Andrew White Independent Nominee for State Treasurer 2010

The Founding Fathers envisioned a government perhaps best described years later by Abraham Lincoln: “[a] government of the people, by the people, [and] for the people.” They founded the united States with the Declaration of Independence, lost life and fortune, and constructed a Constitution for Citizen Legislators - not a permanent ruling class. Throwing off the yoke of one despot to take up chains of hundreds of tyrants was not their plan. Almost 250 years later, though, America has lost the Founder’s ideals in a very bad way - but all is not lost. Indeed, our darkest hour may precede a Renaissance of the Individual American for our next 250 years. At home, that is a Connecticut Renaissance.


I am Andrew White, and I am running for Treasurer of the great state of Connecticut. I am also a common man - not unlike you. Son of US Army captain, educated in a standard way and married with two (if I may say) cute girls. I’m not rich, not a lawyer, not a politician nor famous. I am also a highly concerned citizen. But appearances can be deceiving. I’m a naturally-born US citizen who entered the world on the Rein Mein US Base in Frankfurt, Germany. I grew up in Huntsville, Alabama (home of NASA and the last 1950’s upbringing by a non-indigenous extended family - thus no accent). I later attended The University of Alabama (think ‘Gone with the Wind’). My self-programmed “major” was broadly classically liberal infused with finance/economics (mentored by two College Deans and a senior businessman). I graduated with a Bachelor of Finance (summa cum laude). Soon thereafter, I earned a Master of Economics and a Chartered Financial Analyst designation – gold standard for investment analysts.

While a Senior in college, I met a…different…kind of girl, at least in Tuscaloosa: a violinist from Berkeley, California, complete with tye-dye, blonde hair down past her rear and a violin "hickey." My proper, Prince Edward Island-raised mother was not pleased. After graduation, I followed HER to San Francisco where I worked at Sumitomo Bank. Coincident with her graduation from UC Berkeley, we married (going on 14 years now) and moved to London, England for her professional performance violinist fellowship. Six months turned into six years. She rose to play with the Royal Philharmonic, toured with European orchestras and once rocked with Eric Clapton. I worked my way up through Citibank into UBS, where I was a global equity strategist and manager amid a material turn-around in $400 billion investment assets. Along the way, I also served as Vice Chairman of Republicans Abroad (UK).

Post 9/11, we wished to return to America, but there were no jobs to be found. Despite having a Top 1% GMAT globally, I did NOT go US Ivy League to bide my time in the recession. Instead, I looked deep within myself and reached back into my college studies. In particular, a previously unknown impregnable, 20-year emotional wall (related to my own parents' divorce decades ago) crashed down upon me, leaving a new questing decade in its rubble. Long story short, we left England and our institutional 20’s (1990's) behind, put everything in storage, and eventually drove the classic US road trip journey of 30,000 miles through 48 states over 15 months to get back in touch with the real America. Chronicled on Homecoming2002.com, it was the beginning of a creative explosion that would lead me away from Wall Street-style money management into the world of entrepreneurial alternative asset management.

I am Andrew White, and I have experienced global highs and personal lows. Three times. I know the cycle - personally and professionally - and how to recover (e.g. specific answers, not platitudes). Times are so serious today that we can no longer ignore factors affecting us near-term AND long-term. They are increasingly one in the same. Our current circumstances, however, directly relate to the major parties' dominance (especially the Democrats). Over 30 years, they took America's richest state with the 17th lowest tax rate and turned it into the 3rd highest tax rate while accruing $70 billion debts (or about $70,000 per household).

Business as usual is OVER. It is time to Take Our State Back in the 2010 election. Most importantly, it's time to also implement specific solutions after the election that will unleash a bull market in economy and liberty like you’ve never experienced. Like almost all today, I too want to echo Martin Luther King Jr. in one day saying, “Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we’re free at last!”

Returning Connecticut to Constitutional limits will NOT be easy. BUT, it IS possible. There are 3.5 million of us, only a few of them, and the dignity of human freedom on OUR side. It is also beyond necessary. We face a horrendous Sophie’s Choice wherein one half of our State will live in ruin or the other half will die early. That’s not opinion; it’s mathematical certainty. We owe it to our ancestors, to our families, and to our towns to ensure that that day never comes to pass. If we continue the Statist path of the last 30+ years, though, YOU and I WILL both walk through that Valley.

There are those who understandably deride me for many reasons. That’s ok. Many instead focus on who's talking platitudes/career advancement and who's talking solutions. As Gandhi once said, “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."

I’m willing to do the heavy lifting and take the arrows, but I need YOUR help to do so. This is YOUR opportunity to finally have a Treasurer in YOUR image; a Treasurer OF, by and for The People to lead all of State back to Constitutional governance.

Give me an inch, I'll jog a mile. Give me a mile, and I'll run all the way to the Hartford. It's quite likely the difference between having to again choose between the lesser of two evils amidst societal ruin or a bull market in economy and liberty the likes you've never seen. Thank you for your time and consideration. Time to REcreate our future! Onward and upward!

Cheers,
Andrew White


Visit Andrew Whites Campaign Website by Clicking HERE

Personal Note From Rocco J. Frank Jr.

Few people really know their elected leaders and officials personally. I will take no exception to the fact that my opponents are formidable candidates. As I understand it, they both are very active in local politics, but last election each chose not to run for the 118Th. This year with Barbara Lambert out they are interested in the job.

Personally, and having worked tirelessly in the last few years for the CT Independent Party, I am no stranger to politics. I am also a small business owner here in Milford, CT who understands the delicate balance between taxes and job creation. My company is called the ComputerFox and like many people here in Milford I provide a trade to the community of which supports my family, and my employees families.

My two children are currently both in High School and Middle School. My eldest step-daughter is just starting off her career as a teacher, and my youngest step-daughter attends Jonathan Law High School. I have a total of four children three girls and one boy. I have two wonderful children from my first marriage and I have two fantastic children with my current partner, who has dedicated her life to her family as a homemaker and a mother.

My father, Rocco J. Frank, Sr., is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, who has lived and practiced in CT and Milford almost his entire career. My parents have, for over 2 decades, and still currently own and operate the Westport Animal Hospital. I have two brothers, one of which is also a Veterinarian, one sister, and a very large extended family.

Together we have lived in several CT towns, including Westport, Southport, and Milford, and I personally have lived in Hamden, & Berlin. I own ComputerFox stores in Milford, Norwalk, & Fairfield. My Fraternal lodge is in Stratford. With this mentioned it is safe for me to say I am no stranger to the local communities, people and politics of many Southern CT Municipalities.

Over the last five years I have also been active in several CT Masonic lodges in key leadership positions and have also been a member of the Milford Chamber of Commerce, the Fairfield Kiwanis Club and the Better Business Bureau. I am a past member of the International Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association as well a former Per Diem contractor for the state of CT as a Special Deputy Sheriff appointed by the then Elected High Sheriff Ed Mak.

My education and training are all local to the state of Connecticut, as I am a graduate of Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT, and have attended the CT School of Electronics (at the time) in West Haven, CT. My major in college was Political Science, and at CSE I studied Electronics. Currently I use my CSE post-graduation education in conjunction with my present career as the CEO of ComputerFox Stores.

My past political experiences are mostly in Republican politics, and over the last several years have been increasingly focused on what is best for our American Republic. I believe in ideas that preserve our individual freedom and pursuit of happiness and adamantly oppose a strong central government. My political beliefs do not limit me to a Republican party or Democratic party paradigm, but rather to the bigger ideal of what is American and Un-American. What is American to me is this great republic's Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution, both of which I vigorously defend against the paradox that has become the Republican and Democratic parties.

In the past I have had many strong ties to the Republican Party. I have served on, and in, many local political organizations and have taken part in many Republican Presidential and Gubernatorial campaigns. Today I view politics with far greater sadness, but yet maintain much more hope than many years ago. My party affiliation is Independent because I believe the people of Connecticut who are overwhelmingly Independent deserve an organized Independent Party. My agenda for CT is focused on the difficult task of building a future where government is "off our backs," and individual economic opportunity and affordability exists for all who are willing to embrace it.

My Independent colleagues and I invite you to join our ranks and grow with us here in Connecticut. Please E-Mail me or comment on the issues that face you and your family. I also invite you to stop into our 374 NH Ave. headquarters to sign our petitions or to volunteer to make a change. For this reason my campaign has adopted the phrase “Veritas Vos Liberabit ” or “The Truth Will Set You Free.” … and you all are welcome to join our chorus.

Rocco J Frank Jr.
Candidate Milford State Representative 118Th District

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.

Independents Booker And Marsh Rise Up!

The frontrunner in the gubernatorial race on the Republican side doesn’t have one, his opponent has chosen a Caucasian male, the two Democratic candidates have chosen female running mates, but Independent Party candidate Tom Marsh continues to differentiate himself from the other five gubernatorial candidates.

On Monday Marsh will announce he has chosen Cicero Booker, a retired police lieutenant and past president of the Waterbury branch of the NAACP, as his running mate.

Continue Reading C Stewarts Story by Clicking Here

Dear Readers

Please be advised that our Milford Daily Blogs will be slowing down some due to the intense nature of campaigning on my part. The Independent party has Ten's of thousands of signatures to collect across the state and here locally.

Most will find me at your local busy spots in town with my candidate petitions in hand, we are eager to get a full slate of candidates on the ballot from the ground up. This year marks the 3rd. year of the Independent party in Milford and proudly follows on the heels of this towns legendary Mayor Charles Iovino. Iovino proved to the world, and Time magazine, that an Independent candidate can succeed with a powerful message.

The Independent party is a local Milford Party, who advocates a Constitutional form of government, with an educational system that educates with freedom and liberty from state and Federal Encumbrances. We only run candidates that are of good moral character, tell the truth, and are qualified for the office they seek.

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..

Calling On All Milford Independents

Dear Independents,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Rocco J. Frank Jr.

Independents in Milford Establish a Town Committee.

On February 22, 2010 a group of local Milford residents met to discuss the likely hood of establishing an Independent Town Committee. The group heard discussions from Mike Telesca the agent of the State Independent Party and the thoughts of many local residents.

Those who attended the meeting were somber, and humble, but courageous enough to face the challenging odds of an “underdog party getting off the ground.” In a unanimous vote all 20 attendees voted to establish a third party in Milford. This new party, unlike its MIP predecessor, will follow the same laws as the two other major parties.

The Independent Party of Milford has consolidated its membership from the former MIP and the Independent Party. This new party is a larger more organized and dynamic group of passionate individuals.

The new Independent town Committee wasted no time and elected a full slate of officers. The Chairman elect Rocco Frank Jr. was nominated by the committee members. Also nominated were Steven Borer as Vice Chairman, John Grant as Treasurer, and Todd Casey as Secretary.

All the new officers were formerly candidates of the independent party and Milford Independent Party stemming back to 2008.

Rocco Frank the newly elected chairman said that the new organization “will focus on the principles of fair and honest government, as it stands rampant greed and paid politicians are abusing the taxpayer’s pocket books in their favor.” Frank feels that Democrats and Republicans are a disappointment, and the party is a “direct response to a growing number of disenfranchised voters who feel betrayed by Milford’s two party systems.”

The independent party will adopt a conservative platform aimed at eliminating government waste, and most importantly not allowing greed and avarice to result in teacher layoff’s because city jobs were “bonused, stipended, and raised away.”

Frank also challenged Independent party critics, who called the Independents “redundant and lacking in a platform.” Frank said “that there is a clear disconnect with the people, and a contagious epiphany is threatening to expose the tandem tax and spend leadership that has Milford Democrats and Republicans defecting from both parties.

Frank said that he will “keep the Independent party a safe place for good, honest and sincere community leaders to challenge the political quandaries lurking in our city.”

The Milford Independents are expected to begin, voting on and endorsing candidates in the coming weeks and are eagerly preparing for the coming challenges.

Meeting Reminder For Independents

Dear Friends,

Milford Independents will be meeting to form a Party tomorrow at 7:00 P.m. at Stonebridge Restauraunt in Milford. 2/22/10

For those attending from out of town the address is 50 Daniel Street Milford, CT 06460. Their telephone number is (203) 874-7947.

All are welcome, party enrollment is available on-site and some prominent surprise visitors may be in attendance.

Bring your friends, bring your ideas, and most of all bring your enthusiasm for fair and honest government in Milford.

For questions or additional information I can be reached at (203) 247 - 4357.

Sincerely,

Rocco J. Frank Jr.

Independents Formalize Party Structure

The Milford Independent Party is planning to create a more formal organizational structure, which leaders hope will put them on an equal playing field with Republicans and Democrats.

At a meeting Monday, the party will form a town committee, adopt bylaws, elect officers and attempt to recruit a full slate of candidates for state and local elections. Party members will meet at 7 p.m. at Stonebridge Restaurant on Daniel Street. The event is open to the public.

“The Independent Party platform is really simple,” organizer Rocco Frank said recently. “It’s about putting people first.”

TO CONTINUE READING CHRIS RHATIGAN STORY CLICK HERE

Milford Independents Forge Ahead With Official Party

Milford Independents met last week at Cabo, informal discussions took place and a conclusion was made to forge ahead with the implementation of an official party. Sometime in the next week a public advertisement will be placed in the newspaper, thanks to a generous donation of a few political enthusiasts who put up the money for the ad.

The ad will announce a time, date and meeting place for an assembly of all people interested in participating in, and forming an Independent Town Committee. The purpose of the gathering is to agree on a set of by-laws, party leadership, and engage in discussion in the official adoption of the templete charter provided by the CT Independent Party state central.

As it stands the independent Party has no formal charter, no town committee, and only an acting Chairman. Nominations are currently solicited for positions of leadership. However, a pre-set of rules exists, and only people from the Independence, Independent, and Milford Independent Party can vote and run for office.

Unafiliates can also vote, but only after completing a change of registration card at the receptions concierge desk. All are invited, Republicans and Democrats can Join, but according to state rules they must wait the required SOT Three month period before voting in any officiall business.

Your name must appear on the Voter Registrar list as of that date. If you changed party prior to the announced date, you must bring a confirmation of your party enrollment.

This is truly exciting news many party insiders, organizers, and friends are looking forward to the balance and insight offered by the the towns independents. Keep a watchful lookout for the ad that will appear in the Milford Mirror next week.

The Future Of Milford's Independent Party

Since Peter Spalthoff wrote his note that appeared on this blog and yet again in the Milford Mirror, several letters, comments and notes arrived to my office regarding the Independent Party.

Some important things must be noted about the Independent Party if one is truly to understand how it will develop. The most important of these is, of course, the willingness of the general public to accept something new.

The Democratic and Republican parties have been at it for over 100 years, Independents are the "new kids on the block" and I believe that in order for us to be successfull we need to attract true talent with a message that resonates with the people of our community.

Independents, like all parties are comprised of individuals, and those individuals must be reckoned with regardless of any partisan label. The sooner we start looking at people and not parties, the sooner we will get quality leadership in our community.

There is too much reliance placed on a political party, and lets be honest, there are Democrats and Republicans in our town that share and embrace a true love and commitment to our quality of life. Forever shall it be on the voters backs to know who they are voting for. For example, know where your candidate/s stand on taxes, education, emergency services, and regulations.

Tyrants rise to power because of the myopic vision of the voters whose vote is solely based on the propaganda that is initiated by the candidates themselves. To put this simply, if I was running for office, and I had lots of money, I would spend it trying to make you believe that you can feel comfortable voting for me.

Doing things, like playing golf at your club, visiting every public venue, speaking charming and complimentary things about you, our community, and of course duping you to believe that I (as a candidate) am responsible for everything good and nothing bad.

Lets face it everyone knows that politicians lie, because if they told the truth the nasty little reality about how things get done would not be contained to a back room or remain buried in the legalese of our massive budgets. Instead, our tax bills would be reasonable, our kids education would be first class, and our infrastructure would be taken care of.

Our leaders are the ones whom we entrust to spend our tax money, Americans pay lots of tax, they also pay lots of interest, penalties and fees to the government for misbehaving. These taxes in their myriad is an emblem of disgrace induced on every person in Milford. This is not to suggest I am against taxes, but more to the fact that I am against the Government becoming our local economy and making a punitive system lucrative.

Voting for a candidate should be simple, and many who wish to make their entry into politics do so for a variety of reasons. Most often because they have the time to make the commitment, and they believe that they can make a change in the quality of life or in the outcome of the community in which we live.

All politics I believe are local, and choice is a wonderful thing. However, some have argued that in a three party system an elected minority with as little as 1/3 of the vote can induce policies that go against the very fabric of Milford.

This is in fact a real possibility, but thus far in both three way races in Milford wins were by a substantial majority. Three way races also involve more voters in politics, and when people get involved we get better government.

The Independent Party is important today, forecasters like Gerald Celiente have already predicted that by 2012 America will have a new and strong third party. Thus far this year Libertarian Republican Peter Schiff honored Milford with his Old Gate Lane HQ.

Even if the pundits and critics succeed in demoralizing and crushing a third party movement, the problem will linger. People yearn to be free, and they will advance their views of liberty and justice with or without the support of the major parties.

Schiff is a classic example of a true Libertarian in a Republican dominated domain. Many of his supporters are expected to switch parties, join RTC's and do whatever they must to give Schiff the advancement they so desperately want.

While the cards may be stacked against Independent Republicans like Peter Schiff, the expected $2,000,000.00 he will spend will further seed the Independent third party movement.

Thus far in Milford the numbers have gone from 10% in 2008, to 11.5% in 2009 and are expected to grow again to 13.5% in 2010. By 2012, and if Celiente is correct Independents should attain 25%-30% of the electorate making them America's first formidable third party. This will be the American epiphany, and the beginning of the end of the mega duopoly unaffectinately known as the "Republicrats."

Not for an instance do I believe it is time to give up, not so long as our numbers are continuing to improve and people are solidly "waking up." We just need to work harder, tell the truth, be honest, and not go away.

A New Years Message From Peter Spalthoff

With the New Year now upon us I wanted to send a personal “Thank You” to those individuals who supported me during my run for Mayor this past November in Milford. And while the results were not what I had hoped for, the support that I did receive from many of Milford’s voters was very heart warming and appreciative.

I ran as an Independent person who thought that the City could have used a different perspective on the direction that it was moving and in particular the way that it was being managed and while we ran what I thought was a clean and issue oriented campaign, the voters of Milford spoke and clearly re-elected Mayor Richetelli to another term.

The issues that I addressed were about taxes, our infrastructure and the quality of life that we have and what I thought needed to be done to affect changes in a positive manner. I spoke of the Democrats & Republicans claim to a tax decrease in 2009 and how it would all be given back in our 2010 taxes. I spoke about the inefficiencies in our employee pension accounts and questioned why we were not putting items out to bid on a competitive basis as we should that could save the City thousands of dollars in the short and long run. And I noted that I did not believe enough was being done for our small business in Milford to attract and keep them here.

Well the dust as I said has settled and we will have another term with Mayor Richetelli at the helm I wish him the best. I certainly will be as many of our citizens are very interested in this year’s budget and I will certainly be addressing the issues I brought up during the campaign in the future.

While the Independent Party did not generate the attention and support that I had hoped it would, before we decide to fold up tent I would love to hear from the community to see if it and the people that supported it should stay the course and be yet another voice in this wonderful City we call home.

Peter L. Spalthoff

Educational Thoughts From Dick Sieron

There is a crisis in public education in our country today. It is often referred to as "The Dumbing Down of America" and in spite of our comparative prosperity in Milford, it is running rampant here. I recently button holed a few students leaving our Milford high schools at the end of the school day and asked them a couple of questions. I discovered that NO student (only a slight exaggeration) in our Milford schools knows how to divide 51 by three without using a calculator. Most of them do not know how to make change without the aid of a cash register. I also found that only approximately half of our high school students can point to Great Britain on a world map.

Public education has deteriorated severely in the last 50 years. Our grandparents were far better educated than the present generation. Way back in 1957, Admiral Rickover declared that the U.S. Standards of Education were unacceptably low We can only imagine what he would say if he were to come back today. Yes, there are some good students in our Milford public schools, but there will always be some achievers. I would estimate that half our Milford students that enter high school will learn almost nothing in those four years that can help them later in in life. Those students learned how to read and write in grammar school and that was the end of significance for them. A large number of students are dropping out of school. That number was far less 50 years ago.

Milford's education budget today is $110 Million (including state grants). We are certainly not getting our money's worth. We must rid ourselves of what I call the money mentality. That is the practice of throwing money after every problem. The little one room school house of a hundred years ago produced better education then our present multimillion dollar facilities.

Now let me address an incredible situation with our current Board of Education. If you look up the names of the members of the Board of Education on the city website, you will find one member listed as the "Chairman of the Majority Party" and another listed as "Chairman of the Minority Party." You will also find these same titles referred to in newspaper articles.

It is a fact that Board of Ed members vote strictly along party lines. All members of the Democrat party vote one way and the members of the Republican Party vote the other way. Politics, practiced at the school board level is moronic (I tried hard to think of a kinder word than moronic, but it's the only one that seems to be appropriate.) These people appear to be incapable of critical thinking. As a member of the Milford Independent Party, I pledge to cast my vote based on the issues and not based on politics.

I have talked to a number of teachers and they are virtually unanimous advising me that they spend all their time teaching to the state mandated "no Child Left Behind" (NCLB) testing program and have no time for anything else. A stop must be put to that and that will not be easy to do. If Milford stops testing, it will lose millions of dollars from the state and guess where the state gets that money from? Big Brother (the Federal Government), the Fed's are prohibited by the US Constitution from being involved in education. That is the province of the State and local governments. So how do they get around it? They give grants to the states which they in turn pass on to the local governments. I am told that Milford cannot refuse to administer the NCLB tests, without losing ALL state educational grants. That is outrageous.

Teachers tell me that they are forced to teach the students what to think and how to think. A prominent school book publishing executive advises that because they must meet the standards set by each state, the text books, in general, are becoming more alike and the content is specifically associated with the outcome of the NCLB tests. All books are being produced to the same standards, which means that creativity and creative curriculum are lost.

I do not believe that Washington bureaucrats are any smarter than many good citizens here in Milford and we are perfectly capable of finding good textbooks that are not produced using a "cookie cutter." I would like to see textbooks used that explore the thinking of the Founding Fathers and challenge students to ask thoughtful questions.

If elected to the school board, I would advocate giving the Superintendent the broad based guidelines for running the schools on a daily basis and then step back and let him do his job without micromanagement. I do not advocate the same policy for the curriculum. I will be intensely interested in making major changes in that area. There are a number of schools across the country which have made dramatic improvements. We should be examining their methods.

Richard Sieron
District 5, Candidate Board of Education
Milford Independent Party

Anyone voting at Harborside Middle School can vote for Richard Sieron

Some Personal Thoughts On Milfords Political Spectrum

Each year the candidates and their respective parties enter into commitments that pledge their support to our community. Some of these jobs, are full time city jobs and others charitable selfless jobs that are dependent on the goodwill of Milford’s devoted citizen’s who are intent on making a difference.

Between now and the first week in November, everyone’s “differences” will be heard “loud and clear” and what we say about each other, and how we say it can result in politics as usual or something more noble like working together to build a “rock solid” community.

Recognizing good ideas, ideas that bring about “smart growth,” lower taxes, and “world class schools” or “great recreational opportunities,” should never be divided or challenged across party lines. Politics aside, most candidates in all three parties have already made a serious commitment to our town. Many of these individuals, win or lose, I believe will continue to be involved in shaping Milford’s future, even if it’s voicing their opinion one council meeting at a time.

Come next year, we will all forget about this years campaign partisan bickering. Hopefully it will be every elected official’s prerogative to work as a “team” and not a “caucus” when it comes to building our community. A perfect example of this was Raymond Vitale, who broke ranks with his party and kept Milford’s politics from becoming our kid’s problem.

This bravery should never come with a “price” just because party bosses do not like Republicans or Democrats to “vote their mind” and not their loyalties. My own Brother In-Law a former Board of Ed member (Republican Mark Stapleton, now running again) made it clear that it disturbs party leadership when he disagrees with their views.

This political bickering has got to stop, and to quote my good friend Dick Sieron (also an Independent candidate for the board of education,) we need not “politicize our school and local boards with Minority and Majority leaders…it’s disgraceful.” As a candidate for the Board of Education myself, I also agree with Dick’s point.

When this year’s elections are over, I would expect that the voters will have made their choices. Good bad, unbelievable, whatever the outcome, it becomes our responsibility as leaders, citizens, running mates, etc. to lay down our “sabers” and get to work improving our community. I would expect that all people involved, from all political parties, also remain involved in our community, by sharing ideas, and keeping in touch with our newly elected leaders.

In conclusion, and “simply put” lets make this year in politics 2010 one we can remember. Let’s make this year the year we put the needs of our community first, and ahead of the typical political caucuses and partisan bickering. Let’s show REAL LEADERSHIP by rallying around “great Ideas” that move us forward, as an “enviable community” where any bystander can live a better life and share in our towns success.

Achieving this reality starts with you, the reader of this post.

The Milford Independent Party Celebrates Its Grand Opening With A Surprise Endorsement

The Milford Independent Party was standing room only at its 26 Broad Street location, the families and friends of all the candidates attended what was a very informative and spectacular event.

Most notable guests included a surprise visit from The Senior Agent of the Connecticut Independent Party Mike Terlesca. Mike Telesca, added the State Party endorsement of Peter Spalthoff to his already growing list of local endorsements.

Mike Telesca and the Independent Party Chairman rarely endorses candidates, but after getting to know Peter he drafted the following impressive letter below.

Mr. Peter Spalthoff
26 Broad Street
Milford, Ct 06460

Dear Peter,

As the state Agent of the Connecticut Independent Party, I am proud to have been part of Milford’s independent movement since the first meeting was held here at your office some six months ago.

It has been indeed an honor and a privilege to work and know an individual such as yourself who has found the hidden secrets of successful leadership. Your principle of “people not politics” is in fact an important principle that the Ct Independent Party tries to instill in all of its candidates.

Over the last several months we have taken the time to get to know who you are, and clearly without a doubt you are among the pillars of Milford Ct. Your past/present leadership positions as President or Chairman of so many local organizations and charities are an incredible testament to what kind of honorable and selfless individual you are.

While the Independent Party has endorsed many candidates, few rise to the level of commitment, professionalism and personal success that you have attained in your community. Therefore, it is my distinct honor to formally endorse you as our Independent candidate for Milford Mayor in the 2009 election cycle.

The Independent Party and all of its resources in your area will be encouraged to help you achieve an election victory come this November. In the meanwhile, feel free to count on our advisory board to assist you in any of your present/future campaign endeavors.


Sincerely;

Mike Telesca
Agent For Candidate Endorsement
CT Independent Party State Central

For those who do not know Mr. Telesca, he started the Independent Party in Waterbury Ct, and has gone on to win several local city positions for his party. Recently Mr. Teslesca was asked to consult for the state of Connecticut regarding the Green Party Lawsuit against the Citizens election campaign.

The Fledgling state program was remarkably impressed with Mr. Telesca because with his leadership last year he helped qualify the only 3rd. Party candidates in the state of Connecticut for public funding.

Mr. Telesca is a dynamo in the realm of third party politics in the state of Connecticut and his endorsement of Peter Spalthoff as the only Mayoral endorsement in the state of Connecticut is truly a great compliment to Peter.

The state party is now committing its resources to help Peter win this election come this November.

(Above Photo of Mike Telesca (L)and Peter Spalthoff (R))

The Milford Independent Party Extends Public Invitation To HQ Grand Opening

The Milford Independent Party is extending a warm welcome to the general public, especially all those undecided or Unaffiliated voters who do not identify with a political party.

Peter Spalthoff, the Independent Candidate for Mayor will be in attendance to meet and greet any Milford person who wishes to ask him a question, or get his thoughts about our City. Additionally the rest of the Milford ticket will also be available and on hand to share their views on local issues.

The Grand Opening celebration will be held on 9/17/2009 at 6:00P.M. at Peter's office building, (next to Dunkin Donuts on the Milford Green.) For directions call (203) 247-4357 or visit www.milfordindependents.com

The Milford Independents have also invited some interesting local and state reformers, who will certainly add an element of surprise and of course add lively informative conversation on the serious issues facing our town and state.

While there is no official charge for the event, the Independent Party would appreciate any contribution you can make. Recommended contributions are at the Independent Party website listed above.

Remember that we get the government that we elect, and this November not making an informed decision can cost you and your family dearly. Our elected leaders can make a difference in the amount you pay in tax, the quality of our emergency services and most important the level of education your kids will receive in the coming years.

Please forward this invitation to your friends and family (your e-mail list) and encourage them to come with you.

Charles R. Iovino Rests In Peace

For those of you who might have missed it, I want to bring to your attention that Charles R. Iovino passed away on September 5th in Peabody Massachusetts at the age of 99.

While many of you may not know Mr. Iovino, he was the Mayor of Milford back in the late fifties and early sixties. While being the Mayor is significant in and of itself, Mr. Iovino was the very first Mayor of Milford and won not as a Republican or Democrat, but as a write-in candidate and he won overwhelmingly. His winning was a first in Connecticut as an Independent candidate.

Although I never met Mr. Iovino, he was/is an inspiration to me as I know an Independent candidate here in Milford can win just as he did back in 1959. His commitment to the City and not the political parties is my inspiration and I am truly sorry that I never had the opportunity to thank him for his leadership and commitment to the Milford community.

So, in this little way with this formal notification I wanted to say “thank you” Mr. Iovino for not only your inspiration to me, but more importantly for the years you served as one of Milford’s wonderful Mayors. May he rest in peace knowing that he has served us well.

From a very grateful citizen, an appreciative Independent Party, and a thankful community to have had the likes of Charles R. Iovino serve as our Mayor. I send our condolences to the Iovino family.

Peter L. Spalthoff

Independent Party Candidate for Mayor

Dick Sieron Board Of Education Candidate District 5 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dick Sieron
Independent Candidate For Board of Education
District 5