When the city asked for lawyers interested in serving as one of its assistant corporation counsels, it received about five resumes from Republican lawyers interested in the part-time position.
But Edward Krawiecki, Jr, the former city attorney, wasn't one of them.
Personnel Director Diane Ferguson confirmed this week that Krawiecki didn't apply.
I'm told by a few interested parties, but haven't confirmed, that Mayor Art Ward, a Democrat, raced in with Krawiecki's resume after the deadline for applications had passed.
That's one of the reasons that Ward pulled Krawiecki's nomination at the last minute - a nomination that Ward knew the Democratic-controlled City Council would not confirm.
Soon after, Ward told Ferguson to tell the applicants, including some prominent names in the legal community, that the position wasn't going to be filled now. Letters went out to the hopefuls telling them the news.
Last week, Ward said he'd try again in the fall to round up resumes for the job, but again made clear that he wants Krawiecki to fill it.
Next time around, I'm guessing, he'll get his resume in on time.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 9, 2008
July 8, 2008
Council plans to fight CL&P
The city plans to fight for more than $380,000 it says Connecticut Light & Power owes it for past billing mistakes.
City Councilor Cliff Block said he anticipates a long, hard battle to collect the cash for mistakes in old streetlighting bills, but “the payoff at the end is going to be significant.”
"We feel we've got hard case evidence" to prove it, city Councilor Mike Rimcoski said, and officials intend to fight for every penny.
Councilors unanimously agreed to give officials and Municipal Energy, the consultant helping find the billing errors, another 45 days to search for more mistakes and then to launch a legal fight to get the money.
The utility company has admitted that it made mistakes. It offered the city $86,000 in compensation.
But Municipal Energy tapped into a wealth of public works records to argue that Bristol is actually owed at least $380,000.
The consultant stands to make about $55,000 if the city’s claim holds up, which would leave taxpayers with about an extra $240,000 if the city can win the case that Municipal Energy helped it make.
The city hired the firm a year and a half ago for $10,000 plus 15 percent of whatever the city earns above $86,000 from taking on the utility giant.
Bristol is one of about 50 towns and cities challenging the payouts that CL&P offered and the state Department of Utility Control approved.
Block said that Bristol, which may have the most records to prove its case, is setting the pace in taking on the power company.
He warned, though, that nobody should expect to see any money soon. He said there is “going to be a heck of a fight” with CL&P because the utility stands to lose millions if Bristol can thwart its initial offer, since it would likely open the door for other cities to collect bigger checks, too.
Rimcoski said the city is going to try to enlist Attorney General Richard Blumenthal’s support for its quest for cash that officials say Bristol deserves.
"We're holding our ground," Rimcoski said.
Here are a number of reports from Municipal Energy that lay out in detail what's at the root of the controversy. The company's president, Ken Johnson, kindly provided the documents today at my request.
Municipal Energy Report to the Streetlight Committee (April 3, 2008)
Energy's Bristol's Refund Calculation Summary
Municipal Energy New Found Report on March 2, 2008
Municipal Energy New Found Lights (March 7, 2008)
Municipal Energy's New Found spreadsheet
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
City Councilor Cliff Block said he anticipates a long, hard battle to collect the cash for mistakes in old streetlighting bills, but “the payoff at the end is going to be significant.”
"We feel we've got hard case evidence" to prove it, city Councilor Mike Rimcoski said, and officials intend to fight for every penny.
Councilors unanimously agreed to give officials and Municipal Energy, the consultant helping find the billing errors, another 45 days to search for more mistakes and then to launch a legal fight to get the money.
The utility company has admitted that it made mistakes. It offered the city $86,000 in compensation.
But Municipal Energy tapped into a wealth of public works records to argue that Bristol is actually owed at least $380,000.
The consultant stands to make about $55,000 if the city’s claim holds up, which would leave taxpayers with about an extra $240,000 if the city can win the case that Municipal Energy helped it make.
The city hired the firm a year and a half ago for $10,000 plus 15 percent of whatever the city earns above $86,000 from taking on the utility giant.
Bristol is one of about 50 towns and cities challenging the payouts that CL&P offered and the state Department of Utility Control approved.
Block said that Bristol, which may have the most records to prove its case, is setting the pace in taking on the power company.
He warned, though, that nobody should expect to see any money soon. He said there is “going to be a heck of a fight” with CL&P because the utility stands to lose millions if Bristol can thwart its initial offer, since it would likely open the door for other cities to collect bigger checks, too.
Rimcoski said the city is going to try to enlist Attorney General Richard Blumenthal’s support for its quest for cash that officials say Bristol deserves.
"We're holding our ground," Rimcoski said.
Here are a number of reports from Municipal Energy that lay out in detail what's at the root of the controversy. The company's president, Ken Johnson, kindly provided the documents today at my request.
Municipal Energy Report to the Streetlight Committee (April 3, 2008)
Energy's Bristol's Refund Calculation Summary
Municipal Energy New Found Report on March 2, 2008
Municipal Energy New Found Lights (March 7, 2008)
Municipal Energy's New Found spreadsheet
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Pick up after your dog... or else
The more than 2,500 dog owners in the city can no longer stand idly by after their pooches leave their droppings on private and public property in Bristol.
Unless the dog does its business on the owner’s own land – or someone else’s who doesn’t mind – the city will soon be able to slap a $25 fine.
City councilors unanimously approved the new law Tuesday that mandates dog owners clean up after their pets. The measure specifically applies only to dogs, not to other domestic animals that may wander onto the property of others.
City Councilor Craig Minor, who heads the Ordinance Committee that pushed the new statute, said one interesting twist is that the law requires dog owners to have “a means to clean up after their dog” with them whenever they’re out and about with their pet.
That allows police officers to check to make sure the owner was ready and able to follow through on the law’s mandates without actually witnessing the owner failing to do what the law requires.
That means that dog owners need to have bags or containers with them if they’re out and about with their pets – every time – or they could wind up with a ticket.
City Attorney Dale Clift, who came up with provision, said that someone lacking a means to scoop the poop “is not going to pick up after the dog.”
The existing law in Bristol requires owners to pick up after their pet on school or park property, but nowhere else.
Even now, there’s no leash law in town, though pets are supposed to be “under the control” of owners at all times.
Ignoring the pooper scooper laws in the parks and on school property, imposed in 1995, can lead to $90 fines, a much heftier tab than letting a dog leave its droppings in a neighbor’s yard.
The law goes into effect 14 days after it’s officially published in the newspaper, which will probably occur within a few days.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Unless the dog does its business on the owner’s own land – or someone else’s who doesn’t mind – the city will soon be able to slap a $25 fine.
City councilors unanimously approved the new law Tuesday that mandates dog owners clean up after their pets. The measure specifically applies only to dogs, not to other domestic animals that may wander onto the property of others.
City Councilor Craig Minor, who heads the Ordinance Committee that pushed the new statute, said one interesting twist is that the law requires dog owners to have “a means to clean up after their dog” with them whenever they’re out and about with their pet.
That allows police officers to check to make sure the owner was ready and able to follow through on the law’s mandates without actually witnessing the owner failing to do what the law requires.
That means that dog owners need to have bags or containers with them if they’re out and about with their pets – every time – or they could wind up with a ticket.
City Attorney Dale Clift, who came up with provision, said that someone lacking a means to scoop the poop “is not going to pick up after the dog.”
The existing law in Bristol requires owners to pick up after their pet on school or park property, but nowhere else.
Even now, there’s no leash law in town, though pets are supposed to be “under the control” of owners at all times.
Ignoring the pooper scooper laws in the parks and on school property, imposed in 1995, can lead to $90 fines, a much heftier tab than letting a dog leave its droppings in a neighbor’s yard.
The law goes into effect 14 days after it’s officially published in the newspaper, which will probably occur within a few days.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
City seeking $380K or more from CL&P
City Councilor Mike Rimcoski said today that the city is owed at least $380,000 from Connecticut Light & Power for mistakes in past streetlighting bills.
"We feel we've got hard case evidence" to prove it, Rimcoski said, and officials intend to fight for every penny.
Rimcoski said the City Council tonight is likely to set a 45-day window to finish searching for past errors before taking the case to higher authorities.
Rimcoski said the utility, which offered the city about $86,000 a year and a half ago, will almost certainly fight the claim. Dozens of other municipalities are also challenging CL&P's figures.
Rimcoski said that the city is working closely with Municipal Energy, a consulting firm hired last year to help squeeze more money from CL&P.
Councilors are expected to approve the effort to get more cash for old mistakes in billing for lights that didn't exist.
The city shells out about $800,000 annually to the power company, Rimcoski said.
Rimcoski said the city has the records to prove its case.
He said that if CL&P doesn't pay up, the city will ask for assistance from Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and from the state Department of Utility Control.
"We're holding our ground," Rimcoski said.
Click here for all blog entries mentioning Municipal Energy
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
"We feel we've got hard case evidence" to prove it, Rimcoski said, and officials intend to fight for every penny.
Rimcoski said the City Council tonight is likely to set a 45-day window to finish searching for past errors before taking the case to higher authorities.
Rimcoski said the utility, which offered the city about $86,000 a year and a half ago, will almost certainly fight the claim. Dozens of other municipalities are also challenging CL&P's figures.
Rimcoski said that the city is working closely with Municipal Energy, a consulting firm hired last year to help squeeze more money from CL&P.
Councilors are expected to approve the effort to get more cash for old mistakes in billing for lights that didn't exist.
The city shells out about $800,000 annually to the power company, Rimcoski said.
Rimcoski said the city has the records to prove its case.
He said that if CL&P doesn't pay up, the city will ask for assistance from Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and from the state Department of Utility Control.
"We're holding our ground," Rimcoski said.
Click here for all blog entries mentioning Municipal Energy
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 7, 2008
A second theater for Memorial Boulevard School?
The city may have a chance to add a second, smaller theater at Memorial Boulevard School when it renovates the existing auditorium for use as a stage for community plays, concerts and traveling shows.
Consultants said there’s a chance to create a black box theater where the gymnasium is today.
It would have seating – though far less than the auditorium -- and would be used for rehearsals, concerts and some theater, they said.
Mark Hopper, a partner in the Schoenhardt architectural firm in Simsbury, said a black box theater offers more flexible space than the large stage upstairs.
He said that a black box setup would help to make the entire theater “a more viable arts space year-round.”
Bill Clegg, president of the firm, said that making a black box theater part of the overall plan would also make it easier to book events because there would be more options for the use of the space.
For instance, a band could rehearse in the black box theater while a musical is rehearsed on the main stage, he said.
It isn’t clear whether the black box theater idea would add to the cost. It’s possible that including it would allow for a smaller addition on the school and perhaps even save money in the long run.
Hopper said that adding the black box theater and cutting back on rehearsal space in a new addition might lower the overall cost of the project.
But it’s also possible the expense would push up the multi-million tab for the community theater project, officials said.
“It doesn’t make a lot of sense,” said Tom O’Brien, a Board of Education member. “This type of things is nothing we can afford.”
O’Brien called it “ridiculous” to spend time even discussing the option.
But Barbara Pond, another member of the theater committee, said she thinks the black box theater “is a wonderful idea down the road” and perhaps a perfect venue for classical music concerts.
City Councilor Frank Nicastro said the public will eventually make its wishes known and officials will pay heed because of the importance of the issue and the emotional ties the community has to the school building itself.
What’s most important, he said, is to get “the most we can for the buck” without undermining the historical integrity of the structure.
“The perfect thing would be able to do it all,” Nicastro said.
What is a black box theater?
Typically, they are large square rooms with black walls. Seating normally consists of chairs on platforms that can be moved around to fit the needs of a particular show.
The entire arrangement is simple so that it can provide an intimate setting for a small-scale or experimental play, rehearsal or a concert that doesn’t need a larger auditorium.There are hundreds of them around the country, including many attached to schools, because of their utility in providing extra space, relieving some of the burden on what are often tightly scheduled main stages.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Consultants said there’s a chance to create a black box theater where the gymnasium is today.
It would have seating – though far less than the auditorium -- and would be used for rehearsals, concerts and some theater, they said.
Mark Hopper, a partner in the Schoenhardt architectural firm in Simsbury, said a black box theater offers more flexible space than the large stage upstairs.
He said that a black box setup would help to make the entire theater “a more viable arts space year-round.”
Bill Clegg, president of the firm, said that making a black box theater part of the overall plan would also make it easier to book events because there would be more options for the use of the space.
For instance, a band could rehearse in the black box theater while a musical is rehearsed on the main stage, he said.
It isn’t clear whether the black box theater idea would add to the cost. It’s possible that including it would allow for a smaller addition on the school and perhaps even save money in the long run.
Hopper said that adding the black box theater and cutting back on rehearsal space in a new addition might lower the overall cost of the project.
But it’s also possible the expense would push up the multi-million tab for the community theater project, officials said.
“It doesn’t make a lot of sense,” said Tom O’Brien, a Board of Education member. “This type of things is nothing we can afford.”
O’Brien called it “ridiculous” to spend time even discussing the option.
But Barbara Pond, another member of the theater committee, said she thinks the black box theater “is a wonderful idea down the road” and perhaps a perfect venue for classical music concerts.
City Councilor Frank Nicastro said the public will eventually make its wishes known and officials will pay heed because of the importance of the issue and the emotional ties the community has to the school building itself.
What’s most important, he said, is to get “the most we can for the buck” without undermining the historical integrity of the structure.
“The perfect thing would be able to do it all,” Nicastro said.
What is a black box theater?
Typically, they are large square rooms with black walls. Seating normally consists of chairs on platforms that can be moved around to fit the needs of a particular show.
The entire arrangement is simple so that it can provide an intimate setting for a small-scale or experimental play, rehearsal or a concert that doesn’t need a larger auditorium.There are hundreds of them around the country, including many attached to schools, because of their utility in providing extra space, relieving some of the burden on what are often tightly scheduled main stages.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
What to do with Memorial Boulevard School?
If everything goes according to plan, the Board of Education will close Memorial Boulevard School in a few years and hand the keys over to City Hall.What happens then, though, remains a mystery.
“Who the heck knows?” said city Councilor Frank Nicastro, a former mayor.
He said that among the uses discussed for the historic building have been to turn it into a senior center or to create municipal offices within it.
But figuring out the future of the former city high school, which has been a middle school for years, would be helpful in providing guidance to the architects who are working on a plan for turning its grand auditorium into a modern community theater that can handle concerts, plays and more.
They don’t know, for example, if the existing gymnasium beneath the auditorium will be needed in the future or if that space could be used to enhance the theater.
William Smyth, the recently retired finance director for the school system, said that educators intend “to get rid of the building” as soon as the two new kindergarten to eighth grade buildings eyed for Forestville and West Bristol are constructed.
That’s likely to be about three years from now unless the projects are derailed.
The city needs to decide, then, whether the gym should stay or go, Smyth said. He said that the park department and senior center both might want to keep the gym for their own uses down the road.
On the other hand, Bill Clegg, president of the Schoenhardt architectural firm in Simsbury, said his firm could make use of the space for a banquet hall or a black box theater.
Mark Hopper, a partner in the architecture firm, said that part of the decision-making is to set limits on what the theater can use.
Hopper said that figuring out the programs the theater would house and the parts of the building it can overhaul would provide guidance to the architects.
The city hasn’t had any serious discussion – in public at least – about the ultimate fate of the school.
But there have been hints.
For example, former Mayor William Stortz, in his 2007 state-of-the-city speech, asked, “Could that house
the Board of Education or the whole city hall or possibly an education/academic facility such as
criminal justice or culinary institute or an expansion of the Community college system?”
“Just think, if the Board of Education moved there then what would/could be done with their
building? Apartments, condos, possible conversion for the Bristol Boys and Girls Club with an
adjacent open lot, or even again, some other educational facility,” Stortz said.
The school board aims to close Memorial Boulevard and three old elementary schools and move the students into two new K-8 buildings.
The $120 million plan has received initial blessings from City Hall, but it’s unclear whether officials will continue to back the idea when they’re presented with property to purchase and bills to pay.
The state would pick up about 70 percent of the school construction cost. State officials have also told the city that it can renovate the theater without updating the entire Memorial Boulevard building to meet current accessibility, building and fire codes.
Memorial Boulevard opened in 1922 and served as the city’s only high school until 1959. It was converted to a junior high school in 1967. Since 1993, it has housed sixth, seventh and eighth graders.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
More than 1,000 petition signatures in hand, Johnson says
Here's a note that former GOP mayoral candidate Ken Johnson sent out this afternoon to supporters of the chief operating officer initiative (minus the time slots to sign up for):
Dear Friends:
The drive continues to get the City Manager/Chief Operating Officer question onto the November ballot. We had another successful week with a large number of people signing the petition at the Bristol and Forestville Stop & Shops and at the Headmaster’s Salon. As a result, we now have more than 1000 signatures in hand! Plus, with the additional petitions in the hands of circulators (Thank You Circulators!), we have at least 1500 signatures total and we are clearly past the half-way point. Thank you to all our volunteers this past week!
Our goal is to hit the 3000 mark this coming weekend. Therefore, we are conducting a petition blitz this Saturday and Sunday at the Bristol and Forestville Stop & Shops. Please lend your volunteer support to our effort so we can push the campaign over the top.
Please help! With one more big volunteer push, we can accomplish our goal!
Look at the schedule below. Please write back or call me and let me know when you can work a one or two-hour time slot. [Note: time slots removed. Contact Johnson for more information if you're interested in helping out.]
City Manager Petition Drive
Stop & Shop, Bristol
Saturday, July 12, 2008
10:00am - 5:00pm
Remember to tell your Republican, Democrat and Unaffiliated friends to come sign the petition and help us reach our goal. For those of you who have petitions to turn in, please bring them to either Stop & Shop this weekend so we’ll have an accurate count by the end of the weekend. You can also return your completed petitions during the week to Ken Cockayne’s office at Brokers Advanced Concepts, 52 Race St.
Please e-mail me at abuyersmarket@comcast.net.
Sincerely,
Ken
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Dear Friends:
The drive continues to get the City Manager/Chief Operating Officer question onto the November ballot. We had another successful week with a large number of people signing the petition at the Bristol and Forestville Stop & Shops and at the Headmaster’s Salon. As a result, we now have more than 1000 signatures in hand! Plus, with the additional petitions in the hands of circulators (Thank You Circulators!), we have at least 1500 signatures total and we are clearly past the half-way point. Thank you to all our volunteers this past week!
Our goal is to hit the 3000 mark this coming weekend. Therefore, we are conducting a petition blitz this Saturday and Sunday at the Bristol and Forestville Stop & Shops. Please lend your volunteer support to our effort so we can push the campaign over the top.
Please help! With one more big volunteer push, we can accomplish our goal!
Look at the schedule below. Please write back or call me and let me know when you can work a one or two-hour time slot. [Note: time slots removed. Contact Johnson for more information if you're interested in helping out.]
City Manager Petition Drive
Stop & Shop, Bristol
Saturday, July 12, 2008
10:00am - 5:00pm
Remember to tell your Republican, Democrat and Unaffiliated friends to come sign the petition and help us reach our goal. For those of you who have petitions to turn in, please bring them to either Stop & Shop this weekend so we’ll have an accurate count by the end of the weekend. You can also return your completed petitions during the week to Ken Cockayne’s office at Brokers Advanced Concepts, 52 Race St.
Please e-mail me at abuyersmarket@comcast.net.
Sincerely,
Ken
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Ken Johnson says "good ol' boy network is alive and well"
Press release issued a few minutes ago by former, and possibly future, Republican mayoral candidate Ken Johnson:
While Ed Krawiecki’s nomination for appointment to a Corporation Counsel position has played out in public, another intriguing appointment has played out behind the scenes at City Hall.
It is expected that Republican Paul Tonon will be appointed by Council on Tuesday evening to the Board of Finance to replace Republican Dan Soucy. Not much controversy here- the mayor is replacing a Republican with a Republican. However, there’s more to the story…
Mr. Tonon was not the Mayor’s first choice. Mayor Ward initially nominated Robert Dunlap, an Unaffiliated voter, on June 26 to replace Soucy. I must admit, I was among those who found it curious that Mr. Dunlap was listed as ‘Unaffiliated.’ Why? Well, Mr. Dunlap was Art Ward’s campaign treasurer. Mr. Dunlap is the one, you may recall, who was fined earlier this year by the State Elections Enforcement Commission for breaking election laws during last year’s mayoral race.
Upon checking with the Office of the Registrar it turns out that Mr. Dunlap had been a registered Democrat until June 24 when he changed his party affiliation from ‘Democrat’ to ‘Unaffiliated.’ After this was brought to the Mayor’s attention, the nomination of Mr. Dunlap was withdrawn.
I will leave it to the reader to put together the rest of the story but suffice to say the good ol’ boy network is alive and well in Bristol.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
While Ed Krawiecki’s nomination for appointment to a Corporation Counsel position has played out in public, another intriguing appointment has played out behind the scenes at City Hall.
It is expected that Republican Paul Tonon will be appointed by Council on Tuesday evening to the Board of Finance to replace Republican Dan Soucy. Not much controversy here- the mayor is replacing a Republican with a Republican. However, there’s more to the story…
Mr. Tonon was not the Mayor’s first choice. Mayor Ward initially nominated Robert Dunlap, an Unaffiliated voter, on June 26 to replace Soucy. I must admit, I was among those who found it curious that Mr. Dunlap was listed as ‘Unaffiliated.’ Why? Well, Mr. Dunlap was Art Ward’s campaign treasurer. Mr. Dunlap is the one, you may recall, who was fined earlier this year by the State Elections Enforcement Commission for breaking election laws during last year’s mayoral race.
Upon checking with the Office of the Registrar it turns out that Mr. Dunlap had been a registered Democrat until June 24 when he changed his party affiliation from ‘Democrat’ to ‘Unaffiliated.’ After this was brought to the Mayor’s attention, the nomination of Mr. Dunlap was withdrawn.
I will leave it to the reader to put together the rest of the story but suffice to say the good ol’ boy network is alive and well in Bristol.
Hey, Ken, the City Council already appointed Tonon - a week ago
Update: I let Ken know. He's changing the appointment to the past tense.
*******Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
A vision for the West End
The West End planning study continues to move forward. This morning, Elizabeth Grossman of the New Haven-based Capstan Group sent this out to participants in the West End workshops in recent months:
Dear West End neighborhood stakeholders,
Hello! During our last two meetings – starting on May 3rd with the post-it visioning exercise and in June – we’ve worked with West End stakeholders to draft a vision statement for the West End neighborhood. After including all of the concepts and comments from these discussions, we have a near-final draft that we would like to share with you. Attached is the draft vision statement. As you read the draft, keep in mind that a vision statement is intended to describe the neighborhood, identify what distinguishes the West End and makes it different from other neighborhoods in Bristol, and clearly states what we envision the neighborhood can look like and feel like twenty years from now.
If you have a few minutes, please take a look at the statement and tell us what you think. We seek any comments, feedback, and suggestions that you have that can help us make it better. If you could please send me any comments by Friday, July 18th, we’ll use all feedback to finalize the vision for the West End Neighborhood Plan. If you have questions as you are looking at this document, feel free to either email or call (grossman@cpstn.com or 203.785.0130).
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Take care,
--Lisa
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Dear West End neighborhood stakeholders,
Hello! During our last two meetings – starting on May 3rd with the post-it visioning exercise and in June – we’ve worked with West End stakeholders to draft a vision statement for the West End neighborhood. After including all of the concepts and comments from these discussions, we have a near-final draft that we would like to share with you. Attached is the draft vision statement. As you read the draft, keep in mind that a vision statement is intended to describe the neighborhood, identify what distinguishes the West End and makes it different from other neighborhoods in Bristol, and clearly states what we envision the neighborhood can look like and feel like twenty years from now.
If you have a few minutes, please take a look at the statement and tell us what you think. We seek any comments, feedback, and suggestions that you have that can help us make it better. If you could please send me any comments by Friday, July 18th, we’ll use all feedback to finalize the vision for the West End Neighborhood Plan. If you have questions as you are looking at this document, feel free to either email or call (grossman@cpstn.com or 203.785.0130).
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Take care,
--Lisa
DRAFT West End Neighborhood Vision Statement
Our neighborhood, part of a growing Bristol, is a welcoming and supportive place in which residents, merchants, property owners, and civic leaders alike take great pride.
Located along Route 72 and adjacent to downtown, our neighborhood is both a gateway to the heart of the city and a desirable destination in its own right. Our neighborhood is defined by a unique blend of assets that include a diverse population; a variety of housing types and local businesses; distinctive architecture; three of Bristol’s finest recreation amenities – Rockwell Park, Muzzy Field, and Brackett Park; access to the Pequabuck River; schools, churches, and social organizations that strengthen and support our community; and close connectivity with the downtown.
We are proud because, through the positive efforts of many individuals and groups, the West End is once again a safe, friendly, family-oriented neighborhood with thriving businesses, convenient transportation options, and attractive amenities and activities, all within easy walking distance. We demonstrate our pride on an ongoing basis by taking responsibility for the care of our homes and properties, our parks, our river, and one another.
Our neighborhood, part of a growing Bristol, is a welcoming and supportive place in which residents, merchants, property owners, and civic leaders alike take great pride.
Located along Route 72 and adjacent to downtown, our neighborhood is both a gateway to the heart of the city and a desirable destination in its own right. Our neighborhood is defined by a unique blend of assets that include a diverse population; a variety of housing types and local businesses; distinctive architecture; three of Bristol’s finest recreation amenities – Rockwell Park, Muzzy Field, and Brackett Park; access to the Pequabuck River; schools, churches, and social organizations that strengthen and support our community; and close connectivity with the downtown.
We are proud because, through the positive efforts of many individuals and groups, the West End is once again a safe, friendly, family-oriented neighborhood with thriving businesses, convenient transportation options, and attractive amenities and activities, all within easy walking distance. We demonstrate our pride on an ongoing basis by taking responsibility for the care of our homes and properties, our parks, our river, and one another.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 4, 2008
Patriotism in Bristol
Reporter Jackie Majerus wrote this today:
The Fourth of July is a day to spend with family, but also a time to consider the freedoms that make the country great, according to a sampling of residents and leaders who shared their weekend plans along with some thoughts on patriotism.
"America is the foundation of freedom for the entire world and I am proud to be an American," said Bristol Fire Chief Jon Pose. "We are all so fortunate to be a part of the greatest country on earth."
Pose, who planned to spend a quiet Fourth of July at home enjoying that freedom, said for him, the day is one of rest and remembrance of America's birthday.
Jackie Sanchez, owner of Artistry Haircutters in Bristol, said she was looking forward to the holiday.
"One nice thing is I get a day off," said Sanchez, who said she'll spend it at an annual family birthday gathering.
Sanchez said she tries to teach patriotism to her children. American freedoms, especially of religion and speech, are important to her, she said.
At home, Sanchez said, her family flies the American flag on the Fourth of July.
"It's a reminder," Sanchez said.
City Historian Bob Montgomery said he had only one special thing planned for the holiday weekend – walking along Memorial Boulevard and visiting all the monuments.
The memorial park, said Montgomery, is "a tribute to Bristol's patriotism through the years" and makes him proud of not just the city but also of the nation.
"We are very fortunate to live in the best country in the world," Montgomery said. "We are not perfect by any means, but where is it better? I believe our military and political leaders want to do their best for us even though we sometimes disagree with their decisions. Our elected officials are just that and not rulers or dictators. How fortunate we are for that."
Montgomery said he tries to show his patriotism by attending military celebrations and events throughout the year.
"We have the best veterans as well as a number of citizens who are currently serving our country with pride," Montgomery said.
Patriotism is "love of country as it is established in the Constitution and laws of the land," said Gardener Wright, a member of the Bristol Downtown Development Corp. board. "We have freedoms that no other country enjoys. I hope it stays that way."
Patti Ewen, retired after years of public service on city boards and a long stint as city treasurer, said she would be spending the holiday with her family.
For her, the meaning of Independence Day, Ewen said, is that America's democracy is precious and should not be despoiled.
"Its importance was taught by my Native American mother who didn't get full voting rights until mid-twentieth century," Ewen said, "and my German-born father."
Her father, Ewen said, became a naturalized citizen and believed it a privilege to serve in World War II.
"They taught me to respect and serve our nation," said Ewen. "They also impressed us children concerning the fragility of freedom."City Councilor Craig Minor said patriotism means "loving your countryenough to be willing to sacrifice for it, like the Founding Fathers did 200 years ago and our servicemen and women do every day."
But Minor said love of country also means getting involved and serving on local boards and commissions "for no pay and lots of aggravation."
Patriotism, Minor said, includes pride in our history as the first country to have a Constitution that limited the powers of the government and of how Americans went oversees to fight in two major wars to keep the rest of the world free.
"I'm proud of belonging to a nation of immigrants and many different ethnic groups that all get along, unlike in so many other countries," said Minor, who said that he saw the results of "ethnic cleansing" when he served in the Balkans a decade ago. He said he now has friends and family in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting the same issue.
Minor said he and his wife Laura will be on a whirlwind Independence Day weekend, visiting lots of friends and family in Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and New Jersey. Along the way, he said, they'll attend a high school reunion and catch some fireworks along the way.
State Sen. Tom Colapietro said he'll be at home in Bristol catching up on his "honey do" list. He doesn't get to see his wife very often, Colapietro said, so he's looking forward to spending some time with her.
City Building Official Guy Morin said he generally spends the Fourth with his family. He said later in the month, he'll participate in his town's Fireman's Parade as a Fourth Degree Knight in the Unionville Knights of Columbus.
"Patriotism means supporting people who are in the armed services and the veterans," said Morin.
Businessman Craig Yarde, who is actively working on the campaign for a city manager in Bristol, said he was spending Independence Day in Warren, Vermont, watching that town's annual parade.
"It's a wild, wacky and wickedly fun parade," said Yarde.
Bristol Mayor Art Ward said he would spend the weekend close to home with family and friends, picnicking and watching fireworks.
"To me, patriotism is honoring the premise of our forefathers in the founding of this great nation," Ward said, "maintenance of an absolute respect for the right of individuality and the preservation of the rights and well-being of the people of this great nation."
Christopher Wright, a Democrat hoping to win a state House seat this fall, said patriotism means recognizing that Americans inherited the best country from their parents and should doing what they can to make it better for their children.
Beyond supporting the troops, Wright said, patriotism includes supporting teachers and police at home, using conservation and recycling to clean the environment and getting involved in community organizations and government committees.
"Patriotism also means recognizing that not everyone agrees with you and acknowledging their right to their beliefs without malice," said Wright.
John Leone, president of the Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce, said he'd be at a family picnic Friday and on Sunday, planned to catch some fireworks over Cedar Lake.
Supporting the country, American troops stationed in the Middle East and their families back home – whether or not one agrees with the war – is patriotism, said Leone.
America has many patriots, Pose said, including everyone who is serving or has served in the military as well as "homeland protectors" like firefighters, police officers and emergency responders.
Pose said he tries to live his patriotism through his role as fire chief, supporting the troops and having pride in the country.
Giving back to your own community to make it the best it can be is what patriotism means to him, Yarde said, adding that is why he's pushing so hard on the city manager issue.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The Fourth of July is a day to spend with family, but also a time to consider the freedoms that make the country great, according to a sampling of residents and leaders who shared their weekend plans along with some thoughts on patriotism.
"America is the foundation of freedom for the entire world and I am proud to be an American," said Bristol Fire Chief Jon Pose. "We are all so fortunate to be a part of the greatest country on earth."
Pose, who planned to spend a quiet Fourth of July at home enjoying that freedom, said for him, the day is one of rest and remembrance of America's birthday.
Jackie Sanchez, owner of Artistry Haircutters in Bristol, said she was looking forward to the holiday.
"One nice thing is I get a day off," said Sanchez, who said she'll spend it at an annual family birthday gathering.
Sanchez said she tries to teach patriotism to her children. American freedoms, especially of religion and speech, are important to her, she said.
At home, Sanchez said, her family flies the American flag on the Fourth of July.
"It's a reminder," Sanchez said.
City Historian Bob Montgomery said he had only one special thing planned for the holiday weekend – walking along Memorial Boulevard and visiting all the monuments.
The memorial park, said Montgomery, is "a tribute to Bristol's patriotism through the years" and makes him proud of not just the city but also of the nation.
"We are very fortunate to live in the best country in the world," Montgomery said. "We are not perfect by any means, but where is it better? I believe our military and political leaders want to do their best for us even though we sometimes disagree with their decisions. Our elected officials are just that and not rulers or dictators. How fortunate we are for that."
Montgomery said he tries to show his patriotism by attending military celebrations and events throughout the year.
"We have the best veterans as well as a number of citizens who are currently serving our country with pride," Montgomery said.
Patriotism is "love of country as it is established in the Constitution and laws of the land," said Gardener Wright, a member of the Bristol Downtown Development Corp. board. "We have freedoms that no other country enjoys. I hope it stays that way."
Patti Ewen, retired after years of public service on city boards and a long stint as city treasurer, said she would be spending the holiday with her family.
For her, the meaning of Independence Day, Ewen said, is that America's democracy is precious and should not be despoiled.
"Its importance was taught by my Native American mother who didn't get full voting rights until mid-twentieth century," Ewen said, "and my German-born father."
Her father, Ewen said, became a naturalized citizen and believed it a privilege to serve in World War II.
"They taught me to respect and serve our nation," said Ewen. "They also impressed us children concerning the fragility of freedom."City Councilor Craig Minor said patriotism means "loving your countryenough to be willing to sacrifice for it, like the Founding Fathers did 200 years ago and our servicemen and women do every day."
But Minor said love of country also means getting involved and serving on local boards and commissions "for no pay and lots of aggravation."
Patriotism, Minor said, includes pride in our history as the first country to have a Constitution that limited the powers of the government and of how Americans went oversees to fight in two major wars to keep the rest of the world free.
"I'm proud of belonging to a nation of immigrants and many different ethnic groups that all get along, unlike in so many other countries," said Minor, who said that he saw the results of "ethnic cleansing" when he served in the Balkans a decade ago. He said he now has friends and family in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting the same issue.
Minor said he and his wife Laura will be on a whirlwind Independence Day weekend, visiting lots of friends and family in Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and New Jersey. Along the way, he said, they'll attend a high school reunion and catch some fireworks along the way.
State Sen. Tom Colapietro said he'll be at home in Bristol catching up on his "honey do" list. He doesn't get to see his wife very often, Colapietro said, so he's looking forward to spending some time with her.
City Building Official Guy Morin said he generally spends the Fourth with his family. He said later in the month, he'll participate in his town's Fireman's Parade as a Fourth Degree Knight in the Unionville Knights of Columbus.
"Patriotism means supporting people who are in the armed services and the veterans," said Morin.
Businessman Craig Yarde, who is actively working on the campaign for a city manager in Bristol, said he was spending Independence Day in Warren, Vermont, watching that town's annual parade.
"It's a wild, wacky and wickedly fun parade," said Yarde.
Bristol Mayor Art Ward said he would spend the weekend close to home with family and friends, picnicking and watching fireworks.
"To me, patriotism is honoring the premise of our forefathers in the founding of this great nation," Ward said, "maintenance of an absolute respect for the right of individuality and the preservation of the rights and well-being of the people of this great nation."
Christopher Wright, a Democrat hoping to win a state House seat this fall, said patriotism means recognizing that Americans inherited the best country from their parents and should doing what they can to make it better for their children.
Beyond supporting the troops, Wright said, patriotism includes supporting teachers and police at home, using conservation and recycling to clean the environment and getting involved in community organizations and government committees.
"Patriotism also means recognizing that not everyone agrees with you and acknowledging their right to their beliefs without malice," said Wright.
John Leone, president of the Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce, said he'd be at a family picnic Friday and on Sunday, planned to catch some fireworks over Cedar Lake.
Supporting the country, American troops stationed in the Middle East and their families back home – whether or not one agrees with the war – is patriotism, said Leone.
America has many patriots, Pose said, including everyone who is serving or has served in the military as well as "homeland protectors" like firefighters, police officers and emergency responders.
Pose said he tries to live his patriotism through his role as fire chief, supporting the troops and having pride in the country.
Giving back to your own community to make it the best it can be is what patriotism means to him, Yarde said, adding that is why he's pushing so hard on the city manager issue.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms died today
Former North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms died today, according to The Washington Post. He was 86 and had been out of office for five years.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 3, 2008
Dog tags to return home after 65 years
The Australian man who has the World War II dog tags of a long-dead Bristol veteran said he’ll send them soon to the soldier’s son in Harwinton.
“It will be like having a piece of my dad back with me,” said Charlie Kawiecki.
Kawiecki’s sister, Monica Popadic of Monroe, told her son Thursday that she is fine with letting her brother have them.
Harry Jas, the Australian who has Ezebius Joseph Kawiecki’s dog tags, said he will return them to the family.
Jas said a Munda man named Alpine found the dog tag in the jungles of New Georgia, where they had been since 1943, when Krawiecki fought there against the Japanese.
Jas said he’s trying to buy up some 200 abandoned dog tags and other war-related equipment in order to create “a local war memorial or museum” in Munda.
“I just felt that the dog tags should go to the next of kin not tourists, as some have in the past,” Jas said in an email.
Kawiecki said he is grateful to Jas and The Bristol Press for tracking him down.
“Too often people forget about the sacrifices our fathers made so that we can have what we have today, but my wife and I will never forget,” he said.
Kawiecki said that his father, who died in 1981, “was a very quiet man that never complained much at all, but was always there to support me throughout my growing years,” including helping with the Boy Scouts and following his Little League career.
“Although he loved watching war movies, he never talked about his experiences and always brushed them off as something he was supposed to do, but I am sure he was a very brave man,” Kawiecki said.
Ezebius Kawiecki, called Joe or Whitey by friends, worked at New Departure after the war, loved to fish, married and had two children, his son said.Chris Popadic of Rhode Island, a grandson of the veteran, said his grandfather must have served in Europe as well as the South Pacific. He said that when his grandmother died some years ago, the family found a Nazi gun in her home that he brought back from the war.
Another relative said that Kawiecki was in a ski unit in Europe after being wounded in the Pacific.
Jas said he got interested in the old identification tags after his son, Harry Jas, Jr, worked for a few years in the Solomon Islands as a consultant for its jails.
“He fell in love with the place” and moved there with his two children, helping to set up a timber company, Jas said.
Five months ago, Jas said his son remarried so now he “related to what seems like half the island.”
Since his son has been in Munda, a major city on New Georgia island, Jas has visited twice.
He said he’s met four Munda men who have collected dog tags and other war-related items, including anti-aircraft guns.
“I would like to see if I can convince them to put their collections into a local war memorial or museum,” Jas said. “That would give them jobs and be good for tourism.”
If anyone would like to help Jas with his effort, send an email to scollins@bristolpress.com.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
“It will be like having a piece of my dad back with me,” said Charlie Kawiecki.
Kawiecki’s sister, Monica Popadic of Monroe, told her son Thursday that she is fine with letting her brother have them.
Harry Jas, the Australian who has Ezebius Joseph Kawiecki’s dog tags, said he will return them to the family.
Jas said a Munda man named Alpine found the dog tag in the jungles of New Georgia, where they had been since 1943, when Krawiecki fought there against the Japanese.
Jas said he’s trying to buy up some 200 abandoned dog tags and other war-related equipment in order to create “a local war memorial or museum” in Munda.
“I just felt that the dog tags should go to the next of kin not tourists, as some have in the past,” Jas said in an email.
Kawiecki said he is grateful to Jas and The Bristol Press for tracking him down.
“Too often people forget about the sacrifices our fathers made so that we can have what we have today, but my wife and I will never forget,” he said.
Kawiecki said that his father, who died in 1981, “was a very quiet man that never complained much at all, but was always there to support me throughout my growing years,” including helping with the Boy Scouts and following his Little League career.
“Although he loved watching war movies, he never talked about his experiences and always brushed them off as something he was supposed to do, but I am sure he was a very brave man,” Kawiecki said.
Ezebius Kawiecki, called Joe or Whitey by friends, worked at New Departure after the war, loved to fish, married and had two children, his son said.Chris Popadic of Rhode Island, a grandson of the veteran, said his grandfather must have served in Europe as well as the South Pacific. He said that when his grandmother died some years ago, the family found a Nazi gun in her home that he brought back from the war.
Another relative said that Kawiecki was in a ski unit in Europe after being wounded in the Pacific.
Jas said he got interested in the old identification tags after his son, Harry Jas, Jr, worked for a few years in the Solomon Islands as a consultant for its jails.
“He fell in love with the place” and moved there with his two children, helping to set up a timber company, Jas said.
Five months ago, Jas said his son remarried so now he “related to what seems like half the island.”
Since his son has been in Munda, a major city on New Georgia island, Jas has visited twice.
He said he’s met four Munda men who have collected dog tags and other war-related items, including anti-aircraft guns.
“I would like to see if I can convince them to put their collections into a local war memorial or museum,” Jas said. “That would give them jobs and be good for tourism.”
If anyone would like to help Jas with his effort, send an email to scollins@bristolpress.com.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
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