March 28, 2010
Rockville Landlord Accused Of Fire-Code Violations - Hartford Courant
Rockville Landlord Accused Of Fire-Code Violations - Hartford Courant: "Rockville Landlord Accused Of Fire-Code Violations March 26, 2010By DAVID OWENS, The Hartford CourantVERNON — — A 27-year veteran of Bristol's fire department is in trouble in Vernon, accused of not fixing fire-code violations at a rental property he owns in the Rockville section. Stephen Sanders, 54, of New Britain, was charged Wednesday with eight counts of violating state fire safety codes. His arrest followed several months of prodding by Vernon Fire Marshal Raymond A. Walker Jr. to repair a three-family home at 108-110 W. Main St., police and Walker said.
Sanders was released without having to post bail and is due in court April 6."
Sanders offers a different view of the situation. He said his arrest was prompted by complaints from a vengeful tenant he's been trying to evict since last summer for not paying rent. To make matters worse, Sanders said, he hasn't been able to make repairs in that tenant's apartment because he has been refused access.
"I can't just break into his apartment to fix fire-code violations," said Sanders, a lieutenant with the Bristol Fire Department.
Sanders also said the tenant, Corey Ouimette, 33, has threatened him.
Ouimette, a tenant for six years, agreed that problems began in July. He said Sanders fell behind on repairs, so he began withholding rent. He said Sanders didn't deal with issues and didn't respond to requests for repairs.
Another tenant, Ben Nicholoy, said he, too, complained to the local building department when problems were not corrected. The problems include what he described as dangerous spikes in water temperature. He has been a tenant since November.
The first-floor tenant, April Devaux, who has lived in her apartment for 14 years, said Sanders is a good landlord who makes needed repairs when asked.
Devaux said his problems with Ouimette relate to the eviction proceedings. "There were no issues until recently, when Corey started getting evicted," she said.
Walker said his request that Sanders be prosecuted is the first time he's taken that step since he arrived in Vernon during the summer of 2008.
"The goal is to seek compliance by a reasonable schedule," he said Thursday. "In this case, that broke down. The effort to reach compliance stopped occurring in any reasonable manner."
Sanders said he asked for reasonable extensions so he could to line up contractors and because some work couldn't be done in winter, such as pouring new concrete steps. Those requests were refused, he said.
The code violations that prompted the charges include obstructions in the rear hallway, missing or inoperable smoke detectors, an improperly vented clothes dryer, improper wiring of a gas heater, tripping hazards at exits, broken windows and missing covers on electrical panels, Vernon police Capt. Stephen Clark said.
Sanders said the smoke detectors had been removed by someone. He said he was trying to line up an electrician to make repairs, and was planning to take care of broken glass in two doors by installing new doors.
Sanders was released without having to post bail and is due in court April 6."
Sanders offers a different view of the situation. He said his arrest was prompted by complaints from a vengeful tenant he's been trying to evict since last summer for not paying rent. To make matters worse, Sanders said, he hasn't been able to make repairs in that tenant's apartment because he has been refused access.
"I can't just break into his apartment to fix fire-code violations," said Sanders, a lieutenant with the Bristol Fire Department.
Sanders also said the tenant, Corey Ouimette, 33, has threatened him.
Ouimette, a tenant for six years, agreed that problems began in July. He said Sanders fell behind on repairs, so he began withholding rent. He said Sanders didn't deal with issues and didn't respond to requests for repairs.
Another tenant, Ben Nicholoy, said he, too, complained to the local building department when problems were not corrected. The problems include what he described as dangerous spikes in water temperature. He has been a tenant since November.
The first-floor tenant, April Devaux, who has lived in her apartment for 14 years, said Sanders is a good landlord who makes needed repairs when asked.
Devaux said his problems with Ouimette relate to the eviction proceedings. "There were no issues until recently, when Corey started getting evicted," she said.
Walker said his request that Sanders be prosecuted is the first time he's taken that step since he arrived in Vernon during the summer of 2008.
"The goal is to seek compliance by a reasonable schedule," he said Thursday. "In this case, that broke down. The effort to reach compliance stopped occurring in any reasonable manner."
Sanders said he asked for reasonable extensions so he could to line up contractors and because some work couldn't be done in winter, such as pouring new concrete steps. Those requests were refused, he said.
The code violations that prompted the charges include obstructions in the rear hallway, missing or inoperable smoke detectors, an improperly vented clothes dryer, improper wiring of a gas heater, tripping hazards at exits, broken windows and missing covers on electrical panels, Vernon police Capt. Stephen Clark said.
Sanders said the smoke detectors had been removed by someone. He said he was trying to line up an electrician to make repairs, and was planning to take care of broken glass in two doors by installing new doors.
Vernon Connecticut FY 2010-11 Budget Deliberation and Annual Meeting dates
FY 2010-11 Budget Deliberation and Annual Meeting dates
TOWN OF VERNON
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS:
MARCH 2010 22 – Budget Deliberations – *Public Hearing
7:00 pm – Town Council Chambers, 14 Park Place
7:05 pm – Public Hearing
24 ‐ Budget Deliberations
7:00 pm – Town Council Chambers, 14 Park Place
25 ‐ Budget Deliberations
7:00 pm – Town Council Chambers, 14 Park Place
27 ‐ Budget Deliberations – *Public Hearing
10:00 am – Town Council Chambers 14 Park Place
Public Hearing and Budget Deliberations
31 ‐ Budget Deliberations
7:00 pm – Town Council Chambers, 14 Park Place
APRIL 2010
7 ‐ Budget Deliberations
7:00 pm – Town Council Chambers, 14 Park Place
27 – Annual Town Meeting – *Public Hearing
7:00 pm – Rockville High School Auditorium, 70 Loveland Hill Road
7:05 pm – Public Hearing
Please read my Mayor's message online. You can also read the budget by going to http://www.vernon-ct.gov/budgets.html . We look forward to seeing you.
Mayor JASON L. McCOY, ESQ.
14 PARK PLACE, VERNON, CT 06066
Tel: (860) 870-3600
Fax: (860) 870-3580
E-mail: jmccoy@vernon-ct.gov
apple 
economy
TOWN OF VERNON
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS:
MARCH 2010 22 – Budget Deliberations – *Public Hearing
7:00 pm – Town Council Chambers, 14 Park Place
7:05 pm – Public Hearing
24 ‐ Budget Deliberations
7:00 pm – Town Council Chambers, 14 Park Place
25 ‐ Budget Deliberations
7:00 pm – Town Council Chambers, 14 Park Place
27 ‐ Budget Deliberations – *Public Hearing
10:00 am – Town Council Chambers 14 Park Place
Public Hearing and Budget Deliberations
31 ‐ Budget Deliberations
7:00 pm – Town Council Chambers, 14 Park Place
APRIL 2010
7 ‐ Budget Deliberations
7:00 pm – Town Council Chambers, 14 Park Place
27 – Annual Town Meeting – *Public Hearing
7:00 pm – Rockville High School Auditorium, 70 Loveland Hill Road
7:05 pm – Public Hearing
Please read my Mayor's message online. You can also read the budget by going to http://www.vernon-ct.gov/budgets.html . We look forward to seeing you.
Mayor JASON L. McCOY, ESQ.
14 PARK PLACE, VERNON, CT 06066
Tel: (860) 870-3600
Fax: (860) 870-3580
E-mail: jmccoy@vernon-ct.gov
apple economy
GOP Mayors To Offer Reform Ideas
2nd District Tea Party Blog: "GOP Mayors To Offer Reform Ideas
Republican Mayors and First Selectmen met at Republican State Party headquarters Saturday to exchange ideas and to brain-storm on ways to meet the state budget crisis and to prepare for the 2010 Election.
'Republicans are the party of ideas and solutions and we will make our case to people who are tired of the same old failed leadership,' said Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy Saturday. 'The quicker we put the facts on the table and show we have the answers.'"
GOP Mayors To Offer Reform Ideas
Republican Mayors and First Selectmen met at Republican State Party headquarters Saturday to exchange ideas and to brain-storm on ways to meet the state budget crisis and to prepare for the 2010 Election.
"Republicans are the party of ideas and solutions and we will make our case to people who are tired of the same old failed leadership," said Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy Saturday. "The quicker we put the facts on the table and show we have the answers."
Old Saybrook Michael Pace said Republicans must come up with an honest plan to control spending and to reach out to all groups for support, even those who have traditionally not supported Republican candidates.
"There is no money, the state is bankrupt," said Pace. "We need to get down to basics. If we do that, our state will be a better place."
Other Mayors who participated included: Mayor Tim Stewart of New Britain, Mayor Jeff Wright of Newington, Mayor Ryan Bingham of Torrington, Mayor Mark Boughton of Danbury, Mayor Scott Kaupin of Enfield, First Selectman Tim Herbst of Trumbull, First Select Laura Francis of Durham, First Selectman Lisa Pellegrini of Somers, First Selectman Daniel Steward of Waterford, First Selectman Paul Formica of East Lyme, First Selectman John Adams of Granby, Pace and McCoy.
Leaders were briefed by State Central member Rebecca Adams briefed leaders on the Freedom of Information Act and the use of social networking tools to build public support for thier programs and policies.
Republican Mayors and First Selectmen met at Republican State Party headquarters Saturday to exchange ideas and to brain-storm on ways to meet the state budget crisis and to prepare for the 2010 Election.
'Republicans are the party of ideas and solutions and we will make our case to people who are tired of the same old failed leadership,' said Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy Saturday. 'The quicker we put the facts on the table and show we have the answers.'"
GOP Mayors To Offer Reform Ideas
Republican Mayors and First Selectmen met at Republican State Party headquarters Saturday to exchange ideas and to brain-storm on ways to meet the state budget crisis and to prepare for the 2010 Election.
"Republicans are the party of ideas and solutions and we will make our case to people who are tired of the same old failed leadership," said Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy Saturday. "The quicker we put the facts on the table and show we have the answers."
Old Saybrook Michael Pace said Republicans must come up with an honest plan to control spending and to reach out to all groups for support, even those who have traditionally not supported Republican candidates.
"There is no money, the state is bankrupt," said Pace. "We need to get down to basics. If we do that, our state will be a better place."
Other Mayors who participated included: Mayor Tim Stewart of New Britain, Mayor Jeff Wright of Newington, Mayor Ryan Bingham of Torrington, Mayor Mark Boughton of Danbury, Mayor Scott Kaupin of Enfield, First Selectman Tim Herbst of Trumbull, First Select Laura Francis of Durham, First Selectman Lisa Pellegrini of Somers, First Selectman Daniel Steward of Waterford, First Selectman Paul Formica of East Lyme, First Selectman John Adams of Granby, Pace and McCoy.
Leaders were briefed by State Central member Rebecca Adams briefed leaders on the Freedom of Information Act and the use of social networking tools to build public support for thier programs and policies.
March 25, 2010
Vernon Connecticut 2010- 2011 Budget Article | ReminderNews
Article ReminderNews: "Vernon — 03/23/2010
Budget owes increase to healthcare"
BY STEVE SMITH Staff Writer
We’re in a situation where there is going to be no more state money,” said Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy, as he began the presentation of his budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. “The state doesn’t have any money. They’re broke,” he said, at the Town Council meeting last Tuesday .
Click the thumbnails above to see the full size pictures.McCoy said the budget of $78.7 million has an increase of $787,000 from debt service due to bonding that was done in 2004 and 2005 for road and school building improvements.
An increase in health insurance premiums for all town and Board of Ed. employees adds about $2.29 million – most of the total increase of $2.66 million from the current year’s budget.
The increase is divided between the $229,000 for town operations and $1.7 million for the Board of Education.
“The budget that I’m presenting,” McCoy said, “keeps the same level of services to Vernon citizens and taxpayers that they’ve received over the last 10 years.”
McCoy said this year has been one of looking at ways of reducing spending without a reduction in services. The budget would seem to reflect a commitment to education.
“This year’s proposed budget supports good quality education for our children,” McCoy said, “with no pay-toplay programs, along with no cuts of extra-curricular activities. The budget requires no layoffs of town employees, no layoffs of teachers, and no layoffs of school administrators.”
Labor costs, which have been an issue of contention for critics of McCoy’s administration, are decreased overall. McCoy said they have been mitigated through several negotiations with employees , both union and non-union , over the past year.
The health insurance premiums from Aetna had been at a fixed rate until this year. After sending the plans out for bids, the average increase from insurance companies was about 47 percent.
“The lowest ones were about 31 percent ,” McCoy said. “I hate to say it was a successful negotiation when someone tells you it’s [still] going up 20 percent.”
McCoy said there are areas of the town budget that reflect investments that will save the town money in the long run. Recycling, and the new compacting system that reduces tipping fees for the town’s refuse are some examples. “The use of trucks with automatic arms will reduce labor costs and workers’ compensation costs, and speed up delivery and services,” he said, adding that the savings is already about $300,000.
Fiber-optic systems that connect town offices and emergency services are also reducing phone bills.
McCoy did not miss the opportunity to push again for an energy commission , which would save the town money with new, green technologies and grants that are available for them, and help attract new businesses to town.
“Most importantly,” McCoy said, “is retaining existing employers. There’s a heck of a lot more that goes on in this town than government. There’s a lot of people that are unemployed. We have a real problem.”
The grand list, which has only grown by .36 percent, is the big problem, the mayor said, adding that the efforts to market the community to developers and investors is very important.
“We need jobs in this community, and we need to grow our grand list,” he said, “Otherwise, we can’t provide the services anymore.”
The budget deliberations and will continue on March 24 and 25. The Board of Education is expected to present its itemized budget to the Town Council at the March 24 meeting. A public hearing will also take place at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 27.
Further deliberations will take place on March 31 and April 7. The final town meeting on the budget is April 27 at 7 p.m. in the Rockville High School auditorium .
The mayor’s budget message is available on the town’s Web site, www.vernon-ct.gov.
Budget owes increase to healthcare"
BY STEVE SMITH Staff Writer
We’re in a situation where there is going to be no more state money,” said Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy, as he began the presentation of his budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. “The state doesn’t have any money. They’re broke,” he said, at the Town Council meeting last Tuesday .
Click the thumbnails above to see the full size pictures.McCoy said the budget of $78.7 million has an increase of $787,000 from debt service due to bonding that was done in 2004 and 2005 for road and school building improvements.
An increase in health insurance premiums for all town and Board of Ed. employees adds about $2.29 million – most of the total increase of $2.66 million from the current year’s budget.
The increase is divided between the $229,000 for town operations and $1.7 million for the Board of Education.
“The budget that I’m presenting,” McCoy said, “keeps the same level of services to Vernon citizens and taxpayers that they’ve received over the last 10 years.”
McCoy said this year has been one of looking at ways of reducing spending without a reduction in services. The budget would seem to reflect a commitment to education.
“This year’s proposed budget supports good quality education for our children,” McCoy said, “with no pay-toplay programs, along with no cuts of extra-curricular activities. The budget requires no layoffs of town employees, no layoffs of teachers, and no layoffs of school administrators.”
Labor costs, which have been an issue of contention for critics of McCoy’s administration, are decreased overall. McCoy said they have been mitigated through several negotiations with employees , both union and non-union , over the past year.
The health insurance premiums from Aetna had been at a fixed rate until this year. After sending the plans out for bids, the average increase from insurance companies was about 47 percent.
“The lowest ones were about 31 percent ,” McCoy said. “I hate to say it was a successful negotiation when someone tells you it’s [still] going up 20 percent.”
McCoy said there are areas of the town budget that reflect investments that will save the town money in the long run. Recycling, and the new compacting system that reduces tipping fees for the town’s refuse are some examples. “The use of trucks with automatic arms will reduce labor costs and workers’ compensation costs, and speed up delivery and services,” he said, adding that the savings is already about $300,000.
Fiber-optic systems that connect town offices and emergency services are also reducing phone bills.
McCoy did not miss the opportunity to push again for an energy commission , which would save the town money with new, green technologies and grants that are available for them, and help attract new businesses to town.
“Most importantly,” McCoy said, “is retaining existing employers. There’s a heck of a lot more that goes on in this town than government. There’s a lot of people that are unemployed. We have a real problem.”
The grand list, which has only grown by .36 percent, is the big problem, the mayor said, adding that the efforts to market the community to developers and investors is very important.
“We need jobs in this community, and we need to grow our grand list,” he said, “Otherwise, we can’t provide the services anymore.”
The budget deliberations and will continue on March 24 and 25. The Board of Education is expected to present its itemized budget to the Town Council at the March 24 meeting. A public hearing will also take place at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 27.
Further deliberations will take place on March 31 and April 7. The final town meeting on the budget is April 27 at 7 p.m. in the Rockville High School auditorium .
The mayor’s budget message is available on the town’s Web site, www.vernon-ct.gov.
Vernon To Begin Automating Trash, Recyclables Collection - Courant.com
Vernon To Begin Automating Trash, Recyclables Collection - Courant.com: "Vernon To Begin Automating Trash, Recyclables Collection"
VERNON — - Automation is about to change the way trash and recyclable items are collected in town.
Starting in May, the department of public works will begin using automated equipment instead of brute strength to collect trash and recyclables at curbside.
Mayor Jason McCoy said the changes will begin with a new automated recycling program that will affect 4,000 residential homes. The program is being designed around the current collection schedule.
The town has acquired a truck equipped with a mechanical arm that lifts and dumps special containers into the truck without the driver's having to leave the truck's cab.
The containers, one for refuse and the other for recyclables, have lids to reduce the likelihood of refuse falling out and blowing around. The automatic equipment is expected to reduce the potential for injuries to workers.
The larger recycling containers enable single-stream recycling, which should make recycling easier and save money by reducing the amount of waste the town must dispose of at waste processing facilities like the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority incinerator in Hartford's South Meadows.
Each residence selected for the first phase of automation will receive at no cost, a 64- or 96-gallon blue recycling container. Containers are available for inspection at the public works facility at 375 Hartford Turnpike. Recycling personnel will be available to help residents decide which size best suits their needs.
The new containers will be delivered in April and left in the suggested weekly pickup location. The containers should be put out, if possible, only when they are full.
The program ultimately will be expanded to the entire town, McCoy said.
For more information, residents may call the public works department at 860-870-3500.
VERNON — - Automation is about to change the way trash and recyclable items are collected in town.
Starting in May, the department of public works will begin using automated equipment instead of brute strength to collect trash and recyclables at curbside.
Mayor Jason McCoy said the changes will begin with a new automated recycling program that will affect 4,000 residential homes. The program is being designed around the current collection schedule.
The town has acquired a truck equipped with a mechanical arm that lifts and dumps special containers into the truck without the driver's having to leave the truck's cab.
The containers, one for refuse and the other for recyclables, have lids to reduce the likelihood of refuse falling out and blowing around. The automatic equipment is expected to reduce the potential for injuries to workers.
The larger recycling containers enable single-stream recycling, which should make recycling easier and save money by reducing the amount of waste the town must dispose of at waste processing facilities like the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority incinerator in Hartford's South Meadows.
Each residence selected for the first phase of automation will receive at no cost, a 64- or 96-gallon blue recycling container. Containers are available for inspection at the public works facility at 375 Hartford Turnpike. Recycling personnel will be available to help residents decide which size best suits their needs.
The new containers will be delivered in April and left in the suggested weekly pickup location. The containers should be put out, if possible, only when they are full.
The program ultimately will be expanded to the entire town, McCoy said.
For more information, residents may call the public works department at 860-870-3500.
Vernon Connecticut Roosevelt Mills Groundbreaking Slated For March 30 - Courant.com
Roosevelt Mills Groundbreaking Slated For March 30 - Courant.com: "Roosevelt Mills Groundbreaking Slated For March 30"
The long awaited groundbreaking for the anticipated transformation of the former Roosevelt Mills into an apartment and commercial center will take place March 30.
Mayor Jason McCoy and Joan McDonald, commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, will be on hand for the 1 p.m. ceremony.
The Roosevelt Mills, where textiles were once manufactured, has been vacant since 1998 when it was designated a Brownfield site by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Before anything could be done with the 5.9-acre site at 215 East Main St. , which was contaminated with chlorinated solvents including tetrachloroethene, a cancer-causing chemical that was used to dry-clean sweaters.
The mill was built in 1906 and was one of the first reinforced concrete buildings in the country. It was the last of the 14 textile factories in Rockville, once known as the Loom City, to go out of business.
Joseph Vallone, a Westport architect and principal of Loom City Lofts LLC, plans to convert the complex into 68 apartments and 10,000 square feet of commercial space that will be known as the Loom City Lofts.
Loom City Lofts took ownership of the mill complex in October 2007.
Vallone has estimated the project's cost to be in the neighborhood of $12 million.
— Joseph A. O'Brien Jr.
The long awaited groundbreaking for the anticipated transformation of the former Roosevelt Mills into an apartment and commercial center will take place March 30.
Mayor Jason McCoy and Joan McDonald, commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, will be on hand for the 1 p.m. ceremony.
The Roosevelt Mills, where textiles were once manufactured, has been vacant since 1998 when it was designated a Brownfield site by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Before anything could be done with the 5.9-acre site at 215 East Main St. , which was contaminated with chlorinated solvents including tetrachloroethene, a cancer-causing chemical that was used to dry-clean sweaters.
The mill was built in 1906 and was one of the first reinforced concrete buildings in the country. It was the last of the 14 textile factories in Rockville, once known as the Loom City, to go out of business.
Joseph Vallone, a Westport architect and principal of Loom City Lofts LLC, plans to convert the complex into 68 apartments and 10,000 square feet of commercial space that will be known as the Loom City Lofts.
Loom City Lofts took ownership of the mill complex in October 2007.
Vallone has estimated the project's cost to be in the neighborhood of $12 million.
— Joseph A. O'Brien Jr.
Vernon- Connecticut Based TicketNetwork Weighs Its Future In Town - Courant.com
Vernon-Based TicketNetwork Weighs Its Future In Town - Courant.com: "Vernon-Based TicketNetwork Weighs Its Future In Town"
VERNON— - The businessman who recently lost a bid to open a seasonal concert venue in town said he has big decisions to make — not only about a possible appeal, but also about the future of his Vernon-based ticket broker and software company.
Don Vaccaro, CEO of TicketNetwork, said Wednesday that he must expand the corporate headquarters of the fast-growing company, which was launched eight years ago with two employees and is now an international business with 240 employees. The expansion, however, might not happen in Vernon, Vaccaro said, because he cannot get fair treatment for any development plan from the current planning and zoning commission.
"We think the likelihood of us being able to expand has greatly diminished in Vernon," he said. A neighboring town — which he would not name — has tried to woo him to move his corporate headquarters there, Vaccaro said.
On March 11, the planning board rejected TicketNetwork's application for an outdoor amphitheater off South Frontage Road, on the same large parcel as the company's headquarters. The commission cited problems with noise and traffic and dangers posed by crowds of concertgoers.
But Vaccaro said the panel accepted inaccurate testimony from opponents while challenging anyone who spoke in favor of the proposal. Asked if he would submit an alternative plan or appeal in Superior Court, Vaccaro said he was considering several options and will decide sometime next month.
As for the future of TicketNetwork in Vernon, Vaccaro said the decision on when and where to expand will be made by the end of June.
"We like Vernon; we want to stay in Vernon," he said. At the same time, however, Vaccaro said he is concerned that the planning board will shoot down any expansion plans he submits.
Neither the town planner nor the chairman of the planning board could be reached Wednesday.
Mayor Jason McCoy said he did not want to comment in detail about the panel's decision.
"I think they did the best they could do, based on what they had in front of them," he said of the board.
As for Vaccaro's comments about expansion, McCoy said that TicketNetwork is a valued business and that he hoped the company would stay and grow in town. Expanding the tax base is vital, McCoy said, citing weak growth in the most recent grand list and soaring costs, especially for public employees' health insurance.
But it is inaccurate to say that the planning board is anti-business, the mayor said. While hearings for the concert venue were being held, the panel approved applications for a propane distribution facility near TicketNetwork's property and a 140-room Marriott Hotel off Hartford Turnpike, he said.
Mark Boyer, an opponent of the concert venue application who lives near the proposed site, said he did not think anyone was against development on the parcel, but the noise and traffic that an amphitheater would bring were not welcome in the rural area.
"It just doesn't fit," Boyer said.
VERNON— - The businessman who recently lost a bid to open a seasonal concert venue in town said he has big decisions to make — not only about a possible appeal, but also about the future of his Vernon-based ticket broker and software company.
Don Vaccaro, CEO of TicketNetwork, said Wednesday that he must expand the corporate headquarters of the fast-growing company, which was launched eight years ago with two employees and is now an international business with 240 employees. The expansion, however, might not happen in Vernon, Vaccaro said, because he cannot get fair treatment for any development plan from the current planning and zoning commission.
"We think the likelihood of us being able to expand has greatly diminished in Vernon," he said. A neighboring town — which he would not name — has tried to woo him to move his corporate headquarters there, Vaccaro said.
On March 11, the planning board rejected TicketNetwork's application for an outdoor amphitheater off South Frontage Road, on the same large parcel as the company's headquarters. The commission cited problems with noise and traffic and dangers posed by crowds of concertgoers.
But Vaccaro said the panel accepted inaccurate testimony from opponents while challenging anyone who spoke in favor of the proposal. Asked if he would submit an alternative plan or appeal in Superior Court, Vaccaro said he was considering several options and will decide sometime next month.
As for the future of TicketNetwork in Vernon, Vaccaro said the decision on when and where to expand will be made by the end of June.
"We like Vernon; we want to stay in Vernon," he said. At the same time, however, Vaccaro said he is concerned that the planning board will shoot down any expansion plans he submits.
Neither the town planner nor the chairman of the planning board could be reached Wednesday.
Mayor Jason McCoy said he did not want to comment in detail about the panel's decision.
"I think they did the best they could do, based on what they had in front of them," he said of the board.
As for Vaccaro's comments about expansion, McCoy said that TicketNetwork is a valued business and that he hoped the company would stay and grow in town. Expanding the tax base is vital, McCoy said, citing weak growth in the most recent grand list and soaring costs, especially for public employees' health insurance.
But it is inaccurate to say that the planning board is anti-business, the mayor said. While hearings for the concert venue were being held, the panel approved applications for a propane distribution facility near TicketNetwork's property and a 140-room Marriott Hotel off Hartford Turnpike, he said.
Mark Boyer, an opponent of the concert venue application who lives near the proposed site, said he did not think anyone was against development on the parcel, but the noise and traffic that an amphitheater would bring were not welcome in the rural area.
"It just doesn't fit," Boyer said.
March 17, 2010
McCoy proposes $78.8 million plan for 2010-11 Journal Inquirer > Towns > Vernon > McCoy proposes $78.8 million plan for 2010-11
Journal Inquirer > Towns > Vernon > McCoy proposes $78.8 million plan for 2010-11:
"McCoy proposes $78.8 million plan for 2010-11"
VERNON — Mayor Jason L. McCoy has proposed a $78.8 million budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year that he said will handle increased labor costs and maintain essential services while leaving room for further reductions in energy expenditures.
In a presentation to the Town Council on Tuesday night, McCoy said the $2.7 million increase, which represents an increase of 3.5 percent over the current year, is driven mainly by a 20 percent rise in health insurance premiums.
Some $2.03 million is for additional health care funds and accounts for 76 percent of the total budget increase over the current year.
Health insurance contract negotiations reduced costs by 10 percent.
......
He highlighted several other money-saving programs in a statement to the council, including the installation of fiber optic cables between town buildings, a reduction in the school board’s electricity costs by $85,000 thanks to energy-saving software, and a move to automated trash and recycling pickup, which took advantage of public works retirements and will save the town costs on tipping fees.
The generation of revenue also was a key part of the mayor’s statement, and McCoy made it clear that he feels attracting businesses will be the key to Vernon’s future success.
“The major issue that this community is confronted with is that it has had very little economic development. Our grand list has only grown by 0.36 percent,” McCoy said.
“The grand list isn’t going up, so the choice is to either pay higher taxes or be more receptive to commercial development,” he added today.
He highlighted current projects such as a $15 million dollar development for apartments and retail space at Roosevelt Mills, another $15 million building project at the Marriott Springhill Suites hotel on Hartford Turnpike, the potential for an equestrian center, and the expected end of the long-running Home Depot legal battle that would result in a new store at the former SportsPlex location.
Additional revenue would make budgeting town expenses easier, but for now, McCoy warned that further reductions could harm essential services, which, he said, have been unaffected by the current proposal for the next fiscal year.
“We have a decent budget. I wish it could be a flat-line budget, but the increase is almost entirely attributed to health insurance. The other portion is debt service, but people in this town chose to bond debt, so now we have to pay it back,” McCoy said.
"McCoy proposes $78.8 million plan for 2010-11"
VERNON — Mayor Jason L. McCoy has proposed a $78.8 million budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year that he said will handle increased labor costs and maintain essential services while leaving room for further reductions in energy expenditures.
In a presentation to the Town Council on Tuesday night, McCoy said the $2.7 million increase, which represents an increase of 3.5 percent over the current year, is driven mainly by a 20 percent rise in health insurance premiums.
Some $2.03 million is for additional health care funds and accounts for 76 percent of the total budget increase over the current year.
Health insurance contract negotiations reduced costs by 10 percent.
......
He highlighted several other money-saving programs in a statement to the council, including the installation of fiber optic cables between town buildings, a reduction in the school board’s electricity costs by $85,000 thanks to energy-saving software, and a move to automated trash and recycling pickup, which took advantage of public works retirements and will save the town costs on tipping fees.
The generation of revenue also was a key part of the mayor’s statement, and McCoy made it clear that he feels attracting businesses will be the key to Vernon’s future success.
“The major issue that this community is confronted with is that it has had very little economic development. Our grand list has only grown by 0.36 percent,” McCoy said.
“The grand list isn’t going up, so the choice is to either pay higher taxes or be more receptive to commercial development,” he added today.
He highlighted current projects such as a $15 million dollar development for apartments and retail space at Roosevelt Mills, another $15 million building project at the Marriott Springhill Suites hotel on Hartford Turnpike, the potential for an equestrian center, and the expected end of the long-running Home Depot legal battle that would result in a new store at the former SportsPlex location.
Additional revenue would make budgeting town expenses easier, but for now, McCoy warned that further reductions could harm essential services, which, he said, have been unaffected by the current proposal for the next fiscal year.
“We have a decent budget. I wish it could be a flat-line budget, but the increase is almost entirely attributed to health insurance. The other portion is debt service, but people in this town chose to bond debt, so now we have to pay it back,” McCoy said.
January 28, 2010
An Invitation from Mayor Jason McCoy to an event for State Senator Sam S. F. Caligiuri
I want to Invite you to join us for a reception to benefit U.S. Congressional Candidate (Former Mayor of Waterbury) State Senator Sam Caligiuri, Esq. on Monday, February 22, 2010 5:30pm at 91 William Street New Haven, CT 06511 Requested contribution to Sam Caligiuri for Congress Please RSVP by February 19, 2010 to(860) 255-8433 or rsvp@samforcongress.com www.samforcongress.com, Please make checks payable to:Sam Caligiuri for Congress mail to P. O. Box 11252, Waterbury, CT 06703
January 27, 2010
Reps. field tough budget questions Article | ReminderNews
Article ReminderNews: "On the heels of the Lt. Governor’s visit to the previous Town Council meeting on Jan. 5, Sen. Tony Guglielmo and Reps. Joan Lewis and Clarie Janowski sat in front of the council last Tuesday, and gave their insights into the state’s budget and how it affects Vernon and other towns."
“Do you want the bad news, or do you want the bad, bad news,” Janowski quipped.
“All we know is that the [state] budget deficit is getting worse,” she said. “We’re not going to be in the position next year to do some of the things we wanted to do this past budget session.”
She added that federal funding is completely unknown, and therefore the state is in a similar position to the towns - waiting to see what is going to happen.
Echoing Janowski, Lewis said the state is working to fill its deficit in the hundreds of millions, and will have to make cuts and/or find other funds.
“It’s not going to be an easy year by any means.” Lewis said, adding that she and Janowski are on a task force looking at ways municipalities can save money through regionalization.
“We are looking at these subjects. We’re hoping that we can all look at ways of shrinking government,” Lewis said. “I know several towns are already doing things regionally.”
“We’ve got a deficit that grows daily,” Guglielmo said, adding that a $3-5 billion hole is projected for 2012.
“Unless the revenue comes roaring back, which no one is predicting,” he said, “it’s going to be a long haul.”
Calling that the “short-term bad news,” Guglielmo said the long-term , unfunded liabilities, like state employees’ pension funds and health insurance pension funds, which were not taken care of in the “good times,” could total nearly $50 billion.
“We did what a lot of families do,” he said. “When we had the money coming in, we didn’t pay off the liabilities we had, instead we went out and did new things.” Guglielmo said the plus-side is that Connecticut is a wealthy state. “If we have any semblance of common sense, we’ll be fine,” he said. Councilman Dan Champagne complained about unfunded mandates. “How about taking some of those back,” he said, “giving us some relief.” Janowski said she gets many calls about the mandates, and that town leaders should list them for the house committees that are looking at them.
Before voting on these things, Champagne said, we should look at what they are going to cost the town of Vernon.
Councilman Mark Etre suggested, essentially , a state spending “freeze.”
“Don’t allow anything to pass,” he said. “Only work to cut your budget. Don’t pass any new laws. Don’t tax anything new.”
Guglielmo said that is actually a rule for the upcoming session. But, Janowski said that is not quite what it seems, because some of the budget items are part of ongoing negotiations that involve aid to the towns.
Deputy Mayor Brian Mottola (filling in for Mayor Jason McCoy) said the mayor and town staff have done a great job of “cutting to the bone,” when it comes to the town budget.
“Other communities haven’t done the surgical job that we have,” he said, and asked the representatives to keep in mind that any less funding for Vernonwill either reduce services or increase taxes, neither of which is anything the town wants to do.
“Do you want the bad news, or do you want the bad, bad news,” Janowski quipped.
“All we know is that the [state] budget deficit is getting worse,” she said. “We’re not going to be in the position next year to do some of the things we wanted to do this past budget session.”
She added that federal funding is completely unknown, and therefore the state is in a similar position to the towns - waiting to see what is going to happen.
Echoing Janowski, Lewis said the state is working to fill its deficit in the hundreds of millions, and will have to make cuts and/or find other funds.
“It’s not going to be an easy year by any means.” Lewis said, adding that she and Janowski are on a task force looking at ways municipalities can save money through regionalization.
“We are looking at these subjects. We’re hoping that we can all look at ways of shrinking government,” Lewis said. “I know several towns are already doing things regionally.”
“We’ve got a deficit that grows daily,” Guglielmo said, adding that a $3-5 billion hole is projected for 2012.
“Unless the revenue comes roaring back, which no one is predicting,” he said, “it’s going to be a long haul.”
Calling that the “short-term bad news,” Guglielmo said the long-term , unfunded liabilities, like state employees’ pension funds and health insurance pension funds, which were not taken care of in the “good times,” could total nearly $50 billion.
“We did what a lot of families do,” he said. “When we had the money coming in, we didn’t pay off the liabilities we had, instead we went out and did new things.” Guglielmo said the plus-side is that Connecticut is a wealthy state. “If we have any semblance of common sense, we’ll be fine,” he said. Councilman Dan Champagne complained about unfunded mandates. “How about taking some of those back,” he said, “giving us some relief.” Janowski said she gets many calls about the mandates, and that town leaders should list them for the house committees that are looking at them.
Before voting on these things, Champagne said, we should look at what they are going to cost the town of Vernon.
Councilman Mark Etre suggested, essentially , a state spending “freeze.”
“Don’t allow anything to pass,” he said. “Only work to cut your budget. Don’t pass any new laws. Don’t tax anything new.”
Guglielmo said that is actually a rule for the upcoming session. But, Janowski said that is not quite what it seems, because some of the budget items are part of ongoing negotiations that involve aid to the towns.
Deputy Mayor Brian Mottola (filling in for Mayor Jason McCoy) said the mayor and town staff have done a great job of “cutting to the bone,” when it comes to the town budget.
“Other communities haven’t done the surgical job that we have,” he said, and asked the representatives to keep in mind that any less funding for Vernonwill either reduce services or increase taxes, neither of which is anything the town wants to do.
January 26, 2010
Finally! Is that Coffee we smell? A Payroll Tax Break for Jobs
Did they finally wake up and smell the coffee? Isn’t payroll tax is one of the most ridiculous taxes that an employer ever has to pay? Maybe they should bring back the interest deduction for consumer on credit card interest, that's the interest that people are suffering through paying! Talk about stimulus for everyone.
A bipartisan proposal to spur job creation offers a tax credit to any private-sector employer that hires a worker who has been unemployed for at least 60 days.
WITH the national unemployment rate at 10 percent, and more than 15 million Americans looking for work, ideas to spur job creation are at the forefront of everyone’s minds. While we may represent different political philosophies, we recognize that high unemployment — particularly long-term unemployment — is not a liberal problem or a conservative problem; it’s a national problem that takes a huge toll on families.
The idea for some sort of jobs tax credit is percolating again, but the jobs credit that existed in the late 1970s was of limited success, and it was excruciatingly complicated. Recalling this experience, members of Congress from both parties have been lukewarm to such a credit, and the idea was dropped from the stimulus package last year.
We have an idea that is simple, straightforward and easy to explain and administer. In fact, it is so simple that the legislative text of the proposal is only a few pages long — a rarity when it comes to tax policy.
Here’s the idea: Starting immediately after enactment, any private-sector employer that hires a worker who had been unemployed for at least 60 days will not have to pay its 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax on that employee for the duration of 2010. The Social Security trust fund will then be made whole with spending cuts elsewhere in the budget between now and 2015. That’s it. Simple to understand, and easy to explain.
The beauty of this proposal goes beyond its simplicity. Unlike a jobs tax credit of a specific dollar amount, this credit is “front-loaded” in that it provides an incentive for businesses to hire workers earlier in the year — because the tax benefit will be greater. A $60,000 worker hired on Feb. 1 will save a business about $3,400 in taxes, while that same worker hired on May 1 will save it about $2,500.
Unlike some versions of a payroll-tax holiday, which provide a much bigger benefit for higher-paid workers, this proposal is not biased toward either low-wage or high-wage workers. Yes, if you pay people more, you save more in taxes — but the savings as a percentage of pay remains constant. Under this plan, a business saves 6.2 percent on both a $40,000 worker and a $90,000 worker.
In the current environment, no business wants to wait until 2011 to receive a tax credit for someone it hires today. Another obvious benefit of this proposal to forgive payroll taxes is that it keeps money in a business’s pockets, since the tax is simply not collected in the first place.
In addition, because the benefit starts on the date of hiring and does not have an arbitrary cap, more businesses will want to use it. And since it is an elimination of the employer’s share of the Social Security tax for these workers — rather than a fixed or capped dollar amount — the complexities of making the incentive work with a firm’s payroll software are greatly reduced because employers will know simply to zero out the tax for these workers.
To promote long-term employment as the recovery gains steam, we would also add the following bonus: For any eligible employee kept on payroll for a continuous 52 weeks, the employer would receive an additional $1,000 credit on its 2011 tax return. (This would apply to any worker hired in 2010.)
Our two-pronged approach would be a far more efficient use of taxpayer dollars than other proposals under discussion, all of which could cost many times more with very little guaranteed improvement in unemployment.
Imagine that three million unemployed workers were to be hired this year under our plan. If they all worked an average of six months in 2010 at a salary of $50,000, and every single one stayed on payroll for 52 consecutive weeks into 2011, the gross cost of the Social Security tax cut and the additional credit would be only $7.6 billion. And that’s before we consider the offsets from income and payroll taxes paid by these workers.
There are some additional rules that would have to be put in place. For example, eligible workers would have to be hired for a minimum of 30 hours per week, and workers who are family members of the employer would not be eligible. The payroll tax reduction would be for private-sector jobs only; new jobs that are created by tax dollars in the first place would not be eligible. And any employer with a lower total payroll in 2010 than it had in 2009 would have to forfeit the benefit — businesses shouldn’t be allowed to shed jobs and still receive a tax benefit.
We urge Congress and President Obama to consider this idea to help jumpstart hiring and turn our focus back on jobs.
Charles E. Schumer is a Democratic senator from New York. Orrin G. Hatch is a Republican senator from Utah.
A bipartisan proposal to spur job creation offers a tax credit to any private-sector employer that hires a worker who has been unemployed for at least 60 days.
WITH the national unemployment rate at 10 percent, and more than 15 million Americans looking for work, ideas to spur job creation are at the forefront of everyone’s minds. While we may represent different political philosophies, we recognize that high unemployment — particularly long-term unemployment — is not a liberal problem or a conservative problem; it’s a national problem that takes a huge toll on families.
The idea for some sort of jobs tax credit is percolating again, but the jobs credit that existed in the late 1970s was of limited success, and it was excruciatingly complicated. Recalling this experience, members of Congress from both parties have been lukewarm to such a credit, and the idea was dropped from the stimulus package last year.
We have an idea that is simple, straightforward and easy to explain and administer. In fact, it is so simple that the legislative text of the proposal is only a few pages long — a rarity when it comes to tax policy.
Here’s the idea: Starting immediately after enactment, any private-sector employer that hires a worker who had been unemployed for at least 60 days will not have to pay its 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax on that employee for the duration of 2010. The Social Security trust fund will then be made whole with spending cuts elsewhere in the budget between now and 2015. That’s it. Simple to understand, and easy to explain.
The beauty of this proposal goes beyond its simplicity. Unlike a jobs tax credit of a specific dollar amount, this credit is “front-loaded” in that it provides an incentive for businesses to hire workers earlier in the year — because the tax benefit will be greater. A $60,000 worker hired on Feb. 1 will save a business about $3,400 in taxes, while that same worker hired on May 1 will save it about $2,500.
Unlike some versions of a payroll-tax holiday, which provide a much bigger benefit for higher-paid workers, this proposal is not biased toward either low-wage or high-wage workers. Yes, if you pay people more, you save more in taxes — but the savings as a percentage of pay remains constant. Under this plan, a business saves 6.2 percent on both a $40,000 worker and a $90,000 worker.
In the current environment, no business wants to wait until 2011 to receive a tax credit for someone it hires today. Another obvious benefit of this proposal to forgive payroll taxes is that it keeps money in a business’s pockets, since the tax is simply not collected in the first place.
In addition, because the benefit starts on the date of hiring and does not have an arbitrary cap, more businesses will want to use it. And since it is an elimination of the employer’s share of the Social Security tax for these workers — rather than a fixed or capped dollar amount — the complexities of making the incentive work with a firm’s payroll software are greatly reduced because employers will know simply to zero out the tax for these workers.
To promote long-term employment as the recovery gains steam, we would also add the following bonus: For any eligible employee kept on payroll for a continuous 52 weeks, the employer would receive an additional $1,000 credit on its 2011 tax return. (This would apply to any worker hired in 2010.)
Our two-pronged approach would be a far more efficient use of taxpayer dollars than other proposals under discussion, all of which could cost many times more with very little guaranteed improvement in unemployment.
Imagine that three million unemployed workers were to be hired this year under our plan. If they all worked an average of six months in 2010 at a salary of $50,000, and every single one stayed on payroll for 52 consecutive weeks into 2011, the gross cost of the Social Security tax cut and the additional credit would be only $7.6 billion. And that’s before we consider the offsets from income and payroll taxes paid by these workers.
There are some additional rules that would have to be put in place. For example, eligible workers would have to be hired for a minimum of 30 hours per week, and workers who are family members of the employer would not be eligible. The payroll tax reduction would be for private-sector jobs only; new jobs that are created by tax dollars in the first place would not be eligible. And any employer with a lower total payroll in 2010 than it had in 2009 would have to forfeit the benefit — businesses shouldn’t be allowed to shed jobs and still receive a tax benefit.
We urge Congress and President Obama to consider this idea to help jumpstart hiring and turn our focus back on jobs.
Charles E. Schumer is a Democratic senator from New York. Orrin G. Hatch is a Republican senator from Utah.
Council agrees to recycling change; Vernon will go to automated single stream
Council agrees to recycling change; Vernon will go to automated single stream
VERNON — Town Council members voted Tuesday to make a major upgrade to the town’s trash and recycling routine by moving to single-stream recycling and using automated trucks. The Mayor’s Department Head of the Department of Public works explained that by doing this the Town will save $225,000.00. Mayor McCoy said this will not only be good for the environment but it makes good fiscal sense which is something that Vernon will need in these tough fiscal times.
VERNON — Town Council members voted Tuesday to make a major upgrade to the town’s trash and recycling routine by moving to single-stream recycling and using automated trucks. The Mayor’s Department Head of the Department of Public works explained that by doing this the Town will save $225,000.00. Mayor McCoy said this will not only be good for the environment but it makes good fiscal sense which is something that Vernon will need in these tough fiscal times.
January 25, 2010
Vernon Connecticut Sen. Mark Warner's Mother Dies at Age 81
Sen. Mark Warner's Mother Dies at Age 81: "Marjorie Warner, the mother of Sen. Mark R. Warner, and wife of Bob Warner, has died after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Marjorie Warner died Saturday morning in her home in Vernon, Connecticut, according to a brief statement from the senator's office. She was 81.
She had suffered from the progressive, irreversible neurological disorder for years, including during her son's term as Virginia governor from 2002 to 2006.
Besides the first-term Democratic senator, she leaves a daughter, Lisa, and her husband of 60 years, Robert Warner. Warner spokesman Kevin Hall said Saturday that funeral arrangements were pending."
Calling hours will be this Tuesday evening, January 26th, from 5 to 7 PM at the Ladd Funeral Home, Rockville. Funeral service will be Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM at First Congregational Church, 695 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon.
Marjorie Warner died Saturday morning in her home in Vernon, Connecticut, according to a brief statement from the senator's office. She was 81.
She had suffered from the progressive, irreversible neurological disorder for years, including during her son's term as Virginia governor from 2002 to 2006.
Besides the first-term Democratic senator, she leaves a daughter, Lisa, and her husband of 60 years, Robert Warner. Warner spokesman Kevin Hall said Saturday that funeral arrangements were pending."
Calling hours will be this Tuesday evening, January 26th, from 5 to 7 PM at the Ladd Funeral Home, Rockville. Funeral service will be Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM at First Congregational Church, 695 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon.
Recycling Center Collecting Books For Nonprofit - Courant.com
Recycling Center Collecting Books For Nonprofit - Courant.com
There is an eight-foot, walk-in, collection container at the municipal recycling and transfer station to receive donations of used books that will be donated to a nonprofit organization that distributes them globally.
All types of books, whether they are hard or soft cover, on tape or a DVD, are accepted. The donations are being given to "The Reading Tree," formerly "Hands Across the Water," which will distribute them to schools and libraries around the world The collection is for town residents only, Mayor Jason McCoy, said in prepared statement that notes the money saved by removing them from the waste stream as a benefit to taxpayers. Encyclopedias, magazines and catalogs will not be accepted.
The station on Hockanum Boulevard is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. No permit is required to place books in the container.
Posted using ShareThis
There is an eight-foot, walk-in, collection container at the municipal recycling and transfer station to receive donations of used books that will be donated to a nonprofit organization that distributes them globally.
All types of books, whether they are hard or soft cover, on tape or a DVD, are accepted. The donations are being given to "The Reading Tree," formerly "Hands Across the Water," which will distribute them to schools and libraries around the world The collection is for town residents only, Mayor Jason McCoy, said in prepared statement that notes the money saved by removing them from the waste stream as a benefit to taxpayers. Encyclopedias, magazines and catalogs will not be accepted.
The station on Hockanum Boulevard is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. No permit is required to place books in the container.
Posted using ShareThis
January 22, 2010
Lobbyists Get Potent Weapon in Campaign Finance Ruling - NYTimes.com
Lobbyists Get Potent Weapon in Campaign Finance Ruling - NYTimes.com: "Lobbyists Get Potent Weapon in Campaign Finance Ruling"
Lobbyists Get Potent Weapon in Campaign Finance Ruling
By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has handed a new weapon to lobbyists. If you vote wrong, a lobbyist can now tell any elected official that my company, labor union or interest group will spend unlimited sums explicitly advertising against your re-election.
“We have got a million we can spend advertising for you or against you — whichever one you want,’ ” a lobbyist can tell lawmakers, said Lawrence M. Noble, a lawyer at Skadden Arps in Washington and former general counsel of the Federal Election Commission.
The decision seeks to let voters choose for themselves among a multitude of voices and ideas when they go to the polls, but it will also increase the power of organized interest groups at the expense of candidates and political parties.
It is expected to unleash a torrent of attack advertisements from outside groups aiming to sway voters, without any candidate having to take the criticism for dirty campaigning. The biggest beneficiaries might be well-placed incumbents whose favor companies and interests groups are eager to court. It could also have a big impact on state and local governments, where a few million dollars can have more influence on elections.
The ruling comes at a time when influence-seekers of all kinds have special incentives to open their wallets. Amid the economic crisis, the Obama administration and Congressional Democrats are trying to rewrite the rules for broad swaths of the economy, from Detroit to Wall Street. Republicans, meanwhile, see a chance for major gains in November.
Democrats predicted that Republicans would benefit most from the decision, because they are the traditional allies of big corporations, who have more money to spend than unions.
In a statement shortly after the decision, President Obama called it “a green light to a new stampede of special interest money in our politics.”
As Democrats vowed to push legislation to install new spending limits in time for the fall campaign, Republicans disputed the partisan impact of the decision. They argued that Democrats had proven effective at cultivating their own business allies — drug companies are spending millions of dollars to promote the administration’s health care proposals, for example — while friendly interest groups tap sympathetic billionaires and Hollywood money.
After new restrictions on party fund-raising took effect in 2003, many predicted that the Democrats would suffer. But they took Congress in 2006 and the White House two years later.
While Democrats pledged new limits, some Republicans argued for bolstering parties and candidates by getting rid of the limits on their fund-raising as well. Several cases before lower courts, including a suit filed by the Republican National Committee against the Federal Election Commission, seek to challenge those limits.
Thursday’s decision, in Citizens United vs. the Federal Election Commission, “is going to flip the existing campaign order on its head,” said Benjamin L. Ginsberg, a Republican campaign lawyer at the law-and-lobbying firm Patton Boggs who has represented both candidates and outside groups, including Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, a group formed to oppose Senator John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign.
“It will put on steroids the trend that outside groups are increasingly dominating campaigns,” Mr. Ginsberg said. “Candidates lose control of their message. Some of these guys lose control of their whole personalities.”
“Parties will sort of shrink in the relative importance of things,” he added, “and outside groups will take over more of the functions — advertising support, get out the vote — that parties do now.”
In practice, major publicly held corporations like Microsoft or General Electric are unlikely to spend large sums money on campaign commercials, for fear of alienating investors, customers and other public officials.
Instead, wealthy individuals and companies might contribute to trade associations, groups like the Chamber of Commerce or the National Riffle Association, or other third parties that could run commercials.
Previously, Mr. Noble of Skadden Arps said, his firm had advised companies to be wary about giving money to groups that might run so-called advocacy commercials, because such activity could trigger disclosure requirements that would identify the corporate financers.
“It could be traced back to you,” he said. “That is no longer a concern.”
Some disclosure rules remain intact. An outside group paying for a campaign commercial would still have to include a statement and file forms taking responsibility. If an organization solicits money specifically to pay for such political activities, it could fall under regulations that require disclosure of its donors.
And the disclosure requirements would moderate the harshness of the third-party advertisements, because established trade associations or other groups are too concerned with their reputations to wage the contentious campaigns that ad hoc groups like MoveOn.org or Swift Boat Veterans for Truth might do.
Two leading Democrats, Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York and Representative Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, said that they had been working for months to draft legislation in response to the anticipated decision.
One possibility would be to ban political advertising by corporations that hire lobbyists, receive government money, or collect most of their revenue abroad.
Another would be to tighten rules against coordination between campaigns and outside groups so that, for example, they could not hire the same advertising firms or consultants.
A third would be to require shareholder approval of political expenditures, or even to force chief executives to appear as sponsors of commercials their companies pay for.
The two sponsors of the 2002 law tightening the party-fundraising rules each criticized the ruling.
Senator Russ Feingold, Democrat of Wisconsin, called it “a terrible mistake.” Senator John McCain of Arizona, the Republican presidential nominee in 2008, said in a television interview on CNN that he was “disappointed.”
Fred Wertheimer, a longtime advocate of campaign finance laws, said the decision “wipes out a hundred years of history” during which American laws have sought to tamp down corporate power to influence elections.
But David Bossie, the conservative activist who brought the case to defend his campaign-season promotion of the documentary “Hillary: The Movie,” said he was looking forward to rolling out his next film in time for the midterm elections.
Titled “Generation Zero,” the movie features the television host Lou Dobbs and lays much of the blame for the recent financial collapse on the Democrats.
“Now we have a free hand to let people know it exists,” Mr. Bossie said.
Lobbyists Get Potent Weapon in Campaign Finance Ruling
By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has handed a new weapon to lobbyists. If you vote wrong, a lobbyist can now tell any elected official that my company, labor union or interest group will spend unlimited sums explicitly advertising against your re-election.
“We have got a million we can spend advertising for you or against you — whichever one you want,’ ” a lobbyist can tell lawmakers, said Lawrence M. Noble, a lawyer at Skadden Arps in Washington and former general counsel of the Federal Election Commission.
The decision seeks to let voters choose for themselves among a multitude of voices and ideas when they go to the polls, but it will also increase the power of organized interest groups at the expense of candidates and political parties.
It is expected to unleash a torrent of attack advertisements from outside groups aiming to sway voters, without any candidate having to take the criticism for dirty campaigning. The biggest beneficiaries might be well-placed incumbents whose favor companies and interests groups are eager to court. It could also have a big impact on state and local governments, where a few million dollars can have more influence on elections.
The ruling comes at a time when influence-seekers of all kinds have special incentives to open their wallets. Amid the economic crisis, the Obama administration and Congressional Democrats are trying to rewrite the rules for broad swaths of the economy, from Detroit to Wall Street. Republicans, meanwhile, see a chance for major gains in November.
Democrats predicted that Republicans would benefit most from the decision, because they are the traditional allies of big corporations, who have more money to spend than unions.
In a statement shortly after the decision, President Obama called it “a green light to a new stampede of special interest money in our politics.”
As Democrats vowed to push legislation to install new spending limits in time for the fall campaign, Republicans disputed the partisan impact of the decision. They argued that Democrats had proven effective at cultivating their own business allies — drug companies are spending millions of dollars to promote the administration’s health care proposals, for example — while friendly interest groups tap sympathetic billionaires and Hollywood money.
After new restrictions on party fund-raising took effect in 2003, many predicted that the Democrats would suffer. But they took Congress in 2006 and the White House two years later.
While Democrats pledged new limits, some Republicans argued for bolstering parties and candidates by getting rid of the limits on their fund-raising as well. Several cases before lower courts, including a suit filed by the Republican National Committee against the Federal Election Commission, seek to challenge those limits.
Thursday’s decision, in Citizens United vs. the Federal Election Commission, “is going to flip the existing campaign order on its head,” said Benjamin L. Ginsberg, a Republican campaign lawyer at the law-and-lobbying firm Patton Boggs who has represented both candidates and outside groups, including Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, a group formed to oppose Senator John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign.
“It will put on steroids the trend that outside groups are increasingly dominating campaigns,” Mr. Ginsberg said. “Candidates lose control of their message. Some of these guys lose control of their whole personalities.”
“Parties will sort of shrink in the relative importance of things,” he added, “and outside groups will take over more of the functions — advertising support, get out the vote — that parties do now.”
In practice, major publicly held corporations like Microsoft or General Electric are unlikely to spend large sums money on campaign commercials, for fear of alienating investors, customers and other public officials.
Instead, wealthy individuals and companies might contribute to trade associations, groups like the Chamber of Commerce or the National Riffle Association, or other third parties that could run commercials.
Previously, Mr. Noble of Skadden Arps said, his firm had advised companies to be wary about giving money to groups that might run so-called advocacy commercials, because such activity could trigger disclosure requirements that would identify the corporate financers.
“It could be traced back to you,” he said. “That is no longer a concern.”
Some disclosure rules remain intact. An outside group paying for a campaign commercial would still have to include a statement and file forms taking responsibility. If an organization solicits money specifically to pay for such political activities, it could fall under regulations that require disclosure of its donors.
And the disclosure requirements would moderate the harshness of the third-party advertisements, because established trade associations or other groups are too concerned with their reputations to wage the contentious campaigns that ad hoc groups like MoveOn.org or Swift Boat Veterans for Truth might do.
Two leading Democrats, Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York and Representative Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, said that they had been working for months to draft legislation in response to the anticipated decision.
One possibility would be to ban political advertising by corporations that hire lobbyists, receive government money, or collect most of their revenue abroad.
Another would be to tighten rules against coordination between campaigns and outside groups so that, for example, they could not hire the same advertising firms or consultants.
A third would be to require shareholder approval of political expenditures, or even to force chief executives to appear as sponsors of commercials their companies pay for.
The two sponsors of the 2002 law tightening the party-fundraising rules each criticized the ruling.
Senator Russ Feingold, Democrat of Wisconsin, called it “a terrible mistake.” Senator John McCain of Arizona, the Republican presidential nominee in 2008, said in a television interview on CNN that he was “disappointed.”
Fred Wertheimer, a longtime advocate of campaign finance laws, said the decision “wipes out a hundred years of history” during which American laws have sought to tamp down corporate power to influence elections.
But David Bossie, the conservative activist who brought the case to defend his campaign-season promotion of the documentary “Hillary: The Movie,” said he was looking forward to rolling out his next film in time for the midterm elections.
Titled “Generation Zero,” the movie features the television host Lou Dobbs and lays much of the blame for the recent financial collapse on the Democrats.
“Now we have a free hand to let people know it exists,” Mr. Bossie said.
Naugatuck teachers agree to concessions | wtnh.com connecticut
Naugatuck teachers agree to concessions wtnh.com connecticut: "Naugatuck teachers agree to concessions"
January 21, 2010
YouTube - Mayor Jason McCoy Welcomes You to Vernon Connecticut
YouTube - Mayor Jason McCoy Welcomes You to Vernon Connecticut: "Welcome to Vernon Connecticut come see what Vernon Has to Offer you. Mayor Jason McCoy"
January 17, 2010
January 14, 2010
Poll shocker: Scott Brown surges ahead in Senate race
Poll shocker: Scott Brown surges ahead in Senate race
Riding a wave of opposition to Democratic health-care reform, GOP upstart
Scott Brown is leading in the U.S. Senate race, raising the odds of a historic
upset that would reverberate all the way to the White House, a new poll
shows.
Although Brown’s 4-point lead over Democrat Martha Coakley is within the
Suffolk University/7News survey’s margin of error, the underdog’s position at
the top of the results stunned even pollster David Paleologos.
“It’s a Brown-out,” said Paleologos, director of Suffolk’s Political Research
Center. “It’s a massive change in the political landscape.”
The poll shows Brown, a state senator from Wrentham, besting Coakley, the
state’s attorney general, by 50 percent to 46 percent, the first major survey to
show Brown in the lead. Unenrolled long-shot Joseph L. Kennedy, an
information technology executive with no relation to the famous family, gets 3
percent of the vote. Only 1 percent of voters were undecided.
Paleologos said bellweather models show high numbers of independent voters
turning out on election day, which benefits Brown, who has 65 percent of that
bloc compared to Coakley’s 30 percent. Kennedy earns just 3 percent of the independent vote, and 1 percent are undecided.
Given the 4.4-point margin of error, the poll shows Coakley could win the race, Paleologos said. But if Brown’s momentum holds, he
is poised to succeed the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy - and to halt health-care reform, the issue the late senator dubbed “the cause
of my life.”
Yet even in the bluest state, it appears Kennedy’s quest for universal health care has fallen out of favor, with 51 percent of voters
saying they oppose the “national near-universal health-care package” and 61 percent saying they believe the government cannot
afford to pay for it.
The poll, conducted Monday through Wednesday, surveyed 500 registered likely voters who knew the date of Tuesday’s election. It
shows Brown leading all regions of the state except Suffolk County.
“Either Brown’s momentum accelerates and his lead widens, or this becomes a wake-up call for Coakley to become the ‘Comeback
Kid’ this weekend,” Paleologos said.
And with 99 percent having made up their minds, voters may be hard to persuade.
The poll surveyed a carefully partitioned electorate meant to match voter turnout: 39 percent Democrat, 15 percent Republican and 45
percent unenrolled.
Brown wins among men and is remarkably competitive among women - trailing Coakley’s 50 percent with 45 percent.
While Brown has 91 percent of registered Republicans locked up, an astonishing 17 percent of Democrats report they’re jumping ship
for Brown as well - likely a product of Coakley’s laser-focus on hard-core Dems, potentially at the exclusion of other Democrats whom
she needed to win over, Paleologos said.
For Coakley, Brown’s surge may be as ominous as the fact that her campaign’s peril is not fully recognized, with 64 percent of voters
still believing she’ll win - a perception that threatens to keep her supporters home.
Brown’s popularity is solid. He enjoys a 57 percent favorability rating compared to just 19 percent unfavorable. Coakley’s favorability
is 49 percent; her unfavorability, 41 percent.
No longer does Brown suffer from a name-recognition problem, with 95 percent of voters having heard of him statewide.
7News Political Editor Andy Hiller said, “Voters obviously think Brown is running a better campaign than Coakley. For months, it has
been Coakley’s race to lose, and now in the last days that’s exactly what she may be doing.”
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1225720
Riding a wave of opposition to Democratic health-care reform, GOP upstart
Scott Brown is leading in the U.S. Senate race, raising the odds of a historic
upset that would reverberate all the way to the White House, a new poll
shows.
Although Brown’s 4-point lead over Democrat Martha Coakley is within the
Suffolk University/7News survey’s margin of error, the underdog’s position at
the top of the results stunned even pollster David Paleologos.
“It’s a Brown-out,” said Paleologos, director of Suffolk’s Political Research
Center. “It’s a massive change in the political landscape.”
The poll shows Brown, a state senator from Wrentham, besting Coakley, the
state’s attorney general, by 50 percent to 46 percent, the first major survey to
show Brown in the lead. Unenrolled long-shot Joseph L. Kennedy, an
information technology executive with no relation to the famous family, gets 3
percent of the vote. Only 1 percent of voters were undecided.
Paleologos said bellweather models show high numbers of independent voters
turning out on election day, which benefits Brown, who has 65 percent of that
bloc compared to Coakley’s 30 percent. Kennedy earns just 3 percent of the independent vote, and 1 percent are undecided.
Given the 4.4-point margin of error, the poll shows Coakley could win the race, Paleologos said. But if Brown’s momentum holds, he
is poised to succeed the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy - and to halt health-care reform, the issue the late senator dubbed “the cause
of my life.”
Yet even in the bluest state, it appears Kennedy’s quest for universal health care has fallen out of favor, with 51 percent of voters
saying they oppose the “national near-universal health-care package” and 61 percent saying they believe the government cannot
afford to pay for it.
The poll, conducted Monday through Wednesday, surveyed 500 registered likely voters who knew the date of Tuesday’s election. It
shows Brown leading all regions of the state except Suffolk County.
“Either Brown’s momentum accelerates and his lead widens, or this becomes a wake-up call for Coakley to become the ‘Comeback
Kid’ this weekend,” Paleologos said.
And with 99 percent having made up their minds, voters may be hard to persuade.
The poll surveyed a carefully partitioned electorate meant to match voter turnout: 39 percent Democrat, 15 percent Republican and 45
percent unenrolled.
Brown wins among men and is remarkably competitive among women - trailing Coakley’s 50 percent with 45 percent.
While Brown has 91 percent of registered Republicans locked up, an astonishing 17 percent of Democrats report they’re jumping ship
for Brown as well - likely a product of Coakley’s laser-focus on hard-core Dems, potentially at the exclusion of other Democrats whom
she needed to win over, Paleologos said.
For Coakley, Brown’s surge may be as ominous as the fact that her campaign’s peril is not fully recognized, with 64 percent of voters
still believing she’ll win - a perception that threatens to keep her supporters home.
Brown’s popularity is solid. He enjoys a 57 percent favorability rating compared to just 19 percent unfavorable. Coakley’s favorability
is 49 percent; her unfavorability, 41 percent.
No longer does Brown suffer from a name-recognition problem, with 95 percent of voters having heard of him statewide.
7News Political Editor Andy Hiller said, “Voters obviously think Brown is running a better campaign than Coakley. For months, it has
been Coakley’s race to lose, and now in the last days that’s exactly what she may be doing.”
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1225720
Journal Inquirer > Towns > Tolland > Prepare for 5% cut, Werbner tells department heads
Journal Inquirer > Towns > Tolland > Prepare for 5% cut, Werbner tells department heads: "Prepare for 5% cut, Werbner tells department heads
By Suzanne Carlson
Journal Inquirer
Published: Thursday, January 14, 2010 12:16 PM EST
TOLLAND — Town Manager Steven R. Werbner has asked town department heads to prepare for an up to 5 percent decrease in their budgets next fiscal year and has planned a meeting to hear from residents."
By Suzanne Carlson
Journal Inquirer
Published: Thursday, January 14, 2010 12:16 PM EST
TOLLAND — Town Manager Steven R. Werbner has asked town department heads to prepare for an up to 5 percent decrease in their budgets next fiscal year and has planned a meeting to hear from residents."
January 13, 2010
CT News Junkie | Bysiewicz Expected to Make The Switch To AG Race#cmt
CT News Junkie Bysiewicz Expected to Make The Switch To AG Race#cmt
"Rumors that Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz would switch from her gubernatorial bid to the attorney general’s race have been swirling ever since Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced he would run for Chris Dodd’s Senate seat. ..
.. Bysiewicz’s brother-in-law, Ross Garber, also has expressed interest in the attorney general’s office. But if he ran, he would be seeking the Republican nomination. Garber, a partner in the Hartford law firm of Shipman and Goodwin, has not made a decision yet.
“It’s a unique opportunity to do a job in which I’d be able to do a lot of good,” Garber said in an email last week. “I’m talking to my family and expect to make a decision in the next few days.”
Garber could be joined on the Republican side by state Sens. Andrew Roraback and John Kissel, state Reps. Themis Klarides and Arthur O’Neill, and possibly Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy. "
"Rumors that Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz would switch from her gubernatorial bid to the attorney general’s race have been swirling ever since Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced he would run for Chris Dodd’s Senate seat. ..
.. Bysiewicz’s brother-in-law, Ross Garber, also has expressed interest in the attorney general’s office. But if he ran, he would be seeking the Republican nomination. Garber, a partner in the Hartford law firm of Shipman and Goodwin, has not made a decision yet.
“It’s a unique opportunity to do a job in which I’d be able to do a lot of good,” Garber said in an email last week. “I’m talking to my family and expect to make a decision in the next few days.”
Garber could be joined on the Republican side by state Sens. Andrew Roraback and John Kissel, state Reps. Themis Klarides and Arthur O’Neill, and possibly Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy. "
January 10, 2010
Jobs trump- Journal Inquirer
Jobs trump Published: Saturday, January 9, 2010 12:08 PM EST
Journal Inquirer > Editorials > Jobs trump: "Advocates of putting a Home Depot in Vernon are getting ready to make another run at it and opponents are gearing up to oppose again."
"Advocates of putting a Home Depot in Vernon are getting ready to make another run at it and opponents are gearing up to oppose again.At this point, the onus — rhetorically, politically, and legally — should be on opponents.
There are two reasons for this. One is that the opponents have drug this thing out on the basis that the Home Depot, to be located just off exit 67 of Interstate 84 in Vernon, represents an environmental threat. But, after a great deal of time in and out of court and the newspapers, they have presented no substantial evidence.The second reason is that, in the absence of an environmental danger, jobs — the possibility of the generation of decent-paying jobs for the town — should trump other considerations.
Increasingly, it appears that the folks opposing Home Depot do so because they disapprove of “Big Box” development generally. They think such stores are gauche, or that they attract too many people; that they make the community look less classy or quaint.But these are matters of taste or ideology. And the practical question is whether Home Depot would do more harm or more good. Given the jobs and property taxes it would raise, it certainly seems like the answer is: more good.
Mind you, any town, or neighborhood, has a right to fight for its integrity or its physical beauty. But we are talking about a commercial area near the highway that already has two fast-food restaurants and an empty, overgrown eyesore of an ex-sports complex. No rivers are being filled in. No streams polluted. No fine old colonials torn down.If Home Depot is really going to hurt the town or Mother Nature, someone needs to explain how. Soon. Opponents need to put up or shut up.
If the only case against Home Depot is that some people don’t like it or find it distasteful, that’s not enough.
Let Home Depot in.Jobs trump taste, ideology, Nimbyism, and vague prejudice.
In the absence of a good reason not to let Home Depot build, let them build."
Journal Inquirer > Editorials > Jobs trump: "Advocates of putting a Home Depot in Vernon are getting ready to make another run at it and opponents are gearing up to oppose again."
"Advocates of putting a Home Depot in Vernon are getting ready to make another run at it and opponents are gearing up to oppose again.At this point, the onus — rhetorically, politically, and legally — should be on opponents.
There are two reasons for this. One is that the opponents have drug this thing out on the basis that the Home Depot, to be located just off exit 67 of Interstate 84 in Vernon, represents an environmental threat. But, after a great deal of time in and out of court and the newspapers, they have presented no substantial evidence.The second reason is that, in the absence of an environmental danger, jobs — the possibility of the generation of decent-paying jobs for the town — should trump other considerations.
Increasingly, it appears that the folks opposing Home Depot do so because they disapprove of “Big Box” development generally. They think such stores are gauche, or that they attract too many people; that they make the community look less classy or quaint.But these are matters of taste or ideology. And the practical question is whether Home Depot would do more harm or more good. Given the jobs and property taxes it would raise, it certainly seems like the answer is: more good.
Mind you, any town, or neighborhood, has a right to fight for its integrity or its physical beauty. But we are talking about a commercial area near the highway that already has two fast-food restaurants and an empty, overgrown eyesore of an ex-sports complex. No rivers are being filled in. No streams polluted. No fine old colonials torn down.If Home Depot is really going to hurt the town or Mother Nature, someone needs to explain how. Soon. Opponents need to put up or shut up.
If the only case against Home Depot is that some people don’t like it or find it distasteful, that’s not enough.
Let Home Depot in.Jobs trump taste, ideology, Nimbyism, and vague prejudice.
In the absence of a good reason not to let Home Depot build, let them build."
CT News Junkie | Race For AG Wide Open
CT News Junkie Race For AG Wide Open
Jason McCoy, Vernon’s Republican mayor, said he has received several telephone calls suggesting that he consider running for AG.
Jason McCoy, Vernon’s Republican mayor, said he has received several telephone calls suggesting that he consider running for AG.
January 8, 2010
Article | ReminderNews "Looking Back at 2009, Part I"
Article | ReminderNews: "Looking Back at 2009, Part I"
Mayor Jason McCoy | Facebook
Mayor Jason McCoy Facebook: "Mayor Jason McCoy is on Facebook
Sign up for Facebook to connect with Mayor Jason McCoy.
Just a Fan Mayor Jason McCoy"
Sign up for Facebook to connect with Mayor Jason McCoy.
Just a Fan Mayor Jason McCoy"
January 7, 2010
Is Richard Blumenthal confused or does he just refused to tell voters where he stands on the Wall Street bailout, the health care bill and capital gains taxes
In his debut Richard Blumenthal refused to tell voters where he stands on the Wall Street bailout, the health care bill and capital gains taxes
Rob Simmons for U.S. Senate » Media
Defining journalism down
Defining journalism down
Mr. Burris: I have to agree. Those of us who are (Public People) are being "reported" about have noticed. There is more opinion written by reporters, unchecked quotes that lead folks to a conclusion and less raw data without adjectives. It is the Blog CNN type reporting.
Mr. Burris: I have to agree. Those of us who are (Public People) are being "reported" about have noticed. There is more opinion written by reporters, unchecked quotes that lead folks to a conclusion and less raw data without adjectives. It is the Blog CNN type reporting.
Journal Inquirer > Keith Burris > Defining journalism down
Journal Inquirer > Keith Burris > Defining journalism down: "Defining journalism down
By Keith C. Burris
Published: Monday, November 16, 2009 7:09 AM EST
One of the consequences of the new way that people read news is that news professionals are defining journalism down. We ask fewer questions and draw more conclusions, even in news stories. We do not dig. Digging is work."
Mr. Burris: I have to agree. Those of us who are (Public People) are being "reported" about have noticed. There is more opinion written by reporters, unchecked quotes that lead folks to a conclusion and less raw data without adjectives. It is the Blog CNN type reporting.
By Keith C. Burris
Published: Monday, November 16, 2009 7:09 AM EST
One of the consequences of the new way that people read news is that news professionals are defining journalism down. We ask fewer questions and draw more conclusions, even in news stories. We do not dig. Digging is work."
Mr. Burris: I have to agree. Those of us who are (Public People) are being "reported" about have noticed. There is more opinion written by reporters, unchecked quotes that lead folks to a conclusion and less raw data without adjectives. It is the Blog CNN type reporting.
Fedele tells Vernon council to budget conservatively and ‘hope for the best’ with state funding
Fedele tells Vernon council to budget conservatively and ‘hope for the best’ with state funding
VERNON — Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele’s primary reason to visit town Tuesday was to praise emergency workers for an ice rescue last week, but dour fiscal predictions quickly dominated a meeting with the Town Council.
“My message tonight is that as a community and as a state we need to make sure we’re watching our pennies,” Fedele told council members.
Fedele, a Republican from Stamford, originally was invited to the council meeting to present a proclamation to the Fire Department from Gov. M. Jodi Rell for saving a man who fell through the ice on Risley Reservoir on Dec. 27.
After Fedele delivered the proclamation, however, the focus of the evening quickly became the state’s precarious financial position. As of this week, there is a nearly 9 percent unemployment rate with estimates on the current fiscal year’s budget deficit ranging from $300 million to $500 million. Analysts project a built-in, annual deficit starting in 2011 that tops $3 billion.
Republican council member Daniel Anderson asked Fedele what Vernon should expect next fiscal year, which begins July 1, “Can we budget for even state revenue, 3 percent less, 5 percent less? What’s your best advice to us?”
“I would try to come in with as conservative a number as possible that you could sustain and then hope for the best. …Maybe do a couple what-ifs,” he said.
Republican Mayor Jason L. McCoy asked how much of the town’s budget is funded by the state.
Town Finance Officer James Luddecke said the figure is approximately 23 percent.
“So 23 cents on the dollar then,” Fedele said.
Tuesday night’s live televised visit could have been considered a brief whistle stop on the gubernatorial campaign trail, but Fedele focused on the budget and wasn’t making any promises to local officials.
“I would love to say we can continue to give you 23 cents on the dollar in 2012, but I’m telling you today that there are those folks who are projecting a $3 billion hold and we haven’t even gotten there,” he said. “We don’t even know where things are going between now and 2012.”
Republican council member Mark Etre and others encouraged Fedele to re-examine unfunded state mandates that put added pressure on already cash-strapped municipalities, and also to keep in check unnecessary Department of Transportation projects.
Democratic council member Michael Winkler was clearly frustrated with a lack of interest in a steeply progressive income tax or continued increases in the high-earners, or millionaires, tax to help close the state budget gap. “That tax has brought in very little money even though the rate has increased, because, quite frankly, the dollars aren’t there,” Fedele said. “Progressively increasing taxes does not bring jobs back. …We do not believe that a progressive income tax will do that.”
Fedele acknowledged the struggles facing the town and commended the council for its work in maintaining a delicate fiscal balance. “All these things are very difficult. I know that you here on a local level wrestle with it all the time. I think overall you do a very good job of managing those dollars,” Fedele said.
“There’s nothing that I see… that is telling us that we’re going to see a robust increase in revenue to the state,” Fedele said.
VERNON — Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele’s primary reason to visit town Tuesday was to praise emergency workers for an ice rescue last week, but dour fiscal predictions quickly dominated a meeting with the Town Council.
“My message tonight is that as a community and as a state we need to make sure we’re watching our pennies,” Fedele told council members.
Fedele, a Republican from Stamford, originally was invited to the council meeting to present a proclamation to the Fire Department from Gov. M. Jodi Rell for saving a man who fell through the ice on Risley Reservoir on Dec. 27.
After Fedele delivered the proclamation, however, the focus of the evening quickly became the state’s precarious financial position. As of this week, there is a nearly 9 percent unemployment rate with estimates on the current fiscal year’s budget deficit ranging from $300 million to $500 million. Analysts project a built-in, annual deficit starting in 2011 that tops $3 billion.
Republican council member Daniel Anderson asked Fedele what Vernon should expect next fiscal year, which begins July 1, “Can we budget for even state revenue, 3 percent less, 5 percent less? What’s your best advice to us?”
“I would try to come in with as conservative a number as possible that you could sustain and then hope for the best. …Maybe do a couple what-ifs,” he said.
Republican Mayor Jason L. McCoy asked how much of the town’s budget is funded by the state.
Town Finance Officer James Luddecke said the figure is approximately 23 percent.
“So 23 cents on the dollar then,” Fedele said.
Tuesday night’s live televised visit could have been considered a brief whistle stop on the gubernatorial campaign trail, but Fedele focused on the budget and wasn’t making any promises to local officials.
“I would love to say we can continue to give you 23 cents on the dollar in 2012, but I’m telling you today that there are those folks who are projecting a $3 billion hold and we haven’t even gotten there,” he said. “We don’t even know where things are going between now and 2012.”
Republican council member Mark Etre and others encouraged Fedele to re-examine unfunded state mandates that put added pressure on already cash-strapped municipalities, and also to keep in check unnecessary Department of Transportation projects.
Democratic council member Michael Winkler was clearly frustrated with a lack of interest in a steeply progressive income tax or continued increases in the high-earners, or millionaires, tax to help close the state budget gap. “That tax has brought in very little money even though the rate has increased, because, quite frankly, the dollars aren’t there,” Fedele said. “Progressively increasing taxes does not bring jobs back. …We do not believe that a progressive income tax will do that.”
Fedele acknowledged the struggles facing the town and commended the council for its work in maintaining a delicate fiscal balance. “All these things are very difficult. I know that you here on a local level wrestle with it all the time. I think overall you do a very good job of managing those dollars,” Fedele said.
“There’s nothing that I see… that is telling us that we’re going to see a robust increase in revenue to the state,” Fedele said.
January 6, 2010
January 2, 2010
Rell commends Vernon firefighters on ice rescue
Rell commends Vernon firefighters on ice rescue
VERNON — The heroic actions of four local firefighters who rescued a fisherman who had fallen through the ice on Sunday at Risley Reservoir drew some high-level praise Thursday.
VERNON — The heroic actions of four local firefighters who rescued a fisherman who had fallen through the ice on Sunday at Risley Reservoir drew some high-level praise Thursday.
December 28, 2009
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
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