Parenti thanks voters

City Treasurer Rose Parenti sent this today:

Rose Parenti Says Thank You

To all the people of Bristol that came to vote, regardless of which candidate you voted for, THANK YOU. For those that voted for me THANK YOU. To everyone that ran the race whether you won or lost, THANK YOU for making the effort. Congratulations to those that won, to those that lost please try again in the future. Everyone ran their campaigns in a professional, civil, responsible and respectful fashion for which all should be commended.

As a first time candidate running for any office in Bristol, I was stunned and humbled by my win. I want all to know that I appreciate the trust you have shown in me by voting for me as your City Treasurer, I will do my utmost to fulfill all aspects and obligations that comes with this office.

To everyone that sent contributions, friends that attended my fundraiser, that assisted in organizing my fundraiser, to my treasurer, John Simmons, my co-campaign managers, Allison Wadowski and Bill Lozito, THANK YOU. We were all first timers in my campaign efforts, learning as we went along. To those that gave me the guidance that I needed to run a successful campaign, THANK YOU. To Bill and Angela Stortz, valued friends, THANK YOU.

A special THANK YOU to Bill Veits, our former City Treasurer. He is truly a gentleman in every sense of the word. I have nothing but the utmost respect for him, not only did he congratulate me with a handshake and a hug but he has extended his offer of any assistance he can provide to me as I enter into this new endeavor.

In closing please know that I appreciate the confidence you have put in me as your City Treasurer, I will not let you down.

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

Ward's speech kicks off second term as mayor

Text of Mayor Art Ward's inaugural address last night:

Good evening.

Before moving on, I would request that we share a moment of silence for all of the men and women serving in our military with an emphasis on those serving in harms way and these whose lives were taken, and those who were wounded at Fort Hood this past week and their families.

Let me begin by welcoming and thanking everyone here for their support for the men and women who are being sworn in to elective office this evening.

I would personally like to extend my sincerest gratitude to State Comptroller Nancy Wyman and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal for so graciously taking the time to be with us tonight and extending the honor of, again, administering the oath of office to me for my second term as Mayor of Bristol.

The Comptroller and the Attorney General have always wholeheartedly supported the City of Bristol and will always be known for their willingness to serve this community. Thank you, both.

Jenna Connelly, what else can be said except, “Great job and thank you” – your participation contributed a very special meaning to the National Anthem and your entertaining numbers are greatly appreciated. Thank you Reverend Andrew Cadieux of St. Demitrios Church for giving us the realization of the sense that our reliance on faith rather than just ourselves is essential to our lives and for the guidance which is necessary as we begin our responsibilities as elected officials of the City of Brsitol.

To our seven wonderful grandchildren, Makenna and Hunter Holley, Warren, Avery and William Hamilton and Adam and Ella Ward – thank you for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance- Nonnie and I love you, all.

To my campaign staff, Elliot Nelson, Jim Brown, Tom Ragaini, Jason Rupaka, Kim Holley, Kerry Kasperian, Paula Positano, Mike Petosa, Jay Meisinger and the multitude of others who contributed to making tonight a reality – thank you.

To our entire immediate and extended families who have been a part of this campaigning for the last 18 years – I have to finally admit that I might have stretched it a bit when I said was only going to be in politics for the “short term.” To my lovely wife, Pat. Thank you does not even begin to cover it. If it wasn’t for your patience, understanding and unwaivering support, I could not do this.

Last but not least, I want to extend my appreciation to each and every person who became a candidate for office this year, whether they won or lost is not relevant, the point is that this was the most respectful and civil campaign that I have ever witnessed in Bristol politics and everyone should proudly hold their head high for demonstrating exceptional consideration for each other and the political process.

Congratulation s to the men and women who have been sworn in as your newly elected representatives. Together we can deliver the expectations of those who have entrusted us with the responsibkility of representing them in City government

The task before us is going to be challenging, the economy is not promising to be kind to us and the hurdles to be addressed will be numerous.

But - I am not going to spend this evening discussing the negatives. Tonight is a time to be positive. We have a new administration, newly-elected officials charged with the responsibility of navigating the rough economical seas confronting us and I truly believe that together- we will continue to move Bristol in a forward direction.

The actions that are ongoing and those that we will be undertaking will bode well for our future economic recovery. We will need to continually enhance these prospects, keeping in mind that we have new businesses moving into the City, we have existing businesses expanding in Bristol, we have businesses that are hiring new people as we speak, we have potential developers for the Depot Square, we have construction projects such as Route 72, the widening of Route 229, the reconstruction of Union Street and route 69, the resolution of the Route 6 Maple End drainage problem, the potential widening of route 6 from Collins road to Camp Street – easing the traffic congestion at the Stafford Avenue ‘Route 6 intersection.

We have plans on the way for a brand new Boys and Girls Club, a renewed residential and merchant pride in the West End area of the City; we have a new effort to establish an expanded presence of Tunxis community college in downtown Bristol, a continued expansion and delivery of services from Bristol Hospital and much, much, more.

We have an educational system that serves as a model to other communities and a public safety department which stresses and exemplifies professionalism and diligence while maintaining the safety of our community.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a future here in the city of Bristol, we have hope for tomorrow that is attainable and will become a reality as long as we unite, as long as we come together in a bipartisan manner to ensure that Bristol residents realize what they deserve – a safe, secure community in which to raise their – yours and mine – our families and future generations.

The manner and respect of this past election clearly demonstrate that we, as elected officials can do this, the manner and respect of this past election, dictates that we must do this – this is our mission, this is our task – this must be our goal!

Let us all pledge that our goals are to provide a viable economy, peace of mind to all, a direction of purpose and the deliverance of a safe and secure community, ready to ensure the future of the entire City of Bristol.

In closing, I want to thank you for the privilege, the honor and the opportunity to humbly serve you in a second term as your Mayor.

Thank you.

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

Masiero to speak at Veterans Day ceremony

This was in the Press. I thought it would interest some of you.

BRISTOL — Spc. Kristen Masiero with the 405th Combat Support Hospital will be the guest speaker at the Bristol Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Memorial Boulevard School.

Attendees are being asked to bring items for Give 2 the Troops and Troop Dog Handlers in Afghanistan.

Among the items needed are instant soups, beef jerky, microwave popcorn, Chapstick new and used DVD movies, medium Milkbone dog bones rawhide chews, eye drops, hand warmers, individual snack packs, hot chocolate, small foot powder, shampoo and hand/body lotion packages, powder drink mixes, ramen noodles, snack cakes, granola bars, Pop Tarts, red licorice twists, Tootsie Roll candy and lollipops, peanut butter, individually wrapped hard candy, tooth paste, tooth brushes, soap, body wash, deodorant, sun block, AA, AAA batteries, microwave meals, gum, lifesavers, handy wipes, packaged nuts/trail mixes.

For information, contact Lori DeFillippi at (860) 584-1728, jdefillippi@comcast.net or lori.defillippi@va.gov.

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

A new administration takes office

With a new city administration sitting on the stage beside him at Bristol Eastern High School Monday, state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal hailed the voters who turned out last week “to make a difference” to the future of Bristol.

“Tonight is really a triumph of democracy,” Blumenthal said before helping state Comptroller Nancy Wyman administer the oath of office to Mayor Art Ward, who secured a second term at the city’s helm in last week’s municipal election.

"Politics is now over and Bristol comes first," Wyman said.

It was certainly a bipartisan evening as leaders were sworn in, including a new treasurer and three new city councilors.

"Tonight is a night to be positive," Ward said in his inaugural address, "and I truly believe that together, we will be able to move Bristol forward."

About 150 people gathered in the school’s auditorium to take in the event, most of them friends and family of the candidates.

Candidates could choose the person to help them with their oaths of office. Among those selected was a mother, a wife and a son. Others opted for political allies to deliver the words.

City Councilor Kate Matthews, whose mother, Maryann Lupa administered the oath, had to correct its archaic language so she could say "councilwoman" instead of "councilman" in her response.

Rose Parenti, only the second Republican to win citywide office in the past quarter century, opted to have her son, William Loritzo, have the honor of swearing her in.

City Councilor Kevin McCauley, the most senior member of the council, turned for the third straight time to his wife, Jackie McCauley, to say the oath’s words for him to repeat.

Blumenthal and Wyman were the only outsiders involved in the 45-minute ceremony.
"I couldn't be prouder to be anywhere tonight than right here with Art Ward and his beautiful family," Blumental said.
Wyman said that she has never met a man who cares so much about children, seniors, working people and veterans as Ward does.
His love for the city and his family surpasses nearly everyone she's ever met, Wyman said.

The mayor’s seven grandchildren took to the stage, with many giggles, and led the crowd in saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ward said the event marked the end of a political campaign of unusually high caliber, one that focused on issues and showed the city at its best.

He thanked every candidate who sought office last week for making it possible.

"Whether they won or whether they lost is not relevant," Ward said, as he led a standing ovation for those who tried.

The mayor said the task facing the new administration “is going to be challenging,” but with new businesses coming to town, the school system proving itself a model for success, developers eyeing Depot Square downtown and more, there is reason to hope even during difficult times.

"We have a future here in the city of Bristol," Ward said, "as long as we come together in a bipartisan fashion."
The manner and respect of election show that officials "can do this," Ward said. "We must do this."
After a rousing rendition of “God Bless America,” the newly installed administration walked out to the cafeteria next door to greet everyone and perhaps grab a tiny sandwich provided by the Democratic Town Committee.

PS: Thanks for the picture, Laura Minor!

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

Rell's choice not too surprising to political leaders

Political leaders said Monday they understand Gov. Jodi Rell’s decision to retire rather than run for reelection next year.

"Right now, it's tough for any politician to be in office," said state Sen. Tom Colapietro, a Bristol Democrat.

With all the problems facing her over the past year, Colapietro said, "it's probably too much" for her to take it for another term, particularly when every politician is getting blamed for a sinking economy that's global in nature.

City Republican Party Chairman T.J. Barnes, “I think she wants to be a grandma” instead of trying to guide an unruly legislature through continued hard times.

State Rep. Bill Hamzy, a Plymouth Republican and former state GOP chairman, said, "I can honestly say that would not have been surprised whichever way she chose to go."

He said that Rell served a decade in the legislature, nearly another decade as lieutenant governor and six years at the helm of the state.

"That's a long time," he said, and she's probably ready to spend time with her grandchildren instead.

Aside from that, the job hasn't been easy.

"This year was probably one of the worst years to serve in public office. Next year, I believe, is going to be even worse," Hamzy said.

"It takes some of the joy out of the task," Hamzy said.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who was in town to help deliver the oath of office to Mayor Art Ward, said he is still digesting the news from Gov. Jodi Rell.
"It's certainly surprising and interesting," Blumenthal said. He declined to say how Rell's decision might have an impact on his own future.

Art Mocabee, a state GOP official and former Bristol city Republican chairman, said the news "comes as a shock," but not as a surprise.

"Governor Rell has served us all well since taking charge six years ago. Rest assured that Connecticut Republicans have many qualified conservative voices that will be herd in the months to come. I wish to thank the Governor and wish her the best."

State Rep. Frank Nicastro, a Bristol Democrat, said Rell deserves thanks for her long service to the state.

He said he wasn’t shocked at the news she wouldn’t run.

“I had a funny feeling about it,” he said, because the governor has been so silent about so many issues lately.

Colapietro said he's not surprised that Rell decided to step down instead of running again.

"I got along good with Jodi," Colapietro said, though they often disagreed on issues. He said he wishes her well.

Barnes said that Rell’s announcement gives the party plenty of time to unite behind another candidate.

“It’s going to be an exciting 2010 in Connecticut,” Barnes said.

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

Swearing-in, live blogging, part 4

Mayor Art Ward is talking now, beginning with a moment of silence for the troops.
He said he tried to coax from both the comptroller and attorney general which of them would run for governor, but neither took the bait.
Ward said they've both been good friends to Bristol.
He said Jenna Connelly did an outstanding job singing.
His seven grandchildren led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance earlier. He thanked them.
Ward said that his wife Pat's patience and support, "I would not be able to do this."
The mayor also thanked every candidate. "Whether they won or whether they lost is not relevant."
He hailed the high caliber of the campaign this year.
"The task before us is going to be challenging," the mayor said.
"Tonight is a night to be positive," Ward said, "and I truly beleive that together, we will be able to move Bristol forward."
He said new businesses are moving in, existing businesses expanding and companies hiring.
Depot Square has attracted interest.
Many road projects are underway and other projects may happen soon.
"We have plans on the way for a brand new Boys Club," Ward said.
He pointed to Tunxis plans for an expanding downtown campus, schools that provide a model.
"We have a future here in the city of Bristol," Ward said, "as long as we come together in a bipartisan fashion."
The manner and respect of election show that officials "can do this," Ward said. "We must do this."
He's reading awfully fast.
Ward is thanking everyone for the opportunity to serve a second term "as your mayor."
A standing ovation for Ward.
It really is a celebration of democracy here, whatever you think of the results and however true it is that a distressing number of voters didn't bother to participate this year.
Tne new officials who are men have white carnations pinned to their sujits and dresses. The women have a red, white and blue ribbons, baby's breath and a white carnation.
And, after a rousing rendition of "God Bless American," it's over.
The newly elected administration is walking out. We all will in a few minutes.

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

Swearing-in, live blogging, part 3s

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal just said he wants to thank everyone who backed Mayor Art Ward.
"Tonigth is really a triumph of democracy," he said, adding that "voters who want to make a difference really can."
He said Ward is a fellow U.S. Marine. "Semper Fi," the attorney general said.
"I couldn't be prouder to be anywhere tonight than right here with Art Ward and his beautiful family," Blumental said.
"Politics is now over and Bristol comes first," state Comptroller Nancy Wyman said. She said that she has never met a man who cares so much about childen, seniors, working people and veterans as Ward.
His love for the city and his family surpasses nearly everyone she's ever met, Wyman said.
"Do you solemnly swear"... Wyman said.
"I do," the mayor said, to much laughter.
Then they did it right, with Wyman and Blumental reading in tandem the words for the mayor to repeat.
Ward's getting a standing ovation.
Mayra Sampson, a long-time Ward backer, looked stunning. She told me to say that.


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

Swearing-in ceremony, live blogging, part II

Forgive any mistakes, folks. It's hard to type quickly on a shoddy laptop.
City Clerk Therese Pac is dutifully making sure the paperwork is in order.
Kate Matthews had to correct the language of her oath so she could say "councilwoman" instead of "councilman."
Really, it's time to follow the newspaper's lead and just say councilor. It's all-purpose.
What's nice about this event is that there's no partisanship at all. Everybody recognizes, if only for a time, that they're all charged with a weighty responsibility: to make this city better.
Kevin Fuller is the only councilor to have someone by his side as he took the oath -- in his case, his wife. It's kind of sweet. Of course, Kevin McCauley had his wife deliver the oath, just as he's done every time in the past.

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

Live blogging from city swearing-in ceremony

About 150 people are gathered in the auditorium at Bristol Eastern High School to see the candidates elected last week formally take office.
We had a nice rendition of the National Anthem from Jenna Connelly after a police honor guard brought in the flags. They were followed by the candidates, Blumenthal and state Comptroller Nancy Wyman.
The constables and Board of Assessment Appeals were sworn in after that.
Now Treasurer Rose Parenti is taking the oath from her son, William Loritzo. She even got a kiss on the cheek from the mayor.
Here are the people administering the other oaths to major office holders:
CITY COUNCIL
Cliff Block -- Bill Veits
Kevin Fuller -- Paul Keegan
Kevin McCauley - Jackie McCauley (who promised to provide him with short soundbites)
Ken Cockayne - Bill Hamzy
Kate Matthews - Maryann Lupa
David Mills - Jack Hines

Wyman and Blumenthal are swearing in Ward. It apparently takes two of them.
After that, Ward will talk.

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

Blumenthal surprised by Rell choice

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said he is still digesting the news from Gov. Jodi Rell.
"It's certainly surprising and interesting," Blumenthal said as he waited to deliver the oath of office to releected Mayor Art Ward.
Blumenthal declined to say how Rell's decision might have an impact on his own future.

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

Colapietro plans to run again in 2010

State Sen. Tom Colapietro, a Bristol Democrat, said he's too stubborn to quit yet.

"As long as those Republicans keep calling me names, I'm going to keep running. They keep shooting their mouths off," the senator said, and making it so he wants to stick around just to show them up.

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

Rell not running again

Gov. Jodi Rell is not seeking reelection.

Art Mocabee, a state GOP official and former Bristol city Republican chairman, said the news "comes as a shock," but not as a surprise.

"Governor Rell has served us all well since taking charge six years ago. Rest assured that Connecticut Republicans have many qualified conservative voices that will be herd in the months to come. I wish to thank the Governor and wish her the best."

Colapietro said he's not surprised.

"Right now, it's tought for any politician to be in office," Colapietro said.

With all the problems facing her, he said, "it's probably too much" to take, particularly when every politician is getting blamed for a sinking economy that's global in nature.

"I got along good with Jodi," Colapietro said, though they often disagreed on issues.

He said he wishes her well.

State Rep. Bill Hamzy, a Plymouth Republican and former state GOP chairman, said, "I can honestly say that would not have been surprised whichever way she chose to go."

He said that Rell served a decade in the legislature, nearly another decade as lieutenant governor and six years at the helm of the state.

"That's a long time," he said, and she's probably ready to spend time with her grandchildren instead.

Aside from that, the job hasn't been easy.

"This year was probably one of the worst years to serve in public office. Next year, I believe, is going to be even worse," Hamzy said.

"It takes some of the joy out of the task," Hamzy said.

The state GOP chairman, Chris Healy, issued this statement:

"Governor M. Jodi Rell has served this state with honesty, openness and class. While many citizens are disappointed that the Governor will not seek another term, we all are grateful for the work she has done to improve the lives of the people of Connecticut."

"Almost 25 years ago, in the election of 1984, Governor Rell was elected to the State Legislature to represent the people of Brookfield. After serving with distinction as the Lt. Governor, she came to the Governorship under historic circumstances."

"Through her leadership, Gov. Rell won the trust of the people and governed with compassion and decency. Through it all, she never let the office inflate her ego or govern without seeking consensus."

"Gov. Rell will lead our party and our state through the next year and we will continue our support so that she may finish her work and help prepare our state for a Republican successor."

Dan Malloy, one of the Democrats eyeing the job, said in a statement:

“I thank the Governor for her years of public service to the State of Connecticut, and I wish her and her family all the best.

“We now know that Connecticut will have a new Governor in January of 2011. From my travels around the state, it’s clear that people want a leader with a track record of creating jobs, lowering crime, building affordable housing and improving quality of life for Connecticut families. I’ve spent 14 years as Mayor of Stamford doing precisely that, and should I become the next Governor I’d be proud to lead the fight to restore Connecticut’s economy and help put our state back on track.”

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