Author: nbpoliticus

NB Politicus is a weblog featuring news and commentary on politics, government and community life in New Britain, CT. John McNamara - Editor and Writer

Former Alderman Adam Platosz’ Life of Service To City And Community

Funeral services for Former City Alderman Adam Platosz, who died March 12th at the age of 73, drew hundreds of individuals who came to mourn the passing of a public servant and a loyal and generous friend and leader in the city's Ukrainian American community. Platosz, a longtime member of the Democratic Town Committee, served … Continue reading Former Alderman Adam Platosz’ Life of Service To City And Community

Legislation Calls For Clear Language On Charter Referendums

GAE Committee Favors "Precise" Wording On Ballot Questions The Legislature's Government Administration and Elections Committee (GAE) has acted favorably on a bill that will "establish certain minimum requirements for presenting charter or home rule ordinance amendment ballot questions to voters.'" House Bill 7125, introduced by State Representative Gary Turco (D-27) and supported by New Britain's … Continue reading Legislation Calls For Clear Language On Charter Referendums

Making the New Britain Public Library A “Library of Human Connection”

Director Sjöberg Shares Plans To Build Infrastructure For Reading In New Britain by John McNamara Walk into the New Britain Public Library (NBPL) on High Street these days and you will notice physical changes to the main floor. The circulation and reference desks have been merged into one. The main floor's makeover will include five … Continue reading Making the New Britain Public Library A “Library of Human Connection”

Mayor Stewart Goes All In With MAGA In Bid For Statewide Office

Mayor Erin Stewart’s second bid for statewide office formally began on January 28th at an announcement about her exploratory committee. Standing outside her City Hall office with a throng of municipal employees and supporters looking on, the six-term Republican mayor said she needs to raise $350,000 this year to viably contend for either Governor or … Continue reading Mayor Stewart Goes All In With MAGA In Bid For Statewide Office

BOE requests 12% increase in local aid

Budget Forum January 30th At Smalley Elementary School The Board of Education (BOE) will hold a budget forum on Thursday, January 30th, to hear a presentation and give the public an opportunity to weigh in on the proposed school budget that will go to the Mayor and Common Council. The budget forum will be held … Continue reading BOE requests 12% increase in local aid

It’s Time For State To Address Stormwater Crisis In More Hard Hit Neighborhoods

State Aid Needed To Implement Allen Street Capital Improvements In New Britain By John McNamara The damage to homes and properties caused by intense rains has accelerated over the last two years in New Britain and other communities across Connecticut. Public stormwater and sewer systems built a century ago are routinely overwhelmed whenever a hard … Continue reading It’s Time For State To Address Stormwater Crisis In More Hard Hit Neighborhoods

Longest Night Service Remembers Lives Lost in 2024

Friendship Center's Cold Weather Triage Program Is Open To Help Unhoused NEW BRITAIN - A "Longest Night Service" was held at South Church in the Downtown District December 20th to remember individuals who died here in 2024 after experiencing homelessness. The late afternoon service that is observed each year as the "homeless persons' Memorial Day" … Continue reading Longest Night Service Remembers Lives Lost in 2024

Vision Zero Task Force Sets Goals to Reduce Traffic Fatalities

Safety Plan Can Lead to Federal Implementation Grants By John McNamara NEW BRITAIN - The Common Council approved a resolution on December 11th setting long-range goals to "reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by 50% by 2035 and to reach 'Vision Zero' by 2045." A Vision Zero Task Force, announced by Mayor Stewart last May, … Continue reading Vision Zero Task Force Sets Goals to Reduce Traffic Fatalities

Post Election: Countering Fear And Exclusion Starts Here

By John McNamara Campaign promises threatening "mass deportation", use of the military and law enforcement to go after political opponents ("the enemy within") and rollbacks of policies for the common good dominated Trump on the stump in the closing weeks of 2024's campaign. And so the Trump victory on November 5th is raising fears and … Continue reading Post Election: Countering Fear And Exclusion Starts Here