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Thursday, February 25, 2010

YOU'RE DOING A HECK OF A JOB ROSIE


For those that want to watch both corruption and incompetence at its best, tomorrow's hearing and expected decision on the Democratic Town Committee 5th District petition issue has been moved from 2:00PM to 10:00AM at 95 Washington Street in Hartford.

THE HEARING WILL BE AT 10:00AM FRIDAY.....NOT 2:00PM AS PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED

After watching Hartford Corporation Counsel John Rose's performance, I have to seriously ask if we are getting our money's worth out of him. From what I have seen so far I have to answer a definite no. At some points he seemed to be making the case for the other side, rather than defending his side. Although I'm not sure if he knows who "his side" really is. Is he representing the city or the Democratic Town Committee Chairman in his effort to retain control.

I do have to say though, it is a tough job considering what he has to work with.

A Democratic Deputy Registrar who apparently thinks he knows more about the law than the legal staff at the Secretary of the State's office. A deputy Registrar that apparently thinks that "Gary's Law" super cedes state statutes.

And lets not forget the Democratic Registrar who is a candidate for a position in the same election she is over-seeing. Did she handle the documents in question and advise her Deputy how to proceed? Well.... yes, I mean no, well maybe I did your honor, no, I meant no, definitely not, but now that you mention it, I don't recall.

Oh, and that 2004 Elections Enforcement Complaint for the same behavior in question, did you learn from that ? What 2004 complaint, I don't recall any complaint. Oh , that paper, yes that is my signature on there, but I don't recall the complaint or any fine. Oh yes your honor,now that you ask, it is starting to come back to me, now.

I do think it might be time for an FOI request for John Rose's law license, I'm wondering if he really is an attorney. I'm starting to think he may have just played one on TV at some point.

Reminiscent of President Bush after Katrina with his FEMA director, I just want to walk up to John Rose tomorrow in court, pat him on the back and just say "You are doing a heck of a job Rosie"

MORE DEMOCRATS SUING DEMOCRATS, DO THE LAWS ONLY APPLY TO REPUBLICANS?

I usually only focus on Hartford issues, but this one intrigues me as to how it will eventually play out.

The issue of whether Susan Bysiewicz is qualified to run as a candidate for Attorney General will soon be playing out in court and decided by a Superior Court judge, at least to start. Who know how far the appeals will go depending which side wins on the ruling.

It seems that the Republican's have now jumped into the fray and hired their own attorney to make sure their interests are represented.

In the meantime, the Hartford Democratic squabble over primary petition's should conclude tomorrow as Judge Peck is expected to rule on the matter.

In the meantime, feel free to read why Susan Bysiewicz,as an individual, is suing her own party and her own party's chairperson.

Maybe John Rose will be available to "second chair" with the Bysiewicz legal team, he could use the extra money to pay his proposed FOI fines.

Bysiewicz Suit

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

FOI COMMISSION PROPOSES $1,000 FINE AGAINST HARTFORD CORPORATION COUNSEL JOHN ROSE


In response to an FOIA complaint that I filed against Hartford Corporation Counsel John Rose, the hearing officer has ruled in my favor and has proposed a $1,000 fine against John Rose.

The proposed Final Decision will be presented to the full Freedom of Information Commission for their adoption on April 14, 2010 at 2:00PM at their regularly scheduled meeting.

The complaint was submitted after Rose refused to release documents to me regarding the investigation and termination of Hartford Police Officer Matthew Secore. The documents I was able to obtain through another source can be viewed here on a previous post.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL SECORE POSTING AND REVIEW THE DOCUMENTS

The full decision can be read below. The decision pretty much speaks for itself but it seems clear that the hearing officer and the FOI Commission may have finally reached their boiling point for Mr.Rose and his disregard for the release of public documents. The report also mentions Mr. Rose's disregard for the commission's orders and his refusal to co-operate with them.

The decision even goes so far as to say that Rose "is the individual who is the official who is directly responsible for the denial of the complainant's rights to a fair hearing in this matter. It is further found that the denial of such right was without reasonable grounds." In this matter I am the complainant.

As far as FOI decisions go, this one is quite clear and uses rather strong language detailing Rose's improper and unlawful actions. The assessment of a $1000.00 fine is a huge matter for the Commission. I can't recall a fine that large from FOI. They usually prefer to educate individuals rather than fine them.

I guess educating only goes so far and when you have someone that remains ignorant to the law, getting their attention with hefty fines may be the only recourse. The fines assessed against Rose are paid by him, not the City's taxpayers. It's bad enough we have to pay his salary.

Unfortunately in true John Rose fashion, he will most likely appeal any decision to the Superior Court. If he runs true to fashion, he'll have no trouble spending $100,000 of our money to appeal rather than pay a $1,000 fine.

And if you haven't watched the video clip following the document below, it will tell you everything you need to know about John Rose and his disregard for the public.

THE FOI COMMISSION PROPOSED FINAL DECISION IS BELOW
FOI Proposed Final Decision Rose-Secore

ROSE ON VIDEO

Friday, February 19, 2010

THIS WEEK ON "1 HARTFORD"




This week our guest is Hartford City Councilman Luis Cotto.

Stan McCauley, Bishop John Selder and myself discuss issues facing Hartford, including the upcoming budget cycle.

Councilman Cotto and I have had our disagreements, but I have to admit this was a very candid and frank discussion.

Take a look, and if you have any suggestions for someone you would like to see as a guest, let us know.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS WEEK'S PROGRAM

IT'S OFFICIAL WFSB'S LEN BESTHOFF PROMOTED TO HARTFORD BUREAU CHIEF



Today it became official, someone that I respect and have learned much from has been appointed as the first Hartford Bureau Chief for WFSB Channel 3.

After Channel 3 left Hartford (or was driven out, depending on the version of the story) many people commented that 3's commitment to Hartford stories seemed to change and more focus was placed on the suburban news. That may be true, but all of that may be changing soon.

Channel 3 has promoted Len to the position of Bureau Chief and has re-enforced their commitment to covering Hartford. In the announcement today by WFSB News Director Dana Neves she pointed to Len's "many sources in Hartford and the surrounding towns". Neves further stated that Channel 3 hopes that "he will utilize those contacts and build many more that will allow he and the station to continue to break news and have exclusive angles. He will also continue to be a strong part of the I-Team".

I have personally known Len for several years now and he played a key role in me actually starting this blog. I have found Len to be one of the most ethical and truthful people I have met. Although the subjects of his reports may not always appreciate his digging, the one thing that has always impressed me about his style is that he digs as hard to verify information as he does to uncover both sides of a story. That may not make some in Hartford comfortable knowing he is focusing on Hartford full time, but it should definitely make for many more interesting stories and I-Team investigations.

Before arriving in Hartford, Len worked for WRAL in Raleigh, North Carolina. That might explain a lot as far as his mannerisms and anecdotes. My favorite is " even a blind squirrel occasionally finds a nut" when he tries to explain someone getting lucky.

According to Neves "Len will be based out of the Connecticut Science Center, his new assignment begins in mid-March."

Congratulations Len, well deserved. You are a huge asset to Channel 3 and to the people of Hartford bringing out the information you do.

For those not familiar with Len, here's a classic clip of him in action:

TOUGH DECISION FOR THE TITLE- ANOTHER JOHN ROSE MOMENT OR THEATER OF THE WEIRD?


Today was the first day of testimony in the complaint brought to Superior Court by the 5th District Democratic Town Committee challenge slate aka the "Kirkley-Bey" slate.

Contrary to what many believe, I actually do work for a living and I was unable to attend the morning session. But from sources that were there, it started off slow. In typical John Rose style, he filed a "Motion to Strike". This was Rose's attempt to end everything before it started. No dice with the Judge, she denied the motion.

For anyone not familiar with Rose's style, when he has no defense he attempts to bury the proceedings in ridiculous motions. I'm sure there will be something submitted when court reconvenes on Tuesday.

A couple of sources in the courtroom were concerned that the plaintiff's attorney was not being aggressive enough in the AM session and the Judge appeared to be somewhat confused by the subject matter.

As a side note, William Beckerman, the alleged arsonist currently on trial for, umm, allegedly torching his home has been the talk of many for his "hairpiece". Beckerman has apparently started a trend in the Hartford courts by sporting his jet black toupee atop his head. Lovely wigs were being sported by some of those who turned out today to put their best foot forward as they sat and watched the proceedings. An almost festive air seeped through the courtroom as the two passed around their zip-lock bag of penny candy to the Giles slate supporters. Grandma, you didn't share with me?

I arrived in time for the start of the afternoon session, prepared to witness a depressing scene of John Rose winning his arguments. Well, those that thought the plaintiff's attorney was sluggish in the morning were able to witness his caffeine kick into overdrive in the afternoon. And the Judge who seemed confused became a quick learner I guess and appeared on point throughout the afternoon.

The afternoon started out with John Rose arguing that this suit shouldn't be heard because only the 5th District was complaining. Rose argued that the petition problem was far greater and wasn't just in the 5th District, it was citywide. HUH? Did I just hear that right. It almost sounds like a defense attorney arguing that his client should not have been arrested yet because he only robbed one bank and there are banks citywide he hasn't robbed yet.

The cross examination of Marc DiBella continued for a while longer with Attorney Sweeney making several objections against Rose's questioning, most of which the Judge, Judge Peck, agreed with and sustained.

After another "comfort break" which lasted longer than expected, testimony resumed with City Clerk John Bazzano taking the stand. Bazzano's testimony was precise as to his actions in handling the primary petitions when they were delivered to his office as required by law. He testified that the petitions were turned over to him and stored in the vault. Bazzano testified that on January 27, 2010, he was approached in the early afternoon by Marc DiBella and was advised that Dibella had found a potential problem with the "Giles" slates primary petitions.

When questioned as to what he did, Bazzano testified that he called the Secretary of the State's office and spoke with a staff attorney, Ted Bromley. Bazzano explained the situation to Bromley and Bromley responded to Bazzano by e-mail. Bazzano then outlined a timeline that appeared to torpedo the defense by Vazquez and Rose. Bazzano stated that Bromley responded to his request almost immediately, but that it wasn't until 3:30PM that he got back to his office and read the e-mail.

After reading the e-mail, Bazzano testified that at 3:45PM to 3:50PM he went downstairs to the Registrar's Office and advised the Democratic Registrar that she "had a problem". He stated that he "didn't recall" having a further conversation other than outlining the problem and then returning to his office.

Bazzano then was asked what happened next and he testified that at approximately 4:00PM Democratic Deputy Registrar Gary Coleman came to his office and told Bazzano that he needed "all" of the petitions back. Bazzano gave him the petitions and Coleman left the Clerks Office. Bazzano also testified that he had looked at the petitions before they left his office, and many were incomplete.

This was in line with the testimony offered earlier by DiBella and substantiated by his copies, that many of the petitions were incomplete.

The 4:00PM time frame is important because in Bromley's e-mail to Bazzano he stated that any changes or corrections made to the petitions after the 4:00PM deadline would not be valid and the petitions should be rejected.

Judge Peck seemed to make a point of Bazzano's timeline as though she clearly understands the 4:00PM deadline. So much for that confusion people thought earlier. The Judge even went so far as to ask Bazzano to repeat his timeline testimony so that she "had it clear" in her head.

Next up was cross examination by Rose. More objections, and more ridiculous by Rose. He even went so far at one point to ask Bazzano if he knew the boundaries of the 5th District. I don't think anyone in the court understood that line of questioning, but then again, it is John Rose. During the cross examination, Judge Peck even stopped Rose at one point and read the section in question, Section C, word for word.

It seemed as if she was trying to advise Rose to stop wasting her and the courts time because his argument was not at all in line with the wording of the form. With the typical arrogance that is John Rose, he stood with his arms folded across his chest as if to beckon the question to the Judge "do you know who I am?". I would say she clearly does and has him figured out.

Testimony will resume on Tuesday at 10:00AM barring a snow day.

Next up: Attorney Ted Bromley from the Secretary of the State's Office