August 31, 2007

School boss talks about test results

PRESS RELEASE
August 31, 2007

Philip A. Streifer, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Bristol Public School Students Demonstrate Significant Gains in Achievement

Bristol students surpassed previous achievement targets on most of the subtest areas of the March 2007 Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) and Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT). At least 88% of Bristol 10th grade students were proficient in math, science, reading and writing, significantly exceeding state averages. Recently released CAPT data demonstrates the successful work of our teachers and students on improving not only the achievement of all Bristol students, but also for subgroups delineated by Federal “No Child Left Behind” legislation.

The Connecticut State Department of Education is required to annually identify schools and districts “In Need of Improvement” as a result of student achievement on the CMT and CAPT. The Bristol Public Schools were identified as such a district for the past three years. However, this year, due to significant improvement in our students’ achievement, we achieved ‘safe harbor’. Safe Harbor means that our students made significant gains in achievement compared to last year. Continued improvement in student achievement on the March 2008 CMT and CAPT will remove Bristol from that list.

Four Bristol schools were identified as in need of improvement; Edgewood, South Side and Northeast for subgroup performance. Subgroups include students with disabilities, English language learners, economically disadvantaged and individual race categories. O’Connell School was identified as in need of whole school improvement. Strategies are developed within each school’s Accountability Plan to address the needs of these learners. Bristol’s continued high expectations for student achievement and focus on best instructional practices will continue to raise the achievement of all learners in our schools.

According to Connecticut Education Commissioner, Mark McQuillan, one third of Connecticut schools were found to be in need of improvement. Bristol’s results must be considered within the context of the entire district’s improving performance as detailed in recent District press releases. We are confident that the reforms being implemented in Bristol schools will lead to continued improvements in all of our schools.

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

August 30, 2007

Schools cited under 'No Child Left Behind'

O'Connell School was cited for failing to make adequate yearly progress in both math and reading in the new list of Connecticut schools that are "in need of improvement."
In addition, subgroups within some schools also landed Edgewood School, South Side School and Northeast Middle School among the 315 Connecticut schools identified today as failing to meet federal No Child Left Behind Act benchmarks for at least two consecutive years, according to the Associated Press.
At Edgewood and Northeast, subgroups fell short in math and reading. At South Side, subgroups were short in reading. Subgroups are special education or minorities.
Details are not yet available.

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Bristol CAPT scores

From a press release issued by Bristol schools today:

Bristol’s tenth grade students performed well on the Connecticut Academic Performance Test. More than 87% of Bristol students scored at or above the Proficient level in each of the content areas assessed: mathematics, reading, writing, and science. Of even greater importance is the percent of students achieving goal level, the state’s target for academic performance on the CAPT. More than half of Bristol’s tenth grade students achieved at the Goal level in mathematics, reading, and writing, and 41% achieved goal in science.


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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

August 29, 2007

Signs that primary's getting down and dirty


BRISTOL – Perhaps it’s a sign of the times.
Democratic mayoral nominee Ellen Zoppo said this week that she has asked the police to investigate the “systematic removal and destruction” of her political signs all over town.
Two Federal Hill buildings, a former coffee shop and scaffolding around the entrance to the First Congregational Church have been painted on by Zoppo critics.
“While it appears that my signs are the only campaign signs being targeted,” Zoppo said, “my primary concern is for my supporters who are having their properties trespassed on, and for the public spaces that are being vandalized.”
City Councilor Art Ward, who is taking aim at Zoppo in the Sept. 11 mayoral primary, said neither he nor his supporters had anything to do with the missing signs.
“I really believe it’s not something we should be tying up police resources with,” Ward said.
“As much as it’s not right, and it’s frustrating, ever since I’ve been in politics, you’re always going to experience that,” Ward said.
He said he’s had between 30 and 40 of his 750 lawn signs vanish in recent weeks.
Zoppo said that her campaign has seen 200 signs disappear during the past three weeks, along with “two large banners cut from people's private fences.”
“It happens every night, in a different neighborhood,” she said.
“Anyone who has been involved in Bristol politics will tell you that the rate of Zoppo sign destruction is unprecedented,” said city Councilor Craig Minor, a Zoppo ally.
“I do not think these vandals are connected with the Ward organization,” Minor said.
But, Minor added, “That makes it all the more incumbent on him to publicly denounce these acts as undemocratic and frankly unhelpful to him, because they reflect on him.”
The councilman’s wife, Laura Minor, is offering a $100 reward for anyone who can help police catch the culprit or culprits.
Ward said he doesn’t like sign stealing either. But, he said, there “a million reasons why people do it” and many of them have nothing to do with politics.
“I can safely say that with the people who are working on my campaign, I cannot envision any of them out there doing that,” Ward said.
Zoppo said the police nearly caught someone stealing signs this week.
“A resident of Prospect Place called the police after midnight” on Tuesday “to report three people wearing black masks on the street trespassing and stealing campaign signs,” she said.
“The police found and pursued one individual on foot, and subsequently recovered a number of my campaign signs that were dropped by the suspects as they fled,” Zoppo said.
“I don't know who is doing it,” she added, “although we have been giving a very intriguing description of a person and a car that we are trying to follow up on.”
Zoppo said she believes her own signs are being targeted.
“I do not see the Ward signs, some in close proximity to my signs, being subjected to the same tactics,” Zoppo said.
“It is disappointing that people are resorting to these tactics,” Zoppo said.
“Political involvement and disagreement are good things. Criminal activity in the name of politics is not,” she said.
“I encourage those supporting either me or my opponent to express that support by voting, and discussing the issues and election with their family and friends,” she said.
“I would also like to thank my supporters for maintaining their composure and conducting themselves in a positive manner,” Zoppo added.

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Mayor creates new blight reporting method

This just came in from the mayor's office:

In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz announced a new aspect in the City’s fight against blight and other unacceptable property conditions.

Said Stortz, “The City has been aggressively trying to combat unsightly, unsafe and unhealthy conditions for the past few years. Much progress has been made, but we do have a way to go.”

Stortz continued, “With that in mind, I have instituted an email address that anyone can use to inform the City of a condition that they feel should be addressed and rectified. The address is bristolblight@ci.bristol.ct.us and can be used to inform the City of a condition that you feel is of concern.”

“All emails will be reviewed and appropriate action taken. In some cases, the conditions may not rise to the level of action on the part of the City: in other cases, we will do what is appropriate.

There will be no return email unless we need additional information. However, each email received will return to the sender an automatic message indicating we have received it and it is being reviewed,” said Stortz.

Stortz went on to say, “This will provide anonymity on the part of the complainant, and allow us to schedule our investigations in a more effective manner. This address is to be used for property condition complaints. For matters of an urgent nature, or health and safety, a direct phone call would be more appropriate.”

Stortz indicated, “If photos are attached to the email, please be sure they are an appropriate file size. If the file size is too large, the email may not go through.

Lastly, Stortz commented, “Based on the response, we may expand the concept to other areas.

Again, the address is: bristolblight@ci.bristol.ct.us, and essentially it should be used to provide information. A phone number will be included in the automated response for more urgent situations.”


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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Geladino outlines plans

Just got this from Republican City Council hopeful Joe Geladino, one of six candidates vying for a 2nd District seat:

This coming election day don’t just cast your ballot for the same old same-olds you’ve been picking for years just because their names are familiar. This election day, do something different: vote for the taxpayers! The taxpayers must come first this time around.

We need to run this city like a business. Budget increases have to stay in line with the cost of living index. Rampant spending on real estate must stop. Selling off idle, unproductive property should take place immediately. We’ve had enough of our City leaders buying up real estate before they have even a vague idea what to do with it or how to pay for it.

Right now the city is being run by a dysfunctional City Council, feuding amongst themselves, spending tax dollars unnecessarily and making promises that will never be kept. Most of them have no experience in real-life business matters; they are just playing Monopoly with our tax dollars. We must have real business people in office. Enough is enough!

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Council 4 Union Endorses Ward

Press release issued a few minutes ago:

Bristol – Mayoral candidate Art Ward has been endorsed by Council 4, a union with more than 800 members who reside in Bristol. The endorsement was announced Aug. 24 following the union’s delegate meeting.

“The residents of Bristol want a change for the better, and our members feel Art is uniquely suited to bring about that change” said Mayra Sampson, payroll and benefits manager for the city and president of Local 233 of Council 4, which represents approximately 140 city workers. “Over the years he has demonstrated a powerful commitment to improving public services and strengthening our quality of life in Bristol.”

With 35,000 members statewide, Council 4 is Connecticut’s largest union.

Council 4 seeks to ensure decent pay, benefits and employment security for its members; it also has fought for strengthened public services and sufficient state and local budgets; and comprehensive health care reform that would provide quality coverage at lower cost.

“I am humbled and energized by this endorsement,” said Ward, who works as a Veteran Services Officer for the state Department of Veteran Affairs in Rocky Hill. “I share Council 4’s vision of quality healthcare and equitable pay, and believe the hardworking residents of this city deserve accountability and fairness when dealing with city government. I look forward to working with them to make Bristol better for all of us.”

Ward is also a member of Local 269 of Council 4, which represents state employees at the Department of Labor, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Workers’ Compensation Commission.

“Art Ward is a fellow union member who relates to the challenges we face as workers and as taxpayers,” said Chad Lockhart, president of Local 2267 of Council 4, representing approximately 250 Board of Education employees. “Art is a candidate our membership can enthusiastically support because of his commitment to our schools and our kids.”

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Ward fundraiser and rally on primary eve

Pre-Primary Pizza Party
Monday, September 10, 2007
Bristol American Legion, 22 Hooker Court, Bristol CT
5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
$5 per person


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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

August 28, 2007

Leonard Valentino retires

Mayor William Stortz told me this evening that longtime Water Superintendent Leonard Valentino turned in his retirement papers today after nearly four decades working for the water department.
Valentino was ready to retire a year ago, but stayed on because he felt like he was under fire from Stortz and some councilors -- and because he wanted to help the department deal with a state consent order.
He earns about $102,000 annually in his job -- good money by anyone's standard -- but his longevity is such that even in retirement he will earn almost the same amount.
Last winter, when I checked with the comptroller's office, Valentino was due to get about $100K a year as a retiree. So he wasn't working for the money!
I always thought that Valentino was a good man doing his best for his community. I know he was always fair with me.
His department's record over the years, despite some recent glitches, has been exemplary.
I'll be writing more about him in the coming days, no doubt.

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Ken Johnson calls for appointed school board

A new press release from Republican mayoral contender Ken Johnson:

Ken Johnson the Republican nominee for Mayor of the City of Bristol continued his campaign theme of government reform today by unveiling his third plank within his agenda. Johnson, making his first run for Mayor, is a businessman and not a career politician. He is a lifelong resident of Bristol and a local real estate broker so he has his finger on the pulse of Bristol from his experience coming through the Bristol public school system and, more recently, from listening to prospective homebuyers and sellers.

The details of the third plank concern the appointment of the Bristol Board of Education. This is an especially important issue to highlight as Bristol children head back to school this week. Bristol made the change from an appointed board to an elected board in 1993.

Johnson believes that the City of Bristol should return to the previous charter provision, and appoint members to the Board of Education rather than electing them. “This is an experiment that just hasn’t worked in Bristol.” Johnson added, “People I have spoken with do not want to take the time out of their busy schedules to campaign for a Board of Education position. Can you blame them?”

“Liz and I put our three kids through the public school system, too. And when I talk to prospective Bristol homebuyers, the first question I’m asked is about the schools. Education of our children is too important an issue; we can’t afford to scare away the best candidates we can get for the Board.”

A Charter Revision Commission has been established to begin the process of revising the city’s blueprint and Johnson intends to offer this proposal to the Commission. If adopted by the Commission, the Bristol City Council would then have the final say as to whether this question appears on the fall 2008 ballot.

“I urge all Bristol voters to follow the reforms that I am proposing and ask your Council Candidates in your district if they agree that these changes need to be made,” Johnson continued “You have the right to vote on your form of government and no six member body of career politicians should take that away from you.”

The Republican nominee has been encouraging residents during his door-to-door “Listening Tour” to become more proactive about local government. He believes that it is time for the voters of Bristol to take this city back and get it on the right track. “Government reform is an essential key to creating a better Bristol.” Johnson said.

“I intend to Put Bristol First, rather than any political party or personal agenda.” Johnson concluded, “The residents of Bristol have been clamoring for a change – I offer that change and my ideas on how we can better serve the people of Bristol in the years to come. Having a strong Board of Education with candidates who are ready, willing and able to serve is essential to promoting quality education in our community.


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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Zoppo speaks out on sign thefts

Democratic mayoral candidate Ellen Zoppo issued this statement today:

Since volunteers for my campaign installed lawn signs, there has been a systematic removal and destruction of the signs city-wide. Every night, it seems an entire neighborhood would have their signs vanish. This is both needless and costly, and unfortunately, its what some people do come to expect with the political season.

Last weekend, large banners that were hanging on the fences at private properties on Route 229 and Route 69 were cut down. Saturday morning, political graffiti was spray-painted on the wood scaffolding encasing the entrance to the First Congregational Church, the second act of vandalism on public property in the last two months.

Last night, a resident of Prospect Place called the police after midnight to report three people wearing black masks on the street trespassing and stealing campaign signs. The police found and pursued one individual on foot, and subsequently recovered a number of my campaign signs that were dropped by the suspects as they fled.

After the events of the last week, I have made the decision to file an official police complaint in the hope that more attention on this matter by the public will stop the activity. While it appears that my signs are the only campaign signs being targeted, my primary concern is for my supporters who are having their properties trespassed on, and for the public spaces that are being vandalized.

Laura Minor, wife of Councilman Craig Minor, had also publicly offered a reward of $100 for information concerning the signs that have been stolen. Through those efforts, we have a physical description of a person and their car who was seen removing signs on the night of August 19 and the police are pursuing that lead. The financial reward still stands for additional information and leads.

It is disappointing that people are resorting to these tactics. Political involvement and disagreement are good things. Criminal activity in the name of politics is not. I encourage those supporting either me or my opponent to express that support by voting, and discussing the issues and election with their family and friends.

I would also like to thank my supporters for maintaining their composure and conducting themselves in a positive manner. I believe that a candidate’s campaign is a reflection on the candidate, and I am proud that my campaign has been a positive, issues based effort. We will continue our campaign to bring positive, professional management to Bristol.

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Just a reminder...

I think a few too many rather pointless, mean-spirited comments have gone through lately. I'm going to be tougher on what I approve.
I'm already deleting the vast majority of posts, but I think I probably should be deleting even more.
Please, think before you write, and don't lash out at each other. Don't just hurl insults. Try to make a point clearly and effectively.
Let's raise the level, folks, or it'll just be me on here. And why would anyone want that?

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

August 27, 2007

Streetlighting release from Municipal Energy

Press release this afternoon from Municipal Energy:
Municipal Energy Consulting Group, LLC indicated to the Mayor of Bristol in a meeting today that the streetlighting refund by CL&P is less than half of what the City really deserves.
Jim Krone, President of Municipal Energy stated, “Our preliminary numbers show that CL&P’s refund falls considerably short. Using CL&P’s start and end dates, which are in the process of being reviewed by the Mayor's staff, we find at least $176,000 is owed the City in just removals and new found lights.”
This compares to CL&P’s offer of approximately $87,000 to Bristol earlier this year.
Krone called the number “very preliminary” and stated that “it will only go up.” Much more analysis is needed to reach a final figure but Krone indicated “the prognosis is very positive.”

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Zoppo responds to Johnson's call for '72' planning

Democratic mayoral nominee Ellen Zoppo sent along this response to GOP mayoral candidate Ken Johnson's call for more planning before the new Route 72 extension is built:

The city adopted a Land Use and Transportation Plan for the Route 72 corridor in 2005. The City Planner suggested that the city do the plan so that we would not be behind the eight ball when the construction started. The study looked at existing land use as well as existing and projected traffic patterns, held public hearings to get feedback from the community as to what they wanted for the future of the area, and came up with a list of land use and traffic management recommendations to guide city officials during and after the project.
It's frustrating to hear candidates criticize projects to make political points when in fact the city was right out in front of this particular issue. The study is on the website and I know that a lot of people in the affected area and esp. Forestville center were really happy with the entire process.

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Ward responds to Johnson

Democratic mayoral hopeful Art Ward sent along this response to Republican mayoral contender Ken Johnson's comments over the weekend:

I am not completely surprised at Mr. Johnson's revised press release due to his demonstrated indecivedness in other areas as well.
Mr. Johnson would better serve the citizens of Bristol if he took the time to become fully versed in the issues before haphazardly ranting opinions in order to obtain press coverage.
My suggestion to the BDDC to suspend further action until after the November elections was to avoid entering into any costly long term contracts which might hamper the direction of a new administration in the next two years and, ultimately, prove costly to the taxpayers of this community.
When our city government becomes mired in only one mindset, as Mr. Johnson seems to prefer, progress will become stagnated and we will become regressive instead of progressive.
Upon review of the events leading up to the creation of the BDDC, I don't recall Mr. Johnson's presence or input contributing to the process but now he wants to have everyone believe that his crystal ball will dictate the future of our city?
Mr. Johnson has yet to expound on this or any other issue with any definitive measures or solutions so are we to surmize that he has none?

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Dead Plymouth teen's website...

Though it's sad to look at it now, here's a link to Sean Landry's Myspace page. Landry was the driver in that awful crash last week that killed four area teenagers.


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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Johnson backtracks on campaign comments

BRISTOL – In an unusual move, Republican mayoral hopeful Ken Johnson said that a press release his campaign issued Friday included “comments that are not accurate” and asked reporters to “allow me to correct this error.”
Among the comments attributed to Johnson that were included in the earlier version of the press release that vanished in the revised one were:
* “This is a clear example of what’s wrong with Bristol politics. The BDDC is clearly beginning to get off the ground and make progress with regards to the mall property and a seasoned City Councilman is asking them to stop.”
* “I get a kick out of it when a member of the City Council says we have to prioritize – where have they been? They have a vote on the City Council to help set the agenda – they don’t do it and than they blame the world for the lack of progress.”
* “My fear is that this area
[around the new section of Route 72] will soon become a mini Route 6 if we are not careful about development.”
* “I find it hard to believe that a veteran City Councilman of 14 years
[i.e., Art Ward] cannot understand the concept of the BDDC.”
* “This type of opportunity
[revitalizing the mall using a BDDC plan] will go a long way in increasing our tax base and helping to stabilize taxes in our community if not lower them. This nonsense of starting and stopping projects has to stop.”
It is unclear why Johnson is calling the earlier comments inaccurate. They were issued in a press release by a campaign aide.
Below are both versions of Johnson’s press releases, first the one on Friday, then the corrected version on Saturday that the candidate said “accurately reflects my sentiments and comments.”

The Friday version:
Ken Johnson the Republican nominee for Mayor of the City of Bristol hailed the remarks from DOT Commissioner Ralph Carpenter as a sign of good things to come for the City of Bristol. Commissioner Carpenter announced that the ground breaking for the new Route 72 expansion would take place in October.
Johnson took this opportunity to assail Democratic Mayoral hopeful Art Ward for his recent comments regarding the Bristol Downtown Development Corporation (BDDC.) Ward recently called for the BDDC to halt all of its work until November. The Democratic candidate is opposed to having a separate corporation working on downtown development and believes that the Bristol Development Authority (BDA) should have charge of the project.
“This is a clear example of what’s wrong with Bristol politics,” Johnson added “The BDDC is clearly beginning to get off the ground and make progress with regards to the mall property and a seasoned City Councilman is asking them to stop.”
“I get a kick out of it when a member of the City Council says we have to prioritize – where have they been?” Johnson asked “They have a vote on the City Council to help set the agenda – they don’t do it and than they blame the world for the lack of progress.”
Johnson stated that as Mayor he would be asking the BDA to use their efforts to finish the Southwest Industrial Park that has been dormant for several years, and to use this new opportunity to ensure that we have a solid plan of development along the new Route 72 corridor.
“I believe that we should begin the process now, of starting to talk about what we want this corridor to look like,” Johnson continued “My fear is that this area will soon become a mini Route 6 if we are not careful about development.”
Under a Johnson administration the BDA will have plenty of work to do and developing them Mall property should stay with the BDDC. “I find it hard to believe that a veteran City Councilman of 14 years cannot understand the concept of the BDDC” Johnson said.
“This type of opportunity will go a long way in increasing our tax base and helping to stabilize taxes in our community if not lower them,” Johnson concluded “ This nonsense of starting and stopping projects has to stop.”

And the Saturday version:
Ken Johnson, the Republican nominee for Mayor of the City of Bristol, hailed recent remarks from DOT Commissioner Ralph Carpenter as a “sign of good things to come for the City.” Commissioner Carpenter announced that the ground breaking for the Route 72 expansion would take place in October.
Johnson took the opportunity to question Democratic Mayoral hopeful Art Ward’s recent written request of the Bristol Downtown Development Corporation (BDDC). Ward called for the BDDC to halt its work until after the November election.
“Sounds like movin’ backward to me,” said Johnson, as it appears Ward would unravel the BDDC and hand the project back to the Bristol Development Authority (BDA) if he had his way.
“This is a disturbing example of politics over people. Just as the people of Bristol get good news -- progress on Rt. 72, progress on downtown – a career politician throws up the stop sign. Everyone I talk to wants to see action, to see decisions made.”
Regarding the BDA, “there is plenty for them to do,” said Johnson. He stated as Mayor he would charge the BDA to move aggressively to finish the Southwest Industrial Park and develop a solid plan for development along the Rt. 72 corridor. “The State is putting the shovel in the ground. The clock is ticking. The time to start talking about what we want this corridor to look like is now.”
“We’re looking at a tremendous opportunity for the people of Bristol to feel a renewed sense of pride in our City. The problem isn’t with our city, it’s with our politics.” Johnson concluded, “We can change the picture, but it’s going to be up to the people to make that happen.”

I'm awaiting comments from Democratic mayoral hopefuls Ellen Zoppo and Art Ward.

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

August 24, 2007

Johnson assails Ward on downtown

Press release from Republican mayoral hopeful Ken Johnson, issued Friday afternoon:

Ken Johnson the Republican nominee for Mayor of the City of Bristol hailed the remarks from DOT Commissioner Ralph Carpenter as a sign of good things to come for the City of Bristol. Commissioner Carpenter announced that the ground breaking for the new Route 72 expansion would take place in October.

Johnson took this opportunity to assail Democratic Mayoral hopeful Art Ward for his recent comments regarding the Bristol Downtown Development Corporation (BDDC.) Ward recently called for the BDDC to halt all of its work until November. The Democratic candidate is opposed to having a separate corporation working on downtown development and believes that the Bristol Development Authority (BDA) should have charge of the project.

“This is a clear example of what’s wrong with Bristol politics,” Johnson added “The BDDC is clearly beginning to get off the ground and make progress with regards to the mall property and a seasoned City Councilman is asking them to stop.”

“I get a kick out of it when a member of the City Council says we have to prioritize – where have they been?” Johnson asked “They have a vote on the City Council to help set the agenda – they don’t do it and than they blame the world for the lack of progress.”

Johnson stated that as Mayor he would be asking the BDA to use their efforts to finish the Southwest Industrial Park that has been dormant for several years, and to use this new opportunity to ensure that we have a solid plan of development along the new Route 72 corridor.

“I believe that we should begin the process now, of starting to talk about what we want this corridor to look like,” Johnson continued “My fear is that this area will soon become a mini Route 6 if we are not careful about development.”

Under a Johnson administration the BDA will have plenty of work to do and developing them Mall property should stay with the BDDC. “I find it hard to believe that a veteran City Councilman of 14 years cannot understand the concept of the BDDC” Johnson said.

“This type of opportunity will go a long way in increasing our tax base and helping to stabilize taxes in our community if not lower them,” Johnson concluded “ This nonsense of starting and stopping projects has to stop.”


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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Teens killed in crash ID'd

By The Associated Press
And Bristol Press Staff
BRISTOL - Four teens heading home after a night of swimming with friends were killed when their sports car crossed into oncoming traffic and struck another car late Thursday, police said.
Three of the teens died at the scene. The 19-year-old driver died as medics rushed him to a nearby hospital, police said Friday.
One of the three people in the other car also was critically injured.
Investigators said they believed speed was a factor.
The crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Route 6 near St. Joseph Cemetery when the teens' Subaru sports car crossed the center line, struck a Ford Taurus and rolled into a pole, Bristol police Lt. Tom Grimaldi said. They were heading east at the time.
The dead teens were identified Friday as the driver, Sean Landry of Plymouth; and passengers, Myles Gosselin, 17, of Burlington; and Jordan Gagnon and Alyssa Roy, both 16 and from Farmington. Gagnon formerly lived in West Hartford.
"They basically had been at a friend's house, swimming - a typical summer night," Grimaldi said.
The Terryville couple in the other vehicle, Thomas and Debra Lehman, were returning from Bradley International Airport after picking up a visiting friend, 61-year-old Los Angeles resident Giovanna Tirado, Grimaldi said.
Debra Lehman, 51, was critically injured and was being treated Friday at St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, Grimaldi said.
Thomas Lehman, 67, was treated at Waterbury Hospital and released, and Tirado was admitted to Waterbury Hospital for observation and was listed in stable condition Friday.
Officers have not determined whether alcohol may have been a factor, but they believe speed played a role, Grimaldi said.
"There is some physical evidence at the scene that our investigators are looking at, but they're still trying to piece everything together," he said.
"It's sad," said Bristol Mayor William Stortz. "Whatever the circumstances, whatever the cause, it's a shame."
That stretch of highway, said Stortz, is "an area where people drive a little fast."
Friends of the teens gathered early Friday in Bristol as word spread of the fatal collision. Others who knew them said they were shocked and saddened by the news. Grief counseling was also available at some of the schools.
"Sean was just a wonderful young man, a superb, a superb student," Plymouth Superintendent of Schools Anthony Distasio said. "Our hearts and our prayers and our thoughts go out to his family."




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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Police: Two dead in murder-suicide at Plymouth home

And in another sickening story....

Associated Press
August 24, 2007
PLYMOUTH, Conn. - Two people were found dead early Friday in what appeared to be an overnight murder-suicide, police said.
The names of the victims were not released, but investigators said their early reviews at the scene indicated a man shot and killed his wife, police said.
The man fled the scene, and he was later discovered dead in a vehicle after an apparent suicide, Connecticut State Police Lt. J. Paul Vance said.
The Connecticut State Police major crimes squad remained early Friday at the scene of the shooting, which was reported on Scott Road in the Terryville section of Plymouth.
Copyright © 2007, The Associated Press

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Four teens killed in Bristol crash

Four teens killed, three people injured in Bristol crash
Associated Press
August 24, 2007
BRISTOL, Conn. - Four teenagers were killed and three other people were injured in a two-car collision late Thursday, police said early Friday.
The crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. when one car crossed the center line of Route 6 near St. Joseph Cemetery and struck the other car, then hit a telephone pole, police said.
The four teenagers died at the scene, Bristol police Lt. Thomas Grimaldi said. Their identities and home towns were not released early Friday.
The three occupants of the other vehicle were taken to Waterbury Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, police said.
One person was treated and released, while one remained hospitalized in stable condition, Grimaldi said. The third person was reported to be in critical condition early Friday and required surgery at St. Mary's, police said.
Officers have not determined whether alcohol may have been a factor, but they believe speed played a role, Grimaldi said.
Investigators were attempting early Friday to determine how fast the vehicles were traveling, where they were coming from, which one crossed the center line and other specifics, he said.
"Our biggest concerns right now are for the families of everybody involved in the accident and also getting any unanswered questions answered," Grimaldi said.
Copyright © 2007, The Associated Press

If you have any more information, send me a note to majerus-collins@comcast.net.


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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

August 23, 2007

Most recent streetlighting report

Jim Krone, the new president of Municipal Energy Consulting Group, kindly forwarded to me the most recent report on the streetlight overcharges case that his firm has submitted to the city. Here it is:

July 26, 2007

The Honorable William T. Stortz
Mayor
City of Bristol
111 North Main St.
Bristol, CT 06010

Re: Status Report- Investigation into CL&P’s Streetlight Overcharges for the City of Bristol under DPUC Docket No. 04-01-01

Dear Mayor Stortz:

Here’s a brief update of activities under the Municipal Energy contract with the City of Bristol:

June-- No activity to report. Ken Johnson postponed a meeting scheduled for June 12, 2007 with Public Works and Corporation Counsel representatives due to a death in the family.

July—June 12 meeting rescheduled for July 18: Meeting Summary:

Date: Wednesday July 18, 2007
Place: City Hall- Public Works Conference Rm.
Time: 9:00 am.
Attendees: Mayor William T. Stortz, Paul Strawderman, Atty. Richard Lacey, Jason Morocco, Ken Johnson, Karen Vita.

Ken Johnson outlined meeting agenda and lead discussion of the following:

Ken reviewed summary of May 7 meeting, provided additional background to aid in the group’s understanding of the issue and provided advice on the next steps to be taken in the effort to help the City of Bristol receive a fair and accurate settlement from CL&P for Streetlight Overcharges. Ken explained his personal role in the streetlighting issue dating back 25 years. He worked as the Company’s streetlight program administrator in the 1980’s and conducted the first internal streetlight audit within CL&P in 1985. Upon leaving CL&P in 2002, Ken started Municipal Energy and is uniquely positioned with both the knowledge and experience to take on CL&P on this issue. gave everyone a look into the past to understand why and how he is so knowledgeable, this comes from his years of service to CL&P. ken explained that it was because of Ethics that he stepped away from his position and sought work in another field. It just so happened that the Streetlight Overcharges became a passion, not to make Ken Johnson a wealthy man but to be honest and help municipalities all over the state to receive a fair settlement.
Ken has worked privately for 5 years on the Municipal Energy side. To date at least 12 million has been paid out to several municipalities in the state of Connecticut.
It has been estimated that approximately $500,000 is owed to the city of Bristol. With the cooperation of the City of Bristol it is believed that we can obtain the monies due. As explained there is extensive research and time involved in this process.
It is believed that Bristol is the perfect proxy for Connecticut due to the significant overcharges.
There were concerns that Richard Lacey brought up in regards to the length of time that has lapsed from the date that the data disc was received and future research. Ken again explained that this is a lengthy process but the end result could benefit the city of Bristol tremendously. Mr. Lacey also inquired as to whether this process can be wrapped up by the end of 2007. The answer is not likely, however with the cooperation from contacts at the Public works dept we can make rapid assessments in regards to research.
The topic of the refund check for $86,839.48 that Bristol is in receipt of, and the concern of cashing the check and having CL&P consider that acceptance as a full and final settlement. Municipal Energy Consulting Group has furnished all of its Municipal clients with sufficient tools such as E mail templates for personalization to be forwarded to the appropriate persons such as the DPUC and CL&P. One template in particular was in regards to the individual town not accepting refund check as final settlement. Once received by Ms. Louise Rickard at the DPUC and receipt in the form of a letter or e mail was sent by her department which in some cases, a municipality may have cashed their refund check once that receipt was received.
While the subject of New Founds was discussed three examples were given by Ken Johnson, one of which was Barber Street, pole #1294 which CL&P reports as a new found. However this is not a new found. Mr. Lacey, Mr. Strawderman and Mr. Morrocco all agreed that they would research this in thier records and advise Mr. Johnson of their findings. Another Pole was spoken of, Battisto Road, pole #8269. This is also a situation where CL&P is calling this a new found. The City of Bristol has been double billed for this light. The third example is a flood light in front of Pasquallicios. Bristol is being charged for this light. The question is who requested this light? Mr. lacey volunteered to go take a look at two of the three lights and research their existence.
Ken Explained the New found light report column by column and explained which each represented. Ken also explained the difference in bulbs and wattages and the cost associated with each.
The Public works Department agreed that the New founds will be looked at first.


May 7, 2007; Ken Johnson meeting with the staff members Paul Strawderman, Jason Morrocco, Richard Lacey
At the May 7 meeting, Ken Johnson provided background on the issue and answered questions to help bring staff up to speed. We discussed the need to ensure that the City has notified CL&P by certified letter that the City is not accepting CL&P’s refund offer as full and final settlement; a copy of the same should be forwarded to Municipal Energy for our files. Ken reported that Municipal Energy is currently gathering electronic data from all client towns and checking CL&P’s calculations, including Bristol’s.
Next action steps include: Municipal Energy will advise and assist Paul & Jason in cross-checking the results of CL&P’s 1999 Group Relamp Audit results and 2003 Municipal Streetlight Audit results for Bristol with City files and records. Municipal Energy has culled CL&P’s electronic files and produced a condensed version of the audits containing “changes” only on CD for Paul & Jason. Bristol staff effort will involve comparing the condensed electronic data with City files and records seeking to reconcile errors in four categories: 1) removes, 2) new founds, 3) overbills, and 4) underbills. Ken Johnson provided a copy of Municipal Energy’s New Founds report for Bristol. The team agreed to focus on ‘new founds’ first. Ken Johnson explained to Richard Lacey that CL&P has ‘taken back’ property tax dollars from Bristol in CL&P’s calculation of Bristol’s refund. Richard will look into the validity/legality of this action. Once the investigation phase is complete, Municipal Energy, with staff input, will perform new refund calculations for Bristol.
Pertinent supporting documents provided to city officials have been attached to this letter.


Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth R. Johnson

CC: R. Lacey
P. Strawderman

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Ward has a website -- and a blog

I'm not sure it's working quite right yet, but here's the new website for Democratic mayoral hopeful Art Ward's campaign: http://www.movingbristolforward.com/

and he has a blog, too! -- http://movingbristolforward.blogspot.com/


*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

August 22, 2007

Mocabee weighs in on "Fab 5" letter

City Republican Party Chairman Art Mocabee sent this along this morning (the headline below is his):

Ward and Zoppo: Choice between good and evil

With headlines like the ones today regarding Ward and Zoppo, it becomes hard to separate who has Bristol's best interest in mind. Ward wants to STOP the mall process, after he already has filed an FOI complaint that has made Bristol politics and leadership look more then selfish. Zoppo's story once again points to her lack of skill in working with whom would be subordinates as indicated by the five department heads who signed that letter less then two years ago. They did well to cover themselves by re-canting, sort of hedging themselves against retaliation if Oppose ever became their master!

In both case, no leadership or vision for Bristol can be seen. This is a primary race among relics of Bristol's past. So far neither of them have done anything to tell anyone why they are the better candidate. The Democrat Primary issues are FOI, Stall Downtown, Alienation of Department Heads and No Debate.

This Primary is fueling our campaign. We will be able to clearly define the difference between Bristol Republicans and the choices the democrats are serving up. Moving Bristol forward to meet it's need is the main theme that Republican will articulate, not stalling or picking on department heads, We intend to do this in open unscripted view with public input.


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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

A new job for John Leone?

Before introducing the state's transportation commissioner at today's Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce luncheon at Chippanee Golf Club, emcee John Smith hailed Rocky the Rock Cat, who was on hand because the New Britain team had helped pay for the event.
The young man in the Rocky suit gave a big thumbs up and offered to sign autographs. Nobody took him up on it.
But before Rocky took off for his next gig, Mayor William Stortz turned to former Mayor John Leone, the longtime chamber director, and told him, "That's your next job, John."

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Where to throw the grenade?

During last night's Real Estate Committee, three city councilors - Frank Nicastro, Kevin McCauley and Mike Rimcoski - were just starting to talk about the downtown mall when Mayor William Stortz stuck his head in the door to the meeting room.
Stortz looked around and grinned.
"Is this where I throw the grenade in and run?" he asked.
Then he vanished.

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Johnson calls for manager, larger City Council

New press release from Republican mayoral hopeful Ken Johnson:

Ken Johnson the Republican nominee for Mayor of the City of Bristol, today unveiled his second reform plank in the area of government reform. Johnson is making a push to make government more accountable to the people of Bristol.
Johnson will formally ask the Charter Revision Commission to amend the charter to include a City Manager-Council form of government. Under these provisions the Mayor’s position will most likely be a ceremonial position and an experienced person would be hired to run the day-to-day activities of government.
“Bristol is a multi million dollar corporation and the time has come to select an individual who can manage this city as a business without any regard to a political agenda,” Johnson continued “It is only proper that the voters of Bristol have an opportunity to vote on their form a government, politicians can have their opinions, but the voters should have the final say.”
In addition, Johnson will ask the Charter Revision Commission to put an initiative on the ballot to expand the council to nine members. Currently, the council is represented by six voters from three different council districts. Johnson will ask the Charter panel to make the city council elected citywide or what is known as “At-Large.”
“I defy anyone one currently active in city government to pick any street in the city and ask those residents which council district that they belong in,” Johnson added “City Councilors represent Bristol and not just districts, with the addition of a city manager all Bristol electors should be able to elect their city council members.”
The Republican nominee will also propose that all Council terms will be for a four-year period. “It takes a good year to get the feel of your position, and than you are up for re-election. A four-year term will ensure that we will have more time to govern and less time politicking,” Johnson said.
Under this provision the City of Bristol would have guaranteed multi-party representation on the City Council. “This would also guarantee that Bristol would have a diversity of opinions and views on the city council, Johnson added “Increasing the City Council to nine members would also reduce the workload for members of the Council.” Johnson believes that some residents do not seek a seat on the city council because of the time commitment involved and the amount of time they spend away from their families.
“With so many items on their plates it a wonder that it takes forever to complete a project,” Johnson concluded “We need to strive to elect and recruit the best possible candidates for municipal office, and this proposal would do just that.”


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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Zoppo-Ward mudfest thread

I find myself deleting about two-thirds of the comments posted on this blog because they're just scurrilous attacks on either Ellen Zoppo or Art Ward.
So let me say right up front that we're not going to get into Ward's old drunk driving arrest or tax bills owed by Zoppo's parents or how either of them deals with their children or ... well, you get the idea.
I'm just going to delete all of that stuff. It's not that a reasonable argument can't be made for discussing them as a campaign rolls along, but if that happens, it will be because one of the candidates, or the Press, or a public outcry forces an issue onto the table.
It won't happen because some anonymous poster feels like taking a cheap, usually inaccurate shot at the candidate they loathe.
However, if you just want to vent about Zoppo or Ward -- and you can refrain from sounding like a wild beast in the process -- then feel free. Say whatever you want, as long as it's suitable for a general audience and talks about issues or the way the candidates handle issues.
I'm still going to whack the worst of the offenders' posts. But this is the spot to try to score that one telling point you're sure will somehow sway those who disagree.

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Zoppo accused of "made up" stories by 'Fab 5' in 2005 letter

Click here for earlier blog post, with more detail, a copy of the letter and many comments

Here's the version that appeared in today's paper:
Just before the polls closed on Election Day two years ago, five city department heads wrote a scathing letter to the city’s personnel director claiming that city Councilor Ellen Zoppo had subjected them “to lies, misinformation, innuendos and made-up stories.”
“We believe that this has contributed to a very hostile work environment that should not have been tolerated by any city employee,” said the letter signed by Fire Chief Jon Pose, Comptroller Glenn Klocko, Park Director Ed Swicklas, Police Chief John DiVenere and Jonathan Rosenthal, the city’s economic development director.
Four of the five signers said Tuesday they have not had problems with Zoppo since 2005. The other, Pose, was the driving force behind the letter, said both Zoppo and Tom Bentivengo, the fire union president.
Bentivengo said there was “no substance behind the letter” and that Pose took a dislike to Zoppo because in her role as liaison to the Fire Board she insisted he follow proper procedures.
Zoppo, who is locked in a close mayoral primary with fellow Democratic city Councilor Art Ward, dismissed the letter as “a blatant attempt” by Ward’s backers to discredit her. Pose is one of Ward’s biggest backers, said Bentivengo, who supports Zoppo.
Both Zoppo and Ward, who said he had nothing to do with release of the letter, are vying for the support of the party’s rank and file in the Sept. 11 electoral showdown for the right to take on Republican Ken Johnson in the Nov. 6 general election.
The signers said in their letter that Zoppo, the Democratic Party’s mayoral nominee, had referred to them as the “Fab 5” or the “Fat 5” and “publicly stated that she is going to get us fired for various unwarranted reasons.”
“In addition, she has spread lies and misinformation to the employees who work for and with us,” the letter said.
Calling the situation “intolerable,” the five supervisors asked Personnel Director Diane Ferguson to do something to help.
It is unclear what, if anything, Ferguson did in response. She could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Rosenthal said the letter was “was not meant to be a political issue then or now” which is why it was sent after the 2005 campaign was over.
Klocko said Tuesday he signed the letter “slightly kicking and dragging” because he’d heard secondhand “from several different sources the same exact thing” about what Zoppo had been telling people.
“That had to cease,” Klocko said, so he agreed to take what he considered a serious step.
“It was a big misunderstanding at the time,” DiVenere said.
“Whatever issues there may have been have been resolved,” he said.
“I think there were some miscommunications and they’ve been resolved,” Rosenthal said. “I think it resulted in clarifications that were important and positive.”
Since the letter, Klocko said he has had “no issues with Councilwoman Zoppo” at all.
“She’s been cordial to me,” he said, and supported his reappointment.
DiVenere said that he has confidence in Zoppo now and that he has had no issues with her since the letter was sent in 2005. Rosenthal, too, said he’s had no problems with her.
Swicklas said, “I can tell you that our relationship now is very good.”
“The parks are moving along and we have established a good dialogue, working relationship and mutual respect. I have no concerns with Councilwoman Zoppo," Swicklas said.
Klocko said that when the five signed the letter, they were worried about retribution against them. That never happened, he said.
“There was no backlash to us,” Klocko said.
He said he suspects the letter “focused her attention” on the problem of talking harshly about city workers and probably helped resolve the situation.
Klocko said he feels “positive” about his relationship with Zoppo these days.
Klocko also said he doesn’t see the letter as meaning too much any longer.
“I dismiss it at this time because it’s the silly season,” Klocko said.
He said that from his point of view, he will work with “whoever the citizens to tell me to” when they vote in November.
Klocko said that he hopes that a decade from now “the Fab 5” can get together and chuckle over the letter they felt they had to write.
In their letter to Ferguson, the department heads said they expected that Zoppo, who won her third term as a councilor the same day they wrote their concerns, would not be assigned as the liaison to any of the boards or commissions overseeing them “because of her obvious hostility.”
They said in the letter that they wrote it “to follow up on numerous conversations and complaints that we have lodged with your office and with the mayor’s office over the past several months.”
“We thoroughly enjoy the work that we do for this city and try to conduct ourselves in a professional manner,” the five wrote. “We try to do our jobs to the best of our ability, but find the present situation unacceptable.”
A signed copy of the letter from the five department heads to Ferguson, and other related material, is available online at reporter Steve Collins’ Bristol Blog at http://bristolnews.blogspot.com.

Zoppo’s response
Why am I not surprised that this letter has surfaced three weeks before a primary?
This is a blatant attempt by supporters of Art Ward to discredit me before the primary. There would never be a letter from department heads complaining about Art Ward because he is not capable of holding them accountable, because he does not have a grasp of the issues to know how to hold them accountable. He is more concerned about being their buddy.
This is the same man who is afraid to debate me in public on the issues, but his supporters will dust off a complaint that was found to be without merit two years ago. This is clearly a desperate move by the Ward campaign to keep the focus off the issues and make it personal instead. If Art had the nerve to meet me face-to-face in a debate, we would not have to air these issues via the newspaper.
The city has a talented set of department heads with whom I have good working relationships, and who care about Bristol and do their jobs well. My concern for the taxpayer, and the safety of the line firefighters, as it related to Chief Pose's disregard for policy and procedures set us on a path to confrontation when I was on the Fire Board.
I expect that department heads adhere to a high standard because that is what leadership is all about. It is unfortunate that in Chief Pose's need to go after me, he involved other department heads. Chief Pose's complaint had no merit then, and still doesn't today.




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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

August 21, 2007

"Hairspray" mini-review

First off, I remember loving John Waters' version of "Hairspray" back when it was a refreshingly original little flick out of Baltimore.
I never saw the Broadway musical, though my wife got the chance and came back praising it to the hilt.
Now I've seen the new movie and I liked it. But John Travolta as the mom? Terrible. Divine was a million times better.

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Johnson fundraiser Wednesday night

Bristol Mayoral Candidate Ken Johnson will be holding a Pasta Dinner to benefit his campaign. The Dinner is being held on Wednesday August 22 at Nuchies Restaurant (164 Center Street, Forestville), from 5:00-7:00. Ticket prices are $15 per person and $10 for children ages 12 and under.
Brock Weber
Ken Johnson for Mayor '07
Asst. Campaign Manager

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Ward writes to new downtown boss

** Updated at 10:30 a.m. **
Democratic mayoral hopeful Art Ward sent this note this morning to the newly chosen chairman of the Bristol Downtown Development Corp.:

Frank, congratulations on your election as Chairperson of the Downtown Corporation.
In light of the pending considerations of the corporation for the retention of legal services and the selection of an Executive Director, I would respectfully request that the Downtown Corporation defer decision on these matters until after the November 2007 elections.
Through no fault of the members of the Corporation and with no disrespect to the members of the Corporation, progress in this process has been moving at little more than a snail's pace.
Realizing that a new administration, with potentially new ideas or, at least a review of previous thoughts on this project, will exist after the November election, I believe it to be in the best interests of the taxpayers of this community to hold any future actions in abeyance until the new administration takes office.
I voted for this corporation in the interest and hope of expediting positive progress on the mall project but it has become evident that my initial stance, consisting of utilizing our existing resources within the BDA , our Economic Development Department and the City of Bristol, might ultimately prove to be a more prudent, expeditious and fiscally responsible means of addressing these concerns.
Thank you for your consideration of this proposal and please extend my sincerest gratitude to all of the members of the Downtown Corporation for their service to the City of Bristol.

Arthur Ward
Bristol City Council Member
District 1

And Frank Johnson sent back this note:

Councilman Ward:
Thank you for your thoughtful email. I will certainly see that it is shared with all members of the corporation.
As you know, we have a properly noticed meeting today to interview candidates for the position of Executive Director. The three firms have already been scheduled. Because this is a special meeting, I do not believe that we can take up the mater of your correspondence today. However I am only the Chairman elect, I don't become Chairman until September 1. Therefore, I will defer to our current Chairman, Mayor Stortz and our legal advisors to determine when the appropriate time would be to discuss your message and your request for a deferral of all action.
As always, thank you for your thoughtful consideration and your support in creating the BDDC. Your opinions and the opinions of all elected officials are certainly given appropriate consideration and weight.
Thanks again, it was good to hear from you.
Frank J. Johnson, Chairman elect
BDDC

*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

August 20, 2007

Zoppo blasted for "lies" and more by 5 department heads

** BRISTOL PRESS EXCLUSIVE **
-- Story is still developing so check back later --
** Check Wednesday's paper for the final version of this story. But go ahead and read this entry, too, because there's more here than could ever fit in a newspaper story! **

Just before the polls closed on Election Day two years ago, five city department heads wrote a scathing letter to the city’s personnel director claiming that city Councilor Ellen Zoppo had subjected them “to lies, misinformation, innuendos and made-up stories.”
“We believe that this has contributed to a very hostile work environment that should not have been tolerated by any city employee,” said the letter signed by Fire Chief Jon Pose, Comptroller Glenn Klocko, Park Director Ed Swicklas, Police Chief John DiVenere and Jonathan Rosenthal, the city’s economic development director.
They said in the letter that Zoppo, the Democratic Party’s mayoral nominee, had referred to them as the “Fab 5” or the “Fat 5” and “publicly stated that she is going to get us fired for various unwarranted reasons.”
“In addition, she has spread lies and misinformation to the employees who work for and with us,” the letter said.
Calling the situation “intolerable,” the five supervisors asked Personnel Director Diane Ferguson to do something to help.
Here's the letter:








To see the letter much more clearly, go here: Flickr link

10:20 Update:
City Comptroller Glenn Klocko said Tuesday he signed the letter “slightly kicking and dragging” because he’d heard secondhand “from several different sources the same exact thing” about what Zoppo had been telling people.
“That had to cease,” Klocko said, so he agreed to take what he considered a serious step.
Since the letter, Klocko said he has had “no issues with Councilwoman Zoppo” at all.
“She’s been cordial to me,” he said, and supported his reappointment.
Klocko said that when the five signed the letter, they were worried about retribution against them. That never happened, he said.
“There was no backlash to us,” Klocko said.
He said he suspects the letter “focused her attention” on the problem of talking harshly about city workers and probably helped resolve the situation.
Klocko said he feels “positive” about his relationship with Zoppo these days.
Klocko also said he doesn’t see the letter as meaning too much any longer.
“I dismiss it at this time because it’s the silly season,” Klocko said.
He said that from his point of view, he will work with “whoever the citizens to tell me to” when they vote in November.
Klocko said that he hopes that a decade from now “the Fab 5” can get together and chuckle over the letter they felt they had to write.

10:45 Update:

“It was a big misunderstanding at the time,” Police Chief John DiVenere said Tuesday.
“Whatever issues there may have been have been resolved,” he said.
DiVenere said that he has confidence in Zoppo now and that he has had no issues with her since the letter was sent in 2005.

11:10 a.m. Update:

Both Park Director Ed Swicklas and Jonathan Rosenthal, the city's economic development director, said they haven't had any problems with Zoppo since writing the letter in 2005.

Pose said the letter speaks for itself.

I haven't heard back from Zoppo or Ferguson.

11:15 a.m.

From Ellen Zoppo, minutes ago:

Why am I not surprised that this letter has surfaced 3 weeks before a primary?
This is a blatant attempt by supporters of Art Ward to discredit me before the primary. There would never be a letter from department heads complaining about Art Ward because he is not capable of holding them accountable, because he does not have a grasp of the issues to know how to hold them accountable. He is more concerned about being their buddy.
This is the same man who is afraid to debate me in public on the issues, but his supporters will dust off a complaint that was found to be without merit two years ago. This is clearly a desperate move by the Ward campaign to keep the focus off the issues and make it personal instead. If Art had the nerve to meet me face-to-face in a debate, we would not have to air these issues via the newspaper.
The city has a talented set of department heads with whom I have good working relationships, and who care about Bristol and do their jobs well. My concern for the taxpayer, and the safety of the line firefighters, as it related to Chief Pose's disregard for policy and procedures set us on a path to confrontation when I was on the Fire Board.
I expect that department heads adhere to a high standard because that is what leadership is all about. It is unfortunate that in Chief Pose's need to go after me, he involved other department heads. Chief Pose's complaint had no merit then, and still doesn't today.

12:30 p.m.
Tom Bentivengo, president of the firefighters union, said that Pose wrote the letter and convinced the other four department heads to sign it.
“He’s behind the whole thing,” Bentivengo said.
He said that “there’s no substance to that letter” and that Pose didn’t like Zoppo because she insisted he follow the correct procedures and policies within city government.
Moreoever, Bentivengo said, Pose is a big supporter for Ward.
“He is his number one backer,” Bentivengo said. “He is his number one advisor.”
In his off-hours, Pose even helped get signatures for Ward, the fire union president said.
He said the problem between Zoppo and Pose began because Pose “has no patience” and did not want to follow the sometimes cumbersome procedures to get new equipment for a fire department that needed updating.
Zoppo “was like guiding him through the process and procedure” of how to get what the department needed, Bentivengo said.
But Pose didn’t listen to her and wound up delaying things by mishandling them in his rush to try to get what the department needed, Bentivengo said.
Pose “started to say Ellen was interfering with him. He wanted to do it his way” and not wait for the proper approvals, Bentivengo said. “He wanted it done today.”
“Everything fell apart” between Pose and Zoppo, he said, because of the chief’s impatience. “He thought it was all her and, of course, it was not.”
About the time of the letter, Zoppo was also holding other department heads to account, Bentivengo said, because they were acting too much like a city manager and not necessarily following procedures. Some were overstepping their roles, he said.
“At that particular time, things got a little shrill,” Bentivengo said. The department heads “were in a panic mind.”

1:50 p.m.

From Art Ward: "I would appreciate it if you were to inform Ms. Zoppo-Sassu and anyone else of the same mindset, that I was not the person to provide you with the letter in question and that I will state, unequivocally, that I did not have any knowledge of it being presented to you.These preconceived rants and rages of Ms. Zoppo-Sassu are completely in concert with the reasons that I don't believe that a debate would provide any positive assurances of respect or decency that the voters might utilize to arrive at their ultimate decision on Primary Day, Tuesday, September, 11."

*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Have a beer with Bob!

Another fundraiser, this time for Republican City Council contender Bob Merrick:

Beer Tasting Social
Fundraiser Supporting
Bob Merrick for City Council Campaign
Thursday, August 23, 2007
6 pm - 8 pm
Franco-American Club
40 Barlow Street - Bristol, CT
Donation $20
Hors d'ouevres will be served
Music by Jeff Conlon
Contact Henry Raymond at 796-8023
or Barbara Merrick at 314-1621
for Tickets.


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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Lydem fundraising dinner Thursday

City Council candidate Bruce Lydem is having a Pasta Dinner to benefit his campaign from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23 at the Bristol Polish Club at 541 N. Main Street. Children under 12 are free. A donation of $10 is required.


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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Ward fundraiser on Thursday, Aug. 23rd

This is a release from Democratic mayoral hopeful Art Ward today:

WARD for MAYOR 2007
Hot Dog & Beans Fundraiser
This Thursday Night
Aug. 23, 2007, 4:00 - 8:00
Bristol American Legion

$10.00 PER PERSON

Support the WARD for MAYOR 2007 campaign while enjoying an all-time favorite.

Register to vote or enroll as a Democrat and be eligible to participate in the Sept. 11th Democratic Primary.

Contributions can be mailed to:
WARD for MAYOR 2007
c/o Mr. Robert Dunlap, Treasurer 35 Simpkins Drive, Bristol, CT 06010


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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

August 18, 2007

Episcopal Church sues to regain Bristol's Trinity

I'm not sure if this got in the paper today, but I see it's starting to make the rounds on some blogs, so here's the scoop:

BRISTOL – The Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut filed suit this month to regain possession of the Trinity Episcopal Church on Summer Street, whose congregation voted in May to quit the Episcopal Church U.S.A. and align itself with the more conservative Nigerian Anglican Church.
The suit argues that the Rev. Donald Helmandollar and leaders within the Bristol church “relinquished all legal right to possess or control” the parish, its records and furnishings.
The suit, filed in New Britain, asks a judge to order the Helmandollar and his supporters to turn over control of the building, account for their spending and perhaps impose a punitive fine.
Bishop Andrew Smith asked the renegade church members to vacate the buildings and surrender control of them to the Connecticut diocese by July 8.
Instead, the Bristol church members, through an attorney, said they wouldn’t give up the property and threatened “to bring trespass charges against any Diocesan personnel who help recover possession of Parish property for the use of loyal Episcopalians,” according to the diocese.
The church rebels have until Sept. 11 to respond to the suit.
Trinity is one of a half dozen Connecticut parishes that have rejected Smith's authority and no longer support the diocese.Along with a number of parishes across the country that are unhappy with the appointment of a gay bishop in New Hampshire in 2003, Trinity voted to align with the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, an initiative of the Anglican Church of Nigeria.
They say that they’re remaining true to the orthodox foundations of the church and allege that the mainstream church has drifted from its religious roots.
In addition to Helmandollar, the other individuals named as defendants in the suit, all of whom have held church leadership positions at Trinity, are Frederick Clark, Jr, Michael Saman, Marie Bartz, Raymond Bailey, Frank Cummings, Edward Dubois, Thomas O’Keefe, Deborah Thorpe, Deborah Wheeler and Robert Snyder.
The legal filing is available online at www.ctdiocese.org/news/Complaint080707.pdf.




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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

August 16, 2007

School lunch prices rising and rising and rising

It probably shouldn't be a surprise that forcing students to eat healthier food at school has meant that more of them aren't bothering to buy anything at the cafeteria, as school officials discussed in this story today.
But it's still interesting to see that a la carte sales dropped by 25 percent mostly because the schools stopped selling sports drinks. The drinks themselves didn't make money for the schools, but when kids went through the lines to get one they often also picked up a salad or something. Now many of them get nothing at all.
It's also alarming that Bristol, a city where many families are struggling, is hiking school lunch prices again when they're already among the state's most costly. Perhaps City Hall should just accept the idea that it is going to have to subsidize the school lunch program by $100,000 a year or so rather than pretending the program can be solvent and forcing the prices to rise ever higher.
There are lots of places where money is wasted. But putting good food into students' bellies is not one of them.


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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

August 15, 2007

Johnson calls Bristol "Mum City"

Here's a new release from Republican mayoral candidate Ken Johnson:

Ken Johnson, the Republican nominee for Mayor of Bristol, today assailed the current City Council for what he called “gives a whole new meaning to the word Mum City.” Johnson, who is challenging Democrats Ellen Zoppo-Sassu and Art Ward for Mayor was irritated at the lack of public discussion with regards to the FOI complaint filed by a supporter of Councilman Ward.

After a local reporter scolded the council on his blog regarding the council agenda which included an executive session to discuss this matter, members of the city council put out releases and blogs that said they wanted to discuss this matter in public. “After last nights city council meeting how much more does the public know about the issue?” Johnson asked.

Johnson believes that this issue is about much more than Ellen Zoppo-Sassu’s meeting preparation or Art Ward’s self imposed isolation from the rest of the City Council. “It’s about the fundamental way in which Bristol has conducted its business over the years, and electing the same people over and over again will not change this conduct,” Johnson continued “It’s time for fresh ideas.”

The current situation on the city council illustrates to Johnson the need for this change. They voted to buy the mall property in 2005 with virtually no public discussion, they have participated in scripted meetings over the past two terms and that’s what we know and both Zoppo-Sassu and Ward have not spoken to each other in over a year.

“Do you think our forefathers were physic when they coined the slogan Mum City?” Johnson continued “If they cannot get along with each other than how are they going to lead the City and manage people on a daily basis that don’t always agree with their politics? “

“It’s time to Put Bristol First” Johnson concluded.

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

The public speaks up...

At the City Council meeting Tuesday, the audience participation section proved to be something of a Greatest Hits compilation.
Among those who got up to talk were some residents who are frequent speakers, from Tim Gamache to Lewis Michaud.
I thought I’d give you all a taste of what gets said during the public’s section of the meeting.
First up was Stan Orzell, who is seeking a sign change on Route 69 near the Wolcott town line. His request sounded eminently reasonable.
Next up was Gamache, a near constant presence at municipal meetings. He talked about the “scripted meetings” issue, saying that making outlines is “simply good organization” but he has “serious concerns” that the outcome of the meetings were also orchestrated.
Following Gamache was Tom Doyle, who’s been addressing the council since long before I started attending meetings back in 1994. Doyle called for the city to leave the Roberts property undeveloped and defended the use of the older schools that educators are seeking to close.
Joe Geladino, a Republican council contender, got up next. Earlier this year, he threw in a white towel of surrender to express his disgust for the city’s administration. But last night, he merely blasted the council as “dysfunctional” and told its members that they are “not making the taxpayers happy.”
Mark Blaschke, an independent council candidate in the 2nd District, spoke next to say that existing schools should be renovate instead of pursuing a “really not solid” plan for new ones.
Michaud griped that a lot of people in town are not recycling, pointing to a neighbor who never has a recycling bin out. He said the city doesn’t take action against those who violate recycling rules because “you people are afraid you’re going to lose a vote” by cracking the whip.
Al Cianchetti, who once gave the mayor a failing grade during a long recitation of his record in office, rose to the microphone next. He said that the chief “told me to behave tonight.” He thanked the city attorney for clarifying the public referendum process and took a shot at city Councilor Ellen Zoppo for leaving Councilor Art Ward “out of the loop” in the scripted meeting about downtown last winter.
Finally, Maureen Carter addressed the council.
“I hate what’s happening in this city,” she said. “I hate seeing the decay.”
She said the council created the downtown corporation as a way of passing the buck so it wouldn’t have to deal with the mall issue before the election. Then she blasted the council for allowing themselves to be “led by the nose” on the scripted meeting issue, which she called “an egregious act that cannot and should not be tolerated.”

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Merrick calls for better communication

Republican City Council candidate Bob Merrick sent this out today:

It is unfortunate that a recent FOI complaint may distract us from downtown revitalization, but we should take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that we comply with both the letter and spirit of the law.
Better communication is one of my campaign focus points. The following is an excerpt from my campaign website www.bobforbristol.com:
We need to do a better job providing important information to our people. In an age where 70% of Americans use the internet, postings of all city meetings and changes should be readily available to the people of Bristol.
We need a better calendar. People need to know what events and activities are taking place in the city.
Better communication doesn’t have to be expensive. Bandwidth is becoming less expensive all the time and there are many available Content Management Systems (CMS) that would allow the posting of meetings, minutes, and other important information to be done in a quick, easy, and inexpensive manner. Residents could subscribe to email distribution lists of meetings and events that they may be interested in attending.
In my door-to-door visits with the residents of the 3rd District I have found that a large number of people do not have a computer or internet access. There are several voice-recorded bulletin board systems available where people could call in and find out about important meeting and event changes. Again these options are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
We need open government and communication to maintain the trust and support of the people. Bristol is one of the largest cities in the state. Bristol should be a leader in utilizing these technologies to inform and connect with all its residents.


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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

August 14, 2007

Zoppo's take on the FOI complaint

This is from Democratic mayoral candidate Ellen Zoppo's website:

Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Recently a close friend and political ally of my opponent in the Democratic Primary filed a complaint with the state FOI Commission concerning the January 2007 Ordinance Committee meetings that were held to adopt the ordinance for the downtown corporation. At issue is my use of a detailed agenda that outlined the points that needed to be covered and the order of business, starting with input from the public, comments from elected officials, as well as the introduction of technical amendments.
I do not believe the FOI complaint has any merit and I am disappointed that this has resulted in the city being placed in a position of having to expend resources to defend what was in fact meeting preparation by me, the chair of the Ordinance Committee, as it relates to the ordinance meetings and public hearings on the downtown corporation. I have stated earlier that the word I used, which was script, was an extremely poor word choice and does not reflect that the document used was, in fact, merely my detailed agenda and order of how the meeting was to be handled. The document clearly indicate that I was tracking concerns of both the public and the members of the council as the public hearings progressed so that nothing would fall through the cracks. There were also variety of technical amendments and a continuance of the public hearing.
I will not apologize for meeting preparation and I do believe that if the City of Bristol has to go forward with defending this claim at the FOI Commission in Hartford, that we will prevail. As I have stated publicly, my opponent did not receive a copy of this document at the meeting because he had decided a year earlier that he was not going to cooperate with the new mayor, and was angry that the rest of us were working with him. He cut himself off from the rest of the Democratic members of the Council and sent us an e-mail that he was going to go it alone. We respected his wishes.
I have often used detailed agendas and talking points for meetings that have many moving parts. As chair of the Ordinance Committee, which makes laws, I work with staff to ensure that all parts of the law are met in posting meetings, conducting public hearings, and the eventual adoption of a new ordinance by committee.
What disappoints me is the fact that this issue keeps re-surfacing as if it is a major campaign issue. There are many major issues facing Bristol but this is being blown out of proportion as a screen for my opponent to hide behind instead of discussing and debating how he would attend to downtown, budget issues and other needs.
As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely, Ellen Zoppo-Sassu

Zoppo's website also contains the "script" itself, which is already on here.

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Who does the city attorney represent?

The Freedom of Information complaint brought by resident Jay Meisinger against a handful of top city officials highlights one of the things that's always struck me as wrong about government.
At tonight's City Council session, the city attorney, Ed Krawiecki, Jr, called the complaint "a contested, adversarial case" that required the same vigorous defense that lawyers offer in typical lawsuits brought against the town.
But it's not.
In this case, unless I'm off my rocker, what residents want isn't to win the case. It's to find out the entire truth of what happened and determine whether or not any local officials violated open government laws.
The city's lawyers shouldn't be treating this as "a contested, adversarial case" because the people who pay their salaries aren't interested in beating Meisinger in a legal showdown. They're interested in candor, openness and a decision that determines whether anybody did anything wrong.
Why, for example, would Krawiecki tell Mayor William Stortz and city councilors not to discuss the complaint at all? Is he worried they'll let something out of the bag that might make it less likely the city will "win?" So what? Why should he even care?
The city lawyer said that Bristol's attorneys "need to develop our defense" in order "to protect all of your collective interest."
That might be the most telling comment of all.
Because Krawiecki is not saying that his office is trying to protect the "collective interest" of Bristol as a whole, merely the officials who are accused of doing something improper.
It strikes me, as it always has, that taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for lawyers to defend officials in open government matters. Where is the public interest in that? What is the rationale? Isn't what we all want simply the truth, unvarnished?
What's happening here is that municipal lawyers are mistakenly acting as if they represent the mayor and a handful of city councilors rather than representing everyone in town. I always thought that the interests of the people whose taxes pay the attorneys should be front and center.
For now, at least, they aren't.

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Capers resigns from Finance Board

A veteran member of the city’s Board of Finance resigned Tuesday.
Dolores Capers said she was stepping down because she plans to move soon to South Carolina, where she grew up.
Capers said she’s retiring on Sept. 1 and intends to move out of town after that.
Capers has been a volunteer on various municipal boards for two decades.
There are nine members on the finance board, including the mayor. It controls city spending and borrowing.

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Council mum on FOI complaint

After taking heat from angry residents for participating in “scripted” meetings, city councilors Tuesday refused to discuss a pending Freedom of Information complaint in secret session or in public.
“Let the lawyers handle it,” said Mayor William Stortz, one of those cited in the complaint by resident Jay Meisinger.
The city attorney, Edward Krawiecki, Jr, said his office wanted to lay out the city’s options in defending the claim in a closed-door executive session.
“There is a defense, and we intend to pursue it,” Krawiecki said, without elaborating.
Krawiecki said that because the council wouldn’t meet in executive session, municipal lawyers will have to talk to councilors individually.
Resident Maureen Carter expressed disgust with the council’s refusal to speak openly about the case then got up and walked out of the council chambers in protest.
Earlier, she had called the scripted sessions “an egregious act that cannot and should not be tolerated.”
She said that Zoppo’s script, which is akin to a detailed outline, makes it seem that the council engaged in “a stacked meeting” whose outcome was already decided.
The state’s Freedom of Information Commission is looking into the charge that Mayor William Stortz, Zoppo and other city councilors violated state open government laws by scripting municipal meetings ahead of time on at least two occasions, including a key session in the creation of the new downtown corporation.In the complaint, Meisinger argues that because of the open government violation, the council’s establishment of the Bristol Downtown Development Corp. and all of the nonprofit’s subsequent actions “might be null and void.”
City Councilor Art Ward, who was specifically excluded from possessing a script, said he would not participate in an executive session “mainly because I was not involved in it.”
Al Cianchetti, a city resident, told Zoppo, “You left him out of the loop.”
“He’s not part of the team, at his own request,” Zoppo responded.
Zoppo said she has “full faith and confidence” in the city’s attorneys so there was no need to talk about the case behind closed doors.
Tim Gamache said he didn’t mind that officials outlined the meeting ahead of time, calling it “simply good organization.”But, he said, he has “serious concerns” because it also appears the session’s outcome was orchestrated.
Joe Geladino, a Republican council candidate, called the council “a dysfunctional group” that is “not making the taxpayers happy.”
Krawiecki urged councilors and Stortz to say nothing about the pending case. He said it was not a gag order but he would prefer that officials remain mum while the case is before the state panel.
Stortz said the complaint will be investigated by the state and the FOI panel will make a determination on its merits.
“They will do a thorough, complete job to decide if something was done wrong,” the mayor said.


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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

100th birthday party at the Main Library

Just a quick note before I run over to the City Council meeting to say how pleasant it was to hear the music and see all the people who turned out for the 100 birthday party at the Main Library on High Street.
It wasn't so many years ago that the old library was crowded and ill-equipped. It took a few pushy people -- Linda Libbey, for example -- to get officials moving. But once they did, the plans turned into reality. The difference between what Bristol had there a decade ago and what it has now are amazing.
Anyway, it was all very nice. Kudos to those who put it together.

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

ReadTheTattoo.com cartoon about Bristol

A new issue of The Tattoo is online now, with lots of wonderful stuff from teens as far away as Kabul, Afghanistan. But one cartoon in the issue is especially apt for Bristol readers so I figured I'd let you see it here:

You should, of course, go read the new issue at ReadTheTattoo.com.
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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

August 13, 2007

Ward, Zoppo clash on FOI complaint

Click here for the story.

Also, see story on the City Council's plans to talk about the FOI complaint at Tuesday's meeting.

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Bristol needs more open government

“ A fundamental premise of American democratic theory is that government exists to serve the people. … Public records are one portal through which the people observe their government, ensuring its accountability, integrity, and equity while minimizing sovereign mischief and malfeasance” -- Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Conner

Bristol's city government needs to put its commitment to sunlight rather than shadow on a more solid footing. There should be, in every case and every situation, a presumption that records are available, quickly and cheaply. There should be an overwhelming effort to ensure the public knows about meetings, and what happens at those meetings. There ought to be as easy a way as possible for residents to know what's going to happen at City Hall, what is happening at City Hall and what already happened at City Hall.
In short, change is needed.
I got to thinking the other day that this is a perfect time for those of us who care about the free flow of information to push for reforms that would put Bristol at the head of the pack when it comes to letting the sun shine on its municipal activities.
Now we all know that Bristol, like the other 168 municipalities in Connecticut, has to obey the many state laws that touch on open government. That's a necessity, of course.
But Bristol has the power to go further, to become a model.
So what could be done in Bristol to make government more transparent and make it simpler for residents to know what's going on?
I thought I'd make a list of suggested reforms that can be expanded as people offer more good ideas and revised as they show what's wrong with my own far-from-perfect suggestions. At some point, I'll offer them to the Charter Revision Commission and/or the Ordinance Committee to shoot down or perhaps approve. Let's see what happens.
Here are a few suggestions to get started:

1. The city is currently able to hold a special meeting with 24 hours' notice as long as it is posted on a bulletin board at City Hall before 5 p.m. on the day prior to the meeting. That should be changed in two key ways.
First off, aside from grave emergencies, there's no reason that a 48 or 72 hour notice wouldn't suffice -- and that would allow much more opportunity for the public to hear about a meeting and maybe attend it.
Second, the city should be required to post all of its meetings on its website and to send emails to anyone who requests receiving electronic notification as well. This is absurdly easy and cheap and would vastly expand the number of people who would know something's up. There really is no excuse for not doing it.

2. The minutes of every public meeting should be online within a week. They're already required to be finished by then, per state law, so stick them up on the city's website as well. They can go up initially as unapproved minutes and then when they are formally approved, the final version can be put there instead.
This is another no-brainer for anyone who has an interest in letting people know what's going on in city government. The planning department is already doing a pretty good job of exactly this.

3. All of the non-confidential background information that is provided to board members, city councilors and commissioners in the course of their duties should also be available online at the same time it's distributed to decision-makers.

4. Every city employee should know exactly what records are public information within their own office and be prepared to share them with anyone who asks as quickly as possible.

5. There should be a law that municipal employees cannot be told by superiors that they are not allowed to speak about government business with the public, the press or anyone else. There ought not be any more "gag orders" imposed on anyone in city government.

6. Copies of records should cost no more than the expense of the material used. Unless state law specifically requires a specific charge for a particular record, the only cost should be for the cost of paper, ink, computer discs or other mediums used in copying a record. Nobody should have to pay $1 a page or the like in order to get a copy of a city report.

That's enough to get things started. I have some more ideas, but they can wait. I'm curious to see what other proposals might get added by smarter, wiser folks.

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com