The Common Council of The City of New Britain should examine itself for conflicts of interest.
Besides the complaint filed with HUD against Alderman Paul Cantanzaro, is the additional conflict that is constant by his being an Alderman, President of the New Britain Human Resources Agency and a city employee for the parks and recreation department of the City New Britain.
The conflict persists by the mere fact that the council approves accepting Federal funding that is awarded to the city’s commission on community and neighborhood development which in turn approves and requests funding to be approved by the Council for the HRA agency.
One instance of an outstanding conflict of interest was with Alderman Cantanzaro insistence of voting on the cemetery issue involving undertakers being eliminated from serving on the cemetery commission when in fact his boss at the parks a recreation department, where Alderman Cantazaro works, is the executive director of the city’s cemetery commission. By the mere fact of his making a motion to eliminate the undertakers and subsequently voting on this motion is an example of his display of defiance to the conflict laws and appears to be above the law with this vote.
The council should review the existing conflict that Alderman Cantanzaro presents to the general public with his determined disrespect to adhering to proper conduct as a city Alderman.
He should be told to resign at least two of the positions preferably all three.
125 comments:
Does Alderman Cantanzaro sit on the
Ethics Commission too! LOL
He should be told to resign at least two of the positions preferably all three... since Alderman Paul Catanzaro has three suspected Conflicts of Interest... he needs to resign all three.. especially President of HRA Board.
When a new charter abolished most city boards and commissions several years ago the ethics commission was re-constituted by city ordinance. It made the Mayor the appointing authority.
Two city aldermen who worked for the city and were members of the AFSCME Local 1186 were the subject of complaints for involvement in city contract issues. The Commission ruled that Ald. Fran Ziccardi, then a union official, faced a conflict as well as Ald. Paul Catanzaro. The complaint was filed at the behest of the administration by Citizen Property Owners Association (CPOA).
At least we know that Phil Sherwood is keeping an eye on "conflicts of interest and ethics" I'm sure he doesn't agree
with Paul Cantanzaro's conflicts or
Trueworthy's conflict with his wife's position. Here's how Phil
feels about Republican Capiello;
Standing outside the Senate chamber, Phil Sherwood, a New Britain alderman and lobbyist for Connecticut Citizens Action Group, said Cappiello shouldn’t even be voting on this bill because his wife works for Anthem, one of the insurance companies that said it would have to re-rate its bids if the legislature passed this bill.
Cappiello said he received a letter from the Office of State Ethics saying there was no conflict of interest because the bill would not directly benefit his wife. And “I argued the merit of the budget amendments, not the underlying bill,” he said.
So where is "filthy Phil" of the "Dirty Dozen" to speak out when the unethical conduct is by a fellow Democrat and another member of the "Dirty Dozen?"
I'm sure if this were Lou Salvio or Mark Bernacki instead of another Dirty Dozen member, we would never be able to shut filthy Phil up, but not a peep do we hear.
I can smell the stench all the way over here. Boy does this smell rotten. What do you think, filthy Phil????????????????????
Does anyone reading this belong to CPOA? Perhaps they can show this info to the Board of CPOA, see if they can file a complaint with the ethics committee against Paul Catanzaro.
Who will decide the outcome of this
conflict of interest with Mr. Cantanzaro? The ethics commission
meets only 4 times per year in NB.
I think that needs to change too.
Based on Frank's Blog NB I think they better schedule meetings daily.
Alderman Paul Cantanzaro has his hand in numerous pots that present
a conflict of interest. He is a full time city employee, an aldermen and heads up the HRA. He needs to resign from the city council and HRA or quit his job.
Also Alderman Trueworthy needs to resign from the city council and/or his wife should resign her position with HRA.
As stated in the Herald HUD won't reconsider unless members resign.
The HUD report says some council members in decision-making positions related to organizations seeking HUD funding could open the door to reconsideration should they leave those positions.
As stated in the HUD Report Majority Leader Alderman Trueworthy must not vote on any matter involving his wife Elena Trueworthy's HRA organization; HUD acknowledges he did not. However, the HUD report says that even if he doesn’t vote, just being a member of the Common Council fosters an improper appearance that constitutes a conflict.
Mayoral spokeswoman Lisa Carver said that when there is an appearance of conflict", "the more they can remove themselves, the better. No one would suggest a spouse lose their job.
Spokewoman Lisa Carver stated "HUD is suggesting several ways to resolve the conflict."
Democratic Majority leader Mike Trueworthy, and alderman Paul Catanzaro are the reason that New Britain will not be receiving the CDBG funds of $66,000 to fund the Ben Franklin Renovations and $30,718 ESG monies for the cities Eviction and Foreclosure Mediation Program.
HUD has found conflicts of interest between the two council members and the projects at hand -
Mr. Trueworthy’s wife, Elena works for HRA. Her salary is a direct beneficiary of funds from CDBG, HOME, and ESG grants. Mike Trueworthy has been in a position to participate in the decision making process regarding the allocation of several programs this year alone.
Mr. Catanzaro has always been interested in New Britain and her people. He puts in endless hours of his own time as an alderman and we take umbrage with anyone that would dare cast him in a different light. Furthermore, We would never question his integrity. Any allegations of a true conflict of interest are way off base. At least he has interest which is more than we can say about many of his detractors, including HUD Field Officer Julie Fagan.
The preschool building that HRA is constructing on Clinton Street with HUD money is a necessity if you view education as an investment in our future in the City of New Britain.
The wonderful praise of Catanzaro must have been written by Phil Sherwood, because there is no one else who is so infatuated with Catanzanro as being his mesiah. To Sherwood, there is only "one" who rises higher, and that "one" is even more worthless.
Catanzaro is clearly involved in a number of conflicts of interest and despite Sherwood's worship of him, Catzanaro would do the people of New Britain a huge favor to simply step down from his position on the council.
Additionally, anyone who would attack HUD Field Officer Julie Fagan is completely off base. She is simply doing her job to report the facts that Trueworthy and Catzanaro are in conflict of interest and they are the reason the federal funds have been withheld. The people who were denied their badly needed assistance this winter will hopefully remember that it is Catzanaro and Trueworthy who are directly responsible for their not receiving the badly needed assistance for heating fuel, food, clothing.
Truly worthless Trueworthy and Catzanaro would both do the poor people of this city a huge favor and resign from the council immediately. That would allow the good HUD Field Officer to do her job and allow the federal funds to be restored. Ms. Fagan should be commended for having the integrity to do what is right, even when it means standing up to a political machine that is so overwhelmed with cronyism and unethical conduct.
New Britain resident Elena Trueworthy is recognized as a Community Organizer whose work centered on organizing low-income families in New Britain’s North-Oak neighborhoods.
As the point person in this task the Human Resources Agency of New Britain (HRA) hired Elena Trueworthy, University of Connecticut graduate, with a savvy grasp of interpersonal relations and a flawless command of English and Spanish in the job of engaging Puerto Ricans residents with her husband Alderman Mike Trueworthy as a Democratic political force in City of New Britain.
Catanzaro doesn't look like he's ever missed a meal, so why should he care about feeding the poor?
The way Phil Sherwood is quoted as defending these 2 guys is a good demonstration of his lack of integrity!
"Anonymous" posted such a glowing review of Elana Trueworthy's work as a community organizer, but is naive to the fact that he/she is actually making the case for a direect conflict of interest for her husband to be a member of the council while they are providing funds to an organization that his wife benefits from.
These liberals think they are making their case by showing what wonderful work Truly-worthless' wife is doing, but they are proving the case for the HUD Field Officer and are so wrapped up in pushing their left wing liberal agenda, that they are totally ignorant to the fact that they are proving Ms. Fagan's case for her.
Keep up the good work Dirty Dozen.
The dirty dozen believed for a long time that they all walk on water, but it is clear that they are beginning to sink.
Rich Marzi the president of the North-Oak Revitalization Zone stated that Urban Oaks new building established for retail business is stalled by HUD frozen funds. That Urban Oaks has fallen on hard times. The farm needs the funding restore and frozen HUD funds are keeping the City’s organic farm from reaching out to local residents.
Rich Marzt stated that he was looking forward to Urban Oaks making good on its plan to infuse the neighborhood on and around Oak and North Streets with new life. And that residents would be getting a discount on the farm’s produced. The neighbors in the immediate area were supposed to be issued food cards so they could afford to buy some of the farm’s produce but the plan never materialized.
Perhaps Rich Marzi and Urban Oaks should schedule a meeting with Mr. Catanzaro, Mr. Trueworthy and his wife Elena Trueworthy on finding solution to their HUD "Conflicts of Interest" situation.
Trueworthy and Catanzaro should both resign as Aldermen...there's too much contoversy surrounding their positions, causing conflict of interest charges.
Trueworthy's wife, Elena, should not have to quit her job as Community Organizer so he can continue his now questionable political careet. She's doing a great job.
Looks like the pot thickens. Trueworthy his wife Elena, Cantanzaro, Sherwood, Bielinski
too, and the other pawns that follow along. The fox pack
maintains the henhouse in NB.
crooked politics at its best.
New Britain resident makes a great point doesn't he? Trueworthy is dragging his wife down like an anchor.
Mayor vetoes school board appointment
Saturday, November 22, 2008 10:57 PM EST
By RICK GUINNESS
Herald Press staff
NEW BRITAIN — Mayor Timothy Stewart has vetoed the school board’s appointment of Leslie Jacobs to fill a Republican vacancy left by Marilyn Kraczkowsky.
The Democratically controlled common Council at its regular meeting Wednesday had picked Jacobs by a vote of 13-2, even though the Republican Town Committee had nominated Jamie Giantonio, whom Stewart refers to in his statement as “a young professional who stepped up to take time away from his career and family to serve on the Board of Education.”
The way the mayor sees it, Giantonio “certainly deserved a better explanation than the poor excuse from Alderman Phil Sherwood — that he picked the person who called him on the phone rather than Mr. Giantonio, who only sent him a letter. This absurdity would be laughable if it were not being carried out at the expense of the education of the city’s children,” the statement said.
“Miss Jacobs did nothing to hide the arrogant, flippant attitude that earned her a reputation as an ineffective member during her earlier time on the board,” Stewart said. “I cannot stand by and let this appointment go through without giving the council the opportunity to rethink this action and put aside partisanship in favor of doing what is right for this community’s children.”
But the mayor goes beyond what most Democrats are able to accomplish with their buzz-word-laced press releases. By invoking “the children” not once but twice, the reader is prepared to accept his harangue of Jacobs, a former Republican school-board member the Democrats pulled out of retirement.
Just by showing up, she was able to bump Giantonio, the Republican’s choice for replacing Kraczkowsky.
Kraczkowsky is a tough act to follow, having been one of the few voices on the school board to stand up to superintendent of schools Doris Kurtz.
In his statement, Stewart invoked the “Founding Fathers” and the “U.S. Constitution,” and said if the framers were “somehow magically transported to 2008 New Britain, they would recoil at how far we have strayed from their vision and how petty, bitter and partisan our local government has become.”
Stewart said state statutes “specifically delineate minority [party] representation on school boards in an attempt to achieve that balance of power as envisioned by the Constitution.”
Aside from Pat Coyle, Paul Carver and Jim Sanders, there is no conservative contingent on the school board.
Giantonio would have been more moderate a Republican than Jacobs.
In a press release to counter the mayor’s statement, Democratic Alderman Phil Sherwood this weekend said the mayor’s veto made his disdain for Jacobs and others in the Republican Party (he didn’t say who) clear.
“Leslie is a Republican in the Tony Tercyak tradition,” Peter Tercyak said, referring to his father, D-26th District state representative, in Sherwood’s statement.
“When it comes down to it, both were qualified candidates, but Leslie had served on the committee,” Sherwood said, adding the most difficult part of being on the council is making appointments.
Sherwood noted the charter says the Council chooses the person to be appointed.
“But the party bosses for many years were the ones who filled the vacancy,” Sherwood said. “If we are breaking with that, it’s a good thing.”
The Republicans are divided, he added, saying that the Democrats didn’t want to get involved in Republican infighting and drama — “but in the end we had to pick one.”
To override the mayor’s veto, the council would have to produce 10 votes.
“None of us were surprised by the mayor’s veto,” Sherwood said Saturday. “I am supporting Leslie because she is the only person who asked me for my support and personally called me on the phone.”
URL: http://www.newbritainherald.com/articles/2008/11/22/news/doc4928d14684824761511429.prt
© 2008 newbritainherald.com, a Journal Register Property
Phil Sherwood is so full of it...he knows not that of what he speaks, parrotting what Democratic party bosses fill his head with.
Posted by NBVoter to Frank Smith Says NB at November 22, 2008 11:24 PM
Phil Sherwood demonstrates what an ignoramus he can be by his continued blind support of those two jackasses.
Good work Mr. Mayor! You have shown your ability to listen to the people with your veto of the liberal puppet the Democrats attempted to appoint to the school board.
The council Democrats are out of control, and the people are growing more disgusted with each demonstration of their arrogance as they are clearly drunk with power. Their spokesman, Phil Sherwood, continues to demonstrate how he coulndn't care less about the will of the people, so long as it is furthering his far left lunatic agenda. Through his recent statements, he seems to even believe that it is ok to violate conflict of interest laws so long as it is in pursuit of their liberal agenda.
Sherwood even went so far as to lie in his statement responding your veto by telling a fairy tale about how Jacobs called him for his support while the other guy simply wrote him a letter (a ridiculous story even if it were true). Ms. Jacobs already told reporters weeks ago that Sherwood called her and actively recruited her for the position months ago. Sherwood either lost track of the fact that his puppet already let the cat out of the bag or he simply feels the public is stupid.
Don't worry if the Democrats use their drunken power to override your veto. That move might just turn out to be handing the Republican Party the broom that they need to sweep city hall in the upcoming municipal elections.
Alderman Sherwood, did the Mayor’s veto message make you look like the fool you really are in the eyes of the parents?
I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you are the laughing stock of this community.
In retrospect, the Mayor is absolutely correct in his initiating his veto power against this atrophic choice that you and your fellow members of the democratic membership of the city council made. You refer to a phone you claim you received versus the letter you received from another candidate vying for the same position as your reason.
Yes, Alderman Sherwood you are, along with your fellow democrats who are facing HUD sanctions for conflicts of interest, all the topic of the public comments at coffee breaks.
The more you speak, the more the rest of New Britain laughs!
Keep speaking Sherwood. We all enjoy the comedy at your expense.
On election day, just remember that he who laughs last, laughs the loudest!
It is obvious that Sherwood made up that stupid reason for supporting Jacobs because he could not think of one positive thing to say about her. She is a political whore who will go with the highest bidder, regardless of political party. Sherwood had no idea how stongly this community feels againt Jacobs.
For Peter Tercyak to make a comparison between his father and Jacobs is a sacrilege. It is bad enough that he is living off of his father's coat tails, but don't denigrate his name. Tony had core values. By the way, does anyone know if Peter is still claiming to live with his mother or has he moved into the district that he represents?
Rat Pack is a more apt description of Trueworthy, Catanzaro and Sherwood...Fox insinuates slyness; Rat insinuates dirty and smelly.
Whoever chose the JACKASS as the symbol of the Democrats must have had Phil Sherwood in mind!
11/23/08
The late, former Connecticut State Representative, Anthony (“Tony”) Tercyak (R 26), was a respected and revered public servant and a former public school educator. He was a gentle, well-mannered person. I don’t know or wish to know of anyone who had a contrary opinion of Tony.
Leslie Jacobs, the person nominated by New Britain Common Council Democrats to fill the New Britain Board of Ed. vacancy created by the resignation of BOE member Marilyn Kraczkowsky, is, in my opinion, the exact antithesis of Anthony Tercyak.
NB Council Democrats, led by Mike Trueworthy and Phil Sherwood, overrode the nomination of Jamie Giantonio, the person who had been endorsed unanimously by the New Britain Republican Town Committee to fill the BOE vacancy. This was a childish power play, a tool of NB Council Democrats that has become characteristic and expected of every vote they take on anything that has the potential of dissing Republicans.
To imply that Leslie Jacobs is, “ … a Republican in the Tony Tercyak tradition” is a revolting implication. It is also denigrating, despicable and disgusting to the memory of Tony Tercyak. But this is what people in NB have come to expect from Alderman Phil Sherwood, the person who made that statement at the 11/12/08 Council meeting - contrary to what was reported in today’s Herald.
As one speaker – name being withheld here - stated in public participation, it’s time for Democrats on the Council to stop this foolishness. The lady specifically addressed her remarks to Mike Trueworthy.
Lou Salvio, Republican Alderman, NB
New Britain Common Council
A BOY FROM NEW BRITAIN
FOR WHICH THIS IS WRITTEN
FOR HIS NAME WAS SURELY PHIL
HE CARED NOT OF THE PEOPLE'S WILL
HIS MESIAH WAS TRULY WORTHLESS
FOR THE CHILDREN HE DID CARE LESS
HIS OTHER SAVIOR THEY CALLED PAUL
TO INTEREST CONFLICTS HE WOULD FALL
THEY PUSHED THE LIBERAL POSITION
THE PEOPLE BELIEVED THE OPPOSITION
PHIL'S EVERY SPEECH BECAME A GAFFE
THE PEOPLE SURE DID LAUGH AND LAUGH
THEY THOUGHT HIS WORDS WERE FUNNY
THE COMING CHANGE WOULD BE SUNNY
NO MATTER HOW HARD PHIL DID WEEP
THAT BIG BROOM STILL WOULD SWEEP
Salvio also said the timing made it apparent Tercyack was attempting to
"capitalize on his father’s death."
"I hate to be so blunt, but that’s what it is," Salvio said. "It’s a powerful tool, but
nevertheless, I think he’s being deceptive.
--New Britain Herald--7.20.03
Alderman Salvio, were you not exploiting Tony to take shots at your political opponent in the above article?
Also, it was Lou who put on his lit, that he was a Republican in the Tony Tercyak Tradition.
Alderman Salvio also misspelled his own name on his lit piece.
Turns out all the kicking and screaming from Lou didn't help him from losing every precinct in his district.
Keep throwing the mud Lou!
I almost peed my pants I was laughing so hard at all the stuff you guys are posting about Sherwood. He sure is the laughing stock of New Britain these days, isn't he. What a joke!
Apparently Phil Sherwood knows how to sling BS really well, but he doesn't like it when some of that same exrement bounces back and sticks to him.
"None of us were surprised by the Mayor’s veto," Sherwood said Saturday (Nov. 23, 08). "I am supporting Leslie because she is the only person who asked me for my support and personally called me on the phone."
At this point in time Citizen Rich Marzi and Urban Oaks should schedule a deliverance meeting with Mr. Catanzaro, Mr. Trueworthy and his wife Mrs. Elena Trueworthy on finding a solution to their HUD "Conflict of Interest" as they slowly sink deeper and deeper into the quick-sand...
Phil Sherwood will not have to worry about his reelection. ACORN will no doubt bus people from Ohio and Florida just so they can register to vote and there will most likely be a see of red shirts decsending on that neighborhood offering loosies and money for people to vote 50 or 100 times each. Is there a limit to how many times you can vote?
You heard this story told all of New Britain Folks. Democratic Majority Leader Alderman Mike Trueworthy and Alderman Paul Catanzaro's Conflict of Interest with HUD, are the reason that New Britain will not be receiving the CDBG funds of $66,000 to fund the Ben Franklin School Renovations and $30,718 ESG monies for the Cities Eviction and Foreclosure Mediation Program.
Way to go guys. Thanks for the story!
It is pathetic that the poor people have to suffer because these 2 guys are on an out of control power trip that even the federal government recognizes.
Catzanaro and Trueworthy should do the right thing for the people of New Britain by resigning from the council and that would allow HUD to restore the funds for these badly needed programs. Of course they won't do that, because that would be doing what is right and these guys have demonstrated repeatedly that they only care about themselves. The interests of needy citizens is clearly the last thing on their selfish minds.
thats a load a crap that these places dont get the money cause these guys both dirty
Democratic Majority Leader Alderman Mike Trueworthy and Alderman Paul Catanzaro's Conflict of Interest with HUD, are the reason that New Britain will not be receiving the CDBG funds of $66,000. How much more are we going to let these 2 yoyos cost this city with their games?
It's obvious from his latest statements that this guy Sherwood simply makes everything up as he goes along. It is clear to anyone reading the entire story that he approached that lady to be his mouthpiece on the board of education but he denies making the request by claiming she approached him for support. It looks like he's trying to conceal that she's nothing but his mouthpiece. Mr. Sherwood, take a step back and look at the whole picture and you might realize how ridiculous you really look to the rest of us.
The mayor did good!
Actually, this is how it went down.
I called her and asked her if she might be interested.
She did not say yes right away.
She called back after some time and said yes.
She then called most council members to ask for their support which she got.
That simple.
Alderman Phil Sherwood and CCAG could have a field day with the Sherwood FOI New Britain Ordinance Sec.1-219.
That is why Section 1-219 should be eliminated from the New Britain Ordinance of Sherwood Freedom of Information Act.
As stated in the Sherwood FOI Sec.1-219. Veterans military records - subdivision (2) Any information contained in such military discharge document which is necessary to establish, or that aids in establishing, eligibility for any local, state or federal benefit or program applied for by, or on behalf of, the veteran, including, but not limited to, the name of the veteran, the veteran's residential address, dates of qualifying active or reserve military service, or military discharge status, shall be available to the public at all times.
What is Mr. Sherwood cooking up in 2009 with his access to Military Records - inserting the phrase - shall be available to the public at all times?
Phil Sherwood's statement this evening contradicts the press release that he issued to the New Britain Herald where he originally claimed that Leslie Jacobs approached him for his support for her appointment to the Board of Education.
Now in his statement this evening, he admits that he did recruit her quite some time ago for the Republican appointment.
So Mr. Sherwood were you lying then, or are you lying now?
The public deserves to hear the truth!
It's No big surprise that Mike Trueworthy indirectly benefits from the HUD funds, since his wife Elena Trueworthy gets paid by the same HUD funds even though Mike recused himself from voting on the issue.
That's what happens when you lie all the time. You forget who you told what lie to, you get confused and even you can't remember what the truth is anymore.
Wouldn't you think that Leslie Jacobs, if she had a shred of pride, would withdraw her name? She has dragged Phil Sherwood down to her level. They seem to be using each other. No one wants her on the BOE. Why doesn't she understand the turmoil she will bring to the Board? She is dumber than I thought!
NEW BRITAIN — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released most of the city funding it froze during a months-long investigation into accusations of conflicts of interest with two aldermen – Paul Catanzaro and Michael Trueworthy.
Mayor Timothy Stewart had fought for reconsideration for the funding to be restored to all of the programs. The city is indeed fortunate to be successful in getting six of the eight exceptions sought, Mayor Stewart reported. The HUD funding is returning to the Workers Community Service Program, run by the United Labor Agency, and several programs of the Human Resources Agency: the Polish Outreach Program, Food Security Collaborative Facility, East Side Community Action/North-Oak Revitalization Zone Support, special-needs recreation and supportive housing for people with AIDS.
Left unfunded are the agency’s Benjamin Franklin School renovations and eviction and foreclosure mediation program. The city must redirect to other services $96,718 that would have been used for these programs.
What a city. We have a council led by two guys who have so many conflicts of interests, that you need a scorecard to keep track of them all. Then a third councilman who fabricates so much, that even he loses track of what the truth really is. No wonder this city is so screwed up.
Yes Lou, I did urge Mr. Trueworthy to make the right decision regarding appointing Leslie Jacobs or Jamie Giantano to the BOE during public participation. I told him he had a choice to either "cross the isle" and make the right choice or embarrass this city with regard to it's education system once more. I told him as a resident of this city residents are looking for a school system to be proud of. One that would attract young families to buy affordable homes and want to live here like the report that was released about East Hartford where this is the case. When you address the council Mr. Trueworthy stares at you and pretends to be listening... But it was business as usual in NB when the majority group retreats to closed doors and emerges with their agenda. Back when Linda Blogoslowski was mayor it was the same thing. They would go into chambers, they wouldn't come out and start the meeting on time. She would be waiting the group treated her with the utmost disrespect. Nothing has changed.
I went to NBHS during Mr. Tercyak's time, he was
a person that worked hard to make our school system a better place. To read these latest comments placing Ms. Jacobs with his memory, this is disgusting politcal
garbage. Shameful. His son represents us in Hartford. It's about time he is replaced too. He runs with the pack and "fell far from the tree".
Sally Eigenraam
Wouldn't you think that Leslie Jacobs, if she had a shred of pride, would withdraw her name? She has dragged Phil Sherwood down to her level. They seem to be using each other. No one wants her on the BOE. Why doesn't she understand the turmoil she will bring to the Board? She is dumber than I thought!
Watch the last council meeting. She was trashed during public participation by alot of people. I think Jim Sanders called her the worst board memeber he ever worked with. It didn't even bother her. Whaen asked about the comments by Alderman Bernacki, her response - "It is all lies".
I guess it goes to show you, that in Aldermen Sherwood, and the rest of the council that is blindly following him, Catanzaro and Truworthy's eyes, someone who rarely attended meetings and was rude, confrontational and unprepared when she was there, is a good fit for our school board.
Just more examples of how Trueworthy, Catzanaro, and Sherwood care nothing about what is right for the school board or the children. All they seem to care about is getting someone appointed who will blindly follow their wishes and help them pursue their liberal agenda.
Although I don't always agree with Lou Salvio, I would like to thank him for making that point about the late Rep. Tony Tercyak. Tony was a good friend to many of us in New Britain, and a true gentlemen.
It makes many of us who knew him sick to see his son continue to use his memory for his own political gain - now we have Sherwood doing it too. Tony would be mortified to hear himself linked with Leslie Jacobs - and rightly so.
This just proves that nothing is too low for these miscreants on the Council. They will say and do anything just because they can.
"Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" Wake up New Britain before more damage is done. I for one plan to go to the December Council meeting and voice my opinion. I hope others, especially those whose lives were touched by the REAL Rep. Tercyak, not the imposter we have now, will join me.
This HUD issue has been brought up because the money being sought is for projects that Catanzaro is directly or indirectly or indirectly involved in. To vote on appropriations for such funds may suggest his influence is being used. Paul Catanzaro has been with HRA for over 12 years and why now is all foolish conflict stuff being bought up?
Trueworthy's wife should not have to quit her job to satisfy her husband’s Mike’s political ambitions. She's doing her job as a Community Organizer, more than we can say about his role as a member of the Common Council.
If Leslie Jacobs had half a brain, she'd be ashamed to show her face in public.
Trueworthy's wife should not have to quit her job. He should be man enough to do the right thing and resign from the council to save his wife the embarassment he is currently causing her.
why do you think we call him truly worthless?
I guess Sherwood doesn't want to tell us which statement was the fabrication?
Between being a full time city employee, to being the President of HRA, to being a former President of the union that represents city employees, Paul Catzanaro has more conflicts of interest than imaginable.
The state ethics commission has ruled in the past that it would be unethical for a current State of Connecticut employee to serve in the state legislature, so how can a current City of New Britain employee serve on the council without it also being unethical?
Alderman Paul Catzanaro should save the city a lot of problems, not to mention the federal funds that could immediately be restored, if he would just do what is right and resign from the council.
The other option would be for him to resign his city job and step down from being President of HRA, but he is as doubtful to do either of those as he is to do the right thing.
Afterall, his entire political career has been nothing but one big power trip.
Firewood is going to be free in the City of New Britain! Thanks to
aldermen Hermanowski and Cantanzaro. Working hard to save taxpayer dollars. Penny wise and pound foolish. Could have had 190k
in renovations for the Stanley Golf
Course restaurant but voted NO. Spending time on giving wood away.
The ONLY way Cantzero could help the city is to resign from the Council and move out of town.
You think that Paul Catanzaro is a full time employee. Follow him around for awhile and see how many restaurants he frequents!
You think that Paul Catanzaro is a full time employee. Follow him around for awhile and see how many restaurants he frequents!
He could take Ms. Sherwood, and Trustless with him.
If "anonymous" is saying that Catzanero's time sheets are not an accurate reporting of his work, that is something the mayor should investigate. The last I knew, it is a crime to file a false claim for wages when you work for a municipality. If he was eating at restaurants when he wasn't on a legitimate authorized break, that sounds like possible fraud and investigating such reports is the repsonsibilty of Mayor Stewart.
Anonymous should share any such information he has with the mayor.
If "anonymous" is saying that Catzanero's time sheets are not an accurate reporting of his work, that is something the mayor should investigate. The last I knew, it is a crime to file a false claim for wages when you work for a municipality. If he was eating at restaurants when he wasn't on a legitimate authorized break, that sounds like possible fraud and investigating such reports is the repsonsibilty of Mayor Stewart.
Anonymous should share any such information he has with the mayor.
The firewood deal sounds nice and humanitarian on the surface until someone gets hurt cutting it up on city property and the city ends up being sued for the injuries. How much damage can one person do with a chain saw? How about an axe? Does the city have insurance for such things, or will the taxpayers have to foot the bill, like usual.
It would sound like a safer deal if the Mayor was the one that announced the free firewood deal. At least he would have the brains to have the city attorneys review the possible liability issues.
I believe what the guy said about Catzanero spending his entire day at restaurants. He doesn't look like he has ever missed a meal.
Sec. 53a-132. False entry by an officer or agent of a public community: Class A misdemeanor. (a) A person is guilty of false entry by an officer or agent of a public community when (1) as an officer or agent of a public community, he makes any intentionally false entry on the books of the public community
The Common Council of The City of New Britain should examine itself for conflicts of interest.
Besides the complaint filed with HUD against Alderman Paul Cantanzaro, is the additional conflict that is constant by his being an Alderman, President of the New Britain Human Resources Agency and a city employee for the parks and recreation department of the City New Britain.
The conflict persists by the mere fact that the council approves accepting Federal funding that is awarded to the city’s commission on community and neighborhood development which in turn approves and requests funding to be approved by the Council for the HRA agency.
One instance of an outstanding conflict of interest was with Alderman Cantanzaro insistence of voting on the cemetery issue involving undertakers being eliminated from serving on the cemetery commission when in fact his boss at the parks a recreation department, where Alderman Cantazaro works, is the executive director of the city’s cemetery commission. By the mere fact of his making a motion to eliminate the undertakers and subsequently voting on this motion is an example of his display of defiance to the conflict laws and appears to be above the law with this vote.
The council should review the existing conflict that Alderman Cantanzaro presents to the general public with his determined disrespect to adhering to proper conduct as a city Alderman.
He should be told to resign at least two of the positions preferably all three.
Posted by Frank Smith at 21.11.08 74 comments
As suggested by NBRresident, I printed out the above, and plan to get to a member of the CPOA Board of Directors, so they can have some of the facts, and hopefully bring Catanzaro, Trueworthy, and Sherwood before the Board of Ethics.
Is it possible for Lou Salvio bring this before the Board of Ethics?
Catzanro:
Sec. 2-851. Prohibited practices.
No person shall deceive or obstruct any applicant in respect to his or her right of test
under the provisions of this chapter or falsely make, grade, or estimate or report upon the test or
standing of any person tested hereunder, or aid in so doing, or furnish to any person, except in
answer to inquiries of the commission, any special information for the purpose of either
improving or injuring the rating of any such applicant for appointment, employment or for the
purpose of improving his or her chances or prospect for appointment or promotion. No applicant
shall make any misrepresentation or false statements whether under oath or not to the
commission for purpose of improving his or her chances or prospect for appointment or
promotion. No person shall solicit, orally or by letter, and no applicant or employee shall receive
or solicit or be in any manner concerned in the receiving or soliciting of, any money or valuable
thing from any official or any employee holding a position in the classified service for any
political party or purpose. No person shall directly or indirectly give, render, pay, offer, solicit, or
accept any money, service, or other valuable consideration for any appointment, promotion or
proposed promotion, or any advantage in a position in the career service. No person shall use
his or her official authority to directly or indirectly compel, order, or require a city employee to
secure for any person, any appointment, to any position in the classified service or to act in
violation of this chapter or regulations thereunder with respect to appointment and promotion.
No person shall, by means of threats or coercion, induce or attempt to induce any person
holding a position in the classified service to resign his position or to take a leave of absence
from duty or to waive any of his or her rights under this chapter. A resignation executed previous
to appointment shall be of no effect.
Question asked as follows:
There are thousands of bags of raked leaves throughout the city waiting to be picked up by the City. Obviously there was a lot of hard work raking the leaves and stuffing the bags.
However, one home on my street had someone from Public Works come to rake the leaves and pile them at the curb, then came the next day to vacuum the leaves onto the truck. Apparently, this is a service provided to the elderly and/or handicapped home owners. Can you check into this? How does one get this service?
REPLY; PLEASE CONTACT MR. COUGHLIN AT THE NEW bRITAIN SENIOR CENTER AND HE WILL MAKE THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOUR APPLICATION HE CAN BE REACHED AT 826-3553
FRANK SMITH
Maybe if the mayor would investigate these reports that he has been stuffing his face at restaurants when he is supposed to be at work, you could add that one to the growing list of ethical violations.
Sherwood has been awfully silent about all this unehtical conduct by his fellow democrats. If these were republicans that were up to all this nonsense, you wouldn't be able shut him up, or is he just embarassed at being caught in his own lies?
.
This to the one called Catzanaro
the ice you stand on gettin narrow
You so overrun with da scandal
way too much for you ta handle
It's time for just one last favor
a goodbye the rest of us can savor
Your career is finished by design
so take da plunge and resign.
Frank, stop waisting your time with these Democrats. It is obvious that Trueworthy and Catzanaro are not going to do the right thing by resigning, so why don't you start planning how you are going to run against one of them in the next election. You have so many options available to you: Force a Democratic primary, run against one of them as a Democrat on the Republican ticket (just like Senator Bozek) or run against one of them as a Republican.
Whichever way you decided to do it, it seems crystal clear that you have the support to do it, so start planning.
Responding to the Thorn regarding my running against certain members of the council. I just have no plans in doing what is being suggested. But I am willing to discuss this issue with the party leaders any time in the future.
Of course you can always run in the 3rd ward, that would be a real easy win for you, Frank!
Lawmakers Fight To Keep New Britain, Bristol Newspapers Alive
By CHRISTOPHER KEATING
The Hartford Courant
6:25 PM EST, November 25, 2008
Seven state legislators are trying to save the New Britain Herald and the Bristol Press from possible closure at the hands of their owner, the Journal Register Company.
The all-Democratic delegations from Bristol and New Britain have written to state economic development commissioner Joan McDonald to seek a meeting to discuss ways of saving the two local newspapers.
Faced with a huge advertising decline at papers nationwide and the slumping state and national economies, the Journal Register has announced it will close the papers soon after Christmas if a buyer is not found. The Christmas season is crucial for newspapers because they are often packed with advertisements for department stores and other retailers.
"Our communities are struggling in these difficult times, and neither New Britain nor Bristol can afford the loss of jobs that these closures would mean,'' said a letter from the legislators, who are led by state Rep. Timothy O'Brien of the 24th District.
Besides O'Brien, those signing the letter were Reps. Peter Tercyak, John Geragosian, Frank Nicastro, and Elizabeth "Betty'' Boukus, along with Sens. Donald J. DeFronzo and Thomas A. Colapietro.
"We are equally concerned about what the loss of these newspapers would mean for our communities,'' the letter continued. "It would also be a detriment to the efforts of both New Britain and Bristol to rebuild our local economies if we were to lose the prestige that comes with being home to a local daily newspaper.''
Christopher Cooper, a spokesman for Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell, said that McDonald will meet with the delegation to see what can be done about the future of the newspapers. "From the governor's perspective, the state will do whatever it can to help this business -- as we would do with any business,'' Cooper said.
The lawmakers said that a newspaper brings public accountability to the workings of government. They said they want "the public to have access to independent news about what is going on in government and our communities."
The Bristol and New Britain delegations are seeking to help the employees of the JRC, but no one from the JRC has directly asked the state for assistance in saving the papers.
Copyright © 2008, The Hartford Courant
Question asked as follows:
There are thousands of bags of raked leaves throughout the city waiting to be picked up by the City. Obviously there was a lot of hard work raking the leaves and stuffing the bags.
However, one home on my street had someone from Public Works come to rake the leaves and pile them at the curb, then came the next day to vacuum the leaves onto the truck. Apparently, this is a service provided to the elderly and/or handicapped home owners. Can you check into this? How does one get this service?
REPLY; PLEASE CONTACT MR. COUGHLIN AT THE NEW bRITAIN SENIOR CENTER AND HE WILL MAKE THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOUR APPLICATION HE CAN BE REACHED AT 826-3553
FRANK SMITH
Thank you for the information...This should be publicized more. I'm sure there are many senior and disabled homeowners who don't know about this service, that would benefit from this. I hope everyone who accesses this Blog passes on the information to the senior and/or disabled friends and neighbors.
Who needs the Herald, now that we have Frank Smith Says to keep us informed, LOL
All I was saying is that you keep us better informed with what is going on than the Courant and the Herald combined.
C.P.O.A. won't bring these 3 members of the council before the ethics committee...the council didn't follow the ethics committee's recommendations regarding Richard Lopes, or Fran Zaccardi. It's obvious they won't do it now!!!
The Citizens Property Owners Association Inc. of New Britain, CT (CPOA) by-laws - Section 13.1 COMMITTEES: - The President shall designate to the Board such ad hoc or sub-committees based on subject matter, as will best promote the agenda of the Association, pursuant to Section 3.0 of the by-laws. On Tuesday afternoon Nov. 25, 2008 two computer wizard Board people arrived at 2 pm special meeting with President Ann Mikulak to review 7 pages of member’s labels from A through Z, plus up-dating 5 pages of paid membership Roster dues for the calendar year 2008 - completing the task at 2:25 pm. The fiscal year of the Association begins on January 1 and ends December 31.
At 2:30 pm two Board people and president Mikulak review the by-laws and written Genealogy of the Association and discussed merits of 12 page draft file generated by two Board people, about future complaint action with NB Ethics Commission. President Mikulak will review the 12 page draft document and interact with Susan Kniep, President of Federation of Connecticut Taxpayers Organization, Inc (FCTO) on matter of legal standing on HUD agenda. On August 8, 2008 president Kniep received an E-mail about HUD in a July 24 letter to Mayor Stewart. The meeting ended at 3:15 pm.
The proposed Ethics citizen list: HUD Field Officer Julie Fagan, HUD Spokeswoman Kristine Foye, Mayor Timothy Stewart, Mayoral spokeswoman Lisa Carver, Alderman Louis Salvio, Corporation Counsel Genarro Bizzaro, City Lawyer Joe Skelley, Alphonse Wright, Kevin Nodell, Rick Guinness-Herald staff, Bill Leukardt-The Courant, Rick Marzi President North- Oak Revitalization Zone, Blogger NBGrrrrL and Susan Kniep- FCTO president.
New Britain Residents:
It is unfortunate to announce a statement issued by Ms. Mary Sanders of the Spanish Speaking Center, which appeared in the New Britain Herald, that today’s food distribution for the poor at the Good Samaritan Church on North Street will be lost unless the Governor returns the money cut from the center.
I can only ask that all the Citizens of the city of New Britain to at least call or communicate with your state representatives, State Senator, all your City Alderman, and Mayor Stewart with your asking them to find a solution in order to provide for the hungry families as result of the governor’s budget cut to the Spanish Speaking Center of New Britain.
The least that our political officials can due is to thank Ms. Mary Sanders for the great effort she has done for our community with their providing the necessary funds that is required for the continuance of her fine work for the poor.
Frank Smith
And a Happy Thanksgiving to all.
A polite reminder to Bugsy who claims who needs the New Britain Herald.
Mr. Bugsy there three other newspaper associated with the Herald and an approximate 21 weeklies.
Can you imagine the adverse affect that all these employees losing their jobs will have on our economy. The displaced employees without a job who are not able to spend to keep our businesses they used to deal with, in Conn. who will in turn will not be able to keep afloat financially.
The adverse harm with all these loses is devastating for our area.
I appreciate your recommending my blog buy I only cover a small area of what all these identities are able to cover.
Please support a suitable buyer for all theses identities Mr. Bugsy.
.
November 25, 2008 8:40 PM
NEW YORK - Law enforcement officials tell ABC News a “Madrid-like attack,” a reference to the synchronized bombing of the commuter rail system in Spain in March 2004 that killed 191 people.
“There is nothing concrete to suggest this plot ever went beyond the aspirational or talking stage,” said a U.S. official familiar with the intelligence that led to the warning.
The FBI’s source reportedly told agents of an Al Qaeda-connected group’s desire to place bombs or suicide bombers inside the first and last Long Island Rail Road commuter cars and detonate them as the train entered Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan, also used by the Washington-New York-Boston Amtrak system and the New York City subway.
NEW BRITAIN- Two city aldermen who worked for the city and were members of the AFSCME Local 1186 were the subject of complaints for involvement in city contract issues. The New Britain Ethics Commission ruled that Ald. Fran Ziccardi, then a union official, faced a Conflict of Interest as well as Ald. Paul Catanzaro.
Alderman Ziccardi had his private Attorney at NB Ethics Commission hearing and Alderman Catanzaro had his private attorney at NB Ethics Commission hearing - two separate hearings.
The complaint was filed by Citizens Property Owners Association (CPOA). The CPOA Attorney fee was over $800 dollars since Ziccardi hearing and the Catanzaro were two separate hearings on two different days before the NB Ethics Commission.
Legislation is currently being pushed by the House Majority Leader Chris Donovan (D-Meriden) which would establish a municipal partnership act giving municipalities the option of covering city and school in the state health insurance plan.
Representative Donovan unveiled this proposal at a New Britain Hall Press conference with support of the New Britain’s common council members and labor union representatives.
NEW BRITAIN - Excuse me for saying so, but the Mayor Stewart is not the messiah. He cannot cure all our ills overnight. In fact, he only has control over his city, and the state government plays a big role in taxing of businesses. New Britain is as business-friendly as any municipality in the state, but the state still lags well behind many others (We believe it ranks 45th overall in job creation) because of the high cost of doing business, which includes tax burdens.
The mayor cannot create jobs for you. He can only try to help businesses expand and locate here by making logistical process easier and showing how much support the local infrastructure and business community can give.
He cannot create jobs for anyone. Private investment does that. We are now in a recession, and people are struggling all over the country. You want problems? Look at what we had before the current mayor arrived. Crime was much worse, we had more blighted properties, fewer jobs available, and higher taxes.
You complain about taxes, but for our taxes to go up so little once in the last five years is astounding given tax rates in other towns and cities. The mayor has done a great job of keeping these taxes down. Ten years ago, NB was known as having one of the highest tax rates in the state, and our property taxes were higher than surrounding towns. Now, we would pay more in taxes for the same house we own in almost any other town. We also have much more investment coming in the future, both downtown and on the former Pinnacle Heights site. Progress is slow, but you have to keep in mind the big picture.
Welcome to the Web site of Alderman Paul D. Catanzaro...New Britain CT.
http://aldermancatanzaro.com
CPOA Watchdog Group 2009 Mission...
Congratulations to Ann Mikulak, President of the Citizens Property Owners Association of New Britain, and her membership as they will continued their struggle to protect the interests of taxpayers in the year of 2009.
President Mikulak and the membership challenged two New Britain Aldermen who vote on union contracts in their capacity as elected officials. The Ethics Commission of New Britain supported CPOA position of a conflict.
All Taxpayers Groups throughout Connecticut should work diligently within their own municipalities to establish similar criteria to eliminate conflicts by town officials who are elected or appointed to positions of influence.
Susan Kniep,FCTO President
Frank,
Happy thanksgiving.
Your blog is clearly turning into an echo chamber. At first it was anti salvio all the time. And the only posts were bashing him. Now it's anti council all the time.
Anyone who has any familiarity with blogs can easily tell only about 5 people post here, most coming from you and posted anonymously.
I commend you with moving forward into the blogisphere but you have a long way to go before everyday people would want to come to your blog. There are millions of blogs that do what you do....and we can't name them because we don't care to go to them because they ad little value to any debate.
My advice is that you should encourage people to be more constructive and avoid the repetitive personal attacks. It's your blog and you have the right to run it as you see fit but I find myself rarely checking in on it now unlike when you were breaking a story day.
My response to anonymous who stated “Five people post here, most coming from you posted here.
”
Kindly advised when I do post any item my picture appears with it as it will with this response to you.
Everybody is entitled to their opinion but you must admit that this blog has alerted issues or announcements that the local papers failed to print such as the announcement to the new officers that were elected to the Board of Education for the ensuing year.
I wish a very happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Frank Smith
A Berliner said:
Frank don’t pay attention to the crud who is saying that your attacks on the city council is somewhat unwarranted.
The many conflicts of interest issues that is garnishing the credibility of the city council as a whole, should have the leadership upset, but instead the distinguish leadership is doing exactly nothing to correct the situation.
Could it be that Trueworhty’s wife is a community organizer with HRA along with Alderman Candelori who serves of the HRA board of directors?
What a cast of players that give you much to write about. HUD was right to hold back the funds until the affected parties resign.
Keep up the good work.
A Happy Thanksgiving to Frank Smith, and to all the regulars who post here, whether we all agree with each other or not...After all that is what America is all about, to be able to express our opinions freely.
For that, we can be Thankful.
Frank,
Did you get an answer from Alderman Sherwood identifying which of his totally conflicting statements regarding the details of how he manipulated the Republican appointment for Board of Education was actaully the truth and which one was the falsehood?
He certainly did disappear quickly once it was pointed out to the rest of us that he was totally contradicting his own press release. It is outrageous that a high ranking member of the local Democratic party would be interfering in Republican politics by hand selecting the Republican appointee against the will of the local Republican Chairman. Now that the public knows how much involvement Mr. Sherwood had in such "dirty politics" he sure has gone deep into hiding.
Also, don't pay too much attention to the anonymous person criticizing your blog, and claiming you have no readers. This is obviously a local Dem who is not happy with the emerging truth about his own council members. I know of many people who check your blog daily. Clearly, Susan Kniep is a regular reader from the number of posts she is respsonsible for. I think I would rather have the President of the state taxpayers association as a reader any day, not to mention the former editor of the local newspaper.
Obviously this annonymous person knows not of what he posts.
Keep up the good work.
A thought for the parents of New Britain school children....
When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I was not a Jew.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.
The time is now to speak out on behalf of your children. Stop this nonsense with the puppet these Democrats on the council are trying to appoint to the Board of Education. Tell them you support the Mayor's veto of Leslie Jacobs and you want them to appoint the candidate that was nominated by his party, the Republican Party. Tell them to appoint Jamie Giantonio to the Republican vacancy on the school board for the good of the children.
Speak up now, before it is too late! Call your Aldermen and tell them you support a parent like Mr. Giantonio for the school board. Mayor Stewart listened to the parents, now it is time for the council to do the same. A list of their phone numbers is below:
Mayor Pro Tem Suzanne Bielinski
225-5151
Majority Leader Michael Trueworthy
827-8816
Asst Majority Leader Paul Catanzaro
224-4707
Asst Majority Leader Adam Platosz
225-9258
Majority Whip Tonilynn Collins
348-0062
Alderman Shirley Black
826-8244
Alderman Roy Centeneo
223-1852
Alderman Gregory J. Gerratana
826-0723
Alderman Larry Hermanowski
225-9540
Alderman Eva Megnuszewski
805-7131
Alderman Lori A. Rocha
223-6289
Alderman Phil Sherwood
770-6740
It will be very sad day that the New Britain Herald and Bristol Press will cease to exist but this has been along time coming. These two papers had dwindling readership and advertisers were not getting a return on their dollar. It had become a no win situation. The only concern now is how to publish necessary legal public notices and information with-in a legal time frame like Zoning Board of Appeals, etc.
We known that the town of Bristol still has the Step Saver and New Britain would be well served by a local weekly. We don't think this group of New Britain Representatives should waste tax payer dollars working on saving a decision made by a private business to close their doors.
The State isn't going to "bail-out" The Herald or The Press. What the State can do is provide some basic economic development services, such as to help market the properties, find buyers, and negotiate an agreement. There are a fair number of jobs at stake and it is the State's interest to see if there's anything they can do.
But, don't judge these newspapers by the JRC. It's track record is dismal. And just a note for everyone who gets all outraged over a bail-out - these newspapers won't get financial help - but if you work for anything related to financial services, and that includes most of the insurance workers, you can bet that you benefit one way or another from the cash the U.S. is spending to help your businesses. Newspapers sink or swim on their own.
Yes there is something noble about the work of two local journalists Steve Collins and Jackie Majerus the two reporters still employed at The Bristol Press. But here in land of OZ in New Britain Marc Levy and Rick Guinness of The Herald staff have been upholding and publishing the political ramblings of Alderman Phil Sherwood by demanding public officials obey the Sherwood Freedom of Information Laws. UGH!
Spaceboy: You are on the mark!! Susan Kniep is a very knowledgeable woman. Could it be that John MacNamara, Democratic Town Chairman, is the one criticizing Frank Smith's blog? He very well may be so critical because of the recent high public outpouring of dissatisfaction with the Democratic Council members. He ought to be replaced as Town Committee Chairman. His Gestapo tactics are deplorable!
People who don't know just how BAD Leslie Jacobs is should not comment. She is a disgrace to the community. Her only friend is Phil Sherwood. He must be desperate for friends.
Not one person has come forward in her defense!
The Common Council members who voted for her should be run out of office.
"fed up" is correct. The parents need to speak up loudly at the Democratic leadership's plans to override the mayor's veto of that Phil Sherwood puppet that the council is trying to appoint to the school board. They don't want Mr. Giontonio simply because they know they won't be able to control him like a puppet. Mr. Giontonio is a parent with one child in the school system already and the other child nearing school age, so he has a vested interest in our schools. If for no other reason, Mr. Giontonio will do what is right for the children as a board member on the school board, and that is the last thing the Democrats on the council want. The leadership of the council is drunk with power and are attempting to get away with appointing someone who will comply with their attempts to run the board of education by remote control.
If you care at all about the future of our school system, call your aldermen and tell them "NO" to an override of Mayor Stewart's veto of Leslie Jacobs. The mayor did the right thing and listened to the parents, it is about time these elitists on the council did the same. If they won't listen to you now, they sure will have to listen to you on election day!
I keep hearing on TV that Community organizing is just code words for socialism.
Anonymous: socialist is an accurate descprition for the leaders of this council.
At least we know that Phil Sherwood is keeping an eye on "conflicts of interest and ethics" I'm sure he doesn't agree
with Paul Cantanzaro's conflicts or
Trueworthy's conflict with his wife's position. Here's how Phil
feels about Republican Capiello;
Standing outside the Senate chamber, Phil Sherwood, a New Britain alderman and lobbyist for Connecticut Citizens Action Group, said Cappiello shouldn’t even be voting on this bill because his wife works for Anthem, one of the insurance companies that said it would have to re-rate its bids if the legislature passed this bill.
"Remember this Mr Phil? said...
At least we know that Phil Sherwood is keeping an eye on "conflicts of interest and ethics" I'm sure he doesn't agree with Paul Cantanzaro's conflicts or
Trueworthy's conflict with his wife's position. Here's how Phil feels about Republican Capiello;
Standing outside the Senate chamber, Phil Sherwood, a New Britain alderman and lobbyist for Connecticut Citizens Action Group, said Cappiello shouldn’t even be voting on this bill because his wife works for Anthem, one of the insurance companies that said it would have to re-rate its bids if the legislature passed this bill."
It was also stated that since Mrs. Capiello's position at Anthem had nothing to do with this legislation, Senator Capiello had every right to vote on the legislation.
As usual, Mr. Phil didn't complete his homework..
Now that I have had time to evaluate the anonymous’ comment that I should change my party registration;
I would like to kindly remind this so called party leader, that I am currently an elected official of the party, and that I plan to serve out the current term in office.
Hey Frank: The democrats should more concerned with their conflict of interest issues.
When elected to serve the city in any capacity, those elected must take an oath to serve the City and its citizens according to the provisions in the City Charter and the city’s ordinances. It is also understood that as citizens of the state and our country we must all abide by State and Federal statutes and the U.S. CONSTITUTION. Anyone who needs more than this information about how to behave as an honest member of society should not run for office. Surely, there are times when for whatever reasons people make judgment errors. No amount of special rules written anywhere can erase human errors.
That being said, while I applaud the effort by the “Freshman members...” of the Common Council to erase conflict of interest situations involving city officials from occurring, I believe that adding a whole new set of regulations to city ordinances regarding conflicts of interest is unnecessary especially when these regulations may be redundant with the city’s own regulations and State Statutes.
Since Mayor Stewart was first elected in 2003, Council Democrats have attempted to copy state government structure and regulations into our city ordinances. Efforts to mirror state legislature committee structure, FOI regulations, etc., have largely failed. Why, some are in conflict with our City Charter, some are not compatible with out city government structure or, as already pointed out, are redundant. Most of these actions taken by the Democratic Council Majority are attempts that have been made to usurp Mayoral prerogatives or to micromanage departments, boards, commissions or committees. Many times, important city business has been delayed or obstructed with debilitating results to the City and its residents. Recent examples, all involving conflicts of interest of some kind are: The Stanley Golf Course food service fiasco, the BOE replacement for Mrs. Kraczkowsky and the landscaping contract for the Badolato Garage.
Perhaps two thirds of Council members have conflicts of interest in their duties as elected city officials arising out of: personal, financial, and/or familial relationships. They are aware of these potential conflicts and the consequences for ignoring them. There is no need for a “fresh set of eyes.” Of the violations of laws and conflicts of interest that have been reported over the past five and one half years, “old eyes” have exposed them.
I remind our “freshman” Council members of an old saying, “ be careful what you wish for, you may get it.” Also, be careful that what what you hope to accomplish now doesn’t come back to bite you in the derriere.
The Autocratic Alderman Paul Catanzaro:
Some four years ago I wrote an article in our local newspapers describing of the mere fact that you as a city employee coupled with your being an elected city Alderman placed you in a conflict of interest at either location until such time you resign from one or the other.
You ignored the warning with your complacent attitude.
And then a few years back you proposed a resolution at a council meeting calling for the elimination of all city undertakers from being able to serve on the cemetery commission and when it was time to vote on your proposal you were cautioned by the Minority Leader of the council that your vote would place you in a conflict of interest since your boss at the city’s park department, where you work, also serves as the Chairperson of the cemetery Commission. With your complacent attitude you acted as though you are above the law and went ahead by voting for your motion. I again wrote an article admonishing your actions in the local newspapers with your continued disdain of your being within the dictates of law.
Paul, it is amazing that it took all this time for these facts to surface and with the additional complaint filed with HUD about your HRA involvement along with two of your other Democratic Alderman who are in conflict as much as you are and are being dragged through the mud and slime of politics because of your insistence that you can do no wrong.
With the aforementioned facts I cannot agree more with the HUD edict that all three of you, should resign from the council due to your conflict of interest and that mandate includes you, Alderwoman Tonilynn Collins, and the council Majority leader Alderman Michael Trueworthy. Furthermore; It would be much wiser for all three to not attend any future council meetings until such time all the legal conflict issues have been resolved with the HUD Agency.
The saddest part is watching you tear down the democratic ideology through your extreme desire to show the electorate that you have the power and God help anyone who might come between you and your thirst for power.
+I rceived this for Posting:
When elected to serve the city in any capacity, those elected must take an oath to serve the City and its citizens according to the provisions in the City Charter and the city’s ordinances. It is also understood that as citizens of the state and our country we must all abide by State and Federal statutes and the U.S. CONSTITUTION. Anyone who needs more than this information about how to behave as an honest member of society should not run for office. Surely, there are times when for whatever reasons people make judgment errors. No amount of special rules written anywhere can erase human errors.
That being said, while I applaud the effort by the “Freshman members...” of the Common Council to erase conflict of interest situations involving city officials from occurring, I believe that adding a whole new set of regulations to city ordinances regarding conflicts of interest is unnecessary especially when these regulations may be redundant with the city’s own regulations and State Statutes.
Since Mayor Stewart was first elected in 2003, Council Democrats have attempted to copy state government structure and regulations into our city ordinances. Efforts to mirror state legislature committee structure, FOI regulations, etc., have largely failed. Why, some are in conflict with our City Charter, some are not compatible with out city government structure or, as already pointed out, are redundant. Most of these actions taken by the Democratic Council Majority are attempts that have been made to usurp Mayoral prerogatives or to micromanage departments, boards, commissions or committees. Many times, important city business has been delayed or obstructed with debilitating results to the City and its residents. Recent examples, all involving conflicts of interest of some kind are: The Stanley Golf Course food service fiasco, the BOE replacement for Mrs. Kraczkowsky and the landscaping contract for the Badolato Garage.
Perhaps two thirds of Council members have conflicts of interest in their duties as elected city officials arising out of: personal, financial, and/or familial relationships. They are aware of these potential conflicts and the consequences for ignoring them. There is no need for a “fresh set of eyes.” Of the violations of laws and conflicts of interest that have been reported over the past five and one half years, “old eyes” have exposed them.
I remind our “freshman” Council members of an old saying, “ be careful what you wish for, you may get it.” Also, be careful that what what you hope to accomplish now doesn’t come back to bite you in the derriere.
LOU SALVIO, REPUBLICAN ALDERMAN
--
“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to
the music he hears, however measured or far away.” H.D. Thoreau
I have received the following information via email to post for the New Britain Town Crier.
Since I do not know who this individual is my only means of communicating with him or her is by posting the information meant for the New Britain Town Crier regarding additional appearances of conflicts of interest by other city Aldermen and Alderwomen when voting for the city’s annual budget approval:
In addition to Catanzaro, Town Crier might also be interested in knowing that Shirley Black was/is a NB school crossing guard, Ald. Centeno and wife are employees of NB public schools, Ald. Hermanowski’s daughter is married to Dave DeFronzo ( a teacher at NB High), Ald. ToniLyn Collins (NB Water Dept.) are also players.
Catanzaro is Pres. of The HRA Board, Majority Leader Alderman Trueworthy’s wife works for HRA and Sherwood’s wife works for AFSCME.
I read in today's paper that Catanzaro doen't know what the Hud edict entails.
What doen't the Alderman understand with the word resign.?
In reply to anonymous’ question regarding the no vote by Alderman Catanzaro to his bosses request that the Golf Course restaurant contract be awarded to Jordan’s Catering be fired.
Well, isn’t that the question that I have been raising with my newspaper articles, for the past four years or so, that it is a conflict to have a city Alderman serving while he or she is a city employee.
How can the boss direct him out of fear of his being fired by the city council if they chose to do so? if this council member is of the majority membership how can his boss go to the council to make the request of layoff?
I have posted how many of the existing members of the City Council have a direct conflict of interest in relationship to their employment and serving on the Council.
The real question is how does a department head fire an alderman for insubordination? And that Alderman knows he can get away with most anything as an employee.
In short, voters beware of who you select to vote for the next time around.
Sincerely,
Frank Smith
Subject: The Saga of Court Hearings on Municipal Code of Ethics....?
The Government Elections and Administration Committee took a step forward toward eradicating political corruption at the municipal level when it approved a bill that would force all Cities and Towns (like New Britain)to adopt a code of ethics by 2007.
The substitute bill calls for municipalities to establish procedures to investigate allegations of misconduct by its public officials, public employees, and paid consultants.
The state has yet to pass its own contract reform package. The General Assembly has passed legislation toward that end three times, but Governor M. Jodi Rell vetoed all three attempts. State Rep. Christopher Caruso, [D-Bridgeport], said that municipalities, like the state, routinely award multi-million dollar contracts and in most towns there is no process for the public to address the behavior of public officials.
Two Glastonbury residents, Karen Emerick and Dana Evans, know what Rep. Caruso means all too well. They were in Hartford Superior Court filing writs of mandamus to enforce their legal rights. Since 2003, Emerick and Evans have been asking the Glastonbury Ethics Commission to specify how the public may initiate complaints alleging a violation of code, or how the public might request access to the commission's advisory opinions.
They say they have yet to receive an answer, though Karen Emerick says she was told on one occasion, in letter from the ethics commission chairperson, that the commission would not accept complaints directly from the public. Evans said she had wanted information on a code that would allow public officials to represent a developer and others doing business in the town, but was told advisory opinions are not for the public. If it becomes law, the substitute bill approved by the committee today will change that.
After filing and winning numerous state Freedom of Information Commission complaints and non-compliance actions against the Glastonbury Ethics Commission, Emerick and Evans said they felt they had exhausted all other avenues.
After filing the writ, Emerick said there should be a regional ethics commission, so that people on the commission do not hear cases from residents in their own town. She said she would support a statewide ethics code that doesn’t require public officials to disclose the contents of their bank accounts, but they would have to disclose all financial interests in property and list the names of their limited liability companies and private employers.
The substitute House bill that the committee approved prohibits public officials and public employees from representing private interests against the interests of their employer municipality, and closes the loophole in the revolving door policy so public officials can't take jobs with private companies that do business with the town.
Before it can become law, the bill still must be approved by the House, the Senate, and Governor Rell. Susan G. Kniep, former East Hartford mayor and President of The Federation of Connecticut Taxpayers Organization (FCTO) said that every time a public official writes a local ethics code for a town so that in the future he may, as an elected or former official, do business with the town - then the taxpayer again loses his/her shirt.
Without strong ethics laws on a local level, common sense tells you that local elected officials cannot and will not police their own, said Susan Kniep, President FCTO.
Posted by Anonymous to Frank Smith Says NB at December 24, 2008 8:18 PM
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