Trash Talk From Mayor Sets Wrong Tone At Start of New Term

Mayor Stewart began a new term this week with an official call for an "end to political warfare" between his office and the City Council, according to Courant coverageAnd there was some high-minded rhetoric from Stewart to get things going: "Today we stand at the threshold of becoming a new and exciting city, one that … Continue reading Trash Talk From Mayor Sets Wrong Tone At Start of New Term

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

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

The Courant: Then and Now

I had the privilege of raising money for Hartford's Camp Courant back in the early 1990s. For one year I walked to a small cubicle assigned me in advertising at the newspaper's 285 Broad Street offices to seek support for the century-old free day camp serving thousands of Hartford's 5-12 year olds. Every day I … Continue reading The Courant: Then and Now

Rell’s Local Aid: Placing More Burdens On Cities

The mayors of Bridgeport and New Britain have forged a bipartisan alliance to praise Gov. Jodi Rell's budget package for level funding of education aid to cities and towns. All cities and towns will get the same amount for the single largest local expense item -- the schools.According to a New Britain Herald op-ed by … Continue reading Rell’s Local Aid: Placing More Burdens On Cities

Ethics Flap Prompts Billy Mac To Resign From Board; Salvio’s Complaint Called Another "Fishing Expedition"

The resignation of former Mayor William McNamara from the city ethics commission adds another partisan twist to the sorry state of affairs on a board charged with keeping municipal officials honest. The Courant and Herald covered McNamara's move this past week.Billy Mac, a supporter of the incumbent Mayor and the emcee at Stewart's inaugurals, derided … Continue reading Ethics Flap Prompts Billy Mac To Resign From Board; Salvio’s Complaint Called Another "Fishing Expedition"

State Republicans Retreat To New Britain

The Republican State Central Committee, hit hard by losses in state House races last year, left Hartford for New Britain's A.H. Harris Building in December in office space that is "twice as big as our current digs and provides us with some exciting new opportunities," according to a GOP blog. The opportunities, say the Republicans, … Continue reading State Republicans Retreat To New Britain

Back to the Future: Divisive Bozek Gets GOP Nod For State Senate

Tom Bozek, the former state senator and self-described "conservative Democrat", wants a soapbox to spew his racially divisive views and bizarre ideas on shrinking New Britain via the elimination of low-income households.The New Britain Republican Party has obliged Bozek, anointing him as the Republican nominee for state Senate against Democrat Donald DeFronzo, who ousted Bozek … Continue reading Back to the Future: Divisive Bozek Gets GOP Nod For State Senate

Salvio’s Latest Salvo: Putting His Pet Projects and Partisanship Ahead of the Public Interest

It's bad enough that New Britain's share of federal community development grant funds have been dwindling for a long time. Mid-sized U.S. cities such as New Britain used to count on a bigger share of CDBG dollars to address neighborhood and housing issues and to deliver community services that the local property tax would not … Continue reading Salvio’s Latest Salvo: Putting His Pet Projects and Partisanship Ahead of the Public Interest

Building Commission Update: A Phony Price Tag For Access To Code Violators

Once upon a time municipal government in New Britain had a Building Commission – a five-member body that oversaw code enforcement, permits and reviewed variance requests. Every month appointed citizens reviewed inspections, monitored activities and made requests of inspectors if they knew of any code problems.For safe housing advocates the building enforcement has been made … Continue reading Building Commission Update: A Phony Price Tag For Access To Code Violators