Carpino looks into Deadly Crashes in Portland, Middletown Reps ZZZZZZZ....

Rep. Carpino,
used to represent
 part of Middletown.

The Middletown Mess or the "Piddletown Mess" published a story today that Representative for Portland and East Hampton, State Representative Christie Carpino is asking safety officials to look into the stretch of roadway in Portland that has been the site of many deadly car crashes. The area known as "The Ledges" along Route 66 has been an area were many fatal accidents have been the site of.

Thank you Ms. Carpino for doing YOUR JOB! We wish you still had Middletown in your district! Maybe next time you are at the capital you can give Ol' Joe and Matty a sharp elbow to the side to wake them up from their comas regarding the roadways in Middletown. 

Highway Routes 17 and 9 running through Middletown are a disaster, ranking number 1 as the most dangerous highways in the state. 

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. 

Rep. Pappa Joe, Middletown. 
Head of Highway Committee has deadliest
 stretch in his own town! WTF.

And at the top of Connecticuts list, Middletown scores number 1.

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.

 Is an increase in patronage to businesses downtown worth the tragedies that have resulted from traffic lights put in place to direct people to Main Street? With new developments on the horizon, what will the new traffic patterns needed to be to satisfy developers look like? What have we learned and what can we do to make this stretch of road safer now that there may be new opportunities?

The Hartford Courant published an article about the  CT Department of Transportation's conclusion that this stretch in Middletown is the most dangerous stretch of roadway in the state. Read the article  here. In the Courant's article, manager of Amato's on Main Street Diane Gervais describes the delicate relationship between Route 9 Traffic and Main Street patronage, she is said: "Our customers need access to Route 9, and we need access to our customers from Route 9."

PLEASE WAKE UP Rep. Serra and Rep. Lesser! - Rep. Serra - maybe next time you are at CASHO or a highway meeting you might pipe up about the how many fatal accidents are happening in your own back yard? We are waiting?!

 http://articles.courant.com/2011-11-17/news/hc-worst-roads-1118-20111117_1_ramp-middletown-resident-rear-end-crashes)

http://www.middletownpress.com/general-news/20131115/officials-looking-at-safety-of-route-66-after-fatal-crashes

Orignal Names that The Insider toyed with prior to becoming the Insider!

Original Names for The Middletown Insider

1)   The Nor’wood we Tell You Digest

2)    Trust Us, you Know you want to Read us Times

3)   We’re not who you think we are!  GAZZETTE

4)   We have members that actually look up to minorities Times

5)   BALLS and BLOOD  REVIEW

6)    The EXPOSE* Please Don’t get upset with us that we report what YOU DID

7)     The Matthew Lesser is really Spanish Culture Review

8)     The Dan Drew wants to spend $750,000 for exotic lights on the bridge while the Economy Sucks Science Monitor.

9)      The “They make that much” on Government grants Times

10)   The Masselli/Lami Daily-

11) The Colonel Times

12) The How much did the DEMS spend NOW Review!

13) The Backstabbing Democrat Digest (Hey, I wanted to Run!)

Letter to the Editor: Raising Taxes is DeLauro's Solution for Everything

 Below is a letter to the editor from Christopher Schaefer. Congresswoman DeLauro was in Middletown on Monday to speak about the rising cost of college tuition loan interest. She spoke to a packed house of about 6 people warranting 3 news crews - the "crowd" included  Mayor Dan Drew, and Rep. Matt Lesser at the deKoven House. The essay reflects views and opinions not necessarily shared by the Insider staff, and is published as a courtesy to readers.
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Rosa DeLauro “denounced opponents in Congress as hypocritical for refusing to raise taxes”. Raising taxes is DeLauro’s solution to everything. Why not cut spending? Search “Sen. Coburn 2012 Waste Book” to see the kind of profligate, reckless spending that DeLauro supports. “’What if I don’t get a job?’ said [student] Cavalier.” Sadly, DeLauro’s biggest fan base is among such young, idealistic Millennials—of whom only 62 percent are working, and of those, half are able to find only part-time jobs. http://washingtonexaminer.com/harvard-just-6-in-10-millennials-have-jobs-half-are-part-time/article/2520719 
Why? Because DeLauro consistently supports anti-business legislation and ObamaCare. Employers are getting around the onerous provisions of ObamaCare by simply not hiring full-time employees. When a business struggles, everyone loses. But since Rosa DeLauro has never held a real job in her life nor run a business, how would she possibly understand this? Perhaps it’s finally time for idealism to be replaced with reality. And for DeLauro to be replaced with someone who actually will serve the best interests of the 3rd district—rather than focus on pandering for votes solely to retain her very lucrative office-for-life. http://middletownpress.com/articles/2013/06/24/news/doc51c8cff53703a789527380.txt?viewmode=fullstory

Christopher Schaefer, CT

Letter to the Editor: Does Malloy really think Seniors Don't Exist?

Malloy is trying to eliminate the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women and five other commissions in order to create a new agency that would be called the Commission on Citizen Advocacy.
The six commissions currently have a combined 26 employees, while Malloy's new entity would have 18 and save more than $1.6 million.
- See more at: http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-malloy-commissions-0220-20130219,0,7114677.story#sthash.qr2oIyDl.dpuf

Letter to the Middletown Insider: 

Is it true that the Malloy "administration" is planning to eliminate the Commission on Aging?  The largest growing segment of the Connecticut's  population are seniors and that idiot says that we don't exist.

 Ed Dypa, Middletown Resident
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Gov. Malloy dislikes seniors, because
he will never be one.

Dear Mr. Dypa,
Thank you for your letter. To respond we heard Govenor Dannel  Malloy doesn't age and is in fact a non human android. In an effort not to expose this fact he has ordered that all Democratic Mayors ignore older citizens. 

Remember the special meeting last year where citizens packed the Council Chambers to advocate for the Senior Center Project at Eckersley Hall? Mayor Drew lied saying he was never opposed to such a plan when in fact he was? Well that meeting was almost was never broadcast. In fact, certain people in charge told people charged with taping that the equipment was malfunctioning, but in fact it was not. So now it all makes sense!

According to their website, the Connecticut Commission on Aging is a non-partisan state agency of the CT General Assembly. The Commission is charged with preparing our state for the burgeoning aging populations while promoting policies that enhance the lives of the present and future generations of older adults.

The CoA is comprised of a resourceful team of 21 voting (unpaid) members, 4 part-time professional staff, and volunteers.

The Commission on Aging was created by the CT General Assembly in 1993. The Commission has served as an effective leader in statewide efforts to promote choice, independence and dignity for Connecticut's older adults. Sec. 17b-420. Commission on Aging. Membership. Duties. Authority. Personnel. Agreements with state agencies. (a) There is established a Commission on Aging composed of twenty-one voting members.

By 2030, Connecticut's over-65 population is expected to grow by more than 64 percent, while its younger population shrinks, according to the Connecticut Commission on Aging, which sponsored the forum with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.

According to Gov. Malloy's proposed budget, the Commission on Aging and 5 other commissions such as those for Asians, Latinos, African Americans, and Women's Issues would be combined into a single entity. Currently there are 28 employees which would be cut to 18. It was reported that this is a $1.6 million dollar savings. More information is available in the article from the Hartford Courant here: http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-malloy-commissions-0220-20130219,0,7114677.story


While the other 5 commissions are by definition "Identity Political Groups," a commission on aging is arguably not. Aging, unlike gender, ethnicity, religion, race, sexual orientation, is a common denominator among human beings. If we are to continue living, we are all to age. If we are to continue living, most will not change race. While some feel identity political groups are essential to raising social awareness as a collective consciousness and are/were inherent in gaining equality for those particularly effected, opponents see such groups as ways to drive wedges between human beings.  Do these groups marginalize or aid in cohesive decision making and civil rights for all?

Rep. Matt Lesser newest Latino
to join Black and Latino Caucus

Whether special interest groups divide or bring people together is another argument. By definition, however, the Commission on Aging does not belong among them as it is a universal condition. There is an the argument that the elimination of some of these identity based political special interest commissions and consolidation into a single entity to advocate for all social minority type groups is logical in balancing a budget. However, if the logic is to advocate for  a wider range of people, then  the elimination of the Commission of Aging is illogical; such an elimination does not fit the precedent being followed.  The Commission on Children is not being lumped in and consolidated is it?? Rep. Joe Serra (D) chairs the Committee on Aging, what he is doing to advocate for seniors in the case of the commission's elimination ?

Speaking of Identity Politics, Representative Matt Lesser (D), now serving his third term decided today that he was in fact Latino and has asked to join the Black and Latino Caucus. While no one is arguing with who is more Latino than who, or what makes one Latino, is is odd that only NOW is Lesser "coming out" to the public so to speak wanting to publicly identify himself with a particular ethnic minority. Why not before? Is Lesser challenging stereotypes or pandering for votes? It appears that Lesser's joining of this group is his attempt to identify with a particular demographic and gain more votes rather than aide in their plight.

Mudslinging Drew Condemns Suzio, Ignores Presence of Lesser & Bartolomeo

Mayor Drew and Mayor Rohde sling mud campaigning on the taxpayer's dime during work hours.

     Today Democratic Meriden Mayor Michael Rohde, Middletown Mayor Dan Drew, and Candidate & Town Councilwoman for Meriden Dante Bartolomeo held a joint press conference  to denounce state Sen. Len Suzio's campaign for re-election to the 13th District state senate seat as "dirty."
Rohde went on record at the press conference to accuse the Suzio campaign of using push polls as a campaign technique, but admitted he had no proof to tie the calls to the Suzio campaign. Suzio stated the calls did not come from his campaign and he does not condone such calls. Rohde asked Suzio to in some way make it stop, however had no suggestions as to where the calls originated from. Mayor Drew joined in in the false accusations.
It seems Drew has taken to slinging mud  along side candidates even when he himself is not up for election, all at the expense of tax payers who pay his salary. Why Drew has so much time on his hands to campaign for others during the work day, when he should be devoting it to his job, is unclear. While speaking to residents last night at the Westfield Residents Association's candidate forum, Drew ,who was asked to explain upcoming referendum items only, managed to name drop & thank Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D) 3x during his explanation of the Mattabasset Sewer district referendum.

At 1:30 pm today Drew and Governor Malloy will campaign with DeLauro during an appearance at a re-dedication ceremony for the Arrigoni Bridge in Portland. This was not announced until this morning, and only state Democrats were invited.

     Bartolomeo issued a campaign press release stating the conference was a joint effort (text copied below).  At the press conference today, Drew made no mention of the fact that Lesser was caught on video at the $1.84 a gallon gas rally held by American's for Prosperity last week. The State Democratic Committee chair filed a complaint against Suzio for alleged vote buying with the State Elections Enforcement Commission. Suzio's challenger for the 13th District Dante Bartolomeo gave a video interview to the New Haven Register at the gas event as well, yet was not named in the complaint.
 ________________________________________________________________________

Suzio Launches inaccurate Push Poll in Effort to Deceive Voters 

WHO:     Middletown Mayor Dan Drew

   Meriden Mayor Michael Rohde

   Dante´ Bartolomeo, City Councilor and State Senate Candidate  

WHAT:    State Senator Len Suzio has stooped to dirty tricks as he attempts to hold onto his Senate seat. The Mayors of Meriden and Middletown will condemn Senator Suzio's tactics, which most recently include resorting to misleading push polling in an attempt to deceive the voters of the 13^th Senate District.

WHERE:   Steps of Meriden City Hall

      142 East Main Street, Meriden, CT 06450

 WHEN:    Tuesday, October 23^rd; 11:30 A.M.

--

Jared D. Savas

Campaign Director

Dante for State Senate

(339) 237-0635

Paid for by "Danté For State Senate"    Kieren M. Moore, Treasurer      Approved by Danté Bartolomeo

Letter to the Editor: Kleckowski will Advocate for All

Deborah Kleckowski, Councilwoman & candidate for  100th photo credit : middletowneye 9/9/2010

To the Editor:

I urge all voters in the 100th District to elect Councilwoman Deborah Kleckowski (R) as your next State Representative in the 100th District.
     Ms. Kleckowski is a mother of young children and a long-time Middletown resident. She attended school here in Middletown and  has been a tireless and committed advocate for all of its citizens on the Middletown Common Council.
      There is no doubt in my mind that once elected, Ms. Kleckowski will work just as hard for all of us in Hartford on the state level. She is a proponent of suspending the Prisoner Early Release Program, has made public safety a cornerstone of her campaign and will work to decrease our state gas tax.
      Her opponent, Matt Lesser, has an abysmal voting record. He always votes the party line, no matter how bad that is for our state. We need change. Vote for Deborah Kleckowski.

Sincerely,

Colin Smith, Middletown

Suzio & Lesser attend Cheap Gas Event

     Connecticut Democrats  are accusing  State Senator Len Suzio of vote-buying after he attended an event organized as protest against rising gas prices. Suzio spear headed the effort to cap the gas tax in Connecticut, however, the effort was stopped by Democrats in the legislature.

Photo Credit: Palin Smith

     Republican state Sen. Len Suzio participated yesterday in an event organized by Americans for Prosperity, a conservative political action group that paid a Danby's Gas Station in Meriden to offer discounted gas as criticism of President Barack Obama's energy policy. American's for Propspertity paid over $10,000 to the gas station to allow 150 cars to purchase up to 15 gallons of gas for $1.87 a gallon. See details in our previous post
here:http://www.middletowninsider.com/2012/10/join-senator-suzio-for-187-gas-thursday.html

Jonathan Harris, chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee, said the Democrats have filed a complaint with the state Elections Enforcement Commission.

Photo Credit: Palin Smith

     In a video shot by the New Haven Register and posted on their site and that of the Middletown Mess, Suzio's challenger, Democrat Dante Bartolomeo says that Suzio just came to the event for "attention" Bartolomeo is present at the event and Suzio is shown in the background as she makes this statement.

      Democratic Incumbent Candidate Matt Lesser (100th District) also attended the event and spoke to citizens. Earlier in this spring , the Record Journal reported Lesser originally reported he would like to challege Suzio for the 13th District himself in the future.

The 13th Senate District which Suzio represents includes Meriden, Middlefield and parts of Middletown and Cheshire.
Over 150 cars showed up in the 2 hour period to fill up. Lines of cars with drivers eager to get reduced gas caused traffic delays along the route, some cars had to be turned away after the 2 hour fill up period.

Letter to the Editor: Vote Kleckowski, Lesser Supported Largest Tax Increase in Ct History

To the Editor:

As a candidate for State Representative for the 100th District, Councilwoman Deborah Kleckowski is eager to "take back" the legislature and serve her constituents. Councilwoman Deborah Kleckowski is currently serving her second term as a Middletown Councilwoman and has been an outspoken proponent of enhancing public safety and improving our community.

She facilitated an emergency access road at Middletown High School and initiated the purchase of communication equipment in the helmets of city firefighters. This allows firefighters to talk to one another in a fire.

She also implemented a parking program for participants of Job Seekers program. Once elected, Councilwoman Deborah Kleckowski will continue to dedicate her efforts to improving the quality of life in Middletown for all residents.

The incumbent, our current State Representative Matt Lesser, has voted for the largest tax increase in CT history. He voted to fund the Hartford-New Britain bus way, remaining silent as Gov. Malloy and the Bond Commission planned to approve $300 thousand for renovations of the Communist Party of Connecticut Headquarters (which is private property in New Haven.) Lesser also forced the unionization of private childcare providers and personal aides.

 Enough is enough! The spending and excessive taxation MUST stop! We CAN make changes to improve the lives of Middletown residents...and ALL residents of this wonderful state. However, to do so we must elect people to the state legislature and to the Senate who are dedicated to stopping the tax and spend policies currently in place. Secondly, we must end one party rule by electing more Republicans and putting an end to the super Democratic majority which makes compromise impossible. Once Republicans can affect votes, conservative policies can be implemented and the economy can once again grow. One party rule isn't working for CT and we all want CT working again!

Councilwoman Deborah Kleckowski is commited to the residents of Middletown and the State of CT. She will work diligently to create a more fertile environment for job creation. Additionally, she supports the suspension of the "Prisoner Early Release Program" and is a proponent of a balanced budget once and for all. Public Safety and decreasing our out-of-sight gas tax is another top priority for Deborah Kleckowski.

She has vowed to vote for solutions that have a positive effect on the residents of Middletown.

If all of this sounds good to you, do your part and vote forCouncilwoman Deborah Kleckowski. The 100th District, indeedthe entire state of CT, needs her very badly.

Sincerely,

Patricia Knowles, Middletown