Important 2nd Amendment Rally Sat April 5 - State Capitol

Connecticut: Important Gun Rally at the Capitol This Saturday

Please join NRA and other Second Amendment supporters to make your voice heard! This is an important reminder to attend the Rally at the state Capitol on Saturday, April 5, where we will gather together to mark the one-year anniversary of the enactment of SB 1160.  This onerous legislation, which bans commonly owned semi-automatic firearms, requires registration of gun owners, and limits magazine capacity, passed in the state legislature and was signed into law by Governor Dan Malloy (D) last year.

Jim O'Rourke claims: 'He (Rowland skated on that one)' Read more Below

   Once again the writers and staff at The Middletown Insider are not attempting to infringe Mr. O'Rourke of his civil liberties and freedom of speech about commenting about former Governor John Rowland and his trials and tribulations, but to say, "he skated on that one," is purely hypocritical and insane. 

The staff also find it interesting that the people below do not question Mr. O'Rourke's ability to skate away from a situation that left a young woman dead on January 21, 2009.  (see below)  These people are pointing fingers at Rowland about certain allegations, but what about the questions towards Jimbo?  The civil lawsuit that dealt with O'Rourke's role in Carol Sinisgalli's death was settled in 2012  and the financial terms are undisclosed, but there are plenty of questions left in the manner.  Don't you think it would be best if Jim just keep enjoying his life at RedSox and UConn games and not post, wouldn't that make the family feel better? A woman that was last scene with Jim O'Rourke was found dead, and what does the man do now?  Easy answer: party and judge others on Facebook about their reputed crimes.  Remember, John Rowland spent a year behind bars and nobody is underground; can you say the same former Representative Jim O'Rourke?  The same could be said if State Rep. Matthew Lesser took shots at drunk drivers on Facebook?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_O%27Rourke_(Connecticut_politician)

http://courantblogs.com/capitol-watch/civil-lawsuit-against-ex-state-rep-james-orourke-settled-state-employee-died-in-freezing-weather-in-2009/

     Cable Advisory Council Scholarship Applications Available

Applications are now available for the Justin Hinds Scholarship, sponsored by the Northern Middlesex County Cable Advisory Council. Graduating seniors entering a communications program after high school, who live in Middletown, Middlefield, Portland, East Hampton and Cromwell are eligible for the scholarship.

The Northern Middlesex County Cable Advisory Council represents the towns of Middletown, Middlefield, Portland, East Hampton and Cromwell. 

In 2013, the Council initiated a scholarship program for graduating seniors from member towns who plan to study communications or a communications related field after high school.   The scholarship is in memory of Justin Hinds (1988 – 2011). 

Justin Hinds joined the Public Access family in 2007 with the help of MARC Community Recourses.   He began as an “Intern” learning the behind the scenes ropes of Television Production.   He participated in all the trainings that were offered including Lighting, Set Design, and the Director’s Workshop, and to supplement his training, volunteered for all the shows he possible could.   He was a camera man, ran audio, graphics and at times filled in as Director.  He worked on live shows such as:The Variety Hour, The Edge, The Sebastiano Show, Up and Coming, Ralph and Friends, and Portland on the Move, just to name a few.  He also participated in skits becoming Big Boss J, and sat in as a co-host when needed. 

In early 2008, eager with his love of sports, it was now time for Justin to start his own show and Sports Talk was born. With a lot of love and hard work a set was created with sports pictures in the background and completed with a news desk holding various sports props.  Justin asked his long-time friend Justin Danielewicz to sit in as co-host and on the 3^rd Friday of the new month at 8pm the first live show was on its way.  Every month a new live show went off without a hitch. 

Justin’s crew came from all the friends he had made the previous year through all the work he did for others around the studio.  His expansive knowledge of sports was an attraction for various guests that appeared throughout the year, and his dedication and hard work paid off as viewership grew and live calls began to roll in.

At the end of 2008 Justin was ready to start the next chapter in his life, college.  With a very successful show now running, he pasted the torch to his co-host Justin Danielewicz (JD).  Justin left many fond memories at the studio and to this day when we mention his name, several fun and unique stories begin to be told.

Justin embodied what Public Access is all about.  We are a family, and Justin became part of all of ours.

2014 will be the first year for students to be eligible for this scholarship.

Applications are available by sending an e-mail to Marco Iacoviello at:

                                                                      nmccac@gmail.com

and through the Guidance Offices of the following High Schools: Cromwell High School (for residents of Cromwell), Xavier High School, Mercy High School, Snow School, Middletown High School (for Middletown and Middlefield residents), Valley View School (for residents of Portland) and East Hampton High School (for residents of East Hampton).

Scholarship applications are due March 31 and official notifications are made by the high schools during Senior Year Award ceremonies. 

Musings from a former elected official!

Okay it’s Sunday again and I’ve finally got time to think about the past week. 

First off, I’ve just finished reading Anne Perry’s 5 book series on WWI.  I have to admit that I am somewhat ashamed that I really haven’t thought about what a horrible war that was.  My grandfather was in Europe during that war and I regret that I never talked to him about it.  The books were very moving, disturbing and extremely thought provoking.  One of the points that I brought away from the reading was that power is dangerous but you cannot force people to submit to what is against their nature; you may be able to “rule” them but there will also be some who rebel.

The Middletown Press has an article about the start of the job search for a new Fire Chief.

http://www.middletownpress.com/general-news/20140328/search-begins-for-new-middletown-fire-chief

Problem is I think that’s a bit wrong.   According to the article, the list of candidates has been reduced to three or four and an interview committee has been formed.  That surely doesn’t sound like a start to me; I wonder how they got the list??  I checked the City’s website for open positions and Fire Chief is not listed??  The new additional position of Deputy City Counsel / Attorney is listed though.

http://www.cityofmiddletown.com/filestorage/117/121/161/436/Assistant_General_Counsel_~_Public_Posting.pdf

Although I would have liked the Press to give more information about the search process for these positions such as where did they advertise, how many responded, what are the job descriptions and have there been any changes recently.  More information is always appreciated but the main question that I’ve is regarding the issue of residency.

From what I am aware of, all non-union directors must reside in Middletown.  The retiring Fire Chief moved to Middletown just prior to his appointment to the position.  Do all of the candidates under consideration currently live in Middletown or have concrete plans to move here? Same question for the Deputy Assistant Counsel position.

Although I do have to say that it’s refreshing to think that in Middletown, we’ve got such a deep pool of qualified candidates.

"Trusted Agents Only" - One Aim of Joint DHS/FEMA Exercise is to Counter Dissent

(March 28 - this is a revised version)

DHS/FEMA National Exercise Program  Capstone Exercise 2014  

Scenario Ground Truth

Leaked Homeland Security documents obtained by Infowars, via Stewart Rhodes at Oath Keepers, reveal details of a joint DHS/FEMA national exercise set to take place this week, one of the components of which revolves around an effort to counter online dissent by a group called "Free Americans Against Socialist Tyranny," which is disgruntled at the imposition of martial law after an earthquake in Alaska. 

The document is intended for “U.S. Department of Homeland Security Trusted Agents Only” and is “disseminated only on a
need-to-know basis.” Even the role players involved in the exercise itself are prohibited from seeing the files.

The exercise is designed to evaluate readiness in preparation for a catastrophic incident, natural disaster or major act of terrorism. Some of the scenarios which will be in play during the exercise include a series of earthquakes, tsunamis and a nuclear weapons accident.

On page 125 of the document, a scenario is outlined whereby a group calling itself “Free Americans against Socialist Tyranny” responds to “The U.S. Northern Command mission of Defense Support to Civil Authorities” (or the imposition of martial law) by launching a protest campaign on social media and potentially engaging in cyber attacks.

According to the scenario, the campaign is driven by suspicion that “the government is responsible for the Alaska earthquake and a “hacktivist” manifesto.”

The complete document can be found on Scribd.

Excerpts: (emphasis added)

6.1 Cyber Operations
The Cyber operations Joint Master Scenario Events List and other exercise injects will be developed, maintained, and delivered using the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network with “placeholder events” in unclassified JOINT MASTER SCENARIO EVENTS LIST for visibility. If you have questions on cyber operations contact the appropriate North American Aerospace Defense Command –Northern Command White Cell Controller; the number can be found in the Control Cell Phonebook.
Background information to support cyber play:

The U.S. Northern Command mission of Defense Support to Civil Authorities has led to increased activity by some anti-government organizations. Currently, the most vocal organization is Free Americans against Socialist Tyranny; using social media, they advertise anti-U.S. rhetoric focusing on the Department of Defense as well as to recruit like-minded individuals to join their “cause”.
While some Free Americans against Socialist Tyranny members are capable of conducting adverse cyber operations, the greatest threat is current government employees sympathetic to their cause. It is believed that there are employees within US Northern Command, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, National Guard, and Defense Information Systems Agency that may support Free Americans against Socialist Tyranny doctrine based on individual comments on social media sites. Free Americans against Socialist Tyranny sympathizers may include both former and current members of the military with training on satellite communications, computer network defense, network operations, as well as military command and control. Recent reductions in force and early separation requirements have raised concern for disgruntled military and Department of Defense civilians. Based on the possible insider threat, the below capabilities could be compromised or targeted during military operations:

• Critical commercial and Department of Defense Information Networks communications infrastructure, especially concentration points or nodes, to amplify confusion and “decapitate the enemy control”.
  
• The North American Aerospace Defense Command –Northern Command networks and information technology infrastructure that support command operations
  
• Critical infrastructure and single points of failure within the affected region
  
• U.S. Northern Command plans and responses to events such as those for Defense Support to
  Civil Authorities response
  
• Means of communications to other agencies. Mark these communications means for later
  attack, exploitation, and deception or denial of use. 
  

Additionally, this targeting affects personnel using the Network Effects Emulation System. Cyber security assessments do, however, indicate the possibility that North American Aerospace Defense Command –Northern Command personnel sympathetic to Free Americans against Socialist Tyranny have targeted "pre-selected systems" on the North American Aerospace Defense Command –Northern Command Non-classified Internet Protocol Router and SIPR Secret Internet Protocol Router Network enclaves.
Some cyber activities will be visible to all participants via the “WNN” or Social Media SIMDECK sites. These activities will include accusations that the government is responsible for the Alaska earthquake and a “hacktivist” manifesto. (page 125)

Cyber attacks are expected throughout the exercise by members of anti-­‐ government organizations, such as Free Americans Against Socialist Tyranny and individuals sympathetic to their cause. (page 5)

  

CT GOP Announces 2014 State Convention

For Immediate Release
January 21, 2014

Contact: Zak Sanders, Communications Director
zsanders@ctgop.org - 860.405.5587

CT GOP Announces 2014 State Convention

HARTFORD--The Connecticut Republican Party announced today that the 2014 Connecticut Republican State Convention would be held on Friday, May 16th and Saturday, May 17th at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center in Uncasville, CT.

The 2014 State Convention will feature nominations of candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, Comptroller, State Treasurer, Attorney General, Secretary of the State, and U.S. Congress as well as a host of special events featuring high profile guests to be announced.

“Our 2014 State Convention will be the kickoff for a Connecticut Comeback,” said Chairman Jerry Labriola, Jr. “Over the past three years, Dan Malloy and the Democrats in the legislature have passed record tax hikes, borrowed more than ever, and let government spending spiral out of control. What we need in Connecticut is fiscal responsibility and commonsense reforms that will create jobs and foster real economic recovery. That’s what our Connecticut Republican candidates stand for, and that’s what this convention is all about — the Connecticut Comeback.”

The Connecticut Republican Party is excited to partner with Mohegan Sun, one of the world’s most amazing destinations, for this momentous event. The Mohegan Sun Convention Center features over 100,000 square feet of meeting space, including the 38,000 square foot Uncas Ballroom which will host Saturday’s statewide nominations. Mohegan Sun is an integral part of Connecticut’s tourism industry and one of our state’s largest private employers, with over 10,000 local employees.

Official Convention Website: www.CTGOPConvention.org

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

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

Billy Joel' Covers 'You Shook Me All Night Long' with AC/DC's Brian Johnson

Rumblings: Middletown March Madness Predictions!

Hey March Madness is on us and there have already been upsets in the Men’s brackets.  I predict that we’ll also see upsets at City Hall.

Bill Warner is retiring and going to work for Farmington.  That’s a plum position open and raises a lot of questions on how it’s going to be filled.  Extensive nationwide advertising; promote from within; got to live in town and attend St. Seb.  What about Rick Kearney’s position as the economic development person?  Wait it’s been said that our Treasurer has left his position at the Chamber.  As an elected official, Treasurer, would he have to give up that position if he were to take Rick’s old job?

We still have an acting director of Recreation, is Joe getting ready to slide over there?  Maybe Q would be better off as the Mayor’s right hand man?  Maybe then he could still be Treasurer?

We’re getting another Deputy Counsel; good thing cause there’s been another suit filed against the City and P&Z.  Does anyone know about any advertising or posting for that position?  Oh yeah there is also the position of Claims Adjuster open in that office, does anyone know the status of that?

How are things out at City Yard?

How about Fire Chief?  Posting, advertising, got to live in town??? Anybody?

Questions for the Executive Branch as well as Rants!

Middletown Questions That Need to be answered an other Rants

By: The Real Middletown Insider

Why hasn't anyone from the Mayor’s office ever explain the budget and finances from last year’s big snowstorm? Snow overtime has been very high in 2013-2014 but many roads are not hit while others are hit multiple times.  Logically, this may happen with the busier roads but to ignore whole neighborhoods is unacceptable.

  I am starting to feel that keeping the taxpayers informed is secondary to the current executive branch. It has only been a year and month (give a take a few days), as to when Mayor Drew left the happiness of Middletown to land in China with the hopes of bringing big jobs back to Middletown, CT.   What was he really doing there?  How much did this trip cost and why was he very defensive at the council meeting when he returned?  The citizens of Middletown deserve to have a report on the mayor’s trip.  If he were a Republican mayor, Viktoria Sunderkist would file a story entitled: “GOP Mayor drinks a Diet Soda in China.” This would set off the anti-Gopers everywhere.   

To digress about other issues that Drew isn’t held accountable:  Why is the city buying two old state houses on Wadsworth Street for a dollar from the state but footing the $80,00 plus bill to tear them down?  What the hell is going with that?  Readers need to start asking questions and get informed.  Why should the city of Middletown pay for this? Why is the state allowed avoid is paying any monies to the town while the taxpayers take on the chin?  If one thinks that is crazy, check your paychecks people and look at your tax bills.  While some people struggle and pray the Mill Rate doesn’t go up and up, some city workers are getting huge four-step increase in their pay.  This very ironic for a city that declares: “We are in the middle of a hiring and salary freeze.”   I wonder if this will cause even more friction among the city workers?  According to city hall sources: “People are fed up and do not understand why (deleted) received a four step increase while others received nothing.”