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

Things about Daniel T. Drew that are quite Alarming!

Things about Mayor Daniel T. Drew that are quite Alarming!

1)   Drew vs. Corrupt Sheriff-

In 2011 during Drew’s 2^nd run for Mayor he began to speak publically about writing articles about a corrupt sheriff during his time as a reporter.  “Well, even though he was Democrat, I had to do the right thing and take him down, “ he told a group of Wesleyan students one night as reported by The Argus.   When asked numerous times the name of this corrupt sheriff the question was ignored.  Drew also failed to provide copies of the articles.  

2)   Suing Dunkin Donuts- Our city’s mayor is so entitled that he is actually considering suing Dunkin Donuts for using the Mayor’s initials on their bags, cups and such.  “If the donut chain agrees to change their motto to ‘Middletown Runs on Drew’, then we will drop our lawsuit, “ said attorney and current Middletown corperate consul Daniel Ryan.

DD  Putin on a show

3)   D.C. Sniper—Google Dan Drew and the Washington D.C. Sniper.  Our mayor claims he was involved in the case and did a whole bunch of things.   I think he is confusing himself with another Dan Drew, the one who is a professor emeritus from Indiana University.     This is almost brilliant, find a guy that shares your name and use his credits so when someone does a quick GOOGLE search, boom it's there.      http://journalism.iupui.edu/faculty-staff/dan-drew/     

Professor Dan Drew. 

4)   Award Time- In the past Dunkin Donuts or Dan Drew (not the Indiana University guy) has claimed he won a very prestigious award for journalism while in college.  He did?  According to the fact checker, the paper that Drew worked for won the award, but DD. himself did not win it. Click HERE to read the article & letter from the Newspaper that won the award!

2 Snakes

5)   Saving Lives- A few years ago when the newly appointed Councilman Drew was heading to a Common Council Meeting at McDonough School there was a slight traffic hold up on Rome Ave due to an ambulance pickup.  Approximately 20 minutes later, the newly minted Councilman Drew arrived frantically into the meeting and said, “Sorry I’m late I had to help with the accident next door.”  Later on both EMS officials stated, “He said that? He was told to stay in his car and not get in the way.”

6)   Mayor v. Councilman- During the 2013 mayoral race, the Republicans did not run anyone against Drew for the executive seat.  With the exception of Realistic Balance candidate John Kilian, who due to 43rd party status did not have much of a chance,the mayor was set to win his second term.  Suddenly a flyer appeared around town that attacked Seb Giuiano who is NOT running for mayor but for council.  This may be the only time in modern Middletown politics that the executive branch commissioned a flyer against a former mayor not running for mayor.  Officially the Working Families party put out the brochure, but DD sends them a little extra PAC money here and there to keep them happy- not to mention they endorse 99% Democrat candidates year and year.

7)   Columbia Master’s Degree- Who paid for this Mayor Drew?  The Middletown Press should be asking these questions, but who are we kidding.  Did you use PAC money to fund your Columbia degree?  Are you attempting to get tuition reimbursement for it?  Tell us Mr. Honesty and anti-corrupt sheriff, who paid for the degree?

8)   Communion- Many parishioners at St. Sebastian’s church are not happy with the mayor, a non- practicing Catholic because of the fact that he received communion even after being warned of this sacrilege. Trust us on this one! 

State Senator Dante Bartolomeo rudely snapped this selfie for her facebook
DURING the serivices at the St. Sebastian Feast, notice parisioners standing in the pews behind. Somehow Mayor Drew managed to miss squeezing himself in this one.

9)   No Taino for you!- The rumor around city hall was that in typical TS style, reps from the Mayor’s office warned city workers do avoid  Sandra Driska’s fundraiser last Friday night. 

10)                  Lisa Santangelo- According to city hall sources, “Of course he brought back Lisa to work in the registrar of voters’ office, she will take the fall if there is any issues post –election. She paid the fine last time, so Drew knows he can use her again and again.”

11)                   Dan Drew appointed- Dan was special from the beginning, he was appointed to the common council by the legendary Paul Lynde impersonator Vinnie Lofreddo, who stepped down to give the boy king his shot.   That’s the real Democrat motto: Help us first and act like we help the people who we basically enslave economically.

12)                   Dan Drew v. Serra Family-   TS feels DD owes him because he made the boy king mayor, while the boy king feels he deserves to be mayor for life because he knows Malloy.  TS feels that DD did not go out of his way to get JS the town’s athletic director job and  showcased little power to get the other son separated from his drunk driving charges. 

13)                   DD has no accountability The press never questions him and his politics.  The guy can fly to China on our dime and nothing in the paper; he gets a Master’s Degree on our dime- nothing in the paper.  Brings us back into litigation with the police chief he fired and nothing in the paper. He pisses off downtown business owners about parking and those owners complain to the Republican elected officials but are too scared to go the Drew.  Note to business owners: stop complaining-you wanted the boy king as leader.

14)                  PAC Money- He did not give his left over 2013-campaign money to charity. 85% of the money went to various Democratic organizations such as: Toni Harp, Malloy, Working Families, SPECTRE, etc.)  Be a man and give it all to a local charity! Where is Oddfellows with their hands out? Perhaps you can give it to the CHC Legal Defense fund or KidCity?  

15)                   Inventor- According to Newsarama.com Dan Drew claims he invented the Marvel Comic super group The Avengers. “It just came to be at midnight one night while I was walking the dog in the rented house I live in before I flew to China on the town’s dime.”

16)                  Does not own property in the 06457 Zip Code- He doesn’t want to stay here folks!

17)                  LS vs. SHD- Gave Middletown Democratic Town Chairperson a few special tasks this time around. 1) Control the registrar 2) Push out Planning and Zoning Commissioner Steven Devoto and 3) Put the attack on the opposing numbers

18)                  Big fan of Nipsey Russell- Dan Drew is a huge fan of actor/singer/comedian Nipsey Russell star of the The Whiz and the classic game show $25,000 Pyramid.

19)                   F- Inland Wetlands- Still one Republican on a board that is 85% Democrat in town.  As this is written, Drew is using the town charter as a piece of toilet while he sits on his DeKoven Drive throne. “It’s good to be the king!”

20)                   Setting up a City Director-  Shhhh, we know all about!! Liar, liar pants on fire.  He doesn't work for the city anymore and has two first names like you.  Remember what the state's attorney?  You haven't done anything yet have you? 

21)                   Against the Senior Center- Did not want the seniors to get what they deserve and then a few years later when the legislations voted to complete project properly, guess who is Mr. Pearly and Happy- Go Lucky?  Answer: Dan Drew, the man who invented Dial Soap.  

Your Daily Spin from the Middletown Mess: Local 466 Union President Cautious of Mayor's Planned Dept. Mergers

A private citizen is looking for a new job, two guys running as third party candidates  vs. a story about the potential destruction of City government infrastructure & increased waste on the backs of tax payers... lemme think which is more relevant...

The Mess, in true Spin fashion dictated by certain unseen forces is attempting to detract attention from the issue of the upcoming vote on the City merging of departments by placing this critical City issue between obscure articles today. 

Despite the fact this will impact the quality of services the City offers its taxpayers, and also taxpayer wallets, the Mess doesn't make this a top story! ?

The Mess really is working overtime taking dictation from the Drew Crew and Serracratologists in attempts to derail the upcoming 2013 municipal elections and taint the waters against non-cult candidates. 

So how does it work, do you guys have a separate phone line directly to Mess Editor Viktoria's bedroom that you wake her up in the middle of the night to start spinning the web? Does Tommy send a car to pick her up?

So what are the top stories? The Mess wants people to focus on the fact that Councilmen Phil Pessina and Joe Bibisi (R) are both seeking the nomination of the Working Families (cough Democrats by a different name cough ) party. The Mess ( or who ever is really pulling the strings) makes the  top headline is that former Mayor Sebastian Giuliano applied for the town manager position in Cromwell back in April.  A former mayor, now a private citizen, tries to get a new job outside of town and move on with his private life and editors Viktoria and Alex  put it front and center. Perhaps the Democratic Town Committee will again get some Wesleyan College Democrats to protest another attempt by Giuliano to move on. History can then repeat itself with six news crews covering the ONE protester! Instead of posting this story in a blatant attempt to try and stir up opposition, one would think that spendacrats would want to keep it quiet in order for Giuliano to get a new job elsewhere and be less of a  thorn  in their sides as they see him. And people criticize us for what we choose to cover- we see a Pulitzer in you kids' futures, really.

On another tangent, notice how the Mess hasn't mentioned that Wesleyan Professor & Eye Founder Stephen Devoto is gathering signatures to primary the Democratic slate for a seat on the Planning and Zoning ballot in while? What's wrong D-Crew? Don't want the word Devoto may actually accomplish his goal getting out?

Back to the real story: Wednesday the Finance and Government Commission met in regards to the adoption of the Blue Ribbon Report  aka Mayor's Task Force on Efficiency report from April 2012. They discussed  the final stages of its implementation which is merging of departments. The Common Council votes on this merger at their Monday meeting. This spring, the council voted to merge the legal and personnel departments.

The Insider has published numerous editorials from a variety of authors who crunched the numbers and showed that this was not truly going to save tax payer money, but as written had parts if  enacted would create more spending. One issue the Common Council should look at, hopefully in between certain councilpersons giving speeches about themselves, is if in the months since the merger if in fact these departments have saved money as it was proposed. Mayor Drew touted over and over (and over) again that it would; now prove it. Did you know when Mayor Drew smiles rainbows appear in the sky? Don't believe us? Well he said so, so it must be true.

If  Drew's plans are adopted by the Council, according to the new organization, the parks division would report to the Public Works Department, and the recreation part would merge with Senior Services to form a new Recreation and Community Services Department. Sounds like the same thing with a different name? We thought so too. 

Mayor Dan Drew  was quoted by the Mess as saying he projects $150,000 in savings and “there are another number of savings that will become clear as time goes on.” Course he isn't adding in the pension packages he handed out to get rid of people the he couldn't manipulate.So what are the savings? Well, the apparently according to Drew, the Council will have to adopt it to see?!  What is so hard about showing some REAL data?? How about you be clear now- dare we say TRANSPARENT?

The Mess goes onto quote the Mayor as saying that essentially the merger needs to take place in order for Public Works and Park and Rec to share equipment. Again why they can't share now like big boys and girls is beyond us- and chances are they probably already do share! Excuse us Mr. Drew, these splendid, profound ideas you are having are really quite frightening in their deepness.

Christine Bourne,  president of  Municipal Employees Local 466, a city labor union, isn't buying the deal. Continuing to stand up - that's Ballz Bourne! You go girl!

The Mess quotes Bourne: “I think we’re trying to fix something that isn’t broken,”  “Any potential savings haven’t been shown to me, haven’t been shown to the union … our guys are concerned about what they’re going to be asked to do.”

The Mess article then goes on to talk about Bourne's recently settled labor dispute with the City which has absolutely nothing to do with the merger and appears to be a thinly veiled  and quite shallow attempt by the Mess to discredit Bourne. Nice try, but no cigar. 

Remember folks, Mayor Drew raised your taxes, cut your teachers, makes up new rules to the City Charter on a daily basis ( it's Administrative Assistant Joe Samolis - no such thing as Chief of Staff), perpetuated the violation of  the already violated worker rights of a union employee (Bourne) now proved by law, lies to the public, and we get 2 more years of our Dear Leader. Now that is a run -on sentence!

Don't worry, Kim Jong Un-Drew says for a cool $750K upfront cost, the City  can light the Arrigoni Bridge in colors of the the rainbow corresponding to his moods.

While less departments in theory sounds just dandy, previous posts laboriously explained the merger and by doing some no so fancy math to prove the numbers don't work are linked below: 

Editor's note background: 

 Want to know more about the Government ReOrg? Read the Insider Staff's analysis of the Government ReOrg here: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2012/12/city-governmen-re-org-part-ii.html  

The misleading merge of City Legal & BOE Legal:http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/01/apple-oranges-boe-budget-hikes.html 

John Milardo spoke of the downsides of the Governmnet ReOrg in a previous Guest Blog piece here:://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/01/guest-blog-his-town.html

Councilmember Linda Salafia also comments on negative aspects here: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/01/letter-editor-government-reorg-costly.html

Chairman of MRTC Ken McClellan discusses the reorg here: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/02/letter-to-editor-mayor-daniel-drews.html

Read the full report for yourself here: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2012/12/mayors-task-force-on-efficiency-report.html and packages here: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/01/who-gets-what-drew-cleans-house-with.html

John Milardo writes again of how the numbers don't add up to savings in a previous Guest Blog piece here

http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/04/guest-blog-reorganization-by-john.html

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?

Guest blog: Spittoons On the Downtown Middletown Sidewalk's A Necessity, Not a Luxury - Also a Revenue Generator?

Guest blog by one of our favorites Fred Carrol.
Guest blog pieces do not necessarily reflect those of the Middletown Inside and are published as a courtesy for readers.
 Although this guest blog was written before the Middletown Patch article by Cassandra Day having to do with Mayor Drew asking City personnel on ways the City could make more money in revenue,  Carrol has thought up some create ways the City that could not only clean up the streets downtown, something he feels very passionate about, but  coincidentally also fill City coffer's.
 Probably not Carroll's original intent, but we think ticketing spitter's is as splendid an idea as any combat depleting municipal funds.

Scary thing is, it is only February, and with the additions to the BOE budget that call for a 2.4 mil tax hike, just about monthly requests for appropriations from City Departments for various items not included in the Mayor's  budget, the City budget that would raise taxes at least another 1 mils, the grand list decreasing by $11 million, the Serracrat's Spendacratic tendencies,  and Mayor Drew's unsuccessful trip to China to sell the Aetna property (no one saw that coming, year right)
Mayor Drew is already apparently is looking for more ways to squeeze money out of tax payers! 

Read the article from  Middletown Patch here where Mayor Drew asks personnel for ideas on ways to increase City Revenue! That's money from your pocket!: http://middletown-ct.patch.com/articles/get-creative-middletown-how-can-city-fill-its-coffers

In Carroll's own words:

Spittoons On The Downtown Middletown Sidewalk's-A necessity, Not A Luxury

    It was brought to my attention once that an upturned soda bottle cap is "more dangerous than a banana peel", well, how stupid would you feel if your foot went out from under you consequent to stepping in a glomn of some inconsiderate dopes "lung butter"? Pardon me, but exactly what are we talking about here? Look, and you'll see it, listen, and you'll hear it....the sound of expectoration......especially the dopes you see standing around all day who eat some hydro oily, high fructosey, dairy rich diets, but most folks if I'm not mistaken, eat a highly "mucus forming" diet, and while not everyone expectorates recklessly on the ground, a hell of a lot of people do. Meanwhile, back at the Center For Disease Control.......don't even think about going barefoot, but what seems to not be apprehended is that one will surely track this expectorant everywhere, the precious car, the house, or "dwelling place"...so why is it a. tolerated and not ticketed, and b. not accommodated for by pertinent parties. Health Department tells Police "Ticket sidewalk spitters", right? Something.......but first install spittoons.
      
Dr. Freddy H. Carroll

Mayor's Task Force on Efficiency Report

    Outlined is Mayor Drew's plan to consolidate City departments and positions! Enjoy-
https://docs.google.com/open?id=1XulRAxwXDIMppNvRE_tJ0lbh9H-0DCvjbB6Sewl8prarfOQGUgd3djxHmijS

     The report drafted in April, was not given to the Council - ie all the Council not just the Democrats in the know- until a few weeks ago. The title of the report of "bi-partisan" is very coy seeking as there was 1 token Republican on the slate of 11 "chosen ones".

      The Insider's favorite part is the end in which there is a big thank you to Mayor Drew for allowing them to participate on the committee! All the recent early retirement buy-outs have been in lieu of the final plan the Mayor would like to implement. Will it really save money? Hard to say  because which positions will remain unfilled and which will have to be filled is still unclear. One thing remains clear- some cronies may be getting new jobs for Christmas, and those who did not necessarily drink the kool-aid of a certain party may get a lump of coal.

The Insider has done a series of commentary pieces on the impact of this plan previous published here:
http://www.middletowninsider.com/2012/12/city-governmen-re-org-part-ii.html

More analysis to come!