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

Murphy To Take Up GOP Plan To Outsource and Increase Costs of Medicare, Social Security At New Britain Senior Center 7/18

Congressman Chris Murphy (D-5) will discuss the future of Medicare and Social Security in New Britain Monday July 18th amid Republican plans to reduce benefits and privatize the federal programs for older citizens.Murphy will be joined by Judy Stein, the executive director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy at the New Britain Senior Center, 55 Pearl Street, … Continue reading Murphy To Take Up GOP Plan To Outsource and Increase Costs of Medicare, Social Security At New Britain Senior Center 7/18

Big Box vs. Public Park: Will A.W. Stanley Park and Golf Course Get Malled?

A public hearing and meeting of the Common Council on June 7th and June 8th are expected to stir strong debate on the proposed siting of a COSTCO store on the white nine of the 27-hole Stanley Golf Course. The plan calls for relocating two golf holes across the street on a pristine parcel of … Continue reading Big Box vs. Public Park: Will A.W. Stanley Park and Golf Course Get Malled?

Herald: Where Will Cuts Fall At Library?

The public library, like public education, is a taxpayer-supported institution with a value that isn't easily measured on a ledger sheet. It's value to a community exceeds what it costs by many measures of human capital and civic involvement. The possibility of layoffs in city government could hit the library in terms of reduced hours … Continue reading Herald: Where Will Cuts Fall At Library?

Busway Advances: Rapid Transit Wins Over Purchase of 28,000 Jeep Patriots

Last week the arguments against Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along the I-84 corridor were less about choosing rail over buses and more about opposing any public investment at all in commuter transportation.On April 29th, the state Bond Commission approved $90 million for the New Britain-Hartford bus way, the lion's share of state investment in a … Continue reading Busway Advances: Rapid Transit Wins Over Purchase of 28,000 Jeep Patriots

Hearing on FY 12 City Budget May 12th at Slade Middle School

Now that the Stewart administration has put a $216 million budget on the table officials have set a public hearing for Thursday May 12th at 6 p.m. The hearing will be held at Slade Middle School, not the high school as originally announced.With federal recovery act funds gone and a best-case scenario of level … Continue reading Hearing on FY 12 City Budget May 12th at Slade Middle School