May 31, 2013
City blocks its computers from seeing PTR website
Hey, Connecticut! This man is coming to steal your business
South Carolina state Rep. Alan Clemmons of Myrtle Beach was on a plane early this morning, pictured above, to head to Connecticut to try to convince five gun manufacturers to give up on the Nutmeg State and move south.
He said he is excited about his prospects but sad for the 2nd Amendment's treatment in Connecticut.
Stuart Kaufman, a South Carolina resident, told the legislator, "Let them know that we value and welcome them. If the people of Connecticut want to be stupid, that's their loss and our gain."
One of this Twitter followers told him, "Don't forget to remind them about mild winters, great people, beautiful beaches, and hoards of pro-2A folks!"
Another told him, "any gov would be a fool to ignore this formula. good business climate + invitation = success."Among the companies he's expected to visit is the Bristol-based PTR Industries, a gun maker that's already said it is leaving the state soon because of restrictive new gun control laws adopted this spring.
Mike Nicastro, president of the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce, said the legislator's effort is typical of the hard-charging economic development efforts of Sun Belt states. They are constantly trying to raid the region to try to convince companies to pull up stakes and move to Dixie, he said.
Nicastro said that whatever happens with PTR, he can't blame them. He said PTR's owners are moving only because they believe they have no choice given the law's restrictions.
Clemmons, a sponsor of a resolution inviting gun makers to move to South Carolina, reached out to PTR shortly after the company declared its intention to leave the state.
Company Chief Executive Officer Josh Fiorini said that among the places he's checked out is Horry County, S.C., where Clemmons lives.
PTR has not yet announced where it will go.
May 29, 2013
ESPN may be worried about new competition
Wright speaking with colleagues in state House
 |
| State Rep. Chris Wright discussing issues with fellow lawmakers on the House floor. Photo provided by the House Democrats. |
Brown's address to the Democratic Town Committee
Hello
everyone. My name is Calvin Brown. I am a lifelong resident of Bristol; a 2011
graduate of Bristol Eastern High School; and a rising junior at Central
Connecticut State University, studying Political Science in the Honors Program.
I
believe this city needs new leaders and new ideas. Younger generations need to
be engaged and invested in this city's long term health and prosperity. That’s
why, as someone who is committed to this city and the true ideals of public
service, I gladly declare my candidacy for City Council in Bristol’s first
district.
The
City of Bristol, as well as the state, the country, and the rest of the world
is in a period of transition. This city will need to be in a position of
relevance to the new economic climate. We will need to capitalize on our
assets, visualize our future, and ensure our long-term health and prosperity.
Some
naysayers may claim that I am too young or inexperienced to lead the charge. I
disagree. The truth of the matter is that the major changes we see all around
us in the world today have been driven by the technological savvy and
innovative spirit of the younger generation.
Bristol
needs new leaders and new ideas. Younger generations need to be engaged in
decisions about the City’s future. That’s why I’m a supporter of Bristol Rising
and the Renaissance downtown revitalization efforts. It is important to note
that much of the business plan upon which this project is based is dependent on
appealing to young up-and-comers. I feel that my age gives me a unique
advantage over any other Council candidate as far as being able to help the
city reach the very people it will be relying on to attain these long term
goals.
One
of the best ways to ensure a healthy future for Bristol is to invest in
education. I believe that Bristol’s schools are this city’s greatest assets. If
you’ll give me the chance to be on the City Council, then the elected members
of our Board of Education can count on me to be a reliable and supportive ally
to our teachers, school faculty, parents, and students all across this city. I
believe that the young people of our community are the future. Investing in
them now will pay off tomorrow.
I’m
a student of government. I believe in the power of democracy. I believe elected officials have the moral
responsibility to serve their offices and their constituencies with integrity
and honesty. As a Democrat, I believe we should treat our public servants with
dignity and respect. In fact, we should treat all our citizens with decency,
and we need to provide an opportunity for our brothers and sisters all across
this city the opportunity to garner for themselves the best life possible; and
a platform from which they can voice their concerns about the city.
I
don’t have all the answers. I don’t know everything there is to know. But I do
know I can act with integrity and honesty. I know I can bring energy,
enthusiasm, and experience to this office. And I know I can learn about the
things I do not know. I’ll seek the advice and the input of any of you who
would be willing to give it to me.
I
ask you for your support in this endeavor, by considering me for your vote as a
member of the City Council from Bristol’s first District. If you're interested
in supporting my candidacy or learning more, please like me on Facebook at
“Calvin Brown for City Council-Bristol 1st” and/or follow me on Twitter
@calvin4council.
May 28, 2013
Wilson asks Democrats to back him for mayor
Good
evening Town Committee members and guests!
In the worst kept secret I would like to announce that I am a candidate
for Mayor in the 2013 election and I ask for your support.
 |
| Chris Wilson |
Bristol
has been my home for over 30 years. I chose to live here. I have happily been
in business and raised my family here. I have truly enjoyed the people and
relationships I have developed. I have a vested interest in Bristol. I plan to
stay in business. My grandchildren are growing up here. But lately I have
become concerned with the way things have been going. As I became more
involved, mostly through Board of Education activity, member of a charter
revision and mayoral task force on
government efficiency, I saw that Bristol has so much more potential. I have
learned a lot by watching the current leadership operate. I am convinced that
things can improve, but the only way to change and move ahead is for someone
else to step up. Sitting back and
watching politics as usual won’t improve things. The best person to lead the
city would be someone whose heart is here, who has invested his life here, who
has been exposed to various organizations in town, who has spent time in the
public and private sectors, who is not beholden to particular loyalties, who
has demonstrated leadership in a variety of ways and who has the education to
blend those experiences in order to create a positive influence in Bristol. I
pondered long and hard about what it would be like to be put oneself “out
there” and offer to serve. So here I am, stepping up.
Over
the past several months I have focused on three concerns in determining my
candidacy for mayor. First, did I have
the support of my wife and extended family and was I willing to sacrifice my
time with them? (Since running for mayor really becomes a family affair –
My
second concern was did I have sufficient support from you the town committee,
given my unusual route to be a candidate, and did I have sufficient support
from the general public. Third, could my
business run without me-did I have enough support in my business so that it
wouldn’t be harmed by taking on the task as mayor. The answer to all three of
these concerns was yes. Thus I am here
this evening to make formal my announcement and commitment to running and
getting elected as Bristol’s next mayor as the Democratic Party candidate.
I will tell you the most common reaction I
have had from clients and friends is that they think I am crazy to want to get
into the politics at this stage of my life. They believe the sacrifice of my
personal and professional life is not worth it. But I believe now is the perfect time and I
can provide the leadership that Bristol sorely needs.
In
addition, two other factors made me think twice about running for mayor; giving
up my positions on the Bristol BOE and my presidency next year of the Capital
Regional Education Council, or CREC as many of you know it. I have been working in those organizations
for 10 years and feel very committed to education of the students of Bristol
and Connecticut. I believe I have helped
both organizations in dealing with educational reform and will greatly miss the
implementation of those reforms.
Before
I begin discussing the initiatives I will focus on during my campaign for
Mayor, I’d like to address my switch in parties. Many of you know I am from
Massachusetts-where I spent my formative years developing my political views. Massachusetts is not known as a bastion of
conservative ideology. Although I was a
Republican, I always viewed myself as a moderate: high on social activism while
fiscally conservative. Much like many of
you! As the Republican Party drifted to
the far right, I have not drifted with it.
Those of you who know me well know that I have been a little out of step
with the party for some time. I am about
solving problems: something the
Republican Party seems in short supply of these days.
When
people ask me why I want to be Mayor several thoughts come to mind:
● First,
I want to change the culture in city hall.
I want more civility and professionally run meetings. I want thoughtful discussion and reasoned
responses. Too much time is spent on
bickering and being partisan. I will
work with anyone who wants to make Bristol a better community to work, raise a
family and live.
● Secondly,
I want to engage the public in a larger and deeper manner. We must allow, encourage and nurture those
who are younger, more diverse and female to become involved in city government
instead of letting a few people make all the decisions. The demographics of Bristol are shifting: we
need an inclusive government that represents the entire city.
● Third:
We need more focus by the City Council on public policy and legislative issues
and less on operational issues. We have
professional staff and managers who can and should be allowed to carry out
their responsibilities of administering city business. We must empower them and hold them
responsible. Our elected officials should not drift into micromanaging routine
operational issues. I intend to set an
agenda that will keep us focused on policy and legislative issues.
● Jobs: We must create an environment whereby
entrepreneurs and developers want to invest in Bristol and create jobs. We must streamline the permitting process
with land use boards and must become more public friendly. Growth of the grand
list is critical for the growth of Bristol.
Entrepreneurs and investors have choices to make about where they will
invest their resources. We must make
Bristol one of their first options.
● Education:
We must support and finance a first class 21st century education
system in Bristol. Education is a
critical quality of life issue as well as an economic issue. If we want new citizens to invest in our
community by buying the existing housing stock or building new homes, we must
provide the quality of life that
competing towns offer such as quality education, including all-day
kindergarten.
● Quality
of Life issues also include a robust, clean and safe park system and numerous
activities for the youth of our city including athletics and arts.
● Safety
and security issues are a major concern of residents in Bristol. I plan to make sure we have a strong and active
public safety infrastructure in Bristol.
● Additionally,
I will support the allocation of resources for code enforcement and the
remediation of blighted properties in Bristol.
● All
of these initiatives will be implemented with the clear understanding that
Bristol has limited fiscal resources. I
intend to rely on my experiences in public service, my own educational
experience (a graduate degree from Barney School of Business at the University
of Hartford) and my experience leading many organizations in Bristol and
elsewhere. These include Bristol Rotary, the Board of Education, McCabe Waters
Little League, Professional Insurance Agents of CT, Trustee of New York Annual
Conference of the United Methodist Church as well as serving on the boards of
the Bristol Day Care Center, The Family Center for Boys and Girls, United Way,
Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce. I
haven’t just talked about leadership; I have worked hard to provide it.
The challenges facing
Bristol are significant. But if we all work together we can make Bristol a
better place to live, work and raise our families. I believe our best days are ahead of us. We must embrace this new vision so that we as
a city can be successful. I plan to work
very hard campaigning, attending meet and greet sessions and walking door to door and supporting my fellow
Democratic candidates so that we can provide a unified team that the voters
will be energized to vote for. My
experience, public service record and commitment to Bristol are what I will
hold up to the people of Bristol and ask them to support; a record of
leadership, a record of engagement, a record of making Bristol a better place
to live, work and raise your families. I
appreciate your help and support.
May 26, 2013
Another council hopeful: Calvin Brown
 |
| Calvin Brown |
Incumbent GOP city Councilor Eric Carlson has not said whether he will seek a second term. The other incumbent, Democrat Mayra Sampson, promised she would not run for the part-time post when Mayor Art Ward tapped her to fill a vacancy created when Democrat Kevin Fuller resigned on May 1.
Despite his young age, Brown has been active in city politics for years. He ran unsuccessfully for a Board of Education seat two years ago.
Brown is a political science student at Central Connecticut State University. He graduated from Bristol Eastern High School in 2011.
He plans to declare his candidacy at Tuesday's Democratic Town Committee meeting, a session that may see the emergence of a handful of candidates, among them Chris Wilson, who plans to announce his mayoral bid there.
Full disclosure: My son and Calvin are friends who serve together on U.S. Rep. John Larson's Youth Cabinet.
May 24, 2013
Layoffs not easy or taken lightly, ESPN president says
Dear Colleagues,
As we head into the Memorial Day weekend, I hope that you will take time to remember those who have given so much in service to our country. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our nation's veterans and to our ESPN colleagues who are currently serving on active or reserve duty and to their families who support them.
As we all know our business doesn't take a holiday, which means many of our colleagues will be working over the long weekend. To those of you who will be here serving sports fans, I express my deepest thanks and appreciation.
I also want to acknowledge our restructuring and the impact of that on some of our colleagues. Any decision to reduce staff is not an easy one nor is it something that we take lightly. We have taken steps to ensure affected employees are treated with respect and appreciation for the contributions they have made to this company. Through notice, severance, advice on other job opportunities in the company and continuing contact with HR, we are working to support their transition forward. We, of course, remain focused on future growth for ESPN and will continue our work with all of you to achieve that. We ask anyone with questions or concerns to please talk with your HR business partner or manager.
Thank you.
John
May 23, 2013
Republican council contender emerges in 1st District
A Bristol native, Tom Hick, announced on the Bristol Republicans Facebook page that he plans to see election in the 1st District this year. Here's what he wrote:
 |
| Tom Hick |
About me
Born and raised in Bristol
I married my wife Michelle in 2008 and we have a daughter Emily that is 15 months old
I have worked at Aetna since December 1999, I have held multiple positions since joining Aetna as a temporary employee in 1999 including claim error correction analyst, trainer, team Lead and I am currently a project lead. Prior to working at Aetna, I was employed at CT Spring and Stamping in the maintenance department from 1994 – 1999.
Hobbies – Along with spending time with my Family, I enjoy maintaining, driving and showing my classic cars and currently have a 1965 Pontiac GTO and 1955 Chevy pickup. I also enjoy riding my motorcycle with my friends and hopefully finding a new coffee shop while we are out.
The widening of RT 6 – this should assist with the constant congestion in our area and provide our current and future businesses/customers easier access for the main artery into our city.
Creating and retaining businesses in our city - there are currently some exciting projects to market the city of Bristol, we need to make it a priority to open our doors to new businesses and ensure our current businesses have the support they need. I intend to work with our city and state representatives to make sure this happens.
Continued improvements to our public housing complexes and senior activities - I believe our senior citizen community is more active than ever and we need to ensure we provide an affordable, safe, secure and interesting environment for them.
The Depot Square development (mall Site) – there are lots of exciting things that will be happening with this property, I heard the ground breaking will be taking place this year and the city’s leadership will have to be very involved to make sure the community’s voice is heard.
Public involvement – I think there are some awesome people in this city that would be willing to volunteer their time, personal and professional experiences if the process was explained and shared with a larger audience.
If you have any questions, suggestions or time to help, I can be reached at the below email address and through my Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/
Hickforcouncil@gmail.com
If you would like to make a donation please contact Gary at gklemyk@yahoo.com
Thanks
Tom
May 22, 2013
Downtown grocery store may yet bounce back
Welch calls for state to help laid-off ESPN workers
State Sen. Jason Welch, a Bristol Republican, sent out this letter today regarding the ESPN layoffs:
May 22, 2013
Commissioner Sharon Palmer
Connecticut Department of Labor
200 Folly Brook Blvd.
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Dear Commissioner Palmer,
As you know, ESPN announced today that they will be laying-off employees in areas and job descriptions "across the board," according to spokesman Mike Soltys. I understand that the reduction will also include positions eliminated by attrition.
As one of the State Senators representing the city of Bristol, I am requesting that you immediately dispatch your Rapid Response Team to address the needs of the displaced workers as a result of the layoffs.
In addition, I would like my office to be notified of any meetings taking place between ESPN and the Department of Labor so that I can participate in helping those who will be losing their employment.
I am hopeful that we can work together to help re-locate these workers in new jobs as soon as possible.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance for you or your office.
Sincerely,
Jason Welch
State Senator, Bristol
May 21, 2013
Mass layoffs in the works at ESPN
Some ESPN
workers are calling it Black Tuesday.
Despite
record profits, the Bristol-based company handing out layoff notices Tuesday to
an unknown number of employees in what appears to be a cost-cutting move
dictated by Walt Disney Co. executives.
It appears
that about 6 percent of ESPN’s workforce got a pink slip.
In a
companywide message sent out this morning on ESPN’s internal system, its
president, John Skipper said, “We are implementing changes across the company
to enhance our continued growth while smartly managing costs. While difficult,
we are confident that it will make us more competitive, innovative and
productive. “
Mike Soltys,
an ESPN vice president, said the layoffs are worldwide. The company has 7,000
employees, with more than 4,000 of them based in Bristol.
Even after
any layoffs, however, “we remain on track to reach the increase in jobs that
are called for” under the First Five agreement reached between ESPN and Gov.
Dannel Malloy, Soltys said.
That 2011 deal
included a $17.5 million loan from the state Department of Economic and
Community Development for the construction of a new 193,000-square-foot
production facility.
The company
vowed to create 200 jobs within five years in Bristol. The development package
has incentives for the company to add up to 600 more jobs over 10 years.
The company
is also on track to open its new production center next spring and to finish
work on two other projects, a new welcome center and a generator facility,
Soltys said.
Soltys said
he couldn’t discuss the number of layoffs.
The author
of a book about ESPN, Jim Miller, said on his Twitter account this afternoon
that the cutbacks will number “between 300 and 400” people, but that “includes
open jobs that won't now be filled.”
“Any
layoff/firing/buyout is rare for Bristol culture. It is not being taken
lightly. By anyone. No gain, just pain,” Miller wrote in another tweet.
ESPN is
owned by Disney, which this month reported that its second quarter profits were
up 32 percent.
Disney said
at the time that much of the profit increases was due to ESPN, which was
bringing in more revenue from affiliates and advertising that more than made up
for “increased programming and production costs.”
The company laid
off some workers at the height of the recession in 2009, but generally has
increased its workforce over the years.
May 13, 2013
Malloy to hold forum in Bristol on Thursday
Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman today announced that they will host a community forum in Bristol onThursday, May 16, 2013, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Greene-Hills School (718 Pine Street).
These town hall-style events provide an opportunity to discuss the state’s pressing issues face-to-face with state residents. They are open to the public; tickets are not necessary and seats are available on a first come, first served basis.
Those who would like an opportunity to ask a question should arrive a little bit earlier to fill out the sign-up sheet. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Additional dates and locations across the state will be announced as they are scheduled. For the latest schedule, please visit http://governor.ct.gov/
Ward says he will nominate Sampson for council seat
.JPG) |
| Mayra Sampson |
Effective at
the May 14th Bristol City Council Meeting, Mayor Arthur J. Ward will
be requesting City Council confirmation of the appointment of Mayra Berrios
Sampson to complete the remainder of the City Council term of former City
Council Member Kevin Fuller, who has resigned.
The City Council
term will expire upon the swearing in of the newly-elected representative
resulting from the November municipal election.
Mayra has
been employed with the City of Bristol Bristol Retirement Board
Mayra was
presented the Exceptional Women’s Award for 2013 from the Queen Anne Nzinga
Association for the promotion and advancement of young women role models and
the Women And Girls Fund award for volunteerism. Mayra is a life-long resident
of Bristol
Bristol's Muzzy Field eyed for movie
Bristol’s historic Muzzy Field may play a leading role in a film about a young baseball phenom who “struggles to maintain his dignity and gain acceptance in the traditional world of professional baseball” after he is outed as a homosexual.
“The First Out” is “a film about being yourself,” said producer and director Joshua B. Porter. “It’s a family drama. That’s the way we’re looking at it.”
If all goes according to plan, Muzzy Field would become a movie set for a couple of weeks next spring or summer as the third baseman Brad Hawley’s home ballpark as a star on the mythical Bristol Wolves. Click here for rest of story.
May 10, 2013
The new Kevin Fuller? Bet on Mayra Sampson
Republican city councilors said Sampson called all of them this week and had pleasant conversations with them. It doesn't appear they'll attempt to block her nomination.May 6, 2013
Who will replace Kevin Fuller?
O'Brien Funeral Home seeks more parking
If you spot
one of those yellow signs in front of O’Brien Funeral Home, you can’t help
wondering what’s going on at the Forestville landmark.
It turns out
that the funeral home is seeking the Zoning Commission’s approval for 20
additional parking spaces behind the building.
The
application goes before zoning commissioners next Wednesday. The meeting is
slated for 7 p.m., Wed., May 15 in the
City Council chambers on the first floor of City Hall.
May 2, 2013
Ward taps Cockayne as designated replacement
 |
| Ken Cockayne, left, and Art Ward |
Replacing Kevin Fuller is next task
May 1, 2013
Fuller resigns from his City Council seat
City
Councilor Kevin Fuller is resigning from his council seat as of 5 p.m. today.
Citing “personal
reasons,” Fuller told the mayor he was leaving with “a heavy heart.”
Fuller, a Democrat,
is in his second term. He had sought to run for mayor this year, but pulled out
of the race recently.
“Kevin has
served his constituency and the city of Bristol with both distinction and
dedication, committing his sole mission to be for the betterment and best
interests of the people of this community,” Mayor Art Ward said.
Ward said
that Fuller told him of the decision Wednesday and handed in a short resignation
letter.
“It has been
an honor to serve as a councilman under your terms of mayor,” Fuller wrote. “Not
only have you been an example to follow but I consider you a friend for life.”
Ward said he
did not know what personal reasons may have caused Fuller to resign.
Fuller, a
computer technician for the Board of Education, has been working long hours
lately. He also runs Dunphy’s Ice Cream Parlor on Stafford Avenue and plans to
expand it.
City officials
who heard the news late Wednesday expressed shock.
City Councilor Ken Cockayne said that Real Estate Committee slated for Thursday to discuss the fate of Jennings and Memorial Boulevard Schools will no longer take up the schools issue.
City Councilor Ken Cockayne said that Real Estate Committee slated for Thursday to discuss the fate of Jennings and Memorial Boulevard Schools will no longer take up the schools issue.
“I’m alone
now,” Ward told officials at an industrial committee meeting Wednesday.
Memorial Boulevard School can be used for anything
Though there have been a few news stories about it, many people are still under the false impression that Memorial Boulevard School can't be sold because of strings attached by industrialist Albert Rockwell, who deeded the property to the city and oversaw construction of the building.
Late in 2011, the city agreed to sue Attorney General George Jepsen as part of an orchestrated legal move to clear up any questions surrounding the deed. The attorney general enforces the terms of old trusts and wills.
A stipulated agreement settled the case immediately and granted the city the right to do whatever it wanted with the building.
Lawyers said there's no legal grounds to challenge the move.
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