Letter of the week, 7/21/08: Why even have a Deputy Mayor?

[David]

Interim mayor
Editor:

After living and working in Meriden all my life, I thought I had seen and heard it all.

How ridiculous is it to have a deputy mayor position on Meriden City Council that does not automatically assume the mayor’s office when the elected mayor resigns? So why pay the deputy mayor for holding that position if he cannot serve as mayor when needed?

It’s troubling enough that our recently reelected mayor left office after serving just 6 months of his latest 24-month term; now, the sitting deputy mayor is being passed-over for another party patron after serving less than a month as interim mayor.

Meriden’s Democrats have been fortunate over the years to be able to amend the City Charter to provide for the closed appointment of one of their own party as mayor. This is just another good reason for initiating Charter revision in Meriden again, like Wallingford and Southington Concerned Citizens are presently doing.

And please don’t insult Meriden voters by trying to pass these party appointees off as the new mayor and councilor “elect.” Meriden’s voters didn’t elect them; we never had the chance. We need real change in our city, and these two, lock-step Democratic Party appointees certainly won’t provide that!

Deputy Mayor Dominello has the experience, political savvy and concern for us seniors to enthusiastically represent Meriden as our interim mayor until the 2009 municipal elections. Remember, he’s already served as mayor years ago. Matt deserves better than this from his fellow Democrats. No politician believes in Meriden’s citizens and future more than Matt Dominello; he should be appointed our interim mayor.
MARY MICOWSKI, MERIDEN

[Snooks]

It is my understanding that Matt did not want the job. The real problem is not having term limits. Two terms (8yrs) should be the limit. We now have councilors who have been there way too long, they forget that they were elected to represent ALL the people. Have you seen any resolutions that bring new ideas and policies to the council? The only one I recall in recent months is Trevor Thorpe's resolution to create an Open Space Zone....yep...he is a new councilor.

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

It is my understanding that Matt did not want the job. The real problem is not having term limits. Two terms (8yrs) should be the limit. We now have councilors who have been there way too long, they forget that they were elected to represent ALL the people. Have you seen any resolutions that bring new ideas and policies to the council? The only one I recall in recent months is Trevor Thorpe's resolution to create an Open Space Zone....yep...he is a new councilor.


I agree if our president only stays eights what is wrong with limited the mayor. Maybe allow the council 12 years, that would be three terms and get rid of staggered elections and put everyone up for election every four years as opposed to an election every two years with only half the council.

[Falls Plain Resident]

I moved to Meriden about 20 years ago. I thought that I knew I was a Democrat, even a very liberal Democrat, having come from Jack, Bobby, and Teddy Kennedy's Massachusetts.

Lo and behold, when I began reading what the local council members were up to, I wondered if I hadn't gotten things wrong all these years!

I discovered Council members spending like they thought they were in Greenwich, money set aside for education like they were preparing future Ivy Leaguers, and saw my taxes go up and up every year. In fact, one year when I re-financed my house, I saw the complete savings I had achieved eaten up by the tax increase!

Yet little of the crazy spending ever benefited ME. I became disabled shortly after I bought my house and have no children. It has been a struggle to keep my home, believe me! So I used to go NUTS every time I watched the Council Meetings, heard them discussing which ballfield needed new grass, who needed big lights, who deserved to have their property bought by the City, where the "miscellaneous" spending seemed to be based on who one's friends were, not what was necessary in a city where many people are moderate or lower income citizens.

I heard justifications for why city employees needed to be furnished with cars, who got free gas, who kept the car all weekend. I heard all caution of setting dangerous precedents cast into the wind. I heard my suggestion for including garabage collection in the outer region of the city in exchange for a teeny tax increase (thereby making it ALL tax deductable) turned down out of fear of "putting the Meriden garbage collectors out of business". (Are there in fact any???)

I have come to realize that this city is backwards in its politics. Those who I thought would want to be of assistance to the elderly and disabled and poor here in Meriden are busy pushing us out of our homes with higher and higher taxes to pay for extravagant luxuries for the few.

It doesn't surprise me that we have unnecessary jobs around city hall. It's just been a HUGE surprise who supports them!

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

I was watching the 07/21/2008 council meeting where they swore in Mike Rhode and Dante Bartolomeo. They said that Dante expressed an interest and qualified for the seat because she was a registered Democrat. I checked the most recent voter list that I have which is the 2005 list and I saw that she was Unaffiliated back then. She must have recently switched he party affiliation. Her voting record kind of stinks. She was eligible in 2001 but never voted, she voted in 2002, she voted in 2003 and she was eligible to vote but never did in 2004. I wonder how she voted or if she voted in 2005, 2006 & 2007.

Unbelievable!

I love party politics.

[alwaysright]

this new woman was chosen because she will fall right into lockstep with the other robots. As a lifelong, extremely liberal Democrat( I make liberals look like right wingers) I have to say I am ashamed at the council in Murdin. Yes men to a mini tyrant in the form of Kogut on finance, a new mayor who doesn't want the public to speak at meetings, several who say NOTHING at all at meetings and a few with maybe a couple of ideas. Repulsive.
To top it off they are as sure of the great futuire of downtown as little george was of going to war- and we all can see that mistake. Term limits, EVERY seat should be at large so no one gets entrenched and no closed door decisions. Not likely- just a wish list.

[ringmaster]

You're right. Mrs Bartolameo was an unaffiliated voter. However, she fought for all day kindergarten and universal healthcare. That makes her okay in my book. How about Ghidini's voting record. He missed voting in 02 , 03, 05 and 06. Seems like he only votes in Presidential campaigns until the year he ran. At least he voted for himself that year! :rolleyes:

[alwaysright]

That guy is a total joke. He can't win at solitare, never mind get elected. A cry baby on top of it.

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

You're right. Mrs Bartolameo was an unaffiliated voter. However, she fought for all day kindergarten and universal healthcare. That makes her okay in my book. How about Ghidini's voting record. He missed voting in 02 , 03, 05 and 06. Seems like he only votes in Presidential campaigns until the year he ran. At least he voted for himself that year! :rolleyes:


I'm not sure what Ghidini has to do with anything, he is nothing more than a windbag who leads a hapless political party and the last I knew he was a republican and the seat could only be filled by a democrat. The point I was trying to make is that Dante Bartolomeo claims to Love her community so much but has rarely voted to change it. She said that she is a democrat but never says for how long, 1 year, 1 month, 2 months, was changing her party affiliation a prerequisite to her being appointed?, is the ink even dry on her voter registration card? I think there is much more to the story than meets the eye. When I learn things like this it disturbs me just as when Brian Daniels ran for the City Council. There's a guy who ran around saying vote for me, vote for me, I'm a democrat but what he never told anyone is that he too was an unaffiliated voter who switched his party affiliation to democrat just so he could run on the democrat ticket. I think these types of politicians really show their true character when they tell the voters half the story about their party affiliation. Or perhaps they are the types of politicians who tell the voters what they think they want to hear. Since you obviously seem to be familiar with Dante Bartolomeo perhaps you can enlighten us as to how she fought for all day kindergarten and universal healthcare.

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

You're right. Mrs Bartolameo was an unaffiliated voter. However, she fought for all day kindergarten and universal healthcare. That makes her okay in my book. How about Ghidini's voting record. He missed voting in 02 , 03, 05 and 06. Seems like he only votes in Presidential campaigns until the year he ran. At least he voted for himself that year! :rolleyes:


In fact he so hapless he probably voted for Gordon or Williams. :)

[whalers44]

I agree with always right, everyone who runs for the council should be an at-large-seat. If councilors are going to make decisions for the whole city, why then can't i vote for every seat and not just my area or certain at large seats. It should be a wide open election something like the BOE seats which needs a complete revamping next election also, but this will need a charter change. Meriden needs a change in every direction

[S_Meriden60]

You're right. Mrs Bartolameo was an unaffiliated voter. However, she fought for all day kindergarten and universal healthcare. That makes her okay in my book.

This is what scares me, all day daycare....I mean, all day kindergarten. Who is going to pay for that?
Then add more breakfast and free lunch for these new kids. It never ends.
Now the B.O.E. has found a way to get another councilor to vote for it.

:mad:

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

I agree with always right, everyone who runs for the council should be an at-large-seat. If councilors are going to make decisions for the whole city, why then can't i vote for every seat and not just my area or certain at large seats. It should be a wide open election something like the BOE seats which needs a complete revamping next election also, but this will need a charter change. Meriden needs a change in every direction


I also agree with alwaysright, every seat should be at large. The council makes decisions that affect all of us so why not vote for all of them. The argument that one area would get all the councilors and all the spoils is ridiculous, an at large candidate has the whole city as their constituents and would have to answer accordingly.

[ringmaster]

There are area representatives in the state's House or Representatives and Senate. There are also districts in the US House and Senate. How is this any different? They also vote on issues that affect me.
Anyone in favor of all at large seats is simply advocating for minimum party representaion.

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

There are area representatives in the state's House or Representatives and Senate. There are also districts in the US House and Senate. How is this any different? They also vote on issues that affect me.
Anyone in favor of all at large seats is simply advocating for minimum party representation.


Are you seriously arguing that Meriden is as large as the areas you mentioned in your quote. Area represenention arose out of a fear of provincial politics and larger areas (states) dominating smaller areas. A primary example in Meriden is councilor Salafia. He is a one of the strongest supporters of downtown even though that is not his area. Do you really believe that Salafia's support for downtown would change if he was elected at large. Not only does he advocate for downtown, he also advocates for his area, he is a primary example of what an all at large council would be. You obviously lack a historical prospective of why area representation was implemented. Minority party representation is irrelevant to me since I am unaffiliated as are the majority of the voters in Meriden. The fact that you bring this issue up reveals more about your reasoning for area representation than anything else.

[JJGIII]

You're right. Mrs Bartolameo was an unaffiliated voter. However, she fought for all day kindergarten and universal healthcare. That makes her okay in my book. How about Ghidini's voting record. He missed voting in 02 , 03, 05 and 06. Seems like he only votes in Presidential campaigns until the year he ran. At least he voted for himself that year! :rolleyes:


I am glad you are so concerned about my voting record. Even though I have posted nothing in this thread. Just for your information Ringmaster. You have in fact published the voting record of my father. A man who has never run for office or posted in this forum. I am not sure he would appreciate someone such as your self making judgments about his voting habits. So I am glad to see that you are such a ringmaster you do not even know your facts. The next thing you should do is check my actual voting record since as this post now exists it is defamatory at the worse and a tort of false light at a minimum. Since I offered you the opportunity to correct this via a private email which you ignored, I can only assume you want to stand or as the case maybe fall on your facts as they now exist.

Sincerely

John J. Ghidini III

[JJGIII]

In fact he so hapless he probably voted for Gordon or Williams. :)

Your comments do not even warrant a reply and in fact I regret that I even wasted my time composing this sentence in reply to you.

[ringmaster]

As with any endorsement process there is a screening process. If you had actually listened to what Dante said you'd know that she was a member of Children's First Initiative. Working with David Radcliff she researched the issue of all day k and made presentations before the BOE and the city council. She also organized parents to advocate on behalf of all day kindgarten. In issue with overwhelming support in our community. She's applied those same organizing skills in her work with the HealthCare4All coalition.

In addition to her work on these issues she is vice president of the Nathan Hale PTO. Do you have an issue with that as well. Give her some credit she's actually given back to her community. Advocating on behalf of issues she believes in. That's more than most people do.

My point with Ghidini is --if you're going to hold one candidate to a certain standard you should hold all of them to that same standard. ;)

[ringmaster]

How can I forget my reply to Ghidini??? My info is not wrong; maybe imput incorrectly by the registrar of voters. Unless your dad is 35 years old, I assume it's you.:rolleyes:

[David]

Please maintain a civil tone and address one another respectfully, no matter how contentious an issue may be. Avoid ad hominem attacks and name-calling.

One post was removed by this moderator, the other by the original issuer.

Let the dialogue be robust and full, but without personal barbs. Thank you, all.

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

As with any endorsement process there is a screening process. If you had actually listened to what Dante said you'd know that she was a member of Children's First Initiative. Working with David Radcliff she researched the issue of all day k and made presentations before the BOE and the city council. She also organized parents to advocate on behalf of all day kindgarten. In issue with overwhelming support in our community. She's applied those same organizing skills in her work with the HealthCare4All coalition.

In addition to her work on these issues she is vice president of the Nathan Hale PTO. Do you have an issue with that as well. Give her some credit she's actually given back to her community. Advocating on behalf of issues she believes in. That's more than most people do.

My point with Ghidini is --if you're going to hold one candidate to a certain standard you should hold all of them to that same standard. ;)

Your point with Ghidini makes no point. I do not particular like the guy or think that he has any valid points, but I asked questions about Dante's background. Her list of credentials are impressive but when did she switch the party affiliation. If you are going to compare candidates, what about Brunet, Williams, Thorp, Daniels, Plienes, Bennett, McParland, etc. It seems to me that the Dems find little robots that will tow the party line regardless of the affiliation. By the way, always right pretty amusing post until it was removed.

And where is your response to at large voting in Meriden. Come on Ringmaster, you are starting to look more like Miguel Cotto then Antonio Margarito

[JJGIII]

Please maintain a civil tone and address one another respectfully, no matter how contentious an issue may be. Avoid ad hominem attacks and name-calling.

One post was removed by this moderator, the other by the original issuer.

Let the dialogue be robust and full, but without personal barbs. Thank you, all.

Please do not censurer anyone on my behalf. There is always some internal reason why a person resorts to name calling and ad hominem attacks. Let the people post what they want. I put no weight in the attacks of anonymous posters.

John J. Ghidini III

[ringmaster]

My point regarding voting records was a simple response to your questioning another councilors record in your 7/27 post. It was nothing personal. As I stated earlier, if we're going to check record's; check everyone's record.

As for at large districts: I voted for Cathy Abercrombie years ageo when she ran for BOE and due to at large districting I was basically told my vote didn't count. She won the election but was not allowed to serve because at large seats means there has to be minimum party representation. Some democracy! I thought evey vote was supposed to count. :confused:

[EastSideres]

My point regarding voting records was a simple response to your questioning another councilors record in your 7/27 post. It was nothing personal. As I stated earlier, if we're going to check record's; check everyone's record.

As for at large districts: I voted for Cathy Abercrombie years ageo when she ran for BOE and due to at large districting I was basically told my vote didn't count. She won the election but was not allowed to serve because at large seats means there has to be minimum party representation. Some democracy! I thought evey vote was supposed to count. :confused:


I agree with ringmaster regarding at large districting. People who advocate eveyone running at large are in fact advocating minimum party representation. It goes against the principle that the candidate with the most votes win. I certainly would be chargrined that a candidate I voted for lost because of minimum party representation wins. The WTP and the Republican Party in this situation really would not have to motivate themselves to work on behalf of their candidate knowing that one of their candidates will win without lifting a finger. Forgive me if I sound smug but that is the way I see it

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

My point regarding voting records was a simple response to your questioning another councilors record in your 7/27 post. It was nothing personal. As I stated earlier, if we're going to check record's; check everyone's record.

As for at large districts: I voted for Cathy Abercrombie years ageo when she ran for BOE and due to at large districting I was basically told my vote didn't count. She won the election but was not allowed to serve because at large seats means there has to be minimum party representation. Some democracy! I thought evey vote was supposed to count. :confused:

Ringmaster,

Again you really should check your facts before posting now you are claiming that Cathy Abercrombie won the Board of Education election but lost due to the minority representation rule. Well, I have to tell that I went into the Record Journal archives and I found that she lost without the minority representation rule (or sending out a letter accusing her opponent of being a racist, Dems always for the people). In other words she outright lost!. Below is a clip about the story from the archives. Before you say it, there wasn't two elections that year for the Board of Education and the Record Journal did get it right, She outright lost! It would appear that you are not even the master of your own domain.

Author: Diahara Traore Diarra, Record-Journal staff
Chris French / Record-Journal
Publish Date: November 7, 2001
Word Count: 600
Document ID: 10F550E725262FFF
MERIDEN - For the first time in 10 years, two Republicans secured seats on the Board of Education without help of the minority representation rule, despite the strong hold Democrats still have on city government. Residents re-elected Democratic incumbents Frank Kogut, Roy Gooding and Noreen Aresco-Tow. Republicans Leonard Suzio and Scott Hozebin secured school board seats in their own right. Suzio was the third highest vote-getter with 6,637 votes.

[ringmaster]

You are indeed correct! Cathy did lose that year. I love the way you point it out with a story that starts by saying "For the first time in ten years".

That gives merit to my argument. For years people were put into office that never earned the vote of the Meriden residents. That only happens through minimum party representation. If at-large seats were implemented the law requires minimum party representation. Why hand over seats to people who are unwilling to gain the support of taxpayers? Look up the RJ archives for 2005 when Mike Reynolds won but gave his seat up to Scott Hovebin. At least that's how I remember it.:D

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

You are indeed correct! Cathy did lose that year. I love the way you point it out with a story that starts by saying "For the first time in ten years".

That gives merit to my argument. For years people were put into office that never earned the vote of the Meriden residents. That only happens through minimum party representation. If at-large seats were implemented the law requires minimum party representation. Why hand over seats to people who are unwilling to gain the support of taxpayers? Look up the RJ archives for 2005 when Mike Reynolds won but gave his seat up to Scott Hovebin. At least that's how I remember it.:D

Ringmaster,

With all due respect your argument has no Merit! Like with Abercrombie it would appear that Mike Reynolds also Lost the 2005 election outright and was later appointed by the democrats to fill the remainder of Trevor Thorpe's Board of Education seat after Trevor Thorpe won a seat on the City Council. See RJ story archive below.

I am however glad to see that you are starting to come around by saying; "For years people were put into office that never earned the vote of the Meriden residents" This is exactly my earlier point about Dante Bartolomeo as well as other seats that have filled by the democrats over the years. You might want to take some ginseng for your memory issues. Unless of course you are simply a revisionists and would prefer to twist history to fit you recollection of. You have railed against minority representation but have yet to point to any instance where your vote did not count.



4.) No Headline
Author: Bill Yelenak Record-Journal staff
Publish Date: December 2, 2005
Word Count: 466
Document ID: 113CC935DBF28071

MERIDEN - Two Democratic Board of Education candidates who were narrowly defeated in last month's municipal election are expected to fill vacant seats on the board in the near future, according to Town Committee Chairman Frank Cirillo.

Michael P. Reynolds will replace City Councilor-elect Trevor Thorpe when he resigns from the school board on Monday, and German Bermudez is expected to be named to serve out the remainder of William M. Lutz's term when the 14-year

[ringmaster]

Geez, so sarcastic! Seems I hit a sore spot. The newspaper clip your referring to was after the fact. I'll double check but I don't believe Scott Hozebin earned his seat on the council. Reynolds was appointed to fill a vacancy but only because he had the votes to start with.
We can take take Mike Reynolds out of the equation. You were the one who posted a clip stating that for the first time in ten years the Republicans won their seats without having to rely on minimum party representation.
I didn't have to give a circumstance when the publics vote didn't count becasue you did it for me. :D How do you explain what happened for those 10 years prior to 2001?:confused:

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

Geez, so sarcastic! Seems I hit a sore spot. The newspaper clip your referring to was after the fact. I'll double check but I don't believe Scott Hozebin earned his seat on the council. Reynolds was appointed to fill a vacancy but only because he had the votes to start with.
We can take take Mike Reynolds out of the equation. You were the one who posted a clip stating that for the first time in ten years the Republicans won their seats without having to rely on minimum party representation.
I didn't have to give a circumstance when the publics vote didn't count becasue you did it for me. :D How do you explain what happened for those 10 years prior to 2001?:confused:

Must I do this again. You throw these small combinations but nothing that goes anywhere. So one more time. Like with Abercrombie it would appear that Mike Reynolds also Lost the 2005 election outright and was later appointed by the democrats to fill the remainder of Trevor Thorpe's Board of Education seat after Trevor Thorpe won a seat on the City Council. See RJ story archive below.

I am however glad to see that you are starting to come around by saying; "For years people were put into office that never earned the vote of the Meriden residents" This is exactly my earlier point about Dante Bartolomeo as well as other seats that have been filled by the democrats over the years. So is your point that is to okay for your party to mess with demomcracy?

This was call a knock out combination because you proved my exact points by all your own arguments and facts. Congratulations, you have been cross examined and forced to supply our opponent with his support. Good job Ringmaster. ;)



4.) No Headline
Author: Bill Yelenak Record-Journal staff
Publish Date: December 2, 2005
Word Count: 466
Document ID: 113CC935DBF28071
MERIDEN - Two Democratic Board of Education candidates who were narrowly defeated in last month's municipal election are expected to fill vacant seats on the board in the near future, according to Town Committee Chairman Frank Cirillo.
Michael P. Reynolds will replace City Councilor-elect Trevor Thorpe when he resigns from the school board on Monday, and German Bermudez is expected to be named to serve out the remainder of William M. Lutz's term when the 14-year

[factsonly06450]

Must I do this again. You throw these small combinations but nothing that goes anywhere. So one more time. Like with Abercrombie it would appear that Mike Reynolds also Lost the 2005 election outright and was later appointed by the democrats to fill the remainder of Trevor Thorpe's Board of Education seat after Trevor Thorpe won a seat on the City Council. See RJ story archive below.



4.) No Headline
Author: Bill Yelenak Record-Journal staff
Publish Date: December 2, 2005
Word Count: 466
Document ID: 113CC935DBF28071
MERIDEN - Two Democratic Board of Education candidates who were narrowly defeated in last month's municipal election are expected to fill vacant seats on the board in the near future, according to Town Committee Chairman Frank Cirillo.
Michael P. Reynolds will replace City Councilor-elect Trevor Thorpe when he resigns from the school board on Monday, and German Bermudez is expected to be named to serve out the remainder of William M. Lutz's term when the 14-year

That is incorrect. Reynolds vote total was higher than Hozbein's. Hozbein was elected only because of the minority representation rule. The vote totals were as follows:

Michael Cardona- 5440, Barbara Sokol- 5440, Frank Kogut- 4717, Leonard Suzio- 4623, Michael Reynolds- 4568, Scott Hozbein- 4321, German Bermudez- 4188, Joan Edgerly- 3983, Salvatore Scarpati- 3333, Natasha Clark- 3159.

Cardona, Sokol and Kogut are all Democrats. On a nine member board, when all the members are elected at large, state law requires that no more than six of the members be members of the same political party. There were three Democratic incumbents, so only three Democrats could be elected. This meant that although Reynolds received more votes than Hozbein, he could not be elected because three other Democrats had higher vote totals. Hozbein, with the next highest vote total for a non-Democrat, was elected instead. The Record Journal article is correct only in the sense that Reynolds total was slightly less then Kogut's.

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

That is incorrect. Reynolds vote total was higher than Holbein's. Holbein was elected only because of the minority representation rule. The vote totals were as follows:

Michael Cardona- 5440, Barbara Sokol- 5440, Frank Kogut- 4717, Leonard Suzio- 4623, Michael Reynolds- 4568, Scott Hozbein- 4321, German Bermudez- 4188, Joan Edgerly- 3983, Salvatore Scarpati- 3333, Natasha Clark- 3159.

Cardona, Sokol and Kogut are all Democrats. On a nine member board, when all the members are elected at large, state law requires that no more than six of the members be members of the same political party. There were three Democratic incumbents, so only three Democrats could be elected. This meant that although Reynolds received more votes than Hozbein, he could not be elected because three other Democrats had higher vote totals. Hozbein, with the next highest vote total for a non-Democrat, was elected instead. The Record Journal article is correct only in the sense that Reynolds total was slightly less then Kogut's.

Thanks for the those facts, now reconcile them with the point that Ringmaster was complaining that minority representation is un-democratic but appointing a person who hardly votes and just switched party affiliated is not. You missed the point, too subtle and attenuated (how many people have the democrats appointed in the last 5 years to elective office??, you are the fact man). Plus one final point, I never brought up minority representation, one word about charter revision and at large voting and the democrats went nutty. Never argue with a fanatic you always loose. So ringmaster you are supremely right, and just the facts you are infallible as well. I am going to enjoy a nice Rock Patel Vintage 1990, sit on the deck of my 3000 square home and enjoy the sounds of silence. Enjoy your evenings in your prospect enclaves of our great city. :)

[ringmaster]

You shouldn't believe everything you read in the RJ. Leave it to the an upset Republican living in a Democratic town to twist the facts. You may not have mentioned minimum party representation but you did mention all at large seats. State law requires minimum party representation if there are all at large seats. So I think its unfair to say things are being twisted. According to your reasoning it shameful to have the council fill a vacancy but it's alright to tell voters the person they voted for has to give up the seat for someone who didn't get the votes.
As for cross examining, keep it in the courtroom. Enjoy your night.

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

this new woman was chosen because she will fall right into lockstep with the other robots. As a lifelong, extremely liberal Democrat( I make liberals look like right wingers) I have to say I am ashamed at the council in Murdin. Yes men to a mini tyrant in the form of Kogut on finance, a new mayor who doesn't want the public to speak at meetings, several who say NOTHING at all at meetings and a few with maybe a couple of ideas. Repulsive.
To top it off they are as sure of the great futuire of downtown as little george was of going to war- and we all can see that mistake. Term limits, EVERY seat should be at large so no one gets entrenched and no closed door decisions. Not likely- just a wish list.

No facts were twisted the democratics installed an individual who never recieved any votes from the public. But that is not undemocratic. Second, you joined this thread midway through to try and rally the troops (and you did a good job) but you missed a vital point. The issue of charter revision and at large canditates was introduced by alwaysright (see quote above). So it was a self proclaimed liberal democratic who broght up the issue, not me (I am probably the only conversative who is not mad at anyone). I truly do not want Minority Representation, I also beleive that every vote should count, so dont twist my facts that I was just pointing out the weakness of arguing for appointing someone and then claiming not counting votes is worse (minority representation). They are both an affront to the decromatic process, and if we cannot agree with that, then you are not being honest about your understanding of your government. Good Morning.

[alwaysright]

it really almost does not matter. The main point is that we live in a government where the people matter little. The small minds who are polititians will do whatever they please because we let them. Totalitarian rule. Let's not even bring Abercrombie into the mix- she's another party robot. No real credentials, no real work getting done. Should have stuck to cleaning other peoples bathrooms and such as she did before.

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

it really almost does not matter. The main point is that we live in a government where the people matter little. The small minds who are polititians will do whatever they please because we let them. Totalitarian rule. Let's not even bring Abercrombie into the mix- she's another party robot. No real credentials, no real work getting done. Should have stuck to cleaning other peoples bathrooms and such as she did before.

Like I told Claremont after the election was over you should have expected the cleaning woman would look for dirt but when she could not find any she would make some up.

[ringmaster]

I do understand why people would be upset that it's an appointed position (the vacancy created by Rohde). However, it is what the Charter calls for. It would be interesting to see when that section of the Charter was put in. It could have been when the Republicans controlled the council or held the Mayors position for all we know.
I think it's unfair to go negative on Cathy Abercrombie because of what she does for a living. Is she unfair to represent her community because she has a house cleaning business? Wow! Where do we stop?
Clermont lost when he ran against Donovan, lost the council to Salafia and lost against Cathy Abercrombie? See a pattern??

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

I do understand why people would be upset that it's an appointed position (the vacancy created by Rohde). However, it is what the Charter calls for. It would be interesting to see when that section of the Charter was put in. It could have been when the Republicans controlled the council or held the Mayors position for all we know.
I think it's unfair to go negative on Cathy Abercrombie because of what she does for a living. Is she unfair to represent her community because she has a house cleaning business? Wow! Where do we stop?
Clermont lost when he ran against Donovan, lost the council to Salafia and lost against Cathy Abercrombie? See a pattern??

I agree, it would be interesting to see when those provisions were added. The last revision was 1986, I believe. I am not going negative on Abercrombie becuase of her job, I am negative becuase her campaign acknowledges, after denying, sending a letter that portray Claremont in a very negative light. She went dirty, she opened herself up as that type of person. If I personally attacked you in every post, would you feel as if I had created the standard and I should expect to be attacked personally? The rest of the loses are loses, he is a Republican in Democratic town, I give him credit for running.

[factsonly06450]

I agree, it would be interesting to see when those provisions were added.

Section C2-5 of the City Charter provides that a vacancy in an elective city office shall be filled by appointment by the City Council for the unexpired portion of the term or until the next muncipal election, which ever is sooner. That section was adopted as part of the new City Charter approved by the voters in 1977, and has not been amended. It is consistent with the provisions in previous Charters.

[ringmaster]

I give credit to anyone who's willing to run for office.
As I understand it, what got Clermont in trouble was his own remarks in the RJ. It was not a rumor or smear. He said what he said. It was quoted in the paper. And when it was pointed out to the public he accused people of going dirty.
If I were an elected official and gave reasons for supporting (or not supporting) an issue, chances are an interest group or opponent is going to use it.
I thought the issue was voter registration. I'm not sure but it's probably in the paper's archives.

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

I give credit to anyone who's willing to run for office.
As I understand it, what got Clermont in trouble was his own remarks in the RJ. It was not a rumor or smear. He said what he said. It was quoted in the paper. And when it was pointed out to the public he accused people of going dirty.
If I were an elected official and gave reasons for supporting (or not supporting) an issue, chances are an interest group or opponent is going to use it.
I thought the issue was voter registration. I'm not sure but it's probably in the paper's archives.


I do not need to check the archives, the claim was voter registration. But you fail to follow the tortured process the letter took. It was sent out to all registered Hispanic Democrats. When confronted, Democratic leadership denied the existence of the letter, then when the letter was leaked they admitted the letter existed. If the issue was really voter registration then why deny the existence of the letter and then only admit its existence when confronted with it. Only the guilty hide the existence of papers and objects. And if Claremont is such a loser, why stoop to such a tacit.

The people in this forum should wake up, they attack national Republicans as out of control and local Republicans as stupid and hapless, but their own democratic party which controls the city likes to play dirty politicals Karl Rove style, but all the cheerleaders turn a blind eye to this issue.

If you are going to engage in a debate at least acknowledge the various strengths and weakness on each side.

Ringmaster, the comments in this post were not aimed at you specifically, I enjoy joisting with you since you never turn the issue personal and only respond with legitimate questions, inquires and facts.

[ringmaster]

I didn't mean the letter was regarding voter registration. I meant the article in the newspaper where Clermont was quoted. The reason people didn't know about it at first is because the letter was organized and paid for by a statewide hispanic group. Once the locals found out, they then admitted its existence.

The article that was sent around had him quoted. The comments were ignorant. Sounds like the issue might be with the RJ if his quotes were not accurate.

As for the national Republican party, that's a whole different thread. It's not just those in this forum; it's people across the country that are fed up with the policies of the current administration. In the latest polls, only 25% approved of Bush's job perormance.

I don't take anything in these blogs personal.

[Charles E. Peevyhouse]

I didn't mean the letter was regarding voter registration. I meant the article in the newspaper where Clermont was quoted. The reason people didn't know about it at first is because the letter was organized and paid for by a statewide hispanic group. Once the locals found out, they then admitted its existence.

The article that was sent around had him quoted. The comments were ignorant. Sounds like the issue might be with the RJ if his quotes were not accurate.

As for the national Republican party, that's a whole different thread. It's not just those in this forum; it's people across the country that are fed up with the policies of the current administration. In the latest polls, only 25% approved of Bush's job perormance.

I don't take anything in these blogs personal.

The letter was signed by members in good standing of the Meriden Democratic Town Committee, so the claim that a statewide hispanic group send the letter out unbeknownst to the Meriden Democratic town committee defies credulity. I would scan and paste the letter, but I believe that would be in bad form as to openly put theses persons name on the forum.

As for the larger issues you are correct. But a belief that one political party can effectuate large scale change on the national level reveals the inability of this system to work within a partisan framework.