HMEA UNION PRESIDENT REMOVED FOR ALLEGED FINANCIAL IMPROPRIETIES

According to a Hartford City Hall whistleblower, the President of the Hartford Municipal Employees Association, (HMEA) has been removed after action   was taken by the Unions Board of Directors. Sean Antoine, the HMEA Union President was removed after allegations of misuse  of the Unions Debit Card were brought to light by another Union Member. Allegations were that over a thousand dollars were made by Antoine during a trip to Dubai. Since that revelation, other allegations have been made that Antoine may have forged the Union Treasurers signature on checks.  That allegation is currently under investigation.

Antoine was also employed by the City of Hartford in the City Treasurers Office. According to an e-mail  obtained by  "WE THE PEOPLE", Antoine was placed on Administrative leave from City employment as of August 23rd. Subsequently, Antoine submitted his resignation/retirement  effective as of August 26, 2024.

According to the e-mail obtained, City Treasurer Carmen Sierra is expected to use an outside  Auditor to conduct a review of Antoine's activities while employed in the Treasurers Office.

It is unclear at this point if Antoine's actions will be referred  to the Hartford Police Department regarding the alleged Union financial improprieties

THE TESLA DOESN'T LIE

 

This is another one from the " You can't make this stuff up" file.

Normally an Officer Involved Shooting  (OIS) is an all hands on deck type of situation. Apparently, according to several sources, one Hartford Police Officer had different ideas.

On October 16, 2023 at approximately 1:54PM On October 16, 2023 at approximately 1:54 p.m., Hartford Police Officer Brian Sulliman, who was on routine patrol operating a marked Harford Police cruiser, atempted to stop a motor vehicle on Westland Street. The vehicle, a grey-colored four-door Honda Accord bearing Florida registration 49DJXP, stopped on Westland Street near the intersection with Barbour Street. As soon as the vehicle came to a stop, a person, later identified as Jamie Grant, exited the front passenger door and walked to the rear of the vehicle. Officer Sulliman exited his police vehicle and approached the Honda. The Honda Accord then drove from the scene.

Grant was holding what appeared to be a firearm in his left hand. He raised his arm in the direction of Officer Sulliman. In response, Officer Sulliman then discharged his firearm multiple times striking Grant. Grant fell in the middle of the intersection of Westland Street and Barbour Street. Grant was later pronounced dead.

At about the same time another Hartford Police Officer who was working a private duty job in the area apparently passed the area in his private vehicle at the time of the shooting. The Officer, who I am not naming at this time, is reportedly a 12 year veteran of HPD. He most likely would have still been in his HPD uniform at this point as he was apparently directing traffic at a road job. Sources are telling me that much of this was captured on various cameras in the area. The officer was captured on video in his Tesla passing through the area at the same time. Rather than stop to render assistance, and also as a witness to an Officer Involved Shooting, he mad a U-Turn and left the area. This is inexcusable.

Also when questioned about it, he apparently claimed that his department issued firearm was in the trunk of his Tesla, and that is why he didn't stop. He also claimed he put his weapon in the trunk of the Tesla because he didn't want it on his leather seats.

The other interesting point is that, according to Tesla, the vehicles come equipped with 9 cameras throughout and around the vehicle recording video with high definition , crystal clear video. If the gun and gun belt were actually in the trunk, that would most likely be captured on video. I also have confirmed that HPD Policy requires Officers to be armed while they are in the City and in uniform.

I have to ask , what kind of Police Officer would not stop to render assistance to a fellow officer just involved in a traumatic incident, and how could any other officer have any confidence in someone exhibiting a cowardly act like this.

This is unacceptable, and when all the facts are in, it requires quick and severe action by Chief Thody up to and including termination for cowardice.

The following information details the in car cameras on Tesla vehicles:

The front cameras are located at the top of the windshield. They consist of a camera with a typical lens, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens. The telephoto camera can see up to 250 meters ahead according to Tesla, ideal for high-speed Autopilot use, while the main lens covers 150 meters. In addition, the wide-angle lens gives a panoramic-like view for navigation at complex intersections and tight curves.

Rear View Camera

The rearview camera is positioned above the license plate. It provides a view of up to 50 meters behind the vehicle, assisting with parking, reverse driving and reverse automatic emergency braking.

Fender Cameras

Teslas contain a camera on each fender that points toward the rear of the vehicle at about a 45° angle. This allows the vehicle to see vehicles to its side and help monitor the vehicle's blind spots.

These cameras can also be viewed by the driver when using Tesla's blind spot monitor feature, or by enabling the side cameras while in reverse, which displays the reverse camera feed, along with the fender or 'repeater' cameras.

B-Pillar Cameras

Tesla vehicles also include two other side cameras that are found on the B-pillar. Instead of aiming backward like the repeater cameras, these cameras are aimed toward the front of the vehicle. This allows them to capture areas in the front half of the vehicle. These cameras aid with intersections, parking and more. Unfortunately, the video from these cameras can only be viewed while the vehicle is parked and by going to Controls > Service and tapping on 'Preview Cameras'.

Cabin Camera

All current Tesla models include a cabin camera. The camera is located above the rearview mirror and monitors driver attentiveness, especially when Autopilot is in use. You can view the cabin camera onscreen by navigating to Controls > Service > Preview Cabin Camera. You can also view it through the Tesla app if Sentry Mode is enabled and Sentry Mode Live Access is available in your region.

Future Bumper Camera

Looking ahead, newer Tesla models are expected to feature a bumper camera, as seen in the Cybertruck prototypes. Additionally, with hardware 4.0, the cameras have a higher resolution and an anti-glare coating for enhanced visibility.

Functionality Unveiled: The Multifaceted Uses of Tesla's Cameras

Tesla's cameras play a vital role in the advanced features the vehicles are known for. Their primary use is for the Autopilot system and active safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). Furthermore, Sentry Mode and Dashcam features use cameras to record potential threats when parked and on the road. In newer models, the cabin camera monitors driver attentiveness to ensure safety during Autopilot use.

View, Access and Calibrate

Tesla now lets you preview all cameras included in your vehicle

Simon

While driving, you can access the rear and fender cameras through the center display. To test or preview other cameras, you can navigate to Controls > Service > Preview Cameras, and then select the camera you'd like to preview at the top of the screen. In addition, through the Tesla app, remote viewing capabilities are available for five of the vehicle's cameras, including the front-facing camera, fender cameras, rear camera, and cabin camera.

If you're noticing issues with your vehicle's cameras, Tesla provides the ability to calibrate them. It's a simple process initiated from the vehicle's touchscreen, although certain features like Autopilot will be unavailable until the process completes.

Confidentiality in Focus: Tesla's Data Privacy Measures

Tesla takes data privacy seriously. For example, the cabin camera doesn't save or transmit data unless data sharing is enabled in your car's settings. For Sentry Mode and Dashcam footage, data is stored locally and can be accessed only by the owner.

Tesla's advanced camera systems play an integral role in enhancing vehicle safety, providing driver-assist features, and creating a robust security layer. However, understanding the function and usage of these cameras is essential for maximizing the benefits. With Tesla continuously innovating, exciting enhancements, like bumper cameras and upgraded hardware, lie on the horizon, promising to take vehicular safety and autonomy to the next level.

LET'S ROLL

 The recent anniversary of 9/11 brought back to mind the courageous words of great American patriots. "Let's roll " were some of the last words uttered by a passenger on Flight 93 as they made the decision to take on hijackers who were determined to crash their commandeered airliner  before it could be crashed into a Washington DC location, possibly the White House or the US Capitol on 9/11.

The last couple of years have taken their toll on me as far as my health, and the pandemic didn't help either. Two years ago I awoke one morning to realize i had lost my eyesight, it was diagnosed the same day by my outstanding Ophthalmologist as a "vitreous hemorrhage", which is essentially bleeding in the back of the eye and the blood seepage blocks the vision. My Doctor had hoped that it would have resolved itself , but after a period of a couple months it did not. At that point the decision was made to operate. If you are squeamish, please don't read the next few lines.

The surgery consisted of an ophthalmologic surgeon cutting into the eyeball and draining the vitreous fluid and the blood and repairing the damage. The only caveat was that once they cut into the eye and repaired the damage (exposing the inner eye to air), I would most likely develop a cataract. I did and that was repaired with more surgery a few months late.

In a credit to the skill of Doctor Margolis. my ophthalmologist and his staff at Retina Consultants as well as modern technology, my eyesight began coming back and the day after the cataract surgery with Doctor Pasternack, so be sure to schedule regular checkups for your eye health, my vision was almost perfect. I think most people take their eyesight for granted until you are faced with losing it,so be sure to schedule regular checkups for your eye health.

In July of this year, I somehow injured my hip and was unable to walk for several weeks and was forced to use a walker to get around. I am still using the walker and going through Physical Therapy, its a slow process but I hopefully continue to see improvement.

Many have asked me if the ongoing lawsuit and the subsequent appeal have any effect on the lack of postings, I would have to say, unequivocally no. If anything, it has now pushed me to get rolling once again. I have realized the support that is out there to uncover the truth and the risk that many people are willing to take to expose corrupt activity and wrongdoing, wherever that may be, whether in the Hartford Police Department , Hartford City Hall or elsewhere. I was always taught that good will overcome evil, and there is plenty of evil going on that needs to be exposed though this blog and the assistance of great sources that are willing to trust me to get information out, as well as good things going on also that deserve to be highlighted.

So get ready to start following the blog again, please. Sometimes if you poke the hornets' nest you are going to get stung, but what's a bee sting if it is to accomplish good and help people. After all I have been through, I can handle a few stings.

CAN HARTFORD EVER COME BACK?

The Honorable Judge Eric Coleman

I received a phone call a couple weeks ago and the caller asked me if I thought Hartford could ever make a comeback.

My answer was pretty quick and decisive. ABOULUTELY.

In my opinion, there are three major things standing in Hartford's way of  making a comeback. Number one is leadership. For probably over a decade Hartford has had some of the worst leadership imaginable, starting most recently with Eddie Perez who was eventually driven from office by the States Attorney and a Grand Jury investigation.  Hartford is under the "strong Mayor" form of government. I don't have an issue with a strong Mayor, the problem is Hartford voters have made terrible choices and have been unable to find the right person...yet.

From Eddie Perez to Pedro Segarra to Luke Bronin, all failures in my eyes. 

Pedro Segarra was cast into the Mayor's Office by  default when Eddie Perez was forced to resign under corruption charges.Then came Luke Bronin, not because he knew or understood Hartford, but because he would make a great puppet to do the political bidding of Hartford's elite who loved controlling political power, such as the DiBellas and others.  

Prior to Bronin, I had great hope for retired Probate Judge Bob Killian who ran for the office of Mayor, but there was no way of competing with the Bronin million dollar plus war chest the carpetbagger Bronin had amassed, much of it from outside of Hartford and outside of Connecticut.

I guess even a lousy candidate that very few people knew, can get elected if they are able to buy enough votes. A candidate who probably couldn't have found most neighborhoods or streets in the City without the aid of GPS.

Two other things that need to change are Public Safety and Education. Aside from the Mayor being a failure, both of those are disastrous, No one will move to a City where they don't feel safe, and no parent who has a choice will put their kids into a school system where a decent education is a crap shoot..

I am encouraged as of late because I am starting to hear people talking about the next Mayoral election.. I have been hearing the name of Eric Coleman mentioned. Coleman should be familiar to anyone who has spent more than a few days in Hartford over the last  few decades. For most of his adult life, Coleman has been serving the people of Hartford as a State Representative, a State Senator and eventually  (and currently) as a Superior Court Judge. Coleman didn't just arrive here with his sights on the Mayor's Office in an attempt to work his way up the political ladder with aspirations of grandeur, or maybe I should say delusions of grandeur like our current Mayor.

I think Coleman has the potential to restore confidence and civility to the Mayor's Office. I also think as current sitting Judge, Coleman has kept his distance from the political influence, That political influence such as the Democratic Town Committee has been one of the major forces in the downfall of Hartford.

If Coleman were  to be successful., his first stop after becoming Mayor should be a stop at 253 High Street to hand Chief Thody his termination papers. It will be a tough job to rebuild HPD to the previous levels before Thody decimated the ranks, but it can be done and it has to be done if Hartford is ever going to be safe again.

Another move would be to utilize Hartford's  Charter to its full extent and make appointments to the Hartford Board of Education of people that are serious about seeing Hartford's children and their schools excel. The Mayor has the power to appoint the majority of members to the BOE and that should be done with the best people who understand Hartford's Schools and why they have been failing up to this point.

I think Economic Development will also be an issue and it needs to be taken seriously by the next Mayor. Hartford has had far too many false starts when it comes to development and it not only makes the city look bad, it prevents any forward movement. Hartford's Economic development efforts seem to be a hotbed of nepotism ad rewards for political allies rather than any solid efforts.

There will be much more on this in the future , but I hope people will start thinking about Hartford coming back and where they can help with that effort. It can be done and I think Eric Coleman understands what needs to be done. After all of his years serving the people of Hartford, I seriously think he knows what needs to be done

JASON FIDDLES WHILE HARTFORD BURNS

HARTFORD'S POLICE CHIEF IN HIDING, JASON THODY

The City of Hartford is headed for a potentially violent summer. In years past, residents could ask the Police Chief what the plan was to deal with the homicides , the shootings and the violence. 

This year is different, If I am counting correctly, Hartford recorded its 11th  homicide of the year today . A daytime shooting at a relatively busy intersection, in broad daylight, blocks from Saint Francis Hospital resulted in a homicide, # 11 for the year so far.

And as I said, in years past, typically members of the community would  be meeting with the Police Chief to address their concerns. Typically the Police Chief would lay out their plan for their summer initiative  and the plan to address the concerns and hopefully put their fears at rest.

There is no chance of that this year . Why you might ask? Because Hartford's Police Chief Jason Thody is no where to be found. Well , let me correct that. Thody can be found at the FBI national Academy for the next 10 weeks, away from the City. 

Despite the official description, the FBI Academy is widely regarded as a networking and resume building opportunity.

I think most people would wish that a Police  Chief with almost thirty years of experience would be able to teach the classes, not attend them. Wouldn't it seem to make more sense to begin grooming junior members of the Department for future leadership roles, rather than sending the Chief?

It also seems like poor management that anyone would allow the Police Chief to be away for at least 10 weeks while violence is spiking at the same time that the number 2 guy , the Assistant Chief, is relatively new to the position and probably can't find most streets in Hartford without using GPS. At the same time the number 3 guy, Deputy Chief Jay Lee is away at training for 6 weeks out of state.

Does no one at HPD look at staffing and scheduling and question how two of your top "leaders" ( and I use the term leader sarcastically when I refer to Thody) In addition the current staffing at HPD is well under what is needed to function, Although HPD should have roughly 425 officers, their current level, I am told is about 330 sworn Officers, and more leaving almost daily. Many of those officers have left in the past two years since Thody has been Chief

Maybe the FBI can offer a course "How NOT to run a Police Department". I would fully support Thody attending that class  for as long as  it takes..

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IT IS TIME FOR ROVELLA TO THE RESCUE , AGAIN

 In 2010 and early 2011, the City of Hartford was plagued with gun violence, very similar to today's wave of violence

At the time , then Governor Dannel Malloy called his then Chief States Attorney Kevin Kane to the Capitol. During their meeting, Governor Malloy's instructions to Kane were simple. Malloy's instructions were "Do something about the crime in Hartford".

Kane's next move seemed to make a lot of sense. He moved his Chief Inspector from his office to organize and oversee the efforts, as instructed by the Governor.

Rovella quickly formed the "Shooting Task Force " and the results were almost instantaneous. Arrests were  being made for shootings, and cases that were being left unsolved were suddenly resulting in arrests and violent criminals were being taken off the streets of the Capitol region.

I am probably over simplifying this, but Rovella's philosophy was simple. In  order for Law Enforcement to be successful, they had to come out of their "silos" and share information and work together for a common goal, to combat gun violence.

This required communication and collaboration to get  the results both the Governor and Rovella wanted.

Rovella's plan wasn't rocket science, but it definitely was creative and unusual for Law Enforcement. Rovella brought numerous agencies into his plan to all work together.  HPD, surrounding suburban Police Agencies, Connecticut State Police, State's Attorney Inspectors, a Prosecutor from the Court to specifically follow prosecutions, State probation and Parole officers and numerous Federal partners such as DEA, ATF and FBI.

One of the biggest components of   Rovella's plan was communication and accountability. If someone was lucky to get invited inside the Shooting Task Force offices it quickly became apparent why the operation was working. The data exchanged and "connecting the dots" to criminals and potential shooters was obvious. A back hallway connecting offices had dozens of pictures posted of persons suspected with volent gun crimes and how  they were all connected together. Hartford is a relatively small City and most volent crime is committed by a very small percentage of persons. Tracking those persons and predicting their moves produced huge results

Rovella's plan was so productive, that his efforts were replicated in other Connecticut cities such as New Haven and New Britain with similar results.

The current administration doesn't seem to understand the problem or how too fix it. Rather , they seem to buy into the latest trend pushed by college academics with little or no results. One example is the "evidence based policing" which Thody and Bronin have seemed to buy into because someone's friend pushed it as plausible and landed a consulting contract in the process. Evidence based policing has been a failure in Hartford and the current crime stats show that.

People are being shot in Hartford, almost daily and at least 8 people have been murdered in the first few weeks of the new year.  The ever dwindling numbers  of Hartford Police Officers is going to make for a very difficult summer if things continue on as is.

It is long overdue for the time for Mayor Bronin to show some leadership and institute plans to bring accountability and solutions to Hartford's violent crime problem. If Bronin is incapable of making the tough decisions. it might just be time for Governor Lamont to have the conversation with his Public Safety Commissioner , James Rovella  to "do something about the crime in Hartford". It worked in 2011 and the time is right to give it a shot again under  Rovella