Letter of the week, 3/9/09: Conflict of interest?

[David]

Gulino board appointments
By Colleen Cyr

To the Mayor of Meriden and the Meriden City Council:
I am writing as a part of the two-week public comment period that is allowed for the Mayor's recent board appointments, specifically Ross Gulino's appointments.

Mayor Mike Rohde was quoted in the paper (R-J, 3/4) as saying: "Residents with pending litigation against the city are typically disqualified from appointments." This was in regard to the mayor having vetoed Floresia Allen's appointment to the Human Rights Advisory Board because she had filed a civil rights complaint with the State Human Rights Commission. (I must point out, as an aside to this letter, that the dictionary defines litigation as a lawsuit — and Floresia's claim is not, in my mind, a lawsuit or litigation.)

That leads me to the point of this letter.

There has been a tremendous amount of talk in town this week regarding Ross Gulino, appointed to two boards by the Mayor, and his involvement in a current lawsuit against the Meriden Zoning Board of Appeals. I decided to research this myself and would like you all to look into this before finalizing Mr. Gulino's appointments.

The State of Connecticut Judicial Branch web site shows a case (Docket No. NNI-CV-98-0265281-S) entitled Mainville, Caroline et. al. v. Zoning City Meriden. This case is still active and plaintiffs include BRG Realty, Inc. The Connecticut Secretary of the State’s web site allows one to do a CONCORD search for state business filings and Ross Gulino is listed as the Vice President and Secretary of BRG Realty, Inc. — BRG Realty, Inc. is listed as an active business in the state.

Furthermore, Meriden Land Records, easily accessed under the City's web site, show that BRG Realty, Inc. sold I believe two or three properties on Colorado Court circa 2001 in Meriden. BRG Realty, Inc. also owns three empty lots on Collindale Drive in Meriden, has owned these lots since the early 1990s (and I assume is paying taxes on said lots).

That is all the research that I, as a layperson, can do from home on my computer. I do not raise these questions from a sense of maliciousness; however, I do think that if Ross Gulino is indeed party to litigation pending against the City Of Meriden, fairness will need to come into play and his appointment should be withdrawn. I have asked the Record-Journal to look into the matter and trust that you have resources more extensive than mine to confirm or deny Ross Gulino's involvement in this BRG Realty, Inc. lawsuit against the Meriden Zoning Board of Appeals.

Colleen Cyr resides in Meriden.

[Snakebite]

The appointment makes no sense and begs the question, Why does he want this spot so bad?
Its politics at its worst, things such as this will bring the demise of the one party city. There is a perfect storm brewing.
He donates tons of money etc.(minus the cardboard pizza), saw him parading around with Salafia and the next election Daniels, its payola time
Historically, arrogance is usually the downfall.
The public spoke 3 years ago and they are speaking now.

[ringmaster]

I looked up the site Ms. Cyr is referring to. Coleen doesn't point out that the documents she looked up were dated 1998. There are no recent filings on this site from BRG which would lead me to believe that BRG is no longer in existence.
On the other hand, Mrs. Allen has a complaint before the Human Rights Board and wants to be appointed to it - that's a conflict if I ever heard one!:confused:

[Snakebite]

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Lets hear the spin doctors, play the grey areas game, the technicalities game.
Meriden is like the Bush administration.
The true middle class are the unaffiliatated and Republicans. Just look who siddles up to the Democrat world.

The Allen appointment is also a ridiculous conflict although a minor board and not a poli-pay.

[RC12L4]

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Lets hear the spin doctors, play the grey areas game, the technicalities game.
Meriden is like the Bush administration.
The true middle class are the unaffiliatated and Republicans. Just look who siddles up to the Democrat world.

The Allen appointment is also a ridiculous conflict although a minor board and not a poli-pay.

Wait, isn't it the Obama admin that's having trouble filling positions?

[Snakebite]

Wait, isn't it the Obama admin that's having trouble filling positions?

Theres probably tax evaders in G.W.Rohdes group too. So he could be called
Barack Hussein Rohde Obama, no thats a mouth full.

[Meridenborn]

I looked up the site Ms. Cyr is referring to. Coleen doesn't point out that the documents she looked up were dated 1998. There are no recent filings on this site from BRG which would lead me to believe that BRG is no longer in existence.
On the other hand, Mrs. Allen has a complaint before the Human Rights Board and wants to be appointed to it - that's a conflict if I ever heard one!:confused:

So you see no problem with Ross Gulino serving on the Planning Commission?

According to the the R-J, "Gulino was part-owner of a company which is a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the Ridgetop Protection Ordinance passed in 1998.....Could, or should, a person who has so directly challenged an important city regulation serve on a panel which might have to re-write that regulation?"

[Meridenborn]

So you see no problem with Ross Gulino serving on the Planning Commission?

According to the the R-J, "Gulino was part-owner of a company which is a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the Ridgetop Protection Ordinance passed in 1998.....Could, or should, a person who has so directly challenged an important city regulation serve on a panel which might have to re-write that regulation?"

Haven't heard anything more in the newspaper from Mayor Rohde on this subject. Apparently, he must be comfortable with appointing Gulino to the Planning Commission? Big mistake, Mike! This controversy is not going to end soon.

[Jakie19]

Hey Meriden 'I used to live here but moved out' Born, do you really think the Mayor reads this forum? I doubt it, he deals with enough crackpots at public comment every Monday night. If you really want to be heard, give him a call. You wasted your time posting here on the Cathole Mountain/NRG debate, and your wasting your time on this issue too! Let it go. You must be getting tired of being the only one, on one side of an issue. We'll, maybe the only 2 or 3, on one side of an issue!

[Happy]

Jakie, I think that you are correct that someone with serious concerns should actually call the mayor, however, I am sure that you are not correct that people in charge don't read this forum.

[Meridenborn]

Hey Meriden 'I used to live here but moved out' Born, do you really think the Mayor reads this forum? I doubt it, he deals with enough crackpots at public comment every Monday night. If you really want to be heard, give him a call. You wasted your time posting here on the Cathole Mountain/NRG debate, and your wasting your time on this issue too! Let it go. You must be getting tired of being the only one, on one side of an issue. We'll, maybe the only 2 or 3, on one side of an issue!

Your such a wise-ass for no reason. I don't consider it a waste of time to post my concerns about my hometown and whether I now live in Meriden or not really is irrelevant. You don't seem to give a **** about anything except your wise-ass cynical remarks to everyone. sO GO **** YOURSELF

[RC12L4]

Your such a wise-ass for no reason. I don't consider it a waste of time to post my concerns about my hometown and whether I now live in Meriden or not really is irrelevant. You don't seem to give a **** about anything except your wise-ass cynical remarks to everyone. sO GO **** YOURSELF

You seem upset.

[Meridenborn]

You seem upset.

I am. Does Jakie ever have anything meaningful to say? I mean does he/she ever engage in anything of substance? I've never seen it since I've been a member.

[Meridenborn]

Looks like Mayor Rohde is going to appoint Gulino despite concerns raised.

Good luck mayor with your man. Any controversies in the future are now on your head and any city councilor who votes for this nominee.

[Snakebite]

Looks like Mayor Rohde is going to appoint Gulino despite concerns raised.

Good luck mayor with your man. Any controversies in the future are now on your head and any city councilor who votes for this nominee.

What makes you think he's in. That would not be politically wise for Rohde

[cherrybarbs]

Mike Rohde isn’t well like not even among his fellow democrats, they just put up with him because he’s been there so long, I really hope he runs for Mayor.;)

[Jim N]

I am. Does Jakie ever have anything meaningful to say? I mean does he/she ever engage in anything of substance? I've never seen it since I've been a member.
Don't let it control you. I don't even waste my time reading it's posts. One thing for sure it's not a decent human, you can find more intelligent thoughts written on restroom walls. Stick with the decent humans on the forum and ignore the low life.

[Jakie19]

Substance? You can't handle substance! Jim N., I knew you are the kind of guy that hangs out in restrooms. I feel sorry for Buster and Spot. Meridennotanymore, it makes a big difference if you live here or not. Sucking a payckeck from our taxpayers and living in Middle.....while trying to control OUR issues makes no sense, but your excellent at making no sense! Don't slip on the soap you should be using to wash your mouth out with! If the boot fits, wear it!! Cherrydreamer...Mayor, your clan doesn't have a shot!!

[Meridenborn]

Don't let it control you. I don't even waste my time reading it's posts. One thing for sure it's not a decent human, you can find more intelligent thoughts written on restroom walls. Stick with the decent humans on the forum and ignore the low life.

You know Jim, you are right. I would like to apologize to you and RC also for at times acting like a Jakie. In the future, I will try to ignore it's posts as advised. Thanks!

[Meridenborn]

What makes you think he's in. That would not be politically wise for Rohde

But, Rohde nominated Gulino. Why would it be unwise? Because of the recent newspaper editorials and stories?

[weekendwarrior]

rhode will be a half term mayor. no one will vote for him when a real election comes up.
Gulino will get in- he has a few ringers at that table on the hill. his partner, for one. Too bad Rotella is in the nut house- he'd be a better one for that board

[Meridenborn]

rhode will be a half term mayor. no one will vote for him when a real election comes up.
Gulino will get in- he has a few ringers at that table on the hill. his partner, for one. Too bad Rotella is in the nut house- he'd be a better one for that board

Won't Salafia have to recuse himself when voting on Gulino's appointment?

[weekendwarrior]

and lose another partner???
bet you donuts to dry pizza he wont

[Meridenborn]

[QUOTE=weekendwarrior]and lose another partner???
bet you donuts to dry pizza he wont[/QUOT

Have you heard about an official questionairre making the rounds to all appointees?
Reportedly, one of the questions is tailored and carefully worded so as to make it easier for a certain individual to win nomination.
Guess who that might be?

[weekendwarrior]

and murdin residents should (but won't) be up in arms.

the process is very flawed and that's because so is our council.

[Meridenborn]

and murdin residents should (but won't) be up in arms.

the process is very flawed and that's because so is our council.

Your'e right, it looks like it's in the bag. Murdin won't speak up.

It's gonna' be like having DeZinno back on the Planning Commission

[weekendwarrior]

the one with the rug? or the one that was in the pokey?

[Meridenborn]

the one with the rug? or the one that was in the pokey?

The one with the rug.

I didn't know about the one in the calaboose.

[Snakebite]

But, Rohde nominated Gulino. Why would it be unwise? Because of the recent newspaper editorials and stories?

Those things are not what they appear. He doesnt know any of the republicans its just what brunet says and Dems what torres says, but she probably makes deals with some councilors. rohde has some say but, like he knows or can supply all those people.
Didnt see brunet sticking up for that ZBA guy in the paper today. he probably had his own guy ready.

Guilino was probably forced on rohde and now gonna be his re-election undoing. Could have been a conspiricy among his own to oust him and get another D nominated.

He who wears the most hair gel, shall win.

[Meridenborn]

Those things are not what they appear. He doesnt know any of the republicans its just what brunet says and Dems what torres says, but she probably makes deals with some councilors. rohde has some say but, like he knows or can supply all those people.
Didnt see brunet sticking up for that ZBA guy in the paper today. he probably had his own guy ready.

Guilino was probably forced on rohde and now gonna be his re-election undoing. Could have been a conspiricy among his own to oust him and get another D nominated.

He who wears the most hair gel, shall win.

Very interesting. Thanks for the perspective.
I think Rohde is an honest guy, but appointing Gulino could be his downfall.

[ringmaster]

Your attention is on the wrong board nominee.
:D

[Snakebite]

Your attention is on the wrong board nominee.
:D

Allen wasn't nominated.

[ringmaster]

I didn't mean Allen. She should have been nominated. Not on Human Rights because of her complaint but she would be valuable on another board.

[Snakebite]

I didn't mean Allen. She should have been nominated. Not on Human Rights because of her complaint but she would be valuable on another board.

Like Guilino and land boards. He good, but not there.
Murdy is next year, oh thats right he has a whole developer family operation too.

[ringmaster]

She has a complaint in Human Rights. In spite of what you read on this blog Gulino doesn't have a suit and BRG is no longer in existance.
Put party politics aside for a minute. Do you really think these two scenarios are the same?

[jma]

the one with the rug? or the one that was in the pokey?


On a side note, I'll never forget the day he decided to get tough with a local teenage shoplifter. She kicked his butt AND ripped off his rug!! What a sight!! :D

[Meridenborn]

On a side note, I'll never forget the day he decided to get tough with a local teenage shoplifter. She kicked his butt AND ripped off his rug!! What a sight!! :D

I would have paid to see that!!

On a side note to everyone; Gulino joined this forum as a new member not long ago.

[Meridenborn]

She has a complaint in Human Rights. In spite of what you read on this blog Gulino doesn't have a suit and BRG is no longer in existance.
Put party politics aside for a minute. Do you really think these two scenarios are the same?

But, he was part of the lawsuit against the city to overturn Trap-rock Ridge Protection Zoning....should he now be put on the most powerful landuse board in the city...one that oversees the Hanging Hills and their fate?

By the way, the city questionnaire has been received by registered mail by a number of appointees. Question#2 has to do with whether an appointee is CURRENTLY involved in a lawsuit against the City of Meriden. It appears to be crafted carefully by the Dems atty. and leaves out the word PLAINTIFF and PAST INVOLVEMENT. Nicely done, plenty of wiggle room to get their man appointed.

[prince]

With all that’s going on in the world and our economy, this is what you fixate on? The guy has elected to volunteer his time and knowledge to serve the City and the same old morons continue to put forth half-truths trying to make seem like he is ripping down the hanging hills. Gulino has been quoted by the paper as saying he is for the preservation of those hills. He said he believed that any and all property owners should be compensated for their property. That’s what eminent domain is all about. By the way all the name-calling is very mature. Why don’t you try and be productive members of our City? Come up with some ways to increase our tax roll or ideas on how we can cut expenses to save money. Stop being so nasty it will eat you up inside. The forum has become an absolute joke!

[Meridenborn]

With all that’s going on in the world and our economy, this is what you fixate on? The guy has elected to volunteer his time and knowledge to serve the City and the same old morons continue to put forth half-truths trying to make seem like he is ripping down the hanging hills. Gulino has been quoted by the paper as saying he is for the preservation of those hills. He said he believed that any and all property owners should be compensated for their property. That’s what eminent domain is all about. By the way all the name-calling is very mature. Why don’t you try and be productive members of our City? Come up with some ways to increase our tax roll or ideas on how we can cut expenses to save money. Stop being so nasty it will eat you up inside. The forum has become an absolute joke!

Prince, I never liked your music, nor do I care much for your defense of somebody that sued the city to overturn protections for the Hanging Hills. How can he be for preservation of the ridges and sue to overturn zoning that protects them? Which is it?

[Man in the Middle]

But, he was part of the lawsuit against the city to overturn Trap-rock Ridge Protection Zoning....should he now be put on the most powerful landuse board in the city...one that oversees the Hanging Hills and their fate?

By the way, the city questionnaire has been received by registered mail by a number of appointees. Question#2 has to do with whether an appointee is CURRENTLY involved in a lawsuit against the City of Meriden. It appears to be crafted carefully by the Dems atty. and leaves out the word PLAINTIFF and PAST INVOLVEMENT. Nicely done, plenty of wiggle room to get their man appointed.

I'm not sure, but I think the gist of the lawsuit was to compensate property owners whose land was within the ridgetop protection zone for loss of use...not necessarily to allow development on the Hanging Hills. They have rights and should be allowed to exercise them, and let a court decide.

I'm also unsure about your "wiggle room" argument. PAST INVOLVEMENT should eliminate a person from consideration? Should a firefighter, who received a speeding ticket 10 years ago, be forbidden from driving a fire truck? I know you're taking the hard core position that no one with development experience should be allowed to be on a land use board, but I think overly unbalanced bodies of deliberation are not good for getting to the right solution of anything.

[Meridenborn]

I'm not sure, but I think the gist of the lawsuit was to compensate property owners whose land was within the ridgetop protection zone for loss of use...not necessarily to allow development on the Hanging Hills. They have rights and should be allowed to exercise them, and let a court decide.

I'm also unsure about your "wiggle room" argument. PAST INVOLVEMENT should eliminate a person from consideration? Should a firefighter, who received a speeding ticket 10 years ago, be forbidden from driving a fire truck? I know you're taking the hard core position that no one with development experience should be allowed to be on a land use board, but I think overly unbalanced bodies of deliberation are not good for getting to the right solution of anything.

According to the R-J, the lawsuit is to OVERTURN the ridgeline protection zoning, not to compensate the land owners.

I agree that past involvement in a lawsuit should not eliminate someone from a city position, but on the other hand, should a developer who has sued the city over a land-use issue now be appointed to a powerful board that oversees the very topic the suit was about?

Developers should serve on various boards and commissions, including the land-use panels, however, too many developers or their political cronies on one board results in controversial situations like we experienced in the nineties with the Planning Commission.

I'm all for buying the Metacomet Ridge. The state and towns should have purchased the whole 70 mile backbone of the state decades ago.

[Snakebite]

With all that’s going on in the world and our economy, this is what you fixate on? The guy has elected to volunteer his time and knowledge to serve the City and the same old morons continue to put forth half-truths trying to make seem like he is ripping down the hanging hills. Gulino has been quoted by the paper as saying he is for the preservation of those hills. He said he believed that any and all property owners should be compensated for their property. That’s what eminent domain is all about. By the way all the name-calling is very mature. Why don’t you try and be productive members of our City? Come up with some ways to increase our tax roll or ideas on how we can cut expenses to save money. Stop being so nasty it will eat you up inside. The forum has become an absolute joke!

Pompous, thin-skinned people, can't respect others opinions, real nice.
C.mon

As for Guilino, the question is why does he want it so bad. Guys in the investment biz are ALWAYS,
whats in it for me.
He's Daniels neighbor and went around town with a Daniels shirt, how lame, Salafia biz partner. the good ole boys club.

One of the other Dem. Councilors is going to emerge and get the voters like myself on-board, and put that whole group
out of biz.

I am waiting for the next topic, when is this ending. Their terms expired on Jan.31, what a half-baked operation.

[Meridenborn]

Pompous, thin-skinned people, can't respect others opinions, real nice.
C.mon

As for Guilino, the question is why does he want it so bad. Guys in the investment biz are ALWAYS,
whats in it for me.
He's Daniels neighbor and went around town with a Daniels shirt, how lame, Salafia biz partner. the good ole boys club.

One of the other Dem. Councilors is going to emerge and get the voters like myself on-board, and put that whole group
out of biz.

I am waiting for the next topic, when is this ending. Their terms expired on Jan.31, what a half-baked operation.

Expect more letters to the editor on this subject.

[Jakie19]

snakeinthegrass...you sound very disgruntled, you must be heavily involved in one of the lesser parties in Meriden that continues to take steps backwards. You probably have tried to get involved, but can't. It's not to hard to figure out who you are, but I'll wait to drop that! Oh yeah, you actually pay attention to what shirt a guy wears...scary! Meriden born, are you picking a final four team in the NCAA tournament? I'd love to know who you think will win because I'd go the other way, you haven't won one yet!! Oh, and by the way, I hope all your previous posts were done on your free time, not while you were getting paid by the Meriden taxpayers!

[Snakebite]

snakeinthegrass...you sound very disgruntled, you must be heavily involved in one of the lesser parties in Meriden that continues to take steps backwards. You probably have tried to get involved, but can't. It's not to hard to figure out who you are, but I'll wait to drop that! Oh yeah, you actually pay attention to what shirt a guy wears...scary! Meriden born, are you picking a final four team in the NCAA tournament? I'd love to know who you think will win because I'd go the other way, you haven't won one yet!! Oh, and by the way, I hope all your previous posts were done on your free time, not while you were getting paid by the Meriden taxpayers!

You told me, Dr. Phill.

[Meridenborn]

Hey Snakebite, it looks like the ranting Jackass has emerged from the sewer treatment plant again. Whew! I smell s_____t!

[Snakebite]

Its not too hard to figure out where I work from long ago rants. Nancy Drew must have looked up the state registry.
Why does 69 just rip people for giving opinions. Please, remember the Rabbit is a cure. BZZZZZ<
-143-

Believe me, I hope a different hot topic comes up soon. rehashing diner talk is getting tougher.

[Jakie19]

snakelike and meridenicantgetyouoffofmymind...intelligence at it's best! Next time your at the Jerry Springer show, look to your right or your left, and introduce yourself to one another! Jerry, Jerry, Jerry....how 'bout it meriden, been posting on the taxpayers dime?

[ringmaster]

Who's going to emerge-Pat Lynes??