Milford's Grand List Plummeting Fast

Reading the local paper I am always astounded to hear the upbeat projections and the very positive rhetoric coming out of City Hall. Seems that our leaders are more concerned with their public "image" and their public "perception" rather than what is good for the public. This may be our fault, because the truth can be very unpleasant and it’s better to pretend that our town is that amazing place where miracles happen.

Perhaps this is most true when we continue to just want to believe that we can thrive and adapt in the wake of our adversaries. So many fail to believe that our perceptibly honest leaders would ever treat the public "trust" like the public "trough" that aside I am going to share with you some enlightening research for you to think about.

This blog today is going to address the issue of our "Grand List" and the value of all our homes and real estate. I have compiled two reliable sources from data I obtained through the Connecticut Economic Resource Center and Trulia. The chart below represent the 2006 CERC and 2011 CERC for Milford Ct. The line item I wish for you to focus on is highlighted in yellow. Remarkably, you should notice it shows a 2006 decline in the Net Grand list of 2.79 Billion dollars. This number is very important because it contradicts everything you were told over those years by our elected city officials. (Double click photo to enlarge)

This means that the value of all properties in Milford declined apx. 25% in one year. But in all fairness and to those "nay sayers" who could potentially argue this information is old, let’s take a look at how things are faring today or most notably the 2011 YOY. Since CERC has not published any data (I know of) for 2010 I collected data from TRULIA a trusted Real Estate website used by licensed Realtors to track market trends.



The above TRULIA graph paints a chilling picture of our Community. Someone once told me "follow the money, follow the people and then you will get the truth." What do you see?

What I see is that the graph does not lie; it shows that Milford is entering the second leg of the Great Recession. Larger Three and Four Bedroom homes are being "fire sold" for smaller more affordable One Bed Room homes. The demand for these small homes will continue to place strong upward pressure on the local Mill Rate, of which determines how much property tax a homeowner must pay the city in exchange for our individual property rights.

Moving forward, the city of Milford is going to be faced with stiff challenges. This is because we are a very old city, and for a great many years large portions of our infrastructure has been aging. Future large capital projects will require ever increasing Mill-Rates on homes that continue to lose value as a result of external and internal economic forces.

While our new leaders for Mayor are emerging and we are already hearing Wal-Mart style catch phrases like "More for Less" the stark reality is that the public is being duped yet again. This is because our city leaders are in no position to make such irresponsible promises. (Especially a promise that mathematically cannot be kept.) The city is in such disarray that future trends will require higher taxes just to keep up with public pension obligations, rising health care costs, and legal compliance. Unlike a large discount department store Milford cannot file for Bankruptcy and restructure all its collective bargaining contracts. This makes a "More for Less" promise little more than a typical catch phrase like "No New Taxes" or "Hope and Change."

What we need is the truth and the clarification and acknowledgment that essential issues are going to be dealt with as a condition to ones electability. The founders were concerned that "Catch Phrases" would catch and trap people who will later feel a deep sense of betrayal. This, along with the consent of the governed, is the greatest danger any elected official has to face.

There are currently Three big "Issues" on our books that our announced candidates for Mayor either have "No idea about" or do know about and just would rather "ignore." Whatever the reason, it is our responsibility as the electorate to "blow the whistle" on corruption and stand in solidarity in order to support any individuals who are fearful of telling the "Truth." It is therefore our responsibility as voters and citizens of Milford to demand answers to the following dismissals of the following concerns as arbitrary or unimportant.

The three big "Issues" are as follows.

A: The grand List is not healthy and is actually eroding at an Alarming Rate.

B: The City Bond Debt is grossly misrepresented and future borrowing is severely compromised.

C: Negative income properties (I.E. 501C3'S & Non taxpaying municipal properties) are seeing a revival in Milford.

To elaborate on this last point it is important to mention that the Shriner's lodge on Wheelers Farms Rd. was recently sold to a Church. This translates to a revenue loss to the city due to the fact that Churches pay ZERO property taxes. As poverty spreads, and the commercial Real Estate market begins to crash as we are now seeing in Milford, churches find it affordable to expand their ministries into distressed properties. Milford might want to consider something other than ZERO.

The largest Negative income property we have in Milford is Kingdom Life Church, and if I may give the Richetelli administration credit for one monumental achievement it was the land deal at the old Jai- Alai property. Kingdom Life sought the purchase of that property for a Mega Church and had they achieved their goal Milford would have lost substantial tax revenue with an increased demand for city services. 

However, the threat from negative income properties does not end with just churches and municipal buildings it is a complex, yet simple, two tiered attack on our community. The first being the deployment of new Municipal and Parochial zero tax entities, the other over development of cheap child friendly dwellings both consume more city dollars than they produce. The responsibility of a well governed city is to maintain a sustainable community with a resonant harmony of taxable properties.

The stellar decline of three and Four Bedroom homes is terrible news for Milford. These homes will now be on the "radar screens" of families shopping for a better place to educate their kids. When a choice has to be made on where to relocate, cheap family housing in conjunction with quality education is a recipe for disaster. If a moratorium on and Three and Four Bedroom houses is not implemented soon Milford's educational system will have years of unmanageable financial problems combined with debt service to our maxed out credit card. The final missing ingredient of cheap family friendly housing is a "Red Alert" issue that must be addressed now if we are to preserve the financial integrity of our community.

The next few years will undoubtedly be marked by the usual rhetoric of political posturing, and pacifying. As times change it is no longer enough to say you "love your community" you were "Born and raised in Milford" or "I was involved in the city," what is required is the "Truth" marked with a clear "Purpose" built on a foundation of solid social engineering to re-balance all those essential ratio's that position our community against our true enemy the Federal Government/Federal Reserve and its tandem community destroying policies of Inflation unfunded mandates and oppressive taxes.

To ignore the "telltale" warning signs of a possible Federal disaster is irresponsible for any incoming Mayor. I would beg, on behalf of and for the sake of every person in our community that we make the tough choices now. Milford needs not another Mayoral pageant but rather a brilliant leader who is not afraid to socially engineer our city through clear and concise leadership. We need a dynamic individual who will master Game Theory by virtue of the truth. If we do not win over the "hearts and minds" of the people who live here in our beloved town than I fear that our continued position of weakness will be prevail. As we move forward, only the strong will survive, the weak will perish and be absorbed into other towns as was the tragedy of Maywood California. Let us learn from that lesson and let us build unity by electing honest leaders.

Discussions Get Ugly On Milford's 2011 Budget

Budget season has to be the most challenging and stressful time of year for everyone in Milford. Some in town just do not understand why the budget cannot be the same every year. One would think that the cost of goods and services in a depressed economy would not fluctuate much. Unfortunately that is not the case.

The onset of budget season has begun with our Mayor Jim Richetelli being concerned that the year is "starting off with many unanswered questions." Former RTC Member, and insurance Guru, Tom Byrne has been in contact with Aldematic Chairman Greg Smith. The nature of their discussion is marked by disagreement from the onset regarding the creation of an efficiency committee as suggested by Hartford.

Every year the austerity measures aimed at city services and municipal employees are of serious concern, especially to those individuals whose jobs are on the cutting block. None have decried the protection of city jobs more than James Whittaker who is frequently seen at City Hall protesting cuts that affect his staff.

The balance of services, and responsible government rests in the hands of our leaders and Tom Byrne feels our leaders have fell short of their responsibility. He points out in several local newspapers that city spending has increased in tandem with the Bond Debt. Such a combination without a meaningful or serious approach in the coming budget year is a recipe for disaster.

The increase in our public debt raises our debt service payments, these are also going up with health insurance costs, building and maintenance costs, and  routine contractual raises that virtually every local labor union expects to get. Last budget season many concessions were made by some labor unions including reductions in COLA's and reductions in infrastructure.

This year is marked by a 1.5 Million reduction in Federal education funding. This reduction was one Rep. Rosa Delauro failed to fight for. The propensity for balancing our budget is further complicated by the fact that nearly 20% of all homes listed for sale in Milford are in foreclosure. Driving up taxes to pay our bills will be an exercise in futility and will not work. This hard lesson was demonstrated in Hartford, Bridgeport, and many other cities who, in my opinion mismanaged their budgets in favor of tax exempt 501C3's and inefficient government jobs.

It's my opinion that Milford cannot tax its way out of this problem come 2011. Attempting to tax our way out of this problem will not work, especially if inflation is low, local unemployment is high, COLA's are suspended by pension recipients and Local Real Estate continues to stagnate.

The showdown is going to be between the Paid elected city leaders and City Union employees who have been funding and supporting local elections with entitlement motives. Crossing the city unions, who have doled out Tens of Thousands of dollars to local municipal races could mean significant losses of votes come the 2012 election.

Placating the Labor Unions in Milford will be a very delicate issue that has to be gingerly handled by the Mayor himself during the upcoming contract negotiations. Bad contracts will reflect poorly on the value of every one's real estate and create further pressure to force those individuals living "paycheck to paycheck" to seek out government assistance and sustenance to avoid going into default on their homes and their new taxes.

Every person out there this budget season, especially those who cannot afford to pay an additional $500.00 to $1,500.00 every year should speak out at city hall when the time comes. Without your voice being heard this year, the Mayor and his staff may end up going along with the proposed demands of the towns labor unions instead of looking out for you. Greg Smith and the board of Alderman also needs to hear your thoughts, because they finalize and approve the budget in conjunction with the Board of Finance.

The year 2011 may seem a long way off, but assure you the time goes fast. Start thinking about you and your families financial needs now before your new tax bill arrives and you are in a bind you cannot get out of. Best of luck this Holiday season and wishing all my friends, readers and supporters a very happy holiday.

The Mystery of Masonry In Milford

Downtown Milford has a Mason Lodge, aptly named Ansantawae lodge. The lodge is celebrating 150 years of its proud heritage in our community. Most people pass by the lodge see the covered windows, the sharp dressed masons sometimes in tuxedos and wonder the secrets contained within.

Masons by virtue of their office are given a strict obligation not to divulge any of the secrets of their craft. Ansantawae has nearly 500 members and this does not include the Shriners Lodge on Wheelers Farms Rd. of which has several hundred more.

Masonry, like many other charitable venues, has been a victim of the economy and changing demographics. Many of today's Masons, and Shriners are not so young anymore. But their work is enjoyed by many needy families world wide.

Some of the great accomplishments of Masonry is the Shriners Children's Hospital, and Ashler Village in Newtown. Masons have always adopted a creed of helping Children and the Elderly. They have invested Millions statewide and built a world class infrastructure to provide free services to the young and the old.

The temple is now open to the Public, and the secrets contained within are ready to be divulged. With many of the WWII veteran generation retiring or passing on en-masse the doors are open to a new generation and members are eagerly soliceted.

The work of Masonry is of vital importance to our community, our local charities and your support is welcome. However, not everyone can become a mason, by lodge decree a three person committee must approve new members and only if they asked a Mason to join. Masonry is also a Fraternity and excludes women from being members, or participating in lodge meetings, however a venue does exist for women who wish to partake in the the traditions of Masonry.

To become a mason, please contact me by way of a private non-published comment on this blog.

Officer Anderson Relieved Of Duty

The Milford police officer who accidentally killed two Orange teens in June when his cruiser broadsided their car on the Boston Post Road lost his job Monday night.

The Board of Police Commissioners fired Jason Anderson, a five-year department veteran, and suspended another officer, Richard Pisani, for 30 days without pay in connection with the incident. The board also extended Pisani's probationary period, due to end in February, for another year

CONTINUE READING FRANK JULIANO CLICK HERE

"Code Red" Alert Issued In Milford's North End

After a rash of burglaries in the north end of Milford, the local Police Department went on high alert. Chief Mello ordered a higher police presence in the post Rd, Orange area of Milford. The "Code Red" warning system, an automated high speed dialer, was also used to call area residents and warn them to be vigilant and watchful of their property.

Early reports, indicate that two men in a dark colored vehicle were breaking into homes. One report suggests that a garage window was broken and the latch to the garage was manually released hence making it possible to break in.

Other reports indicate that these crimes took place at the point of entry to the rear of the targeted houses. The doors were sometimes inadvertently left unlocked, or were breached by the burglars.

There has been no mention by the police of what items were stolen, or what the value of those items were. These crimes are also on the heels of other burglaries that took place on Riverdale Ave. in Devon earlier this year.

Homeowners are asked to please set their alarms, notify their neighbors if they leave for vacation and lock all their doors. Anyone with information, or is witness to suspicious activity in our community is urged to call the Milford Police Department immediately. Their phone number is 203-878-6551

Rebuilding Milford, Our City Continues To Improve

Milford certainly has made progress over the last few years and its important to note that despite the new found blight complaints our city has continued to improve. Some of the most notable improvements have been in Devon. These improvements include all those streetscapes that involve new lighting, parks and yes the Bridgeport Flyer Diner is now a "stellar" place to dine at.

Down in Walnut Beach, a new boardwalk is out for bid, and a developer built brand new town houses right across from the beach. Travelling north, Bridgeport Steel once a plighted property has now received a new face lift and is nearing completion.

On the green, Peter Spalthoff dramatically improved his property and his neighbor Harrison's hardware is set for a rebirth into a restaurant and retail establishment. Further north the Sikorski memorial bridge was beautifully redone, and the good news recently arrived that the I95 bridge spanning into Milford over the Housatonic is set to be rebuilt. And most recently, the New Aldi's supermarket (On the Post Rd.) recieved a nice welcome.

Jonathan Law High School is also getting a brand new wing, marking growth and improvement in our schools and local activists like the ECC are encouraging energy saving technologies to all our city buildings.

The greatest single improvement to our city has been the rebuilding of the former Jai Alai into a new Lowes, the addition put on the Mall, two new hotels and the redevelopment of the old trailer park into a Barnes and Noble, and Walmart Plaza's.

These modern improvements are in fact very exciting, but some fear that not enough emphasis is being placed on restoring Milford's historic architecture. Thankfully, and much to the credit of the voters that message was heard "loud and clear" and now provisions and safeguards have been put in place to make sure Milford's History is carefully preserved and protected.

Many thanks to all those people who have worked so hard to improve Milford, I sincerely hope that everyone's energy, investment and drive continue long into the future. Milford, through this kind of "Incrementalism" can improve its place on the coastline, and become the model for a modern metropolis.

As a final note I would also like to mention that the progress being incrementally made here in town is in fact wonderful. However, as the economy continues to "wind down," and the state grants arrive to their conclusion, it will be up to our city business leaders and elected officials to maintain what has been built and to continue to do so into that turbulent future.

Firemans Muster Draws Large Crowds

The 38th annual Antique Fire Apparatus Show will be back in town today, with a variety of firefighting competitions, children’s activities, antique firetrucks, a flea market, refreshments and much more.

Organizers said the show is the biggest of its kind on the East Coast, attracting more than 6,000 people each year.

Admission is free. Proceeds from entry fees and food sales benefit Camp Happiness, which offers programs for children with special needs.

The event will kick off with a flea market at 8:30 a.m. at Eisenhower Park with a plethora of authentic fire gear, memorabilia and clothing.

“There are treasures here for everyone to find,” said muster Chairman Vaughan Dumas. “You don’t have to be in the fire service to enjoy this shopping experience.”

Kids will get to participate in a fire simulation with a working firehouse. There will also be a large moon walk, a fun house and a 55-foot crawl-through caterpillar. Educational programs on fire and disaster preparation will also be featured.

“It’s a great family day,” said muster Co-Chairman George Ambriscoe. “In fact, many of the teams that participate in the competitions and bring antique firetrucks come with their families.”

Fire departments from eight states will be represented in the competitions starting at 10:30 a.m., which include a “Save the Baby” ladder climb and a lakeside draft for antique pumper trucks.

“Muster competitions began years ago as friendly rivalries between neighboring fire departments to determine which company had bragging rights for the best firefighting skills,” Ambriscoe said. “These are exciting action demonstrations of skills that really save lives.”

More than 25 teams will compete in the tug of war, midnight alarm, water barrel blast, arena pumping and bucket brigade competitions.

The Female Firefighters of America will come to the event to sign copies of the 2010 Female Firefighters of America Calendar and participate in the competitions.

“We think we look just as good whether we’re in bikinis or bunker pants, but best of all the profits from our calendar sales go to a great cause, the University of Miami’s Jackson Memorial Burn Center,” said Laura Kupinski, coordinator of the calendar program and a paramedic with the Metro Dade Fire Department.

Dead Mans Body Found On Zion Hill Rd. Milford

Police have tentatively identified a man shot to death in a wooded area by Zion Hill Road yesterday evening as a 28 year-old New Haven resident.

The man's name has not yet been released pending notification of his next-of-kin, police said this morning.

Investigators are asking the public for information about the shooting, including the car the victim was believed to have been driving, a 2000 tan Honda Accord, with Connecticut license plates 797 XNT.

The body of the Hispanic man was found shortly before 7:30 p.m. yesterday in a wooded area about 1,000 feet from the intersection with Wheeler's Farms Road. The site is not far from the High Street exit of Interstate 95. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS personnel.

The fatal shooting is the first murder in Milford this year.

Police found the victim lying in a pool of blood after neighbors reported hearing numerous gun shots.

"There were a lot of shots," said Dee Anderson, who was visiting her best friend, Stacey Cerreta, on Century Lane, which fronts Zion Hill Road. "It sounded like firecrackers and I thought to myself, 'July 4 is over.' "

ORIGINAL FRANK JULIANO STORY

NEW HAVEN REGISTER STORY

More Video At THE HARTFORD COURANT

Jonathan Law Addition Re-Approved, Board of Finance "Over Ruled"

Republican Alderman Raymond Vitali broke from his party and pushed through a $4 million Jonathan Law High School renovation project when the Board of Aldermen met Monday night.

Vitali had labored over the vote. He said last week that he planned to study plans and cost projections in the days leading up to the Board of Aldermen meeting, knowing that the pressure was on him to move the renovations forward, or to stop them in their track.

The aldermen needed to override a Board of Finance veto of the project by a two-thirds vote to get the project going. Democratic aldermen were united in their desire to approve the project. Republicans, except Vitali, stood beyond Mayor James Richetelli in opposing the addition now because they said the economy does not warrant such spending.

The Democrats, who hold a 9-6 majority on the board, needed one Republican to cross the line to give them the two-thirds voting power they needed.

“This is a very difficult situation,” Vitali said moments before the aldermen voted. “It seems to be the worst times and the best of times to go forward with this project.”

Vitali, a retired middle school principal, said he is sensitive to teachers who have to teach on carts because there is no classroom space for them, and he said it is the administration’s job to make sure staff is happy and that the building is adequate.

“I’ve made my mind up,” Vitali said.

Republican Alderman Scott Willey led the GOP opposition, charging that the project should not go forward in this economy.

“These are unprecedented economic times and you don’t go spending money you don’t absolutely have to spend,” Willey said. “Where’s the money going to come from to pay on what we borrow? We’re not reducing class size. We’re not increasing teachers. We’re still going to have teachers on carts even with the addition.”

Willey also criticized the process that led to approval of the $4 million bonding project. Typically, the mayor recommends bonding projects and the Board of Finance approves or denies them.

In this case, the Democratic aldermen took up the cause for teachers and parents who insisted it should move forward, approved it at last month’s Board of Aldermen’s meeting, and then forwarded it to the finance board, which rejected the plan.

“The mayor didn’t propose it; finance said ‘no don’t do it’,” Willey said. “This is wrong and it sets a terrible precedent.”

Parents and other school supporters defended the bonding request, however, arguing that bids for the addition came in $1 million lower than expected, interest rates are low and they expect state reimbursement rates to be less favorable in coming years.

“The truth is that the responsible course is to move forward now,” said Democratic mayoral candidate Genevieve Salvatore. “It’s fiscally irresponsible to delay this further.”

Jonathan Law High School Principal Janet Garagliano has said the school sorely needs more classrooms. She said 15 teachers would be working from carts next year, and the school is short two science labs.

The new addition would be a one-story, 12,000-square-foot structure consisting of nine classrooms, plus storage, according to Phil Russell, deputy supt. of operations for the Milford school system.

The school now contains 205,765 square feet. The addition would represent more than a 5% increase in square footage.

With Monday’s vote, the project is set to move forward, Russell said.

A contract is expected to be awarded the week of Aug. 17, following a 10-day appeal period. Construction will start in early September and will take about nine months to complete.

“Work will take place in an exterior courtyard,” said Bill Silver, of Silver Petrucelli and Associates, the main architects on the project. “So it won’t affect any classrooms.”

Original Post By Jill Dion

Milford Moves To Abate Blighted Properties

A "clear path'' for handling blight complaints was unveiled Monday by Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr.

The proposed ordinance drafted by City Attorney Win Smith at the mayor's request would put the Health Department at the center of what until now has been a fragmented process.

The city's health director, Dr. A. Dennis McBride, will have the role of anti-blight officer, and residents' complaints would be made to that department.

The Health Department already coordinates several initiatives designed to ensure safe housing conditions, "and it makes sense to keep this there,'' Richetelli said.

The mayor has in the past maintained that the city doesn't need an anti-blight ordinance because existing laws address the problem. "What has changed is the economy,'' he said Monday afternoon.

"We're seeing more dilapidated properties, even more complaints about high grass,'' the mayor said. "We've been handling them from this office and forwarding them to agencies with code-enforcement authority.'' The proposed ordinance includes an appeal process, including the opportunity for property owners to bring the matter to court.

Members of the Economic Development Commission last month agreed to work toward a better-coordinated process for addressing blight, noting the lack of a centralized complaint office.

The commission is chaired by Genevieve Salvatore, a Democratic candidate for mayor. Richetelli said he was unaware of that effort when he advanced his proposal.

"I prefer to get things done," the mayor said. Two run-down and hazardous houses, one on East Broadway and the other on Village Road, were torn down by the city this year, and a Benham Avenue property was repaired, with the city filing a lien for repayment.

The Board of Aldermen will have the proposed ordinance in time for its Aug. 3 meeting, officials said.

Salvatore said that she is "glad that the mayor has finally seen the importance of this issue. The EDC recognized that blight was concerning Milford citizens some time ago."

ORIGINAL ARTICLE BY FRANK JULIANO CLICK HERE

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

"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!!

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

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

Milford's Churches Take Part In 1st Amendment Lawsuit

Friday, May 29, 2009, 3:00 p.m. – In United States District Court today, attorneys representing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport filed a lawsuit against officials of the State of Connecticut Office of State Ethics (OSE), seeking a court order to stop them from an unconstitutional application of state lobbying laws.

These officials are requiring the Diocese – and presumably all other organizations – to register as a lobbyist in order to engage in activities such as a rally at the State Capitol or using its website to encourage its members to contact their elected representatives. Application of the law in this manner would subject the First Amendment rights of Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, and Freedom of Assembly to government oversight and penalties.

First Amendment Response

Bishop William E. Lori stated today, "Following the surprise introduction of Bill 1098, a proposal that singled out Catholic parishes and would have forced them to reorganize contrary to Church law and the First Amendment, our Diocese responded in the most natural, spontaneous, and frankly, American, of ways: we alerted our membership – in person and through our website; we encouraged them to exercise their free speech by contacting their elected representatives; and, we organized a rally at the State Capitol. How can this possibly be called lobbying?"

"This cannot possibly be what our Legislature had in mind when it sought to bring more transparency and oversight to a legislative process that has been corrupted by special interests and back-room deals. If it is, then it should shock the conscience of all citizens of the Constitution State," Bishop Lori added.

Background

On April 23, 2009, the Diocese received a letter from Thomas K. Jones, Ethics Enforcement Officer for the OSE, stating that it was "the subject of an Office of State Ethics evaluation," which was "being conducted to ascertain whether the Diocese had violated [Connecticut General Statutes Sections] 1-94, 1-95 and 1-96 by failing to register as a lobbyist in Connecticut, by failing to submit all other appropriate lobbyist filings, and by failing to follow all applicable registration procedures."

The OSE claims the Diocese acted as a "lobbyist" by: participating in a March 11, 2009, State Capitol rally against Raised Bill 1098 (the unconstitutional attempt to reorganize Catholic parishes contrary to Catholic teaching and tradition); making statements on its website urging its members to contact their elected representatives to oppose Raised Bill 1098; and making statements on its website urging its members to contact their legislators to oppose another bill, Raised Bill 899 (regarding same-sex marriage).

Taking Stands

"I certainly did not consider any of my or the Diocese’s activities in opposing Raised Bill 1098 and seeking religious-freedom amendments to Raised Bill 899 to be 'lobbying,'" Bishop Lori said in an affidavit filed in court today. "In undertaking those activities, the Diocese was merely defending itself from unconstitutional interference by the state. The Diocese was not seeking special treatment or financial advantages from the Connecticut legislature. Never did I imagine that our activities defending ourselves from a government attack on our right of religious self-governance would be met with another government action subjecting our Church to an ‘evaluation’ for those activities!"

"The Diocese is not a registered lobbyist and does not devote itself primarily to legislative or political matters," Bishop Lori continued. "Nonetheless, from time to time, the Diocese’s religious mission compels me and the pastors within the Diocese to take stands, consistent with our religious beliefs, on legislation that concerns the moral issues of the day, and to urge our parishioners to act on the basis of Church teachings. We communicate these messages to our parishioners through the Diocese’s website, in newsletters, at Mass and other religious services, and through a variety of other means."

Court Order

The Diocese maintains that a court order barring the OSE from applying the lobbying laws to the Diocese in this manner is essential to preserving its First Amendment rights.

"I believe the OSE’s extension of the lobbying laws to these activities will interfere with the Diocese's ability to mobilize its members and, if necessary, to urge them to rally at the Capitol, in the event the General Assembly again introduces legislation resembling Raised Bill 1098 or otherwise tries to interfere with the internal workings of the Diocese or its parishes or to attack the Church," Bishop Lori said.

"I believe that an order from the Court barring Mr. Jones and his colleagues at the OSE from applying the lobbying laws to the Diocese in this manner is necessary to enable the Diocese to continue to carry out its mission without fear of incurring civil penalties, exposure to possible criminal prosecution, burdensome administrative requirements, and intrusive oversight by the State," Bishop Lori concluded.

Milford Gets "Capped & Traded" India gets 22,000 Green Jobs

Barack Obama and his green guru, Van Jones, have a green-collar job plan that they believe will solve the two biggest crises of our time: 5 million new green-collar jobs will directly stimulate the economy and will contribute to a more sustainable future in the face of coming climate change. But the 2009 Green Outsourcing Report, an annual industry study conducted by Brown-Wilson Group, found that green technology jobs are being created faster in India than in the US since Obama took office.

The report, which was released two weeks ago, surveyed 4,000 businesses around the world, including Xerox, Accenture, IBM Global, CSC, Capgemini, Oracle, HP/ ED S, Aramark, SITEL and Perot. Doug Brown, co-author of the Green Outsourcing Report, told The New Indian Express, “We see the (green job offshoring) trend increasing. There are few suppliers who match credentials and outcomes of Indian firms.”

Soaring energy costs and regulatory pressure have put pressure on firms in the US and Europe to embrace green technologies. 84% of companies outsourcing green jobs are doing so because of skyrocketing energy costs, compared to 12% and 18% in the past few years, respectively. Most corporations seeking to outsource a service or product require impeccable green credentials in their suppliers before handing over work, the report says.

US corporations, focusing on survival strategies during the long-lasting recession, have offshored more than 22,000 new green-collar jobs to India alone. Firms seeking stabilized energy and labor costs while trying to convince consumers of their eco-friendly practices are more often turning to Indian green-collar workers than American ones, according to Brown-Wilson Group. Indian labor suppliers have become popular with American businesses over the last few years by aggressively investing in appropriate hardware, waste disposal, recycling, eco-friendly buildings and other green technologies.

Surprisingly, just a year ago, India was remarked to be among the world’s highest polluting nations and suffering from offshore aversion and reverse outsourcing.

Milford Independent Party To Announce Candidates

This Wednesday April 22ND, the Milford Independent Party will be announcing its roster of Independent candidates for local offices. This party, not yet even out of its infancy stage, is expected to fill nearly 20 ballot slots across all local districts.

This number is astounding, and a new record for the city of Milford's third party push history. Never before has a single party placed so many candidates on a ballot at one time. This record is superior even to that of Milford's Working Families Party, Libertarian Party, Constitution Party and the Libertarian Party.

The names of the candidates will be announced in front of the Gazebo on the Milford Green, and will be submitted to the press for full disclosure to the public. For more details of the upcoming activities of the Milford Independent Party visit their Website at http://themilfordindependentparty.org/buzz.htm

Is Rosa Delauro's Marriage a Conflict of Interest?

Our Congresswoman Rosa Delauro is introducing a bill (Banning Organic Farming & Regulating Home Gardening, HR 875 & S 425 (Mar. 13, 2009))
that works well with Codex Alimentarius (If you do not know what that is please google it because it becomes law the end of this year and it will be your new food.)

Delauro is responsible for protecting the public health, however, her husband a Monsanto Foods executive is emblematic of the concerns raised & explained in the below video. Monsanto's program equates to the equivalent of a U.S. malnutrition agenda, while Delauro is attacking farmers from the back by discouraging organic farming not under U.N. or Codex Control, Monsanto is profiteering from the front end with new Genetically altered Demon Seeds. Regardless of how you add this up it will ultimately result is serious consequences for human health.

Anyone who personally knows Rosa Delauro should ask her to explain herself on these issues, and ask why we should trust a company like Monsanto, or the U.N. rules under Codex Alimentarius, furthermore does she support "handing over" our farmers rights to the globalists and their agenda.

Scholar Dollars

MILFORD - The Junior Woman’s Club of Milford, Inc. this year will offer two $1,000 college scholarships to Milford youths who have shown outstanding civic participation in their community and in school.

The Junior Woman’s Club of Milford, Inc. has dedicated itself to many worthwhile charities, causes, and community events throughout Milford, club officials said. Some of its charities include; Beth-El Shelter for the homeless, Rape Crisis Center of Milford, Literacy Awards, fifth and the sixth grade spelling bee, Adopt-A-Grandparent and The Mercy Learning Center. It is the club's goal to select students who promote itsideals.

Requirements for the award are active civic and community involvement. High academic achievement is not a requirement for the scholarship. Applicants must be Milford residents in their senior year of high school who plan to further their education in the fall.

Applications are available at the guidance offices of Jonathan Law High School, Joseph A. Foran High School, Academy of Our Lady of Mercy Lauralton Hall and the reference desk at the Milford Public Library. The deadline to submit the application is April 15. For an application or information, call Diane Mitchell at 878-4102 or visit the Junior Woman’s Club of Milford Web site at www.milfordjuniors.tripod.com.