Taking Sides on Charter Revision In New Britain

Mayor, Yes Committee To Hold "Education Session" Tuesday, October 18 at City Hall by John McNamara The Yes on Charter Revision Referendum Committee will hold an "educational session" on October 18th featuring members of the charter commission to promote passage of amendments that have far-reaching implications as to how city government will be governed. Tuesday's … Continue reading Taking Sides on Charter Revision In New Britain

Landlord Group’s “cage fight between Lamont & Zherka” remark stumps the press, brings apology to Governor

There's No Mystery About Who Sam Zherka Is In New Britain By John McNamara West Hartford-based Connecticut Coalition of Property Owners (CCOPO) had to issue a quick apology on May 19th over its first version of a press release opposing an eviction moratorium and use of $400 million in federal pandemic aid to landlords and … Continue reading Landlord Group’s “cage fight between Lamont & Zherka” remark stumps the press, brings apology to Governor

Stewart Seeks To Exclude BOE, Common Council From Approving Use Of School Construction Money

By John McNamara The Stewart Administration, blocked in recent months by a bipartisan Board of Education (BOE) and city ordinance from filling a political patronage job on a new school construction project, will seek to remove  Common Council and BOE authority on school construction spending handing the final say over to the seven-member School Building … Continue reading Stewart Seeks To Exclude BOE, Common Council From Approving Use Of School Construction Money

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

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

New Britain’s Bond Rating Drops From Stable To Negative: Huge Spike In Debt Through 2021 Cited By Moody’s

By John McNamara Republican incumbent Mayor Erin Stewart, in her re-election campaign this year and throughout her second term, has touted improving municipal bond ratings for New Britain's fiscal solvency, claiming credit for budget surpluses of $15 million and pushing spending up at City Hall with no need for an election year tax increase. Fiscal … Continue reading New Britain’s Bond Rating Drops From Stable To Negative: Huge Spike In Debt Through 2021 Cited By Moody’s

Your Tax Dollars At Work: Erin Stewart Does Politics On Dem. Primary Day From City Hall

Republican Erin Stewart  is taking time from her  duties at City Hall to jump into today's Democratic Primary for State Senate and Registrar of Voters,  posting a pitch from her official Facebook page to support the challengers. Acknowledging she "is not a Democrat" Ms. Stewart urged her social media followers to oppose endorsed candidates State … Continue reading Your Tax Dollars At Work: Erin Stewart Does Politics On Dem. Primary Day From City Hall

Inside City Hall: Republicans Seek To Eliminate Polling Places in Center of New Britain

By John McNamara Republican Mayor Erin Stewart and Registrar of Voters Peter Gostin are moving quickly to reduce voter access to polling places for the November Presidential election. A  plan drafted by Republican Gostin will  come up for a fast-tracked feasibility study vote at the Wednesday January 27th Common Council meeting. The feasibility study apparently … Continue reading Inside City Hall: Republicans Seek To Eliminate Polling Places in Center of New Britain