And in black and white:
Showing posts with label Election 2014. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Election 2014. Show all posts
October 29, 2014
Mailings turn negative in Senate race's final days (Updated at 11 a.m.)
October 16, 2014
Democrats: Republicans should stick to facts
DEMOCRATS RESPOND TO REPUBLICAN LEADERS
There they go again – the Republican Town Committee leaders
are on the blog with negative attacks on our Democratic elected officials and
candidates. What would be more
beneficial to the readers and to the voters are actual ideas and plans. Answers that include: what would you do, and
how would you accomplish your goals.
Voters on all levels, local, state and federal are tired of
partisan politics. Stop the bickering and
the negative campaigning and put a plan into action.
If the Republican leaders are not able to put forth their plans
for the City, then, at the very least, they have an obligation to write with
some semblance of a factual basis.
First, as to Rob Michalik – let’s look at the facts:
From 1999 to 2009, Plainville had the 11th lowest
annualized effective tax increase in the state (out of 169 towns). Rob was on the council for six of those
years. Also, while on the town council,
Rob spearheaded various efforts to save the town money. For instance, Rob pushed the town to purchase
its streetlights from CL&P, thereby saving the town approximately $50,000 per
year in maintenance costs. He advocated
that an Ebay-like auction procedure be implemented for the sale of bonds, which
saved thousands of dollars in interest costs.
In addition, Rob championed an aggressive delinquent tax program, which
has led to hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes being collected and
reduced the tax burden on those who pay their taxes on time. At DEDC, Rob worked primarily on efforts to
help small businesses. He worked on the
Small Business Express program, which assisted more than 1,000 small businesses
in Connecticut (including several in Bristol) and created or retained thousands
of jobs across the state. Rob proudly
worked extensively in helping to establish a new Manufacturing Innovation Fund
in the state, which will assist small manufacturers in making the investments
in equipment, technology and job training to remain competitive, win new
businesses and grow jobs.
Rather than focus on the upcoming election of our state
candidates, the Republican leaders attack our three Democratic Council members
who all have taken a stand on some very difficult issues; slinging mud and
calling them hypocrites. In particular,
they politicize the downtown/
Renaissance issue.
Ellen Zoppo-Sassu has offered a compromise agreement that
does not involve handing over city money to a private entity, but still gives
the City a stakeholder position in the development. Council member Zoppo-Sassu has moved a
substantial amount of business forward for the City in her eleven months back
on the City Council.
They twist Mary Fortier’s statement about Renaissance being
the preferred developer and point out that there is now new proposals at Ten
Main Street and other sites. These
proposals are not on the seventeen acres and Renaissance is not the preferred
developer of those new projects, yet it proves Council member Fortier’s point
that private development may stimulate what is being proposed on the seventeen
acres.
Lastly they criticize Calvin Brown for describing this as an
emotional issue for the City and characterize his stance as absurd. Calvin is 22 years old. He was the highest vote getter in Council
District 1 and city-wide. Voters
identified with his idealism. It is
Calvin’s generation that we need to retain and attract in order to maintain our
middle class with young families choosing to live here, buy homes here, and put
their children in our schools.
The Republican leaders conclude by stating that we cannot
afford more of this “leadership.” That
is the key word – leadership. Our
elected officials and candidates take a stand on the issues. They make their positions known. We welcome and encourage public participation
and input. We are willing to engage in
meaningful debate. There is too much at
stake for negative politics and sitting idle.
It’s time to put words into action!
October 6, 2014
GOP takes aim at Democrats on issues
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| Derek Czenczelewski |
September 24, 2014
Martin's online advertisement promises to turn Connecticut around
September 23, 2014
Pavalock opposes possible new taxes
Pavalock: No New Taxes!
(Bristol) Cara C.
Pavalock, the Republican nominee for State Representative from the 77th
Assembly District voices her concern over a proposal that has been floating
around Connecticut that would drastically raise taxes in our state.
The proposal is called the “Land Valuation Tax.” If implemented, this tax would be levied on
all non-profits in Connecticut, such as hospitals, churches, museums, private
schools, and the like. “This tax would have an adverse effect on these already
struggling organizations in Bristol, and I am in strong opposition to it.”
Pavalock said.
In addition to taxing non-profits, the proposal seeks to tax
vacant land at a higher rate. Proponents of the tax claim there should be a
higher rate for vacant land because it is not being used for its highest and
best value. “Don’t residents pay enough in taxes already? Why are people being
forced to build structures on their own private land?” Pavalock continued, “I
agree that many municipalities are struggling to make ends meet in this tough
economy, however, I also believe that the easiest thing the State can do to
help local governments over the hump is to reduce the amount of unfunded
mandates on the books.”
There have been recent seminars on the Land Valuation Tax
and Pavalock fears that the proposal is gaining traction. Currently, local
municipalities are receiving pilot funds for these non-profits and this tax
would be used to alleviate some of the burdens on local governments and the
State.
“Connecticut doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a
spending problem.” Pavalock added, “Instituting new taxes isn’t going to make
Connecticut a better place to live, work, raise a family or retire.”
Pavalock has made unfunded mandates a cornerstone of her
campaign and has pledged to oppose any piece of legislation that places new
unfunded mandates on Connecticut’s municipalities.
“This new tax is most likely going to be debated by the
General Assembly over the next few years,” Pavalock concluded, “Now is the time
to ask your candidates where they stand on the issue and I want every resident
of the 77th District to know that I stand with them in opposing any
new taxes being implement in our great state.”
September 11, 2014
Michalik secures backing from teachers' union
Rob Michalik Endorsed by Public School Teachers
Connecticut Education Association and American Federation of Teachers of Connecticut Endorse Rob Michalik for State Senate
September 10, 2014
Bristol CT – Democratic State Senate Candidate Rob Michalik, proudly announced the endorsement of his campaign by Connecticut’s public school teachers. Both the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) and the Connecticut affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have voted to endorse Michalik for the November 4th General Election. The organizations collectively represent all of Connecticut’s public school teachers.
“Providing Connecticut children with a high quality education will equip them with the foundation necessary to succeed in todays fast pace enviroment,” said Michalik. “My opponent has a record of continuously making cuts to public education. This district needs a strong voice in the senate that work together with parents, administrators, teachers and taxpayers to ensure our students are receiving the best education in our schools.”
“Rob’s support for children, teachers and public education has been made clear and as a result our organization is proud to endorse your candidacy,” said CEA President Sheila Cohen.
"We need legislators in Hartford who will stand up for the district’s working families and lead on the issues that matter. We look forward to Rob joining with educators, healthcare professionals and state employees to fight for great schools, affordable, quality healthcare and strong public services," said Melodie Peters, president of AFT Connecticut, which also represents public schools' support staff, nurses and healthcare workers, higher education faculty, and state and municipal employees.
“It is imperative that we work to ensure that our communities receive their fair share of education funding from the state to reduce the burden placed on local property taxes,” added Michalik. “Our students deserve the support, and our seniors and those with limited incomes can use the tax relief.”
The 31st state senate district consists of Bristol, Harwinton, Thomaston, Plainville and Plymouth.
September 10, 2014
Blumenthal coming to Bristol Saturday to back Michalik
MICHALIK ANNOUNCES FALL CAMPAIGN KICKOFF EVENT WITH U.S SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL
Rob Michalik announced that the kickoff of his fall campaign for State Senate will be held at 430 North Main Street in Bristol at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September, 13th. U.S Senator Richard Blumenthal will be on hand for the event, as will other local Democratic candidates on the November ballot.
“I look forward to having residents from all five towns in the 31st senate district – Bristol, Harwinton, Plainville, Plymouth, and Thomaston – join me in working together to ensure a better future for our community,” said Michalik. “Anyone who wishes to help with the campaign, or simply to learn about our plans to strengthen the middleclass and grow the economy, is welcome to stop by our campaign headquarters on September13th.”
"Rob is an ardent advocate for consumer rights and growing our economy. He will be a strong voice for the people of the 31st district,” said Senator Blumenthal. “With his experience, particularly in economic development, he has the background and qualifications to serve his constituents well. I am excited to join with him and other local candidates for this kickoff event.”
WHAT: Michalik Fall Campaign Kickoff
WHEN: Saturday September 13th at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: 430 North Main St., Bristol, CT, next to Super Natural
WHEN: Saturday September 13th at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: 430 North Main St., Bristol, CT, next to Super Natural
August 13, 2014
Don't count Rydingsward out for good
August 12, 2014
Voters scarce in Bristol, but there are a few
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| Bristol Elks Club this morning |
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| Registrars office this morning |
July 4, 2014
Republican registrar asked for website fix, but Rydingsward refused
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| The registrars website before it was changed late Thursday. |
Mary,
I respectively ask you again to either remove your name from the website or list every candidate running on the republican and democratic ballot.
Our office website should not be used to promote one candidate or party.
Please reply that you have done this within the hour.
Sharon
Dear Sharon,
Please provide a list of the Republicans running in the format you desire and I will be happy to post.
~ Mary
Mary,Reply from Rydingsward to Krawiecki at 1:02 p.m.:
Since we have never posted candidate names in the past we should not start.
You stated that you thought because it was a document filed with the Town Clerk it belongs on the site. I remind you all candidate nominations are filed
Have you removed your name?
Sharon
Sharon,We should have a respectful conversation about this. It is unfortunate that you brought it up as you were leaving this morning and did not have a respectful conversation with me.Let me correct your understanding of what I said. I did not say "because it was a document filed with the town clerk it belongs on the website." I simply explained to you - not knowing if you actually opened the link - that what is posted is a public document filed with the town clerk.Paul requested this posting to inform the public, especially in light of the fact that folks were inquiring. Please contact him about it.~ Thank you,Mary
UPDATE AT 9:45 a.m. --
Krawiecki just told me the website was taken down at Mayor Ken Cockayne's direction late Thursday. He had received a copy of Matthews' email.
Copyright 2014 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 3, 2014
Rydingsward misusing city website? An ex-councilor says yes
A former city councilor, Kate Matthews, is fuming today.
Matthews said she's upset that Democratic Registrar Mary Rydingsward is using the city's website to promote her candidacy for a third term as one of the city's two registrars.
Matthews said it "an abuse of power" and a clear misuse of municipal property for Rydingsward to tout her own candidacy on the registrars' website without so much as mentioning that she's taking on the party's endorsed candidate, Kevin McCauley.
Here is the email that Matthews sent to the registrars about an hour ago:
Ms. Rydingsward and Mrs. Krawiecki:Please see the attached screenshot that I took of the Registrar’s website today at 1:39 p.m. [Note: it matches the one I took a few minutes ago and posted above. -Steve]You will note that it states “Rydingsward Qualifies for Registrar Race Democratic Primary August 12”.This language on the Registrar’s website is promoting Mary Rydingsward as the petitioning candidate for the Registrar’s primary on August 12, and it is an improper use of the Registrar’s website. Notably, no other candidates for the office of Democratic Registrar are listed on the website, including the name of the endorsed Democrat, Kevin McCauley.This is an out-and-out misuse of public property by the Democratic Registrar. City assets like this website are paid for by the City, and controlled in part by the Registrars, and should not be used to support any one candidate, especially the Democratic Registrar, who apparently has the power and ability to misuse this asset. I suspect that this violates local ethics rules pertaining to City employees and officials, and will investigate this further.I demand that this posting be removed immediately. A written apology should be made to the endorsed Democrat, Kevin McCauley. Please refrain from using City assets for personal use in the future.Sincerely,Katherine L. Matthews
I've asked Rydingsward and Krawiecki for comment, but have not heard anything yet.
Update at 4 p.m. --Well, somebody was paying attention:
June 25, 2014
Bristol voters may get the final say on Depot Square
Bristol Downtown Development Corp. officials said Tuesday municipal leaders are eyeing the prospect of a Nov. 4 referendum to determine whether residents are willing to use government money to help fund construction of the first piece of the proposed $280 million project to transform the city center. See full story.
June 18, 2014
Wright: 'I look forward to serving' with Bysiewicz
Romney or Palin for City Council?
OK, here's something unpredictable in the world of Bristol politics...
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| Susan Bysiewicz |
Eyeing the
prospect of jumping into the contest is Susan Bysiewicz, a former secretary of
state with a checkered political past that includes an unsuccessful primary bid
for U.S. Senate in 2012 and a judicial ruling in 2010 that barred her from
continuing to seek election as attorney general.
What makes
Bysiewicz’s interest in the state Senate seat most stunning is that she’s a
longtime Middletown resident with no roots in the 31st District.
Since the CT
Mirror broke the story late Tuesday, reaction in Bristol has been fierce.
“Always
expect the unexpected in Bristol politics,” said former Mayor Art Ward, a
Democrat. He said it “never ceases to amaze.” Read the full story here.
June 17, 2014
For Roche, a choice between love and politics
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To pursue political office, he would have to give up any chance of convincing his wife of 33 years to stick with him into old age.
He chose his wife, Lisa.
In an emotional address to AFL-CIO delegates at a state labor convention Monday, the Bristol labor leader said he would resign as the Democratic Party’s candidate for the 31st state Senate district seat.
That leaves the field at least temporarily wide open for Republican contender Henri Martin, a city councilor. Democrats are scurrying to figure out how to pick a replacement with a shot at winning.
Roche, 52, said that his wife separated from him two years ago when he first sought to claim the state Senate seat. He said he realized recently he never should have tried again this year.
“I blew it,” Roche said, adding that other changes are in store for his life.
He said that with politics out of the way, he can focus on a new, more important campaign: to win back the woman he loves. They have two children and two grandchildren.
Roche said he hopes to “finish writing the greatest love story ever told” instead of holding elected office.
State law allows the Democratic Party to replace Roche on the ballot, though it’s not clear exactly what the procedure is for doing so. Roche was nominated in May by a district-wide convention that included delegates from Bristol, Plainville, Plymouth, Thomaston and Harwinton. Bristol’s voters make up a bit more than half the total.
The seat is wide open this year because two-term incumbent Jason Welch, a Republican, opted not to seek reelection. The Bristol lawyer said he needed to devote more attention to his family and his job.
The man Welch defeated in 2010, longtime state Sen. Tom Colapietro, a Democrat, said Monday that he thinks Roche “could have actually won” this time around. But without him, Martin stands a good chance.
Colapietro said he has no desire to return to the fray. “Politics is getting kind of nasty. I don’t miss it,” he said.
Democratic city Councilor Calvin Brown said that Roche was “a stellar candidate” and a friend, “a truly great guy who cares more about working class families than most people in politics.”
Asked if he might consider a run for Senate this year, Brown said he loves being on the council.
“I know they’ll find a great candidate and I’ll support whoever it is,” Brown said.
Among the other potential contenders mentioned by political insiders Monday were former city Councilor Kevin McCauley, Democratic Registrar Mary Rydingsward, former city Councilor Craig Minor, City Councilor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, former Mayor Art Ward and state Rep. Frank Nicastro. It’s not clear, though, that any of them are interested.
Martin said he has gathered sufficient campaign donations to qualify for public financing of his race, but hasn’t yet submitted the paperwork to the state commission to gain access to more than $80,000 in public financing, assuming he’s opposed, along with the $15,000 he raised to qualify.
A new Democratic challenger has to start from zero to raise the necessary funds and put a campaign together, a tall order so late in the game.
Roche is the longtime business manager for the sheet metal workers union and president of the Connecticut Building Trades and Construction Council. He is also the executive secretary of the Connecticut AFL-CIO.
Senators serve two-year terms for $28,000 annually, though all of them also receive extra pay for holding additional positions within the legislature. The election is Nov. 4.
June 16, 2014
Roche is quitting 31st District State Senate race today
May 22, 2014
Democrats endorse McCauley for registrar
Democrats renominate Nicastro, Wright
May 20, 2014
Roche nominated for state Senate race
Press release from Democrat Dave Roche:
DAVE ROCHE WINS DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION FOR 31ST STATE SENATE DISTRICT
Bristol—In front of more than 50 supporters in the Bristol Public Library Monday night, Bristol resident Dave Roche was officially nominated as the Democratic candidate in the race for the 31st District state Senate seat.
Dave Roche is seeking to succeed retiring state Senator Jason Welch (R- Bristol) and in his acceptance speech he told supporters his goal was find the middle ground to get the 31st District working again.
“Building the economy is just like my field of construction, you always start from the ground up,” said Roche. “Proper investments in our education system will serve as the foundation for our future. We have a tech school right here in Bristol but students leave without learning some fundamentals they will need to help them get jobs.When I am elected we will expand education and programs like Helmets to Hardhats to get people working again.This program can and will be expanded to help all our veterans who serve. Once we solidify our foundation we can focus on the framework of our economy.”
After the speech Dave thanked his supporters and vowed to work hand and hand with them to win in November.
The night started out with a nomination from Mike Portozza, a Bristol resident, who recognized Dave’s strong work ethic and ability to bring people together.
He continued by saying “ we need a senator who understands our day to day issues. Dave will fight for good paying jobs so working men and women can support their families. Dave will bring a strong voice to our district and the ability to get the job done.”
The 31st Senate District includes Bristol, Harwinton, Plymouth, Plainville and Thomaston.
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