Meet Candidate for the 100th Deborah Kleckowski : Come to an Evening of Family Fun & Conversation

Deb Kleckowski starts her door to door campaign in Middletown

Deborah Kleckowski is running for election to represent the 100th District which includes Middletown!
Find out more about Deb on the Insider here

Join Deb's Supporters for a Fun Evening of Light Refreshments & Great Conversations! Bring your children – plenty of games and activities! Friday August 10, 2012 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 25 Cranberry Lane, Middletown, CT Hosted by Kevin Kelly and Robin Goss Qualifying donations $5 to $100 – Suggested donation $20 Please RSVP to Kevin Kelly @ 860-930-2584 or kevmkelly@comcast.net If you are not able to attend and would like to contribute, please contact Deb Kleckowski @ votedebktoday@yahoo.com All welcome!! Paid for by Elect Deb Kleckowski-Dante Aiudi, Treasurer

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.

Brave New Hope and Pension Thoughts!

April 17- Did you see Councilwoman Hope Kasper at last week’s budget hearing with the Mayor Tuesday night?  Well if you did, you sure missed one hell of a battle as Ms. Kasper took the bull by the horns and asked Mayor Daniel T. Drew question after question about the pension fund that Drew’s budget proposal has reduced the amount of funding that will be proposed to be paid into the pension fund.   Kasper was frustrated at times when Deputy Mayor Robert Santangelo called on new Councilman Todd Berch to give his input about Drew’s proposed city pension plan.   Kasper attempted to speak her words of wisdom about the pension plan and became quite upset when Santangelo called her speech, “out of line,” and continued to hear Councilman Berch’s take on the pension situation. 

“Oh, you listen to his point a view about the pension and not mine,” Kasper said harshly to the deputy mayor. “Is it because he is a man?” she asked as she shrugged in her chair.  It is the opinion of this writer that (seriously) Councilwoman Kasper showed courage and confidence at challenging the status quo of her party.  Good for you Hope, keep up the good fight.  One should recall a few years ago the plight of Democrat Debbie Kleckowski whose unpopular views on the Planning and Zoning Committee made her a Democrat target: thus she was quickly outed from the party. (I.e. Had independent views and is a woman??? Mmm, Hope is quite independent and is a woman. See a pattern?) In a strange twist of fate and karma, Kleckowsk swapped her party affiliation from DEM to GOP and was successfully was elected to an office on Middletown's Common Council.  Will  history repeat itself?

The Insider predicts:  Hope Kasper will not be running for Common Council or any other office on the Democrat ticket in 2013.  Don't get it? They will kick her off for having the goNads to stand her ground and speak her mind.   If you don’t agree to go with the Dem flow, (I.e. keep your mouth shut) then you pay the price, and in this case it’s Kasper’s political future.  Will she pull a Christine Bourne and run for mayor against her party? Will she change parties and  primary Earl V. Roberts (Note: Earl's orange vest jacket may be running on the Green Party Ticket) on the GOP side and hope to take the mayor’s office from that angle?   Here are some more predictions about some hopeful Mayoral candidates for 2013:

1)   Barbara Plum- Wants to run for Mayor but spends too much time in Middletown.

2)   Roy Krieger- Would force the city to buy two Mayor mobiles, which would drive the conservatives nutty?

3)   Shannon Blair- Could be a great mayor due to his high connections with city hall.

4)   Ralph Nader- Has to run for something

5)   Mayor McCheese- Has previous executive experience at McDonaldLand; was able to bring the budget in under a billion burgers.

6)   The Cantina- According to the charter, a building is not allowed to run for office. Note: They can have members of The Working Families Party sign their petition.

7)   Michael Johnson- Started as a Working Families party candidate and lost and then when he was appointed to replace a member of the P and Z commission became a Democrat quite quickly.  Hater? Nope, how was he able to change his party that quickly?

8)   Earl V. Roberts: Trust me he wants it so badly! He works on Roberts for Mayor signs in his barn. “Got Taxes?”

9)   Any Republican with the initials S.G. (It's worked three times so far)

10) Sal  C.– Would go to war with Portland and Cromwell and if he won would demand that his seat is next to T.S. and B.S.  “Nuff Said.”

Censorship in the 21st Century: Facebook Style

Our Facebook account has been removed without warning after we  have been posting our views. People may have complained. If we annoy people that much we must being doing something right!  
The truth hurts, but still must get out.
Share our link  your facebook page- Middletown citizens have a right to know what's happening in their government.  Read a summary of recent local politics below-

In 1991, the techno pop group C+C Music Factory released their hit single “Things that make you go Hmmm,” a song about the art of pondering and speculating about the love lives of others.  Five hours ago, the editorial staff of The Middletown Insider pondered the news from the powers that be from Facebook that our Middletown Insider site has been taken down from circulation.  Why would a website that allows groups such as the hateful Ku Klux Klan and the ultra right wing John Birch Society to post their views remain on Facebook and ban the satirical, and at times controversial page of The Middletown Insider? 

The answer: The Insider, in it’s short life span has had over 3,254 hits in 4 weeks and has asked the local political questions that our beloved publications such as The Middletown Patch, The Middletown Press and The Middletown Eye have not.

Things that make you go Hmmm:

Issue 1: The Senior Center- After the city bought, under the leadership of then Mayor Sebastian N. Giuliano, the old Eckersley Hall/St. Sebastian building last fall for $800,000 with approximately $900,000 put aside for renovations with the intent of turning the building into a senior center and military museum for the community, the project was put in a turn around by new Mayor Daniel Drew who throw a wrench into the project by proposing a plan to expand city hall and make room for the ever patient seniors.  According to Friday’s edition of The Middletown Press, Senior Services Commission Chairman Ed Dypa “expressed shock and dismay after learning that Mayor Dan Drew hired an architect to look at the possibility of expanding city hall and including space for a senior center there.”  (Doesn’t address the Military Museum issue).    
The Insiders’ Verdict: If they do add onto city hall, keep an eye out for the name of  the building company.  Is it a donor to the Drew campaign? Does their name rhyme with ______________?

Things that make you go Hmmm

Issue 2: Dan’s trip to China- A trip to China in the middle of the night without word to certain common council members. That would be the GOP side if anybody cares.  I heard he brought back Pessina a fortune cookie.

The first issue Middletown citizens should have with Dan's midnight travel plans: Are you really leaving Bob Santangelo in charge of Middletown?  That’s like Joe Biden in charge of the country. With Santangelo in charge of Middletown he may try to invade Portland or rename  Lyman’s Orchids to Zippy's Apples or something nutty. He may even get his wife a job at the registrar of voters. (Too late- we're screwed!) Drew traveled to China in secret in order to protect his wife and children from the evildoers of Wesleyan Hills. (He’s a Dem, why is he worried. They don't even have their walking paths done yet). The trip wasn’t even voted on until the Monday of his return by the Common Council where Zippy Santangelo chewed out Councilwoman Salafia who had the gall to, get this: Question the Mayor! Yep, Councilwoman Salafia questioned the Mayor in public! Do not do this! You will get the Dem patrol after you with variations of, “How dare you,” or “He is bringing jobs to Middletown” or “We should reopen Valentino’s” (Not true, but it’s something John Robinson would have said).  Oh by the way, Dan’s trip cost the taxpayers $5,200 and he claims he will be bringing in jobs.  Mmmm, Let’s see, I own the Macintosh Computer Factory  and I can set up workers at a plant in China for $1.66 an hour or come to CT for minimum $12.33 an hour.. Stop  it! 
Verdict: Stay Home and show us the receipts!

Things that make you go Hmmm

Issue 3: Dan’s Trip to Washington D.C.-  Under the guise of getting the land from the Nike missile site on Mile Lane from the Feds, Dan Drew ventured to D.C. by plane on our Dime. (Spend spend spend)The guy has a phone or a computer.  Hell, even a telegram would have worked.  Why a meeting? Just reach out and call somebody and phone a friend.  Stop wasting our money on these antics.

  Everybody knows we can’t get the land from the feds until they decide to clean it up.  Can he send an e-mail to Rosa DeLauro or is she auditioning for the part of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz remake by Tim Burton? Does that even make sense?
Okay, little known fact:  DD has family in the Virginia area so he decided to drop in on the big boys and girls and then pay the family a vist. On your DOLLAR!!  

The Verdict: Thank the Wesleyan voters who usually don't give two shits about Middletown who voted DD into the offices on DeKoven Drive.  Good job guys! What's next sue me for writing this column! You can bet your bottom dollar that my name won't be put on this thing.

Things that make you go Hmmm

Issue 4: - Dan’s Budget-  Drew budget includes 3.5 million cuts for education. (He criticized Giuliano on the same issue) and a small cut towards the town’s art programs.  If Dan were a member of the Republican Party he would labeled as someone that is anti-education or worse, some one that is anti-education.
Verdict: I guess we have to let our children suffer since Dan is a Dem.  "You are going to cut teachers in your budget proposal," was what candidate Drew said to then Mayor Giuliano last fall at the debate at Wesleyan University.  Mmm, cutting  3.5 million dollars to the education budget is a helluva lot of teachers and paraprofessionals who will more than likely lose their jobs. Right, you and Governor Malloy seem to have that covered with the Teacher Reform (aka Spend Money Committee). I guess it's okay for you to do it because you are a Democrat.   


Thanks For Listening!

BOE Special Meeting Tonight to consider Buy-out of Superintendent Frechette's Contract

Mikey, Nancy, and Barb Senges in
 The Insider's version of a "Scream Room" 

The Hartford Courant broke the story his morning that the Middletown Board of Education is set to hold a special meeting tonight to consider the possible buy-out of Superintendent Michael Frechette's contract. The Insider would like to know if the BOE can and will consider a firing of the Superintendent. As reported here, Councilwoman Debra Kleckowki called for the termination of Michael Frechette and  Business Manager extraordinaire Nancy Haynes long before this, and so far has been the only Councilperson to do so.Newly elected Councilwoman Linda Salafia has also made statements regarding actions by Haynes joined in supporting Kleckowski.
The Courant reports:" An agenda for the Wednesday meeting states that the board will meet at 6 p.m. in the central office at 311 Hunting Hill Ave. for a "Discussion and Possible Action on Personnel Matter" in executive session."
 Mayor Drew has not made any statements to the media thus far, we are unclear if the Mayor is in Middletown today or at the State Legislative where his  second office is located.

 Courant article contains the specifics on what is known so far.

http://www.courant.com/community/middletown/hc-middletown-superintendent-buyout-0307-20120306,0,4290473.story

UPDATE: A letter Sent by Councilwoman Kleckowski to BOE elected members
Board of Education members:

I want to express my concern to you prior to tonight's Board meeting. First, there is no doubt that the meeting is going to be difficult, as working with serious personnel matters in not a pleasant experience. I understand that Dr. Frechette may be leaving due to family concerns, which is sad for his daughter. 

Nonetheless, his performance and leadership have been less than optimal and his contract should be terminated. There is no doubt that Dr. Frechette's contract should be terminate immediately. Unfortunately, his administrative decisions have put children and staff in harm's way as has been demonstrated several times with school administrators not calling 911 for gas leaks, fires and severe temperature decreases. 

Additionally, and perhaps most egregious, was the lack of cooperation from the Superintendent to ensure there was proper heat in the Middletown High School shelter during storm Alfred. If you are not aware, the temperature was 50 degrees in the evening putting residents, especially the medically vulnerable and infants, at risk. 

Of course, there is the perpetual labor issues that continue to plague the city and to cost the taxpayers. To date, the business manager remains in her position even though the Department of Labor decided that the position "belonged" to Union 466. When there was an alleged physical altercation between the business manager and another employee the employee was moved, and the business manager remained with no administrative leave. 

Thus, the BOE not adhering to the zero tolerance policy. To add insult to injury, the attorney's fees for this incident are being paid for by taxpayers! I contend that the payment of the business manager's legal fees for the above mentioned matter is a miss use of public funds and the practice should be terminated immediately and fees already paid to the attorney be repaid to the city of  Middletown. 

The list of grievances not reconciled is long. However, I bring to your attention to specific instances that demonstrate cause for an ineffective superintendent and require immediate dismissal. 

First, two years ago, 466 offered to donate sick days to a cafe worker who was seriously ill. Upon receiving a requested MOU from the business manager, Nancy Haynes, the business manager and Dr. Michael Frechette decided not to honor the MOU and declined the sick day donation. This action was reprehensible. 

It was inhumane! Finally, the worker received the donated time, the city had to take the matter to court, but in typical BOE form, many fees were taken from the donation leaving the worker a few hundreds dollars short of the expected amount. The city stepped up and the Common Council voted for an appropriation to make the employee whole. 

Are these the type of people we ant leading our schools? And, now, Josh Berger, son in-law ofCouncilwoman Hope Kasper, is working at the BOE beyond the 90 day allowance. 

And, remember his initial hire where he was offered "teacher benefits"? The  BOE Administration hires inappropriately, they decline certified candidates without cause, they maneuver and manipulate like trained reconnaissance soldiers hiding under the protection of State Stature 10-220. One Million dollars has been overspent. 

Seems as if there has been no accountability from the BOE administration. "Scream Rooms" — I agree time-out/calming room are needed.  But really, open electrical boxes, no padding? 

The mismanagement and ineffective management and continued poor administrative performance, unfortunately determines only one conclusion, Dr. Frechette's contract must be terminated immediately by "mutual consent," as stated under section 6.

Termination section a, contract (6/28/11), signed by Corrine Gill. According the the 2011 contract (original 5-19-05) there is no obligation for a "buyout." This entire ordeal has been difficult on employees, I am sure Dr. Frechette's family and the entire community. 

I urge you to mutually sever the contract only granting sick and vacation time.  There is no reason to provide any additional financial compensation. I wish you the best this evening as I am sure the meeting will be emotionally charged.  Lastly, thank you for your service to the community! 

Deborah Kleckowski
Middletown Common Council Member