Crime In Milford Drops Significantly Compared To Five Years Ago

The population of Milford has steadily increased over the last five years and according to the FBI crime statistics most areas of crime have decreased significantly. But before I start to go on about how exciting this report is, I need to point out the disclaimer on the FBI website about their statistics.

The FBI wants readers to know "that the numbers in the tables below are only what is reported to them and are not indicative of the real or actual quality of life in a community." That is it in real short summary but anyone who wants more information can go to www.fbi.gov to get more answers.

The tables below are therefore going to be my interpretation, and if I may put it frankly, the police department is doing a great job holding the line on deterring just about every area of major crime in our city.

There has been much talk of Republican fundraisers to purchase video cameras that some area businesses want and others find controversial. There also has been criticism over additional police offers being added to the streets. But when you look at the facts as reported to the FBI Milford's Police Department, or people, have been doing a stellar job in deterring crime. The numbers speak for themselves.

See the Table Below (More People Less Crime):



These numbers are great news news for any home buyer looking to find a tranquil place to live with lots of beaches, and great quality of life. My personal experiences in Milford have also been crime free and tranquil, and no one in my very large extended family has been a victim to any crime while living here. Sometimes when we pick up the newspapers and read about all the horror stories with sexual assaults, bank robberies and the like we are really looking at extended dragged on variations of the same drama. The same criminals being reported on for months and months on end, and being reported on play by play.

Recently I heard that Milford is one of the best places to retire to in Connecticut, and is ranked real high on the East Coast. We are the only town in the State to have had their taxes go down. These qualities are what attracts others to want to live here in Milford, and when anyone ever makes remarks about "Crime in Milford" they just need to really check the facts. Milford's crime rate is much lower than the state average in every area and we as a community can be proud of that despite the sensationalism put forth by some local reporters and those who want to lobby for a bigger police department.

Mirror Published Wrong Bulk Trash Pick Up Date

The Milford Mirror erroneously published the 2008 bulk trash pickup schedule in this week’s paper. The correct dates for bulk pickup in September are as follow:

If your trash is picked up on Tuesday, your bulk trash pickup will be Sept. 16.

If your trash is picked up on Thursday, your bulk trash will be picked up Sept. 23.

If your trash is picked up on Friday, your bulk trash will be picked up Sept. 30.

Monday’s bulk trash pickup has already taken place.

Look to next week’s Milford Mirror for a printed version of the 2009 bulk schedule.

Farmers Speak At Durham CT Fair

This evening I attended the Durham Fair up in Durham Connecticut. These types of dairy and livestock fairs have become somewhat more routine over the last few years as My step daughter is a member of the 4H club and is actively involved in competitive cow showing.

The experience has been enlightening, and my travels far as last month I found myself up at the Big E in Agawam Massachusetts. This was an opportunity for me to have several conversations with farmers, and also to learn the wisdom behind Ghandi's famous words that "Life is one indivisible whole" every action in our lives affect others and today that realization has made me even more aware than just a month ago.

While in Durham I met with some of Connecticut's top dairy farmers, and I asked them what they thought were the main concerns facing farmers in our state. One thing immediately came up, and that was that sales are down but only because of the low fat, diets that Americans have undertaken. Since the advent of video games, and our sedentary lifestyle more of us than ever have developed weigh issues that consequentially eliminate fat from our diets. This reduces the demand for our dairy farmers fatty products limiting what they are able to sell.

Another issue they mentioned was the broader economic competition from farms across America. While most farmers here in Connecticut get tax breaks on their land that equate to an average of $400.00 per acre in tax, they do not have the undocumented workers that other western farms use to gain a competitive advantage. One thing I personally know for certain, from my endeavors in trading produce at Hunts Point in NYC price and quality is everything when it comes to trading food. Connecticut just cannot compete with the rest of the country on many products, except Milk and some dairy.

The cost of gasoline is making imported products more expensive, so the less distance they travel the better the price. Many farms here in our state receive federal grants and subsidies to ensure their continued operation during difficult times.

When I asked about the food situation relative to the National economy, both these gentlemen felt that America has more than enough food to feed ourselves and other nations like China who purchase many of the high fat products we snicker at here in the states. It was their opinion that there is no cause for concern that America will run out of food anytime soon.

One question I had in particular was the use of GMO foods, or those that are genetically modified. Both these gentlemen were well aware of the debate surrounding GMO's but defended them on the grounds that they were good for our farmers. They indicated that GMO's result in more robust higher yield harvests, are more resistant to pests and deliver a good looking highly marketable product. When I asked about how the nutritional aspects of these products relative to us the consumers he did admit that little consideration was given to that as a matter of fact that was secondary to increasing profits. He also said that most farmers here in our state are receptive to the products developed by the "Big Agra's" like the Mosanto Corp.

In summary both these people felt that the overall health of the industry in our state appears to be vibrant, with lots of interest from many facets of our state including great clubs like the 4H clubs and several agribusiness/science programs. The overall feeling about farming here in our state is that their is plenty of room for improvement but for now, even though its not highly profitable, things are looking good.

Octoberfest 2008 A Fun Milford Tradition

Last Saturday night I had the honor and privilege of attending the October Fest Celebration at Walnut Beach. The event was held at the Rotary Pavilion and was hosted and organized by the Devon Rotary club here in town.

The event boasted a smorgasbord of great all you can eat food, lots of dancing and German culture and of course a little beer for those who who wished to keep the true custom alive. When I invited a few friends of mine to this event, those not in the know really thought it would be more like a beer drinking madhouse, more for adults and balked at the $40.00 per person cost.

Unswayed I decided to join up with some friends there and debunked the idea that this was some kind of adults only celebration, actually it was quite to the contrary. The event was very much like a musical wedding celebration with kids and adults dancing and joined together at tables with their families and friends.

There was lots of choice of tasty quality food, and anyone who came hungry and wished to have some soda and beer certainly got their money's worth. My friend Lou who had not been to an event like this before said he had "a really good time." Both of us intend on spreading the word, and attending again next year as we were both surprised at how many friends and neighbors we met there.

The Devon Rotary is a wonderful philanthropic organization with such notable members and community friends like Gayle Slossberg. They also have a reputation of caring for Milford, and uses these types of fundraisers to advance our community by improving public spaces. In summary this is a win win celebration and it is worth supporting.

An investment in the Devon Rotary Club is an investment in Milford and I thank all Rotarians, and those who attended, for their dedication and commitment to our town.

Back To School Week

This week is back to school week lets remember to slow down a little bit in the morning. Most folks are already courteous and polite enough to not pass a school bus and are especially courteous enough to keep a watchful eye for kids lined up on the side of the road.

Day one in my neighborhood was pretty good but unfortunately some aggressive drivers in the development next to mine earned themselves speed bumps. Something to think about when our kids at the back of the bus are being bounced out of their seats every time the rear tires collide with these new obstacles.

Fire Show And Muster Eisenhower Park Gets Ready

The annual fire show and Muster returns to Milford this weekend. The following video is of last years show and is worth seeing. Some at the park who spoke about this event called it a fireman's fun day. Bonfires will be lit, and water games are expected again. Pranksters have also been known to have fun stacking tables in the dark of night at the expense of the DPW.

One Milford resident said that the parade of trucks can be heard all the way up North street as early as 9:00A.M. as they make their way into the park. Concession stands and vendors will also be setup on the park green. This a fun town tradition that is expected to be well attended. Ample parking for all welcome visitors.

The event is scheduled for Saturday September 6Th. 2008. At Eisenhower Park enter on the North Street side.

Milford Girl Goes Missing

Last night I traversed up North Street here in town and headed toward Eisenhower Park. Upon approach to the park I was awestruck by scores of 11X17 posters attached to every utility pole along the road.

The poster bears the image and message that a 17 year old girl that has gone missing since last week. The poster indicated that she was reported missing on July 24Th 2008. Her name is Brittany, she is 5'4" tall with hair locks. Her hair color is dark, either brown or black, hard to tell from the photo. She attended Foran High School and would have been with the class of 2008.

An interview I personally conducted with some of the high school kids who knew of her indicated that they were not really surprised that she had gone missing. They indicated that it is more likely that she ran away rather than having been kidnapped. Brittney was described by kids who knew her as being mixed up with the wrong crowd. Many were saddened by her absence and are all hoping she return home safe so those who are close to her, and love her, can gain some peace and happiness.

Brittney marks the second young kid gone missing this year, the last girl was Samantha Riso later located in New Haven and was safely returned to her home in Milford.

(Photo above posted this evening on a utility pole at Eisenhower Park)

Milford Schools Undergo Summer Upgrades

With the school year ended and summer rolling in the Milford school system has taken no time off. As the students rolled out the contractors rolled in, fixing everything from leaky roofs, to floor replacements to computer and computer room upgrades.

Emergency lighting at Foran High School is scheduled for and upgrade, making that school compliant as an emergency shelter in the event of a crisis. The lighting is also ecofriendly and is expected to use less energy.

The task is all part of Supt. Polanski's mission to keep Milford schools growing to a first class institution a job that he recently took on and perilously sailed through some difficult tests of budgetary restraints. Polanski's budget was challenged by local Alderman in a melee of hard questioning, and local parents retaliated with over 2000 signatures on a petition to reinstate the money that the Alderman cut. Polanski emerged with as good of a victory as one could expect, no teachers layed off and the city lost one of its three trash pick up days to fund the schools.

Polanski was recently praised by the Board of Education last Monday night when members released a statement calling him a compassionate and decisive leader who brought needed changes to the district.

This fall the construction will be hopefully complete, and when it is, next years students will enjoy the many improvements that I believe are moving Milford in the right direction of building a solid foundation, and a better learning environment to secure their place in the future.

UI Intends To Seek Another Rate Increase

United Illuminating just had its conference call to its investors this week. The electric that they sold showed yet another double digit increase in their profits, however UI's CEO Mr Torgensen complained that they sold too little electric and was disappointed so many people were "turning off the lights." He also was not happy with the level of uncollected receivables and told the shareholders that he planned on recouping their lost profits through yet another Decoupling Bill.

Mr. Torgensen and crew will be up in Hartford lobbying the DPUC, who regulates the cost of electric, with the written Decoupling request to help restore their, yet again lost profits. Last time such a bill was introduced, no one in the legislature even read it, actually it was introduced one hour before it was voted on. That bill was H.B. 7432, introduced earlier last year.

Rep. Megna of New haven opposed that bill citing that concessions were in order as energy was increasing faster than people could afford to pay. Should UI succeed in this latest decoupling bill it may push our electric bill has high as 100% in eight years.

To hear the entire UI Conference call scroll to the end of the audio clip listed below.

Click HERE to start the UIL earnings Call.

M-Class Solar Flares Detected Today

Reprint from: Spaceweather.com

The Classification of X-ray Solar Flares
or "Solar Flare Alphabet Soup"

A solar flare is an explosion on the Sun that happens when energy stored in twisted magnetic fields (usually above sunspots) is suddenly released. Flares produce a burst of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to x-rays and gamma-rays. [more information]

Scientists classify solar flares according to their x-ray brightness in the wavelength range 1 to 8 Angstroms. There are 3 categories: X-class flares are big; they are major events that can trigger planet-wide radio blackouts and long-lasting radiation storms. M-class flares are medium-sized; they can cause brief radio blackouts that affect Earth's polar regions. Minor radiation storms sometimes follow an M-class flare. Compared to X- and M-class events, C-class flares are small with few noticeable consequences here on Earth.

This figure shows a series of solar flares detected by NOAA satellites in July 2000:











For More information double click icon under "solar observations."

Happy Valentines Day, Remember Those You Love!

This Valentines Day has come amazingly fast this year. I feel as if I have been through this already just a short while ago. This year Terri and I plan on extending our Valentine wish to all of you. If we could have an unlimited amount of valentines I would beg of all of you to be ours. Just do not expect a box of candy, we are not quite that wealthy but will share this post as my pledge to you.

Valentines Day to me is a day that I remember all the good people closest to me in my life, all those that have brought me joy, love, and a smile to my face. I remember my family, kids, parents, grand parents, aunts, uncles, friends, neighbors, and those of you who are alone. While I know there are many people out there who will not have a valentine this year, thanks to good fortune in my life I feel gifted and blessed to be surrounded by so many loving and supportive people and I am willing to share that good fortune with you. This year you are all welcome to visit our H.Q. I will be having an open house next Friday Feb. 22nd and I will be happy to give you a belated valentine treat if you show up in person.

Also note that the 22nd.of February is George Washington’s Birthday, and also a day that we will be discussing the impact of our marketing research and social engineering work. We would love to see you at 374 New Haven Ave. (Milford H.Q.) to share your input and views with us on that day, you are all welcome to stop by anytime from 11:00-7:00 P.M. look over our work and share your views. R.S.V.P. (203) 647-0380.

Milford is getting Ready for the Connecticut Presidential Primary

This post only applies to new and unaffiliated Connecticut voters. The final date for you to register and pick a political party is Thursday Jan. 31st 2008. The procedure is simple, call the Voter Registrars office in your town and request the appropriate forms. These will be either a party affiliation form, or a new voter registration form. The town of Milford, (Our town) can be reached at (203) 783-3240.

Some things to point out that may be odd are the names you will see on the ballot. Dodd, Biden, and Richardson have dropped out of the Presidential race and have done so in a manner that left their names on the Connecticut ballot. FYI THEY ARE NOT RUNNING ANYMORE DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR VOTE.

The date you will vote is going to be Feb. 5Th 2008 at your local precinct. If you do not know your local precinct call the voter registrars and they will tell you where to vote. Remember to bring your ID, a Valid non-expired CT drivers licence, passport or military Id are acceptable.

One last point to mention is that your vote has more power in a primary than the actual election. In the past it has been pointed out to me that as few as several hundred votes decided the victor in our town. For this reason if you are passionate about your candidate loading up your car can make an enormous difference in the outcome of this primary.

As a last point, if anyone out there does not know who they want to vote for, and trust my advice, I plan on voting for Ron Paul. The reason for my choice is because I still believe in the US Constitution and Bill of rights. Of all candidates Ron Paul has the voting record to back this up. Some may make allegations that Ron Paul is a racist, those are malicious lies debunked by the NAACP themselves. See the links below.

Ron Paul Smear Debunked

Amann Dream's He is Governor LOL!

The December 6Th edition of the Milford Weekly was quite amusing, as Rep. Amann is featured smirking on the front page and aspiring to become our state Governor. This delusion of grandeur was a shock, especially since I thought his "crush" comment was about as arrogant, grandiose and over the top as he could get.

Some of the locals I spoke with in town, have been chuckling about Mr. Amann's unconventional way's of leadership. Bafoon style leadership that separate him from the masses. I have heard all kinds of stories about Mr. Amann from how he plans on fixing up our Johnathan Law High School to how he started a fire there as a kid.

The amount of diverging opinions about our overzealous, and yet very generous (with your CT tax dollars) leader is almost too much to think about. While the last election for mayor was somewhat of a political carnival, with guest appearances from Joe Lieberman, Ned Lamont, and a host of hypocritical endorsements I certainly promise not to subject the already disenfranchised voters of the 118th with anymore carnival like political theatrics.

Mr. Amann having run unopposed in the last election has not even a clue what people think of him. It has been four long years since his last contested election, and I imagine that the sprawling growth of Milford combined with its aggregate cyclical turnover has left him quite exposed to a new breed of voters.

If these voters are likened to the ones I read about on the web, Mr. Amann may be in for an upset come the 2008 election. I can can imagine nothing more embarrassing than to announce you will "crush" any "idiot" who runs against you, then announce your bid for Governor and lose your election to a Computer Repairman who recently arrived to Milford from Westport.

Mr. Amann if you are reading this, than you must know how my loss for words must amuse you. Should that smirk I always see on your face be indicative of your signature as our representative, than I look forward to 2008 where I can seriously bring to the table my Independent non partisan leadership. Smirk free leadership that will address our community problems free from the grandiosity, tyrannical remarks and delusions of grandeur.

Deadline Approaching to Support our Troops

There are several charities that are accepting Christmas gifts and donations of any sort to be sent to our troops oversea. The postal deadline for having any boxes shipped is this Monday. Thereafter there is no guarantee that your packages will arrive before the holidays.

There are some shipping changes this year that also need to be considered when sending your packages. The main change is that due to security reasons the DOD now requires that your deliveries be addressed to a specific individual. If anyone has any concerns about how to properly label your box then contacting a local VFW will get you the answers you need.

Our local VFW here in Milford can be contacted at (203) 874-9982 and are located at 422 Naugatuck Ave. The VFW also has its own program for supporting our troops overseas during the holidays and anyone taking up community or large donations of goods should contact the VFW to arrange for the proper delivery of those items to our troops.

As a final note I would like to thank all of our troops for their courage and support of each other while fighting on behalf of our country overseas. My heart is with every soldier and contractor who has been separated from their family this holiday season. My family and I pray each day for the safe return of all our soldiers. Happy holidays, and all the best wishes from the entire staff here at the Frank campaign.

Alternate local support group: http://www.give2thetroops.org/