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.  

Rumblings! 25 Things We Learned at the Candidate's Forum

25 Things We Learned at the Westfield Residents Assoc. Middletown Canidates’ Forum.

1.       Jennifer Mahr, chairwoman & host/moderator should have her own morning show. Bubbly & professional giving equal opportunity to all with great poise all the while moderating a very contentious room. Thank you Ms. Mahr. 

2.       Most in attendance were part of the entourage of the participating candidates. Candidate with the largest entourage: Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro with 11 henchpersons.

3.       Rep. Joe Serra (D) (33rd District) introduced himself and mentioned he is on the Aging Committee, Prostate & Judiciary Committee, and Alzheimer's Committee.

4.       One Westfield resident was very concerned about Euthanasia or Youth In Asia we couldn’t tell. Every candidate was asked. Seriously, excellent question.

5.       Candidate Linda Szynkowicz (R) (33^rd District) if elected wants to develop a program to cut government waste & redundancy, without cutting state jobs, but by encouraging incentives for state employees to find ways to save their departments money. Szynkowicz's program would reward them with rebates. Rep. Serra said believes state government is running just fine the way it has been for the last 22 years he has been in office & there is no waste. Status Quo, keep her’go!

6.       Candidate Earle Roberts (R) (9^th District) is very upset about the shooting in Shady Brook Connecticut that took the lives of elementary school children; he is very in tuned with what is going on.

7.       Candidate Senator Dante Bartolomeo (D) (13^th District) feels she is “a good navigator for parents dealing with agencies such as DDS, DSS, DCF etc. because these agencies are so confusing”, as she attests to. Bartolomeo states there is so much red tape, (instead of solving this seeing as she is one the Children & Families Committee and all) it is much easier &amp &she enjoys it when all these parents must call her & go through her for help.

8.       Dan Russo, former Democratic Town Chair, has no need to end questions with actual inquiries to candidates & how dare anyone (cough) question this.

9.       Rep. Paul Doyle (D) (9th District) admitted Common Core is flawed & needs looking into. The most honest and simple statement of the evening. Well played sir.

10.   Candidate for Congress James Brown debunked all the false statements of DeLauro’s speech before she gave it, clairvoyant & awesomely entertaining. A math teacher, Mr. Brown resigned to run & is kicking butt. He also gave a great break down of the over-spending occurring in Hartford. Advice: please bring a chalk board. Unfortunately with the exception of Doyle, the other D's failed to acknowledge Connecticut is poised for a deficit at all. Must be that Common Core math...

11.   Rep. Matt Lesser (100^th District) had no idea Middletown purchased a decommissioned M-CAT tank for its’ police force. Lesser also denies that state’s have the ability to regulate what the federal government gives them as far as equipment. Isn’t like you could just not take it right? What’s going on we thought you and Lil Dan were bff’s?

12.   When asked by a citizen why it was taking so long (22 years to be exact) for the lights on Route 9 and the Route 17 on ramp issue to be dealt with Rep. Joe Serra (D) (33^rd District) had a unique response. “ Its very complicated. And expensive.” Said Serra. Guess it will take him another 22 years in office to actually do something. Ain’t like he is head of the Highway & Transportation Committee or anything right? Oh wait….
Keep Reading

Suzio to Gov. Malloy : Stop Prematurely Releasing Violent Criminals before Another Tragedy

Len Suzio calling for suspension of 
early release for violent offenders

The following is a letter sent to the Middletown Insider by former State Sen. Len Suzio. Representatives for Middletown  Rep. Matt Lesser (D), and Representative Joe Serra (D), voted in favor of an extension of the state's early release program to include the early release of violent criminals and sex offenders who earn credits for good behavior. Recently, Lesser voted in favor of House Bill 6581*  which allows murders, rapists, kidnappers and other violent criminals convicted before the age of 18 to be released after only having served 60% of their sentences.The latter representatives voted in favor. The bill will go on to the state senate it will become law. Rep. Paul Doyle (D) was the only Middletown representative to not vote against the measure.

Editor's note 8/14/2013: Senator Dante Bartolomeo, representing Middletown, spoke against the repeal of the Risk reduction program and spoke against Bill 123 which would repeal the program to allow the early release of violent felons based on good behavior credits. Bartolomeo called for amendments, but went on record at the senate hearings saying repeal of the program "goes to far."SB 1062, based on parts of  Bill 6581, was tabled on May 30th and could  be brought back for a vote in the next session.

The Senate GOP has been fighting aspects of this law since the Risk Reduction Program it took effect under Gov. Malloy in 2011. Currently, prisoners who have committed rape, strangulation, arson, assault on a pregnant woman, disabled person, or elderly individual, kidnapping, molestation, statutory rape or a variety of other crimes not classified by the state as "violent" can earn credits for good behavior and be released early. Those convicted on drug charges, DUI's, or types of theft or robbery cannot because those convictions carry mandatory  sentences by state statute. Some of the above crimes, including DUI,  cannot be released to half way homes, home incarceration or rehabilitation services outside of prisons because of those mandatory sentences.  

Middletown Rep. Joe Serra voted for continued early release of some violent criminals

Middletown Reps. Lesser & Bartolomeo supported the continued early release of some violent criminals

Gov. Malloy and Rep. Michael Lawlor (D) have praised the "Risk Reduction Program" that release violent criminals early as a cost savings to the state. Recently, despite the program being in place since 2011, Forbes magazine published a piece by contributor Jim Powell on August 1, 2013 asking: How did Rich Connecticut Morph into one of the Worse Economies in History? 

Click to enlarge the DOC memo

  Suzio was recently interviewed by WTNH regarding a memo by the Department of Corrections seeking to alleviate prison over crowding and save money by releasing more prisoners early. Suzio wants to make sure none of those scheduled for release committed violent crimes.
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In light of the new scandalous revelation by a whistle blower at the Department of Corrections I am calling on the governor to halt this dangerous policy of the premature release of violent criminals without the treatment or rehabilitation ordered by the Board of Pardons and Paroles. We cannot wait for another innocent victim to be sexually assaulted or murdered before acting.

The Early Release Program already has been implicated with murder, rape and mayhem and now we have another scandalous revelation that the DOC has a plan to ignore the directives of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, releasing violent criminals without necessary treatment. These allegations, if true, reveal a DOC plan that will exacerbate an already dangerous program.

The number one priority of government must be public safety, but the Malloy Administration is hell bent on spending money on everything but public safety! It seems the Administration had not learned from the terrible murders in Cheshire - the criminals convicted of those horrific murders were released from prison without proper rehabilitation. Now it seems that the Malloy Administration is destined to repeat the same mistakes and recklessly jeopardize the safety of innocent civilians. I say to the Malloy Administration, "stop the spending on boondoggles like the bus way and put the money where it belongs - protecting the public from violent criminals".

Len Suzio
Member: State Office of Victim Advocate Advisory Board 

Guestblog: Reaction to HBO documentary on Petit Family Tragedy

Below is a guestblog by former CT Republican party chariman Christopher Healy of Wetherfield. Former Republican State Senator Len Suzio worked tirelessly to repeal the state's early release program for violence criminals, as as state victim advocate still is. His predecessor, Dante Bartolomeo (D) now representing the 13th District which includes Cheshire, voted to continue early release of violent criminals as did Representative Matt Lesser (D). Representative Matt Lesser, who represents Middletown, in addition to continuing the early release program, also voted in favor of House Bill 6521 which would allow murders, rapists, kidnappers and other violent criminals convicted before the age of 18 to be released after only having served 60% of their sentences.
 http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/06/rumblings-representative-matt-lesser.html
The post is the opinion of the author and may or may not reflect the views of the Insider Staff.
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After watching the dreadful HBO special on the Petit tragedy, I am grounded in appreciating the continued strength and courage of the Petit and Hawke families. Sadly, that can't be said of the parasitic defense lawyers featured in this documentary or some of the hidden, twisted liberal social excuses for the motivation of the two killers. But the chicken *hit award still goes to the Democrat and Republican lawmakers who waited until after the trials to abolish the Death Penalty and then claim that these two derelicts and agents of Evil would still be sent to their deserved death.

And of course, there is Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who hedged his bets during the campaign by talking out of two sides of his mouth, before claiming Connecticut was above seeking justice in such a cruel way. And to put a perfect period on it, Malloy has initiated an early convict release program that led to a re-run of what happened to the Petit's - a Meriden father and merchant cut in half by a convict named "Razor," also let loose early as were the Petit killers under a dysfunctional Pardon's Board.

This is what our state has become - where the lawless and lazy are rewarded and the hard working are soaked with taxes and ridiculed by the union things and elites. Some of us believe that government isn't the answer and shouldn't be held accountable for its lunatic policies.

Next year, thankfully, we will begin to talk to people across the state on why this slow swirl into the abyss has to stop.

Christopher Healy, Wethersfield, CT

Gas Tax To Rises July 1st & Bartolomeo Bust

All over CT tomorrow, GOP representatives will be holding rallies .

The Connecticut Republican Party has started on online petition to Help Prevent A Connecticut Gas Tax Hike July 1st. http://ctsenaterepublicans.com/2013/06/help-me-prevent-a-connecticut-gas-tax-hike-7/#.UcNzhPnUn1G … http://ct-sos.com/

Before his defeat by Dante Bartolomeo (D), then state senator representing the 13th District Len Suzio fought long and hard for repeal of Ct's Gas tax. 

Last weekend, Bartolomeo held a meet and greet at Ford New's on Main Street in Middletown. The popular diner is a frequent stop for politicians. Usually the diner is standing room only, but the event for Bartolomeo seemed like a bust with only about eight people in attendance, many of which were part of her entourage. State Rep. Joe Serra (D), who is a regular at Ford, was present, and Mayor Drew made a brief, typical, 30 second appearance. 

Throughout his tenure as state senator for the 13th District Len Suzio had bi-monthly coffee with constituents at Rise and Shine Cafe on Saybrook Road in Middletown.  Bartolomeo has not taken up the cause to repeal the gas tax, something Suzio championed in the 13th District. Suzio's fight to stop the early release of violent offenders was another Suzio lead that especially appealed to the 13th District in the wake of the deadly home invasion that resulted in a triple homicide in Cheshire. Bartolomeo has not taken action regarding either of these issues, choosing to focus on the mandatory mental health screenings conducted by the state of all children under 12, a controversial issue that many say violates civil liberties. (Read http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/06/letter-to-editor-open-letter-to-sen.html). Bartolomeo recently voted in favor of allowing illegal citizens in Connecticut to obtain driver's licenses, a stance that has come under much criticism from conservative constituents in the 13th.

The increase scheduled to take place July 1 will at 4 cents to Connecticut's current 47 cent tax per gallon of gasoline. In a statement to the Register Citizen regarding Governor Malloy's non action regarding Connecticut's GasTax, Republican Senator Joe Markley, 16th District, said:

 "Governor (Dannel) Malloy is not using gas tax revenues to fix roads and bridges as was originally intended,” Markley said in a statement. “Instead, the money is being used to fund the growth of government bureaucracy. Demand that this gas tax hike not go through.”

The full article with which elaborates on what Republican lawmakers feel are false promises made by Democrats and Governor Malloy regarding the gas tax can be read here:

http://www.registercitizen.com/articles/2013/06/22/news/doc51c59978becdc044635907.txt?viewmode=fullstory

On Monday, Republican Lawmakers from all over CT will be  holding rallies in protest of the gas tax hike at various gas stations: 

Then State Senator Len Suzio campaigned hard on 

behalf of taxpayers.

Senator Joe Markley (R) will be holding a rally Monday June 24 in protest of the gas tax hike Markley,  at the Cheshire Gulf Station at 1125 Highland Ave. from 4 to 6 p.m.R

Senator Art Linares (R) will be holding a  rally as well  Westbrook at the Mobil Station at 198 Essex Road from 4-6 pm.

Check the state GOP website for more locations and participating representatives.
Proponents of the gas tax (crazies) argue the revenue is supposed to go to fixing Connecticut's roads and infrastructure. However, adopted budget robs $91 millon from the transportation and infrastructure allocation, while calling for the largest gas tax in history.

Roads, crashes, and where the money goes; read this it will make you have nightmares:
http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/ctnj.php/archives/entry/connecticut_worst_roads_in_the_nation/

.

In a recent report by the American Society of Civil Engineers, Connecticut & Illinois tied for  the worst roads in the nation. And at the top of Connecticuts list, Middletown scores number 1.

Middletown voters should be scratching their heads on this one. 25+ year veteran Rep. Joe Serra (D), who lives in and represents Middletown, is head of the Highways and Transportation Committee. 

 Serra also runs CASHO - aka Connecticut Association of Street & Highways Officials, Inc. a "non profit" that oversees the conditions on CT's roadways. Despite this, Middletown can boast that is has the No. 1 most deadly section of highway in the state!  According to  Department of Transportation records, while it has a somewhat scenic view of the river, the on ramp where Route 17 merges with Route 9 has been the site of more accidents than anywhere else in the state. (http://articles.courant.com/2011-11-17/news/hc-worst-roads-1118-20111117_1_ramp-middletown-resident-rear-end-crashes)

Listen up Mayor Drew and Rep. Serra:  During the riverfront redevelopment, what are your plans for the future of this stretch of highway and on ramp specifically? 

How many more people have to DIE? 

JOE: is it going to take you another 25+ years in politics for you to do something or what? We have freakin' traffic lights on a major highway!!! It's your freakin' Committee!

Readers are welcome to sent video and photos from rallies to middletowninsider@gmail.com

Letter to the Editor: Open Letter to Sen. Bartolomeo : Mandatory Mental Health Evaluations for Children Unlawful

Below is a essay by  citizen author author William Boylan. All opinions expressed are that of the author and not necessarily that of the Insider staff. Proposed Connecticut  Bill SB374 if passed by would mandate behavior assessments of all  children whether enrolled in public schools or not. Senator of the 13th District with includes parts of Middletown, Middlefield, and Meriden has been a strong supporter of this type of screening for children, likening it to in her words "diabetics and insulin."Former Congressional candidate Wayne Winsley wrote about the consequences of this in his article A Check up from the Neck up.  

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Dear Sen. Bartolomeo,

In your press release of Feb. 13 regarding school safety, you say, "Students should be able to receive mental health evaluations/treatment, and districts need some recourse if parents and students refuse to participate."

The last part of the sentence contradicts the first part. The first part says, students "should be able to receive mental health evaluations," implying a choice. The second part says, "districts need . . . recourse if parents and students refuse. . .  That changes the first part, "should be able receive evaluations", to "must receive evaluations." It makes them mandatory and implies sanctions against anyone who refuses.

This is a dangerous precedent.  It forces something on parents and students that they may not want or need for whatever reason which is no one else's business without probable cause, reasonable suspicion or judicial review.  It places the state above the parents and usurps the parent's rights, responsibilities and authority.

Nowhere in the CT or federal Constitutions does the state have the authority to order mandatory psychological evaluations.  No, not even the "General Welfare" clause.

It is blatantly in violation of an individuals right to be free from unwarranted searches and violates the individuals rights to privacy.  Children are persons under the Constitution and are afforded equal protection rights, too.

The best and most efficient way to save lives under such circumstances as that in Newtown is to have armed guards in the schools and eliminate so called "gun free" zones.  The only ones in them, free of guns, are the victims and it is proven that such mass murderers as Lanza deliberately seek out "gun free" zones because they know they can act there with impunity.  It is foolish to require pistol permitted parents to disarm themselves before entering a school.

Allowing teachers and staff the opportunity to volunteer to receive training and carry a firearm, (with perhaps a small stipend), would work to protect students because the evil and mentally deranged would know they would be met with a resolved spirit of resistance.

Permit qualified volunteers to receive the same training as teachers and patrol the schools, acting as "resource" personnel.  By qualified I mean retired military and police veterans and others.  The idea that children would be "frightened" by having armed guards around is absurd! 

These volunteer would be members of the community and known as the grandparents, uncles, aunts and neighbors of the students.  Trust me, what grandchild would not be quite happy and proud to know her grandfather was keeping her and her classmates safe at school.

As far as the current "gun control" proposals go, I have yet to see anything that even closely resembles "common sense".  For "Common Sense", I suggest reading Thomas Payne.  I also urge you to re-read some of my past emails to you on the subject and listen to the testimony I delivered before the Gun Violence Task Force, in January.

No government can be all thing to all people at all times.  Nor should it try to be.  A government that governs best, governs least.  And that is as it should be.

Very truly yours,
Bill Boylan, Middletown

Rumblings: Representative Matt Lesser Votes for Early Release of Violent Criminals

1. Say whhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaat??? Yes. Representative Matt Lesser, a Wesleyan almost graduate who represents Middletown, voted in favor of House Bill 6521 which would allow murders, rapists, kidnappers and other violent criminals convicted before the age of 18 to be released after only having served 60% of their sentences. The vote goes before the senate this coming week.

"Young people should not be held responsible for their actions as a teenage- just think of the Wesleyan shroom kid who walked naked into those people's house in Middletown, totally so not his fault." remarked the representative, " I am almost 30, but I still try to appeal to young people in anyway I can. I mean its my "thing" with voters ya know. Offering some young dudes free passes is the least I can do."

Coincidentally, the Patch story about Lesser voting in FAVOR of early release was only front page for about an hour before being replaced by a movie review. 

Read what MRTC vice chair had to say about Lesser's voting record :http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/05/letter-to-editor-lessers-support-of.html

2. So lemme get this straight...  Rep. Lesser supported the legislation allowing drivers licenses to be granted to undocumented illegal immigrants. This passed the state senate last week with support of one local senator for Middletown. Senator Paul Doyle (D) of the 9th District used his noodle voting "no" meanwhile, Senator Dante Bartolomeo (D)  of the 13th District voting in favor.

"I liked the movie "Taxi Driver", and  I thought they were asking if we liked the movie "Aliens", so I was like yeah those two go together. Combined they would make an awesome summer flick." said the senator, explaining her logic behind the endorsement of the bill. 

The Insider was unable to contact Sen. Doyle for a comment, but an intern for the senator said "He is the tallest of the representatives covering Middletown, so he gets to vote his conscience."

The intern failed to elaborate further during our meeting, but confirmed speculation regarding the complex issue of height and hierarchy among Connecticut Democrats.

3. The intern also confirmed rumors of  a secret bunker/safe room being built accessible from the tunnel under Route 9. The safe room, is being constructed at the request of Mayor Dan Drew to house high ranking officials and friends in times of emergency and natural disasters.  Chief of Staff Joe Samolis has reportedly been taking Judo classes offered at the Senior Center as part of his new job description, to defend the bunker. Reportedly, funds have been diverted from emergency management to pay for the classes for Samolis, but construction of the safe room is being paid for entirely by grants. Artist David Shultz is reportedly donating his artistic talent to do a mural inside the space. 

Efforts by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro will allow the bunker to be stock piled with free diapers. 
"You just don't know how long you may need to be in there." said DeLauro, who coupled the proposal with HR 226. HR 226, drafted by DeLauro received little attention, but had it passed would have given a $2,000 tax credit to citizens turning in AR-15 guns. DeLauro told our staffers if the government were allowed to confiscate guns, she would see to it that each person a gun is taken from be diapered for life.

4. Results?: All the local reps for Middletown, including Joe Serra (D) and Lesser (D) in the House, and Bartolomeo and Doyle in the State Senate voted for increasing the state minimum wage last week.

"I run CASHO, its a 501-c3, what the heck does it matter that minimum wage goes up?" stated Serra on the record in an exclusive interview at Harbor Park today where he treated Insider staff to calamari and mozzarella sticks."I've been able to ignore the fact that Middletown has traffic lights on a major highway and one of the deadliest exits in the state. I am Spartacus!"

5. A moment(rare) of sanity for Lesser: Lesser voted in favor of  SB 802 a bill to require labeling of all genetically modified foods sold in Connecticut, the bills moves on to the senate this week where it is expected to have bi-partisan support.

"I voted for this bill for Middletown," said a teary-eyed Lesser, "Suppose there is a disaster where Danny has to go into the bunker in order to run the City and then he eats genetically modified MRE's unknowingly?"

6. Speaking of waterworks...  More bills went out incorrect this cycle from the City's Water & Sewer Department. The previous administration had moved the department back to City Hall from its Berlin Road location as a last resort before starting termination proceedings against the department director for gross mismanagement. Despite this, W&S Director Guy Russo was recently nominated as President of the Connecticut Waterworks. The Mess quoted Mayor Drew  who endorsed the nomination, as admiring of Russo's "ethics." Marone!

7. Ethics? We don't need no stinkin' ethics.  BIll SB374 if passed by would mandate behavior assessments of all  children whether enrolled in public schools or not. How did Wayne Winsley phrase this? A Check up from the Neck up?  Rep. Bartolomeo is blowing up twitter jonsing to get this one passed. And you though 'booger face' was tough to un-stick once it had been deemed your nickname in elementary school, now try a state sanctioned label like 'sociopath' on your permanent record.

8. In other news, Mezzo Grill had a fire on their back patio last week. Thankfully, no one was injured. A few years ago O'Rourke's diner received $25,000 from City funds after a fire destroyed much of the historic diner. Owner Brian O'Rourke had no fire insurance for the popular restaurant. Whether Mezzo Grill will also receive public money to recoup from the blaze that took place last week has yet to be determined.