July 23, 2008

Colapietro finds state help to fix Hiker statue

The state will likely cover most of the cost of repairing the statue of a Spanish-American War soldier that vandals mauled last month on Memorial Boulevard.
City councilors unanimously agreed Wednesday to seek a $15,000 grant from the state Office of Policy and Management that’s apparently set aside for special projects.
The city would have to chip in $5,000 or more to cover the rest of the anticipated expense, said Park Director Ed Swicklas.
Mayor Art Ward said that the possibility of getting the money was brought to his attention this week by state Sen. Tom Colapietro, a Bristol Democrat.
“It will help the taxpayers,” the senator said Wednesday.
Swicklas said that he hopes to get the cash in time to have the statue repaired by Veterans Day this fall.
The damaged statue is currently in storage and would need to be sent to a foundry for repairs.
Ward said he’s glad that Colapietro “stepped up to the plate” with the offer to get assistance for the city’s repair bill.
“That’s definitely going to do a lot to expedite the repair of that monument,” Ward said.
Colapietro said that he thought it was “atrocious for something like that to happen” because it violated an important civic space on the boulevard.
As he contemplated it, Colapietro said, “I thought that maybe it was just possible I could help.”
Asking around in Hartford, Colapietro said that he found state Sen. Don Williams, the Senate president, was willing to lend a hand.
“It looks really good” that the state cash will be available, Colapietro said.
“The Hiker” statue is one of 52 bronze casts by Alice Ruggles Kitson made to commemorate the Spanish-American war. The statues show an eight-foot tall “hiker” – a common term for Spanish-American War veterans – dressed in khaki, holding a rifle and looking as if he were resting after a long trek.The one on the boulevard was donated to the city a quarter century ago to honor World War II veterans.

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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looks like Geladino doesn't stand a chance.

Anonymous said...

What makes you think he ever did?

Anonymous said...

This is obviously great news.Thanks Tom for your efforts.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like Art Ward isn't too happy that someone else is the hero.

Anonymous said...

10:19

Poor Art: didn't get a photo-op.

Anonymous said...

if ward wanted a photo-op,he could have had a press conference with colapietro or he could have brought this forward at a regular council meeting where it is televised instead of a special meeting. get over yourself, you are beginning to sink while wallowing in your own self-pity.

Anonymous said...

11:00

Maybe your Artie had nothing to say about this issue.

Anonymous said...

Why do you clowns "Naysayers" make everything sound political or negative? This is good news not trash like you are spewing.

Anonymous said...

This is good news, but it is political.

It was not a normal government action, but one initiated by a politician, and another politician jumped on the bandwagon.

Frankly, I would rather see the money spent on helping the truly needy.

Anonymous said...

And the jerk 1:39 would say if it was spent on the needy you would prefer it be spent on the statue. You jerks are soooo translucient! You'll be lost when this blog is gone. I'm sure your own are sick of hearing from you. When this blog leaves they'll have to listen to you again. LOL I (almost) feel sorry for them!

Anonymous said...

"Poor Art: didn't get a photo-op."

~ Poor us, having to read the same stupid comment over and over, and over! ~ Guess it's pretty obvious that the anti-Ward mob are reaching for straws trying to come up with stuff to complain about if this is the best they can do! LOL!!!!!

Anonymous said...

2:13

Not Really.

I have MY priorities in order.

Anonymous said...

This is another good decision by Mayor Ward to instruct Senator Colapietro to get state funding to cover this, Ward clearly knows how to get things done.

Anonymous said...

5:12pm




duh

Anonymous said...

Is this the best use for state dollars?

Anonymous said...

July 29, 9:10. Hey smart a+** can you do better? If so why don't you? Same ole "Naysayer" Republican.

Anonymous said...

Go Joe Go!!!

Anonymous said...

Who ?????? LMAO

Anonymous said...

Poor unhappy Republicant's. Can't find any thing good at all. Boo Hoo !!!

Anonymous said...

7:22

Mr. "I have all the answers" Geladino.

Go Joe Go!

I hope he goes far.