Thinking Globally Today: Buy Fair Trade

If you're shopping this weekend for Mother's Day, looking for a graduation gift or just want a latte, there are ways to strike a blow for economic justice and sustainable development. Saturday May 9th is Fair Trade Day around the globe. It's a weekend filled with all sorts of events -- more in Canada and … Continue reading Thinking Globally Today: Buy Fair Trade

Getting Specter’s Vote: Promise Him More Earmarks

The pundits are making much of Senator Arlen Specter's defection to Democrats as proof that a "moderate" Republican can't survive in the GOP; that it puts the Senate Democrats on the verge of that 60-vote threshold needed to cut off debate and move legislation if the cagey Specter goes along. Politically, it clears the way … Continue reading Getting Specter’s Vote: Promise Him More Earmarks

Not What Everyone Wants To Hear From CCSU Campus 10 Years after Columbine

"Gun fight at CCSU" blares today's front-page headline in the New Britain Herald.The story by Jennifer Abel reports on CCSU's Riflery and Marksmanship Club joining a national "Empty Holster Protest" that advocates for the right of students to bear arms on the campus. The protest springs from a national group calling itself "Students for Concealed … Continue reading Not What Everyone Wants To Hear From CCSU Campus 10 Years after Columbine

Stewart’s double standard on state budget priorities

Mayor Tim Stewart has lashed out at New Britain's all Democratic legislative delegation for reductions in local aid made in a Democratic state budget plan presented last week.Stewart, facing the prospect of higher property taxes in a bad economy, delivered a "broadside" that takes aim at State Rep. John Geragosian (D-25), the House appropriations Chair, … Continue reading Stewart’s double standard on state budget priorities

Why disinvesting in the local community college hurts

The state deficit problem is jeopardizing the state's educational and social safety net resources -- what the Governor and Legislature would call "core" services.Bristol Press' Jackie Majerus tells a story in today's local papers that can be replicated thousands of times across the state.Chipping away at schooling - The New Britain Herald News : New … Continue reading Why disinvesting in the local community college hurts

Does New Britain Hospital Figure In Hartford Hospital’s Takeover Plans?

The Hospital of Central Connecticut (HOCC), better known in these parts as New Britain General, has been more than an interested bystander in the debate over the future of John Dempsey Hospital at the University of Connecticut Health Center and its possible takeover by Hartford Hospital.Recent press reports confirm that all area hospitals are concerned … Continue reading Does New Britain Hospital Figure In Hartford Hospital’s Takeover Plans?

Iraq Authorization and Wall Street Bailout Votes: Two Of A Kind

The outrage now being expressed in Congress over the excessive bonuses paid to AIG executives -- especially from Republicans -- is an outrageous display of phony indignation. When the federal bailout legislation was making its way through Congress last September there was some concern expressed by Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats on reining in executive … Continue reading Iraq Authorization and Wall Street Bailout Votes: Two Of A Kind

The Courant: Then and Now

I had the privilege of raising money for Hartford's Camp Courant back in the early 1990s. For one year I walked to a small cubicle assigned me in advertising at the newspaper's 285 Broad Street offices to seek support for the century-old free day camp serving thousands of Hartford's 5-12 year olds. Every day I … Continue reading The Courant: Then and Now

Rell’s Local Aid: Placing More Burdens On Cities

The mayors of Bridgeport and New Britain have forged a bipartisan alliance to praise Gov. Jodi Rell's budget package for level funding of education aid to cities and towns. All cities and towns will get the same amount for the single largest local expense item -- the schools.According to a New Britain Herald op-ed by … Continue reading Rell’s Local Aid: Placing More Burdens On Cities

Ethics Flap Prompts Billy Mac To Resign From Board; Salvio’s Complaint Called Another "Fishing Expedition"

The resignation of former Mayor William McNamara from the city ethics commission adds another partisan twist to the sorry state of affairs on a board charged with keeping municipal officials honest. The Courant and Herald covered McNamara's move this past week.Billy Mac, a supporter of the incumbent Mayor and the emcee at Stewart's inaugurals, derided … Continue reading Ethics Flap Prompts Billy Mac To Resign From Board; Salvio’s Complaint Called Another "Fishing Expedition"