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Friday, February 26, 2010

NO DECISION YET IN 5TH DISTRICT SUIT



What does a Snicker's bar have to do with a courtcase? Read on, you won't believe it.

Hartford's Theater of the bizarre played out another act this morning in Hartford Superior Court before Judge Peck.

In what many had thought would be a session for Judge Peck to announce her ruling, it was instead an opportunity for both sides to respond to more motions filed by Hartford Corporation Counsel John Rose. The motions were apparently additional acts by Rose (aka Rosie) to get the suit thrown out.

One of the issues is Rose's claim that the Court doesn't have jurisdiction over the matter. Judge Peck responded to Rose from the bench that she was not sure a "what your claim of lack of jurisdiction is" and further stated to Rose that "the plaintiff sufficiently established jurisdiction".

The lawyer for the plaintiff's, Attorney Sweeney, stated during his arguments that the testimony by Democratic Registrar of Voters Olga Vazquez was "incredulous". Sweeney further stated that Vazquez's actions and testimony raised "very large questions of conflict of interest by Vazquez" and also "raises issues of credibility".

The Democratic Registrar of Voters and her Deputy almost seemed unaware that they were in a courtroom. Vazquez sat in the front row, appearing to be texting for a large part of the proceedings oblivious to the testimony. Vazquez's Deputy Registrar Garry Coleman, who also sat in the front row, seemed so bored by the whole process of questioning "Garry's Law". So bored that at one point he pulled a Snickers bar out of his pocket and proceeded to unwrap the candy bar and sit there and eat it, constantly playing with and crackling the wrapper as he ate his mid-morning snack.

Judge Peck assured everyone that her written decision would be rendered by Monday at noon, if not sooner. I hate to see the entertainment end.

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: