC Chairman make such a wild recommendation.
The fact is that his minions serving on the city council are the real cause of the existing problems, the latest bizarre activity being the President Pro-Tempore attempting to place a moratorium on the city purchasing goods or services from New Britain businesses simply because they are owned by elected officials, therefore: forcing the city to purchase from out of town vendors who do not pay taxes or employ people here in New Britain.
Fortunately, three of the Democratic members of the council saw fit to break away from their leader's radical extremist accusations--causing a tie vote among the council and allowing the mayor to restore some common sense by breaking the tie with his vote.
Mediation as suggested by the DTC Chairman is absolutely ridiculous.
Obviously, it is the council President Pro-Tempore that needs remediation of some sort; however, as suggested by the council's Minority Leader, Trueworthy apparently did violate sections of the city charter with his false accusations being sufficient to cause his removal from serving on the City Council. The minority leader concluded his comments by saying that Trueworthy should never serve as the acting mayor in the event that the mayor should be out of town. This is the most sensible suggestion to come from the council in a very long time.
It is not surprising to have the NBTC Chairman make such a wild recommendation.
The fact is that his minions serving on the city council are the real cause of the existing problems, the latest bizarre activity being the President Pro-Tempore attempting to place a moratorium on the city purchasing goods or services from New Britain businesses simply because they are owned by elected officials, therefore: forcing the city to purchase from out of town vendors who do not pay taxes or employ people here in New Britain.
Fortunately, three of the Democratic members of the council saw fit to break away from their leader's radical extremist accusations--causing a tie vote among the council and allowing the mayor to restore some common sense by breaking the tie with his vote.
Mediation as suggested by the DTC Chairman is absolutely ridiculous.
Obviously, it is the council President Pro-Tempore that needs remediation of some sort; however, as suggested by the council's Minority Leader, Trueworthy apparently did violate sections of the city charter with his false accusations being sufficient to cause his removal from serving on the City Council. The minority leader concluded his comments by saying that Trueworthy should never serve as the acting mayor in the event that the mayor should be out of town. This is the most sensible suggestion to come from the council in a very long time.
Bill O’Reilly: the Lost WFSB Tapes from His Time in Hartford
Tune into the Dennis House Show on WFSB Channel 3 Sunday morning at 11AM. Don't miss this historical footage of a youthful reporter named Bill O'Reilly reporting on the stories of the day! If you like Bill O'Reilly, this is one show you won't want to miss.
(WFSB photo)
(Click the link about to view Channel 3's promotional site regarding the TV special)
(Click the link about to view Channel 3's promotional site regarding the TV special)
Taking the measure of a new governor
The Ct. Governor Threatens both the Democratic and Republican Party Lines.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Is Malloy Governor of Fantasyland?
Referring to his promise to spend $250 million on transportation projects, Governor Dan Malloy said this transportation spending will help relieve the traffic congestion that's stifling business growth.
Clearly Malloy is living in fantasyland if he thinks that traffic is what is stifling business growth in Connecticut.
He needs only look to the members of his own party if he is looking to blame someone for Connecticut being one of the worst states in the nation in which to run a business. The major cause of business failure in Connecticut is the high taxation and ever growing regulations that the legislature (controlled by Democrats) keep forcing on businesses. One job destroying bill after another in the name of socialism.
This governor of Fantasyland is the same Governor who stated that becoming the first state in the nation to force every business to give their employees paid sick leave and then making it a crime for the employer to interfere in the employee's use of his newly granted guaranteed sick time is the absolute highest priority for this governor. Apparently finding a way to close the $3.5 billion dollar budget deficit takes a back seat to forcing his own radical agenda onto all businesses in the state and then this guy can't understand why any business owner would be crazy to locate his business here?
The only traffic will be on the highways exiting the state.
Democracy or Dictatorship?
FRANKSMITHSAYSNB EDITORIAL:
Yesterday there was a small story buried deep inside a few newspapers reporting that the Obama administration would be refusing to enforce the Defense of Marriage Act because Constitutional Scholar Barrack Hussein Obama has decided that the law is unconstitutional.
No matter where you stand on gay marriage, this is a serious incident that the liberal media is ignoring simply because it involves their Messiah.
Neither the President nor the Justice Dept have the authority to "declare" any law unconstitutional. That is the job of the Supreme Court or for the Congress to vote to repeal it. If this becomes precedent, then which will be the next law this out of control, drunken with power President will decide he simply doesn't like and therefore will ignore?
Imagine if President George W. Bush had decided on his own that the law protecting the right to unionize was unconstitutional because in his opinion it violated the right to free assembly, so he then ordered the NLRB to stop enforcing it. Would the press have remained silent then?
This eerie silence by the media reminds me of "First They came" by Pastor Martin Niemoller refering to the Nazis during WWII:
First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
If this incredible abuse of power by the executive branch is allowed to go unchecked, then we really have moved further into a dictatorship than any of us is ready to accept or to believe.
Luckily I was able to post this message before the master switch was installed in the White House empowering Obama to shutdown the entire internet throughout the country any time he so pleases.
Yesterday there was a small story buried deep inside a few newspapers reporting that the Obama administration would be refusing to enforce the Defense of Marriage Act because Constitutional Scholar Barrack Hussein Obama has decided that the law is unconstitutional.
No matter where you stand on gay marriage, this is a serious incident that the liberal media is ignoring simply because it involves their Messiah.
Neither the President nor the Justice Dept have the authority to "declare" any law unconstitutional. That is the job of the Supreme Court or for the Congress to vote to repeal it. If this becomes precedent, then which will be the next law this out of control, drunken with power President will decide he simply doesn't like and therefore will ignore?
Imagine if President George W. Bush had decided on his own that the law protecting the right to unionize was unconstitutional because in his opinion it violated the right to free assembly, so he then ordered the NLRB to stop enforcing it. Would the press have remained silent then?
This eerie silence by the media reminds me of "First They came" by Pastor Martin Niemoller refering to the Nazis during WWII:
First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
If this incredible abuse of power by the executive branch is allowed to go unchecked, then we really have moved further into a dictatorship than any of us is ready to accept or to believe.
Luckily I was able to post this message before the master switch was installed in the White House empowering Obama to shutdown the entire internet throughout the country any time he so pleases.
CHRIS POWELL: Been there, done that, got 20 years of decline: Middletown Press
FRANKSMITHSAYSNB EDITORIAL:
Perhaps Chris Powell should be governor as he demonstrates he understands the cause of Connecticut's insolvency better than the real governor does. At least maybe he can help Dan Malloy find his Governor's owner's manual?
Perhaps Chris Powell should be governor as he demonstrates he understands the cause of Connecticut's insolvency better than the real governor does. At least maybe he can help Dan Malloy find his Governor's owner's manual?
Minority leader takes on the President Pro-Tempore of the City Council!
FRANKSMITHSAYSNB EDITORIAL:
Trueworhty's political charges accusing of "No Bid Contracts" going to Aldermen Mark Bernacki and W. Pabon caused quite a stir at yesterday's council meeting.
First of all "no bid contracts" does not exist with no such terminology as pointed out by Mayor Stewart.
But,the Minority leader Louis Salvio took his shot at the President Pro-Tempore citing that he doesn't deserve to serve as acting Mayor calling Trueworhty's charges Reprehensible and criminal, accusing Trueworthy of demonizing the city's public officials. He concluded by stating " I don't think this Alderman should serve on this Council.
Some of the Democratic members of the council sided with Salvio's opinion by voting against Trueworhty's resolution causing a tie vote which failed with the mayor's vote breaking the tie.
Trueworhty's political charges accusing of "No Bid Contracts" going to Aldermen Mark Bernacki and W. Pabon caused quite a stir at yesterday's council meeting.
First of all "no bid contracts" does not exist with no such terminology as pointed out by Mayor Stewart.
But,the Minority leader Louis Salvio took his shot at the President Pro-Tempore citing that he doesn't deserve to serve as acting Mayor calling Trueworhty's charges Reprehensible and criminal, accusing Trueworthy of demonizing the city's public officials. He concluded by stating " I don't think this Alderman should serve on this Council.
Some of the Democratic members of the council sided with Salvio's opinion by voting against Trueworhty's resolution causing a tie vote which failed with the mayor's vote breaking the tie.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
New Britain's DTC Kills Trueworhty's Hopes in Becoming Mayor
I guess Trueworthy will have to accept that he has been screwed out of the mayor's office by his own party.
Too bad little Mike.
Better luck in 2 years!
Too bad little Mike.
Better luck in 2 years!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Malloy's Tax Shell Game Won't Work!
Malloy should be following the examples being set in New Jersey, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio where those governors are doing the right thing by taking on unions to tackle the real cause of our problems.
He bloviates endlessly about how he is reducing the size of the state by merging several agencies, but if you have the same number of people on the payroll, you have the same costs, no matter what you call the department they work for.
I believe this is just a shell game Malloy is using to give the impression he is downsizing the state without laying off even one state employee.
His Bridgeport Town Hall meeting, of last night, bears his statement of no layoffs for state employees. "We must all sacrifice".
In my opinion, Malloy is simply a puppet for the same unions who elected him.
"Dance Danno Dance "
He bloviates endlessly about how he is reducing the size of the state by merging several agencies, but if you have the same number of people on the payroll, you have the same costs, no matter what you call the department they work for.
I believe this is just a shell game Malloy is using to give the impression he is downsizing the state without laying off even one state employee.
His Bridgeport Town Hall meeting, of last night, bears his statement of no layoffs for state employees. "We must all sacrifice".
In my opinion, Malloy is simply a puppet for the same unions who elected him.
"Dance Danno Dance "
Senatorial Elections voters results as of ten A.M .
New Britain's voter turn out at four P.M. 11%.
Berlin's turnout as of l:30 P.M. is at 10%.
Farmington's voter turnout at 2 P.M. 9%
NBC predicts only a ten per cent low voter turnout.
Gerratana has three vehicles giving voter rides with Maryland plates. It good be from the Working Families Party???
Berlin's turnout as of l:30 P.M. is at 10%.
Farmington's voter turnout at 2 P.M. 9%
NBC predicts only a ten per cent low voter turnout.
Gerratana has three vehicles giving voter rides with Maryland plates. It good be from the Working Families Party???
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my ongoing concern about The New Britain
Herald's apparent lack of objectivity and accuracy. As a New England
Newspaper and Press Association award winner, The Herald should
strive to maintain a higher standard of journalistic integrity.
Regarding “Fence for Fairview Cemetery embroiled in political
dispute," (Feb. 20), The Herald reported, "Democrats have accused the
administration of Republican Mayor Timothy Stewart of awarding no bid
contracts to (Alderman Willie) Pabon and Republican Alderman Mark
Bernacki, owner of Sir Speedy."
Why isn’t there anything to balance the accusation? The city's finance
director has said the claim is without merit, that the mayor is not
involved in any of these decisions, and he has explained that these
are not no-bid contracts, but purchases by department heads under
$3,000 that do not require a formal bidding process. That information
has been reported by other media outlets, yet none of this was
included in your story. Isn't it The Herald’s job to frame the issue
and give readers some context?
Additionally, other media sources have reported that the vast majority
of work Pabon did for the city occurred before he was even elected to
the Board of Alderman. It has also been reported that during some of
the time in question, Bernacki either didn't own the business, wasn't
an Alderman or that he had been a registered Democrats and Democratic
Mayor Lucian Pawlak was in office.
Further, the Chief State’s Attorney’s office has said they have not
received a complaint regarding this issue, as the Democrats initially
claimed. It is more than obvious this accusation by a political
operatives during campaign season is unfounded, yet The Herald
continues to beat a one-sided drum.
The Herald repeated lack of balance sadly speaks to it’s own political
bias and it's intentional effort to create an issue where none exists.
It is more than troubling; it is a grave disservice to the community.
Dwight Blint
Chairman, New Britain Republican Town Committee
Herald's apparent lack of objectivity and accuracy. As a New England
Newspaper and Press Association award winner, The Herald should
strive to maintain a higher standard of journalistic integrity.
Regarding “Fence for Fairview Cemetery embroiled in political
dispute," (Feb. 20), The Herald reported, "Democrats have accused the
administration of Republican Mayor Timothy Stewart of awarding no bid
contracts to (Alderman Willie) Pabon and Republican Alderman Mark
Bernacki, owner of Sir Speedy."
Why isn’t there anything to balance the accusation? The city's finance
director has said the claim is without merit, that the mayor is not
involved in any of these decisions, and he has explained that these
are not no-bid contracts, but purchases by department heads under
$3,000 that do not require a formal bidding process. That information
has been reported by other media outlets, yet none of this was
included in your story. Isn't it The Herald’s job to frame the issue
and give readers some context?
Additionally, other media sources have reported that the vast majority
of work Pabon did for the city occurred before he was even elected to
the Board of Alderman. It has also been reported that during some of
the time in question, Bernacki either didn't own the business, wasn't
an Alderman or that he had been a registered Democrats and Democratic
Mayor Lucian Pawlak was in office.
Further, the Chief State’s Attorney’s office has said they have not
received a complaint regarding this issue, as the Democrats initially
claimed. It is more than obvious this accusation by a political
operatives during campaign season is unfounded, yet The Herald
continues to beat a one-sided drum.
The Herald repeated lack of balance sadly speaks to it’s own political
bias and it's intentional effort to create an issue where none exists.
It is more than troubling; it is a grave disservice to the community.
Dwight Blint
Chairman, New Britain Republican Town Committee
Monday, February 21, 2011
Terry Gerratana – Unable to Take a Stance | New Britain Republicans
On the Death Penalty Repeal Issue!
The Senatorial Debate Between Mayor Timothy Stewart and Terry Gerratana:
It was well played out in our local papers however, what the media neglected to point out to the electorate was the fact that Terry Spent all of her time expressing what she had accomplished while serving as a state representative touting her memories of "yesteryear"!
While Timothy expressed what is needed today, tomorrow and next year for the 6th. Senatorial district residents while referring to the same way he handled keeping our city taxes from being increased durig his tenure.
It wasn't an easy task for Tim to out maneuver the Democratic control City Council in order to accomplish his endeavor.
Please vote this coming Tuesday sending the right person to do the right job of representing us all.
While Timothy expressed what is needed today, tomorrow and next year for the 6th. Senatorial district residents while referring to the same way he handled keeping our city taxes from being increased durig his tenure.
It wasn't an easy task for Tim to out maneuver the Democratic control City Council in order to accomplish his endeavor.
Please vote this coming Tuesday sending the right person to do the right job of representing us all.
Gerratana For Senate: How Can The Public Trust Her?
FRANKSMITHSAYSNB EDITORIAL:
Gerratana For Senate: How Can The Public Trust Her?
To read the bio published by the local Democrats, one would have a picture of Ms. Gerratana being a champion of ethics, but let’s take a closer look:
Public records indicate that Ms. Gerratana served as a member of the State Elections Enforcement Commission from January 2007 until June 30, 2010. This is a commission that by its own description was created in the wake of the Watergate scandal to ensure the integrity of the state’s electoral process with the specific authority to investigate possible violations of election laws. Didn’t Commissioner Gerratana even swear an oath to uphold and to enforce the election laws of Connecticut?
In April 2009, it became public that Ms. Gerratana’s son Greg was serving as a New Britain Alderman while living in the Berlin pool house owned by her husband, and at the time the younger Gerratana was using the New Britain mailing address of Dr. & Mrs. Gerratana’s main house as his official address while he was living in the Berlin pool house. To believe that then Commissioner Gerratana was not complicit in this egregious conduct by her son, one would have to believe that Commissioner Gerratana did not know that her son was a New Britain Alderman at the time, or that she was completely ignorant to the fact that the pool house was actually located in the Town of Berlin—you decide. In either case, soon after this information became public, while declaring that he had done nothing wrong, the younger Gerratana suddenly moved to another address in New Britain, but what, if anything, did the State Elections Enforcement Commissioner residing in this household do about this apparent violation?
Fast forward to the fall 2009 election cycle. A series of vicious and slanderous attacks were posted against Mayor Tim Stewart on local blogs. After a New Britain Herald Investigative report, these attacks were determined to have originated from state computers in the Legislative Office Building. The investigation led to Greg Gerratana admitting responsibility to abusing state computers to launch these attacks. At the time, the younger Gerratana was working at the LOB as an aide to Representative Tim O’Brien, who was at the time challenging Mayor Tim Stewart in the November election. Greg Gerratana was also still serving as an Alderman while himself running for New Britain Tax Collector.
As a result of this scandal, Greg Gerratana was suspended from his job at the LOB, and withdrew from his campaign for Tax Collector. While all this scandalous activity was occurring during the election process, why was the Elections Enforcement Commission nowhere to be found? Could it have anything to do with the fact that the “Admitted Serial Poster” as he became known in local blogs, had a mother on the commission?
Now it is this former State Elections Enforcement Commissioner who apparently stood by and did nothing while all this was occurring in and around her own household during the last election who is challenging Mayor Stewart on his bid for State Senate.
In any event, hasn’t the public had enough of Gerratana style politics?
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Governor's Budget--More Smoke & Mirrors!
Governor Malloy talks endlessly about how the pain from his budget is going to be shared equally, however, he proposes creating a new "earned income credit" where he plans to use the tax department as a form of welfare agency to send out $1,700 checks disguised as tax refunds to hundreds of thousands of people--most of whom don't even pay taxes in the first place.
There is nothing new about this idea, except what Democrats are calling it these days. Democrats have found a way to disguise redistribution of wealth as a "tax credit" and to cleverly hide their welfare agenda through the tax department. After-all, since the tax department exists to collect taxes, who would expect them to be utilized for distributing handouts?
As I said, there is nothing new about any of this as the idea behind redistribution of wealth can be traced all the way back to Karl Marx and the 18th century. What Governor Malloy doesn't like to talk about, is that before the state can send these "free" $1,700.00 checks to people he believes deserve your money more than you do, he must first seize that money through taxation from people who worked hard to earn it in the first place.
Govenror Malloy defends his plan by saying that after he forcibly takes your money and gives it to these people he believes are more deserving of your hard earned dollars, they will spend that money and that will drive our economy. I guess you could call this plan Stimulus 4, and you could also expect it to be as big a failure as all of Obama's stimulus plans combined.
More Smoke & Mirrors:
The governor also talks endlessly about how he is going to save so much money by downsizing the state from about 80 agencies (the state is so out of control that nobody seems to know for sure just how many we really have) to only about 50 agencies, but this too is little more than a ruse. The Governor must have attended one of those inferior public schools because he clearly doesn't understand basic math. Let me spell it out for you Governor: you take 50,000 employees, change what boss they report to or what name you call them, you still have the same 50,000 employees making the same salary and benefits. Where's the savings?
One thing is for certain. When we have an elected official paying someone $94,000 a year plus benefits to drive her around the state to attend political functions at nighttime, there is still much cutting that needs to be done.
Trueworthy's Edict Against New Britain's Business Owners is a DISGRACE!
FRANKSMITHSAYSNB EDITORIAL:
His latest tirade is being directed primarily against two businesses that do bid for city business but are being attacked simply because they are owned by Elected City Officials as Aldermen from the opposite party.
It is no wonder no one wants to serve on the council or any city commissions only to be attacked if they should offer the lowest price in response to a city bid request.
Trueworthy was quoted in the Hartford Courant article dated 2-16-11 whereby he claims he has "concerns of serious legal problems" being discovered by the Chief State's Attorney; however, this claim appears to be a figment of Trueworthy's warped radical extremist imagination--especially since the Chief State's Attorney's office denies any knowledge of this so-called issue and confirms that the investigation Trueworthy speaks of does not even exist.
The anti-business attitude of the Democrats on the council has been common knowledge for some time. Many taxpayers recall how they forced Wal Mart out of town, and then there are the comments to a prospective purchaser of the Pinnacle Heights property with his being asked "where's the beef by their Majority Leader--a childish insult that ultimately led to the investor taking his $5 million and going elsewhere to invest it.
It appears these latest shenanigans are aimed at preventing anyone who owns a business, pays taxes or employs anyone from serving on the council.
Trueworthy's model council would surely be made up of 15 leeches who have no stake in the game because they own nothing, pay no taxes, and simply exist by bleeding the government for their mere existence, except that they fail to realize that in order for the government to get the money to support them, it first has to seize that same money from someone who worked hard earning it--a concept that many of Trueworthy's minions fail to understand.
Where would the city be without these same business owners to work so hard, so they can pay all those taxes that Trueworthy and his cohorts love to spread around to people they feel are more deserving than the very people who worked so hard to earn it in the first place? Perhaps the council Democrats should learn to appreciate the Republicans for making it possible for them to have all those taxes in the first place--especially since so many of them owe their very existence to the government (the taxpayers)!
RESPONSES OF 6TH STATE SENATORIAL CANDIDATE TIMOTHY STEWART:
SUBMITTED FEBRUARY 16, 2011 To The New Britain Herald:
1) Newly elected Gov. Dan Malloy has repeatedly talked about restructuring government and consolidating and even eliminating certain departments. Please be specific in what departments you would support consolidating and or eliminating and why?
I agree with Governor Malloy that there are a number of agencies that can be streamlined without disruption to essential state services. Any consolidation needs to be carefully considered to ensure that desired synergies and cost savings are achieved. The pitfall of merging agencies merely for the sake of consolidation needs to be avoided. Agencies should have common subject areas and missions to ensure that the merger will be successful. Any consolidation should include decreases in staffing in order to achieve and maintain savings.
I also agree with the Governor’s recent proposal to consolidate the various higher education agencies to eliminate overlapping of agencies. Another consolidation that I would support would be the merging of all agencies that deal with business development, such as the Department of Economic Development (DECD), Connecticut Development Authority (CDA) and Connecticut Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) as well as some divisions of other agencies to create “one stop shopping” for new businesses who want to locate in Connecticut or existing businesses that want to expand. Currently, businesses are bounced back and forth between agencies creating frustration and oftentimes failure.
Consolidation should either save tax dollars, such as the Higher Education proposal or enhanced service delivery, like streamlining support for businesses. The recently announced proposal to merge the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) does not appear to achieve savings, reduction in employees or enhancement in service provision, so I would take a closer look at that proposal.
2) The state is $500 million in the red. What specific services would you cut to make up the shortfall?
The $500 million is for the current year. Projections show the following year with a $3.7 billion shortfall. Obviously, the usual strategy of cutting a few programs and raising some sin taxes cannot work on a deficit that large.
I believe that previous cost saving programs have stopped short of full implementation as the legislature seemed to focus on bridging the budget gap rather than achieving long term, sustainable savings. Previous measures such as number and use of vehicles in the state fleet need to be revisited to ensure that vehicle usage is kept to a bare minimum.
Let’s also look at reducing government facilities such as widening the area served by courthouses, Worker’s Compensation and other agencies such as was done recently with the probate court offices. Online service availability should also be expanded. People may have to travel a little further or wait a little longer, but that’s better than having to eliminate services altogether.
There can be no sacred cows in this effort to put our fiscal house in order. This means that the state employee pension and post-employment benefits need a total overhaul in order to reign in those out of control expenses.
One program I would eliminate is the public financing of political campaigns. There are too many loopholes and it benefits politicians only. Imagine telling some parent we are cutting your child’s Medicaid because we are using that money for political campaigns and you’ll see how easily we can do without this political piggybank.
3) What two specific incentives would you do implement to bring businesses to the state and to keep the businesses we have from leaving Connecticut?
The current process for a business to relocate to Connecticut or expand here is way too cumbersome and complicated. The best incentive is to have a business friendly state agency that provides “one stop shopping” assistance in a timely, fair and comprehensive manner. This is why consolidation of the three economic development agencies (DECD, CDA and CHFA) is a step in the right direction.
I would also support increased usage of an incentive that has worked well here in New Britain: Enterprise Zone incentives. These programs, in which new or expanded businesses gradually phase in new or increases to their property tax liability (with the difference being reimbursed to the cities by the state) was an integral part in the successful Celebration Foods project as well as expansions by Papa’s Dodge and Webster Bank. I think the state should continue to support Enterprise Zone and other graduated incentives and lower investment thresholds to encourage growth in small and medium businesses, create jobs and prevent the type of “take it and run” result that we have seen with Pfizer and other large corporations.
Our business tax structure also needs revamping to support our business and job growth. I support expanding the job creation tax credit to $400 per month and applying the credit to companies when they hire someone who is currently unemployed. In order to be competitive with other states, we need to repeal the ten percent corporate tax surcharge and the Business Entity Tax.
4) What is your specific position on the proposed and controversial busway project and why?
I support the construction of the New Britain-Hartford Busway. I also support other mass transportation initiatives, such as rail. Contrary to what you hear from Bristol, the two are not mutually exclusive.
My support is based on several factors, the first three which are: jobs, jobs and more jobs. The Busway project alone will create 1000 jobs for local residents. People are out of work NOW and need jobs NOW not when a rail project is started in ten or more years. The Busway also creates a secondary wave of job opportunities with construction of residential, offices and services (such as retail) and then permanent jobs in those new buildings. In addition, employers will see available mass transit in the Busway as a positive reason to locate to the area.
Another factor is the large investment of over $60 million in the Busway. Yes, costs have escalated since the project was first conceived, but compare the cost to complete the Busway to starting from scratch for a railway. Our highways need relief now and the Federal government will not look favorably on Connecticut’s complete about face on its transportation policy, which could jeopardize our federal funding for decades to come.
I understand people’s frustration with the lengthy time and high cost of the Busway. But we need to keep in mind that the Busway is one part of a total public transportation strategy. It is not an either/or situation between bus and rail – but a question of when and how.
5) Both candidates are New Britain residents and have a long record serving New Britain. What, specifically, can and will you do as it relates to representing all of Berlin and part of Farmington?
First, I can bring a strong record of constituent service from my seven plus years as mayor to the office of state senator. I hold monthly open office hours to hear people’s concerns and try to resolve issues. I try to give timely responses – people may not like the answer they get, but they do get an answer. I also make it a point to get out to community events which is a great way to hear what is on people’s minds. I plan to continue this outreach into all three communities if elected to the state senate.
Second, during my time as mayor I have already worked with Berlin and Farmington officials by serving on regional boards and working together on matters of mutual concern. I served as President and Vice President of the BRRFOC solid waste disposal authority for 14 towns including New Britain and Berlin. New Britain’s landfill is in Berlin as is a part of our sports complex that houses Rockcats baseball. As such, I’ve worked jointly with Mayor Salina, Town Manager McNair and others in Berlin on shared projects and issues. I’ve also worked with Farmington Town Manager Kathy Egan on economic development on our borders.
Lastly, I think most of the concerns are similar in all three towns, particularly the concern over high property and state income taxes. With my experience in cutting spending and lowering taxes in New Britain, I can be a strong advocate for Berlin and Farmington on these fiscal issues.
6) Donald DeFronzo previously held the position as state senator from the sixth district. As it relates to his job in office, please name one thing that you strongly agreed with him on and one thing you strongly disagreed with him on?
I admire the strong support that Senator DeFronzo gave to New Britain’s not for profit organizations. During his years in the state legislature, these organizations successfully completed much needed infrastructure improvements which allowed them to continue to provide service to our community. These projects included the Friendship Center’s supportive housing for the homeless, Prudence Crandall’s new facility for victims of domestic abuse, and expansion at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club. Senator DeFronzo was a strong advocate for these projects which helped them successfully receive state funding. The stronger these organizations, the more help they can provide to people in need which lessens the need for government to provide these services.
I strongly disagree with Senator DeFronzo’s flip-flop on support for the New Britain-Hartford Busway. I cannot understand why a representative would forsake a project that brings jobs for his constituents, development to his district and provide a much needed public transportation option for central Connecticut. Certainly there are concerns about the cost of the project, but the risks, benefits and need for this project have not changed so drastically as to totally abandon it. In my mind, he turned his back on the people of his district to participate in partisan grandstanding benefitting the town of Bristol, a town he did not represent. The drastic turnaround from his initial strong support of the Busway is not supported by facts. A representative should leave personal agendas at the door and support what is best for the district as a whole.
7) Name one person in state government and or politics, past or present, that you admire and why?
To me, New Britain State Representative Anthony “Tony” Tercyak was the epitome of public service. He was a teacher, a Board of Education member, a community volunteer and from 1994 until his death in 2003, served as New Britain’s 26th district as a state representative.
Tony took his service to his constituents very seriously. He went to his office at the State Capitol every day, in or out of session. People who called his office were pleasantly surprised to get a call back from Tony himself, usually less than 24 hours after their call or letter was received. He never told anyone “that’s not a state problem, I can’t help.” If someone had an immigration issue, he worked with Cong. Nancy Johnson or if it was a local issue, he called the mayor.
Tony did not care if you were Republican or Democrat, rich or poor, Polish or Hispanic, young or old, he saw only people, not their labels. Whether you were the Stanley Works CEO or an unemployed factory worker, Tony treated you the same. He was always a gentleman and always wanted to help. He encouraged many young teachers and political aspirants with his kind words and advice, including me as I ventured into the political arena as a candidate for Board of Education.
Tony Tercyak was the consummate “people person” and he had a true calling to public service. People involved in politics today could learn a real lesson from Tony’s gentle manner, selflessness and community spirit.
8) Do you think the right tone has been struck in political discourse these days or do you think there is too much finger pointing and not enough solutions?
Unfortunately, political discourse has taken on an overly negative tone, particularly here in Connecticut. The negative ads from both sides in the recent Governor and U.S. Senator elections are sufficient proof of that. It seems that candidates for office spend more time tearing down their opponents than talking about their own records or their ideas and solutions.
Also unfortunate is the personal nature of many of these attacks. Accusations, many without basis in fact, are thrown out against not only against the candidate, but their family members and businesses. These rumors and insinuations are then put out on the internet where they take on a life of their own. Much of this mud is slung anonymously on blogs. Even when proven wrong, vicious lies will still hang in cyberspace.
I think the media is partially to blame for rewarding this behavior with headlines and coverage. Print media in particular seems to gravitate toward the sensational, rather than do the research and get all sides of a story before printing it.
Office holders should focus more on what is best for the people they serve and less on partisan bickering and political gamesmanship. Republican or Democrat, we are here for the same reason: to give back to our communities and serve the public. By all means, question your opponents’ stand on issues, but not their motives or their personal integrity. And don’t just be a naysayer; make your criticism constructive with a solution.
1) Newly elected Gov. Dan Malloy has repeatedly talked about restructuring government and consolidating and even eliminating certain departments. Please be specific in what departments you would support consolidating and or eliminating and why?
I agree with Governor Malloy that there are a number of agencies that can be streamlined without disruption to essential state services. Any consolidation needs to be carefully considered to ensure that desired synergies and cost savings are achieved. The pitfall of merging agencies merely for the sake of consolidation needs to be avoided. Agencies should have common subject areas and missions to ensure that the merger will be successful. Any consolidation should include decreases in staffing in order to achieve and maintain savings.
I also agree with the Governor’s recent proposal to consolidate the various higher education agencies to eliminate overlapping of agencies. Another consolidation that I would support would be the merging of all agencies that deal with business development, such as the Department of Economic Development (DECD), Connecticut Development Authority (CDA) and Connecticut Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) as well as some divisions of other agencies to create “one stop shopping” for new businesses who want to locate in Connecticut or existing businesses that want to expand. Currently, businesses are bounced back and forth between agencies creating frustration and oftentimes failure.
Consolidation should either save tax dollars, such as the Higher Education proposal or enhanced service delivery, like streamlining support for businesses. The recently announced proposal to merge the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) does not appear to achieve savings, reduction in employees or enhancement in service provision, so I would take a closer look at that proposal.
2) The state is $500 million in the red. What specific services would you cut to make up the shortfall?
The $500 million is for the current year. Projections show the following year with a $3.7 billion shortfall. Obviously, the usual strategy of cutting a few programs and raising some sin taxes cannot work on a deficit that large.
I believe that previous cost saving programs have stopped short of full implementation as the legislature seemed to focus on bridging the budget gap rather than achieving long term, sustainable savings. Previous measures such as number and use of vehicles in the state fleet need to be revisited to ensure that vehicle usage is kept to a bare minimum.
Let’s also look at reducing government facilities such as widening the area served by courthouses, Worker’s Compensation and other agencies such as was done recently with the probate court offices. Online service availability should also be expanded. People may have to travel a little further or wait a little longer, but that’s better than having to eliminate services altogether.
There can be no sacred cows in this effort to put our fiscal house in order. This means that the state employee pension and post-employment benefits need a total overhaul in order to reign in those out of control expenses.
One program I would eliminate is the public financing of political campaigns. There are too many loopholes and it benefits politicians only. Imagine telling some parent we are cutting your child’s Medicaid because we are using that money for political campaigns and you’ll see how easily we can do without this political piggybank.
3) What two specific incentives would you do implement to bring businesses to the state and to keep the businesses we have from leaving Connecticut?
The current process for a business to relocate to Connecticut or expand here is way too cumbersome and complicated. The best incentive is to have a business friendly state agency that provides “one stop shopping” assistance in a timely, fair and comprehensive manner. This is why consolidation of the three economic development agencies (DECD, CDA and CHFA) is a step in the right direction.
I would also support increased usage of an incentive that has worked well here in New Britain: Enterprise Zone incentives. These programs, in which new or expanded businesses gradually phase in new or increases to their property tax liability (with the difference being reimbursed to the cities by the state) was an integral part in the successful Celebration Foods project as well as expansions by Papa’s Dodge and Webster Bank. I think the state should continue to support Enterprise Zone and other graduated incentives and lower investment thresholds to encourage growth in small and medium businesses, create jobs and prevent the type of “take it and run” result that we have seen with Pfizer and other large corporations.
Our business tax structure also needs revamping to support our business and job growth. I support expanding the job creation tax credit to $400 per month and applying the credit to companies when they hire someone who is currently unemployed. In order to be competitive with other states, we need to repeal the ten percent corporate tax surcharge and the Business Entity Tax.
4) What is your specific position on the proposed and controversial busway project and why?
I support the construction of the New Britain-Hartford Busway. I also support other mass transportation initiatives, such as rail. Contrary to what you hear from Bristol, the two are not mutually exclusive.
My support is based on several factors, the first three which are: jobs, jobs and more jobs. The Busway project alone will create 1000 jobs for local residents. People are out of work NOW and need jobs NOW not when a rail project is started in ten or more years. The Busway also creates a secondary wave of job opportunities with construction of residential, offices and services (such as retail) and then permanent jobs in those new buildings. In addition, employers will see available mass transit in the Busway as a positive reason to locate to the area.
Another factor is the large investment of over $60 million in the Busway. Yes, costs have escalated since the project was first conceived, but compare the cost to complete the Busway to starting from scratch for a railway. Our highways need relief now and the Federal government will not look favorably on Connecticut’s complete about face on its transportation policy, which could jeopardize our federal funding for decades to come.
I understand people’s frustration with the lengthy time and high cost of the Busway. But we need to keep in mind that the Busway is one part of a total public transportation strategy. It is not an either/or situation between bus and rail – but a question of when and how.
5) Both candidates are New Britain residents and have a long record serving New Britain. What, specifically, can and will you do as it relates to representing all of Berlin and part of Farmington?
First, I can bring a strong record of constituent service from my seven plus years as mayor to the office of state senator. I hold monthly open office hours to hear people’s concerns and try to resolve issues. I try to give timely responses – people may not like the answer they get, but they do get an answer. I also make it a point to get out to community events which is a great way to hear what is on people’s minds. I plan to continue this outreach into all three communities if elected to the state senate.
Second, during my time as mayor I have already worked with Berlin and Farmington officials by serving on regional boards and working together on matters of mutual concern. I served as President and Vice President of the BRRFOC solid waste disposal authority for 14 towns including New Britain and Berlin. New Britain’s landfill is in Berlin as is a part of our sports complex that houses Rockcats baseball. As such, I’ve worked jointly with Mayor Salina, Town Manager McNair and others in Berlin on shared projects and issues. I’ve also worked with Farmington Town Manager Kathy Egan on economic development on our borders.
Lastly, I think most of the concerns are similar in all three towns, particularly the concern over high property and state income taxes. With my experience in cutting spending and lowering taxes in New Britain, I can be a strong advocate for Berlin and Farmington on these fiscal issues.
6) Donald DeFronzo previously held the position as state senator from the sixth district. As it relates to his job in office, please name one thing that you strongly agreed with him on and one thing you strongly disagreed with him on?
I admire the strong support that Senator DeFronzo gave to New Britain’s not for profit organizations. During his years in the state legislature, these organizations successfully completed much needed infrastructure improvements which allowed them to continue to provide service to our community. These projects included the Friendship Center’s supportive housing for the homeless, Prudence Crandall’s new facility for victims of domestic abuse, and expansion at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club. Senator DeFronzo was a strong advocate for these projects which helped them successfully receive state funding. The stronger these organizations, the more help they can provide to people in need which lessens the need for government to provide these services.
I strongly disagree with Senator DeFronzo’s flip-flop on support for the New Britain-Hartford Busway. I cannot understand why a representative would forsake a project that brings jobs for his constituents, development to his district and provide a much needed public transportation option for central Connecticut. Certainly there are concerns about the cost of the project, but the risks, benefits and need for this project have not changed so drastically as to totally abandon it. In my mind, he turned his back on the people of his district to participate in partisan grandstanding benefitting the town of Bristol, a town he did not represent. The drastic turnaround from his initial strong support of the Busway is not supported by facts. A representative should leave personal agendas at the door and support what is best for the district as a whole.
7) Name one person in state government and or politics, past or present, that you admire and why?
To me, New Britain State Representative Anthony “Tony” Tercyak was the epitome of public service. He was a teacher, a Board of Education member, a community volunteer and from 1994 until his death in 2003, served as New Britain’s 26th district as a state representative.
Tony took his service to his constituents very seriously. He went to his office at the State Capitol every day, in or out of session. People who called his office were pleasantly surprised to get a call back from Tony himself, usually less than 24 hours after their call or letter was received. He never told anyone “that’s not a state problem, I can’t help.” If someone had an immigration issue, he worked with Cong. Nancy Johnson or if it was a local issue, he called the mayor.
Tony did not care if you were Republican or Democrat, rich or poor, Polish or Hispanic, young or old, he saw only people, not their labels. Whether you were the Stanley Works CEO or an unemployed factory worker, Tony treated you the same. He was always a gentleman and always wanted to help. He encouraged many young teachers and political aspirants with his kind words and advice, including me as I ventured into the political arena as a candidate for Board of Education.
Tony Tercyak was the consummate “people person” and he had a true calling to public service. People involved in politics today could learn a real lesson from Tony’s gentle manner, selflessness and community spirit.
8) Do you think the right tone has been struck in political discourse these days or do you think there is too much finger pointing and not enough solutions?
Unfortunately, political discourse has taken on an overly negative tone, particularly here in Connecticut. The negative ads from both sides in the recent Governor and U.S. Senator elections are sufficient proof of that. It seems that candidates for office spend more time tearing down their opponents than talking about their own records or their ideas and solutions.
Also unfortunate is the personal nature of many of these attacks. Accusations, many without basis in fact, are thrown out against not only against the candidate, but their family members and businesses. These rumors and insinuations are then put out on the internet where they take on a life of their own. Much of this mud is slung anonymously on blogs. Even when proven wrong, vicious lies will still hang in cyberspace.
I think the media is partially to blame for rewarding this behavior with headlines and coverage. Print media in particular seems to gravitate toward the sensational, rather than do the research and get all sides of a story before printing it.
Office holders should focus more on what is best for the people they serve and less on partisan bickering and political gamesmanship. Republican or Democrat, we are here for the same reason: to give back to our communities and serve the public. By all means, question your opponents’ stand on issues, but not their motives or their personal integrity. And don’t just be a naysayer; make your criticism constructive with a solution.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
From The Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations
Website: http://ctact.org/
Email: fctopresident@aol.com
Telephone: 860-841-8032
February 18, 2011
JOIN THE FEDERATION ON SATURDAY, MARCH 19
From 8:30 AM to 12 Noon at The Chatfield in West Hartford , CT
The Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations
Will be Discussing How to Cut Spending and Reduce Taxes
The Public is Invited – Space is Limited
Please RSVP to fctopresident@aol.com or call 860-841-8032
By Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Continental Breakfast Donation
*********
TO GOVERNOR MALLOY AND CONNECTICUT STATE LEGISLATORS! PLEASE – PLEASE – PLEASE
CUT THE BUDGET! NO MORE ADDED TAXES!
REFORM STATE MANDATES!
Email: fctopresident@aol.com
Telephone: 860-841-8032
February 18, 2011
JOIN THE FEDERATION ON SATURDAY, MARCH 19
From 8:30 AM to 12 Noon at The Chatfield in West Hartford , CT
The Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations
Will be Discussing How to Cut Spending and Reduce Taxes
The Public is Invited – Space is Limited
Please RSVP to fctopresident@aol.com or call 860-841-8032
By Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Continental Breakfast Donation
*********
TO GOVERNOR MALLOY AND CONNECTICUT STATE LEGISLATORS! PLEASE – PLEASE – PLEASE
CUT THE BUDGET! NO MORE ADDED TAXES!
REFORM STATE MANDATES!
Bristol Area legislators clash on shifting funds busway to rail - The Bristol Press (bristolpress.com)
By Scott Whipple Staff Writer
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Entire Text of Governor Malloy's Budget Address: WFSB
Click the link above to read the entire text of Governor Malloy's budget address.
Share your thoughts and comments here!
Share your thoughts and comments here!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
For Immediate release by; Timothy Stewart
Mayor Timothy Stewart, 6th District State Senate Candidate
Will Take Part In Connecticut Republican Mayors Association
Press Conference
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 16, at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Legislative Office Building, Hartford Room #1B
TOPIC: Response to Gov. Dan Malloy's FY 2012-2013 budget address and
proposed tax increase
Background:
Stewart, mayor of New Britain, is a candidate in the 6th Senatorial
District Special Election scheduled for Feb. 22. Other Connecticut
mayors expected to attend include Mark Boughton of Danbury, a former
lieutenant governor candidate; Ryan Bingham of Torrington, Jeff
Wright of Newington, a former candidate for state treasurer; and Jason
McCoy of Vernon as well as other Republican mayor's from all across
the state.
Will Take Part In Connecticut Republican Mayors Association
Press Conference
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 16, at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Legislative Office Building, Hartford Room #1B
TOPIC: Response to Gov. Dan Malloy's FY 2012-2013 budget address and
proposed tax increase
Background:
Stewart, mayor of New Britain, is a candidate in the 6th Senatorial
District Special Election scheduled for Feb. 22. Other Connecticut
mayors expected to attend include Mark Boughton of Danbury, a former
lieutenant governor candidate; Ryan Bingham of Torrington, Jeff
Wright of Newington, a former candidate for state treasurer; and Jason
McCoy of Vernon as well as other Republican mayor's from all across
the state.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Stewart's Top Priority: Jobs
For Immediate Release
February 14, 2011
CONTACT: Dwight Blint, 860.899.4711dwightblint@gmail.com
Stewart's Top Priority: Jobs
Stewart: "Our next State Senator will have immediate responsibility to promote job growth for Berlin, Farmington, and New Britain."
New Britain, CT – New Britain Mayor Tim Stewart, a candidate for state senate in Connecticut’s 6th Senate District, today outlined a series of legislative proposals to immediately promote job growth for the district and the state of Connecticut.
As state senator, Stewart will focus on job growth as a top priority, advocating proposals to make it more affordable for businesses to succeed in Connecticut. Stewart supports expanding the job creation tax credit to $400 per month and applying the credit to companies when they hire someone who is currently unemployed. Stewart also supports repeal of the 10 percent corporate tax surcharge, repeal of the Business Entity Tax, and consolidation of Connecticut's three economic development entities (the Connecticut Development Authority (CDA), Connecticut Innovations, and the Connecticut Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)) into a single Economic Development Authority to reduce government bureaucracy and create one-stop shopping for businesses looking to settle or expand in Connecticut.
“For years the cost of doing business in Connecticut has continued to increase, making it hard for municipalities like New Britain, Berlin and Farmington to not only maintain jobs, but also create new jobs. When the legislature addresses the current $3.5 billion budget deficit, they must do so in a way that promotes job growth in Connecticut,” said Stewart. “As mayor, I have a record of growing jobs in the City of New Britain. As a legislator, I will continue my efforts to improve the business climate in our state.”
As mayor since 2003, Stewart has promoted a business friendly administration as a key to attracting and developing new jobs for New Britain. He has lowered taxes in six of seven budget cycles, reduced city spending and created a business development task force to streamline the city’s permitting process. As a result, the city has generated over $100 million in new investments and has helped businesses to create more than 600 new jobs during the past seven years.
###
February 14, 2011
CONTACT: Dwight Blint, 860.899.4711dwightblint@gmail.com
Stewart's Top Priority: Jobs
Stewart: "Our next State Senator will have immediate responsibility to promote job growth for Berlin, Farmington, and New Britain."
New Britain, CT – New Britain Mayor Tim Stewart, a candidate for state senate in Connecticut’s 6th Senate District, today outlined a series of legislative proposals to immediately promote job growth for the district and the state of Connecticut.
As state senator, Stewart will focus on job growth as a top priority, advocating proposals to make it more affordable for businesses to succeed in Connecticut. Stewart supports expanding the job creation tax credit to $400 per month and applying the credit to companies when they hire someone who is currently unemployed. Stewart also supports repeal of the 10 percent corporate tax surcharge, repeal of the Business Entity Tax, and consolidation of Connecticut's three economic development entities (the Connecticut Development Authority (CDA), Connecticut Innovations, and the Connecticut Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)) into a single Economic Development Authority to reduce government bureaucracy and create one-stop shopping for businesses looking to settle or expand in Connecticut.
“For years the cost of doing business in Connecticut has continued to increase, making it hard for municipalities like New Britain, Berlin and Farmington to not only maintain jobs, but also create new jobs. When the legislature addresses the current $3.5 billion budget deficit, they must do so in a way that promotes job growth in Connecticut,” said Stewart. “As mayor, I have a record of growing jobs in the City of New Britain. As a legislator, I will continue my efforts to improve the business climate in our state.”
As mayor since 2003, Stewart has promoted a business friendly administration as a key to attracting and developing new jobs for New Britain. He has lowered taxes in six of seven budget cycles, reduced city spending and created a business development task force to streamline the city’s permitting process. As a result, the city has generated over $100 million in new investments and has helped businesses to create more than 600 new jobs during the past seven years.
###
STEWART BACKED BY REALTORS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2011
CONTACT: (860) 416-2140
Tim Stewart has received the support of the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) in his bid for election to the State Senate for the 6TH District.
RPAC is a voluntary, non-partisan committee of the Connecticut Association of REALTORS® that promotes homeownership and the right to freely transfer, own and use real property of all types. It strives to encourage REALTORS® to take a more active part in the political process and to fulfill their own responsibilities.
RPAC provides support to chosen candidates of all occupations, not just real estate practitioners. RPAC communicates the endorsement to members of the Connecticut Association of REALTORS®, urging them to support the endorsed candidate.
The Committee raises its funds from thousands of individual Realtor volunteers, most of whom are small donors. They share concerns about excessive real estate conveyance taxes, the need for affordable housing, and a healthy free enterprise system. RPAC’s contributions to candidates are strictly regulated by the State Elections Enforcement Commission. Financial statements are filed regularly with the State of Connecticut.
The Stewart for State Senate Committee, having received funding under the State’s Citizens Election Fund, cannot receive any contributions from RPAC in conjunction with this endorsement.
Stewart said, “I am honored to receive the support of the members of the Connecticut Association of REALTORS®. RPAC members and I agree that the state legislature needs to work to make Connecticut a more business friendly state and encourage more homeownership and investment in real property. I look forward to working with REALTORS® from Berlin, Farmington and New Britain if elected to the state senate on February 22nd.”
- End --
February 11, 2011
CONTACT: (860) 416-2140
Tim Stewart has received the support of the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) in his bid for election to the State Senate for the 6TH District.
RPAC is a voluntary, non-partisan committee of the Connecticut Association of REALTORS® that promotes homeownership and the right to freely transfer, own and use real property of all types. It strives to encourage REALTORS® to take a more active part in the political process and to fulfill their own responsibilities.
RPAC provides support to chosen candidates of all occupations, not just real estate practitioners. RPAC communicates the endorsement to members of the Connecticut Association of REALTORS®, urging them to support the endorsed candidate.
The Committee raises its funds from thousands of individual Realtor volunteers, most of whom are small donors. They share concerns about excessive real estate conveyance taxes, the need for affordable housing, and a healthy free enterprise system. RPAC’s contributions to candidates are strictly regulated by the State Elections Enforcement Commission. Financial statements are filed regularly with the State of Connecticut.
The Stewart for State Senate Committee, having received funding under the State’s Citizens Election Fund, cannot receive any contributions from RPAC in conjunction with this endorsement.
Stewart said, “I am honored to receive the support of the members of the Connecticut Association of REALTORS®. RPAC members and I agree that the state legislature needs to work to make Connecticut a more business friendly state and encourage more homeownership and investment in real property. I look forward to working with REALTORS® from Berlin, Farmington and New Britain if elected to the state senate on February 22nd.”
- End --
New Britain Educators: More Cuts On The Way - CTnow
By DON STACOM
The recent BOE meeting with the City Council regarding the BOE budget for next year many questions have surfaced as to why Doris Kurtz is Participating in these discussions since she is a lame duck.
The recent BOE meeting with the City Council regarding the BOE budget for next year many questions have surfaced as to why Doris Kurtz is Participating in these discussions since she is a lame duck.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Joint Statement By Mayor Stewart with Mayor Ward and others to Governor Malloy
New Britain, CT – New Britain Mayor Tim Stewart joined State Senator
Jason Welch (R-31), State Representative Whit Betts (R-78), Bristol
Mayor Art Ward and several other municipal leaders from Central
Connecticut Thursday to call on Governor Dannel P. Malloy to give
municipalities relief from unfunded and underfunded state mandates -
laws the State of Connecticut impose on its municipalities without
providing the funding necessary to implement them. In a letter to the
governor, the bipartisan group of legislators, municipal leaders and
school superintendents asked that existing state mandates be
permanently erased or at least temporarily eased to provide cities and
towns with more flexibility as they work to balance local budgets.
“As mayor I have watched unfunded mandates drive up local government
expenses to the point where many cities and towns have had to raise
taxes or cut important government services in order to balance local
budgets. I am proud to join this bi-partisan effort and lend my voice
to the cause of reducing current unfunded mandates and stopping new
mandates from being passed on to our already cash-strapped
municipalities,” said Stewart.
Stewart, who is also a candidate for the 6th District senatorial seat
that represents Berlin, Farmington and New Britain, has served for the
past several years on the state Advisory Commission on
Intergovernmental Relations (ACIR), a group of state and local leaders
seeking to identify these unfunded mandates and advocate the
collaboration of different levels of government to minimize their
negative impact.
“The ACIR has made great progress by bringing critical attention to
these hidden taxpayer burdens," said Stewart. "It is now up to the
state legislature to work to not only eliminate existing mandates, but
be cognizant of their impact when proposing and enacting new
legislation. I look forward to making that effort a priority if
elected to the State Senate on February 22nd.”
Mandates passed down from the State of Connecticut have a major impact
on both municipal and local school budgets. Towns already facing
possible deficits from reductions in federal and state aid will still
have the same mandates to fulfill without action from the governor and
legislature.
###
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Sherwood is Causing Trouble Again!
Sherwood is part of the Gerratana's Campaign
Former New Britain Alderman Phil Sherwood insisted that he is only interested in making New Britain City Hall government more transparent, and emphasizes that he began pushing for stronger ethics rules for months in New Britain before Mayor Stewart declared his candidacy for Senate seat.
New Britain Democrats have been pressing to get their accusations against Mayor Stewart and the Republicans into the news before the Feb. 22nd 6th District election.
I call it "Dirty Politics".
Former New Britain Alderman Phil Sherwood insisted that he is only interested in making New Britain City Hall government more transparent, and emphasizes that he began pushing for stronger ethics rules for months in New Britain before Mayor Stewart declared his candidacy for Senate seat.
New Britain Democrats have been pressing to get their accusations against Mayor Stewart and the Republicans into the news before the Feb. 22nd 6th District election.
I call it "Dirty Politics".
If Only Democrats Could Read?
Legislative Democrats are proclaiming our intersections will be safer with red light cameras, but a CBS report of Los Angeles intersections with red light cameras found that crashes increased dramatically as motorists who stopped abruptly to avoid one of big brother's tickets were rear ended by the person following them who had intended to run the light until the person in front of them stopped.
If only our legislative Democrats could read!
Click the headline above to read the entire CBS report.
If only our legislative Democrats could read!
Click the headline above to read the entire CBS report.
Video of Red Light Cameras Making Intersections Safe!
With the Democrats in the legislature proposing to make our intersections safe by installing red light cameras, here is a few minutes of video showing how effective that really is!
THE COMON COUNCIL CHAMBER LITERALLY WENT TO THE DOGS!
Smith Photo
With at least 96 attendees with an approximate 40 speakers expressing their views to the council members from towns throughout our state with Minority Leader Louis Salvio he will not listen to comments made by people who do not reside in New Britain.They Came from Watertown, Newington, Berlin, Bloomfield, Washington Ct., Cornwall, Glastonbury, Amherst, Mass and of course New Britain using 90 minutes of discourse.
Most pleaded for cats to be included as part of the caring issue for the kennel. One individual talked about a particular household's tenants shooting the neighborhood pets in the head as they go by their property and also mentioned of buying drugs and selling them directly from the property.
Some spoke highly of officer Russo's caring for the dogs but pleaded the council membership to include cats for its city pound.
Expression of having the city utilizing Pet finders so that many of the animals be placed in a loving home rather being euthanasia by the kennel.
Some spoke highly of the dedication that officer Russo handled his job but pleaded that the city should include this care for cats as well.
Bristol Lesson: Keep City Employees Off Council - Courant.com
This Issue Should Apply to The New Britain Common Council Membership
Stewart signs pledge to not hold two jobs at once, after changing wording - The New Britain Herald (newbritainherald.com)
By ROBERT STORACE
STAFF WRITER
STAFF WRITER
Stewart doubts
debate fairness - The New Britain Herald (newbritainherald.com)
By ROBERT STORACE
STAFF WRITER
STAFF WRITER
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Sir Speedy's "Reply to Charges of No Bid Contracts".
Editor:
You can tell it's election season in New Britain. The mudslinging is thick. There has been an accusation that, as alderman, I have received special treatment when bidding city printing work.
My wife Maria and I risked and invested our family savings in starting a printing company, Sir Speedy Printing Center, in 1988. Although the franchiser wanted us to locate in Hartford we decided to start our business in our hometown; downtown New Britain.
We have been on the New Britain city bid list since 1988. This means Mayors McNamara, DeFronzo, Blogolawski, Pawlak and Stewart have been in office during this time.
June 2003 we decided to sell our business. Sir Speedy continued to do business with the City and remained on the City bid list.
In late 2004 we were informed by the new owner that he was closing the doors. We decided to buy back the business.
I was a democrat alderman from 1993-2003 and decided not to run for re-election in November 2003, the year Mayor Stewart won as Mayor.
When I repurchased the business in late 2004 I was still a democrat and was not on the City Council.
I was asked by Mayor Stewart to come out of political retirement and run for the City Council November 2005. I accepted and also changed political parties. I was reelected.
I never asked Mayor Stewart to steer city work to my business. To avoid the appearance of conflict our store manager has ALWAYS handled City bid work. He quotes the jobs and, if the lowest bid, the City awards us the printing order.
I never asked department heads or city employees to steer city work to my business.
To our knowledge the Mayor has never been involved with any bids we have submitted.
We have NEVER split orders to get under $3000. According to my store manager the City bids out printing well below the $3000 threshold. Numerous departments bid out printing when they deem it necessary. There is no contract for printing.
During my terms as alderman I have NEVER voted for city work being awarded to Sir Speedy Printing Center nor have I voted for changing ANY bidding procedures.
According to the list produced for the Herald of work Sir Speedy Printing Center (a) the list included the time frame I was NOT an alderman during Mayor Stewart's first term (b) included work we did for the Downtown District (a non-City agency).
There is no documentation to corroborate these wild accusations of "no bid" work being steered to my company.
This is all about the people trying to embarrass Mayor Stewart two weeks before the special election. This is, unfortunately, the underbelly of New Britain politics and is even low for New Britain standards. This is why good people choose not to get involved in politics.
I guess I should be honored. This is the same anti-business crew that (1) kicked Walmart out of New Britain (2) ridiculed the several million dollar offer made by a potential purchaser of Pinnacle Heights (3) condemned Papa's Dodge and Schaller Auto for legally asking for tax breaks to expand and bring jobs to New Britain.
As a New Britain small business owner of 20 years what am I to tell my employees? Don't bid legal, legitimate City work? Don't respond to bid requests? Don't deal with customers at the front counter that need immediate service? Don't answer the phones? Give work to our out of town competitors?
People have to ask why businesses would want to locate in New Britain. We saw what happened when an out of town company bid the Fairview Cemetery fence even though the City had a bona fide fencing company, owned by Alderman Willie Pabon, that does quality, cost effective work.
Willie Pabon chose not to bid the Fairview Cemetery work, the Aquinas work or the Police Department because of the poisoned atmosphere. Too bad. His quotes would have saved the City over $20,000 and provided jobs for New Britain residents.
So much for being "business friendly".
Mark Bernacki, Alderman
141 Oakwood Drive
New Britain CT 06052
-
You can tell it's election season in New Britain. The mudslinging is thick. There has been an accusation that, as alderman, I have received special treatment when bidding city printing work.
My wife Maria and I risked and invested our family savings in starting a printing company, Sir Speedy Printing Center, in 1988. Although the franchiser wanted us to locate in Hartford we decided to start our business in our hometown; downtown New Britain.
We have been on the New Britain city bid list since 1988. This means Mayors McNamara, DeFronzo, Blogolawski, Pawlak and Stewart have been in office during this time.
June 2003 we decided to sell our business. Sir Speedy continued to do business with the City and remained on the City bid list.
In late 2004 we were informed by the new owner that he was closing the doors. We decided to buy back the business.
I was a democrat alderman from 1993-2003 and decided not to run for re-election in November 2003, the year Mayor Stewart won as Mayor.
When I repurchased the business in late 2004 I was still a democrat and was not on the City Council.
I was asked by Mayor Stewart to come out of political retirement and run for the City Council November 2005. I accepted and also changed political parties. I was reelected.
I never asked Mayor Stewart to steer city work to my business. To avoid the appearance of conflict our store manager has ALWAYS handled City bid work. He quotes the jobs and, if the lowest bid, the City awards us the printing order.
I never asked department heads or city employees to steer city work to my business.
To our knowledge the Mayor has never been involved with any bids we have submitted.
We have NEVER split orders to get under $3000. According to my store manager the City bids out printing well below the $3000 threshold. Numerous departments bid out printing when they deem it necessary. There is no contract for printing.
During my terms as alderman I have NEVER voted for city work being awarded to Sir Speedy Printing Center nor have I voted for changing ANY bidding procedures.
According to the list produced for the Herald of work Sir Speedy Printing Center (a) the list included the time frame I was NOT an alderman during Mayor Stewart's first term (b) included work we did for the Downtown District (a non-City agency).
There is no documentation to corroborate these wild accusations of "no bid" work being steered to my company.
This is all about the people trying to embarrass Mayor Stewart two weeks before the special election. This is, unfortunately, the underbelly of New Britain politics and is even low for New Britain standards. This is why good people choose not to get involved in politics.
I guess I should be honored. This is the same anti-business crew that (1) kicked Walmart out of New Britain (2) ridiculed the several million dollar offer made by a potential purchaser of Pinnacle Heights (3) condemned Papa's Dodge and Schaller Auto for legally asking for tax breaks to expand and bring jobs to New Britain.
As a New Britain small business owner of 20 years what am I to tell my employees? Don't bid legal, legitimate City work? Don't respond to bid requests? Don't deal with customers at the front counter that need immediate service? Don't answer the phones? Give work to our out of town competitors?
People have to ask why businesses would want to locate in New Britain. We saw what happened when an out of town company bid the Fairview Cemetery fence even though the City had a bona fide fencing company, owned by Alderman Willie Pabon, that does quality, cost effective work.
Willie Pabon chose not to bid the Fairview Cemetery work, the Aquinas work or the Police Department because of the poisoned atmosphere. Too bad. His quotes would have saved the City over $20,000 and provided jobs for New Britain residents.
So much for being "business friendly".
Mark Bernacki, Alderman
141 Oakwood Drive
New Britain CT 06052
-
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BY MAYOR STEWART
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2011
CONTACT: Lisa Carver, Mayor’s Office (860) 826-3303
Sgt. Robert Martin, NBPD, (860) 826-3013
NEW BRITAIN TAKES ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO DEAL WITH UNPRECEDENTED SNOW ACCUMULATIONS; MAYOR STEWART CALLS FOR COOPERATION FROM CITY RESIDENTS
Mayor Timothy T. Stewart today announced additional measures the City is taking to ensure public safety as New Britain continues to deal with an unprecedented accumulation of snow.
“I called an emergency meeting this morning of applicable departments to brainstorm ways to deal with any continuing hazards from previous storms as well as any additional accumulations expected this week,” said Mayor Stewart. “Given New Britain’s density, the number of hills, and the lack of off street parking in many multi-family buildings, we have been particularly hard hit this winter.”
At the meeting were representatives of the Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks, Property Management and Water Departments as well as from New Britain EMS (ambulance) and the Consolidated School District. Issues discussed included accessibility of emergency vehicles and school buses, restrictions for on street parking, visibility at intersections and sharing of information among departments.
Mayor Stewart continued, “Our first priority is the safety of residents, employees, and visitors to our City. Of particular concern is the steps needed to ensure that emergency vehicles can continue to get through when needed and of course, the safety of children in getting to school. We are taking several steps (outlined below) to allow city employees to continue the clean up and prioritize those streets that need additional attention to ensure public safety.”
Those additional steps are as follows:
1. Effective immediately and until further notice, there will be a 24-hour parking ban on streets designated as snow emergency routes (see attached list). No overnight parking will be allowed on these streets. This is separate from the storm related parking ban being issued for Tuesday’s anticipated storm (#2).
2. A parking ban for all City streets will begin at midnight tonight (Monday, February 7th) until further notice. Given the limited width, particularly on secondary roads, the ban will be strictly enforced and cars will be ticketed and towed. Residents are reminded to use the lots designated for free parking (see attached).
3. Residents, businesses and private plowing contractors are reminded that under Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 13b-221 there is a $100 fine for dumping snow on a public road. Contractors plowing driveways and private parking lots have made a bad situation worse by plowing snow into already narrowed City streets. Police will be strictly enforcing this statute during Tuesday’s and any additional storms.
4. The School District, Fire, Police and EMS will be working together with the Public Works Department to prioritize areas that need snow removal to improve accessibility for emergency vehicles and school buses. Other City departments, such as Parks and Property Management, will assist in helping to clear those priority areas.
5. When clearing out the above priority areas, it may be necessary to temporarily limit parking and access to streets to facilitate the cleaning.
6. Property owners are reminded to clear their sidewalks and any fire hydrants near their property. Also, if there are catch basins in the vicinity of your property, please attempt (although snow accumulations may make this not feasible) to keep those clear to minimize flooding and standing water when thawing does occur.
Mayor Stewart concluded, “I want to commend city employees and private citizens alike who are dealing with the worst winter in decades as best we can. I ask for continued cooperation and patience so that everyone can get through until spring safely. Let this also serve as a warning to those who continue to dump snow in the streets or defy the parking ban: we will be strictly enforcing local and state laws to facilitate keeping our streets clear.”
Questions on parking bans and other traffic concerns can be directed to the New Britain Police Department at (860) 826-3000. Concerns on snow operations can be directed to the Public Works Department at (860) 826-3350 or after business hours to the City Yard at (860) 826-3480.
February 7, 2011
CONTACT: Lisa Carver, Mayor’s Office (860) 826-3303
Sgt. Robert Martin, NBPD, (860) 826-3013
NEW BRITAIN TAKES ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO DEAL WITH UNPRECEDENTED SNOW ACCUMULATIONS; MAYOR STEWART CALLS FOR COOPERATION FROM CITY RESIDENTS
Mayor Timothy T. Stewart today announced additional measures the City is taking to ensure public safety as New Britain continues to deal with an unprecedented accumulation of snow.
“I called an emergency meeting this morning of applicable departments to brainstorm ways to deal with any continuing hazards from previous storms as well as any additional accumulations expected this week,” said Mayor Stewart. “Given New Britain’s density, the number of hills, and the lack of off street parking in many multi-family buildings, we have been particularly hard hit this winter.”
At the meeting were representatives of the Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks, Property Management and Water Departments as well as from New Britain EMS (ambulance) and the Consolidated School District. Issues discussed included accessibility of emergency vehicles and school buses, restrictions for on street parking, visibility at intersections and sharing of information among departments.
Mayor Stewart continued, “Our first priority is the safety of residents, employees, and visitors to our City. Of particular concern is the steps needed to ensure that emergency vehicles can continue to get through when needed and of course, the safety of children in getting to school. We are taking several steps (outlined below) to allow city employees to continue the clean up and prioritize those streets that need additional attention to ensure public safety.”
Those additional steps are as follows:
1. Effective immediately and until further notice, there will be a 24-hour parking ban on streets designated as snow emergency routes (see attached list). No overnight parking will be allowed on these streets. This is separate from the storm related parking ban being issued for Tuesday’s anticipated storm (#2).
2. A parking ban for all City streets will begin at midnight tonight (Monday, February 7th) until further notice. Given the limited width, particularly on secondary roads, the ban will be strictly enforced and cars will be ticketed and towed. Residents are reminded to use the lots designated for free parking (see attached).
3. Residents, businesses and private plowing contractors are reminded that under Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 13b-221 there is a $100 fine for dumping snow on a public road. Contractors plowing driveways and private parking lots have made a bad situation worse by plowing snow into already narrowed City streets. Police will be strictly enforcing this statute during Tuesday’s and any additional storms.
4. The School District, Fire, Police and EMS will be working together with the Public Works Department to prioritize areas that need snow removal to improve accessibility for emergency vehicles and school buses. Other City departments, such as Parks and Property Management, will assist in helping to clear those priority areas.
5. When clearing out the above priority areas, it may be necessary to temporarily limit parking and access to streets to facilitate the cleaning.
6. Property owners are reminded to clear their sidewalks and any fire hydrants near their property. Also, if there are catch basins in the vicinity of your property, please attempt (although snow accumulations may make this not feasible) to keep those clear to minimize flooding and standing water when thawing does occur.
Mayor Stewart concluded, “I want to commend city employees and private citizens alike who are dealing with the worst winter in decades as best we can. I ask for continued cooperation and patience so that everyone can get through until spring safely. Let this also serve as a warning to those who continue to dump snow in the streets or defy the parking ban: we will be strictly enforcing local and state laws to facilitate keeping our streets clear.”
Questions on parking bans and other traffic concerns can be directed to the New Britain Police Department at (860) 826-3000. Concerns on snow operations can be directed to the Public Works Department at (860) 826-3350 or after business hours to the City Yard at (860) 826-3480.
New Britain Snow Emergency Routes: NO PARKING ON THE STREETS NOTED BELOW UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!
New Britain Snow Emergency Routes:
Sec. 15-121. Snow emergency routes designated.
The following streets or portions of streets within the city are hereby designated snow
emergency routes:
Alexander Street.
Allen Street.
Arch Street.
Beaver Street, from North Street to Farmington Avenue.
Black Rock Avenue.
Brittany Farms Road.
Broad Street.
Brown Street, excepting the south side thereof between High Street and Burritt Street.
Burritt Street.
Carlton Street.
Chestnut Street.
Child Street, from Newington Avenue to Connecticut Avenue.
Columbus Boulevard, from Cedar Street to Ellis Street.
Corbin Avenue.
Court Street.
Dwight Street.
East Main Street.
East Street.
Eddy Glover Boulevard.
Ella Grasso Road.
Farmington Avenue.
Franklin Square.
Governor Street, from Farmington Avenue to Corbin Avenue.
Grand Street.
Griswold Street, between Grand and Hart Streets.
Grove Street, between Myrtle and Broad Streets.
Hart Street.
Hartford Road.
Horse Plain Road.
John Downey Drive.
Jubilee Street.
Kensington Avenue.
Lafayette Street.
Lincoln Street, between Black Rock Avenue and West Main Street.
Main Street.
Market Street.
Martin Luther King Drive.
McClintock Street.
Myrtle Street.
North Street, from Main Street to Martin Luther King Drive.
Oak Street, from North Street to Allen Street.
Osgood Avenue, between Slater Road and Farmington Avenue.
Paul J. Manafort Drive
Prospect Street.
Russell Street.
Slater Road.
New Britain Snow Emergency Routes (continued):
South High Street.
South Main Street.
South Street.
Stanley Street.
Veterans' Drive.
Village Square Drive.
Walnut Street.
Washington Street.
West Main Street.
Woodland Street, north side only.
(Code 1970, § 22-41(18); Ord. of 1-85; Ords. of 4-88(2); Ord. of 5-89; Ords. of 1-90(2); No.
26824-1, 2-27-02)
When a parking ban is enacted all vehicles parked on city streets while the ban is in effect are subject to a $100.00 parking ticket and may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Residents are urged to cooperate with the parking ban so as to facilitate the removal of snow from city streets.
Free parking will be available at the following locations during the ban:
Osgood Park
Stanley Golf Course
Quonset hut parking lot at 655 Slater Road
City parking lot at Wildwood St. & Linden St. (next to Police substation)
Washington Park (lot opposite Gold Street)
Martha Hart Park
City parking garage - (Bank St./Chestnut St.)
City parking garage - (Columbus Blvd. at the corner of Washington St.)
Residents are also advised that those responsible for the maintenance of property with sidewalks are required to clear their sidewalks within six hours of daylight following the accumulation of snow. Those who do not clear their sidewalks may be fined accordingly
Sec. 15-121. Snow emergency routes designated.
The following streets or portions of streets within the city are hereby designated snow
emergency routes:
Alexander Street.
Allen Street.
Arch Street.
Beaver Street, from North Street to Farmington Avenue.
Black Rock Avenue.
Brittany Farms Road.
Broad Street.
Brown Street, excepting the south side thereof between High Street and Burritt Street.
Burritt Street.
Carlton Street.
Chestnut Street.
Child Street, from Newington Avenue to Connecticut Avenue.
Columbus Boulevard, from Cedar Street to Ellis Street.
Corbin Avenue.
Court Street.
Dwight Street.
East Main Street.
East Street.
Eddy Glover Boulevard.
Ella Grasso Road.
Farmington Avenue.
Franklin Square.
Governor Street, from Farmington Avenue to Corbin Avenue.
Grand Street.
Griswold Street, between Grand and Hart Streets.
Grove Street, between Myrtle and Broad Streets.
Hart Street.
Hartford Road.
Horse Plain Road.
John Downey Drive.
Jubilee Street.
Kensington Avenue.
Lafayette Street.
Lincoln Street, between Black Rock Avenue and West Main Street.
Main Street.
Market Street.
Martin Luther King Drive.
McClintock Street.
Myrtle Street.
North Street, from Main Street to Martin Luther King Drive.
Oak Street, from North Street to Allen Street.
Osgood Avenue, between Slater Road and Farmington Avenue.
Paul J. Manafort Drive
Prospect Street.
Russell Street.
Slater Road.
New Britain Snow Emergency Routes (continued):
South High Street.
South Main Street.
South Street.
Stanley Street.
Veterans' Drive.
Village Square Drive.
Walnut Street.
Washington Street.
West Main Street.
Woodland Street, north side only.
(Code 1970, § 22-41(18); Ord. of 1-85; Ords. of 4-88(2); Ord. of 5-89; Ords. of 1-90(2); No.
26824-1, 2-27-02)
When a parking ban is enacted all vehicles parked on city streets while the ban is in effect are subject to a $100.00 parking ticket and may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Residents are urged to cooperate with the parking ban so as to facilitate the removal of snow from city streets.
Free parking will be available at the following locations during the ban:
Osgood Park
Stanley Golf Course
Quonset hut parking lot at 655 Slater Road
City parking lot at Wildwood St. & Linden St. (next to Police substation)
Washington Park (lot opposite Gold Street)
Martha Hart Park
City parking garage - (Bank St./Chestnut St.)
City parking garage - (Columbus Blvd. at the corner of Washington St.)
Residents are also advised that those responsible for the maintenance of property with sidewalks are required to clear their sidewalks within six hours of daylight following the accumulation of snow. Those who do not clear their sidewalks may be fined accordingly
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Letter to The Editor by The Minority Leader
2/5/11
To the Editor:
Democrats in New Britain, in particular, Common Council member, Mike Trueworthy and Donald DeFronzo apparently are sure that Mayor Tim Stewart will win the special election for the 6th District Senatorial seat. Trueworthy has issued a demand to Mayor Stewart that he sign some kind of pledge to whom and for what I still don’t understand. Trueworthy wants to be Mayor so much that he can taste it – he is Mayor Pro Tem of the Council and wants to take over when the Mayor “wins.”
DeFronzo writes a crass letter to the Editor of the New Britain City Journal. I’ll concentrate mostly on that letter since, Trueworthy’s demand, is as usual, incoherent nonsense. Actually, DeFronzo spends a good deal of his letter talking about his tenure as Mayor of NB and how taxing it was to him, personally. Can anyone in NB recall anything significant accomplished by the DeFronzo administration?
Things change over time; it’s been 19 years since DeFronzo was Mayor of NB. Since then, the technological explosion worldwide has changed all jobs, including that of being Mayor of NB. People can, and do hold numerous positions simultaneously because information is instantaneously provided
Before the fact - the 2/22 special election – DeFronzo accuses the Mayor of having, (1) a conflict of interest and, (2) “ ... the attempt to grab and consolidate the power and influence of two major political positions is a bad decision.” DeFronzo cites the NB Charter and says that Stewart must have no other occupation while Mayor. Let’s say that the Mayor was a day trader in the stock market and made the bulk of his income that way. Is a lucrative hobby another occupation?
Is that any worse than DeFronzo being in violation of the Federal Hatch Act in 2002? DeFronzo was executive director of the NB HRA; yet, someone at HRA gives him a “no-announcement/no application other position and a slight pay cut. Don runs for the State Senate and beats Bozek. You want to talk about conflicts?
DeFronzo spends most of his time pontificating about the responsibilities and demands of public service. OH, give me a break! He speaks of the attempts to hold dual or more political offices and the conflicts of interest attendant on the practice. Don, the State legislature is full of such conflicts. And Don, don’t lecture people about “... well reasoned and long established standards “ of behavior of public officials. What are the standards that keep Rick Lopes and Greg Gerratana employed as legislative aides?
Tim Stewart is an honorable man and won’t leave New Britain in the lurch. He has made that abundantly clear in a recent public statement. As The New Britain Herald said in a recent editorial, (2/3/11), “Always Check The Facts.” Apologies in advance if I failed to do so.
Lou Salvio, Alderman, City of New Britain
To the Editor:
Democrats in New Britain, in particular, Common Council member, Mike Trueworthy and Donald DeFronzo apparently are sure that Mayor Tim Stewart will win the special election for the 6th District Senatorial seat. Trueworthy has issued a demand to Mayor Stewart that he sign some kind of pledge to whom and for what I still don’t understand. Trueworthy wants to be Mayor so much that he can taste it – he is Mayor Pro Tem of the Council and wants to take over when the Mayor “wins.”
DeFronzo writes a crass letter to the Editor of the New Britain City Journal. I’ll concentrate mostly on that letter since, Trueworthy’s demand, is as usual, incoherent nonsense. Actually, DeFronzo spends a good deal of his letter talking about his tenure as Mayor of NB and how taxing it was to him, personally. Can anyone in NB recall anything significant accomplished by the DeFronzo administration?
Things change over time; it’s been 19 years since DeFronzo was Mayor of NB. Since then, the technological explosion worldwide has changed all jobs, including that of being Mayor of NB. People can, and do hold numerous positions simultaneously because information is instantaneously provided
Before the fact - the 2/22 special election – DeFronzo accuses the Mayor of having, (1) a conflict of interest and, (2) “ ... the attempt to grab and consolidate the power and influence of two major political positions is a bad decision.” DeFronzo cites the NB Charter and says that Stewart must have no other occupation while Mayor. Let’s say that the Mayor was a day trader in the stock market and made the bulk of his income that way. Is a lucrative hobby another occupation?
Is that any worse than DeFronzo being in violation of the Federal Hatch Act in 2002? DeFronzo was executive director of the NB HRA; yet, someone at HRA gives him a “no-announcement/no application other position and a slight pay cut. Don runs for the State Senate and beats Bozek. You want to talk about conflicts?
DeFronzo spends most of his time pontificating about the responsibilities and demands of public service. OH, give me a break! He speaks of the attempts to hold dual or more political offices and the conflicts of interest attendant on the practice. Don, the State legislature is full of such conflicts. And Don, don’t lecture people about “... well reasoned and long established standards “ of behavior of public officials. What are the standards that keep Rick Lopes and Greg Gerratana employed as legislative aides?
Tim Stewart is an honorable man and won’t leave New Britain in the lurch. He has made that abundantly clear in a recent public statement. As The New Britain Herald said in a recent editorial, (2/3/11), “Always Check The Facts.” Apologies in advance if I failed to do so.
Lou Salvio, Alderman, City of New Britain
Jeb Bush 2016?
Newsmax
Jeb Bush: No to 2012 Run, Maybe to 2016
Friday, February 4, 2011 02:17 PM
By: Newsmax Wires
Jeb Bush in 2016? The National Review thinks so, and has put the Republicans’ favorite non-candidate on its Feb. 21 cover, Politico reports.
Jeb Bush
The mag hails the former Florida governor for building an image of himself as the “education governor” and of “quietly building a legacy as something other than the Bush who didn’t reach the Oval Office.”
“We’ve been
picking up a lot of interest about Jeb in ’12 among conservatives," said National Review editor Rich Lowry in an email to Politico. "We’ve put him on the cover in light of that, and of his continuing importance in the broader policy debate.”
Bush dismisses a 2012 run, but what about 2016?
“I sure hope a Republican is running for reelection then,” Bush said. “But I’ve learned never to say never.”
Then he added: “Right now, I still have a voice and I intend to use it
Jeb Bush: No to 2012 Run, Maybe to 2016
Friday, February 4, 2011 02:17 PM
By: Newsmax Wires
Jeb Bush in 2016? The National Review thinks so, and has put the Republicans’ favorite non-candidate on its Feb. 21 cover, Politico reports.
Jeb Bush
The mag hails the former Florida governor for building an image of himself as the “education governor” and of “quietly building a legacy as something other than the Bush who didn’t reach the Oval Office.”
“We’ve been
picking up a lot of interest about Jeb in ’12 among conservatives," said National Review editor Rich Lowry in an email to Politico. "We’ve put him on the cover in light of that, and of his continuing importance in the broader policy debate.”
Bush dismisses a 2012 run, but what about 2016?
“I sure hope a Republican is running for reelection then,” Bush said. “But I’ve learned never to say never.”
Then he added: “Right now, I still have a voice and I intend to use it
Friday, February 4, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Stewart Replies to The Democrats demand for Pledge
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2011
CONTACT: (860) 416-2140
STEWART ANSWERS DEMOCRATS ON CANDIDATE “PLEDGE”
6TH District State Senate candidate Tim Stewart today answered a request from several local Democrat office holders that he and his opponent, Terry Gerratana sign a “pledge” regarding their conduct if elected.
“Late yesterday, I received an email from Mike Trueworthy (New Britain Common Council member) giving me what is in effect an ultimatum to sign this document by 2:00 pm today, less than 24 hours after having received it. This is thinly veiled attempt to keep the issue of my tenure as Mayor alive, when I have already issued a statement (attached) that puts the matter to rest,” said Stewart.
“Frankly, I am very flattered by the fact that Democrats must be assuming I will win the special election on February 22nd by the amount of attention they are giving to my post-election plans. However, in order to be able to move on to discuss the many critical issues facing the state legislature, I have signed a modified version of the pledge (copy attached).”
“I have added that the next state senator should pledge to put the interests of their constituents above their political party. Public service above politics is something I strongly believe in as I have had to overcome hyper-partisanship throughout my tenure as mayor of New Britain. I hope my opponent will sign this tenet as well, despite some of the ugly partisan tactics from her camp during this shortened special election campaign.”
“In addition, I have added that some transition in the mayor’s office is necessary should I be privileged to win the election to the state senate. I don’t think anybody in their right mind would expect the CEO of a $200 million plus organization to walk away that abruptly. This whole issue is a tempest in a teapot being pushed by Mr. Trueworthy who is in a hurry to assume power as acting mayor should there be a vacancy.”
Stewart concluded, “I think voters deserve a more intelligent, issue focused discussion in the few weeks remaining in this campaign. For my part, I will continue wage a positive campaign based on my record and views on state government.”
-- End --
February 3, 2011
CONTACT: (860) 416-2140
STEWART ANSWERS DEMOCRATS ON CANDIDATE “PLEDGE”
6TH District State Senate candidate Tim Stewart today answered a request from several local Democrat office holders that he and his opponent, Terry Gerratana sign a “pledge” regarding their conduct if elected.
“Late yesterday, I received an email from Mike Trueworthy (New Britain Common Council member) giving me what is in effect an ultimatum to sign this document by 2:00 pm today, less than 24 hours after having received it. This is thinly veiled attempt to keep the issue of my tenure as Mayor alive, when I have already issued a statement (attached) that puts the matter to rest,” said Stewart.
“Frankly, I am very flattered by the fact that Democrats must be assuming I will win the special election on February 22nd by the amount of attention they are giving to my post-election plans. However, in order to be able to move on to discuss the many critical issues facing the state legislature, I have signed a modified version of the pledge (copy attached).”
“I have added that the next state senator should pledge to put the interests of their constituents above their political party. Public service above politics is something I strongly believe in as I have had to overcome hyper-partisanship throughout my tenure as mayor of New Britain. I hope my opponent will sign this tenet as well, despite some of the ugly partisan tactics from her camp during this shortened special election campaign.”
“In addition, I have added that some transition in the mayor’s office is necessary should I be privileged to win the election to the state senate. I don’t think anybody in their right mind would expect the CEO of a $200 million plus organization to walk away that abruptly. This whole issue is a tempest in a teapot being pushed by Mr. Trueworthy who is in a hurry to assume power as acting mayor should there be a vacancy.”
Stewart concluded, “I think voters deserve a more intelligent, issue focused discussion in the few weeks remaining in this campaign. For my part, I will continue wage a positive campaign based on my record and views on state government.”
-- End --
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Our View: Always Check The Facts: Gerratana Didn't New Britain Herald Editorial
This editorial raises serious questions about what candidate Gerratana might have known about the sleazy tactics that were being utilized by a "push" poll conducted on behalf of the state Democratic Party.
Finance & Taxation Chairman Sets Stewart's Record Straight
To the Editor:
Recently there has been a great deal of controversy about a push poll funded by State Democrats under the guise of research. In this push poll the "researchers" make numerous misleading and outright fabrications about New Britain Mayor Tim Stewart's record, especially in regard to taxes. Dan Kelly of the State Democratic Party has claimed that every question in the push poll was proven fact, including one question that alleges Stewart, who is a candidate for the 6th District state senatorial seat, has increased spending in New Britain by $40 million each year.
As chairman of the Board of Finance and Taxation, I feel it is my obligation to point out that this claim by Mr. Kelly is completely false.
The New Britain City budget is a publicly available document that anyone may download from the city website. If you review the budgets for the past seven years you can see that our city's budget has only increased by $12 million in total. In fact, the average increase over the past seven years has been less than $1.8 million per year. Here are the actual budget totals:
2005 - $198,248,780
2006 - $204,753,542
2007 - $207,071,521
2008 - $209,485,760
2009 - $214,512,934
2010 - $206,336,009
2011 - $210,178,692
I believe this data makes it abundantly clear that Mayor Stewart has, in no way, increased city spending by the amounts claimed by the Democratic party and that this supposed poll is nothing but a smear campaign.
The voters of Berlin, Farmington, and New Britain need to know the truth. Mayor Stewart has held an amazingly tight reign on municipal spending and taxes. As a result, year after year Blum Shapiro, a highly respected accounting firm, has repeatedly given the city and Stewart positive recommendations to the rating agencies. Subsequently, the city has been able to maintain a favorable AA bond rating throughout Stewart's tenure. Therefore, it easier and less costly for the city to borrow money needed to undertake improvement projects like the current police station project.
I know from my role on the Board of Finance and Taxation that working to present a balanced budget that addresses the needs of our city and is fiscally responsible is an extremely difficult task. Mayor Stewart should be lauded for successfully working with unions, city departments, and the common council to ensure the taxpayers of New Britain are well served and not overburdened. I can only hope that in the coming weeks, the state Democrats and their candidate will stop wasting their energy on false allegations and instead focus on addressing the concerns and issues that matter most to voters.
Nicholas D. Mercier
Chairman, Board of Finance and Taxation
61 Sexton Street, New Britain, CT
Recently there has been a great deal of controversy about a push poll funded by State Democrats under the guise of research. In this push poll the "researchers" make numerous misleading and outright fabrications about New Britain Mayor Tim Stewart's record, especially in regard to taxes. Dan Kelly of the State Democratic Party has claimed that every question in the push poll was proven fact, including one question that alleges Stewart, who is a candidate for the 6th District state senatorial seat, has increased spending in New Britain by $40 million each year.
As chairman of the Board of Finance and Taxation, I feel it is my obligation to point out that this claim by Mr. Kelly is completely false.
The New Britain City budget is a publicly available document that anyone may download from the city website. If you review the budgets for the past seven years you can see that our city's budget has only increased by $12 million in total. In fact, the average increase over the past seven years has been less than $1.8 million per year. Here are the actual budget totals:
2005 - $198,248,780
2006 - $204,753,542
2007 - $207,071,521
2008 - $209,485,760
2009 - $214,512,934
2010 - $206,336,009
2011 - $210,178,692
I believe this data makes it abundantly clear that Mayor Stewart has, in no way, increased city spending by the amounts claimed by the Democratic party and that this supposed poll is nothing but a smear campaign.
The voters of Berlin, Farmington, and New Britain need to know the truth. Mayor Stewart has held an amazingly tight reign on municipal spending and taxes. As a result, year after year Blum Shapiro, a highly respected accounting firm, has repeatedly given the city and Stewart positive recommendations to the rating agencies. Subsequently, the city has been able to maintain a favorable AA bond rating throughout Stewart's tenure. Therefore, it easier and less costly for the city to borrow money needed to undertake improvement projects like the current police station project.
I know from my role on the Board of Finance and Taxation that working to present a balanced budget that addresses the needs of our city and is fiscally responsible is an extremely difficult task. Mayor Stewart should be lauded for successfully working with unions, city departments, and the common council to ensure the taxpayers of New Britain are well served and not overburdened. I can only hope that in the coming weeks, the state Democrats and their candidate will stop wasting their energy on false allegations and instead focus on addressing the concerns and issues that matter most to voters.
Nicholas D. Mercier
Chairman, Board of Finance and Taxation
61 Sexton Street, New Britain, CT
A Minority Leader Reminder of Facts by Louis Salvio
February 1, 2011 5:30 PM"
Anonymous said...
Does anybody really want Mike "trainwreck" Trueworthy to step into the mayor's seat? Tim should finish his term and do the city a favor by not allowing the possibility of an unqualified person to occupy his seat!
When this current Common Council was voted into office in November of 2009, Republicans on the Council nominated Mark Bernacki for the position of Mayor Pro Tem.
We argued that Mark, a Republican like the Mayor, represented the kind of person the Mayor could trust to lead the city in a responsible way in those times when the Mayor, for whatever reason, could not be present.
The vote at the time was, 11 Democrats for Mike Trueworthy, 4 Republicans for Mark Bernacki. Had Mark Bernacki been voted to be Mayor Pro Tem, the above-quoted post at the beginning of this comment would not have been possible. Having Mark as Mayor Pro Tem would have made Mayor Stewart's transition to the State Senate non- problematic.
Right now, on the Council, Mike T. wanted to handle being both Pro Tem and Majority leader (double duty?).
Fortunately, while it may be different in their caucuses behind closed doors, Democrats chose to name Eva M. as their majority representative.
Council Democrats would do well to ask Mike T. to stand aside when Stewart wins the State Senate election.
Can't wait to see the rebuttals to that last sentence.
Anonymous said...
Does anybody really want Mike "trainwreck" Trueworthy to step into the mayor's seat? Tim should finish his term and do the city a favor by not allowing the possibility of an unqualified person to occupy his seat!
When this current Common Council was voted into office in November of 2009, Republicans on the Council nominated Mark Bernacki for the position of Mayor Pro Tem.
We argued that Mark, a Republican like the Mayor, represented the kind of person the Mayor could trust to lead the city in a responsible way in those times when the Mayor, for whatever reason, could not be present.
The vote at the time was, 11 Democrats for Mike Trueworthy, 4 Republicans for Mark Bernacki. Had Mark Bernacki been voted to be Mayor Pro Tem, the above-quoted post at the beginning of this comment would not have been possible. Having Mark as Mayor Pro Tem would have made Mayor Stewart's transition to the State Senate non- problematic.
Right now, on the Council, Mike T. wanted to handle being both Pro Tem and Majority leader (double duty?).
Fortunately, while it may be different in their caucuses behind closed doors, Democrats chose to name Eva M. as their majority representative.
Council Democrats would do well to ask Mike T. to stand aside when Stewart wins the State Senate election.
Can't wait to see the rebuttals to that last sentence.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
VIRGINIA CALLS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION TO ALLOW STATES TO INVALIDATE FEDERAL LAWS!
To prevent abusive laws like Obamacare from ever being forced upon the states by an overreaching, overzealous federal government, the Commonwealth of Virginia has started the process to amend the U.S Constitution to allow the state legislatures the power to invalidate absolutely any federal law they don't like.
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 542
Offered January 12, 2011
Prefiled December 15, 2010
Making application to the Congress of the United States to call an amendment convention pursuant to Article V of the United States Constitution for the purpose of proposing a constitutional amendment that permits the repeal of any federal law or regulation by vote of two-thirds of the state legislatures.
(Click the headline above if you wish to read the entire text of this proposed anti-Obamacare Constitutional Amendment as filed by the State of Virginia.)
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 542
Offered January 12, 2011
Prefiled December 15, 2010
Making application to the Congress of the United States to call an amendment convention pursuant to Article V of the United States Constitution for the purpose of proposing a constitutional amendment that permits the repeal of any federal law or regulation by vote of two-thirds of the state legislatures.
(Click the headline above if you wish to read the entire text of this proposed anti-Obamacare Constitutional Amendment as filed by the State of Virginia.)
THE SNOW-WHITE PUSH-PULL CAMPAIGN.
THE SNOW-WHITE PUSH-PULL CAMPAIGN.
The Idaho Attorney General’s office announced the settlement this afternoon 02/01/11 that Mountain West Research Center of Pocatello, Idaho had agreed to pay a fine and cooperated with the investigation after those polled complained that the pollster didn’t disclose who was paying for the poll even though they were saying negative things about Republican Senate candidate races. After many questions were asked by the Idaho Attorney General’s office the telephone poll stopped.
The Idaho Attorney General’s office announced the settlement this afternoon 02/01/11 that Mountain West Research Center of Pocatello, Idaho had agreed to pay a fine and cooperated with the investigation after those polled complained that the pollster didn’t disclose who was paying for the poll even though they were saying negative things about Republican Senate candidate races. After many questions were asked by the Idaho Attorney General’s office the telephone poll stopped.
Obama Tells Ellen DeGeneres: Forcing The Unisured To Buy Health Insurance Is Like Forcing The Homeless To Buy Homes!
Obama Tells Ellen DeGeneres: Forcing The Unisured To Buy Health Insurance Is Like Forcing The Homeless To Buy Homes!
February 1st Meeting CANCELLED! | New Britain Republicans
February 1st Meeting CANCELLED! | New Britain Republicans: "February 1st Meeting CANCELLED!
Tonight’s monthly meeting of the NBRTC is cancelled due to the terrible weather. Please keep safe if you have to drive and avoid the roads if at all possible. We will be meeting next Tuesday, February 8th, at the State GOP Headquarters at 321 Ellis Street (5th Floor). In the meantime please do what you can to help support Tim Stewart’s campaign. You can sign up to volunteer at his website (www.stewartforstatesenate.com) to phone call or request an absentee ballot. Also, please talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about this upcoming election. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to convince voters about all the good Tim has done for New Britain and all the good he will do for the 6th District if elected.
February 1st, 2011 | Category: Events, Republican Town Committee | Leave a comment | ShareThisComments"
Tonight’s monthly meeting of the NBRTC is cancelled due to the terrible weather. Please keep safe if you have to drive and avoid the roads if at all possible. We will be meeting next Tuesday, February 8th, at the State GOP Headquarters at 321 Ellis Street (5th Floor). In the meantime please do what you can to help support Tim Stewart’s campaign. You can sign up to volunteer at his website (www.stewartforstatesenate.com) to phone call or request an absentee ballot. Also, please talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about this upcoming election. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to convince voters about all the good Tim has done for New Britain and all the good he will do for the 6th District if elected.
February 1st, 2011 | Category: Events, Republican Town Committee | Leave a comment | ShareThisComments"