Rep. Lambert Will Not Seek Another Term

State Rep. Barbara Lambert today announced that she will not seek another term in Connecticut's General Assembly.

“After much deliberation, I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection,” Lambert said in a prepared statement to the press.

Lambert served two terms as a Milford alderman before being elected to the State House in 2008. Harshly criticized after a photograph was published of her playing Solitaire during a budget discussion in Hartford, Lambert said she decided not to seek a second term because she wants to spend more time with her husband Paul and their family.

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Milford Democrats Defend Lambert's Game Of Solitaire

Republicans are calling on state Rep. Barbara Lambert, D-Milford, to “apologize” to residents for bringing “nationwide ridicule” to the city after a photo caught her playing solitaire during state budget deliberations.

The Associated Press photo, shot 12 hours into the session Monday, showed Lambert and another lawmaker playing card games on their computer screens while state Rep. Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., R-Norwalk, was speaking.

Voters “expect their elected officials to represent their interests, not be preoccupied with putting the red five on the black six,” said Thomas Jagodinski, the Republican Town Committee chairman.

“They expect their elected officials to listen to others’ ideas, not to be sitting in the people’s chamber looking for alternatives to Minesweeper,” he said.

“Lambert could not be reached Thursday for comment. She had said Tuesday, “I take my job seriously.”

Democratic Town Chairman Richard Smith defended Lambert Thursday by lashing out at the Republican Party, calling it “a sad and pathetic little political party.”

“Personally, I wouldn’t think the Milford Republicans, which is up to their eyeballs in drugs, sex, developer kickback and alcohol scandals, would have the audacity to criticize a Democrat for simply playing solitaire. But, what do I know?” Smith responded. “I would say, Yep! A Democrat played solitaire. Guilty as charged.”

Republicans are taking advantage of Lambert’s gaffe by slating a solitaire benefit for the Police Department.

Residents are being asked to go to GOP campaign headquarters at 374 New Haven Ave., at 7 p.m. Sept. 15, and bring a laptop or deck of cards and “ignore crucial issues affecting Milford,” Jagodinski said.

Jagodinski said all proceeds will be donated to the Police Department to buy a video monitoring system for Wildemere Beach. He said the Democratic majority on the Board of Aldermen cut the funds from the budget.

Police have spoken about disorderly groups, noise, trespassing, liquor violations and minor drug and motor vehicle violations in the area. Residents and business owners have requested the cameras to help serve as a deterrent.

Smith called on Jagodinski to clean up the Republican Party, and instead of holding a “boring” solitaire fundraiser, he said the GOP should return the funds it has “fleeced” from the taxpayers by years of gross overspending.

Lambert had said Tuesday she did not mean any disrespect to Cafero, whom she said was making a point he had made before. She said she had done her “due diligence” on the budget, checking that Milford’s issues were taken care of, and knew she was going to vote for the budget.

Lambert said she was on the phone with Milford officials all day Monday, including education leaders, going over the ever-changing budget to ensure it was in the residents’ best interest.

Jagodinski said Lambert’s explanation is “outrageous.” He said residents elected Lambert to represent their interests “not to be a foot soldier representing the interests of the Democratic Party machine.” He said Lambert and other Democrats were busy approving a budget that would raise taxes on city residents.

“If the Democrats had spent more time looking for reasonable budget cuts instead of playing computer games, Connecticut wouldn’t be in its current financial mess,” Jagodinski said.

ORIGINAL BRIAN MCREADY STORY AT THE NEW HAVEN REGISTER

Milford's Barbara Lambert At Work

When a national website with Millions of hits picks up our Milfor Rep. Barbara Lambert we know the City made a huge mistake. Thank God for the Independent Party because as I recall Mayor Bloomberg "Fired" a government employee for this very same behavior. What is wrong with our local leaders?

See the link below for the Infowars shame post on CT.

Click HERE for full story

Milford Democrats Dine on Lobster as Taxpayer "Hardship" Increases

This post is to express my disagreement for what amounts to Milford's Democrats alarming choices of candidates. While no disrespect is intended to any of their candidates personally, politically I must take issue and point out my concerns.

On the choice for Rep. Roy to run for city clerk as a "Retirement Job," as I understand it is perfectly legal for Mr. Roy to run for a second full time job, and collect a second government salary (this could also be in addition to extended healthcare benefits and also a lifelong state pension). This in my opinion is outrageous and Lambert's defense of it wrong. Roy's nomination directly usurps the job of City Clerk whereby absenteeism, retirement, profiteering and cronyism becomes the new hallmarks of a Milford City Clerk. While I personally deplore any politician working one set of hours for two full time salaries, I would hereby hope that Rep. Roy is ethical enough to immediately announce his resignation from the legislature if he is elected to the position of Town Clerk. I would also hope he takes the job seriously and not treat it as his "Retirement Nest Egg." This is the right thing to do.

Their other choice Ms. Salvatore, I cannot really say much, other than she is very new to our city. She, having lived here for such a short time, is a complete stranger to just about everybody I know. Personal comments about her to me, and on blogs, show grave concern that her ambitions and personal agenda will supersede any benefit to Milford.

The people in Milford need to remember that you get the government you vote for, and if anyone votes based on their "friendship" than know that your "friends" may disappoint you come tax time, school time, or when you need emergency services. Personally I support Peter Spalthoff and the Independent Party, however, I really do feel for Tim Chaucer who was "short changed" by his party. I personally wish him success in his primary because I believe he is more deserving of Milfords respect than Ms. Salvatore.

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.

Milford's Lambert Speechless on Losses

Jim Amann touted in his 2007 legislative update the great progress he made in Hartford. One of those accomplishments was the court house annex, and another was the boardwalk connecting the beaches together in Milford.

These are all eerie reminders of the past, and a true testament that our new State Representative Barbara Lambert is holding true to her word. This is something she said to to the Milford paper a few months ago. Lambert was quoted and used the word "intimidating" when referring to the atmosphere at the state capitol.

Should we be surprised that she has not spoken out against the very things that her predecessor Amann touted as his successes? For one I am personally thrilled that the courthouse suffered a defeat, as I see the downtown courthouse project as being minimally beneficial to local business. The downtown courthouse is little more than a hang out for angry, depressed miserable people. This is something I would love to see replaced with a Maritime Museum or something more happy. Perhaps the courthouse can move to an industrial area where misery will not negatively impact our community.

That digression aside the defeat of the courthouse and the boardwalk was certainly to be expected in these financially troubled times. What was not expected is Lambert's Silence on this issue. Her silence suggests to me that she is making a defacto statement that she, is either asleep, or does not see this loss as worth commenting over. Whatever the case I believe she needs to make a statement about her position and what she intends to do about it.

These Amann achievements now undone or "shelved" for a while what next for the future development of Milford? What legacy, or accomplishments will she bring in these lean times? and What should we expect her to deliver to Milford?

Certainly more than the undoing of what previous Democrats have touted as accomplishments for our town. This blog is a reminder that a hypocritical silence exists at the state level in Milford, a silence that is "intimidated" and remains silent as her parties accomplishments are being all snatched away.

While I say "good riddance" to the "court house annex" and the "Boardwalk" what say those who must feel betrayed by the ease of which they were reneged from our community? Do Democrats even bother to criticize or fight to hold on to that which they deem a success? Apparently not because Lambert appears to too scared to fight for her constituents!

Frank Leads Race, Campaign Update For The 118th

Recent Polls conducted by our staff have put the Independent Party Rocco Frank in the lead. The exact figures will not be released but we will say that our opponents are now in the rear view mirror. Quinnipiac University, also did similar studies and with the big parties calling their results "Unscientific" and demanding that the unfavorable numbers not be released, so too did we decide to represent the same since so many tempers are flaring.

Tactics have been becoming increasingly desperate for those opponents of the major parties who refuse to hold their bosses and colleagues accountable for the giant mess they all created together in our town and state. The outlook is positive on the Frank Campaign and we are honored to have the opportunity to call them out in every debate.

The last debate will be aired on MGAT T.V. Channel 79 thanks to the efforts of St. Gabriels, Brother Larry and the Frank campaign staff who made all the necessary arrangements to bring this debate into public view. We do recommend watching it as Gayle answered a public attack from a city official from Orange.

Debates And Forums Coming To Milford

If you are UNDECIDED, then please consider attending one of our upcoming Public Forums.

With the changing economy, and new and challenging issues continuing to impact the lives and futures of so many individuals from all walks of life, the future leaders of Connecticut will soon be empowered to fulfill their public obligations to us all.

The General public is cordially invited to attend the following pre-election community forums. Small Businesses, Seniors, Veterans, City officials, and all persons with a vested interest in the good governance of our great city are encouraged to attend.

Citizens of Milford, and the general public, will be afforded a unique opportunity to ask each of the three party candidates to address current events as well as share public or personal concerns.

Bring your friends, your relatives, and anyone who has a vested interest in the future of Milford. Rocco Frank believes that an informed public is our best defense against the injustices that people may feel.

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10.24.08 Smart Growth Candidate Forum at St. Gabriel's Come see and hear the candidates discuss Smart Growth. This event will be an open forum with a moderator/volunteer to be announced. Expected in attendance will be all candidates from the, the 118Th House Districts. The event will kick off at 7:00 P.M. in the school gym.:

10.22.08 Candidate Forum at St. Mary School Come see and hear the candidates discuss the issues in town. This event will be an open forum with a moderator/volunteer from the church. Expected in attendance will be candidates from the 12th Senatorial District, the 117Th 118Th and 119Th House Districts. This event will commence at 7:30 P.M.:

10.21.08 Candidate Forum at Plymouth Men's Club This Event is at 34 West Main Street Milford, CT 06460. They can be reached at 877-4277. The event will be a question and answer forum with dinner served. Cost of dinner tickets is $10.00 Per Person. Event kick off is on a Tuesday. Dinner served at 7:00P.M. Forum begins at 8:00P.M.

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State Rep Cafero "Legislature Unfriendly To Small Business."

Larry Cafero, Norwalk state Representative in a recent meeting with republican candidates has called the state legislature "unfriendly to small business."

In a partisan and divisive attack, Rep. Cafero blamed the house Democrats as the culprits behind the economic turmoil in our state. Cafero has claimed that our state legislature was rated "50Th out of 50" as the least friendly legislature to small business in America.

As a small business owner myself, I can certainly agree that there are challenges, but placing blame one single party is a stretch unless we exclude the Rowland era corruption and the accusations of bid rigging and beyond all over the state.

From my vantage point, and as a small business owner myself, I can personally attest that the problems I face are more to do with my customers struggling to make ends meet. While I, like most businesses do no not have a Beverly Hills elite clientele but rather the everyday middle class family people as my customers, charging a profit in the wake of fierce competition can hardly be blamed on any one single party let alone the Democrats.

What challenges small business in Connecticut is as simple as the cost of living, Food and Energy inflation and the availability of living wage jobs. Our state legislature certainly can make things easier by lowering the price of gas, but I assure you that if the energy price drops to that of New Jersey we will need tolls. Even in NJ where gas is cheap in the long run you pay more just through the aggregate taxation of tolls added to the cost of getting around.

With our legislative record now marred as the worst in America perhaps it is time to get serious about providing solutions and not blaming Democrats for political gain. When Cafero indicated in his July stump speech that he let the National Republicans define the scope and purpose of our state leaders, he admitted that their complacency and trust for their national party has become a problem.

The Republicans now are composed of less than 400,000 to the overwhelming 700,00 democrats in this state. Nothing however compares to the largest group of registered voters the "Unaffiliated" (Or as I believe the Independents) now registered to the tune of 800,000.

These numbers speak clearly to me about how the public feels toward the policies of the Republicans and the national agenda that Cafero wants to step away from. Cafero has good reason to try and reinvent the Republican Party in this state, he needs to take it back from the national leaders who have let the Bush Cheney legacy erode at the core of its scope and purpose.

The Republican party, as I remembered it was one that marked the progress and protections of the Constitution and kept the Republic of America strong. The Republicans were the precursor to the agenda of the upper class in America. Today we are struggling to maintain the integrity of the U.S. Constitution, we are debating things like freedom of speech as basic civil rights again. These were all policies imposed after 9/11 by the Republican administration.

In 2005 Bush called the constitution a "Goddamn piece of paper" and followed up with the Patriot act 1 & 2, started multiple wars with botched CIA intelligence and promoted the Anti-American agenda of the PNAC (Project for a new American Century). These are not to include the colossal bipartisan blunder of NAFTA, GAFTA and every other policy that allows for foreign invasion and export of jobs. Also, Illegal migrant workers were permitted leniency by both parties and are now the subject of angry debate not only in Connecticut but all over America.

How do we restore a sound macro-economy in connecticut when our biggest industry is weapons? Connectut makes Submarines, Helicopters, Satellites, Armaments, Radar, and yes of course gambling. Tradgically war is good for the state economy, however sad and frustrating this is to me Connecticut spoke again when our favorite war hawk Joe Lieberman was ousted from his own party. Our state is craving a peace industry, we do not desire to be a global supplyer of death merchandise and gambling.

Personally I respect Rep. Cafero, however I do not agree with his rhetoric that divides the parties rather than unites them. The problems we all face are not Republican or Democrat problems, they are Federal problems, they are global competition problems, energy problems, inflation problems and deficit in leadership problems. I know Mr. Cafero knows this, that is why I wrote this article today to take issue with his polarizing blame of something he clearly knows better on.

The answers to small business in Connecticut, is good Jobs, not just any job but good paying living wage jobs. Tax cuts for unemployed people do not help small business, nor does a little cheaper gas. What helps small business is for our kids and grand kids to have a future in which they can afford a home, a car, an education, and to go shopping. I cannot emphasize enough that jobs and living wage incomes is what this state needs and Connecticut should be focused on that, not blaming opponents for Connecticut's horrible record. Show me real solutions not blame!

Milford Oyster Fest Posts Huge Turnout Despite A Little Rain

The Milford Oyster festival was a huge success marked with much community involvement from a plethora of small business owners, arts and crafts vendors, rides, and political celebrities.

The most notable guest of this years festival, besides Foghat, was Jim Amann's 2010 opponent for governor Jody Rell. Some have clamored the irony of her guest appearance here in Milford but she was not short of company as local politicians, including our mayor and other candidates here in town, were "glued" to her as she travelled from booth to booth.

To our disappointment her entourage came within our vicinity and stared at the Independent Party booth. One of our volunteers Terri, said they looked rather perplexed, unsure what to do and ultimately walked passed us as if it was the right thing to do. Others disagreed and thank Gayle Slossberg who greeted us with her entire entourage with hugs for some of us who are her fans. I also would like to thank Richard Roy our state Representative from the 119Th who also was polite, introduced himself and engaged in positive friendly chat and Mike Brown who openly introduced himself and invited me to meet my Democratic opponent.

When I first embarked on this venture for state Rep. I called Jim Amann who said it was rather "odd" that I made a request to meet with him since I was in the running against him. His refusal to meet with me was even more strange in that he decided not to run shortly after the request was made. The reason that I add this point here is because at no time is my door closed to meeting with my opponents or anyone with ambitions of taking office. I have not met both my opponents but while I was out canvassing I did have the opportunity to present myself to my Republican contender.

My door is always open to any and all leaders I hold no allegiance to any party, I pay no favors to anyone. My beliefs and faith are in the values and integrity of good people, especially those who keep our best interests at heart.

Seriously Rocco Frank For The 118th! Over 1000 of you say Yes!

My Democratic opponents some time ago questioned the seriousness of my candidacy, until now I have yet to reply. However, with that in mind lets use the old saying that a "picture speaks a thousand words" and one thousand signatures is the milestone pasted on my wall back at our campaign headquarters.

While I understand from the town clerk that no one in the 118Th is aggressively pursuing signatures in the manner that our staff has, I will admit my disgruntled feelings that neither my Democratic or Republican opponent has to collect signatures. As I am told by my campaign advisers major parties are exempt from the signature process, even though the party I represent the Independent party is the largest party by affiliation and admission in Milford.

The photo above represents nearly 20% of the total 5,700 votes cast in the last election for our current popular representative Jim Amann. This, however is not the end of this process as we still have two more weeks of signature collecting ahead of us. The final tally will be confirmed by the Secretary of State in the coming months.