2009-12-27 ICE RESCUE: "Subscribe to this feed"
December 28, 2009
MAN THRU ICE, Vernon Connecticut Fire Department in Action
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
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.
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 24, 2009
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
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.
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."
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
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
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
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
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 10, 2009
Municipal Leaders Reject Rell's Call For Cuts In Aid To Towns, Cities -- Courant.com
Municipal Leaders Reject Rell's Call For Cuts In Aid To Towns, Cities -- Courant.com: "Republican Mayor Jason McCoy of Vernon-Rockville was the only municipal leader to vote with Genuario and Sisco. 'I do not like the cut, I do not want the cut, but we become prart of the problem, we need the mandate releif to be able to even come close to dealing with the possible cut. It doesn't seem like anyone is making suggestions on how the state can get through its problems,' McCoy said."
December 6, 2009
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."
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."
December 5, 2009
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."
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."
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"
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."
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.
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."
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: "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."
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."
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."
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."
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