Ben Blake, Bob Joy Dismiss Milford Independents

After the conclusion of the Independent Party Caucus last month the Milford Independent party agreed to reach out to the major parties with offers in compromise. We spoke with municipal leaders from both sides of the aisle including, party chairmen and and both candidates for Mayor.

The idea was simple "lets appeal to each other's rational interests and govern together." Our goal was to cross endorse the top spot for Mayor in exchange for equal (D) or (R) party consideration on paid jobs and commission appointments. In 2009 Spalthoff and Chaucer received nearly 18% of the vote collectively, this year, even if that number is reduced by 50% that could have meant the difference of 20% in favor of one candidate or another.

However, their decisions were stunning!  Both Ben and Bob rejected the wishes of 1,000 to 2,000 voters.  This outlandish rejection is based on an enigmatic "quid pro quo" and in Bob's case a direct "NO!" Neither side has any intentions of making any promises or guarantees.  The inclusion of the Milford Independent Party to participate in city government appears to exist mostly in political theory only. However irrational, we find it difficult to accept that they truly believe their decisions are based on honorable and reasonable logic.

This year we will again have a Three way race for Mayor because the irrational thinking of our top contenders want it that way. The Milford Independent Party can no longer change what Ben and Bob decided for the Milford Independent voters. However, YOU CAN, by sharing this article with your friends and neighbors. Convince them to vote for The Independent line as a show of solidarity against those irrational and partisan individuals who continuously dominate and hijack our city with their loyal people and Political Party ideology. 

This year Independents have offered up John Grant to the Republicans and Cross Endorsed Suzanne Manning for City Clerk. In return Both Parties offered Independents NOTHING. We are doing our part, now it is up to you to do yours! Vote Independent... by doing so you will break this cycle of ignorance and help us make a difference in the fiscal future and security of our city.

Richetelli's Re-Election Would Cost Taxpayers Extra.

Amid these difficult times, and the already unprecedented jubilee over the "once in a lifetime tax decrease" more concern over a "bait and switch" sales tactic surfaces among my colleagues who are "in the know" of local Milford politics. Our current mayor, who now seeks yet another term appears to be "going for broke." Richetelli is seeking a fifth term that will qualify him for a life long pension at a substantial cost to the taxpayers.

While I do not not know the exact details of his personal pension related future monetary entitlements, I do know that it will cost our city extra money over the course of his lifetime, beginning upon his retirement. While many like myself supported Jim in the last election with a sign on my lawn, this time around I do not plan to because I am of the opinion that the cost of retaining him is going to add too much future debt to our city.

This opinion of mine is not because I think Jim is a bad person or did a terrible job, its actually to the contrary I think Jim was simply the best choice of the candidates Running last go around. This year is different, we have three other choices besides Jim including my personal favorite Peter Spalthoff who believes in the fundamental fairness of "people and not politics." He is also a selfless individual who has lived in Milford many years and has been a part of many of our local clubs and organizations and traditions. Peter is the only person I ever met who personally invested his own money in our community. I cannot really say that about any of the other candidates.

This year I simply urge all voters to make the best choice for our city and with tax increases and out of control spending being the current theme we may want to think twice about voting for a person who will add additional pension obligations to the city's already over burdened treasury. Jim, in my opinion is a great person who will qualify for a very high paying corporate job after his retirement from the city. We need not worry about him or his future should he fail in his bid for re-election.

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6/14/09 Correction and an addendum to this Post.

The previous title of this post alleged millions, perhaps that is true or perhaps its not I did have the opportunity to get some more imput about this opinion of mine of which is changed a bit due to some new updates.

As it was explained to me the Mayor Recieves 2.25% in pension benefits for each year he holds office. Jim, should he get re-elected to his fifth term would qualify for 10 Times the 2.25% or 22.5% of his $93,000.00 a year estimated salary. This amount would be due and payable upon his 60Th birthday and would be subject to the review of the Pension and Retirement board. This board, at their discretion, could agree to give him Cost of living adjustments to compensate for inflation or like scenarios that could diminish the purchasing power of his pension check.

Should the mayor collect his pension from 60-90 or 30 years, this sum would total Apx. $21,000.00 Times 30 or $630,000.00 without cost of living adjustments by the board. How much this figure grows is entirely up to the Pension and Retirement board and their willingness to increase his benefits in the future.

The ultimate amount could be a million or more, but this is really contingent on how many years the Mayor collects, how many increases he gets along the way, and any other unforseen additional expenses (such as continued health coverage)related to this debt obligation. This figure is pure speculation.

Update 6/27/2009

Quote from Brian McCredy NH Register

"The combined city and schools proposed budget is $170.8 million, compared to this year's $160.1 million, representing a 6.69 percent increase. The proposed budget basically keeps services at the same level. Fixed costs such as health insurance, electricity, contractual wages, pension contributions and workers compensation make up 91.2 percent of the increase."

LINK to full article

Merry Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hannuka, New Year, Etc.

We are still with you, but as a brief update there has been an explosion of data, and work going on in the independent party. Aside from just trying to work and earn money to pay bills at the ComputerFox, the Independent Party has been growing by "leaps and bounds" state wide as big names are being canvassed for a gubernatorial bid. This increased growth and workload has caused me to digress from my normal blogging duties. If several weeks go by and there is no news do not be alarmed we are still with you.

Our HQ is still open at 374 New Haven Ave. and shares space with the ComputerFox feel free to call us if you wish to run for office as an Independent our number is 203 647-0380 please call Monday - Saturday from 11-4 P.M.

Thank you for your past support, please consider writing me at Robert@mycomputerfox.com I always look forward to and appreciate you comments.

Rocco J. Frank Jr.

Chairman of the Milford Independent Town Committee

Independent American Party Endorses Frank

Yesterday evening the Frank campaign received a telephone call from a Mr. Will Christianson the Independent American Party Chairman with the great news that caucuses were now closed in CT and Rocco J. Frank Jr. was their candidate. The IAP is one of Americas fastest growing parties with membership estimated in the millions nationwide. Connecticut has set up its State headquarters in Willamantic and is headed by Dennis Gorgoglione. Mr. Christianson indicated that the Independent party has been growing in strength and has been planning to absorb and integrate with the Constitution Party and several others.

The similar, AIP (American Independent Party) has had much success out West, and had such notable candidates as far back as 1968 including the nominated Alabama Governor George Wallace. Frank calls this endorsement an honor and a privilege in an era where nearly 60% of all Americans consider themselves Independent. Frank said that the party system in America is severely challenged. Republicans historically represented the wealth of society, now trickled down to a mere 5%, and the Democrats represented the working class. The people who have seen their jobs get exported to India, China, Mexico and several other countries by the millions, leaving us here in America with an apathetic Micro- wage economy.

Frank has interestingly pointed out that Americans want leadership and action during these hard times and according to polls conducted he learned that many people have voted outside their party for both Republicans and Democrats proving the Independent minded community of the 118th district in Milford.

Frank said that the day where an individual pulls all the levers that say "Democrat" or "Republican" is on a rapid decline. Frank said that "people have learned that such an action is what has led to the poor quality hit or miss characters that have compromised the integrity and quality of life in our town and state. Today people wish to know how interesting, qualified, and what innovative ideas new candidates represent to bring about a positive improvement in their lives."

The Independent Party is rapidly filling that goal. Frank also cited that Connecticut is very open to third parties citing Lowell Weicker and Joe Lieberman who both were successfully elected to high office.

To learn more about the IAP visit their website at: http://www.usiap.org/

Alan Jepson Compliments Frank Professionalism

Milford Town Clerk Alan Jepson paid Rocco Frank a very nice compliment this week. This compliment came about from the routine filing of election paperwork with the CT Secretary of State's office. As part of the procedure Town Clerks are required to sign and fill out certain election documents, of which prompted a visit to the Town Clerk.

Alan Jepson became familiar with Frank, from the newspaper stories and when in an earlier visit he left him with his web address and campaign cards. By the time Frank returned for a second visit Alan expressed his amazement in how "professional" the website and printed materials were. Frank was absolutely flattered by the Town Clerks compliment and never really thought beyond the campaign staff acting and working as they were instructed to do.

Alan, who also read his positions and ideas, called them "very well written and thought out." Frank described Alan as being "very impressed" with his campaign style and communication method with the 118th district as well as Milford's residents.

Although Frank does not regard The Town Clerk's seal of approval as an endorsement, Frank said that Alan's "kind words certainly were reassuring that the campaign is headed in the right direction." Frank would like to publicly thank Mr Jepson for his kindness and supportive words.