The National “Fight For 15” Will Continue After COVID Relief Act Passage

Connecticut and other states are on a path to $15 an hour but the federal minimum wage has not increased since 2009 when it went from $6.55 to $7.25 per hour, an amount that keeps the working poor in poverty or juggling multiple jobs to survive. By Eshawney Gaston | March 3, 2021 I’m one of America’s … Continue reading The National “Fight For 15” Will Continue After COVID Relief Act Passage

New Britain Common Council Vacancy: An Opportunity For Bipartisan Cooperation

By John McNamara The alderman-at-large vacancy caused by the election of Emmanuel Sanchez to the 24th District House seat is an opportunity for some all too rare bipartisanship on the closely divided City Council of eight Republicans and seven Democrats. Starting with an endorsement from Rep.-elect Sanchez, a top vote getter in the 2019 municipal … Continue reading New Britain Common Council Vacancy: An Opportunity For Bipartisan Cooperation

New Britain Is Using Two Ballot Drop Boxes At City Hall For Now: Legislators Get Two More OK’d For Heavy Presidential Turnout

By John McNamara | nbpoliticus.com With absentee ballots expected to be mailed to voters in the coming days for the November 3rd Presidential Election, New Britain election officials are using two ballot drop boxes at New Britain City Hall. With an expected uptick in absentee voting because of COVID 19, two more have been made … Continue reading New Britain Is Using Two Ballot Drop Boxes At City Hall For Now: Legislators Get Two More OK’d For Heavy Presidential Turnout

Under the Cover of Covid: Four Democratic Councillors Excluded From July Meeting

Mayor Pulls Plug On Remote Access For Common Council Members By John McNamara Four Democratic City Councillors, expecting teleconference access because of the state-mandated COVID 19 social distancing order for public meetings, were shut out of participating and voting at the July 8th Common Council meeting. At Large Alderman Richard Reyes, Ward 2 Alderperson Colin … Continue reading Under the Cover of Covid: Four Democratic Councillors Excluded From July Meeting

Four Ways to Fight Racism in Your Town

Commentary courtesy of Otherwords.org Spontaneous, peaceful protests have been occurring in New Britain over the murder of George Floyd and systemic police violence. A rare 15 to 0 Common Council vote declared "racism is a public health crisis." The movement is ramping up the pressure for a Civilian Review Board and changes in city government … Continue reading Four Ways to Fight Racism in Your Town

Stuck in the 18th Century: State Constitution Impedes Voting By Mail, Early Voting

By John McNamara Pandemic Prompts Legislation To Allow Absentee Voting Option For All In November But Ballot Reforms Shouldn't Stop There Our license plates proudly proclaim Connecticut the “Constitution State” because the state constitution was one of the colonial documents that guided the Founders of the nation when they wrote the U.S. Constitution in 1787. … Continue reading Stuck in the 18th Century: State Constitution Impedes Voting By Mail, Early Voting

Looking Ahead: Stanley Quarter Park Makeover, New Playground Take Shape For Spring

The early days of Spring require all of us to practice social distancing and avoid gatherings in public places in the effort to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic. But there are things to look forward to with warm weather ahead including a visit to the city's parks when it is safe to do … Continue reading Looking Ahead: Stanley Quarter Park Makeover, New Playground Take Shape For Spring

Remembering Emma Pierce: The Life Of The Party

By John McNamara Emma Pierce, matriarch of her family and a leader of boundless love, energy and spunk for Democrats and her New Britain community, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 29th at the age of 91. For Democrats Emma has been “the life of the party” in so many ways. Having served with … Continue reading Remembering Emma Pierce: The Life Of The Party

Turning Red To Blue: Charlotte Koskoff’s 2020 Congressional Campaign

By John McNamara In 1996, Plainville Attorney Charlotte Koskoff was the upstart nominee for CT's old 6th Congressional District against New Britain's Nancy Johnson, the entrenched incumbent considered unbeatable by pundits, consultants and especially national Democratic Party bosses who put only a pittance into the Koskoff campaign. By a razor-thin margin of 1,587 votes (C-Span … Continue reading Turning Red To Blue: Charlotte Koskoff’s 2020 Congressional Campaign