Connecticut's Problems May Hit Home

When Dan Malloy won the job of our state Governor I was delighted, but not for the reasons that most of his fans and supporters were. While my friends were rather perplexed, and really did not understand my affinity for Mr. Malloy I had to clarify my support of him.

This support was mostly based on my disdain for partisan bickering in Hartford. I personally believe, and have seen, that whenever, a single branch of the state Capitol is controlled by another party the blame is quickly shifted on that branch of government as if they are the cancerous evil that is the demise of society. With the Democrats in firm control over all three branches of government we have addressed the issue of the "Blame Game" and since we are in a Great Recession who is better suited to fire state employees than the people and parties who they lobbied for and spent millions to put in office.

Dan Malloy is making Wisconsin's Walker look like a Liberal, not because Malloy is or is not a Liberal but because he inherited a state that is much like the HMS Titanic after it hit an Iceberg. While everyone on board in the State of Connecticut is going on as if all is well, and some feel that their years of service entitle them to job security, our Governor is swimming in an unbalanced pool of debt that some call an illegal budget. One person in particular challenging this "illegal budget" in court is Republican Tom Scott. The unions are currently panicked, their austerity vote was rejected, and last minute midnight deals and special sessions are in the works to make the impossible possible.

Unions are now blaming their own voting rules for requiring more than 51% to pass a wage measure. The state of Connecticut employs some 48,000 people and the numbers of layoffs have been estimated from as few as 5,000 to as many as 10,000. However in the words of our Independent Democratic senator Gayle Slossberg, she voted against the Malloy budget because it did not seriously address the issue of "New spending" in a serious financial situation.  Slossberg said that the "budget shortfall is so severe that the Governor could lay off all 48,000" employees and still not fill the budget gap. That aside she found it upsetting that the Malloy budget included funds for "the restoration of an Opera house" in the wake of layoffs.

As of yet no state employees have been let go, but the longer the structural deficit issue looms on, the more severe the budget constraints on the state labor unions become. These unions have many reasons to be concerned, not just over their loss of a job, but also over their pension obligations that are also  underfunded and set to fail sometime in the year 2019-2020. Ct not only cnnot afford its employees but it cannot afford their pensions either. The notion that layoffs will fix the problem is also a paradox because unemployment of that many people will hurt the state economy, especially if it accompanies a tax increase during a bad economic period. The state of Connecticut will also need to set aside 100's of millions of dollars to pay all of the expected unemployment claims that could linger on for up to 99 weeks.

Moving forward Milford's city leaders should start taking our wasteful spending issues seriously. There is a very likely event on the horizon that will require us to prepare for the inevitable and eventual cuts to our town. The cuts could entail and include our road improvement subsidies, our manufacturing credits, our grants, our education dollars or anything else they decide to eliminate. The final word of this post today should be to mention that Governor Chris Christie of N.J. is laughing at Connecticut's Solitaire playing legislators and Malloy's reticence to make effective management decisions.

Milford's Ungrateful Republican Remarks

Someone once told me that a paradox is something whose very presence poses a whole new set of problems. If there is any such thing in Milford it’s the two party system and the never ending need for each of them to find fault with one another; even when things go their way.

This evening I just read the article at the New Haven Register, and Republican Town Chair Tom Jagodinsky was angry with Gayle Slossberg because in his opinion "she did not come out soon enough against the Malloy budget." Tom felt that this delay was instrumental in why perhaps other state Senators were also not "persuaded to vote with Gayle."

Tom failed to mention that the Senate debated this issue in chambers for 10 Hours before anyone casted a single vote. Tom also failed to mention that every one of our local Democrat State Representatives in Milford voted against their respective parties. Gayle also had two of her Democratic colleagues vote with her in the Senate.

Aside from the fact that Gayle did a very brave and remarkable thing, you would think that the Milford Republican Party would be happy. Of course not because political parties are never about the consent of the governed and here in Milford what is more transparent than that. Tom Jagodinski's remarks that Gayle is somehow a terrible "game player" who should have exposed her vote sooner really needs to listen to her speak in the Senate PRIOR TO THE VOTE.

Gayle and every Democrat in our town should be praised and congratulated. From our newest freshman Kim Rose to the rest of the courageous legislators including Paul Davis and Dick Roy. They all acted Independently and responded to the consent of the governed. This is good leadership and Tom Jagodinski, and his caustic bitter remarks ought to be ignored because they are damaging. They are damaging not only to the Republican Party in Milford but to the Independent progress the people of our community demand of our leaders. The people of Milford elect their leaders to vote their Wishes, not the REPUBLICAN PARTY OR DEMOCRATIC PARTY WISHES!

The people of Milford want free thinking independent Representative leaders. Both party leaders always complain over the "hive" votes. They always point to "sock puppet" candidates and all those things that ignore what is best for all of us who live in Milford. Never will I say that I agree with all that the Democrats do, or all that the Republicans do, but on this one vote I do find it particularly upsetting that Jagodinsky has to be critical of Gayle Slossberg. He should just humble himself and be thankful she saw things his way.

Rocco J. Frank Jr.

MIP Chair

The Senate Debate will be posted here where you can hear Gayle Speak to the Senate.

Gayle Slossberg Reception Tonight

This evening from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M Gayle Slossberg will be holding a Reception at Stonebridge Restaurant. The event is a celebration of her candidacy for the State Senate 14Th Senatorial District.

Gayle's District includes all of Milford, all of Orange and part of West Haven. This year Gayle has been cross endorsed by the Milford Independent party for her work as a non-partisan honest and Independent Democrat.

Her endorsement from the MIP came as a result of her support of the Endangered Citizens Election Program, her commitment to fight government corruption, and her courage to Independently stand up to her party and break with state caucuses on issues that could have hurt Middle Class people.

Last month Gayle did her announcement at the Milford Hospital, Gayle chose her venue based on her opposition to a Democrat proposed tax that would have been in her words little more than a "tax on the sick." Gayle said that the Milford Hospital, like most businesses is facing economic challenges. Recently the Milford Hospital announced they were laying off workers and closing a unit within the building.

Gayle was the main reason that our local hospital was saved from what would have amounted to a "One Million Dollar Tax." There are few politicians in town that really work hard for the people of our state, in the past we have seen our leaders playing solitaire during budget debates or just rising to stellar status and disconnecting from the people they represent in favor of influence peddlers. Gayle has always told the truth, and stood by the people she represents.

The Milford Independent Party has proudly supported Gayle this year for her well grounded efforts and her caring for ordinary people. We are proud that she accepted our support and we look forward to working together in shaping policy and legislation in the coming years.

Hopefully all of you who feel the same as we do will come tonight and show your support for Gayle this evening.

Gayle Slossberg Announces Senate Bid

Gayle Slossberg announced her Senate bid yesterday on the steps of the Milford Hospital. Gayle said she chose her venue based on the tax she opposed on Hospitals throughout Connecticut. Gayle said "the Milford Hospital like most hospitals and businesses in this recession is struggling, the Tax that Hartford wanted to levy would have cost Milford Hospital over One Million Dollars in new taxes, taxes that the sick would have had to pay." Gayle said that "a hospital that is already involved in closing units and laying off people should not have to deal with the added injury of new taxation."

Gayle alleged that the only thing that stood between the new tax and the wishes of the Senate was her "resolve to fight to the late hours of the evening and early morning making a case for its defeat." Gayle said that her efforts are the principal reason "the Hospital Tax failed to become law."

Gayle said that the coming years are going to be particularly difficult for the state of Connecticut, and she promised to "protect the middle class" from new and unwarranted taxation. Gayle also said that her approach to new bills is to look at each one as they come up, she does a "Cost Benefit Analysis" and makes her decisions based on what is best for the people of her district and Connecticut.

Gayle a mother of Three also said "she wants to build a Connecticut where kids can thrive and prosper and is committed in keeping our state affordable and attractive to businesses and students who want a good education."

Gayle was greeted by several members of the local press, party leaders from all three local political parties Republican, Democrat, and Independent and is cross endorsed by the Independent Party. Gayle has been a supporter and advocate of the Citizens Election Program of which encourages candidates to take a pledge to refuse PAC funding and encourages ordinary people to participate in politics.

Gayle's main opponent this year will be once again The Orange Town Attorney Vincent Marino who challenged her on her voting record last year. He was widely remembered for his conservative stance and the signs he peppered the streets of Milford with pointing to websites challenging Gayles record.

To read more at the NH Register click here

Milford Independent Town Committee Cross Endorses Sen. Gayle Slossberg

The Milford Independent party has found a friend in State Senator Gayle Slossberg. Gayle’s efforts to secure funding for third parties in Connecticut is the principle motivating factor in the aforesaid defacto endorsement by the MIP.

Gayle is one of the principal architects of the Citizens Election Program. This program delivers funds to third parties by way of disbursement of abandoned bank accounts. Gayle is bravely engaged in an epic battle against Republican State Chairman Chris Healy who is actively lobbying Hartford to scrap the CEP program.

The MITC is of the opinion that this years political climate is expected to be particularly difficult for Democratic contenders. The Milford Independents who traditionally yield 10% of the city vote, urges all our independent supporters to vote for Gayle in her bid to win re-election in the 2010 State senate race.

Gayle will appear on both the Democratic, and Independent lines this coming election. As such her votes will be combined and count in their aggregate hence making no difference in the outcome of this years election.

We sincerely hope that all Milford citizens, who like Gayle, but not the positions of state government, express their discontent by voting the Independent line this November.

According to Rocco Frank, the Milford Independent Town Committee Chairman, “too many people are voting at their mailbox, and as such we throw elections to those individuals who are not in the best interest of our community.”

This year we are asking the general public to vote for those candidates, like Gayle Slossberg, who have a record of serving Milford’s citizens and support the vital funding program enacted under the Citizens Election Program.

Independents Set To Cross Endorse Sen. Slossberg

Last month at the annual caucus of the Independent Town Committee Independents selected candidates for public office. When it came to the state Senate race a vote was held to cross endorse Gail Slossberg.

Gail was considered for endorsement because of several reasons, but one of the most important was her work in keeping the Citizens Election Program viable in years past and presently where she is still working to keep it functional.

In speaking with her on the phone today, Gail was optimistic that the CEP will have a positive resolution and is hopeful minor parties like the Milford Independent Party will be afforded future opportunities to secure state funding.

We also discussed having the state of Connecticut assist in school funding to combine the two city high schools into one economically viable green building. This issue she said "is clearly up to the people of Milford and the Board of Education." She will "support the Board of education and the people of Milford if that is their wish" but warned state assistance for school construction dollars are a long way off.

We also spoke about the current health care bill, and asked her if she as a "Non practicing" Attorney thought the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution was being violated. Her answer was that she has "No Idea" what is in this bill, that at this point in time "No one knows" what is in the bill but she is being "Open Minded" and that she will respect the wishes of the people in her district should they demand the state reject it.

Slossberg indicated "that if the people of Connecticut or Milford, have their Constitutional liberties taken away by Obamacare I will certainly oppose it. However, we cannot pass judgement on this bill and its Unconstitutional aspects before the courts have had their opportunity to review it and make a legal determination as whether or not it violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution." Gayle said that as it stands it is too soon to tell how it is going to affect us, but in either case she does "not engage in speculation but rather likes to keep to her reputation of only addressing facts and real issues."

Gail will be confirmed for the ballot line this Wednesday March 31st. at the Milford Independent Town Committee Meeting. The meeting location will be announced at this blog within the next few days so check back. The general public is welcome to attend and thereby express their support or objections to the endorsement of Sen. Slossberg for the Independent Party Line..

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.

Senate Approves Taking Governor’s Appointment Power, Declines Ethics Rule

by Christine Stuart: The state Senate approved a bill Friday morning 21-12, which would require a US Senate vacancy to be filled by a special election, instead of gubernatorial appointment.

Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford, said the bill returns the power to elect a US Senator to the people of Connecticut. Since the 1940s the power to appoint a US Senator has resided with the governor, but recent scandals like the one in Illinois over Barack Obama’s vacant senate seat has given the concept of holding a special election more momentum than in previous years. The bill now heads to the House for a approval.

Also Republicans tried to change the rules of the Senate to create a bipartisan committee of ethics to allow for senators to be disciplined by their peers.

The Republican move comes on the heels of two recent election complaints against two Democratic senators who were noticeably absent during the debate and vote Friday morning.

Sen. Thomas Gaffey, D-Meriden, who was fined $6,000 in March for double-billing the state and his own political action committee for expenses related to his attendance at legislative conferences, and Sen. Joseph Crisco, D-Woodbridge, who was fined $4,000 this week for violating state election laws related to his re-election campaign, were both absent.

Sen. Minority Leader John McKinney, R-Southport, predicted that the resolution to change the rules would be defeated, but tried to remind his Democratic colleagues that once upon a time, the concept was something they supported.

Sen. President Donald Williams, D-Brooklyn, said it opens the doors to frivolous complaints against any of the 36 senators. He said it means even if someone believed a rumor was true they couldn’t be held responsible for making a false statement against a senator. McKinney said he met with Williams earlier in the day Thursday and would have agreed to limit who was able to file complaints to the 36 senators in the circle.

The idea of a bipartisan committee on Senate ethics first came up at the end of 2007 when former Sen. Louis DeLuca admitted to asking a man with mafia-ties to beat up his granddaughter’s husband because he thought she was being abused. A six-member panel, three Senators from each party, was appointed to determine whether to recommend a censure, reprimand, or expulsion. DeLuca ended up resigning before the committee made its final recommendation.

Support for changing the Senate’s rules to create a permit bipartisan committee on ethics seems to have faded since.

The bill failed mostly along party lines by a vote of 13-20, with only one Democrat, Sen. Ed Meyer, D-Guilford, voting for it.

Christine Stuart file photo Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford

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Thought this information regarding the 17th Amendment was very interesting and germain to this post.

http://www.infowars.com/the-17th-amendment-and-the-injury-it-has-caused-to-our-republican-form-of-government/

Commission Examines State Agencies

Members of the new Commission on Enhancing Agency Outcomes gathered for the first time Wednesday to begin its five month task of finding ways to streamline state government.

The 15-member panel created last month in the budget mitigation package will attempt to find efficiencies in state government that will reduce the costs and increase access to services.

Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford, one of the co-chairs of the new commission, said there are so many overlapping functions within state agencies. And Slossberg should know because she’s mapped them all out on the walls of her office.

She said the commission will look to improve cooperation between state agencies and eliminate duplicate functions.

Sen. Michael McLachlan, R-Danbury, said the commission will be examining what’s best for the state, instead of listening to whose barking the loudest.

“There are going to be no sacred cows when people enter this room,” Sen. Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, said.

But the state legislature will be asked to pass a two-year budget before June 3 and if the commission’s report isn’t due until July 1, how is it’s work going to be relevant as the legislature tackles an estimated $8.7 billion budget deficit?

Slossberg said the commission includes the co-chairman of the legislature’s Appropriations Committee along with the Republican ranking members of that committee, so the commission will work on a parallel course with the legislature’s budget writing committee.

Sen. Toni Harp, D-New Haven, who is the co-chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, said if the commission comes up with some good ideas in the next couple of weeks its possible they might make their way into this year’s budget proposal, which is due out during the first week of April. She said since the commission is bipartisan and also includes a member of the governor’s Office of Policy and Management “it may be helpful for budget negotiations as we move forward.”

Harp said the Appropriations Committee is already considering some of Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s proposed consolidations of state agencies and commissions. “Some we may keep and some we may not,” she said.

William Cibes, one of the four members of the commission who is not an elected official, said if the commission is going to be successful the governor has to be involved early on in the process.

C. Stewart (Connecticut News Junkie)

Octoberfest 2008 A Fun Milford Tradition

Last Saturday night I had the honor and privilege of attending the October Fest Celebration at Walnut Beach. The event was held at the Rotary Pavilion and was hosted and organized by the Devon Rotary club here in town.

The event boasted a smorgasbord of great all you can eat food, lots of dancing and German culture and of course a little beer for those who who wished to keep the true custom alive. When I invited a few friends of mine to this event, those not in the know really thought it would be more like a beer drinking madhouse, more for adults and balked at the $40.00 per person cost.

Unswayed I decided to join up with some friends there and debunked the idea that this was some kind of adults only celebration, actually it was quite to the contrary. The event was very much like a musical wedding celebration with kids and adults dancing and joined together at tables with their families and friends.

There was lots of choice of tasty quality food, and anyone who came hungry and wished to have some soda and beer certainly got their money's worth. My friend Lou who had not been to an event like this before said he had "a really good time." Both of us intend on spreading the word, and attending again next year as we were both surprised at how many friends and neighbors we met there.

The Devon Rotary is a wonderful philanthropic organization with such notable members and community friends like Gayle Slossberg. They also have a reputation of caring for Milford, and uses these types of fundraisers to advance our community by improving public spaces. In summary this is a win win celebration and it is worth supporting.

An investment in the Devon Rotary Club is an investment in Milford and I thank all Rotarians, and those who attended, for their dedication and commitment to our town.

Milford Oyster Fest Posts Huge Turnout Despite A Little Rain

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

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts on Gayle's Latest Effort to Fight UI

Gayle Slossberg recently sent out an update regarding a demand for public action on alleged energy increases, mainly the DPUC granting permission to United Illuminating to reopen their rate case. To me this was no surprise as it was exactly what they said they would do in their last investor conference call. Unfortunately, for Ms. Slossberg on the same day her card arrived in my mail box, UI issued a press release announcing that the DPUC "nixed" the decision to reopen the rate case. This marked a partial victory for consumers and consequently makes her card a bit confusing to those who received it after this fact.

One thing to point out about Ms. Slossberg is that she allegedly voted in favor of UI's decoupling bill House Bill 7432. This bill deceptive in its name and according to Rep. Robert Megna "If a gas or electric customer conserves and uses less energy to reduce their bill or if consumption drops for other reasons then customers must pay the profits earned during the prior rating period, provided it was higher. Historically profits normally fluctuate based on consumption of gas and electricity. This scheme will cost consumers an estimated additional $25 million per year." Why she voted in favor of this bill is questionable to me and appears to be contradictory to her current position to protect consumers. I would ask that Gayle be crystal clear to the public about whose side she is on.

Personally, (and that one issue aside) I would like to publicly thank Ms. Slossberg for now speaking out in favor of us "the consumers." I would like to also thank her for recognizing that our rates have nearly doubled, and as such I would expect that her future votes reflect more consumer advocacy and less rhetoric. As a candidate for State Representative myself I will be watching exactly how all our local legislators vote, rarely do I listen to their happy jolly words.

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Update:

DPUC Rejected UI's request to re-open their 2006 rate case. UI then followed up by submitting a new request to raise our electric rates, this request can be granted, (although, this can be complicated and hard to follow) Gayle's request for us to complain to the DPUC is "spot on". Follow her links to take action.

Gayle Slossberg Onboard Fighting UI

Letter From Gayle To UI's Customers:

Dear Friend;

The state Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) has decided to let United Illuminating open its 2006 rate case. The only reason to open the case is to request a rate increase which will increase the long-term cost of electricity. We cannot allow that to happen.

Last year, United Illuminating customers saw their electric bills nearly double. We cannot afford another increase in our rates. An increase now will hurt families, business's and municipalities that are struggling already to make ends meet. At time when the cost of everything-from groceries to gasoline-is on the rise, we've all had to tighten our belts and make due with less. United Illuminating needs to do the same.

However, unless we all come together and take a strong stand against this unjust and unreasonable request, the department may give United Illuminating shareholders the raise they want. We must take action, and we do it now.

Please visit my Website, download a letter to the DPUC commissioners, and tell them you will not tolerate another increase in electric rates. Connecticut ratepayers cannot live with another electric rate increase. Together, we will make our voices heard and we will fight this hike.

Sincerely,
Gayle Slossberg
State Senator

Website: www.SenatorSlossberg.cga.ct.gov

To switch from UI Go to www.ctenergyinfo.com click on shopping for electricity and begin saving money.