ONE FOR THE GOOD GUYS

This is a sight I would like to see a lot more often. An illegal dirt bike that was operating off road in Colt's Park was seized today by HPD. The operator had the misfortune of trying to race through the park and stalling his bike in front of a South CSO. HPD closed in, the bike was seized and towed, and hopefully , after legislation that was passed this last session, it will be headed for the crusher.

I attend a lot of community meetings throughout the City. I have never once heard someone say they were considering moving because they were fed up over shootings or even homicides ( both of which are on the decline this year) I have heard plenty of people say they are fed up with the noise and the danger presented on our streets by illegal dirt bikes and ATV''s.

They are a menace pure and simple  and a definitely an adverse quality of life issues. Unfortunately, this one dirt bike is only one of thousands of them on our streets. More efforts like this one though will  gfo a lonbg ways toward sending a message. A well publicized "community crushing" will also help.

These ATV's are a huge thorn in the side of HPD, but a few weekends of  directed patrols to combat this nuisance will definitely help. Unmarked vehicles to track  the offenders , and maybe putting a few hours on a Homeland Security chopper will send a real strong message.

In the mean time,HPD has to make a concerted effort to respond to the community complaints when they are reported. If the community is going to be encouraged to report the where abouts of these ATV's, they deserve a response. Their reports can not just be logged in and cleared by a dispatcher because HPD is busy. They need to be a priority before someone, either an illegal operator or an  innocent driver or pedestrian is killed

In the meantime, good job to all  HPD Officers getting this ATV on the hook  and out of the Park.

ANOTHER CONVICTED FELON WITH A GUN, A SHOTGUN ON A BIKE

Double click on the image below to enlarge for reading.

It is a Holiday weekend and this is the best I could get from Foley

"TAKE ME OUT TO THE COURTROOM"

I don't think we will be seeing any peanuts or cracker jacks at Dunkin Donut's Park this year, and possibly for some time. Unfortunately we probably won't be seeing any of those related jobs for the Park that were promised to Hartford's residents (please put those home buying plans or college plans on hold until some real jobs come through) Hartford taxpayers are still footing the bill for this colossal mess. But, at least the lawyers will be  kept busy and making money. Luckily very few Hartford contractors got work on the project , so we wont be bankrupting them at least.

I wonder how much longer Dunkin Donuts will honor their agreement and allow their good name to be associated with this mess? Right now, there is no benefit to them or any of the other corporate sponsors that were lined up for the season

STATEMENT: MAYOR BRONIN CALLS THE PERFORMANCE BOND ON DONO BASEBALL STADIUM DEVELOPER 

CENTERPLAN CONSTRUCTION CO.“At this point, the developers have repeatedly missed deadlines 

and, we believe, continue to run over-budget. We have no choice but to bring the surety to 

the table to manage and finance completion of the ballpark.” — Mayor Luke Bronin

Hartford, Conn. (May 27, 2016) — BACKGROUND: Today, Mayor Luke Bronin officially called 

the $47,050,000 performance bond on DoNo baseball stadium developer Centerplan Construction

Company, asserting that they have defaulted on the Design Build Agreement they have with

the City (Click here to read the official letter sent to the surety: . Mayor Bronin also

made the following on-the-record statement regarding today’s action:

“This afternoon, the City formally notified the surety, Arch Insurance Company, that the 

developer has failed to perform their obligations, and that the surety has a duty to make 

sure the project is completed at no further cost to the taxpayer of Hartford. Back in

January, when it became clear that the developers were far behind schedule and millions 

over budget, we brought all parties to the table to finance the gap. That was the right 

thing to do to keep things moving. At this point, however, the developers have repeatedly

missed deadlines and, we believe, continue to run over-budget. We have no choice but to

bring the surety to the table to manage and finance completion of the ballpark. The 

developer has threatened to abandon the job if we call the bond, but to do that would 

be another breach of contract. They have a clear obligation to keep working, and if they

believe that calling the bond wash¹t necessary, they can prove it by finishing the job 

as soon as possible with the resources they’ve been given.”

Mayor Bronin Performance Bond 5.27.2016

NBC CONNECTICUT TROUBLESHOOTERS REPORT ON BOE MIAMI TRIP

MAYOR BRONIN: KENEY PARK GOLF COURSE AWARDED RENOVATION OF THE YEAR BY GOLF INC. MAGAZINE

Today, Mayor Luke Bronin announced that Hartford’s Keney Park Golf Course has been awarded “Renovation of the Year 2016” by Golf Inc. magazine.

“Keney Park Golf Course is one of Hartford’s many treasures,” said Mayor Bronin. “The award brings national attention to this beautiful, historic, and newly restored 18-hole course that is already proving to be a destination of choice for golfers throughout Hartford and the Greater Hartford Region. I encourage golfers of all ages — and levels of ability — to come play a round at one of the best courses in the state.”

The 18-hole, par 70 golf course occupies 6,014 yards of Hartford’s historic 700-acre Keney Park, located in the city’s North End. The first nine holes of the Keney Park Golf Course were finished in 1927, and the remaining nine were completed in 1930.

In 2013, the City closed the course after a contractor that had been operating it since 2009 allowed the course to deteriorate, failing to make required capital improvements. The contractor also cut down hundreds of trees without proper permission.

Two judges for Golf Inc., in awarding Keney Park Golf Course this honor, specifically noted that the renovation was grounded in history.

“So much great golf course design has been erased under the guise of ‘renovation improvements,’” said Forrest Richardson, owner of a golf course architecture firm and former winner of a Renovation of the Year project. “The work here is not only grounded in history, but it brings golfers face to face with an era of design that has all but vanished.”

“Excellent restoration and modernization of the infrastructure of this course,” said Oscar Rodriguez, Vice President of Heritage Links, who has a distinguished background in golf construction. “All while embracing the history of the site.”

On May 1, 2016, Keney Park Golf Course officially re-opened to the public for the first time in three years. Currently, the course is open from 6:00 am to 6:30 pm, seven days a week.

  *   Click here to read the story in Golf Inc. magazine: http://bit.ly/1VjNzwX.
  *   Click here for photos of Keney Park Golf Course: http://bit.ly/1TC482p.

WHAT DID THEY SAY?

The raw, unedited video below is of the Hartford Stadium Authority's meeting earlier today. During that meeting the members voted unanimously to "call the bond" on the Dunkin Donuts Park stadium

Many of you have called me to ask me what happened, so here it is.

MORE POSITIVE NEWS FOR HFD

It seems like just a few short weeks ago the Hartford Fire Department was headed for a major meltdown.At least 85 to 90 high ranking and experienced firefighters were expected to be heading for retirement.

Many of those were expected to leave over  uncertainty and misinformation or bad information that was  swirling about over their futures and their pensions due to budget problems.

Now it seems that eventually accurate information was put out and those pension fears have been calmed.

According to a HFD source, at least 34 or more of those retirees have rescinded their planned retirements. Those that have already officially retired area ble to come back under a grace  period.

Of the 8 Deputy Chiefs who were expected to retire, now only 2 are actually taking retirement, and reportedly only one Captain is leaving.

Overall , great news for HFD   and Hartford's residents.

Communicating makes a huge difference

ISN'T THIS CONVENIENT ?

Geez, I wonder how these things happen? Coincidence?  I think not. The following statement was issued today by Hartford's Superintendent of Schools. I wonder if she just completed a BASIC management course and suddenly decided how to identify waste. Did she suddenly get a revelation from that little devil on her shoulder, whispering in her ear.

Since I am not a  considered a legitimate journalist according to Kelvin Roldan and Pedro Zayas from the Hartford Schools, I doubt it had anything to do with my FOI requests that exposed the almost $70,000-.00 junket  during a dire budget crisis, that involved  sending over 30 employees to Miami to pick up an award.

Quite possibly it occurred because a "legitimate" journalist from NBC Connecticut's Troubleshooters,my mentor, Len Besthoff, was made aware of the trip and reckless spending by "We the People" and is featuring the story on the Nightly news tonight on Channel 30..

Whatever the reason, however change takes place, it is a good thing,. and this is definitely not the end of it yet. The lid is about to come off the operations at the Hartford Schools, and this is only happening with your help and information. Once again a heartfelt thank you for doing the right thing.

The statement from the Superintendent is below

Here is my original postinghttp://wethepeoplehartford.blogspot.com/2016/05/my-apologies-to-drunken-sailors.html

Dear Employees of the Hartford Public Schools,

Our decentralized professional development approach that is inherent in the operation of a Portfolio District has recently raised concerns. More to the point, what was an opportunity for celebration in receiving the Magnet Schools of America Donna Grady-Creer District Award for Magnet Sustainability, has instead revealed a flaw in our travel approval process. We are honored to receive this award and, clearly, the Hartford Public Schools needed presence at the event.

In addition to receiving this prestigious distinction, 11 of our schools also received awards, while our staff successfully submitted four presentations. This is important because it positions the district for revenue opportunities as a recognized leader in educational innovation. However, it is also clear that there was no need for such a large presence. Over the last few months I have consistently been clear about our need to face the reality of our budget and the city’s fiscal crisis.

As such, effective immediately, I am ordering a moratorium on all out-of-state travel that is non-essential and that would require payment, in whole or in part, by the Hartford Public Schools budget. This moratorium shall apply to all travel expenses not already incurred as of today, May 26, 2016. Essential travel is limited to the following: travel that is necessary to maintain academic accreditation; required professional development in support of the core academic program of our schools and the district; or required travel by a granting institution necessary to maintain funding. In all cases, travel will be reviewed and approved by the Chief School Improvement Officer and the Chief of Staff. All pre-approved travel is immediately placed under review.

In addition, I have ordered that all policies and procedures related to participation in conferences and other activities that require out-of-state travel to be immediately reviewed and that new processes be put in place.

Once again, I am asking for your diligent attention and compliance with this directive.

Sincerely,

Beth Schiavino-Narvaez, Ed.D.

Superintendent

CAN HARTFORD'S STADIUM DEAL GET ANY WORSE?

Thank you Pedro, you left one hell of a legacy

 

 

The answer is definitely yes. In fact, it is anticipated to get much worse after 1:00PM today

According to several sources familiar with the project, the votes are in place on the Hartford Stadium authority to "call the bond" at their meeting today. The bond is essentially an insurance policy that was required by the City to guard against default by the developers on the project. Performance bonds are a standard process in the construction industry.

If the  bond is called by the Stadium Authority ,sources say, it is anticipated that all work will cease on the project within the next 48 hours. The bond process would require a type of investigative procedure as to determine the cause and who is at fault for the delay.

There is where the plot thickens. Sources are also telling me that the Bond holder, the insurance company , will most likely refuse to pay. Apparently there is enough blame to go around and the insurance company is apparently claiming that the City of Hartford shares a large part of the responsibility for the delays.

It should be an interesting meeting. Let the litigation begin. In the meantime, the New Britain Bees are just a short drive away if you want to enjoy some baseball.

PLEASE PAYUP CENTERPLAN AND DONO

Pedro Segarra guiding Hartford into the Donut hole

 

Does that sign look centered?

 

According to a City Hall source, no penalty fines have been paid by Robert Landino or Centerplan, the developer for Dunkin Donuts Park,  who is was on the hook for a $50,000 penalty for missing the "substantial completion" deadline last Tuesday and an additional $15,000 a day for every day they are late.

According to the Hartford Stadium Authority Chairman I. Charles Matthews at a special meeting last Friday, Matthews said that an account number had been given to Centerplan to begin wiring the money to the City's account. Apparently that has not happened at all.

According to my source " None of the late fines have been paid".

Centerplan... "SHOW US THE MONEY"

VENTURING OUTSIDE OF HARTFORD ISSUES

Eddy Conklin

 

I don't venture outside of Hartford issues too often, but this is just one that makes me question the bounds of human decency and makes me ask "why not?"

Eddy Conklin was killed in a car accident on February 28, 2016. He was a senior at Shelton High School and was on track to graduate this June. His parents have been working with the Superintendent, Board of Ed and Head Master since March 18th for Eddy to receive an honorary diploma in his name, handed to a family member, AT GRADUATION  along with the rest of his 2016 classmates, just as many other families in the state of CT have.

  The family has been told that this would not happen. They have been given the run around on this issue since March. They have supplied the BOE with other towns and facts to support their wishes for the honorary diploma and his name called with his fellow classmates during graduation.

The Conklin's just want to see this injustice to their son corrected. The BOE has offered to award it to the family at a different much smaller event. Sometimes we need to put politics and policy aside and do what is right. Setting a precedent to honor someone's child will never be the wrong thing to do.

 One song in particular comes to mind "Nothing More" which is on the Newtown Kindness video says it all - "We are how we treat each other when the day is done. We are peace, ... We are how we treat each other and nothing more." The right thing to do starts here. Be the person that changes things for the better.

Why would the Shelton Schools compound the loss to this family by their heartless actions? What would the harm be in recognizing this young man along with his fellow classmates, It might just bring a little closure to a few people.  You can sign an online petition to the Shelton School Board by clicking here

IT SURE IS GOOD TO BE POSTING POSITIVE THINGS ABOUT HFD.

ADVISORY: HARTFORD FIREFIGHTERS RECOGNIZED FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
Hartford, Conn. (May 24, 2016) — Eight Hartford fire department personnel will be recognized ...for their part in going above and beyond the call of duty in service. On May 12, 2016, LT Anthony Healis assigned to the Tactical Unit, Tour D, at 275 Pearl St., heard a woman screaming from an open second floor window at the fire station. He ran downstairs and told the firefighters there under his command that he thought that someone needed help.

 Across the street in the parking lot at Ann Uccello St and Pearl St, a perpetuator was seen striking the woman in the face in an apparent robbery attempt. The four firefighters then ran across the street and chased the perpetuator approximately 2 blocks before subduing and restraining him until law enforcements arrival. The other members of the Tactical Unit on scene was Firefighter Timothy Mathis, Firefighter Travon Nickson, and Firefighter Bryan Riddick.

“The actions of these dedicated professionals demonstrates the “service before self” mentality that embodies the Hartford fire department. They put themselves in harm’s way to help a citizen who was being violently assaulted. I couldn’t be prouder of them and their actions, as Chief of Department,” said HFD Fire Chief, Reginald Freeman.

On Sunday, May 22, 2016, Engine 16, Tour B, staffed by Acting LT Lewis Daniels, P/O Martin Quirk, Firefighter Renaldo Rivera, and Firefighter John E. Rodriguez responded to a residence in the north end for a woman who may be giving birth to a child. Engine 16 personnel arrived on scene within minutes and successfully delivered the newborn girl.

 Engine 16 personnel cared for the mother and newborn baby for approximately 9 mins until the local ambulance provider arrived on scene to transport both the baby and mother to the hospital for additional postpartum care and evaluation.

“I turned to grab our delivery kit out of our EMS bag and as I was turning back to the mother, the baby was crowning already,” said Acting LT Lewis Daniels. Annually, 80-85% of the fire department’s 24,000 calls for service a year are EMS calls. “EMS is an important part of our mission here at HFD and I am proud that our trained professionals have once again, demonstrated their professionalism and multi-role expertise in the delivery of this beautiful baby girl,” said Fire Chief Reginald Freeman.

All members will be presented with the “Chief’s Award of Excellence” and a “Unit Citation” for their actions and efforts at their fire station during their next shift. Personnel from Engine 2 who delivered a baby last month will also be recognized with the same awards in their fire station.

HPD AND A GRIEVING FAMILY NEED YOUR HELP

HPD Flyer 5-25-16 Mothers Day-16-13140 Info Flyer.ofm

WHY IS HARTFORD'S SUPERINTENDENT SCHIAVINO-NARVAEZ COVERING FOR A SEXUAL PREDATOR?

I can't figure this one out. The story of the sexual predatory behavior by Hartford's Schools Eduardo Genao came to light only after I was contacted by people that were trying to report his behavior and were ignored. The whole thing since that point stinks of a cover up, and more and more that stink is leading back to the person at the top, the Superintendent.

Immediately after the story became public, on May 7, 2016, I requested Genao's personnel records because I was told that the incident I was asked to help with was not the first incident of claims of inappropriate behavior with students or employees involved with the Hartford Schools.

After several weeks, I did get a response back with a few pages of documents that he Hartford Schoools purported to be his entire file. Since that time , I was made aware of another document that was never released. It was a heavily redacted transcript of an interview between Eduardo Genao and his Union rep and a DCF investigator.

Let me be clear though, I did not receive that document because the Superintendent released it as a public document. I obtained that document because a City Hall staffer happened to leave a file in a coffee shop, the file contained the Genao documents. The person that found that file in the coffee shop apparently copied all of the documents , and through "alternative means "the document  made its way to me. I think they call that karma.

Today a third document found its way to me and it is posted below. According to sources, additional documents are available spelling out details, but those are being withheld also.

The heavily redacted document, even from what can be read, is more disgusting than the previous statements. It clearly shows a pattern of inappropriate behavior by Genao. I find it hard to believe that at least three Superintendent's were unaware of the behavior. I think the statements and the documents show that the Superintendent's were extremely incompetent, as well as any staff that failed to bring it to their attention should be held accountable.

It is also very troubling that these documents are having to be pulled out of the Superintendent's office one at a time. It is only through confidential sources am I finding about these documents, and then when I question them , they are released one at a time. What else are they hiding? If I requested these documents through an FOI request on May 7, 2016, why are they released this way.

 The entire file, including the piece meal releases are not becoming "more public" as time passes and they get caught more in a cover up. They were either public on May 7, 2016 or they weren't.

I think the problem is that as more documents are uncovered, the documents will paint a much clearer picture of a concerted effort by Superintendent Narvaez, Gislaine Ngounou and others to cover for a Board employee , allowing him to continue to prey on children under his control.

The silence by the 9 Board of Education members is troubling. Although Craig Stallings, through his wife, had promised a statement to be e-mailed to me, I have received nothing yet. The only statement I have heard from any Board member was elected Democrat Michael Brescia, who told me last Thursday  to "get off my high horse" regarding the BOE. Where are the rest of them? Where is the Board of Education Chairman Richard Wareing?

The only statement released from Superintendent Narvaez was a lame explanation she issued, more with the Mayor's doing than her own. Where is her outrage that , as a parent herself, she was harboring a predator in her top staff?

 And let me also be clear here, this mess is not under the control of Mayor Bronin. As Mayor, he has very little control over the Board's actions, other than the majority he appoints to the Board. I think the Hartford School's may be pulling a slick move trying to channel all of these documents through the Mayor's Office so when this mess really blows up, they can sit back and say "We weren't hiding anything, the Mayor had it all, he is the one who didn't release it".

Wareing and the Superintendent need to come clean now. If they mistakenly covered for a child predator, now is the time to admit it. Review all of the policies and make us feel comfortable that you have implemented change to make sure this can't and won't happen again. I think people can accept some candor now, but to prolong the cover up won't go over well as more information continues to come out. I think it might also be time for Mayor Bronin to take a stronger stand on this also .

Take a look at the latest document below. I am pretty confident all of the redactions are not based in any exemptions allowed by law, but are more to avoid revealing embarrassing details. Even the name and date of the person who wrote the report at the end are blacked out.to prevent contacting that person. Those are not legal redactions. And hopefully the Connecticut FOI Commission will be reviewing this matter soon.

Genao.redacted.5.23.16

NEVER FORGET

Mass. Police Officer hugging his tearful son after escorting a dead Police Officer home

 photo credit: Worcester Magazine/Steven King

I shouldn't have to be posting pictures of Hartford Police Officers doing good things out in our community. Anyone with half a brain can recognize how fortunate we are to have what we have. Nothing is perfect, but we are very fortunate. We have a great Police Department and Fire Department serving us every day, day in and day out, 24/7, holiday's, night's weekends, regardless of birthdays or family functions, they are here  for us

It aggravates me seeing people, some of them so called "leaders"in our community trying to throw fuel on a fire. Fortunately for us a fire that does not exist in Hartford  and hopefully never will.

As one New England town prepares to bury a murdered police officer. Officer Ronald Tarentino jr .   of the Auburn Mass. Police Department was murdered Saturday. A senseless  murder of a police officer, a father of 3 children and a husband. Murdered for nothing more than wearing the uniform and a badge that identified him as a protector of our communities, and doing his job on a motor vehicle traffic stop. Let us take a moment to realize how fortunate we are and show our gratitude to our first responders and never forget

MORE HPD OFFICERS DOING GOOD THINGS

 Just look around our community and you will find the majority of HPD Officers doing good, actually make that great, things in our community.

IF A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS, WHAT IS A VIDEO WORTH

You make the call.
Are the completion dates for the Yard Goats and Dunkin Donuts Park realistic? This is a quick raw video I shot Sunday afternoon. No one was working  and the place was wide open and unsecure, I don't think HPD covers the project until after 7 PM .  

And this video is just one small are on the southeast corner, ther is much wok to be done, and I hasven't seen the 24/7 work we hear Centerplan talking about. I also have to say this project is an OSHA nightmare. I know Centerplan is going through on the job training for this project, but have they ever heard of a safety manager? The hazards on this unsecured project abound. If some inquisituive youth got in here, a tragedy could definitely occur.

I have never seen a project like this where the laddrrs and equipment are not secured after hours. In fact an extension ladder was propped up to the back of the Dunkin Donuts sign most of the weekend, a 50 or 60 foot fall from that ladder would probably be fatal to an unsuspecting kid who got in there.

 Even the lifts left parked on the sidewalks are a hazard. Sidewalks by the way that are still open to the public, no construction fencing, not even caution tape. Sheet metal stacked where anyone walking by or riding a bike could experience severe lacerations on the unmarked hazards. This entire property is a huge liability waiting to happen .

Not to mention the larceny opportunities with all the unsecured equipment left around. Maybe Centerplan's employees should consider ways to secure the property rather than getting in to have batting practice

Hopefully Centerplan has remembered to pay their liability insurance

THE CITY OF HARTFORD CAN NOT CONTINUE TO DO BUSINESS LIKE THIS- THE NEXT CHAPTER

900 Broad Street, an urban renewal project proudly owned by the Zaaco Group, LLC of Freeport NY

 A $1.00 Success story courtesy of the City of Hartford?

On April 30th I posted what will probably be the first of many chapters in this saga.

For years, the City of Hartford has been reckless in the way it does business. Will it change under a Bronin administration? Who knows, but only time will tell.

Here are a couple more troubling examples.

On May 28, 2015, by a Council resolution, the City turned two properties over to a New York state developer, the Zaaco Group LLC.

Despite information from community members about the dubious reputation of the Zaaco Group, the transfer took place

The deed transferred from the City of Hartford to the Zaaco Group, LLC on May 29, 2015 and  had specific restrictions regarding the timeline for rehab of the property to prevent it from sitting empty as a blighted property.  To date, almost exactly a year later, nothing has happened

As you can see from the deed below, rehab of the property was supposed to commence "promptly" and Zaaco was supposed to pursue the renovations of the property "diligently" and conduct "diligent efforts"  to lease the property to bona fide tenants. Legal talk for fix the blighted property.

The Zaaco Group, LLC was also required to pay al taxes and keep the property current, which they have not.

These sweetheart deals to people that have no connection to Hartford and who could care less about the damage a blighted property does to a neighborhood, need to end. At the very least Mayor Bronin should be instructing the Corporation Counsel to commence legal action to take the building back so possibly it could be put in the hands of someone who is actually going to do something with it before it collapses from neglect.

It is not too hard to figure out how the Zaaco Group, LLC earned their place on the Nassau County New York contractors Hall of Shame.

The next chapter later this week, 97 Williams Street, another $1.00 Property, still burned out and blighted a year later.

900 Broad Street Resolution

900 Broad Street Deed

MORE HPD OFFICERS DOING GOOD DEEDS.

 A deer was hit and killed by a car today. The mother left a baby fawn orphaned by the accident.

HPD Officers stepped up to rescue the fawn and care for it until DEEP could arrange for its care with a rehabilitator

HPD's good deeds really aren't too hard to find if you look.

THE COVERUP FOR A PREDATOR AT THE HARTFORD SCHOOLS CONTINUES

EDUARDO GENAO

 

For years I have focused on Hartford City Hall and identifying problems and corruption throughout City government. I have a pretty good track record there. I need to apologize to every Hartford child and every Hartford parent for essentially ignoring the Hartford Schools while I have focused on City hall.

I have only recently turned my attention to the Hartford Schools , after I was made aware of them hiding a predator in their midst. Those efforts eventually led to the arrest of the alleged predator, Eduardo Genao. His next court date is this week in Hartford.

Only after beginning to look into the matter have I now realized what a cesspool of corruption and cover ups the Hartford Superintendent's Office really is. The reason I apologize is because while I was focused on City Hall, I wasn't looking at the dirty deeds happening in the penthouse offices at 960 Main Street . At least the dirty deeds at City Hall never involved any of our most vulnerable residents, our children. Even though I am not a parent, I say "our" children because I think as a society we all share the responsibility to nurture and PROTECT our kids.

That responsibility is apparently not seen the same  by some of the high priced salaried people sitting behind the secured doors at the Superintendent's  Beth Schiavino-Narvaez's Office. Jill Cutler Hodgman, Paula Altieri, Melinda Kauffman, Giselle Ngoudou  as well as others I am sure, are part of the process that has enabled a predator like Eduardo Genao to survive and actually apparently thrive in the Hartford School System..

One of the main problems is the attitude that allows and tolerates improper behavior, and actually seems to condone it.. I will be writing more about one specific teacher who is feeling the wrath of shaking some cages at 960 Main Street, Natalia Arroyo . but let me stay focused on the predator protection squad for today.

As you can see from my e-mailed FOI request of May 7, 2016 below I had requested
"the entire personnel record of former Hartford Schools employee Eduardo Genao. Please include any and all disciplinary records as well as any and all investigations and investigative reports as well as any  and all complaints received against Eduardo Genao during his tenure with the Hartford Schools. Please include a detailed listing of any exemptions you may claim."

A very short list of documents was received back fro Suhail Aponte at the BOE, which I thought was odd since Genao had been there for years and from what sources were telling me, he had numerous complaints made against him as well as related investigations.

In my FOI request I also asked for a list of any redaction's they were claiming and the statute that allowed such exemptions. I received a heavily redacted, or "blacked out" response with no explanations.

But apparently there are many good people out there that take their responsibility to children and their careers seriously. Today I received a document through "alternative means" that was apparently withheld intentionally from me and a TV station that had requested the same documents.

The document was  a transcript of an interview between  Eduardo Genao, his Union Rep. Neil Macy and Guy Morgan from the state DCF  the document was from  November 14, 2007.. It was apparently an interview regarding inappropriate behavior  allegations against Genao. Although heavily redacted, the document shows Genao admitting to some troubling behavior such as hugging and kissing students and contacting them through social media and telling them to make sure they delete the record of the conversations.

After reading the report, I can see why the Superintendent's Office didn't want me or Channel 30 to see the document. It clearly shows that there were questions about Genao's behavior with children as far back as 2007, and nothing was done , except cover for him and move him around to avoid detection..

Michael Brescia, an elected Democrat to the Board of Education, and a former Educator himself, told me Thursday nigh that  I "needed to get off my high horse" regarding the Board.. That is sad that an educator himself would consider standing up for Child victims as being on a "high horse"

I look forward to the FOI hearing regarding my complaint and seeing Kauffman explain what part of  the entire personnel record of former Hartford Schools employee Eduardo Genao" she didn't understand. It seems pretty simple to me unless you are trying to hide something.

And keep reading for the details on Natalia Arroyo and her treatment by the Kangaroo Court. coming soon.


The original FOI request:

Genao Foi Request

The Document that wasn't supplied and I obtained through "Alternative means"

Genao Dcf Transscript

The heavily redacted "sanitized" version released

E Genao FOI

Genao Dcf Transscript by kevinhfd

BASEBALL NIGHT IN HARTFORD , SORT OF

At least someone is getting use out of the Dunkin Donuts Park baseball field, just not the YardGoats.

Four men, one of them an employee of a contractor working on the stadium, were arrested tonight for Criminal Trespass 3rd degree after they attempted to get onto the new field for a friendly baseball game earlier this evening.

I. Charles Matthews, Chairman of the Hartford Stadium Authority, was quoted earlier in the week as predicting baseball would be played at DDPark by June. Maybe he was right, although I don't think he meant by trespassers.

You can't make this stuff up.

MAYOR BRONIN VETOES SOME COUNCIL BUDGET RESOLUTIONS, RESTORES LIBRARY FUNDING

FY2017 Amended Budget Transmittal

HARTFORD STADIUM AUTHORITY SPECIAL MEETING INTERVIEWS- RAW VIDEO

For your Friday evening viewing pleasure , enjoy

THE MIAMI TRIP, THE REAL NUMBERS

"They Went to Miami and left me here" my bags were packed and I was ready to go

"$61,275.45 and all we got was this plywood award?"

"These conferences are grueling, pass the sunblock"

 

 

The totals are in, at least what they are willing to show me. for the Miami Trip. It looks like they sent over 30 people to Miami Florida to pick up a "Magnet School Award". In a budget crisis, has no one heard of Fed Ex? More on the Miami junket here http://wethepeoplehartford.blogspot.com/2016/05/my-apologies-to-drunken-sailors.html

And like I said, in the numbers that they are willing to share, it looks like travel, hotels and registration fees alone were in excess of $60,000. Yes $60,000 dollars for one trip for one award, actually  $61,275.45 to be exact  How many times a year are staff traveling and what is the additional costs they didn't reveal for staff time, food  and who knows what else.

To those teachers that are about to lose your jobs due to budget lay offs, you have my sympathies. I only hope you can find some consolation that your fellow teachers and administrators really enjoyed their junket to Miami, it was a blast. #hatersgonnahate

Magnet Schools of Amercia Conference Report 2016

SHAKING MY HEAD OVER BUDGET DECISIONS

We all know the City of Hartford is a budget mess. A 'Dire" mess as the Mayor repeatedly states, but some budget decisions make me wonder if the Hartford City Council realizes what the word "Dire" actually means.

The "giveth and the taketh" of the budget process is detailed in the Financial resolutions below. Lets try to put everything else the Council does throughout the year aside for a bit, the contract s and deals they give away regularly. The $1.00 property development sales that never happen once the parcel is given away  for a buck and all the other ridiculous spending.

Look at the resolutions below and look at all the crazy requests for spending and look at where money is cut, less than $20,000 cut from the Council, but almost $2.5 million from the Police budget.. On "Financial Resolution Dems#2, at the bottom of the page you will see $22,000 for the Hartford Pro-Am. The Hartford Pro Am is the same group that City Auditors in March  said owed the City in excess of $50,00 in unpaid fees for use of Hartford gym facilities.

That $50,000 they owe us plus the $22,000 we are going to give them is probably the cost of one of the Animal Control Officer's that had been laid off

Here is NBC Connecticut's story on the March audit investigation,http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/troubleshooters/Auditors-Report-Details-Hartford-Money-Management-Woes-373400881.html

I realize that giving away money we don't have for parades events  and the pro-am means votes from those politically beholding to the check writers, but we need to have decisions made for the right reasons, not political reasons.

Closing libraries to garner votes, shameful.

Financial and Non Finacial Resolution Budget FY 16-17 (1)

SOME ANSWERS FOR THE HFD EMPLOYEES

One of the biggest issues I keep hearing from the potential 85-90 possible retirees from the Hartford Fire Department is the lack of information they are receiving.

Here is a memo I received today addressing some of the Frequently asked questions.

Retirement Clarification 2016-5-16

HARTFORD FIRE (Frequently Asked Questions) 2016-5-16

TRY OUT THE NEW KENEY PARK GOLF COURSE AND SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE

This blog is all about transparency. One of the biggest things involving transparency is being able to obtain accurate documents.

 When it comes to Hartford City Hall, many of those documents are filed and maintained in the Office of the Town and City Clerk, John Bazzano.  John Bazzano also served on the Commission to resurrect Hartford' two golf courses.

The City Clerks Office has been hit by layoffs also, but they still seem to be doing their best with the workload. If you are a golfer, consider a day of golf at Keney with the Town Clerk's

Town Clerk Golf

THE HARTFORD LIBRARY NEEDS YOUR HELP

THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA, "WE THE PEOPLE" MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Mowing the hayfield at the Affleck Street Police Substation, could it be done by a yardgoat?

Yesterday I posted about the terrible condition of the lawn at the Affleck Street Police Substation, A building that should be a solid anchor in the neighborhood by its presence was contributing to the blight.

You can read that posting here, http://wethepeoplehartford.blogspot.com/2016/05/is-this-another-blighted-property-for.html

Well, apparently someone at DPW reads the blog or maybe it was just a coincidence, but either way, crews showed up to mow the Affleck Street hayfield at 8:30am this morning.

Thank you for the effort, maybe we can get it on a regular schedule for maintenance.

I. CHARLES MATTHEWS, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT, PLEASE USE IT

I don't think I.Charles Matthews, Chairman of the Hartford Stadium Authority, has made an accurate statement in months, except maybe when he claims "meeting adjourned". I am not sure I. Charles has the capacity  needed to understand what it takes to complete a construction project or to be able to recognize the scope of a project mas large as the Stadium.

All comments regarding completion, home game dates and anything else related to the Stadium should be coming from the Mayor's Office who might actually have a better grasp of the situation than Matthews.

 Hasn't this project already been enough of an embarassment for the people  of Hartford without Matthews compounding the ignorance by reckless claims and completion dates with no basis in reality? Maybe because Matthews bailed on Hartford years ago when he moved out,he doesn't feel the same commitment as residents that actually live here.

Matthews should have been removed months ago as Chairman, especially when the costs were allowed to run over by $10 million dollars  (and most likely more when all is said and done)

Enough is enough, Mayor, please put the muzzle  on  your Stadium Authority Chairman and release some real information. Information that we the public can actually trust that what is being said is true and see there are some realistic goals for completion.

HartfordStadiumAuthoritySpecialMeeting5.20.2016

FROM HPD

HARTFORD POLICE TO CONDUCT DUI ENFORCEMENT CHECKPOINT (Hartford, CT.) –
The Hartford Police Department Traffic Division will conduct a DUI Enforcement Checkpoint on Friday, May 20, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., in the area of 1000 Maple Avenue.

 This checkpoint is part of the Hartford Police Department’s ongoing expanded DUI enforcement program supervised by the HPD’s Traffic Division and funded through a grant from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation DUI Enforcement Program.

For the most up to date traffic information visit the State of Connecticut interactive traffic map including statewide traffic cameras. The Hartford Police Department encourages you to protect your vehicle and belongings by “putting your junk in your trunk.” Click here to view car break prevention tips from the HPD.

IS THIS ANOTHER BLIGHTED PROPERTY FOR THE LIST?

Has someone forgotten about the Affleck  Street Police Substation lawn?

I know things are tough but this sets a terrible example for the neighborhood, the grass is over a foot high and loaded with weeds.  While taking the picture , DPW crews were half a block away mowing the Zion Hill Cemnetary. I know thjey have specific functions , but what would it take, 2 minutes to mow this little patch of grass?

And as a sidenote, I am told that all the debris I posted about last night from the Stadium has been cleaned up this morning. Someone does read "We the People" I guess. Maybe Affleck Street will be mowed before the weekend.

THE HELL WITH SAFETY, PUSH FOR COMPLETION

A concerned resident walking around the Dunkin Donuts Park tonight sent me the pictures below. These areas are unsecured and no fencing or barricades are in place to protect the area. The stadium is also unsecured exact for one police officer outside, who can't possibly see all entrances and areas.

The steel left in the street and on the sidewalk, the hazardous, flammable materials left out in the open and the pallets and debris all make for hazardous conditions as well as possible OSHA violations. A lawsuit waiting to happen.

The safety of the pedestrians and motorists, as well as students from Capitol Prep I guess aren't a concern in DONO. Where is the City and its inspectors allowing these hazardous conditions?

Has Centerplan ever run a construction site before?

This isn't too flammable, left on the sidewalk outside the stadium

Steel on the sidewalk and in the street, no caution tape, sidewalk still open to pedestrian traffic

This is how the sidewalk and the street are left

Someone really needs to pay attention before this stadium cost us millions more than it already has, from injury lawsuits

MY APOLOGIES TO DRUNKEN SAILORS

Apparently as many in City government are looking for ways to save and cutback, the Hartford School System is on a spending spree. This is nothing new for Hartford's Schools from what I am told. Apparently administrators  and others at the Board are encouraged to spend any surplus rather than risk losing that money back to the City at the end of the fiscal year.

The saying " spending like drunken sailors is an annual tradition. It seems inconceivable that anyone could morally condone this behavior at a time when upwards of 250 employees are in dander of losing their jobs. But, then again, as we have seen lately, moral behavior seems to be a foreign term in the administration.

The Board and the Superintendents Office are very slow to answer questions and FOI requests regarding spending, but I think they are quickly finding out that my "alternative means" work just as well. I am still waiting for the specific numbers on the Miami trip, but thank you to all that have provided information, names and details for the trip. Just because Jill Cutler Hodgman refuses to speak or provide documents, plenty of other well intentioned people will. I sincerely thank those of you who have assisted me, putting the well being of children and their education above the nonsense that goes on under the watchful eyes of the Board and the Superintendent

Apparently the Miami trip to pick up a Magnet school award included teachers and the Principal from the Noah Webster School as well as the school's "Operations Manager". I know it was a long time ago, but when I was in school we called our operations manager the Principal.

 

The Miami trip, looks like fun. Paid for by the Hartford Schools apparently, since they refuse to release any information. Noah Webster school employees identified as Kelly Sousa, center, Heather Zottola , right

The Miami trip is just one example of spending like drunken sailors, but another example is in line with the nautical theme, possibly as a tribute to drunken sailors.

I received an e-mail Monday telling me about a $4,000 ( yes you read the zero's correctly, four thousand) a $4,000  fish tank purchased by Hartford' Schools for the lobby of Noah Webster School. Today I received another phone call about the Miami trip and also telling me about the $4,000 fish tank. The caller also explained that the School (Principal) has also hired a contractor to come in regularly to clean and maintain the fish tank.

THE $4,000 FISHTANK (the extension cord running across the floor is a lawsuit waiting to happen and likely an electrical code violation also)

Let me go back to the morals again for a moment. How can anyone think about laying off educators while taking trips to Miami and buying $4,000 fish tanks. How do those expenditures relate to educating children .What is more important, paid vacations and fish tanks or actual teachers in the classroom.

It is also ironic that at the same time that I am typing this blog post, teachers at Noah Webster School are preparing for a vote of no confidence in the Principal. Maybe  a vote of no confidence would be more appropriate for the Superintendent and the Board for allowing this nonsense to occur unchecked in the first place.

Keep the confidential  information coming.

Hartford Fire Department Responds to Report of Fire at Legislative Office Building Tuesday

Hartford, Conn. ( May 17, 2016 )  — Yesterday at 11:45 A.M., the Hartford Fire Department responded to a reported fire that was extinguished on the 2^nd floor of the Legislative Office building.

When fire crews arrived on scene they confirmed that a small electrical fire involving a power strip had been extinguished prior to our arrival.  The building was evacuated as a result of the fire.

Fire crews worked along with building maintenance to clear the smoke from the building.  A city electrical inspector as well as State Fire Marshal responded to investigate.

There were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

FROM HPD: ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF OFFICERS DOING SOMETHING GOOD, GREAT WORK BY HPD

Double Homicide

Location of Incident -100 Cowles Street Hartford, Connecticut

Date and time of Incident -May 16, 2016 : 2226 hours

Case # 16-14029

Victim -Cortez, Joshua, Date of Birth-03/04/1994

Victim -Ocasio, Alysha, Date of Birth-05/02/1993

On Monday, May 16, 2016, at 10:26 P.M., Hartford Police Department Patrol Officers responded to the area of 100 Cowles Street in response to a Shot Spotter activation.  Several citizens also called 911. reporting shots fired and  person on the ground. 

Upon Officers arrival, two victims were located at the intersection of Cowles Street and Campfield Avenue.  The first victim, identified as Joshua Cortez, Date of Birth-03/04/1994, was located lying in the street. Cortez sustained what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced deceased on scene. The second victim, identified as Alysha Ocasio, Date of Birth-05/02/1993, was located inside of a vehicle parked at the same intersection.  Ocasio sustained several apparent gunshot wounds to her torso.  Ocasio was transported to Hartford Hospital where she was pronounced deceased. 

HPD Major Crimes Division and Crime Scene Division Personnel responded and assumed the investigation.  Several spent shell casings as well as one live round were located in close proximity to both victims.  A car tire was located one block north of the scene. This tire was suspected to belong to a vehicle involved in this incident. The suspected vehicle missing a tire was located a short time later parked across from 141 Freeman Street, unoccupied. Witnesses in the area reported that the occupants of the suspect vehicle exited the car and got into a second suspect vehicle and drove away. This second suspect vehicle was located by HPD Patrol Officers a short time later. This vehicle contained five occupants who were believed to be involved in this incident.

Interviews of the five occupants were conducted by HPD Major Crimes Detectives. The interviews led to the arrest of one of the vehicle occupants- Joseph Silva, Date of Birth-09/22/1995.  Silva currently resides at 25 Montrose Street in Hartford, Connecticut.  A search of Silva’s residence was performed by HPD Detectives and a K-9. During this search a firearm was located in the yard. This firearm is believed to be the one used in both homicides. 

The investigation revealed that the suspect was an acquaintance of both victims and the shooting was related to emotional circumstances. 

Silva was charged with violating Connecticut General Statutes; 2 counts of Murder, 53a-54a, Unlawful Discharge, 53-203 and Altering or Removing Identification Marks on a Firearm, 29-36.  

Silva has one previous HPD arrest. His bond was set at $3,000,000. His arraignment is today. 

The Major Crimes Division is continuing to investigate this homicide. If you have any information to assist in this investigation please call Sgt Reginald Early at 860-757-4248.