Middletown Predictions for 2015

 Predictions for the NEW YEAR!  Guess what? One already came true.  

If you have not guessed by now, there is a lot of truth mixed in with the satire. Don't believe something? Do some research and see what you come up with. I bet if you are a very liberal person who likes to judge others about their bad behaviors you will not like this column. "Hey, Jen would never do that?" or "Well, I know that Malloy has taken the state to Hades and beyond, but hey, he's a Democrat."  

1)      Dan Drew will fulfill the promise he made during his previous terms to lower taxes.  If you believe that, I'll put some lights on the Portland Bridge.  Too Soon?

2)      Al Sharpton will meet with the African American family of Shannon Blair, the Middletown High Student that was attacked by a member of the "S" family.   Nope, ain't going to happen- this is Middletown, where the "S" family has a huge liberal following no matter what the sons do.  (I.e Drunk driving, harass female teacher and assault minority students) Hey liberal Middletown teachers, if you did what JS did you would not have a job. Remember some  folks in town get special privileges.  Right, it's better to keep your mouth shut so you can advance up the list!

President and Sharpton, well I guess it beats hanging out in public with Professor William Ayers

3)      Councilman Jim Streeto will stop laughing at his own jokes and come to a realization that David Bauer is much smarter than him.  For God's sake Jimmy, when Bauer makes a good point, do the citizens a favor and let him finish his thoughts.

4)      There will be a GOP and Democratic primary for Mayor.  Even though Lisa Santangelo is partially banned from the building she may take a crack at it. Wow, she can be Bob's boss in more than one way!  Step right up! Hope and Dan to the left (others?) and Former Mayor and Former City Clerk to the right. Place your bets now!

5)      Marie Norewood will get an additional raise of $16,000 per year to appease all the elected Democrats. Remember it's your money.

6)      Earl Roberts will claim that he received more votes than Paul Doyle in Wethersfield during last November's Election. True, but the Wethersfield voters haven't met Earl yet.

7)      Jason Serra will become Dean of Students at Keigwin Middle School. (Wait, I think this   happened)  I guess he was rewarded for allegedly assaulting a student a few years back, where are the liberal complaints about that one.  Right, it's only cool to be liberal when it suits your personal needs.

Opps, wrong Jason. 

8)      John Hall will "spank" the Mayor over the mistake of hiring a position that doesn't exist. Meanwhile John will fly kites with David Messenger(GOOGLE his name) on the Portland Bridge as he puts up LED lights.

"I fight to get convicted wife killers out of jail, plus I was awarded a high paying city job that has no responsibilities"

 9)      Middletown will go to war with Portland.    

10)   Middletown Democrat officials will create 11 more unfunded positions at level six.

11)   It will be a big mystery as to who Michelle Ford really is. Did she funnel  money for the mayor at any time? Is she related to Gerald Ford?  Why were the Village People so set on her for the job? Will she help light the Portland Bridge with special lights from the Vatican?

12)   Mark Masselli and Jen Alexander will start a non-profit organization that supports those who are victims of a sexual assault. (Find the irony in this one)

 

"We both control non-profit organizations and we make about $700,000  a year plus expenses. Did we mention that our son was picked up originally for alleged sexual assault last year at Wesleyan last year so we keep moving him around" 

13)   Dan Drew will give more campaign money to charitable causes such as: The Tony Harp campaign, The Johh Larsen campaign, Senator Blumenthal's limo service and the Working Families Party.

14)   Jackie Williams will use Ray Allen's money to sue the city, again. She will then give the Mayor more money in the hopes that she can get rid of her former friend, the Pellot Guy on Atkins Street. (Translation: If Williams gets rid of the Pellot guy, she can utilize her real estate license and make some money off his property- it's all money folks.) GOOGLE this !

Jackie WIlliams

15)   Local activist and leftie  Stephen H. Devoto will capture a Yeti on Mt. Highby.  After this adventure, he will patent the acronym NIMBY as it applies to him 100%

The captured Devoto "Yeti" at The Olin Library
"NIMBY ROCKS!"

16)   Fred Carroll wins the Mayoral seat in November and creates more jobs.

17)   Dan Drew sues Dunkin Donuts of the use of the double D initials.

18)   Earl Roberts will run for all Republican positions without informing the: Middletown Republican Town Committee, The Middletown Press, The Bellear Boys,  Tom Landry, but he will inform his ego when at all possible.

19)   Over 100 soil scientists and environmental engineers will support the new environment planner coming into town.   That is a lot of environmental planners and engineers!  How many environmental planners does it take to screw in a light bulb? Answer: None, they are into solar panels.

20)   Town officials will install an automatic chair lift that is on a constant loop from the Elk's Club on Maynard Road to Gerald Daley's house up the street.  It's for the best folks!

21)   Dan Drew will ban sledding on all city hills in order to prevent child injuries and to protect the self esteem of those kids and adults who don't own sleds.

22)   The Middletown Senior Center will rename itself the Dan "I was against this idea" Drew Senior Center in order to promote good will.

23)   Mayor Drew will ban any Italian food that is not larger than his head.

24)   Middletown will be adding a toll booth underneath the Portland Bridge compliments of Joe Serra.

25)   Wesleyan will get a huge break on their local taxes.  They are forced to do this because alumni Michael Bay hasn't signed over any Transformers money yet.

"No money for Wesleyan!"

26)   Drew will sign off on a helicopter to bring him back and forth to his Wesleyan Hills residence.  

27)   The bigwigs at NBC will bring back the comedy show Night Court. This time Councilman James "I am funny" Streeto will star as Harry Stone.

28)   Wesleyan security will not be allowed to use any pronouns and color gender identifications with regard to race on their upcoming crime reports.  Uh, um a man just attacked me, but I am not allowed to tell you what color he is. Shit, did I use a pronoun?

29)   Michael Roth, The President of Wesleyan will be ousted as a distance relative of Van Halen leader singer David Lee Roth.  Actually David Lee Roth would probably make a better president.   PANNNNNNNNAMA!

30)   Wesleyan University will sue Wesleyan Hills over the use of name. Hey, they need the money! I bet Bill Cosby won't be issuing the commencement speech this year.

Mayor Dan Drew on Illegal Aliens: "Can we please stop referring to the immigrants on the borders as "illegals?"

Letter to the Editor: Dan Drew Doing A Great Job

Letter to the Middletown Insider: 

 

 

Don't send me any more of this bullshit e mails.Dan is doing a great job and stop the name calling grow up 

 

THANK YOU PAUL VENTI

Can anybody translate this?? We have no idea what it means!

how about Matt Lessor causing an auto accident with the FIRED EX Westlake Fire Chief ???????? Rumor has it the FIRED Fire Cheif's brother (Jerry's Pizza) came up screaming the State Rep was drunk and wanted him arrested (on Moday night). Then the owner of Jerry's Pizza went to the Middleton Police IA Division for a sitting with the Captain to make a complaint about the investigation that he interfered with and was told to leave before he was arrest for Criminal Obstruction. Neither driver failed a sobriety field test. As I wonder on, what does it say about the Mayor and Democrats when the guy that owns Jerry's Pizza is calling for blood from the very same people who have held all their fundraisers at his gin mill. Even some notable members of the public's Birthday party's. Maria Holdszber had Chief Aylward and acting Fire Chief Terri Orouke bring her down, Dominique Thorton had Jim Milardo to thanx for losing the election. Sebby Guiliano had Deb & "Johnny boy" Milardo and Chief on Questions for the Executive Branch as well as Rants!

What the Mayor received for house warming gifts.

It is has come to the attention of The Middletown Insider staff, that our beloved Mayor Daniel X. Drew has bought a brand spanking new house in the Wesleyan Hills/Long Hill Road area of Middletown. After numerous days of waiting and filing freedom of information act reports, the MI staff is finally able to disclose what Middletown public officials gave to Dan and the gang.

Mayor Drew wants to add lights to the bridge at an annual cost to taxpayers of almost $750,000 a year

1. A tube of tooth paste

2. Dry Wall

3. Cheap plastic toy- all 3 are from The Chinese Embassy

The Chinese symbol for "Drew come to China an bring no jobs"

4. LED light bulbs for the Arrogoni Bridge from CT Light and Power aka Electric Mafia.

5. A Fat Belly Automatic Trash compactor to match those ones on Main Street priced at $5k from the town's Water and Sewage Department.

6. Free Parking Pass from Gene Thazzie.

Since Drew has been in office, he has taken away free parking time for motorists downtown and added more fees. Why? He has a huge hole in his budget to fill- which means the taxpayers have to pay more tickets and fees!

7. Congressional waiver that exempts Dan Drew and his family from Obamacare from John Larson and Red Rosa DeLauro

Over the years CT Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro has attended many benefits and fundraisers that support Communist groups and their allies.  Do a Google search on your own for this one.

8. Driving Lessons from Jim O'Rourke.

On the night of January 21, 2009 former Democratic member of the Connecticut House of Representatives was allegedly involved in events related to the hypothermia death of a 41 year old Rocky Hill woman.

9. A life time pass for the "Busway to Nowhere" good til the end of time from Gov. Dannel Malloy.

10. Framed copy of the Bill of Rights from Common Council Candidate Angel Fernandez.

11. Twisted grapevines from Candidate Stephen Devoto's California vineyard. More twisted than his stunt to bring a Patch photo to the Town Clerk's office to claim that GOP members attendance at a Realistic Balance function should be evidence enough they support his lawsuit- and they say it's the Republicans that are money hungry! 

A great example of a Limousine Liberal.  SHD acts and talks like a common person, but has much money and is always looking to sue because he is a righteous dude.  Most poor people don't send their daughters to Choate Rosemary High School ($28,000 a year), have ownership in a vineyard,  own a farm and  have the ability to bathe in money. He will give it up for the cause if he feels there is money to be made. Buddies around with such notables as Mark "600,000 a year" Masselli and Ed "Put all the $ in the McDonough District" McKeon.  (Note: The photo is from the Devoto Vineyard in California)

12. Paint in "Commune Cerulean" from Candidate Steven Smith on behalf of his Blue House LLC colleagues.

13. A singing telegram from Phillip Pessina with backup vocals from Mary Bartolotta. "Happy B-day Mr. Maaaahhhyor." in a performance that eerily mocks former sexpot Marilyn Monroe.

14. DVD of "Evita" from Matthew Lesser. OLE!

15. Port-o-Potty from the first selectmen of Cromwell.

16. Shovel from John Milardo.

17. A little taste of the GREEN from Mark Masselli and the CHC. P.S. Did you know that Mark Masselli makes over $600,000 a year and his company pays zero dollars in taxes?Non-profit my arse!

18. Hot tub court from the Serras on a fresh concrete pad.

19. Fully paved driveway from......................

20. Calculator from Council Linda Salafia

21. Broom & spittoon from Fred Carroll

Fred Carroll serves as a members of "Bums for Brooms" and helps to clean Middletown by sweeping away dirt.  He is also member of the Realistic Balance Party.

22. Home brewed gluten free organic farm fed low fat beer from the Village District on behalf of Ed4Ed. The catch to this gift is that Dan has to share the beer on certain occasions, but has to be labeled the enemy of the village when Bob Landino comes to town.

23. Flashlight from Councilwoman Deb Kleckowski.

24. A home Visit from David Messenger courtesy of the know it all Energy Czar and murder advocate John Hall.

26. Free Swimming pool fill up from Guy Russo

27. Scented candle from Ava Hart. (Ava Hart who?)

28. Recycled recycling bin from James Streeto.

Former Councilman (2x) will do anything he is asked by his party superiors.  He will run for whatever office they choose or will quit his job in order to give the council a vote to ensure a super-majority when they need it.  Every other year his lawn is littered with more Democratic sign making his yard look like a home in fear.

29. Recycled recycling bin from James Streeto.

30. Mustache wax from former Councilman Earle Roberts.

31. Orange ski cap and an artistic photo of a sunset, card unsigned

32. Gift card from a new local boutique.

33. Entertainment from Councilman Gerald Daly and the Blueman Group on the show mobile.

34. A no trespassing sign and a deadbolt from Commissioner Molly Salafia.

35. Video Conferencing/Skype from IT Department so Danny can stay out of city hall even more than before.

36. In- Law suite from Councilman Bob Santangelo, furnished with a live Lisa Santangelo

37. Yard work from the Stamford Public Works Dept. courtesy of Big Dannel

38. Bleach so he can clean his soul from Procter and Gamble Inc.

39. Blu-ray copy of "Cider House Rules" co-starring Commissioner Les Adams

40. Coasters from the bar at Mezzo Grille from Treasurer Quentin Phipps.

41. A map to the most fattening (most tasty?) drive-thrus in town  from Candidate for Mayor John Kilian aka Carlos Tango. And a signed copy of his book.

42. $10,000 to revamp your home office to mirror your town office which is getting $10,000 of the town's CNR money to change it. Can you imagine? Spending $10K to revamp one's office in today's economy. Why should this guy get $10,000 of your money to change his office? If Dan where a Republican the villagers would have a protest!

43. Martian rock paperweights from Councilwoman Hope Kasper

44. Repossession of his backyard by the Conservation Commission for use as open space. Only North End residents allowed free, others must pay $25 fee.

45. Kiwi shoe polish kit from Tommy

46. Balls (juggling) from Dic Wheeler

47. Tickets to the Hyannis Ferry for a weekend retreat on the family compound from Common Council Candidate Ryan Kennedy

Back in the early 1990s, Sam G. gave out a boatload of potholders with his name on it.. This force of culinary power assisted the mustached one to a small marginal victory over his opponent Edward Munster (yes, real name) on two separate occasions.  It wasn't until Rob Simmons in 1998, with assistance from the CIA, defeated G. putting a final end to Gejdenson potholder mania in Connecticut.

48. Sam Gejdenson pot holder from Sam Gejdenson.

49. Martini shaker & wooden deer lawn ornament from former Mayor Dominque Thornton.  (Note: Many years ago, it was alleged that then Mayor Thornton had a hit and run situation with a citizen's lawn ornament that resembled Bambi.  According to sources close to city hall, the matter was settled for a city job and a ride in MN1 without the mayor driving)

50. Matching "His" & His" towels from Chief of Staff Joe Samolis

51. Post card from a tropical paradise from Michael Frechette

52. Charter cliff notes on Middletown's Charter signed "Sebby G".

Councilman Berch questions Dem P/Z candidate Stephen Devoto

Jim O'Rourke Comments on Malloy's Signing of Ethics BIll- What the Hell is he Smoking?

Argentina- A few hours ago on Facebook, our esteemed and HISPANIC (NOT!) State Rep. Matthew Lesser let the public know his feelings during Governor Malloy's signing of an ethics bill, "Important legislation and I'm proud to have played a role in this passage."  What's the big deal Insider,? I bet 1/3 of our over 2,000 daily readers are asking themselves about Lesser's posting and grandstanding as per his usual practice.  He tweets and Facebooks to his fans whenever he looks at himself in the mirror, why is this anything new?


 If one checks out Che Guevara's- er, Lesser's Facebook page, they will find the man claiming to be part of the House Assembly's Spanish Caucus because he allegedly has Argentinian ties on his mother side.  One could sit here and make a ton of jokes referring to the thousands of members of the National Socialist (Nationalsozialismus) party that took refuse in Argentina after World War II ended in 1945.  Seriously, Matt looks more Aryan (German) than a product from Argentina, but hey if it gets the old boy votes god bless him. Anybody remember that scene with Gregory Peck from The Boys from Brazil when the little Hitler clone chucked the guy down the stairs?

 The real culprit in this piece happens to be former CT Deputy Speaker of the House Jim O'Rourke who felt that it would be a wonderful idea to comment and take credit for some of these ethics bills finding their way to the house in Hartford.  The question The Insider has for Mr. O'Rourke: What the hell are you smoking?

"¿Matt, usted no podría estar parado detrás de mí que me está poniendo nerviosa?"

Let's recap Jim O'Rourke's ties to ethics:


On the night of January 21, 2009, O'Rourke was allegedly involved in events related to the hypothermia death of a 41 year old Rocky Hill woman. O'Rourke said the woman got in his car at a local bar and he tried to drive her home, but she got out of the car and planned to walk the rest of the way home. The woman was found dead by a cross country skier. Local police did not immediately charge O'Rourke with any crime related to this incident.^[2]
On April 30, 2009, The Hartford Courant reported local police were seeking to issue a warrant to charge O'Rourke with negligent homicide for his role in the incident. The following day, House Speaker Christopher Donovan announced he had suspended O'Rourke from his post as Deputy Speaker.^[3]
The state's attorney ultimately declined to prosecute O'Rourke for his role in this incident. However, in February 2010 the decedent's estate filed a wrongful death lawsuit against O'Rourke and the bar in which the incident occurred

Let's get real! Having Jim O'Rourke making comments about ethics is like Dan Drew claiming he hurt his shoulder saving all the lost souls in the dunk tape at Wesley School.  

Upcoming Meetings in MIddletown CT

Upcoming Meetings

Upcoming Events

6/26/2013

Finance and Government Operations Commission

7/1/2013

Common Council Regular Meeting

7/1/2013

Public Safety Telecommunications Commission

7/1/2013

Common Council Questions to Directors

7/2/2013

Insurance & Claims Commission

7/2/2013

Riverfront Committee

The Friends and Family of Casey McArthur (Clemons) are uniting to raise money to help her battle against Melanoma. Please show your support!

Serene. Strong. Determined. Giving. A wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, a cousin, an aunt, a grandchild, a friend.

Meet Casey. At age 34, Casey was diagnosed with melanoma. It all started with a mole on her thigh in July 2012. Over the last ten months after multiple surgeries and treatments her doctors have now found the melanoma has moved throughout her body. Now battling Stage IV cancer, Casey is fighting for her life and determined to overcome her condition. We need to unite and support her by helping with impending medical expenses. Conventional methods of medicine have not been as effective as we would have liked and now Casey is faced with a difficult decision. She is turning to alternative medicine and clinical trials which are not covered by her insurance. Please give from your heart and help Casey beat cancer.

If you have any questions, fundraising suggestions, or just need to contact a representative for the family, please email Melissa at DoLLfin321@aol.com. If you prefer to send a donation by mail or paypal, please email Melissa.

All your generous contributions, thoughts, and prayers are deeply appreciated!! We will continue to keep you updated and ask for many prayers of divine guidance and healing. We thank you ~ truly ~ from the bottom of our hearts.

https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/g5g2/unite-to-fight?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fb_share_stream.share&utm_campaign=vanity_page_T1&og_action=hug&t=3&fb_ref

Nonprofit CEO Pay Topping $1 Milion Rises With Scrutiny

Note: With the ongoing investigation by the Federal Authorities into the money management of the Community Health Center in Middletown and it's alleged connection to the campaign of infamous politician Chris Donovan (D). We felt that the article from Bloomberg Reports below would be very helpful in looking at the big picture of salaries for the non-profit CEOs... Yes, it's a lot of money! Yes, they do say give it up for the people! No, they don't (usually) pay taxes on anything! Yes, some of them are allowed to take their spouses (who happens to be a the CEO of another non-profit) and head to India/Tibet for four months to hand with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lamai.  If you and hubby are in India/Tibet, then who, mind you was watching the gates at Community Health Center and Kid City?

Former Legislator/Lawyer Kevin Rennie explains the fiasco and even more connections along the money trail...
 http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/hc-op-rennie-feds-eye-middletown-health-care-agenc-20130322,0,300802.column

http://middletown-ct.patch.com/articles/fed-investigating-on-how-legislature-earmarked-15m-for-community-health-center

Not so many degress of separation?: Meriden Mayor Michael S. Rohde,a Democrat, has been in office since 2008, and is also the director of community relations for Community Health Center Inc., based in Middletown.  Mayor Rohe and Mayor Dan Drew accused  incumbent state Senator Len Suzio, who represented the 15th district of push poll calling during the last election cycle. Both then told the media during a joint press conference held on the steps of Meriden City hall they had no proof of the push poll calling, but were acting on suspicion. Suzio lost to Democrat Dante Bartolomeo. Bartolomeo's treasurer served at a Meriden polling location on election day.

"Nonprofit CEO Pay Topping $1 Million Rises With Scrutiny"

This article originally was published in the Bloomberg Report here: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-17/nonprofit-ceo-pay-topping-1-million-rises-with-scrutiny.html 

By Jeff Green - Sep 17, 2012 12:01 AM ET 

More than 20 nonprofit groups, from New York Presbyterian Hospital and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, paid top executives more than $1 million a year in 2010 and 2011, the Chronicle of Philanthropy found.
The tally, an increase from 15 such pay packages in the previous study, showed chief executive officers or other leaders at 23 nonprofit charities and foundations had taxable compensation exceeding $1 million, the Chronicle said in a study to be released today.
“By far the most comments we get have to do with CEO salaries and a general outrage and shock at some of the salaries that they see,” said Ken Berger, president of the nonprofit watchdog group Charity Navigator. “There are even donors shocked at the notion of a six-figure salary.”
As protest movements such as Occupy Wall Street have brought more focus on the richest 1 percent of Americans, high pay for nonprofit executives has prompted New York and other states to suggest limits on compensation. Nonprofit watchers such as Berger say it may also prompt additional U.S. oversight or public policy changes for the $2.5 trillion industry.
“To assume that you’re going to become a millionaire or a multimillionaire, running a public charity that’s supposed to provide a public benefit, is just absurd as far as we’re concerned,” Berger said.
Top executives at the largest U.S. charities and foundations received a median pay increase of 3.8 percent to $429,512 in 2011, according to the Chronicle’s survey of 132 of the biggest organizations. For other large nonprofits, the Chronicle said information filed in required tax filings show 2010 pay rose 2.7 percent.

Top Fundraisers

The Chronicle data is drawn from charities ranked highest in the group’s Philanthropy 400, the annual list of nonprofits that raise the most from private sources. The Chronicle collected compensation data on 274 charities and 49 foundations.
Total compensation includes salary, bonuses, deferred compensation, and retirement pay that individuals received in a single year. Other payments can include housing allowances, club dues, and additional perks nonprofits counted as compensation.
The annual survey is a way for executives and their boards to take a measure of pay and for donors to find out what’s happening, as well, said Stacy Palmer, Chronicle editor.
“Most at nonprofits are not millionaires, and it’s been tough times with many people not getting raises,” she said. “But there’s also a lot more focus on results, and that means paying for talent.”

Hospital, Museum

The highest-paid executive in the Chronicle survey, which was obtained by Bloomberg Rankings, was Herbert Pardes, executive vice chairman of the New York Presbyterian Hospital board of trustees, who had 2010 compensation of $4.3 million, including a $1.71 million salary. Houston Museum of Fine Arts Director Peter Marzio, who died in December 2010, was second with $3.94 million, in part because of payouts triggered by his death, the Chronicle said. Pardes didn’t return a phone call seeking comment.
Among traditional charitable groups, American Cancer Society CEO John Seffrin was fifth with a 2010 compensation of $2.08 million, including $1.49 million in deferred compensation and retirement. Boys & Girls Club CEO Roxanne Spillett, who retired last year after 34 years with the group, ranked eighth with 2011 compensation of $1.81 million, the Chronicle survey showed.

Cancer Society

Seffrin’s compensation for 2011 was $764,135, including deferred compensation, and he declined an incentive for fiscal 2009 performance and agreed to a cut to his base salary of 6.4 percent, the American Cancer Society said in an e-mailed statement. In 2010, his total compensation was $2.4 million, which included $1.62 million in deferred benefits that will be paid at retirement, according to the statement.
Spillett’s compensation included $1.18 million that was paid out as part of a previously reported retirement plan and the compensation was reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC and her pay was “in line with industry standards and appropriate,” spokeswoman Jan Still-Lindeman said in an e-mailed statement. The group doubled in size and tripled in financial scope during Spillett’s 16 years as CEO, Still-Lindeman said.
New York University’s John Sexton had compensation of $1.31 million, ahead of Yale University President Richard Levin’s $1.19 million, according to the Chronicle data. Levin and Sexton didn’t respond to e-mails seeking comment.
The top executives for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Los Angeles Opera, Metropolitan Opera Association, Museum of Modern Art and the Art Institute of Chicago also made the list.

CEO Compensation

By comparison, the median total compensation for Standard & Poor’s 500 CEOs rose about 6.2 percent to $9.6 million in 2011 from about $9 million in 2010, according to Equilar Inc., which gathers data on executive pay at public companies.
More than 1.4 million nonprofit organizations were registered with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service in 2009, and the 632,604 public charities -- those known as 501(c)(3) organizations -- reported $1.4 trillion in revenue and $2.53 trillion in assets, according to a 2011 report by the Urban Institute in Washington, which tracks nonprofit activities.
Groups such as Charity Navigator aren’t suggesting specific limits on pay such as a $199,000 limit proposed in the state of New York, Berger said. The nonprofits need to ensure the pay they adopt is easily defensible among other executives, he said.
The norm is low six-figure compensation, a median of $130,000 to $140,000 for midsize to large nonprofits, he said, with pay rising to $500,000 for the biggest groups, Berger said.

Top Charities

The focus of the pay controversy, much like the protests centered on the richest Americans, is on the 1 percent of the largest charities that raise about 86 percent of the funds, Berger said.
“In these very hard times, money is all that more precious and you have to maximize it,” he said.
The furor over pay to CEOs of nonprofits is misplaced and may end up damaging charity fundraising, said Dan Pallotta, author of “Charity Case” and “Uncharitable,” books on the steps the nonprofit world can take to be more effective.
“We have this total double standard that extends beyond compensation issue where we blame capitalism for creating these huge inequities in our society and then refuse to allow the nonprofit sector to use the tools of capitalism to rectify the situation,” he said.

Expert Executives

The expertise of a top-paid executive will increase the amount of money raised at the nonprofit organization and also provide more efficient leadership, Pallotta said.
“It’s always positioned as a zero-sum game, where any money paid to the leader is money wrenched out of the hands of those kids rather than looking at it as money invested in the leader to potentially dramatically enlarge the money available to the kids,” he said.
Each of the highest-paid coaches at nonprofit universities in 2009 was paid more than $2 million, and people accept that, Pallotta said.
“We look at this through the lens of preserving the purity of the nonprofit ethic rather than looking at it through the lens of do we actually want to solve these problems and what would it take,” he said. “You had better invest in leaders who are experienced at playing at those levels.”
He traces some of the resistance to highly paid nonprofit executives to the tensions between religion and capitalism set by the first Puritan settlers in New England. The Puritans were aggressive capitalists who saw charity as penance for making money, he said.
“The nonprofit system is like this church,” Pallotta said. ``It’s this irrational, emotional religion that’s all about scoring holy points so that you’ll be saved from eternal damnation. I have this friend who says, ‘the cheapest way to pay for things is with money.”’

Wesleyan Students Kicked out of Museum: WTNH.com

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

Repost from Source: http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/middlesex_cty/wesleyan-students-kicked-out-of-museum-for-sex-and-drugs#.USPzPI5j6-J  (see site for video)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

American Legion: High School Oratorical Schlorship Program

Scholarship Contestants Needed

The American Legion is seeking contestants for its’ annual High School Oratorical Scholarship Program - "A Constitutional Speech Contest".  The contest is open to all high school students.  The purpose of this contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States among high school students.  Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship.  Contestants are judged on the content of the speech, their poise, composure and delivery. 

Ken McClellan: Scholarship Coordinator

The competition consists of two parts, the Prepared Oration and the Assigned Topic.  The Prepared Oration must be a 5 to 8 minute verbal presentation on some aspect of the Constitution of the United States with emphasis on the duties and obligations of a citizen to our government.  Contestants then give a presentation of 3 to 5 minutes on one of four assigned topics.  The subject of the Assigned Topic will be one of 4 possible articles or sections of the Constitution.  Competition starts at the local level, and proceeds through district, state and national.  Prizes are awarded at each level, reaching $18,000 for the national winner.  State winners who advance to the National Quarter Final round all receive a $1,500 scholarship.  Quarter Final winners who advance to the Semi-Finals but do not advance to the final round, receive an additional $1,500. 

Post contests are held during January, District competitions will be held during the first two weeks of February. The seven district winners compete for the State Title on March 2, 2013 at Goodwin College.  The National Competition will be in April.  Entries must be received at the local American Legion post by Jan 4, 2013.  To enter, contact your local American Legion post or Ken McClellan, American Legion Post 75, Middletown, CT, phone 860-346-4876.  You can also visit the American Legion website, www.legion.org/Oratorical, and follow the links for Programs, Family and Youth, Oratorical.  Contestants and teachers are encouraged to contact the post early, for information, or assistance.  Judges are needed at all levels, and if you are interested in being a judge for the competition, contact Mr. McClellan or your local American Legion post.

Ken McClellan

Scholarship Coordinator

American Legion Post 75

Middletown, Connecticut 

download forms here: https://docs.google.com/open?id=1jmCShD2uoDcAxFawlNypdH8OMbQItC2LmyYaOYYz2JZMAn5BCVggJ7G7icxV

Wizards vs. City Hall Employees! December 4, 2012

MIDDLETOWN – Stars and Wizards will align on the basketball court at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Woodrow Wilson Middle School to raise funds for a much-needed program.          
The stars are Team Middletown United, including Mayor Dan ‘the Man’ Drew, Derek ‘Officer’ Puorro and Principal Jon Romeo.
The wizards are the Harlem Wizards, who perform “trick-hoops & alley-oops.”
The program is Unified Sports, which allows students with special needs to participate in organized athletic competition by pairing them with “ partners” who assist in their training and performance. Funds raised will help provide transportation, uniforms, officiating, and  coaching.
“Our Unified Sports program has allowed our special needs students to compete and experience the joy of sport participation,” said Deb Petruzzello, Wilson's Athletic Faculty Manager. “The ‘partners’ from the regular education population learn about understanding differences, teaching and sharing. The program is three years old and needs funds to continue. It was amazing to see the members of the Unified team dress in ties and button-down shirts on game day and walk through the halls proudly – like the other Wilson team  does for their games.”
The program at Wilson is currently limited to basketball, and special education teacher Kate Kalisz said she wants to expand it to include soccer and track and field.
The basketball program has already seen success as Wilson became the first middle school in the state to win the Sportsmanship Award from the state’s athletic directors. The team included Tony Petruzzello, a special needs student and participant in Unified Sports who went on to play for the Rams and score points with assists from his teammates.   
Tickets for the game may be purchased at Wilson, 1 Wilderman’s Way or at Farm Hill School, 390 Ridge Road. They are $7 for students and seniors in advance, $9 at the door; $8 for adults in advance and $11 at the door.
This information came from a press release.

Minutes: C.C. Special Meeting 10/23/2012

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL

MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT

OCTOBER 23, 2012

Special Meeting                      A special meeting of the Common Council of the City of Middletown was held in the Council Chamber on Tuesday October 23, 2012 immediately following the 7 p.m. Community Meeting

Present                                   Mayor Daniel T. Drew, Council Members Thomas J. Serra, Ronald P. Klattenberg, Mary A. Bartolotta, Gerald E. Daley, Robert Santangelo, Hope P. Kasper,  Grady L. Faulkner, Jr.,  Philip J. Pessina, Joseph E. Bibisi, Linda Salafia, and Deborah Kleckowski; Corporation Counsel Daniel B. Ryan and Common Council Clerk Marie O. Norwood.

Absent                                     Council Members Todd G. Berch.

Also Present                           Superintendent of Schools Patricia Charles and Deputy City Attorney Timothy Lynch.

Meeting Called to Order         The Mayor calls the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and asks the Superintendent of Schools to lead the public in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Call of Meeting Read              The Call of Meeting was read and accepted.  Mayor Drew declares the Call a Legal Call and the Meeting a Legal meeting.

The Chair welcomes Councilman Bibisi; he states we are glad to have you back,

Public Comment Opens          The Chair opens the public hearing on agenda items at 7:05 p.m.    He recognizes Councilwoman Salafia who would like to make a statement.  The Cahir asks what kind of statement.   Councilwoman Salafia responds she would like to recuse herself.  The Chair states the time to do that is when it is time to vote.

Superintendent of Schools Patricia Charles comes forward to thank the Mayor  for the opportunity to work so closely with the City to resolve Local 466 issues and the myriad of grievances and litigation that is outstanding and to move the Board of Education forward with a clean slate and we can focus on the business of educating our children.  She knows it was in the works and it has been three years of problems; she finds it amazing it could be done.  To have the opportunity for a clean state, she can’t tell you how much she appreciates it.

Deputy City Attorney Tim Lynch echoes these comments and commends the Mayor for working it out and the Mayor’s quick understanding of the issues and it is a good deal for the City.  He states he will respond to questions if the Council has any. 

Councilman Serra is recognized and states on the Settlement Agreement.  The Chair states before questions, he would like to close the public hearing. 

                                               

Public Comment Closes         The Chair, seeing no further comments, closes public comment at 7:07 p.m.

Councilman Serra states it will be down to $100,000, but for next year’s budget, will you have to budget for the $259,000.  Dr. Charles states they will have to budget for the increases, yes.    Councilman Serra states the City found the money for this.  Dr. Charles responds it is less than what they thought it would be.   Councilman Serra states next year you will have to budget more.  Dr. Charles states yes they will have to budget it next year.

Councilwoman Kleckowski states her questions are for Attorney Lynch. She has two questions and asks if he has the contract in front of him.  She states on item 10, there is no cost in reference to cafeteria rates where it says 182 hours at a cost of and there is no specific cost.  Attorney Lynch responds that may be a prior draft and that cost may have been put in.  There were some employees that only wanted time restored and costs were removed.   Councilwoman Kleckowski asks if nurses were paid by the Board of Education or the City.   Attorney Lynch responds it depends on the line item; if they are Local 466.  The Chair states they are Board of Education employees; they fall under their auspices and are paid by the Board of Education.  Councilwoman Kleckowski thanks the Chair.

Councilwoman Kasper asks Dr. Charles, the original calculation, I think part of the employee benefit package includes the pension and because the pension has done so well, there won’t be a cost associated with the Board of Education for retirement.  Dr. Charles states that is why the cost was reduced from what we originally thought it was going to be.

Point of Information                Councilwoman Salafia states in regards to the nurses, they were paid through the Board of Education through the expenditure item and now they will be paid through payroll.

Councilman Faulkner states his question on the number that we spent $800,000 in attorney fees.  The Chair states that is in my letter to you; that is what we spent on the City side only and that is all the cases and the dollars spent in three years.  A good portion is from this.  Councilman Faulkner states how do we get authorized to spend that kind of money when it doesn’t come through the Council.  The Chair responds the money was budgeted for outside counsel and the money came from the Insurance Fund for defensible claims and did not fall under that and there were no monetary damages but redress, who had the power to do what under Charter and Statute and because it wasn’t monetary, the Insurance Company refused to pay for it.   Councilman Faulkner states we have to review procedures and he doesn’t know who authorized these payments and we need to look at that process.  There should always be a case number assigned, if we are making payments.  That was the biggest issue he had and he had some questions on nurses, but will leave it.  He asks about the floaters for the cafeteria workers.  The Chair responds there were a number of floaters and Councilwoman Salafia  can add her comments; what had happened is, the previously cafeteria floaters were used to augment the need to hire full time cafeteria workers as in the Union.  The Superintendent, myself, and Board Chair and Vice Chair agreed it wasn’t a proper practice.   The Chair continues there were a number of people coming in, in lieu of hiring a full time person.  Councilwoman Salafia states the Board of Education, in several cases would hire, but not through the normal process, and they would do Union duties,  outside the Union contract and that is most of the complaints.  It was supplementing Union duties with non-Union workers.  It is how they arrived on the job.  Councilman Faulkner asks how do we stay out of these situations in the future; what has to be done.  The Chair replies in this agreement, we have done it.  I would say in the Prior City and Board of Education administration, there is plenty of blame and now we are fixing it and agreed to cooperate on these issues.  We are committed to working together and as we do that, as problems come up, we will deal with them.  We have worked on other issues and can work on these as well.

The Chair asks if there are  further questions.  Seeing none he closes the Questions to Directors.

The Chair asks the Clerk to read the Appropriation Request and Certificate of the Director of Finance:  
CONTINUED: