Why The Milford Public Schools Are Giving Your Children Such a Poor Education

By: Richard Sieron – Milford Independent Party Candidate for School Board for the 5th District

A recent Connecticut Post article headline asked: “Who’s to blame for Milford’s low test scores?” That article quoted former Alderman Jack Fowler: “The poor results on the CAP tests are truly shocking. After 11 years in our system, our students are dead last in math and writing and next to last in science and reading among comparable school systems.” The Milford PTA Council passed out brochures at its recent Board of Education Candidates Forum. In those brochures was found a statement by each of the 10 Republican and 10 Democrat candidates, answering the question: “Why do you want to be on the Board of Education?” Not ONE of them had ONE word to say about the dumbing down of our students, never mind offering a solution to that very serious problem. 

Typical bland answers to the question included sentences like: “To contribute toward continued improvement of Milford’s school system.” At that Forum, the procedure for picking which candidate to answer each question was to provide equal time between the Republicans and Democrats, ( I did get a fair shake there) but the petty politics is outrageous. George Washington, in his farewell speech, warned us to beware of political parties. You can see how it is destroying our public school systems and can also see how it has (past tense) destroyed our federal government.

The tenth amendment to the Constitution specifically reserves powers to the states that are not delegated to the federal government. The Constitution does not delegate any powers whatsoever to the federal government relating to education; therefore the federal government must keep its sticky fingers out of education in Connecticut. We have people right here in Milford that are just as smart as any Washington bureaucrat, if not smarter. Alabama may need “No Child Left Behind, “ but we do not.

While campaigning for election to the school board, I happened to knock on the door of two homes where teachers reside. In both cases they eagerly invited me into their living room and each of them informed me of the same two things. First, they said they spent a huge amount of time teaching to the federally mandated tests, taking much valuable time away from traditional academic subjects. Second, they told me they are not allowed to formally teach the students how to think.

In talking to some school board members, I accidently made an astonishing discovery. There are two layers of administration between the teachers and the school board, namely the school Principals and the Superintendent. As a result, the school board has no way of knowing what problems the teachers have identified in terms of curriculum and teaching methods unless, of course, the Superintendent somehow obtains that information and passes it on, but that does not appear to be happening. However, it is the Board of Education’s responsibility and not the Superintendent’s to be concerned with those issues. See my proposed solution for this problem at the end.

Another matter of importance concerns the use of computers in our Milford schools. The New York Times recently reported that employees of Silicon Valley giants like Apple, Hewlett Packard, Yahoo and Google send their students to schools where no computers are provided for the students. They believe that computers inhibit creative thinking, movement, human interaction and attention spans and I strongly subscribe to that premise and I am an IT professional. I also believe that students should not be allowed to use calculators in the

classroom. They must be taught how to make simple calculations using pen and pencil. It’s rather strange that the bright students who opt for advanced math classes have never been taught how to make simple calculations without using a calculator.

U.S. public education was far better a hundred years ago. One major contributing factor to the decline is the ever growing intrusion of non-academic courses and programs. Educators have pressed for more and more non-academic curriculum materials while laymen have pressed for more “back to basics.” The 3 R's have almost disappeared from the curriculum. A large percentage of our Milford High School seniors do not know that Abraham Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation;. do not know who Josef Stalin was and cannot locate Great Britain on a world map. I recently gave a cashier at the mall theater a $20 bill and a $1 bill to pay for two $8 tickets. Without any prompting on my part, he informed me that he had never found any student who could make that simple change calculation. I am ashamed when people like that tell me they don’t understand why our students are so ignorant.

Today, there is virtually no chance that any bright student might ask why our Constitution is being violated daily and why so many citizens believe the Congress is so corrupt. Notice the issue is not politics – Republicans vs Democrats, the right vs the left or liberal vs conservative. Our students should be encouraged to ask questions about what has happened to our government, such as: “Why have we heard it said that we have the most corrupt government the world has ever seen?” Do you believe that and similar questions are proper topics for 17 year old high school seniors? Many responsible citizens have told me “Yes, “ The Founding Fathers, headed by Thomas Jefferson, would emphatically have said “Yes.”

Today, there is virtually no chance that any bright student might ask why our Constitution is being violated daily and why so many citizens believe the Congress is so corrupt. Notice the issue is not politics – Republicans vs Democrats, the right vs the left or liberal vs conservative. Our students should be encouraged to ask questions about what has happened to our government, such as: “Why have we heard it said that we have the most corrupt government the world has ever seen?” Do you believe that and similar questions are proper topics for 17 year old high school seniors? Many responsible citizens have told me “Yes, “ The Founding Fathers, headed by Thomas Jefferson, would emphatically have said “Yes.”

It has been proven that the correlation between financial inputs and education outputs is very weak and shaky Milford is one of the more affluent Connecticut cities and yet, as the Connecticut Post pointed out, the quality of education in our schools is at the bottom of the heap.

If elected, here are some specific goals I would urge upon the board of education:

(1) Totally eliminate Federal mandated exams. Obama has promised not to withhold federal funds to those so doing and we could accept those funds on an interim basis

(2) Make major revisions to the curriculum. Purchase text books from vendors that do not craft them based on the specs of the biggest buyers, which practice results in the same text books supplied to `most every public school in the country. I highly recommend a web site named: “What do textbooks teach?” - Velocity Press (enter those exact words into Google, including the quotation marks)

(3) Completely remove computers from student access. Do not allow them to bring calculators to class.

(4) Introduce course material that teaches the students how to think and how to ask probing questions. Challenge the teachers to challenge the students .

(5) Appoint an ombudsman to interface directly between the teachers and the school board, providing safeguards to protect the teachers from recrimination.


Cast your vote on Tuesday, November 8 at Harborside Middle School.


Unaffiliated voters are strongly encouraged to get out and vote. Don’t leave the administration of our city government and particularly our schools strictly to party loyals.


Vote for the Milford Independent Party

Our candidates, include myself, John Grant (Planning and Zoning) and Rocco Frank, running for Mayor.


Sincerely,

Richard Sieron

Tel 203-878-2396

Open House Mayoral Event, Come to Cafe Atlantique

Come out to Cafe Atlantique, 33 River St., in downtown Milford from 6 to 7 pm Wed. Sept.7 as part of the New Haven Register’s ongoing community engagement series. You’ll meet Milford Bureau Chief Brian McCready, who will be accompanied by Milford Democratic Mayoral candidate, Republican Mayoral candidate, and Milford Independent Party Mayoral candidate Rocco Frank. You’ll have an opportunity to interact with them, and McCready. If you can’t attend but would like to ask the candidates’ questions please email questions to bmccready@nhregister.com and he will ask your question. Check the Register’s website www.nhregister.com for a recap of the event along with videos.

Ron Paul is Back and American Communism Is His Enemy

Broaden your Mind, now that Ron Paul is back in the Presidential race we can expect resistance from the global Communists agenda. The following video is EXTREMELY DISTURBING AND NOT INTENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN!

The Final Countdown To Elections Begins

With November 2nd coming upon us like a Lion the time to start learning about our candidates for office is here. This week Jill Dion of the Milford Mirror contacted me and wanted all my readers to know that she is soliciting position statements on the candidates for office. These statements are limited to 300 words so they will offer only a snippet of knowledge.

They are, however, worth reading and will be published in the Mirror from now on. This is the best start on getting a collection of candidate remarks on the numerous seats on the ballot. You may also use google to learn about the candidates, and go back in this blog to read my many postings about the people in the running.

While I am always learning new things about the candidates, I personally suffer the same dilemma that many of you have and that is the paradox of the political pageant here in our state. I call it a pageant because it is a contest, and like the Miss America Pageant we look to our contenders in much the same way. How do they dress, are they well groomed, how did they answer questions, how did the public respond to them. Who is the most favored by the internet community and which one is just losing their edge due to their personal problems.

Sadly the candidates with the most amount of money get an edge because they can buy a bigger parade and push more propaganda to the masses. More often than not this candidate produced material is scientifically prepared to get a reaction out you, its recipient. That reaction lately has been to scare you into believing that the opponents are going to do something terrible to your future.

This duplicity and misdirection makes finding out the truth an enigmatic maze whereby an innocent bystander can be easily tricked by the antics of political scientists. This year I ask that my readers use the last bastion of freedom to get all points of view. Use the internet to aid your decision while taking very lightly the information that originates from the Political Scientists.

As Nation Sinks Into Despair Republicrats Offer Same Rhetoric

Every election we hear the same old B.S. from all the two party candidates we elect, re-elect and vote out. "ohhh, I mean business," "I will reduce the size of Government," "I will protect Jobs," "I will protect the environment," "I will, I will, I will... vote for me! Me! MEEEEE! Ohh Awww pleeease! I will I will I swear!"

Sick of it yet? Well if you have been lobotomized, unable to read a newspaper or kept to your promise of never discussing "religion or politics" then quit reading this blog and go back to your Ipod. (You will not get it.) But.. If you are smart, fed up, and sick and tired of all the cons, the lies, the deception, dishonesty and larceny than read on because I am going to offer you a solution to the rut our criminal government put us in.

Last year when I was out meeting people in Milford I witnessed first hand the wreckage in our community. While I heard our leaders proclaim victory and told us all that our city was in "great shape" I was reading facts, researching statistics and gathering first hand stories from ordinary people struggling under the incompetence of this city's leadership. Statistics and facts do not support the lies that the liars tell. The city is NOT "In Great Shape."

Are you in great shape? Are your neighbors living large? Is your employer hiring? Giving raises, or optimistic? Well if they are perhaps you are one of the lucky ones who knows how to profit from misery, but unfortunately those ill gotten gains are on the back of a dying Middle class or a group about to be further decimated by the large Tax increases looming on the city books.

While you are being told we are in "Great Shape" remember that there are little things that marr the great reputations of the lying liars in town. These are those things deliberately not reported to the papers in the hope that you will remain ignorant and clueless enough to think that your city services being cut are no cause for alarm.

Yes that is correct over the last Ten years your property taxes increased dramatically and your city services cut to the bone. The city has been busy getting sued to the point of wiping out the city's legal defence fund and our schools need 100 million in repairs. What are our leaders doing about this impending disaster?Absolutely nothing! They are pretending these problems do not even exist. You are being told there is no cause for alarm, or in other words they are taking the Steven King horror novel approach.

When we put our trust into a political party who will say and do anything to keep the town and its people in a trance for its own political and financial purposes then its time to worry. Do not wait for your taxes to skyrocket, your house values plummet, or your credit rating destroyed. You see, as you are being told the town is in "Great Shape" and there is nothing to worry about they are busy finding a way to shift blame when things fall apart.

Do not let these criminals jump in the get away car! Take action become involved visit www.milfordindependentparty.com and vote out the thieving duopoly that has become nothing more than gang style rule in our town. Vote both parties out and support the Independent Party. Even if you think Independents are not going to win still vote for them because it is more honorable to let the criminals know that they do not control your vote.

At this point in the game, the mistakes made are so enormous, that regardless of who wins the solutions will be out of reach to either candidates in this election cycle. There is no one in the running this year that has any ability to solve any problems at the federal level and we urge you to take action. Vote Independent! Register to Vote as an Independent! and tell the Duopoly you reject Gangs running our town!

Milford Oyster Festival A Tremendous Success For Independents

This years Milford Oyster Festival was a tremendous success for the Independent Party and all the state candidates in attendance as well. The party certainly impressed many locals who had little to no knowledge of the Independent Party or it's Candidates. Lisa Jones, a native of Stratford stood in amazement as she learned our Candidates came from many diverse backgrounds. One such academic Genius is our candidate for Treasurer Andrew White who successfully managed a multi billion dollar fund profitably during this recession.

White holds academic credentials that are the envy of Wall street. However, he refuses to run with a major party citing the same kind of corruption and distrust that is explosively gaining traction everywhere in Connecticut. White said at the Independent Party State Central meeting that "it is really a pleasant surprise, and yet sad to see, that opponents of third parties have to work so hard to lie time and again to decieve voters to see things their way."

The CT Independent Party candidate for U.S. Senate Warren Mosler was also in attendance and he discussed his many books with the public. Mosler is a niche author of several books, and has his own brand of high performance autos known to the racing community as Mosler Automotive. Warren has been invited to the elite annual Bilderberg conference and is expected to give his view on the state of the U.S. financial crisis to the top Global decision makers. CNBC has also dubbed Mr. Mosler as one of Americas "most brilliant economists" and past contributors to its network.

Independent Party Candidate for Governor Tom Marsh was out greeting local vendors at the fest with me (Rocco Frank Jr. Running for Milford State Rep.) Marsh is a First Selectman from Connecticut's most premier Town Chester. Marsh, while First Selectman of Chester, took great pride in making that small charming New England community the most Desirable place to live (according to CT Magazine) in the state. Marsh touts his experience as Mayor, and a business entrepreneur, as being pivotal to his success in Chester. Marsh is proud and and excited to add his expertise to the office of Governor.


When we go out to the voting booth this year Bo Itshaky (Candidate for Congress) wants everyone to be certain that you all "not throw away your votes" by voting for a party other than Independent. Hopefully voters will resonate with the great success of other Independents across the country and vote accordingly. The time is long overdue that we finally begin recognizing how hard the Independent Party has been working for the voters of Connecticut this year.

Above photo depicts Warren Mosler (L) Speaking with Peter Schiff (R) background depicts Dr. John Mertens of the Connecticut For Lieberman Party speaking to Simmonds during the senate debates.

Boaz Itshaky and Warren Mosler to be guest speakers at Milford Independent Town Committee

Our guest speakers at tomorrow's Independent Town Committee meeting will be Millionaire financial genius, former Presidential Candidate, and this years Independent Senate candidate Warren Mosler. Warren will be accompanied by last years Republican congressional candidate Boaz Itshaky and state party agent Mike Telesca.

Boaz and Mosler will be discussing the problems facing America, its impact on states and municipalities and their plan and ideas moving forward.

Seating is limited so please RSVP in advance if you will be attending with more than just yourselves.

Meeting will begin at 7:00P.M. in the meeting room at Citrus in Milford. To RSVP call (203) 247-4357.

Click here for Moslers Website

Rocco Frank For 118Th District State Representative

Rocco J. Frank, Jr., CEO of ComputerFox Stores, a local computer repair chain, will announce his candidacy for State Representative for the 118th District of Connecticut, on Wednesday May 19th, during a Milford Independent Party Town Committee.

Frank is a registered Independent, and in 2010 will run for a second time. Frank says, “He is frustrated by the lack of state funds to our schools, their associated unfunded mandates, and the sustained loss of individual rights as justified by our corrupt Federal Government.” Frank pledges that he “will introduce and support 9th and 10th amendment legislation if the Federal government continues to federally tax Milford’s citizens and then give no services in return.”

Frank, who is no stranger to politics, wants to eliminate political corruption and start a truth movement. He aims to make the Milford community passionate about important issues again, and to increase voter turnout. He is also a strong Constitutionalist, believing whole-heartedly in protecting our nation’s most valued document and upholding the Bill of Rights to ensure the freedoms of all Americans.

Frank’s large Milford ComputerFox location will also serve as his political headquarters. The facility is located at 374 New Haven Ave. in Milford. All are welcome to stop in to meet with the candidate and to learn more about what he stands for. All are encouraged to visit the official website at www.roccofrank.com to check out his Biography, Political Agenda, see a schedule of events, to read or post blogs, watch important political videos, to obtain Contact Information and learn how to help with the Frank campaign.

The Frank campaign will begin with his speech at the start of the evening ITC meeting, which will run from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Wednesday May 19.

The Meeting is located at Citrus 56 Broad Street in Milford. Frank will be addressing the public on the viability of merging of the two High Schools and methods of procuring school construction dollars from the State of Connecticut. The meeting is free to attend.

Calling On All Milford Independents

Dear Independents,

This Thursday March 4Th, 2010 at 7:00 P.M the Independents will be meeting at the Howard Johnson's hotel Conference room at 1052 Boston Post Road Milford, CT 06460 (203) 878-4611.

This will be the First official meeting of the Milford Independent Town Committee. The purpose of our meeting will be a nominating convention to nominate Independents to run for public office.

We will be looking to fill the entire slate with Independent candidates for the State races of which include the 118th, 117th, 119th, etc.. We will also be discussing cross endorsements of candidates from other parties should we have no contenders to run for a given position.

Anyone interested in running for Federal positions should contact the State Agent for endorsements of the CT Central Independent Party Mike Telesca as we will not be nominating or endorsing anyone for Federal elections.

This meeting is a very important one so please make a point to attend or RSVP your regrets.

Thank you for all your support and dedication to out great city.

Sincerely,

Rocco J. Frank Jr.

Peter Schiff Comments On Education

The Peter Schiff HQ is off to a great start, and with Dodd out of the race a new playing field in the exciting race for Senate is emerging.

Peter Schiff who opened his HQ in Milford last November has since met up with the Independence Caucus of Connecticut and has begun putting himself on record regarding the issues.

The above clip is one of many now posted on Youtube, but is my personal choice as it pertains to education and school vouchers. There are other videos available and anyone who is interested in learning about the Schiff campaign can visit his website at www.shiffforsenate.com or click on the Shiff banner ad to the upper right of this article.

Peter Schiff is endorsed by Ron Paul, has the unilateral support of the CT Tea Party Movement and the Milford Independent Party. Schiff opened up his HQ in Milford because of the outpouring of support lent to him here.

Thus far to date Peter Schiff has raised 1.4 Million in contributions, dwarfing all of his opponents with the exception of self funded Millionaire Linda McMahon.

To volunteer or lend your support to the Schiff campaign contact Len Greene at (203) 450-8817 or stop by their campaign HQ on Old Gate lane in Milford, CT.

Take Our Mayoral Election Poll

In the box located on the top right corner of this page you will find a poll bearing the names of all four candidates for Mayor in Milford CT. Take the time to place your vote in the box. The more people who vote the more likely we will get an accurate feeling of who is going to win this November 3rd.

The poll will be active right up until election day. If you do not live in Milford but know someone who does, ask them who they think the best candidate is and vote on their behalf. You can only place one vote per IP address, so please vote honestly and encourage your family and friends to do the same.

The purpose of this poll is to come up with an accurate way of predicting election outcomes, and coming up with margin of errors. If we can make it work it will be used again in the state election for our local Milford representatives. Thanks for voting in advance.

To find your polling location in Milford, CT refer to the bottom of this page for the new innovative gadget that tells you where to go and vote. Or you may just click HERE.

Dick Sieron Board Of Education Candidate District 5 Comments

Recently I knocked on a number of doors, introducing myself as a candidate for the Milford board of education, I was amazed at the response. Nine out of every 10 persons I talked to were fed up with our schools and eagerly invited me into their homes for discussion. The one out of ten who refused to talk to me did so because, when they found out I was a member of the Milford Independent Party, they said that they were either a Democrat or a Republican and would not vote for me. Isn’t it astonishing that the Milford government web site board of education page lists one school board member as the “Chairman of the Majority Party” and another member as the “Chairman of the Minority Party.” Newspaper articles also refer to those certain school board members by those same titles.

I submit that the practice of politics in our school board is outrageous. The Republicans and Democrats are incapable of thinking beyond party politics. George Washington, (in his farewell speech,) said to beware of political parties because they represent the will of those parties and not the will of the people. When there is disagreement among school board members, voting is often along party lines, as though no one is capable of critical thinking.

The Milford Independent Party is offering candidates based on their abilities, not party patronage, and will not base any decisions along party lines.

I have talked to a number of Milford school teachers and every one I have talked to so far has been angry with what goes on in our schools. It is amazing that their anger is not reported in the media. At one home that I was invited into, a teacher did not even give me a chance to speak first. He informed me that they were forced to teach their students WHAT to think and not HOW to think. He said they were forced to spend all their time giving the students the “No Child Left Behind” tests and over-teaching those tests, leaving them no time to teach anything else.

Our schools will lose millions of dollars from the state if they do not give the NCLB tests. The State of Connecticut gets those millions of dollars from the Federal government. The federal government is forbidden by the Constitution from having anything to do with education at the state and local level. That is the sole province of the States. And so, big brother gets his nose in the tent through the back door. The dollars are paid by the taxpayers in the first place and everyone knows that the closer you get to the local level, the more wisely the dollars are spent. The federal government has no monopoly on brains and common sense. The only monopoly they have is on corruption.

Tax wise, we are one of the wealthier towns in Connecticut. The mall and all the commercial businesses on the Post Road and other business centers bring in large tax revenues. We spend well over a hundred million dollars each year on our public schools, what do we get for that money?

Statewide, Milford’s highest ranked (CAP tests) elementary school in 142nd place and the lowest ranks 285th (among 544 elementary schools). Foran High School ranks 94th in the state (CAPT tests) and Jonathan Law ranks 119th (among 171 high schools). One of our elementary schools recently dropped 48 ranking positions from 2008 and another school an incredible 85 ranking positions. Foran dropped 15 ranking positions and Law dropped 10. Our school board should be in “crisis mode,” but nobody seems to be awake or aware.

We pay our superintendent of schools Apx. $185,000.00 p/y and all he seems to be able to do is find himself mentioned in a scandal appearing on the front pages of the newspapers. Incidentally, school Superintendents should not be close friends with members of the school board. A board member cannot make objective decisions about the performance of a close friend of the Superintendant.

I have nothing to fear making the above statements. I have lived in Milford for 15 years and raised a family elsewhere. I am not a member of any union, nor do I own a business. Education in our country is in an incredible state of decay. Our grandparents were far better educated then today’s younger people.

If elected to the Milford school board, I promise the following;

I will ask tough questions and demand major reform.
I will report regularly to the press as to what happens at board meetings and how the board members vote.

Dick Sieron
Independent Candidate For Board of Education
District 5

Independent Party Candidate Concerned Over Milford's Business Audits

Regrettably for Milford’s Business community, the opportunity for Milford’s Board of Aldermen to rescind their approval to hire the North Carolina based firm named Tax Management Associates has lapsed. Milford’s Government Administrators who have the responsibility to assess and levy taxes have convinced the Board of Aldermen unanimously that this new process is fair and not business unfriendly.

Tax Management Associates are now implementing this new doctrine as an agent of the city and some of our businesses should be hearing from them soon. The adoption of this new process may be one of the best single reasons so far for every taxpayer and elector in Milford to consider seeking some new replacements for the Board of Aldermen and Mayor. As a taxpayer and elector you may be asking yourself why it is important to elect new members.

Their actions don’t seem to be directed towards us and it even seems to be a nice financial benefit for us residential taxpayers. So, why you may ask? Here’s why…. Milford’s business community contributes most of the funds paying for all the good municipal jobs and their benefits, quality education, and services that we expect and enjoy. It’s not good business for the city to start deciding which business group can and should pay more in taxes than another. Especially since it’s based on an arbitrary amount of assessed value derived from previous federal profit and loss statements. I would not consider this business friendly and it brings discrimination to our business community.

Their discretion in the implementation of this new process is just the start of the discrimination phase. Everybody should want this discriminatory practice to go away because if not, you never know who the next victim will be when they again decide to process other groups in this manner.

Milford should be more business friendly than all of its surrounding communities. That would be the key to our financial security. When every Alderman agrees to allow one segment of the business community to be discriminated against, that’s a problem. People should elect public officials that are not strangled by major political parties and their contributors. Arrogance veiled with a smile and courtesy can not be tolerated anymore in Milford.

Stephen Borer

Fundraising Results, Put Republicans in Lead

If the municipal election were about money, the Republicans would be poised to regain majorities on the city’s three elected boards and commissions.

According to early fundraising totals, the Republican Party has raised $34,300, compared to the $18,700 raised by Democrats, for the races for aldermen, Board of Education and planning and zoning. The newly formed Milford Independent Party has not officially raised any money for its under ticket candidates. The fundraising totals to date do not include what each party has raised for the mayoral races.

Republican Town Chairman Thomas Jagodinski said he knows an election is the quality of candidates, not money, but the party’s spirits are definitely on the upswing.

LIST: See who is running for office in Milford this November
More than 30 new members have joined the town committee, and two years ago the Republican had raised just $18,300 as of this date.

“Morale is high,” Jagodinski said. “The Milford Republican Party is strong and united.

“This reflects the enthusiasm in the party and people are excited about the campaign and are coming to fundraisers in greater numbers,” Jagodinski added.

Two years ago, Democrats stunned the local GOP by winning a 9 to 6 majority on the aldermen board, 7 to 3 margin on the school board, and a 6 to 4 advantage on the zoning board.

Just two years prior, Democrats were the minority on all three boards, and previously had been out of the majority for more than two decades.

Democratic Town Chairman Richard Smith said he’s not surprised by the fundraising totals, contending Republicans are backed by “big developers and a lot of the business interests.”

“We’re more of the party of the people, as evidenced by Democrats shepherding the first tax decrease in the city’s history,” Smith said. “At the end of the day it’s about the issues we stand for. Money won’t buy this election despite the Republicans attempts to do so.”

Smith said Democrats will get their message out by pounding the pavement and “sweat equity.”

But Jagodinski said he believes the Democrats seem to have more “politicians” in their ranks. He said GOP candidates share a similar philosophy: that local government should be about “neighbors getting together to make the city better.”

Milford Independent Party founder and mayoral candidate Peter Spalthoff said his underticket hopes to raise $5,000, but $3,000 is more likely. Concerning the mayoral race, Spalthoff said he has already raised $15,000 without conducting a fundraiser, and hopes to raise a total of $18,000.

ORIGINAL BRIAN MCREADY ARTICLE

Meet The Independent Party Today

The following post is taken from the Milford Independent Party website. The invitation is an open invitation aimed at soliciting your support. The Independent party neeeds your help in establishing itself as a permanent party here in town. The majority of registered voters in Milford are Unaffiliated, a defacto decree of Independence from the two party monopoly here in our town. Stop by, donate, get on our candidate list, and offer your help to assure this fledgling party greater success in the future.

"Please join us in front of Shoreline Mortgage at 26 Broad St. on the Milford Green during the Oyster Festival from 10AM to 6PM. Come by to meet your candidates, and show your support at our refreshment stand where you can find bottled water, popcorn, slushies, and more!"

Independents Day Meet And Greet On Lexington Green

The shot heard around the world, and the start of the American Revolution in 1775 began at Lexington Green in Massachusetts. In like manner, and to celebrate that monumental event, the Newly formed Independent Party will be at Lexington Green in Milford for a "Meet and Greet" and celebration of our Republics Independence from the aggression and tyranny imposed by foreign monarchs.

The meet and greet is set for July 18Th, 2009 and is open to all friendly voters, and their children, who live in Milford. Refreshments and appetisers will be served, and the event will commence promptly at 4:00P.M. and will conclude at 8:00 P.M. feel free to drop by at your leisure between those hours.

The address is 44 Lexington Way N. here in Milford. To RSVP or to request directions call (203) 247-4357, or (203) 247-7933.

Officially there is no charge for this event, but attendees are encouraged to support the Independent Party by making donations. Acceptable donations are between $5.00 and $100.00. If anyone wishes to donate more please let the MC at the event know and proper paperwork will be made available. Donations can be made by cash, or check only no credit or debit cards.

We look forward to seeing you there the Saturday of this event. To e-mail any questions you have do so at frank@mycomputerfox.com.

To see photos of the Mass. Original Lexington Green Click HERE

Peter Spalthoff Announces Independent Bid For Milford Mayor

A few words from Peter:

I believe that I posses the skills of a good manager. I also know that I can and do relate to the senior citizen population in Milford because I am a senior citizen and I was fortunate enough to have sold my home before the taxes were raised high enough to force me to do so.

I can also relate to the trials and tribulations of our veterans. I have experienced what it is to be a returning war veteran from Vietnam. It was due to those experiences in Vietnam that I created the “Window of Honor” as well as the “Tie a Ribbon” campaign on the Green that was so well received by our community several years ago on Broad Street.

I know that I will make a difference in the management of this city. I am doing it out of love of the city, and no matter how silly that may sound, it is the truth. I do love this city and the people in it. It has always been and still is my desire to serve my neighbors and I know of no better way to serve them then by becoming the mayor of Milford.

I tell people that while I respect and sometimes envy those individuals who were born and raised in Milford. Unlike them I had a “choice” of living in Milford or one of the 168 other city or towns in the state. My wife and I chose Milford because we fell in love with the community and its people. As we chose Milford for our home we also decided to settle our business here as well and in doing so we felt a strong sense of community service and responded to that call in numerous ways. We have helped over 300 families in Milford obtain their homes here. Our company, Shoreline Mortgage, was also helpful and pledged financial support to help defray the costs of having the Simon Lake submarine returned to the city.

Although it’s often viewed as very political to make promises, I will make one none the less — I promise that I will run my campaign above board and will not take any personal shots at either of the other candidates. I will stick to issues.

If and when elected, my neighbors will be made aware of where I stand on all the issues affecting our community. From taxes to senior citizen issues to veteran issues to Eisenhower park issues to historical property issues and others that come across my desk, I will address each and every one before they become a problem. There will not be any surprises coming from the mayor’s office when I am elected.

I believe, and hope you all agree that we should be electing the individual to the office of mayor. Whether or not that individual is a Republican, Democrat, or Independent or any other group. We should vote for that person based on what she or he has to offer, what they stand for and not the party to which they belong. As a patriot, a senior citizen, a Vietnam veteran, a small business owner, a parent and grandparent, a deeply committed community activist, and an overall good guy; I am asking for your support and vote to become Milford’s next mayor.

Thank You

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Peter Spalthoff
Employment History:
Police Officer in Trumbull
Vice President with People’s Bank for twenty years
Small business owner for sixteen years
Executive Director of a state wide trade organization for seventeen years and counting
Community Service, Past and Present:
Treasurer, President and now Chairman of the finance committee of the United Way
Director at Bridges
Director of the Milford Rotary
Director of the Milford Fine Arts
President of the DMBA
President of the Point Beach Association
Treasurer of the Woodruff YMCA
Treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce
Treasurer of the Caswell Cove Association
Chairman of the RTC for 5 years
Member of the Economic Development Commission
Member of the Harbor Commission
Founder Milford celebrates New Years Eve party

Jim Amann Gets "Hooked Up" With Controversial New Job.

Just when many Amman objectors thought "good riddance" to the former Speakers departure from politics a new surprise today. The Connecticut Post announced that the Speaker may have all along confirmed many suspicions and conspired against his colleagues in Hartford by using his former post for personal gain via a shady side deal.

The jaw dropping announcement puts current Speaker Donovan in an "unholy relationship" with his new consultant Jim Amann. While he may think he unwittingly outwitted and outflanked the ethics of his office, many of his colleagues, including top ranking Republicans are speechless this week.

The money trail is clear, $39K as Speaker or $120K as a consultant to the new Speaker. Aside from the fact that this denotes the epitome of Cronyism in the "N-Th" degree I would suggest we remember that Jim has always been at odds with his critics, including some Democrats who drove a hearse to Milford city hall to protest his run for governor.

To remember the past, he involved himself with a criminal gangster Joe Gentile as part of Hollywood East, an unproven debacle that is yet to produce more income than it depletes from our state in tax credits. That not being bad enough he also decided to openly and brazenly play the part of a gangster when he was caught on video speaking about "Crushing" his "Idiot" opponents.

What is even more disconcerting is that Jim still gets 60K out of the MS coffers as a salary for raising money. Some have suggested that donating to his MS charity resulted in favorable legislation. That alleged there is still more mainly the lucritive Three Million Dollar CEF Governor grant, money he may use to run for a Job he has no chance of winning. It is my opinion that he knows this, so the big question is what will happen to this cash, how will it be spent and whose hands will it fall into. Could it be Donovan for helping him out with a high paying job?

Jim may be well on his way for setting himself up for the same criticism that ultimately led to the demise of the John Rowland Administration. Aside from the irregular nature and harsh criticism that his business dealings have drawn he has now proven to the academic community that education is not important in the way of political success, after all a college drop out can become a house Speaker as well as gain employment in a 120K job formerly set aside for true experts with years of study in many disciplines.

Some people, I have spoke with, indicated that Amann has always lacked the mathematical and accounting skills necessary to even understand the states fiscal picture. This criticism came center stage when Jim bilked the taxpayers of $50,000 because a scaffold was in the way of his party spot at the capitol.

Connecticut now mired with billions in debt will be advising our new Speaker on a subject he cannot explain beyond a few simple words. Jim is investing his popularity and charm at the expense of the good people of Connecticut.

For those who are not yet bothered it is important to point out that there is now a real cause for concern. Concern emanating from the effects of the Amann aggregate to the current rampant cronyism. This is surely to stand in the way of true qualified experts dedicated to scientifically fixing the states problems. Connecticut is rich with many talented people, brilliant in the understanding of practices and principles of macroeconomics, taxpayer relations, and balancing budgets.

When states fail to step up the plate and enact the practice of "hooking up their friends" with "sweet jobs" we fall victim to the crippling effects of failing government by way of crippling budget deficits like the ones we see now. These budget deficits are growing every minute of every day and if you wonder where this all leads just read this article it is frightening.

It is all too sad to quote.

Presidential Politics In Connecticut

This is the update on all of the action regarding the presidency here in Connecticut. The Independent party, is still vying to get Ralph Nader on the ballot as a presidential candidate. Currently Ralph won his latest appeal in the 9th circuit court. This decision was filed by the Democratic party who wanted him off the ballot. Not only does it appear that Connecticut's perennial presidential candidate will be back but he is pulling 6% in the latest U.S. presidential poll. Should Ralph gain another 4% he will be included in the Presidential Debates come November.

Party outcast Joe Lieberman has announced that he will not seek the nomination for Vice President. As we all know in the last Presidential election Lieberman was Al Gore's choice. Lieberman, neither a Democrat or a Republican has expressed his support for John McCain. Both Lieberman and McCain share the view that a hard line stance must be taken with Iran.

Senator Chris Dodd, also a former presidential candidate, and Attorney General Blumenthal's favorite is hoping to be Obama's choice of a Vice President. Chris Dodd is also the chairman of the Finance committee and often meets with Ben Bernake to discuss the latest economic events regarding the mortgage meltdown and interest rates.

As the race moves on we are all anxiously awaiting what has been dubbed the "veep stakes" to see who the candidates will chose for their VP. With George Bush having been born in Connecticut it seems like the little old Nutmeg state holds a powerhouse of leadership even to include Henri Kissinger out in Kent.