What Would a 21st Century Rev. King Be Saying and Doing in 2012?

Our national day to remember the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday is an opportunity to focus and ramp up the political debate in 2012 on "saving the middle class" and addressing "income inequality" that has been, from all reports, getting worse since the early 1970s. Over the last year "Tea Bag" politicians, lavishly funded … Continue reading What Would a 21st Century Rev. King Be Saying and Doing in 2012?

Other Words: The 2012 GOP Vote Suppression Plan

From Other Words: 2 January 2012Disenfranchising Voters is Un-AmericanBuying elections on the one hand and keeping people away from the polls on the other isn't what our democracy is supposed to be about.By William A. CollinsLove my voting,Makes me grin;But these new rules,Won’t let me in.You may not realize just what depths the Republican Party has … Continue reading Other Words: The 2012 GOP Vote Suppression Plan

The Politics of Division: Cafero, GOP Seek To Make 5th Congressional District Less Diverse

The impasse over the redistricting of Connecticut's Congressional political map is jeopardizing New Britain's place as one of the major cities in the 5th Congressional District.Republican Minority Leader Larry Cafero and his GOP cohorts on the stalemated legislative commission want New Britain to vacate the new 5th to join the 1st District where Hartford and … Continue reading The Politics of Division: Cafero, GOP Seek To Make 5th Congressional District Less Diverse

Mayor Uses On-Line Survey To Encourage Participation: Appointments Pending For Boards and Commissions

Democrats, Republicans and Unaffiliated voters — are welcome to submit their names and qualifications to be considered for a nomination to one of the volunteer boards where citizen oversight and participation can make local government more accountable to residents. Over the last week Mayor Tim O’Brien completed his appointments to the city Police Commission. But … Continue reading Mayor Uses On-Line Survey To Encourage Participation: Appointments Pending For Boards and Commissions

In Seeking Support For Senate Murphy Shares a New Britain Story

U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy, in a holiday weekend message seeking support for his Senate bid, shares the story of his mother's upbringing in hardscrabble New Britain.The appeal for support draws a sharp contrast with Republican frontrunner Linda McMahon and the untold millions the former WWE CEO will spend in 2012."Yesterday, like many of you, I … Continue reading In Seeking Support For Senate Murphy Shares a New Britain Story

24th House District Special Election: Sharon, Rick and Mike Vie For the 24th

24th State Rep Nominating Convention Tuesday, 11/29 In NewingtonThe convention to nominate a Democratic candidate for the 24th House District seat vacated by Mayor O'Brien will be held Tuesday, November 29th at 7 p.m. at Newington Town Hall Council Chambers, 131 Cedar Street.Three candidates with considerable public service and legislative experience have emerged to replace … Continue reading 24th House District Special Election: Sharon, Rick and Mike Vie For the 24th

Reflecting On the Inauguration: Tim O’Brien Wants To Be The "Education" Mayor

Today's swearing in of the new Mayor, Tim O'Brien, and other municipal officials elected last Tuesday was most significant for where it was held as much as what was said at the ceremony. The New Britain High Band played the music and the Madrigal Singers sang the National Anthem as classes at the high school, the … Continue reading Reflecting On the Inauguration: Tim O’Brien Wants To Be The "Education" Mayor

Beware of Professional Politicians Accusing their Opponents of Being A "Professional Politician"

I once knew a state representative in Lynn, MA who came up with a winning slogan: "Tim Bassett Is A Lousy Politician". As I recall, the Lynn lawmaker used the phrase to win a term or two or three up on Beacon Hill giving meaning to the use of irony in politics.That same claim has been resurrected over and … Continue reading Beware of Professional Politicians Accusing their Opponents of Being A "Professional Politician"

Op-Ed: CEOs Rewarded for Corporate Tax Dodging

Other Words Op-Ed: Week of September 5-13CEOs Rewarded for Corporate Tax Dodging by Chuck Collins For an elite group of American CEOs, sacrifice is for chumps.As the nation struggles with budgetary constraints, Congress has exempted a group of imperial CEOs and their companies from contributing to the solution.High Wire CEO by Khalil Brendib http://www.otherwords.org One … Continue reading Op-Ed: CEOs Rewarded for Corporate Tax Dodging