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

School Building Committee Resolution Curtails Checks and Balances on School Construction Projects

By John McNamara A controversial resolution that removes Common Council and Board of Education approval of all contracts and spending on school construction projects came back to the Common Council April 28th meeting and was approved on a party line vote. The resolution, authored by Republican caucus members Daniel Salerno and Sharon Beloin-Saavedra and revised … Continue reading School Building Committee Resolution Curtails Checks and Balances on School Construction Projects

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

Republican Candidate For 26th District Stirred Social Media Controversy in 2015

"Racially Divisive" Posts Sunk Ceglarz' Council Candidacy In The '15 Municipal By John McNamara The New Britain Republican Town Committee's (NBRTC) slate of legislative candidates for the November 3rd Election includes a nominee who stirred controversy in 2015 that forced his withdrawal from the Councillor-At-Large race that year. Piotr (Peter) Ceglarz, a member of the … Continue reading Republican Candidate For 26th District Stirred Social Media Controversy in 2015

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

Stewart Penalized For Using Taxpayer Mailing To Boost Her 2017 Re-election Campaign

Mayor Erin Stewart violated state campaign law by promoting her candidacy through an official mailing of tax bills to city residents during the 2017 municipal campaign, according to a ruling by the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC). The SEEC, at its November 14th meeting, fined Mayor Stewart $500, citing a violation under state law (9-610) … Continue reading Stewart Penalized For Using Taxpayer Mailing To Boost Her 2017 Re-election Campaign

Will Erin Stewart Get Another Off The Books Push From An Absentee Landlord in 2017?

By John McNamara On the eve of  the 2015 municipal election scores of  tenants in New Britain got a notice about a possible rent increase from their landlord. It wasn't an official increase but a not so subtle endorsement of Mayor Erin Stewart who at the time was cruising to re-election for a second term. … Continue reading Will Erin Stewart Get Another Off The Books Push From An Absentee Landlord in 2017?

Did Stewart Get A Prohibited Campaign Freebie In Mailing Of Car Tax Bills?

By John McNamara New Britain motor vehicle owners finally got their bills on September 1 along with  a glowing missive from Mayor Erin Stewart that makes the case for her re-election. The city held up auto tax notices this year, blaming the state budget impasse for the two month delay. Uncertain was whether the auto … Continue reading Did Stewart Get A Prohibited Campaign Freebie In Mailing Of Car Tax Bills?

Referendum Question 3 Obscures Charter Change On Granting Pay Raises To Elected Officials, Accelerated Water Bill Payments

By John McNamara The Common Council's Republican Caucus Leader, Daniel Salerno, likes to preach to citizens who speak at public participation that they ought to stay, not leave after speaking on an issue, to watch the councilors "make the sausage" on selling city assets cheap, adopting a new policy or making budget decisions. Salerno's invitation … Continue reading Referendum Question 3 Obscures Charter Change On Granting Pay Raises To Elected Officials, Accelerated Water Bill Payments

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