Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Letter to the Editor: Does Malloy really think Seniors Don't Exist?

Malloy is trying to eliminate the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women and five other commissions in order to create a new agency that would be called the Commission on Citizen Advocacy.
The six commissions currently have a combined 26 employees, while Malloy's new entity would have 18 and save more than $1.6 million.
- See more at: http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-malloy-commissions-0220-20130219,0,7114677.story#sthash.qr2oIyDl.dpuf
Letter to the Middletown Insider

Is it true that the Malloy "administration" is planning to eliminate the Commission on Aging?  The largest growing segment of the Connecticut's  population are seniors and that idiot says that we don't exist.

 Ed Dypa, Middletown Resident
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gov. Malloy dislikes seniors, because
he will never be one.
Dear Mr. Dypa,
Thank you for your letter. To respond we heard Govenor Dannel  Malloy doesn't age and is in fact a non human android. In an effort not to expose this fact he has ordered that all Democratic Mayors ignore older citizens. 

Remember the special meeting last year where citizens packed the Council Chambers to advocate for the Senior Center Project at Eckersley Hall? Mayor Drew lied saying he was never opposed to such a plan when in fact he was? Well that meeting was almost was never broadcast. In fact, certain people in charge told people charged with taping that the equipment was malfunctioning, but in fact it was not. So now it all makes sense!
According to their website, the Connecticut Commission on Aging is a non-partisan state agency of the CT General Assembly. The Commission is charged with preparing our state for the burgeoning aging populations while promoting policies that enhance the lives of the present and future generations of older adults.
The CoA is comprised of a resourceful team of 21 voting (unpaid) members, 4 part-time professional staff, and volunteers.

The Commission on Aging was created by the CT General Assembly in 1993. The Commission has served as an effective leader in statewide efforts to promote choice, independence and dignity for Connecticut's older adults. Sec. 17b-420. Commission on Aging. Membership. Duties. Authority. Personnel. Agreements with state agencies. (a) There is established a Commission on Aging composed of twenty-one voting members.

By 2030, Connecticut's over-65 population is expected to grow by more than 64 percent, while its younger population shrinks, according to the Connecticut Commission on Aging, which sponsored the forum with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.

According to Gov. Malloy's proposed budget, the Commission on Aging and 5 other commissions such as those for Asians, Latinos, African Americans, and Women's Issues would be combined into a single entity. Currently there are 28 employees which would be cut to 18. It was reported that this is a $1.6 million dollar savings. More information is available in the article from the Hartford Courant here: http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-malloy-commissions-0220-20130219,0,7114677.story


While the other 5 commissions are by definition "Identity Political Groups," a commission on aging is arguably not. Aging, unlike gender, ethnicity, religion, race, sexual orientation, is a common denominator among human beings. If we are to continue living, we are all to age. If we are to continue living, most will not change race. While some feel identity political groups are essential to raising social awareness as a collective consciousness and are/were inherent in gaining equality for those particularly effected, opponents see such groups as ways to drive wedges between human beings.  Do these groups marginalize or aid in cohesive decision making and civil rights for all?

Rep. Matt Lesser newest Latino
to join Black and Latino Caucus
Whether special interest groups divide or bring people together is another argument. By definition, however, the Commission on Aging does not belong among them as it is a universal condition. There is an the argument that the elimination of some of these identity based political special interest commissions and consolidation into a single entity to advocate for all social minority type groups is logical in balancing a budget. However, if the logic is to advocate for  a wider range of people, then  the elimination of the Commission of Aging is illogical; such an elimination does not fit the precedent being followed.  The Commission on Children is not being lumped in and consolidated is it?? Rep. Joe Serra (D) chairs the Committee on Aging, what he is doing to advocate for seniors in the case of the commission's elimination ?

Speaking of Identity Politics, Representative Matt Lesser (D), now serving his third term decided today that he was in fact Latino and has asked to join the Black and Latino Caucus. While no one is arguing with who is more Latino than who, or what makes one Latino, is is odd that only NOW is Lesser "coming out" to the public so to speak wanting to publicly identify himself with a particular ethnic minority. Why not before? Is Lesser challenging stereotypes or pandering for votes? It appears that Lesser's joining of this group is his attempt to identify with a particular demographic and gain more votes rather than aide in their plight.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Major Zone Changes on Agenda for PZ Public Meeting Wednesday

Planning and Zoning Commission
Wednesday, February 27, 2013, 7:00 PM, Council Chambers  

 
1. Proposed Zoning Code text amendment to add Section 60.02.41 Mixed Use Development and 44.08.45 Mixed use Development Special Exception. A copy of the proposed text is on filed in the Office of the Town Clerk. Proponent Acquisition Holdings, LLC. Z2013-1    

 2. Proposed Zoning Code text amendment to modify Section 30.02 Institutional Development Zone        (Uses). A copy of the existing and proposed text is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk. Proponent    Ed McKeon Z2013-2 


See all links below for more information and proposed text changes in their entirety at the City of Middletown website:

Planning and Zoning Commission
Wednesday, February 27, 2013, 7:00 PM, Council Chambers
Agenda
Public Hearing Notice

       Item 6.1 Text Amendment Section 44.08.45 & 60.02.41 (Mixed Use Zone)
       Item 6.1 Staff Comments- Part 1
       Item 6.1 Staff Comments- Part 2
       Item 6.1 Staff Comments- Part 3
       Item 6.2 Text Amendment Section 30.02 (Institutional Development Zone)
       Item 6.2 Staff Comments

American Flag Retirement Ceremony


AMERICAN FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONY
American Legion Post 45
835 Hanover Road –Meriden-CT
203-634-9876
Let's Start Celebrating Flag Day By Retiring Your Worn-Out Flag!
COME AND SEE US TO FIND OUT WHAT A WATCH FIRE IS!

-What the American Flag represents, means-
-How to correctly retire our American Flag, thousands of flags to be retired-
Mark Your Calendar;
Sunday June 9, 2013, between from 12pm to 3pm
Watch Fire Flag Retirement begins promptly at 2pm.
If you’re personal, municipal, business flag is worn, tattered, faded, torn, or not in perfect condition,
it should be retired and replaced with a new one.
Please bring your flag to the Post 45, American Legion, for an honorable (proper) retirement, all size American Flags accepted, statewide.



A LESSON IN AMERICAN HISTORY- ALL WELCOME!



Monday, February 25, 2013

Local Middletown Republicans Hold Monthly Meeting Tonight

WANTED: Are you a person who thinks Gov. Malloy has FUBAR'd the budget into a fiscal disaster?  Do you feel that our local Democrat representatives, state senators, mayor and legislators aren't doing enough about it??
Meet other folks who think so too!

Alright, that is not the MRTC's (Middletown Republican Town Committee) official slogan, but we at the Insider think it should be!

February 25, 2013 Tonight 7 pm Council Chambers, City Hall DeKoven Drive
http://www.middletownctgop.com/

Print this for a front row seat to the action and who knows maybe somebody will buy you a coffee after the meeting.

Photos from Penguin Plunge for Special Olympics Middletown

State Rep. Christie Carpino  revisited her role as advocate of Special Olympians when she judged the costume contest at the Penguin Plunge to benefit Special Olympics of Connecticut.
 265 people plunged into the frigid waters of Crystal Lake on Feb. 23, 2013. A patch of ice had to be cleared from the lake to make way for plungers.The the costumes have become a part of what attracts large crowds of to see costumes and others take the plunge for a good cause. Middletown's Park and Recreation Department team called Frozen Fools lead by Karen Nocera and comprised of several department employees, and local students raised $3,000. Mayor Drew gave opening remarks, and plunged twice. Todd D'Aquila lead the fundraising for the Frozen Fools.  Other teams consisted of local high school student athletes and local law enforcement. Police plungers includedEmergency Personnel and First Responders were on duty throughout the event. Over all  nearly $50,000 was raised for Special Olympics. Click to enlarge reader submitted photos we assembled.
 In the photo above, Rep. Carpino on the left with PZ Commissioner  & plunger with Frozen Fools Molly Salafia.To the right is the entire Frozen Fools Park and Rec team from Middletown.


Local photographer Matt Kabel took photos of the day's events.
Many penguin costumes were worn.

Photo upper left, Mayor Dan Drew plunged twice, top right and bottom left.

Male Members of the Polish Falcons Nest 519 where the event was hosted dressed as princesses
Click for more photos: 

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Former Sen. Suzio Says: " See you Later, but not "Goodbye."




On Sunday, former State Senator for the 13th district Len Suzio who was defeated this past fall for reelection was honored by a special Thank You Brunch given by Leah and Eleanor Tomazewski of Middletown and his campaign chair Anna Neumon of Meriden and  Kathleen Horsky at First and Last Tavern. Friends and supporters of Suzio  as well as legislative colleagues offered words of encouragement to Suzio in front of a packed room. Upon departure from the state senate, Suzio was appointed to the state Victim Advocate Advisory Committee where he will still fight to end early release of violent criminals in CT, a campaign he started as a senator. State Senator Joe Markley, who has know Suzio since 1990, said Suzio was "the best senator Connecticut has." He told of his admiration for Suzio to take the bull by the horns even as a freshmen senator and tackle important budget issues like spear heading the campaign to cap the gas tax.





Conecticut's only femle Republican state senator and Deputy Minority Leader State Senator Toni Boucher was on hand to praise Suzio and wish him well. She also stressed to the citizens gathered that CT is now in a downward financial spiral because of spending millions of dollars over the amount of money the state has gathered in revenue under Governor Malloy. Boucher said" We need more Len Suzio's, Connecticut needs Len back. We need his banking expertise to make things right. This next election cycle is our chance to get the state back on track financially,before it is too late." 
Boucher commended Suzio's tenacity for his inquiries into the appropriations and bonding that is done at the state level and expressed her concern for this type of questioning to continue. Boucher asked everyone present to write to or call their current local Democratic legislators and Senators and tell them their concerns about the increase in taxes being forshadowed if Malloy's budget passes. 
Chairman of the Meriden Republican Town Committee and Councilman Dan Brunet spoke on behalf of Suzio whom he knew during Suzio's 16 years on Meriden's Board of Education. During this time Suzio advocated for full day kindergarten and a breakfast program. Brunet presented Suzio with a placard and a shirt from Meriden Public Schools. Suzio thanked his wife Kate, assistant Kathleen Horsky, and campaign Chair Anna Neumon and assured that crowd  that although many Democrats  would like to see him gone, he was saying "See you late, but not goodbye."

Mayor Drew Kicks Off Re-Election Campaign

Earlier this week Mayor Dan Drew along side BFF Rep. Matt Lesser and Senator Richard " I forgot I Didn't Serve in Vietnam Like I told Everyone" Blumenthal kicked off Drew's 2013 re-election campaign for Mayor. The event was a pizza party at First & Last Tavern. Pony rides, "Tales of Grandeur" a puppet show  by Councilman Tom Serra & Big Bro Rep. Joe Serra, and face painting were held out back for the Drew's 10 buddies who came out to show support.

To the Editor:
My name is Juan Montalvo and I am a member of several City of Middletown commissions as well as a member of the Middletown Republican Town Committee. First and foremost, I am a litigation advisor. As a litigation advisor, I took an oath to uphold the law and justly serve my community. It is that dedication that leads me to write this letter.
While I am sure critics will claim that this is an attempt to smear the opponent and sling mud, I believe Middletown citizens deserve to know the true nature of Democratic candidate for mayor Dan Drew.
The facts speak for themselves and the inconsistencies in Mr. Drew’s resume should be brought to light. Although not forthright, it is not uncommon for one to show their best face when writing his or her resume and highlight his accomplishments, however; it is despicable for a person to dramatize those accomplishments to almost the point of fiction to make one seem more qualified for a particular position than is remotely plausible based on facts presented.
This over-dramatization of achievement to the point of false portrayal of facts is even more despicable when that person is seeking to hold such a highly esteemed public office as that of mayor of a city. Dan Drew presents awards on his resume both published on independent sites and his own website, as individual awards given only to him based on his sole merit without giving credit as those received by an entire organization.
In one particular case, Drew credits himself with an award that the organization he was employed by received, but he had nothing to do with. Investigating Mr. Drew’s credentials the information below was found:
From: Ginger Stanley [mailto:GingerS@vpa.net] 
Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2011 9:30 AM
 

Subject: RE: Virginia Press Association Awards
I can confirm that Daniel Drew was among a team of reporters that won a first-place award in 2004 for a multi-story series on the armed siege of a middle school. This was a team effort at the newspaper (Potomac News). Second-place award in 2003, football stars dies in shooting, sports news coverage was also a team project at the Potomac News. Our search did not turn up anything with his name on it for 2005, although Potomac News won a first place for 'staff' for sports pages but I have no way of confirming that Daniel was a part of this staff award. We do not have any records on the Media General awards, Donna Reed at 804-649-6000 may be able to help you. Hope this helps.
Ginger Stanley, Executive Director
Virginia Press Association
11529 Nuckols Road
Glen Allen, VA 23059
804-521-7575 Phone
804-521-7586 Fax
And more:
From: Donna Reed, Media General Communications Holdings, LLC,
Sent: October 28, 2011 2:10 PM
Subject: RE: Media General Awards
"These were in-house recognitions that were handed out on a monthly basis at one of the small northern Virginia community newspapers owned by Media General. Mr. Drew was given honorable mention in October 2003 for a local sports story."
Donna Reed
Media General, Inc
Richmond, VA 23219
-----Original Message-----
 
Sent: Friday, October 21, 2011 2:45 PM
 To: Ginger Stanley
 Cc: Kim Woodward; Caroline Cardwell
Subject: Virginia Press Association Awards 
Good afternoon,
I am hoping that you could assist me in some research. A gentleman by the name of Daniel (Dan) T. Drew is running for mayor of our city of Middletown, Connecticut; he is a relative newcomer to our fair city, residing in town less than five years, and there is a lot of curiosity about him.
In his bio, he stated that he is the recipient of three separate journalistic awards from your organization, and I was hoping that you could confirm information. Since an exhaustive search via the internet has failed to reveal any articles published under his name, I hope you could please shed some light on our search. These are the award years and honors he claims:
Awards and Honors:
* Virginia Press Association, 2005, 1st Place award
* Virginia Press Association, 2004, 2nd Place award
* Virginia Press Association, 2003, 1st Place award
Won several writing awards for reporting on the Washington sniper murders, serial killer John Allen Muhammad's life in jail, the armed siege of a middle school by a teenaged boy, and dozens of murders. Wrote an award winning investigative series about corruption in a county sheriff's office that lead to that official's election loss and indictment.
Additionally, these other honors are listed as well; however an internet search has not even resulted in any information about the awarding entity. Is this anything that you are familiar with?
* Media General Mega Award Honorable Mention, 2003
* Media General Mega Award Honorable Mention, 2003
* Ellen Knowles Harcourt Foundation, 1998 Harcourt Scholar
Would you please help....? Thank you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Drew appeared on the Bill O’Reiley TV show in 2002 claiming to stand for the First Amendment. However, where was Dan Drew when BOE Chair Ted Radzka pulled the plug literally on the microphone when Ed McKeon was speaking at a public session several months ago? Where was Dan Drew when Councilmen Santangelo, Serra and Councilwoman Kasper walked out on a member of the public who was addressing the Public Safety Committee during a public session only weeks ago?
How is it that such an esteemed, award-winning investigative journalist, and self-proclaimed free speech advocate, Drew failed Middletown in not doing what he himself has professed as his crowning achievements — finding and exposing the the truth in government and standing up for free speech? How is it that Mr. Drew expects Middletown citizens to believe he was such a fantastical investigative reporter when he in fact was primarily a SPORTS writer and provided occasional coverage of the police blotter at the time that some of these awards were given?
Middletown should not want a bystander for a mayor.
It is of my opinion, as they say in the courtroom, that the preponderance of the evidence shows that Dan Drew is not a champion of the truth if he cannot be truthful on his own resume. Dan Drew cannot be a team player in the political arena and bring “transparency and communication” back between the BOE and the city and and the city and the citizens if he cannot be honest about being on a team that received journalistic awards rather than trying stretch the facts to boost his ego and pad his resume.
Failure to recognize reality and be honest with one’s self — let alone the public — is not a quality Middletown should want in a mayor.
Sincerely,
Juan Montalvo,Middletown Resident

Today's Insider is brought to you by the Letter "P" for Pilot Funds!


Will Mayor Drew step up and tell the Big Dan-Dan Gov. Dannel Malloy his budget will suck the life out of cities like Middletown?  It was already reported by the Patch that Mayor Drew was proweling City Hall asking for ideas for ways to raise revenue, that and the record number of appropriations that are being asked for each month are sure signs the Mayor's budget is in trouble. Residents can already count on taxes going up at least 2.4 mils, just how much more can we expect?
Read more below about Malloy's plan to ax PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes programs) and how this will reek havoc on the City's finances.



MUNICIPALITIES SEEK LEGISLATIVE HELP
FOR A FAIR STATE BUDGET
By James J. Finley, Jr.
CCM Executive Director and CEO

Just the facts:  The Governor's proposed state budget would raise property taxes, cut municipal services, and cause municipal employee layoffs.

The proposed state budget would:

 *   terminate nation-leading payments-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) programs designed to partially reimburse host municipalities for the loss of revenue due to state-mandated property tax exemptions;
 *   collapse longstanding education assistance programs and use the funds for conditional aid;
 *   redirect at least $86 million in non-education municipal aid to education and restrictive capital programs;
 *   eliminate over $520 million in municipal car tax revenue under the guise of property tax reform; and
 *   fail to hold towns and cities truly harmless.


Towns and cities are looking to the General Assembly to modify the Governor's proposed state budget to protect municipal aid, property taxpayers and the quality of life in our communities.

Why, you may ask, is there such a disconnect between how the administration describes their budget proposal and the way it is viewed by mayors and first selectmen?  The simple answer is that this budget proposal shifts critical municipal general aid that helps pay for the non-education side of local government to other purposes, including closing the state budget deficit.

Municipal aid dollars shifted to pay for chronic state underfunding of PreK-12 public education and restricted capital purposes cannot be used to pay for police officers, firefighters, and other municipal employees and services.  Add the proposed loss of over $520 million in car tax revenue, and homeowners, businesses and vital municipal services get shafted.

The Governor's proposed state budget would cut or eliminate:

 1.  PILOT:  State-Owned Property (-$74 million):  This nation-leading PILOT program, enacted in 1969, is designed to partially reimburse host municipalities for the loss of property tax revenue due to the state-mandated property tax exemption on state-owned real property.  The program would be erased from the statute books and the funding eventually folded into the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant.
 2.  Mashantucket and Mohegan Fund (-$56 million):  This seminal revenue-sharing program to provide local property relief, funded by a portion of Native American slot machine revenues, would be slashed.
 3.  PILOT Manufacturing and Equipment (-$48 million):  The assault on this PILOT program to partially reimburse host municipalities for state-mandated property tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment began last year with a proxy MME Transition grant. The proposed budget kills the program.
 4.  Municipal Revenue Sharing Grant (-$43 million):  Governor Malloy's groundbreaking new program to share a portion of the increased state sales and state real estate conveyance taxes to provide local property tax relief is eliminated after only one year of existence.
 5.  Public School Transportation Grant (-$25 million):  This grant program to assist municipalities in paying for public school transportation is eliminated.
 6.  PILOT DECD (-$2.2 million):  This PILOT program to partially reimburse municipalities for revenue lost from state-mandated property tax exemptions on developments operated by housing authorities would be eliminated.
 7.  Priority School District Grant (-$76 million):  Funding for this program that helps our poorest school districts would be slashed by 62%.
 8.  Motor Vehicle Property Taxes (-$520 million in municipal revenue):  The Governor proposes to eliminate the local property tax on most motor vehicles (those with assessed values of $20,000 or less) beginning in FY 15. The concentrated burden of the regressive property tax would then be shifted to homeowners and businesses.

The Governor's proposed state budget makes profound and negative changes to the state-local funding partnership.  It substitutes state priorities for those of local government.  It substitutes state micromanagement for municipal flexibility.  It disproportionately hurts our poorest towns and cities.

By eliminating 3 out of 4 payments-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) programs, the proposed state budget would turn the clock back 40 years and terminate state funding responsibility for state-mandated property tax exemptions.   It would immediately establish $126 million in new unfunded state mandates, leaving other local property taxpayers and host municipalities holding the bag.

While the proposed state budget increases bond funding for the Town Aid Road Grant (+$30 million) and Local Capital Improvement Programs (+$56 million; expands permissive uses and allows reimbursement retroactively for FY 13 expenses), and increases conditional education aid to our 30 lowest performing school districts, the bottom line is that towns and cities are losing at least $86 million in general municipal aid and would suffer a devastating loss in car tax revenue.

Today, 62 cents out of every local property tax dollar goes to pay for PreK-12 public education.  The State is underfunding the Education Cost Sharing Grant by over $720 million dollars.  In most communities, the education portion of the municipal budget exceeds 70%.  Funding education has long been a municipal priority, to the detriment of non-education services.  It's had to be because the State has chronically underfunded it.

The non-education side of municipal budgets has actually shrunk in real dollar terms over the last decade as towns and cities have diverted precious resources to pay for increasing education costs. Forty years of litigation have underscored the fact that the State has repeatedly failed to meet its state constitutional responsibility to adequately fund PreK-12 public education.  The proposed state budget pays for increased, targeted education funding by eliminating PILOT reimbursements, state revenue sharing, other general municipal aid and diverting or cutting categorical education programs.

However well-intended, the proposed state budget would abandon and shift many state funding commitments to towns and cities.  It will force mayors and first selectmen to raise already high property taxes, make additional cuts to municipal services, and lay off more municipal employees.



Saturday, February 23, 2013

Middletown Planning, Conservation & Development Newsletter- February 22, 2013

Middletown Planning, Conservation & Development Newsletter- February 22, 2013

MIDDLETOWN STATISTICS REPORT- NOVEMBER 2012
↓ Local Economy- Unemployment reverted back to the long-term trend of
7.8%. The Planning Department processed 28% more
applications for development in 2012 than in 2011. Patents filed by
Middletown residents and companies were 10% higher in
the second half of 2012 than in the first half of 2012.

↔ Housing- Single family dwelling sales and Condo sales are looking to
finish the year with around a 20% increase in sales over
2011. This is the first year since 2009 with a greater sales than the
year before. Foreclosures also saw their second year of
decreases. However, building permits issued will likely be less than
what was issued in 2011.

Full Report can be found at:
http://www.middletownplanning.com/documents/MStat_Report_Jan2013.pdf


Friday, February 22, 2013

Park & Recreation Unified Theater Spotlight on Ability

UNIFIED THEATER PRODUCTION
Middletown Parks and Recreation presents Unified Theater - Spotlight on Ability
Wednesday, February 27 and Thursday, February 28, 6:00 pm at Keigwin Middle School.

Donations accepted at the door to sponsor the student summit next fall.
Unified Theater is a student-driven initiative that facilitates inclusion of students of all abilities through the performing arts.
Unified Theater's model is to partner with schools, train student leaders, and help them reach a successful final production where students of all abilities are included. Let teens lead, let creativity rule.
It’s a great show!!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Do you agree with the Death Penalty?

Connecticut Seal

General Assembly
  Proposed Bill No. 5166
 
January Session, 2013
  LCO No. 306
   
Referred to Committee on JUDICIARY
 
Introduced by:
 
REP. SAMPSON, 80th Dist.
 
AN ACT REINSTATING THE DEATH PENALTY.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:
That chapter 952 of the general statutes be amended to restore the crime of capital felony, punishable by death, for any person convicted under the provisions of section 53a-54b of the general statutes for a murder committed on or after the effective date of this act.
Statement of Purpose:
To restore the death penalty in Connecticut. 


Note: This bill seemed to die quietly in the state legislation, but do readers out there feel that Connecticut should return to the usage of  Capital Punishment?

Is the Repeal of Local Car Tax Good?

 Is the repeal of the local car tax collected by Connecticut cities and towns a blessing or a curse? Most people would say a blessing - having to fork over less money always sounds good. Before you decide, this may not be the case if this local tax is repealed. Lovers of big government  bureaucracy may get their with a CT State Car Tax ! And you won't have to wait too long! Some legislators already have such a law penned and ready to go this session!  What are your thoughts on the repeal of the local car tax?

For some background on the politics at play here check out this article on the Ct Mirror:
http://www.ctmirror.org/story/18958/could-malloy-be-driving-toward-end-car-taxes

Read the proposed legislation here: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/TOB/H/2013HB-05102

General Assembly
  Proposed Bill No. 5102
 
January Session, 2013
  LCO No. 81
   
Referred to Committee on PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
 
Introduced by:
 
REP. BERGER, 73rd Dist.
 
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A STATE-WIDE MILL RATE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AND AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF ANTIQUE, RARE OR SPECIAL INTEREST MOTOR VEHICLES.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:
That the general statutes be amended to establish a state-wide mill rate for motor vehicles and to narrow the definition of antique, rare or special interest motor vehicle to include motor vehicles thirty years and older.
Statement of Purpose:
To create a state-wide mill rate for motor vehicles and to reimburse municipalities that lose money as a result of a lower state-wide mill rate with additional revenue generated by narrowing the definition of antique, rare or special interest motor vehicle.

St. Vinent de Paul's more than a Soup Kitchen!


Soup Kitchen Dining Room  
A Flurry of Activity

Did you know that St. Vincent de Paul Middletown's Soup Kitchen dining room is used for more than just daily breakfast and lunches? We're actually open nearly every night of the week and on weekends to the community. And now we're about to open for an evening of fun and games and you are invited!

Monthly Game Nights including chess and ping pong will be offered to the public at the Soup Kitchen on the second Friday of each month between 7-9 p.m. Because of the recent blizzard, we had to postpone our first game night to Friday, February 22, 7-9 p.m., but will resume on the second Fridays, beginning March 8.

The dining room will be open for chess and ping pong enthusiasts to enjoy some friendly competition. Chess boards and a ping pong table will be set up for all who come from beginner to tournament level players.  There will be prizes for monthly tournament winners and light snacks will be provided. 

We are also open throughout the week as a host site for support groups and faith sharing.   For many years our space has been the site for four weekly Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) Meetings. Each group has its own name and identity:
1) New Freedom on Sunday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
2) Where We Are Going on Sunday evenings from 7-9 p.m.
3) New Perspectives on Tuesday evenings from 7-9 p.m.
4) Steppin' Up on Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m.

Valarie Smith leads a Women's Faith/Reflection Group on Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7 pm. There are also faith/support groups for women on the 1st Friday of each month (7-8:30 p.m.), for men on the 3rd Friday of each month (7-8:30 p.m.), and for youth on Saturdays from 5-7 p.m.

Finally, don't forget our Sunday evening meals. More than 40 faith communities in the greater Middletown area take turns to put on a feast every Sunday - they plan the menu, buy and prepare the food, set up and serve the meal, visit with guests and clean up before they leave. The Sunday meal is served from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Letter to the Editor: Review Civil Commitment Laws In the Wake of Sandy Hook Tragedy

Letters to the Editor are published as a courtesy and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Insider staff.
Letter to the Editor:

The dialogue in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook shootings has focused on regulating guns. There are other issues associated with Sandy Hook that have received no attention, but are equally important. There is no dialogue regarding the fact that had the shooter, Adam Lanza, lived he would not have faced the death penalty for killing twenty children and six adults because Connecticut repealed its death penalty last year. It could be argued that Lanza was mentally unstable, but there is no discussion about the impact of changes in the laws with respect to civil commitments. The U.S. Supreme Court’s 1979 decision in Addington v. Texas raised the bar for civil commitments from a fair preponderance of the evidence to a clear and convincing standard thereby making it extremely difficult to commit mentally unstable persons. In fact, the homeless epidemic of the 1980’s coincided with the ruling in Addington. It is not unfair to wonder whether Addington set the bar for civil commitments too high. James Holmes, who killed twelve people in Colorado, was also mentally disturbed. Yet, dialogue on dealing with people who are dangerously mentally ill seems to be off the table just as much as the death penalty.

Wyatt Kopp, CT Resident

United Way Young Leaders Event February 23, 2013

Young Leaders Society at an upcoming event! Volunteer: BINGO at
One MacDonough Place

Saturday, Feb. 23, 1:30-3 p.m. One MacDonough Place
1 MacDonough Place, Middletown, CT
 

Join us for an afternoon of BINGO with residents at One MacDonough Place! One MacDonough Place offers seniors assisted living, personal care and household services in the privacy of their own apartments.

- Are you in? -
 Invite a friend (or two)! It’s as easy as forwarding this email! 
If you would like to attend, RSVP to (860) 346-8695 or jennifer.sprague@www.middlesexunitedway.org
Space is limited to the first 10 people who RSVP.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

MCA/CIty Arts and Culture: Registration

The MCA/City Arts & Culture Office has opened registration for Kids Arts 2013. Application brochures are available online, at the City Arts Office, 100 Riverview Center-Suite 140 (next to Fusion Bakery), and they have been distributed to all the public elementary and middle schools and St. Mary's and St. John's schools. Other locations such as Oddfellows Playhouse, The Buttonwood Tree, KidCity, and Amato's will have the brochures also.

The application may be filled out online but then must be printed out and signed before submission to the Arts Office. You can also save the online version to your desktop to fill out later. It is our recommendation that you print out a blank copy of pages 3 and 4. Fill these pages out offline and then go back to complete the application at one sitting. As an alternative, you can finish one page and print it, then go back later to complete the other page. Don't forget to complete all fields and sign.

Don't forget to include any required supporting documentation when sending in or dropping off your application. We hold incomplete registrations for pick up at our office and they are not entered for enrollment until complete. Registration is first come, first served - this is for complete registration packets only.

Out-of-town registrations begin on April 1.

Any questions, please contact the City Arts Office at 860.343.6620 x201 or via email at arts@middletownct.gov

Thank you.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Wesleyan Students Kicked out of Museum: WTNH.com

 Nation College Democrat President,  WesDem chair & shoe fortune heir student  Wesleyan student Ben Florsheim ('14) was reportedly NOT at the Science Center. Florsheim and the Middletown Democratic Town Committee  helped to registrar over 400 Wesleyan students to vote in 2011 for the municipal elections (a right granted by the  Supreme Court). Florsheim is a veteran of the Dannel Malloy campaign for Governor. Florsheim received an award from Wesleyan for distributing flyers falsely accusing some local GOP candidates, a local police officer, and the registrar of voters of felony voter intimidation during the 2011 election cycle. The State Elections Enforcement Commission subsequently ruled that those same local GOP members were actually encouraging student voting . 
Despite having ruled his accusation unfounded and quite the opposite, Florsheim was allowed to keep his award given by Wesleyan faculty.
Florsheim now a member of the MDTC, has since worked on various CT campaigns, will he return to run for local office or work on municipal campaigns in November?


MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Things got a little out of hand for a group of Wesleyan seniors at the Connecticut Science Center. They say they got kicked out after being there just a few hours.

Sex and drugs are just some of the things that allegedly got Wesleyan seniors kicked out of a science museum.

As college comes to a close, Wesleyan University seniors plan several events to bring the class together.

"It's a fun atmosphere. You're with your entire class, it's always supposed to be a good time," said senior Kaya Ceci.

The parties are called senior cocktails and usually happen at a bar but last week's event was held at the Connecticut science center and it did not go well. These seniors were there...

"Spilling alcoholic beverages," said senior Andrew Pfiffer. "Just way too much expensive equipment to have around some crazy college people."

Students tell us the science center shindig lasted less than 2 hours. Students were allegedly found doing drugs and having sex in bathrooms. At least one senior allegedly climbed a dinosaur exhibit and there are reports of vomiting off of a flight of stairs.

"The things that happened were sort of ridiculous," said sophomore Sage Ryza.

Still, students say don't blame them, blame poor planning.

"It was kind of a questionable plan to bring a bunch of people to a science museum where there is definitely drinking going on," said Charlie Smith.

"Apparently they've done other events in the past before and stuff and the events were for other age groups and then you put a bunch of students as opposed to AARP members, you're going to get a different reaction," said Christopher Caines.

"It was a bad idea and I am sorry to the staff of the science center," said Pfiffer.

News 8 did stop by the science center. Though some staffers said off camera that they knew of the alleged incidents, the center declined to comment.

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