Two years ago, during the hard-fought mayoral race between Republican William Stortz and Democrat Gerard Couture, 38.4 percent of the city's registered voters showed up at the polls.
This time around, turnout appears likely to be lower.
As of 1 p.m., when the rain finally began to stop, turnout stood at 16.8 percent overall. That compares to 19.7 percent overall at the same time in 2005.
Republican Registrar Ellie Klapatch said that turnout has been "rather slow" this year, but it appeared to be picking up as the sun started coming out early in the afternoon.
At the American Legion precinct, Republican City Council candidate Bob Merrick and Democrat Frank Nicastro, an incumbent, stood outside looking to pick up a few extra votes as voters headed in.
Merrick said that he received a "very positive" response from voters, much like he got going door-to-door during the campaign.
"People are positive about the city," Merrick said. "People love Bristol."
Nicastro said that too many people badmouth Bristol. "They don't realize we have a great city," Nicastro said.
So far, there haven't been any troubles with the new voting machines, officials said.
State Sen. Tom Colapietro, a Bristol Democrat, said he liked the new voting system. It's easy, he said.
Klapatch said there haven't been any problems with the machines.
"People seem to be doing fine with the machines," Klapatch said.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Showing posts with label Merrick. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Merrick. Show all posts
November 6, 2007
November 2, 2007
Overview of the 3rd District City Council race
It comes down to this in the 3rd District City Council race: are voters ready to dump one of the two incumbent Democrats in favor of hard-charging Republican newcomer Robert Merrick?
Merrick, a middle school math teacher, is pushing for a more open city government that does more to communicate with residents.
But to get the chance, he has to displace either third-term city Councilor Craig Minor or Frank Nicastro, a former mayor, current 79th District state representative and member of the council for the past two years when voters head to the polls Tuesday.
Nicastro said there are a handful of crucial issues coming to the forefront at the moment, including the Route 72 extension, the mall’s revitalization and new schools, so he wants to stay on the council.
"Regardless of how you cut the cake, you're going to have a freshman mayor" and a couple of freshman councilors, Nicastro said. "You need someone who's been there."
"Now is the time for continuity," Nicastro said.
Minor, who is Cromwell’s town planner, is keen to keep playing a role in planning for the impact of the Route 72 extension and the push for downtown revitalization. He’s been the council’s representative on the Bristol Downtown Development Corp. this year.
Merrick said the city needs to do much more to market itself.
"We have so much to offer" in Bristol, he said. "We need to step firmly into the 21st century."
Merrick said there ought to be an active calendar of events and meetings on the city's website as well as the ability to see agendas, meeting minutes and background paperwork.
Minor said Bristol "is standing on the threshold of big changes" because of the Route 72 extension and the looming transformation of the mall site.
There's never been a time when residents have had such a need to take an active role in addressing the issues, Minor said.
"Big things are coming to Bristol and we want everyone to be a part of it," he said.
Nicastro said that if it had been up to him, the city never would have bought the downtown mall and taken the 17-acre site off the tax rolls. Minor was among those who voted to buy it for $5.3 million in 2005.
Merrick said the city has bought too much property over the years. "It's not helping the taxpayers of Bristol to acquire real estate and hold onto it," he said.
He said the city should sell as much of it as possible soon.
Nicastro, who heads the Real Estate Committee, said the city has sold more than $700,000 in surplus municipal city property in the past year.
"We are in the real estate business," Minor said, owning everything from schools to the mall. He said the city needs to think of it that way, including the industrial parks that created places for business to come to town.
"The city basically stepped in and bought a delinquent property" when it bought the mall, Minor said. He said that officials now have the power to direct its fate and encourage a pedestrian-friendly downtown that can attract people to the city center.
City councilors serve part-time for about $10,000 annually. There are three council districts in town, each represented by two council members, who can be from the same political party.
The polls are open Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Key issues
School plan – Merrick said that smaller K-8 school might work because kids “want to feel comfortable in a small environment.” He warned they might be “overwhelmed and anxious” in a 900-student K-8 school.
Frank Nicastro said the city has to do what's best for the children so officials must make sure "whatever we do is not going to paralyze this city."
Minor said is "not thrilled" with the 900-student school because neighborhood schools can't be that big. He said kids don't walk to school anymore, but we still need schools that serve neighborhoods.
"I don't know if the idea of a megaschool is right for Bristol," Minor said.
Elected or appointed school board? – Minor said he wants to keep an elected Board of Education. "We need more representative government, not less," Minor said.
Merrick said there are benefits and drawbacks to both appointed and elected panels. What’s most important is that either way, the city gets qualified people to serve.
Nicastro, too, said both systems can work. "It all depends who's sitting in that chair," he said, to ensure that good people are serving on the panel.
"Will they have the courage to speak for themselves?" Nicastro said. He said the elected board "appears to be working" though "nothing is perfect."
District 3 polling places
American Legion Hall Post #2
Greene-Hills School
Stafford School
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Merrick, a middle school math teacher, is pushing for a more open city government that does more to communicate with residents.
But to get the chance, he has to displace either third-term city Councilor Craig Minor or Frank Nicastro, a former mayor, current 79th District state representative and member of the council for the past two years when voters head to the polls Tuesday.
Nicastro said there are a handful of crucial issues coming to the forefront at the moment, including the Route 72 extension, the mall’s revitalization and new schools, so he wants to stay on the council.
"Regardless of how you cut the cake, you're going to have a freshman mayor" and a couple of freshman councilors, Nicastro said. "You need someone who's been there."
"Now is the time for continuity," Nicastro said.
Minor, who is Cromwell’s town planner, is keen to keep playing a role in planning for the impact of the Route 72 extension and the push for downtown revitalization. He’s been the council’s representative on the Bristol Downtown Development Corp. this year.
Merrick said the city needs to do much more to market itself.
"We have so much to offer" in Bristol, he said. "We need to step firmly into the 21st century."
Merrick said there ought to be an active calendar of events and meetings on the city's website as well as the ability to see agendas, meeting minutes and background paperwork.
Minor said Bristol "is standing on the threshold of big changes" because of the Route 72 extension and the looming transformation of the mall site.
There's never been a time when residents have had such a need to take an active role in addressing the issues, Minor said.
"Big things are coming to Bristol and we want everyone to be a part of it," he said.
Nicastro said that if it had been up to him, the city never would have bought the downtown mall and taken the 17-acre site off the tax rolls. Minor was among those who voted to buy it for $5.3 million in 2005.
Merrick said the city has bought too much property over the years. "It's not helping the taxpayers of Bristol to acquire real estate and hold onto it," he said.
He said the city should sell as much of it as possible soon.
Nicastro, who heads the Real Estate Committee, said the city has sold more than $700,000 in surplus municipal city property in the past year.
"We are in the real estate business," Minor said, owning everything from schools to the mall. He said the city needs to think of it that way, including the industrial parks that created places for business to come to town.
"The city basically stepped in and bought a delinquent property" when it bought the mall, Minor said. He said that officials now have the power to direct its fate and encourage a pedestrian-friendly downtown that can attract people to the city center.
City councilors serve part-time for about $10,000 annually. There are three council districts in town, each represented by two council members, who can be from the same political party.
The polls are open Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Key issues
School plan – Merrick said that smaller K-8 school might work because kids “want to feel comfortable in a small environment.” He warned they might be “overwhelmed and anxious” in a 900-student K-8 school.
Frank Nicastro said the city has to do what's best for the children so officials must make sure "whatever we do is not going to paralyze this city."
Minor said is "not thrilled" with the 900-student school because neighborhood schools can't be that big. He said kids don't walk to school anymore, but we still need schools that serve neighborhoods.
"I don't know if the idea of a megaschool is right for Bristol," Minor said.
Elected or appointed school board? – Minor said he wants to keep an elected Board of Education. "We need more representative government, not less," Minor said.
Merrick said there are benefits and drawbacks to both appointed and elected panels. What’s most important is that either way, the city gets qualified people to serve.
Nicastro, too, said both systems can work. "It all depends who's sitting in that chair," he said, to ensure that good people are serving on the panel.
"Will they have the courage to speak for themselves?" Nicastro said. He said the elected board "appears to be working" though "nothing is perfect."
District 3 polling places
American Legion Hall Post #2
Greene-Hills School
Stafford School
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
October 15, 2007
Labor Council endorses Ward, plus 2 GOP and 4 Democratic council hopefuls
Press release from The Greater Bristol Labor Council:
The Greater Bristol Labor Council has announced their list of endorsed candidates for election to local offices in the upcoming elections in November.
The GBLC represents working men and women in the Bristol area and is affiliated with the Connecticut AFL-CIO which represents 220,000 workers in Connecticut and nearly 900 local union affiliates.
Greater Bristol Labor Council President Mike Petosa, in announcing the endorsements, said, “It is important that working men and women rally around candidates for office who are willing to stand up and fight for them.” He said this is especially important during an era when “America's middle class in under attack.”
The local Labor Council voted last week to endorse the following candidates;
Art Ward (D) – Mayor
Mike Rimcoski (R) – 1st District City Council
Cliff Block (D) – 1st District City Council
Kevin McCauley (D) – 2nd District City Council
Bruce Lydem (D) – 2nd District City Council
Frank Nicastro (D) – 3rd District City Council
Robert Merrick (R) – 3rd District City Council
The endorsement meeting was held on October 10 at Nuchie’s Restaurant in the Forrestville section of Bristol.
Petosa added, “The candidates endorsed for election this November have demonstrated their determination to fight for issues important to workers and therefore make them ideal candidates for Bristol’s working men and women.”
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The Greater Bristol Labor Council has announced their list of endorsed candidates for election to local offices in the upcoming elections in November.
The GBLC represents working men and women in the Bristol area and is affiliated with the Connecticut AFL-CIO which represents 220,000 workers in Connecticut and nearly 900 local union affiliates.
Greater Bristol Labor Council President Mike Petosa, in announcing the endorsements, said, “It is important that working men and women rally around candidates for office who are willing to stand up and fight for them.” He said this is especially important during an era when “America's middle class in under attack.”
The local Labor Council voted last week to endorse the following candidates;
Art Ward (D) – Mayor
Mike Rimcoski (R) – 1st District City Council
Cliff Block (D) – 1st District City Council
Kevin McCauley (D) – 2nd District City Council
Bruce Lydem (D) – 2nd District City Council
Frank Nicastro (D) – 3rd District City Council
Robert Merrick (R) – 3rd District City Council
The endorsement meeting was held on October 10 at Nuchie’s Restaurant in the Forrestville section of Bristol.
Petosa added, “The candidates endorsed for election this November have demonstrated their determination to fight for issues important to workers and therefore make them ideal candidates for Bristol’s working men and women.”
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
October 11, 2007
City needs to communicate better, Merrick says
The City Council meeting held this past Tuesday, October 9, 2007, was another example of poor communication and failure to provide the citizen’s of Bristol with adequate and necessary information on important issues facing our city.
On Thursday, September 27, 2007, I attended a special meeting of the City Council at which recommendations from the West End School Building Committee and Forestville School Building Committee were to be presented to authorize each respective committee to begin the process necessary for the building of two new 900-student, K-8 schools.
Since no one from either site committee was available at the special meeting, and the councilors were not provided with any specific information related to the decision of why the one site was chosen over another, a motion was made to table the decision for a future regularly-scheduled meeting of the City Council.
At Tuesday’s City Council meeting I was surprised to see that the school site selection committee was not listed on the agenda. Upon taking my seat I noticed a large number of Bristol Public School administration staff was present, as well as members of the Board of Education, and site-selection committee members. After a brief ceremonial presentation to McCabe-Waters baseball champions, a motion was made to move Item 6, Unfinished Business, to the top of the agenda.
A two hour and fifteen minute presentation and discussion of the site selections was made by the BOE and school administration staff. There was no opportunity for the public to provide general public input before the site selections were voted on. The public was only allowed to comment on the motion to accept in the case of the Forestville site or reject in the case of the Scalia site. No discussion was allowed regarding building structure, size, or suitability to the community as a whole. Many people in attendance, including myself, were frustrated as to how events unfolded and the appearance that it was purposely designed to limit the ability of the public to freely voice their feelings and have their concerns addressed in a meaningful and receptive manner.
It was obvious that the BOE, superintendent and other school administrative staff had a prepared presentation for the City Council. The fact that the mayor and City Council, with the exception of Councilman Nicastro, continued to push forward and approve the Forestville site without first presenting all available information, including important phase 1 and 2 environmental studies conducted on the Crowley property, and answering questions from the public first is very troubling.
A central message of my campaign is improved communication. The majority of the people in over 800 households I have visited are not comfortable with the size or grade structure of the new schools. They want more information before supporting the project. Our city’s website lists agenda as a category for City Council meetings. Not one agenda from City Council meetings has been listed this year. Given the family, job, and other competing responsibilities that Bristol residents face on a daily basis, it is inconceivable that most people would find time in their busy lives to attend a meeting with no prior knowledge of what is to be discussed.
Bristol, a city of 60,000, must do better. Our city’s leaders must substantially improve how they communicate by actively reaching out, marketing, and inviting the public back into the process of government.
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
On Thursday, September 27, 2007, I attended a special meeting of the City Council at which recommendations from the West End School Building Committee and Forestville School Building Committee were to be presented to authorize each respective committee to begin the process necessary for the building of two new 900-student, K-8 schools.
Since no one from either site committee was available at the special meeting, and the councilors were not provided with any specific information related to the decision of why the one site was chosen over another, a motion was made to table the decision for a future regularly-scheduled meeting of the City Council.
At Tuesday’s City Council meeting I was surprised to see that the school site selection committee was not listed on the agenda. Upon taking my seat I noticed a large number of Bristol Public School administration staff was present, as well as members of the Board of Education, and site-selection committee members. After a brief ceremonial presentation to McCabe-Waters baseball champions, a motion was made to move Item 6, Unfinished Business, to the top of the agenda.
A two hour and fifteen minute presentation and discussion of the site selections was made by the BOE and school administration staff. There was no opportunity for the public to provide general public input before the site selections were voted on. The public was only allowed to comment on the motion to accept in the case of the Forestville site or reject in the case of the Scalia site. No discussion was allowed regarding building structure, size, or suitability to the community as a whole. Many people in attendance, including myself, were frustrated as to how events unfolded and the appearance that it was purposely designed to limit the ability of the public to freely voice their feelings and have their concerns addressed in a meaningful and receptive manner.
It was obvious that the BOE, superintendent and other school administrative staff had a prepared presentation for the City Council. The fact that the mayor and City Council, with the exception of Councilman Nicastro, continued to push forward and approve the Forestville site without first presenting all available information, including important phase 1 and 2 environmental studies conducted on the Crowley property, and answering questions from the public first is very troubling.
A central message of my campaign is improved communication. The majority of the people in over 800 households I have visited are not comfortable with the size or grade structure of the new schools. They want more information before supporting the project. Our city’s website lists agenda as a category for City Council meetings. Not one agenda from City Council meetings has been listed this year. Given the family, job, and other competing responsibilities that Bristol residents face on a daily basis, it is inconceivable that most people would find time in their busy lives to attend a meeting with no prior knowledge of what is to be discussed.
Bristol, a city of 60,000, must do better. Our city’s leaders must substantially improve how they communicate by actively reaching out, marketing, and inviting the public back into the process of government.
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
October 8, 2007
Merrick pushed his third party ideas to Minor
On Dec. 27, 2006, Republican City Council candidate Bob Merrick sent an email to Democratic Councilor Craig Minor that Merrick said was never answered. Here is what Merrick sent:
From: "newenglandopinion.com" <neweng@newenglandopinion.com>> Sent: Wednesday, December 27, 2006 7:51 PM> To: craigminor@ci.bristol.ct.us> Subject: Vision for Downtown>> Dear Mr. Minor,
I have sent you the piece I wrote for the Observer that I talked to you about at the Blackstone. I also have attached a piece that I sent to the Bristol Press about Dave and his efforts on litter in Forestville. I'd be happy to help in any way with the downtown initiative. Prior to becoming a teacher I worked in procurement and contract administration at Pratt & Whitney for eight years.
As I mentioned to you I have started my own websites to help establish dialog about important issues. Please visit my websites at newenglandopinion.com, lincolnians.com, or lincolnians.org if you get a chance.
Sincerely,
Bob Merrick
Merrick attached these two documents:
Small Acts Make a Big Difference
By
Bob Merrick
It’s a cold crisp morning you grab your coffee and head out to the car making your way to work. As you run through your mental list of things to do for the day perhaps you don’t notice that the neighborhood looks cleaner than it did the day before. As you make your way to work you suddenly become aware of the prevalent litter that plagues certain parts of the city. You utter an angry comment in disgust. Why is your part of the city different? Doesn’t the public works department work throughout the city? No, it is not the fault of the city workers. It is not that people don’t litter in your part of the city either. It is due to the mission of a man called Dave.
Dave is Dave Pasqualicchio, owner of Nuchies in Forestville and President of the Forestville Village Association. Dave can be seen with his orange trash pail walking the streets of the Forestville section of Bristol picking up trash. Dave hates litter! He is passionate about keeping his section of the city clean. It is a constant battle. He realizes that first comes the litter, a visible invitation to drug dealers, transients, and criminals. Then comes the crime, shootings and other undesirable activities. What happens next? Out move his friends, neighbors, and hardworking families with children.
Hmm…Dave may be onto something. A few years back New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani started cracking down on small-time infractions and crimes which had been largely ignored due to limited police resources and the priority being given to larger crimes. Critics accused the mayor of tying up the police force with minor issues at the expense of larger crimes. What happened? As the smaller issues were addressed the larger crimes started to dramatically decrease. Hey, that makes sense. Any parent knows that if you let your children get away with the little things it doesn’t take too long before they start in on the larger ones as well and then you have a much bigger problem on your hands that is harder to correct.
What can we do? Be like Dave! Pick up your neighborhood, talk nicely to the kids next door and ask them to pick up after themselves or give you a hand. Introduce yourself to your neighbors and offer to help that senior citizen next door or single parent across the street rake the lawn, shovel the sidewalk, fix the front porch, or paint the house. Your kids said they were bored right? Send them outside to help! How about starting a neighborhood association, getting your community church involved, or enrolling your child in the local boy scout or girl scout troop? The cost of involvement is small but the rewards are big.
Whether you’re a Democrat, Republican, Independent or any other political affiliation it doesn’t matter. Make a New Year’s resolution. Take responsibility for your community. Make your neighborhood a better place to live. Be involved, be a good citizen, and make a difference.
Thanks Dave!
and
A Vision for Downtown Bristol
By
Bob Merrick
I have been a resident of Bristol for nearly eleven years. By Bristol’s standards I am a newcomer, an outsider. Many families have lived in Bristol for generations. It is great to see the love and commitment many long-time residents have for their community. I love it too! Bristol has a lot to offer. It has a great infrastructure, diverse population, good business base, good schools, centrally-located, affordable housing opportunities, beautiful libraries, nice parks, and is very self-contained.
As an educator, a home-rehab enthusiast, and a just plain curious guy Bristol is a great place to live. Bristol like just about any community in America is changing. Some changes are positive and some changes are not. In order for Bristol to maintain the integrity of our community we need to realize who we are and who we want to be going forward.
Bristol diverse population is composed of service workers, laborers, tradesmen, small-business owners, entrepreneurs, educators, craftsmen, and professionals among others. We are a considerably more diverse population than many of our surrounding towns.
There is a common bond, however, that many of our residents share, the love of sports.
Bristol loves sports. Baseball, football, basketball, soccer, hockey, you name it they watch it, attend it, play it, and support it. Little league, midget football, travel soccer, middle-school sports, high-school sports, and many others are loved in the city of Bristol. Hey, Bristol is the birthplace and home of ESPN for goodness sakes!
So what is Bristol’s identity and vision? Make Bristol the sports capital of Connecticut.
Develop the mall site as a small venue (8,000 seats) multi-purpose arena capable of supporting an arena football team and a minor league hockey team among other activities. Recently, ESPN signed a 5-year contract with the Arena Football League (AFL) taking a minority ownership position and guaranteeing television coverage. An arena would breathe life into the downtown area and provide entertainment opportunities not only for Bristol’s residents but for central Connecticut as well. With the development of the arena anchor restaurants and associated businesses would be interested in locating in downtown Bristol. Additionally, many new jobs would be created for our residents.
This project does not have to be exclusively funded by taxpayers. We have many outstanding local citizens and businessmen capable of backing this type of project. ESPN are you listening? Contact the mayor, the chamber of commerce, the town council and let them know what you think.
Remember that we need to step up and stand out, investing today, to ensure a bright future for our great community of Bristol!
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
From: "newenglandopinion.com" <neweng@newenglandopinion.com>> Sent: Wednesday, December 27, 2006 7:51 PM> To: craigminor@ci.bristol.ct.us> Subject: Vision for Downtown>> Dear Mr. Minor,
I have sent you the piece I wrote for the Observer that I talked to you about at the Blackstone. I also have attached a piece that I sent to the Bristol Press about Dave and his efforts on litter in Forestville. I'd be happy to help in any way with the downtown initiative. Prior to becoming a teacher I worked in procurement and contract administration at Pratt & Whitney for eight years.
As I mentioned to you I have started my own websites to help establish dialog about important issues. Please visit my websites at newenglandopinion.com, lincolnians.com, or lincolnians.org if you get a chance.
Sincerely,
Bob Merrick
Merrick attached these two documents:
Small Acts Make a Big Difference
By
Bob Merrick
It’s a cold crisp morning you grab your coffee and head out to the car making your way to work. As you run through your mental list of things to do for the day perhaps you don’t notice that the neighborhood looks cleaner than it did the day before. As you make your way to work you suddenly become aware of the prevalent litter that plagues certain parts of the city. You utter an angry comment in disgust. Why is your part of the city different? Doesn’t the public works department work throughout the city? No, it is not the fault of the city workers. It is not that people don’t litter in your part of the city either. It is due to the mission of a man called Dave.
Dave is Dave Pasqualicchio, owner of Nuchies in Forestville and President of the Forestville Village Association. Dave can be seen with his orange trash pail walking the streets of the Forestville section of Bristol picking up trash. Dave hates litter! He is passionate about keeping his section of the city clean. It is a constant battle. He realizes that first comes the litter, a visible invitation to drug dealers, transients, and criminals. Then comes the crime, shootings and other undesirable activities. What happens next? Out move his friends, neighbors, and hardworking families with children.
Hmm…Dave may be onto something. A few years back New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani started cracking down on small-time infractions and crimes which had been largely ignored due to limited police resources and the priority being given to larger crimes. Critics accused the mayor of tying up the police force with minor issues at the expense of larger crimes. What happened? As the smaller issues were addressed the larger crimes started to dramatically decrease. Hey, that makes sense. Any parent knows that if you let your children get away with the little things it doesn’t take too long before they start in on the larger ones as well and then you have a much bigger problem on your hands that is harder to correct.
What can we do? Be like Dave! Pick up your neighborhood, talk nicely to the kids next door and ask them to pick up after themselves or give you a hand. Introduce yourself to your neighbors and offer to help that senior citizen next door or single parent across the street rake the lawn, shovel the sidewalk, fix the front porch, or paint the house. Your kids said they were bored right? Send them outside to help! How about starting a neighborhood association, getting your community church involved, or enrolling your child in the local boy scout or girl scout troop? The cost of involvement is small but the rewards are big.
Whether you’re a Democrat, Republican, Independent or any other political affiliation it doesn’t matter. Make a New Year’s resolution. Take responsibility for your community. Make your neighborhood a better place to live. Be involved, be a good citizen, and make a difference.
Thanks Dave!
and
A Vision for Downtown Bristol
By
Bob Merrick
I have been a resident of Bristol for nearly eleven years. By Bristol’s standards I am a newcomer, an outsider. Many families have lived in Bristol for generations. It is great to see the love and commitment many long-time residents have for their community. I love it too! Bristol has a lot to offer. It has a great infrastructure, diverse population, good business base, good schools, centrally-located, affordable housing opportunities, beautiful libraries, nice parks, and is very self-contained.
As an educator, a home-rehab enthusiast, and a just plain curious guy Bristol is a great place to live. Bristol like just about any community in America is changing. Some changes are positive and some changes are not. In order for Bristol to maintain the integrity of our community we need to realize who we are and who we want to be going forward.
Bristol diverse population is composed of service workers, laborers, tradesmen, small-business owners, entrepreneurs, educators, craftsmen, and professionals among others. We are a considerably more diverse population than many of our surrounding towns.
There is a common bond, however, that many of our residents share, the love of sports.
Bristol loves sports. Baseball, football, basketball, soccer, hockey, you name it they watch it, attend it, play it, and support it. Little league, midget football, travel soccer, middle-school sports, high-school sports, and many others are loved in the city of Bristol. Hey, Bristol is the birthplace and home of ESPN for goodness sakes!
So what is Bristol’s identity and vision? Make Bristol the sports capital of Connecticut.
Develop the mall site as a small venue (8,000 seats) multi-purpose arena capable of supporting an arena football team and a minor league hockey team among other activities. Recently, ESPN signed a 5-year contract with the Arena Football League (AFL) taking a minority ownership position and guaranteeing television coverage. An arena would breathe life into the downtown area and provide entertainment opportunities not only for Bristol’s residents but for central Connecticut as well. With the development of the arena anchor restaurants and associated businesses would be interested in locating in downtown Bristol. Additionally, many new jobs would be created for our residents.
This project does not have to be exclusively funded by taxpayers. We have many outstanding local citizens and businessmen capable of backing this type of project. ESPN are you listening? Contact the mayor, the chamber of commerce, the town council and let them know what you think.
Remember that we need to step up and stand out, investing today, to ensure a bright future for our great community of Bristol!
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
October 5, 2007
Merrick discusses Lincolnian Party
Press release this morning from Republican City Council candidate Bob Merrick:
Some people watch baseball, some people like to shop, I like to learn. As a teacher, I am a naturally curious person and model my curiosity in helping children better understand the concepts of the subject I teach, mathematics. I am also a proud American who feels blessed to live in a country where we are afforded endless opportunities to improve our lives to be the best person that we can be. This goal is a life-long process and education is an important component of this pursuit. It also involves the help and support from many others along the way.
I started New England Opinion website June 30, 2006 as a forum to promote civil discussion, debate, and interaction by people interested in local, regional, and national issues. The Lincolnian Party section was added as a separate set of links off of the New England Opinion site in December 2006 as a way to engage others in a bipartisan discussion regarding the workings of government.
The motivating experience for the Lincolnian Party came after researching the roots of the Republican Party and Abraham Lincoln’s leadership in particular. I was inspired by Lincoln’s appointment of some of his biggest critics to his cabinet to include different points-of-view. .
Being a passionate and curious person, I had given some thought about many of the issues facing our country and developed some suggested platforms for establishing a party in the spirit of Abraham Lincoln’s leadership. These sites are no longer active since they require a considerable amount of time to keep, a luxury I don’t have while trying to run for City Council, work, and spend valuable time with my wife and two children.
In January of 2007, I launched Unite Bristol (www.unitebristol.org) to address local issues in a nonpartisan manner through the establishment and promotion of neighborhood groups who could meet to discuss and debate issues relevant to Bristol and generate ideas and plans to be presented to our elected officials for consideration. I am no longer managing this site and have not been since announcing my candidacy for City Council.
As for the excerpts from my article, “Lincolnian Vision for America” contained in today’s Bristol Press they are summations of popular positions attached to these parties by writers, speakers, politicians, and media personalities and not mine.
After talking to many people and members of the Republican Party in Bristol I felt that my involvement in the city’s party would be a nice fit with my beliefs and I began thinking about running for public office. Only after several more months of discussions and meeting new people who felt similar about working for the best interests of the people, did I decide to run for City Council in the 3rd District.
As a candidate for City Council, I respect these core principles and hope to model them by working to improve communication, reach out and engage the public, and demonstrate my willingness to work across party lines by putting the people of Bristol first.
If anyone has any further questions I encourage you to contact me at 335-3833 and I’d be happy to speak about these or any other issues in further detail.
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Some people watch baseball, some people like to shop, I like to learn. As a teacher, I am a naturally curious person and model my curiosity in helping children better understand the concepts of the subject I teach, mathematics. I am also a proud American who feels blessed to live in a country where we are afforded endless opportunities to improve our lives to be the best person that we can be. This goal is a life-long process and education is an important component of this pursuit. It also involves the help and support from many others along the way.
I started New England Opinion website June 30, 2006 as a forum to promote civil discussion, debate, and interaction by people interested in local, regional, and national issues. The Lincolnian Party section was added as a separate set of links off of the New England Opinion site in December 2006 as a way to engage others in a bipartisan discussion regarding the workings of government.
The motivating experience for the Lincolnian Party came after researching the roots of the Republican Party and Abraham Lincoln’s leadership in particular. I was inspired by Lincoln’s appointment of some of his biggest critics to his cabinet to include different points-of-view. .
Being a passionate and curious person, I had given some thought about many of the issues facing our country and developed some suggested platforms for establishing a party in the spirit of Abraham Lincoln’s leadership. These sites are no longer active since they require a considerable amount of time to keep, a luxury I don’t have while trying to run for City Council, work, and spend valuable time with my wife and two children.
In January of 2007, I launched Unite Bristol (www.unitebristol.org) to address local issues in a nonpartisan manner through the establishment and promotion of neighborhood groups who could meet to discuss and debate issues relevant to Bristol and generate ideas and plans to be presented to our elected officials for consideration. I am no longer managing this site and have not been since announcing my candidacy for City Council.
As for the excerpts from my article, “Lincolnian Vision for America” contained in today’s Bristol Press they are summations of popular positions attached to these parties by writers, speakers, politicians, and media personalities and not mine.
After talking to many people and members of the Republican Party in Bristol I felt that my involvement in the city’s party would be a nice fit with my beliefs and I began thinking about running for public office. Only after several more months of discussions and meeting new people who felt similar about working for the best interests of the people, did I decide to run for City Council in the 3rd District.
As a candidate for City Council, I respect these core principles and hope to model them by working to improve communication, reach out and engage the public, and demonstrate my willingness to work across party lines by putting the people of Bristol first.
If anyone has any further questions I encourage you to contact me at 335-3833 and I’d be happy to speak about these or any other issues in further detail.
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
October 4, 2007
Bob Merrick's Lincolnian Party
Before signing on as a Republican City Council contender, Bob Merrick sought to create his own political party, the Lincolnian Party.
Claiming “the American way of life is in danger,” Merrick wrote that “it is time for a change, a time to look back to ensure a strong future, a time for a new party, the Lincolnian Party.”
On the website he created for the new party – which currently says it “on vacation and will return in the near future with a new format and a new look” – Merrick wrote that its fundamental principles “are to preserve the integrity and ideals of the United States as set forth in the Constitution.”
“The Lincolnian Party,” he wrote, “is an inclusive party not interested in partisan politics but in reuniting a divided America in the tradition of Lincoln’s leadership and beliefs.”
Merrick, a math teacher at Chippens Hill Middle School, signed on as a Republican last winter. He is the sole GOP challenger to Democratic incumbents Craig Minor and Frank Nicastro in the 3rd District.
Merrick said on the site that America’s political system “has broken down into self-serving groups pushing their own agendas.”
“The Democrats, championing the anti-Iraqi war movement, have supported the promotion of liberal interests such as gay marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, abortion rights, a secular view of church and state issues and a taxpayer-funded nationalized health care plan,” he wrote.
“The Republicans have been typified as aligning themselves with the rich by favoring high income and corporate-friendly tax legislation, as well as a strong association with the religious right, and the promotion of the war with Iraq as a necessary defense against further attacks on American security by foreign terrorist groups opposed to American ideals,” Merrick wrote.
The new party’s agenda included making English the official language, a new national worker’s identification card, a fixed income tax rate for all, and a new national alternative energy research fund.
Merrick currently has at least three websites that he is actively maintaining.
His Unite Bristol site -- www.unitebristol.com – says it “is dedicated to providing area residents with information about neighborhood groups, and other items related to community revival.”
His bobforbristol.com site is dedicated to his council campaign. He also has a campaign blog at bob4bristol.blogspot.com.
The Lincolnian Party website is located online at www.newenglandopinion.com.
Merrick’s downtown proposal
On his Lincolnian Party site, GOP City Council candidate Robert Merrick proposed “that we make Bristol the sports capital of Connecticut.”
He said the city should “develop the mall site as a small venue (8,000 seats) multi-purpose arena capable of supporting an arena football team and a minor league hockey team among other activities.”
“An arena would breathe life into the downtown area and provide entertainment opportunities not only for Bristol’s residents but for central Connecticut as well,” he said.
“With the development of the arena anchor restaurants and associated businesses would be interested in locating in downtown Bristol. Additionally, many new jobs would be created for our residents,” Merrick wrote.
“This project does not have to be exclusively funded by taxpayers. We have many outstanding local citizens and businessmen capable of backing this type of project. ESPN are you listening?” Merrick said.
Some excerpts from the Lincolnian Party website (which you can safely ignore if the above link keeps working):
Inspiration for the Lincolnian Party
In the mid-1800s the state of the Union was in jeopardy over the issue of slavery. Faced with possible expansion of slavery into Kansas and Nebraska a new third party emerged, the Republicans, made up of members from the Democrats, Whig party, Freesoilists, and Jacksonian anti-Federalists too. In 1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected as the first Republican president and took office determined to maintain the integrity of the Union while preserving the principles of the constitution. His famous Emancipation Proclamation led to the freeing of slaves and set the tone for reuniting a divided America.
Abraham Lincoln was famous for crossing party lines appointing several of his political and ideological adversaries in key positions within his cabinet and administration. This structure resulted in promoting broad support for Constitutional rights of the American people.
Now, nearly a century and a half after his death, America, again, faces some of the same challenges. The two-party political system has broken down into self-serving groups pushing their own agendas. The Democrats, championing the anti-Iraqi war movement have supported the promotion of liberal interests such as gay marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, abortion rights, a secular view of church and state issues, and a taxpayer-funded nationalized health care plan. The Republicans have been typified as aligning themselves with the rich by favoring high income and corporate-friendly tax legislation, as well as a strong association with the religious right, and the promotion of the war with Iraq as a necessary defense against further attacks on American security by foreign terrorist groups opposed to American ideals.
It is time for a change, a time to look back to ensure a strong future, a time for a new party, the Lincolnian Party.
In the mid-1800s the state of the Union was in jeopardy over the issue of slavery. Faced with possible expansion of slavery into Kansas and Nebraska a new third party emerged, the Republicans, made up of members from the Democrats, Whig party, Freesoilists, and Jacksonian anti-Federalists too. In 1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected as the first Republican president and took office determined to maintain the integrity of the Union while preserving the principles of the constitution. His famous Emancipation Proclamation led to the freeing of slaves and set the tone for reuniting a divided America.
Abraham Lincoln was famous for crossing party lines appointing several of his political and ideological adversaries in key positions within his cabinet and administration. This structure resulted in promoting broad support for Constitutional rights of the American people.
Now, nearly a century and a half after his death, America, again, faces some of the same challenges. The two-party political system has broken down into self-serving groups pushing their own agendas. The Democrats, championing the anti-Iraqi war movement have supported the promotion of liberal interests such as gay marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, abortion rights, a secular view of church and state issues, and a taxpayer-funded nationalized health care plan. The Republicans have been typified as aligning themselves with the rich by favoring high income and corporate-friendly tax legislation, as well as a strong association with the religious right, and the promotion of the war with Iraq as a necessary defense against further attacks on American security by foreign terrorist groups opposed to American ideals.
It is time for a change, a time to look back to ensure a strong future, a time for a new party, the Lincolnian Party.
The fundamental principles of the Lincolnian Party are to preserve the integrity and ideals of the United States as set forth in the Constitution. The Lincolnian Party is an inclusive party not interested in partisan politics but in reuniting a divided America in the tradition of Lincoln’s leadership and beliefs.
The American way of life is in danger. Divisiveness amongst our own citizens over religion, education, values, culture, and personal responsibilities have squandered some of the great wealth of opportunity offered by our nation. In an ever increasingly competitive world, now more than ever, Americans need to come together for the good of the nation!
If you want to be part of the solution not the problem, join us, the Lincolnian Party.
A Vision for Downtown Bristol
I have been a resident of Bristol, Connecticut for nearly eleven years. By Bristol’s standards I am a newcomer, an outsider. Many families have lived in Bristol for generations. It is great to see the love and commitment many long-time residents have for their community. I love it too! Bristol has a lot to offer. It has a great infrastructure, diverse population, good business base, good schools, centrally-located, affordable housing opportunities, beautiful libraries, nice parks, and is very self-contained.
As an educator, a home-rehab enthusiast, and a just plain curious guy Bristol is a great place to live. Bristol like just about any community in America is changing. Some changes are positive and some changes are not. In order for Bristol to maintain the integrity of our community we need to realize who we are and who we want to be going forward.
Bristol’s diverse population is composed of service workers, laborers, tradesmen, small-business owners, entrepreneurs, educators, craftsmen, and professionals among others. We are a considerably more diverse population than many of our surrounding towns.
There is a common bond, however, that many of our residents share, the love of sports.
Bristol loves sports. Baseball, football, basketball, soccer, hockey, you name it they watch it, attend it, play it, and support it. Little league, midget football, travel soccer, middle-school sports, high-school sports, and many others are loved in the city of Bristol. Hey, Bristol is the birthplace and home of ESPN for goodness sakes!
So what is Bristol’s identity and vision? I propose that we make Bristol the sports capital of Connecticut.
Develop the mall site as a small venue (8,000 seats) multi-purpose arena capable of supporting an arena football team and a minor league hockey team among other activities. Recently, ESPN signed a 5-year contract with the Arena Football League (AFL) taking a minority ownership position and guaranteeing television coverage. An arena would breathe life into the downtown area and provide entertainment opportunities not only for Bristol’s residents but for central Connecticut as well. With the development of the arena anchor restaurants and associated businesses would be interested in locating in downtown Bristol. Additionally, many new jobs would be created for our residents.
This project does not have to be exclusively funded by taxpayers. We have many outstanding local citizens and businessmen capable of backing this type of project. ESPN are you listening? Contact the mayor, the chamber of commerce, the town council and let them know what you think.
Remember that we need to step up and stand out, investing today, to ensure a bright future for our great community of Bristol!
Opinion Topics
A Lincolnian Party Vision for America
The fundamental principles of the Lincolnian Party are to preserve the integrity and ideals of the United States as set forth in the Constitution. The Lincolnian Party is an inclusive party not interested in partisan politics but in reuniting a divided America in the tradition of Lincoln’s leadership and beliefs.
Lincolnians believe it is time to start having honest discussions of the problems we face in our country and the world. People from all segments of American society need to come together and discuss the social problems of our citizenship without being labeled or filtered through politically-correct dialog or fear being captured on a media “sound bite.” Nothing is to be left off the table as a possible issue related to preserving the unity and cohesiveness of America as established by our founding fathers in the Constitution of the United States of America.
As founder of the Lincolnian Party, I have established a party platform to encourage participation by our citizens in upholding our liberties established in the Constitution of the United States of America. The following are highlights of some of the proposals of my party:
Unity:
Establish English as the official language of the United States.
Taxation:
Establish a fixed rate of tax on all income, interest, and dividends above the defined poverty level less any approved deductions, exemptions, or credits.
Change the capital gains schedule to reflect long-term investment according to the following:
Federal Programs, Policies, and Mandates:
All federal programs, policies, and mandates which require actions taken by state and local government agencies must contain a full-funding plan in the federal budget to meet the minimum requirements of the program, policy, or mandate in the states or local municipalities where it applies.
Education:
Each individual shall be entitled to deduct up to $2500 for post-secondary education, training, or certification for themselves and their spouses. Married couples and single parents that are eligible for child support will be allowed up to $5000 per child for post-secondary education, training, or certification.
Provide funding for high-level mathematics and science program development and implementation in line with the National Alternative Energy initiative.
Promote educational policy that focuses attention on traditional American values which embrace our history. This includes helping children recognize the contributions and importance of our great historical leaders such as Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and others. Challenge schools to implement curriculum that helps students develop a solid understanding of their responsibilities as citizens and the common bond of unity they share first and foremost as Americans that are responsible, self-sufficient and hard-working contributing members of society.
Communities should be encouraged to develop a variety of educational opportunities, experiences, and settings to match the talents, skills, and abilities of their students with the needs of their community and American society.
Energy and the Environment:
Establish a National Alternative Energy Fund for research, education, and development of reduced emission and no emission fuels with the goal of establishing the United States as the world leader in this technology.
Establish a goal of making the United States energy independent by 2025.
Uphold the basic tenets of property law which allows the enjoyment an- highest and best use of a owner's property providing it doesn't infringe upon the enjoyment and highest and best use of others' property.
Restrict eminent domain use to uses that are necessary for the safety and sustainability of the community.
Civic, Family, and Social Welfare Incentives:
Provide a tax credit for documented time spent volunteering through an approved and recognized charity, church, or civic organization up to $2000 per individual.
Provide a marriage credit or child support credit of $2000 per parent. Parents paying child support will receive a credit if they are current with support payments. Parents entitled to child support will receive a credit if they have filed for child support identifying the parent responsible for payment. In any case in which the amount of the credit falls below the defined poverty level of income after deductions, credits, and exemptions then the person(s) filing would be entitled to a refund in that amount.
Provide a $15,000 annual exemption from federal and state taxes over and above the standard child deductions for each child adopted from the foster care program through age 18 or the completion of post-secondary education. The adopted child would be eligible for a federally-sponsored health care plan.
Provide an annual cash rebate for every year a former long-term recipient of welfare assistance remains employed and does not apply for assistance inversely related to the time they had received payments. For example a former recipient who had received payments for one year would be eligible for a one time rebate and a five or more year recipient would be eligible to receive rebates up to five years (capped).
Citizenship:
Allow every non-citizen currently residing in the United States to register for citizenship subject to the following:
The petitioning guest resident must not have a criminal background nor commit any crime within their guest residency period.
The petitioning guest resident pledges allegiance to respect the laws of the United States and the principles set forth in the Constitution of the United States.
The petitioning guest resident must demonstrate a functional level of proficiency in English and the history of the United States within a specified period of time.
The petitioning guest resident must remain employed, capable of sustaining employment, or capable of providing for themselves and dependents while a guest resident of the United States.
Consider the granting of guest resident visas subject to the following:
All of the above requirements for current guest residents;
Fast-track admission preference for documented skills in U.S. shortage areas such as medicine, technology, engineering, and science.
Security:
Establish a national worker’s identification card containing a photograph, home address, and citizen status (resident or guest resident/expiration date). Verification of status could be checked by scanning the card through the current banking system network or verified at any local bank or town hall.
Make it unlawful to employ or provide housing for any worker that does not have or be able to provide a national identification card prior to beginning work or establishing residence.
Education and society
What is the role of education in modern society? Traditionally, education’s role has been to provide students with strong foundational skills in reading, writing and mathematics so that they would be able to make informed decisions as citizens and be productive and responsible members of society.
Over the years education has expanded this mission to include addressing other areas such as health, music, art, consumer family sciences, and technology among others. Public schools have also taken on many social service roles such as counseling, health care, daycare, and providing lunch, breakfast and even dinner to the students.
Public schools historically have had the values of American society embedded in their curriculum. Textbooks and other class materials often contained stories, biographies, and content that promoted positive character traits, actions, and outcomes. Starting in the late 60s and early 70s public education began to evolve and took on a more liberal role which mirrored a changing society. Traditional American values were called into question with some groups claiming they were exclusionary and narrow. Disagreements and controversy followed by waves of minority-interest based litigation led to legislation being passed that translated into public education "sanitizing" policies, procedures, and curriculum so as not to have the appearance of offending anyone. Many public schools adopted self-esteem programs which gave validity to everyone’s values and beliefs which in essence meant that there weren’t any common values or beliefs.
Concurrently, American society was challenging many traditional values and beliefs in the public arena becoming more secular in nature. Political correctness took hold leaving American society and the role of public education facing an identity crisis.
The modern, politically-correct secular view is not all inclusive however. Judeo-Christian beliefs and values such as those held by many of the founding fathers of America are not given fair representation in public education or our government.
The result of this attitudinal shift has manifested itself in many undesirable societal outcomes such as an increasingly self-centered, self-serving citizenship. Leaders, politicians, celebrities, and other visible members of society are often more respected because of their status and media coverage than their character. Instead of young people looking up to role models with values such as honesty, integrity, hard work, and humility the role models they chose often exude character traits and behaviors that are selfish, indulgent, immoral, and vane. As Martin Luther King Jr. once stated "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Doesn’t American society need to make its core values clear so that its citizens can develop positive character traits?
Where do we go from here? It is time to start having honest discussions of the problems we face in our country and the world. People from all segments of American society need to come together and discuss the social problems of our citizenship without being labeled or filtered through politically-correct dialog or fear being captured on a media "sound bite." Nothing is to be left off the table as a possible issue related to preserving the unity and cohesiveness of America as established by our founding fathers in the Constitution of the United States of America.
Schools need to refocus attention on traditional American values by embracing our history. This includes helping children recognize the contributions and importance of our great historical leaders such as Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and others. Additionally, students need to develop an understanding of their responsibilities as citizens and the common bond of unity they share first and foremost as Americans. School curriculum must be implemented that promotes the development of responsible, self-sufficient citizens that are hard-working contributing members of society. A variety of educational opportunities, experiences, and settings must be provided to match the talents, skills, and abilities of the students with the needs of society.
Abraham Lincoln took on the challenge of preserving the state of the Union in the mid-1800s. Concerned American citizens, the new Lincolnians, must take on the challenge of reuniting a fragmented American society for the future of our children and our country.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Claiming “the American way of life is in danger,” Merrick wrote that “it is time for a change, a time to look back to ensure a strong future, a time for a new party, the Lincolnian Party.”
On the website he created for the new party – which currently says it “on vacation and will return in the near future with a new format and a new look” – Merrick wrote that its fundamental principles “are to preserve the integrity and ideals of the United States as set forth in the Constitution.”
“The Lincolnian Party,” he wrote, “is an inclusive party not interested in partisan politics but in reuniting a divided America in the tradition of Lincoln’s leadership and beliefs.”
Merrick, a math teacher at Chippens Hill Middle School, signed on as a Republican last winter. He is the sole GOP challenger to Democratic incumbents Craig Minor and Frank Nicastro in the 3rd District.
Merrick said on the site that America’s political system “has broken down into self-serving groups pushing their own agendas.”
“The Democrats, championing the anti-Iraqi war movement, have supported the promotion of liberal interests such as gay marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, abortion rights, a secular view of church and state issues and a taxpayer-funded nationalized health care plan,” he wrote.
“The Republicans have been typified as aligning themselves with the rich by favoring high income and corporate-friendly tax legislation, as well as a strong association with the religious right, and the promotion of the war with Iraq as a necessary defense against further attacks on American security by foreign terrorist groups opposed to American ideals,” Merrick wrote.
The new party’s agenda included making English the official language, a new national worker’s identification card, a fixed income tax rate for all, and a new national alternative energy research fund.
Merrick currently has at least three websites that he is actively maintaining.
His Unite Bristol site -- www.unitebristol.com – says it “is dedicated to providing area residents with information about neighborhood groups, and other items related to community revival.”
His bobforbristol.com site is dedicated to his council campaign. He also has a campaign blog at bob4bristol.blogspot.com.
The Lincolnian Party website is located online at www.newenglandopinion.com.
Merrick’s downtown proposal
On his Lincolnian Party site, GOP City Council candidate Robert Merrick proposed “that we make Bristol the sports capital of Connecticut.”
He said the city should “develop the mall site as a small venue (8,000 seats) multi-purpose arena capable of supporting an arena football team and a minor league hockey team among other activities.”
“An arena would breathe life into the downtown area and provide entertainment opportunities not only for Bristol’s residents but for central Connecticut as well,” he said.
“With the development of the arena anchor restaurants and associated businesses would be interested in locating in downtown Bristol. Additionally, many new jobs would be created for our residents,” Merrick wrote.
“This project does not have to be exclusively funded by taxpayers. We have many outstanding local citizens and businessmen capable of backing this type of project. ESPN are you listening?” Merrick said.
Some excerpts from the Lincolnian Party website (which you can safely ignore if the above link keeps working):
Inspiration for the Lincolnian Party
In the mid-1800s the state of the Union was in jeopardy over the issue of slavery. Faced with possible expansion of slavery into Kansas and Nebraska a new third party emerged, the Republicans, made up of members from the Democrats, Whig party, Freesoilists, and Jacksonian anti-Federalists too. In 1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected as the first Republican president and took office determined to maintain the integrity of the Union while preserving the principles of the constitution. His famous Emancipation Proclamation led to the freeing of slaves and set the tone for reuniting a divided America.
Abraham Lincoln was famous for crossing party lines appointing several of his political and ideological adversaries in key positions within his cabinet and administration. This structure resulted in promoting broad support for Constitutional rights of the American people.
Now, nearly a century and a half after his death, America, again, faces some of the same challenges. The two-party political system has broken down into self-serving groups pushing their own agendas. The Democrats, championing the anti-Iraqi war movement have supported the promotion of liberal interests such as gay marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, abortion rights, a secular view of church and state issues, and a taxpayer-funded nationalized health care plan. The Republicans have been typified as aligning themselves with the rich by favoring high income and corporate-friendly tax legislation, as well as a strong association with the religious right, and the promotion of the war with Iraq as a necessary defense against further attacks on American security by foreign terrorist groups opposed to American ideals.
It is time for a change, a time to look back to ensure a strong future, a time for a new party, the Lincolnian Party.
In the mid-1800s the state of the Union was in jeopardy over the issue of slavery. Faced with possible expansion of slavery into Kansas and Nebraska a new third party emerged, the Republicans, made up of members from the Democrats, Whig party, Freesoilists, and Jacksonian anti-Federalists too. In 1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected as the first Republican president and took office determined to maintain the integrity of the Union while preserving the principles of the constitution. His famous Emancipation Proclamation led to the freeing of slaves and set the tone for reuniting a divided America.
Abraham Lincoln was famous for crossing party lines appointing several of his political and ideological adversaries in key positions within his cabinet and administration. This structure resulted in promoting broad support for Constitutional rights of the American people.
Now, nearly a century and a half after his death, America, again, faces some of the same challenges. The two-party political system has broken down into self-serving groups pushing their own agendas. The Democrats, championing the anti-Iraqi war movement have supported the promotion of liberal interests such as gay marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, abortion rights, a secular view of church and state issues, and a taxpayer-funded nationalized health care plan. The Republicans have been typified as aligning themselves with the rich by favoring high income and corporate-friendly tax legislation, as well as a strong association with the religious right, and the promotion of the war with Iraq as a necessary defense against further attacks on American security by foreign terrorist groups opposed to American ideals.
It is time for a change, a time to look back to ensure a strong future, a time for a new party, the Lincolnian Party.
The fundamental principles of the Lincolnian Party are to preserve the integrity and ideals of the United States as set forth in the Constitution. The Lincolnian Party is an inclusive party not interested in partisan politics but in reuniting a divided America in the tradition of Lincoln’s leadership and beliefs.
The American way of life is in danger. Divisiveness amongst our own citizens over religion, education, values, culture, and personal responsibilities have squandered some of the great wealth of opportunity offered by our nation. In an ever increasingly competitive world, now more than ever, Americans need to come together for the good of the nation!
If you want to be part of the solution not the problem, join us, the Lincolnian Party.
A Vision for Downtown Bristol
I have been a resident of Bristol, Connecticut for nearly eleven years. By Bristol’s standards I am a newcomer, an outsider. Many families have lived in Bristol for generations. It is great to see the love and commitment many long-time residents have for their community. I love it too! Bristol has a lot to offer. It has a great infrastructure, diverse population, good business base, good schools, centrally-located, affordable housing opportunities, beautiful libraries, nice parks, and is very self-contained.
As an educator, a home-rehab enthusiast, and a just plain curious guy Bristol is a great place to live. Bristol like just about any community in America is changing. Some changes are positive and some changes are not. In order for Bristol to maintain the integrity of our community we need to realize who we are and who we want to be going forward.
Bristol’s diverse population is composed of service workers, laborers, tradesmen, small-business owners, entrepreneurs, educators, craftsmen, and professionals among others. We are a considerably more diverse population than many of our surrounding towns.
There is a common bond, however, that many of our residents share, the love of sports.
Bristol loves sports. Baseball, football, basketball, soccer, hockey, you name it they watch it, attend it, play it, and support it. Little league, midget football, travel soccer, middle-school sports, high-school sports, and many others are loved in the city of Bristol. Hey, Bristol is the birthplace and home of ESPN for goodness sakes!
So what is Bristol’s identity and vision? I propose that we make Bristol the sports capital of Connecticut.
Develop the mall site as a small venue (8,000 seats) multi-purpose arena capable of supporting an arena football team and a minor league hockey team among other activities. Recently, ESPN signed a 5-year contract with the Arena Football League (AFL) taking a minority ownership position and guaranteeing television coverage. An arena would breathe life into the downtown area and provide entertainment opportunities not only for Bristol’s residents but for central Connecticut as well. With the development of the arena anchor restaurants and associated businesses would be interested in locating in downtown Bristol. Additionally, many new jobs would be created for our residents.
This project does not have to be exclusively funded by taxpayers. We have many outstanding local citizens and businessmen capable of backing this type of project. ESPN are you listening? Contact the mayor, the chamber of commerce, the town council and let them know what you think.
Remember that we need to step up and stand out, investing today, to ensure a bright future for our great community of Bristol!
Opinion Topics
A Lincolnian Party Vision for America
The fundamental principles of the Lincolnian Party are to preserve the integrity and ideals of the United States as set forth in the Constitution. The Lincolnian Party is an inclusive party not interested in partisan politics but in reuniting a divided America in the tradition of Lincoln’s leadership and beliefs.
Lincolnians believe it is time to start having honest discussions of the problems we face in our country and the world. People from all segments of American society need to come together and discuss the social problems of our citizenship without being labeled or filtered through politically-correct dialog or fear being captured on a media “sound bite.” Nothing is to be left off the table as a possible issue related to preserving the unity and cohesiveness of America as established by our founding fathers in the Constitution of the United States of America.
As founder of the Lincolnian Party, I have established a party platform to encourage participation by our citizens in upholding our liberties established in the Constitution of the United States of America. The following are highlights of some of the proposals of my party:
Unity:
Establish English as the official language of the United States.
Taxation:
Establish a fixed rate of tax on all income, interest, and dividends above the defined poverty level less any approved deductions, exemptions, or credits.
Change the capital gains schedule to reflect long-term investment according to the following:
Federal Programs, Policies, and Mandates:
All federal programs, policies, and mandates which require actions taken by state and local government agencies must contain a full-funding plan in the federal budget to meet the minimum requirements of the program, policy, or mandate in the states or local municipalities where it applies.
Education:
Each individual shall be entitled to deduct up to $2500 for post-secondary education, training, or certification for themselves and their spouses. Married couples and single parents that are eligible for child support will be allowed up to $5000 per child for post-secondary education, training, or certification.
Provide funding for high-level mathematics and science program development and implementation in line with the National Alternative Energy initiative.
Promote educational policy that focuses attention on traditional American values which embrace our history. This includes helping children recognize the contributions and importance of our great historical leaders such as Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and others. Challenge schools to implement curriculum that helps students develop a solid understanding of their responsibilities as citizens and the common bond of unity they share first and foremost as Americans that are responsible, self-sufficient and hard-working contributing members of society.
Communities should be encouraged to develop a variety of educational opportunities, experiences, and settings to match the talents, skills, and abilities of their students with the needs of their community and American society.
Energy and the Environment:
Establish a National Alternative Energy Fund for research, education, and development of reduced emission and no emission fuels with the goal of establishing the United States as the world leader in this technology.
Establish a goal of making the United States energy independent by 2025.
Uphold the basic tenets of property law which allows the enjoyment an- highest and best use of a owner's property providing it doesn't infringe upon the enjoyment and highest and best use of others' property.
Restrict eminent domain use to uses that are necessary for the safety and sustainability of the community.
Civic, Family, and Social Welfare Incentives:
Provide a tax credit for documented time spent volunteering through an approved and recognized charity, church, or civic organization up to $2000 per individual.
Provide a marriage credit or child support credit of $2000 per parent. Parents paying child support will receive a credit if they are current with support payments. Parents entitled to child support will receive a credit if they have filed for child support identifying the parent responsible for payment. In any case in which the amount of the credit falls below the defined poverty level of income after deductions, credits, and exemptions then the person(s) filing would be entitled to a refund in that amount.
Provide a $15,000 annual exemption from federal and state taxes over and above the standard child deductions for each child adopted from the foster care program through age 18 or the completion of post-secondary education. The adopted child would be eligible for a federally-sponsored health care plan.
Provide an annual cash rebate for every year a former long-term recipient of welfare assistance remains employed and does not apply for assistance inversely related to the time they had received payments. For example a former recipient who had received payments for one year would be eligible for a one time rebate and a five or more year recipient would be eligible to receive rebates up to five years (capped).
Citizenship:
Allow every non-citizen currently residing in the United States to register for citizenship subject to the following:
The petitioning guest resident must not have a criminal background nor commit any crime within their guest residency period.
The petitioning guest resident pledges allegiance to respect the laws of the United States and the principles set forth in the Constitution of the United States.
The petitioning guest resident must demonstrate a functional level of proficiency in English and the history of the United States within a specified period of time.
The petitioning guest resident must remain employed, capable of sustaining employment, or capable of providing for themselves and dependents while a guest resident of the United States.
Consider the granting of guest resident visas subject to the following:
All of the above requirements for current guest residents;
Fast-track admission preference for documented skills in U.S. shortage areas such as medicine, technology, engineering, and science.
Security:
Establish a national worker’s identification card containing a photograph, home address, and citizen status (resident or guest resident/expiration date). Verification of status could be checked by scanning the card through the current banking system network or verified at any local bank or town hall.
Make it unlawful to employ or provide housing for any worker that does not have or be able to provide a national identification card prior to beginning work or establishing residence.
Education and society
What is the role of education in modern society? Traditionally, education’s role has been to provide students with strong foundational skills in reading, writing and mathematics so that they would be able to make informed decisions as citizens and be productive and responsible members of society.
Over the years education has expanded this mission to include addressing other areas such as health, music, art, consumer family sciences, and technology among others. Public schools have also taken on many social service roles such as counseling, health care, daycare, and providing lunch, breakfast and even dinner to the students.
Public schools historically have had the values of American society embedded in their curriculum. Textbooks and other class materials often contained stories, biographies, and content that promoted positive character traits, actions, and outcomes. Starting in the late 60s and early 70s public education began to evolve and took on a more liberal role which mirrored a changing society. Traditional American values were called into question with some groups claiming they were exclusionary and narrow. Disagreements and controversy followed by waves of minority-interest based litigation led to legislation being passed that translated into public education "sanitizing" policies, procedures, and curriculum so as not to have the appearance of offending anyone. Many public schools adopted self-esteem programs which gave validity to everyone’s values and beliefs which in essence meant that there weren’t any common values or beliefs.
Concurrently, American society was challenging many traditional values and beliefs in the public arena becoming more secular in nature. Political correctness took hold leaving American society and the role of public education facing an identity crisis.
The modern, politically-correct secular view is not all inclusive however. Judeo-Christian beliefs and values such as those held by many of the founding fathers of America are not given fair representation in public education or our government.
The result of this attitudinal shift has manifested itself in many undesirable societal outcomes such as an increasingly self-centered, self-serving citizenship. Leaders, politicians, celebrities, and other visible members of society are often more respected because of their status and media coverage than their character. Instead of young people looking up to role models with values such as honesty, integrity, hard work, and humility the role models they chose often exude character traits and behaviors that are selfish, indulgent, immoral, and vane. As Martin Luther King Jr. once stated "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Doesn’t American society need to make its core values clear so that its citizens can develop positive character traits?
Where do we go from here? It is time to start having honest discussions of the problems we face in our country and the world. People from all segments of American society need to come together and discuss the social problems of our citizenship without being labeled or filtered through politically-correct dialog or fear being captured on a media "sound bite." Nothing is to be left off the table as a possible issue related to preserving the unity and cohesiveness of America as established by our founding fathers in the Constitution of the United States of America.
Schools need to refocus attention on traditional American values by embracing our history. This includes helping children recognize the contributions and importance of our great historical leaders such as Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and others. Additionally, students need to develop an understanding of their responsibilities as citizens and the common bond of unity they share first and foremost as Americans. School curriculum must be implemented that promotes the development of responsible, self-sufficient citizens that are hard-working contributing members of society. A variety of educational opportunities, experiences, and settings must be provided to match the talents, skills, and abilities of the students with the needs of society.
Abraham Lincoln took on the challenge of preserving the state of the Union in the mid-1800s. Concerned American citizens, the new Lincolnians, must take on the challenge of reuniting a fragmented American society for the future of our children and our country.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
October 1, 2007
3rd District Forum, live, Part 1
If you don't see any more posts, come kick me.
This is stunningly dull.
Anyway, up next is the Federal Hill Association's 3rd District City Council forum, featuring Republican Bob Merrick and Democrats Craig Minor and Frank Nicastro. The Democrats are both incumbents, and Nicastro was mayor from 1993 to 2003.
They're all wearing nice suits. The Democrats are on one side of the moderators and Merrick's on the other.
The audience has grown to about 50, but they're the same old, same old.
Turnout is "disappointing," as GOP mayoral candidate Ken Johnson put it. Of course, it's what everyone involved expected.
Let's face it, even the Padres game sounds pretty good when you compare it with a political forum at City Hall.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
This is stunningly dull.
Anyway, up next is the Federal Hill Association's 3rd District City Council forum, featuring Republican Bob Merrick and Democrats Craig Minor and Frank Nicastro. The Democrats are both incumbents, and Nicastro was mayor from 1993 to 2003.
They're all wearing nice suits. The Democrats are on one side of the moderators and Merrick's on the other.
The audience has grown to about 50, but they're the same old, same old.
Turnout is "disappointing," as GOP mayoral candidate Ken Johnson put it. Of course, it's what everyone involved expected.
Let's face it, even the Padres game sounds pretty good when you compare it with a political forum at City Hall.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 28, 2007
Bob's got a blog
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 18, 2007
Eat ice cream with Bob
Press release from GOP City Council candidate Bob Merrick:
Dear Bristol Residents,
You are cordially invited to an Ice Cream Sundae Fundraiser supporting Bob Merrick for City Council.
The donation is $5.00 per person and entitles you to a delicious 2 scoop sundae with the ice cream of your choice, candy or nut topping, whipped cream and a cherry.
Don’t miss the fun. Come join Bob, his family, and friends on Friday, September 21st from 5 to 8pm at:
Scoops and Dreams
Forestville Center
(next to Forestville Post Office)
16 East Main
Come share your concerns and hopes for Bristol’s future.
Tickets will be sold at the door.
For more information contact Barbara Merrick at 314-1621 or on the web at www.bobforbristol.com
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Dear Bristol Residents,
You are cordially invited to an Ice Cream Sundae Fundraiser supporting Bob Merrick for City Council.
The donation is $5.00 per person and entitles you to a delicious 2 scoop sundae with the ice cream of your choice, candy or nut topping, whipped cream and a cherry.
Don’t miss the fun. Come join Bob, his family, and friends on Friday, September 21st from 5 to 8pm at:
Scoops and Dreams
Forestville Center
(next to Forestville Post Office)
16 East Main
Come share your concerns and hopes for Bristol’s future.
Tickets will be sold at the door.
For more information contact Barbara Merrick at 314-1621 or on the web at www.bobforbristol.com
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 12, 2007
Merrick fundraiser on Thursday
Press release from GOP City Council candidate Bob Merrick:
Pasta Dinner
Fundraiser Supporting
Bob Merrick for City Council Campaign
Thursday, September 13, 2007
5 pm – 7 pm
Nuchie’s
164 Central Street – Bristol, CT
Adults: $15
Children (12 & under): $10
For Tickets Contact
Barbara Merrick at 314-1621
or
Henry Raymond at 796-8023
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Pasta Dinner
Fundraiser Supporting
Bob Merrick for City Council Campaign
Thursday, September 13, 2007
5 pm – 7 pm
Nuchie’s
164 Central Street – Bristol, CT
Adults: $15
Children (12 & under): $10
For Tickets Contact
Barbara Merrick at 314-1621
or
Henry Raymond at 796-8023
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
August 20, 2007
Have a beer with Bob!
Another fundraiser, this time for Republican City Council contender Bob Merrick:
Beer Tasting Social
Fundraiser Supporting
Bob Merrick for City Council Campaign
Thursday, August 23, 2007
6 pm - 8 pm
Franco-American Club
40 Barlow Street - Bristol, CT
Donation $20
Hors d'ouevres will be served
Music by Jeff Conlon
Contact Henry Raymond at 796-8023
or Barbara Merrick at 314-1621
for Tickets.
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Beer Tasting Social
Fundraiser Supporting
Bob Merrick for City Council Campaign
Thursday, August 23, 2007
6 pm - 8 pm
Franco-American Club
40 Barlow Street - Bristol, CT
Donation $20
Hors d'ouevres will be served
Music by Jeff Conlon
Contact Henry Raymond at 796-8023
or Barbara Merrick at 314-1621
for Tickets.
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
August 15, 2007
Merrick calls for better communication
Republican City Council candidate Bob Merrick sent this out today:
It is unfortunate that a recent FOI complaint may distract us from downtown revitalization, but we should take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that we comply with both the letter and spirit of the law.
Better communication is one of my campaign focus points. The following is an excerpt from my campaign website www.bobforbristol.com:
We need to do a better job providing important information to our people. In an age where 70% of Americans use the internet, postings of all city meetings and changes should be readily available to the people of Bristol.
We need a better calendar. People need to know what events and activities are taking place in the city.
Better communication doesn’t have to be expensive. Bandwidth is becoming less expensive all the time and there are many available Content Management Systems (CMS) that would allow the posting of meetings, minutes, and other important information to be done in a quick, easy, and inexpensive manner. Residents could subscribe to email distribution lists of meetings and events that they may be interested in attending.
In my door-to-door visits with the residents of the 3rd District I have found that a large number of people do not have a computer or internet access. There are several voice-recorded bulletin board systems available where people could call in and find out about important meeting and event changes. Again these options are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
We need open government and communication to maintain the trust and support of the people. Bristol is one of the largest cities in the state. Bristol should be a leader in utilizing these technologies to inform and connect with all its residents.
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
It is unfortunate that a recent FOI complaint may distract us from downtown revitalization, but we should take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that we comply with both the letter and spirit of the law.
Better communication is one of my campaign focus points. The following is an excerpt from my campaign website www.bobforbristol.com:
We need to do a better job providing important information to our people. In an age where 70% of Americans use the internet, postings of all city meetings and changes should be readily available to the people of Bristol.
We need a better calendar. People need to know what events and activities are taking place in the city.
Better communication doesn’t have to be expensive. Bandwidth is becoming less expensive all the time and there are many available Content Management Systems (CMS) that would allow the posting of meetings, minutes, and other important information to be done in a quick, easy, and inexpensive manner. Residents could subscribe to email distribution lists of meetings and events that they may be interested in attending.
In my door-to-door visits with the residents of the 3rd District I have found that a large number of people do not have a computer or internet access. There are several voice-recorded bulletin board systems available where people could call in and find out about important meeting and event changes. Again these options are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
We need open government and communication to maintain the trust and support of the people. Bristol is one of the largest cities in the state. Bristol should be a leader in utilizing these technologies to inform and connect with all its residents.
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 22, 2007
Merrick launches new campaign website
Press release that Republican council candidate Bob Merrick issued this afternoon:
I, Bob Merrick, am pleased to announce the official launch of my campaign website bobforbristol.com . In an age when an estimated 70% of Americans use the Internet it is important to demonstrate my commitment to utilizing 21st-century resources to deliver my message. In addition to standard text providing information relevant to my candidacy, bobforbristol.com includes a calendar, subscription to my newsletters, video, and links to other members of the Bristol First Team.
You will also find a link to my blog where people can follow my experiences throughout the campaign along with pictures, videos, and other multimedia information. There is also a comments section providing an opportunity for people to interact with me to share in the experience, an essential element in my desire to put the interests of the people of Bristol first.
By the way, Bob, Sunday afternoon is no time to issue press releases. Nobody's working.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
I, Bob Merrick, am pleased to announce the official launch of my campaign website bobforbristol.com . In an age when an estimated 70% of Americans use the Internet it is important to demonstrate my commitment to utilizing 21st-century resources to deliver my message. In addition to standard text providing information relevant to my candidacy, bobforbristol.com includes a calendar, subscription to my newsletters, video, and links to other members of the Bristol First Team.
You will also find a link to my blog where people can follow my experiences throughout the campaign along with pictures, videos, and other multimedia information. There is also a comments section providing an opportunity for people to interact with me to share in the experience, an essential element in my desire to put the interests of the people of Bristol first.
By the way, Bob, Sunday afternoon is no time to issue press releases. Nobody's working.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 16, 2007
Nicastro eyeing another council term
BRISTOL – Democrat Frank Nicastro, a former mayor and current state representative, may seek another term on the City Council.
Nicastro, who won a council seat in 2005, said Monday he’s “more than capable” of holding part-time political positions in both Bristol and Hartford for another two years.
But, he said, if the Democratic Town Committee members in the 3rd District prefer a candidate who would offer voters “new blood,” he won’t challenge them.
There are two announced Democratic candidates in the district, incumbent Craig Minor and newcomer Terry Parker, a longtime party activist. If committee members back Nicastro, Parker would almost certainly be the one to lose out on the endorsement.
The Democrats will endorse a slate of candidates for city office on Monday. The Republicans are picking their standard bearers Tuesday night at the Franco-American Club.
The only GOP contender in the district, so far, is Robert Merrick, a former Democrat who switched his political affiliation in February to sign on with the Republicans.
Nicastro may run for council again
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Nicastro, who won a council seat in 2005, said Monday he’s “more than capable” of holding part-time political positions in both Bristol and Hartford for another two years.
But, he said, if the Democratic Town Committee members in the 3rd District prefer a candidate who would offer voters “new blood,” he won’t challenge them.
There are two announced Democratic candidates in the district, incumbent Craig Minor and newcomer Terry Parker, a longtime party activist. If committee members back Nicastro, Parker would almost certainly be the one to lose out on the endorsement.
The Democrats will endorse a slate of candidates for city office on Monday. The Republicans are picking their standard bearers Tuesday night at the Franco-American Club.
The only GOP contender in the district, so far, is Robert Merrick, a former Democrat who switched his political affiliation in February to sign on with the Republicans.
Nicastro may run for council again
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 13, 2007
Some tidbits
Just a couple of curious tidbits:
* In the 2005 election, Republican mayoral hopeful Ken Johnson donated $250 to the campaign of Democratic City Councilor Kevin McCauley, who was pushing at the time to unseat incumbent Tom Lavigne in a tough 2nd District primary.
* Republican City Council hopeful Robert Merrick, who has a website called Unite Bristol, was a registered Democrat until February 2007.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
* In the 2005 election, Republican mayoral hopeful Ken Johnson donated $250 to the campaign of Democratic City Councilor Kevin McCauley, who was pushing at the time to unseat incumbent Tom Lavigne in a tough 2nd District primary.
* Republican City Council hopeful Robert Merrick, who has a website called Unite Bristol, was a registered Democrat until February 2007.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
May 31, 2007
Stortz and the Republicans
It says something that most of the Republican ticket came together in the hope that incumbent GOP Mayor William Stortz would call it quits this year.
Joe Geladino, who is running as a Republican in the 2nd District City Council race, said Thursday he'd been talking with the party chairman since January about the possibility of leaping into the fray. He got in because he liked what Ken Johnson, a GOP mayoral hopeful, had to say.
"I'm thrilled that Joe responded," Johnson said.
Johnson has assembled a ticket that includes council contenders Geladino, Ken Cockayne and Bob Merrick. He's also on good terms with incumbent Republican Councilor Mike Rimcoski, who is seeking another stint in the 1st District.
What's interesting is that nobody in the GOP seems to know if Stortz will run again, and the mayor himself remains mum on the topic.
Johnson said he sent Stortz a note recently. He hasn't heard back yet.
Johnson said, though, that he's hoping to avoid a Sept. 11 primary with Stortz. The Republican Town Committee is likely to back Johnson, since it's never had any great love of Stortz (who had to get the mayoral nomination in 2003 by defeating an unknown that the party picked over him).
Republican Chairman Art Mocabee said he doesn't have any idea whether Stortz intends to seek another term. He said the mayor will probably decide at the last second.
Geladino said he personally "values the mayor's friendship" and doesn't have any criticism to level at Stortz.
"He's done the best he could" given the Democratic-controlled council, Geladino said.
But what Bristol needs, both Johnson and Geladino said, is "a team of business people" in order to offer voters something different than what they've seen at City Hall for a long time.
Mocabee, who's working closely with Johnson and the candidates who have declared so far, said that he's been trying to recruit candidates who are "Bristol-first kinds of folks."
He said he wants candidates who are ready to compromise in order "to move the city's agenda ahead."
Joe Geladino, who is running as a Republican in the 2nd District City Council race, said Thursday he'd been talking with the party chairman since January about the possibility of leaping into the fray. He got in because he liked what Ken Johnson, a GOP mayoral hopeful, had to say.
"I'm thrilled that Joe responded," Johnson said.
Johnson has assembled a ticket that includes council contenders Geladino, Ken Cockayne and Bob Merrick. He's also on good terms with incumbent Republican Councilor Mike Rimcoski, who is seeking another stint in the 1st District.
What's interesting is that nobody in the GOP seems to know if Stortz will run again, and the mayor himself remains mum on the topic.
Johnson said he sent Stortz a note recently. He hasn't heard back yet.
Johnson said, though, that he's hoping to avoid a Sept. 11 primary with Stortz. The Republican Town Committee is likely to back Johnson, since it's never had any great love of Stortz (who had to get the mayoral nomination in 2003 by defeating an unknown that the party picked over him).
Republican Chairman Art Mocabee said he doesn't have any idea whether Stortz intends to seek another term. He said the mayor will probably decide at the last second.
Geladino said he personally "values the mayor's friendship" and doesn't have any criticism to level at Stortz.
"He's done the best he could" given the Democratic-controlled council, Geladino said.
But what Bristol needs, both Johnson and Geladino said, is "a team of business people" in order to offer voters something different than what they've seen at City Hall for a long time.
Mocabee, who's working closely with Johnson and the candidates who have declared so far, said that he's been trying to recruit candidates who are "Bristol-first kinds of folks."
He said he wants candidates who are ready to compromise in order "to move the city's agenda ahead."
May 22, 2007
Council contender Bob Merrick's speech to the GOP town committee
Address to the RTC
5/21/07
My name is Bob Merrick. I offer my candidacy for councilman for the 3rd district. I ask for your endorsement and support.
Many of you may not know me as I am a relative newcomer to Bristol in comparison to many of you who have lived in our city for generations. I have been a resident of the Forestville section of Bristol for the past 11 years. I have a background in domestic and international business as well as in education and currently teach mathematics at Chippens Hill Middle School.
Many of my friends and neighbors have expressed that they have lost faith in our city’s leaders’ ability to address the challenges our city faces and to get things done on behalf of the people of Bristol. Several of my friends and neighbors have left the city altogether targeting communities that have demonstrated their commitment to education, business development, fiscal responsibility, and creating a safe and enjoyable environment that is responsive to the needs of its residents.
I say that it is time to put the people of Bristol first. Our city already offers many of the aforementioned desired attributes and more. Bristol is a city undergoing change, working out its new identity. It’s time to re-engage the people of Bristol and bring them into the process of helping to define the community they desire, a community they are proud to be a part of and their children are proud to call their home.
My candidacy is about helping to develop a mission for our city that creates a stronger sense of community in the eyes of the people. I am offering you the opportunity to replace the self-serving agendas of a select few with actions that address the needs, desires, and opportunities asked for by the people.
The city we desire is up to all of us. If we want to move Bristol forward to be a leader in 21st-century living then we need to use 21st-century thinking. I have reached out to members of the community not willing to accept business as usual and am proud to be running as part of a team along side Ken Johnson and Ken Cockayne.
I do not claim to have all the answers to the challenges faced by our community. My commitment to you is to act as an agent of change reflective of the needs and desires of the people I serve. My name is Bob Merrick, and I ask for your endorsement and support in my candidacy for 3rd-District City Councilman.
5/21/07
My name is Bob Merrick. I offer my candidacy for councilman for the 3rd district. I ask for your endorsement and support.
Many of you may not know me as I am a relative newcomer to Bristol in comparison to many of you who have lived in our city for generations. I have been a resident of the Forestville section of Bristol for the past 11 years. I have a background in domestic and international business as well as in education and currently teach mathematics at Chippens Hill Middle School.
Many of my friends and neighbors have expressed that they have lost faith in our city’s leaders’ ability to address the challenges our city faces and to get things done on behalf of the people of Bristol. Several of my friends and neighbors have left the city altogether targeting communities that have demonstrated their commitment to education, business development, fiscal responsibility, and creating a safe and enjoyable environment that is responsive to the needs of its residents.
I say that it is time to put the people of Bristol first. Our city already offers many of the aforementioned desired attributes and more. Bristol is a city undergoing change, working out its new identity. It’s time to re-engage the people of Bristol and bring them into the process of helping to define the community they desire, a community they are proud to be a part of and their children are proud to call their home.
My candidacy is about helping to develop a mission for our city that creates a stronger sense of community in the eyes of the people. I am offering you the opportunity to replace the self-serving agendas of a select few with actions that address the needs, desires, and opportunities asked for by the people.
The city we desire is up to all of us. If we want to move Bristol forward to be a leader in 21st-century living then we need to use 21st-century thinking. I have reached out to members of the community not willing to accept business as usual and am proud to be running as part of a team along side Ken Johnson and Ken Cockayne.
I do not claim to have all the answers to the challenges faced by our community. My commitment to you is to act as an agent of change reflective of the needs and desires of the people I serve. My name is Bob Merrick, and I ask for your endorsement and support in my candidacy for 3rd-District City Councilman.
May 21, 2007
Candidate announcements
Just a quick update:
City Councilor Ellen Zoppo declared her intention to run for mayor.
Democrats who are running with her on a Democratic "dream team" include council incumbents Craig Minor and Kevin McCauley and council hopefuls Rich Kilby and Cliff Block.
On the Republican side, Ken Johnson said he's running for mayor. His speech is already posted below.
Three GOP candidates announced their plans to run for council: incumbent Mike Rimcoski and newcomers Bob Merrick and Ken Cockayne.
City Councilor Ellen Zoppo declared her intention to run for mayor.
Democrats who are running with her on a Democratic "dream team" include council incumbents Craig Minor and Kevin McCauley and council hopefuls Rich Kilby and Cliff Block.
On the Republican side, Ken Johnson said he's running for mayor. His speech is already posted below.
Three GOP candidates announced their plans to run for council: incumbent Mike Rimcoski and newcomers Bob Merrick and Ken Cockayne.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)