I’m shocked. Shocked that there is gambling going on here.

You read it in the Post:

Area mayors claim feds failing cities
JOHN BURGESON
Article Last Updated: 07/01/2008 11:33:41 PM EDT

STRATFORD — - The federal government is failing America’s cities when it comes to spending on infrastructure, fighting crime, the arts and programs for young people, according to Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, Stratford Mayor James Miron and Fairfield First Selectman Kenneth Flatto.

The three chief executives were in Miron’s office Tuesday for a joint press conference to review the initiatives agreed on at the National Conference of Mayors that took place in Miami last week…..

“Infrastructure is one of the areas that’s woefully forgotten about,” Miron said. “When I took over 2 years ago as mayor, I was shocked and appalled at the condition of our infrastructure. Our fleet vehicles were 20 or more years old — in horrible condition — and not because of our public works garage.”

“So what did I do? I spent $500,000 on my own office, tripled the Mayor’s office budget and authorized $2+ million in legal fees.”

“I’m shocked and appalled”? So are we, Jimmy, so are we.

It’s that time again. The Town of Stratford will decide how much your property is worth.

Revaluation RFQ

Does anyone think their house is worth more than it was 5 years ago? Tried to get a mortgage lately? How about you Lordship residents? Your homes (and taxes) more than doubled last time.

And, of course, the real question: Does anyone, anyone at all, believe their taxes will go down as a result of losing 20-30% of the value of your home?

Could it be that there are other people in this State that think people are smarter than politicians?

You read it in the Post:

Group seeks to win right to petition
KEN DIXONArticle Last Updated: 06/26/2008 11:50:45 PM EDT

HARTFORD — Connecticut’s form of government should be changed to allow direct referendum and initiative similar to California, according to a new group that’s pushing for the first constitutional convention since 1965.The Constitution Convention Campaign, during a news conference Thursday attended by several members of the General Assembly, wants Connecticut to vote “yes” this fall to the statewide ballot question “Shall the state Constitution be revised or amended?”

It would be a first step toward possibly persuading lawmakers to adopt referendum and initiative, to allow voters to petition for new laws on everything from capping local property tax rates to prohibiting gay marriage, or even legalizing the medical use of marijuana.

In reaction to the announcement, a leading Democratic lawmaker said Thursday that the agenda for a convention would be dictated by the General Assembly, and he doesn’t believe Connecticut needs a complete rewriting of its constitution.

The lawmaker, Rep. Michael P. Lawlor, D-East Haven, co-chairman of the law-writing Judiciary Committee, said ballot referendum and initiative are not needed because that is part of the job of senators and representatives.

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz said Thursday that she opposes a convention, adding that proponents are pushing for it because they’ve failed to have their causes taken up by the General Assembly.

You mean like run-off elections?

The Constitution Convention Campaign’s Web site is www.ctconcon.com

Let’s wish Maureen Kendrick better luck in her next job. Maureen was the legal secretary in Miron’s office till he fired her. Apparently Maureen had the unmitigated gall to think that a legal secretary with dozens of years of experience shouldn’t be the one to sit all day in the new “customer service” center at the railroad station.

If there are any legal secretaries out there (you listening Pat Sperling?) that don’t mind sitting in a hot little brick building all day, there’s a position available with the Town.

Umm…Sudds? Does this count as “cause”?

The Hell with the facts! Let’s just spend some money! Hey, who was supposed to bring the keg?

You read it in the Post:
Shakespeare developer choice on hold

STRATFORD — When Ed Goodrich ran for mayor nearly three years ago, the lifelong Stratford resident vowed to restore the long-vacant Shakespeare theater to prominence as a renowned showcase for classic Bard productions.Goodrich didn’t make it to the mayor’s office.

But he came to Town Hall Monday night, in full Shakespearean garb, playing the role of a far more powerful political leader — Julius Caesar — to convince the Town Council to select a developer who will revitalize and operate the theater with Shakespeare as its main attraction.

Adorned in a white toga, sword and leafed garland head dress, Goodrich led about a dozen protesters, also dressed in Shakespearean costumes and carrying placards, in front of Town Hall prior to a special council meeting.

The meeting was scheduled for the council to select one of three finalists, or a combination of two, to restore the long-shuttered Elm Street theater, which closed in 1989.

“To Be or Not To Be?” one of the signs said, carried by Janet Baxter, dressed in a colorful court jester’s outfit.

“Lack of Planning Will Kill Shakespeare Again,” another placard stated.

Then, just as the meeting was starting, Goodrich led his followers into the council chambers, as startled members of the council and a large gathering of residents stared in amusement, some laughing, others applauding.

“We want the council to unconditionally ensure that a developer will be selected who will provide a real Shakespeare theater again,” Goodrich said, on his way into the meeting. “We are trying to show how important it is that the council doesn’t select a developer not completely devoted to Shakespeare.”But that’s exactly what some council leaders tried to do, leading to heated debate and drama worthy of a Bard play.

Council Majority Leader Michael Julian, R-1, whose district includes the theater, made a motion for the panel to select William J. Hanney, owner and producer of Theatre By the Sea in Wakefield, R.I., who would produce musicals, modern shows and concerts, but no Shakespearean presentations.

Julian, however, said the contract with Hanney would include a provision that Shakespeare and other classical plays be performed, and that right of first refusal to provide Bard plays at the theater be presented to Frank Tobin Enterprises, of Los Angeles, which would rely heavily on both Shakespeare and other “classical theater.”

Tobin, who is strongly supported by Goodrich and his supporters, has proposed a regular Shakespeare theater festival season from April to November featuring experienced Bard actor Randall Duk Kim.

The plan would also include an academy for actors in training and outreach programs in theater and the arts for local schools.

“I have been to Theater by the Sea and believe that Bill Hanney is the right guy to undertake restoring the Shakespeare Theater, just as he did at a closed-down theater in Rhode Island,” Julian said. “The productions are first-rate and I am convinced this is the right way to go.”

Council Minority Leader Alvin O’Neal, D-2, said he also supported approving an agreement with Hanney.

But Councilman Gavin Forrester, D-3, said the council could not make a decision Monday night because a long-awaited study on the cost estimates to restore the theater prepared by BL Cos., had not yet been presented to council members.

Town Attorney Richard Buturla then advised the council the document — which consists of two volumes of about 1,000 pages — was ready for distribution.

Forrester countered that the panel would “certainly need more time than we have tonight to review the document and make an informed decision.”

Glancing at the document, Forrester said the $2.5 million approved by the council for the theater’s restoration appears to be “significantly less than what it would take to restore the theater.”

In the document, Forrester said, different plans to restore the theater range from $6.8 million to $19 million.

“I think before we even consider whether to agree to a contract, we have to know which plan we are going with, and how much of his own money the developer would be willing to put toward the restoration,” Forrester said.

Councilman Joseph Kubic, R-9, agreed.

“Nobody wants to see this project move forward more than I do,” Kubic said. “But we get this voluminous report dumped in our laps tonight and are expected to take it all in?”

Kubic made a motion to table the selection of a developer for two weeks. The motion passed 7-2 with O’Neal and Councilwoman Emma Brooks, D-4, against.

Meanwhile, Goodrich and his followers were at least happy the vote had been delayed.

“If the motion made tonight had passed there would have been no chance to see accomplished what we believe is in the theater and town’s best interests — that the developer be someone to bring Shakespeare back to the Shakespeare theater,” Goodrich said. “At least now, we still have a chance.”

The other finalist, Koerner, Kronenfeld Partners LLC, failed to raise $1 million for theater repairs by a June 30 deadline a year ago and lost a contract for redeveloping the property.

You read it in the Post

Mayor James R. Miron said he had not heard about problems at the three fields. He added that if concerned parents want to see these fields get more attention, they should urge town officials to increase funding for the Parks Department and create a division solely responsible for maintenance of local ballfields.

That way he can appoint some crony to administer the division. Too bad there is no money left over from renovating his office.

“Study Circles”? Is that like crop circles? Is it possible that 100 people divided into 10 groups can delay this for at least 18 months? You know, in time for Miron to run again?

Gee, you’d think this location wasn’t Miron’s “idea” in the first place.

You read it in the Post:

Study circles part of shelter project
RICHARD WEIZEL STRATFORD —
Article Last Updated: 06/23/2008 12:19:05 AM EDT

Mayor James R. Miron, taking a cue from the former first lady and presidential candidate, believes it may take a town to build a new animal shelter.

At a meeting last week that brought together neighbors opposed to using a 1.5-acre Access Road site for a new shelter and animal advocates who contend that replacing the existing shelter is long overdue, the mayor decided that a “study circles” process should be used to find the best site.

That means as many as 100 residents, or more, will work in small groups of 10 or less to study the issue and make a recommendation on a place to build a shelter.

“We’re placing on hold any plans to move forward on the Access Road site until after this four- to six-week process is completed,” Miron said. The informational session was organized last week by Town Council Minority Leader Alvin O’Neal, D-2, whose district includes the site now proposed for the 7,500-square-foot shelter.

To help review options for the shelter, Miron said he’s bringing in the same national nonprofit group based in East Hartford, Everyday Democracy, that helped the town after a racial crisis two years ago.

“I know the two issues are vastly different,” he said. “But the study circles process that helped the community to better understand issues involving racial issues can also help us in this effort as well.”

Miron said, “90 percent of town residents support a new animal shelter” to replace the 50-year-old cramped facility on Frog Pond Lane that has been cited several times for not meeting state standards.

But, he added, that “90 percent of residents also don’t want the shelter built in their neighborhood. I think bringing residents together in small groups can help gain a consensus about the best type of location, and maybe the best actual site.”

The proposed facility, with an estimated price tag of $1.5 million to $2 million, would be three times larger than the present shelter.

Supporters of a new shelter said they are disappointed with the delay, while some neighbors said they believe the mayor’s may just be a temporary diversion.

“I think [study circles] is a waste of time,” said Frash Street resident Marion Perreira, who lives near the site and served on the Frash Pond Redevelopment panel nearly 40 years ago when she recalls a deal was made to keep the land as open space forever.

“I don’t think it has to take months to find an alternate site or that all those people have to be involved,” Perreira said. She said if the mayor tries again to have the shelter built on Access Road, “we will fight it all the way. I found a 21-page document of our committee’s work, agreed to between the panel and HUD [the Department of Housing and Urban Development] from 1969 to 1975, that clearly states the parcel be kept as open space and park land.”

She also said the intention was to keep the site as a buffer between residential properties and industry along Access Road.

But Miron said “no official document” exists that supports restricting any development on the property, including municipal buildings.

Neighbors have argued the shelter would create noise, foul smells and have a negative impact on property values.

“I told the people to come out and express their views because this wasn’t a done deal, and now they know it isn’t,” O’Neal said.

Marjean O’Malley, president of the Stratford Animal Rescue Society, said, “We are disappointed with another delay, but we believe the mayor is determined to really find a site for the new shelter.”

Executive Assistant to the Mayor

This is a highly responsible administrative position involving the performance of a variety of administrative duties in support of the Mayor of the Town of Stratford.

The Executive Assistant is the principal secretary for the Office of the Mayor.

Work involves serving as primary secretary and office manager for the Office of the Mayor, preparation of correspondence. reports and budget documents. typing. filing and records management. extensive use of computer programs and equipment, ordering and maintaining inventory of materials and supplies, facilitating mass mailings, scheduling meetings and hearings. and a myriad of other clerical duties.

The Executive Assistant must also manage confidential information and exercise judgment in making decisions regarding office management and work priorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Serves as principal secretary for the Office of the Mayor including greetings and interacting with the public and managing phones. Assesses and handles incoming calls including constituent concerns and directs callers to appropriate departments or Town/local agencies.

Uses Microsoft Word to type a wide variety of materials including forms, reports, correspondence. proclamations, certificates of achievement. press releases, meeting minutes and agendas. announcements and others; uses Microsoft Excel to create spreadsheets; uses Microsoft Powerpoint to create charts and graphs for budgeting and other purposes.

Coordinates appointments for the Mayor including scheduling and event briefings.

Maintains Office of the Mayor’s files.

Opens, screens and distributes incoming mail.

Prepares requisitions, invoices. and other financial forms.

Maintains staff attendance and prepares weekly payroll submissions with the Mayor’s approval.

Confers with elected and appointed Town officials, members of the media and the general public to provide information to resolve problems and routine complaints.

Coordinates routine correspondence and announcements.

Carries out special projects. as assigned.

” .

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of office management and
record keeping:

. Strong telephone and interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with the
public:

. Ability to maintain confidentiality to assure protection of sensitive information and
personnel matters;

. Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

. Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computer technology and software
programs including Word. Power Point. Excel. Outlook. Access and others;

. Ability to perform diverse, technical and detailed work with high degree of
accuracy and efficiency:

. Ability to manage multiple tasks and to direct the work of subordinate clerical
staff to distribute workload;

. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions:

. Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines;

. Willingness to work as part of a team and to support the diverse clerical needs of
the organization:

. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers and associates. members of the press. vendors. customers and the general public;

r

Assistant to the Mayor
This is a highly responsible position that is accountable for providing consistent day-to-day
support to the Mayor.

Responsibilities include the management of: Constituent Service; Media and Community Relations Campaigns; Government Relations, Special Event Planning; Website Management; Calendar and Scheduling.

This position reports directly to and receives executive instructions from the Mayor.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

. Draft correspondence to constituents, elected officials, members of administration, etc.;

. Research and draft testimony

. Organize and execute Mayor’s community relations and outreach initiatives;

. Manage all aspects of QAlert;

. Organize Mayor’s materials for the Town Council agenda, prepare correspondence for
PONY; prepare Mayor for Town Council Meeting;

. Manage Mayor’s appointments to Boards, Commissions and Agencies;

. Participate in Mayor’s Open Door Meetings, handle follow-up as assigned;

. Manage schedule including event briefs and meeting requests;

. Develop yearly and monthly calendars for internal planning purposes

. Execute media relations campaigns - organize press events, including press conferences; write, edit and distribute media advisories, press releases, op-eds and statements; take photos and distribute to press; execute weekly press briefings;

. Manage Town’s website with a primary focus on the home page, photo gallery and
Mayor’s page; support departments with design and content as requested;

. Manage the implementation of the Town’s marketing campaign including the enforcement of the Town’s Graphics Standards Manual and design of Town promotional materials;

. Oversee the development and maintenance of internal and external communications
including proclamations, e-newsletters, flyers, etc.;

. Maintain professional working relationships with coworkers, elected officials, staffs;
members of the press, vendors, customers and the general public;

KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

. Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience;

. Excellent written and oral communication skills;

. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions;

. Ability to manage simultaneous demands from a variety of sources;

. Strong initiative to see a project through from beginning to end;

. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with the public;

. Ability to maintain confidentiality to assure protection of sensitive information and
personnel matters;

. Ability to perform diverse, technical and detailed work with high degree of accuracy and
efficiency;

. Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks, work within a tight timeframe
and meet deadlines;

. Computer skills: Proficient with Microsoft Suite - including Word, Excel, Outlook and
PowerPoint; strong internet research skills.

1 Mayor @ $ 90,000
2 Assistants to the Mayor @ $ 110,000
1 Secretary to the Mayor @ 36,033
1 Legal Secretary @ $ 58,808
1 Chief Administrative Officer @ $ 90,000
1 Grant Writer @ $ 66,917
1 Administrative Analyst @ $ 55,863

Plus Health Insurance, Tuition, 401K contribution, Company Car, vacation, sick time and personal days. Sometimes he even shows up at the office.

Is there any part of Stratford that the City of Bridgeport won’t try and steal? I understand that Mr. Kaolian would just love to see a busy mid-sized airport spring up in the middle of Lordship. Sadly, for Mr. Kaolian, the hard part will not be stealing more land, it will be $160/barrel and more for Jet A. These prices will make commercial aircraft operation economically impossible at Sikorksy Memorial Airport. Even at $18/barrel there wasn’t a single airline that was able to operate profitably. In a few years, the only thing flying at the airport may well be piping plovers.

Lot complicates Stratford beach
RICHARD WEIZEL
Article Last Updated: 06/10/2008 12:14:19 AM EDT

STRATFORD — On the same night Mayor James R. Miron presented a tentative agreement to the Town Council to sell Long Beach West to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for $10 million, opponents said they have found new evidence Stratford may not even own a key parcel of land that abuts the property and could kill the deal.Meanwhile, residents who packed council chambers Monday night, heatedly debated whether the town should sell the 35-acre peninsula to the federal agency, as 24 speakers were about evenly divided.

The meeting became contentious on several occasions.

When several people raised placards such as “Save Long Beach West, No Sale” and “We Maintained Our Beach For 350 Years — They Don’t Make Beaches Any More,” Town Council Chairman Mike Henrick, R-10, sternly told residents to lower them.

Henrick also raised the ire of several residents who shouted he was “way out of line” and “showed disrespect” after cutting off longtime former state Sen. George “Doc” Gunther, an ardent opponent who exceeded his four-minute time limit in urging the council not to sell Long Beach West. Geeze, Mike! What were you thinking? You treated Doc Gunther like a regular citizen? The nerve!

Morgan Kaolian, director of Long Island Sound America, Inc., told the council he has learned Stratford does not own land that serves as the only town access to the narrow beach peninsula.

Kaolian maintains he found a deed showing the Long Beach parking lot area, which has been maintained by Stratford for decades, is actually part of Sikorsky Memorial Airport, owned by the city of Bridgeport.”A few days ago, Nicholas Mainero, former airport manager, informed me of the fact the Long Beach parking lot likely belongs to the airport,” Kaolian told the council. “Mr. Mainero was manager at the time a great deal of acreage was purchased for the purpose of [creating] a clear zone, the instrument runway at Sikorsky Memorial Airport.

Kaolian said after checking land records for deeds and maps, he discovered that the parcel being used for the parking lot appears to be part of a “Clear Zone to Runway Six.” Appears to be? Didn’t the White-Out dry yet, Morgan?

“This means there could be a serious problem in that there has been a proposal by U.S. Fish and Wildlife to build a comfort station, two educational kiosks and a rehab of the existing parking lot on Long Beach,” Kaolian said. “I am disturbed that unless rightful ownership is resolved, use of the parking lot and other areas could prohibit full use of Long Beach, adjacent to Long Beach West,” said Kaolian.

Miron and Town Attorney Richard Buturla said while they believe Stratford does own the parcel, they first learned of the issue Monday and are conducting a full title search to clarify ownership. Call your ex-partner, Jim. You’ve appointed him to do all title searches anyway for the Town. Might as well make him work a little.

“Even if we don’t own it, that would not preclude sale of Long Beach West,” Miron said.

Miron said any funds from the sale would be used to establish a special trust fund, so only interest on the principal could be used for town projects. The trust fund must gain council approval.

But Council Majority Leader Michael Julian, R-1, whose district includes Long Beach West, said Monday “there’s a lot that has to be clarified, including this new information, before we can consider whether to sell Long Beach West.

Marcia Stewart, president of Stratford Protect Your Environment, presented a nearly 500-signature petition by those favoring the sale. Now we come to the main point. This heroine of Stratford has worked tirelessly for no one but the citizens of Stratford. On it’s face, if Marcia says it’s the right thing to do you automatically have to wonder why we’re not doing it already. The only thing to be nervous about is when Miron agrees with her. You know he has an angle there somewhere.

Supporters said the sale would help the town by requiring the federal agency to remove about 45 vacant cottages and build a boardwalk for public access. The agency would also ensure protection of the peninsula’s environment and wildlife, including the endangered piping plover bird species.

“The town doesn’t have the resources or ability to protect Long Beach West, and sale of the property to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would ensure it is maintained forever,” said Richard Heiden, another PYE leader.

But opponents say the sale price is far too low and that the sale would actually restrict public access, particularly because of the piping plover. They also contend federal funds may never materialize.

Fred Biebel, a former town councilman who has served as a national leader in the Republican Party, advised the council to carefully consider its decision. “Five years from now, or 50 years from now, this body does not want to be known as the council that sold any Stratford beach property that is so much a part of the town’s legacy,” Biebel said. “I believe you should hold a referendum on this to let the people decide.”

Long Beach West abuts Bridgeport’s much larger Pleasure Beach, which the federal agency is also trying to acquire.