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Thursday, March 4, 2010

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY MAY BE OVER BUT THE FALLOUT ISN'T

Some days it seems like the City of Hartford is single handedly keeping both the Freedom of Information Commission and the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) in business.

Less than 2 days after the Hartford Democratic Town Committee primary, another SEEC violation complaint has been filed. This complaint, which appears to have merit compared to those filed last week by Hartford's Democratic Town Chair Sean Arena, was filed today with the Commission.

More complaints are currently being prepared according to sources, including complaints related to the use of Prudential Connecticut Realty resources for political mailings by Arena. These corporate resources used by Arena were improper according to Elections Enforcement sources. The resources were also not claimed as a monetary donation or an "in-kind" donation as required by Connecticut law.

Another complaint which has much wider repercussions potentially, is the use of Community Development Block Grant funds and various other government funds awarded to OPMAD (Organized Parents Make a Difference) a non-profit organization. As a non-profit, OPMAD is forbidden from advocating or endorsing or supporting political candidates. Hartford Democratic Town Committee Secretary Kathy Evans and Town Chair Sean Arena apparently used OPMAD's e-mail to circulate political e-mails to support Democratic Board of Education candidates.

A recount of the ballots in the 4th District, Arena's District, will be held Friday at 9:00AM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The recount will be conducted under the supervision of the Secretary of the State's office.

SEEC Complaint 3-4-10

ABE GILES UNDER INVESTIGATION......AGAIN

Today Jeff Cohen posted a story on WNPR regarding the Public Campaign Financing and audits being conducted by the State. One of the recipients of public funds was Hartford's version of the Godfather, Abe Giles.

Here's the link to Jeff Cohen's WNPR story.


If some of the information looks familiar, the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) filing website and some of the questions about how Giles, and others, spent money was posted here on "we the people hartford" in November of 2009.

To read that post, click here

Jeff Cohen was formerly with the Hartford Courant. Please be sure to bookmark Jeff's new blog at WNPR, and after you finish reading "We the People" each day go see what Jeff is digging up.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE- PEREZ CONSTITUENTS HAVE ALSO LEARNED THE FINE ART OF EXTORTION.....ALLEGEDLY



It is often said that what goes around comes around. Apparently this weekend our own Mayor Eddie A. Perez experienced that first hand.

As a Mayor that sets the example for his constituents, at least one person seems to have been paying close attention to the Perez operation. In May of this year Perez will begin his trial on extortion and other felony charges. This past Saturday, Perez had the tables turned on him for a much smaller amount though than him and his buddy Abe Giles are accused of extorting.

I received a call about an incident at the Albany Avenue McDonald's in which Perez was the victim of an "extortion" attempt. The individual had much smaller aspirations than Perez though, he only wanted $1.00. The Perez extortion attempts added several more zero's to Eddie's demands though.....oh yeah....allegedly.

Apparently the student of the Perez style, hereafter referred to as the "suspect", was never identified. The incident, confirmed by the Hartford Police Department, is outlined in the police report below.

Perez claims that he was exiting the drive-thru at the McDonald's. He observed an individual walking near the exit and as he drove off the man began yelling that Perez hit him and ran over his foot. Eventually the man stated that Perez didn't hit him, but he wanted one dollar. Perez paid the fee and the "suspect" left on foot.

Luckily for Eddie, it wasn't Abe that he "allegedly" ran over. The pay-off might have been much higher...oh yeah...allegedly.

Perez Extortion Attempt

A SEAN ARENA UPDATE - PRUDENTIAL REALTY PRESIDENT RESPONDS TO POSTCARD MAILING



It looks like this is another one from "the rules don't apply to me" category.

Last week I posted a copy of a Prudential Connecticut Realty postcard mailed by Hartford Democratic Town Chairman Sean Arena for political purposes. I posted the card in response to a State Elections Enforcement Complaint filed by Arena against Hartford Attorney Bruce Rubenstein.

You can read the full posting here.

In that posting I said that I had contacted Sean Arena for comment. He still has not responded.

I also contacted both the CEO and the President of Prudential Connecticut Realty for their response. Today, the President of Prudential Connecticut Realty, Candace Adams responded to me and answered a few questions regarding the postcard.

Ms. Adams stated that both herself and the management of Prudential Connecticut Realty were unaware of Arena's actions. She further stated that they have a strict written policy regarding the use of Prudential resources for political purposes and such activity is strictly forbidden. She also stated Arena has been put on notice for his activities and if it should happen again, he has been advised he will be terminated.

Since the first posting of the postcard, I have received calls that there were other postcards sent out on Prudential stationary and postage. If anyone has copies of those, please forward a copy to me if possible.

Here is the postcard for the Board of Education Election:

ARENA PRUDENTIAL POSTCARD

I GUESS THE ROSIE POLL CAN GO

Now that the voters have spoken, and spoken quite clearly, it would seem that the Rosie Appeal on Abe's behalf is done. 96% of you were right, he did appeal.

The Kirkley-Bey slate had a strong win in the 5th District race.

And to quote from Rosie's testimony, even without Judge Pecks involvement, the Giles slate "they are dead, they are done".

And yes John, even without Judge Pecks involvement, the Giles slate "was murdered at the polls", good prediction.

You're doing a heck of a job Rosie. I might even give you one of the first
t-shirts when they come in, what size?

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

FORMER OFFICER LAWLOR FILES SUIT AGAINST CITY, GO TO IT ROSIE

It's been a long day, it's late and I'll write more on this tomorrow.

But the bottom line is that Former HPD Officer Robert Lawlor has filed a lawsuit against the city.

Read the basics below.

LAWLOR Summons and Complaint