And Justice for All; "The Columbia Connection" by John Milardo

Preface:  This Newsletter was going to coincide with a “Press Release” from Republican Mayoral Candidate Sandra Russo-Driska, requesting Mayor Daniel Drew to give Middletown residents’ truthful answers to the questions of how he earned a degree this year from Columbia University in New York, while also being Mayor of Middletown.  Most importantly, his attendance record at the school was being questioned?  Unfortunately, the Middletown Press and Hartford Courant informed Republican Mayoral Candidate Russo-Driska minutes ago, they will not run the “Press Release”, because it may not be news worthy.  Nor, are they letting the public know that former Democratic Mayor Michael Cubeta, has endorsed Republican Candidate Russo-Driska for Mayor of Middletown. 

The Columbia University questions are legitimate issues a newspaper or news outlet should have asked long ago, but they have not.  Working on many Democratic Mayoral races in the past, I can tell you from this experience that the local “Press” does not look favorably on Republicans in Middletown.  They shelve issues sent to them, but will give the Democratic candidate free advertising for himself by putting his face on the front page getting a flu shot or eating a piece of cake.

Label me naive, but I thought the “Press” was supposed to be our watchdog for the truth, and not one-sided.  Seeing how they operate, I will continue to bring you whatever issues and opinions I can to you attention.

You can get all your local news and event articles, and Mayor Michael Cubeta’s endorsement letter from the following news blogs:

The Middletown Eye (http://middletowneyenews.blogspot.com/)

The Middletown Insider (http://www.middletowninsider.com/)

Beginning of the original Newsletter

In May 2015, Mayor of Middletown, Daniel T. Drew, earned a masters degree from Columbia University in New York. (http://www.middletownpress.com/government-and-politics/20150601/middletown-mayor-earns-masters-degree-from-columbia )  My first thought was, “Wow, I give the guy credit for doing this!  I wish everyone who wants a college education could get one.”  That thinking subsided quickly.  Now I started to wonder how does he earn a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree (according to the Press article) from such a prestigious university like Columbia, while working full-time as the Mayor of Middletown, Connecticut?   Boink! “The employees at City Hall who were bugging me for the past year were right!  He’s been going to school while he’s supposed to be working!”    

In 2014, not 2015, I had contacted a local news reporter and discussed what I had heard about Drew attending college.  Both of us had even went on the University website and turned up a student email address for him at Columbia University.  At the time, we discussed this issue, but the research ended there.  Fast forward to the above “Middletown Press” article regarding Dan Drew’s Master Degree. I looked deeper into it!

The first thing I did was send Columbia University officials some emails (which I kept) regarding Mayor Drew’s attendance to their program.
 
My first question was: Are their any on-line-courses for the “Social-Organization Psychology, M.A.” program?  The answer from Lynda Hallmark, Program Manager of the University was, “It is an in person only program – no online options”
Next question; Does the “Executive Masters Program in Change Leadership” program have any on-line options?  Ms. Hallmark’s answer was, “Sorry, no, it does not.  It’s a “residential” cohort program that meets 4 times/academic year for about 10 days per module.”

I asked Ms. Hallmark one last question, which she forwarded to Dan Drew’s professor.  The question was as follows: Did Columbia University make any exceptions for Mayor Drew regarding his presence and attendance for his classes in New York?

Dr. Debra A. Noumair, the Director of the “Executive Masters Program in Change Leadership” responded with the following; “We did not make any “exceptions” for the mayor regarding his presence and attendance for his classes in New York.”

Columbia University’s website regarding the “Social-Organization Psychology MA Programs”

(http://www.tc.columbia.edu/o&l/OrgPsych/index.asp?Id=M.A.+Program&Info=M.A.+Program+Frequently+Asked+Questions) state the following for their M.A. Program – “Full-time students complete their program in two academic years, and our part-time students complete their program in approximately three to four years.”  

For the “Executive Masters Program in Change Leadership” program it states – “The program is delivered in four 1-week modules extending over one year and includes pre-work, post-work, and guided independent study/action research as part of the formal program requirements.”

So, regardless of which degree Drew earned, it was mandatory he be physically present in classes at Columbia University.  The program with the minimum time spent in New York as described by the Ms. Hallmark is the “Executive Masters Program in Change of Leadership”.  According to her response to the above email question, it is a 10 day per module, 4 modules per year, residential only program.  That equates to 40 days in New York to attend these classes at Columbia University.  The University made no exceptions for the Mayor.

Giving Mayor Drew the extreme benefit of doubt, if he did indeed get his degree in the “Executive Masters Program in Change Leadership” and not the “Social-Organization Psychology, M.A.” (M.A.) degree, the minimum days he spent in New York for classes were 40 days.  If he received his degree in the latter, days spent at Columbia University in New York will be considerably more.

According to Columbia University’s website, The “Executive Masters Program in Change of Leadership” classes begin at 8am and end sometime in the evening, sometimes going into the weekends.  Along with this time spent in classes, Dan was also responsible to complete “10 hours a week on course-related assignments and action learning projects,” and “There will be monthly virtual check-in sessions in between the modules in order to provide scheduled time for project supervision, teamwork, information sharing, and additional hot topic lectures.”

Where am I going with this?  The FOI of Mayor Drew’s calendar provides 17 hours devoted to Columbia University from September 2014 through August of 2015.  Most of it is for “conference calls” to the University.  Why isn’t there any the time marked on his scheduling calendar for the time he had took off to attend classes at Columbia University in New York?  He put everything else on his calendar.  How does a mayor of a town, miss 40 days of work and no one notices it?  Who covered it up for him?  The Middletown Press stated Drew said the program was structured in a modular format, so he was not required to be in New York City, where the university is located, on a weekly basis, and when he was needed in classes, wasn’t all that far to travel.  That comment by Mayor Drew is disingenuous at best.  How about the complete truth for the public who kept on paying your wages - while you were away at school!

Columbia recommends students live within the city when attending classes.  Did he?  I guess to Dan, attending 40 classes (days) from early morning to late evening in another state, New York, isn’t a big deal to him?   I know as a taxpayer, it is to me!  I expect the Mayor of my town, to perform his full-time duties as Mayor.  You want to further you education, that’s great!  Then take a leave of absence like everyone else, and appoint someone to be in charge of Middletown.

All this time away from Connecticut and Dan didn’t see it necessary to place the Deputy Mayor in charge during his absences.  I wonder how he got to New York - bus, train, personal vehicle, or city car?  If he used the city car, did he reimburse the Finance Department for his personal use for gas and mileage driving to Columbia?  Or, was that on the taxpayer too?

Middletown’s Charter, Chapter IV, Section 2 states; “The Mayor shall be the chief executive officer of the City and shall devote full time to the duties of office.  Full time shall mean primary occupation.”  According to Dan Drew’s own calendar, he has been a part-time mayor for Middletown.  Over the past ten (10) months, including his education at Columbia University, days off from work for various reasons, and the time he has spent with his paid political advisors of The Vinci Group, he has missed a record 89.5 days of work (and that’s based on the minimum time at Columbia).  I had to triple check this number!  89.5 days of not being around and not doing business for the taxpayers of Middletown!  The taxpayers should be outraged over this!  City employees have been fired by Mayor Drew for doing far less than this!  What makes him think he’s so special?  What makes him think he is not accountable to the taxpayers as are all the other city employees he oversees?  Rules are not meant for Dan – just everyone else? 

Dan Drew has been a part-time Mayor for Middletown, only obsessed with furthering his political career and promoting himself through his paid political advisors.  He choose to live in Middletown for a specific reason – its Democratic populous for election purposes.  His disdain for the people who pay his wages and expect him to put Middletown first and not himself is not only shameful, but in my opinion unethical.  Dan Drew thinks nothing of lying to the people who employee him – the citizens of Middletown.  He has no integrity!

The voters of Middletown need to elect someone who wants the best for their town!  On November 3^rd, vote Dan Drew out of office and give him the permanent leave of absence he so justly deserves. 

Stay strong.  Stay involved.  Stay together.  Seek the truth.

DISCLAIMER:  The opinions and views expressed in this newsletter reflect the opinion and view of the author, and should not be construed as fact or advice.  The author is a life long Middletown resident and taxpayer, and is sharing his opinions as such.  The opinions and commentary do not reflect the views of any political party, organization, or citizen group.  This newsletter reflects opinions and commentary which the author wishes to share with his friends.  

And Justice for All: "For Sale: Middletown" by John Milardo

People ask me, “Why are you so against Mayor Dan Drew?”  I am not against Mayor Drew, I am for the truth, honesty, and integrity in the position he holds as the Mayor of Middletown, my hometown.  Elected officials say it’s an avocation to be a politician.  For some it is.  In my opinion, for Dan Drew it is not a calling; he wants to make politics his forever profession and career.  His goal is to be a lifelong politician, and Middletown is his first stepping stone.  And I don’t use the word “stepping” lightly.  So, when I hear and read what Mayor Daniel T. Drew tells the public, and I know full well it’s a bunch of malarkey, I research it.  The people of Middletown are not respected by this man; they’re being used by him to further his political future.  He showed his disdain for our community when he divided the citizenry with his compromise on the Parks Project turf/synthetic issue.

Mayor Dan Drew’s newest campaign financial report has just been released.  He has more than double the amount of campaign contributions in his coffers than Republican Mayoral candidate Sandra Russo-Driska, with her grass roots campaign. 

Currently, Drew has a total of $105,058 worth of contributions for his re-election campaign.   The donor list is extensive and interesting.  Of the $105,058, a total of $77,240 was from contributors outside of Middletown and Connecticut.  That’s a whopping 74% of his funding coming from outside Middletown and Connecticut sources.  

I have attached a spreadsheet (Sheet 1 of  Dan Drew Campaign Contributors .xls)  This spreadsheet only contains out of town/out of state contributors as they were his largest monetary donors.  Many of them are past and current City contractors.

There is nothing illegal about receiving donations like this, but one must think who his allegiance is going to be with?  Is it Middletown residents, or the lawyers, lobbyists, politicians’ and businesses that gave him all that money?  They bought his services, he “owes them”!  Dan is “For Sale” to the highest bidders, and he therefore puts Middletown up “For Sale” too!  Dan Drew is out to promote himself to further his political career and use our city as his stepping stone.  He clones himself after Governor Dannel Malloy, who he admires and emulates.  Nice friendship they have!  Middletown recently lost $200,000 plus in State aide and Middlesex Memorial Hospital is going to lose $2 million in State funding for health care services to our community which will definitely have a negative impact for our people.  He’s done nothing so far to get those funds back to our town.

My Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request of the Mayor’s calendar now comes into play in respect to Mayor Drew’s donor list.  The Mayor held the below meetings between Monday through Friday, and 8am to 5pm.  Anything on weekends or after 5pm was not calculated.  Even though a Mayor’s job is a 24/7, I understand there is a need for a “personal” life and time for a politician to fundraise in a proper manner.  These are not those instances.

Point of information:  During Dan Drew’s mayoral elections he has employed (paid for) a “hired gun” called “The Vinci Group”.  His campaigns have been spear headed by Geoff Luxenburg of this group.  Drew regularly meets with Luxenburg on city time, and does what Mr. Luxenburg recommends him to do.   He is Dan’s “handler”.  The Mayor’s appointment calendar shows a total of 84.5 hours, or 10.5 eight hour days, which the two have met; mostly during work hours.

·        March 23, 2015, Monday, Mayor Drew has a meeting with Geoff Luxenburg between the hours of 10am and 1:30pm and garners 10 donations on this date for his campaign. 

·        March 26, 2015, Thursday, from 11am to 3pm, Mayor attends a meeting at a local restaurant per directive of Geoff Luxenburg, and adds another 10 donations on this date. 

·        June 15, 2015, Monday, Mayor Drew meets from 10am to 2pm with Geoff Luxenburg, and earns a $1,000 donation from a Massachusetts realtor on this date.

·        June 18, 2015, Thursday, Mayor Drew, had a meeting with his paid political consultant Geoff Luxenburg of “The Vinci Group”, in Hartford from 10am to 2pm.  The meeting was with the law firm of” Updike, Kelley & Spellacy” and included lunch.  Coincidentally on that same day, this law firm’s employees made nine (9) separate significant donations to Mayor Drew’s campaign.

·        Monday, June 29, 2015, meeting with Mayor and Geoff Luxenburg, from 2pm to 4 pm and receives two (2) more large contributions on same day. 

·        June 30, 2015, Tuesday, Mayor Drew and Geoff Luxenburg meet from 2pm to 4pm, and receive a $1,000 contribution from one (1) donor on this date.

There are other donations Drew received the following day after meetings which included Geoff Luxenburg of “The Vinci Group”, but I have not listed them in this article.  The FOIA of the Mayor’s calendar was from September 1, 2014 through August 10, 2015.  Heaven knows how many more meetings and donations he’s received while “on the job” since.  I’m sure we’ll never know the answer to that once this information gets out.

Mr. Luxenburg and “The Vinci Group” have been investigated for ethical issues during election campaigns before.  Apparently, Mayor Drew doesn’t care, and likes the fact that this company skirts on the edge of legal/ethical and illegal/unethical.  Here is a past article referring to issues with Mayor Dan Drew’s paid political advisors.  (http://m.journalinquirer.com/mobile/page_one/political-boundaries/article_fcf389a8-3da6-11e3-bcea-001a4bcf887a.html) 

NBC Connecticut news also published an article on their website dated May 21, 2015 regarding the millions of dollars “The Vinci Group” and three (3) other political consulting groups have received.  It’s entitled, “Majority of Taxpayer Funded Campaign Cash Goes to Connected Few”, and it’s by George Colli of WVIT 30-TV, NBC Connecticut.  http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/troubleshooters/Majority-of-Taxpayer-Funded-Campaign-Cash-Goes-to-Connected-Few-304644521.html

Mayor Dan Drew has current expenditures to “The Vinci Group” and Geoff Luxenburg in the amount of for $37,413.51.  This amount is paid for by Mayor Drew’s campaign donors.  Geoff Luxenburg and “The Vinci Group” is the prominent reason for Drew’s huge financial contributions.  Mayor Daniel T. Drew takes his marching orders from Geoff Luxenburg and “The Vinci Group”.  By the way, most of Mayor Drew’s expenditures have gone to out of town and out of state businesses.  (Sheet 2 of  Dan Drew Campaign Contributors .xls)

My understanding of election laws in Connecticut is that political campaigning cannot be performed during the regular work day with City resources.  Also, in Middletown, our Charter states: “The Mayor shall be the chief executive officer of the City and shall devote full time to the duties of the office. Full time shall mean primary occupation.”  I for one believe that campaigning when you should be conducting Middletown business is a violation of this code, as well as election laws of Connecticut.

Middletown needs a full-time Mayor, who is not concerned with self promotion to heighten his political career. Mayor Drew’s own Democratic Common Council members tout; “a transparent and honest government”!  Currently in Middletown, we don’t have that!

Time for a change!  Give Dan Drew what he wants – the freedom to be a “big shot” for Governor Dannel Malloy!  Set Dan free on Election Day so he can pursue his career dream elsewhere, and bring Middletown back to its people!

Stay strong.  Stay involved.  Stay together.  Seek the truth.

DISCLAIMER:  The opinions and views expressed in this newsletter reflect the opinion and view of the author, and should not be construed as fact or advice.  The author is a life long Middletown resident and taxpayer, and is sharing his opinions as such.  The opinions and commentary do not reflect the views of any political party, organization, or citizen group.  This newsletter reflects opinions and commentary which the author wishes to share with his friends.  

And Justice for All: All Play & No work..by John Milardo

Let me preface this article by saying I was a teen of the 60’s, when local and national newspapers and news organizations were respected because they were the watch dogs of our country. Today, if a news organization is backing a politician, they will slant and ignore stories to benefit their candidate.



Quite a few people over the past year have mentioned to me that Mayor Daniel T. Drew,
the mayor of Middletown, is seldom at work at Town Hall. As a former town employee, I
know there are many meetings in and out of the building a mayor attends to conduct the
taxpayers’ business. The complaints didn’t cease, so I spoke to a newspaper reporter
about it. I was told they would look into it, but never heard back from them.
The same complaints persisted. So I decided to look into the matter. I requested copies of
Mayor Daniel Drew’s daily meeting/work/appointment schedule or calendar through the
Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), beginning from September 1, 2014 to the time of
request, which was August 10, 2015. I paid the $172 fee for copies, and began to study
them.

What I found out about Mayor Daniel Drew’s work ethic was that in the 10-1/2 month
period of records I reviewed, Dan had a total of 35.8 days off from work. Mind you now,
this is according to the Mayor’s official appointment/work calendar. There are no other
documents regarding what and where the mayor spends his time – that is according to City
Attorney Brig Smith. That Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer is a LOT OF TIME OFF FROM
WORK! Who gets six (6) weeks of paid time-off after being on the job for three (3)
years?

No wonder Mayor Dan misses so many Middletown events! He’s never around! Too
busy rubbing elbows with Governor Malloy’s people and being introduced to the power
players. According to Dan’s own calendar, he has had forty-nine (49) out of town
meeting/opportunities, which have more to do with political exposure and donations, than
anything to do with Middletown business. I’m sure if asked by the “real” press, Dan will
tell them I don’t know what I’m talking about!

Speaking of players – the Mayor regularly has meetings with his paid political consultant
Geoff Luxenburg and cohorts, of The Vinci Group from Wethersfield CT. The meetings
occur between 8:00am and 5:00pm; Monday through Friday. I didn’t know it was ethical
or legal to conduct campaign business with taxpayer money? After all, the Mayor is
supposed to be working. Mayor Drew even attends meetings which Mr. Luxenburg directs
him to go to. Good exposure opportunities. Who is Dan working for? It’s not the people
of Middletown! Not when you’re giving your paid political consultant 84.5 hours (two
plus full-time weeks) of taxpayers time in 10-1/2 months! According to the Mayor’s first
batch of campaign disclosure paperwork filed with the State of Connecticut, since Mayor
Drew has declared his candidacy, The Vinci Group has so far been paid $10,325.66, from
his campaign contribution funds.

With all the time-off Mayor Daniel Drew took, not once did he request the Deputy Mayor
to assume his responsibilities. Not once! Ssshh! It’s a secret that the Mayor is missing!
This year, the Mayor earned a Masters Degree from Columbia University. He stated in the
Middletown Press he took courses remotely. Maybe that is why his work calendar only
averages 3-1/2 to 4 hours of work per day over this same 10-1/2 month period. By the
way, he doesn’t like to work on Fridays!

Stay tuned for additional stories on how Mayor Drew spends his time, which is your
taxpayer money!

Stay strong. Stay involved. Stay together. Seek the truth.
John Milardo


DISCLAIMER: The opinions and views expressed in this newsletter reflect the opinion and view of the author, and should not be construed as fact or advice. The author is a life long Middletown resident and taxpayer, and is sharing his opinions as such. The opinions and commentary do not reflect the views of any political party, organization, or citizen group. This newsletter reflects opinions and commentary which the author wishes to share with his friends.

And Justice for All: "It's Primary Time" by John Milardo

Saturday, I received a “Mayor Dan Drew” political advertisement for the September 16^th Democratic Common Council and Board of Education primary vote.  It states:  “Turnout will be huge.  Be a part of Middletown history.”  It’s a primary!  What “history” does Dan think he will or has made?  We know he wants hardliner Democratic Council Party persons to be elected, so he can continue with his heavy handed control of the Common Council.

Whatever his motives, Middletown voters need to know that Mayor Dan Drew has done very little to better our town.  He has failed miserably with his reorganization of government departments.  He will tell you it’s a success, but he won’t show and tell you how?  Because he can’t!  Everyone within the City, including Councilpersons know the reorganization was a failure and has cost the taxpayer more money; not less as he has led the public to believe.

We have the most bonded debt in the City’s history!  Basically, we are charging merchandise now and paying interest for it – instead of planning and funding them appropriately.  Never in the history of the City of Middletown have Capitol Non-Recurring (CNR) budgets been bonded.  Items with a life expectancy of 5 years of less such as; trucks, snow equipment, landscaping equipment, computers, cars, office furniture, and so on, were once funded through a CNR budget.  Money was accordingly set aside for each year of the budget, and paid for through proper funding allocations. 

We now have to bond them because there is not enough current funding in the general budget to cover these costs.  The money which used to be allocated for the CNR is now spent in the fiscal budget to cover annual costs for normal department operations.  So we are paying additional interest money on items we shouldn’t, and doing so after the items are gone!  This is what is called in the trade as “piss poor planning”!  This is being fiscally responsible and prudent?

The Mayor’s current dilemma for renovations and construction of the $34 million Parks systems infrastructure and facilities may come back to bite him.  This issue between natural and artificial athletic fields came to a head over the past couple of weeks.  Mayor Dan’s tie breaking vote for natural fields, and those Common Council members who voted for same, may cost them a November election.  I’m sure in the meantime; they will make every attempt to make “nice-nice” with the youth leagues.  I bet that’ll cost us!

Mayor Drew is probably counting on advice from his paid political consultant, that Councilman Thomas Serra, who was against changing the original $34 million bond for parks and field improvements, has lost his political “juice” and following.  This is a power play by Dan who is loading up the Common Council and Board of Education slate with HIS people.

In Middletown politics, if you don’t blindly follow nor have any political “juice”, you will end up on the cutting room floor, like Democratic Councilwoman Hope Kasper.  She dared to vote against Mayor Drew on a couple of occasions.  That is not acceptable to Dan!  Either do what you’re told or be left outside.  She didn’t have the “juice” on the Council.  Even Councilman Tom Serra’s pleas at the Democratic Town Committee to keep Hope on the slate didn’t help.  Dan may feel that Councilman Serra is losing his political “juice” and ripe for a power play.  He may find out soon enough.  Dan Drew only wants groupies, and Mr. Serra isn’t one of them.

There are many Democratic Party Councilpersons, members and voters who don’t want to think outside the box!  They are content on just blindly following.  They either don’t care, or are afraid to question their own Party leaders.  They are content with the in-breeding of the Party.  The Party knows best!  I really hope the majority of the Democratic voters do not think that way.  

I can guarantee you one thing - that many of our political leaders have very different reasons why they are in politics (see below link).

I’ll leave you with a short political video by one of the best comedians of all time, the late George Carlin.  What he says was true then, and it’s even truer now! (adult language, not censored)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=hYIC0eZYEtI

Stay strong.  Stay involved.  Stay together.  Seek the truth.

DISCLAIMER:  The opinions and views expressed in this newsletter reflect the opinion and view of the author, and should not be construed as fact or advice.  The author is a life long Middletown resident and taxpayer, and is sharing his opinions as such.  The opinions and commentary do not reflect the views of any political party, organization, or citizen group.  This newsletter reflects opinions and commentary which the author wishes to share with his friends.  

And Justice for All: Can you hear me???!!! by John Milardo

To put you completely in the proper mindset for the following opinion piece, I would like you all to watch (control/click) the following very short (30 second) “YouTube” video of comedian and political satirist Lewis Black.  When you read this Newsletter, please put his tone and passion in my words to get its true feeling.

(Warning:  This video contains adult mature language, and may be offensive to some individuals.  Lewis Black and censorship just don’t work as well!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqfDqDB8uzE&feature=player_embedded

Back to local politics!  I try to stay abreast of issues involving my hometown, Middletown.  I was born, raised, schooled, worked, and lived in this town for my entire life.  I’ve been around local politics most of my life - worked for several mayoral and Common Council candidates and their campaigns over the last 45 years.  So I know the nature of the beast.  Most of the politicians who have been elected Mayors of Middletown had the best interest of our town at heart.  Only one (1) Mayor has put himself ahead of this town and the people who live here, and that is current Mayor Daniel Drew.

Graphic by Middletown Insider, from our files back when 
Mayor Drew took $800,000 from the pension fund &
 Councilmembers including Hope Kasper objected.
We thought it fitting for this blog piece.

Middletown’s demographics have changed over the years.  An influx of people into Middletown and the migration of adults to southern states over the past two or so decades has changed local election races.  No one, but no one, has been more methodical than Daniel T. Drew in selecting which town he would move to so he could begin his political morphing.  What is the reason he didn’t stay in his shoreline hometown area and decided to rent a house here?  He selected Middletown with its 4 to 1 Democratic voter ratio.  A sure bet that if he got his foot in the door, he would get elected to an office.  Seriously, he came out of nowhere!  He just starting showing up at events meetings and rubbing elbows.

How Drew publically portrays himself is not the same as “behind closed door Dan”.  The real Dan Drew wants to be a career politician.  He is mean spirited, vindictive, and arrogant!  I have seen it myself when I worked for the City as a manager and a Union representative.  He is so vindictive, that town employees and some local politicians in his own Party are scared to have their own opinion (not Hope Kasper).  If they don’t march to his drum, they will be privately attacked, threatened and worse!  Ask Hope Kasper!

Little Dan Dan & Big Dannel.
Don't blame Mr. Milardo for these tasteless graphics.
All Middletown Insider stock photos!

Middletown was his selected town to begin the political journey he wants to ride forever.  Being a public servant is not an advocacy for Dan, it is a career, a job.  Middletown is a stepping stone for him.  He is one of Governor Dannel Malloy’s closest political allies.  Dan Drew bends over backwards for Malloy and the big campaign money and power he brings in for him.  Dan Drew emulates Malloy’s every move – right up to his tax increases!  The local Democrats know they created a monster in Drew, who is now so power hungry that he doesn’t listen to any one in town.  It’s his way or the highway!

(My voice is getting louder now)  Mayor Drew announces to anyone who will listen that he has made Middletown better!  (Yelling now!)  He hasn’t done squat other than raise taxes, screw up City departments, go to school to further his own education on the taxpayers’ dime, and start a new State wide group called “CT Conference of Democratic Mayors”, which of course he is the chairman of (again taxpayer’s dime?).

Dan Drew can proclaim all that he has done for Middletown, but the financial ledger doesn’t lie!  There is no increase of productivity, efficiency or savings to the taxpayers!  Why are employees who work in City departments posting comments that facilities in town have never looked so bad!?  Yet, he will state on local television they look better than ever!  Where is the information from the Finance Department to prove there was a savings when City departments where consolidated?  Where is the financial report from the Finance Department which proves the wonderful street light purchase saves the taxpayer the money he said it would?  It’s a scam Dan perpetuates so he can brainwash the public to believe if it were not for him, Middletown would be another Detroit!
(no disrespect to Detroit)

Look!  A guy (Dan Drew) with a “stone face” can try to make sense of a program called
“I Did Your Mother”, (taxpayer funded) on national television, will attempt to try and sell you anything!  You don’t believe me?  Watch this video from the “Bill O’Reilly Show” featuring Dan Drew’s commentary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZZuy_mqIY4&feature=player_embedded

Next subject!  Why are there still managerial vacancies in the Recreation Department, Public Works Department, and the Information & Technology (IT) Department? 

For the past three (3) years, the Recreation Department has a long tenured female as the “acting director”.  Mayor Drew refuses to appoint her permanently!  Why?  Don’t completely know why, but it could be that she has no connection to Hartford.  Or, maybe he just doesn’t like her?  Oh, by the way – she is qualified.  I’m not the one saying she is qualified, the City’s Human Resource Department declared her qualified.

The Deputy Director of Public Works retired several months ago, but the vacancy still exists.  The Mayor doesn’t feel it is even necessary to appoint an “acting” person to fill the void.  Why?  You’ll have to ask Dan.  There is a qualified employee within the City who has applied for the position.  Why no appointment yet?  This is an important position for this department as it requires an engineering degree, which is not a requirement for the Director of the department.  Someone must be able to recognize if road work, drainage work, parks and facility work is being performed by contractors per engineering and/or architectural design specifications.

Then there is the IT Department.  Dan places an internal department employee in the “acting” capacity as Director for over a year now, without appointing him and backfilling his position.  Everyone knows in today’s work environment, you cannot do without a properly staffed and operating IT Department.  Why no appointment?  Once again – ask Dan! 

Mayor Dan has supported and acknowledged these personnel are qualified for the position as he appoints them into these “acting” positions.  You would not place a person in the “acting” position if he/she is not qualified to do so, per Personnel Rules.  You can read the United Public Service Employees Union (UPSEU) contract language below, (previously The Teamsters Union).

Furthermore, if someone in UPSEU (all three (3) of these jobs) is qualified for the vacant position, once the positions are posted for testing, the clock starts ticking.  Mayor Dan Drew must appoint said person to the vacancy in a permanent capacity.

The UPSEU/Teamster contract language is as follows:

ARTICLE XXIV

VACANCY POSTINGS

Before filling any vacancy or newly created position in the bargaining unit, the City shall conduct a combined departmental/Citywide posting of the said position for a period often (10) working days and shall send a copy of such posting to the Union. Qualification examinations for internal bargaining unit applicants for the position shall be administered within fifteen (15) days after the closing date of the posting unless unusual circumstances, including but not limited to acts of God, budget or financial circumstances or sickness prevent otherwise. The said position will be filled within fifteen (15) days thereafter provided the applicant(s) has(ve) met all of the necessary qualifications for the said position. If there are no qualified members
of the bargaining unit for the said position, the City shall post the position as open-competitive.

The shaded area means “qualified members” are hired before anyone else.  This language was agreed upon during the last labor contract negotiations which Mayor Daniel T. Drew was involved in, as was I as a Union Representative.  In the past, Mayor Drew has adhered to this language.  I’m not sure what has changed?

My theory for Drew not making appointments is so he can claim he has reduced the workforce, when in reality it is to keep positions vacant to show an insignificant financial reduction. This is a detriment to the operation of these departments, but also for the taxpayer because of the trickle down affect regarding the City’s response and actions to citizen issues.

SO! BETWEEN DAN DREW COSTING THE CITY TAXPAYERS MONEY WITH HIS FAILED DEPARTMENT REORGANIZATION, THE PURCHASE OF STREET LIGHTS, THREE (3) OUT OF FOUR (4) YEAR OF TAX HIKES UNDER HIS REGIME, THE LAWSUIT SETTLEMENTS HE DOESN’T WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR DISCLOSE, AND HIS REFUSAL TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS IN KEY DEPARTMENT POSITIONS; IT JUST PROVES THAT HE IS NOT A VERY GOOD MAYOR/MANAGER!  (By the way, I was just screaming!)

The last thought comes from the final show that Jon Stewart hosted on the “Comedy Centrals Dailey Show” last week.
Stewart offered a soliloquy on what was his central job as host — finding doubletalk in the public arena and exposing it for the world to see, although he used a stronger term for it. He urged viewers to be vigilant in watching for it themselves.
“If you smell something, say something,” he said.
Middletown voters need to “say something” on Election Day and say goodbye to Dan Drew! 

Stay strong.  Stay involved.  Stay together.  Seek the truth.

DISCLAIMER:  The opinions and views expressed in this newsletter reflect the opinion and view of the author, and should not be construed as fact or advice.  The author is a life long Middletown resident and taxpayer, and is sharing his opinions as such.  The opinions and commentary do not reflect the views of any political party, organization, or citizen group.  This newsletter reflects opinions and commentary which the author wishes to share with his friends.  

And Justice for All: Don't Drink the Kool-Aid by John Milardo

Both of Middletown’s political Party’s have announced their respective slates for the November Mayoral election.  The Democrats nominated Daniel T. Drew, and the Republicans nominated Sandra Russo-Driska for Mayor.  There are old and new faces running for Common Council seats, Board of Education, Planning & Zoning, Treasurers, and Board of Assessment Appeals, and City Treasurer.

“The Hartford Courant” reported on July 24^th, that Democratic Councilman Gerry Daley made the official nomination for Daniel T. Drew to run for a third term.  Councilman Daley said in the past four years, Middletown has made great progress under Drew's leadership.  "With Mayor Drew's leadership we have managed to cut taxes and improve our bond rating," Daley said. 

Okay, I know all the political rhetoric is going to be put out there, and it’s just a guess on my part that the Democrats believe that the voting public is really stupid!  If Councilman Gerry Daley truly believes creating the highest bonding debt Middletown has ever seen is progress, then someone better check what else is in the “Kool-Aid” he drinks during meetings!

Our mil rates over the past three (3) years have increased 6.3 mils.  Sure Dan came in with a minus one-tenth of a mil decrease (-.1) this year – we’ve got elections going on.  Another tax increase would have all but killed any chance for him to be re-elected.  The 6.3 mil rate increase during Dan’s three (3) years, means a house which is assessed at $150,000 now pays $945 more in taxes per year.  That’s not chump change!

Then there is his City department reorganization, which cost the taxpayers’ a hefty $400,000 plus per year, with absolutely no additional benefits to the citizenry whatsoever!  (But, that cost includes taking care of his political friends.)

There are the eight (8) lawsuits against the City of Middletown, which current Mayor Drew has inflicted on the public - minority terminations et al.  The couple of recent 
settlements have cost the taxpayers’ well over a million dollars, but Mayor Drew’s “open and transparent government” will not publicly report the outcomes to the people of Middletown.

Ironically, we had this graphic 
by Middletown Insider
 on file from'13 before Mr. Milardo's 
fittingly titled newsletter.
And ironically, it says "Just add Hope"
Democrats Ms. Kasper,Sean King
 and Steven Kovach
 pulled paper 
work to get signatures to primary.
And we have a feeling they
might not be the only D's doing so.

We also have the conflicts within Middletown’s own Democratic Party.  A Democratic primary election is on the horizon, because Councilwoman Hope Kasper, an eight (8) year Councilperson, (Dan must like the number 8) was the only Democratic (female) Councilperson not re-nominated for another term in office.  Danny seems to have a problem with “protected class” individuals.  Am I the only one who sees this pattern? 

The heavily loaded Dan Drew Democratic Town Committee chopped her right out of the picture because she dared to have a difference of opinion than Mayor Dan regarding the City of Middletown employees’ pension fund, and the recent Fire Department EMT qualification job change.  Even a speech during nominations from Councilman Thomas Serra couldn’t help save Hope from the axe!  If anyone thinks that Drew had nothing to do with Ms. Kasper’s removal from the ticket, then you must be drinking Gerry Daley’s “Kool-Aid” too!

In yesterday’s “MiddletownInsider” there was an article involving the “Ryan Woods Autism Foundation” charity, which Brenda Wilson is the founder of.  Ms. Wilson’s letter to the Mayor and Health Department basically accuses Mayor Dan’s of not properly funding this charity due to his not being elected to their Board of Directors.  The article is interesting, but not surprising as this is Dan’s method of operation.  If he doesn’t get what he wants, you will pay the consequences!  It doesn’t matter to him!  Hell!  He doesn’t have any ties to Middletown!  When he no longer is Mayor, he’ll move back to New Milford.

Councilman Gerry Daley is a good Democratic soldier, and will do what the Party wants and needs him to do.  Over the next few months, he’ll be their point man during Council meetings.  He will be on attack mode when the Mayor tells him to “go get’em”.  I always thought Gerry was a really smart and decent politician.  Seems to me he needs to check what’s in the “Kool Aid” before he pours it into his glass and drinks it.

Stay strong.  Stay involved.  Stay together.  Seek the truth.

DISCLAIMER:  The opinions and views expressed in this newsletter reflect the opinion and view of the author, and should not be construed as fact or advice.  The author is a life long Middletown resident and taxpayer, and is sharing his opinions as such.  The opinions and commentary do not reflect the views of any political party, organization, or citizen group.  This newsletter reflects opinions and commentary which the author wishes to share with his friends.  

Click here to download a pdf of this newletter in its original formatting

And Justice for All: Minority Report by John Milardo

 Republished in its original format with permission from John Milardo. Click to enlarge

And Justice for All: "Going for a Third Term" by John Milardo

 Going for A Third Term Issue 

And Justice for All #34 Opinions Of A Citizen March 1, 2015 

By John Milardo  

“And Justice For All” is a newsletter involving my opinions, views, and commentary as a life long Middletown resident. In my capacity as a former employee and staunch labor leader of City of Middletown (retired) for over 42 years, I have a different perspective regarding how and why public figures do what they do. 

I hope everyone is safely getting through this tough winter. Only a couple to a few more weeks and we’ll be on our way to warmer weather!

I see Dan Drew has announced he’ll be running for a third term as Mayor of Middletown, which is now a 4-year term of office. It’s sometimes funny to read how great some people believe they are. Dan Drew is one of those types of people. I don’t know if it’s a politician being deceitful or just plain arrogant! The following is from his January 15th campaign announcement.

“In the past three years, our community has come together to do incredible things,” Drew said in his statement. “We have increased economic development, increased public safety, cleaned the environment and ended the conflicts with the schools left by the previous administration, saving millions of taxpayer dollars.”

It would be nice if Mayor Drew would have made factual statements instead of the same old political rhetoric. Just like when he said his City department reorganizational plan would save the taxpayers money and increase productivity. We now have in place a reorganization Committee to determine what, if anything, came of the merger. I didn’t want to wait for what Drew’s committee has to say, so I took matters into my own hands, using the same public on-line budget information his panel will be utilizing. I’m simplifying all the information, so I don’t bore you with 100 pages of budgetary line items.

Now mind you, there haven’t been any significant employee increases, because three (3) of the City Unions have been without new contracts for the past few years. (Mayor Drew can’t claim wage increases have impacted the budgets.) Nor could Mayor Drew claim increased wage salary because of increased hiring, as he claims in another statement he has reduced the municipal work force. The 2014-15 budget was not used as it is currently in use and will not be completed until June 30, 2015.

Reorganizing of the Parks Maintenance Division into the Public Works Department
The fiscal budgets for these two (2) individual divisions/departments in 2010-2011, prior to joining them together was $6,040,000. ($1.32 million for Parks, $4.72 million for Public Works) The 2013-2014 fiscal budget which is after consolidation of these two (2) departments is $6,214,000; an almost $200,000 increase to perform the same work as prior to the consolidation, with less personnel. The only difference is that the Public Works department doesn’t borrow equipment from Parks anymore, they now confiscate it. These figures do not include any additional expenses not included within the department budgets for work performed by private contractors.

Reorganizing of the Personnel Department into the Legal Department (aka Office of General Counsel) 

The Legal Department has always included the Risk Management division. The reorganization of departments consolidated the Personnel Department, (aka Human Resources).

Prior to the consolidation, the 2010-2011 fiscal budgets totaled $716,000 annually. $370,650 for Personnel, and $346,000 for Legal/Risk Management departments.

Post consolidation, the 2013-2014 fiscal budget totaled $903,430; an almost $200,000 increase to perform the same work. (This cost does not include any monetary awards which have been paid to plaintiffs.)

There are still private legal fees paid to outside lawyers to represent the City against lawsuits brought against the City (Mayor Drew) for various reasons. There are several outstanding suits which will probably cost the taxpayers big bucks in settlements.

As of right now, I can say the reorganization of City departments cost the taxpayer approximately $400,000 plus for the same or less service which they have received in the past.

Mayor Drew states he has saved the taxpayers millions of dollars brought on by the prior administration because of conflicts with the Board of Education. Show us! Legal fees were in the tens of thousands for both parties. Where have millions been saved? The Board of Education budgets have gone up every year since Drew was elected. It was the newly elected BOE who terminated the then BOE Superintendent and his administration to correct the problem. It wasn’t Dan Drew! He’ll take credit for it anyway. If millions were saved, why weren’t they passed on to the taxpayers?

Taxes have steadily increased since Dan Drew was elected Mayor. Luckily, the Common Council didn’t approve his City wide budget requests, they cut them, or the mil rate increases to taxpayers would have been double of what it has been!

I recently read a legal document regarding a City employee who has won a settlement award from the City due to an action taken by Mayor Drew and administrators of the City of Middletown’s habitually worst run department. If the Mayor was in fact dedicated to the citizens of Middletown and wanted full transparency in government, both of these department administrators should be terminated before they cost the taxpayers more than just money. But that won’t happen. Mayor Drew condones their actions. This same director and Mayor terminated a department employee a couple of years ago, for using threatening language. Just a month or so ago, another department employee used almost identical language, and received a light suspension. Why the discrepancy? Gender based, politically connected, or both? To all Common Council members, newsflash! This is why this department has so many problems! Issues in this department have always begun at the head of the snake! But y’all know that, just don’t want to do anything about it. Do yourself a favor and ask the Office of General Counsel for a copy to read.

On a positive note, the new Senior Center is up and running, and seems to be a welcomed improvement for our Senior citizens. I read in the newspaper when the new facility opened, how Mayor Drew couldn’t praise it enough, and felt it was long overdue. Maybe others don’t remember, but I do. When Dan Drew was a Councilman for a short period of time, thanks to Vin Loffreddo, Dan voted against the purchase of the of the building which he now praises. It wasn’t a priority at the time. One of the most important things a politician relies on is that “the voters have a short memory!”

Rumorville: Someone gave me a call a while ago, stating Mayor Drew was away from his office for 2-3 days a week back then. Rumor was Mayor Dan was attending classes at Columbia University on the City’s dime, and continued to receive his pay just as if he was working. This is a rumor as far as I know, and don’t know if it is true or not? If he did go to Columbia, more power to him. If he didn’t use earned time off to go, shame on him. Besides being unethical, it is a misuse of power and resources - perhaps the great Mayor should Google: Rowland, Ganim, and other Connecticut political leaders that were brought before the justice system for their deeds.

The next municipal election is critical as we will be installing a Mayor and Common Council to 4 year terms. Voter’s need to become educated beyond what a simple press release states. It’s easy and unfortunately all too frequent that politicians place themselves on grandiose pedestals touting records that are far less lustrous when you pull back the layers of fake gold and silver. Remember…. If all these glorious feats were indeed factual… why did our mil rate for general government go from 26.40 in 2011 to 32.70 in 2015???? `

Stay strong. Stay involved. Stay together. Wake up and seek the truth.

And Justice for All: What the Elections Said by John Milardo

Download in the original format here

Below is a essay by John Milardo.

On November 4, 2014 mid-term elections were held in the United States. Results varied,
for both Democrats and Republicans across the nation. I, like many Americans follow
politics, but don’t study it so intensely that it becomes a career or job. In the end, we hope
those elected will do their best for us.

On election night and a couple of days after, the career politicians around the nation made
me laugh! First, I heard both Senator Mitch McConnell and President Barak Obama state
how “they heard the voters loud and clear!” and will change the way business is being
done in Washington. Why did it take a loss to prove that voters wanted change and were
not satisfied with elected officials!

First of all, business has not been getting done for the people in Washington or in many
States. Politicians who were re-elected believe their election was a vote of confidence
from the voters. They can say and read what they want into the election, but confidence in
our elected officials was not the outcome.

What mandate did the Party’s hear? While in office, elected officials do not listen or have
contact with their “constituents” to find out what the real issues are and what direction we
want them to head in. We get lip service while they concentrate on their own agendas and
political Party bullshit, taking care of lobbyists to ensure they have plenty of money for
their campaigns to buy another term. Neither Party is doing the peoples work - they are
tied down with insider politics.

What politicians should be concerned with most nationwide is why two-thirds of the
voting public didn’t show up to cast their vote? People feel it’s a giant waste of time - all
politicians are the same. Others may feel the candidates were not worth the bother?
People in economic distress can’t get out of the hole they’re in and have just plain given
up. The middle class, who literally pay the freight for everything in our country, are
squashed at both ends no matter what! Who are the winners? The winners are big
business and those taking lobbyist money to do their dirty work.
We had billions of dollars spent on elections this year. Our political system is for sale to
the highest bidder. It has become monetarily rewarding for politicians to keep on getting
elected to office. It isn’t about civic duty! They (politicians) collude with business and
the rich to take care of each other. The average citizen doesn’t matter; politicians have the
“what can YOU do for ME attitude”. The masses are get a feel good vote here and there
and thrown to the curbside.

One of the most disconcerting things is the checks and balances a “free press” once
ensured. The Press doesn’t report news any more it fabricates it. News companies tell you
what is important. They filter and twist the political activity of the Party their CEO is a
member of, and feed it to us spoonful by spoonful. When the Comedy Central channel is
where you can get the best news, we’re in deep trouble.
When our forefathers didn’t like how our country was being run by the British, we had a
revolution. In the 1960’s, we came very close to a national revolt because politicians were
out of touch - we got their attention for only a short period of time. Maybe revolt is all
they understand?

Stay strong.  Stay involved.  Stay together.  Seek the truth.    
John Milardo

DISCLAIMER:  The opinions and views expressed in this newsletter reflect the opinion and view of the author, and should not be construed as fact or advice.  The author is a life long Middletown resident and taxpayer, and is sharing his opinions as such.  The opinions and commentary do not reflect the views of any political party, organization, or citizen group.  This newsletter reflects opinions and commentary which the author wishes to share with his friends.

Guesblog: 'The New & Improved Middletown" by John Milardo

“And Justice For All” is a newsletter involving my opinions, views, and commentary as a life long Middletown resident. In my capacity as a former employee of Middletown (retired) for over 41 years, I have different perspective regarding how and why public figures do what they do.

Since Dan Drew became Mayor, he took Middletown by the ankles, turned it upside down,shook it, slapped it in the face to wake it up, and placed it back down so vibrant and improved, that I think I’m in Oz!

City government has been reorganized and streamlined by Mayor Drew.....NOT!
The reorganization has saved Middletown taxpayers tons of money....NOT!
The reality is that departments which were consolidated are spending more now than prior
to the reorganization. More money is spent on private contractors and less is being done
in-house. Maybe that’s one of the reasons for consolidation? Gotta take care of those
contractor/campaign contributors$...!

We are going to have a new waterfront! Middletown should have a waterfront which is
designed for families and all citizens to enjoy, not just a commercial area for tax revenue.
We lost our boat launch and fishing areas back in the 1970’s when Harbor Park was
created. The only problem is the entire area in question is a flood plain. Don’t put the
wading boots away. A couple of years ago, we were going to renovate and enlarge the
Palmer Field concession stand. The plan was rejected because the area is considered to be
a flood plain. This will be interesting.

The City is now asking to bond things which were always part of the budgetary system;
trucks. You are going to pay interest on the bond, for an item which was previously
planned and allocated for within a budget, and no interest payments. By the time the bond
is paid off, many of the vehicles will no longer be in use. The Common Council is
overspending tax dollars by allowing departments to low ball their yearly fiscal budgets
and then granting fund allocations throughout the year.
 Keep reading ...