Andy Stern On The Delay In the Solis Nomination: "Unacceptable"

Last month President Obama nominated Congresswoman Hilda Solis to be our next Secretary of Labor, but conservative Republicans are blocking her confirmation simply because she supports working people.I just recorded a short video message about this unacceptable obstruction and how you can help. Watch it: http://action.seiu.org/page/s/confirmsolisPlease take a minute to watch my video, then sign … Continue reading Andy Stern On The Delay In the Solis Nomination: "Unacceptable"

State Republicans Retreat To New Britain

The Republican State Central Committee, hit hard by losses in state House races last year, left Hartford for New Britain's A.H. Harris Building in December in office space that is "twice as big as our current digs and provides us with some exciting new opportunities," according to a GOP blog. The opportunities, say the Republicans, … Continue reading State Republicans Retreat To New Britain

Railing Against Highways: Is Momentum Building For Expanded Rail, Bus Service?

Connecticut is a tale of two places when it comes to use of public transportation. There's the Gold Coast and the Metro North line with hundreds of thousands of riderships on trains that need replacement and upgrade. Then there is the rest of us in central and eastern Connecticut with limited bus services and downtowns … Continue reading Railing Against Highways: Is Momentum Building For Expanded Rail, Bus Service?

Hello Sweet Heart, Get Me Re-Write: Herald, Press Survive

The New Britain Herald and Bristol Press, left to die by the parent Journal Register Company (JRC) late in 2008, will survive.Today's Herald story by Scott Whipple confirmed that Michael Schroeder, a veteran newspaper exec from Newsday, has made good on his promise to be the white knight entrepreneur for the two local dailies and … Continue reading Hello Sweet Heart, Get Me Re-Write: Herald, Press Survive

A Good Bet: Amann Will Exit Gubernatorial Race Quickly

Former Speaker of the House Jim Amann is ramping up a run for Governor. He's sent no less than five e-messages to Democratic leaders over the last month.They reflect a hectic schedule and agenda: advocacy for more "Hollywood East" state tax credits (before the Democratic caucus even considers it), an invitation to his portrait unveiling, … Continue reading A Good Bet: Amann Will Exit Gubernatorial Race Quickly

Commuter Question: Rail Over Busway

Today's Courant story by Don Stacom reports on a brewing change in legislative thinking on public transit in the area led by State Rep. David McCluskey of West Hartford. McCluskey, disturbed over the lack of progress by the Department of Transportation on the New Britain busway, recently called for dumping the New Britain/Hartford busway as … Continue reading Commuter Question: Rail Over Busway

Push To Save Herald, Press Sparks Debate In National Media

The push by local legislators, as mentioned in November 28's post, to involve the Department of Economic Development (DECD) in efforts to save The Herald of New Britain and the Bristol Press is drawing national media attention.A Reuters story posted at The Huffington Post focuses on questions of a free press and the potential conflicts … Continue reading Push To Save Herald, Press Sparks Debate In National Media

O’Brien’s Call For Special Elections For U.S. Senate Vacancies Gets Traction With L’Affaire Blogojevich

State Rep. Tim O'Brien (D-24) gets a well deserved accolade from Connecticut Local Politics this weekend on his legislation requiring that special elections be held when vacancies occur for the U.S. Senate.O'Brien saw his proposal die in the 2007 General Assembly with a criticism that his motive was "partisan." Democrats haven't held the Governor's office … Continue reading O’Brien’s Call For Special Elections For U.S. Senate Vacancies Gets Traction With L’Affaire Blogojevich

Saving The Hometown Dailies

A plea by legislators for state assistance in saving the Herald of New Britain and The Bristol Press -- the two dailies slated for closure by the parent Journal Register Company -- is getting a mixed reaction among the commenters and bloggers who offered their opinions this week.That's because many people thrive on complaining about … Continue reading Saving The Hometown Dailies

Ending Wall Street Welfare: Economist Says Democrats Need Long Term Strategy

Robert Kuttner, a widely published economist based at The American Prospect is providing some of the best commentary yet on the economic emergency precipitated by the excesses of the unregulated home mortgage and securities industries."Democrats will shortly become stewards not just of a temporary bailout but of a long term recovery strategy," writes Kuttner in … Continue reading Ending Wall Street Welfare: Economist Says Democrats Need Long Term Strategy