Hey! Who’s in Charge Here?
Stratford Resident
We were struck by this article appearing in the Post:
Term limits don’t stop Stratford political game of musical chairs
By Richard Weizel
STAFF WRITER
Updated: 11/15/2009 10:52:59 PM EST
STRATFORD — Like Major League baseball players who these days shuffle from team to team every year or so, after a municipal election in Stratford it takes a scorecard to keep track of which officials are serving on which boards and commissions.
While a new mayor, Republican John Harkins, as well as nine neophytes on the incoming 10-member Town Council will be sworn-in Dec. 14, plenty of familiar faces will be there to take the oath of office on the council, Board of Education and three land use boards.
That’s because in Stratford — despite town charter-imposed term limits — members of those panels don’t go away. Instead, a political game of musical chairs ensues every local election cycle, and incumbents barred from seeking election often shift to another panel….
While the rest of the article goes on to describe various positions held by various “repeat” politicians, it neglects one very important point. These people are willing to serve on boards, commissions and councils for free.
Let us take just a couple of examples.
Stephanie Phillips comes to mind. Not one single resident could be found in the second district to oppose her. Not one. Ms. Phillips is a fine person who has dedicated hundreds of hours to her community and Stratford. But not a single resident even bothered to express a different view.
Dick Kennedy comes to mind as well. You simply can’t find a nicer guy than Mr. Kennedy. But running for Council was something he was clearly not prepared for and freely admitted that he was doing a favor the the DTC because Susan Collier was merely a place holder in order to avoid a primary.
Jason Santi…Honestly…you have got to be kidding.
The point is that it is nearly impossible to find citizens willing to step up and go through the aggravation and tedium of sitting on these boards and commissions.
Make no mistake, both the RTC & DTC have done next to nothing in terms of outreach and making the committees little more than, well, gangs. If we are tired of seeing the same faces year in and year out, it is time for good people to stand up and say “I want in”.
We are not hopeful.
Filed under: Stratford Political Theater | 41 Comments
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Citizens
1george1 on Just One More While I Can… 1george1 on Stratford Stress Test nomoreyears on Just One More While I Can… phineast on Just One More While I Can… nomoreyears on Just One More While I Can… jezebel282 on Just One More While I Can… phineast on Stratford Stress Test nomoreyears on Just One More While I Can… 1george1 on We Still Have Plenty Left 1george1 on Gang Wars Coming genuinephyllis on We Still Have Plenty Left 1george1 on We Still Have Plenty Left 1george1 on Just One More While I Can… 1george1 on Stratford Stress Test jezebel282 on Just One More While I Can…
Jez,
The opportunity for the good honest citizens to get involved in local government is this January 2010.
That is when the Republican Town Committee and Democratic Town Committee elections will be held. (legal notices,as to when and where these elections will be held, will be posted in the ct.post.)
The people who decide who runs,under the party banner, for all the other elected positions are on these 2 committees.
As you have said many times, “The people that have the most impact on your mortgage payment and quality of life, are your Mayor and your Town Council representative.”
If you want to be one of the people that decides who will represent you in local elections. These are the committees you want to be on.
The picture at the top of this thread pretty much says it all. The electorate just doesn’t get involved until it is to late. The citizens elected to these to political committees set the stage for for the Next election.
BE one of those people. Get involved at the town committee level.
Ron,
Thank you.
It appears to me that real Democrats have the obligation of bringing their brooms and cleaning house.
Wouldn’t that be nice.
Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran are more likely to have good government
than Stratford, in part because Democrats and Republican keep off
independents from being appointed to Boards and Commissions.
Further, Democrats and Republican Mayoral campaigns have access
to close to $ 100,000 in political donations and support of hundreds
of people in each party who either work for the governments or
whose businesses get government contracts, besides people in either
party who are true believers.
Stratford voters rejected what I believe was a bad Democratic Mayor.
However the voters do not get people from their own ranks to choose
as an alternative, and vote for a Republican alternative never taking into
account the same musical chair Republicans referred to in Mr. Weizel’s
Nov 16 story have controlled Town Council and Board of Ed for most of
25 years, meaning they controlled (bipartisanly) hiring of managments,
workers, lawyers, contractors, Budgets, and Charter Revision commissions.
George,
Unaffiliates are not organized. Both political parties are.
Mr. Costello was banking on the 14,000 unaffiliated voters to come out and vote for him. Stratford voting history proves that most unaffiliates to not vote. Many that do vote, vote D or R.
In fact, in most elections, less that 50% of the registered voters….VOTE. Most of the people who do vote are Republicans or Democrats.
Good honest Republicans and Democrats getting involved at this level will ensure that our town is truely represented by good and honest people.
George,
“However the voters do not get people from their own ranks to choose
as an alternative…..”
Where do you think the people that run under the political banner come from?
They come from our ‘own’ ranks.
They are Stratford residents and voters, just like you and me.
They just choose to use an organized political party to run and get elected.
How they use that position is another story. That is why it’s important that good honest people get involved in the political process at all levels.
It all begins at the Town Committe level.
That is why it’s important that good honest people get
involved in the political process at all levels.
It all begins at the Town Committe level.
-
Ron, good honest people and Town Committee level
Historically in the USA – TAMMANY Jobs for votes,
would that describe an oxymoron, about too many people
in the Town Committee level vs good honest people?
No offense to you – personally or politically!
While the rest of the article goes on to describe various positions
held by various “repeat” politicians, it neglects one very important
point.
These people are willing to serve on boards, commissions and councils
for free.
-
There is NO FREE LUNCH.
It can be proven many people either work for the government or are
owners of companies or workers in companies withgovernment contracts
and or have family and/or friends who ,,,,,
The Jan 2008 unfunded mandate number was $ 216 million
About Oct 2008 the pension portfolio bottomed around $ 68 m
August 2009 the pension portfolio was about $ 87 million
1990 – 1995 the pension obligation was a steady $ 3 million
Now the pension obligation exceeds $ 18.4 million, up 50 % in 4 years
from around $ 12 million?
The projected cost to Stratford Tax Payers of the Defined Benefit Plan
over 60 years is over $ 1 billion, to under 1000 persons.
The pension bond was set up to eliminate the cost.
The projected extra cost (waste) to Stratford Tax Payers of the Defined
Benefit Plan over 60 years is over $ 1 billion, to under 1000 persons,
I can prove Esq R B was paid in excess of $ 6 million from Stratford and
Public Schools, since 1996. I believe the real number is $ 12 m, in part
because the O’Connell BoE only has Print out totals and not 1099s.
I was told the number were $ 40 – 70 a year. However trusted sources
claim there was the ame $ 180,000 a year paid to Milford.
There are other piles of money and fees?
The Fire House was supposed to cost under $ 2 m.
2009 information had it approaching / passing $ 6 m.
What about the Mayor’s golden shower stall & bunker?
What about Flood pool slush funds and returfing Bunnell field every
other year?
Bond Debt was steady around $ 160 million in 2005 and is now $ 204 M?
-
Historically in the USA – TAMMANY Jobs for votes,
would that describe an oxymoron,
about too many people
in the Town Committee level
vs good honest people?
George,
The bottom line is that evil succeeds when good men do nothing.
Which is why I assume you joined the Financial Advisory Committee. For free.
George,
” It can be proven many people either work for the government or are
owners of companies or workers in companies with government contracts
and or have family and/or friends who ,,,,,”
We are all connected together somehow.
In fact if everyone in town spent their money only in Stratford, we would all be better off. What a novel idea, supporting the buisness’ in town instead of in the surrounding towns. I guess,by your definition, all politicians supporting local buisness’ are commiting a crime.
Ron,
There are more of the 50,000 residents that have no government connections at all.
The problem is that the welcome mat and outreach by the two Town committees have been taken away. Particularly from the DTC by Mssrs. Miron.
While some of the responsibility must be borne by uninterested citizens, their position is understandable. To be honest, for the past 20 years or so both the RTC and DTC and therefore Town government have been an inbred exercise. We can see the results of that inbreeding with Miron. Everybody in Town hall was related or friends with somebody else in Town Hall.
It is time for both the DTC and RTC to open it up and reach out to residents. INVITE people to the meetings, encourage them to participate and vote. The committee which does a better job of that will have a stronger base and more likely chance of winning elections. The DTC should be the first. Miron has essentially burned it to the ground. Nothing coming out of the DTC is credible.
Considering that the Republican Party (nationally) has become the party of “no” and fringe right wing extremists it is incredible how well they did on Nov 3. The primary reason? The Democratic Town Committee had become the party of Miron/Buturla and nothing else.
“The bottom line is that evil succeeds when good men do nothing.
Which is why I assume you joined the Financial Advisory Committee.
For free.”
Thank you Jeze –
It cost $ 145 for the tire, balance, etc, due to the FAC.
There were other expenses related to FAC.
Minor compared to defending people from decades old WAR by
creatures manipulating the politics. I only became aware in 1984.
I should be (could been) worth millions. Zero regrets.
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JEZE: “To be honest, for the past 20 years or so both the RTC and DTC
and therefore Town government have been an inbred exercise.”
Jeze you just proved you have been paying attention.
- If only I could get you to slightly lower the Miron fixation and then
include ALL of the other KEY players, especially the Attorneys in the
circle jerk.
- Where do they congregate – drink?
Could it be Mario Testa’s Bridgeport Room?
Scinto’s Algonquin Club?
Stephen’s Pub?
Mill River Country Club?
The Russian Brothel?
Some private club, like in Milford?
- Can I safely assume they don’t teach Sunday School?
If they do, G-d help the students ….
Yo Phin and every except Jeze.
Below Jeze post proves itis jeze who is an insane idealist!
Jeze actually thinks either party wants to be inclusive?
What, and cause nore slices of da pie?
Stratford politics is like red neck valley, we may get divorced,
but we will always be cousins!
From idealistly INSANE Jeze
>
It is time for both the DTC and RTC to open it up and reach out to residents. INVITE people to the meetings, encourage them to participate and vote. The committee which does a better job of that will have a stronger base and more likely chance of winning elections. The DTC should be the first. Miron has essentially burned it to the ground. Nothing coming out of the DTC is credible.
Considering that the Republican Party (nationally) has become the party of “no” and fringe right wing extremists it is incredible how well they did on Nov 3. The primary reason? The Democratic Town Committee had become the party of Miron/Buturla and nothing else.
George,
“From idealistly INSANE Jeze”
I have been called MUCH worse than that. Just ask your friend, Jim Miron.
Opps I made an error …
It was a typo.
It was supposed to be “IDEALISTICALLY INSANE”
As you can suspect, I had to tease ya.
-
Jeze – I aint looking for my blog line.
But I am going to copy n paste a love note from our esteemed
Town Attorney on the hells of the finest and most accurate
report Weizel has done … even if it was accidental.
It was about term limits.
I 100 % agree with Mike Henrick’s quoted position.
I believe he was just posturing, for deniability.
I completely understand the positions of Malloy, Fredette, and
others ….
The same way GAVIN was stunned that Jim Miron could accurately
describe and defend “representative government.”
If we had different scenarios than the last 25 years and if we had
good government, than I could agree with their idealistic positions.
However, Stratford politics is based on Willie Sutton, Ponzi, Madoff,
Fagan, Machiavelli, Mel Brooks, Peter Sellers, Dickens, and muckrakers
wet dreams ….
So after this post – I will place in the wrong place something
where the will be no giggling allowed!
WHO is in CHARGE anyway?
WHO oversees the TOWN ATTORNEY BILLING?
================== Below is e-mail exchange ===========================
—– Forwarded Message —-
From: George Mulligan
To: Richard Buturla
John Kovach
rich weizel
Cc: Tom Baden
Sent: Tue, November 17, 2009 2:33:49 PM
Subject: Re: Under FOI – I request attachment of Town
Attorney opinion related to Term Limits, requested by
and given to Town Councilor Gavin Forrester
Esq. Burturla,
I believe the document was created on a computer and
already paid for by the Town.
Please correct me if I am wrong, however if a document
already exists in electronic format, then under the freedom
of inforation act is SHALL be made available FREE in Electronic
format, which is my preference!
If the REQUESTED TOWN OWNED and PAID for document
is NOT within the Town Clerk or Town Attorney’s Secretary’s
office, I would like to know why and when it shall be in Town
Hall, in electronic format (attachment) capable of being e-mailed?
Mr. Forrester can obtain hard copies for free, if he requests,
which I e-mailed to him. The Press can obtain hard copies for a
fee, if they request, which I am e-mailing to them.
I suspect after the millions the Town & Boards of Education of
Stratford has paid you since 1996, you would not like to make
an $ 8.50 issue become a journalistic investigation into the Town
Attorney fees, accountability, and failed fiduciary obligations to
the Tax Payers, would you?
George Mulligan
Stratford, CT. 06615
(203) 378-1888
——————————————————————————–
From: Richard Buturla
To: George Mulligan
GAVIN B FORRESTER III Gavin Forrester
carol cabrol
Cc: Richard gnobili
Sent: Tue, November 17, 2009 10:57:32 AM
Subject: RE: Under FOI – I request attachment of Town
Attorney opinion related to Term Limits, requested by
and given to Town Councilor Gavin Forrester
Mr. Mulligan
You may pick up a copy from the Town Attorneys Ofiice.
You will need to pay $8.50, which represents a .50 per page
copying fee.
Please see Ms. Nobili.
——————————————————————————–
From: George Mulligan
Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 9:28 AM
To: GAVIN B FORRESTER III; Gavin Forrester; carol cabrol
Cc: Richard Burtula; Richard Buturla
Subject: Under FOI – I request attachment of Town Attorney opinion related to Term Limits, requested by and given to Town Councilor Gavin Forrester
Hello,
Mr. Forreseter
Mrs. Cabrol
Esq. Burturla
Under FOI – I request attachment (in format)of Town Attorney
opinion related to Term Limits, requested by (at a Town Council
Meeting) and given to Town Councilor Gavin Forrester.
If this is ONLY in Hard Copy Format, please advise me, “where and
when” I can pick it up and the cost of this Town Attorney opinion,
which I prefer in e-mail, electronic, attachment form.
Thank you
George Mulligan
429 Housatonic Avenue
Stratford, CT. 06615
(203) 378-1888
George,
“WHO oversees the TOWN ATTORNEY BILLING?”
James R. Miron.
For now.
Jeze,
Any constructive or destructive criticisms on the e-mails?
Any observations?
George,
You know as well as I that Richard Buturla is not the Town Attorney. He is the mayor’s attorney.
Serving citizens is not in Buturla’s job description.
In 1999, about March, I spoke to Burturla about the phoney
Mossman charges…. he almost pleaded with me stating he
“works for the Town Council….”
Somehow Attorneys disregard that the Town Charter beginnings
defer to the U. S. CONSTITUTION, which in TWO PLACES declares
itself to be the SUPREME LAW of the LAND.
In the PREAMBLE, it starts with “WE the People”
and includes the term “just consent of the governed”
All of the Attorneys in Town who have been on the Council or Committees
appear to have a CONTEMPT for “the people,” “the voters,” “the Tax Payers,”
the people who fight the wars / keep peace / fight fires / save lives /
build – repair things / teach / repair / provide service / do the labor.
Guess what – if the Town Committees – Attorneys – Town Councilors -
Department heads – etc – break the LAW, they no longer deserve thr
“just consent of the governed, from WE the People,” do they?
Any Judge / Senator / Congress / Governor / President-V P / or any elected
people who become criminals deserve to spend 10 times the jail time as the
nickle and dime drug pushers, who effectually work to build an EMPIRE of
COURTS / REHAB / JAILS / HOSPITALS / DC&F / PROBATION-PAROLE /LAWYERS
Maybe we out to take out Street light and put up crucifix with Lawyers and
Politicians, for real cross fire vs. the KKK burning crosses? < I AM KIDDING &
I AM AGAINST ANY VIOLENCE, but I could think of 100 government related
Lawyers, likely to make great compost ……
I am surprized the Star story about the new Harkins transition
team has not been posted.
If the unconfirmed person does in fact become town attorney…
and if subcontract business in the bipartisan traditions goes to
Kelly
Florek
Burturla
And if Kent Miller and Jim Miron, join either Berchem & Moses,
or Jackson, Kelly, and Bishop …..
I wonder if it is possible we might have Esq. James Miron as the
stipended “special town attorney” on Building Needs?
I wonder if it is possible we might have Esq. Kent Miller as the
stipended “special town attorney” on Ethics?
I wonder if it is possible we might have Esq. Richard Burtural as the
stipended “special town attorney” on Pension?
I wonder if it is possible we might have Esq. Ben Proto as the
stipended “special town attorney” on Zoning?
It makes too much sense not to have Kelly as Town Attorney as
he has Avallone Bay (Ca-Ching) and can shephard other land deals
like contract Plating and Ferry Boulevard widening and remediation.
Watching Louie-Louie & Norm at Mill River Country Club reminded me
of early 2000s when Dick Miron & Dick Burturla were almost attached
at the hip?
Tim (D) Bishop was one of Dick Mirons henchmen, repping him with an
opinion that even Linda McMahon’s script writers would not even try
to use since it was even below that a fifth grader.
Yeah, some improvement under Harkins?
It is like rewarding the people who stole from you, because they will
finally do what they should have done 20 years ago, at a fraction of
the cost, and they are giving back a fraction of your money…
This IS Stratford.
Hey nationwide … they’ve done it since the Eisenhower farewell …
Actually they’s done it through US History and World / Western Civ..
The Stratford and CT. lawyers are like the HYDRA.
Cutoff the head of 1 snake, there are 99 snake heads left.
The snake head grows back.
And if you plant the teeth of the Hydra, one of their Ghoulist surrogates
grows from the cesspool.
There are some people in the Harkins camp that would give me pause
for possibilities.
However, personnel is policy.
Thumbs down to 3 of the Transition team, so far.
What writeth PCS and Harkins heralders?
Years ago, when Laura Hoydic headed the Chamber of Commerce,
she claimed the ONLY place in Stratford to develope was FERRY
BOULEVARD.
Will FERRY BOULEVARD need widening for the HARKINS # 33 Ramps
and as a GATE WAY to SHAKESPEARE + AVCO + AIRPORT?
What law office was domociled @ 80 Ferry Boulevard and why did
they suddenly move to Milford, whose lawyers LORD OVER Stratford?
Who owns property on FERRY BOULEVARD and DIRECTLY adjacent to
it and to the SHAKESPEARE THEATER?
Are they related to Stratford politically known Major names?
-
Why was there an 11 year delay to buy 2 fire trucks, endangering the
Fire Fighters and the Public with completely unnecessary shoddy
equipment?
Why were there 3 bidders and delays on Shakespeare?
Why were there 3 bidders and delays on AVCO?
Why did the Water Treatment Plant compete on schedule Oct 2009?
Why were there delays on FINAL RAYMARK cleanup?
Why were there delays on FINALIZING Airport deal?
Will LBW ever go to F & W or will it be traded for PART of the Airport?
Why was I – 95 Bridgeport and I – 15 Sikorsky Bridge competely about
the same time frame?
Why are parts of I – 95 on either side of Bridgeport / Stratford and
either side of New Haven and beyond Bridgeport on 25 / 8 getting
massive work scheduled?
Why are Moses Wheeler Bridge and ramps finally being worked on, NOW?
Will FERRY BOULEVARD be widened and remediated?
Why were certain people BRIBED with PENSIONS, CONTRACTS, LAWYER
AWARDS, FEES, CONTRACT AWARDS, for 25 years drving TAXES UP and
PROPERTY VALUES down, while antagonizing the GOOD COPS and decent
people?
Why was there an ETHICS COMMISSION reconstituted after years of being
idle and NEVER meeting?
Why were there breakdowns in politics, by the political parties?
Did the political parties create a Charter Revision Commission?
Did the political parties control framing of the issues on Charter Revision Commission? Since when did Lawyers or Mirons / B UTTER NUTS care any
thing about people of Stratford?
Did the political parties create a Charter Revision Commission # 2?
Did the political parties control framing of the issues on Charter Revision Commission # 2? Since when did Lawyers or Mirons / B UTTER NUTS care any
thing about people of Stratford?
Did Gavin make a big show about asking for a lot of FOI information and
NEVER USE IT? Did he have any intention of using it?
Did Gavin make a big show about asking for a Town Attorney opinion on
TERM LIMITS and NEVER USE IT? Did he have any intention of using it or
is it being save to STEAL 1st Amendment PETITION RIGHTS’ PROCESS of
INITIATIVE / PETITION / REFERENDUM in the old Town Charter?
The shadow knows what EVIL lurks in the heart of man (and woman)?
Did the shadow create Dred Scott and SCOTUS? How about Ann Frank?
Every note the X of the Union Jack cancels the + (cross) and that the
Jolly Roger, Skull and Bones, and Stars and Bars all use the X?
What will everyone do and where will everyone turn when the were-
wolves and devil’s advocates TAKE away YOUR RIGHTS?
But then….
Since they sold their soul to the DEVIL
Where will the turn when the DEVIL double crosses the double crossers?
After all the Union Jack is the sign of the double cross, isn’t it?
What if they created Hitler, Stalin, Slavery/Confederates/KKK -WW I -
WW II – Korea – Vietnam – Croat/Yugo – Ethiopia – Iraq I – II – III -
Jeze has referred to Reinhold Niemuller, who knew for whom the bell tolled.
George,
I’m not sure what to do with those last two rants.
Are you suggesting Ferry Blvd is as good as it will ever get?
Are you suggesting that there is an attorney (anywhere) with even less scruples than Richard Buturla?
(OK…maybe Chuck Willinger, Barry Knott or Arthur Laske, but it would be REALLY close).
I’m not sure what to do with those last two rants.
Jus checkin to see if you were payin attenshun!
However, I am absolutely sure our friends are puppets
as well as all of us, from people who have resources
and motive to create multigenerational situations.
Why?
It keeps their numbnuts preoccupied/busy with rituals, planning, and
timetabled implementation, while the upper inner party lives their lives
without meaning or challenge, getting off scott free …
Are you suggesting Ferry Blvd is as good as it will ever get?
NO – OPPOSITE MEANING?
IF, IF, FERRY BOULEVARD was SUPERFUNDED CLEANED in conjunction
with RAYMARK, I-95 # 33 RAMPS, SHAKESPEARE, AVCO, and Airport
what would happen to the value of the LAND where HOTEL(S), MARINA,
SHOPPING and tourism could be REZONED COMMERCIAL.
My side street neighbors have homes on the market for under $ 300,000,
while the $ 1 million price for waterfront & docks took big hit.
If Ferry Boulevard was in Westport, most of the home would be worth
close to $ 2 million due to water proximate, depending on house size.
Have you seen size of lots NEAR (within blocks of) COMPO BEACH.
If Ferry Boulevard was in Fairfield, most of the home would be worth
close to $ 1 million due to water proximate, depending on house size.
Have you seen size of lots NEAR (within blocks of) FAIRFIELD BEACH.
Clean up Ferry Boulevard and what are houses in the Historic worth?
Clean up Ferry Boulevard and Ann Miron’s home and several within
1 -2 blocks “happen” to jump in value!
Are you suggesting that there is an attorney (anywhere) with even
less scruples than Richard Buturla? (OK…maybe Chuck Willinger,
Barry Knott or Arthur Laske, but it would be REALLY close).
I know and like Barrry (as a person) but disappointed in his lawyer stuff.
You can educate me about Laske…
Ray V. told me Burturla was Greedy.
Scruples defined:
a strip club on north avenue, bridgeport
1) An uneasy feeling arising from conscience or principle that
tends to hinder action
2) To hesitate as a result of conscience or principle: “A man who
could make so vile a pun would not scruple to pick a pocket”
(John Dennis). (Fagin-omics or Stratford’ Pension Board=right Gavin?)
3) scruples – motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral
principles that govern a person’s thoughts and actions.
4) that part of the unconscious mind that acts as a conscience
5) motivation based on ideas of right and wrong
6) an inner voice that judges your behavior
7) a motivating awareness of ethical responsibility
I’m a thunkin ….. gimme time … I a sure there are far worse people
than burturla / miron, who are choir boys compared to some ..
George,
“Jus checkin to see if you were payin attenshun!”
You’re joking, right?
“If Ferry Boulevard was in Westport”
If Ferry Blvd was in Manhattan or Monte Carlo or Hong Kong…..but it isn’t. It’s in Stratford.
Sorry George, you have so many conspiracy theories it’s just hard to keep track. Perhaps if you had an actual goal and plan to get there more people would be interested.
George,
“I am surprized the Star story about the new Harkins transition
team has not been posted.”
There is nothing to post…yet.
I actually do not anticipate that December, January and February will be “fun” months for Harkins and whoever he appoints/hires. Four years of “nacht und nebel” and “wie sie wünschen, mein Führer” are not easy to correct.
Mayor Harkins has a very difficult task (quite a few actually) ahead of him. It remains to be seen how effective he is allowed to be.
Jeze,
I did not do very well with my 1 year of german at prep.
44 years ago, so I recognize only part of the message,
comparing Mironacts and hitleresque.
We have different anticipations, if the transition team is
as reported, there will be minor changing of the guards,
using the same “company and regiment.”
While Stratford is not Westport, it was a military industrial
outpost with SIKORSKY and AVCO (Chance Vought) as only
the more obvious and biggest economic engines. However
analysis of other large employer contractors all fed into the
military – industrial matrix.
Contract Plating – Gov contracts necessitated chemical needs.
Dresser/Ashcroft – Oil industry hardware for fueling M-I needs.
Dictaphone – Telecommunications
Machine shops – for MIL SPEC
Contractors and subcontractors (Example: My uncle’s company
fabricated-installed Sikorsky cranes and hoists 1960s-1990)
I am pretty sure the number of employees in stratford exceeded
the number of residents.
The industrial residue, tainted property values.
Further, Stratford is not as close to NYC for commuters than Stamford,
Grennwich, Westport, and Fairfield. Yet not much further by rail.
Jeze, if you compare shoreline and nature assets, Stratfford has
“more to offer” than Westport or Fairfield, as a “town for all seasons.”
Parts of Stratford compare favorably to parts of Fairfield and Westport
for maintaining Historic and New England character, of which both
Westport and Fairfield still have significant sections.
Stepping back from your experience and the conventional wisdom,
if Stratford lowered Environmental and Tax Issues to Westport and
Fairfield levels, what would keep Stratford from PROXIMATING the
PROPERTY VALUES of the rest of the GOLD COAST.
We share qualities like shoreline, I-95 + I-15, RR, Weather, sq miles,
and more. All that differenciates us from them are troglodyte ward
politics causing higher tax burdons and intenionally bad marketing.”
Stratford has the “Brand” of the “Shakespeare Theater.”
Bridgeport has the “Brand” of “P. T. Barnum.”
And the land foot prints for Business paying much greater Tax percent
has not gone away, although they need remediation, like some of the
assets of the other GOLD COAST TOWNS.
Yes Jeze, I have a plan and far greater insight on economics than any
one on this blog, or in stratford, or CT. or the USA. I am bragging that
I know things others do not know, nor believe, except the inner party,
of which Galbraith, Buckley, McGovern, Hart, Bush, and others were on
the periphery. (I know this should be mocked…. but wait for the “son su.”
(science and art of religion and philosophy on socio-economic politics.)
George,
“I have a plan and far greater insight on economics than any
one on this blog, or in stratford, or CT. or the USA.”
And there’s your humbleness too. Let’s not forget that.
And there’s your humbleness too.
I have a plan and far greater insight on economics.
For more of George’s plan, go to:
http://stratfordcharter.wordpress.com/2008/05/15/georges-page/#comment-8997
What is the insight of most posts?
“Mirons suck.”
OK – they are out of control…..
Who do you blame now for problems?
What are your solutions?
Challenge to every reader ….
George,
“What is the insight of most posts?”
This is not CNN or the New York Times. It is an opinion blog.
“Mirons suck.”
That seems to be the prevailing opinion in this Town. I will take it that this blog accurately reflects that.
And there’s your humbleness too.
I have a plan and far greater insight on economics.
For more of George’s plan, go to:
http://stratfordcharter.wordpress.com/2008/05/15/georges-page/#comment-8997
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Jeze,
Why did you move my direct response to your sarcastic critique?
Could it be because you asked a specific question and I answered it
specifically, with examples and you were embarassed?
From George’s earlier post:
That is why it’s important that good honest people get
involved in the political process at all levels.
It all begins at the Town Committe level.
I do, and then George questions my integrity and ethics based solely on my membership on the Ethics Committee. How do you plan on getting good, honest people to step up if you are going to bash them personally when they do so?
My post was predicated on my experience with the reconstituted Ethics
Commission, whereas Father Kopka privately admitted in 2007 the Ethics
Commission was reconstituted to protect people who appointed them.
FACTS
1 – The ETHICS COMMISSION was VACANT for about a DECADE
2 – The QUALIFICATIONS to be on the ETHICS COMMISSION was changed and
lowered by Jen Hilgen and Jameson Scott, who quit just after 1 year so
Fire Truck Feehan could be appointed Town Councilor circumenting the
Term Limits Ordinance.
3 – Esq. Burturla was the guiding legal authority in NOT just one, nor two,
but three revisions of the ETHICS CODE.
4 – If max power is Roger Salls, then he is a fine person, however he is
also former head of Chamber of Commerce, which has a SPECIFIC AGENDA
with SPECIFIC MEMBERSHIP, which has an ABSOLUTE BIAS towards certain
people and certain objectives.
I believe Sue Birge and Roger, can serve in many capacities to benefit
the town of Stratford. However I question their bias.
Jack Golden has the BEST FINANCIAL RESUME this side of Bernie Madoff,
and that is a complement to both of their resumes, without intending
to INSULT Mr. Golden.
If max power is Roger Salls, would he cover up for his fellow Chamber
of Commerce members and Town Attorneys, and Town Committees,
and possibly ruin his business bridges? Very possibly?
However, as long as BURTURLA – KELLY – FLOREK still have LEGAL
AUTHORITY directly or INDIRECTLY over the ETHICS COMMISSION
and as long as the TOWN COUNCIL can COMPLETELY CHOP UP and
COMPLETELY DESTROY the ETHICS COMMISSION recommendations,
WHICH THEY DID – DIDN’T THEY in the last 3 months?
how can anyone take YOUR castrated ETHICS COMMISSION seriously?
George,
Honestly, you impugn everyone’s integrity but your own. You question everyone’s motives even though in many cases there is no justification for doing so. If you can PROVE your allegations then you have a legitimate case. Otherwise stop questioning everyone’s motives or connections. And don’t bother trotting out the “guilt by association” garbage. Judge each individual on his or her merits and if there is wrongdoing, then your concerns are justified.
Short of that, you simply appear to be lashing out at anyone and anything that moves.
So what?
Maybe NO ONE has integrity, including myself?
Why don’t you try reading the post about the changes made and the
Attorneys who are involved in the Ethics Changes, then look at the
PENSION NUMBERS
BOND NUMBERS
ECONOMIC anti-DEVELOPMENT
UNFUNDED MANDATES
Does it appear as though the political parties and attorneys tried to help
Stratford or Plunder it?
Come and attack me, but do it with numbers on HOW I STOLE from YOU
and HOW I was in POSITION to STEAL from YOU.
And if I was not in position
Why don’t you ever TRY to explain why we have 30 + Mil Rate compared
to so many comparable towns.
You are not capable of facing up to your responsibilities for this mess.
It is my fault and every citizen’s fault for not trying to stop it and improve
the system. I will take my full share of responsibility for Statford being a
failure as a community with the republican and democratic bizarros getting
Jim Miron elected, in the first palce and wrecking a nice town with very
good and caring people, the same way the USA ….
I’ve read the posts George, and the letters. With regard to the pension issue you make some legitimate points.
But no one is attacking you (at least I’m not). I’m saying that it appears you have decided that everyone deserves your condemnation and everyone’s motives are suspect, regardless of the individual or the circumstance.
Short of massive cutbacks to education, public safety and town services, our current commitments are what they are. Was the pension deal a terrible deal for the town? Absolutely. And now we have to find a way to correct it. But accusing everyone and everything of being corrupt doesn’t get the job done.
Chris,
I was having some fun.
There are huge numbers of people with integrity and decency.
Even among the bloggers.
However they, and you, AND I have huge holes in our self image?
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EVERYONE in the USA has benefitted directly and indirectly because of WAR.
Without WW II – there would have been no GI BILL or MARSHALL PLAN or
huge increases in EDUCATION, HOUSING, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE, etc.
I love the USA as much as anyone on the blog and while I had fun using
the term NAZI and people against the 1ST AMENDMENT + CONSTITUTION
I was using hyperbole and exaggeration to get reactions to the real point
that several bloggers know is true and have told me they believe is true,
that the attorneys and political parties want to destroy
Term Limits
Recall
Referendums, especially Budget Referendums.
What is not hyperbole, or exaggeration is that Referendum and Petition
are forms for the 1st Amendment Right to PETITION Government for
Redress of Grievance.
CONGRESS MAY NOT ABRIDGE
CONGRESS is a LEGISLATIVE BODY
TOWN COUNCIL is a LEGISLATIVE BODY
The Town Committees, Town Councils, Attorneys and vampires are
trying to abridge and steal your first amendment right.
Isn’t that correct MAX POWER, MIKE R, PHIN, JEZE, RON?
Honestly answer, Does Jim Miron, Rich Burturla and their hirelings
Kevin Kelly, and John Florek, along with Kubec, Proto, Williams, and
August, all want to eliminate RECALL + TERM LIMITS + INITIATIVE +
REFERENDUM < especially BUDGET REFERENDUM.
ANYONE WHO IS SILENT is a LIAR, in my opinion!
Everyone know it is true, and all of you pretend differently.
They and some of you are THIEVES of MONEY and RIGHTS of others?
Sins of ommission and sins of Commission?
Jeze – Why don't you trot out Martin Niemoeller as it relates to RTC + DTC,
and I GIVE YOU PROPS that you do nail both, while still being blind to other
things, if you support a particular person ….
=
Since by Justice Department figures, over 90 % of jailed / prisoners have
history of Alcohol or Drug abuse … and because DRUGS and ALCOHOL are
major sources of revenue …. WHAT IF …. by MAGIC or other MEANS
People ceased wanting and needing Drugs or Alcohol?
Better than needing fewer Jails / Rehab / Hospitals, and police / jailers
/court people / lawyers would be able to move from careers which may
protect some and serve others, but really build nothing constructive.
Imagine if the Executive – Judicial – and Legislative actually worked for
the people and helped everyone be all they could be?
Imagine satisfying careers doing what you enjoyed and making enough to
have paid Health Care and other benefits in good working environments,
where people recognized they needed and depended on other people
and treated all other people like most of us treat toddlers, infants, and
young children?
What if people actually obeyed Fiduciary obligations to ALL the PEOPLE,
not just limited circles, instead of lying, cheating, and stealing – a motto
from a drugged dead WWE WRESTLER of our next governor, Linda McMahon, where the scripts can compete with Stratford and D.C.?
I dare anyone to claim there is respect for the US CONSTITUTIONAL
RIGHTS of the people, in Stratford politics. DOUBLE DARE!
I triple dare anyone to debate me in public on that issue.
Oh – it is TREASON to WAGE or DECLARE WAR on the US GOVERNMENT.
However to recognize that EXECUTIVE + JUDICIAL + LEGISLATIVE are
filled with pond scum and septic dredgings or dreggs is a first amendment
right and too close to the truth…. in my opinion.
come get me boys and girls.
defend yourselves and your drug / alcohol world of war + crime,
with steering from people with need, to creatures of de greed?
ah, what the heck. I wasn’t using my Civil Liberties, anyway! And no, George. I am not Roger.
I’d have to agree here George… that blank avator is way too good looking to be Roger Salls!!!
LOL… if you’re out there Roger… I’m just kidding… you’re a good person who I have a LOT of respect for (regardless of the hogwash George spews… hahahah)!!!
PS… I’ll have to defer to Mrs. Sudds on this one, and she thinks that you’re quite cute!!!
I have blogged that I fear violence against senators, congress, federal,
state and local officials, because of what government has done to the
businesses and careers of people.
I do not know details or if “terrorist” related, or other causation, but a
Las Vegas Federal Building with offices of 2 Senators and at least one
Congress was attacked by 2 gunmen.
It is sad.
Story of Milford woman who committed suicide over having her home
foreclosed on was very sad.
Front page of Sunday CT. POST.
She won a Milford award for the waay she kept up her home.
Things like this have been happening for couple years and getting worse!