City Elected Officials Sworn in at Biennial Meeting of the City of Middletown

The Mayor and Common Council

Nancy Wyman, Deputy Governor swore in Mayor Dan Drew for his second term on Tuesday night at the Woodrow Wilson Middle School in. Mayor Drew then gave the oath of office to all the newly elected city officials. Drew gave a speech with highlighted quotes from Woodrow Wilson. He thanked former council members not returning to their seats Phil Pessina, Joe Bibisi, Ron Klattenberg (R) and Todd Berch (D) for their service.  


The Mayor declined to thank Councilwoman Linda Salafia, a republican, who did not win re-election. Mayor Drew also thanked Eli Canon's Owner Phil Ouelette for dealing with limited parking when the construction of the Community Health Center next door was beginning, an initiative that happened before Mayor Drew was even on Common Council. Retired Town Clerk Sandra Russo-Driska took her oath of office from Mayor Drew who was accompanied by Linda Bettencourt the new Town Clerk who had been deputy clerk to Russo-Driska during her tenure. Drew, a democrat was cross endorsed  by the Working Families party along side Phil Pessina and Carl Chisem. Pessina, Drew and Chisem actively campaigned together; Working Families sponsored a fundraiser and sending out a mailer slamming candidate for Council Seb Giuliano. Chisem was elected to common council as a Democrat. In his speech, Mayor Drew also called for bi-partisan ship and claimed the economy is doing extremely well. Mayor Drew gave flowers to his mother and wife during his speech.

See our previous post of who won the most recent election here:
http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/11/elections-results-middletown-2013.html

David Bauer (R) takes his oath of office for Common Council

Sandra Russo-Driska (R)  takes her oath of office for Common Council

Elections Results Middletown 2013

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Candidate Bio: Deborah Kleckowski (R) Common Council

Middletown Insider blog is accepting bios from all  municipal candidates.  See criteria: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/08/request-for-candidate-bios-for-all.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Republican Incumbent Candidate for Common Council
Deborah Kleckowski

I am a native of Middletown and a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School.  My parents are Beverly Talbot (Dionne) and Daniel Kleckowski.  I have two younger siblings Gailyn and Brenda.  I am currently an Adjunct Instructor at Middlesex Community College. I am seeking a second term as a member of the Common Council and it will be an honor to serve on the Council and represent the citizens of Middletown for a second term.
My professional career has been dedicated to advocacy and to the betterment of communities. I have also been a member of service organizations. I am committed to the taxpayers of the City of Middletown to pursue ideas and to implement policies that are beneficial to the community today and tomorrow. Long-term planning is the key to sustainable economic success and to ensure an exceptional quality of life in Middletown and for its residents.
I serve on the following Council committees: 

• Citizen’s Advisory Committee
• Public Safety
• Personnel Review
• Insurance and Claims

Issues: It is a priority to ensure the safety of the residents of Middletown, especially our children.  I initiated an emergency access road, which is currently under construction, at Middletown High School.
Taxes and the economy are in the forefront of issues of urgency. It is essential that the City develop long range plans to address attrition and how to continue to incorporate technology into the application of services. Incorporating technology will improve services; provide residents the opportunity to conduct business outside the traditional business hours and save the taxpayers money. I also want to continue to grow the business community and to ensure Middletown is a business friendly community.

Previous Experience:  I served on the Planning and Zoning Commission. I made the recommendation to hold a planning meeting and a zoning meeting to provide better service to the public and to more efficiently address both planning and zoning issues.
I have worked on mayoral, gubernatorial, state representative and Secretary of the State campaigns. I was appointed to serve on commissions including the New Britain Youth Services Commission and the New Britain Health Commission and served as Chairman.

Education: Eastern Connecticut State University-Bachelor of Sociology and Applied Social Relations. Central Connecticut State University-Advanced Certificate in Business Management. Wesleyan University-Master of Arts in Liberal Science

Please contact me if you have any questions or if I can be of assistance.
http://www.middletownctgop.com/ 

Election Results Will Be Tallied from Council Chambers

Message from the Town Clerk's office:

Election night results will be held in the Common Council Chambers after the polls close at 8:00 p.m. and not, as in past years, in the Town Clerk’s Office.

We will be able to project the results onto the monitors and main screen in the council chambers for all to see as well as on the TV in the Council lobby.

 

Letter to the Editor: Candidate Bauer is Best Antidote

Below is a letter to the editor published as a courtesy to readers; all opinions expressed are that of the author and not necessarily that of the Insider staff. 
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 I am pleased that David Bauer is running for Common Council again.  Although he is usually a minority of one, it is refreshing there is even still a small place for principled and fact-based stands in Middletown politics.

David Bauer is the best antidote we against "politics as usual" in Middletown.  He has my vote on November 5th, and I hope he has yours too.  Please support David Bauer for Common Council.

David Bauer has a lot of integrity. He is the rare person who will stand up for what is right without worrying about being popular. On a personal note, he has helped my 84-yr. old Mother many times - unasked and without expecting anything in return. For example, he went out of his way to take photos of the Middletown High School Class of 1948 Class Reunion.

A vote for David Bauer is a vote for integrity in politics.

Lea Tomaszewski, Middletown

Tonight Middletown Republican Town Committee Meeting All Welcome

Press Release:The Middletown Republican Town Committee is holding its monthly meeting TODAY Monday September 30th  at 7 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the committee is welcome & encouraged to attend.

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

 

The Middletown Republican Town Committee is seeking volunteers wishing to help with the 2013 municipal campaign. GOP headquarters are located at 790 Ridge Road.  Contact Vice Chair main William Wilson at the above email address for more details to get involved.

Head Quarters Grand Opening is 7 pm October 11 from 5-8 pm This is a potluck event so please bring something to share.

Meet the GOP Candidates at NORA at 700 Main Street Cupcake October 15th from 5 to 8 pm.

Other events, candidate information, and how to contribute to "Middletown Republicans 2013" Campaign is available on the website: http://www.middletownctgop.com/

Letter to the Editor: Realistic Balance Party Files Suit Against Town Clerk Middletown

Letters to the editors are printed as a courtesy to readers, and do not necessarily express opinions by the Insider volunteer staff. John Killian is the Realistic Balance Party founder and Mayoral candidate. As with all letter's to the editor, legitimacy of all claims made are solely responsibility of the author of the letter;not the editorial staff of the Insider.

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This morning, via phone call, I requested the Town Clerk of the City of Middletown to provide a copy of the Working Family Party's endorsement letter of their candidates for election in 2013 in the City of Middletown. I was told that before such documents were revealed that she would first have to consult with the City Attorney.

My wife appeared in the Clerk's office and, after also being denied a request for this and other documents in person, filed a written request.

This afternoon I received access to these documents.
Among them is a hardcopy of a simple text email conferring the Working Families Party endorsement, without any signatures.
This seems at odds with a strict reading of the statute that the Town Clerk claims left her no option but to remove several people from the Realistic Balance Party line of this year's ballot.  It certainly deserves to be brought to the attention of the Middletown public.
Attached is a scanned version of the email hardcopy provided to me this afternoon.
Sincerely,
John Kilian
Plaintiff
Kilian v. Bettencourt, Docket CV135008261

Candidate Bio: Sheila Daniels (R) Board of Education

Middletown Insider blog is accepting bios from all  municipal candidates. See criteria: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/08/request-for-candidate-bios-for-all.html
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Candidate Bio for Incumbent candidate for the Board of Education:

Sheila Daniels (R)

·

·  Full name, 

           Sheila C. Daniels 

·  Education (colleges/degrees)

             I have a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Central Connecticut State University.

·  Work

             I work as an educational grant assistant here in Middletown.

·  Why do you want to hold public office in Middletown?

           Growing up in a politically involved and civic minded family and marrying into the same, I followed the example set by my parents and extended members of my family and my husband's family. I aspired to be on the Board of Education as my aunt was when I was in high school. My passion for education and the overall well-being of young people also contribute to my desire to serve Middletown on the Board of Education. Currently the  Vice Chair and in my 8th year on the Board of Education, I am very pleased with the positive direction the Board has taken in the past two years and look forward to continuing to work with my fellow Board members and collaborate with the current administration and staff in their efforts to support the students and families of Middletown. 

·  What experience do you bring to the table?

           As stated above, I am the Vice Chair of the BOE, currently in my 8th year and bring that experience to the table. I am a former member of the Communications and  Naming committees and currently a member of the following committees: Executive, Policy, Curriculum and Negotiations. I am the BOE representative to the District Data Team, the District Climate Committee, Middletown High School, Wesley School, the Middletown School Readiness Council, Opportunity Knocks and belong to the Middlesex Coalition for Children. 

My background includes holding a bachelor's degree in education and working in the field. That work includes my current position and previously working in both private and public schools as a paraprofessional, substitute, long-term substitute, and teacher. I was also a child care provider and offered field trips to our family farm. I belonged and served as an officer on PTA/PTO organizations and the MSA throughout my daughters' educational journeys. Prior to and while serving on the Board, I have worked with 4 superintendents and their assistants, several mayors, other politicians, many teachers, school staff members, students and their families, as well as people in the community.

·  What do you think the town's most pressing issue is?

           Middletown's most pressing issue is one that challenges nearly every city and town in the state - being able to serve the citizens under very tight budget constraints. We must consider the entire city from the educational needs of our youth to the needs of the elderly and everyone in between.

·  What do you love most about Middletown?

           What I like most about Middletown is its central location and diversity in landscape and    population. ·  

                What do you like to do for fun?

          I enjoy spending time with family and friends, antiquing, reading, and traveling.

http://www.middletownctgop.com/

Candidate Bio: David Bauer (R) Common Council

  Middletown Insider blog is accepting bios from all  municipal candidates. 
See criteria: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/08/request-for-candidate-bios-for-all.html
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Candidate for Common Council 
David Bauer
 Born, raised, and educated in Middletown. 

Former member Middletown Common Council

I have served or am serving on the Senior Affairs Committee, Board of Health, Economic Development Commission, ECRRA, CAC, Public Safety Commission, Public Works Commission, WPCA, Redevelopment Agency, Contract Compliance Committee, CVH Advisory Council, Shared Services Committee, and various sub-committees, including all the working groups in the last downtown "parking study".

Petitioning Candidate for Common Council as a in 2001.  Petitioning Candidate for 33rd District State Representative in 2002.  Republican candidate for Common Council in 2003.  Republican candidate 33rd District State Representative in 2004. Republican candidate for Common Council in 2005 & 2006.  Republican candidate for Common Council in 2007.   Candidate for 34th District State Representative in 2008. 

http://www.middletownctgop.com/

Come to A Party to Celebrate Powerful Women!

Come To A Party To Celebrate Powerful Women!

Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013  3:00 pm. to 5:00 pm, 42 High Street, Middletown CT

Hosted by: Molly Salafia, Candidate for City Treasurer 2013
Linda Salafia, Candidate for Re Election to the Common Council 2013, part of Team Checks & Balances Middletown 2013.

 $5-$10 non-obligatory donations to our campaigns are suggested.Ages 5 to 95! Please bring a friend! Boys welcome too! ALL WELCOME

Special guest and Damsel in Defense Pro Diane Shonebarger will be demonstrating & selling Damsel In Defense LLC products. Damsel in Defense features non-lethal self - defense products designed for women!

Honored Guest Retired Middletown Police Officer Tom Sebold will be holding a discussion on personal safety. 

Featuring prizes from Sandra James Boutique of Middletown and Treasures + Traditions Gifts.

Featuring Gourmet Cupcakes by Middletown Resident Chef  Melissa Melissa Please RSVP to molly.salafia@gmail.com or call/text (860) 575 9864 or on facebook.

Candidate Bio: Rob Simpson (R) For Planning and Zoning

 Middletown Insider blog is accepting bios from all  municipal candidates. See criteria: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/08/request-for-candidate-bios-for-all.html

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Rob Simpson (R) Candidate for Planning & Zoning

Rob Simpson is a recent Middletown resident, but a lifelong citizen of Connecticut, looking forward to serving as an advocate on behalf of issues that concern our residents, and help foster pro-growth and pro-employment conditions for Middletown. 

Rob graduated from Shelton High School in 2004 in the top 5% of his class. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. Rob graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2008 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Political Science. During college, he interned for the House Republicans and worked as a consultant with the House Republican Campaign Committee in 2008 and 2012.

Rob currently works as a Legislative Aide for the House Republicans in the Connecticut General Assembly in Hartford. His previous employment has been on political campaigns on the local, state and federal level, specializing in grassroots activities and organization.

Send me an E-Mail

Rob joins Republicans   Vincent Szynkowicz  & Jeremy Clark on the slate for P&Z

Republican Common Council Candidate Angel Fernandez Seeks to Expand Latino Political Influence in Middletown

Below is an article originally written by blogger Robert Cyr at CT Latino News and published at:http://ctlatinoe news.com/blog/2013/09/06/middletown-candidate-seeks-to-expand-latino-political-influence/.
Read out previous post about Fernandez, who is volunteers Deputy Chief at the City's Emergency management department. Fernandez is a husband, father, veteran and small business owner of Eleven Charlie LLC, a company that recently donated over $10K worth of training to the City of Middletown. Fernandez is running as a Republican for a seat on the Common Council.

http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/06/citizen-angel-fernandez-donates.html
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Angel Fernandez Republican Candidate
 for Common Council Middletown

Middletown Candidate Seeks to Expand Latino Political Influence

By Robert Cyr

As the Latino population in Connecticut’s Middlesex County grows, so does their political influence. Angel Fernandez, who is already a well-known name in Middletown, Conn., political and public service circles, is a prime example of this trend as he seeks a seat on the city’s Common Council expanding the role Latinos play in the city.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the county’s Latino population rose 9.79 percent between 2011 and 2012, and is now home to about 8,600 Latinos residents.

He’s the first Latino to head the city’s emergency management operations and has taught courses on terrorism response to Office of Emergency Management staff.

Now he is poised to possibly make history in Middletown again this November. He is the first Hispanic running for the Common Council as a Republican.

“I’ve always been a Republican since the day I joined the military,” Fernandez said of his decision to run for the GOP in a city where Hispanics traditionally are Democrats. Even his family says he is the unusual one, he said.

He believes that the GOP better represents the needs of the U.S. military, as well as better following the Constitution in the way they govern.

Fernandez said entering local politics was a tough decision for him, but the state’s new restrictive gun laws were enough to force his hand.

“I just figured the only way to make changes is through the local politics then go to state level to make the changes and to really listen to the people and do what the people (voters) ask of you,” he said. “ Is not the other way around, I see politicians who forget that the voters put them in office to do the right thing for them and not what is beneficial to you as a person”

He added, “So, basically, I said my job is not done serving my country now. It is my city and state that I have to go and serve.”

His military career began in 1989, and he retired with an honorable medical discharge due to injuries from the current war on terrorism.

He served in Southern California as an aviation ordnanceman from 1989-91 and was in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He later served in the Army from 1991 until 1995 as an infantry soldier. In 2000, he was called to serve back in the Navy as a military police officer in an anti-terrorist unit and did a short stint as protective service.

“I was General Frank’s body guard during Sept 11, 2001, then I was working with NATO Forces in Crete, Greece. I was in Little Creek, Va., and did multiple tours in Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom,” he said.

Fernandez retired at Sub-base New London in 2007. He was awarded numerous commendations and awards, including being the first US Navy Hispanic inducted into the American Police Hall of Fame. He also received  the J. Edgar Hoover Award for training excellence of Law Enforcement Personnel around the world.

Fernandez said his background influenced his decision to run for office.

“It’s not just being a Latino but as an American, I have come from a poor family that worked its way up to what I am now,” he said.. “I can relate to everybody from all walks of life because I have been there.”

“The Latino population is really growing in Middletown. In the past 17 years I have been here I saw a increase the past 2 years which is great and that’s one of the other reason I want to run for office so the city and county can be part of the changes in our community.

Fernandez, 44, studied public safety administration and criminal Justice at Central Connecticut State University after serving in the U.S. Navy from 1989 to 2007. He has three sons, including a platoon sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps serving overseas.

Message from Realistic Balance Mayoral Candidate John Killian: Gritos de Carlos

Below is a press release from John Killian, Realistic Party Chairman and candidate for Mayor of Middletown for the 2013 election in November. On his blog, Killian states: " I also want to see a per visit tax placed on junk food drive-thrus, with proceeds to subsidize SNAP and athletics."

More information about John Killian who is seeking the nomination for mayoral candidate from Realistic Balance, the local party he was co-founder of, and when Realistic Balance meets, can be read on: http://www.realisticbalance.blogspot.com 

Killilan's blog can be read here: http://www.johnpauljustlikethepope.blogspot.com/. He recently published "Down Town Drive-Thru," a fictional satire based in Middletown. Proceeds from sales when to benefit the Buttonwood Tree on Main Street. Likes to purchase the book are on his blog.

 Letters to the Editor express the opinions of the author, and may or may not be shared by the staff of the Middletown Insider blog; letters & press releases are published as a courtesy to readers. As a reminder, we will be accepting candidate biographies or statements from all parties. Please see the previous post about acceptable formats : http://www.middletowninsider.com/2013/08/request-for-candidate-bios-for-all.html
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The words of Carlos Tango will be arriving soon in mailboxes all across our fair city.
Please visit http://carlostangopormayor.blogspot.com/ for more information
Bilingual text follows:

Friday, August 16, 2013

Vota temprano, y muchas veces
I am driven by disillusion with the relationship of our federal government and the multinational firms that have come to feed our nation. Our children are suffering from unprecedented incidences of diseases that are directly attributable to diets full of empty calories. Federal support for agro-business subsidizes the purveyors of grain gone wrong, while local farmers raising healthy crops are left to fend for themselves.

Every drive-thru in our town is an outlet for companies who profit at our demise. These businesses should pay a premium for the privilege of having access to our locality. A drive-thru tax would counter the nefarious effects of our federal government's subsidy of the purveyors of poor food. The health of our community can be further aided by routing these revenues to youth sports programs and coupons to buy locally grown produce sold at farmer's markets.
As caring adults in our community, we need to do what we can to stand against all the adults who could care less. By putting candidates on the November ballot who speak for measures that will spare our children a lifetime of poor health, we can meet this responsibility at no cost and with minimal commitment of time and effort. Please take full advantage of this opportunity to be a responsible elector in our town.

Me impulsa la desilusión con la relación de nuestro gobierno federal y las empresas multinacionales que han llegado a alimentar nuestra nación. Nuestros hijos están sufriendo sin precedentes incidencias de enfermedades que son directamente atribuibles a las dietas de calorías vacías. El apoyo Federal al agro-negocio subvenciona los proveedores de grano ido mal, mientras que los agricultores locales los cultivos sanos tienen que valerse por sí mismos.
Cada drive-thru en nuestra ciudad es una salida para las empresas que se benefician de nuestra muerte. Estas empresas deben pagar una prima por el privilegio de tener acceso a nuestra localidad. Un impuesto de drive-thru contrarrestara los efectos nefastos del subsidio de nuestro gobierno federal de los proveedores de comida pobre. La salud de nuestra comunidad puede ser más ayudada por enrutamiento estos ingresos a programas deportivos de la juventud y cupones para comprar productos cultivados localmente que se venden en los mercados de los agricultores. Por favor, aprovechar al máximo esta oportunidad para ser un elector responsable en nuestra ciudad.

Como adultos en nuestra comunidad, debemos hacer lo posible para enfrentarse a todos los adultos que podrían importar menos. Poniendo los candidatos en la boleta electoral de noviembre que hablan de las medidas que ahorraremos a nuestros hijos una vida de mala salud, podemos encontrarnos esta responsabilidad sin costo alguno y con mínimo compromiso de tiempo y esfuerzo.

Reader Submitted Video: Local Middletown Republicans Release Slate for 2013 Election Cycle

 Incumbent councilwomen Linda Salafia, and Deborah Kleckowski were nominated by the party for the GOP Common Council slate. Nick Fazzino (former P&Z commissioner), Sebastian Giuliano (formed 3 term mayor) Sandra Driska-Russo, David Bauer (former councilman) and Ryan Kennedy (former BOE member) were all nominated to the GOP slate for common council. Incumbent councilmen Phil Pessina and Joe Bibisi were not re-nominated by the party. Driska-Russo recently retired as Town Clerk.

David Bauer was also nominated for Planning and Zoning joining Robert Simpson and Jeremy Clark. 

Linda Sienkiewicz, Brian Kaskel, Marie Norwood, and  William Wilson, were nominated to join incumbent Sheila Daniels for board of education as a candidate.

Jeremy Clark was nominated as P&Z alternate. David Greaves and Jon Pulino were nominated to for Board of Assessment Appeals. Ryan Kennedy is nominated for treasurer.

Phil Pessina and Joe Bibisi were both offered other seats on the slate; a spot on the PZ and the City Treasurer slot respectively. Former Councilman Earle Roberts also was declined a requested seat on the council seat. He was nominated from the floor for planning and zoning but declined the nomination. 

The Hartford Courant, Middletown Eye Blog, Middletown Press, and Middletown Patch blog all covered the event and provide their respective editorials.
Below is a video graciously sent in by reader Darrell Lucas who attended the Middletown Republican Town Committee meeting and interviewed some of the candidates chosen for the upcoming Municipal election by the Town Committee. The editing of this video was done by Lucas and posting is with his permission.