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Saturday, February 13, 2010

THIS WEEK ON "1 HARTFORD"


On this weeks program, February 13, 2010, we spoke with Hartford Attorney Bruce Rubenstein. We questioned him regarding his challenge for the Hartford Democratic Town Committee Chairpersonship and his vision for Hartford.

The current Democratic Town Committee Chairperson was also invited but did not attend.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PROGRAM

Thursday, February 11, 2010

HARTFORD MAKES ANOTHER TOP 100 LIST

After making Time's top 12 mugshots of 2009 featuring our Mayor Eddie A. Perez, I had hoped that would hold us over for a while as far as notoriety.

Nope, once again we are able to show our pride as a city as we place number 68 on a top 100 list. Just a hint, it is not for the most increased corrupt municipal government.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR LATEST RECOGNIZED ACHIEVEMENT

Monday, February 8, 2010

5TH DISTRICT "GILES/VAZQUEZ" SLATE UNDER SCRUTINY, OR TO BE CORRECT, MORE SCRUTINY

Apparently the actions of the "Giles/ Vazquez" 5th District Democratic Town Committee in altering a federal Census brochure is drawing attention from at least three government agencies. Two of those agencies could potentially bring criminal charges against those involved.

The attached documents are copies of a complaint filed today with the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) by Hartford Attorney Bruce Rubenstein.Rubenstein has publicly voiced his intentions to challenge for the Hartford Democratic Town Committee Chairpersonship in March.

According to Rubenstein's complaint, the altering of the US Census brochure began to draw the attention of both state and federal investigators late last week when the altered brochure was reported. Sources are also confirming that the brochure is under scrutiny by both investigators from the State's Attorneys Office and the US Attorney's Office.

While the intent of altering the brochure by the 5th District "Giles/Vazquez"slate is unclear, it seems to imply that individuals looking for a census job should contact the 5th District slate.

To view the original post regarding the altered brochure, click here

More to come on this issue I'm sure.

Rubenstein SEEC Complaint

Sunday, February 7, 2010

THE RIGHT WAY AND THE WRONG WAY


After watching the antics of the incumbent Democratic Town Committee slates and posting the allegations of wrong doing, I guess it is time to post a slate doing things the right way.

After posting Friday about the deceptive means used by the 5th District Democratic Town Committee incumbents, today I received the following in my e-mail. After all of the allegations of corruption in the Democratic Party over the last couple years, it seems as though the 4th District Challenge slate has come upon a novel idea.

Tell the truth, nothing deceptive, and actually get to meet and know the people that you are asking for their vote. The mailing is attached above.

Whatever happens on March 2nd may begin to tell the story of Hartford's political future. Are people willing to accept more of the corruption permeating Hartford's Democratic Party? Are Hartford's Democratic voters willing to settle for leadership comprised of tax cheats and individuals under arrest on corruption charges?

Or, hopefully, will this be the year that Hartford voters realize that our city is on the brink, headed for disaster unless we turn around the leadership vacuum. By the comments that I see posted on here, I think many people have reached the point where they are saying enough is enough.

It may seem like a minor election on March 2nd, but its importance for the future of Hartford can't be more clear.

A simple question might be to ask the current Democratic Town Committee leadership and members , what have you done to make Hartford a better place? Some might have to answer that they got friends and relatives city jobs and city contracts. Others might answer that they were able to avoid paying Hartford's high taxes. And others might answer that they were able to get large amounts of money for their "non-profits" which in turn provided them with very good salaries.

I think that the answer should be clear to most Democratic voters on March 2nd, 2010.
Vote for the challengers and make it crystal clear to them that they have two years to prove themselves and clean up politics in our city. If not, they can be sent packing in two years also.

And the same goes for the handful of Republicans left in Hartford. Ask your Republican Town Chairperson and Town Committee members what they have done to make Hartford a better place. What has their position been on the corruption scandal? Why have they been silent when the highest elected Republican official has been arrested on corruption corruption charges along with the Mayor? How do you support Republicans when they abstain on the tough votes at budget time?

And a real tough question for Republican voters in Hartford, can you name more than 3members of the Republican Town Committee, or, can you even name the RTC members representing you in your district?

Town committee elections really do matter this year, vote for change, vote for taking back our city, vote for the challenge slates where there is a challenge slate. Vote for change in Districts 4, 5 and 7 on the Democratic side.

Friday, February 5, 2010

5TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE SLATE ATTEMPTING TO WIN AT ALL COSTS ALLEGEDLY ALTERS US CENSUS BUREAU DOCUMENT


Pictured above, Abe Giles' mugshot after his arrest on corruption charges along with Hartford Mayor Perez. According to the brochure below, he is now handling US Census Bureau jobs.

The attached PDF file below was given to me this morning. Apparently it is a US Census Bureau form that has been altered to appear that the 5th District Democratic Town Committee has some sort of control over providing US Census Bureau jobs.

It even goes so far as to ask prospective applicants to contact members of the "Olga Vazquez/Abe Giles" slate, listing them by name. It goes on to encourage those who want more information to listen to the "Community Affairs Program" on WKND radio Sunday at 11am. The "Community Affairs Program" is Abe Giles' on air ramblings.

Apparently the allegations of Democratic Registrar of Voters Olga Vazquez altering state voter petitions wasn't enough. They must want to also now invite federal scrutiny as they appear to have altered federal documents.

The US Census bureau was extremely interested in seeing the document when I called for their comment. I e-mailed the PDF file to them and as soon as I get their comment I will update it here.

One member of the 5th district challenge slate, the so called "Kirkley-Bey" slate, was very concerned by the use of the brochure for political purposes. Rebecca Wareing commented that "It shows a potential lack of respect for our people". She further stated she was concerned that a federal agency who is non-partisan and a form designed and paid for by taxpayer funds, was being used for political purposes.

According to sources, Democratic Town Committee Chairperson Sean Arena had tried to get the brochure cleared through the US Census Bureau approximately two weeks ago and was told that the usage would be illegal, apparently in true Hartford fashion, they went ahead and did it anyway.

More to come on this, another interesting twist in Hartford's questionable political landscape. The original US Census Bureau brochure, provided by the Bureau is below, as well as the altered form


THIS IS THE ALTERED 5TH DISTRICT BROCHURE

Altered 5th District Census Document

THIS IS THE ACTUAL UN-ALTERED BROCHURE PROVIDED BY THE US CENSUS BUREAU

Census Brochure What Happens Next

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

ANOTHER MIRACLE ON MAIN STREET, AND NO CORRUPTION INVOLVED... COUNCIL PRESIDENT SEGARRA GETS IT

photo from flickr.com, attributed to urban compass


I was hopefully optimistic that the new year would mark a new beginning for the Hartford City Council under the leadership of its new president, Council President Pedro Segarra. As of today I am convinced the tide is turning.

After spending two years watching the previous Council President seemingly taking enjoyment in shutting down public comment at Council meetings, President Segarra has done a complete 180 degree turn.

Ex-President Torres used to use a ridiculous "stop light" contraption to time members of the public. Once the three minutes on the "stop light" expired and the light turned red, he'd bang the gavel and cut the speaker off.

As I mentioned in a previous post a couple weeks ago, at Council President Segarra's first meeting as President, the light was gone and not one person was gaveled down as they spoke. A very positive sign that things might be changing.

Then in today's mail I received a great letter from Council President Segarra. The letter is below for your viewing. A couple personal comments by President Segarra were made in the letter thanking me for my efforts, but I have also been told that the letters are going to be common practice during Council President Segarra's tenure.

Apparently President Segarra realizes the importance of acknowledging those that take the time to attend council meetings and express their concerns. Segarra also mentioned to me that he intends to keep speakers updated on the issues they raise by sending follow up letters regarding specific issues raised.

Hopefully this will motivate more people to attend council meetings as they realize that as of January 1, 2010 they are actually being listened to and their concerns are being addressed.

If justice prevails, I can only hope that Council President Segarra assumes the new title of Mayor in the not too distant future and continues to breathe fresh air into Hartford City Hall. It is definitely good to see some level of respect returning to Hartford City Hall. Please keep it going President Segarra.

Only until January of 2012 though, after that I have another suggestion for Mayor. Besides, after cleaning out that mess you'll probably be ready for a long rest.

PRESIDENT SEGARRA'S LETTER

Pres Segarra Letter