To all the people of
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 10, 2009
Parenti thanks voters
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 9, 2009
A new administration takes office
With a new city administration sitting on the stage beside him at Bristol Eastern High School Monday, state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal hailed the voters who turned out last week “to make a difference” to the future of Bristol.
“Tonight is really a triumph of democracy,” Blumenthal said before helping state Comptroller Nancy Wyman administer the oath of office to Mayor Art Ward, who secured a second term at the city’s helm in last week’s municipal election.
"Politics is now over and Bristol comes first," Wyman said.
It was certainly a bipartisan evening as leaders were sworn in, including a new treasurer and three new city councilors.
"Tonight is a night to be positive," Ward said in his inaugural address, "and I truly believe that together, we will be able to move Bristol forward."
About 150 people gathered in the school’s auditorium to take in the event, most of them friends and family of the candidates.
Candidates could choose the person to help them with their oaths of office. Among those selected was a mother, a wife and a son. Others opted for political allies to deliver the words.
City Councilor Kate Matthews, whose mother, Maryann Lupa administered the oath, had to correct its archaic language so she could say "councilwoman" instead of "councilman" in her response.
Rose Parenti, only the second Republican to win citywide office in the past quarter century, opted to have her son, William Loritzo, have the honor of swearing her in.
City Councilor Kevin McCauley, the most senior member of the council, turned for the third straight time to his wife, Jackie McCauley, to say the oath’s words for him to repeat.
Blumenthal and Wyman were the only outsiders involved in the 45-minute ceremony.
"I couldn't be prouder to be anywhere tonight than right here with Art Ward and his beautiful family," Blumental said.
Wyman said that she has never met a man who cares so much about children, seniors, working people and veterans as Ward does.
His love for the city and his family surpasses nearly everyone she's ever met, Wyman said.
The mayor’s seven grandchildren took to the stage, with many giggles, and led the crowd in saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ward said the event marked the end of a political campaign of unusually high caliber, one that focused on issues and showed the city at its best.
He thanked every candidate who sought office last week for making it possible.
"Whether they won or whether they lost is not relevant," Ward said, as he led a standing ovation for those who tried.
The mayor said the task facing the new administration “is going to be challenging,” but with new businesses coming to town, the school system proving itself a model for success, developers eyeing Depot Square downtown and more, there is reason to hope even during difficult times.
"We have a future here in the city of Bristol," Ward said, "as long as we come together in a bipartisan fashion."
The manner and respect of election show that officials "can do this," Ward said. "We must do this."
After a rousing rendition of “God Bless America,” the newly installed administration walked out to the cafeteria next door to greet everyone and perhaps grab a tiny sandwich provided by the Democratic Town Committee.
PS: Thanks for the picture, Laura Minor!
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 7, 2009
GOP had a good year the polls
It’s been almost two decades since the Republicans held more of the city’s top political offices than they captured this year.
“This is wonderful,” city GOP Chairman T.J. Barnes told party faithful as the results poured in after the polls closed on Election Day.
“We’ve come a long way,” Barnes added.
The Republicans hold two of the six City Council seats and, for the first time in three decades, also grabbed the part-time treasurer’s post.
It doesn’t appear, though, that the GOP’s success at the polls will translate into greater partisanship at City Hall.
On Election Night, Democratic Mayor Art Ward stood in front of a roomful of party activists and hailed mayoral challenger Mary Alford and several other Republicans for running so clean a campaign and focusing on how to improve the city rather than scoring political points.
“We need to join hands,” Ward said. “We need to work together.”
The most successful council candidate, Republican newcomer David Mills, has frequently said that party lines don’t matter to him. He said he’s ready to work with anyone to get the city on track for a brighter future.
Since Mills easily outpolled Ward and every other Democrat in the three precincts where he was on the ballot, it’s clear to political insiders that he pulled in a lot of votes from registered Democrats. With his outsized victory, Mills instantly became the GOP’s best hope for winning back the mayor’s office as well.
The Republicans have held two council seats for the past two years, with Ken Cockayne and Mike Rimcoski provided the GOP’s firepower.
Rimcoski was the lone Republican for two years before that, taking the seat that Ron Burns held for a single term when he was the sole GOP councilor. But from 2005 until 2007, Republican William Stortz was the mayor so Rimcoski wasn’t left to face down the Democrats by himself.
From 1997, when Stretch Norton lost a reelection bid, until 2003, the Democrats held every office possible at City Hall. Norton had been the only Republican councilor from 1993 until 1997.
Not since the 1991 election, during Stortz’s first stint as mayor, has the GOP managed to grab a majority on the council, but the Republicans see hope that they might be able to do it again someday.
In addition to the prospect of Mills at the top of the ticket, the party sees at least two of its council losers, Derek Czenczelewski and Richard Scarola, as possible contenders for the job next time around.
“Derek represents the future of our party,” Barnes said of the 22-year-old who impressed even Democrats with his issues-based campaign.
The candidates elected last week will take office in a swearing-in ceremony at 7 p.m. Monday in the auditorium at Bristol Eastern High School. The public is invited. A reception will follow in the school’s cafeteria.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 5, 2009
Scarola scolds some blog commenters
What disturbed me most is how this blog attacked Terry Parker. Shame on the conservatives that attacked him because we are supposed to be above that and shame on anyone else to comment on what their "perception" is. He was one of the few democrats that was truly gracious towards me and all I can say is God forbid that you have a child born with a neurological disorder or some sort of handicap. You are a disgusting lot to tease and insult him about whatever his problems may be. At least he had the intestinal fortitude to stand up and fight for what he believed in. Right or wrong, you attack him on that, not the way he carries himself or speaks. I am embarassed for those of you that criticized him relentlessly and then go to church on Sunday and pretend to be of God. Each and every one of you (including conservatives) that slandered him really should step up, print your name and offer an apology. If this is politics in this town, then I can see why nobody chooses to become involved. For those of you that might have a handicap or know someone with a handicap, shame on you, walk a mile in that man's shoes before you can even appreciate what he has been through. Self-righteous pompeous asses, you should be discusted with yourselves for calling someone out like that. I hope you don't live your lives like that on a daily basis.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 4, 2009
Colapietro commends those who ran for office
As always I commend all those who put themselves on the line for their community. They all worked hard and it was refreshing to see the candidates hold a civil campaign.
They are all winners Democrat, Republican and unaffiliated as well.
At times it is a difficult task to be an elected official and it took a lot of courage by all who ran.
Congratulations to all , it makes one proud to have so many good candidates. Please don't give up the ship, the community needs you!
Senator Tom Colapietro
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
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Mills offers thanks to voters
Thank you from Dave Mills
As a newcomer to politics, I must say it has been a very interesting three months. I have met so many interesting people and visited areas of the city .I truly got to witness first hand what a wonderful city we have. There are areas of town that compare with the best of the state where people take pride in their homes, thus creating fantastic neighborhoods. The experience reinforced my preconceptions of what Bristol is, and has given me the inspiration to try to insure that all of Bristol should reach its potential to become an even greater place to live, work and raise a family.
Achieving the position of City Councilman, has taken a concerted team effort from many people that I am fortunate to have in my life. Our goal was to get out a positive message about Bristol, and not use “Party politics” to influence the voters. Our message was Bristol First, and everyone connected with my campaign was always on message. Our belief was that although outnumbered by the opposition by a wide margin, the voters want everyone to work together for the common good. People want the city to succeed more than any political party, so this was the premise of my campaign.
I would like to thank all the people that took the time to do their civic duty and got out to vote and to all my fellow candidates, from both political parties, for putting forth the effort to create a choice for the voters. I appreciate all the financial backers that in this tough economy contributed their hard earned money, to enable each candidate to get their name out into the community. To all the workers that make this process work, a job well done.
I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank and acknowledge the efforts of my campaign team: Jack Hines, my campaign manager for his Herculean efforts on my behalf. His unique ability to converse with people, his integrity, and influence in the community, proved to be invaluable; Treasurer, Dan Theriault, along with my wife, JoAnn, who conscientiously took great care to follow the campaign finance rules; Hank Lodge, for all his work on my website, brochures ,and other materials needed to get my message out;Brian Farrell, for his expertise of the online networking tool, and innovative ideas and suggestions on fundraising; Art Macobee, for assisting with the how to and offering suggestions for achieving the position.
I also need to thank Bob Montgomery, Brett Quinion, Margaret Levesque, Fred Wilk, Mike Morin, John Fasolo, Rita Elliott, John Mills, Steve Mills and his family Stacy Rivoira, Aliana Rivoira, Emily Riviora, Jen Lishness, Lindsay Vigue, Bob Kalat, Jerry and Larry Burns, Henry Raymond, TJ Barnes, Gary Schaffrick and all the Republican enthusiasts. I thank all my friends and family for their support and inspiration.
I realize, I have a daunting task ahead. We must address the problems facing the city. With every one of our elected officials working together for the common good, I believe we can achieve the goal of making Bristol the great city it should be. I will promise that every decision I make will be preceded by” What is best for Bristol?”
Let’s all get to work and make the next two years the best they can be. We need to develop the WIN philosophy, i.e. What’s Important Now.
David Mills
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
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Winners take office with Monday evening ceremony
A ceremony is slated for 7 p.m. at Bristol Eastern High School’s auditorium, with a reception to follow in the cafeteria.
The public is welcome to attend.
The newly elected City Council holds its first meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
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The other winners
By placing third among the four candidates, Republican Stacey Raymond joined incumbent Democrats Dominic Pasquale and James Minella on the tax appeals panel.
Minella got 4,648 votes. Pasquale, who is chairman, snagged 4,441. Raymond collected 3,967 while the other GOP contender, Robert Casar, got 3,141.
All six of the constable contenders on the ballot were automatically elected since each party is entitled to three slots.The most votes were racked up by Todd Larue, who got 4,202. Also elected were two other Democrats, Joela Bouchard Mudry and Paul Keegan as well as three Republicans:Timothy Ceritello, Brock Weber and Thomas Hick.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Did flu fear keep voters home?
Though election officials took precautions to make sure voting stations were sanitized, it's possible that one reason for Tuesday's stunning drop in voter turnout was fear of the flu.Mayor Art Ward said that some of the people who did go to the polls didn't want to shake hands with candidates out of concern that it might spread the flu virus.
David Mills, who won a City Council contest Tuesday, said the election “might have been influenced by the paranoia about the flu.”
“Many people were ill or afraid to handle pens and other election equipment,” Mills said. “Parents might have been home with their children and unable to get out.”
“The elderly may also have been concerned with the flu and contracting a virus,” Mills said.
A number of poll workers said Tuesday they were struck by how few voters stopped to ask questions or talk with party activists and politicians outside polling stations across town.
In Bristol, just 26 percent of the more than 34,000 registered voters cast a ballot in the municipal race.
That's down from 36.4 percent turnout in the 2007 mayoral race and 38.4 percent in the 2005 contest. In 2003, 40.6 percent of voters showed up at the polls. Turnout in 2001 was 36.5 percent, while 1999's mayoral race got 44.7 percent to vote.
Many expected a lighter than normal turnout Tuesday because the mayoral race generated so little heat and attention, but a falloff of more than a third of the usual turnout stunned almost everyone involved in the community's politics.
The losing mayoral candidate a decade ago, Republican Mike Werner, racked up106 votes more than Ward did in winning Tuesday. And Werner lost his race by more than 2,500 votes.
Why the sharp decline this year?
"I have no idea," said Democratic Registrar Bob Badal. "It was a beautiful day."
The GOP registrar, Sharon Krawiecki, called it "a very sad trend" toward more voter apathy.
She called the low numbers "a considerable drop" from other city races.
"What does that mean? I don't know," Krawiecki said.
Ward aid he's not sure either, but he hopes it's not apathy.
Part of it may be that people felt the city was doing everything it could to deal with the turmoil connected to the economy so they figured there was no reason to go vote for change.
"Why change captains in the middle of the ocean?" Ward said.
On the other hand, he said, it was "a beautiful, beautiful day" until after sunset, when a little rain fell, so voters had no weather-related excuses for staying home.
Ward said that low turnout appears to have been common in many places during Tuesday's election so it doesn't seem that anything in particular happened in Bristol to keep people home.
Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz’s office cited a 37 percent turnout statewide, though not all races have been factored in yet. Bristol has traditionally come pretty close to matching the statewide turnout figures.
The one obvious factor that might have held down numbers across the board is the flu.
Some voters, no doubt, were actually sick, or perhaps taking care of children or other family members who are ill.
Others may simply have heeded public health warnings to avoid unnecessary public exposure to the risk of catching the H1N1 flu.
It doesn’t appear, though, that Bristol’s getting socked with the flu at the moment.
City Personnel Director Diane Ferguson said she hasn't seen a spike in absences among the city's large workforce.
School Superintendent Philip Streifer said that student absenteeism is going down. Only a couple of schools are “still above the norm” so the flu generally is not having much impact on education in town.
Voter apathy, disgust and distraction clearly played a role in the sinking turnout rate.
City Democratic Chairman Elliott Nelson said there were many reasons for the low turnout, “but basically people are nervous about the economy and their future, thus disconnecting themselves from the political system.”
Nelson said the Democrats need “to bridge that disconnect with hope for the future with nonpartisan politics to solve some of the problems that we face as a community.”
City Councilor Ken Cockayne said, “Many people are disappointed with government right now and unfortunately they showed their displeasure with indifference, which is really too bad.”
“I was hopeful for a stronger turnout, but at the same time I obviously can't complain with the results, at least personally,” Cockayne said.
He said that President Barack Obama’s campaign last year was “a historical event” that caused voters to feel especially energized and interested.
“Unfortunately, there has been very little to be excited about in the last year and the hope and the change people were looking for has not come,” Cockayne said. “It has been more and more ofbureaucratic gridlock and very little progress.”
“People still feel uninformed and disconnected from Washington and their political leaders in general,” Cockayne said, adding that in Bristol “we can do some positive things and change that perception.”
Mills said that most people probably didn’t pay attention to the election.
“I also believe many people now believe it doesn’t make any difference, and that all politicians just say what you want to hear, then don’t follow through on their promises after the election,” Mills said, adding that officials have to seek “a new trust” that can change perceptions.
Several officials said it would have helped if the newspapers had covered the campaign more.
Mills said, too, that the Press should have had a front page headline Tuesday saying “Today is Election Day.”
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Czenczelewski note to residents
Let me first say congratulations to Kate Matthews and Dave Mills, a man I greatly admire. You both ran great campaigns, as did Terry and I. The voters who came out spoke, and you two are the voices that will be representing our district and our city for the next two years. We all ran clean campaigns, and made sure the focus was on the issues, which I am very proud to say.
I’d be remiss to say I’m not disappointed with the loss, but this is not the end of my story. Rather, this is very much just the beginning for me. Over the next two years I plan to contribute in many ways, offering ideas, opinions and my feedback while fielding the citizens’ questions and guiding them to the right sources. I hope to be appointed to some of the city boards as well, furthering my education and understanding of our city government, while offering a different perspective in hopes of bettering
Thank you to everyone who supported my campaign, my family, girlfriend, friends and new friends that I have met over the past eight months. Thank you to everyone, from all across the city on all sides of the political spectrum who supported me. I hope to be representing you all some day in the future.
In closing, this experience has been great for me, despite the loss. I still feel like a winner for the amount of progress I made as a 22 year-old newcomer. For those of you who didn’t vote for me, I hope to get to know you and show you that I can be a positive leader for
Good luck to all the elected officials, and God bless
Derek A Czenczelewski
derek.czenczelewski@gmail.com
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 3, 2009
Parenti stuns incumbent treasurer
In a stunning upset, Republican challenger Rose Parenti won the city treasurer’s office over incumbent Democrat Bill Veits.
“I'm quite humbled by the amount of support I received,” Parenti told the crowd at the GOP's victory party.
“What can I say?” said Veits. “The voters have spoken. I thank them for the last two years as city treasurer. I really enjoyed it. Good luck to Rose. May she have a great two years.”
Parenti, who has been active with local Republicans for years, owns Computer Development on Riverside Avenue.
As treasurer, she said, she will “fulfill the duties of the office to the best of my ability.”
The two candidates differed on a proposal to use excess city pension money to cover health care costs of municipal retirees, a move the unions vigorously opposed.
Parenti vowed to fight the proposal, while Veits sided with those who wanted to look into the possibility.
Veits said that vote “might have been” what cost him the election.
“I’m still in favor of it,” said Veits. “I don’t have any regrets.”
Mayor Art Ward called Veits' defeat “a great loss to the treasurer's office.”
Veits, who had thought absentee ballots might make a difference in a close treasurer’s race, learned from a reporter that unofficial final results showed Parenti with 4,199 votes to 3,974 for Veits in an unofficial tally.
“So she beat me,” he said.
Veits, who said he was “somewhat surprised” at the election results, didn’t rule out another run in the future.
A part-time post, the treasurer’s job pays $4,000 annually. The treasurer oversees a professional staff at City Hall and also serves as a trustee of the city’s retirement funds.
Veits, a self-employed tax preparer and the longtime chairman of the Bristol Planning Commission, won the treasurer’s office in 2007 after former Patti Ewen decided not to seek a ninth term.
Update: As an aside, there hasn't been a Republican treasurer since Phyllis Spooner held the post for a single term back in the 1980s.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
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City Council remains in Democratic hands, with three newcomers
"The time has come to move aside," Rimcoski said, and begin checking off items from his wife’s lengthy to-do list.
But the GOP made up for his defeat by propelling retired football coach David Mills to a 3rd District seat with the highest vote totals of any council contender.
Two other newcomers will also join the six-person council -- Democrats Kevin Fuller and Kate Matthews.
Incumbents Cliff Block, Kevin McCauley and Ken Cockayne won reelection by wide margins. Block and McCauley are Democrats. Cockayne is a Republican.
"Mad Dog’s still alive," shouted Henry Raymond, a GOP official, when the numbers showed that Cockayne would return for a second two-year term on the council.
Cockayne said his win showed that "people want someone who will talk for them and fight for them."
So while half the council will be newcomers when it takes office next week, the party breakdown will remain four Democrats and two Republicans.
Mills said that three months ago, he had no intention of seeking office.
But he plunged into the race anyway.
"I just hope it works out," Mills said. "We need to pull this city together and get things to work."
Fuller, who captured Rimcoski’s 1st District seat, said he is "very excited" that his work paid off at the polls.
"Now the fun begins," Fuller said. "Let’s all work together to make Bristol better."
Matthews, who took one of the two open 3rd District seats, said she is "ready to get to work."
"It was a great day," she said. "I’m happy."
Democrat Kevin McCauley, the senior councilor, said his large margin of victory is an endorsement of his focus on code enforcement efforts.
"It kind of reinvigorates me," McCauley said.
Block said he felt humbled by his tally and sorry for Rimcoski, whom he called "a gentleman and a friend."
Those who fell short had a harder time.
"It’s difficult, but the sun will rise tomorrow," said Democrat Terry Parker, who fell well short of Mill’s total in the 3rd District.
Ex-Marine Richard Scarola, one of the GOP’s 2nd District contenders, said he "came out of nowhere" to run and while he has to fall back this time, he’s not retreating.
Derek Czenczelewski, a Republican in the 3rd District, thanked party leaders "for giving me a shot to run as a 22-year-old unknown."
He said the race was worth it because he "met a lot of great people."
Allen Marko, a 2nd District Democrat, said he enjoyed the experience.
"Winning Miss Congeniality isn’t that bad," Marko said.
Unofficial results show that in the 1st District, Block got 1,697 votes while Fuller hauled in 1,659. Rimcoski had 1,520 and Eldianne Bishop got 921.
In the 2nd District, McCauley got 1,713, Cockayne 1,680, Marko 1,084 and Scarola 1,059.
In the 3rd District, Mills collected 1,756 votes, Matthews 1,424, Parker 1,249 and Czenczelewski 1,105.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
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Ward wins easily; Rimcoski out; Mills, Matthews, Fuller win; Parenti defeats Veits
Mayor:
Art Ward – 5,071
Mary Alford – 3,321
Gary Lawton – 369
Treasurer:
Rose Parenti – 4,199
Bill Veits – 3,974
Council District 1:
Cliff Block: 1,697
Kevin Fuller: 1,659
Mike Rimcoski: 1,520
Eldianne Bishop: 921
Council District 2:
Kevin McCauley: 1,713
Ken Cockayne: 1,680
Allen Marko: 1,084
Richard Scarola: 1,059
Council District 3:
David Mills – 1,756
Kate Matthews – 1,424
Derek Czenczelewski – 1,105
Terry Parker – 1,249
I don't think anyone cares, but the referendum passed overwhelmingly. We don't have even unofficial results, but the official results from Greene-Hills and the American Legion precincts show it passing by a wide margin.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
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Slow day at the polls
Badal said ballots from the auxiliary bin are put into the machine at a slow time later in the day by the moderator, with both a Democratic and a Republican representative watching to ensure the process is done properly.
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
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So what's shaking at the polling places?
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Voters get the last word today
Terry Parker’s black loafers have taken a beating.
The left shoe has a hole in the sole. The right one has three more, plus another in the back.
But the 3rd District City Council hopeful still aid he’s going to chalk it up as a “sad day when I retire this pair of shoes.”
“These shoes have taken me all over town into homes of strangers, renewal of old acquaintances and some wonderful exchanges of issues local and national,” said Parker, a Democrat.
Whether Parker’s shoes will also take him to next week’s swearing-in ceremony is just one of a number of choices voters will make today, including whether to reelect Mayor Art Ward and who should serve on the six-person council.
The polls are open until 8 p.m.
Parker is just one of many candidates who have spent many weeks knocking on doors, making calls and otherwise trying to round up votes.
Though the outcome of the mayoral race, which features Republican Mary Alford and independent Gary Lawton trying to knock off Ward, remains the big question, control of the City Council could hang in the balance today.
In a recent Facebook entry, Republican Richard Scarola predicted success: “Going to roll some heads here and at least split the council or pick up the majority.”
Republicans control two of the six seats. Since two Democrats are stepping down, both in the 3rd District, the GOP has a shot at winning a majority for the first time since 1991.
Also on the ballot are races for the treasurer’s post, the Board of Assessment Appeals and constables, as well as a routine economic development referendum that voters have overwhelmingly endorsed in the past.
In the 1st District, Democrats Cliff Block and Kevin Fuller face Republicans Mike Rimcoski and Eldianne Bishop. Block and Rimcoski are incumbents.
In the 2nd District, Republicans Ken Cockayne and Richard Scarola are taking on Democrats Kevin McCauley and Allen Marko. McCauley and Cockayne are incumbents.
In the 3rd District, Democrats Kate Matthews and Parker are squaring off against Republicans Derek Czenczelewski and David Mills. All are newcomers.
In the race for the part-time treasurer’s slot, first-term incumbent Democrat Bill Veits hopes to defeat Republican newcomer Rose Parenti.
Among the candidates, there are six women on the ballot out of 27 municipal candidates, including Alford, Parenti, Matthews and Bishop. The others are seeking election to minor offices.
For detailed information about the candidates, please see the Press website at bristolpress.com and reporter Steve Collins’ Bristol Blog. Links for sample ballots are also on the blog.
The Democrats plan to gather at Nuchie’s Restaurant after the polls close.
The Republicans are getting together at the Riverside Avenue office of party leader T.J. Barnes, next door to Computer Development Systems.
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
October 30, 2009
Driving out speeding
But the Democratic City Council contender recognizes that other methods may prove more effective.
He said the city should have more “random radar traps on side roads to start pinching the speeders” and it should install speed humps near schools in order to slow down drivers in areas where children congregate.
Fuller is one of a number of municipal candidates who offered ideas Friday for combating shortcut-seeking commuters and rushed residents who turn some once-quiet neighborhood streets into dangerous thoroughfares in their quest to avoid congested main roads.
Democratic council hopeful Terry Parker said that “the speeding that goes on in our residential neighborhoods” is one issue he keeps hearing about as he knocks on doors all over the 3rd District.
“I, too, have heard many complaints about speeding,” said David Mills, one of the GOP contenders in the same district.
Mills said, “Living on a busy street myself, Oakland Street, I can attest to these complaints because I have been making them myself for over 30 years and nothing meaningful has been done.”
Mayor Art Ward, a Democrat seeking a second term, said that speeding “is a chronic problem throughout not only Bristol but the entire nation and needs constant oversight and enforcement exercises.”
He said residential areas that have problems with speeders “are monitored by posted stationary and mechanical speed limit signs and directed speed surveillance, but residents in the concerned areas can assist the police by notifying the department of specific violators,” the times of when most violations happen and can even ask for traffic studies to address troubled sections of town.
“The police department vigilantly patrols recognized speed areas,” the mayor said, “but, unfortunately, cannot be everywhere at all times.”
The police generally respond to residents who ask for targeted enforcement, often finding that many of the speeders on any particular street actually live in the neighborhood, as several detailed reports have shown over the years.
Democratic council contender Allen Marko said he would work with police “to establish speeding enforcement teams to target the problem neighborhoods,” a method that has proven effective.
Marko said he would also talk with public works officials about the prospects for installing speed bumps, though he recognizes they may pose some problems for snow plow operators.
Republican council contender Derek Czenczelewski said, “It is essential that drivers in Bristol understand the importance of safe driving. We often take for granted secondary streets while driving because of the lack of traffic. Just as important as other vehicles on the road are pedestrians that can go unseen until it is too late.”
“While we as local officials can't change the way others drive, we can insure that safety regulations are enforced,” Czenczelewski said.
Czenczelewski said that mobile radar trailers should be put around the city, with speed limit signs displayed, and police should hand out more tickets.
He said the public can play a role, too.
“Everyone doesn't have to become ‘Dog the Bounty Hunter,’ but I do ask that if citizens see illegal actions in any form, that they please alert the proper authorities so we can continue to make Bristol a safe place to live, work and play,” Czenczelewski said.
City Councilor Ken Cockayne said residents should report speeding infractions to the police.
“It is important to keep our roads safe for residents and their children,” Cockayne said. “Unfortunately if the police aren't present in the immediate area that the speeding is taking place they can't do too much to address it.
“However, if incidents are reported and police are aware of areas where this is happening, they can increase their presence in the future and hopefully curb this type of unsafe driving,” Cockayne said.
Democratic council contender Kevin McCauley said there should be a better “accountability system” that can track complaints about traffic and other public safety issues so they can be recorded and monitored to see if the city is making progress addressing the problems.
“If neighborhood speeding and reckless driving is viewed as a priority issue by neighbors, then the police department needs to evaluate their existing resources and allocate them accordingly,” McCauley said.
“Maybe we can look into the allocation for specialty areas and put some of those dollars where they may have a greater impact,” he said.
Kate Matthews, a Democratic council candidate in the 3rd District, said, “The first step in solving any problem is to analyze it. We need to investigate what our citizens have actually complained about – whether it be actual crashes, fear of walking in a particular neighborhood, or noise-related disruptions caused by speeding.”
“Further, we need to pinpoint where, specifically, speeding is a particular problem, and the days and times when speeding is at its worst,” Matthews said.
“When we have this information, we can look at the road conditions, speed limit postings, and current speed enforcement efforts made by law enforcement to determine the best way to reduce speeding in these problem areas,” she said.
“We must use this information to ensure that our existing police resources are being utilized effectively,” she said, adding that speed display boards may help as well.
Matthews also said the city should “examine whether existing traffic signals are timed to encourage vehicles to drive at desired speeds. As roads are constructed and repaired throughout the City, we should consider implementing traffic calming measures where appropriate.”
Mills said he believes that dealing with the issue “has to become a priority for the police department before any solution will happen. The city government leaders must decide to encourage the traffic division to spend the time in the problem neighborhoods, and commit to solving the problem.”
“My suggestions would include the use of radar on a regular basis to assist the police in their efforts to slow down the traffic. This would need to be done for a consistent amount of time to be effective,” Mills said.
He said the city should also consider using stop signs at some troublesome intersections.
“There have been several accidents on Oakland and Stearns streets, for example, with someone going through the intersection. A 4-way stop sign would slow traffic down and make it safer for the neighborhood,” he said.
As a last resort, Mills said, a few strategically located speed bumps might help slow traffic.
He said addressing the problem would be a priority for him as a councilor.
Parker said he agrees the city needs to figure out a strategy that would deter the “irresponsible behavior” of speeders.
“I will work to solve this problem because the safety of our citizens young and old is at stake,” Parker said.
All of the council and mayoral candidates were given a chance to offer their thoughts on how to address speeding. Those who are not included in the story did not respond.
Voters will decide Tuesday who will lead City Hall the next two years. The polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
So who should you vote for?
77A– Edgewood School – 345 Mix Street
77B – Northeast School - 530 Stevens Street
77C – Mountain View School – 71 Vera Road
Council District Two
78A – Chippens Hill Middle School – 551 Peacedale St.
78B – Clara T. O’Connell School – 120 Park Street
79A – South Side School – Tuttle Road
Council District Three
79B – American Legion – 22 Hooker Court
79C – Greene Hills School – 718 Pine Street
77D & 22 - Stafford School – 212 Louisiana Avenue
PS: This will be updated further
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Neighborhood speeding
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
October 29, 2009
Election offers voters a choice
After a campaign remarkable only for its civility, voters will head to the polls Tuesday to decide whether to stick with a mayor who has guided the city through hard times.
If he is reelected to a second two-year term, Democratic Mayor Art Ward would be the first mayor to return to office since 2001, when Frank Nicastro won the last of his five mayoral races.
Voters will also decide the fate of four incumbent city councilors, two Democrats and two Republicans, and perhaps whether to hand control of the council to the GOP for the first time since 1991.
Also on the ballot are races for the treasurer’s post, the Board of Assessment Appeals and constables, as well as an economic development referendum considered routine.
The Democrats start with a built-in advantage in terms of registration, claiming the allegiance of 41 percent of the city’s 34,142 registered voters. The Republicans have just 16 percent.
But after a blip last year where the Democrats outnumbered unaffiliated voters, those registering as independents again outnumber either party, with 42 percent of the total.
The GOP is counting on capturing not just independent voters but also many Democrats.
In the three-way mayoral contest, Republican Mary Alford and independent Gary Lawton are likely to split some of the anti-Ward vote, making it even more likely that Ward will return to his $98,000-a-year job at the helm of City Hall.
In the council contests, though, the Republicans have a shot at grabbing a majority if they can keep their two incumbents – Ken Cockayne and Mike Rimcoski – and snatch a couple of open seats in the 3rd District.
Despite a Democratic lock on the district for three decades, GOP contender David Mills is widely considered to have a reasonable chance of winning one of the 3rd District’s two seats. He had raised more money than any other council hopeful at the last reporting deadline.
Mills may even be strong enough to pull the other Republican candidate in the district in with him, political insiders said, giving Derek Czenczelewski a better shot that he would otherwise have.
The Democrats, though, are counting on their 3rd District candidates, Kate Matthews and Terry Parker, to succeed in recapturing the district for the party.
Two Democratic council incumbents, Kevin McCauley and Cliff Block, are aiming to keep their seats as well.
In the 1st District, Block and Rimcoski have to fend off challenges from two newcomers, Democrat Kevin Fuller and Republican Eldianne Bishop.
In the 2nd District, Cockayne and McCauley are in the sights of Democrat Allen Marko and Republican Richard Scarola.
In the race for the part-time treasurer’s slot, first-term incumbent Democrat Bill Veits is hoping to fend off Republican newcomer Rose Parenti.
Republicans have held the allegiance of 15 to 20 percent of the voters for many years. Their numbers have slipped only a little during the past five years.
Democrats, on the other hand, once had a commanding hold on the electorate.
In 1984, for example, 49 percent of city voters called themselves Democrats and only 32 percent were unaffiliated.
By 2004, just 39.5 percent of the city's electorate registered as Democrats, but during the past five years, the Democrats have made gains.
The polls are open Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Polling Places in Bristol:
Council District One
77A– Edgewood School – 345 Mix Street
77B – Northeast School - 530 Stevens Street
77C – Mountain View School – 71 Vera Road
Council District Two
78A – Chippens Hill Middle School – 551 Peacedale St.
78B – Clara T. O’Connell School – 120 Park Street
79A – South Side School – Tuttle Road
Council District Three
79B – American Legion – 22 Hooker Court
79C – Greene Hills School – 718 Pine Street
77D & 22 - Stafford School – 212 Louisiana Avenue
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com