More Banks On The Green

Soon going downtown Milford will be a Bankers Paradise, this is because the old Harrison's Hardware store is being "eyed" by TD Bank North for their latest branch. They made their presentation before Zoning and Planning recently and of course, the very reaction from the board was "not good."

Most board members do not want the downtown Milford Landscape to be overwhelmed by banks. Should TD Bank prevail in its quest for Harrison's Hardware that would mark a Fifth large and imposing Bank in an area of about 100 Yards.

Currently, Downtown has a full size, Peoples, Webster, Bank of America, Milford Bank, and a Hudson United Bank. Then of course we have the added Mortgage Bankers to include a former Countrywide, (Now another BofA) and Personas Mortgage Co. I suppose a TD Bank added to the mix would certainly be hyping the dysfunctional landscape of Attorney's and Court Houses.

While some might be impervious to these economic anomalies, others are thankfully more aware and are wondering when the new creed for the Milford Business Association will read "Welcome to Downton Milford, a great place to Eat, Bank, & Sue Someone." I say this with sardonic humor, but all one has to do is look at who owns all the most valuable real estate on the Green and the answer is obvious. The type of downtown we build, and the kinds of businesses we nurture and encourage is a reflection on our community. If everyone loved Bankers and Lawyers we would be in great shape, however we try to cover that malaise with our Great Food establishments of which are packed with bankers and lawyers buying lunch with forclosure money and overdraft fees.

The first thing an outside visitor to Milford does is drive up and down the Town Green, and the nature of the businesses that reside on the Green are usually the first impression someone gets of our community. Restaurants are certainly nice but all the Banks and Legal Malaise are surely a disappointment and something to be concerned about.

Economy Gives Mixed Signals

Connecticut resident, Glenn Beck often expresses great concern over the national economy. While many view Beck as a "Drama Queen" or an alarmist, that group is becoming the minority.

There is nothing more difficult, for any political official running for office, than to have to constantly address the negative elements of our great country. Our nation has always been the envy of the world with massive wealth, the worlds largest banks, and the highest standard of living.

Today our Federal government is now reaping the comeuppance of over 30 years of bad decisions. The punishment, unfortunately is not only theirs to bear but ours as well. How does main street affect your street? Well it is not hard to see, all you have to do is ask your neighbor what is going on with their stocks, 401K's, the value of their home, and the purchasing power of their dollars. We could then also pose the question has your income kept up with inflation? The answers are almost always somber and sobering, yet our citizens are correct when they say these problems are now so great they are beyond what our local or state leaders can repair.

Former governor Ventura on a GCN radio show told his listening audience that in his opinion and in the opinion of the economists he spoke to the only way we could begin to rectify our economy is to restore faith in the U.S. Dollar. This can occur by first addressing our national debt now estimated at 9.6 trillion dollars, ending our costly wars, and next (in my opinion) raising interest rates to attract foreign investors who have dollar wealth.

The weakening dollar has been blamed for the high cost of everything, while our Federal Leaders in Congress are blaming speculators on Wall Street for driving up energy prices, the reality is that this is only part of the problem. The weak U.S. dollar now fetching a record low of 1.60 Euro is as responsible for its loss of purchasing power as the Wall Street speculators.

America has now sadly reached a point where manufacturing has shrunk to less than 10% of all jobs, our banks are failing or are in serious trouble, Americans finding it difficult to afford their homes, health care is all but affordable, a nursing crisis exists, we import 70% of our Oil creating a disturbing transfer of wealth to foreigners and our capitol is paralyzed by global corporations who has a vested interest in eliminating our national sovereignty in favor of global trade agreements.

Television, and our American news reporters are nothing more than the spawn of "puppet masters" who report trite that fails to connect with the true nature and gravity of our nations peril. While the media calms the public, and often outright mocks our national issues with hundreds of channels of game shows, soap opera's, music video's, reality shows, and slanted feudalistic opinion shows we are in a state of our greatest national crisis since 1930.

There was a time when our national prosperity was so great that we, as a society became victims of our own complacency, we made a public oath never to discuss religion or politics... absolute lunacy for anyone who knows that the founders of America built our country with the moral foundations of religion and every citizen was either a minuteman or a freedom fighter vying to break the death grip of British occupation.

Today we have a population that polls 70% against the war in Iraq and yet one of the top Republican contenders John McCain vowed to keep us in Iraq for 100 years if necessary . Things are strange, and reality is often stranger than fiction. The future is posing challenges that have been all but forgotten but thoughts of preparedness, and survival are increasingly on peoples minds.

What you decide to do for yourself and family are entirely up to you, but during these hard and unpredictable times we can take nothing for granted. We need to be proactive and preemptive in our future plans for our families. Not being prepared for an economic anomaly can severely impede our quality of life.

Alcohol Testing For Students?! "Brilliant" or "Batty"

Kids appear to have changed very little since the day I was young, just like today there are good ones, bad ones and those you wonder about. For the most part underage drinking did go on then as it does today. This is just part of the youth culture and common everyday peer pressure.

Now here is the off the wall idea that Harvey Polanski has... imposing a Breathalyzer test at school functions. Although this idea has not yet been approved, Polanski intends to ask the school board to approve it. Adults working at school events will be the ones required to administer these tests to students.

When I personally asked students how they felt about this idea, many outright laughed and those that did not felt it was a violation of their privacy. One student called it extreme and characteristic of a "police state" mentality.

Should Polanski succeed in getting this mandatory test approved, students indicated that he better start patting down students as well. One student, who does not want his name mentioned, indicated that if he chooses to get drunk at prom night he will just show up sober, and drink inside the event after he is tested.

Knowing the will and resolve of kids, I can agree that this will agitate a "cat and mouse" game with authorities. This program will also cost the taxpayers money that is in short supply. Adults will need training, and police will be involved in prosecuting kids at school events who may have tested positive for alcohol, when in reality they could be under the influence of an alcohol based medication like cough syrup.

Hopefully this terrible idea will not pass as it sends a clear and compelling message to our town kids that they must all lose their liberty and trust because of a few kids with an alcohol problem. School staff, and teachers for the most part already know what kids pose the greatest risks of drug abuse and alcoholism without a needed test. It is not hard to recognize a drunken youth, faculty senses do not need to be replaced with costly digital machines.

This news is also preceded by automakers exploring the introduction of the Alcokey system. This system will require that the driver blow into a tube, passing this sobriety test will result in the reward of your car starting. Some fear that onstar will also get in on this "nanny state" technology and actually call the police if the Alcokey system fails the driver.

This 4th of July, Milford Kids and Adults Should Take Notice Of Suzuki's Invigorating Message

This young Girl, Severn Suzuki gave a speech at the UN Earth Summit in 1992. Her goal, was to tell the World that her generation deserves better than the broken policies of the past. Although little has changed today, and such speeches can bring tears to our eyes, we again need to be reminded of how important it is to turn off the television, stop being consumed by our Ipods, personal problems, etc. and make time for our ailing country.

Personally I believe that our great nation is governed by "We the People" the very words that the founders of America wrote as an immutable law to the governance of ourselves. The very reason our world has become dominated by corporate greed, special interests, and unconscionable corruption is because too many people are asleep. Too few Americans are up to the challenge of critical thinking, and even more have not even considered citizenship as an important priority.

While we do, however have a very high voter turnout in town, we do not have many leaders who are capable of solving or challenging the very culprits that have created the problems Suzuki speaks of...just hear the words of this very brave and admirable young lady. It has been said that she silenced the world for five minutes.

Some Milford Homes Fall Into Disrepair as Residents Struggle to Pay Bills

Over the last several months I have been walking around the district, the lower end of Milford, and while many of the high end, high value homes located along the waterfront are in great shape and in some cases being built to palatial status others are not so fortunate.

These homes are the inland homes, those located within the city and away from the waterfront. There were scores of homes that I personally visited in disrepair, these included broken steps, peeling paint, moss covered roofs, overgrown grass and trees and in many cases water damage from leaks inside the homes. The underlying cause of this problem stems from the occupants financial abilities and their priorities.

Some residents cited the disrepair issues as a result of the passing of a handy husband, while most others simply could not afford to complete something as basic as a paint job. With the average painter charging between $5,000 and $10,000 many town residents have not had incomes that are able to keep up with the surging cost of property taxes, energy, home maintenance, and food.

One such local man who I met on the trail had the (all to common story), that he just lost his job at a plumbing company citing that hard economic times have now impacted even the once reliable service sector. In my neighborhood alone almost all my neighbors save money by cutting their own grass and do their own landscaping.

Some locals blame this change on the local government and inattentive leaders. Our current representative Jim Amann is one person that I have learned yields either praise or utter contempt, one person in particular "said he lost track of his roots.. I remember when my son leader of the Young Democrats helped him get elected, today he has to call his secretary to make an appointment.". This alludes to the frustration, political disconnect, and confusion about why so many people in town have fallen behind due to their un-manageble economic difficulties.

My own personal opinion is that all the reasons cited by individuals on the trail may be correct, I agree that energy and taxes are among the main culprits, but none have hurt America more than our leaders in in Washington D.C. One item of particular concern has been the Feds abondoning states creating a financial hardship that force cities into the mistake of "locally taxing our way out of our problems." This works in the short term as we have seen this year but over time if the local, state, federal job situation does not improve, and incomes fail to keep up with the cost of living, than the old Chinese proverb that "water seeks its own level" may soon be a bitter reality.

This has been seen time and again and the best example of it is in economically challenged cities like Bridgeport and Waterbury. These homeowners have seen their mill rates rise as their home values plummeted. This happens because when homes are sold what is most important to a homeowner is whether or not they can afford to make that monthly payment. If they cannot they move on to a home that is priced less pushing down the value of the entire real estate market.

When houses sell for less the cities and state collect less taxes. The state collects less conveyance tax, and the city whose tax is based on a mill rate recieves less as it calculates out to a smaller payment. This is the dangerous "cat and mouse" game that municipalities play to keep their services "afloat." The balance and needs of public services Vs. taxpayers and their ability to pay is now with us long into the future. When this becomes imperiled the city will begin to gradually withdraw services from the community fueling increases in protests and political dissent in virtually all areas of government. The time to act is now, continuing to wait on these issues will result in further loss of hope of our towns people who are already very upset and disenfranchised.

July 6, 1999 Devon's Revitalization Committe Has Its First Meeting

This was the first recorded meeting that I could locate regarding the Devon Revitalization Committee. During that meeting the committee interviewed three firms; TPA, Westcott & Mapes, and Stephen Wing.

Nearly Nine years later Devon is still struggling to change its overall appearance, secure developers, face off to local opposition, and plead with the state for continued funding.

When one visits Devon, they are greeted with a very large and official sign from the state of CT. The sign is located at the corner of Bridgeport Ave. and Naugatuck Ave. Locals have been calling for changes to the look and feel of the facade's on the Bridgeport Ave. Corridor through Devon into Milford.

Robert Russ, a blogger for the Village of Devon Blog has indicated that in addition to these challenges there have been some successes as well but all of it not as great as one would hope. Robert Russ a Devon Resident said in 7/07 "Why if we are doing so much work to Devon does it look so half incomplete. It was a nice start at the bridge. Liberty Rock is a nice addition. Please not another useless expensive clock. All the power lines should have been put underground the streets just don't look right. "

Another un-named resident said: "I think my main concern at this point is the traffic. There are a few traffic lights that could/should be rethought. On Naugatuck Ave, the delayed light by the tile store should have an arrow. All of us who live in the area know the light timing, but what about those that are all moving into the area now? Also, at the light at Naugatuck and Spring Street, that light should NOT turn green at the same time as the light next to Al Dente. They are not even facing each other. I was almost hit by a bus the other day because we both had a green light and we unaware the other had one. VERY dangerous! "

While I have personally visited the Devon area my opinion is that the corridor needs to be redeveloped, and planning and zoning needs to implement new zoning rules for signage, and new construction improvements in those areas. Grants from the state should be given to the business owners of those buildings who agree to have the facades of their stores rebuilt to a standard that preserves the character and charm of Milford. These should include the formation of a business redevelopment group and involve participation and support from local business owners who desire to improve the pedestrian traffic and parking within the vicinity of their businesses. Hopefully this can still be accomplished in light of the state of Connecticuts new financial problems.

For a complete list of minutes regarding the progress of the Devon Revitalization Committee click on the link at the bottom of this page.

Milford Celebrates Memorial Day With A Parade

The weather was absolutely parade perfect this Sunday for Milfords celebration. Thousands of local residents took to the Milford town green to take part in the celebration of Memorial Day.

Milford has had a tradition of honoring its veterans since Memorial Day was officially declared a holiday. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who perished while in military service to their country. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to include casualties of any war or military action.

The celebration was peppered with American flags and kids excited to be out and about, many waiting to see their friends and relatives pass by on their respective floats.

The photo above (courtesy Ct Post) is of Alan Jepson our Milford town Clerk greeting the Foran High School Marching band from the observation deck at the parade.

Milford Faring Well Amid Tepid Times

The paper was a pleasure to read this week as the schools recieved a partial victory with one million dollars restored to the school budget. The yearly address by our town mayor indicated the city is doing well despite the difficult economy, but warned that if things did not improve there remained a chance that those problems could catch up with us.

It is always good to read great news, or as some of my friends put it news that appears to be a compromise in which the needs of the taxpayers are balanced with that of the schools system.

Schools are very important to many here in Milford and Connecticut, and funding is the "grease" that makes it all work. This victory, although it had what appears to be a positive outcome may be a pyrric victory as some local disenfranchised taxpayers feel betrayed by by the very alderman they voted to elect.

One such taxpayer indicated that "they were elected to do one thing, and now they did the opposite. I really feel bad for the teachers but I have to chose between food and medicine, I could barely pay my taxes now what do they expect me to do? Does anyone feel bad for me?"

The budget may be in order for 2008 but the reality of this situation is that absent some real economic improvement Milford only managed to "dodge the bullet."

Milford's Foran High School Holds Bone Marrow Drive

Last Saturday the High Schoolers from Foran High School held a bone marrow drive at the Ansantawae Mason Lodge located on the town green. Paul Wydra who was an organizer and key volunteer at the event said the turnout was a success with nearly one hundred people making a personal donation of their DNA.

When asked if anyone from any elected position showed their support, he said that Independent Candidate Rocco Frank was the only high profile attendee. Frank said that he was "very proud of the charitable work of this event," citing the importance of this as monumental and significant to ailing people everywhere.

Frank also said "that his first cousin Anthony Caruso, now deceased, could have lived and been with us today if more people were available for marrow DNA matches." Frank said that "a donor match was eventually found in Germany, but unfortunately the match was not close enough."

Frank also said that you "never realize how important programs like this are until our loved ones are in need. I would consider my DNA match as the best day of my life, knowing that the 30 minutes I gave of myself today saved someones life and spared a family of grief and loss, I only pray that God bestowes me with such an honor."

The process of obtaining DNA was completely painless, it involved completing a basic questionnaire, and inserting four cotton swabs in the donors mouth. The swabs contain saliva that a laboratory will later extract for the purpose of constructing a DNA profile to be entered into a database that later could be used by those with illnesses requiring life saving Marrow.

Our many thanks to all those who participated in this program, and cared to help make a difference in the lives of others.

Always Look At The Bright Side Of Life

As the local economy unravels and our elected leaders struggle to find new ways to deal with the surging food and energy costs that are resulting in cutbacks all over town, I thought today I would spread a little cheer to distract us from our personal woes.

The sad news is that we may not have the Oyster festival this year, or some other creature comforts that once existed in town. The good news is that at least we have those priceless things that we often take for granted, like our friends and families.

Hopefully this Mothers day was a reminder of the importance of family and loved ones, the very things that I deem priceless and above any and all material stuff that can get us stressed out. For those parents who are fortunate enough to have extra time on their hands, you should take the opportunity this summer to connect with your children and family. Create those strong bonds and give many great heartfelt lessons to your kids, it will make them proud of themselves.

This mothers day I learned that if we take the time to teach our kids about caring for not only other family members, but themselves they will take more pride in who they are and consequentially feel more content with their lives. I learn as much from my kids growing as I do trying to teach them lifes little lessons. Never in my life could I imagine missing out on parenthood.

Maintaining strong family unity in the wake of terrible odds today, is what I found is the best thing we can do to make our town and people a happier place. Milford has a respect program, and that is a great start, but ultimately the love and devotion a parent gives their children and vice-versa is what makes our kids respectful. Programs and respect starts at home.

Loving our children, and acknowledging them with a kiss goodnight at bedtime, a night time story, and lots of hugs and good guidance about important issues is the surest way of helping them not repeat the mistakes us grownups have made. Today's post is about always looking at the bright side of life, and there is nothing brighter than putting your family first.

Rocco Frank Is the Undisputed Front Runner!

With the official announcement of Jim Amann dropping out of the race the Democrats and Republicans are now scrambling to find candidates to run. Rocco Frank an Independent, is now the official front runner with the greatest local name recognition, qualifications, and best agenda ideas.

This lack of party organization, and candidates offered by the Republican and Democratic parties, confirms that there has been a strong bond between the parties. Last election for the 118Th, Frank criticized the Milford two party system for not offering Milford a choice in either a Republican or alternate democratic contender. They have now revealed their intent to suppress party candidates by way of party bosses who are calling the shots.

Frank has courageously decided to abandon the party system calling the Democrats and Republicans mere "obstacles to public representation." Frank is confident that the 40% of independents in town will agree that Frank's criticism of both parties has in fact deprived the residents of Milford a choice. This will be an opportunity for voters to show the party bosses that they do not control our local elections.

Frank's agenda represents true change, and offers a true and sincere mission to bring quality of life back to Milford. Frank stands for leadership that results in quality education, improved town services, and healthy development. Frank hopes that under his leadership, Milford moves toward the goal of becoming the most desirable town in Connecticut. Frank is now counting on the support of all persons, local elected leaders, and businesses in his district to attain the goal of making Milford beautiful, clean, and the envy of our state.

Jim Amann Will Not Seek Third Term!

At this point I am really starting to feel sorry for my now former opponent, first his mess with the "crush" comment, marked by his controversial record, then a "crashed party" by the Ned Lamont crowd during his announcement for Governor and now he quits the legislature to pursue the job of Governor.

Amann is really somewhat of a confused individual, but I will say that I recently learned that he was well liked by the bureaucrats in the CT House. This decision as I understand it was a very difficult decision, as he was reportedly "teary eyed" and "chocked up" during his resignation speech.

While it would be very selfish and horrible of anyone to bask in the Amann resignation, I will "tip my hat to him" and say that I am proud of his decision as it now paves the way for Milford to seek the desperately wanted leadership and change. Both of these were a serious concern for Milford's residents who have asked me how can our state representative, run for Governor, be Speaker Of The House, and have a full time job? I think we just got the answer today, he is unable to and has sadly accepted the harsh reality that he spread himself "too thin."

Now, with Amann off to greener pastures the gate is "wide open" for the next level of opposition within the 118Th district. Hopefully we will have lots of great enthusiastic and smart people become contenders. I started this race believing that Milford had a lack of choice when it came the candidates of the 118Th, and I am hoping not to run alone. Nothing would be more exciting to me than to run alongside some truly brilliant and enthusiastic leaders.

Hollywood East? or Hollywood Feast?

Recently it has been brought to my attention that the New Haven independent confirmed firm interest in developing Hollywood East in the grounds near the Sikorski airport. Not being privy to all the details and meetings that my opponent is privy to I did receive an e-mailed request to read the article and I agreed to share my thoughts and to keep things in the open I will share them here with you as well.

To begin, this project has always brought up mixed feelings in me, as I believe Hollywood East could be a great thing for our state. I was a bit surprised by the mostly negative comments, but was not surprised by the cynicism. One of my concerns about this project is its state leadership, one in particular is a college drop out. If I had to make a bet on who was going to get a better deal the PHD's in business that work for Hollywood or our feeble minded state leaders... well its a "no brainer" no pun intended.

I will be praying that the elements behind this deal are honest, that Blumenthal is reading and advising on the contracts and the CT taxpayers are not left with chronic traffic congestion and no funds for schools or road repairs. I believe that botched or improperly structured tax credits can hurt a city more than help it. When the casino deals were negotiated those deals were good for the state (in terms of business and returns in tax revenue) as far as its moral implications I still take issue with the induced negative social impact and mental health problems associated with gambling addiction. I mention casino's because our initial reticence to have them is what led to that "kind of a sweet deal". Someone in Hartford needs to remember that and look out for the environment, our cities, and the needed revenue derived to support local municipal demands. This type of a large scale project will undoubtedly bring a new need for sewer construction, grid work, emergency personnel and the local schools who may get new out of state students but not enough tax revenue.

My initial thought is that the expert negotiators in Hollywood have done an extensive profit & loss analysis on the scope and nature of this project, while one un-named leader is just about ready to believe every promise made and sign anything he must without thinking beyond the information he is fed. We already know he "butted heads" with Blumenthal over the high cost of energy when he refused to support his advice regarding a "windfall profits tax." Should Blumenthal, who reads and understands contracts as he is an Attorney, it is entirely possible that quality advice may get ignored CT yet again!

To sum this up I will say that it is my opinion that Hollywood East is very exciting, but only if the deal takes care of the surrounding community and keeps its promises. The only thing I would change about this deal is its CT leadership and its uncanny ability to divide argue and upset people with ignorance of simple contract negotiations.
What are your thoughts?

Pope Orders Mass Obedience and Submission To The United Nations

This is one I need to set the record straight on, because I was a bit taken and yet surprised that Pope Benedict is out selling the U.N. to the general public. Aside from the fact that the U.N. is not God and will never have anything to do with God, this oddity of the pope engaging in politics will only serve to further divide those Americans who believe in America and our freedom, both of which the U.N. wants.

While I admired Benedict's up and down apologies for the church child molestation incidents, I was really upset over the church openly selling our country to the U.N. I hope everyone who reads this blog understands and knows that dissolving our countries sovereignty is an illegal and blatant act of treason. According to our Constitution, anyone who surrenders our power to another form of government one that does not recognize a single right granted to us by the Bill of Rights and our U.S. Constitution is guilty of treason. Just remember Benedict Arnold... no pun intended.

To put this into perspective and to quote George Bush, that "goddam piece of paper", as he called it, is what he and all his treasonous cronies swore to uphold. They did so with the blood of our veterans on their hands and as our trusted leaders vowed to defend our constitution, with their hand on the bible. Just pay attention next Presidential inauguration, you will see yet another CFR globalist make the same promise.

Remember that the people featured in the photo below would like to be our "Gods" and only you can be tricked into surrendering our sovereignty and freedom away. However, remember that some "not in the know" are not entirely to blame, because they are so polluted by the televised propaganda in tandem with orchestrated media trite that truth has now become stranger than fiction.

Just know that our founders wise words keep popping up time and again and we constantly find ourselves repeating the same dishonorable behavior, and actions that they warned us against. We have now reached a point where our opinion is of little to no consequence, that the future is about saving America or your personal interest. To help put this into perspective, especially to us Catholics out there, who voted for bush based on his pro-life stance, who knew that he would kill over a million Iraqi's, scrap our constitution, and torture people much like Torquemada of the Spanish inquisition. Think beyond just abortion this time around, when you vote this November, think less about babies and more about saving our liberty. Every American deserves a future free of tyranny and protracted wars!America is not Rome, and Bush is not Ceasar!

Can A School Drop Out Become Governor?

Our Speaker of the House, and my opponent has got to have the biggest "pair" in town. His academic achievement is absolutely baffling and sub-par. Jim Amann also known by many "old timers" in town as the Johnathan Law High School troublemaker created a name for himself the day he set the school on fire.

People who know Jim have characterized him as being a sub par student who had difficulty attaining even the most basic of academic standards. Against the odds, he did graduate from High School even with all the controversy and mischief he was known for there.

He did attend University for a very short time, but for numerous unknown reasons he eventually concluded that college was not "his thing" and decided to quit.

This academic failure on his part raises a very important question on many peoples minds. How can a person who has such a poor educational level, be expected to comprehend in-depth legislation, complex accounting spreadsheets, and even be expected to know how to manage thousands of employees, negotiate contracts based on sound macro-economic principles and be trusted not enslave the population of our state with his mistakes?

Perhaps times were different then, but today most parents (who love their children) would cringe should they discover that their child was a juvenile delinquent whose sole ambition was to quit school. What is more enlightening about our Speaker is that he has a crass, crude vocabulary to match his "sub-par" education.

Amann, as part of his vocabulary, routinely engages others with unprofessional language. These choice words include "Idiot," "HeartOn", "Crush", "Brain-Dead", and many others too inappropriate to mention. Certainly we would not call this progressive under any circumstance. If anything these inappropriate words are an admission of our Speaker's disappointing and unprofessional image as a state legislator.

As if that was not shocking enough, Jim is now getting even more arrogant and grandiose than ever before. Jim, after enraging the the Democrats by ignoring party primary results in the last U.S. Senate race, is demanding that the Democratic Party, the very people he betrayed, support his bid for Governor. Quite sadly, and absent any real choices come 2010, it is entirely possible that CT could have this under educated, insulting, and un-professional man become our next governor.

It is my belief, that should Amann actually win the gubernatorial bid, our state will see his lack of education result in some of the greatest political and economic mistakes ever made in CT. Anyone supporting Amann's bid must be prepared to pay with their own jobs, lives, health and family finances.

Personally I know this to be true based on the fact that his record speaks to his character. We can expect more of the same frustrating, costly trial and error with Amann. We could expect increased potential for corruption, more wasted tax dollars on lavish parties, more opposition and issues with ethics committees, more rude insulting divisive crass language, the introduction and passing of bills that he does not read on fully understand and of gravest concern the constant battle to misappropriate state funds on mundane projects that in debt our state and benefit no one.

Every person in lower Milford needs to band together and send a message this Nov. 2008 that we demand higher standards of both professionalism and academia of our leaders in Hartford. We must speak out with our voice and with a vote for Change. This November vote for Independent leadership not in the clutches of a bickering deceptive party system.

As of today nearly 30% of our state, frustrated with parties, have become registered independents, and yet not one Independent representative exists in Hartford. Voting for me Rocco J. Frank Jr. this Nov. will bring the long overdue Independent voice desperately needed Hartford.

My promise is to never be compromised by energy interests, lobbyists, or any tyrants who come bearing gifts in exchange for favorable policy. Having a great family and loving children, there is nothing more that I desire than to return to you all that you lost. All our children deserve better from our leaders who often are lost to the subversive nature and prevalent corruption that will remain ever present in the annals of government.

New York Rejects Broadwater!

Thank you Governor Patterson, and everyone here in our state who made the LNG go away. This marks a major victory for the environment, the safety of CT's residents and the fish and wildlife who depend on the Sound.

This has been a long hard fight that gives each and everyone of us hope and faith that together we can make a difference.

The question now remains where is the LNG headed to next?, has the Shell Oil Corp. Given up on CT? and are new sites being planned? According to Attorney General Richard Blumenthal the LNG is best suited for the industrial area located within the vicinity of the shipping ports of the Meadowlands in N.J.

Blumenthal believes that those sites are the best ones as they already have most of the provisions and industrial infrastructure in place to accommodate such a massive project. For now we can assume that Broadwater has not given up on our energy needs and I would expect they will continue searching for a new location.

With this now behind us, I am concerned about our energy needs in the long run. It is now more possible to have a supply constraint on natural gas. This is because gas demand becomes more of an issue during extreme cold or extreme heat; especially next year when United Illuminating puts their new gas burning plants online. If demand exceeds supply, homeowners may be inadvertently driving up their electric costs. This is because UI's new plants produce our peak electricity with natural gas! Should a supply constraint occur we could expect natural gas prices to soar in tandem with peak electric production. This makes conservation extremely important!

Hopefully we can solve these energy issues by relocating this barge to a safe alternate area, or by creating an environment where high energy prices accelerate eco-friendly energy products and investment bringing them to market sooner.

These could include ethanol, hydrogen, or hybrid based fuels. The market is now completely ready and willing to accept the next generation of these inventions to meet our energy needs and young innovative companies are thriving in the process.

Today's LNG defeat brings all of America one step closer to next generation technology and our future energy independence.

Frank Makes Charitable Donation To Hospice

According to a letter recieved, "The Connecticut Hospice, Inc. has been caring for terminally patients since 1974." Their reputation in quality care care is well known across the state and nation.

A volunteer from the hospice Fred Prior and Rocco Frank Jr. agreed to purchase a computer for a terminal patient whose desire was to have one she could use. The name of the patient cannot be disclosed here due to the policy of confidentiality, but we know she is very excited to recieve the gift.

Frank has agreed to offer a conditional matching program for all computers provided to future hospice patients in need. David R. Goldfarb in his letter to the Computerfox incated his appreciation for any "assistance that can be given...for the noble purpose that" any volunteer desires.

Taxes Taxes And More Taxes!

My opponent was surprised by a proposed six percent sales tax on deliveries that has lawmakers scratching their heads.

The new tax would cost businesses like DHL, UPS, or FedEX who deliver packages, letters, documents or even food. The, bill applies to all delivery businesses except restaurants offering take-out food.

The new tax will create an estimated $59.7 million in revenue, and is expected to fund the state PILOT program that reimburses cities for nontaxable property.

Finance Chairman Rep. Cameron Staples, D-New Haven said “The goal of the proposal is to fully fund PILOT... if there’s a better way to find the money to do this he’d be willing to entertain a discussion."

According to an article by Christine Stuart a reporter at CT News Junkie:

"Sen. President Donald Williams, D-Brooklyn, and Speaker of the House James Amann, D-Milford, said the tax, passed last week by the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee, was a surprise. “No one is ready to endorse or sign onto it until there’s more information,” Williams said Monday."

If the bill survives passage through budget season — here, “if” is emphasized — it would be a huge coup for cities like New Haven that have a lot of college and hospital property."

Hopefully, our representatives in Hartford will realize that Americans are overtaxed and that more and more taxes are not the solution to our problems. CT needs to return to the basics of governance through the coming recession. If there is any doubt that we are over taxed watch the following video and then think again.




Click HERE if link fails.

Spitzers Mess And Our LNG

With Gov Spitzer announcing he is going to resign today in lieu of his incredible scandal, the Liquefied Natural Gas Barge will now be the decision of his Lt. Governor David A. Patterson.

As of last Feb. yet another extension, and a barrage of big oil propaganda was being spread to convince New Yorkers that a LNG is somehow in their best interests, despite the fact that most every important key leader in CT does not wish to have it here including our Governor Rell who told Spitzer to object to it.

Now the cards are completely askew, with the decision going to Patterson, who is going to be NY states first blind governor. It is important to note that Patterson's blindness came on as a result of a recent infection, and he is of the opinion that it has not impaired his ability to lead the great state as its newest governor.

One thing that Patterson has been known for is his surprise leadership, whereas he takes positions on legislation and issues that surprise his constituents. With the future of CT and the LIS now in his hands lets hope that come the expiration of the LNG extension he will surprise all of us who are against it by "killing" any chance it has of ever coming to our area.

Photo above is of NY States soon to be New Governor Patterson.

News 3 Connecticut has been tracking this story as well click here for their take on the LNG.

Connecticut Lobsters And Fishing Season

When I was in College, I took up Scuba Diving, and last week when I was watching some old family movies of that time period, the late 80's, I was reminded of what happened to that old shirt of mine. The shirt, featured in my home movie, had a Scuba diver chasing after about 100 lobsters.

One of the best things about Scuba diving trips was being able to catch lobsters and bring them home for dinner. A tasty treat everyone in the family loved, especially my parents at the time who despite the cost of these excursions, got to look forward to me bringing home some good treats.

Although I have not Scuba dived in quite a long time, I was once again thinking of the wonderful fish treats that the Long Island Sound contains. In the past I have enjoyed Blue Fish, Flounder, Mussels, Oysters and a variety of other random things besides lobsters.

This is something that I have been thinking about again in light of the increasing food prices that are coming. I will be writing soon on this issue because the biggest concern that I have in eating out of the LIS is the quality of the fish, and their associated levels of toxicity. I have not seen any mercury warnings in a while of which is a good sign, but I did read some time ago that the lobsters in the sound have been having some difficulty with sickness. I do plan to do some more fishing this summer and I will report back with the status of my catch if any.

I also have the privilege and honor of having my brilliant step daughter going to the Bridgeport Aquaculture School this year and will have access to a wealth of scientific knowledge on the health of our ecosystem of which I believe has improved over what it was some years ago. When I have an opportunity to learn with her I will share interesting facts about our ecosystem.

Until then wish me luck while I am out fishing this Spring, maybe I will see you out there. Or maybe not because I keep the good spots a personal secret, but if you do your work you will find me look for my USA hat.