Milford's Boardwalk Project Suspended Indefinitely

The long-delayed boardwalk to connect Silver Sands State Park and Walnut Beach has been indefinitely suspended, state officials said Monday.

About $1.5 million for the roughly $2 million project had been approved by the state Bond Commission, according to city officials.

But the work never made it past the planning stage before being suspended by the state departments of Environmental Protection and Public Works in the latest round of cost-saving measures.

At this point, due to budgetary constraints on the two agencies, work on the proposed boardwalk has been indefinitely suspended,” DEP spokesman Dennis Schain said in an e-mail message.

The news was a shock to city officials Monday, who were last told construction would occur in autumn.

“This really comes as a surprise,” said Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. “They gave us no clue that they were considering this. I have not heard anything more since months ago, when it was a go.”

The project has been mired in years of delays with repeated announcements that funding had been secured and work was about to begin, only to have a projected start date pushed back.

About a year ago, the project was delayed when piping plovers were found nesting where the boardwalk was proposed to be built.

Plans were altered to avoid the federally and state protected species of birds, but in the meantime the economy turned sour and the plans for the boardwalk were put on hold by the DPW and DEP.

“Money was approved for this project, but before any action was taken with regards with the funds that were allocated, a decision has been made to suspend the project,” said Kevin Kopetz, managing attorney for the DPW.

“We began, unfortunately, to experience the economic circumstance that everyone is aware of.”

The latest news was frustrating to Walnut Beach Association President Joe Garbus, who has long worked to revitalize the Walnut Beach area.

The boardwalk was expected to draw foot traffic to Walnut Beach to breathe new life into the businesses in the area.

“It’s extremely disappointing,” he said. “They made a plan, made a second plan for the piping plovers and each time we were told the money was in hand. It was OK then, but we wait a year and now we can’t continue with the project? I don’t think it’s fair.”

Kopetz said there is a chance the project will be revisited if the state’s fiscal situation improves.

By James Tinley, Register Staff

ORIGINAL STORY POSTED HERE

Jonathan Law Improvements In The Hands of Milford's Alderman

The Board of Alderman will be voting on the bonding for the Jonathan Law high school addition at its meeting next Monday, July 6th. The meeting will be at city hall and begins at 7:30.

It has been suggested to me that without considerable vocal support for this project it may be doomed. The mayor, who originally committed to carrying out the renovations in phases, has now stated he does not support bonding for the cost of this phase at this time. The Alderman need to hear your voice on this topic, personally at this meeting. Residents can address their comments to the alderman for 3 minutes each. Even if all you say is "please support the bonding for the high school addition" it will help them see there is support among residents for this work to move forward.

We need to get this done. WE NEED PEOPLE TO BE THERE. Get your neighbors to go, bring a friend. Encourage students who have experienced the cramped quarters to attend. Forward this blog to others. Get the ear of West Shore and Harborside middle school parents you know and explain to them the need for this addition. Their children will reap the benefits. This addition is essential if plans for a freshman academy are to move forward - see talking points below.

I understand it is disappointing to Foran parents that the Foran project is not ready to be included in this bonding. I would hope you would still support this need and I expect that "the Law side of town" will be as supportive of the Foran project when it is ready to move forward.

Below are some talking points regarding the Law addition:

JLHS is an old school with limited space and growing needs.
21st Century programming is more hands on/student centered and requires more room.
Every inch of JLHS is being utilized, and then some. Several Special Education teachers are working in small make-shift classrooms that are, in reality, storage spaces. 6 or 7 teachers are teaching "on a cart" and it is anticipated that next year more will be doing so.

The plan calls for much needed storage space in a basement area under the new addition. Right now the main storage area is behind the stage - problematic when events such as plays, the West Shore band concert and Moving Up Celebration are held.

The addition will allow the "Freshman Academy" concept to move forward. This concept allows the 9th grade students to remain together in a central area as a transition into high school, where team teachers have greater flexibility with the flow of time and instruction. The addition also includes the final two science labs which will be used for freshman physical science. This will bring Law's total # of science labs to 10 - needed and equal with Foran (note while our enrollments are relatively equal, Law has been making do with two less science rooms. Two of my children had freshman science on a cart!)

The current concept of "study halls" being held in large spaces (i.e. auditoriums without tables or the cafeteria when available) does not service students well and space is needed for a smaller resource center to accommodate groups of students needing extra help. Addition will allow for this.

Current bid 25% less than expected - a million dollar savings
Bond rates are low, reimbursement rate from the state high now, will be lower next year.

Expected revisions to code regulations will bring need for plans to be redrawn and additional code upgrades will have to be added.

Again, please attend this meeting on Monday, July 6th, 7:30 pm at city hall. Feel free to forward on this blog link by e-mail. Contact me if you have questions. Let me know if you can attend and apologies in advance if you receive any e-mail more than once!

Thank you!
Sue Glennon
President
One Voice-Milford High Schools PTSA

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Peter Spalthoff Independent Candidate For Mayor Supports This Project.

Click Here for Peters Statement.

"Czar's" in Milford Are a Communist Concept

This is no joke, I picked up the Connecticut post today and there it was talk of a "Blight Czar." The first thing I thought of was the record number "Czars" that are now embedded into the Obama administration.

Just so we are clear here the word Czar means a Communist Russian "Emperor or King." Americas longest serving Democratic Congressman Rep. Byrd wrote a letter to Pres. Obama concerned that the record 18 czars in his administration represent a hazard that "can threaten the Constitutional system of checks and balances."

We do not need to start that outrageous practice here in Milford. The thought of letting future Mayors appoint PAID Czars outside the confirmation of the board of alderman, or without the consent of the governed, are far outside the principles of our Democratic Republic. Personally I heard these blight complaints about a year ago when I was out and about campaigning in the 118th district, some are reasonable and valid, others are mean spirited and an act of revenge against a neighbor. I also met people who were concerned with blighted commercial properties and wanted something done to improve them. I suppose with much heavy industry and commercial property in trouble, some ideas are ready to be put on the table.

What remains unclear to me is what exactly constitutes a "blighted property." If the definition extends to people who forgo home repairs in lieu of having a place to live, or a widow whose husband is no longer living to make home repairs, than no thanks on pursuing this idea.

However, if this idea is directed at abandoned properties and properties that pose a danger (such as a fire, structural, or intrusion hazard) that can harm others, than I agree. Certainly our town has a zoning and planning board, zoning enforcement board, and an office of Community and Economic Development. Milford also has a the additional Devon Revitalization Committee and as well as several other venues not mentioned to improve the look of our community.

The thought of appointing a Plight "Emperor or King" is funny and yet repulsive. Perhaps Milford's elected officials should focus on applying local laws without the imposition of tyrannical Communist Style "Czars." If you are wondering what a Communist "Czar" looks like see the above photo. (Save the bulldozer)

Cap And Trade Bill May Bankrupt Milford

At the peak of the energy crisis, electricity along with pension obligations was cited as being one of the root causes of a whopping 8.1% tax increase. The quote below is from the Kerri Rowland website who published the article from the Feb. 2007NH Register.

"The mayor’s proposed city budget totals $92.6 million. This year it is $85.6 million. The combined city and schools proposed budget is $170.8 million, compared to this year’s $160.1 million, representing a 6.69 percent increase. The proposed budget basically keeps services at the same level. Fixed costs such as health insurance, electricity, contractual wages, pension contributions and workers compensation make up 91.2 percent of the increase."

Should our inept Congressmen continue to vote in favor of these bills without reading them, as they did in the "cap and trade" bill we could expect Two things for certain.

One... The economy will not recover, and Two... The city of Milford will have an inability to properly manage its finances save some extreme measures. This climate bill is the one praised by local Democrats and environmentalists in town who have no problem steering our community in the gutter over their belief that this giant tax bill will create something good.

To all those who may have forgot, Milford already saw a doubling of its electric rates over the last decade. The Obama energy bill will merely double it again or quadrupole your UI bill from eight years ago. This spells a disaster for every citizen of Milford, CT and the US.

Oh.. one final point, China and India do not have to cut their emissions. Are you ready to call our Senators Yet?

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Update 6/29/09

All Five of our Ct Congressman, Himes, Delauro, Murphy, Larson, and Courtney approved this massive job killing massive tax hike bill. This proves what we all know, that CT's Congressmen have more in common with the Borg from Star Trek than actual free thinking patriots.

We should all be asking who runs the Caucus in CT and why are the Voters excluded from the decision making process? This is a "slap in the face" to all those people in CT who bravely took to the streets by way of a "Tea Party." In case our leaders in Congress did not get it, the purpose of that "Tea Party" was an emblematic protest of our voice against the excessive tyranny caused by excessive public regulation and taxation that our Congressmen routinely vote in favor of.

Update 6/30/09

Jim Himes Praises 1,300 page Energy Bill he did not even read!! Lord Help Us All!!

McBride Shuts Down Milford Hookah Bar Citing Health Concerns

Milford (WTNH) - A club owner is fighting the city of Milford because he said he wants to open a private, hookah club and they are not allowing it due to health concerns.

Since the "customer is always right," Sam Karout, who owns "Olive Tree Middle Eastern" restaurant in Milford, decided to take a chance on a new business idea.

"Many customers stop by asking about the hookah, if they could smoke a hookah, so the idea crossed my mind," he said.

"Hookah" is a unique process to smoke flavored tobacco through a water pipe with a long flexible tube. But Sam's venture is, for now, up in smoke thanks to a visit from the Milford City Health Department.

"Determined that it was unsafe. An unsafe practice, a public health nuisance. No different than cigarette smoking," said Milford Health Director Dennis McBride.

"I was very angry because I worked so hard since the opening, May 15th, doing lot of complimentary invitations, opening night, cost me a lot of money, working very hard," Sam said.

Sam contends that he has done nothing wrong since he claims his club is private. Now, his more than $150,000 investment sits as empty as the hookah's on the countertop waiting to be used.

"Unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding by the Health Department by misinterpreting the law. They thought it was for public, it's just for members," he said.

But Sam's lawyer has already filed an appeal with the city and he is hoping the aromatic flavor of his many tobaccos will fill the room with happy customers, since he still believes they were right in the first place.

"We are not harming society in anyway," said Sam.

Sam said he hopes he can open this weekend because he is under the assumption that during the appeals process, he can serve his club members.

Dr. Dennis McBride, Milford's Health Director, said he hopes the action taken today sets a precedent to shutting down other "Hookah" clubs in the interest of public health.

Story by: Jamie Muro Original Post Click HERE

Democrats Allege Cross Endorsements From Republicans

The following quote was published at the Milford Democrats website the issue comes up time and again in relation to "cross endorsements." We know a few short years ago the Republicans gave a DE-FACTO cross endorsement of Amann when they ran no one against him. We also know Milford Republicans and Democrats make deals with each other around election time. The Independent Party points these facts out all too well and the quotation below just proves yet again that there is a false "left-right" paradigm here in Milford.

Quoted Text

"The Milford Democratic Party will convene it's Convention at the glorious gold-domed City Hall to vote in the slate for this year's Municipal elections. Some incumbents, some new faces, all great Dems!

The 2009 campaign encompasses candidates for Mayor, Board of Aldermen, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning Board and City Clerk. Traditionally, the position of City Clerk is cross-endorsed by the Republican Party, so that's settled.

All are welcome to join us at the Convention, although only Town Committee members will be permitted to vote."

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Update 7/7/09 From The Milford RTC Website

Republicans Will Not Cross-Endorse Kim Rose for City Clerk

"Milford Republicans will not be cross endorsing this year’s Democratic candidate for City Clerk. During the last few elections, Republicans did cross-endorse Alan Jepson but Mr. Jepson was a unique individual who had an outstanding record serving the city of Milford for many years and had conducted the affairs of his office in a truly non-partisan fashion. Republicans did what they felt was best for the city.

It appears that there are two possible Democratic candidates for City Clerk. No one has ever accused Kim Rose of being non-partisan and Dick Roy seems to view the office as a way to supplement his state pension. Mr. Roy may deserve thanks for his years of service in the state assembly but not a $71,443 a year golden parachute."

Foran and Jonathan Law Students Graduate From High School

Speakers at the Joseph A. Foran High School graduation Thursday evening in Milford had a hard time saying goodbye.

"I'm very bad at saying goodbye, so I'll just say 'See you soon!,' '' valedictorian Nichole Geoffrion told her classmates.

Salutatorian Megan Holton said she is looking forward to seeing her friends this summer, but also at the Class of 2009's reunions throughout the years, so goodbyes weren't called for. "I expect to see many successful, accomplished, happy people,'' she said.

Class president Juliana Mazza also avoided the "G' word in her speech. "I'm going to say that I'll be seeing you around, and let's make more memories.''

Assistant Supt. of Schools R. Michael Cummings, the former Foran High principal, is another person with a lot of memories at the sprawling cement high school. A graduate himself, Cummings watched his own son move the tassel on his mortarboard from the left to the right at the end of the commencement exercises at the Vito DeVito Field.

Cummings presented gold medals to Geoffrion and to Holton, noting that both young women were leaders and academic standouts in a very competitive class, and that both have already done much to improve the lives of others. Geoffrion organized a fundraising dinner to help a local family with financial and medical problems.

She also organized her Foran High classmates to respond when two Jonathan Law High students were killed in a motor vehicle accident in 2007, and a third died later of his injuries. "She showed compassion to our sister high school, getting students to wear black and gold, Jonathan Law's colors,'' Cummings said. "She also served as the liasion from Foran High to the Board of Education, answering the board's and the superintendent's questions with poise and confidence.''

Holton was injured during a charity fundraising race, but kept up her high grades in advanced placement courses and a busy schedule of activities, Cummings said. "It was evident that she was in considerable pain, but she never complained.''

Holton noted that she has had the opportunity to visit Prague, Budapest and the Andes Mountains, and to witness first-hand the inauguration of Barack Obama through Foran High. "But many of us have done remarkable, amazing things -- gotten a song on iTunes, been in the tai kwon do Olympics, or made a prom dress out of duct tape.

"Despite the moving walls and the lack of windows, most of us have learned important things here in the past four years,'' the salutatorian said. "But success is a lot more than having a lot of money or being famous. As my grandmother said, if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.''

Geoffrion recalled that she had also been the speaker when the class graduated from eighth grade at East Shore Middle School, and said she is still teased about a corny joke she told then. The valedictorian urged her class of 248 to meet as many new people as possible, and to really listen to what other people have to say.

The class filed onto the field, boys in blue and girls in red, to cheers and snapping camera shutters. Taylor Mascia held up a large sign with "We love you Connor'' on it, for his brother. Every time a member of the band graduated a trumpet blast or a cymbal crash greeted the name.

And Principal John Barile drew the loudest applause, at the start of the ceremony, when he said: "Yes, it is sunny. Let's cheer for that.''

Frank Juliano. Original POST Click Here

To Read About Jonathan Laws Graduates and see more pictures Click HERE

Milford's Smart Growth Means Restricting Negative Income Properties

Milford Zoning and Planning has the duty of assigning the land use and improvements made to our community by builders and developers. Milford is a town rich with many resources including open space, small family farms and a growing population.

Every year when our city presents its budget it is forced to contend with the hardships of the promises it has made to its city employees, the cost associated with inflation and the economic situation of the local taxpayers who have to pay for it all.

Thankfully our city does receive some help from the outside world. Our city gets assistance with grants from the state of Connecticut (Devon Revitalization Project, the courthouse, education dollars, etc..) however this money always falls short and tempers flare between property owners and taxpayers.

Last year it was standing room only at city hall, the public in Milford heard that the budget was so severely strained that up to 180 teachers would be layed off and a taxpayer revolt was brewing between those who paid taxes and those who expected quality education from the city. Fortunately no teachers were fired, this is because other cuts were made instead.

The notion of Smart Growth benefiting a community, will only work if the city and Zoning and Planning engage in a policy that is more scientific in its approach of land use management.

This formula should consider how many Negative Income Properties (NIP's) our community can reasonably sustain relative to its Income Producing Properties (IPP's) The difference between the two are simply stated as one type of property like a commercial building or elderly housing will produce more income that the demands of those residents. The other type (NIP's) are those properties like Family Occupied Dwellings with multiple kids in the school system. Those properties consume more revenue than is procured in taxes.

Sustainability of the tax base and Milford's future means driving up the cost of large Family dwellings through the basic principles of artificial scarcity, or the policy of making their proliferation increasingly difficult. Eventually the basic principles of supply and demand will drive up the cost of (NIP's) This will result in lower mill rates, more property tax revenue, and higher resale values for those homeowners who will eventually sell their properties.

The flip side of zoning and planning should be to encourage and ease land use pertaining to commercial development, and the designation of additional senior occupied developments (like Baldwin Station), while encouraging low cost single occupant housing.

Smart Growth is more than just recycling, energy reduction, art, healthy living and all those attributes of its proponents. Smart growth is about building affordable communities that are energy efficient, cost effective and socially balanced. These policies can only be implemented by Zoning and Planning who must pay careful attention to the implications of the permits in which they issue to our town developers.

At all cost, and in my opinion, I believe it is critical to prohibit the development of farms in lieu of "McMansions" and encourage the development of business, senior, and single occupancy apartments if Milford is to resolve its revenue issues in the coming years.

Dennis McBride MD, Milford Health Director Comments on Swine Flu

Until a vaccine of novel H1N1 influenza (H1N1) is made, public health can only try to slow down but not eliminate the spread of the virus. While most people can tolerate H1N1, many with preexisting medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, etc.)cannot. To those people, H1N1 is not a “mild” flu.

Since the majority of H1N1 cases have occurred in persons under 18 years, schools are the focus of social distancing strategies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website (www.cdc.gov) is a wealth of information. However, in the beginning of the H1N1 outbreak , CDC issued “Interim Guidance on School Closures” that was perplexing. Most state health departments, including Connecticut, follow CDC guidelines. (Note: NYC Department of Health stated that some actions they took in response to H1N1 were not following the CDC school closure guidelines.)

CDC stated that: “K-12 Schools: School dismissal is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, in general, is not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function.” Yet in other guidance CDC endorses school closure during a pandemic. Public health literature is replete with school closures as strategies to quell an influenza pandemic.

On the other hand, many advocate for school closure during this H1N1 pandemic. I pose a road less travelled—partial school closure. In the face of an outbreak of influenza-like-illness (ILI) at Foran High School, I elected not to close the school but to work with Dr. Harvey Polansky, Superintendent of Schools, to devise a plan to reduce the spread of ILI and yet continue essential education work. If we had been presented with an extremely virulent virus, such as a virus that caused the 1918Influenza pandemic, I would have closed the school. We were not in that situation. The decision to use partial closure of the high school was made to minimize risk of ILI transmission.

It is commonly accepted by public health and medical authorities that, for the most part, influenza transmission relies on close contact (less than 6ft)with symptomatic persons and length of time spent in with that person. The more close contacts a person has with symptomatic persons (through coughing, sneezing, or talking) and the longer the time spent with that person, the greater the risk of contracting the disease.

Dr. Polansky proposed 1/2 day of classes and no lunch in the cafeteria. The proposal met the public health criteria to decrease the time of the students exposure to a potentially infected student and the number of personal contacts that each student would have.

In public health and medicine, sometimes decisions have to be made before all of the data are in. The scientific literature on partial school closure for flu outbreaks is lacking, but “absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.” Using modeling research data from Glass’ 2008 study “Social contact networks for the spread of pandemic influenza in children and teenagers,” we have determined that contact hours can be reduced significantly with a partial closure schedule. With the two measures (decreasing class time and eliminating cafeteria lunches), we estimate a decrease in student contact exposure hours of about 40%.

In addition, school staff and teachers are on full alert to refer symptomatic students to the school nurse. The school building was cleaned and sanitized using CDC guidelines for H1N1.

After the partial closure was implemented, some positive things happened:

1. Those students that were ill with ILI stayed home.

2. The number of students presenting to the nurses with ILI symptoms decreased to
less than 3 per day.

3. School custodians report increased use of hand soaps and students report using
more hand sanitizers.

4. The absenteeism rose on the first day (by worried parents and sick students) but dropped significantly on the second day to moderately above absenteeism rates for this time of year.

5. School nurses contacted families of students known to have serious underlying
medical conditions and advised them to consult their doctors about antiviral medications.

6. Students are still on track to finish out the school year as scheduled.

In Milford, each school has a school nurse and they have been tracking school absenteeism and ILI for five years. When H1N1 cases were confirmed in the U.S., I requested that the ILI and absenteeism reporting efforts be shifted from weekly to daily reports. Thus we were able to detect approximately 20 students with ILI over a
24-hour period. This was the only school in Milford with an ILI outbreak. Partial school closure may not work everywhere, but should not be dismissed as an option to stem the pandemic.

The battle against H1N1 is far from over. Only thru strong community partnerships can we meet future challenges.

Original Letter Posted HERE

Devon Revitalization Construction Expects Delays

MILFORD — State funding cuts in the Devon Revitalization project will delay Phase 4 of streetscape construction, but the project’s committee “understands the situation,” said the city’s director of community development.

“When you see the dire straits the state is in, you can certainly understand that there are going to be cuts,” Robert Gregory said. “I think the committee is optimistic that, in the future, more money is coming.”

Project money was cut last month when Gov. M. Jodi Rell reduced the state’s budget and eliminated funding from initiatives across the state.

Adam Liegeot, a spokesman for the governor, said Rell felt it was necessary to cut funding to avoid increasing the state’s debt.

“Governor Rell feels that many of these proposed bond projects are worthy ones,” he said. “Just like families across the state, state government must make do with less.”

The loss will not affect current work being done for Phase 3 of the Devon Revitalization project, or installation of a new sewer pipe and construction of a small parking lot on Bridgeport Avenue, Gregory said.

Bridgeport contractor G. Pic & Sons is beginning work this month on sidewalks on Bridgeport Avenue between Kerema and Naugatuck avenues as part of Phase 3, he added. The firm already completed work on sidewalks lining Naugatuck Avenue as part of the project.

“It will be streetscape work and carrying out the same theme as we did on Naugatuck Avenue with brick sidewalks with diamond patterns, streetlights, benches, plantings, trees, and a bike rack,” he said of the project’s latest development.

Had the fourth phase of the project received state funding, the street work would have continued up Bridgeport Avenue to Doyle Funeral Home.

Phase 4 of the project probably will not see state money coming this fiscal year, Gregory said. The state had already granted earlier work $4.7 million, and any left over from current streetscape work will be used to continue the project.

“I don’t think (funding cuts) will have a major impact. The things that have been done so far were the entrance way with the clock and a new park, and the sidewalk and street lights will be really impressive once they’re done,” Gregory said. “It would be nice to have, but in this day and age, we can understand.”

Despite funding cuts to the streetscape project, Gregory said the Devon Revitalization Committee decided recently to purchase land for $160,000 in state funds at 120 Bridgeport Ave. to build a 12-space parking lot. A study two years ago determined more parking was needed. The lot will be free and available to anyone visiting Devon. It is located near Al Dente Italian Restaurant.

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the work, and the committee will present it to the Board of Alderman next month.

The city also will begin design work for a larger sewer pipe and additional catch basins to be installed on Bridgeport Avenue. A study conducted last year emphasized the need for drainage improvements, Gregory said.

The city might be able to use federal stimulus money to fund the work and aldermen already authorized $800,000 in bond money.

“The drainage problem has been escalating over the years; it’s gotten really bad,” Gregory said. “Once they hire a firm to do design work, then the Milford part of it could begin this year if everything goes right.”

By Susan D Click HERE

CLICK HERE for Minutes From Last Committee Meeting

Tim Chaucer Becomes 5th Contender For Milford Mayor

Another mayoral hopeful is poised to throw his hat into the ring: Local historian Tim Chaucer said this week that he plans to seek the Democratic nomination to run for mayor in November.

Chaucer, who has been involved in historical and land preservation issues for years in Milford, makes mayoral hopeful number five for the 2009 election.

Incumbent Mayor James Richetelli Jr., a Republican, has announced he plans to seek another term. Former Board of Aldermen Chairman Tom Beirne has announced that he’d like to run on the GOP ticket.

Peter Spalthoff, a former Republican Town Committee chairman who joined the Milford Independent Party, plans to run on the Independent ticket.

Democrats already seemed to be lining up behind Genevieve Salvatore, a lawyer and relative newcomer to the Milford political scene, who announced her intention to run on the Democratic ticket. Last week, Chaucer penned a letter to the Democratic Town Committee stating his interest in seeking the party nomination.

“I want to run because I think I can do the best job for the city of Milford,” Chaucer said. “I’ve lived in Milford my entire adult life. I’ve always said it’s a city worth saving.”

Chaucer said he identifies with the city’s historic beauty.

“Sometimes the chief executives we’ve had don’t get the real historic significance of the city,” Chaucer said. “I think people love Milford who live here because of the beauty, the beaches, the green, the woodlands, the wetlands, and yet we see these being chipped away. There ought to be more efforts to preserve the beauty.”

Chaucer also said taxes are a huge issue for him, especially because he had to sell his Gulf Pond home because taxes soared.

“I have many questions about the assessor’s office, and I know for a fact that there are people who live on direct waterfront in Milford who pay nothing in real estate taxes,” Chaucer wrote in a letter to Democratic Town Committee Chairman Rich Smith. “I know of other cases where people pay too much or too little.”

Early this week, the head of the Democratic Town Committee said he hadn’t read Chaucer’s letter of intent yet.

“He made overtures months ago,” Smith said. “I’d have to talk to Tim and see what he thinks the issues are. I’ve not had an opportunity to have that conversation yet.”

Smith said the nomination process is fairly straightforward. The Democratic Town Committee will vote for a nominee at a convention July 22. “Whoever has the most votes of the delegates will win the nomination,” Smith said.

Chaucer said he would primary for the nomination if the committee chooses Salvatore.

Chaucer notes that he has lived in Milford all his life, while Salvatore has not, and he is a life-long Democrat, while Salvatore was a Republican until about four years ago.

Salvatore says it’s true she is a relative newcomer to Milford — she’s been here since 2002 — but she doesn’t see that as a negative.

“Many people are new to Milford like me,” she said, “and the fact is that I chose Milford as the place I wanted to raise my son. So I feel I’m as vested as anyone.”

On being a fairly new Democrat, she said she became disenchanted with the Republican Party both nationally and locally.

“I said I need to make a change,” Salvatore said. “I wanted to make sure my political affiliation was aligned with where my heart was.”

Salvatore is chairman of the Milford Economic Development Commission and has said she wants to seek the party nomination because she sees “substantive opportunities to improve the way our city government functions, to break out of the business as usual cycle and introduce new, most cost effective and efficient ways to manage our city government.”

She has said the public sector has not been as innovative as the private sector in streamlining and improving the way it does business.

“Over the past eight years, the city’s budget has grown at an astronomic rate,” Salvatore said when she announced her intentions about a month ago. “Much of this, I believe, could have been avoided by more prudent and purposeful focus on driving the cost of doing business down while at the same time improving services.”

Story a reprint from Milford Mirror

Computer Recycling In Milford

The ComputerFox at 374 New Have Ave. in Milford is accepting computers for recycling. While we do not have an event day our location is open for recycling Monday through Saturday from 12-4P.M.

The ComputerFox will accept old monitors, Software, Laptops, Desktops, and computer peripherals such as old drives, keyboards and mice. No appointment is required, there is no fee for dropping off items and for those concerned about identity theft a separate service is available for a $20.00 fee. This service will guarantee that all vital data on your Hard Drives is securely erased and your drive recycled.

The ComputerFox has recycled countless computers over the years, with many donated to needy families, used as discount repair parts, or sold as low cost alternatives to struggling people with limited income. The Computerfox offers its in-house computers for free to any job seekers.

Anyone who is a recipient of state assistance and has children in a Milford School are also eligible for a free computer for the duration of that persons kids education in Milford Schools.

For More information on computer recycling contact our office by clicking the $99 ad to the right, or call us at (203) 647-0380.

Mike Brown, Jon Kantrowitz, And The Milford Blogs

These are two of Mil fords cyberbloggers, mostly responsible for the conflicting insanity that exists in the blogosphere. Kantrowitz is associated with my former Fairfield University professor Dr. Orman, and both chair the rather meaningless and ridiculous Connecticut For Lieberman Party. Kantrowitz featured here with his Jim Himes support stickers recently wrote this hit piece on Jim Himes pledging to withdraw his support over a letter he received about fiscal responsibility at the federal level.

Recently I wrote an article about Peter Schiff of Euro Pacific Capital in Darien, also a macroeconomic expert on issues of financial responsibility, and again Kantrowitz responded with this Hit Piece attacking Schiff, his family and spinning his comments out of context.

While Mike Brown featured above and seated to the right of Jon wearing a "T" shirt on his head and another on himself bearing what appears to be a South Park Character Jon is to his left sporting a cup of beer and smiling.

These two folks are key Democratic leaders in the town of Milford and are influential over the language and attacks in cyberspace. Part of our mission here at the Milford daily blog is to introduce you to our community leaders up close and personal and while I have gobs of information on both these guys, lets just politely say the photo of these two says it all.

This photo (From the Lamont Lieberman Era) is the rest of the very partisan and opinionated Democratic Blogging machine.













(L to R) Jon Kantrowitz, CT Blogger, Tessa Marquis, CTKeith, Caffeinated Geek Girl, Spazeboy, CT Joyce, and "Blog Wars" documentarian Will Dixon. Not featured in this photo is CTBOB, or Milford's own Bob Adams.

Bob Adams filmed this world famous career wrecking Amann video. Today Adams is working for Milford Government Access television, but only after addressing concerns that he would not introduce his partisan flare into the professional standards demanded by our public access channel supervisors.

Scully’s Departs From Amann Campaign

Patrick Scully, who joined former Speaker of the House James Amann’s gubernatorial campaign in January, says he is no longer working for the campaign.

“I am no longer employed by the Amann campaign because of lack of funding,” Scully said in a phone interview Friday. “I don’t have time to work for free.” Scully said he is working on building his consulting company and his departure in no way “negates my thoughts of the candidate.”

Scully’s departure does raise questions about the viability of Amann’s campaign, although Amann scoffed at that idea on Friday. Amann said the campaign dismissed Scully for reasons he refused to discuss on the record, not vice-a-versa.
Scully said the campaign owes him “five figures,” which could conceivably be a problem because, based the campaign report filed at the end of April, Amann’s campaign had $4,110 cash on hand.

“We’re doing fine,” Amann said. “We’re moving forward.” He said in the old days he would have raised $250,000 by now, but things are different under the new public finance system, under which Amann said it was difficult to spend money in the exploratory phase. That’s why the campaign switched over to a candidate committee, but in the process forfeited more than $20,000.

Under the new rules if the amount a candidate rolls over from an exploratory committee exceeds the total amount of qualifying small-dollar checks received, then the difference goes back to the state election fund. Amann transferred $35,488 from his exploratory committee into his candidate committee, but he had only raised about $9,545 in qualifying contributions of $100 or less causing him to lose more than $25,000.

Click here to see the campaign finance record of the transfer.
“It was a mistake,” Scully said of the campaign’s decision to switch from an exploratory to candidate committee so quickly.

Amann’s opponents — Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy and Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz — are still exploring a run for governor. Malloy’s campaign had about $105,297 cash on hand and Bysiewicz about $83,357 at the end of April.
But Amann, who has already opened up his campaign headquarters in Milford, said “we’re the only ones in the race.”

The last time Quinnipiac University polled residents on the 2010 gubernatorial match-up was back in February. At that time 79 percent didn’t know enough about Amann to have an opinion. Bysiewicz was the early favorite in a Democratic primary with 44 percent of the vote, followed by Malloy with 12 percent and Amann with 4 percent. Another 36 percent are undecided.

The same poll showed Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell beating Amann 61 to 21 percent. On Friday Amann said he had hundreds of volunteers working for him and has plans for at least two fundraisers this summer.

Cristine Stewart www.ctnewsjunkie.com

Democrats Hold First Annual Awards Dinner

Democratic Town Chairman Richard Smith wasn't sure how long it had been since the Milford Democrats last held an awards dinner. He did remember, though, that he had won Young Democrat of the Year. The crowd laughed.

"I don't know why that's funny," he said into the microphone, smiling.

(l-r) Vito Casignoli, Richard Smith, Robert Berchem, and Michael Smith

The event at Aldario's marked a return to tradition for Milford's Democratic Party, and the well-attended dinner drew its share of powerful Democrats. State Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo made an appearance, and former Speaker of the House, Milford resident, and gubernatorial candidate Jim Amann was the master of ceremonies for the night. Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, and Mark Ojakian, Deputy Comptroller of the State of Connecticut (representing Nancy Wyman) were also in attendance.

State Representatives Paul Davis, Richard Roy, and Barbara Lambert were joined by State Senator Gayle Slossberg to present official citations to the award winners. Democratic Mayoral candidate Genevieve Salvatore was also in attendance and received a warm reception. Music was provided by Alderman Bob Nunno, bandleader at West Shore Middle School, and his brother, bassist Mike Nunno.

Michael Smith, a local party activist who recently battled non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, was honored as the Young Democrat of the Year. Michael, diagnosed one year ago, is now cancer-free and planning to bike almost 300 miles to raise money for cancer research.

"Although we're calling it the Young Democrat award," Rich Smith said from the podium, "we had it engraved as a ‘Profile in Courage' award, because that's really what it is."

Vito Castignoli, longtime treasurer to Milford Democratic campaigns, was honored with a Lifetime Contribution Award. A tireless volunteer who never sought recognition for his work, it seemed an appropriate honor.

"The reward for a job well done is that you get to keep doing it." Castignoli said. "I hope I get to keep doing it for another twenty-seven years."

Finally, Attorney Robert Berchem was honored as the Democrat of the Year. Calling him a "Democrat's Democrat," Sen. Slossberg helped present the award. "If you're a Milford Democrat, there are certain people you have to go meet, that you have to go talk to. Bob Berchem is at the top of that list."

Rich Smith called the dinner a "success" and said he looked forward to doing it again next year.

Original Story Posted HERE

Peter Spalthoff Advocates "Fiscal Responsibility"

While I am not in favor of many of the cuts that the Aldermen have made on the recently passed “election year budget”, I am very much in agreement with, and applaud, Chairman Blake for his position on reconsidering the use of our favorable bond rating for the work required to be done at Jonathan Law High School. It is public knowledge that the work has to be done, and for Mayor to say that “it is not the right time” I believe he is doing a disservice to Milford. This is the perfect time to take advantage of the positive lending environment that presently exists for Milford and the work should not be put off until after the election.

As Chairman Blake noted, the City has one of the most favorable bond ratings in the State. If that is true, then why not take advantage of it? Why wait until after the elections are over when the costs WILL be greater and the rates WILL undoubtedly be higher than they are today? Using our good bond rating, lower interest rates, and a lower project cost than previously proposed, is a sensible and responsible thing to be doing at this time. This would represent good planning for the future and good management of the City’s resources.

Many are aware that Milford retired some very high interest rate bonds this past year and to replace them with the lower rates that are available now makes good financial sense and epitomizes sound fiscal management. The Mayor’s insistence that bonding would send the “wrong message” could not be any further from the reality of what is needed for our community.

What has sent the wrong message was Mayor Richetelli’s request for a raise in the later part of 2008 knowing all the while he was going to be asking the unions to freeze their pay. Fortunately, the Aldermen rejected his pay raise request.
What has sent the wrong message was Mayor Richetelli’s spending $48,000.00 for a review of the Building Department procedures and practices.
What has sent the wrong message was Mayor Richetelli’s handling of the Cadley property sale.

And certainly, what has sent the wrong message, was Mayor Richetelli’s 3 step “election year budget” proposal that is comprised of: (1) transferring over 2 1/2 million from rainy day and other accounts. What happens next year if the economy is still sluggish and we need to move money again from accounts to balance the budget? (2) Having the unions freeze their pay this year saving the City $850,000.00. What happens next year when we have already guaranteed the unions an increase that will cost us that same $850,000.00, plus a “no lay off guarantee”? And finally, (3) he proposes selling a piece of City property for $225,000.00. Why not hold on to it until the market recovers and the value increases?

These three items will have to be factored back into the budget for next year and will inevitably create a tax increase for everyone.

Although all of our neighbors would appreciate and could use the proposed $150.00 savings in their taxes next year, I think they would appreciate hearing an assurance from the Mayor that next years budget will not swallow this tax saving and much, much more due to his reactionary fiscal policies.

Unfortunately, this situation is a result of poor fiscal management, which Milfordites are subject to every time an election year comes our way. The City’s budget should not be a “play thing” to be used for votes; it should be the backbone of the City and provide for all of us every year. It should not be a test of who can cut more from the budget, the Democrats or the Republicans. We deserve better and should demand more from our elected officials.

Peter L. Spalthoff Independent Party candidate for Mayor

Walnut Beach Festival On Schedule

On Sunday August 2Nd. From 10A.M. to 5.00P.M the 2009 Walnut Beach Festival is set to kick off. The event will feature entertainment for all ages. Guests can expect to find Live Music, A Race for Runners, Lots of Vendors, Free Demonstrations and plenty of Food.

This year kids will also enjoy an expanded Area Featuring MURAL PAINTING, SAND SCULPTURE, BOOK READING, arts and Crafts, Story Telling and More!

To locate this event, take exit 34 off I-95 and follow the signs to to the approved parking areas. Event Center is at the Corner of Viscount and Broadway in Milford.

The photo above is from last years event at the beach. Photo depicts a competitor at the sand sculpting contest.

For More information visit the official Walnut Beach Festival Website at: http://www.walnutbeachfestival.com

Milford Threatened With North East Flood Threat.

Looks like some severe weather is headed our way, the wife said she heard word of Monsoon Like rain headed our way. Might want to take precautions against flooding and doing the common sense things like making sure your basement pumps work and your drains are not clogged.

Last year Issues of flooding angered residents down in Devon and pictures came along to this website of flooded churches, streets and basement damage. Anyone who has a basement that could potentially flood should keep their valuables away from spots that will ruin them with mold or the like negative effects of water damage.

People living along the beach should be prepared for higher than normal tides and more agressive runnoffs of nearby river estuaries. The Coast Guard also advises boat owners to make sure their sump pumps are working properly.

According to Weather.com the rain is expected to begin late this evening and continue into the next day.

Cell Phone Tower Stirs Milford's North End

Many city residents have been concerned with the ambitions of Cellco Partnership. This company has big ambitions, to be exact their ambitions are about 140 Feet Tall and made of steel. They originally wanted to place this giant cell tower at the YMCA in the North end of town, but after lots of opposition from neighbors who feared Electromagnetism, decreased property values and unsightly views decided to scrap the idea and head for the park.

Eisenhower Park is now the new site Cellco proposed for the construction of this cell phone tower. This however did not satisfy its opponents, the battle will continue at city hall where a platoon of protesters led by Tina Laychak will take on the sharp speaking suits at Robinson & Cole, the Hartford-based law firm representing Cellco.

The purpose of this tower is somewhat of an enigma, a Verizon customer on North Street said he had "good reception with Verizon. No dropped calls. Don't have to go outside to make calls like Cingular, which also always dropped calls or I wouldn't get calls all together. Never had that problem with Verizon, their service is a lot better."

Personally I have made calls from both Eisenhower Park and the YMCA on my Sprint network and my reception is good and the phone always works. Perhaps there is more to this than just reception or putting up a pole certainly we will find out at the public hearing July 1 at 7 p.m. in the City Hall auditorium.

Another issue is the construction of a shed approximately 30 feet by 20 feet that will house additional equipment, and this is also an issue requiring debate as to its construction look and design. Cellco has even gone so far as to offer the city of Milford an undisclosed amount of money for use of its land at Eisenhower Park, but as of yet no deal has been made.

Some cities around the state have opted to resolve these issues through the use of tall buildings and churches with high steeples who are happy to accommodate cell phone equipment high up on their rooftops or in their bell towers and steeples. The cell phone companies pay these organizations for use of their space and cell companies have made a matchmaking business of it with willing participants.

Perhaps the solution to this problem is a nearby church, or tall building that would like to volunteer its steeple. Personally I am not really certain about what churches would work but certainly we should all agree that it would be much more pleasant than a 140 foot pole. We will anxiously wait and see what happens at city hall next month.

City To Auction off Two Lots

The city is getting set to auction off two parcels of land that became somewhat controversial during the recent budget deliberations.

Mayor James Richetelli Jr. expects the sales to bring in $250,000, $225,000 of which has been calculated into this year’s budget. Other politicians criticized him during budget deliberations for predicting a sales figure, which they said is not a sure thing.

This week the mayor announced the date for public auction for the two single-family building lots, which are in the West Shore area. The properties each are approved for one single-family dwelling.

The auction is set for Friday, June 26, at 11 a.m. in the City Hall auditorium, 110 River St. The minimum bid for each lot, as set by the Board of Aldermen, is $125,000.

People wishing to bid must present a certified or bank check for 10% ($12,500) 30 minutes before the auction.

One of the two properties is at 2 Welton St. and combined with 28 feet of 6 Stone St. The two together produce a lot size 100-by-108 feet or 10,787 square feet in an R-5 zone.

The second parcel is a rear lot on Stone Street, which has a lot size of 15,000 square feet in an R-5 zone.

A copy of the official notice, bidding instructions, general specifications and other pertinent information are available at the city’s purchasing department or from the city Web site, ci.milford.ct.us. Click on “City Departments,” select “Purchasing” and then “Current Bids.”

“The sale of this property will achieve many desirable objectives,” Richetelli said. “[It will] generate much needed revenue to aid the city taxpayers; relieve the neighborhood and the city of vacant lots, which have become dumping grounds as well as places to ‘hang out’; create oversized building lots where attractive, single-family homes may be built, which will add value to surrounding properties; put these properties back on the tax rolls; and create jobs through new home construction.”

“In addition, this will continue to enhance our common goal of revitalizing the Walnut Beach area,” Richetelli added.

Written by Jill K. Dion Original post Click HERE


For further information call 783-3201.

Current Snapshot of Milford's Real Estate Market

View More Data updates and Source Files by Clicking HERE

Seven New Swine Flu Cases At Foran High

MILFORD -- Seven new cases of H1N1 swine flu have been confirmed at Joseph A. Foran High School, officials said Tuesday.

But the outbreak seems to be dying down, with only two or three new cases of "flu-like illness'' being reported at the 1,000 student high school on Monday, and with absenteeism stabilizing.

The seven students were part of the first 20 who became ill last week, said Dr. A. Dennis McBride, the city health director. Samples from the students were tested by the Milford health department, which confirmed the diagnosis. All of the ill students are recovering; at least one sought treatment at a hospital as an out-patient, he said.

McBride said that Foran High will remain on a half-day schedule for the remainder of the school year, which ends June 25. The measure, instituted early last week, has been effective in "tamping down'' the spread of the virus by reducing the face-to-face contact among students, he said.

Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said local health officials have been proactive in handling the outbreak.

"Hopefully our community can be spared more illness by combining good public policy with common sense precautions by our citizens," he said.

The health director isn't so sure that alone will be enough. Although the end of the school year will likely mean a steep drop-off in flu cases, the virus could recur when the buildings reopen in the fall, he said. None of the other 13 public schools here have seen an outbreak of swine flu.

"The virus is among us and is likely to sporadically reappear or fold into a seasonal variation of [typical] flu,"

McBride said.

Original artcle can be found HERE Written By Frank Juliano Photo of from web showing Swine Flu Spores.

Could Mr. Schiff Be Lieberman's Independent Contender?

Peter Schiff, the Darien resident and CEO of Euro Pacific Capitol, is all over the web with mounting support calling him into political service. Peter was a previous speaker at the Connecticut Libertarian Party, and a regular commentator on several national news programs.

Schiff is often referred to as the man who was later determined to have been right in his economic predictions. There is no doubt that he has developed an impressive and loyal following. Personally I would find it great to see Lieberman a party outcast face another Independent like Peter Schiff in the 2010 Senate race.



Recently I contacted his office to see if the Milford Independent party could offer their services since he would be campaigning in our districts. Mike Telesca our state Independent Party chairman said he thought Schiff would "make a better candidate for Connecticut Governor" and asked me to make the offer. When I called his Euro Pacific Capitol office and told his receptionist the nature of my call, she indicated he was out of town and was put through to his brother instead. The details of which happened next are currently confidential, however I will say that support is building for Peter's push to run for the Senate. Peter Schiff has not formally announced he will run but money and people are organizing to get him to do so hopefully we will hear the magic words that he will run.

Peter is truly a dynamic individual who has a keen insight on world affairs, sound economic policy, and a strong bond with our country to continue to fight for what we believe in. Even if Peter opts out of the Senate race he will still continue on to the airways where he will be a formidable force in challenging the flawed views of misguided economists.

Peter' fan website is: http://www.schiff2010.com/ feel free to offer your support

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Update 6/17/09

Andrew Schiff and I made contact today and Peter Schiff is more interested in challenging Chris Dodd than Joe Lieberman. Andrew also mentioned that he is not ruling out a Republican endorsement but will announce his intentions soon.

Also Schiffs supporters have struck a nerve with angry liberals who wrote this recent Hit Piece about Peter Schiff. Perhaps they have not yet seen this video by Aaron Russo.

Thank You We Reached 20,000 Hits Today.

Seems just like yesterday Mike and I started this blog board, our goal was to establish a place for alternative views from the mainstream media and the political paradigm so many people here in Milford have come to know.

This year is particularly exciting because our numbers show real growth, that means we are doing something many of you are interested in and the comments and e-mails are arriving with all types of "pro and con" views.

Mike and I do our very best to get all the facts as accurate as possible, however we must confess that we are not perfect and from time to time we've made mistakes that struck the nerve of a group or person who was more than happy to assist us with our facts. Many thanks to those of you who helped us with accuracy as that is a very important part of our mission here at the Milford Daily Blog.

Hopefully the next milestone of 50,000 page loads will arrive even faster, so feel free to spread the word. Visit us again and visit us often, also many thanks to our sponsors who help us with some of the costs of maintaining this blog. Once again many thanks and we eagerly welcome your support and future contributions.

Annual Milford Muster Is Set For June 27.

The Milford Volunteers Ancient Fife & Drum Corps will hold its Annual Milford Muster on June 27.

A short parade will start at 1 p.m. at the Milford Senior Center on Jepson Drive. Fife and drum corps from throughout New England and New York will march across High Street, down Darina Place onto River Street, and continue to the Green.

Units will muster immediately after the parade at Eisenhower Park on North Street and perform. Vendors and demonstrations will be included.

For more information, call Pattie Deer at 878-0360 or visit milford.fifdrum.org.

Liberal Website Criticizes Amann Legacy

Article FROM Jon Kantrowitz MYLEFTNUTMEG

Connecticut's state subsidies for the entertainment industry are a money-losing proposition for the state. That is the conclusion of a new report, Fiddling While Rome Burns: Connecticut's Multi-Million Dollar, Money Losing Subsidy to the Entertainment Industry. The report is published by Connecticut Voices for Children.

The report is based on recently-released data from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism (CCCT). While intended to spark a home-grown entertainment industry in Connecticut, these data show that the tax credits have largely been subsidizing out-of-state personnel and businesses. The report finds that only 11% of the $113.2 million of state revenues lost through the "film tax credit" subsidized production expenses that were classified by CCCT as "actual Connecticut expenditures."

"Connecticut has been hoodwinked by the entertainment industry into paying for 30% of their production costs. But the glitz and glamour of this industry shouldn't blind us to the fact that these tax credits are big money losers for the state," said Shelley Geballe, Distinguished Senior Fellow at Connecticut Voices for Children and author of the report. "At a time when the health and well-being of our families and communities is threatened by severe state budget cuts and Connecticut must create new, permanent, full-time jobs, investing our scarce resources into schools, health care, and home-grown businesses in emerging fields like renewable energy makes far more sense than subsidizing the next horror movie or thriller."

The study found that eight productions received a total of $9.3 million in tax credit subsidies, though they reported no actual production spending to Connecticut entities at all. Presumably, these productions transported all production-related personnel, equipment and supplies into Connecticut from other states for the duration of the production. Overall, the state has awarded $2.73 in production tax credits for every dollar of actual Connecticut spending on the production of films, television shows, commercials, infomercials, and video games.

The report also cites evidence from independent analyses of state film tax credit programs in Connecticut and other states to show that the film tax credits lose money for states and do not pay for themselves through increased sales, income, corporate and other taxes. These studies estimate that states earn back in tax revenue between 15 cents and 23 cents for every dollar of tax credit issued, even taking into account any additional economic activity generated by the credits.

The report criticizes the unusually generous and open-ended nature of the film tax credits. The film production tax credit covers 30% of eligible production expenses. These entertainment tax credits do not operate like any other business tax credit in Connecticut, in that they do not simply reduce the taxes an entertainment production company owes Connecticut. Rather, production companies awarded the credits can sell the credits to other companies (even if they are unrelated to the entertainment industry) when they have no Connecticut tax liability to offset. So Connecticut is "on the hook" for 30% of a company's production costs, whether or not that company owes any Connecticut taxes. Further, there are no caps on the amount of credits that may be granted per production, or in total, so Connecticut can lose virtually unlimited amounts of revenues, even in a deficit year. The costs of Connecticut's entertainment industry tax credits far surpass the state's investment through tax credits in any other industry, and also exceed the total budget of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.

One huge give-away that hasn't happened yet: Blue Sky Studios.Their highly touted new headquarters at One American Lane, Greenwich, Connecticut 06831 is accessible only from New York State. No local CT businesses will benefit from this business. This is an animation company. All development work will be done in-house. The only possible benefit is to the Greenwich tax rolls - in desperate straights as we all know.

To view source of this article click HERE

Lambasting Milford's Barbara Lambert

It has been nearly a year since our Freshman Representative has taken office in Hartford at the state capitol. Many folks have been asking me what she has been up to because there is nothing in the papers about her positions, no mention of how she is implementing her "plan" or how she is challenging "utilities" "taxes" and all the buzz she put in her mass mailed sales brochure. To be quite honest I personally have not seen or heard a thing about how she is serving Milford, not in the papers or in the news.

Today I googled her name, and I even visited her legislative website. It mentions she is on a labor committee, and some other trivial "hoopla" and the Google results just come up with a bunch of other self promoting party propaganda probably written by herself, kids, friends, and party bosses.

While she is off in space somewhere, Milford is in the process of having its school funding cut from the state, and yet I have not heard a mention that she somehow is for or against this. I and other parents, would like to know what Ms. Lambert (and our other representatives are doing)to save our school funding from the cutting board? Now that I am personally running for the board of ed I am going to voice my complaint here since she is basically MIA on all issues. Most people I speak with, especially those who voted for her along with Obama, do not even remember her or know who she is, but when I asked them how they voted they said all Democrat.

To cut to the chase on this one, I am personally very disappointed that Ms. Lambert does not seem to stand for anything, that she is making no effort to take a public stance in the papers to defend the things that are being taken from our town. The Courthouse Annex, green energy, the Boardwalk and now our schools are about to be shortchanged further. I think we need to ask Ms. Lambert "what exactly are you doing and why are you not standing up for our town?"

I am personally really disappointed that she is not fighting hard for us. Milford deserves better.

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SUMMARY OF MILFORD EDUCATIONAL CUTS
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Governor Rell's budget cuts would:

* Reduce many state education grants by 10% from their current funding level.

* Reduce special education service grants by 10% in all municipalities.

* Eliminate state funding for internet access, and filtering of "adult" content in all public libraries and K-12 schools in Connecticut.

* Eliminate or reduce by 40% the amount of state funding given to local health departments and health districts.

These cuts would come on top of other cuts in municipal aid or flat-funding of programs that our cities and towns rely on. The Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) grant, which is the largest portion of state aid for local education in Connecticut, would be flat-funded for the two year budget. In addition, other programs such as the PILOT (Payment-In-Lieu-of-Taxes) Grant, which helps cities and towns make up for tax losses for tax exempt properties such as state property, hospitals and universities, have been reduced as well. These cuts, along with elimination of funding for our libraries, will put a strain on our municipalities.

Two Teens Dead After Crash With Milford Cop

ORANGE -- Two local teenagers were killed in an early-morning crash on Route 1 when their car collided with a Milford police cruiser driven by an officer returning from helping West Haven police quell a disturbance.

The 3 a.m. crash, at the intersection of Dogwood Road, left David P. Servin, 19, of Sheldon Court, dead at the scene. The vehicle's other occupant, Ashlie M. Krakowski, 19, of Fernbrook Road, was extricated from the wreckage, but later pronounced dead at the Hospital of St. Raphael in New Haven.

The driver of the Milford cruiser, Officer Jason Anderson, was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Anderson was returning to Milford from West Haven, where Milford officers had been dispatched to join police from area communities in assisting West Haven handle a disturbance.

His cruiser collided with the teens' vehicle, traveling in the opposite direction, when their vehicle made a left turn into the path of the patrol car, police said.

The accident is being investigated by State Police at the request of the Orange police chief.



Story Reprint From CT Post Online Edition

Milford Celebrates Captain Kid Day

June 13, 2009 10am to 5 pm rain or shine the event kicked off at Lisman Landing at Milford Harbor. Many youngsters were waiting for the arrival of the infamous Captain Kidd and his crew aboard the schooner, Quinnipiack at 10 AM this morning.

For over 300 years people of all ages have searched for Captain Kidd's treasure, some even believe it is buried right off Milford's coast on nearby Charles Island. On this day June 13Th, folks - young and old - from all over CT, came to discover that the treasure really is right here in Milford. That treasure, however metaphoric, is the smiles and joy this events brings to little pirate farers form all over.

The celebration of Captain Kidd and our local history is sponsored by the Downtown Milford Business Association of which boasts the state's best and largest scavenger hunt.

Participants were instructed to pick up a map and a booty bag and were directed to start following the clues. Those good at treasure hunting discovered the free treasure that has been "hidden" in local Milford businesses.

This event is Sponsored by The Milford Bank, Stonebridge Restaurant, 7 Seas Restaurant and participating DMBA member businesses.

For more information about future events email: lisacsb@gmail.com - 203-874-0115
The Official website is : http://www.downtownmilfordct.com/piratefestival.htm

Amann Still In Governors Race

Despite a passing mention that he had dropped out of the race for governor in this now-corrected New London Day editorial, a spokesman for former Speaker of the House James Amann said Monday that nothing could be further from the truth.

“Jim Amann for Governor 2010 is coming off a banner week and plans to be attending events all over the state this week as well,” wrote Patrick Scully, Amann’s communications director, in an emailed statement. “Jim has noticed the energy and momentum of the campaign is higher than ever.”

“As he moves forward in the coming months, there will be dozens of media appearances, fundraisers, town committee meetings, endorsements, (eventually debates when the others are done ‘exploring’) and just plain fun local events,” Scully said.

Scully’s statement goes on to say:

As fine a journalist as Morgan McGinley of The Day of New London is, he missed the mark badly on this one and started a political rumor—the type that spreads like wildfire. Ironically, the exact opposite of what Morgan wrote (that Amann has dropped out) is true. Jim Amann is the only declared candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor; the only one who has a headquarters open and operating. He knows Democrats want to nominate a candidate who can win the general election, not the same faces with the same results.

I wish, in the future, Morgan would give me a call. Fact-checking matters. I have been assured by an embarrassed editor at The Day that a correction will run in the print edition and online. They will also print my letter to the editor.

Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy and Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz have also set up exploratory committees to seek the Democratic nomination. Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell has an exploratory committee set up, but has not officially announced her intention to run for re-election.

CT Newsjunkie C. Stewart

Richetelli's Re-Election Would Cost Taxpayers Extra.

Amid these difficult times, and the already unprecedented jubilee over the "once in a lifetime tax decrease" more concern over a "bait and switch" sales tactic surfaces among my colleagues who are "in the know" of local Milford politics. Our current mayor, who now seeks yet another term appears to be "going for broke." Richetelli is seeking a fifth term that will qualify him for a life long pension at a substantial cost to the taxpayers.

While I do not not know the exact details of his personal pension related future monetary entitlements, I do know that it will cost our city extra money over the course of his lifetime, beginning upon his retirement. While many like myself supported Jim in the last election with a sign on my lawn, this time around I do not plan to because I am of the opinion that the cost of retaining him is going to add too much future debt to our city.

This opinion of mine is not because I think Jim is a bad person or did a terrible job, its actually to the contrary I think Jim was simply the best choice of the candidates Running last go around. This year is different, we have three other choices besides Jim including my personal favorite Peter Spalthoff who believes in the fundamental fairness of "people and not politics." He is also a selfless individual who has lived in Milford many years and has been a part of many of our local clubs and organizations and traditions. Peter is the only person I ever met who personally invested his own money in our community. I cannot really say that about any of the other candidates.

This year I simply urge all voters to make the best choice for our city and with tax increases and out of control spending being the current theme we may want to think twice about voting for a person who will add additional pension obligations to the city's already over burdened treasury. Jim, in my opinion is a great person who will qualify for a very high paying corporate job after his retirement from the city. We need not worry about him or his future should he fail in his bid for re-election.

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6/14/09 Correction and an addendum to this Post.

The previous title of this post alleged millions, perhaps that is true or perhaps its not I did have the opportunity to get some more imput about this opinion of mine of which is changed a bit due to some new updates.

As it was explained to me the Mayor Recieves 2.25% in pension benefits for each year he holds office. Jim, should he get re-elected to his fifth term would qualify for 10 Times the 2.25% or 22.5% of his $93,000.00 a year estimated salary. This amount would be due and payable upon his 60Th birthday and would be subject to the review of the Pension and Retirement board. This board, at their discretion, could agree to give him Cost of living adjustments to compensate for inflation or like scenarios that could diminish the purchasing power of his pension check.

Should the mayor collect his pension from 60-90 or 30 years, this sum would total Apx. $21,000.00 Times 30 or $630,000.00 without cost of living adjustments by the board. How much this figure grows is entirely up to the Pension and Retirement board and their willingness to increase his benefits in the future.

The ultimate amount could be a million or more, but this is really contingent on how many years the Mayor collects, how many increases he gets along the way, and any other unforseen additional expenses (such as continued health coverage)related to this debt obligation. This figure is pure speculation.

Update 6/27/2009

Quote from Brian McCredy NH Register

"The combined city and schools proposed budget is $170.8 million, compared to this year's $160.1 million, representing a 6.69 percent increase. The proposed budget basically keeps services at the same level. Fixed costs such as health insurance, electricity, contractual wages, pension contributions and workers compensation make up 91.2 percent of the increase."

LINK to full article