Rosa Delauro Irks Many In Milford

Sad but true, nearly a year has gone by and the only memory of a photo that I have of our illustrious Congresswoman is a lone photo of her eating lobster at a lobster fest in Milford.

Aside from her penchant for natural food, In years past and still currently I have been upset with her "food safety and modernization act." This is because it is my opinion that this act has nothing to do with food safety and all to do with handing over the family farm to big corporations. Anyone with any knowledge about this issue should be keenly aware of her husbands relationship with Monsanto foods and how it benefits them to do Monsanto's bidding.

For those who do not know Monsanto that is the company that genetically vandalizes the DNA of food and then patents the food so no one can grow it or profit from things like corn, soybeans, potato's etc. In years past they have sued family farmers over the wind cross germinating farmers fields.

Lets also not forget that as we were riding in coach while on vacation this summer, Rosa left for Italy with Speaker Pelosi on a flight that cost taxpayers over $200,000.00. This "Business trip" included visiting the Vatican, lots of Museums, sight seeing and yes the occasional cognac and steak dinner with a famous politician.

Your blood should be boiling by now, but if its not let me remind you all of one more thing, her refusal to hold bankers accountable in Congress. While two Congressmen from CT were co-sponsoring the bill to audit the Federal Reserve, Derosa sided with former Golman Sachs executive Jim Himes in opposing the bill. She did this quietly since over 312 or most of Congress co-sponsored the bill without her. This should leave you wondering how her loyalty to bankers are in lockstep with those of Chris Dodd. Dodd made it clear by his resignation that he would rather quit the U.S. Senate than hold the very thieves who wrecked America Accountable.

Rosa Delauro's misguided leadership is one boondoggle of disrespect after the other, if she is not out in East Haven battling their local police department for arresting the nutty behavior of April Capone Almon, she is out fraternizing over some other feminist escapade that has nothing to do with the key issues facing America.

This week and in the photo above we witness again our incorrigible Congresswoman in yet another Feminist posture with her wildly unpopular travel buddy, Speaker Nancy Pelosi. During this widely protested and unwelcome visit to Connecticut Rosa made a point yet again to push her personal agenda while ignoring the wishes of her constituents who are rightfully upset with our nations Speaker.

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

Eight Injured After Honda Careens Into Sun Nail And Spa.

Last night at about 5:00P.M. a woman described as being in her 50's lost control of her vehicle in the parking lot of 487 Bridgeport Ave. The woman was driving a Mid Size Honda Civic. The result was a terrible accident whereby the veicle drove through the all glass entrance of the Sun Nail Salon.

The vehicle struck a nail station, and subsequently injured eight people, four seriously. Fortunately there were no fatalities. The woman involved in the accident told the police that she "mistankenly hit the gas pedal instead of the brake."

The accident happened after she had services rendered at the establishment. The car drove completely into the store and stopped after it struck the far right hand wall. This incident marks one of the most horrific accidents involving people so far this year.

The business is currently partially boarded up and closed for business as efforts are underway to restore and repair the significant damage to that business establishment. Local newspapers have been reporting on this story today, and yesterday evening.

The above photo was taken on my cell phone camera this morning at about 9:00 A.M. and is the current state of the aftermath.

No2Dems, Republicans Launch Attack Campaign

Anyone who has been driving around town lately could not help but notice the bright red signs with the words "The Dem's Copped Out" printed across them. The term "Copped out" is referring to police budget cuts alleged by the Republican's.

This is also followed up by a website www.no2dems.com with a detailed description of the the Republican grievance with the Democrats.

As a side note is important to mention that the site is registered to the Milford Republican Town Committee, and its Technical contact is party boss Tom Jagodinski. The Milford police, or its officers, are not responsible for the quality or creation of its content.

Sorting out fact from fiction during the political season can be a bit challenging, because misinformation, blame, stealing credit and bogus exaggerations are what the two party political system has become in town.

This week was no exception, especially when a Republican national icon and Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin endorsed a third party conservative. Palin did so after she had an epiphany and finally realized that the National Republican and Democratic Parties are essentially the same.

To get to the root of this public safety issue, and to really determine what is real and what is not, lets rewind a bit. Thus far the FBI crime statistics that I printed on this blog show a real decrease in violent crime. However, that decrease is accompanied by an increase in petty crime. Some can allege that this petty crime is theft due to the economy, others could argue that because we fail to secure our belongings that these crimes are really carelessness on the part of the victims but in reality I tend to agree that it is really a bit of both.

Being a former law enforcement person myself, I can honestly say that a reduction of petty theft will not be resolved by more security cameras like the ones that were the topic of "Solitaire Night" at the Republican GOP HQ, or more police officers.

The solution is an educated public, signage, and a public awareness program to remind people to LOCK THEIR CARS if they contain valuables. Common sense should dictate not to leave cameras, cell phones, wallets or purses unattended at restaurants while you wander off. Every time something is lost or stolen, and the police are called, the crime is reported, and the FBI enters those statistics into a database. However, by their own admission this database does not "reflect the quality of life in our community."

So yes, its true petty crime is high, but what does this have to do with police cutbacks? and when did the police cutbacks begin?

To answer this question I can go back to my own recollection of the facts. This started with Peter Spalthoff's press release. It is also important to mention that Peter was a former Trumbull police officer as well as this years Independent candidate for Mayor.

Peter hosted a poll on his website that favored not having police officer positions eliminated, and he also put out a press release on 5/25/2009 warning Ben Blake the Democratic leader of the Board of alderman to respect the wishes of Chief Mello and not cut the police budget or eliminate police officers.

About two months later Brian McReady published this article clearly reiterating the Board of Alderman's involvement in the police cuts, as well as Jim Richetelli working with the Alderman to make cuts, and negotiate police contracts to save the city money. One of those positions cut by this process was the downtown bike patrol.

Richard Smith the Chairman of the Democratic party, recently said that "Three vacant positions are still on the books and unfilled." This was also verified by the McReady article and then again by Chief Mello who said "the money is there and it will take time to get properly trained officers who have cleared their background checks into those vacant positions."

What becomes clear here, is that one Officer was "temporarily eliminated" that officer was a "bike patrol officer" who certainly will not be riding his bike this winter in the snow. Also it is true that we have the same amount of police officers as we did a decade ago, but crime has also decreased and by admission of Chief Mello the response times to serious crimes have "not been jeopardized." He did admit that if you are a the victim of a "petty crime you may have to wait a little longer."

This entire debacle by the Republicans to instill "Fear" in our citizens appears to be a rude political ploy to win votes. As peter Spalthoff said "this is not meant to be a "the sky is falling" hysterical warning" but unfortunately and much to the discredit of the Republican Party they have turned it just into that a political ploy to paint a weak face on the Democrats.

The Milford Police are doing a fine job with the resources they have and certainly are not being made weak. From the above mentioned articles it should be clear that both parties, and the Mayor's contract negotiations are the only things currently impacting the police department.

The simple conclusion to this post is that the entire "The Dems Copped Out" campaign is a baseless scare tactic, hopefully Milford's citizens have more faith in our police officers abilities than the Republicans do.

Delauro & Slossberg Cry Sexism Over Mayors Ethics Complaint

East Haven's mayor April Capone Almon is no stranger to controversy. Just a few short months ago Ms. Almon was arrested for interfering with police business. She obstructed police from towing illegally parked cars from a Town Beach parking lot and made state wide T.V. with her arrest.

Almon's issues with the Police began shortly after she was elected, her and her associate Mr. Strand had a falling out when she stormed over to East Haven's Chief of Police (Leonard Gallo) and brazenly told him he was "fired" and she was "taking over the Police Department."

Ms. Almon's Animosity toward the Police did not end there, they emerged again when an ethics complaint was filed against her by a East Haven police board member for giving an excessive raise to her personal secretary friend in government. This is an allegation that Ms. Almon denies, saying that her relationship was "appropriate" and so was the raise.

Needless to say, and come election time, the public and her Republican opponents have made campaign issues out of these monumental events. Issues that Rosa Delauro has called a "slimy political attack" and a "distraction" she also went on to say she stands "with her and the great work that she has done for the town of East Haven." Delauro who was accompanied by our Senator Gayle Slossberg, and a squad of other women leaders made a very large and public spectacle in Ms. Almon's defence.

Rosa Delauro led her contingent of women to East Haven, and decried that this attack is politically motivated and sexist, or in her own words "the kind of thing that women leaders have to go through." Since the allegations began in a conflict with the East Haven Police department the scope and nature of the dispute will most likely result in a Board of Ethics hearing to explore the nature of a $9,960 raise she gave to her secretary.

This also follows on the heels of her record of presiding over one of East Haven's Worst Tax increases, and earned its city a place in Connecticut's most foreclosed towns. Ms. Almond is a Democrat Seeking Re-Election, and these issues have become the "cannon fodder of choice for the East Haven Republicans none-the-less. What some are wondering here in Milford, is why are our state and Federal leaders ignoring her record, and the fact that campaigns are the time to bring about these issues?

From a personal standpoint I will maintain that it is not our elected leaders prerogative to interfere or engage the public over the criminal behavior of any city leader until the legal and legislative branches of government have completed their inquiries. The only difference I see here, is that none of these women Democrats came to the aid of Joe Ganim when he was arrested or Eddie Perez of Hartford or Mr. Philip Giordano of Waterbury for that matter.

In conclusion, even though this story has little to do with Milford, beyond the few elected leaders we share, I find it deplorable that this kind of intervention is what our leaders are doing with their time. When a common person gets in trouble with the "law" no one comes to our aid, as a matter of fact we too just like the lovely Ms.Almon can get arrested for doing reckless things and must answer to the very same legal system we all share. Politicians are not above or exempt from the law and should be held personally accountable in the same way the rest of us are.

Violence Threatens Milford Mall's Survival

On Sunday night I was at my computer reading the latest blogs coming in off Topix. One blog in particular was very disturbing, it was from an individual who said he was at “the Westfield Mall, and heard someone was brandishing a gun. A large swath of people panicked and scattered down the escalator where the Managers of Target locked the front doors as a security measure for what appeared to be an hour. Shortly after another blogger concurred that he was at the mall and experienced a similar event.

These issues plaguing our mall are not new, and the New Haven Register this morning confirmed what these bloggers experienced but said the man brandishing the gun originated from the bus stop. One report indicates that while at the Bus stop he threatened to “Pistol whip” his girlfriend.” Another at the Post indicates that he made the threat during a group fight in the food court.

Mall police apprehended the individual and consequentially he was charged with gun related crimes. The incident did not make immediate news because the gun he was brandishing was merely a harmless “air gun.” But to the people in the Mall who were frightened by it that did not matter much.

The Westfield Mall continues to be plagued with security problems that stem from out of town kids engaging in lewd and lascivious conduct. Officers have been hit with food from food fights, a chair, assaulted physically, and broken up large fights.

Officers reported that the youth at the mall are so problematic that they neither respect a badge or a gun. However, he did say they all "respect the taser" and it is the best weapon in his arsenal.

A security officer at the Westfield Mall expressed concern, that these problems of violence may be because Milford is considered “neutral” territory. He said "when rivals from Bridgeport and New Haven attend the mall there is a propensity for conflict to occur."

Shop owners fear that these problems are also effecting the retail establishments in the Mall who also pay handsomely to have the traffic and placement that the Mall offers. Lately the violence combined with the economic downturn has resulted in record high vacancy rates and the Mall owners are struggling to stay in business. One shop owner said "if the youth problems persist, people will be reluctant to shop here."

Last year the Westfield Mall ended up in court, and sued the city of Milford over what they said are excessively high taxes. Mayor Richetelli, after the lawsuit settled and said the “Westfield Mall is of vital economic importance to Milford, and the settlement was worth it. Had the city not settled and lost the case the city would have been forced to immediately pay a substantial amount of money to the owners of the property.” The settlement earned the Westfield Mall a 11% tax decrease, one they said was the result of their property being overvalued by the town assessor. The mall also benefits from a Police HQ annex located in the mall next to Panera's.

Reports indicate that the tax savings was desperately needed given the fragility of the commercial real estate market and the shaky economy.

These assertions are being confirmed daily by a website called www.DeadMalls.com. This site lists the growing number of defunct and struggling malls across the country. In Connecticut Seven are listed in the index, including the Bristol Mall in Bristol Ct., and the long defunct HiHo Mall. (Now occupied by The Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport.)

While there appears to be no immediate solution to these youth conflicts at the moment additional changes are being made to the bus policy of the mall. Effective soon fewer buses will be permitted to stop at the mall, and security will be put on high alert to curtail the problem. Loitering will not be tolerated, and aggressive enforcement against shoplifting and disruptive behavior will be engaged.

The mall management has expressly indicated that they are committed to delivering a calm safe environment where shoppers can go and enjoy themselves. While they regret the problems induced by local youth at the Mall they assure the public that every reasonable effort is being made to stem the tide of mischief.

Police Need Help Finding Milford Bank Robber

Tuesday Morning the Sikorsky Federal Credit Union was Robbed by what was described as a screaming hooded man. The man entered the bank at 9:30A.M. and threatened to shoot anyone who stood in his way.

He then jumped the banks counteres and emptied the tellers cash boxes, he then proceeded to the rear bank exit on foot in the direction of Krispy Kreme on the post Road.

Police said the suspect is 5'7" and thinly built. He was also wearing what appeared to be a pair of sweat pants over his jeans. A police dog was later used to track the mans scent where it ended at Krispy Kreme. Police believe that the abrupt end of the scent was likely due to the man getting in a parked car and leaving the area.

Fortunately no one was hurt, no weapon was seen or found but many customers and bank employees were nonetheless frightened.

The scene of this crime was at 1400 Boston Post Road in Milford, CT and is one of several bank robberies this year. Police are asking the public (with any information to report) to call the Milford Police Department at (203) 878-6551. Click bank photo above to enlarge the suspected bank robber.

Missing Milford Kayaker Search Still Ongoing

Search and rescue teams from area police departments and the U.S. Coast Guard continued through Sunday evening looking for a missing kayaker, as computer models relayed a 17- to 27.9-hour window of survivability based on water temperatures, Fire Capt. Chris Zak said.

Two people were thrown into the water from their kayak early Sunday. One of the men, identified by U.S. Coast Guard officials as John Ferraro, was able to defy the odds and swim to land, but the other man, identified as Michael Krupa, 22, of Middletown, remained missing. Officials did not have an age or hometown for Ferraro.

Zak said that at 4:42 a.m. Sunday the department’s emergency operations center received a 911 cell phone call reporting a person in the water. Fire officials later learned that two people were in the kayak when it flipped over and were unable to get back into the boat.

Zak said both of the kayakers began to swim toward anchored boats, and one man was able to swim to Charles Island, where he found a boat and woke up the people who were on board. Fire officials did not release the identity of the kayakers.

When firefighters arrived, the man was suffering from hypothermia because of the prolonged time in the water, and he is currently at an area hospital in guarded condition.

The man did not have a flotation device on, Zak said. A Coast Guard helicopter and boat, along with Milford fire and police, Stratford and West Haven fire personnel, searched all day and into the evening for the second kayaker, Zak said.

Beachgoers who basked at Silver Sands State Park Sunday watched the rescue operation with interest.

Bob Gabris of Naugatuck sat on the shore Sunday afternoon, staring out across the water.

“We came down here to walk on the beach and relax, and we picked a bad day, because somebody lost their life,” he said.

Gabris hadn’t heard about the accident before coming to the beach, but immediately knew something was wrong when he saw the helicopter. “One or two people go down every year between here and Stratford,” he said. “Long Island Sound is very dangerous.”

Terry Ames of Waterbury stood out on the sandbar Sunday afternoon filming the scene. In the distance, emergency services boats surrounded Charles Island.

Ames said he comes to the beach several times a week to film nature. After seeing the news today, he knew he was in for a different scene.

“I couldn’t believe it when I turned the news on. I was here just yesterday,” he said. Ames said he was anxious to know who the missing boater was, as he knows a lot of people in the area.

“There’s too many drownings this year, all over the place. Too many,” he said

Zak said they were using sonar to try and locate the person. They found the kayak. Crews are searching between Silver Sands State Park and Walnut Beach.

A side scan sonar device was used by Milford Fire Department divers to try to ascertain if the individual was submerged. Fire department units also performed grid search patterns in Long Island Sound, and shore units were walking the beach areas.

Zak said it is somewhat remarkable that one of the kayakers was able to swim to Charles Island because it was very windy out and the currents are “very difficult” to navigate.

“He is very fortunate he did make it,” Zak said.

Zak also said once boaters position their vessel south of Charles Island, they are no longer protected by land, which allows the winds to pick up and make the waves treacherous.

Zak emphasized the importance of having a personal floatation device when using any type of water vessel, and the need to have a family member or friend know your destination and estimated return time.

A detailed plan outlining the departure location, destination, identity of people on the vessel and expected return time can assist rescue workers in locating those lost in an emergency, officials said.

By Brian McCready, Milford

Arrest Made In Zion Hill Murder

An arrest has been made in the murder of a New Haven man here Sunday night, police said this morning.

Police plan to announce details of the arrest at an 11 a.m. today press conference at Police Department headquarters.

The victim, of Jose Chevere, 28 of Putnam Street in New Haven, was fatally shot in a wooded area off Zion Hill Road, near Wheelers Farm Road, not far from Interstate 95.

Bridgeport police found the car the victim was believed to have been driving, a 2000 tan Honda Accord, with Connecticut license plate 797 XNT, in the 400 block of Newfield Avenue of that city.

The car was then "forensically reviewed as evidence," according to Offier Vaughan Dumas, the police spokesman.

The fatal shooting was the first homicide in Milford since July 12, 2007, when James Street killed a roommate in a local motel. The South Carolina man was sentenced in June to 10 years in prison.

Some residents in the Zion Hill Road area said the murder scene has been a hangout for teens and that trash, including liquor bottles, is routinely strewn around.

Packaging from a decongestant used to manufacture crystal meth, a hallucinogenic drug, has also been found there, neighbors said.


ORIGINAL FRANK JULIANO STORY


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Update 2:00 P.M

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Police today arrested a 22-year-old West Haven man in the murder of a New Haven man who was gunned down on Zion Hill Road Sunday evening.

Police said they expect to make additional arrests, and would reveal very few details about the arrest or a motive except to say it was a “drug related incident.”

Eusebio Melendez-Ventura, of 162 Spring St., was arrested Thursday morning and held on $1 million for the murder of Jose Chevere, 28, of Putnam Street, on Sunday.

Melendez-Ventura was charged with felony murder, first-degree kidnapping with a firearm, and conspiracy on both charges.

Police spokesman Officer Vaughan Dumas said at a press conference at police headquarters this morning that the incident is drug related, and Chevere knew his attackers. Police learned that Chevere went to Melendez-Ventura’s home Sunday evening and was taken at gunpoint by Melendez-Ventura and another individual to Milford, Dumas said.

He added there is evidence that Chevere was physically assaulted prior to being shot to death on Zion Hill Road. Dumas declined to reveal anymore specifics of the crime because additional arrests are expected.

Local Residents "Shook Up" Over Neighborhood Murder

Zion Hill Road residents said Monday the gunshots that rang out Sunday night, marking the city’s first apparent killing this year, and the grisly discovery of a body that followed, have disturbed the calm of the secluded neighborhood in the city’s north end.

“I knew it wasn’t fireworks. It was just the sound, and the way they were fired. The deliberate way they were fired,” said the Zion Hill Road resident who placed the lone call alerting police to the slaying Sunday night.

“There were two shots, then a pause, then several more in quick succession.”

Police were still waiting Monday night for the state medical examiner to confirm the identity of the man who was found dead Sunday night on the side of Zion Hill Road with multiple gunshot wounds.

Police have tentatively identified the victim as a 28-year-old New Haven resident, but are waiting for confirmation from the medical examiner and notification of the victim’s family before releasing his identity.

A 2000 Honda Accord police believe was used by the victim was found on Newfield Avenue in Bridgeport Monday afternoon and is being forensically reviewed, police spokesman Officer Vaughan Dumas said.

Police were called to the area of Zion Hill and Wheeler’s Farms roads at about 7:30 p.m. Sunday after receiving a report of gunshots.

The man who called police after hearing eight to 10 gunshots said the discovery on the edge of his property was unsettling.

“You don’t want stray bullets flying around you,” said the Zion Hill Road resident, who declined to give his name.

The man said he called 911 after hearing loud noises that he was sure were gunshots.

He said he thought someone was taking shots at a deer and went to investigate after calling police. The Zion Hill Road resident wasn’t able to find anything.

The police who showed up quickly discovered a body about 5 feet off the road in a wooded area near the 911 caller’s property.

“It is a little nerve-racking finding a body basically on your property; this is not one of those things to take lightly. It really brings you up to modern times. It could happen anywhere and now it’s happened here,” the man said.

“Forensic evidence” was found near the body leading police to believe that the man was killed at or near where the body was found, police said.

Francis D. Amico, another Zion Hill Road resident, said he didn’t hear the gunshots and was unaware of the shooting until told by a reporter Monday.

He said young people sometimes drink on the street because it is so secluded with so few houses.

“But that’s been going on for the last 80 years,” Amico said.

He said he wasn’t fazed or made nervous at all by the apparent killing.

“The cops will take care of it and it’s none of my business,” Amico said.

The victim was not carrying identification, which contributed to the delay in making a positive identification.

He is described as a Hispanic male with a “chin-strap” style beard and short hair, police said.

He was 5 feet 7 inches tall and about 165 pounds, police said.

He was wearing a two-tone brown and beige long-sleeved shirt, denim jeans, a wide black belt, white Nike sneakers, and a two-tone hat, blue with a brown brim, Boston Red Sox hat.

His left hand had long fingernails, with an exceptionally long fingernail on his pinky, police said.

Police expect to release the victim’s name today.

ORIGINAL J. Tinley Story

Milford's Rhorig & Polansky Questioned In Criminal Investigation

Police are investigating an alleged sex assault and a separate incident of underage drinking at the home of Board of Education minority leader Joanne Rohrig.

Rohrig, a Republican running for re-election, declined to comment Thursday on either investigation.

Police Chief Keith Mello on Thursday confirmed that the department's detective division received a complaint on July 22 of a sexual assault that allegedly occurred at Rohrig's Flax Mill Lane home about 3 a.m. July 19.

Meanwhile, Orange Police Chief Robert Gagne said Thursday that Jared Rohrig, the school board member's son and a probationary officer with the Orange police force, was placed on paid administrative leave July 23. "He remains on leave pending an internal investigation," Gagne said.

Neither chief would comment on whether Jared Rohrig may be involved in the investigation into the assault complaint.

The complaint of underage drinking apparently stems from a July 12 party for Rohrig's daughter Chelsea, who graduated from Jonathan Law High in June.

Photos from a Facebook album show Rohrig, her sons and daughter in their backyard with many guests, including Supt. of Schools Harvey Polansky and his wife Harriet. There are rows of beer cups on a table in one photo, but no photos of anyone drinking.

Harriet Polansky had written on Rorhig's Facebook page on July 14:

"STILL drying out!! Can't wait to see the pics!" Polansky said that his wife was referring to using the Rohrigs' hot tub, not to drinking. The superintendent said he attended many local graduation parties this summer and that no illegal drinking went on.

Rohrig said earlier that a bar was set up in a separate area for adults. Her family owns Lasses Restaurant and catering here, and Rohrig said that they have knowledge and experience with the laws serving alcohol.

Mello said that the youth division is investigating the anonymous complaint about underage drinking at the party. "They are absolutely separate incidents," the chief said.

A separate set of photos, showing several people playing beer pong, has been circulating anonymously, but officials have determined that those were not taken at the school board member's home.

ORIGINAL FRANK JULIANO POST

STORY ALSO AT NH REGISTER

Polanski Recently was named in this article regarding underage drinking.

http://my.hsj.org/Schools/Newspaper/tabid/100/view/frontpage/schoolid/363/articleid/263205/newspaperid/339/Breathalyzers_Need_To_Be_Embraced.aspx

*********************************************Latest Update 8/8/2009 Police Find No Evidence Of Wrongdoing At Rhorig Party Photo submitted from Facebook also added.
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Richetelli Budget Cuts Nix Milford Bike Patrol

There are three fewer police officers patroling the city since the fiscal year began July 1, and Police Chief Keith Mello says it’s beginning to have a tangible effect.

The Board of Aldermen voted to eliminate an officer position from the budget, saving $52,000, and the police union was the only municipal bargaining unit to not accept a wage freeze as part of a new contract, resulting in two positions not being filled this year.

“Being down three positions, there has to be a reduction in some areas,” Mello said.

One popular program being “temporarily discontinued” is the downtown bike patrol, he said.

On weekdays, an officer on a bicycle was downtown to help with pedestrian safety, traffic enforcement and to provide high visibility for businesses.

Mello said the officer also helped provide enhanced safety for the thousands of residents using the train station.

Mello stressed there is still coverage downtown being provided by regular police patrols.

The bike patrol was instituted several years ago at the request of downtown business leaders, who wanted more police presence.

This past year, the downtown officer has written 10,000 tickets, the chief said.

Mello also said this year there may be a marginal increase in the response time for “low-priority calls,” but “high-priority calls will still receive immediate and appropriate response.”

Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said there are three vacancies in the Police Department, but two of those positions could be filled at any time if the police union agrees to a new two-year contract, which would include a no-wage increase this year, and a 2 percent increase in the second year.

Seven other municipal unions agreed to a similar deal, saving the city about $700,000.

Richetelli said talks between the police union and the city are in the “beginning stages.”

The mayor said he has been in talks with Mello to ensure the three vacant positions will not hurt on public safety.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE Brian McCready

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

Two Teens Dead After Crash With Milford Cop

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

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

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

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

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

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



Story Reprint From CT Post Online Edition

Grinch Wanted! Help Police Catch Her.

This is the video Milford police released Wednesday in their quest to find a woman who allegedly stole items from the lobby at Milford Hospital that were intended to be part of a gift basket raffle.Police said the woman is described as white, 30 to 40 years old, with stocky build and brown hair. She was wearing glasses and a green jacket. The woman allegeldy entered the lobby area shortly before 2 p.m. last Thursday and took two baskets containing various gifts, and attempted to take Nintendo Wii games, police said. Police said they have exhausted all resources attempting to identify the woman and are seeking assistance from the public. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (203) 878-6551

Helen Bennett Harvey

Drivers Beware

Milford Police department has requested two additional police officers citing that urban sprawl has outpaced the growth of the local Police Department. The board recognizing these troubling times undoubtedly has the question of these new officers compensation on their mind. Very few people are keen to new taxes or tax increases especially in light of the struggles here in Milford.


The shocking answer came when our local Police Chief suggested that these two officers should recoup their income just by way of "writing fines" these fines or "infractions" as the lawman likes to put it will be a direct "stupid tax" to the multitude of casual drivers in town already stressed out with their "on the go" lifestyles. These officers will be full force ticket writers for everything from you are over your allotted parking time, was talking on the phone while driving, forgot your seat belt, J Walikng, to improper signaling.

There is no question that our town has grown, but is this really an ethical way to use police officers? Americans have already lost their jobs/money due to the economy, and most every Constitutional freedom we have due to the "fear" of "terrorism." Perhaps these new police officers are a bad idea, especially if their job is to "terrorize" the already despondent public.