Will try to post during tonight's City Council meeting

No promises, but I'll try to update everybody as the council meeting progresses tonight.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Council weighs in on downtown today

Check in this evening for live blogging of the 5:30 p.m. City Council session about the proposed deal between the city, the Bristol Downtown Development Corp. and Renaissance Downtowns. Councilors will listen to public comments, field questions and then decide whether to go along with agreement hashed out during the last several months on how to handle the revitalization of the city-owned former mall site on North Main Street.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Ordinance panel gets underway

There are about 50 people here so far, plus a few police officers to keep things from getting too hot.
About a dozen folks have signed up to speak.
Edward Krawiecki, Jr, the city attorney, said he's going to stand in the back and watch.
The three committee members are up front -- Kevin McCauley, Cliff Block and David Mills. They are unlikely to do much more than listen today.
Mayor Art Ward is also here.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Live blogging from City Hall for the great vendor vs. restaurants

If my internet connection holds up, you can keep up with the vendor fight before the city's Ordinance Committee right here.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Live blogging Larson -- maybe

I'm going to try to blog during U.S. Rep. John Larson's talk this morning at the Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce's "Eggs and Issues" breakfast with the 1st District congressman. It's slated to begin at 8:30 a.m.

If you don't see anything on here after that, it means I couldn't get a signal, couldn't get the laptop working right or maybe just didn't feel like it anymore.

But check in if you care about what Larson has to say.

Feel free to suggest questions for him. I might get a chance to ask him some.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

City Council debate tonight - may live blog...

Check in after 7 p.m. to follow along with the City Council debates. I may make it interactive here since the debates are being shown live on cable TV. We'll see. I'll do my best anyway.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
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No live blogging tonight

I'm worried that if I try it, the typing will look something like this:
The City Council tonight vot.ddas....zzzzzzzzz......

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

City Council tonight

If I fall asleep there, please, someone, give me a nudge.

I may do a little live blogging from the meeting, which starts at 7. Check in if you like.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

This and that from the council meeting

Former Republican mayoral contender Ken Johnson and Mayor Art Ward exhanged some sharp words over the failure of the city to pursue vigorously the $400,000 or more than Connecticut Light and Power may owe the city for back streetlighting overcharges.
They really went at it.
Johnson blamed the city for doing nothing. Ward seemed to know nothing about it and thundered that Johnson should have told him, not just the city attorney's office.
I'll have much more on this after I make sense of it all in the days ahead.
Meanwhile, we've had nothing about the resigning lawyers. Yet.
The council approved a pay cut for the next mayor and City Council. They'll make 5 percent less than the council does this year. They also froze the pay of department heads and other non-union personnel.
More to come.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Differing opinions on lawyers

Mayor Art Ward said he doesn't want to talk about the resignations of two city lawyers. He said he needs to talk over the issue with the city's personnel director.
But city Councilor Craig Minor said the council needs to talk about it tonight -- behinc closed doors. Hmmm...
"We have to do a lot of talking," city Councilor Cliff Block said.
"We need to sit down and find out what's happening," city Councilor Ken Cockayne said.
Block said he thinks the mayor's failure to fill the vacancy in the attorney's office contributed to the problem there because it burdened the four lawyers with too much work.
Ward said he might consider replacing the two part-timers with another full-time attorney.
The mayor also said that given the state of the economy, it may be possible to hire two new part-time lawyers to take the place of Clift and Steeg "that are no clamoring for benefits.".
So far, the council meeting has consisted only of the Youth Recognition Awards, which I'll try to write about later in the week. There are, of course, some busy and wonderful teens in town, including those recognized here.
Ward said he sees many of these types of awards for youth. "If you don't have confidence in the youth of our community, then you haven't been there" to see the many talented young people in town, the mayor said.
He said that he has great faith in the future leadership skills of the city's students.
They almost have to be better than what we've had, right? ;)
We'll see what happens as the meeting unfolds. Everybody's here except city Councilor Frank Nicastro, who is also a state representative. The state House is in session this evening so Nicastro told me he may have to miss his first City Council meeting.


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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

City Council meeting tonight

I'll try to blog as it goes so check in later. There's at least one big story out there that I'm not quite ready to disclose. But I will soon.

The Joint Board starts at 6:45 and the City Council begins at 7 p.m.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Live blogging tonight from the City Council

I'll be posting as the meeting goes along starting about 7 this evening.

If you're watching at home - these meetings are live now, for those who are truly bonkers at home - feel free to post comments as we go or ask me any questions you're curious about.

I do have to write a news story by 10 or thereabouts so forgive me ahead of time if I need to take a pause to get my job done. I do what I can.

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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Not asleep... somehow

There hasn't been much happening yet, just a lot of interested citizens addressing the City Council and a handful of non-controversial items.
Craig Yarde was among them, pleading for the city to approve a chief operating officer position. That won't be determined until after councilors take up the issue next month. Mayor Art Ward said a public hearing on the charter changes suggested by a commission recently won't be held until after May 7.
The city agreed to buy a vacant lot on Dutton Avenue for $63,000, which would ultimately become part of Rockwell Park. Only Councilor Ken Cockayne voted no, saying he thought the price was too high.
If I don't write again tonight, please come kick me awake. Zzzzzz.....


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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Live blogging tonight at City Council

Though I can't promise to deliver blow-by-blow news, I'll try to let blog readers know what's going on during tonight's City Council session. Please don't hesitate to send in suggestions about what you'd like to know from officials. I'll try to ask them before we all take off for the night.

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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Live blogging from charter hearing tonight

I'm all hooked up and ready to go, planning to post a few times from tonight's public hearing at City Hall about proposed charter changes. It's one way to stay awake!

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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

City Council at 7:30 tonight...

... might get interesting.
I'll try to live blog at least a little bit, though it's kind of hard when I also have to write stories for tomorrow's paper at the same time, while also paying attention.
Among the possible points of dispute are the membership of the mayor's new Park Revitalization Committee and the possible reappointment, or not, of Jonathan Rosenthal, the city's economic development director, which appears likely to come up for a vote again (ready to cast a tiebreaker, Art?).
So check back this evening and see if there's anything getting posted, if you're one of the few who care what the council does. And don't hesitate to ask questions about what's going on, if you have any. I may get a chance to get them answered, as the dutiful public servant that I try to be. (Really, I like the questions people ask me to ask, because my brain is half dead after listening to these guys yack for a few hours.)

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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Election results

I'm planning to live blog tonight at least a little. Perhaps the results will be here before they're anywhere else. Numbers should be on The Bristol Press site quickly, too, with luck.

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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

The Great Debate, part 4

24 quick questions now.
I'm only going to mention things that sound new.
This is kind of an interesting thing, but it's rehashing what they've been saying.
Personally, I want to know a whole lot more about why GOP candidate Ken Johnson says that there's a problem with honesty and integrity at City Hall.
To help prevent all the bickering of the past two years, Johnson said he would "get elected."
Johnson said senior tax relief is not at the top of his priority list, but he would like to minimize taxes for all.
Democrat Art Ward said the initial way to address taxes is to control spending. "That helps everyone," Ward said.
It's almost game time, I think. I can't wait.
Open government?
Ward said that "decisions will not be made in the back room" or at multiple special council meetings. Johnson said he "absolutely will not participate in secret meetings" or scripted meetings.
He kind of pointed out that Ward did stick to the script in 2005, which is true.
Re K-8....
Ward said it's for efficiency and cost to put both K-5 and 6-8 in one building.
"I'm calling for a timeout" before the city moves forward, Johnson said, to create a community center with the school in the West End.
Question about police oversight...
Johnson said conflicts of interest shouldn't exist. He said he has no ties "and I owe favors to noone."
Ward said employees have a right to seek elected office, but "they need to use discretion."
Question re K-8 site in West End...
"I am agains the use of the Roberts property," Johnson said. "The West End needs a West End solution."
He said he'd be willing to use eminent domain at IGA site.
Ward said he's not limited to Roberts site. He said he'd like to see more information on alternatives.
Question about a detective that didn't investigate cases and nothing happened to his superiors....
Ward said that he doesn't know details of the personnel matter. "I can't make a judgment call on that," Ward said.
Johnson said the public needs to know matters such as this are dealt with appropriately. He said a citizen board "is the appropriat way to go" to adjudicate.
Forestville K-8 site on Crowley property?
Ward said absolutely, if it's clean. He said it would address the area's needs.
"Let's get something right," Johnson said. He said that there should be a timeout for that school, too.
Question re corrupt mayors...
Johnson said there is only constructive thing that leaders can do with power - "delegate it and give it away." He said "a giant step" toward depoliticization if a manager hired.
Ward said that with an open, respectful, considerate administration would "in itself police all of our actions."
Johnson said the mayor "is not a micromanager." He said it's another reason for a professional manager so that people can focus on specific tasks.
To manage and make sound decisions is what leadership is. "Leadership is being able to guide," Ward said.
Johnson said he'll hold open office hours and have sessions around town so people can get involved more easily.
Conveyance tax?
Ward said the money is used for one-time items so it's not built into the budget. It just lessens burden.
"I will do away with the higher tax," Johnson said. He sai the tax is too high.
"I will eliminate the higher tax."
Wow, now that will shock and horrify some city officials.
Johnson said he wants to preserve and protect open space wherever possible.
Ward said he favors open space, but "you cannot have a total community that is open space." He said owners have a right to develop their property.
firehouse for SW corner?
"I believe the answer to that is yes," Johnson said. He said there is a general lack of utilities in that area. He said there is "no question" that area is underserved.
Ward said the Water Board has been installing lines and pump stations in area. He said that area deserves assistance.
Question about poverty...
Ward said the issue is landlords enticing Section 8 people into town "so they can collect the dollars and not pump any money" into their property. He said there should be more inspections.
Johnson said the issue "gets lumped onto the head of absentee landlords" but he would like to ask landlords how to improve rental stock. He said home ownership is crucial.
Co-pays for remaining unions?
Ward said everyone understands the need to do that through "good faith bargaining" with the unions that don't have it.
Johnson said health care is high cost and sharing costs is predominate.
Question re Route 6 -- Johnson said that on eastern end of Route 6, he's planning to meet with the DOT and state Rep. Ron Burns.
Ward said he's also planning to follow up on issue seriously.
major emergency planning?
Johnson said he is "not certain we are prepared for a worst case scenario," but he said he has a wealth of background in preparing for emergencies.
Ward said that city developed two community response teams and new drills are being planned.
Question re mayors becoming target of criticism... Ward said can be accessible and try to explain. He said he'd listen and try to resolve problems.
Johnson said he favors letting everyone, including city employees, "to speak freely."
He said he wants to make it known that they can enjoy their right to free speech, even if they want to criticize their mayor.
Hold line on taxes?
Ward said that would be hard with rising energy costs. But can hold taxes down.
Johnson said many expenses beyond the city's control. But "absolutely critical" is marketing city with an aggressive economic development effort.
Final question of night: One issue you will resolve in next two years?
Johnson said, "I will have restored civility to public discourse and political debate." He said he will ensure that everyone is heard.
Ward promised "open government, open communication are the fundamentals of good government." He said it would responsive to all.

Now quick break.
Final words...
Johnson said that many Democrats are struggling with Ward. He said that staying home is not effective protest. Go vote.
"I'm not a career politician. I'm a citizen like you." He said he'll be honest, listen and energized.
"We've got an opportunity chart a new course for the city of Bristol," Johnson said.
Ward said the city is at a crossroads. "The last two years have been intersting, to say the least. The negativity at City Hall has been immense."
He said the mayor sets the tone and agenda, controlling the staff and resources.
"It's time to move Bristol forward," he said, and vowed to work with the council and boards, and to boost employee morale by respecting employees.
"I have been putting Bristol first for decades," Ward said. Bristol has the choice of experience or a well-intentioned newcomer.
That's a wrap.
Now I have to go ask my own questions. ;)



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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

The Great Debate, part 3

One thing I always forget to mention is that Republican Ken Johnson is an actor. He played the Cowardly Lion in one of the Bristol Community Theater's productions and another time, the only one I actually saw, he played Daddy Warbucks in "Annie."
Republican actors, naturally, have a pretty good track record in politics. Ronald Reagan became president. Sonny Bono, who was sort of an actor, somehow became a congressman.
The coin toss goes to Democratic mayoral candidate Art Ward, who is starting things off.
Ward begins by saying happy 59th birthday to moderator Tom Monahan.
"Much of what we say here this evening... will be repetition," Ward said, "so I've changed a few things."
Ward said fiscal responsibility and setting priorities is key. Controlling spending is key by figuring out which projects are of "the most vital priority for the community."
He said the mall, the new industrial park, education and park revitalization are his priorities.
Johnson's turn now.
He thanked Monahan for having a tinge of orange in his tie.
"Voter turnout in Bristol is in the toilet," Johnson said. He said he hears frustration from voters of all parties.
After 14 years, why no progress on mall, the industrial park and more, Johnson wondered.
Ward says it is his turn, but I say it's time for change, Johnson said.
Johnson said that Ward "put politics over people" and flipped on the former Roberts property by calling for a school on property eyed for recreation.
He asked Ward if he ever participated in scripted meetings. Ward did, actually, when the housing code was approved in 2005. I don't know if Ward will ever get the chance to admit that.
Now a question about reform.
Johnson said that he presented positions to charter panel and it's ready to investigate his proposals. "I'm absolutely thrilled and excited" that the proposed manager, appointed Board of Education and more are already on the agenda.
Ward said the mall is "17 acres of prime commercial property" and revitalization need to move forward. He said setting priorities is needed.
Question to Ward about fresh ideas.
Ward said that fresh "ideers" have been coming up for 14 years, including tearing down vacant eyesores, increasing Grand List, brought in more than 50 companies, renovated parks and pools and more.
Question for Johnson about serving in city government before.
Johnson said there has been discussion about experience versus new ideas. "We need both and I offer both," Johnson said. He said he's a lifelong resident, a UVA graduate, worked for CL&P for more than 20 years in managerial roles.
"Running things is what I enjoy," Johnson said. He said his utility experience is similiar to government because both are bureaucratic with centralized management.
Question re 72 and mall....
Ward said city needs public input, plans to review, need to improve safety so people want "to gravitate to."
Johnson said, "We need to proceed full speed ahead on both aspects of the projects."
He said he'll push the BDDC to get RFPs and to dust off the Route 72 corridor study from 2005 and get ready to spruce up Riverside Avenue. Also, Johnson said, need to address Federal Hill and West End to maximize downtown's attractiveness.
Ward said he agrees. He said the city needs to work with state to make Riverside Avenue "an attractive gateway."
Johnson said Ward wanted the BDDC to halt, but now he wants it to move ahead. Plus, he said, the FOIA complaint could block progress.
Next question is about bids, contracts and hiring.
Johnson said he is "not satisfied that all contracts are done propertly and completely above board." He said the public needs more assurance of honesty and integrity. He said there should be rules to make it easier for local businesses to win local contracts. Johnson said that boards need more diversity of opinion.
Ward said there is an ordinance addressing local bidding. Actually, that's not true. It's in the purchasing manual, a Board of Finance policy.
"I take exception to any allegations" that honesty did not prevail, Ward said.
Johnson said matters that are private and personal will stay that way, but it's a debate and people need to see the differences.
Ward said there was "no substantiation" and this is not the format for such a charge.
The FOIA complaint was to defend the people, Ward said.
New question about whether city run by inner circles and cliques.
Johnson said conduct in campaign will mirror what he does as mayor. To be honest, to act with integrity, to seek out diverse opinion and respect it, and to return civility to public discourse and debate.
Ward said the privilege of being reelected attests public's opinion of his honesty and integrity. He said he prides himself on constituent service.
"I am committed to honesty in politics," Johnson said. He said the FOI complaint "does not serve the best interests of the people" and was only intended "to poke a stick in the eye" of Ward's primary opponent.
Ward said Johnson says he's always right. He said councilors don't have time but he also wants them to be the Route 72 ombudsmen.
Question about education, which is odd because they really ought to stick with this whole issue.
Ward said that school funding "has always taken a priority" and it's been fully funded in recent years. He said that has to continue.
Johnson most per student funding is for places such as Hartford.
Another question, about what issues shoudl be addressed that public isn't aware of.
Ward said the public does have knowledge of issues, but park revitalization is "a broad, expansive project" that needs to keep going forward.
Johnson said the public "may not be fully aware of" Bristol's potential "to market and sell ourselves to the world."
He said we need to focus on attributes that will bring people to Bristol.
Johnson said he's thrilled that the Rockwell Park project is moving ahead. The credit belongs to Park Board "and probably to city Councilor Ellen Zoppo."
Question about appointments.
"The good old boy system has gotta go," Johnson said. He said he has regrets that the GOP couldn't convince a woman or a minority person to join the GOP ticket. He said that a diversity of opinion is needed.
Ward said that during last 7 or 8 years, there has been a concerted effort to bring more women onto city boards. He said he would like to see more young people.
Johnson said that he would reach out to everyone to express interest in how they'd like to serve city.
Another question, about measurable goals.
Johnson said he would finish all board appointments in first 100 days. He said he wants to send a message that "we're serious about taking action" instead of "politicians running in circles and nothing getting done."
He said he wants a youth advisory board to help the Board of Education. "We want input from the students," JOhnson said.
Ward said number one is to knock down mall and get RFPs from developers, to hear from public, to get working on industrial park and to devote more attention to cleaning up areas such as the West End.
Johnson said that Ward's strategy is to lie low and let the Democratic base put him in to mayor's chair.
Ward said he brought up issues to the charter panel.
Another failure to follow up. Question about improving efficiency.
"THere's always, always avenues that we can better ourselves in," Ward said.
He said the city can be more efficient in many departments.
Johnson said he would restart the efficiency committee that Mayor William Stortz killed off. He said professional manager is crucial for oversight of spending.
Ward said that Municipal Energy got $10K in March to help get back utility payments. The city hasn't seen anything for the money.
"This is politics over people," Johnson said. "This is the kind of thing we have to stop."
Johnson said there is no conflict involved.
He cited me to defend himself, oddly enough. Like that would help anyone!
Question about internal affairs position in police...
Ward said that majority of investigations come from citizens complaining about tickets or infractions, not questioning integrity of police. He said it's infrequent that serious questions arise.
Johnson said that he supports the position, too. He asked why it took nine months to get position in place, because Ward chairs the Salary Committee.
It took nine months, Ward said, because the police chief needed to make the evaluation of how to create position.
"Look up the record and see how many meetings were called during that nine month period," Johnson said.
Question about whether Bristol slipping...
Johnson said "we are at a very, very critical junction" and no longer a little town.
"It would be very easy for us to slide down that slippery slope" like New Britain, Waterbury, Meriden. "We must aggressively market the city of Bristol" and expand the tax base, Johnson said.
"Perception becomes reality," Ward said, which is why the mall and industrial park are so important. He said it brings jobs, place to shop and more "along with preserving our neighborhoods."
He said he wants to reimplement the "clean and green" policy of former Mayor Gerard Couture.
Johnson said he's glad to see Ward is finally taking a stance on issues.
Question about downtown policy...
Johnson said that what's important is restoring faith in the honesty and integrity of their government, and that it will listen to residents. "They don't believe that their political leaders are listening to them," he said.
Ward said part of the problem for two years "has been a fragmented administration" that made it so "very little has been accomplished."
In his first 12 years on the council, he said, were progressive and active.
THe last two years, however, "have been very frustrating," Ward said.
Johnson said that Ward feuded with the other Democrats. "This division that he speaks of is self-imposed," Johnson said. He said he's running with a unified team.
Ward said Republicans don't even have a complete slate.
Question about space issues...
Ward said the police department says it has inadequate space despite spending $4 million a decade ago. Now it's time to consider a police, fire safety complex in city, he said. Ideally, he said, should be able to combine the headquarters' buildings.
"This is a topic that's going to require creativity," Johnson said. "We're running out of space" at City Hall, the police, fire and more. Whatever is done must mesh together and fit the vision of downtown and the schools.
It's necessary to look at all of the issues together and decide what to do.




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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

The Great Debate, Part 2

The Little League director, Don Soucy, took off before it got going.
He said that I should determine the winner and make the winner lock up.
"Then I'm losing," Democratic mayoral candidate Art Ward said.
Lots of thanks given here to Soucy and the staff before the debate actually begins. Soucy, however, is gone. He knows these guys too well to stay.
This debate is supposedly going to be broadcast by Nutmeg TV twice, at 6 p.m. Sunday and again on Monday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. It'll be on channel 21. That depends on Mike Saman's ability to get a good videotape, of course, but I have faith in him.
Introducing the candidates... Democratic chairman Dean Kilbourne introducing Ward and, no doubt, Mocabee will be telling everyone about Johnson momentarily.
After that, well, we'll see.



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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com