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Tuesday, April 14, 2015

SPANKED

The Hartford City Council got a very expensive lesson in democracy today at the hands of  Superior Court  Judge Constance Epstein. I say expensive because the only ones who have benefited from the legal battle over removing Hartford's Registrars are the attorneys. Probably upwards of $300,000  has already been spent and the battle isn't over.

The price tag will continue to rise as a result of the dangerous path this incompetent Council has taken us down. Will the Registrars now file legal suits for irreparable harm done to their professional reputations by Wooden and the Council's actions. Imagine what that pricetag could be

I have been pretty vocal , even here on the blog that I thought the process of removing an elected official duly chosen by the voters was a dangerous proposition. Further more it seemed improper to me that the same body that determined the charges was then going o sit in judgement of the alleged offenders and  if they determined guilt they would then determine the punishment. The term Judge , Jury and Executioner comes to mind. And I have never spent a day in law school, unlike several of our Councilpeople , as well as their buddies they brought in as "experts" to advise them at significant expense to Hartford's taxpayers.

Why would the Council ever think it was advisable to take the advice of the author of Hartford's Charter to now interpret it and naturally claim he was correct when it was presented to the voters of Hartford years ago . Did they really think he would say "I was wrong, the Charter is flawed" Come on, he's a lawyer.

Luckily, in the initial evaluation, Judge Epstein got it right. Apparently she didn't get her law degree from Walmart like the rest of them.

I was amazed last month when I asked Council President Wooden if there was any estimate of what the Registrar's impeachment could potentially cost. Had anyone thought about the impact before they embarked on their actions. His answer was a quick "NO". Is that responsible stewardship of the taxpayers dollars? I would say not.

WHO IS THE ZACCO GROUP?

Apparently there was a brush up last night between Councilman DeJesus and an indignant Council President Shawn Wooden. The incident arose over a question Dejesus raised on agenda item 3, a resolution to give a City owned building on Broad Street to the Zacco Group for $1.00. Yes you read that right,  one dollar. The issue arose when Dejesus questioned who the Zacco Group is and why we are giving them a property for $1.00. Apparently the Council President felt that Councilman Dejesus had no reason to question his vote . We all know that this Council under Wooden is supposed to blindly follow and rubber stamp the Segarra agenda.

 There is still no answer as to who the Zacco Group is and why Segarra feels obligated to give them the Broad Street property for almost nothing The lot is too small for a baseball stadium so who knows.

Congratulations to Councilman Dejesus for attempting to protect the interests of the voters who put him there. Shame on Council President Wooden for being a roadblock to the Democratic process.

Monday, April 13, 2015

BUSINESS AS USUAL

Take a look at the mandatory filings that were required to be submitted by Friday for Mayoral candidates. One look will tell you why Hartford is the financial mess that it is.

The long shot candidate, Working Family Party Councilman Joel Cruz claims that he has raised
$4800.00 so far, of which he has spent all but $150.00. He also claims expenses in excess of $9800.00 It kind of sounds like the way the Hartford City Budget is run, where expenses far exceed income.

Good job Councilman Cruz, keep it up and I am sure there will be a spot waiting for you on Hartford's Management and Budget Committee

Here is a link to Steve Goode's story in the Courant.

 The itemized filings from each candidate will be posted here later in the week and you will be able to see for yourself where the support is coming from

A LEADER AND A FOLLOWER

One of those in the picture is a leader that makes us all proud, the other one not so much. One of those in the picture belongs at the rally, the other one needed to get a pass to hang around his neck to be admitted ( photo Shelly Sindland, facebook)

Friday, April 10, 2015

COUNCIL LEADERSHIP WORKING TO BUY OFF REGISTRARS

It just never ends. According to City Hall sources and at least one Councilperson familiar with the situation, a deal is in the works to buy off Hartford's three registrar's to avoid impeachment hearings. The deal to accept the $50,000 payment apparently is being offered until 4:00PM today. Apparently, according to the sources, at least one of the Registrars has accepted the deal

It is unclear why the Council majority is taking the steps for the buy out. It would seem that if the Council felt that they had the probable cause to begin the process, following through with the hearings should not be a problem. Apparently though, the Constitutionality of removing elected is now before a Superior Court Judge and the council is now less confident of their position. This is after the process has potentially cost the taxpayers of Hartford upwards  of $100,000for attorneys fee

Only in Hartford. I guess we are just lucky we have this extra  money to squander.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

GOVERNOR MALLOY ANNOUNCES UCONN PARADE AND RALLY FOR SUNDAY

GOV. MALLOY ANNOUNCES VICTORY PARADE AND RALLY HONORING UCONN WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TO BE HELD THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 12 IN HARTFORD

Parade Kicks Off at 3PM, Followed by Rally at the XL Center

 

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the Hartford Business Improvement District, the City of Hartford and the State of Connecticut will host a victory parade and rally in downtown Hartford on Sunday, April 12, 2015 to congratulate the UConn Women’s Basketball team for winning the 2015 NCAA Basketball National Championship.

 

The parade begins at 3:00 p.m. at the State Capitol building and will be followed by a victory rally on Trumbull Street, directly in front of the XL Center at approximately 3:30 p.m.

 

Parade and rally organizers are relying on private donations to finance the festivities.

 

“The UConn Women’s Basketball team, led by Head Coach Geno Auriemma, has for the third year in a row shown the nation that the spirit and strength of college basketball resides in Connecticut,” Governor Malloy said.  “On Sunday, let’s show the team how proud we are of their success by honoring them with a victory celebration they will remember for a lifetime.”

 

The Governor specifically thanked the Hartford Business Improvement District for once again hosting this event, organizing its sponsors, and giving the residents of Connecticut an opportunity to celebrate another national championship from our state.

 

Organizers continue to rely on private funds to support the parade and the rally.  This event is produced by the Hartford Business Improvement District, in collaboration with the City of Hartford and the State of Connecticut, and a number of civic and business organizations.  Businesses may choose from several sponsorship levels ranging from $10,000 to $2,500 or less.  To discuss parade sponsorship opportunities, quickly contact Michael Zaleski at the Hartford Business Improvement District at 860-728-2274 or email mzaleski@hartfordbid.com.

 

The parade route will begin at the State Capitol building on the corner of Trinity Street and Elm Street.  It will then proceed down Elm Street moving alongside Bushnell Park, turn north up Trumbull Street, and end at the XL Center, where the rally will be held.

 

 

MEDIA CREDENTIALS

 

Media credentials will be required to access the press risers (including mult box) on Trumbull Street across from the XL Center, and to enter the XL Center for interviews with the coaches, players and staff following the rally.

 

All requests for media credentials must be made via email by Friday, April 10 by 5:00 p.m.  To request credentials, email Patrick McKenna of the UConn Athletic Communications Office at patrick.mckenna@uconn.edu.

 

Once approved, credentials should be picked up on Sunday, April 12, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the press risers on Trumbull Street, across from the XL Center entrance.  On parade day, the credential pick-up contact is Laura Soll at 860-688-4499 or 860-833-4466, Lsoll@aol.com.

 

For information on media staging on downtown city streets, contact Lt. Chris Mefferd of the Hartford Police at meffc001@hartford.gov.