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"

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?