Showing posts with label appointments. Show all posts
Showing posts with label appointments. Show all posts
November 18, 2013
Familiar faces secure city appointments
September 10, 2013
Wilson says he will appoint more women, minorities
Chris Wilson Calls for More Diversity on Bristol’s Boards and Committees
Democratic mayoral candidate and Bristol Board of Education Chairman Chris Wilson believes the next Bristol Mayor should make a concerted effort to recruit and appoint more women and minorities to Bristol’s committees, boards and task forces.
Bristol’s population currently has roughly 51% women and 12% minorities but the boards, committees and mayor appointed task forces are disproportionately made up of non-minority, male Bristol residents.
“Don’t get me wrong, we’re grateful for any and all the help we can get. I’m simply suggesting we reach out to women and to the minority populations inside Bristol and do our best to get more of our community involved.” Wilson stated. “When elected Mayor, at the top of my to-do list will be to appoint someone to spearhead this effort.” Wilson said.
Of Bristol’s nearly 40 local committees, task forces and boards, only one, the Board of Education, comes close to reflecting the overall population of the city of Bristol. Chris Wilson serves as Chairman of the Board of Education.
“I’m very proud that Bristol’s children are served by a diverse group of caring residents and as Chairman of the Board of Education, I’ve had the great pleasure of working hand-in-hand with parents and concerned citizens from every corner of Bristol. I firmly believe our diversity is one of the top reasons why our Board of Education is so strong.” Wilson continued.
Wilson firmly believes that by harnessing the life experiences, the cultural diversity and wide range of perspectives within Bristol’s diverse population and getting women and minorities more involved in city government, he can help build a stronger future for Bristol families.
“Recruiting more women and more minorities to our boards, committees and task forces will be a priority of the Wilson Administration.” Wilson concluded.
March 15, 2011
Want to be a school board member?
August 10, 2010
Spat over Carros appointment turns ugly
The possible appointment of Republican activist Alex Carros has created a firestorm that’s become the talk of the political establishment these days. The growing controversy may have even played a role in the vandalism this past weekend of the business run by Carros’ father and uncle, Bristol Instrument Gears. Carros said the place was “severely vandalized” Sunday night with 30 or so windows smashed, including the windshield of a company pickup truck. Carros, who hasn’t worked there in four years, called it “a vicious act of vandalism.”
Sources said today that police are investigating the vandalism and looking into whether it’s connected to the political spat.
The controversy can be seen rather clearly from a few emails that have been bouncing around city circles recently. Here they are:
June 28, 2010 email from city Councilor Kevin McCauley to city councilors:
Hello Colleagues,
I know I don¹t have to remind you of 'Concerned Conservative' who inappropriately attacked Terry Parker last Fall, as it was discussed when he last asked to be considered for appointment.
This is a much more serious appointment and I believe Alex Carros is not someone we should consider at this time.
I am critical of Alex for any of the land use boards, as my concerns for the lack of decorum he has shown time and again should preclude him from consideration.
I would consider Alex for some lesser board/commission if he learns how to restrain himself on the blog and in public. It may be tough for him.
Thank you for considering my position.
See you on Tuesday,
Kevin McCauley
July 21 letter from Alex Carros to Mayor Art Ward, city councilors and others:
Dear Mayor Ward:
It has come to my attention that recently my name was put up for appointment for two volunteer city official positions. One was the Historic District and the other was the Planning Commission. I’ve discovered both times my name was brought forward, it was blocked by Council-person Kevin McCauley.
An audacious and maligning statement (via email) to all of the Bristol City Council was sent by Kevin McCauley urging council-members not to allow my name to be brought forward for appointment. In the emailed statement Council-person McCauley referenced anonymous blog comments that he unsubstantially cites as mine, and stated that my “lack of decorum he has shown time and again should preclude him from consideration” and “I would consider Alex for some lesser board/commission if he learns how to restrain himself on the blog and in public. It may be tough for him”. This is obviously twisted logic by Councilperson McCauley. How could he cite my “decorum” and public conduct by anonymous blog comments? Besides being misguided, McCauley’s email remarks to Bristol City Council-people (and the public) are slanderous and hypocritical. The statement from Council-person McCauley via email to the Council is an insulting and defamatory act against me and the entire Carros family. How dare he criticize my decorum and ability to conduct myself correctly in public! McCauley obviously used poor judgment in stating that I, with a graduate and undergraduate degree and with my career in business cannot conduct myself professionally. Not to mention my tenure on the Planning Commission and the numerous other volunteer activities that I have been involved in. In actuality, it would truly surprise me if McCauley actually believed that I can’t or have not conducted myself in a proper manner publicly. It is bad politics (on his part) inhibiting what is best for Bristol.
With this in mind one must wonder if McCauley knows or realizes that I served a full five year term on the Planning Commission already from 1998 to 2003. After finishing my term I asked not to be reappointed because my graduate school classes would have interfered with my duty on Planning. Upon announcing to Mayor Nicastro that I was not seeking reappointment, I received a letter of appreciation voted unanimously by the City Council in 2003.
I am probably one of the best qualified people to serve on the Planning Commission in the entire City of Bristol, but McCauley has blocked voting on me apparently for political reasons. During my term on Planning, besides serving on the Commission that oversees subdivisions, certain site plans, and numerous other tasks associated with land use, the commission in coordination with the city staff developed the current Ten Year Plan of Development. I am well educated and experienced in regards to city land use procedures, ordinances and protocol.
Since I am a fifth generation resident of Bristol and a fourth generation resident on Federal Hill one would think McCauley (the Council Liaison to the Federal Hill Association) would be enthusiastic to my appointment to either the Historic District Commission or the Planning Commission. That would be of course if he was relying on common sense rather than innuendo. Then again of course since McCauley’s only attended approximately one meeting per year of the Federal Hill Association in the last three years, apparently he doesn’t care much for the input of that area of the city anyway.
Obviously Kevin McCauley has no respect for all the accomplishments I have made in my life including my education and my career and this I believe reflects McCauley’s lack of respect for business and higher education all together. If it is so tough for me to restrain myself as he claims, how could I have achieved what I have? It’s a ridiculous statement on his part!
I know Councilman McCauley a bit and have had a conversation or two with him in the past. Never would I have imagined that this person felt this way about me. If McCauley was truly concerned about my name being brought forth by Mayor Ward perhaps he would have done the professional thing and scheduled and interview rather than simply relying on here-say?
Although the blocking of my appointment is a loss for Bristol, it’s certainly Council-person McCauley’s right to make decisions regarding appointments and lobby as he feels fit. But it would have been appropriate if McCauley kept his unjustified statements regarding me to himself. I believe because of what he has said and done, Council-person McCauley should be reprimanded in some way by the City Council. I also believe that the position as liaison to the Federal Hill Association should be given to another Council-person based on McCauley’s lack of respect for one of the Association’s members (me), the bad relationship this action of his has caused with an officer of that organization (my wife) and his poor attendance.
I truly hope that you will agree with my position on this issue. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Alexander J. (Alex) Carros
CC: Councilman David Mills, Councilman Kevin Fuller, Councilman Cliff Block, Councilman Kate Matthews, Councilman Kevin McCauley, Councilman Ken Cockayne, Elliot Nelson, Bristol DTC Chairman, Thomas J Barnes Jr., Bristol RTC Chairman, Michele Boyko, Federal Hill Association President
August 6, 2010 email from Mayor Art Ward to city councilors and Carros:
This is to inform everyone that I, along with the Democratic and Republican Town Chairpersons and the President of the Federal Hill Association, have received a communication from Alexander J. Carros regarding an E-mail forwarded to the council members by Council member McCauley regarding any potential appointment of Mr. Carros as a member to any city boards/commissions.
I would strongly recommend, in the best interests of the City of Bristol and both individuals, that a meeting be conducted between Council member McCauley and Mr. Carros to address and resolve these concerns as soon as possible.
If so requested, I would be willing to provide use of the Mayor's office to hold these discussions.
Mayor Art Ward
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Sources said today that police are investigating the vandalism and looking into whether it’s connected to the political spat.
The controversy can be seen rather clearly from a few emails that have been bouncing around city circles recently. Here they are:
June 28, 2010 email from city Councilor Kevin McCauley to city councilors:
Hello Colleagues,
I know I don¹t have to remind you of 'Concerned Conservative' who inappropriately attacked Terry Parker last Fall, as it was discussed when he last asked to be considered for appointment.
This is a much more serious appointment and I believe Alex Carros is not someone we should consider at this time.
I am critical of Alex for any of the land use boards, as my concerns for the lack of decorum he has shown time and again should preclude him from consideration.
I would consider Alex for some lesser board/commission if he learns how to restrain himself on the blog and in public. It may be tough for him.
Thank you for considering my position.
See you on Tuesday,
Kevin McCauley
July 21 letter from Alex Carros to Mayor Art Ward, city councilors and others:
Dear Mayor Ward:
It has come to my attention that recently my name was put up for appointment for two volunteer city official positions. One was the Historic District and the other was the Planning Commission. I’ve discovered both times my name was brought forward, it was blocked by Council-person Kevin McCauley.
An audacious and maligning statement (via email) to all of the Bristol City Council was sent by Kevin McCauley urging council-members not to allow my name to be brought forward for appointment. In the emailed statement Council-person McCauley referenced anonymous blog comments that he unsubstantially cites as mine, and stated that my “lack of decorum he has shown time and again should preclude him from consideration” and “I would consider Alex for some lesser board/commission if he learns how to restrain himself on the blog and in public. It may be tough for him”. This is obviously twisted logic by Councilperson McCauley. How could he cite my “decorum” and public conduct by anonymous blog comments? Besides being misguided, McCauley’s email remarks to Bristol City Council-people (and the public) are slanderous and hypocritical. The statement from Council-person McCauley via email to the Council is an insulting and defamatory act against me and the entire Carros family. How dare he criticize my decorum and ability to conduct myself correctly in public! McCauley obviously used poor judgment in stating that I, with a graduate and undergraduate degree and with my career in business cannot conduct myself professionally. Not to mention my tenure on the Planning Commission and the numerous other volunteer activities that I have been involved in. In actuality, it would truly surprise me if McCauley actually believed that I can’t or have not conducted myself in a proper manner publicly. It is bad politics (on his part) inhibiting what is best for Bristol.
With this in mind one must wonder if McCauley knows or realizes that I served a full five year term on the Planning Commission already from 1998 to 2003. After finishing my term I asked not to be reappointed because my graduate school classes would have interfered with my duty on Planning. Upon announcing to Mayor Nicastro that I was not seeking reappointment, I received a letter of appreciation voted unanimously by the City Council in 2003.
I am probably one of the best qualified people to serve on the Planning Commission in the entire City of Bristol, but McCauley has blocked voting on me apparently for political reasons. During my term on Planning, besides serving on the Commission that oversees subdivisions, certain site plans, and numerous other tasks associated with land use, the commission in coordination with the city staff developed the current Ten Year Plan of Development. I am well educated and experienced in regards to city land use procedures, ordinances and protocol.
Since I am a fifth generation resident of Bristol and a fourth generation resident on Federal Hill one would think McCauley (the Council Liaison to the Federal Hill Association) would be enthusiastic to my appointment to either the Historic District Commission or the Planning Commission. That would be of course if he was relying on common sense rather than innuendo. Then again of course since McCauley’s only attended approximately one meeting per year of the Federal Hill Association in the last three years, apparently he doesn’t care much for the input of that area of the city anyway.
Obviously Kevin McCauley has no respect for all the accomplishments I have made in my life including my education and my career and this I believe reflects McCauley’s lack of respect for business and higher education all together. If it is so tough for me to restrain myself as he claims, how could I have achieved what I have? It’s a ridiculous statement on his part!
I know Councilman McCauley a bit and have had a conversation or two with him in the past. Never would I have imagined that this person felt this way about me. If McCauley was truly concerned about my name being brought forth by Mayor Ward perhaps he would have done the professional thing and scheduled and interview rather than simply relying on here-say?
Although the blocking of my appointment is a loss for Bristol, it’s certainly Council-person McCauley’s right to make decisions regarding appointments and lobby as he feels fit. But it would have been appropriate if McCauley kept his unjustified statements regarding me to himself. I believe because of what he has said and done, Council-person McCauley should be reprimanded in some way by the City Council. I also believe that the position as liaison to the Federal Hill Association should be given to another Council-person based on McCauley’s lack of respect for one of the Association’s members (me), the bad relationship this action of his has caused with an officer of that organization (my wife) and his poor attendance.
I truly hope that you will agree with my position on this issue. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Alexander J. (Alex) Carros
CC: Councilman David Mills, Councilman Kevin Fuller, Councilman Cliff Block, Councilman Kate Matthews, Councilman Kevin McCauley, Councilman Ken Cockayne, Elliot Nelson, Bristol DTC Chairman, Thomas J Barnes Jr., Bristol RTC Chairman, Michele Boyko, Federal Hill Association President
August 6, 2010 email from Mayor Art Ward to city councilors and Carros:
This is to inform everyone that I, along with the Democratic and Republican Town Chairpersons and the President of the Federal Hill Association, have received a communication from Alexander J. Carros regarding an E-mail forwarded to the council members by Council member McCauley regarding any potential appointment of Mr. Carros as a member to any city boards/commissions.
I would strongly recommend, in the best interests of the City of Bristol and both individuals, that a meeting be conducted between Council member McCauley and Mr. Carros to address and resolve these concerns as soon as possible.
If so requested, I would be willing to provide use of the Mayor's office to hold these discussions.
Mayor Art Ward
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
February 22, 2010
Ward looking for volunteers to serve on city boards
Press release from Mayor Art Ward:
BRISTOL – Mayor Arthur J. Ward said recently he is continuing to seek names for positions to City boards and commissions.
“True representation of the City of Bristol is important and I want our commissions and boards to reflect the diversity of the City,” said Ward in a press release “We know there are qualified residents out there that can contribute to the growth and well being of our town.”
Recommendations from the public are welcome and encouraged by the mayor. While appointments are made on a regular basis throughout the year, early submissions will allow for greater flexibility in determining the appropriate match. At this time, there are openings on the Mayor’s Task Force on Energy Conservation, Bristol Transportation Commission, the Zoning Commission, Code Enforcement Committee, The Historic District Commission, Library Board and the Bristol Transportation Commission.
Anyone interested in applying for a position, should submit a letter of intent stating reasons for applying and any qualifications or experience that would be of assistance to this board or commission. Correspondence should be sent to Office of the Mayor, 111 North Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010, Attention: Board and Commission Appointments.
Residents also may also contact the Mayor, directly, by using the email mayorsoffice@ci.bristol.ct.us This e-mail address gives the public more direct access to the Mayor’s office and can be used for submission of names for these appointments.
For information about board or commission appointments, contact the office at 860-584-6250.
*******
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
BRISTOL – Mayor Arthur J. Ward said recently he is continuing to seek names for positions to City boards and commissions.
“True representation of the City of Bristol is important and I want our commissions and boards to reflect the diversity of the City,” said Ward in a press release “We know there are qualified residents out there that can contribute to the growth and well being of our town.”
Recommendations from the public are welcome and encouraged by the mayor. While appointments are made on a regular basis throughout the year, early submissions will allow for greater flexibility in determining the appropriate match. At this time, there are openings on the Mayor’s Task Force on Energy Conservation, Bristol Transportation Commission, the Zoning Commission, Code Enforcement Committee, The Historic District Commission, Library Board and the Bristol Transportation Commission.
Anyone interested in applying for a position, should submit a letter of intent stating reasons for applying and any qualifications or experience that would be of assistance to this board or commission. Correspondence should be sent to Office of the Mayor, 111 North Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010, Attention: Board and Commission Appointments.
Residents also may also contact the Mayor, directly, by using the email mayorsoffice@ci.bristol.ct.us This e-mail address gives the public more direct access to the Mayor’s office and can be used for submission of names for these appointments.
For information about board or commission appointments, contact the office at 860-584-6250.
*******
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
January 11, 2010
Casar eyed for finance board slot
City councilors plan Tuesday to fill three critical volunteer positions, including a vacancy on the powerful Board of Finance that controls city spending and borrowing.
If Mayor Art Ward’s choice is accepted for the nine-member panel, Republican Bob Casar will fill the slot left empty when its former vice chair, Roald Erling, resigned last fall.
Other major appointments on the agenda include the proposal to install Tom Barnes on the Bristol Downtown Development Corp. board and to tap Melissa Simonik as an assistant city attorney.
Casar said Monday he’s looking forward to the appointment, which the city’s GOP leader recommended to Ward last week.
“I would bring a unique skill set to the board with my background in both financial crimes investigation and auditing, experience that will likely make me professionally skeptical of some of our budget items,” Casar said.
He said he will “challenge public officials to remember that the taxpayers of Bristol are our customers” so fiscal overseers “need to be good stewards of their dollars, particularly during these trying economic times.”
Read the full story here.
*******Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
December 8, 2009
No action on Board of Finance appointment
Mayor Art Ward did not suggest anybody to fill the seat of retiring Board of Finance Vice Chair Roald Erling, who stepped down after two decades shortly before Election Day.
I'll ask the mayor about it later.
I'll ask the mayor about it later.
Wednesday morning update -- Ward said he plans to appoint someone in January. He said he had so many appointments to make this month that he didn't have a chance to focus his attention on this one.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
August 27, 2008
You gotta serve somebody
Press release from Mayor Art Ward, hot off the presses:
Mayor Arthur J. Ward announced today that he is seeking names of citizens to fill positions on the City’s boards and commissions. “This administration is committed to bringing new ideas and perspectives to the many boards and commissions which oversee the vast array of functions that are needed to run a city of 60,000 residents,” said Ward.
Ward continued, “We know there are many bright, committed men, women and youth in Bristol who have a great deal to contribute to the betterment of our City. Bristol is rich in diversity, but that needs to be reflected more in the makeup of our boards and commissions for a fair representation of Bristol’s needs.”
The Mayor is urging residents to become involved, now. Ward stated, “This is the time to become involved. There is so much potential to rejuvenate Bristol and make it a destination, not a pass through.”
If you are interested in applying for a position, you are asked to submit a letter of intent stating your reasons for applying and any qualifications or experience you feel would be of assistance to this board or commission. At this time, there are openings on the following boards and commissions: Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Bristol Parking Authority, Bristol Transportation Commission, Mayor’s Task Force on Energy Consumption and the Library Board. Please direct your correspondence to Office of the Mayor, 111 North Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010, Attention: Board and Commission Appointments.
If you have any questions, please contact the Mayor’s office at 860-584-6250 or visit the City website at www.ci.bristol.ct.us and click on Boards and Commissions.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Mayor Arthur J. Ward announced today that he is seeking names of citizens to fill positions on the City’s boards and commissions. “This administration is committed to bringing new ideas and perspectives to the many boards and commissions which oversee the vast array of functions that are needed to run a city of 60,000 residents,” said Ward.
Ward continued, “We know there are many bright, committed men, women and youth in Bristol who have a great deal to contribute to the betterment of our City. Bristol is rich in diversity, but that needs to be reflected more in the makeup of our boards and commissions for a fair representation of Bristol’s needs.”
The Mayor is urging residents to become involved, now. Ward stated, “This is the time to become involved. There is so much potential to rejuvenate Bristol and make it a destination, not a pass through.”
If you are interested in applying for a position, you are asked to submit a letter of intent stating your reasons for applying and any qualifications or experience you feel would be of assistance to this board or commission. At this time, there are openings on the following boards and commissions: Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Bristol Parking Authority, Bristol Transportation Commission, Mayor’s Task Force on Energy Consumption and the Library Board. Please direct your correspondence to Office of the Mayor, 111 North Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010, Attention: Board and Commission Appointments.
If you have any questions, please contact the Mayor’s office at 860-584-6250 or visit the City website at www.ci.bristol.ct.us and click on Boards and Commissions.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
January 2, 2008
Too many Republicans?
Though Democrats have controlled City Hall for years, the powerful Zoning Commission is a Republican hotbed.
Of the five members who currently sit on the panel, four are GOP loyalists, including its longtime chairman, Frank Johnson.
The commission generally has five full members and three alternates.
Mayor Art Ward has plans to fill two vacant alternate positions next week - and at least one of his choices is yet another Republican.
Ward said this week he intends to tap Michael Thomas, whose background I don't know, and Joseph Geladino to serve as the two alternatives until December 2010. The City Council will vote on the choices next week.
Geladino ran unsuccessfully for a 2nd District council seat last year on the GOP ticket. Ward said that Geladino asked to be on a land use board so he's getting the chance.
What isn't clear is whether it's okay for five Republicans to sit on the 7-person board.
It's not unimaginable that the sole Democrat, John Lodovico, could be absent sometime and if Geladino filled in, an application could be heard entirely by Republicans.
I think, though, that state minority representation rules require that no more than two-thirds of a municipal board hail from the same party. If that's the case, there can't be more than four Republicans serving as zoning commissioners, which would preclude the appointment of Geladino.
It's all sort of funny since, of course, nobody ever dreamed that a heavily majority Democratic town such as Bristol would appoint too many Republicans to something as crucial as the Zoning Commission.
And yet that appears to be a problem.
Update at 3:45 p.m. - Mayor Art Ward said the issue was "just brought to my attention" and he's going to review it.
By the way, he said he plans to name the members he wants for a Park Revitalization Committee this week. I'll provide the names as soon as the mayor tells me who they are, unless someone tells me sooner than that.
Here's the version of this that was in the newspaper:
An unexpected hitch may prevent the appointment of former Republican City Council contender Joe Geladino as a zoning commissioner.
It appears that Geladino’s appointment would tip the commission’s balance so far in favor of the GOP that its makeup would violate a state law guaranteeing neither party dominates municipal boards unfairly.
What’s peculiar about the situation is that Bristol has been controlled by Democrats for the past 14 years and the Republicans are outnumbered in the electorate by more than two-to-one.
Even so, four of the five members of the Zoning Commission appear to be registered Republicans, including its longtime chairman, Frank Johnson.
The only Democrat is John Lodovico, vice chairman of the panel.
The commission generally has five full members and three alternates, but the alternate positions are vacant.Mayor Art Ward said this week he plans to fill those two of the vacant alternate slots at Tuesday’s council meeting.
Ward said this week he intends to tap Geladino and Michael Thomas to serve as the two alternatives until December 2010. The City Council will vote on the choices next week.Geladino ran unsuccessfully for a 2nd District council seat last year on the GOP ticket.
Ward said that Geladino asked to be on a land use board so he's getting the chance.
State minority representation rules require that no more than two-thirds of a municipal board hail from the same party. If that's the case, there can't be more than four Republicans serving as zoning commissioners, which would preclude the appointment of Geladino.
If Geladino were tapped for the volunteer post, it’s conceivable that a situation could arise in which he could fill in for Lodovico, if the Democrat was absent, and the five members rendering a decision on a particular application could all be Republicans.
Told late Wednesday that there might be a problem with minority representation for Democrats on the commission, Ward said he would have to review the situation to see if he can go ahead with Geladino’s appointment.
The current members of the zoning board are Johnson, Lodovico, David White, Gina Newman and Kenneth Nairne.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Of the five members who currently sit on the panel, four are GOP loyalists, including its longtime chairman, Frank Johnson.
The commission generally has five full members and three alternates.
Mayor Art Ward has plans to fill two vacant alternate positions next week - and at least one of his choices is yet another Republican.
Ward said this week he intends to tap Michael Thomas, whose background I don't know, and Joseph Geladino to serve as the two alternatives until December 2010. The City Council will vote on the choices next week.
Geladino ran unsuccessfully for a 2nd District council seat last year on the GOP ticket. Ward said that Geladino asked to be on a land use board so he's getting the chance.
What isn't clear is whether it's okay for five Republicans to sit on the 7-person board.
It's not unimaginable that the sole Democrat, John Lodovico, could be absent sometime and if Geladino filled in, an application could be heard entirely by Republicans.
I think, though, that state minority representation rules require that no more than two-thirds of a municipal board hail from the same party. If that's the case, there can't be more than four Republicans serving as zoning commissioners, which would preclude the appointment of Geladino.
It's all sort of funny since, of course, nobody ever dreamed that a heavily majority Democratic town such as Bristol would appoint too many Republicans to something as crucial as the Zoning Commission.
And yet that appears to be a problem.
Update at 3:45 p.m. - Mayor Art Ward said the issue was "just brought to my attention" and he's going to review it.
By the way, he said he plans to name the members he wants for a Park Revitalization Committee this week. I'll provide the names as soon as the mayor tells me who they are, unless someone tells me sooner than that.
Here's the version of this that was in the newspaper:
An unexpected hitch may prevent the appointment of former Republican City Council contender Joe Geladino as a zoning commissioner.
It appears that Geladino’s appointment would tip the commission’s balance so far in favor of the GOP that its makeup would violate a state law guaranteeing neither party dominates municipal boards unfairly.
What’s peculiar about the situation is that Bristol has been controlled by Democrats for the past 14 years and the Republicans are outnumbered in the electorate by more than two-to-one.
Even so, four of the five members of the Zoning Commission appear to be registered Republicans, including its longtime chairman, Frank Johnson.
The only Democrat is John Lodovico, vice chairman of the panel.
The commission generally has five full members and three alternates, but the alternate positions are vacant.Mayor Art Ward said this week he plans to fill those two of the vacant alternate slots at Tuesday’s council meeting.
Ward said this week he intends to tap Geladino and Michael Thomas to serve as the two alternatives until December 2010. The City Council will vote on the choices next week.Geladino ran unsuccessfully for a 2nd District council seat last year on the GOP ticket.
Ward said that Geladino asked to be on a land use board so he's getting the chance.
State minority representation rules require that no more than two-thirds of a municipal board hail from the same party. If that's the case, there can't be more than four Republicans serving as zoning commissioners, which would preclude the appointment of Geladino.
If Geladino were tapped for the volunteer post, it’s conceivable that a situation could arise in which he could fill in for Lodovico, if the Democrat was absent, and the five members rendering a decision on a particular application could all be Republicans.
Told late Wednesday that there might be a problem with minority representation for Democrats on the commission, Ward said he would have to review the situation to see if he can go ahead with Geladino’s appointment.
The current members of the zoning board are Johnson, Lodovico, David White, Gina Newman and Kenneth Nairne.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
December 15, 2007
Hoping for cooperative spirit, but...
Mayor Art Ward said he hoped that city leaders would show the sort of bipartisanship "that I demonstrated in the appointment process," when plum assignments were handed out to councilors from both parties and to members who squabbled with Ward during the past two years.
This week's fight over committee assignments left the mayor disappointed but, he said, he still has hope that everyone will get along.
Ward said that he doesn't mind disagreement as long as it's done respectfully and to push a different idea about how best to serve the city.
The mayor doesn't believe that's what happened when city Councilor Craig Minor led a revolt against three park commissioners' reappointment in order to try to force Ward's hand into remaking the Park Revitalization Committee.
A week before the council meeting, Ward said, he met with Minor and Councilor Kevin McCauley and explained to them that he intended to appoint a new Park Revitalization panel at the council's January session. Neither of them objected, the mayor said.
On the Friday before the council meeting, Ward said, he spoke with McCauley and, again, no objections were raised to the plan.
Not until theTuesday afternoon of the council meeting did Minor express his wishes that a Park Revitalization Committee be created before the three park commissioners would get his vote for reappointment, Ward said.
By that time, he said, it was too late to name a new committee, particularly since councilors have made clear for a long time that they will only back appointments when they've had the names for a few days so they can consider them with care.
Ward said the move -- for which Minor had support from McCauley and Councilors Cliff Block and Ken Cockayne -- effectively turned three good volunteers into "pawns" in a political power play.
"We're crying out for volunteers" to serve city government, Ward said, and the council treated them as pawns. He called it "disheartening."
The three park commissioners were given a thumbs-up later in the council meeting when Cockayne switched sides after Ward vowed publicly to pick a Park Revitalization panel next month.
Ward said that if the rebels mean what they said later about not wanting to put volunteer board picks on the spot, he's sure the same standard will apply when he names appointees to the new Park Revitalization panel.
Though he would not say who might be in line for the panel, it's pretty clear that its membership won't match the lineup the committee had during Mayor William Stortz's administration.
Ward said he was particularly concerned to see that two of the councilors who initially opposed his park panel choices were freshen: Cockayne and Block.
He said the two never asked him anything about the three commissioners and never gave any indication they wouldn't support the trio of veteran volunteers.
"I'd be thinking about my conscience" if he were one of them, Ward said, because they had no knowledge of the job done by the people they turned into pawns.
Ward said that he hopes everyone will consider what they're doing more carefully.
"It all goes back to what I tried to do in the first meeting, to establish the need for mutual respect," Ward said.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
This week's fight over committee assignments left the mayor disappointed but, he said, he still has hope that everyone will get along.
Ward said that he doesn't mind disagreement as long as it's done respectfully and to push a different idea about how best to serve the city.
The mayor doesn't believe that's what happened when city Councilor Craig Minor led a revolt against three park commissioners' reappointment in order to try to force Ward's hand into remaking the Park Revitalization Committee.
A week before the council meeting, Ward said, he met with Minor and Councilor Kevin McCauley and explained to them that he intended to appoint a new Park Revitalization panel at the council's January session. Neither of them objected, the mayor said.
On the Friday before the council meeting, Ward said, he spoke with McCauley and, again, no objections were raised to the plan.
Not until theTuesday afternoon of the council meeting did Minor express his wishes that a Park Revitalization Committee be created before the three park commissioners would get his vote for reappointment, Ward said.
By that time, he said, it was too late to name a new committee, particularly since councilors have made clear for a long time that they will only back appointments when they've had the names for a few days so they can consider them with care.
Ward said the move -- for which Minor had support from McCauley and Councilors Cliff Block and Ken Cockayne -- effectively turned three good volunteers into "pawns" in a political power play.
"We're crying out for volunteers" to serve city government, Ward said, and the council treated them as pawns. He called it "disheartening."
The three park commissioners were given a thumbs-up later in the council meeting when Cockayne switched sides after Ward vowed publicly to pick a Park Revitalization panel next month.
Ward said that if the rebels mean what they said later about not wanting to put volunteer board picks on the spot, he's sure the same standard will apply when he names appointees to the new Park Revitalization panel.
Though he would not say who might be in line for the panel, it's pretty clear that its membership won't match the lineup the committee had during Mayor William Stortz's administration.
Ward said he was particularly concerned to see that two of the councilors who initially opposed his park panel choices were freshen: Cockayne and Block.
He said the two never asked him anything about the three commissioners and never gave any indication they wouldn't support the trio of veteran volunteers.
"I'd be thinking about my conscience" if he were one of them, Ward said, because they had no knowledge of the job done by the people they turned into pawns.
Ward said that he hopes everyone will consider what they're doing more carefully.
"It all goes back to what I tried to do in the first meeting, to establish the need for mutual respect," Ward said.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
December 14, 2007
Another "do nothing" administration?
"Enough is enough with the politics," City Councilor Ken Cockayne said a few minutes ago.
He said that if Mayor Art Ward wants to remove him from the West Bristol School Building Committee, that's his right.
But, Cockayne said, it won't prevent him from speaking out for his district and the city, on the school site, the committee's membership and more.
He said, though, that he's worried about what's happening in city government.
Ward "is very quickly turning this into another Stortz administration, where the councilmen are blocking the mayor," Cockayne said.
Cockayne, a freshman Republican, said he's not going to take sides or play politics.
"I will not personally be involved in any shenanigans the mayor has with Craig Minor and Kevin McCauley," Cockayne said.
He also said that he doesn't understand where Ward is coming from on appointments to city boards.
Three days ago, Cockayne said, Ward pushed for the reappointment of three "same old, same old" park commissioners while today maintaining that the school site panel needs new blood.
"He's talking out of two sides of his mouth," Cockayne said.
"This is starting to become politics as usual," he added.
Cockayne said he won't join in.
"I am my own person. I am nothing to anyone. I will put Bristol first," Cockayne said. "I will not be part of any political games."
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
He said that if Mayor Art Ward wants to remove him from the West Bristol School Building Committee, that's his right.
But, Cockayne said, it won't prevent him from speaking out for his district and the city, on the school site, the committee's membership and more.
He said, though, that he's worried about what's happening in city government.
Ward "is very quickly turning this into another Stortz administration, where the councilmen are blocking the mayor," Cockayne said.
Cockayne, a freshman Republican, said he's not going to take sides or play politics.
"I will not personally be involved in any shenanigans the mayor has with Craig Minor and Kevin McCauley," Cockayne said.
He also said that he doesn't understand where Ward is coming from on appointments to city boards.
Three days ago, Cockayne said, Ward pushed for the reappointment of three "same old, same old" park commissioners while today maintaining that the school site panel needs new blood.
"He's talking out of two sides of his mouth," Cockayne said.
"This is starting to become politics as usual," he added.
Cockayne said he won't join in.
"I am my own person. I am nothing to anyone. I will put Bristol first," Cockayne said. "I will not be part of any political games."
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
December 13, 2007
Minor says he is seeking to defend taxpayers
City Councilor Craig Minor sheds more light on the appointments confrontation at this week's City Council meeting:
We explained to the Mayor prior to the council meeting that Park Revitalization is a major concern for us. For some reason (either he wasn't listening, or he did not take our concerns seriously) he chose to disregard the importance of this issue to us. It is unfortunate that this resulted in our having to take a stand to protect the taxpayers' investment in Rockwell Park. Hopefully in the future we can agree to disagree about what is in the best interest of Bristol and keep moving in the right direction.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
We explained to the Mayor prior to the council meeting that Park Revitalization is a major concern for us. For some reason (either he wasn't listening, or he did not take our concerns seriously) he chose to disregard the importance of this issue to us. It is unfortunate that this resulted in our having to take a stand to protect the taxpayers' investment in Rockwell Park. Hopefully in the future we can agree to disagree about what is in the best interest of Bristol and keep moving in the right direction.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
December 12, 2007
Breaking the tie
City Councilor Ken Cockayne said he changed his vote on the reappointment of three park commissioners last night after receiving assurances from Mayor Art Ward that a new Park Revitalization Committee would be named in January.
Once he had that assurance, Cockayne said, "I was fine with going ahead with the appointments."
"The mayor's word is good as gold with me," Cockayne said.
He said that he feels strongly the park revitalization panel should be put in place again because of its importance in overseeing the multi-million dollar park project.
Cockayne said he recognizes that he is likely to be a swing vote between two factions on the council, but he won't play politics.
"I owe nobody nothing," Cockayne said, adding that when he walks into the council chambers, he's going to do whatever he thinks is best for Bristol and its citizens, not what politicians might want from him.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Once he had that assurance, Cockayne said, "I was fine with going ahead with the appointments."
"The mayor's word is good as gold with me," Cockayne said.
He said that he feels strongly the park revitalization panel should be put in place again because of its importance in overseeing the multi-million dollar park project.
Cockayne said he recognizes that he is likely to be a swing vote between two factions on the council, but he won't play politics.
"I owe nobody nothing," Cockayne said, adding that when he walks into the council chambers, he's going to do whatever he thinks is best for Bristol and its citizens, not what politicians might want from him.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
December 11, 2007
Park appointments go through after all
After my press deadline, city councilors emerged from an executive session to learn from a city lawyer that the charter requires that park commissioners be appointed this month.
Of course, that didn't mean it had to be done tonight.
But city Councilor Ken Cockayne switched sides this time around to allow a 4-3 vote to reappoint Lori DeFillippi, Tom Ragaini and Pat Nelligan to the Park Board.
The three holdouts -- Councilors Craig Minor, Kevin McCauley and Cliff Block -- wanted to wait for another meeting later in the month, still hoping to force Mayor Art Ward to remake the Park Revitalization Committee.
Ward called the whole episode "unbelievable."
And so we know now that Cockayne is already the swing vote, the one guy everyone needs. That makes him a pretty powerful figure for a freshman Republican.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Of course, that didn't mean it had to be done tonight.
But city Councilor Ken Cockayne switched sides this time around to allow a 4-3 vote to reappoint Lori DeFillippi, Tom Ragaini and Pat Nelligan to the Park Board.
The three holdouts -- Councilors Craig Minor, Kevin McCauley and Cliff Block -- wanted to wait for another meeting later in the month, still hoping to force Mayor Art Ward to remake the Park Revitalization Committee.
Ward called the whole episode "unbelievable."
And so we know now that Cockayne is already the swing vote, the one guy everyone needs. That makes him a pretty powerful figure for a freshman Republican.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 14, 2007
Ward hands out committee assignments
When Mayor William Stortz took office two years ago, one of his first moves was to strip longtime Democratic city Councilor Art Ward of most of his plumb committee assignments, leaving him to stew on the sidelines.
Ward didn’t follow suit when he doled out committee slots this week.
He proved relatively generous in allocating the political prizes, bestowing the best on Councilor Frank Nicastro, a former mayor, but also handing key committee chairmanships to Councilors Craig Minor and Mike Rimcoski.
The mayor was least generous with Councilor Cliff Block, the Democrat who won the council seat that Ward had held for 14 years before moving on to the city’s top job.
Freshman Republican Councilor Ken Cockayne scored several hot appointments including seats on the Bristol Development Authority and the West Bristol School Building Committee.
“I’m very happy with the assignments that Ken got,” said Art Mocabee, the GOP’s city chairman. Cockayne said he’s content, too.
Nicastro was tapped to chair the Salary, Real Estate and Veterans committees. He also got the nod to serve on the high profile Police and 5-Year Capital Improvement panels.
Minor will chair the Ordinance Committee along with serving on the Salary, Building, Veterans, Public Works and Transportation boards.
Rimcoski, a Republican who gets along well with Ward, is the chairman of the newly reconstituted Building Committee. He’s also serving on the 5-Year Capital Improvements Committee, Salary Committee, Real Estate Committee, Retirement Board, Ordinance Committee and Public Works Board.
McCauley, the only veteran councilor who did not get a committee chairmanship, was tapped to serve on the Real Estate, Ordinance, Building, Roberts, Public Work, Veterans and 5-Year Capital Improvement committees.
In addition to serving on the BDA and school panel, Cockayne was tapped as a member of the Youth Commission and Roberts Committee.
Block was chosen as a member of the Fire Board and several low profile panels. He is also the liaison to the Board of Education.
Appointments made at the City Council meeting Tuesday:
Walter Veselka reappointed as public works director until 2011.
Patricia Chapman reappointed as deputy treasurer.
Councilor Kevin McCauley named liaison to the Federal Hill District Committee.
Councilor Craig Minor named liaison to the Forestville Village Association.
Councilor Mike Rimcoski named liaison to the Park Board.
Councilor Ken Cockayne named liaison to the Bristol Housing Authority.
Rimcoski named liaison to the Aging Board.
Councilor Frank Nicastro named liaison to the Library Board.
Minor named liaison to the Water Board.
Minor named liaison to the Bristol Community Organization.
Councilor Cliff Block named liaison to the Community Services Board.
Block named liaison to the Board of Education.
Cockayne named liaison to the Blight Committee.
Rimcoski named liaison to the Disabilities Board.
McCauley picked as a member of the Birge Pond-Hoppers Committee.
Nicastro picked as a member of the Pine Lake Committee.
Rimcoski picked as a member of the Ivy Drive/Mt. View School Building Committee.
Block picked as a member of the Affordable Housing Board.
McCauley and Cockayne named as members of the Roberts Committee.
Named to the Council Matters Committee were Rimcoski, Cockayne and Block.
Named to the Salary Committee were Nicastro, Rimcoski and Minor.
Named to the Real Estate Committee were Nicastro, Rimcoski and McCauley.
Named to the Ordinance Committee were Minor, Rimcoski and McCauley.
Named to the Building Committee were Rimcoski, McCauley and Minor.
Named to the Veterans Committee were Nicastro, McCauley and Minor.
Named to the 5-Year Capital Improvement Committee were Nicastro, McCauley and Rimcoski.
Named to the Bristol-Burling Health District was McCauley.
Named to the School Readiness Committee was Block.
Cockayne was tapped to serve on the Bristol Development Authority.
Block was tapped to serve on the Fire Board.
Nicastro was tapped to serve on the Police Commission.
Rimcoski, McCauley and Minor were picked to serve on the Public Works Board.
Rimcoski was tapped for the Retirement Board.
Minor was chosen for the Transportation Commission.
Cockayne was picked for the Youth Commission.
Cockayne was named to the West Bristol School Building Committee.
On the council committees, the first person named is the chairman.
Here's how each city councilor made out:
Nicastro was tapped to chair the Salary, Real Estate and Veterans committees. He was also selected to serve on the Police Commission, 5-Year Capital Improvement Committee and the Pine Lake Committee. He is also the council liaison to the Library Board.
Minor will chair the Ordinance Committee and serve on the Salary, Building, Veterans, Public Works and Transportation panels. He was also picked as the liaison to the Water Board, Bristol Community Organization and Forestville Village Association.
McCauley was tapped to serve on the Real Estate Committee, Ordinance Committee, Building Committee, Veterans Committee, 5-Year Capital Improvement Committee, Birge Pond-Hoppers Committee, Roberts Committee, Bristol-Burlington Health District and Public Works Board. He is also the liaison to the Federal Hill District Committee.
Cockayne was picked to serve as a member of the Bristol Development Authority, Youth Commission, Roberts Committee, Council Matters Committee, and West Bristol School Building Committee. He is the liaison to the Bristol Housing Authority and the Blight Committee.
Rimcoski will serve as chairman of the Building Committee and as a member of the Ivy Drive/Mt. View School Building Committee, 5-Year Capital Improvements Committee, Council Matters Committee, Salary Committee, Real Estate Committee, Retirement Board, Ordinance Committee and Public Works Board. He is also the liaison to the Park, Aging and Disabilities boards.
Block was tapped as a member of the Fire Board, Council Matters Committee, Affordable Housing Committee and School Readiness Committee. He is the liaison to the Community Services Board and the Board of Education.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Ward didn’t follow suit when he doled out committee slots this week.
He proved relatively generous in allocating the political prizes, bestowing the best on Councilor Frank Nicastro, a former mayor, but also handing key committee chairmanships to Councilors Craig Minor and Mike Rimcoski.
The mayor was least generous with Councilor Cliff Block, the Democrat who won the council seat that Ward had held for 14 years before moving on to the city’s top job.
Freshman Republican Councilor Ken Cockayne scored several hot appointments including seats on the Bristol Development Authority and the West Bristol School Building Committee.
“I’m very happy with the assignments that Ken got,” said Art Mocabee, the GOP’s city chairman. Cockayne said he’s content, too.
Nicastro was tapped to chair the Salary, Real Estate and Veterans committees. He also got the nod to serve on the high profile Police and 5-Year Capital Improvement panels.
Minor will chair the Ordinance Committee along with serving on the Salary, Building, Veterans, Public Works and Transportation boards.
Rimcoski, a Republican who gets along well with Ward, is the chairman of the newly reconstituted Building Committee. He’s also serving on the 5-Year Capital Improvements Committee, Salary Committee, Real Estate Committee, Retirement Board, Ordinance Committee and Public Works Board.
McCauley, the only veteran councilor who did not get a committee chairmanship, was tapped to serve on the Real Estate, Ordinance, Building, Roberts, Public Work, Veterans and 5-Year Capital Improvement committees.
In addition to serving on the BDA and school panel, Cockayne was tapped as a member of the Youth Commission and Roberts Committee.
Block was chosen as a member of the Fire Board and several low profile panels. He is also the liaison to the Board of Education.
Appointments made at the City Council meeting Tuesday:
Walter Veselka reappointed as public works director until 2011.
Patricia Chapman reappointed as deputy treasurer.
Councilor Kevin McCauley named liaison to the Federal Hill District Committee.
Councilor Craig Minor named liaison to the Forestville Village Association.
Councilor Mike Rimcoski named liaison to the Park Board.
Councilor Ken Cockayne named liaison to the Bristol Housing Authority.
Rimcoski named liaison to the Aging Board.
Councilor Frank Nicastro named liaison to the Library Board.
Minor named liaison to the Water Board.
Minor named liaison to the Bristol Community Organization.
Councilor Cliff Block named liaison to the Community Services Board.
Block named liaison to the Board of Education.
Cockayne named liaison to the Blight Committee.
Rimcoski named liaison to the Disabilities Board.
McCauley picked as a member of the Birge Pond-Hoppers Committee.
Nicastro picked as a member of the Pine Lake Committee.
Rimcoski picked as a member of the Ivy Drive/Mt. View School Building Committee.
Block picked as a member of the Affordable Housing Board.
McCauley and Cockayne named as members of the Roberts Committee.
Named to the Council Matters Committee were Rimcoski, Cockayne and Block.
Named to the Salary Committee were Nicastro, Rimcoski and Minor.
Named to the Real Estate Committee were Nicastro, Rimcoski and McCauley.
Named to the Ordinance Committee were Minor, Rimcoski and McCauley.
Named to the Building Committee were Rimcoski, McCauley and Minor.
Named to the Veterans Committee were Nicastro, McCauley and Minor.
Named to the 5-Year Capital Improvement Committee were Nicastro, McCauley and Rimcoski.
Named to the Bristol-Burling Health District was McCauley.
Named to the School Readiness Committee was Block.
Cockayne was tapped to serve on the Bristol Development Authority.
Block was tapped to serve on the Fire Board.
Nicastro was tapped to serve on the Police Commission.
Rimcoski, McCauley and Minor were picked to serve on the Public Works Board.
Rimcoski was tapped for the Retirement Board.
Minor was chosen for the Transportation Commission.
Cockayne was picked for the Youth Commission.
Cockayne was named to the West Bristol School Building Committee.
On the council committees, the first person named is the chairman.
Here's how each city councilor made out:
Nicastro was tapped to chair the Salary, Real Estate and Veterans committees. He was also selected to serve on the Police Commission, 5-Year Capital Improvement Committee and the Pine Lake Committee. He is also the council liaison to the Library Board.
Minor will chair the Ordinance Committee and serve on the Salary, Building, Veterans, Public Works and Transportation panels. He was also picked as the liaison to the Water Board, Bristol Community Organization and Forestville Village Association.
McCauley was tapped to serve on the Real Estate Committee, Ordinance Committee, Building Committee, Veterans Committee, 5-Year Capital Improvement Committee, Birge Pond-Hoppers Committee, Roberts Committee, Bristol-Burlington Health District and Public Works Board. He is also the liaison to the Federal Hill District Committee.
Cockayne was picked to serve as a member of the Bristol Development Authority, Youth Commission, Roberts Committee, Council Matters Committee, and West Bristol School Building Committee. He is the liaison to the Bristol Housing Authority and the Blight Committee.
Rimcoski will serve as chairman of the Building Committee and as a member of the Ivy Drive/Mt. View School Building Committee, 5-Year Capital Improvements Committee, Council Matters Committee, Salary Committee, Real Estate Committee, Retirement Board, Ordinance Committee and Public Works Board. He is also the liaison to the Park, Aging and Disabilities boards.
Block was tapped as a member of the Fire Board, Council Matters Committee, Affordable Housing Committee and School Readiness Committee. He is the liaison to the Community Services Board and the Board of Education.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 4, 2007
Stortz seeking to make more appointments
New press release from Mayor William Stortz:
Mayor William T. Stortz announced today that he continues to seek names for positions to City boards and commissions. "For a true representation of the City of Bristol, it is important that commissions and boards reflect the diversity of the City," said Stortz."We know there are qualified citizens out there that have a great deal to contribute to the growth and well being of our town."
Recommendations from the public are welcome and encouraged. While appointments are made on a regular basis throughout the year, early submissions will allow for greater flexibility in determining the appropriate match.
A listing of City Boards is available on our website at www.ci.bristol.ct.us. While the list includes all Board and Commissions, there may not be an opening on each board at this time.
If you are interested in applying for a position, you are asked to submit a letter of intent stating your reasons for applying and any qualifications or experience you feel you have that would be of assistance to this board or commission. Please direct your correspondence to Office of the Mayor, 111 North Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010, Attention: Board and Commission Appointments. If you have not submitted information recently, you may want to do so again, at this time.
You can also contact the Mayor, directly, by using the email mayorsoffice@ci.bristol.ct.us. This email address gives the public more direct access to the Mayor's office and can be used for submission of names and information for these appointments.
If you have any questions about board or commission appointments, please contact the office at 860-584-6250.
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Mayor William T. Stortz announced today that he continues to seek names for positions to City boards and commissions. "For a true representation of the City of Bristol, it is important that commissions and boards reflect the diversity of the City," said Stortz."We know there are qualified citizens out there that have a great deal to contribute to the growth and well being of our town."
Recommendations from the public are welcome and encouraged. While appointments are made on a regular basis throughout the year, early submissions will allow for greater flexibility in determining the appropriate match.
A listing of City Boards is available on our website at www.ci.bristol.ct.us. While the list includes all Board and Commissions, there may not be an opening on each board at this time.
If you are interested in applying for a position, you are asked to submit a letter of intent stating your reasons for applying and any qualifications or experience you feel you have that would be of assistance to this board or commission. Please direct your correspondence to Office of the Mayor, 111 North Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010, Attention: Board and Commission Appointments. If you have not submitted information recently, you may want to do so again, at this time.
You can also contact the Mayor, directly, by using the email mayorsoffice@ci.bristol.ct.us. This email address gives the public more direct access to the Mayor's office and can be used for submission of names and information for these appointments.
If you have any questions about board or commission appointments, please contact the office at 860-584-6250.
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 18, 2007
Stortz appointing women and minorities
Mayor William Stortz sent out this press release a little while ago:
Bristol, CT, July 16, 2007 - In a prepared release, Mayor William Stortz commented on the progress being made in appointing minorities to City boards, and also, the increased numbers of women that have been appointed; many to key boards.
Said Stortz, “Early on in my administration, we committed to appointing more minorities, more young people, and more women. I am proud to say we have made significant progress in all areas, but do have a way to go.
I recall a news article from mid-June 2005 where the dearth of women on City boards was reported on. That is being changed, month by month.”
Stortz went on to say, “Since I took office, a woman has been appointed to the Board of Water Commissioners, first time, a woman to the Board of Public Works, first time, and there are now three women on the Board of Park Commissioners, plus the City Council Liaison.
We now have two women on the Board of Finance and a woman serving on the Parking Authority.
I am proud to say that these women, and all others, are doing an outstanding job.”
“At the same time, we have approximately tripled the members of minorities serving, including some on major boards. The Board of Ethics, Board of Park Commissioners, and the Board of Library Commissioners all have minority women. Minorities are also now represented on the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Board of Community Services, Youth Commission, and a Native American is now on the Zoning Board of Appeals”, said Stortz.
“While we still have a way to go to have a proper balance and representation, I am proud of the progress that has been made. Some have volunteered on their own, some have been suggested by Council members, some I recruited. But, they all are doing an outstanding job.
On the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, we now have a young woman with medical background and involved in the Special Olympics, as well as a new member who is visually challenged. We do need to be able to understand the needs of others”, continued Stortz.
Stortz concluded, “Hopefully, this type of progress will continue: and efforts will be made to cast a wide net, and to reach more of the minority community, more youth of the City, and certainly to welcome more women.
We do want the best and the brightest to be part of Bristol, and to help us move forward, but color, gender and age should not be a restriction.
The first big steps have been taken, and the results justify continuing in this direction.”
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Bristol, CT, July 16, 2007 - In a prepared release, Mayor William Stortz commented on the progress being made in appointing minorities to City boards, and also, the increased numbers of women that have been appointed; many to key boards.
Said Stortz, “Early on in my administration, we committed to appointing more minorities, more young people, and more women. I am proud to say we have made significant progress in all areas, but do have a way to go.
I recall a news article from mid-June 2005 where the dearth of women on City boards was reported on. That is being changed, month by month.”
Stortz went on to say, “Since I took office, a woman has been appointed to the Board of Water Commissioners, first time, a woman to the Board of Public Works, first time, and there are now three women on the Board of Park Commissioners, plus the City Council Liaison.
We now have two women on the Board of Finance and a woman serving on the Parking Authority.
I am proud to say that these women, and all others, are doing an outstanding job.”
“At the same time, we have approximately tripled the members of minorities serving, including some on major boards. The Board of Ethics, Board of Park Commissioners, and the Board of Library Commissioners all have minority women. Minorities are also now represented on the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Board of Community Services, Youth Commission, and a Native American is now on the Zoning Board of Appeals”, said Stortz.
“While we still have a way to go to have a proper balance and representation, I am proud of the progress that has been made. Some have volunteered on their own, some have been suggested by Council members, some I recruited. But, they all are doing an outstanding job.
On the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, we now have a young woman with medical background and involved in the Special Olympics, as well as a new member who is visually challenged. We do need to be able to understand the needs of others”, continued Stortz.
Stortz concluded, “Hopefully, this type of progress will continue: and efforts will be made to cast a wide net, and to reach more of the minority community, more youth of the City, and certainly to welcome more women.
We do want the best and the brightest to be part of Bristol, and to help us move forward, but color, gender and age should not be a restriction.
The first big steps have been taken, and the results justify continuing in this direction.”
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
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