Tonight Middletown Republican Town Committee Meeting: All Welcome

http://middletownctgop.com/

Monday June 30, 2014

Republican Town Committee Monthly Meeting

7:00 pm

Council Chambers City Hall

MRTC PigRoast 2013: A Few Photos

Meriden Boat Club- Approximately 75 people showed up to enjoy the amazing flavor of Chef WW's secret pulled pork recipe, which by law should be washed down by Coca-Cola or Coors Lite depending on who you are.  The hungry crowd was enthusiastic to eat the usual fix in's and to partake in such events as: Billy Wilson Trivia, Who will throw the trash out?- while many other wondered what happened to the leftovers from the 2011 bash.  It was also a time to plan the future and keep the message of fair play and fiscal responsibility alive- translation, we paid the bills for the event without taking out a bond or going into default unlike the state budget.



A great photo of State Chairman Labriola with MRTC Chair Ken McClellan,
 Robin Goss, RTC Vice Chair William Wilson,
 and Former Mayor Sebastian Giuliano from the RTC BBQ a few hours ago.





Chairman Labriola had a wonderful time talking with MRTC members at
their Annual Republican Town Committee BBQ today!



Summer Events from Middletown Republican Town Committee

Press Release from MRTC: The next meeting of the Middletown Republican Town Committee will be on May 28, at 7pm, at City Hall. Please join us. http://www.middletownctgop.com/

The Middletown Republican Town Committee is holding its monthly meeting May 28th at 7 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the committee is welcome & encouraged to attend.

They may also email Vice Chairman William Wilson at :uconnone@sbcglobal.net

The Middletown Republican Town Committee is seeking candidates for the Municipal election to be held in November, 2013.  The following candidacies are available:  Common Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission Alternate, and Board of Assessment Appeals.  Anyone interested in being considered to become a candidate must submit a letter of intent stating the office he/she is seeking.  The following information must also be included:  Name, address, phone number and email address. 

THIS LETTER OF INTENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE TOWN COMMITTEE CHAIR NO LATER THAN JULY 2, 2013.  

Mail to:

Middletown Republican Town Committee

Kenneth A. McClellan, Chair

P.O. Box 1121

Middletown, CT 06457

Or email to: chairman@middletownctgop.com

May 27^th 10:30 am- Noon Memorial Day Parade Main Street

May 28^th 7pm-8:30 pm MRTC Monthly Meeting Council Chambers, all welcome.

June 14^th Bus Trip to Mohegan Sun Casino Ticket price includes meal and gaming vouchers. Contact Anne Tomassi for info/tickets

June 8^th Picnic Roast Meriden Boat Club 267 Airline Ave, Portland

Cigar Dinner – Watch for Details

MRTC Picnic August – Watch for Details Open to all Republicans

Letter to the Editor: Affordable Care Act Raises Concerns

Below is a essay by Middletown Republican Town Committee chair, resident, and veteran Ken McClellan. All opinions expressed are that of the author and not necessarily that of the Insider staff. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I’ve seen reports that there is a move afoot in congress to have elected officials exempted from the provisions of the Affordable Care Act.

If this is true, I ask that my elected officials: Chris Murphy, Rosa DeLauro and Richard Blumenthal, oppose any such exemption.   Congress should be subject to the laws it sees fit to enact.   If a law would hinder or inconvenience a senator or representative, how can it be good for the country?

There should be no special provisions or plans for congresspersons to be eligible for health insurance or health care not available to us, the citizens.

I urge all of you to write to your national elected officials and ask them to abide by the laws that they enact.

Thanks,

Ken McClellan

Middletown, CT

Middletown Republican Town Committee: Meeting Monday April 29 All Welcome

Press Release:The Middletown Republican Town Committee is holding its monthly meeting Monday April 29th at 7 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the committee is welcome & encouraged to attend.

They may also email Vice Chairman William Wilson at : uconnone@sbcglobal.net

The Middletown Republican Town Committee is seeking candidates for the Municipal election to be held in November, 2013.  The following candidacies are available:  Common Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission Alternate, and Board of Assessment Appeals.  Anyone interested in being considered to become a candidate must submit a letter of intent stating the office he/she is seeking.  The following information must also be included:  Name, address, phone number and email address. 

THIS LETTER OF INTENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE TOWN COMMITTEE CHAIR NO LATER THAN JULY 2, 2013.  

Mail to:

Middletown Republican Town Committee

Kenneth A. McClellan, Chair

P.O. Box 1121

Middletown, CT 06457

Or email to: chairman@middletownctgop.com

Letter to the Editor: Councilwoman Deb Kleckowski

The Republican party is looking for good candidates for all elected positions. If you are dissatisfied with the current administration get involved and run for an office! We can only win if people get involved. If you are not interested in running for office volunteer! Interested? Feel free to contact me: votedebktoday@yahoo.com or visit www.middletownctgop.com

Next REPUBLICAN Town Committee meeting April 29, 2013 7pm Council Chambers.

There are also many appointed positions. Many opportunities for you to participate in the political process and to make a difference!!!

Councilwoman Deborah Kleckowski

Press Release: Middletown GOP & Community Events

Press Release from Middletown Republican Town Committee:

http://www.middletownctgop.com/

As Mayor Delivers Budget Remember Promises Made in 1999 STILL Unfulfilled

Below is a piece written by Ken McClellan Middletown Republican Town Committee Chair reposted here on the Middletown Insider with permission. The piece, which has commentary on an actual piece of Middletown Democrat campaign literature (pictured below) was originally published on the MRTC website in 2009, but is still relevant as now 14 years later many of the same promises from the Middletown Democrats in power are still unfulfilled. 

We felt it was relevant to borrow this post for republishing because on Monday Mayor Dan Drew will deliver his budget raising taxes for citizens. 
We were already told by Drew taxes will be raised .9 mills, however, the actual budget won't be released until tomorrow.

The Common Council (still controlled by many of the same Spendacrat/Serracrats) will get a chance to review the budget- which has more holes than swiss cheese- and eventually vote to adopt or amend. When we as citizens receive the budget, will the promises made by the Democrats in power - most the same as the ones in power STILL today- be fulfilled?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Promises Made - 1999
In the 1999 campaign, Mayor Dominique Thornton and the Democratic candidates for council made promises to the people of the City of Middletown.  Twelve years later, we're still waiting for results.
Here are the promises, in their words:

Take a few minutes and decide for yourself if they've done the things that they've promised.
Remember the motto:  Progress, not Politics.  Think about recent events in Middletown and on the Council.  Who is working for progress and who is playing politics?

Mayor Drew Delivers Budget. Tax Hike. Serious. WTF

Serious. WTF!?

Letter to the Editor: Councilwoman Weighs in on Potential MX Zone Change

Below is a letter to the editor sent in by Councilwoman Deborah Kleckowski. The opinions shared are not necessarily those of the Insider staff and it is republished as a courtesy to readers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opinion:  Deborah Kleckowski
Disclosure:  Member of the Middletown Common Council/Former Planning and Zoning Commissioner

Development vs. Neighborhoods

I was asked to submit an opinion piece (by the Middletown Eye) on the highly charged debate of development on High Street to Washington Street.  This is my opinion and is not reflective of any other member of the Republican Party specifically or the Common Council in general. 

I am also sending this as a letter to the editor to the Middletown Insider blog.


There has been much discussion, even heated debate, over the proposed text change from residential zone to mixed-use commercial.  Simply, residents of the neighborhood do not want the proposed text change to allow for commercial development.   A myriad of reasons have been stated from aesthetics, to traffic and even a comparison of taxes to the city of homes versus businesses. Depending upon which side of the argument you support each side has compelling components of their point of view.

The public should be heard on this matter, as with all matters that affect the city.  Both sides need to communicate their concerns.  Then it is up to the Planning and Zoning Commissioners to evaluate the information brought forward and to make a decision.  From first-hand experience I can tell you it is never easy to vote on highly charged matters.  However, I have no doubt that the Commissioners will have thoughtful deliberation and vote in accordance with the Constitution and the rules and regulations set forth by the Plan of Conservation and Development, state statutes and local ordinances.

In my opinion, I suggest that the code remain virtually the same but tweaked. No change in the text will allow for projects to come forward and be approved by “Special Exception”. “Special Exceptions” do have a dilemma, if the project meets the zoning criteria it is difficult to deny a “Special Exception”.  Therefore, I suspect, and agree, that a compromise that addresses the concerns of the neighborhood and the business community will be the final course of action.  A compromise to include parameters such as two-stories, 100 ft. setback, parking in the rear etc. can be applied to the specific area in question (High Street to Washington Street). I do firmly believe that the City should linked by sidewalks allowing easy walking access from downtown to Goodwill (as well as downtown to Stop and Shop).  In addition the Planning and Zoning Commission there is the Design Review Commission which can ensure that any development be appropriate to the architecture and “culture” of the neighborhood. Any project will have to undergo “checks and balances” from elected officials, City staff, volunteer commission and of course, the public.  
The Planning and Zoning Commission has a difficult decision to make.  Balancing business and development with the desires of a community or segment of a community is not an easy task.  Remember, elected officials do want what is best for the community; they too live here.  Decisions often entail compromise.  The community should be respectful of the decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission.  No projects have been brought forward; this vote is for a text change.

The next meeting is March 13, 2013 at 7pm in the Council Chambers.  I believe public comment has concluded and the deliberation of this agenda item will occur.  I encourage members of the community to attend the meeting or watch the meeting on Channel 15 (cable).

Local Social Activist Turns 80!

Happy Belated 80th to Middletown distinguished citizen Mr. Ed Dypa! By. your 81st the new Senior Center at Eckerley Hall should be open, consider it a belated gift to share with all. Thank you for your hard work as an advocate for Middletown's seniors and future seniors.

Mr. Dypa serves on the Eckersley Hall Senior Center building committee and has been an ardent supporter of human and particularly human senior rights.

Dypa was a Westfield Fire District for 45 years. He was a commissioner for 36 years and and has been member of the ARRP Chapter 3310 for almost two decades. Dypa served as a board member of the Middlesex Association of Retarded Citizens and is currently a member of the Police Advisory Council, Knights of Columbus, the Elks, Civitan International and the Polish Falcons. He has also served on the Board of the Eastern Area Agency on Aging.

From all of the Staff of the Middletown Insider, happy birthday Mr. Dypa! Middletown is blessed to have you!

Local Middletown Republicans Hold Monthly Meeting Tonight

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

Meet other folks who think so too!

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

February 25, 2013 Tonight 7 pm Council Chambers, City Hall DeKoven Drive

http://www.middletownctgop.com/

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

Finally: Water & Sewer Investigation Report Reveals Disfunction

Professor Douglas Rae Investigation of Water & Sewer: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1OYjxtLEgUweUYya3A1b2I3cnc/edit?usp=sharing
Subcommittee Findings: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1OYjxtLEgUwa2FCcUZwUjlBTTg/edit?usp=sharing
Water & Sewer Attachments: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1OYjxtLEgUwTHFCbjVEV0pDeG8/edit?usp=sharing
Water & Sewer Sub Committee Findings:https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1OYjxtLEgUwYUpaaUFqME9PTGc/edit?usp=sharing

The Water & Sewer Debacle:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008: In 2008 $100,000 had been spent to overhaul the department including a reorganization plan that according to Mayor Giuliano, was never enacted by W&S Director Guy Russo as ordered.W&S was supposed to have made as of 2008 after the department had to be taken over by then Finance Director James Reynolds due to lost of funds, had still not been implemented. In addition to the extreme departmental debt and numerous warnings to basically fix things before they hit the fan, an  unprecedented number of grievances by employees were filed at this time and on the job accidents spiked leading to the logical conclusion that at the very least management needed to  be scrutinized

2009: Candidate Dan Drew stated on record in an interview with the Wesleyan Argus that:"Not to mentioned our city's sewer department is in dire straits financially. If it were privately owned, it would declare bankruptcy. We don't know where we're going right now."

In 2011 the Common Council voted to investigate the Water & Sewer department “to investigate

The underlying basis which led Mayor Sebastian N. Giuliano to order moving the Water and Sewer

Department’s administrative staff from headquarters on Berlin Street to City Hall.” This “investigation” was in response to a letter from the WPCA (Water Pollution Control Authority) objecting to this move. Apparently, the WPCA did not believe that the mayor had discretion to move the Director and Deputy Director to City Hall.  A firestorm of debate ensued with the end result being $10,000, yes, 10 thousand dollars being spent on this matter!
 

The Charter, Chaper 111 sec. 8, provides the Council to conduct an investigation; Council-not a consultant.  Disregarding the Charter, Professor Douglas W. Rae was hired by the sub-committee, Councilwoman Kasper, Councilman Bibisi, Council Klattenberg and former Councilman Bauer, to assist in the investigation by conducting preliminary interviews with key department and personnel.  The backstory is that there was and still continues to be management issues within the department.  The problem was not former Mayor Giuliano moving staff it was the incompetence of the “management team” and the grievances filed.

So, the Council decides to spend $10,000 because a Mayor moved staff, the investigator never interviewed all the employees of Water and Sewer and the $10,000 conclusion, “Water and Sewer’s central administrative spine is broken” according to the final report.  In the end, nothing changed, management has yet to withdraw from the Teamsters Union (Mayor Drew deciding not to adhere to the recommendation of the report), management HAS NOT received any training as indicated necessary in the report. 

 In conclusion, $10,000 was spent and NOTHING has been done.

 
The public needs to be aware that the report was done “illegally” because Council did not perform the investigation. Water and Sewer management continue to manage in the same “broken” manner with the same problems still present.  And, the public should demand to know why former Mayor Giuliano’s move of the director and deputy director set the stage for a $10, 000 report yet Mayor Drew has moved people and offices without so much as a peep from the Council. 

 
The entire Water and Sewer Investigation Report dated March 5, 2012 is posted for your review. The $10,000 question-“Was $10,000 wisely spent or squandered?”

2013: Several requests to get this report via FOI were made and dismissed.http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/01/wilson-foi-results-transparency-not.html

How many cycles do water bills have to go out with wrong information before anything is done?

MRTC Vice Chairman William Wilson's Comment on Today's Pro- Drew Article in the Middletown Press.

 Originally Published in The Middletown Mess.

Why wasn't there a report from China? You go there to represent the city but, what happened while you were there? We have a spending report that I had to FOI "by the way", but it leaves out things such as: What  you did while in China, and what else did you have to spend money on besides travel and hotels?

Did you eat while you were there or did someone else pay for your food? Simple things that should be answered. It was the taxpayers who footed this bill.

William Wilson,
MRTC Vice Chair

Editor's note: It is looking like taxpayers footed the bill for Mayor Dan Drew to go to the Presidential Inauguration and "represent Middletown" by standing in a crowd of a few million people as well.

Middletown Republican Town Committee February Events

http://middletownctgop.com/

http://middletownctgop.com/

Middletown Republican Town Committee meeting set for Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 7:00 P.M.

The Middletown Republican Town Committee meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, January 31, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of City Hall.  All members of the public are welcome to attend this meeting, but it should be noted that only elected members are allowed to speak on items on agenda per MRTC charter.  Please come down and meet some new people and if you would like join some of the members for coffee afterwards at a local restaurant.

Local Republicans Collect Toys for Middletown Children

Local Republicans give back to area children

Middletown Republican Town Committe is holding its Holiday Party at First and Last Tavern on November 29th. Everyone who wishes to attend it asked to bring a new unwrapped toy which will be donated to the 60th Annual Bernie O'Rourke/Detroit Hunter Memorial Christmas toy drive organized by Middletown Park & Recreation Department.

The idea for the collection at the party was the idea of MRTC vice chair William Wilson.
"It's really important that we give back. I hope MRTC can make this a tradition we do every year. It was important to me that what we give stays local. We have many families in Middletown who are struggling and if we can help even a little to allow them to have a good holiday we should," remarked Wilson, "This is the time of year we all need to come together and help out those less fortunate."

Anyone wishing to donate may give a toy to any Republican elected official, MRTC member, or directly to the park & Recreation office.

MRTC members are also collecting items to donate to the Kiwanis Thanksgiving basket drive which is part of the Middletown Thanksgiving Project. Over local 15 service organizations and churches have partnered together to distribute over 300 baskets of food to families facing financial hardship in Middletown.

Wilson, a parishioner at Fellowship Baptist is also a volunteer for the project. Fellowship Baptist is ground zero for the sorting and assembly of food baskets prior to their distribution by Amazing Grace Food Pantry and Salvation Army.

"When the Red Cross was no longer to under take this local churches like Fellowship Baptist stepped in. Its all about community,"said Wilson.

From the MRTC Chair: Ken McClellan

To the Middletown Republican Town Committee and friends who supported us.

Thank you, all for the hard work done during the recent campaign.   Our candidates ran good, clean campaigns, with no personal attacks, accusations or innuendo, campaigning on the issues, and on the records of incumbents.  I thank them for their courage, persistence and hard work during the campaign.  I do have to mention that Deb Kleckowski and Len Suzio put a stupendous amount of work and heart into their campaigns.  If work alone would win an election, it would have been a landslide for both.  I hope both of you continue to be active in politics.

Now that we’ve had a few days to digest the results of the last election, I’m hurt and disappointed that our message of small government, fiscal conservatism, personal responsibility, family values, morality and honesty in government has not penetrated.  I believe in small government, fiscal responsibility, individual freedom and personal responsibility.  If that message doesn’t resonate with most people, I won’t change my principles or my message.  This is what I believe in and what I will continue to champion.  I won’t change my principles in order to win an election.  I won’t change my message in order to be popular.   I hope that all of you agree with me.  And remember, it doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down, what matters is how many time you get up.

I also believe that charity and helping others starts with the individual, not the government.  Please remember those less fortunate, and contribute, if you can, your time, money and resources to helping others, through the food banks, shelters for women and children, churches and service agencies.

Sunday is Veterans’ Day.  Please join the Veterans’ organizations of Middletown at commemorative ceremonies on Veterans’ Green on Washington Street, at 11am, Sunday, November 11, and at the State Veterans Cemetery on Bowe Lane at 2pm.

Again, thank you for your hard work, take a deep breath, and I’ll see you all at the next town committee meeting on Nov 26.  Guests are always welcome!

Happy Veterans Day and Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks,

Ken McClellan

Chairman, Middletown Republican Town Committee

Charity News: Amazing Grace Food Challenge Thursday,Thanksgiving Collection Update

The public is invited 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Fox Parish Center of St. Francis of Assisi Church, 10 Elm St., to join in on a celebration and kick-off for the 2012 Amazing Grace Food Pantry challenge according to Ron Krom, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul Middletown, the agency that oversees the food pantry on Stack Street. Soups will be made and donations of food and money to stock that pantry are being taken.
The food pantry has seen a dramatic increase in clientele with the recent recession.

photo from Middletowneye 11/2011 link here

Every year during the Thanksgiving Seasons the Middletown Kiwanis organizes a Thanksgiving basket drivewhere with The Salvation Army, where they collected baskets that contain enough food for a meal for a needy family of four complete with 10lb turkey. In the past Kiwanis has pledged over 50 baskets it collects from area organizations.
Middletown Republican Town Committee will be pledging a basket (or more) and are collecting donations and items at the next town Committee meeting, member are encouraged to bring contributions then.

John Ratzenberger's Meriden Trip in Pictures

Meriden-   On September 29, 2012 acclaimed film and television actor, John Razenberger, known to most folks at the know-it-all postman on NBC’s long running hit program Cheers, appeared at a rally at Meriden’s Four Points Hotel in order to support State Senator Len Suzio who is running for his second term in the General Assembly.  Ratzenberger, a Bridgeport native, is a huge supporter of keeping manufacturers in America and currently hosts a program on the Travel Channel entitled John Ratzenberger’s Made in America, a show that features segments on businesses such as Zippo, Jack Daniels, Louisville Slugger, Gatorade and others notable companies that maintain factories and employees in America.   During his brief speech in front of nearly 200 fans, Ratzenberger stressed the importance of keeping business in “America and for Americans.”  He also praised Suzio’s efforts in his attempts to keep a cap on Connecticut’s gas tax as well as his work with regard to repealing Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s Early Release for Violent Offenders Law suspended.

GOP State Chair Jerry Labriola, John Ratzenberger and State Sen. Suzio

Ratzenberger, Newman & Suzio

Ratzenbeger flanked by GOP officials including former Mayor Seb Guiliano and MRTC Vice Chairman W. Wilson

Suzio, Ratzenberger and friends

Ratzenberger, Wilson and Suzio