December 28, 2009

MAN THRU ICE, Vernon Connecticut Fire Department in Action


Picasa Web Albums - CHAS. - 2009-12-27 ICE RESCUE: "12-27-09 MAN THRU ICE RESCUE. RISLEY RESERVOIR,LAKE ST."

2009-12-27 ICE RESCUE: "Subscribe to this feed"

The Office of Governor M. Jodi Rell Gov. Rell Vetoes Both Democratic Deficit Bills

The Office of Governor M. Jodi Rell: "12/28/09 - Gov. Rell Vetoes Both Democratic Deficit Bills (Listen)"

December 27, 2009

Mayor Jason L. McCoy - LinkedIn

Mayor Jason L. McCoy - LinkedIn: "View Mayor Jason L. McCoy’s full profile"

Terror Attempt Seen as Man Tries to Ignite Device on Jet

Terror Attempt Seen as Man Tries to Ignite Device on Jet


By ANAHAD O’CONNOR and ERIC SCHMITT

Published: December 26, 2009

A Nigerian man tried to ignite an explosive device as a jet landed in Detroit on Friday in what is believed to be “an attempted act of terrorism,” according to a White House official

Passengers’ Quick Action Halted Attack

Passengers’ Quick Action Halted Attack


By SCOTT SHANE and ERIC LIPTON

Published: December 27, 2009

Despite the billions spent on counterterrorism efforts since 2001, something simpler averted disaster on a Christmas Day flight.

December 15, 2009

Symbols return to Rockville Library stepsArticle | ReminderNews

Article ReminderNews: "Symbols return to library steps
BY STEVE SMITH Staff Writer
Originally light fixtures, two globes had adorned the front entrance to the Rockville Public Library for more than 100 years, until the fall of 2007, when they were stolen."

Last Tuesday, a ceremony took place, with several town officials, library trustees and staff, State Sen. Tony Guglielmo, to dedicate the replacement globes now sitting atop the same pedestals.

The copper globes, according to DiTarando and library staff, would not have netted the thieves more than a few hundred dollars.

Mayor Jason McCoy said it was “very sad” when the globes were taken.

“I feel like those globes and the library are symbols for all of us of the public’s access to knowledge,” McCoy said. “Rich or poor, you have equal access to the library, and that is access to the world.”

McCoy thanked everyone for their efforts and donations for seeing the project through. “It’s not the biggest issue in the world, but when a symbol is taken, I think it creates a problem with the spirit of the people in the community,” he said. “I’m so happy this is finally completed .”



Bob Hurd, president of the library’s trustees, said the bronze spheres, replicas of the ones that were there, were replaced with the help of the library’s insurance and the efforts of local architect and sculptor Roger DiTarando.

“I met Roger through the RDA committee . He was able to pull off the recreation of these globes in bronze,” Hurd said. “If you are not familiar with his work, you should get familiar with his work.”

The original globe artist, was part of an artists community in Cornish, New Hampshire.

A campaign was launched by the Tolland County Chamber of Commerce to raise funds for a reward leading to the capture of the theft perpetrators, but since no one was ever caught, those funds went to pay the insurance deductible .

Rockville Bank was the depository of the funds, which Chamber Executive Director Candice Corcione said was more than $1,500, raised primarily from donations by Chamber members.

“Now the building is complete again,” said Library Director Donna Enman. “It’s a good feeling. It’s permanence.”
“We’re restoring a part of the history of the community. For people to take them away – really the whole community missed them.”
DiTarando said he has works throughout the state, including a sculpture on the UConn campus, and two large weather vanes at the Tunxis Plantation Golf Course in Farmington.

He said he had a fuzzy picture of the original globes, and had measured the green ring left on top of the pillars where they sat.
From that, he was able to calculate the dimensions.

“I sculpted the three fish [which form the “feet” of the spheres] in clay,” he said. “I made molds and had them cast. The rest of it was all fabricated from sheet rods. I hammered them, bent them and welded them.”

DiTarando said it only took him about two months to complete the entire project.

Security cameras are installed, keeping constant watch over the globes, to deter anyone from stealing them again.
DiTarando said he used stainless steel bolts and an epoxy resin to fasten the globes to the pillars, and the composite is much heavier, making them substantially more difficult to remove.

“I’m very pleased to be part of the project,” he said. “It’s the perfect project for me.”

See DiTarando’s other artworks at his Web site, http://www.blogger.com/www.ditarando.com, and visit the library’s Web site at www.biblio.org/rockville.

Contact Steve Smith at ssmith@remindernet .com.VYDRXKVR4UJ6

Tuesday's special session could be a short one - The Connecticut Post Online

Tuesday's special session could be a short one - The Connecticut Post Online

We will not cut our cities and towns by $84 million," said Donovan of Rell's proposed 3 percent cut to town aid in the two-year, $37.6-billion budget that started July 1. "We're not going to sacrifice 5,000 jobs. This recovery is about creating jobs." Majority Senate Democrats on Monday night had not reviewed the House proposals.

A spokesman for Rell warned that Democrats, who run the House 114-37 and the Senate 24-12, are showing "an incredible and disheartening disregard" for the state's fiscal problems, which center on a sharp drop off in sales- and income-tax revenue. The spokesman questioned the accuracy of the Democrats' claimed loss of jobs.

December 12, 2009

Governor Rell swears in McCoy in to his Second Term as Mayor of Vernon CT | Video classifieds

Governor Rell swears in McCoy in to his Second Term as Mayor of Vernon CT Video classifieds: "Governor Rell swears in McCoy...
Nov. 9, 2009 Vernon Connecticut - Governor Rell swears in Jason McCoy as Mayor of Vernon into his second term. Mayor McCoy thanked the crowd and his community for allowing him to serve as the Mayor of Vernon. McCoy said he was elected due to the results and promises kept. Mayor McCoy explained however in this term there will be problems facing Towns around the State of Connecticut due to loss of State Revenue Sharing. McCoy explained that the Town of Vernon will get through it and he and the members of the Vernon Town Council and Vernon Board of Education are prepared to do what is needed to lead this Community through these tough economic times."

Governor Jodi Rell swears in Mayor Jason McCoy in to his Second Term as Mayor of Vernon CT

YouTube - Governor Jodi Rell swears in Mayor Jason McCoy in to his Second Term as Mayor of Vernon CT: "Governor Jodi Rell swears in Mayor Jason McCoy in to his Second Term as Mayor of Vernon CT"

VYDRXKVR4UJ6

Journal Inquirer > Chris Powell > Without political will, Connecticut will sink

Journal Inquirer > Chris Powell > Without political will, Connecticut will sink: "Without political will, Connecticut will sink"

From the state Capitol this week the message rang out loud and clear: Nowhere in state or municipal government can any more money be saved even as the state budget deficit grows by tens of millions of dollars each month and threatens state government with running out of cash next year just as California state government did this year.First the General Assembly's Appropriations Committee held hearings to parade every hard-luck case in the state in front of the television cameras to plead against any reduction in their assistance. Then the Municipal Mandate Board just appointed by Governor Rell to recommend reductions in state grants to cities and towns voted not to recommend anything. The only municipal official opposing the motion was Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy, who had specified many state mandates whose repeal would reduce municipal expenses.

It appears that when, next week, at Governor Rell's call, the General Assembly convenes in special session to address the deficit, the leaders of the Democratic majority may either undertake to try to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars for current expenses, thereby destroying the state's bond rating if lenders can even be found, or simply abdicate and adjourn the special session immediately as if nothing can be done except to await financial collapse.

Has anyone in the parade ever urged his legislators to review how much more drug criminalization or government-subsidized childbearing outside marriage Connecticut can afford?

Has anyone in the parade ever complained to his congressmen about the essentially infinite cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the rescues of the bankrupt financial houses that devastated the world economy?

Of course it is not really as if nothing can be done. The question is just whether the political will can be mustered to prevent society from collapsing under the weight of the government. There is a desperate emergency and there can be no more asking the permission of anyone to save the state. All statutory and regulatory impediments to saving money must be repealed or suspended so that the basic functions and humane institutions of government can continue to do what is essential through hard times.

The great objective must be to restore a relationship between the public's income and the income of the government, its employees, its vendors, and its dependents, to wrest control of the government from those who vote for a living and give it back to those who work for one.
-----Chris Powell is managing editor of the Journal Inquirer.

Watch the meetings by clicking below:

The Governor's Municipal Leaders Mandate Board December 9 Meeting

The Governor's Municipal Leaders Mandate Board Introductory Meeting

Governor Rell's Municipal Leaders Mandate & Revenue Board December 9 Meeting Mayor's around Connecticut

The Governor's Municipal Leaders Mandate Board December 9 Meeting



December 11, 2009

ConnecticutPlus.com News - Fedele for Governor announces second round of endorsements

ConnecticutPlus.com News - Fedele for Governor announces second round of endorsements: "Lt. Governor Michael Fedele yesterday announced a second round of endorsements from 31 government, community and business leaders. The endorsements announced yesterday bring his total to 53, just one week after announcing his campaign for Governor."

The following list includes yesterday’s second round of endorsements:State Senator L. Scott Frantz Bethlehem First Selectman Jeffrey HammelBolton First Selectman Bob MorraBurlington First Selectman Catherine Bergstrom Greenwich Selectman David TheisGreenwich Town Clerk Carmen Budkins Haddam First Selectman Paul DeStefanoLisbon First Selectman Thomas Sparkman Litchfield First Selectman Leo Paul Middlebury First Selectman Thomas Gormley Middlefield First Selectman John BrayshawNew Canaan Selectman Robert Mallozzi New Hartford First Selectman Daniel JerramNorth Canaan First Selectman Douglas HumesOld Lyme First Selectman Timothy Griswold Orange First Selectman James Zeoli Prospect Mayor Robert Chatfield Roxbury First Selectman Barbara HenrySomers First Selectman Lisa PellegriniSouthbury First Selectman William Davis Stamford Town Clerk Donna LoglisciTrumbull Town Council Vice Chair Suzanne TestaniWaterford First Selectman Daniel Steward Westbrook First Selectman Noel BishopWoodstock First Selectman Allan Walker, JrThe Stamford Republican Town CommitteeMr. Ed Greenberg, Republican State Central MemberMr. Mike Jachimczyk, Republican State Central MemberMr. Chris Meek, Founder and Chairman of Our CTGOP and SoldierSocksMr. Tom Devine, Devine Brothers / Devine Bioheat Atty. Gerald Farrell, Sr., CT Bar Association Criminal Law Executive Committee.

On December 3, Lt. Governor Fedele released the following list of endorsements just one day after announcing his run for Governor. The initial list of endorsements follows: Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei New Canaan First Selectman Jeb WalkerMiddletown Mayor Sebastian GiulianoEnfield Mayor Scott KaupinNew Milford Mayor Patricia MurphyEast Lyme First Selectman Paul FormicaGlastonbury Town Council Chair Susan Karp Newtown First Selectman Patricia LlodraFarmington Town Council Chair Michael ClarkWethersfield Mayor Donna Hemmann Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy Guilford First Selectman Joseph MazzaWoodbury First Selectman Jerry StomskiDurham First Selectman Laura FrancisOld Saybrook First Selectman Michael PaceMr. Larry Auriana, Co-Founder of the Kaufmann FundMr. Giovanni Tomasi, President of RSL Fiber Optic Systems Mr. Lee Rizzuto, Vice President of Conair Corporation Mr. Cal Calderella, Old Saybrook Republican Town Committee ChairMr. Malcolm Pray, Founder of Pray Automotive Mr. Ken Wilson, Guilford Republican Town Committee Member

December 6, 2009

The Connecticut Governor's Municipal Leaders Advisory Panel Introductory Meeting


Mandates draining police budgets- The New Haven Register - Serving New Haven, Connecticut

Mandates draining police budgets- The New Haven Register - Serving New Haven, Connecticut: "Many chiefs agree state-required officer training is excessively expensive, and said they hope Gov. M. Jodi Rell will examine this area.

A 14-member panel of legislators, mayors and state leaders convened Thursday, tasked with identifying $84 million worth of mid-year cuts in state aid to municipalities Rell proposed.

Rell has called for a 3 percent reduction in state funding to cities and towns, but has left it to the bipartisan panel to identify specific cuts and ways to offset those reductions through mandate relief.

Vernon Police Chief James Kenney, in conjunction with panel member Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy, has sent a message to state chiefs asking them to identify costly unfunded mandates. Kenney and McCoy could not be reached for comment."

Mandates draining police budgets- The New Haven Register - Serving New Haven, Connecticut

Mandates draining police budgets- The New Haven Register - Serving New Haven, Connecticut

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December 5, 2009

Council OKs McCoy's Appointments -- Courant.com

Council OKs McCoy's Appointments -- Courant.com

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Rell outlines plans to reduce deficit

Rell outlines plans to reduce deficit

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Rell outlines plans to reduce deficit

Rell outlines plans to reduce deficit: "“In many ways, this is the most difficult cut I must propose,” Ms. Rell said. “I have labored to maintain this aid at the same level as the prior year. The simple fact, however, is that the pressure on the state budget is too great. We cannot spend what we do not have.”
To offset the effects of this cut, the governor is forming a panel of lawmakers and six municipal leaders - mayors or first selectmen from two large cities, two mid-size communities and two rural towns - to make proposals for immediate mandate relief. Governor Rell has previously proposed steps such as a temporary suspension of binding arbitration and requiring a two-thirds vote of the Legislature before any further mandates are imposed.
The panel is to make its recommendations as soon as possible so the Legislature can take swift action to enact them into law and maximize the savings to cities and towns."

Wilton's state legislators brace for Rell's new deficit proposal

Wilton's state legislators brace for Rell's new deficit proposal: "In its monthly letter to the state comptroller, OPM on Friday estimated the current year budget deficit at $466.5 million. The comptroller has already certified that state tax revenues will not be within 1% of original projections, meaning that a planned 0.5 percentage-point reduction in the state sales tax will not take effect in January, so the governor’s plan adjusts the deficit figure downward by $129.5 million. That leaves a deficit of about $337 million to be closed.
Ms. Rell’s plan recommends $116.3 million in program reductions that will require legislative approval, and also freezes enrollment in Rell’s Charter Oak Health Plan for uninsured adults and imposes co-payments for Medicaid recipients and premium increases for those already enrolled in the Husky health insurance program.
The plan calls for a reduction of 3% in state aid to municipalities, a savings to the state budget of $84 million. This is the first time during this budget crisis that the governor has recommended any reduction in state funding for cities and towns.
To offset the effects of this cut, the governor is forming a panel of lawmakers and six municipal leaders — mayors or first selectmen from two large cities, two mid-size communities and two rural towns — to make proposals for immediate mandate relief. Gov. Rell has previously proposed steps such as a temporary suspension of binding arbitration and requiring a two-thirds vote of the legislature before any further mandates are imposed.
The panel is to make its recommendations as soon as possible so the legislature may take swift action to enact them into law and maximize the savings to cities and towns."

Governor Rell: Gov. Rell: Cooperation is Key In Addressing Reduction of Municipal Aid

Governor Rell: Gov. Rell: Cooperation is Key In Addressing Reduction of Municipal Aid: "Governor Rell has previously proposed steps such as a temporary suspension of binding arbitration and requiring a two-thirds vote of the Legislature before any further mandates are imposed. She is asking that the panel begin meeting this week.

The following municipal leaders appointed by the Governor are:
· Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch
· Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton
· East Hartford Mayor Melody Currey
· Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy
· Somers First Selectwoman Lisa Pellegrini
· Portland First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield"

Nickel-and-diming the way to a budget - The Connecticut Post Online

Nickel-and-diming the way to a budget - The Connecticut Post Online: "This was no happy group, led by Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, a Republican, and Democratic Mayors Bill Finch of Bridgeport. "

December 4, 2009

Town aid board struggles with cuts

Journal Inquirer > Politics & Government > Town aid board struggles with cuts: "Office of Policy and Management Secretary Robert L. Genuario, Rell’s budget director and one of the few non-town leaders on the panel, said the governor isn’t seeking ideas to increase state spending amid an economic crisis. “There is a limited and narrow charge to this committee,” he said.

Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy, a Republican, offered a lengthy list of costly state mandates that could be eased on towns, ranging from mandated 10-year development and conservation plans to storm water runoff testing. He noted towns even are required to store, at municipal expense, abandoned furniture and other possessions of evicted tenants in their communities.

But mayors and first selectmen across the panel agreed they already have trimmed municipal spending to the bone — with one big unspoken exception."

Journal Inquirer > Towns > Vernon > Vernon considers ways to compensate for state aid cuts

Journal Inquirer > Towns > Vernon > Vernon considers ways to compensate for state aid cuts: "on considers ways to compensate for state aid cuts"

VERNON —Town leaders are scrambling to resolve a half-million-dollar shortfall in the town’s current fiscal year budget due to a possible reduction in state aid scheduled to hit municipalities as part of Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s recently proposed budget mitigation plan.Mayor Jason L. McCoy — a Republican who was recently appointed to the governor’s bipartisan committee of municipal leaders to assist bridging the state’s budget gap — told the Town Council the estimated 3 percent reduction in state aid would mean a loss of about $500,000 to Vernon.

“The outlook for Vernon is not bleak,” the mayor said. “But the decreases for Vernon will be tough and will be final.”McCoy said the town has already implemented a non-emergency spending and hiring freeze, and asked town department heads to submit plans to cut current budget spending or increase revenue.

The state’s current spending plan is an estimated $549 million in the red, according to state Comptroller Nancy Wyman. Rell has called the legislature into a special session this month to negotiate an over $300 million deficit mitigation plan that already aims to eliminate about $84 million in municipal aid statewide.Tuesday, council members also briefly debated ways to reduce some items in the current year’s budget, that included reducing the size of the town’s fleet of vehicles, shutting off non-essential street lights, or renegotiating the hourly rate of town attorneys.Republican Councilman Sean O’Shea asked McCoy to explore the sale or lease of town-owned property, despite the recession-plagued market.

Gov. Rell Names Frey To Budget Relief Panel :: repfrey.com

Gov. Rell Names Frey To Budget Relief Panel :: repfrey.com: "The panel are Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, East Hartford Mayor Melody Currey, Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy, Somers First Selectwoman Lisa Pellegrini, Portland First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield, and Senator Robert Kane, representing Senate Republicans.

Mr. Frey represents House Republicans.

Legislative leaders have been asked to appoint six members to the panel, which will be co-chaired by Office of Policy and Management Secretary Robert Genuario and Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Brenda Sisco. Four more will be named.

“I urge the majority party to make its appointments promptly so that this panel can begin working on finding cost-savings solutions rather than overburdening the already overburdened taxpayer of Connecticut,” Gov. Rell said."

Frey joins panel to deal with state deficit on a local level

Frey joins panel to deal with state deficit on a local level

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Frey joins panel to deal with state deficit on a local level

Frey joins panel to deal with state deficit on a local level: "Gov. Rell has previously proposed steps such as a temporary suspension of binding arbitration and requiring a two-thirds vote of the legislature before any further mandates are imposed. She is asking that the panel begin meeting this week.
Also on the panel are Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, East Hartford Mayor Melody Currey, Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy, Somers First Selectwoman Lisa Pellegrini, Portland First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield, and Senator Robert Kane, representing Senate Republicans.
Mr. Frey represents House Republicans."

Mayors Against Mandates: Cut This! | NBC Connecticut

Mayors Against Mandates: Cut This! NBC Connecticut: "The task force has no tolerance for the cut in aid, but plenty of suggestions for easing the mandates. One mayor even brought a list, starting with school days.
Jason McCoy, the mayor of Vernon and member of the Governor's same party, read: '180 days and 900 hours.' He continued, 'If it said 180 days OR 900 hours, we could lengthen the day.' Fewer school days would save millions of dollars in building costs, he said.
'We went to a four-day work week and saved a ton of money in building costs,' said Mayor Mark Boughton, another Republican from Danbury.
McCoy said his department heads came up with mandate reforms ranging from pennies to real dollars. They include: letting police off some of the training requirements, charging more for police reports, letting the water company eat some of the million dollars it costs for fire hydrant inspections, allowing real estate conveyance taxes on foreclosures, allowing cities and towns to collect bed taxes from motels, and giving town councils authority over how public schools transfer money between line items."

Panel looks for ways to cut aid to municipalities- The New Haven Register - Serving New Haven, Connecticut

Panel looks for ways to cut aid to municipalities- The New Haven Register - Serving New Haven, Connecticut: "The panel convened for the first time Thursday morning. During the two-hour conversation, a divide emerged between some of the panel’s big city leaders calling for broader tax reform and representatives from smaller communities seeking more limited mandate relief.

Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy detailed numerous mandates impacting his town’s bottom line, including required storm water testing, conservation plans, reflective street signs and storage of belongings of evicted tenants. He suggested the option of either 900 hours or 180 days as opposed to both thus lifting restrictions on the minimum length of the school year, and asked that municipalities be allowed to charge fees similar to state rates for services. It would be a local option."

Panel looks for ways to cut aid to municipalities- The New Haven Register - Serving New Haven, Connecticut

Panel looks for ways to cut aid to municipalities- The New Haven Register - Serving New Haven, Connecticut

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Municipal Leaders On Panel Disagree On How To Reduce Connecticut's Budget Deficit -- Courant.com

Municipal Leaders On Panel Disagree On How To Reduce Connecticut's Budget Deficit -- Courant.com

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November 29, 2009

Journal Inquirer > No more 'sacred cows' but still a lot of mooing

Journal Inquirer > Archives > Chris Powell > No more 'sacred cows' but still a lot of mooing: "No more 'sacred cows' but still a lot of mooing"


No more 'sacred cows' but still a lot of mooing
By Chris Powell

Published: Saturday, November 28, 2009 1:14 AM EST

Municipal officials throughout Connecticut are waxing indignant that, amid state government's worsening insolvency, an exploding state budget deficit, Governor Rell has proposed reducing state financial grants to towns by 3 percent. If the grants are cut, cities and towns will have to reopen their budgets and raise property taxes again or cut spending.Yes, state government could hardly be more incompetent than it has been here. The governor and General Assembly could not enact a budget on schedule and then the Democratic budget the governor allowed to become law without her signature was a fraud, built on ridiculously excessive revenue and savings estimates. But the complaints of the municipal officials suggest that they haven't been paying attention. For anyone reading the newspaper dispatches from the state Capitol knew that the budget was phony and would catch up with cities and towns eventually.

Throughout the year the governor, a Republican, pretended that municipal governments could be insulated from state government's financial strains. She insisted that state grants should be maintained at current levels. Town officials were only too happy to pretend along with her. But the other day the truth was admitted officially, as state budget director Robert L. Genuario announced, "There cannot be any more sacred cows." State grants to cities and towns, Genurario said, inevitably are tied to state government's own financial situation, and as that situation worsens, municipalities have to expect to feel it.Of course Genuario thus suggested that the Rell administration and the legislature had been protecting sacred cows all along. And those sacred cows have been easy to see: particularly municipal employee unions, whose members consume, via their compensation, the bulk of the state grants now in question. Particularly sacred have been members of teacher unions, who, throughout the state, have been boasting among themselves of the political influence that has earned them immunity to even modest concessions like those obtained by the governor from the state employee unions.

But the grants to towns won't be the most painful cuts proposed by the governor. She also proposes to reduce state payments for welfare patients in nursing homes and hospitals, for school health clinics, and for general medical and dental care for the poor.To implement spending cuts, the governor said she would summon the General Assembly into special session on Dec. 15. Democratic leaders at first acted stunned, as if they hadn't realized their budget was phony. The first few Democrats who found their voices started talking about raising taxes on the rich again, which had just been done already, the one part of the budget that was not phony. This is how Democrats talk when there is little public support for raising taxes generally just to maintain a defective status quo.Former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor, quickly postured along these lines. Malloy urged that the poorest and neediest be spared from spending cuts, while declining to identify any recipient of public funds who might not be so poor and needy.The governor proposed appointing a committee of legislators and municipal officials to review state grants and identify state mandates on municipalities that might be suspended to save money. But the most expensive mandate is binding arbitration of contracts for public employee unions, the most fearsome special interest, and few elected officials have the courage to go there, even as most municipalities have just appropriated again for raises and benefit increases.Indeed, compensation for public employees in Connecticut might be reduced by 35 percent or more before the compensation for similar work in the private economy would start drawing many away. As the columnist Mark Steyn wrote recently, "A snapshot of America in the 21st century would show a motivated, can-do small businessman working around the clock until he's 78 to pay for a government worker who retires at 52 with pension and other benefits the private-sector schmuck could never dream of. That's why big government produces no economies of scale. The bigger the government, the more everything it does costs."In these circumstances Connecticut's only hope may be the old revolutionary slogan, "The worse, the better." Down to their last dollars, eventually Connecticut's elected officials and the people who elect them will decide explicitly that there are a few public purposes more important than the contentment of public employees. It's just a matter of how many years and how much degradation it will take.

-----Chris Powell is managing editor of the Journal Inquirer

Rell visits to give McCoy 2nd oath

Article ReminderNews: "Rell visits to give McCoy 2nd oath"





Dozens of family members, friends, town staff and supporters attended the swearing-in ceremony last Monday for Jason McCoy, who began his second turn as Vernon’s Mayor.

Among them was Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who on the same day, announced she will not seek another term in the state’s top office.

“It is my pleasure, and I appreciate that Jason has asked me to come and swear him in,” Rell said.

“I was reminded, as I got to the office, to swear him in, and not swear at him,” the governor joked.”

McCoy thanked the governor for supporting him, but more importantly, for supporting the community of Vernon.

He also thanked voters for returning mostly incumbents to office.

“The voters & taxpayers in town... sent me back, as well as my council and the Board of Education, because we’ve delivered results for the last two years.”

McCoy said he is bracing for the impact of the next budget season. “We all know things are going to get much worse,” he said, referring to the national economy’s effect on the town. “But, I feel confident that we are going to be able to handle those problems. I know that there is going to be less [state and federal] revenue here, and we are going to have to handle things that we’ve never had to handle before.”

McCoy said he and the governor have a friendly relationship that goes back many years. “I’m fairly close with Gov. Rell and her staff,” he said.

“We’ve been doing stuff together for a long time. I always do stuff to try to help her, and she’s helped me.”

McCoy said he first met Rell many years ago, at a campaign event with his grandfather, former Vernon mayor Frank McCoy.

Since Rell is not going to run again, McCoy said he is hopeful that Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele gets the job.

“It would be nice to see a guy [in office ] who is a true business owner, of a good-sized business, who understands economics and entity management and administration,” McCoy said.

November 22, 2009

M. Jodi Rell, Connecticut Governor, Won’t Seek Re-election - NYTimes.com

M. Jodi Rell, Connecticut Governor, Won’t Seek Re-election - NYTimes.com: "Connecticut Governor Won’t Seek Re-election"

Nine Face Charges In Vernon Drug Sweep -- Courant.com

Nine Face Charges In Vernon Drug Sweep -- Courant.com

Courant.com

Nine Face Charges In Vernon Drug Sweep
The Hartford Courant

7:21 PM EST, November 17, 2009

VERNON - Nine people are in police custody and 23 pounds of marijuana have been recovered in a crackdown against illegal drug dealing in the town.

Members of a regional task force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency intercepted a package containing 23 pounds of marijuana that was on its way to 85 Old Town Road unit 21 Friday. They removed the drug from the package and replaced it with other contents, then sent it to the address, police said.

A man, later identified as Lance Roberts, took the package and put it in a car driven by another man. At a different residence, Roberts transferred the package to his own car and took it back to his Tolland home. There, police arrested him without incident.

A search of his Hurlbut Street home turned up marijuana, illegal prescription pills and evidence of marijuana trafficking. Three cars were also seized during the investigation.

Roberts, 57, faces charges including criminal attempt to possess more than a kilo of marijuana, criminal attempt to possess marijuana with intent to sell, criminal attempt to possess drugs in a school zone, possession of narcotics and possession of marijuana.

Police expect more arrests in that case.

A separate investigation on Tuesday yielded eight more arrests.

Members of the East Central Narcotics Task Force and the Vernon Police Department served two search warrants at the Park West Apartments in Vernon. One of the warrants targeted an alleged marijuana dealer, Raymond Walker. Walker wasn't home, but police tracked him down at the Quality Inn on Hartford Turnpike in Vernon.

The second warrant targeted an alleged crack cocaine dealer identified as Ty-Juan Simmons. Simmons and his girlfriend, Deborah Hayes, were taken into custody without incident. Police found crack cocaine, drug packaging materials and drug paraphernalia in their home.

Walker, 45, faces a lengthy list of charges, including sale of marijuana, sale of the drug within 1,500 feet of public housing and multiple counts of possession and conspiracy. Simmons, 21, is charged with sale of crack cocaine, sale of the drug within 1,500 feet of public housing and six counts of possession. Hayes is charged with possession of crack cocaine and possession of the drug within 1,500 feet of public housing.
Three Rockville High School students were arrested the same day for alleged drug offenses that occurred off school grounds, police said. A 17-year-old male student was charged with operating a drug factory, sale of marijuana and several counts of possession. A 16-year-old male student faces charges of sale and possession of marijuana. Neither were identified because of their ages.
The third student, 18-year-old Jason Ciampa, is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Officers also arrested Roger Blouin, 49, and Donell Penrice, 22, on Tuesday. Blouin, who was taken into custody at his 59 High St., Apt. 1 in Vernon, faces charges of sale and possession of crack cocaine, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. Penrice, who was arrested at his Oak Street apartment, is charged with sale and possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
-- Jenna Carlesso


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November 2, 2009

Journal Inquirer > McCoy Vernon’s choice: progress or innuendo

Journal Inquirer > Letters To The Editor > Vernon’s choice: progress or innuendo: "Vernon’s choice: progress or innuendo
By Jason L. McCoy
Published: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 12:05 PM EDT"

Vernon’s choice: progress or innuendo
By Mayor Jason L. McCoy

In the election for mayor and Town Council in Vernon, our residents have two choices: They can choose progress fiscally, technologically, and environmentally by supporting me as mayor of Vernon, and the folks running with me — Town Council candidates and members Dan Anderson, Bill Campbell, Dan Champagne, Mark Etre, Judy Hany, Brian Motola, Sean O’Shea, Harry Thomas, and Board or Education candidates and members George Apel, Laura Bush, Anne Fischer, and Vicky Rispoli. Or they can choose accusation and innuendo not based on fact or reality.Recently there has been a lot of rigmarole advanced by political operatives who try to confuse issues they have created to blur the progress over the last two years in Vernon. They have made personal attacks on me; these political operatives have made personal attacks on anyone who has supported progress and change in Vernon.

In the last two years the budgets I have proposed to citizens of the town of Vernon have been supported by the Vernon Taxpayers Association, as well as the Vernon teachers association (Vernon Education Association).These last two years have been difficult for our town and every town in Connecticut, just as they have been difficult for the public. These people have worked to control the unnecessary growth of this town’s governmental spending, they support cooperation between the Town Council and the Board of Education, and have worked to increase non-property tax revenues to the town so it is not totally reliant on real estate property taxation to fund its budgets. They have held town governmental spending at less than 1 percent, and brought you two budgets with two tax rate or mill rate decreases. They have found cost savings each year that amounts to over $2 million in areas like in health insurance, passed policies that reduce fixed costs for governmental fuels and electricity, increased the police job clearance rates, increased the Connecticut Mastery Test scores for students each year, and paid off $1 million in debt the town owed, thereby reducing future budgets before they even start.

They also have implemented electronic citizen complaint systems; hired top department heads to implement policy initiatives; repaired dangerous bridges after the town had ignored the danger for the last 20 years; completed school building projects on time, without delay and under budget; replaced 20-year-old math books and replaced reading books and resources for grammar-school students; added school readiness at each grammar school; saved sports for kids without implementing pay-to-play programs; supported our school bands; with new uniforms; passed budgets on the first referendum in 2008 and 2009; implemented senior tax-relief programs; required school budgetary transfers be made only after the Board of Education’s elected officials vote to approve the budget transfers; passed a hybrid vehicle tax exemption ordinance to encourage citizens to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

We have implemented a legislative support program through hiring governmental relations experts to work on Vernon’s behalf to work on stopping state laws that force requirements that drive our budgets up every year for no reason. You have seen huge support for Vernon from Gov. Jodi Rell when she funded the Roosevelt Mills project, funded the completion of the Town Hall renovations and funded the Vernon Arts Center at the old kindergarten building and the Vernon-Bolton Lakes Water Pollution Control Authority, along with the redevelopment of Village Street.This was done in the face of the 2004 and 2005 road and school bonding of $100 million of bond debt starting to be repaid in 2008, a decreases in local revenue totaling of nearly $604,000 for recording fees, building permits, conveyance taxes, along with a reduction in state revenue sharing from the State of Connecticut and Vernon in the amount of roughly $1 million. Just take a look at your tax bill — it tells the story of the decrease in revenue, $19 million this year and $20 million last year.All of these things have been accomplished by these folks I refer to who are running with me, with the support of department’s heads I have hired and or managed, without pay cuts, without layoffs, without threats of service reductions.

Over the last two years you never heard me as mayor or these folks I refer to who are running with me threaten to cut services for residents or hike your taxes. We have only said: We can figure it out. I am sure that would have been easier. No tricks, no threats, just good fiscal management of our government. As your mayor along with people running for Town Council and the Board of Education we have restored Vernon’s budget to an honest and open document requiring transfers to be voted on and approved.

I ask that you support lower taxes, controls on spending, better schools and safer streets by voting for me, Mayor Jason McCoy and the folks running with me for the Vernon Town Council Dan Anderson, Bill Campbell, Dan Champagne, Mark Etre, Judy Hany, Brian Motola, Sean O’Shea, Harry Thomas, and Bd. of Ed candidates and members George Apel, Laura Bush, Anne Fischer, and Vicky Rispoli.

The writer is the mayor of Vernon.

October 21, 2009

Vernon-Rockville For McCoy

Vernon-Rockville For McCoy:

News & Events: Town of Vernon CT

News & Events: Town of Vernon CT: "NEWS, EVENTS & PRESS RELEASES"

Vernon: Mayor Jason McCoy Proposes Pilot Programs To Assist Senior Citizens On Fixed Incomes - Topix

Vernon: Mayor Jason McCoy Proposes Pilot Programs To Assist Senior Citizens On Fixed Incomes - Topix

Is David Norman of Vernon CT a Taxpayer, Check the 2009-2010 Tax Bill- NOT!

Check your 2009-2010 Tax Bill

Anyone who would like to judge a certain editorial written by David Norman of Vernon Connecticut, can start the analysis by checking out the accuracy of certain statements written in the editorial, to do this you should click on the above Town of Vernon web address, then go to the 2009-2010 tax bill page, type in Norman, you will not find a David or a David J or a David Jacob Norman as a real estate property taxpayer in the Town of Vernon. This is all public information.

We would like to make sure you use the system correctly. This gentleman does not even own a car in town. WOW, I cannot believe nobody checked facts on these editorials. Especially in a situation when someone is claiming the Mayor is dishonest. Mr. David Norman needs to take a look in the mirror and check who he is really talking about.

ASSESSOR'S OFFICE
Check your 2009-2010 Tax Bill
Check your 2008-2009 Tax Bill

Click on either of the above, then type in the Search Field: norman

You will not see a David Norman, you will not find a David on the page, David does not own property in Vernon, and David does not pay real estate property taxes, not even car taxes. You do not have to believe any of this, maybe the web page is a hoax, so please call the assessor tomorrow and check.

Shame on you David Norman. This is not your first silly letter to the editor.

PS: I recived a question about why this response is writtem the way it is- here is my response:

Just to be clear- the basis for Mr. Norman’s argument is that he paid higher taxes. While there is no requirement that one needs to pay taxes to vote (unless you are not registered to vote but own property in Town and want to vote in a referendum- in which case the ability to votes is contingent upon property ownership), decision making for voting purposes based upon taxes going up or down, as opposed to other reasons like party affiliation or ideology or just not liking someone, should be assessed on merit instead of half truths. I don not suggest that someone votes only based upon party affiliation, but some try to argue other issues becasue they are only concerned with party affiliation.  Hence since Mr. Norman does not own real estate, you cannot check the facts that form the basis for his argument that his taxes went up as a result of a budget that passed, therefore it is not possible to debate the issue. If someone relies on a statement by another, like Mr. Norman in this case, and that is an important part of the decision making process for that someone- items like taxes and voting have corresponding values for some people, as well as statements that may tend to attack credibility, as they can act as a double edge sword. Assessing a conclusion requires testing the facts that underlay the conclusions. If he is saying he knows of a property which the taxes "payment" had increased he should say so. Then we can test that statement, as some increases in real estate tax payments were due to a 1/3 increase in the assessment for real estate. The distinction is draw between real estate and personal property like automobile specifically because automobile remained constant based upon a state wide standard valuation, as opposed to a neighborhood by neighborhood valuation or a property that is newly built with no change in the valuation, thus the decrease in the tax rate lowered car taxes. But Mr. Norman does not own a car either. If Mr. Norman really does not like my ideology or my party affiliation as a republican then he should say so, instead of creating a fictitious situation where he tries to mislead folks into believing that I raised taxes on his real estate, and therefore I am not being truthful in a statement dealing with a “tax rate decrease”.   I do not know Mr. Norman that is why I looked to see why he was making that statment in his letter to the editor.  I did find an old editorial he had written.

October 20, 2009

Vernon, Connecticut Video Tour Online

Vernon, CT Online

Send Us Your Photos -- Courant.com

Send Us Your Photos -- Courant.com


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Vernon Bolton Regional WPCA Ground Breaking Photos -- Courant.com

Send Us Your Photos -- Courant.com

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State Rep Pam Sawyer, Bob Mora Bolton First Selectman, Mayor Jason McCoy, State Rep 8th Joan Lewis at the Vernon Bolton Regional WPCA Ground Breaking.

Send Us Your Photos -- Courant.com

Send Us Your Photos -- Courant.com

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Send Us Your Photos -- Courant.com

Send Us Your Photos -- Courant.com

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Bolton Vernon Ground Breaking New Sewer System Courant.com


Send Us Your Photos -- Courant.com: "Ground Breaking Bolton Lakes Regional WPCA Authority, Bolton Selectman, Vernon Town Council, Bolton First Selectman and Vernon Mayor at the Ground Breaking Bolton Lakes Regional WPCA Authority and members, Bolton Selectman, Vernon Town Council, Deputy Mayor Brian Motola, Vernon Town Council Dan Anderson, Bolton First Selectman Bob Morra and Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy his daughter Meg McCoy, Rep Pam Sawyer, Rep Joan Lewis"

October 15, 2009

Bolton Lakes Regional Water Pollution Control Authority Ground Breaking

Your Reader-Submitted Articles -- Courant.com: "Vernon
Bolton Lakes Regional Water Pollution Control Authority Ground Breaking"


Vernon Mayor Jason L. McCoy together with Bolton First Selectman Robert Morra will join local dignitaries and their fellow members of the Bolton Lakes Regional Water Pollution Control Authority, Board of Directors, for a groundbreaking ceremony October 17 at 8:30 a.m., 251 Boston Turnpike, Bolton celebrating the commencement of the first construction phase of the Bolton Lakes Sewer Project.Phase I will consist of constructing approximately 2 miles of sewer out of a total of 10.6 miles for the project. Phase 1 of the construction will begin adjacent to the Shady Glen Restaurant in Manchester and extend along Middle Turnpike East, Hillcrest Road, and end at Boston Turnpike/Route 44 intersection with I-384. Phase II will be ready for bidding and construction in the spring of 2010.The Bolton Lakes Regional Water Pollution Control Authority ("BLRWPCA" or "Authority") is an entity created by Ordinance in Vernon and Bolton in 2003 to construct, maintain, and operate a Regional Sewerage System for the homes around Bolton Lakes in response to the Department of Environmental Protection's request. The authority serves residents around the lakes, as well as the corridor along the sewer line connecting to Manchester. The Bolton Lakes Regional WPCA was the first regional water pollution control authority of its kind in the State of Connecticut.The members of the Bolton Lakes Regional Water Pollution Control Authority in cooperation with the Towns of Vernon and Bolton have worked with the many State and Federal agencies to make this construction possible. The State of Connecticut Clean Water Fund, United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Agency, State of Connecticut STEAP grant program, and US Environmental Protection Agency STAG grant program have all committed funds for this project.The public is welcome to attend the groundbreaking.

Governor Jodi Rell addressing budget crisis

YouTube - Governor Jodi Rell addressing budget crisis: "Governor Jodi Rell addressing budget crisis"

October 14, 2009

Mayor Jason L. McCoy proposed to the Vernon Town Council pilot programs to assist Senior Citizens on fixed incomes

On October 5 2009 Mayor Jason L. McCoy proposed to the Vernon Town Council pilot programs to assist Senior Citizens on fixed incomes. The Two programs were adopted at that meeting.

The first Proposal that Mayor Jason McCoy proposed was that the Town Council adopt a Town of Vernon Elderly and Disabled Property Tax Relief Program § 12-129N, this program is one of two programs that senior citizens can use tighter to reduce their property taxes. The Property Tax Relief for elderly or disabled property owners age sixty five or older that have joint income of $37,700. At the meeting Council Member Bill Campbell increased the elderly income requirement to $37,700 to expand the number of citizens in Vernon who would be eligible for the program. On October 5, 2009 the Vernon town council approved Mayor Jason McCoy’s proposal for elderly and or disabled property tax relief program authorized pursuant to Conn. gen. stat. §12-129n, entitled "optional tax relief program for certain homeowners age 65 or over or who are permanently and totally disabled.

The first Proposal that Mayor Jason McCoy proposed was that the Town Council adopt a Town of Vernon Freeze Property Tax Relief Program. The Program is available for Senior Citizens who are 70 years or older or spouses of deceased property owners who are 62 years or older, those seniors who are 62 or older must be that age at the time of death of a spouse who is 70 or older. The program was proposed and adopted to help them freeze their assessment on their homes to prevent an increase in their taxes to assist them with dealing with living on fixed income. The program requires that any amount of property tax that is not paid due to the freeze during the senior’s homeowner ownership is repaid to the Town upon sale of the home. In most case this is a relatively small sum that is required to be repaid but helps seniors plan expenses while they live on fixed incomes. On October 5, 2009 the Vernon town council approved Mayor Jason McCoy’s proposal for the elderly freeze property tax relief program.

The Director of Finance James Luddecke and Town Assessor David Wheeler were present to answer questions regarding the program. Seniors should contact David Wheeler to check to see if they qualify or may contact the Mayor’s office for assistance.

October 13, 2009

Two Year Report Card Vernon CT Election 2009

Election 2009 Vernon CT: Democrat, Independent & Republican


Governor Jodi Rell urges supports for Mayor Jason McCoy. On Nov. 3, 2009 re-elect Jason McCoy Mayor YouTube - McCoy4Mayor's Channel

YouTube - McCoy4Mayor's Channel: "Governor Jodi Rell urges supports for Mayor Jason McCoy. On Nov. 3, 2009 re-elect Jason McCoy Mayor"

Governor Jodi Rell urges supports for Mayor Jason McCoy. On Nov. 3, 2009 re-elect Jason McCoy Mayor

YouTube - McCoy4Mayor's Channel: "Governor Jodi Rell urges supports for Mayor Jason McCoy. On Nov. 3, 2009 re-elect Jason McCoy Mayor"

Re-elect the Team of People who you Know


Folks Look at the Record for the Last Two Years- Re-Elect Mayor Jason McCoy


October 12, 2009

This Is Connecticut

This Is Connecticut: "Connecticut Day of Caring & Compassion 2009"

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced yesterday a statewide “Day of Caring & Compassion” will be held on Saturday, November 7, when 15 fire stations around Connecticut will serve as collection centers for donations of non-perishable food to help replenish the state’s two main food pantries.“November 7 will be a one-day push to fill – and I mean really fill – the shelves of Foodshare and Connecticut Food Bank ahead of the coming holidays,” Governor Rell said.

Connecticut Day of Caring & Compassion 2009
Participating Fire Stations

VERNON 720 Hartford Turnpike

Vernon CT- Connecticut Day of Caring & Compassion 2009

Connecticut Day of Caring & Compassion 2009 - Topix

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Connecticut Day of Caring & Compassion 2009 Participating Fire Stations

VERNON CT
720 Hartford Turnpike

Letters to the Editor: Winkler Counter Productive and Bullying

"I was not surprised to read about the bickering among the Vernon Town Council, especially when Mr. Mike Winkler is in the mix. I worked along side Mr. Winkler while at the labor union in which he works full-time. The board meetings in which Mr. Winkler is a leader are run in a very similar manner as the Town Council meetings - chaotic, disruptive, counter-productive with a whole lot of bullying and grandstanding. I am looking forward to the November elections when the whole crew can take their toys and leave the sandbox!
Lori Chapman Vernon"

Reminder News Letter to the Editor

October 1, 2009

Ebony Horsewomen Seek Site In Other Town For An Equestrian Center -- Courant.com

Ebony Horsewomen Seek Site In Other Town For An Equestrian Center -- Courant.com

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In Vernon, Mayor Jason McCoy said the town identified several privately owned parcels that would meet the horsewomen's 25-acre requirement.

McCoy declined to be specific about the location of the properties but said that they would offer easy access to the highway.

September 28, 2009

Mayor Jason McCoy Recognizes Local Agencies Efforts -- Courant.com

Your Reader-Submitted Articles -- Courant.com: "Jason L. McCoy, Mayor of Vernon, recently recognized the efforts of two local agencies, which assist local residents with recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.

At the Sept. 12 town council meeting, Mayor McCoy issued a Mayoral Proclamation to Shawna Schnitzke, director of counseling for the Hockanum Valley Community Council, Inc. and Chris Luginbuhl, co-founder, of 'Become a Part of the Solution' for their collaborative contributions as local treatment providers and for improving the health and well-being of residents."

From left to right: Councilmember Mark Etre, Shawna Schnitzke, Hockanum Valley Community Council, Chris Luginbuhl, co-founder, of "Become a Part of the Solution," Mayor Jason L. McCoy, and Councilmember Daniel Anderson.