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Saturday, April 30, 2016

DID THE CLOCK GET PUSHED BACK TO APRIL 1ST, THIS HAS TO BE AN APRIL FOOLS JOKE

http://www.courant.com/politics/hc-lender-segarra-seeks-judgeship-0501-20160430-column.html

Click above to read Jon Lender's Courant  article, Pedro Segarra wants to become a Judge. Can anyone say "background check"? Polygraph?

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

One of the main themes of Luke Bronin's campaign was accountability. He promised to bring accountability back to City government.  I think the tone of accountability needs to be set, and it could very well start with how the City's Department of Development Services does their due diligence on projects before they invest City dollars and resources into these  projects.

This is going to be a posting that will come in several parts. It is an interesting and somewhat complex issue. It will be about the people that see Hartford as the bottomless cookie jar. The developers such as the James Ducketts, the Premier Sports Group, the New York based Zacco Group and even the local poster child for the Hartford Community Loan Fund, Sohodra Dilchand.

I will say right upfront, this is not a posting where I have all of the answers. It is very complicated tracking all of the real estate twists and turns. But with that being said, there are enough red flags raised here ,  that with even a very minimum amount of research, I feel very comfortable saying something stinks.

Many of those red flags have been raised by a handful of local residents who just happen to be paying attention and are very capable at doing their due diligence to protect the interests of their City and their neighbors.

Actually , now that I think about it, those residents  are doing what we are paying some City of Hartford employees very good money to do. Shouldn't those City employees be doing the same thing residents are doing. It is called "Google", and if the residents could take the 30seconds to check some of these facts, so can those City employees ready to lead us down the path to doom on  these ill advised projects.

The Dillon Stadium mess cost taxpayers of Hartford millions of dollars and has led to a Federal Grand Jury. Many of the facts that stopped the project were dug up by residents like Anne Goshdigian who took the time to do the research. Why wouldn't Development Services staff ,who are always ready to push these projects forward take the same 30 seconds to see how many red flags they can find before wasting City time and resources on the scammers?

A recent resolution before the City Council was apparently  pushed forward by Glenn Geathers from Hartford's Development Services Department. It involved selling a property to Sohodra Dilchand . The resolution for the property at 175 Tower Avenue was before the Council to authorize the sale of the property and the home on the property to Dilchand  for $650.00.

Dilchand was conducting business under the name SDDC , S.D. Development Company. Apparently no records can be found for an entity called S.D.Development Company being registered with the Connecticut Secretary of the State, but none the less , the City of Hartford was going to turn a property over to her for $650.00.

 The resolution from Mayor Bronin to the Council claims that Dilchand or SDDC as she calls herself,
would invest $147,000.00 . That figure consists of $95,000 in financing from the Hartford Community Loan fund and a $50,000 loan from the City of Hartford. Now let me figure this out, $95,000 plus $50,000, that totals $145,000.00 on an estimated project of $147,000.

Not a bad risk for Dilchand, Kicking in $2000.00 of her own money and getting a property and land for $650..00. Even at the interest rate of 9% that the Hartford Community Loan Fund charges, Dilchand tried to move forward.

But apparently Geathers and Development Services failed to do their "due diligence".. Not only was Dilchand delinquent on her taxes, by City Ordinance, the City of Hartford is forbidden fro cutting deals with  developers or vendors with outstanding taxes.

In Mayor Bronin's proposed resolution to the Council, several other "success stories" of projects conducted by the SDDC Development team are listed. But try to track the ownership and principals of those projects and you will end up with a major migraine and a list of quit claim deeds and lis pendens and mortgage documents and property transfers that will make your head spin.

But apparently Dilchand knows a bargain when she sees it . From the agenda of the Hartford City Council meeting of July 20, 2015.:

The Hartford City Council will hold its regular monthly public hearing on Monday, July 20th at 7 PM  in the Council Chambers: 

 The items on which public comment is sought are listed below.
  1. Land Sale . Approval to sell the blighted 3-family house at 97 Williams Street to Sohodra Dilchand for $1.00 for the purpose of renovation and sale to an owner-occupant. (Segarra)
To this date, 97 Williams Street is still impacting the neighborhood as a blighted , burned out property. Nothing has been done on the property since Dilchand was given the home.

This is just the beginning, coming up next, the Zacco Group, their honor as a contractor on the "Suffolk County NY 'Contractors Wall of Shame" and their unfulfilled promises to Hartford after they were given properties for next to nothing, despite the red flags from the community.

Just maybe the indictments from the Dillon Stadium deal will be handed down by the Federal Grand Jury soon and we will all see how Hartford government works ( or doesn't work)

And get a pad and pen ready, You will need to keep track and connect the dots of who is doing what and for who and how it all winds together into a huge web of deception perpetrated on the people of Hartford

Friday, April 29, 2016

KUDOS TO CHIEF ROVELLA AND HPD

 
HPD Police Academy classroom yesterday
 
Unless you are really looking and paying attention, it might not always be easy to see the good things that are going on behind the scenes in our City. The Hartford Police Department is just one example.
 
 
 I truly wish that every Hartford resident could be involved more with our Police Department and get a better feeling for what goes on and the good work Chief Rovella and his officers do  everyday to build bridges with our neighborhoods.
 
It is not an easy job, as many days it seems that it is "open season" on our Police.
 
Yesterday was another day when I was able to be a part of the creativity and the trend setting philosophies of Chief Rovella. Myself and several other community people were invited to meet with our latest recruits as at the Hartford Police Academy. It was the first time it was done , and if the results were indicative of the potential, it won't be the last. It should become required instruction for every police officer being trained , and not just in Hartford.
 
Most of the conversation, ( and that is what it was , a conversation not a lecture)  focused on relationships and accountability. It was interesting to interact with the future officers that will probably be making up part of our Police Department for the next twenty five years.
 
I saw quite a bit of potential in that room yesterday. The questions asked of us were interesting. One recruit asked what we thought as to  how the budget impacted a police officers actions. We talked about the importance of their mentorship and involvement with youth in the community, whether through the PAL program or other programs.. I spoke about the need for them to be "cheerleaders" for the City and try to change the perception that many have of Hartford.
 
We spoke about the need for Police Officers to not just work in our City, but also willing to make the commitment to live here and be part of what Hartford has to offer.
 
It was a couple hours very well spent  and I have to thank Chief Rovella for making it happen. So many of Chief Rovella's initiatives have been creative, innovative, and new. I think this is just one more of those Rovella creations that will eventually continue to build a Department that every resident can trust and relate to
 
Best of luck to our recruits as they continue on the path of relationships and service to the City of Hartford

WINDOW DRESSING



One of the initiatives pushed this year before the Connecticut legislature is the rebranding of existing "handicap" signs to display the "new" disabled logo..  The main reason, from what I understand, is that the new logo depicts a person in a wheelchair in motion, rather than the current stick figure type character . The motion logo is supposed to be less offensive to people with disabilities.

 I don't really know about that. One thought that might be more offensive to some is that only people in a wheelchair are thought of as living with a disability.  I now am considered one of the people living with a disability after my stroke last year and display the "handicap" parking tag.

What I consider more offensive than any logo though is the total disregard for the handicap parking spaces and the total lack of regard for their use by many.

Just pull into a Walmart or other large parking lot and look at the people that use the reserved spaces as a convenient quick stop, rather than looking  for a "regular" parking spot.

I have observed everything related to abuse of the Handicap spaces , from Police Cruisers to State Reps with their legislative plates running into Dunkin Donuts for a quick coffee to a UPS truck making deliveries, parking right in front of the obvious blue handicap sign.

This past week I was trying to park for an appointment at Mt. Sinai Rehab Hospital. I pulled into the lot , a lot which has many posted handicap spaces ( it is a rehab facility and the majority of the visitors are in need of the spaces) One of the last available places was taken  by a man that pulled into the lot and quickly parked in a clearly marked handicap space.

Now I know that disabilities come in all forms, but this man was dressed in a  uniform for the Security Company contracted for Mount Sinai/Saint Francis. I politely asked him if he forgot to hang his handicap placard before parking. He replied that he was late for work and he was only parking there for a few minutes while he went inside to punch in. His supervisor responded with the same excuse when I complained to him.
Just punching in for work at Mount Sinai, so the Handicap spot is OK
 
And how many of us know of someone who has kept the placard from a dead relative, just to be able to get the "good " parking spaces afforded by a handicap sign.

I think until we get serious about enforcement for handicap violations, no change in the logo is going to be effective, it is just window dressing to mask the problem.

And here is just a couple more examples. If they can't even show respect for the current signage, will a new logo make a difference?

 
 
 

 

Thursday, April 28, 2016

FROM HPD: NARCOTICS SWEEP NETS GUN



On 4-27-2016, Detectives from the Hartford Police Department's Vice and Narcotics Unit conducted a
 undercover narcotics operation in the north end of the city. This operation focused on the areas of
 Main St and Nelson St, Westland St, and Sanford St. Numerous complaints have been received that
 individuals were conducting street level narcotics sales along with the recent shots fired 
incidents at the targeted areas. 

The Detectives conducted surveillance in these areas and were able to identify prospective buyers 
and sellers of narcotics. A total of (8) individuals were arrested and charged with the appropriate
 narcotic related charges. During the operation $1,998 in U.S. currency, over an ounce of crack 
cocaine, two ounces of marijuana and heroin were seized. During this operation detectives also 
developed information that individuals were using 10 Stanford Street as a "stash house" for illegal 
firearms and narcotics.

 The detectives were able to obtain and execute a valid search warrant for the first floor apartment
 of 10 Sanford Street, Hartford. With the assistance of the Emergency Response Team and North
 Community Service Officers, the detectives executed the search warrant at the mentioned location.
 During the search warrant execution the following items were seized; a loaded 9mm handgun, 5 grams
 of crack cocaine, over an ounce of liquid PCP, several bags of packaged PCP, $3362.00 in U.S.
 currency and a bottle of "syrup". A total of 7 people were arrested as a result of the warrant.

1) Jeri Collins, DOB 1/15/1981, LKA Unknown CHARGES: Criminal possession of firearm, Possession of
 narcotics, PWITS narcotics, Possession of hallucinogenic, PWITS hallucinogenic and Interfering with search warrant.

2) James Williams, DOB 2/7/1990, LKA 1735 Main Street, Hartford CHARGES: Possession of narcotics,
 PWITS narcotics, Possession of hallucinogenic, PWITS hallucinogenic and Interfering with search
 warrant.

3) Alexsondra Williams, DOB 6/16/1973, LKA 10 Sanford Street, Hartford CHARGES: Criminal possession
 of firearm, Possession of narcotics, PWITS narcotics, Possession of hallucinogenic and PWITS
 hallucinogenic.

4) James White, DOB 11/7/1963, LKA 10 Sanford Street, Hartford CHARGES: Possession of narcotics, 
PWITS narcotics, Possession of hallucinogenic and PWITS hallucinogenic.

5) Lishawn Williams, DOB 2/19/1982, LKA 202 East Center Street, Manchester CHARGES: Interfering
 with a search warrant.

6) Charles Jackson, DOB 3/20/1990, LKA 119 Cedar Street, Manchester CHARGES: Interfering with a
 search warrant.

7) Jack Williams, DOB 11/28/1977, LKA 202 East Center Street, Manchester CHARGES: Interfering with
 a search warrant.

8) Franchist Cofield, DOB 5/25/1983, LKA 68 Harrison Street, New Britain CHARGES: Possession of
 narcotics, PWITS narcotics, Possession of controlled substance.

9) Ciara Ortiz, DOB 6/9/1993, LKA 84 Cleveland Avenue, Hartford CHARGES: Possession of narcotics.

10) David Fairley, DOB 8/15/1975, LKA 64 Sterling Street CHARGES: Possession of narcotics, 
Possession of a controlled substance, PWITS narcotics, Operation under suspension

11) Rose Gilhooly, DOB 11-5-97 LKA 275 South Elm Street, Windsor Locks CHARGES: Possession of
 Drug Paraphernalia

12) John Kehoe DOB 9-25-82, NCA, CHARGES: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 

Ticketed: Todd Joiner 7-15-88 LKA 121 Cleveland Ave, CHARGES Possession of Controlled Substance 

Pedro Santiago DOB 7-17-87 LKA 296 Park Street, CHARGES Possession of Controlled Substance

Hawan McCray DOB 3-23-81 LKA 8 Turtle Lane East Htfd CHARGES Possession of Controlled Substance 

Saturday, April 23, 2016

SCHEDULE UPDATE FOR SANDERS MONDAY RALLY

Monday, April 25 Doors open at 7 a.m.  A Future to Believe in Hartford Rally featuring Jim Dean, Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Riverfront Amphitheater, 300 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT
 This is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are strongly encouraged. Admission is first come, first served. For security reasons, please do not bring bags and limit what you bring to small, personal items like keys and cell phones. Weapons, sharp objects, chairs, and signs or banners on sticks will not be allowed through security. Limited street parking available. Carpooling or public transportation is strongly encouraged. 

Program starts at
 10 a.m. 

Friday, April 22, 2016

"FEEL THE BERN" IN HARTFORD MONDAY


According to several sources, Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders will me making an appearance Monday in Hartford.

HPD, the Secret Service and the Sanders campaign are finalizing plans for a rally Monday at 9:00am at Hartford's Riverfront Plaza

More on this as details are finalized throughout the day

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

YARD GOAT'S MASCOT BEATEN AND ASSAULTED DOWNTOWN TONIGHT

The mascot for the Hartford Yard Goats was assaulted and beaten tonight on Asylum Street near Main Street , downtown tonight

According to sources, witnesses observed two male passengers get out of a car and pummel the costumed mascot while the driver of the vehicle  video recorded the incident. Witnesses were able to provide HPD with a license plate and a description of the driver.

Although injured, the mascot did not require additional medical assistance

No additional info or comment  from HPD at this time

GENAO , THE WARRANT, MAKE YOUR OWN DECISION

The arrest warrant application for Hartford Schools Eduardo Genao is below. This is most likely only the first stage as the investigation continues. I understand that everyone has the right to plead not guilty, but this application paints a very disturbing pattern of behavior by Genao. 
The smoothness and the manner in which Genao gained the confidence of the 13 year old victim would make me think he didn't seem nervous and was well practiced in his stalking behavior.

At least on the positive side, he is out of the Hartford Schools 

Some of this application is graphic, please be forewarned.

HFD FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Hartord Fire LT. Russell Cook and his father

RELEASE: Hartford Firefighter Receives Award

Hartford, Conn. (April 20, 2016)  —Lieutenant Russel Cook received the Firefighter of the Year Award on Tuesday April, 19 2016. The award was presented to him by the Hartford Association of Insurance Professionals at the Sheraton Hotel in Rocky Hill Tuesday evening.

On November 14, 2015 Lt. Cook rescued an 8 year old girl from her burning home at 22-24 Hamilton Street.

Attached photo is of Lt Cook with his father

HFD CHIEF FREEMAN'S STATEMENT ON ARREST AND UNPAID SUSPENSION OF AARVAH QUINONEZ

STATEMENT: Hartford Fire Chief Reginald Freeman on Firefighter Aarvah Quinonez


Hartford, Conn. (April 20, 2016 ) – BACKGROUND: Today, Firefighter Aarvah Quinonez was arraigned in court for the charges that she was arrested on yesterday afternoon. Following the arraignment Chief Freeman reviewed the charges and circumstances. As a result, Quinonez has been placed on administrative leave without pay effective immediately. In response, Hartford Fire Chief Reginald Freeman made the following statement:

“With the information that has been brought to light in today’s arraignment, Firefighter Quinonez has been put on administrative leave without pay until further notice. Any further actions on Quinonez’s status with the department will be made based on additional information pertaining to this case, as well as the final outcome of her legal proceedings. Despite these allegations, let me reiterate the fact that the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Hartford Fire Department stand tall — even above the difficult discussions that we find ourselves periodically having in regards to off duty allegations or conduct of a few individuals. Through my interactions with our firefighters, I see an energized and professional work force that is dedicated to moving the organization forward in a positive and productive manner.”

For more information on this matter, please contact the Hartford Police Department.

This type of action is long overdue at HFD and throughout City Government. We can not afford to reward bad behavior by employees with "Paid suspensions" Whether it is a DUI arrest or abusing a child, the tone needs to be set that the paid vacations at the taxpayers expense while these cases wind through the courts are done.,

Congratulations Chief Freeman for your swift action in this matter.


POLITICALLY PROTECTED?















The questions are rolling in regarding Aarvah Quinonez and how she managed to keep her job as a Hartford Firefighter, even before her arrest yesterday on Child Abuse charges.

There also seems to be some real questions regarding Quinonez and other Hartford Firefighters use, or more appropriately abuse, of Workers Compensation  benefits for extended periods.

According to sources, Quinonez was recently observed by a former Hartford Fire Chief ( before he became the former Chief and while he was still overseeing the Department). That Chief had apparently attended a soccer game for his niece and while there observed Quinonez refereeing the soccer game. Quinonez was allegedly out on a Worker's Compensation injury  that kept her from her regular job, but she could run and referee a soccer game.

Apparently there are also questions regarding her arrest in Georgia in July of 2004 and if that figured into her background investigation before her hiring by the City.


HPD DUI CHECKPOINT THURSDAY

GOOD RIDDANCE

The home of former Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra has been placed on the market for sale. Actually to be clear , it is the home of Segarra's husband, Charlie Ortiz, apparently the brains and the money behind the former Mayor's operation.

If you are interested in owning the home, which may go down   as the residence of one of Hartford's worst Mayor's in history, it is listed at $685,000

Maybe we can start a "go fund me" page to actually hire the moving company to get Segarra as far away from Hartford as possible

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

HARTFORD FIREFIGHTER ARRESTED ON CHILD ABUSE CHARGES

FROM HPD:

On February 4, 2016 the Hartford Police Department responded to CT Children’s at the request of DCF. Upon arrival Officers were informed of allegations of an assault of a minor by the child’s mother (Both Hartford residents). HPD Officers with the assistance of Special Investigative Division, began an immediate and extensive investigation.

After facts and circumstances were discovered through communication with DCF and CT Children’s, HPD Officers applied for and obtained an arrest warrant for Aarvah Quinonez, 34 of Hartford CT. On April 19, 2016 HPD Officers arrest her at HPD Headquarters without incident.

The alleged incident involves multiple incidents of assaults, striking with a belt, choking and other serious allegations in 2015 and 2016.

Charges:
Assault 2nd Degree
Strangulation 3rd
Risk of Injury to a Minor
Bond $150,000 (arraignment tomorrow)

Quinonez is currently assigned to Engine 14 at Blue Hils Ave and Albany Ave.. No further information is available from HFD at this time as to her status. She is scheduled t be arraigned  tomorrow at GA14, the Lafayette Street Court.. It should be a busy morning for City of Hartford employees being arraigned on Child Abuse charges as Eduardo Genao from the Board of Education is alsos scheduled for a court appearace tomorrow morning

HPD HEROIN BUST


In the month of April Hartford Police Department Vice & Narcotics Detectives received information from New Hampshire Police about an individual selling large amounts of heroin over state lines. New Hampshire Police were able to provide HPD detectives with a phone number and the nickname "J".

HPD detectives were able to identify the target "J" as Juan Facundo of 377 Franklin Avenue. Several controlled purchases were conducted by HPD Vice & Narco detectives using an undercover officer. Based on those sales, HPD detectives were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Facundo and a search warrant for his home. On April 18, 2016 HPD Detectives set up another controlled purchase and when Facundo arrived he was placed under arrest for his outstanding warrant for sale of narcotics.

Facundo was found to be in possession of 345 bags of heroin. Subsequently the Detectives executed the search warrant at the targets home and recovered 600 more bags of heroin, 2 ounces of crack cocaine, $3791.00 in U.S currency and packaging material. A juvenile (4 years old) was also located within the apartment and was well within the reach of all the recovered drugs. Immediate notifications were made to DCF in regards to this issue by HPD Detectives. Facundo was placed under arrest for narcotics related charges and transported to HPD booking.

Arrest: Juan Facundo 23, of 377 Franklin Avenue apt 3N

Warrant CHARGES: Possession of Narcotics, sale of narcotics (warrant)

New CHARGES: Possession of Narcotics (2cts), Drug Factory, Possession with intent to sell narcotics (2cts), Risk of Injury to a minor.

Friday, April 15, 2016

ARE WE STILL IN A DEMOCRACY?

 
I have to ask, aren't we still living in a Democracy here in the United States of America. This political season has taken on one of the nastiest tones I have seen in my lifetime. The Democratic debate last night makes me wonder if either of them has the dignity, integrity or demeanor to be President of the United States.

 With Donald Trump coming to Hartford tonight, we are being promised a true three ring circus by protester's coming into our City to wreak havoc. Not from the Trump campaign but by outsiders who want to shut his message down

Did I miss something over the years? Isn't a Democracy about putting ideas out there, whether you agree with them or not. We all have the right to say and listen to anyone we want. Then we have the ultimate choice to make of who we support with our vote.

It is a pretty simple theory and those who wish to shut down that process through, shouting, yelling, chaos and pepper spray should really look back. They should be looking back at the men and women who have fought and died for their right to go out there and act like idiots, injuring other citizens as well as Police Officers in the process.

If you don't like Donald Trump, don't vote for him. Go out there and work your ass of for the candidate you believe in, but please don't disenfranchise those people who really want to listen and learn about the candidates. It just seems hypocritical that the same people that are trying to shut down the Trump message are many of the same people that have been marginalized over the years by the same narrow-mindedness that they themselves are now exhibiting.

Our Democracy allows for a free exchange of ideas and thoughts everyday by everyone, and that includes Donald Trump and his supporters and even the people that just want to listen to him before making up their minds on which candidate earns their vote.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

I WONDER IF HE WILL TEXT THIS PICTURE TO ANYONE and HPD;s OFFICIAL VERSION































HPD ARREST LOG FOR GENAO, above

FROM HPD:

On April 4, 2016 the Hartford Police Department was contacted by a concerned citizen regarding potential inappropriate conduct between a (now former) Hartford School administrator, Eduardo Genao 57 of Hamden, and  a 13 year old female from an out of state school.

HPD investigators began an immediate investigation, visiting the victim in her home out of state that afternoon. The corroborated details of the interactions, between the 13 yo and Genao, were included in a search warrant application for a cell phone believed to be possessed by Genao. On April 5th, 2016 the search warrant was approved and served to Genao at the Hartford Board of Ed offices at 960 Main St. Working closely with Hartford Public Schools Administrators and Security, HPD investigators were able to secure the phone from Genao. Shortly thereafter, a second search warrant was obtained and served at the Hamden home of Genao. Electronic evidence was seized. That evidence has been, and continues to be examined.

On April 13, 2016 HPD Investigators submitted an arrest warrant for Eduardo Genao to the Hartford CT States Attorney’s Office (GA14). The warrant was approved. HPD investigators took Genao into custody at his home in Hamden CT without incident. Genao was transported to HPD Booking where he was charged with a single count of Risk of Injury to a Minor and given a $50,000 bond. Genao posted bond and was released. He has a scheduled court date of April 20, 2016.

This investigation is ongoing. The Hartford Police Department is communicating and working closely with the Hartford Connecticut States Attorney’s Office as well as our federal partners.

Former Hartford Assistant Superintendent of Schools Eduardo Genao after his arrest last night on felony Risk of Injury to a Minor charges. The investigation continues.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

IN CUSTODY: HARTFORD ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS EDUARDO GENAO ARRESTED FOR SEXTING SCANDAL;

Dr. Eduardo Genao, Hartford Schools
The Predator Superintendent  is in Police custody after his arrest warrant was signed earlier today



The next photograph you will most likely see posted here of Hartford's Assistant Superintendent of Schools Eduardo Genao will  be his arrest photo.

According to sources, Hartford detectives are planning to arrest Genao at his home in Hamden tonight on a single count of Risk of Injury to a Minor. The single count may only just be the beginning as  the investigation continues and more forensic evidence is reviewed by investigators. 

The arrest is most likely an effort to get Genao's passport in the Courts custody. Genao apparently has strong ties to the Dominican Republic and authorities were concerned about Genao being a flight risk as  the investigation continues.

Sources are also telling me that dependin on the evidence found, the investigation has the potential to be turned over to Federal authorities due to the scope and interstate violations that may have been involved.

To read more about Genao's escapades and my original posting, click here http://wethepeoplehartford.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-sexual-predator-assistant-school.html

"WE THE PEOPLE " PROGRAM FOR 4/11/2016

A YARD GOATS VIDEO THAT SHOULD REALLY OPEN YOUR EYES



You  can read the full story here.http://reason.com/reasontv/2016/04/04/hartford-ballpark-dunkin-donuts-stadium

THE DONALD IN HARTFORD










Word from sources is that the Trump Campaign is tentatively planning a campaign stop this Friday in Hartford.

Trump is expected to make a campaign stop at the Connecticut Convention Center on Friday in preparation for the upcoming Republican Presidential Primary.

More details as they are released.

PEDRO ZAYAS: "I GUESS WE NEED TO FIND A WAY TO SHUT YOU AND YOUR BLOG DOWN"






















"I guess we need to find a way to shut you and your blog down".

 Those were the last words I heard from Hartford Schools spokesperson Pedro Zayas yesterday before I promptly told him our conversation was done , and I then hung up.

Zayas had called, complaining that I was attacking him on the blog.  I told him it was not an attack but more accountability and holding him responsible for his incompetence. He didn't like that, I guess no one does when you point out they are incompetent.

He also didn't like my suggestion that he take some lessons from Deputy Chief Foley, the spokesperson for the Hartford Police , if he wanted to learn how to do his job I have never waited more than a few minutes for a reply to an inquiry from Foley, no matter whether positive or negative to HPD. And that is the way he treats everyone, not just people he agrees with.

He was not happy that I pointed out and posted a screen shot where I texted him a request for documents Friday afternoon and now he was getting back to me Tuesday at 12:30PM. And his call wasn't really in response to my request for documents, it was because he wanted to complain that I was attacking him.  He continued to do the Public Relations spin thing , even claiming that he had four days to acknowledge my request under the FOI laws.

It was even comical at one point when he tried to point out my inaccuracies. I asked him for an example. He replied that I was calling Eduardo Genao an Assistant Superintendent of Schools .He said that title was incorrect. When I told him that title came exactly from the Hartford Schools website, he replied that "the website must be wrong". That's my fault that your own website is not accurate?

 He is new, I guess he really doesn't understand the FOI laws. He said he was fulfilling the "legal" obligations to my request. I asked him where was his "Moral" obligation to do his job and do it well and not be part of a cover up?

I could almost feel the steam coming out of his ears through the phone. Zayas then started on the scripted mantra. " I care so much about the City" "I care so much about the Hartford Schools" "I care so much about the Children" " I only want to make Hartford better". He must be studying from the Narvaez playbook

 I then asked him what I considered a pretty innocent question. "For my own clarification, what neighborhood do you live in?" The response was typical. " Oh ,I don't live in Hartford". Apparently neither does his wife, who he claims has been a teacher in the Hartford Schools for 14 years..

We went back and forth for several minutes, and Zayas had to clearly see I wasn't falling for his nonsense. I was somewhat surprised when he said " I guess we need to find a way to shut you and your blog down". I promptly ended the call

Bring it on Pedro, plenty have tried, including FORMER Mayor's. Police Chief, Fire Chief's, Department heads,   and even a former State rep, (I think you work for him now).

THE FALLOUT CONTINUES, KEEP THE HARTFORD SCHOOLS INFO COMING

 
Your e-mails, phone calls and text messages are really helping to expose problems and deficiencies in the Hartford School System and delivering the rad map for me and others to follow.
 
The cartoon above was sent to me this morning and I think it very accurately sums up the mindset at the Superintendent's Office in Hartford.
 
Please keep the information coming and I will continue to try t uncover or find answers to your concerns.

MORE THOUGHTS FROM DR. AARON LEWIS: "WE ARE SPEAKING BUT NO ONE IS LISTENING"


The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression. --W.E.B. DuBois

 
In May of 2015 a negligence lawsuit was filed against the Norman Public School District (Oklahoma) and its superintendent for violating the Constitutional rights of a student diagnosed with disabilities and special needs, leaving him with physical and psychological damage. The plaintiff alleged that the superintendent placed the student in the classroom of two abusive teachers. The district had been notified about the abusiveness of both teachers for more than 5 consecutive years. Despite the recurring grievances filed by several parents, Superintendent Siano continued to disregard their concerns. The lawsuit stated that the superintendent had a fiduciary duty to take actions on behalf of the children given that the Superintendent was notified of previous abuses. Unfortunately, the superintendent did nothing.

For several years I have heard Hartford Board of Education superintendents, one after another , promising to hear the concerns of the parents, community leaders and others to act responsibly to those concerns.  Regrettably each Superintendent continued to fail to deliver on their word. Interestingly enough, if only the former Superintendent of the Norman Public School District listened to and acted upon the complaints of parents, a lawsuit could have been averted and a child may have been unharmed. The underlying problem is that there has been a major shift from what education should be, as compared to how education is practiced today. The focus of education has changed. The raw truth is that education as displayed in our present day public school system is not a tool to make our children better, more exposed, and prepared to compete in a rapidly evolving world market, but is rather a secret society.

Education has become a secret society whose sole purpose is to protect the “brotherhood and sisterhood” of an exorbitantly high paid cabinet of chiefs who are not obligated to consider the welfare of the children. The children’s well being and development is no longer the measurement of progress. The measurement of progress is now measured by hosting weekly meetings, workshops, and conferences. These meetings have replaced accountability and meaningful conversation among parents, teachers, and the superintendents of schools. The problem has never been that parent’s and teacher’s are not speaking but rather that no one is listening, no one is taking action. The problem is further exacerbated by the truth that no one is being held accountable to the fiduciary responsibility to hear and act on parents or teachers concerns.

I’ve heard many times from Hartford Board of Education Superintendent Beth Schiavano-Narvaez that she wants to engage parents and that she cares about teacher concerns. She claims that her office has an open door policy and she is ready to hear the concerns of people possessing fresh ideas to help improve our students. Dr. Narvaez makes a bold claim that “it’s all about the children.” But during her two-years as Superintendent of schools those claims can not be verified. Andrea Johnson, president of the Hartford Federation of Teachers would agree that Dr. Narvaez is not hearing at all.
In early 2016, Johnson presented a 30 bullet point document that listed a myriad of educational and workplace complaints on behalf of the 2000 teachers that her union represents. Her complaints listed inadequate support for special education, “filthy” conditions in some school buildings, and desiring properly functioning technology. Despite consistent and clear grievances being presented monthly, Johnson claims that “very few” of the issues have been resolved. Johnson rightly stated that “Enough is enough.” Something has to be done. Who is required to listen to parents, to the teachers, or even the children? According to Hartford Board of Education policies, no one.

No matter what the Superintendent does wrong, she is fiercely defended by an oligarchy who clearly has a vested interest in securing her post as in doing so gives them access to power and political future aspirations. People are speaking and have always been. In fact, many are screaming for change in our system but very little is being heard. Eduardo “Eddie” Genao who is now under police investigation for inappropriate contact with a minor is no novice to the system that allows for predators to thrive. In fact, he knows how to work it to his benefit. Files show that Genao has been loosely reprimanded for years under three administrations for similar lewd conduct.
While serving as Principal of Sport and Medical Science Academy, Genao was reprimanded for using, “exceedingly poor” judgment in engaging in social interactions with a student electronically. Perhaps a clearer translation of this highly romanticized central office language is that he was “sexting” and preying on young girls. It’s very hard to understand how education is one of the rare sectors that continues to cover up criminal behavior, especially when it involves children. People are speaking but no one is listening. In a January 2008 letter signed by then Assistant Superintendent Penny McCormack the reprimand stated that Genao also “engaged in the same conduct with a former student who became an employee; again administration exhibited a poor decision.

For “poor decision making” Genao was not reported to the police or the FBI. He was not fired. He was not put on a watch list. Instead Genao was given a promotion to central office, a position that yielded him in excess of $176,000.00 salary. The Office of Talent and Management and the then Superintendent seemed to have believed that it would be better to transfer and promote Genao to a position where he wouldn’t have immediate access to children rather than to fire him or prosecute him. There is a grave danger when people speak but no one listens.  Education in general is in desperate need for reform.

This reform has been stalemated by people who fail to care but also who fail to listen and act.  Of course, some may disagree and claim that the Board of Education is listening. In fact, they have hired a team, a communication team to address all of their vital public concerns so the Superintendent won’t have to.  Although the newly appointed city school’s spokesperson Pedro Zayas has only been on board for a few months he speaks in vague terms about information concerning the system failures at the Hartford Board of Education, some of which happened more than a decade ago. Interestingly enough he is paid to say whatever “they” (the stakeholders) tell him to say whether it makes sense or not. He is a professional pitch man who is not paid to speak truth but rather to deflect anyone and anything that comes against the Hartford Board of Education and its “Holy Grail” failed policies. His job is clear to make the Board of Education look good even if the ship is swiftly sinking.

Of course the reports from Zayas and his team of advisors clearly explains that we should not be worried about Genao’s predatory actions since he was intelligent enough to target an out-of-state little girl instead of one of our own. This point was made clear that the little girl who was the victim is not a part of the Hartford School system. She does not live in Hartford. Thus, every parent should feel safe. The confidence in the board should now be restored because parental concern should only arise if Genao’s target was a Hartford resident or Hartford student. This nonsense is what our tax dollars pays for. Why should it matter whether the victim lives in Hartford, New York or Europe? If the Board of Education continues to cover up predators and ignore the voices of reason I cannot be comfortable. In fact, it is an outrage.

What does this say about our care for “all” children not just those living in Harford and its surrounding towns? Dr. Narvaez, Dr. Ngounou, and Attorney Wareing have failed all of our children. If we follow the past protocol, then they should all be promoted for ignoring the warnings. Not this time! They have proven to be threatening to our children’s future. Only the blind cannot see the handwriting on the wall. This administration does not hear and cannot see. Parents, teachers, advocates, union leaders, and even harassed employees have been screaming yet Dr. Narvaez, Dr. Ngounou, and Attorney Wareing, by their own admissions, do not have the time to respond, they overlook emails, because they are busy. They do not care.

There is a small child in the middle of the highway with fast moving cars, in fact, there are many children in harms way. If someone doesn’t act quickly they will die. Is there anyone who has the time to respond? Will you continue to turn a deaf ear to the voice of the people? Time will tell.
“He that has an ear to hear let him hear.”

Dr. Aaron Lewis 4/11/16

This can also be viewed on Dr. Lewis's website where he has started his own blog http://thescribesinstitute.org/were-speaking-but-nobodys-listening/
 

Monday, April 11, 2016

PRATT STREET RENOVATION'S

A question was posted on the blog today regarding the current re-construction of Pratt Street.

The question:
 Little Brick Road said...
Kevin, just saw on the news the city is replacing ALL the bricks on Pratt St!!!! The entire street is almost vacant! Aren't we in a fiscal crisis according to Bronin? How much is this costing and where is this money coming from. This has got to be a multi million dollar job. This could have and should have waited, we're a broke city, right? What is the matter with this mayor? Now is NOT the time for projects like this. Please report back Kevin.
My response:

Little Brick Road.

I did make a call to Mayor Bronin's Chief of Staff Thea Montanez and your question were timely. I guess a meeting was held recently in the Mayor's Office and many of the question's you were asking were brought up in that meeting. The project actually began design work in 2014, well before the Bronin Administration. The total cost is expected to be around $1.3million and a large portion of that, close to $400,000 is being funded by a "grant" from AETNA. Comcast is also underwriting some of the infrastructure repair required to upgrade underground systems. The project and contracts and materials had already been purchased and Bronin's people weren't in a position to break or breach those contracts now. I would hope that serious consideration will be given to turning the renewed Pratt Street into a pedestrian mall , free of vehicular traffic and find businesses willing to take a chance on Hartford to occupy the numerous vacant restaurants and make outdoor seating and entertainment a priority, very similar to what West Hartford Center has to offer, and make the Pratt Street pedestrian mall an integral part of a revamped downtown. Northland investment is a major impediment to that happening though. If you notice, most of the north side of the street that they own is vacant due to exorbitant rents that they charged and forced many of the restaurants out of business. Thank you Thea for your prompt response on this one.


Mayor Bronin's Chief of Staff, Thea Montanez was gracious enough to answer my questions promptly this afternoon.

In researching the issue further, I found a Courant op-ed article from 2015 that depicted a very interesting history of Pratt Street. If you enjoy Hartford history, it is well worth reading.

http://www.courant.com/opinion/op-ed/hc-op-barlow-pratt-street-still-a-gem-1008-20151007-story.html

HARTFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION PREDATOR COVERUP- PEELING BACK MORE LAYERS OF THE ONION

I am really not sure why it has taken a week to get to this point.

 Mayor Bronin and Superintendent of Schools Beth Narvaez today issued a joint statement "related to the reporting of any information suggesting that a child may be at risk of harm" Shouldn't this have been automatic on the part of Narvaez? Did it really take strong media attention to get her to admit the obvious?


MAYOR BRONIN, SUPERINTENDENT NARVAEZ CALL FOR REVIEW OF POLICIES RELATED TO REPORTING INFORMATION THAT CHILDREN MAY BE AT RISK OF HARM MAYOR BRONIN URGES INVOLVEMENT OF THE OFFICE OF THE CHILD ADVOCATE HARTFORD, CONN. (APRIL 11, 2016) –
 
 Today, Mayor Luke Bronin and Superintendent Beth Schiavino-Narvaez announced that the Board of Education will launch a thorough review of the policies and procedures related to the reporting of any information suggesting that a child may be at risk of harm
. At Mayor Bronin’s request, the Board of Education will also engage the Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate to assist in the review of policies and procedures, and to look into the reporting of a recent situation involving a Hartford Public Schools (HPS) administrator sending inappropriate texts to a minor. “Both as a father and as Mayor, I feel a profound responsibility to do everything possible to ensure that kids are protected from harm,” said Mayor Bronin. "There needs to be a thorough review of what happened in the reporting of this situation, as well as a broader review of the policies and procedures to ensure that officials respond quickly and forcefully whenever there are any warning signs. I believe it’s appropriate to engage the independent Office of the Child Advocate so that the review is as thorough, as impartial, and as effective as possible.”
 
Led by Sarah Egan, the Office of the Child Advocate is responsible for monitoring and evaluating public and private agencies charged with the protection of children in Connecticut. The Office of the Child Advocate also has the authority to review the policies and procedures of state agencies, or others that provide services to children through state funding, to ensure they are protecting children’s rights and promoting their best interest. “As Superintendent, I believe that there is no greater task at Hartford Public Schools than being vigilant about the safety of all children. We will review our abuse and neglect reporting procedures immediately,” said Superintendent Narvaez
 
. “I welcome the support and assistance of the Child Advocate in the review of our policies to ensure the district is doing everything within its power to protect every child.” Superintendent Narvaez also noted that anyone who believes a child is at risk should immediately call the Department of Children and Families Careline at 1-800-842-2288, which is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
 
  This announcement comes after a police investigation surfaced against a former Hartford school district staff member, Eduardo Genao, who allegedly sent inappropriate text messages to a minor. The criminal investigation involving Mr. Genao is ongoing, and there are no official charges to date, according to the Hartford Police Department.
 
  For further inquiries on the investigation, please contact the Hartford Police Department.
 
Also, Assistant Superintendent Gislaine Ngoudou issued her own statement via e-mail to her colleagues explaining her lack of action when confronted with allegations of inappropriate behavior by her counterpart, Eduardo Genao.
 
  Dear colleagues,
 
I am reaching out to you regarding a matter of importance.
 
I wanted you to hear directly from me for several reasons;
 
 I believe we share an unwavering commitment to all of our children and I deeply value our collective work and our culture of strong relationships and collaboration. I would like to express my regret for the way I handled an allegation brought to my attention of a potential improper contact between a HPS employee and a minor
 
 On 3/22 I received a text from Dr. Aron Lewis concerning an allegation of potential inappropriate contact between an unnamed HPS Director and an unnamed minor. I replied to Dr. Lewis’ text and attempted to set up a time to call him twice that day, but was unable to speak with him. In a follow up message,
 
 Dr. Lewis informed me that he would handle the matter through an alternative way. I incorrectly assumed we would speak the next day, but neither of us followed up on the matter with each other. This was an omission of the mind and not an omission of the heart. I take full responsibility for the failure on my part to aggressively pursue more information. This was a lapse that does not reflect my own professional standards, my commitment to children, or the importance HPS places on the safety of children attending our schools. I am deeply sorry for any breach of trust this may have caused between HPS and the families we serve and pledge to do all I can to rebuild that trust. I also commit to the work of improving our processes and practices to ensure the safety of all of children. I thank you for remaining focused on this work with me.
 
Sincerely, Gislaine Ngounou, ED.L.D. Chief of Staff Hartford Public Schools
 
Although it is good to see Ngoudou taking responsibility for her failing to protect a child, it can not just be breushed of by an e-mail confession . Strong action by the Superintendent, up to and including termination, needs to be taken for anyone found to be guilty of not taking appropriate action in this matter .
 
Oh, and just as a sidenote, Pedro Zayas, the Hartford  Schools  spokesperson  still has not responded to any of my requests or text messages for information. But as you can see, I am still getting the information through "alternative means". and I thank you all for helping to expose this problem even if the highly paid spokespeople want to keep this covered up.
 
Here is a screen capture of one text message he has ignored. as you can see, it was read Friday, and still no response. All part of the cover up mentality ,I guess. They should realize by now I won't just go away because they ignore me.
 
 

Sunday, April 10, 2016

OUT OF CONTROL

Illegal ATV's on Albany Avenue at Sigourney Street Sunday afternoon. Note the reckless Quad on the left going against traffic head-on

More quads and ATV's up on I-84 near Flatbush  Avenue on ramp Sunday Afternoon. Do you think we have a problem. Who will be the first to die in a  crash? An innocent motorist going out of control on 84 or a quad operator doing a wheelie on Albany Avenue?

This one of those things that I am not sure what the solution is, but there has to be a solution.

Hartford's ATV problem. The warm weather is here so the ATV's are back out. Sunday was a near constant rumbling of the obnoxious operators and their illegal vehicles on Hartford's streets. It  is not only a quality of life issue, but also a safety issue for both the illegal reckless operators as well as the legal vehicles using Hartford's streets competing with the ATV's.

Most of these operators have no regard for their own safety as well as those on the streets. The wheelies and weaving in and out of traffic  with no regard for anyone else is unacceptable. Do we need to wait for some fools death or them causing someone elses death before we make a serious attempt  to curtail their use?

The police  are pretty much rendered helpless under their current orders to stop this nonsense. The vehicles aren't registered so there is no plate to trace back to an address Police are forbidden from chasing the vehicle, but in the mean time they are allowed to tear up our parks and jeopardize our streets.  The ATV's were even up on I-84 this afternoon.  This is a recipe for disaster when one of them goes head to head with a tractor trailer or cartwheels out of control at 50 MPH .

Are we the only City facing this , or how is this problem dealt with in  other locations?

UPDATE: 7:25PM: Here is a news article I found from this past Thursday. This is how Washington D.C. is dealing with the problem. It sounds like it would work here also http://dailycaller.com/2016/04/07/dc-police-crack-down-on-illegal-atvs-on-city-streets-and-sidewalks/