Category: ethics

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?

Inside City Hall: Stewart’s Civil Service Commission Abuses Power, Violates Charter

The Civil Service Commission’s  efforts to remove from office and impose fines on Council President Pro Tem Suzanne Bielinski over the Council’s hiring of her niece, Jessica   Gerratana.  as the Common Council secretary,  is a costly misuse of government for partisan purposes. Ignoring  the City Charter , the Commission voted last  October 6th for the … Continue reading Inside City Hall: Stewart’s Civil Service Commission Abuses Power, Violates Charter

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"