Search This Blog

Friday, June 8, 2012

ANDREW'S FUNDRAISER


I have posted previously about my nephew Andrew who is in training to hopefully compete in the 2014 Paralympics in Russia. Andrew has become a competitive skier despite having Cerebral Palsy. You can read more about his efforts at his website, andrew races.com
His first fundraiser for the upcoming ski season will be held tomorrow at the Outback Steakhouse in Enfield, CT. Details are in the flyer above

Thursday, June 7, 2012

REACHING MY BOILING POINT...OR...HOW MUCH MORE CORRUPT CAN HARTFORD GET?

I think I am pretty even tempered and it takes a lot to get me close to my boiling point, but I know I came close to that point two Thursdays ago when it comes to Hartford's political scene. A close friend of mine that has a whole list of unusual sayings and one of them is that when it comes to politics, "if you stand in the middle of the road, you are going to get run over". Two many people in Hartford's political scene are standing in the middle of the road afraid to cross over to the right side.


I don't mean the "right side" as in my side or those that coincide with my political wishes or beliefs, but rather the "right side" as in knowing the difference between right and wrong. Corrupt government should not be known as a Hartford value. A few details are going to be detailed below, but Hartford is not going to change until the political mindset changes.


You can't talk about change and do nothing to make it happen. You can't talk about change while still propping up the dirty habits of the past. You can't talk about change and overlook the facts that are right in your face. Everyone knows the political dirt, but it seems to be more about personal gain and deal making than doing what is right for Hartford and actually forcing change to happen.


The biggest thing that offended me about Hartford politics at Hartford's Democratic Town Convention was the deal making for the endorsed candidate of Registrar of Voters. It is no secret at this point to anyone that Ramon Arroyo, husband of 3rd District State Representative Minnie Gonzalez, was arrested when he was a City of Hartford employee for allegedly soliciting a prostitute. That in and of itself might be bad enough, but he also did it on City time and from what police sources had told me, in a City of Hartford vehicle.


The "prostitute" he attempted to pick up was actually an undercover Hartford Police officer.
Everyone wants to talk about second chances as they try to validate their support of Arroyo , even when knowing his history. It really isn't about second chances though and has nothing to do with "redemption" What it is about is the deal making and the "back scratching" that has gone on for years as political patronage and payback.

Many of those that talked about "redemption" and "second chances" seemed to have a warped view of the theory though. Several of the people that tried to explain their choice apparently have different criteria for who receives the "second chance" and "redemption. I asked many of them if they would want a school teacher who was out soliciting prostitutes teaching their children in school. A resounding "NO" was the general answer.

I also asked if they would think it was right to hire a police officer that had been charged with soliciting prostitutes.Again, the answer was a resounding "NO". I guess the redemption theory only applies when there is a political "quid pro quo".

Now another saga of corruption that has been ongoing for far too long, the Hector Robles arrest. Robles was terminated as a Hartford Police officer in 2010 after he apparently admitted in a statement to Internal Affair's investigators that he was "padding" his hours and was eventually charged with felony charges for stealing from the City.


Robles faced re-nomination to his position as the 6th District State Representative at the time the arrest was imminent, yet he told his town committee members that the matter was purely "administrative" . Both Robles and myself knew that was an outright lie as he misled the 6th District Town Committee in order to gain their support.


Now here we go again. Two years later, Robles is once again up for re-nomination to the 6th District Rep seat. He once again sat before the 6th District Town Committee and fought for his political survival by telling them that all of the charges were going to be dismissed. He further stated that he would be getting his job as a police officer back as well as all back pay.


Again, that appears to have been a lie. As recently as last week several sources reported to me receiving calls from Inspector's from the Office of the Chief States Attorney's regarding potential evidence in the Robles case. Sources familiar with the case have told me that the case against Robles is stronger now than the day he was arrested. Another aspect of the case, which may prove to eventually be the State's "trump card" hasn't even been played yet.


It seems as though Robles is playing loose with the truth when it comes to telling town committee members what they want to hear. Regardless, the 6th District endorsed  Robles's challenger, Ed Vargas.  Apparently many of Hartford's politicos don't seem to be offended by being lied to, as several Democratic operatives are still following Robles and supporting him like the rats behind the Pied piper.


Now lets look to one district to the north of Robles. The 4th District State Representative seat is held by corrupt former Mayor Eddie Perez's bag man Kelvin Roldan. Roldan survived a challenge by a felon two years ago by a handful of votes. This year he did not receive the endorsement  which was given to community activist Angel Arce.


Roldan began his stint in the 4th by what many perceive was a deal cut between the former State Representative Evelyn Mantilla and the felonious Eddie Perez. Mantilla stepped aside, Roldan was able to run and Mantilla landed as a paid consultant for Perez at City Hall. Her "paid consultant" position eventually evolved into a paid staff position in Perez's office and prior to Perez's downfall and conviction, Mantilla was moved into a civil service position in the Health Department to protect her and was then moved to MHIS, the City's "IT" department.


Ask most people in MHIS or the Health Department what Mantilla does, and the answer will most likely be  "Evelyn who?".


The audacity and entitlement of Roldan continues though. Recently during the challenge from another slate for the overthrow of the incumbent 4th District Town Committee, Roldan and others claimed that one challenger, Jose Contreras, a Hartford Police Officer, did not reside in the 4th District. That was interesting since it is common knowledge that Roldan is alleged to suffer from the "Bill diBella Syndrome". For those not familiar with that malady, it is where you claim to live in one location by keeping your name on a mailbox while actually residing somewhere else.


I feel very comfortable saying this based on the amount of mail falling out of Roldan's mailbox on Broad Street, his alleged residence. The fact that his neighbors have no idea who he is and one more  very interesting coincidence.


I was recently at an event and had a conversation with a man from West Hartford. We began talking and he related to me how he was able to walk to the event. He said he lived across from Hartford's Mayor on the West Hartford side of Prospect Avenue. I asked if he lived in the Condos' there and he said yes. I asked if that was where the Halloran's live. (Kaitlyn Halloran is Roldan's fiancee) I knew that was where Roldan was rumored to be laying his head at night for at least the part year.


I didn't even have to pull the information out of him. He readily volunteered that "oh yes, Kaitlyn lives there with Kelvin Roldan. He parks his car next to mine in the garage every night". It doesn't get much clearer than that. Needless to say, Roldan was none too happy when I confronted him the night of the convention with this information. How do you ignore the rules so blatantly. If you want to represent a district, then live in the district at the very least.


 But when do the rules ever matter, it is Hartford politics. Is this the future of Hartford or will people finally choose a side. Do we enjoy being run over by corrupt politics?

DKR TO NEW BRITAIN?

Several unrelated sources have confirmed that Hartford's former Police Chief Daryl K. Roberts will be named as New Britain's police Chief, possibly as early as tonight.

More on this later

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

WHERE ARE THE "REFORMERS"

re·form
(r-fôrm)
v. re·formed, re·form·ing, re·forms
v.tr.
1. To improve by alteration, correction of error, or
removal of defects; put into a better form or condition.
2.
a. To abolish abuse or malpractice in: reform the government.
b. To put an end to (a wrong). See Synonyms at correct.
3. To cause (a person) to give up harmful or immoral
practices; persuade to adopt a better way of life.
v.intr.
To change for the better.
n.
1. A change for the better; an improvement.
2. Correction of evils, abuses, or errors.
3. Action to improve social or economic conditions
without radical or revolutionary change.

During the recent Hartford Democratic Town Committee citywide elections, it seemed as though everyone was suddenly a "reformer" with the intent of cleaning up Hartford's political process. Well... as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. And for those that claim to be reformers, look at the definition above if you don't understand what reform actually is.

When I think about the political process, I find the potential encouraging but the reality very disappointing. I read that former State Senator and convicted felon Ernie Newton was endorsed by the Bridgeport Democratic Town Committee to run to regain his seat that he gave up before his journey to a federal prison. I just wonder what runs through a convention delegates mind when they endorse someone that used his elected position, a position of trust, to solicit bribes to benefit himself?

The Hartford Courant posted an editorial this afternoon entitled "What Are Democrats Thinking Endorsing Ernie Newton?". You can read the full editorial here.

The Courant may be able to cut and paste that editorial Friday morning and substitute the word "Bridgeport" with Hartford. Hartford's Democratic convention for the position of State Representative's and Registrar of Voters will be held tomorrow night at Hartford City Hall.

The "reformers" may actually step up in the 6th District as they have to make a choice between the incumbent 6th District Representative Hector Robles or challenger Edwin Vargas. Robles who had promise as a State rep found himself embroiled in a scandal that resulted in his arrest and termination as a Hartford Police officer.

Robles's fellow Democratic legislators seemed to turn a blind eye to his arrest on felony charges and he remained in his seat at the Capitol. Luckily for Robles he wasn't a Republican otherwise he probably would have been forced to a quick exit like Senator DeLuca or John Rowland a few years ago. Robles's "dollar amount" for his alleged thefts was higher than Rowland's and DeLuca's charges were misdemeanors if I remember correctly.

To read more about the Robles investigation and subsequent arrest, click here, or here. Word is that the 6th District delegation is poised to actually bring about "reform" and usher Robles out as they endorse Vargas.

The Democratic Registrar of Voters endorsement will be a real test to see who the real reformers are and who is just putting up a smokescreen.

Hopefully the Hartford Courant's editorial title Friday morning won't be "What are Hartford's Democrats Thinking?".

Most people you speak with will readily agree that overall the top three choices for Democratic Registrar are far from desirable. All three are political, which is where there strength lies. It is not about who is capable, qualified or even who will do the best job. It is purely about who can leverage their political clout the best and garner their votes. It is not about past arrests for soliciting prostitutes, arrests for illegal drug possession or even the number of ethics violations, conflicts of interest or even the law suits filed over incompetence .

Like Ernie Newton in Bridgeport, I guess Hartford's Democrats have the potential to overlook a lot when it comes to returning political favors and payback. Why should anyone question a candidate for Registrar of Voters who was arrested while they were a City employee, soliciting a prostitute in a City vehicle on City time. The only problem was that the "prostitute" was actually an undercover police officer. The video recording of the event pretty much speaks for itself and the intent was pretty clear, it wasn't a case of mistaken intent.

But then again, if Robles, who is accused of stealing from the taxpayers is able to pull it off, why shouldn't others? What does it matter if our elected officials are able to violate the public trust placed in them as long as other politicos are willing to endorse them and the voters remain ignorant on election day.

I wonder if the Hartford Police Department would hire a potential police officer after they were arrested for soliciting a prostitute or Larceny 1st charges? I doubt they would, and the Office of Registrar of Voters requires as much integrity (if not more) than that of a police officer.

Tomorrow night the true "reformers" will be identified as the roll call vote is taken and they will go on the record as to whether they support reform or more political nonsense and patronage. In the meantime, will Hartford and Bridgeport continue to be political jokes or will the "reformers" actually come through on the promises they made to the voters who elected them in March.

IS THE BUDGET REALLY SETTLED?

The wrangling over the budget may not actually be done yet. It seems that many still have something to say , one of them being Council Minority Leader Dr. Larry Deutsch.

The following statement was received from Dr. Deutsch today:

Letter to City employees, the public, and the press:

Many of us appreciate the Mayor's message to Council and the Public regarding approval of a budget, which for review I quote as follows: "I am pleased that, working with City Council
members and the City Treasurer, we were able to reach a budget agreement that
does exactly what residents and business owners have asked of their elected
officials: reduced spending,... I do, however, have a concern with the
resolutions that require progressive furlough days based on salary. While I
understand and appreciate the sentiment, I am troubled by the adverse impact
that this type of policy would have on our city management systems. Instead, I
intend to focus on payroll direct deposit and limit the impact of any and all
furlough days."We MUST note sharp difference with his final comment.
City Council passed by a good margin, very consciously and deliberately, the
resolution that any furlough days and savings for taxpayers be FAIRLY designed,
with smallest sacrifice from workers and families least able to afford
it.Council was well aware of calculations and consequences of this new
money-saving furlough policy, including how it impacts city management as well
as vital front-line workers and services. Like the public, Council is also aware
of out-of-proportion raises already given to top management, as in big
corporations, but now at taxpayers’ expense. In the past, Mr. Segarra
condemned a previous Chief of Staff for minimizing Council resolutions as only
"advisory". How do we now read a similar remark that "...instead, I intend to focus on..." that is
different from what Council
resolved?
So, since the
Mayor raised such concern, probably all workers, Hartford families, the press, and City website
should continue attention to these issues of fairness and
sacrifice.

Larry Deutsch,
Minority Leader, Hartford City
Council

Sunday, May 13, 2012

THE RACE FOR REGISTRAR OF VOTERS

I want to start off this posting with a short disclaimer, these are my opinions and do not necessarily express the opinions of the 7th District Hartford Democratic Town Committee or the Hartford Democratic Town Committee overall. I say that to make it clear since I am also a member of the Democratic Town Committee. These opinions will not be news to anyone on the HDTC since I have already expressed them openly and publicly.

With that being said, the race for Registrar of Voters is a mess. At least three candidates have more baggage than an Amtrak station. At least one other newcomer has arrived on the scene and actually seems to be gaining some momentum.

The Registrar of Voters position is one that is mandated by State of Connecticut statutes. It is also probably the last position left for true political patronage. There are no requirements such as level of education, no background checks and really no day to day supervision of their operations. The Secretary of the State supervises their required filings and election results, but other than that the Registrars answer to no one, except in theory the voters.

Even though the Registrars are technically Department heads for the City, neither the Mayor nor the Council have any administrative control over their operations, with the exception of approving their budget. Complaints against the Registrar of Voters operations usually seem to land in the hands of the State Elections Enforcement Commission for review and action.The Mayor can not hire, fire or discipline them as he can any other Department head serving at the pleasure of the Mayor.

This year the Registrar of Voters Office has been highlighted in mismanagement as they exceeded their budget and had gone back to the Council and Mayor asking for almost a quarter of a million dollars in additional funding since they over spent their budget. The reason for that might have been quite obvious to those who attended recent interviews for Registrar of Voters held at the Annie Fisher School. All four candidates were asked the annual budget for the ROV office and not of them knew, including the current Democratic Registrar.

As a department head, it seems incomprehensible that the current Registrar would not know her annual budget as well as a pretty accurate number as to what has been spent and what remains to be spent . I'm also unable to give a free pass to the three challengers as I think that if you are really concerned about running for the office, it is incumbent upon you to know as much as possible about the operations, including an approximate budget number and staffing positions. That is all public information and readily available.

I had mentioned the three "baggage handlers" as well as the new comer. Just for clarification, the newcomer is Charmaine Waul. The other three are current Registrar of Voters Olga Vazquez, Kelley Kirkley-Bey and Ramon Arroyo.The major drawback to Waul is her lack of experience in politics in Hartford. When you look how political the Registrar's Office is when it is actually supposed to be non partisan, that might actually be a benefit rather than a drawback.

At this point, from everything I have been able to find, Waul may be the only one in the race able to enter the Registrar's Office with what they call " clean hands". No Elections Enforcement complaints or lawsuits against her and no solid ties to anyone politically that might try to "own" her, no criminal arrests for prostitution charges or drug arrests no claims of "losing" or altering election documents to favor one slate over another, no appeals or court cases pending questioning her integrity.

Rumors were swirling that since the 4th District Democratic Town Committee was the first district to interview her, then she must be put up by the DiBella's as their candidate. Several districts were uncomfortable with that and the rumor continued to swirl that last week Hartford Democratic Town Chair Marc DiBella actually sent out an e-mail claiming that there were no ties and he only just met her at the request of one of his members.

The interesting part is that no one seems to have the required 51% of the overall Town Committee votes to prevail in the nomination. That might change though between now and the HDTC Convention for the Registrar of Voters nominations. It seems as though it is imperative that members of the HDTC ask some tough questions between now and that convention. The Registrar's Office should be beyond reproach and in this case integrity really does matter.

When it comes to voter's rights and the need for elections to remain 100% above any question or suspicion, the choice for the next person to fill that office should not be made based upon political favors or allegiances when those decisions are potentially rewarding past criminal behavior, malfeasance and incompetence.

Hartford has a unique situation where we are the only municipality in the State to have a third Registrar. Urania Petit and the Working Families Party were able to research Connecticut Laws and found in 2007 that they could run a candidate for the position and the only statutory requirement was that she get one more ballot cast for her than the votes of the low vote getting major party also running. That would be the Republican Registrar, and WFP did it and Petit was added to the Office of the Registrar of Voters.

The Republican Registrar of Voters position is also up fro grabs this year and Hartford resident Nyesha McCauley has announced her intention to run as a challenger for that position. Word for months has been that Republican Registrar Sal Bramante is considering retiring, but was possibly going to do that after the election so he could name his successor. This might be the time for Republicans to come together, show some leadership, avoid the cost of a primary battle and let some new ideas from McCauley rebuild the Republican side of the Registrar's Office. More on this scenario in another posting soon

Word has also been for years that the Registrar of Voters Office was prime real estate because of the salaries. There aren't too many positions that pay $85,000 for political hacks, I mean elected officials, with little or no education required above high school, and I don't even think that is a requirement. That might be changing now though as I am being told by sources that the annual salary may actually be reduced through budget cuts to something closer to $55,000 a year and the position of the Deputy Registrar may actually be no salary or reduced to a part time position.

State law requires a Deputy registrar position for each party but no salary is mandated. The Deputy Registrar is only in place to serve as the replacement for the Registrar if they need to be replaced through death, retirement or some other removal.

It would be nice to see the Registrar's Office actually run as a professional operation and see the taxpayers get their money's worth out of this office. That includes greater voter involvement and participation, more voter education and empowerment and a real level of "customer service" for those using the office.

In this case , integrity really does matter and those endorsing the candidates need to do what they were elected to do and endorse the best possible candidates, not the candidates best at cutting dirty deals and overlooking their past.

And like I stated in the beginning, none of this information comes from any "inside" information from the Town Committee. This is all public information for anyone to find on their own whether it is the SEEC website, Judicial records or other means.

And by the way, the question that even the current Democratic Registrar of Voters couldn't answer, the annual budget for the ROV office is roughly $760,000 , unless of course when they overspend by almost a quarter of a million dollars like the Republican and Democratic Registrar's did this year.