Middletown Memorial Walk for Sandy Hook Friday

Middletown Walks for Sandy Hook

A memorial walk  will take Friday December 21 at 9:15 am starting at the YMCA at the corner of  Union & Main Street in Middletown. Anyone wishing to participate is asked to wear green and white in honor of Sandy Hook Elementary School. Walkers will walk for 27 minutes as a symbolic gesture to honor the 27 victims of the tragedy. There is a facebook group which everyone is welcome to join and pass along, "WORLDWIDE WALK 27 On 12/21/2012- Middletown CT" created by resident Callie Grippo.

"At the end of the walk, we will release bubbles in honor of the fallen innocent children & teachers," said Grippo.

Election Results & Conclusion

      Middletown residents voted overwhelmingly across the board yesterday for Democrats proving party affiliation matters most in this City. It can also be surmised that national party identification translates to local voting tendencies as well. This does not surprise the Insider that many locals cannot make this jump. Many individuals say they vote for the candidate and not that party, but in reality do not. 


    We have received numerous sentiments supporting Republican candidates, but, asking that we do not publicly acknowledge them because they do not want their neighbors or liberal friends to know they have crossed party lines. 
     Sadly, as a result of the contentious presidential election, this  fear of peer pressure and persecution from both sides against friends and family with rivaling views was illustrated in heated arguments on social media sites through out the country. Have you expressed your political persuasion at all this year and gotten an ear full from a "friend" on your facebook wall? Have you felt the need to put your two cents in when someone you know shows who their picks are on their wall? Our case in point; free speech resulting in unsolicited advice on both sides was rampant!
     It does no good to claim one supports a candidate but do so privately! This election proved this point.
       City residents chose to re-seat two decade plus long incumbents (Serra, DeLauro) proving the "new blood" adage irrelevant. 84% of eligible voters came out for the presidential election. To say the Democrats were the only party to advocate for women and minorities was a falsehood that stuck around all through this election. Democrats exploited this exaggerated myth to their advantage. 
    The walking contradictions to the lie spread by Democrats that conservatives don't care about women, family, and minorities being Republican candidates  Len Suzio, Wayne Winsley, Deborah Kleckowski, Callie Grippo.  Winsley, a minority, unfortunately could not overcome the DeLauro machine, which campaigned heavily this cycle in minority communities. Delauro campaigned in   Middletown churches with predominately minority parishioners for example, specifically under the guise of " explaining Obamacare to women" as we reported earlier this year. We hope Winsley stays in the game and his plan of economic reform & development don't end with this bid for office.

      The surprise of the night was the dent the new face on the block Republican Callie Grippo put in the cult like following of 22 year incumbent Joe Serra's tally. The Insider hopes to see Grippo back in two years to finish the job!

     Kleckowski held steady over Lesser; the Insider feels and had this not have been such a contentious presidential election year, she could have easily over taken Lesser for the 100th Distric.t Again, Wesleyan (of which ironically Kleckowski is a graduate of, but we are doubtful students know that, and Lesser a drop out of), with the aide of the Middletown Democratic Town Committee, provided pizza and buses to to get students to the polls.

     Probably the most unfortunate results of the evening were that of the close race between one term incumbent Suzio and Bartolomeo who eeked ahead with 450 votes. Suzio championed the cause to end the early release program of violent criminals such as sex offenders, rapists, and murders. He also lead the fight to suspend the crippling gasoline tax. The week before the mayor's of both Middletown and Meriden, orchestrated by Bartolomeo, held a press conference on false charges of push polling by the Suzio campaign. During the press conference, both mayor's admitted that there was no evidence to prove the allegation. Suzio also used his position to advocate and vote for spending cuts at the state and vowed not to raise taxes, something which no Connecticut Democrat in office has stated on record to date.

     The Insider surmises (because Suzio's messages were SO clear) that Middletown and other 13th District residents enjoy the gas tax, higher taxes all around, and are ok with the release of violent offenders into our community! Hey, maybe they are relatives, you never know. We hope Suzio makes a come back and sticks around to keep the vital messages he put forth out there.

      Our own blogger SteadyJohn pointed out that National commentator Bill O'Reiley summarized the presidential election as this:

"It's about FREE STUFF, at least half of the nation's folks want FREE STUFF! The murders of four Americans at Benghazi mean nothing to the drones and leeches. Only the military can save us now. Until now the generals have been quiet lap dogs in uniforms licking the master's boots. The usurpation in our highest office continues unopposed; it's the end of America the Beautiful."

     While one theory out there is that the increased dependency on government aide attached with larger government, caused voting strictly across party lines in favor of the Democrats who advocate this dependency; hope should not be lost for our country or Middletown community.

     An Anonymous commenter left a statement on our previous post this morning saying: ""Haha you lost completely across the board. Be nice and respect people you disagree with, it may come to help you in the future." 

     Staff at the Insider unanimously agree that this is something we should never do, nor should readers. NEVER stop questioning your government. Elected officials are not deities to be feared, worshiped, and "respected" without fault.  NEVER suck up to get favors. Its that simple. To disagree civilly is what the Constitution is based on. The First Amendment allows for this blog to exist and allows for us to examine our government and force transparency; something  we owe ourselves to do. 

Working together does not mean blind acceptance of status quo in federal government or on even the small scale locally right here in Middletown. The "favor system" of who knows who can end if we want it to.
(Of course when the same faces who hurt the system are voted in over & over, this can't happen... )

     The Insider would like to congratulate all the victors of the election no matter what party! We sincerely hope that the Democrats this time around take steps to actively stop the persecution of conservatives, work across the aisle for once, and over all stop bleeding tax payers dry! Working families are hurting, education is hurting; that hurt is something that surpasses party divisions, races, ethnic groups, sexes, sexual orientations, religions etc. -it is a universal hurt.  Time to move forward.

The complete precinct by precinct results from the City Clerk are here:https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B1OYjxtLEgUwOHBtRnUtVlZnOW8

Question #1, $37M appropriation and bond for connection to the Mattabassett Regional Sewer Project

YES: 11,003

NO: 4,942

Question #2, $4.85M appropriation and bond for Senior Community Center at Eckersley Hall

YES: 10,881

NO: 5,259

State Assembly District 33

Joe Serra(D): 6,349

Callie Grippo(R): 2,519

State Assembly District 100

Matt Lesser (D): 6,673 

Deb Kleckowski (R): 3,055

State Senate District 9

Paul Doyle (D): 8,871

Joe Dinunzio(R): 3,024

State Senate District 13

Danté Bartolomeo (D): 3,886

Len Suzio (R): 2,704

U.S. House District 3

Rosa DeLauro (D): 12,833

Wayne Winsley (R): 3,802

U.S. House District 1

John Larson (D): 1,493

John Decker: 599

Michael DeRose: 43

Matthew Cora: 10

U.S. Senate

Chris Murphy (D): 12,487

Linda McMahon (R): 6,470

Paul Passarelli: 396

President

Barack Obama (D): 13,830

Mitt Romney (R): 6,105

Johnson: 206

Anderson: 76

Jill Stein: 31

Tom Hoefling: 2

Guest Blog: Suzio Opening Night & Election Wrap Up

Suzio Headquarters Openining Night &; Election Wrap Up
Opinions expressed are those of the author, not necessarily the editors of the Insider
Part 4 of a short series of articles on Political Events in Connecticut by Tim D. Enchanter

Thursday, October 4^rd, 2012 from 7-9pm near Zorba’s in Gianni’s Plaza, Meriden, CT

When I went to Len Suzio’s campaign headquarters to do some phone banking for him, it was at the invitation of Robin Goss, a local patriot who is a lady in every classy sense of the word.  It turned out to be the grand opening of the headquarters and we encouraged people coming for the party to help us out with the phones while waiting for the festivities to start.

Full Disclosure: I was the Republican Candidate for the 13^th State Senate District in 2008 and became a sincere supporter of Len Suzio for that seat in 2010.  This was because I got to know Len and became convinced that he would do the job better than I would have.  In fact, I am glad that I lost in 2008 because the people deserve the best representation available.

It warmed my heart to talk to a handful of people on the phone that actually remembered me fondly from 2008 and were happy with their current State Senator.  One even said I had been “a breath of fresh air” who had prepared the way for a wonderful change.  While I fought the lumps in my throat and dried tears of joy, I went on to speak to people who were not aware of state or local politics but happy to hear from the campaign.  Of the 65 calls I made, I spoke to a dozen people.  Ten were interested, six of them being new voters who would support Len Suzio.

When the party started, I became re-acquainted with people I knew and met new rising stars.  Len Suzio shared his headquarters with others running for other offices and encouraged people to help out their campaigns as well as his.  He gave special attention to the following:

Meriden State Representative Candidates:

Arlene Dunlop running in the 82^nd District

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqb_GDu7bso

Pablo Soto running in the 83^rd District

http://www.facebook.com/electpablosoto

Dave Swedock running in the 84^th District

http://www.daveswedock84th.com

Middletown State Representative Candidates:

Callie Grippo running in the 33^rd District

http://www.calliegrippo.com

Deborah Kleckowski, Middletown Councilwoman running in the 100^th District

http://www.debkleckowskiforstaterepresentative2012.com/Home.html

Since the Middletown Insider has some excellent articles on State Senator Len Suzio and the two State Representative Candidates from Middletown, I shall post links to those articles at the end of my article so that you, the reader can read these insights.

For now, I will detail what I know about State Senator Len Suzio and why I feel it is important that he be re-elected so that he can continue to serve the residents not only of the 13^th State Senate District but also the entire State of Connecticut.

He has been the State Senator for Cheshire, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown, and Rockfall for two years and has proven my previously stated feelings correct.  He has been actively available for all the residents of those towns and has demonstrated that he cares about their concerns regardless of their politics.Continued:

Candidates Face Off in Westfield October 22

The Westfield Residents Association is holding a forum at 6 pm on  Monday October 22.at 3rd Congregational Church at 94 Miner St. The public is encouraged to attend.

Scheduled to attend:

10+ years Incumbent 3rd Congressional District U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat vs.Republican Wayne Winsley

Incumbent 9th District  Democrat State Sen. Paul Doyle, a Democrat vs.  Republican Joseph Dinunzio

Incumbent 13th District  Republican State Sen. Len Suzio, a Republican vs. Democrat Dante Bartolomeo.

Incumbent 100th House District State Rep. Matt Lesser vs. Republican Deborah Kleckowski,

20+ years Incumbent  33rd District Democrat Rep. Joe Serra vs. Republican Callie Grippo.

The forum format will devote 15 minutes to each race of which candidates will have 3 minutes each to speak; the remaining time will be for audience Q & A. No word on moderator.* Continued:

Suzio Speaks Out: End Early Release of Violent Felons

Suzio at Ct Department of Correction, photo from Suzio website

Press Release from Suzio website: http://ctsenaterepublicans.com/2012/10/sen-suzio-victims-advocates-demand-suspension-of-controversial-early-prison-release-program/#.UH7Ym67AHU0

"Sen. Len Suzio (at microphone) was joined by violent crime victims at a Tuesday, Oct. 16 press conference in front of the Connecticut Department of Correction in Wethersfield to call on Gov. Malloy to suspend the state’s new policy which enable violent felons to be released from prison early.
Sen. Suzio also called upon the Malloy Administration to reappoint the state’s non-partisan, independent State Victim Advocate Michelle Cruz to another term. Cruz has been outspoken against the Malloy Administration’s new early release plan, which enables violent felons such as rapists, arsonists, child molesters and animal abusers to become eligible for early prison release under the Risk Reduction Earned Credits program.
“For months, we have been asking the Governor to suspend the Early Release Program as it applies to violent criminals and sexual predators and to order an investigation of the readily apparent failure to adequately protect the public,” Sen. Suzio said. “We already know of two murders associated with Early Release criminals. We know of a rape that was reported last week in Vernon. We know of a carjacking of an elderly lady this month in New Britain and we know of the sexual harassment of a 14-year old on a Middletown bus last month by an Early Release convict who had 28 convictions including rape at knifepoint.
“This week, we learned of the shooting of a 16-month old baby in New Haven by an Early Release graduate. How many murders, rapes and shootings of infants must take place before the Governor suspends this program? Enough is enough.
“We also are here to acknowledge the incredible courage and dedication of the State’s Victim Advocate, Michelle Cruz. Michelle has shown the light of truth on the disastrous Early Release Program. In so doing, she has demonstrated one of the rare characteristics of a political appointee today: the courage to stand up to the powers-that-be and say what the most powerful politicians in the state don’t want to hear. This Program is dangerous and should be suspended immediately. This program is a betrayal of the justice due to the victims of violent crime and their families. Continued:

Letter to the Editor: Elect Callie Grippo Advocate for Small Government

To the Editor:

I am writing to urge all voters in the 33rd District to elect Callie Grippo (R) as your next State Representative.

This is why I urge all voters in the 33rd District to vote for Callie Grippo:

THE ECONOMY: The people are tired of Big Business and Big Government working together to fleece the middle class and the small business owner. They want business left to those who conduct it best so we can see our dollar go further and our economy recover.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: People feel our government only seems to have two solutions to any problem — tax production citizens and spend the proceeds irresponsibly. We need to curtail the abuse in our entitlement programs and hold our government responsible for living within its means
Continued:

Letter to the Editor: Grippo: A Professional For Small Government

      I am writing in support of Callie Grippo's candidacy as State Representative for the 33rd District of the State of Connecticut.  I have known Callie for over 12 years and during that time I have gotten to know her on both a professional and personal level.  On a professional level, Callie is a highly accomplished and experienced proficient woman who possesses a high level of organization skills and moral values that gained her a great deal of respect in her career as an Insurance professional. Continued:

Candidate Profile: Callie Grippo

  I am a candidate for State Representative in the 33rd House District (Middletown). Many of us have lost faith in our government and feel that elected officials no longer work FOR us. 
     I believe it is time for average citizens to step up and serve our  community, and that is why I am running for State Representative. I want to bring government back to the people and represent the hard  working families of our community and I will serve as your voice in  Middletown.
If I am elected, I will use my real life experiences as a corporate claims  consultant, business owner, community volunteer, parent and taxpayer in  Middletown to bring common sense solutions to the state's problems.
     I am a huge advocate for the small business owner, I understand first hand how hard it is to maintain your business today. Unless you have had to make a payroll, and put your own capital at risk, you can not possibly understand the plight of the small business owner.  
Since 1988 we have had the poorest business climate in the state. The small business' is the large engine of job creation and we need to support them by giving them tax credits and helping them thrive so that we can all benefit from this economic growth.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am speaking in light of the most recent tax increase, WE CAN NOT RAISE TAXES AGAIN! It is not a viable option to balance the budget. If elected, I pledge that I will not support a tax increase to balance the budget. We can not entertain another tax hike. We need to balance the budget by controlling expenses like we all have to do in our own lives/finances. The citizens of Middletown are being taxed right out of the state.     
     The city of Middletown employees some of the highest regarded and talented teachers, and faculty in the state. I think its important to remember that our kids are our future — our future business owners, teachers, city workers and parents of Middletown. Any successful strategy to educate our kids and prepare them for a successful career begins and end with our teachers.
     Our kids intuitively know that and expect our school system to treat them as full partners in shaping policy and appropriating limited resources. A better education means better opportunities and a higher quality of life for our children. 
     I support making the Board of Education its own taxing authority — making it autonomous. It would levy its own school district tax and the members of the Board of Education would become directly accountable to the taxpayers. It is important to know that the largest portion of your taxes goes toward the education budget. 
     While we might not agree on every issue, I promise I will do my best to represent you and address your concerns. You should feel comfortable sharing your thoughts with those you choose to vote for, whether on the phone or at your door.
Together we can find a way to cut through the partisan bickering in Middletown and tackle our problems head-on. I, like you, have been sitting around waiting for the "change" to happen long enough.
It's time to take control and move forward NOW! 
I thank you in advance for your support and ask for your vote on Nov. 6.

www.calliegrippo.com

Callie Grippo for your State representative 33rd District.

Thank you

Callie Grippo

Letter to the Editor: Vote Grippo!

  Dear Middletown Residents,
       Vote for Callie Grippo for State Representative!!!   I have known Callie for
  over seven years.  She has proven to be a very smart, loyal , and caring
  friend.  She is a wonderful mother of two young children and a supportive
  wife and homemaker.
       Callie Grippo is not only a friend, but she is the best choice for State
  Representative. Callie is very educated and has the background needed for
  this position. Mrs. Grippo is very outspoken and does her research, before
  getting her point across. She knows the issues in Middletown that need to be
  addressed, such as parking, taxes, and getting businesses to grow.  Mrs.
  Grippo knows how to propose and pass bills to get these issues resolved.

      A vote for Callie Grippo would be a vote to make Middletown a better place
  for our children to grow up in!!!

  Sincerely,

  Lora Congelosi
  Middletown Resident

North End Meet the Candidate Night in Middletown

Kleckowski sitting councilwoman &candidate has an intimate chat with 

a voter. 

Last night residents had the chance to meet one on one no holds barred with local candidates at the Green Street Arts Center sponsored by North End Action Team. The event gathered about 20 locals, and included a casual dinner free to all. Potential voters were supplied with blank question sheets to fill in and take notes on. Questions focused on how candidates would solve North End issues.
Former Mayor Sebastian Giuliano, Councilman Ron Klattenberg (D), Middletown Republican Town Committee Chair William Wilson, Planning & Zoning Commissioner Molly Salafia (R) , former Councilman Earle Roberts (R), BOE Member Ryan Kennedy (R), and Mayor Dan Drew were among the crowd to show support for fellow candidates.

Winsley, candidate for Congress speaks with North End voters.

Wayne Winsley who is running against 11 year incumbent Rosa Delauro was on hand although  his opponent was a no show. Winsley has asked Delauro to publicly debate him and she has refused. Deborah Kleckowski current Middletown Councilwoman (R) is running against incumbent Matt Lesser to represent the 100th District. Kleckowski and Lesser both attended Wesleyan University, however Lesser dropped out to run for his office in 2008, and Kleckowski graduated with her masters and when on to work in social services and education. Kleckowski played a key role in defending special needs students and parents in the aftermath of the scream room scandal at Farm Hill earlier this year. She also opposes  the proposed Ct legislation being backed by Lesser  that would allow men and women to use the same public restrooms based on their perceived gender identity rather than biological; Kleckowski cites public safety issues.
     Lesser recently came back from a paddle down the CT River to observe foliage as part of a DEP tour with Mayor Drew Tuesday. Winsley & Kleckowski have both backed incumbent  Republican Candidate Len Suzio for gas tax reform and suspension of early release for violent criminals.

Event organizer &  Exec. Director of NEAT, Izzi Greenberg.

    Also in attendance were candidates Paul Doyle (D) and veteran incumbent Joseph Serra (D) who is defending his seat representing the 33rd District against Callie Grippo (R).

Meet Candidates: Bi-Partisan Event Green Street Arts Oct. 3

Grippo, Kleckowski, Suzio: End Early Release for Violent Criminals

Local Middletown Councilwoman Deborah Kleckowski, candidate for the 100th District and candidate Callie Grippo for the 33rd District rally along side incumbent candidate Senator Len Suzio to protect our families. Board of Education member Ryan Kennedy, MRTC vice chair William Wilson, former councilman David Bauer also lent support at the rally to suspend the early release laws which Senator Suzio is leading the charge for.

Original article & video by Cassandra Day at the Middletown Patch blog
http://middletown-ct.patch.com/articles/city-republicans-rally-behind-suzio-s-call-for-halt-to-early-inmate-release#photo-11447729

Grippo's Signage!

33rd District Candidate Callie Grippo Launches Site!

My name is Callie Grippo and I am here to fight for you and your family!   I am an  outspoken proponent for enhancing public safety and improving our community.

With my background in business, I never take no for an answer. Once elected, I will continue to dedicate my efforts to improving the quality of life for all residents in the 33rd District.

Connecticut Democrats have voted for the largest tax increase in Connecticut history, to fund the Hartford-New Britain bus way. These same elected officials remained silent as Governor Malloy and the Bond Commission planned to approve $300 million for renovations to the Communist Party of Connecticut headquarters (private property in New Haven) and for the forced unionization of private childcare providers and personal aides.

Like citizens, I am fed up with the spending and excessive taxation, and I believe it must stop! If elected, I will stand up to the bullies at the capital who have manipulated the system. We CAN make changes to improve the lives  Connecticut residents. There is no excuse for the continued support of the tax and spend policies currently in place that the elected Democrats continue to support time and time again. Second, we must end one party rule by electing more Republicans and putting an end to the super Democratic majority which makes compromise impossible. Once Republicans can affect votes, conservative policies can be implemented and the economy can once again grow.  One party rule isn’t working for Connecticut and I want to get Connecticut working again!
http://www.calliegrippo.com/default.html

Local Republican Ladies to Challenge Reps. Serra & Lesser & other Fireworks

Local Callie Grippo (R), candidate for the 33rd
District to challenge Joe Serra (D)

Energy was high last night at the Middletown Republican Town Committee last night.

Councilmember Phil Pessina gave a enthusiastic speech endorsing Councilwoman Deborah Kleckowski who has put her hat in the ring to challenge State House Representative Matt Lesser (D) for the 100th District in this fall's election. Not present, but equally impassioned local woman & previous local BOE candidate for the 2011 November elections, Callie Grippo will challenge long time living relic State House Representative Joe Serra (D) for his seat in the 33rd district. Like Red Rosa, the Insider thinks that Serra has been in office far too long, and pretty soon will be declared furniture at the capitol unless he breathes some life into his elected position. Use it or loose it, so fellas, prepare to loose it.

It seemed the ladies of the MRTC have a newly ignited fire in their bellies that was also evident when it came time for Janice Giofriddo to defend her seat as Republican Registrar of Voters against challenger and former Councilmember David Bauer. Bauer gave a speech making it clear he felt whom ever was to hold the position should be able to justly defend the law regarding voting and cited an incident that happened this past fall where Rep. Lesser and Rep. Serra, along with Councilman Tom Serra physically took from the office unfinished drafts of voting districts and altered them without input from the opposing party. Bauer indicated new laws allowing same day registration who bring particular challenges to the office of Registrar and he was up to the task of those challenges. Gionfriddo, who defended the original districting that would save tax payers money which the Democrats felt was irrelevant, before the Common Council after the map incident had occurred, gave a statement saying she was up to the task of working with the newly appointed Democratic registrar and whatever challenges that that might bring. Giofriddo stated that the mood in the office had changed, and the new regime had brought very hostile and partisan views into what by law is supposed operate as  a politically neutral office, but she would not back down in following the oath she took 14 years ago when she became Registrar for the Republicans. Voting was done by paper ballot, and Gionfriddo kept her seat 34-9. Bauer congratulated Gionfriddo on her win and pledged his support.

By the power of Bauer

Tensions at the meeting once again surfaces when Juan Montalvo asked Councilmembers Phil Pessina and Joe Bibisi to explain their reasoning for not supporting the draft of the City of Middletown Budget that they, and Republican Councilmembers Deborah Klekowski and Linda Salafia had drafted, signed, and presented as an alternative to the Common Council at the public budget hearing May 2. Earlier Bauer referenced his confusion over the dissent of the two councilmen against their own budget. The alternate budget that would have not increased taxes, was defeated 10 to 2 with Pessina and Bibisi ultimately voting against their own suggested amendments & for Mayor Drew & the Democrats' tax increase. Councilman Pessina gave an impassioned speech that he felt increased funding for the BOE even though they have no provided a line-item budget as promised was important for impoverished children to get proper educations. Montalvo pointed out that BOE funding, was only a small portion of the budget, and why had the councilman not asked for a motion to  amend and discuss on the matter instead of simply voting down the budget that the Republican caucus had crafted. Council member Bibisi did not comment. Former Councilman Earle Roberts also commented on his strong disapproval over the tax increase and dissent of the two councilmen. Roberts was the last Republican council member to draft an amended budget to challenge the proposed budget by the democratic majority. 

Wayne Winsley (R), candidate to take on
 Rosa DeLauro for Congress

Before the close of the meeting, Wayne Winsley introduced himself as the Republican selected to be the candidate for the 3rd Congressional Seat. He is taking on long time incumbent Red Rosa DeLauro in the 2012 fall election. http://waynewinsleyforcongress.com/

Link to the article about Kleckowski & Grippo challenging  Serra and Lesser can be found on the Patch here: http://middletown-ct.patch.com/articles/city-republicans-women-to-vie-for-house-seats#video-10029383

Below is more information regarding credentials of Candidate Deborah Kleckowski:

Real Wesleyan Grad & local Deborah Kleckowski,
candidate for the 33rd District,
challenges Matt Lesser (D) (attended Wes, did not graduate)

Nomination for State Representative      May 22, 2012

Deborah Kleckowski

Objective:  Build Prosperity

 Key issues:  Employment/Economy:  Implement Cap on the Gas Tax.  Fully fund PILOT (Payment in lieu of taxes) for Middletown due to number of state facilities. Halt projects such as the New Britain Bus Way(cost prohibitive and addition of state employees-bus drivers), eliminate 15 million to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun in tax credits, promote private purchases of hospitals such as UConn Hospital vs. State Funding (Hartford Hospital was interested in the purchase of UConn Hospital), Eliminate State funding of projects such as the First Five i.e. Jackson Labs, eliminate increase of taxes on business which discourage users such as Hotel tax increase, nail salons, hair salons and massage.  Decrease spending, merge departments and eliminate commissions. And repeal Executive Order of forced unionization of Childcare workers and Personal Aides.

Education:  Repeal of Dream Act which allows illegal residents to attend colleges and pay the “in-state” tuition, revise state statute that requires municipalities fund the Board of Education at no less than the year prior, implement new law which allows for the Boards of Education to be a separate taxing district, re-instate first generation/low income educational programs.  Ensure seclusion rooms are safe for students and staff.

Public Safety:  Reinstate the death penalty, fully fund Emergency Management throughout the state (up to date safety gear and training), Repeal Transvestite/Transsexual bathroom bill.

Elections:  Eliminate same day election registration.

Government Transparency:  No votes after midnight and public hearing should be held at night not during the day to allow the public to attend and not special interests groups.

Personal/Family:   Raised in Middletown, attended Middletown schools, two younger sisters, married

with two children.

Past Experience:   Chair-New Britain Health Commission, member Youth Service Commission, Deputy Finance Director for a state-wide campaign. Middletown:   P&Z   Alternate and Regular member, Common Council 2009-current

Highlights:  Updated By-laws for P&Z, Brought to the forefront labor disputes between 466-BOE. Fought for an won sick days and pay for ill city employee denied by BOE Business Manager, initiated sick bank policy for City, strongly encouraged the resignation of the former school superintendent, secured bench at Price Choppers for Senior Citizens and other residents who take the bus, initiated: purchase of communication devices in helmets for City Fire, traffic study on Tyron Street, and South Main and Highland traffic study to curtail accidents/deaths.  Ardent supporter of Veterans, Public Safety, Education and the Arts.

Education:  Graduate of Eastern CT ST University-BA, Certificate of Management and Advance

Management Central CT ST University and Graduate of Wesleyan University, MALS

Employment:      Adjunct Instructor Middlesex Community College, Director Middlesex Community                                              College-College Career Pathways program (Tech Prep), Meriden Schools Vocational Facilitator, Interim Director/Associate Director Wesleyan University Upward Bound/ConnCap program.