Four Ways to Fight Racism in Your Town

Commentary courtesy of Otherwords.org Spontaneous, peaceful protests have been occurring in New Britain over the murder of George Floyd and systemic police violence. A rare 15 to 0 Common Council vote declared "racism is a public health crisis." The movement is ramping up the pressure for a Civilian Review Board and changes in city government … Continue reading Four Ways to Fight Racism in Your Town

Stuck in the 18th Century: State Constitution Impedes Voting By Mail, Early Voting

By John McNamara Pandemic Prompts Legislation To Allow Absentee Voting Option For All In November But Ballot Reforms Shouldn't Stop There Our license plates proudly proclaim Connecticut the “Constitution State” because the state constitution was one of the colonial documents that guided the Founders of the nation when they wrote the U.S. Constitution in 1787. … Continue reading Stuck in the 18th Century: State Constitution Impedes Voting By Mail, Early Voting

Looking Ahead: Stanley Quarter Park Makeover, New Playground Take Shape For Spring

The early days of Spring require all of us to practice social distancing and avoid gatherings in public places in the effort to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic. But there are things to look forward to with warm weather ahead including a visit to the city's parks when it is safe to do … Continue reading Looking Ahead: Stanley Quarter Park Makeover, New Playground Take Shape For Spring

Remembering Emma Pierce: The Life Of The Party

By John McNamara Emma Pierce, matriarch of her family and a leader of boundless love, energy and spunk for Democrats and her New Britain community, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 29th at the age of 91. For Democrats Emma has been “the life of the party” in so many ways. Having served with … Continue reading Remembering Emma Pierce: The Life Of The Party

Turning Red To Blue: Charlotte Koskoff’s 2020 Congressional Campaign

By John McNamara In 1996, Plainville Attorney Charlotte Koskoff was the upstart nominee for CT's old 6th Congressional District against New Britain's Nancy Johnson, the entrenched incumbent considered unbeatable by pundits, consultants and especially national Democratic Party bosses who put only a pittance into the Koskoff campaign. By a razor-thin margin of 1,587 votes (C-Span … Continue reading Turning Red To Blue: Charlotte Koskoff’s 2020 Congressional Campaign

Rosemary Klotz To Be Recognized With Award at Democratic Party Women’s Leadership Brunch September 22nd

Rosemary Klotz, an executive aide to two mayors and a volunteer for Democratic campaigns in New Britain for more than 30 years, will be honored September 22nd at the state Democratic Party’s annual Women’s Leadership Brunch. Klotz, a Democratic Town Committee (DTC) Trustee, leads the nomination committee and candidate recruitment for the town committee. News … Continue reading Rosemary Klotz To Be Recognized With Award at Democratic Party Women’s Leadership Brunch September 22nd

Rep. Sanchez Makes “Respect” for Early Childhood Educators A Priority As New Chair of Education Committee

By John McNamara State Rep. Robert "Bobby" Sanchez (D-25) is the new House Chair of the Legislature's Education Committee who brings a strong background in early childhood education to his leadership post in the General Assembly this year. Sanchez, a former New Britain Board of Education member elected to the House in a 2011 special … Continue reading Rep. Sanchez Makes “Respect” for Early Childhood Educators A Priority As New Chair of Education Committee

Stewart Penalized For Using Taxpayer Mailing To Boost Her 2017 Re-election Campaign

Mayor Erin Stewart violated state campaign law by promoting her candidacy through an official mailing of tax bills to city residents during the 2017 municipal campaign, according to a ruling by the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC). The SEEC, at its November 14th meeting, fined Mayor Stewart $500, citing a violation under state law (9-610) … Continue reading Stewart Penalized For Using Taxpayer Mailing To Boost Her 2017 Re-election Campaign

Former Senator Harper To Be Remembered at CCSU Thursday, June 14th

Remembering Senator Joe Harper: “One Of A Kind”

By John McNamara Joe Harper, New Britain's former state senator and a local Democratic Party leader for a generation, died May 20th at the age of 69. Harper's public service -- mayoral aide, state representative, state senator -- is being remembered as "iconic" and legendary by former colleagues and state Capitol observers. Mark Pazniokas in … Continue reading Remembering Senator Joe Harper: “One Of A Kind”