Brickley holds gridiron fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 12

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Larson to open campaign HQ on Tuesday

Press release from U.S. Rep. John Larson's reelection campaign:

LARSON FOR CONGRESS HEADQUARTERS OPENS, LARSON LOOKS FORWARD TO CAMPAIGN
East Hartford, CT - Tuesday, at 6:30 PM, Congressman John Larson will celebrate the official opening of his campaign headquarters with friends and local Democratic leaders.
John Larson has been fighting to rebuild America's economy and is taking steps to help a revitalize Connecticut's manufacturing base. He has helped provide businesses and individuals with tools and resources to export products, create jobs, and spur economic development.
"We must make every effort so we can see 'Made in America' more often. This campaign is a great opportunity to talk to the people of district about all we have done to dig Connecticut and the nation out of the massive hole caused by 8 years of failed policies. We are moving forward, we have a strong record and a good message. I am looking forward to this campaign."
What: Larson for Congress Headquarters Opening
Where: 109 Pitkin Street, East Hartford CT
When: Tuesday, September 7th 6:30 to 8:30 PM
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Paying for post-retirement health care mentioned in new contract proposal

I was going to plow into this Tuesday but someone commented about it in an oblique way so I think it's best to get the facts out.

The proposed deal between the city and Local 233 of Council 4 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees includes a couple of provisions that clearly aim to reduce the city's cost for post-retirement health benefits.

Most obviously, it would give new hires only five years of benefits rather than the 10 currently offered to city retirees. Right off the bat that saves a lot of money... eventually.

The other thing the contract provides is that union members will pay 6 of their salary, pre-tax, for pensions and retiree health benefits.

I'm not sure, but I think they only pay 5 percent now.

Here's the key section, though: "Effective upon the city's creation of a retiree health account in the pension trust as soon as is practical, one and one-half percent (1.5 percent) of the employee's contribution shall be applied to such retiree health account."

That would only happen, though, if the pensions are fully funded and the city itself continues to have to pay nothing into the pension funds.

That means for the first time that employees will be paying into a health benefits trust -- but they're paying at least some money that would, under the current contract, flow into the pension fund.

The wording is a little awkward, however.

Strictly speaking, paying 1.5 percent of the employee's contribution -- as opposed to 1.5 percent of the employee's salary -- would mean that all that would flow into the health fund is a tiny amount of money, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of salary. I assume everyone understands what's really intended so maybe that doesn't matter.

Anyway, that's the relevant section. Make of it what you will.

*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

City administration splitting as council, mayor clash

A growing rift between Mayor Art Ward and city councilors threatens to tear apart the fragile peace that has held the city’s government together.
The open skirmish began late Wednesday afternoon when city Councilor Kevin McCauley, the senior member of the six-person council, met with Ward in his office to tell the mayor councilors did not want to vote on a proposed union contract the following day.
Ward said McCauley told him, “‘I’m not here to piss you off. I’m just the messenger.’”
Rather than postpone the vote, however, Ward opted to move ahead.
At Thursday’s special session, where a large crowd of union members and officials had gathered, the council voted 5-1 to delay the vote until next week, when every councilor could be there and so everyone would have time to absorb contract details before taking a stance on the pact.
Ward was the sole critic of the move. “It’s not rocket science,” the mayor told colleagues.
McCauley said Friday he is “baffled that a simple procedural matter turned into a circus.”   Click here for the story.
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

McCauley says he's baffled at how last night's meeting turned into a circus

City Councilor Kevin McCauley sent along his thoughts on what happened last night. Here they are:
I am baffled that a simple procedural matter turned into a circus.  This was strictly about courtesy and respect for the city council, due process and, most importantly, our constituents.  It was a simple request to postpone the discussion to ratify a contract by one week, which is within the September 14th deadline, to allow ample time to review all the associated information of the Tentative Agreement and to ensure all council members are in attendance.
At the time I met with the Mayor to request that he consider rescheduling this agenda item, we had not yet received all the pertinent information requested by council members. We were expected to take action without having all of the information to do so, nor ample time to review what we had received. We were also given conflicting answers as to the deadline date.  I now understand that if no action is taken on this T.A. by September 14, 2010, it will automatically be ratified with the July 1, 2010 retroactive date taking effect.
There have been requests to the Mayor in the past to consider dates and time of meetings so that the full council can be in attendance. There was no reason why a week postponement or a time of 6pm could have been considered in light of the fact we were not supplied all of the information or that there were conflicts with council members on the date selected.
A quick time line of events is as follows:
Negotiations since January, 2010
T.A. signed August 2, 2010
Council notified August 21, 2010
Rec’d T.A. highlights of changes/additions August 31, 2010
Met with Mayor September 1, 2010
Rec’d cost share/co-pay comparisons September 2, 2010
Special city council meeting scheduled for September 2, 2010 @ 5 pm.
As far as the blindsiding, I am confused as to why, when I do give the Mayor a courtesy visit and explain the concern, even with 24-hour notice, that I am blindsiding him.  He said he would “get back to me” and had ample time to do so, but instead chose to spend his time orchestrating the fiasco of last night.
The Mayor’s version of the events that unfolded in his office on September 1st is in conflict with what actually took place.  That being said, I wish to reiterate that I also expressed to the Mayor at that meeting, as I did last night, that I was in favor of the T.A. based on what I had received thus far, but would support a postponement of the agenda item to further review new information provided and to ensure all council members are in attendance if the deadline date would allow. That has now been confirmed.   *****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Union intimidation or just guys who don't like each other?

City Councilor Ken Cockayne said Friday that Ward allowed an atmosphere of intimidation at the special council meeting last night.
He said that union leaders put a poster on the wall of the council chambers headlined something akin to “For or Against Labor Wages” and then listing the four Democratic councilors, with boxes beside them marked YES or NO.
When city Councilor Kevin McCauley spoke of the need to delay a decision on a proposed contract, someone got up and marked a big X through the NO box next to McCauley’s name, Cockayne said.
When city Councilor Kate Matthews indicated her support for McCauley’s position, an X was marked in the NO box beside her name, too, according to Cockayne.
As the meeting proceeded, getting ever more heated, union officials began screaming at McCauley, Cockayne said. They yelled “you’re all done” and “you’re through,” said Cockayne and a number of others.
“It got really out of control,” Cockayne said.
Cockayne said Ward “would never have let any other group or person do what was being done last night. Ward would have thrown them out or called the police.”
“Instead, he sat there doing nothing,” Cockayne said.
“It was thug mentality and union intimidation at its finest,” Cockayne said. “We have a lot of great people working at the city. It’s a shame the union leadership is making them look bad.”
The head of Local 233 of Council 4 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees said the confrontation between the mayor and McCauley should never happened at the meeting.
“They stuck us in the middle. They stuck our contract in the middle,” said Mayra Sampson, the union chief and a former city Democratic Party chair who has worked on Ward’s campaigns.
“They need to settle their respect issues outside” and not in public , she said.
Sampson said that some union people were angry last night.
“When you mess with peoples’ livelihoods, they tend to get upset,” she said.
Cockayne said that he can’t help wondering if Ward got so angry because he had negotiated the deal with Sampson, his last campaign treasurer.
“If this isn’t a conflict of interest, I don’t know what it,” Cockayne said.
But Sampson said the contract terms show that her union “considered the economic times and the city’s financial status.”
She said Local 233 gave up a 3 percent pay hike last year to help out the city – money she doubts the union will ever see again – and is getting just 3.3 percent more over two years now, along with paying more for health care and other measures that will save the city money.
Sampson said the bottom line for the union is that “we’re thankful we have jobs” in these hard times so even though her members are the lowest paid city workers, they didn’t push for more.
She said the proposed deal is “more than fair” for taxpayers and a great deal for the city.
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

What actually happened at last night's City Council session

Thanks to the city clerk’s office’s willingness to scramble to let me hear the recording of last night’s meeting, I can tell everyone what happened more clearly now.
At the start of the session, city Councilor Kevin McCauley said he would ask for a postponement of the vote on the proposed contract for the union representing the city’s “inside workers.”
“This is about courtesy,” McCauley said
He said the mayor provided information about the proposed deal only two days before the special meeting even though he’d signed the tentative agreement on August 2.
Some councilors, McCauley said, “felt strongly they just didn’t have enough time” to go over the material before Thursday night’s session.
McCauley said he told the mayor on Wednesday that councilors wanted more time.
He also said that the special meeting was slated for a time when two councilors, David Mills and Cliff Block, were out of town. Block, in the end, returned from Vermont for the meeting but Mills could not make it.
McCauley said Mills specifically asked for a chance to be heard before the vote. He said he wanted to give Mills that opportunity and to provide the entire council “the time to read through this information” before making a decision.
“I am speaking for my colleagues,” McCauley said.
City Councilor Ken Cockayne said he agreed with McCauley. He said any other night this week or next would have been fine with everyone.
“I echo those sentiments,” added city Councilor Kate Matthews.
At that point, Mayor Art Ward said he asked the council in an email “a week ago” whether to hold the meeting on Wednesday or Thursday of this week. Everyone said Thursday except for Mills, the mayor said.
“And me,” Block interjected.
Ward said he told Mills he would be happy to read a statement to the council if Mills wanted to write something up before he left.
Until 4:30 Wednesday, the mayor said, he thought things were fine.
Then McCauley came to the mayor’s office to speak to him.
According to Ward, the senior councilor told him, “I’m not here to piss you off. I’m just the messenger.”
He said that McCauley told him the council had reached a consensus to delay action on the proposed contract.
The mayor said he wondered “how did they get a consensus?” He said McCauley needs to explain how that could happen in the absence of a meeting.
Ward said there was no reason to delay because a decision was easy to make.
“It’s not rocket science,” the mayor said. He said that Local 233 is “trying to preserve jobs and work for the betterment of the city” by accepting a deal that is generous for taxpayers.
At that point, Cockayne leaped in.
Having tracked down Ward’s email on his Blackberry, he read the note the mayor originally sent to the council, which did not offer them a choice of days. It simply said the session would be held Thursday, Sept. 2.
Mills wrote back within hours to say he couldn’t make it that day, Cockayne said.
This past Monday, Cockayne said, he asked the mayor directly to make it possible for Mills to attend.
“Why can’t he have the opportunity to sit here like the rest of us?” Cockayne said.
McCauley told Ward that “I gave you the courtesy of walking into your office” to tell you what the council wanted rather than simply springing it on the mayor.
He said the two disagreed during their meeting and he walked out. The mayor argued immediately that in fact he had walked out on McCauley.
McCauley disputed it, then said, “I’m very disappointed in your leadership.”
He said he came to the mayor out of courtesy and respect.
“Next time you do that, it will be a first,” Ward fired back.
I need to interject here that, according to many people who attended, the council chambers were packed with union members and officials, many of them growing angry as the council argued.
McCauley referred to it during the meeting as “this dog and pony show that you created.”
Ward said he would file a Freedom of Information Act complaint against McCauley and the council for illegal collusion to reach a decision outside a public meeting.
“When I file the FOI complaint, we’ll deal with it,” Ward said.
“That’s your prerogative,” McCauley answered.
The council then voted to postponed the decision until next Wednesday.
On the tape, you can hear some people shouting but their words are unclear.
However, Cockayne and several others said that union leaders were yelling at McCauley such things as “you’re through” and “you’re all done.”
The mayor ignored it as he plowed into the next agenda item.
But Cockayne said there ought to be order in the room before proceeding and Ward called for quiet.
It’s not clear exactly what happened from the tape, but apparently McCauley got up to go into executive session on an unrelated issue before the council had officially adjourned from its public session.
Ward took note.
“Kevin, get back to your seat. We’re still in session,” Ward thundered.
And that was that.
After the meeting, however, McCauley and some union officials, including Mike Petosa, were going to toe to toe over the whole thing. A number of people told me they thought punches were going to fly because it got so heated.
But that didn’t happen.
Still, by all accounts, it was a brutal, ugly atmosphere.
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Local 233 contract terms outlined

In the tentative contract between the city and Local 233 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ Council 4, which Mayor Art Ward and union representatives signed on August 2, the union appears to have made significant concessions.
In terms of wages, union members agreed to a 1.5 wage hike backdated to July 1 and to a 1.8 percent increase next July.
That comes after accepting a pay freeze a year ago.
In addition, the union agreed that anyone hired after the contract takes effect will receive only 5 years of post-employment health care for themselves and a spouse instead of the 10 years that existing employees will get.
They'll also be able to accumulate only 175 sick days before retirement instead of the 200 now allowed. The city shells out for unused time at the end of someone's employment -- payments that swell pension checks.
In addition, union members will see a hike in the percentage of their health care premium that they must cover. Instead of paying 5 percent, as it is now, they’ll pay 6 percent this year and 7.5 percent next year.
That’s still much less than firefighters, however, who are now paying 9.75 percent following an arbitration ruling that generally favored the city.
Union members assigned to work second and third shifts will get less money after the contract takes effect. Instead of receiving a 12 percent shift differential payment, they’ll get 6 percent more for working early or late shifts.
If I get a chance later, I’ll scan the paperwork so that all of the terms are available.
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Ward vs City Council - Campaign 2011 is underway....

Mayor Art Ward is not very happy.

I caught up with him as City Hall opened this morning and found him still seething a bit over last night’s strange City Council session.

From the mayor’s perspective, members of the council have been “blindsiding and undermining” him instead of working with him to deliver the best possible government for the people of Bristol.

He said he was concerned that city Councilor Kevin McCauley came to him the day before the council meeting to tell him that he was “a messenger” for the council and that a consensus existed among councilors to put off a decision on the proposed contract for Local 233 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Ward said he’s not sure how McCauley knew that a consensus existed. He said he’s thinking of submitting a Freedom of Information request to obtain any emails that passed among the council on the issue.

Given that a consensus actually existed at the meeting to oppose Ward, the mayor said it was “pretty obvious it was pre-arranged.”

Ward said he doesn’t understand why councilors made such a fuss that one member of the council, David Mills, could not make the meeting.

He said he told Mills he would be happy to read the councilor’s comments into the record in either executive session or in public.

Ward said the city has to act soon because the contract is “time-sensitive.”

If the city fails to act on it by Wednesday, Sept. 8, he said, it automatically takes effect.

The contract, whose terms are pretty tough on the union, were “bargained in good faith,” Ward said, and it’s wrong “to play politics” with City Hall’s workers.

“I consider this to be a fantastic contract for the city,” Ward said. He said the negotiators for the union “stepped up to the plate” and did what was best for the community.

“To go through these unnecessary political hoops is not, I think, justified,” Ward said.

The mayor said he is “really concerned about the approach” taken by councilors, particularly McCauley, who has largely shunned Ward since a September 2007 primary in which Ward defeated Ellen Zoppo to capture the Democratic Party’s mayoral backing.

Ward said McCauley has been in his office only four times since he took office in 2007.

He said McCauley, the most senior councilor, never tells him what’s going on. “I mostly learn after the fact or at the time of” what McCaulely is up to, Ward said.

Though Ward placed McCauley in charge of some key city committees, it’s not clear that the veteran councilor’s positions are secure anymore.

“You can only extend your hand so long,” Ward said.

He added that some councilors who sided with Zoppo “have gotten over it” and talk with him regularly.

City Councilor Cliff Block said recently he figures it’s better to work with Ward than to fight with him because it’s the only way he can get things done.

Ward said he’ll clear whatever hurdles the council erects and do what’s necessary to guide the city through tough economic times.

Ward also handed me a copy of a four-page outline of all the changes made to the Local 233 contract in the draft deal. I’ll post them soon.


*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Vote on union pact postponed

After a wild and crazy session, city councilors tonight agreed to postpone a vote on the proposed contract for Local 233 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Workers.
Councilors said they didn't want to take a vote on the proposal until Republican David Mills could be there, too.
In the end, the entire council except for the missing Mills voted to put off the vote until next Wednesday. Mayor Art Ward opposed the delay.
I couldn't make the meeting -- because I had to cover a story for The Herald this morning -- but I hear it was pretty loony, with much shouting and anger.
Another special council session on the pact will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
I understand Ward mentioned during the meeting that he really didn't want the terms of the deal posted on this blog so I'll endeavor to make sure they are soon.
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Lake Compounce featured in New York Times

While I was on vacation, The New York Times did a nice spread on the Boulder Dash roller coaster at Lake Compounce. Check it out here.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

City may have to lay off some workers, mayor says

With a fiscal crisis still crushing many municipal governments, Mayor Art Ward said he can no longer promise that he won’t seek layoffs among city employees.
Ward said he hopes Bristol can avoid layoffs but he can’t guarantee that they can be avoided next year as officials try to cope with rising costs and stagnant revenues.
“There’s a lot of things we can do” to save money and reduce the chances of layoffs or a major tax hike, city Councilor Cliff Block said.
The mayor said he plans to sit down soon with the two top officials on the Board of Finance, school Superintendent Philip Streifer, Board of Education member Tom O’Brien and city Comptroller Glenn Klocko to go over the city’s options heading into what could be its toughest budget yet. He said it’s important for the city to get “a head start” dealing with the looming fiscal crunch.
Click here for the full story.
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Krayeske takes on Larson, too

Anti-war activist Ken Krayeske is jumping into the 1st District congressional race today as the standard bearer for the Green Party. He'll be vying with longtime U.S. Rep. John Larson, an East Hartford Democrat, and Ann Brickley, a Republican engineer and business owner from Wethersfield.
Here's a poster for his campaign announcement tonight:

******
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Photographs from the Crocodile Club 2010

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Crocodile Club gets underway

Here at Lake Compounce, the Crocodile Club has gotten down ot business for the 129th time, making it the nation's oldest eating club.
Here are a few pictures to show what it's like:

U.S. Rep. John Larson

City Councilor Ken Cockayne and Dan Malloy, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. 

State Rep. Bill Hamzy, enjoying a cigar (his own, not the ones provided by the Crocodile Club)

******
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'The sun always shines on Crocodile Day'

Don't miss reporter Jackie Majerus' blog entry today with the lyrics of Wally Barnes' smash hit from the 1954 Crocodile Club bash at Lake Compounce.
It looks like it's going to be a terrific day again today, with most of the state's political bigshots gathering again beside the lake -- and, thank God, in air conditioned comfort for the first time! And no cigars inside either!
*****

***** Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Tornado damage too little for federal help

A tornado that ripped through the heart of Bristol last month, downing hundreds of trees without injuring or killing anyone, failed to do enough damage for the city to qualify for federal disaster relief.


Though officials tallied a bit more than $500,000 in damage suffered by public and private property owners, the number fell well short of the level required to trigger federal help.

That means that residents whose insurance failed to cover all of their costs are going to get stuck with the bills and city taxpayers are going to have to cough up the cash to cover swollen overtime tabs for municipal workers who cleaned up much of the debris from the July 21 tornado.

There remains a small chance that the federal Small Business Administration may offer low-interest loans to assist businesses slammed by the tornado.

The city totaled up its own costs and heard from dozens of residents who also got clobbered by the storm.

Raymond and Katherine Guimond of 128-130 Blakeslee St., the hardest hit area of town, reported to the mayor’s office that they lost at least 15 trees and expected to be out at least $5,000 for the cost of hauling away the downed timber.

High Street resident Elizabeth Banks reported that a 150-year-old tulip tree smashed through her garage, destroying the building. She estimated the damage to her property at $71,396.

The manager of the company that owns the Shoppes at Larson Farms, Stephen Larson, said that “during the mayhem” at the height of the storm, “the winds took the top off our pylon sign and tossed it into the middle of Route 6.”

“We thank God no one was injured or killed,” Larson added.

Combined with the loss of some metal sheeting on the L.A. Fitness building, the plaza suffered $6,118 worth of damage that insurance won’t cover, he said.

Mayor Art Ward said he’s sorry that so many people are going to be stuck with cleanup and repair costs.

On the other hand, he said, he’s glad the storm wasn’t any worse.

In order to have a shot at Federal Emergency Management Agency aid, the mayor said, the storm would have to cause at least $2.7 million worth of damage in Hartford County and more than $4.2 million statewide. He said that even when Bristol added in the damage in Plainville and New Britain, it fell well short of the required levels.

The SBA may be able to assist a bit, however.

Ward said that if 25 or more business owners report damage, the SBA can offer low-interest loans to help them get back on their feet. It isn’t clear whether enough companies need the help, though.

The single biggest tally for damages came from the Park Department, which estimated it lost $75,000 worth of trees, most of them at Rockwell Park and Muzzy Field.

Ward said the city will have to absorb its large overtime and other expenses just as it would if it was hit with a major blizzard or ice storm.

For now, departments are dipping into their normal budgets to pay the cost, but it’s likely some will need additional appropriations this fiscal year to cover normal operating expenses after coping with the tornado’s aftermath.

Ward said he’s not sure how the Board of Finance will choose to handle the situation.
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Union contract on special council meeting agenda

City councilors will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday to consider whether to back a contract negotiated between Mayor Art Ward and Local 233 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Workers.


Local 233 represents most of the workers at City Hall.

The terms of the deal remain a secret, but Ward said the union has already signed the pact. He said the city has to act before its next regular council meeting in order to meet mandatory time requirements.

At least one councilor, Republican David Mills, said he can’t make the meeting because he had already planned to be out of town.

In addition to the union contract, councilors also plan to appoint a fair housing officer and perhaps deal with a property tax dispute over watershed land in Harwinton.

The special meeting will take place in the council chambers on the first floor at City Hall.


*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Voting machinesworked just fine

A state-ordered audit Monday of voting machines in two precincts found no discrepancies between the machine count and the paper ballots used in the August 10 primary.


The precincts at Stafford School and Chippens Hill Middle School were among those randomly picked by the secretary of state to make sure that electronic scanners used to tally votes worked properly.

The city’s two registrars, Republican Sharon Krawiecki and Democrat Bob Badal, said after counting the paper ballots in the 77D and 78A precincts, the numbers matched what the machines reported at the close of voting on primary day.

Even so, the electronic memory cards from the scanners will be checked by the University of Connecticut to make sure they match both the hand count of paper ballots and the ticker printed out by the machines after the primary.


*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Back from vacation

I'm back.
What have I missed?
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

5 years after Katrina, a teen's tale of hope and survival stands the test of time

When all is said and done, the piece of journalism first published in The Bristol Press that is most apt to stand the test of time was written 5 years ago today by a teenage girl fleeing Hurricane Katrina. Many of you no doubt read it in the paper -- where it was published by The Tattoo -- but if you didn't see it then, this anniversary is a good time to catch up. Check out this link.
For those who don't know, reporter Jackie Majerus and I run a nonprofit named Youth Journalism International that has introduced hundreds of talented teens in dozens of countries to the world of journalism. The Katrina journal is just one of thousands of stories for which we have helped teens find an audience. We are blessed to have the chance to provide a voice for the next generation to be heard. Every day, it gives us faith in the future.
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

City cuts deal with McDonald's to move downtown restaurant

The city is trying to work out a deal that would have the downtown McDonald’s move to a spot next door to Dunkin’ Donuts on North Main Street.

City councilors have given tentative backing to a land swap that would shift the fast food restaurant to a new spot on the 17-acre former mall site.

The move may be made before the rest of the property is redeveloped as part of a bid by the Long Island-based Renaissance Downtowns to remake the city center.

Edward Krawiecki, Jr, the city attorney, said the new eatery will likely be “more upscale” than the existing McDonald’s.

Krawiecki said its owner is eyeing 80 seats, including some outdoors, and an atmosphere akin to the McCafe-style that some of the chain’s establishments have adopted.

*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Tom Foley's victory speech in Rocky Hill last night

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Malloy's victory speech last night

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Larson talks on House floor about Manchester murders

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Larson seeks debates with Brickley

Press release from U.S. Rep. John Larson:

LARSON CONGRATULATES ANN BRICKLEY ON WINNING THE 1^ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT REPUBLICAN PRIMARY: LOOKS FORWARD TO CAMPAIGN

East Hartford, CT –John Larson (CT-1) released the following statement on the results of the 1^st Congressional District Republican Primary.


“I congratulate Ann on winning the primary. I look forward to the campaign, and an invigorating discussion of the issues facing the families, veterans, seniors, and small business owners of Connecticut.


We’ve accomplished much - historic legislation reforming Wall Street, ensuing quality affordable health care for all Americans and putting people back to work here in Greater Hartford.  But there is much to be done; rebuilding Connecticut manufacturing by ensuring that we “Make it in America”, and sell it around the world, and by creating clean energy jobs that will help our economy emerge stronger than ever.”  


The Larson Campaign also announced its intention to hold a debate and joint appearances with Brickley.     


*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Primary voting results in Bristol

Here are the results in yesterday's primary. Turnout was an anemic 21 percent.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Brickley wins GOP congressional primary

ROCKY HILL – Republicans appear to have given the 1^st District congressional primary nod to Wethersfield engineer Ann Brickley.

Though many results were not yet in, Brickley held at least a 10 point lead over challenger Mark Zydanowicz late Tuesday when the paper went to press.

With about half the precincts counted, including many in Zydanowicz strongholds, Brickley held what appears to be an insurmountable lead in the far-flung district, earning her the opportunity to take on U.S. Rep. John Larson in the November 2 general election.

Zydanowicz was not ready to throw in the towel, however.

“We’re still not sure,” the West Hartford dairy executive said from his home. “We’re still waiting to hear.”

At deadline, Brickley had yet to make an appearance before a crowd of about 100 supporters at the Rocky Hill Marriott, across the hall from a gathering for gubernatorial hopeful Tom Foley.

In Bristol, Zydanowicz garnered 649 votes to 632 for Brickley, but Bristol was considered by both sides in the primary fight to be heavily in Zydanowicz’s corner.

Larson, an East Hartford Democrat, has represented the 1^st District since 1998. A Republican hasn’t won the district since 1956.

Brickley said she plans to break the half century streak of one party dominance in the district.

In talking points prepared for Brickley’s address, she thanked Zydanowicz and Joe Visconti, who lost out at the Republican convention, for running a clean campaign that avoided personal attacks.

She said in the prepared remarks that with rounds one and two behind her in the campaign, “I am ready for the main event.”

Brickley vowed to take it to Larson because “the problem with entrenched incumbents is they only talk to each other” and they don’t listen to constituents.

She said she’s had “enough of the rhetoric” and intends to force Larson to do a lot of explaining.

“I can’t wait to debate,” Brickley said. “I’ll debate him on his front porch if I have to.”

“We will be heard,” Brickley said, because “our government is broken and it’s time for all the residents in the 1^st District to come together and send the message to Washington that we have had enough.”

Larson has a built-in advantage with more than 20 times as much campaign cash raised – so much that he’s given more away to other Democrats than the Republicans have any hope of raising themselves for the race.

The 1^st District includes Bristol, Southington and Berlin. It is centered on Hartford.

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

The Democratic establishment takes it on the chin

There's no way to view Mary Rydingsward's defeat of city Democratic Party leader Elliott Nelson except as a rebuke to the party establishment.
After all, the town committee overwhelmingly backed Nelson.
No doubt some of Rydingsward's support came from women who feel like outsiders dealing with the male-dominated party leadership team.
But there's also no doubt that some of those votes she racked up came from Democrats of both sexes who feel left out or shunned by party officials who are largely loyal to Mayor Art Ward.
Rydingsward worked hard in this campaign -- but so did Nelson. Both of them put in the effort that winning requires.
But when a Democratic Party chair loses a political race that only rank and file Democrats can participate in, the outcome is not just a referendum on the boss. It's about something more.
And that something may spell trouble for Ward, too, when it's his turn to run again next year.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Watch primary returns live right here thanks to CT News Junkie

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Turnout lackluster for both parties

Turnout in today's primary is poor among both Republicans and Democrats.
As of noon, 10.2 percent of the city's registered Democrats had voted while 10 percent of GOP voters had turned out.
Those are the latest figures from the registrar's office.
PS: If anyone has photographs from the polls, send 'em to me and I'll post some. Use bristolpress@gmail.com to send the pictures as attachments. Thanks in advance.
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

GOP congressional hopeful Mark Zydanowicz at Edgewood School today

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Voter turnout is "very light" in Bristol

For all the money that’s poured into today’s primary campaign, voters appear largely uninterested.

As of noon today, only 9.9 percent of the eligible voters in the Republican and Democratic primaries had turned out to cast their ballots.

“It’s very light,” said Bob Badal, the city’s Democratic registrar.

At this pace, it’s unlikely that voter turnout will reach even 25 percent by the time the polls close at 8 p.m.

At the same time in last year’s mayoral election, where just 26 percent of the city’s 34,000 voters bothered to help pick the city leaders, 12 percent had voted as of noon.

In the hotly contested Democratic mayoral primary in 2007, nearly 10 percent of Democrats had voted by 10 a.m. – a much faster pace than today’s primary turnout.

Even so, only 28 percent of Democrats wound up voting in that primary, when Art Ward defeated Ellen Zoppo to claim his party’s line on the general election ballot.

At noon on Election Day in 2007, 14.9 percent of the city's registered voters had shown up to cast a ballot.

During the presidential race in 2008, 32 percent of registered voters in Bristol had trekked to the polls by noon.

At this point, the city registrar’s office can’t break down the turnout by party, but Badal said it appears that turnout is light for both Republicans and Democrats.

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Spat over Carros appointment turns ugly

The possible appointment of Republican activist Alex Carros has created a firestorm that’s become the talk of the political establishment these days. The growing controversy may have even played a role in the vandalism this past weekend of the business run by Carros’ father and uncle, Bristol Instrument Gears. Carros said the place was “severely vandalized” Sunday night with 30 or so windows smashed, including the windshield of a company pickup truck. Carros, who hasn’t worked there in four years, called it “a vicious act of vandalism.”
Sources said today that police are investigating the vandalism and looking into whether it’s connected to the political spat.
The controversy can be seen rather clearly from a few emails that have been bouncing around city circles recently. Here they are:


June 28, 2010 email from city Councilor Kevin McCauley to city councilors:
Hello Colleagues,
I know I don¹t have to remind you of 'Concerned Conservative' who inappropriately attacked Terry Parker last Fall, as it was discussed when he last asked to be considered for appointment.
This is a much more serious appointment and I believe Alex Carros is not someone we should consider at this time.
I am critical of Alex for any of the land use boards, as my concerns for the lack of decorum he has shown time and again should preclude him from consideration.
I would consider Alex for some lesser board/commission if he learns how to restrain himself on the blog and in public. It may be tough for him.
Thank you for considering my position.
See you on Tuesday,
Kevin McCauley


July 21 letter from Alex Carros to Mayor Art Ward, city councilors and others:
Dear Mayor Ward:
It has come to my attention that recently my name was put up for appointment for two volunteer city official positions. One was the Historic District and the other was the Planning Commission. I’ve discovered both times my name was brought forward, it was blocked by Council-person Kevin McCauley.
An audacious and maligning statement (via email) to all of the Bristol City Council was sent by Kevin McCauley urging council-members not to allow my name to be brought forward for appointment. In the emailed statement Council-person McCauley referenced anonymous blog comments that he unsubstantially cites as mine, and stated that my “lack of decorum he has shown time and again should preclude him from consideration” and “I would consider Alex for some lesser board/commission if he learns how to restrain himself on the blog and in public. It may be tough for him”. This is obviously twisted logic by Councilperson McCauley. How could he cite my “decorum” and public conduct by anonymous blog comments? Besides being misguided, McCauley’s email remarks to Bristol City Council-people (and the public) are slanderous and hypocritical. The statement from Council-person McCauley via email to the Council is an insulting and defamatory act against me and the entire Carros family. How dare he criticize my decorum and ability to conduct myself correctly in public! McCauley obviously used poor judgment in stating that I, with a graduate and undergraduate degree and with my career in business cannot conduct myself professionally. Not to mention my tenure on the Planning Commission and the numerous other volunteer activities that I have been involved in. In actuality, it would truly surprise me if McCauley actually believed that I can’t or have not conducted myself in a proper manner publicly. It is bad politics (on his part) inhibiting what is best for Bristol.
With this in mind one must wonder if McCauley knows or realizes that I served a full five year term on the Planning Commission already from 1998 to 2003. After finishing my term I asked not to be reappointed because my graduate school classes would have interfered with my duty on Planning. Upon announcing to Mayor Nicastro that I was not seeking reappointment, I received a letter of appreciation voted unanimously by the City Council in 2003.
I am probably one of the best qualified people to serve on the Planning Commission in the entire City of Bristol, but McCauley has blocked voting on me apparently for political reasons. During my term on Planning, besides serving on the Commission that oversees subdivisions, certain site plans, and numerous other tasks associated with land use, the commission in coordination with the city staff developed the current Ten Year Plan of Development. I am well educated and experienced in regards to city land use procedures, ordinances and protocol.
Since I am a fifth generation resident of Bristol and a fourth generation resident on Federal Hill one would think McCauley (the Council Liaison to the Federal Hill Association) would be enthusiastic to my appointment to either the Historic District Commission or the Planning Commission. That would be of course if he was relying on common sense rather than innuendo. Then again of course since McCauley’s only attended approximately one meeting per year of the Federal Hill Association in the last three years, apparently he doesn’t care much for the input of that area of the city anyway.
Obviously Kevin McCauley has no respect for all the accomplishments I have made in my life including my education and my career and this I believe reflects McCauley’s lack of respect for business and higher education all together. If it is so tough for me to restrain myself as he claims, how could I have achieved what I have? It’s a ridiculous statement on his part!
I know Councilman McCauley a bit and have had a conversation or two with him in the past. Never would I have imagined that this person felt this way about me. If McCauley was truly concerned about my name being brought forth by Mayor Ward perhaps he would have done the professional thing and scheduled and interview rather than simply relying on here-say?
Although the blocking of my appointment is a loss for Bristol, it’s certainly Council-person McCauley’s right to make decisions regarding appointments and lobby as he feels fit. But it would have been appropriate if McCauley kept his unjustified statements regarding me to himself. I believe because of what he has said and done, Council-person McCauley should be reprimanded in some way by the City Council. I also believe that the position as liaison to the Federal Hill Association should be given to another Council-person based on McCauley’s lack of respect for one of the Association’s members (me), the bad relationship this action of his has caused with an officer of that organization (my wife) and his poor attendance.
I truly hope that you will agree with my position on this issue. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Alexander J. (Alex) Carros
CC: Councilman David Mills, Councilman Kevin Fuller, Councilman Cliff Block, Councilman Kate Matthews, Councilman Kevin McCauley, Councilman Ken Cockayne, Elliot Nelson, Bristol DTC Chairman, Thomas J Barnes Jr., Bristol RTC Chairman, Michele Boyko, Federal Hill Association President


August 6, 2010 email from Mayor Art Ward to city councilors and Carros:
This is to inform everyone that I, along with the Democratic and Republican Town Chairpersons and the President of the Federal Hill Association, have received a communication from Alexander J. Carros regarding an E-mail forwarded to the council members by Council member McCauley regarding any potential appointment of Mr. Carros as a member to any city boards/commissions.
I would strongly recommend, in the best interests of the City of Bristol and both individuals, that a meeting be conducted between Council member McCauley and Mr. Carros to address and resolve these concerns as soon as possible.
If so requested, I would be willing to provide use of the Mayor's office to hold these discussions.
Mayor Art Ward
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Primary Day! - Updated!

How are things at the polls today? Anyone encounter anything odd, funny or different? The machines all working the way they should? How's turnout?
I'll keep this thread updated with any news that I get.
Update at 9:15 a.m. - Turnout for the primary was 3.2 percent as of 9 a.m.
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

McMahon coos at a Bristol baby

As part of a whirlwind tour across the state, Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Linda McMahon spent an hour Monday afternoon hobnobbing with GOP officials and diners at Panera Bread.

When McMahon walked in, she quickly spotted retired city Registrar Ellie Klapatch.

“We’re popping in” all over, McMahon said, as her eyes wandered to a 7-week-old baby boy held by former city GOP leader Gary Schaffrick.

She quickly scooped Evan Schilling, one of Bristol’s youngest residents, and quietly whispered some baby talk to him.

Handing him off after a couple of minutes, McMahon proclaimed, “That was my treat for the day.”

McMahon said she is “cautiously optimistic” about her chances in today’s three-way primary – former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons and stock market guru Peter Schiff are running against her.

“I feel good momentum in this race,” McMahon said.

She apparently has one voted locked up already. Her husband, Vince McMahon, voted absentee because he’s in California this week.

The primary winner will face Democrat Richard Blumenthal, the state's longtime attorney general, in the November 2 general election for the open seat created by U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd’s decision to step down.

Click here for the full story.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

The biggest primary in state history

Tuesday marks the biggest primary day in Connecticut’s history.

There are more candidates vying for more offices, including governor and U.S. Senate, than the state has ever had before.

“It’s unbelievable,” said retiring state Rep. Bill Hamzy, a Plymouth Republican. He called it “the most dramatic primary day that I can ever remember in Connecticut politics.”

“This is going to be one for the books,” said Whit Betts, the GOP candidate from Bristol who hopes to take Hamzy’s place in the state House.

Even so, city Democratic Party leader Elliott Nelson said he doubts more than 25 to 30 percent of the 13,238 registered Democrats in town will turn out to vote. Click here for the full story.

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Tuesday's primary - Who's on the ballot in Bristol?

In Bristol, there is only one local primary – two Democrats are battling to become a registrar -- but the state’s trove of registered voters has attracted the attention of nearly every major candidate scrambling along the campaign trail.

Democrats face a number of tough choices in hard-fought races.

In the local showdown, city Democratic Party leader Elliott Nelson got his party’s endorsement to succeed Bob Badal as one of the city’s two registrars.

Mary Rydingsward challenged him because, she said, the office needs someone who wants to bring professionalism rather than patronage to the $47,000-a-year position.

But there are plenty of other races on the ballotl.

In addition to choosing a registrar, Democrats will also pick a gubernatorial candidate.

Former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy and businessman Ned Lamont are locked in a tight race for the party’s backing.

For lieutenant governor, state Comptroller Nancy Wyman and Simsbury’s leader, Mary Glassman, are facing off. Wyman is Malloy’s running mate. Lamont picked Glassman.

For secretary of state, Democrats must choose between two state lawmakers: Denise Merrill and Gerry Garcia.

For comptroller, Kevin Lembo, the state’s health care advocate, is battling with Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura.

Republicans have a plethora of picks to make as well.

In the 1^st congressional district, Wethersfield engineer and consultant Ann Brickley squares off against Mark Zydanowicz, a West Hartford dairy executive.

For governor, the GOP has to pick from among former Ambassador Tom Foley, Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele and Oz Griebel, the head of the MetroHartford Alliance.

Two Republicans are seeking the lieutenant governor’s post, entrepreneur Lisa Wilson-Foley and Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton.

In the U.S. Senate race, former World Wrestling Federation CEO Linda McMahon got the party’s endorsement in a bitter three-way contest. But two men, former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons and broker Peter Schiff are challenging her.

In the attorney general’s race, Martha Dean, the endorsed candidate, is locked in a tough battle with Ross Garber. Both are lawyers.

For voters in Plymouth and some other neighboring towns that are not in the 1^st congressional district, there is a 5^th District GOP primary that pits Waterbury state Sen. Sam Caligiuri, the endorsed candidate, against Justin Bernier and Mark Greenberg.

The winner will take on U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy, a Cheshire Democrat who took office four years ago.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Only registered Republicans and Democrats can vote in their respective primaries. They will each have separate ballots to cast.

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Watch 1st District GOP congressional debate

Here's the CT-N tape of Thursday's 1st District GOP congressional debate between Ann Brickley and Mark Zydanowicz:

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Foley, McMahon coming to Bristol

Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley is making a campaign stop in Bristol on Saturday morning.
He's supposed to stop by the Crystal Luncheonette at Mafale's Plaza on Main Street about 8:30 a.m. and then shake hands in a few other, unidentified locales.
On Monday, GOP senatorial hopeful Linda McMahon is heading over to Panera Bread at the Shop-Rite Plaza at 3 p.m. She's supposed to hang around for about an hour.
These are great opportunities to shake hands and ask a question. These are real people, not just television characters, and it's best to make sure they never forget that.
If you're trying to make up your mind about who to vote for, they're trying to make it easier for you. Give 'em credit for coming.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Brickley, Zydanowicz hold only real debate

In their only full-scale debate, two Republicans vying for the right to take on U.S. Rep. John Larson in the general election showed a surprising civility Thursday and expressed views that largely mirrored one another.
But Ann Brickley, an engineer from Wethersfield, and Mark Zydanowicz, a dairy executive from West Hartford, clashed sharply on one key issue at the showdown at Trinity College: the proposed $574 million busway between Hartford and New Britain.
Zydanowicz scoffed at the plan, calling it “financially irresponsible” and a poor substitute for a commuter rail line.
Brickley said the busway is “ready to go” and would begin to alleviate congestion on Interstate 84 within three years.
Holding out for rail, she said, would be much more costly and take a decade if it ever came to pass.
Generally, though, the candidates offered only slightly different takes on the issues raised during the debate, sponsored by the League of Women Voters and co-sponsored by Trinity and CT-N, which recorded it and plans to show it sometime this weekend. Click here for the full story.
I'll endeavor to post a link to the CT-N video whenever I find it online.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com