FRANKSMITHSAYSNB EDITORIAL:
Alderman Centeno, who was raised in New Britain, said transparency in government is of utmost concern.
Specifically, Centeno cites a resolution he supported that requires the city’s finance director to give a report twice a month of every council person who does business with the city. Republicans countered that the measure was politically motivated because the only two council people who do business with the city are members of the GOP.
“It (resolution) eliminates doubt from the average citizen and shows we are open and transparent. It snuffs out the perception that members of the council that do business with the city might be getting some type of special treatment.”
Centeno also said there could be more openness coming from the office of Republican Mayor Timothy T. Stewart.
“There wasn’t transparency, for example, when it came to Costco,” Centeno said of the plan to build the mega-store in the city. “We didn’t have all the information we needed from the mayor’s office when it was time to vote.”
Centeno, who is of Hispanic descent, said it is important that more Hispanics become involved in all aspects of the city.
“I’d like to see more of a representation of the 17,000 Hispanics (out of a population of 74,000) in the city,” said Centeno, who lived in Puerto Rico as a young child. “I’d like to see a little more representation in the police and fire departments. City Hall, also, should be more representative of the population.”
Asked why residents should vote for him, Centeno said, “I’ve proven myself to be honest and open. I am easy to talk to.”
Centeno also said he has and will only continue to support budgets that have a no tax increase or a very small increase. Yes he did; thanks to Mayor Stewart insisting on holding the taxes down.
He also addressed the Doris Kurtz issue by stated that "she did a good Job." I will live that comment for our readers to comments.
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4 comments:
Frank can you believe the ignorance in Centeno's statements?"We didn't have all the information we needed when it was time to vote?" Vote on what a zone change being requested by the city?
This council's ignorance of their own process is absolutely astounding! Information from a prospective developer would only come forward when the city is actively allowed to engage them through a purchase and sale negotiations process which incidentally has to go through a series of public hearings and approvals from several boards as well as the council's PZ&H committee!
These people will do anything to stall progress in this city. In our last campaign theme we used "Progress over Politics" perhaps the d's on the council are dyslexic!
What nonsense ! Centeno says "he will never vote for a budget that has a tax increase," Reality is prices go up salaries go up and services cost more WAKE UP. If he is worried about his taxes it doesn't matter He doesn't pay his.
He also talks about being transoasent. Maybe theDems should NOT go into caucus to discuss everything and line up votes.
Here's some transparency for you Mr. Centeno:
CENTRAL CONN S U CENTRAL CONN S U Centeno, Rolando Retiree $56,117 $56,117 2010
NOTE: The Attached Information printed below is posted on The City Website.
The New Britain Planning, Zoning, and Housing Subcommittee meets on the First Tuesday following the first Monday of every month at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers at City Hall.
Subcommittee Members:
Roy Centeno, Chair
Silvia J. Cruz, Vice Chair
Michael Trueworthy
Shirley Black
Paul D. Catanzaro
Phil Sherwood
Louis G.Salvio
Mark H. Bernacki
Mary A. Marrocco
All 15 members of the Common Council are members of the Zoning Sub-Committee and will be notified of meetings where zoning matters will be discussed.
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