Milford Independent Party grows by 10%

This is something to celebrate, especially since the Independent party has been solely run mostly of my own devices. With few people, and I mean very few people writing or pushing the local Milford Independent Party besides myself and a handful of dedicated fans and helpers, our collective party still grew by 10 percent this year.

Imagine what gains could have been made if just a few more people as dedicated, and as committed  as myself, decided to talk to their friends and family. Perhaps print them a Voter Registration form, and encouraged them to register for the Milford Independent Party.

The big surprise, and my source of inspiration, continues to be the people of Milford who never seem to be lacking in magic, and I must admit, I have had my doubts about how long this party would last. When we compare ourselves to other minor parties such as the Green Party, Independence Party, the CT for Lieberman Party etc... We realize that there is something truly magical happening with the Independent Party, not only here in Milford but in the state of Connecticut as well.

As excited as I am about our paltry growth, of which amounts to a rank swelling membership of 231 registered party members, I am also realizing that this number is emblematic of a growing discord with party politics. So many people, young and old are growing weary, and disenfranchised by the leadership in America. Record numbers are registering as Unaffiliated wanting nothing to do with any sort of political party. We need not say more than the dismal approval ratings of our legislative bodies, such a Congress and its 7% approval rating.

People fundamentally know something is wrong in America and the people of Milford know that this is about to become an even bigger local problem. Today’s news ought to be called “Tales of the Washington Crypt.” We need not mention every dismal, enigmatic, perplexing, and outrageous headline that we read or watch on the vitriolic debate channels that dare call themselves news, but rather we should come to embrace the fact that we have each other, and strive to make all our politics local. Perhaps if we get it right here in Milford, other towns and eventually our state will emulate us. I believe that the highest form of flattery is to imitate someone you envy.

To explain what I mean, I will first stress that how we care for one another, treat one another, how we show our respect for our community and defend our town from those outside influences that would seek to exploit us for their own agenda, is one of those things. This is what we should discuss as a community moving forward in the years ahead. We should work on making the decisions of our local legislative bodies stand firm, without outside veto’s, conditions, overrides, contractual obligations etc.. My point here is that the destiny of our community ought to rest with us and not the state, federal, or especially a foreign treaty. This is what I believe is worth fighting for, this is what I believe is the root of freedom, and the burden we share together. If you think Freedom is Free, than I suggest you visit Arlington Cemetery.

Milford is that special place by the sea, historically significant, quaint, and not borne of those developers who would tear down our last standing tree for a profit. I believe our town is comprised of good people, People that I find to be truly resilient in the face of this kind of adversity. Nothing speaks better, or demonstrates this better than the multiple relief efforts of the last few hurricanes, those who fought to save our woods, our heritage, and need I mention the amazing unity borne of those forces imposed on us by nature’s water and snow.

It is with this fraternal and kindred spirit, that today’s headlines, likened to these natural disasters, cause me minimal loss of sleep. I am happy to say that there is no better place to live and work than right here in the city of Milford.

With this said, I will reconnect with my normalcy bias and continue about this cheerful rant of mine with the upmost sincerity, and highest and most positive attitude. I shall move forward today with a steadfast commitment to all that is positive. To that which brings me joy and to that which deserves my upmost attention.  So moving forward let’s focus on gratitude, peace in our lives, and a building of lasting friendships with people who are committed to that terrific motto of "Honest People for Honest Government."

For those who may not know, that phrase is not just words on our banner, it’s not a promise or a commitment; it’s an amazing quality of a good person. We would hope that through Honesty, through not tolerating those who lie, those who cheat or those who steal, we ourselves would lead by example rather than by scandal. Honesty is that first step, in lighting the way for succeeding generations to follow this one.

In conclusion, I will say that only through us and our actions, can our community become a better, safer, and more enjoyable place to live and work. We therefore need to look no further than our friends and neighbors, our children and parents, our aunts and uncles and those we hold dear, for the inspiration we need to succeed in all that we do. In the end it is you who can make a difference, it also may be you who make or break the local headlines, and it is you who can help to expose or protect our city from harm.

 

Milford Developers Should Have No Right to Ruin Milford

There has been a constant and outgoing outcry over what Developers can and cannot do in Milford. Personally I have and will always remain an advocate of individual property rights and support the rights of homeowners to do as they see fit to do on their own property;  so long as, what they choose to do is reasonable, logical and does not infringe on the freedom and liberty of their neighbors.

This is where the issue of Giant corporations and mega developments under the color of law come in, mainly 8-30G or what should have been named “the Slumlord Dream Act.” The idea of Affordable housing is a fair and just cause. The state has crafted such laws with the intent to help low income residents in our state. Ct has a very interesting mix of people, from the very wealthy in Fairfield County, to the very poor in cities like Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury and Bridgeport.

Very soon the influx of refugees from Central America will be looking for housing as well. These low skilled workers will pose a significant challenge to the housing markets everywhere. Many of these individuals are un-educated non English speaking laborers, and will be struggling to compete in a market that is becoming increasingly automated by machines, robots and computers. The future of unskilled labor in America is in question, as is the challenges posed by those in College and Grad school today, whom are also burdened with over One Trillion in student loan debt.

 So the dynamic has become somewhat of a paradox that limits and hinders all but Japanese style living in cramped and compact quarters. This should also bring into question the term “Affordable,” is this sincere or is this "code" for developers to make their mega construction projects more socially palatable. We also must wonder and consider who 8-30G was written for, the Developers or the Poor? I think if you follow the money you will get an answer that is “crystal clear.”

Overdevelopment follows a cycle, cities become dense, quality of life is denigrated, our open space is decimated and our taxes are all but abated. Congestion and traffic and noise pollution on our roads and bridges will require more maintenance and repair, while those liberals who sought out to set housing victims free will watch those they championed toil and remain in despair.

America is a place where people come to aspire and dream, this is a place where Freedom and rule of Law are what ought to be. We look at one another and see where we all came from, most Americans have their roots on Ellis Island others won lotteries for citizenship and some made America their home by way of family and marriage. To live and work in America is an honor, a privilege, and a blessing. It’s not a right, an entitlement or a debt owed to someone.

No matter how we have come to be here in America, and for many of us Milford, everyone desires to live in an affordable home with their family or perhaps on their own terms. Everyone has a right to survive, and everyone has a right to pursue their own happiness as they see fit.

Right now here in our Great city, many of us feel that our environment, and open space are more valuable than the erection of those housing projects that will densely pack in countless people into our community for a hefty profit to a developer or corporation.

Many of us have and will continue to argue that Milford already has enough affordable housing despite the false and misrepresented figures offered by our local Developers. Some things they fail to consider are the record low interest rates afforded first time home buyers, the countless HAMP modifications that made existing homes affordable, the innumerable houses in town that sold for under $350,000.00 and of course the myriad of other places one can live and work for a fraction of the cost of living in our state. This should all be proof enough that our state and town is doing just fine.

Rarely do we read in the paper that families are complaining about the lack of affordable housing, but we do constantly hear about builders and their lawyers fighting our P&Z boards and writing nasty letters accusing innocent people of the vulgarities of racism, bigotry and the like vitriol that I personally believe is their disdain for free thinking people whom have been awakened to the reality that these Developers are just bullies and have little to no interest in keeping homes affordable.

With all this said I therefore must applaud the people of our community to have the insight and forethought to see this state statue for what it is… a legal tool that greedy developers abuse for their own rational interests. It gives me great delight to see the people of Milford fight and fight back as hard as the developers do. This, my friends, is the way to remind the bullies with bulldozers that we decide what is best for our town NOT THEM. Keep up the good fight, because this is not yet over!