REP. McCRORY ESTABLISHES BEDFORD STREET FIRE VICTIMS RELIEF FUND

7^TH District State Representative Douglas McCrory is announcing the organization of the “Bedford Street Fire Victim Relief Fund”. The Bedford Street neighborhood, which is part of Representative McCrory’s district, was struck with a tragic fire that took the lives of a 43 year old mother and her 4 year old daughter as well as displacing several other residents of the building.

An account has been established at the Hartford Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union for donations. Donations can be made out to the “Bedford Street Fire Victims Relief Fund” and sent to HMEFCU at 443 Franklin Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114. Donations will be used to help defray the cost of funeral services and financial needs of the other victims.

The fund will also be collecting winter clothing items and footwear as well as household items as the victims burned out of their apartments begin the process of rebuilding. Items can be dropped off at the office of Trinity Episcopal Church at 120 Sigourney Street Monday through Thursday from 9:00am until 3:00PM or during Sunday services.

Representative McCrory wishes to thank those who helped organize this effort so quickly, including Marco Signorelli, Manager, of the Hartford Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union as well as the Reverend Donald Hamer, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church  for graciously offering his Church as a drop off point.

To arrange for pick-up of items, please contact 7^th District spokespeople  Kevin Brookman at 860-883-2297 or Victoria Fennell at 860-810-1160.

Susan Therrien, the mother of 4 year old Chantay Drake, both died as a result of the fire. Earlier today I spoke with Chantay's uncle and he informed me that Susan was going through medical issues and money was very tight for the family. I asked if there were any benefits or life insurance, which apparently there is not.

I called Frank Ahern of the Ahern Funeral Home of Hartford and Farmington. Frank is a family friend and a Funeral Director that my family has done business with in the past, as well as my next door neighbor. I explained the situation and he immediately agreed to do whatever I  and the Drake family needed. As of the last I knew, the Ahern Family was dealing with the  Drake family .

 Thank you to everyone for coming together as a community to bring peace and comfort to the Drake family during these difficult. times.

As part of the healing and remembrance, the Reverend Henry Brown will hold a memorial vigil at the scene of the fire, 62-64 Bedford Street, Saturday at 11:00am

HARTFORD POLICE FOCUSING ON RECRUITMENT OF CITY RESIDENTS

I think most people would agree that it is important for the Hartford Police Department to more closely resemble the community they serve. To that end, the Hartford Police have begun a campaign to attempt to recruit more City residents to apply for openings at the Hartford Police Department.

 Lt. Brian Foley and Sgt. Glendaly Garcia were guests Monday on the "We the People" program on Hartford Public access, Channel 5. The video of that program can be seen below
  SEGMENT 1


SEGMENT 2



SEGMENT 3

FROM HPD: DUI CHECKPOINT THURSDAY NIGHT

DUI 2014_1_29

WRONG MARIBEL

I think we all know that political spokespeople have an agenda and a message to get out. In most cases facts don't really matter because how many people actually take the time to check the facts?

Mayor Segarra's spokesperson , Maribel LaLuz was on the Sunday morning talk show Capitol Report. Normally I like the program with Tom Dudchik, Tom regularly links to 'We the People" from his website, CT Capitol Report. I was somewhat surprised by LaLuz's comment that 67% of small businesses are owned by immigrants, that just seemed like a large number.

We know that much of the information that comes out of the Segarra Administration is untrue or delusional, so I google "what percentage of small businesses are started by immigrants".

Up popped the report below from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) it clearly states that "Immigrant entrepreneurs  start 17% of all new businesses and represent 13% of all business owners". They also represent 12% of business income generated in the United States.
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A far cry from the 67% LaLuz claims. She was only off by 60%, but then again the Segarra Administration seems to have a problem with "real numbers".

I hope Shawn Wooden returns soon.

Skip right to page 1 of the report below for the factual numbers

Sba Report

IRISH EYES WILL BE SMILING

 

 

Spring can't be too far away when we start talking Saint Patrick's Day Parade time.

 

Tomorrow from 1:00 to 5:00PM  at the Arch Street Tavern, the Hartford Parade Committee will be hosting a fundraiser to offset the cost of this years Parade. the details are below.

 

Parade Fundraiser Flyer 2014

FROM HPD, DUI CHECKPOINT

2014_1_24

LET'S BE CLEAR

I know I have people that love this blog and there are others that detest it. I know that this morning there are Police Officers and Firefighters that aren't happy about issues being exposed to the public view.

I understand that, but these are public employee's being paid for by taxpayer dollars. I also have the highest regard for both agencies and just want to remind everyone that reads this blog that for the handful of problem officers and firefighters, there are hundreds more on the job that are outstanding public servants.

Those outstanding servants are out there today in subfreezing temperatures patrolling our streets and if called upon going into burning structures  under the worst of conditions.

The one thing that will help build public trust and confidence in both agencies is how they handle their problems. To ignore the problem and pretend it isn't happening will only lead to more problems and closer scrutiny from residents and others.

Since taking over HPD, Chief Rovella has confronted problems head on from the start. I am sure he probably wasn't happy when I called him for comment yesterday on Detective Johnson and Officer Smith, but he was upfront and honest and there was no indication of any cover up or misinformation. That is why the community seems to be more involved in their relationship with HPD. They trust the guy.

The comments at Community meetings seem to be less and less about bad interactions with HPD Officers , but more often about positive stories and successful interactions with the men and women of HPD.

That is what happens when you are transparent. The community partners notice and relationships are strengthened. It is not always easy to sit back and take the punch in the gut that you know is coming, but it sure  looks a lot better than being involved in a cover up or losing the public trust when the information finally comes out.

Police Officer's I have spoke with aren't happy about negative information coming out, but almost all of them end that statement by saying Chief Rovella is fair and evenhanded with discipline and they are happy that he is addressing problems and cleaning house. In the past many of these problems were well known but it was just easier to move the problems around. Vice and Narcotics to  Major Crimes and then to the pistol permit area. The behavior doesn't change if the problem isn't removed, kind of like a cancer

HFD might consider following the leadership style of Chief Rovella, taking action might hurt for a bit, but it is a lot better than addressing the problem when something tragic or much larger happens because the bad behavior was allowed. It also sets the tone for the rest of the organization.

So keep in mind that we have great men and women serving us in both the Police and Fire Departments, as well as the rest of the City Departments, try not to paint them all with the same broad brush

AN UNUSUAL REQUEST

This is going to be a cyptic posting because in all honesty, it is more important to me to see this matter addressed than it is to put specifics out. I can deal with a lot, but I could never deal with the death of a firefighter because I sat back and did nothing

The following comment was posted on the blog earlier tonight;

"Too bad HFD can't add one to the list. The problem child from Engine #14 was at it again the other day. Come to work at 8am sober, go home at 3pm drunk. When will HQ do something about this?

I have confirmed the behavior in question as well as those who were in attendance when it occurred, I am not going to post too much on specifics, but if the need arises I'm not shy.

For several months now I have been receiving calls about an intoxicated firefighter who is in a supervisory capacity. I am not posting this to see anyone lose their job, but I can't sit idly by and potentially see any Hartford Firefighter lose their life in a fire because someone's alcohol addiction has impaired their decision making.

As we have seen in other recent incidents, these issues are or may be common knowledge, but no one steps up and shows any leadership and deals with the issue. I don't personally know the firefighter in question, and he may very well be worth salvaging, To do nothing and wait for something tragic to happen and then sit back and say "Geez, we should have done something after the first time a District Chief had to drive him home drunk" is wrong.

The first priority of this administration is to protect the well being and safety of firefighters under this persons supervision. It is not to coddle to the Union President, who was also allegedly there yesterday and witnessed the behavior.The Firefighters Union should be just as interested in getting help for this individual as well as protecting their other members subjected to this dangerous behavior.

For Chief Huertas, Chief Shapiro or Chief Waller, who all witnessed yesterday from what sources have told me, the incident is a total lack of leadership. Do what you know you need to do and get this individual help. It is no longer a one time incident , it is a pattern of addiction. When a resident on a medical aid call has to ask" Is this guy drunk?" , you have a problem

Address the problem before something tragic happens. Chief Huertas I know you are capable of stepping up and doing what you need to do. Make the tough decisions that  leaders have to make

If anyone wants to air their concerns over this matter, you can call me in strict confidence at 860-883-2297. It might be you or one of your fellow firefighters that you are saving.

ADD TWO MORE HPD OPENINGS TO THE LIST

If the attrition rate at the Hartford Police Department wasn't bad enough due to retirements and transfers, stupidity and greed seem to be taking their toll also.

According to several sources, two veteran Hartford Police Officers may be added to the unemployment rolls any day now. Officer Will Smith has been the subject of much speculation lately as controversy swirled over a homicide victim that went unnoticed for hours last summer on Linnmore Street in the City's southend. Despite the calls for numerous gunshots fired, the dead body went undetected until after sunrise the next morning, when found by neighbors. Smith was one of the first responding officers in that case

The controversy that seems to be the career ender now though is over a prisoner that Smith released from his custody after arresting him. The suspect apparently had an arrest warrant out of Rocky Hill. Smith , according to sources, ran the suspects name and was told by the Dispatch Center that the warrant was valid and Rocky Hill wanted him and would come pick him up at HPD.

 Unfortunately for Rocky Hill, all of this was taking place at the end of Smith's shift and sources said Rocky Hill didn't arrive fast enough so Smith released the man wanted by Rocky Hill.. It is unclear at this point if the arrest warrant has been served yet after Smith's "unarrest".Smith will most likely either be allowed to resign or be officially terminated in the next 7 days.

 The next opening is a little more troubling. Sources are telling me that Detective Tishay Johnson is most likely facing Criminal charges over a scheme to deposit fees paid to HPD for Pistol Permits and other items into his personal checking account, essentially allegedly embezzling money for the permits paid to HPD. This was uncovered by an HPD investigation and was promptly dealt with by Chief Rovella and the HPD Internal Affairs Division.

In a conversation this evening, Hartford Police Chief James Rovella said that there are "Actually two parallel investigations, one administrative and one criminal" Rovella also stated there is apparently no truth to any comments that Johnson may have sold Pistol permits ,but that a full audit of Pistol permit applications is being conducted as a safeguard

Sources are telling me that an arrest warrant application is in the works. This investigation also has the possibility to expand into misuse of State dollars and possibly sales of pistol permits. The investigation came to light today after a HPD Lieutenant circulated a memo that Johnson was no longer allowed access to the Public Safety Complex at 253 High Street.

It just amazes me the thinking of these officers. Being a Hartford Police Officer is definitely a difficult career, but it also has some excellent benefits , especially pension and retirement. Why would anyone jeopardize their career over such ridiculous things when there are still large amounts of overtime and private jobs available for police officers willing to work.

WOODEN:"A LUXURY WE CAN'T AFFORD"

After the release last week of some great crime reduction stats, we knew it was inevitable. We should be able reduce Police spending since crime is down.Council President Shawn Wooden was quoted in a Coirant article as saying the Hartford Police Mounted Patrol was "a luxury we can't afford".

 The first step might be in the elimination of the Hartford Mounted Police. The Horse Unit is apparently a luxury we can't afford according to a quote attributed to Hartford City Council President Shawn Wooden.

How do you gauge the value of the Mounted Patrol. How do you determine the number of muggings that might be prevented by their mere presence in Bushnell Park. How do you determine how many brawls or shootings have been prevented when the bars let out downtown by the presence of a side stepping horse pushing a crowd back and clearing the streets.

Everyone loves to thump their chests and take credit for the media coverage when crime numbers drop, but they don't drop by luck or waving the City Hall magic wand. They drop because we have a very capable Police Chief who has put crime fighting strategies in place . And yes, those strategies cost money. You can't have it both ways

And sadly, you aren't going to fight crimes with empty promises. The Police Academy class that was promised to begin in March has apparently now, according to sources, been pushed off until the new Fiscal year in July. The money spent on overtime to fill vacancies because of that delay would probably fund the mounted unit for many months.

Mr. Wooden, here are a few luxuries that we are paying for that could result in substantial savings. First off make the Office of the Mayor live within his budget and pay for only the positions allowed under the Charter. Does the ego driven Mayor really need a "scheduler" following a few feet behind him wherever he goes, I-Pad in hand. Probably at a salry in excess of $50,000.00 from what I have been told, time for an FOI on that one.

Can we still afford one full time Administrative Assistant for every Councilperson? Now I think that is a luxury we can't afford. The Connecticut Legislature seems to function just fine with three or four Legislator's sharing  one Assistant.. Why can't the Hartford City Council follow their lead?.

Can we still afford a full suite of City lawyers in the Corporation Counsel  Office. Especially since both the City Council and the Internal Audit Commission are  going outside to find their own attorney's for legal advice. That Office is a luxury we can't afford. A complete remake of that office is due, considering the amount of legal work that is now farmed out to outside law firms and the track record of the Corp Counsel.

Another luxury is the salary paid to the Deputy Democratic Registrar who receives his full time pay, even while he is working his second job as the Clerk of the Connecticut Senate. Why? Maybe so he can pay his recent fines for admitting to election fraud with the State Elections Enforcement Commission.

I can go on, but I think I made my point.

Leave the Police Department alone and let the Police Chief do what he knows how to do. You clearly like touting the results so why mess with something that is working.No one on this Council has any law enforcement  experience above the level of Police Cadet.

In the meantime, for anyone that is interested in helping to keep the "luxury", both financial donations and physical donations to help with the upkeep of the unit are being solicited. The information is below

HPD Mounted Unit

BEAT THE COLD AT THE SPOTLIGHT THEATER

We seem to always hear that there is nothing to do in Hartford.

 This might be the weekend to end that idea.

Start off the weekend by enjoying one of the last few weekends remaining of Ice skating in Bushnell Park.  Afterwards , as the weather turns much colder and we might be digging out from snow, why not check out one of Hartford’s not so new gems and warm up watching a first run movie . I am behind the times but I recently visited the Spotlight Theater at Front Street. The theater has been open a little over a year now and features 4 full size theaters playing the latest releases. It also offers the convenience of being able to watch a movie while enjoying food and drinks at your seat. Or if you prefer, eat in their large dining room or at the full service bar serving various appetizers and entrees. There is also a private area for fundraisers or corporate meetings and events.

The Spotlight opens daily at noon for lunch and hosts a Happy Hour daily from 3:00PM to 7:00PM . They also offer a Sunday Brunch

Check out the Spotlight Theater and what’s playing now here


Also, if you enjoy a good cigar, stop by the Smoke Shop on Pratt Street. There is almost nothing more relaxing than sitting by the front window puffing on a good Cigar and watching the world walk by. There is an interesting mix of customers in the shop and almost always an interesting conversation to jump in on.


Also, check out the new menu at the Tavern Downtown. Even though my favorite, the meatloaf, is no longer on the menu there are many great appetizers and entrees on it. The lobster mac and cheese is great comfort food on a cold day and the coconut shrimp are a good addition to the menu . The burgers and sandwiches are very popular also. If you are west of Hartford, check out the newest addition, The Tavern at the Exchange across from the UConn Health Center in Farmington.


Here is the Tavern's new menu


If you are looking for something to do on a Friday night downtown, stop by Vito's on the Park. I went last Friday night with a couple friends for Vito's Trivia Night. We actually won the $50.00 first place prize. I think I had an unfair advantage though.


The question that helped put us over the top was "What Fortune 500 Company is named after an insect?" My mother is from Peoria , Illinois and most of her family, including her brother who was a Vice -President, all worked for Caterpillar Tractor.  The final bonus round category was "politics", something many would argue I know very little about. The trivia contest takes place at Vito's every Friday night from  8:00PM until done. The full menu and appetizers are available.


And if you are attending a UConn game or an event at the Bushnell, the Hook and ladder is an easy stop at 207 Main Street, right next door to the home of the Hartford Fire Department Engine 1 and Ladder 6. Plenty of free parking is directly behind the restaurant on John Street.


Check out their menu here


And remember, when you support these businesses, you are also supporting Hartford jobs and the local economy.


See what Hartford has to offer and enjoy

A FITTING TRIBUTE TO THE REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

Too many times our Holidays are celebrated  without any regard to the meaning behind the day. Memorial Day is more about kicking off summer and cookouts rather than honoring those who have dies in the service of our Country. Presidents Day is more about mattress sales and Car Dealer messages than those that built our Country through their leadership. And Christmas is a mass marketing effort and very little about the birth of Christ.

I think the same can be said about today and doesn't seem to be about the legacy of Dr. King in our lives everyday, but it seems to be more about a day off from work or school. Doctor Kings message seems to get lost in the translation somewhere.

It was about equality for everyone. That we should all have the same opportunities regardless of race or color. It is not something that anyone should have to fight for, it should just come naturally because we all are part of the human race. A child in Hartford should not get a substandard education  because of the color of their skin. They should have the same opportunity as a child in Avon or Farmington.

There should be no place in our communities for anyone that tries to drive a wedge between human beings and using racism as a crutch. I would challenge you that the next time you hear someone spouting off about racism and using that to divide, ask them what they have done lately to make freedom ring in their City or Town, as Dr. King would have done.

Last night I was invited to attend an event for the Scribe Institute at the Pond House in Elizabeth Park.  The brochure for the event is below, but I first met Dr. Aaron Lewis , the founder and Director  of the Scribe Institute when he was a guest on our "We the People" program.

I was expecting the typical Director of a non -profit, making his plea for money to be able to live the good life and build his little empire, as many groups in Hartford do.



My expectations were shattered. The Scribe Institute is funded through private donations. Dr. Lewis is a volunteer Executive Director and the passion for his vision is clear within moments after starting to speak with him.



The Scribe Institute is all strictly volunteers that work with younger children on literacy issues. Those efforts were displayed Sunday night as children that have gone through the program gave speeches and read their remarks in Honor of Dr. King. They were almost flawless in their delivery and it shows that literacy can be accomplished when approached properly.



I was a little disappointed by the remarks of Mayor Segarra when he spoke about the need for literacy for black and Latino children. I think Dr. Kings message would have been literacy for ALL children, regardless of the color of their skin.



"This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing  ' My Country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing' " according to Dr. King. Until all of us are treated as equal, not much will change. Whether it is black and Latino students in Hartford or a white student in Avon as Dr. Kings message stated all of God's Children should be equal.




Dr Aaron Lewis and the Scribe Institute are trying to make that happen, one child at a time, regardless of skin color. I think that Dr. King would be impressed with Doctor Lewis's efforts. Dr. Lewis is walking the walk in the true meaning and message of Dr. King's life. That people are following Dr. Kings message in real life is more of a tribute than any day off could ever be.




You can read Dr .King's full "I have a Dream Speech" here


And remember Dr. King's question... "What are you doing for others?"


January 20th is more than just a holiday, it is a way to live your life

For information on making a tax deductible donation to help the Scribe Institute, click below

Mail to:

The Scribe Institute
PO Box 380640
East Hartford, CT 06138

Scribe Institute Donation0001

More on the Scribe Institute here:

Scribe Institue Gala0001

HARTFORD NEEDS A REPUBLICAN PARTY

Single Party rule serves no one in a democracy, not Republicans, not Democrats, no one, especially the members of the democracy. For far too long Hartford's Republican Party has been in decline. The opportunity to start turning that around is solidly in the hands of Hartford's registered Republican voters tonight.

The Hartford Republican Town Committee will caucus tonight at 7:00PM at Hartford City Hall to elect members of the Republican Town Committee for the upcoming two year term. This is an opportunity for any registered Republican to break out of Jurassic Park. The Republican Party both nationally and locally is stuck in their ways and needs to break free from the ideas that worked in the 50's and 60's and begin to embrace younger members of all national origins and races, sexuality and beliefs.

 If the Republican party is to survive, it needs to end the perception that it is the old white guys club.

Younger leadership that is able to communicate with voters in all of Hartford's neighborhoods is needed. Now this may sound a little odd coming from me, currently registered as a Democrat and also a member of the Hartford Democrat Town Committee. I strongly believe in the ideals our forefathers established and that includes checks and balances on our government. Those checks and balances include a voice for all people and an opposition party that isn't afraid to raise their voices and question our government.

That has been missing from Hartford Government for many years now, from the time when Hartford's last real Republican on the Council, John O'Connell was never afraid to pound the dais and raise his voice when needed.

We need that opposition to hold our elected officials accountable. Tonight there is an opportunity for any registered Republican voter in Hartford to show up at City Hall in the function room and begin the change. Get involved in your local government and start the rebirth. Everyone will benefit from more citizen involvement with new and younger ideas

THE MEMORIES STILL REMAIN

Many of you have called wondering if I was OK because I took a little time off during the holidays to relax and unwind. One regular reader wads concerned that I was still healthy and alive. I told her that I was and if anything happened, she would be the first to know because I would immediately begin haunting her upon my death. I think she appreciated that she was on the top of my list.


Anyway, this may not be the easiest posting to start the New Year off with, but it is one of those anniversaries I hate having to celebrate. Toady marks the ten year anniversary of my fathers death. Death is inevitable for everyone one of us, but it just never seems to get easier as the years go by.


I consider myself very fortunate that I have those memories of my father being a strong factor in my life. Remembering the vacations and things we had done as a family. The memories over the years of the things he had done. The stories that can never be replaced.


The story of the Hindenburg passing over his one room school house in Windsor, probably the same day as it went down in flames as his classmates looked up in awe. Bombers returning to Bradley Field during the war. The trolleys that used to run from Hartford to Rainbow before they turned around and headed back downtown. The model T's and the Model A's that were his first cars and his luck that he survived driving them.


The stories of why he volunteered for the Marines at a time of War and how he met my mother, and the life long romance that survived over 50 years. Even though we probably never realized it until we were much older, my father was the type of role model that is largely lacking in many young peoples lives today. This world would definitely be a much better place if children growing up today had a role model like my father, and still to this day, my mother also.


My father was a hard worker and set the example of a solid work ethic of getting up every morning and heading off to work, like a father should. Many nights, especially during colder weather, we didn't see our dad because he would work late most nights and we would be in bed before he ever made it home. But that is what fathers do, they provide for their families.


He also came from the period when men respected their wives. I think part of that was his Marine training, but I can honestly say I never saw my parent's fight. I never saw my Dad raise his hand to my mother. He was always a gentleman. He provided for my mother and us, even in his retirement he made sure that my mother was well prepared to go on and live comfortably after his bouts with Cancer.


He passed away from Colon Cancer that eventually spread to his liver and took his life after a long battle on January 6, 2004, two days after his January 4th Birthday. That Birthday we knew the end was near, the morphine pump was at least keeping him comfortable, and throughout that day the flow of our friends and family coming through the Hospital  to say goodbye seemed endless. Everyone had a comical story to tell about my father it seemed.


Even the priest that came that day to give him the last rites was impressed. There was more food in the room than Hometown Buffet and Father Vargo said that was what "Death with Dignity" was all about before he put holy oils on Dad's forehead The celebration of his life as we remembered him and being along side my mother for the tough period we knew was coming.


My mother has been remarkable in how she carried on after her best friend left her alone to carry on. She has shown great strength and keeps well occupied. The marine who brought her  coffee in bed every morning was no longer there to wake her with his whistle every day before he woke her up. ( I bought her a Keurig for the coffee, but I know that doesn't come close to the cup of love she was served every morning.)


Mom still tells me regularly that " I went and talked to your Father today" and my usual retort is "Did he answer you?"  I am sure she was probably down there today amongst the meticulous rows of white marble stones at the Veteran's Cemetery chastising my father for leaving her alone early.


The time may go by but the memories still remain strong. Thanks Dad for teaching us what you did and for setting the example for us to live by