Recap of Events, Oyster Festival And More

This week the Independent Party enjoyed its Third year in the Milford Oyster Festival. Morale was high and the Independent Party had a great deal of fun walking around drinking beer, eating oysters and greeting the public.

Joe Prisco (Featured Left) was in especially good spirits and as always carried his energy and enthusiasm in a message on his shirt "Let's Talk I'm Joe Prisco."  This year Joe has become an Icon with the Independent Party, at 86 Years old and a 54 year resident of Milford Joe has earned the respect of every one of our members. Even the local Party members "tip their hat" to Joe as he continues to be a fixture and a public advocate at City Hall.

Joe is best known as that person who has no shortage of words and is not afraid to speak his mind. Anyone who knows Joe will tell you that he fights for fairness and honesty in the city of Milford. What we all like best about Joe is that he takes on issues with  a great smile and an incredible and affable attitude.

While the Milford Independent Party is an organization aimed at getting common people elected, we found that most people this year are very supportive, while others were just out enjoying a fun family day. This year we quickly learned that most people do not go to the Oyster Festival to discuss Politics, and for that reason we kept ourselves available and chose not to be demonstrably pushy like our opponents.

In past years, both Democrats and Republicans forced stickers on the public garb, waved annoying campaign  signs and often engaged in loud disruptive flash mobs to get attention. This year things were equally amped up and the Democrats took the prize by positioning two booths on each side of the street. The Law Offices of Bercham Moses and Devlin hosted the Deep Fried Dough booth on their property and across the street positioned a second booth (near Party Member Mike Brown's office.) The Republicans were in the Middle and actively sticking campaign stickers on anyone they could get to wear one. Independents were in a small Ten by Ten spot with a very unhelpful and annoying tree right in front of us.

Some of our members speculated that the terrible spot was most likely the work of the Republicans. This they theorized was due to their disapproval of our Cross endorsement of the city Clerk to Suzanne Manning. Mannings Republican opponent Linda Stock and her sister Paula Smith is also a controversial coordinator of the Oyster Festival.

Without complaining about our spot, I will mention that the Smith/Stock Controversy started over the Festival Committee hijacking the Beer Sales for themselves. Some festival patrons dropped out because they argue that the loss of revenue from those sales was unjust and against the original mission of the festival to aid non-profits. However, the festival committee argued that last year the festival was in a crisis over funding and those revenues had to be made up in light of the fact that the Police and security services were no longer being provided free of charge by the city.

This year we are assuming that the proceeds from the beer sales were used to pay the Police and traffic control bills but as of yet there is no word on who paid those costs.

All in all, even with those difficulties aside all our members had an especially good time and thank the hard working people who made this successful day possible. The Independent Party would also like to thank all its members for their work and time in keeping our cause and mission alive and well in Milford.

Milford's Two Party System Perilously Ignores Towns Independent Party

When reading the propaganda at the towns Republican and Democratic website the message is always the same Republicans are at fault for everything bad and Democrats decry that they are responsible for everything good. Never is there a mention of the Independent party of this town.

The very notion of watching these two special interest groups fight and wrangle over control of the millions and millions of dollars at their disposal has become truly repulsive. The Independent party has been working and working hard not just locally but state wide to give every man, woman and child an honest government.

As this article is being written, on the steps of Hartford 32 Independent state candidates are being announced for office. All these candidates, and their posts including one US Senate post and 3 Congressional seats are under the exclusive direction of CT most effective minor political party.

In previous elections Independents qualified for large sums of public money, and in many towns have gotten in excess of 25% of the total vote. Our trust with the community is becoming well known and widely respected. The Independent party has achieved this record by quietly working, and working hard to rise up from nothing in 2006 to an evolutionary paradox that has become loved and hated at the same time by the very political duopoly it threatens to challenge.

When independents serve to sink the Democrat, the Republicans cheer and befriend them and when the Independents serve to sink a Republican the Democrats cheer and befriend them. The reckoning is already here in many towns, and the lesson of power is sometimes in the hands of those you would least expect.

Deciding elections on propaganda, lies and coercion alone no longer works in many towns across the state and the Independent Party is already in a position to tell the two party duopoly that we do not like their candidate or the lies they drop in our mailboxes. In many instances by way of cross endorsements we are now becoming more able to tell corrupt lawmakers that public errors can and will be corrected when we know better.

The values that we expect of our public officials are crystal clear and demands very high standards. The Independent party expects that our leaders not lie, cheat, or steal from the taxpayers. The Independent party demands that all our leaders not only just swear an oath to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution but actually really do it. We expect our leaders to protect and fight for the inalienable rights of all individual citizens regardless of race, creed, social status or religion. Lastly none are more disliked than those who cow and buckle under the threat of the Federal Government and their flawed policies that render constant injury to middle class citizens everywhere nor do we support any leader that sponsors, votes for, or presents any legislation that threatens the individual rights of all people; those rights being liberty, prosperity, and egality.

At no time in this towns history, or at least since the historic victory of the late Charles Iovino in the 1960's has the resolve of the Independent Party been so great. As the "Republicrat" duopoly continues to grasp at straws and the city continues its bipartisan downward spiral into the abyss of induced over taxation, and poor fiscal discipline I would expect our ambitious Faux Pas leaders rush to wave every piece of unprovable flowery facts in our faces. Thankfully, we know differently and all one has to do is read back in this well documented blog and just know that it is the local Milford Independent Party that continues to show you the reality of the town in which we live in.

For today we are happy that the "Republicrats" have forgotten us, but as we enter the political season set to kick off in August we will not be forgotten for long! Thankfully we have lots of questions and facts to put on record. Be warned the Eagle is rising fast!

Letter Exposes Kimball Report (KRIT) Not Implemented As Prescribed

"April 23, 2010

Dear [Board of Aldermen Members]

As elected current and former representatives of our communities, with more than 20 years between us serving the City of Milford as Planning and Zoning Board Commissioners, we know that what you do is important, difficult and at times, unfortunately, thankless. Please know, therefore, that our speaking out regarding the newly formed Department of Permitting and Land Use reflect genuine concerns regarding the re-alignment of the land use departments, and these concerns, expressed to your board before, reflect the views of many in our community.

As you know, this new department, formed by the Kimball Report Implementation Team, is a new item in the 2011 budget currently being reviewed by your board. This department was formed by the merging of three departments—Building, Inland Wetlands, and City Planning—into one department. The proposed budget reflects the cost of running those three departments and the salary of a new position, Director of the Department of Permitting and Land Use.

Comparing the budget request for this new department with the individual budgets for the once independent departments for FY 2010, shows that there is an 11% budget increase projected; this increase is comprised, in large part, of the salary for the Director. (Salaries for all three departments in FY 2010: $830,229 and the Mayor’s request is $934,385 for FY 2010). The total budget for these three departments: $892,752 FY 2010/$1,001,690 FY 2011. This increase does not include the cost of the Parsons remodel to accommodate the merging of the 3 departments which has been suggested to be $145,000. Part of the funding for this redesign and renovation is being funded through LOCIP Funds.

The increase – the largest for any City department – represents a stark departure from the intention of the Kimball Report which was initiated by the Board of Alderman and paid for from City Funds. In that report many recommendations were made to enhance the permitting process thereby ensuring better and more efficient customer service. Among the recommendations: Implementation of enhanced software; utilization of the City of Milford website; signage for Parsons Complex and a new staffing position, described in the report as a Permitting Authority or a concierge.

What the City has now is a position budgeted for a permanent Director of the Department of Permitting and Land Use who, according to the recently posted job description, has authority over three departments and professional staff, yet that position, paying $95,000 year, requires no land use experience, professional certification of any kind or post-high school education. During the almost 6 months that the interim Director has served the City, the operations of the three departments have remained pretty much the same; if anything the departments have less available resources than before this change was implemented in November of 2009. This was brought into stark clarity during your most recent budget hearing: the overtime costs for these departments remain as they were, and not only has overtime costs continued during the past 6 months, but staffing shortages are projected at the same level for all of 2011. As you know a key staff position (the Zoning Enforcement Officer) in the City Planning office remains unfilled, and a building inspector position in the building department has been removed from this year’s budget.

In short, the City is currently paying $95,000 for a position that has not alleviated staffing shortages as the Director of the Department of Permitting and Land Use testified to during the budget hearings.

What the City wanted with the hiring of an outside firm to review the permitting processes in the City was a plan for addressing the concerns of developers and residents who found working with the various departments difficult and confusing. But, the implementation of that plan has brought about little or no savings to the City and the key recommendations of the Kimball Report remain unfulfilled. But, more importantly, the cost for a Director overseeing professional staff has in fact made it impossible for these departments to be fully staffed and deprived these offices of some technical upgrades that were recommended and are necessary to expedite the permitting process.

As your board makes decisions on the budget, you are, as in good years and not-so-good years, left to make decisions about what is working and what is not as well setting the priorities of the City. Everyone has their own view; however, the cost to the City of a regular, full-time employee (including benefit package that will add at a minimum 10% additional cost for the position) overseeing the professional staff of three departments seems a very high price to pay when the City is cutting teachers or decreasing funding in other City departments or services. What makes the Director of Permitting and Land Use more important than preserving certain teaching positions?

In the case of the Director’s position, the City has had almost 6 months to review the progress of the changes envisioned by the implementation team, and the benefits to the City that that position has brought. We don’t believe that a fair and impartial look at what was envisioned by the Kimball Report and what has been delivered meets the vision of Kimball nor does it come close to satisfying the needs of the City.

The City needs to get the most value for their taxpayer’s money. We believe that if a position such as this is added to the City budget, this position should increase departmental efficiencies by providing customer service through a one-stop concierge service as envisioned in the Kimball Report. Further, as outlined in that report, providing customer service through development of internet tools that assist permit seekers with accurate information would go a long way to decreasing individual visits to various Land Use offices. Moreover, planned GIS upgrades—previously partially budgeted—should be implemented and inter-departmental information flow enhanced through electronic upgrades; all of which would allow professional staff to focus on their core jobs rather than attending to the myriad of questions and frustrations that arise everyday and could be handled by a mid-level employee. These affordable changes will help decrease overtime costs while providing builders and residents with quality and prompt information.

In addition to the known added costs of this implementation, there is also the unknown impact of pending grievances by union administrators. It would seem mandatory that this be dealt with before any position is funded.

We believe, that the City does not need to hire a permanent Director. However, if deemed necessary, that a job description be more in line with the goals set forth in Kimball—a mid-salary position where the duties emphasize the customer service aspect that is at the heart of the Kimball Report. Moreover, interdepartmental and extra-departmental communication needs to be enhanced through electronic upgrades that allow information to be shared across departments as well as providing basic land use information on the Milford City website.

An alternative scenario: “pause” further action and concentrate solely on the technology

up-grades; if necessary a tech consultant hired with oversight provided by a city administrator. At the end of the next fiscal year evaluate the need for any further change.

It doesn't make sense to us for the Board of Alderman to be looking at cutting overtime, consolidating copier costs and looking into cheaper ways to publicize announcements among the three departments without giving very serious consideration to the thousands and thousands of dollars the City is spending—and will continue to spend year after year—for a position that is not, in its present form, able to provide the full range of customer service objectives and departmental efficiencies that were the objectives of the City’s own funded report.

Please know that we understand the enormous responsibility you have and we hope you understand the value we place on your service to the City. We hope that with the understanding that we are all working together for a better Milford, that you consider our concerns and suggestions seriously."
With all respect,

Susan Shaw
Chairman, Planning and Zoning
203 874-0115

Jeanne Cervin
Past-Chairman, Planning and Zoning
203 878-1665

Jack Jansen
Past-Chairman, Planning and Zoning
203 215-4825

Milford Oyster Festival Boasts Success

In the summer of the “staycation,” the 35th annual Milford Oyster Festival offered tens of thousands some old-fashioned family fun, with rides, games and lots of tasty food.

And, of course, oysters.

Festival-goers waited in long, winding lines for a taste of the fried and raw oysters and clams, and — a new addition this year — grilled topped oyster varieties.

Ed Rhodes, a Milford native who lives in Baltimore, and the past executive director of the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association, which provided the shellfish, estimated they had served more than 20,000 clams Saturday. The group also held a shucking competition, where the winner, William “Chopper” Young of Wellfleet, Mass., shucked 24 oysters in about 1 minute 50 seconds. Young, an oyster grower, was the past champion from two years ago, and came in second place last year, said Rhodes.

For those who don’t enjoy oysters, the festival offered much more. Marines hosted a booth selling strawberry shortcake; the Milford Elks sold lobster. There was also plenty of fried dough, crab cakes, French fries, ice cream, hotdogs and beer.

Katherine Ayala, 6, loved the rides at the Oyster Festival, especially the dragon ride and the Ferris wheel. Her mother, Lidia Ayala, said she comes to the festival to “just relax and watch everybody else walk around.”

“We usually go home and cook,” she admitted.

Bailey Pierce, 3, of Fairfield came to the festival for the first time Saturday, and immediately dragged her parents over to the rides. Bailey’s mom, Brenda Pierce, was pleasantly surprised by the festival, and enjoyed its waterfront setting.

“I like the fact that it’s all spread out,” she said. Next year, she and her husband, Michael, plan to come earlier and spend more time walking around. “I think it’s a great thing for the community.”

But Pierce thought the rides, at $3 each, were too expensive, especially since parents are required to buy an extra ticket to ride with their children.

For some, the convenience of the event drew them.

“It’s close to home. We usually walk down from the house,” said Jaime Johnson of Milford. Her 3 1/2-year-old daughter, Jaiden, likes the merry-go-round and having her face painted.

Jay Pinto of Milford, vice-president of the Milford Oyster Festival Committee, called the turnout this year “phenomenal.” He estimated that about 2,000 to 4,000 people came out on Friday night, and between 50,000 and 60,000 people on Saturday, the final day. “People want to come to an event that doesn’t break the bank,” especially this year, he said. “There’s something for everyone here.”

Pinto said all the vendors —there were more than 80 Saturday — are nonprofits, and “when you spend money here, you’re going to help further their causes,” he said, including several local churches, Little League teams, homeless shelters, centers for medical research and animal shelters.

ORIGINAL LAUREN GARRISON STORY

Meet The Independent Party Today

The following post is taken from the Milford Independent Party website. The invitation is an open invitation aimed at soliciting your support. The Independent party neeeds your help in establishing itself as a permanent party here in town. The majority of registered voters in Milford are Unaffiliated, a defacto decree of Independence from the two party monopoly here in our town. Stop by, donate, get on our candidate list, and offer your help to assure this fledgling party greater success in the future.

"Please join us in front of Shoreline Mortgage at 26 Broad St. on the Milford Green during the Oyster Festival from 10AM to 6PM. Come by to meet your candidates, and show your support at our refreshment stand where you can find bottled water, popcorn, slushies, and more!"

Milford Oyster Fest Set To Launch

The 35th Annual Milford Oyster Festival will be held Rain or Shine on Friday August 14, 2009 from 5pm - 9pm and on Saturday August 15, 2009 from 10am - 6pm. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.

This years event will be in the same location as last year, the Milford Green, and downtown waterfront. For full details about this upcoming event, including merchants, non-profits, amusements and cusine vendors visit the official Oyster festival website at www.milfordoysterfestival.org

Featured at the site are some really great pictures of past years events, including the one pasted at the top of this post.

Meet The Independent Party At The Milford Oyster Fest

Rocco J. Frank Jr. and the Independent Party of Connecticut will be in attendance at the Milford Oyster Festival on August 15th and August 16th registering voters and greeting local youth, and residents.

Independent voters, also recognized as Un-affiliated voters compose a substantial part of the electoral system. The Independent Party of Connecticut also aims to organize and assist all future persons who desire to become part of the Independent Party candidate advancement program.

The event will be attended by Mike Telesca, the chairman of the Independent Party, and also several statewide Independent candidates. Volunteers will be spending their time to assist new voters register, and meet residents of Milford and the surrounding community.

The scope and purpose of this event will be to bring awareness to the multitudes of voters that the Republican and Democratic parties are not exclusive to the candidacy process. As of 2007 the Connecticut Citizens Election Program now offers equal funding (by way of Grants) to all persons interested in pursuing public office.

Always Look At The Bright Side Of Life

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

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

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

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

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

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