State Rep. O’Brien Poised To Take Mayoral Plunge

State Rep. Tim O’Brien (D-24) is set to make an announcement on his political plans this year at an announcement on July 17th to be held at the Pulaski Democratic Club, 89 Grove Street, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.O’Brien formed an exploratory committee earlier this year to consider running for Mayor and he has since … Continue reading State Rep. O’Brien Poised To Take Mayoral Plunge

State Budget: The Sunset Solution

The July 4th holiday will come and go without a state budget in place for the fiscal year that began last Wednesday. The state House and Senate finally hammered out a plan that didn't muster a veto proof majority in either chamber. A disengaged Governor suddenly got engaged in the last week of the 2009 … Continue reading State Budget: The Sunset Solution

State Marshals: It’s Not What You Know But…….?

A recent Courant story on the hiring of state marshals suggests that a little cronyism and political backscratching may be creeping back into a relatively new system for the hiring of marshals -- the individuals who serve the legal papers on behalf of lawyers and courts. At issue is whether more reform would be appropriate … Continue reading State Marshals: It’s Not What You Know But…….?

Think Globally, Buy Locally: New Movement Says Buy From Local Merchants

What to do about our hard economic times is a part of the national conversation and plenty of federal action in the first five months of the Obama Administration. The media gas bags on cable news won't let us forget it. We rightly expect the solutions to come from Washington (the stimulus) and a more … Continue reading Think Globally, Buy Locally: New Movement Says Buy From Local Merchants

Revenue Gap Threatens New Britain Municipal Budget

It's a year when local and state governments are struggling with falling tax revenues and a severe economic downturn. New Britain is facing all of those struggles plus one more potential hole that could break the city budget in the new fiscal year.The problem? Mayor Stewart's proposed $216.3 million estimate, now getting scrutiny by the … Continue reading Revenue Gap Threatens New Britain Municipal Budget

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