In an editorial today, the Waterbury Republican-American included this: "Gov. Rell continues to push for the Springfield-New Haven commuter line despite a lack of evidence commuters would use it; and the even more wasteful, foolhardy New Britain-Hartford busway."
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 30, 2010
November 29, 2010
Dodd to give farewell address Tuesday
For three decades, U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd has been a force in Congress, a man who didn't hesitate to present his views forcefully and to push his agenda forward, often with success. Like him or hate him, Connecticut's senior senator made his mark in the nation's capital.
At 4 p.m. on Tuesday, he'll give his farewell address in the Senate. It's bound to be interesting.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
At 4 p.m. on Tuesday, he'll give his farewell address in the Senate. It's bound to be interesting.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Colapietro cleared in campaign flap
The Nov. 17, 2009 complain by T.J. Barnes, Bristol’s GOP leader, accused the Democratic senator of failing to obey state laws governing when legislative candidates have to form campaign committees.
Colapietro said he’s not surprised at the unanimous ruling in his favor.
“It was silly in the first place,” said Colapietro, who lost a reelection bid to Republican Jason Welch.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Rell takes aim at commuter rail lines
A proposal by Gov. M. Jodi Rell to cut Metro North commuter train service on the New Canaan, Danbury and Waterbury branch lines is likely to run off the rails.
The plan, part of the governor’s plan to come up with $38 million for more heating assistance, has run into a storm of protest in Bristol and across much of the state.
“It is cynical of the governor to propose shutting down branch line rail service just as a way of getting lawmakers’ attention to the issue of funding the state’s emergency heating program,” said Jim Cameron, the head of the Connecticut Rail Commuter Council.
Cameron said Saturday everyone wants fellow citizens “to stay warm this winter” but looking for funding by wiping out rail funding isn’t the answer.
Cutting off the commuter rail lines starting April 1 would save the state $5 million through the end of June, according to Rell’s list of proposed funding cuts.
“It’s silly,” said Mike Nicastro, who heads the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce.
He said the legislature is unlikely to cut the Waterbury line, “the fastest-growing branch line in the state.” Click here for full story.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The plan, part of the governor’s plan to come up with $38 million for more heating assistance, has run into a storm of protest in Bristol and across much of the state.
“It is cynical of the governor to propose shutting down branch line rail service just as a way of getting lawmakers’ attention to the issue of funding the state’s emergency heating program,” said Jim Cameron, the head of the Connecticut Rail Commuter Council.
Cameron said Saturday everyone wants fellow citizens “to stay warm this winter” but looking for funding by wiping out rail funding isn’t the answer.
Cutting off the commuter rail lines starting April 1 would save the state $5 million through the end of June, according to Rell’s list of proposed funding cuts.
“It’s silly,” said Mike Nicastro, who heads the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce.
He said the legislature is unlikely to cut the Waterbury line, “the fastest-growing branch line in the state.” Click here for full story.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
New Route 72 proving a hit
The new Route 72 extension, which won’t be finished until summer, is already proving a hit.
The $61 million road has eased morning and evening congestion for commuters, officials said, by providing drivers with more options and a nicer, safer route through Forestville.
“All the comments I’ve heard have been positive,” said Mayor Art Ward.
There are no longer traffic jams in the morning, said Dayton Schroeter, the project engineer for the state Department of Transportation, and evening rush hours are also seeing “a big improvement.” Click here for story.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The $61 million road has eased morning and evening congestion for commuters, officials said, by providing drivers with more options and a nicer, safer route through Forestville.
“All the comments I’ve heard have been positive,” said Mayor Art Ward.
There are no longer traffic jams in the morning, said Dayton Schroeter, the project engineer for the state Department of Transportation, and evening rush hours are also seeing “a big improvement.” Click here for story.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 24, 2010
Ward a possible pick for state vets commissioner
Given the possibility that Mayor Art Ward may be in line for a top state job, at least two politicians in town are making plans in case there’s a special election for mayor in the next couple of months.
Though nobody wants to admit in public that they’re eyeing the mayor’s job while Democrat Art Ward holds it, they are taking steps to run in case Ward leaves City Hall.
According to political insiders, Ward, who’s been mayor since 2007, may be tapped by Gov.-elect Dan Malloy to serve as commissioner or the state Department of Veterans Affairs.
City Republican Party chief T.J. Barnes said Tuesday the GOP “has thought about it” and talked over what it might do in response.
Ward said Monday he has heard nothing from Malloy or his staff about any potential appointment and dismissed it as a rumor.
“I haven’t been contacted by anyone,” Ward said, including Malloy.
Malloy’s staff is keeping mum about possible appointments. Click here for story.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Though nobody wants to admit in public that they’re eyeing the mayor’s job while Democrat Art Ward holds it, they are taking steps to run in case Ward leaves City Hall.
According to political insiders, Ward, who’s been mayor since 2007, may be tapped by Gov.-elect Dan Malloy to serve as commissioner or the state Department of Veterans Affairs.
City Republican Party chief T.J. Barnes said Tuesday the GOP “has thought about it” and talked over what it might do in response.
Ward said Monday he has heard nothing from Malloy or his staff about any potential appointment and dismissed it as a rumor.
“I haven’t been contacted by anyone,” Ward said, including Malloy.
Malloy’s staff is keeping mum about possible appointments. Click here for story.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 18, 2010
Larson retains Democratic leadership post
Following a vote Wednesday by congressional Democrats, U.S. Rep. John Larson remains the fourth-ranking member of his party’s leadership in the U.S. House.
In a letter to constituents, Larson said he is “humbled and appreciative” of his reelection to a second term as the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.
Democrats tapped Nancy Pelosi of California to serve as minority leader and kept Steny Hoyer of Maryland as their whip. They installed South Carolina’s James Clyburn to fill the number three slot in the leadership ladder.
Larson said that his leadership position “will continue to allow me to do more for Connecticut and the 1st District as a whole.” The district includes Bristol, Southington and Berlin.
“Over the past two years,” Larson said, “I have had the opportunity to bring administration officials and fellow members of Congress to Connecticut to learn more about our state firsthand, increase our trade opportunities for local businesses through visits by foreign diplomats and ambassadors, and represent your view on important everyday issues in meetings with the president and congressional leadership.”
“I look forward to continuing to do that,” Larson said. Click here for the full story.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
In a letter to constituents, Larson said he is “humbled and appreciative” of his reelection to a second term as the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.
Democrats tapped Nancy Pelosi of California to serve as minority leader and kept Steny Hoyer of Maryland as their whip. They installed South Carolina’s James Clyburn to fill the number three slot in the leadership ladder.
Larson said that his leadership position “will continue to allow me to do more for Connecticut and the 1st District as a whole.” The district includes Bristol, Southington and Berlin.
“Over the past two years,” Larson said, “I have had the opportunity to bring administration officials and fellow members of Congress to Connecticut to learn more about our state firsthand, increase our trade opportunities for local businesses through visits by foreign diplomats and ambassadors, and represent your view on important everyday issues in meetings with the president and congressional leadership.”
“I look forward to continuing to do that,” Larson said. Click here for the full story.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 16, 2010
Busway cost is higher than anticipated
The projected cost of the busway between Hartford and New Britain doesn’t include the tab for two new bridges that are vital to the $573 million plan.
Though rebuilding the Cedar Street bridge in Newington will add only $2.5 million to the tab, a plan to put a new bridge over the busway and rail lines at Flatbush Avenue in West Hartford may add another $45 million to the bottom line, according to the engineers overseeing the busway project.
Counting the bridges, which are linked to the project but carried separately on the state Department of Transportation’s books, the 9.4-mile busway’s cost to taxpayers could exceed $615 million.
At a Tuesday morning hearing in West Hartford, transportation officials said they are plunging forward with the busway plan. They said the first bids, for utility work, will be opened in January and construction should be underway in April.
“It’s full steam ahead until we’re told otherwise,” said Richard Armstrong, the principal engineer on the project. A link to the full story will be posted when it is available.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Though rebuilding the Cedar Street bridge in Newington will add only $2.5 million to the tab, a plan to put a new bridge over the busway and rail lines at Flatbush Avenue in West Hartford may add another $45 million to the bottom line, according to the engineers overseeing the busway project.
Counting the bridges, which are linked to the project but carried separately on the state Department of Transportation’s books, the 9.4-mile busway’s cost to taxpayers could exceed $615 million.
At a Tuesday morning hearing in West Hartford, transportation officials said they are plunging forward with the busway plan. They said the first bids, for utility work, will be opened in January and construction should be underway in April.
“It’s full steam ahead until we’re told otherwise,” said Richard Armstrong, the principal engineer on the project. A link to the full story will be posted when it is available.
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Larson appears set to keep leadership post
Democrats plan to pick their leaders Wednesday for the next Congress, which begins in January when newly elected members take office.
Larson is the only Democrat seeking election to head the party caucus in the House, which has been the fourth-ranking post in the leadership ladder. He announced his intention to seek the office again during an election night interview with The Bristol Press.
California Democratic Nancy Pelosi is slated to remain as the party leader while the rest of the leadership team remains the same – with the addition of South Carolina’s James Clyburn to a new slot to be created for him.
“This leadership team represents the diversity of the Democratic caucus and the American people,” Larson said Monday.
Larson, whose 1st District includes Bristol, said the Democrats, even in the minority, “will continue to work well together to put Americans back to work and rebuild our economy.”
The congressman said that holding a top post matters.
“Having a seat at the leadership table means that every citizen of Connecticut has a louder voice in the pressing issues we discuss around that table,” said Larson, who lives in East Hartford and has represented the district since 1998. Click here for the full story.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 15, 2010
Busway critics pin hopes on Malloy
Critics of the proposed busway between New Britain and Hartford have new hope they can hit the brakes on the $573 million plan.
But supporters of the project – which would create nearly 1,000 construction jobs – say the 9.4-mile roadway must go forward.
“We’re full steam ahead,” Mayor Timothy Stewart of New Britain said Monday.
Two transportation-related items that critics hope may sway Gov.-elect Dan Malloy to kill the controversial busway are a new scheme to reconstruct Interstate 84 through Hartford and the legislature’s failure to approve a plan to replace Hartford’s Broad Street bridge.
For Stewart, the issues are designed “to create controversy just to muddy the waters” and have no merit.
He said Malloy “would be kind of silly” to shelve the busway project, losing $100 million in the process and making it likely the federal government won’t shovel any more transportation money to Connecticut.
Critics argue, however, that a commuter rail alternative can be done within a reasonable time frame at lesser cost. They said they’re sure the federal government, which is pushing rail, would back it. Click here to see the full story.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
But supporters of the project – which would create nearly 1,000 construction jobs – say the 9.4-mile roadway must go forward.
“We’re full steam ahead,” Mayor Timothy Stewart of New Britain said Monday.
Two transportation-related items that critics hope may sway Gov.-elect Dan Malloy to kill the controversial busway are a new scheme to reconstruct Interstate 84 through Hartford and the legislature’s failure to approve a plan to replace Hartford’s Broad Street bridge.
For Stewart, the issues are designed “to create controversy just to muddy the waters” and have no merit.
He said Malloy “would be kind of silly” to shelve the busway project, losing $100 million in the process and making it likely the federal government won’t shovel any more transportation money to Connecticut.
Critics argue, however, that a commuter rail alternative can be done within a reasonable time frame at lesser cost. They said they’re sure the federal government, which is pushing rail, would back it. Click here to see the full story.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 12, 2010
New book celebrates carousel museum collection
The writer and photogapher of “Flying Horses: The Golden Age of American Carousel Art, 1870-1930,” will be signing copies of their $75 volume Saturday at the museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, during a craft fair that no doubt has some nice stuff.
The museum gets $15 from each sale. You can get more details from The Bristol Press on Saturday.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 10, 2010
City seeks permission to offer tax amnesties
Mayor Art Ward said Tuesday the change, which needs state approval, would create “another vehicle we could use in lessening the amount of delinquent taxes.”
City councilors unanimously endorsed the request that lawmakers representing Bristol in the General Assembly push to change state statutes so that municipalities could lower the amount of interest and penalties that delinquents must pay.
The mayor said state legislators can set whatever conditions they desire, but opening the door to reducing the bills that some people have piled up might help get more taxes paid.
The city’s tax collector, Teresa Babon, said that about $2.5 million worth of this year’s property taxes wasn’t paid – not much different than most years. She said that aggressive pursuit of unpaid bills probably helped keep the number down despite tough times. Click here for the full story.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
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