Milford Probate Judge Beverly Streit-Kefalas Campaigning Hard

Milford has an interesting race for the probate court this year. The Orange and Milford courts (and many other state courts) have been merged in an effort to save the state of Connecticut Millions of dollars. This makes this years election for Probate judge interesting as we have two incumbent judges from two different courts and political parties opposing one another.

Over the weekend I personally met with Judge Beverly Kefalas and we had the opportunity to speak in a rather campaign style way. She and I spoke while she was out on the campaign trail and in the local community. It was nice that she knew of me and my reputation with the work of the Milford Independent party, and I took pleasure in getting to know her, and her work in the court a little better as well.

Although our time was short the initial impression she made was really good, and we left each other in a manner that was in agreement with the high standards and principles that are emblematic of the Independent Party in Milford. We agreed that our leaders telling us the Truth is the most important attribute we can demand.

As a judge she also recognized that any Republican party judge under the direction of the demanding Richetelli administration would likely become an "activist Judge" who owes the Mayor and its party leadership favors in exchange for the campaign money and influence given him. This would impair and impede his ability to be Independent and impartial to the public.

Time and again the Milford Republican's have made their activism clear, we saw this when Kevin Liddy was denied his run as a Republican over his unacceptable vote on the P&Z, again when Cynthia Anger was Fired for not following orders, we saw this when RTC Member Tom Byrne was ejected from the RTC for challenging the mayor and again and again for every open minded individual who dared criticize the autocratic and plutocratic style of the angry Republican leadership in Milford.

The judge of probate is a very important position it requires a full time attorney, who is not distracted by their private practice to get the job done. Although the Independent party has been critical of candidates of both parties, we believe that Beverly will act on her own independent intuitions without the undue and negative influence of a political party. While we cannot comment on the nature of her opponent we can dismiss our support for him based on the history of the law breaking party he is affiliated with.

This I say with confidence and on the basis of factual information. This information can be obtained by evaluating the mounting lawsuits against the present administration. Lawsuits so prevalent that they have nearly depleted the entire legal defence fund in many areas of the city.

Most notably these challenges have been severest in education lawsuits and citywide litigation. Litigation that seems to get "stickier" every year. I believe that many of Milfords legal challenges were avaoidable had the present leadership not treated the law as a mere platitude to be ignored.

While we do not accuse or hold any of the Republican candidates this year personally responsible for the negligent actions of their party, we do challenge their judgement for associating with such a troubled group of individuals in the first place.

It is important to note that the the Independent party, without predjudice, has "cross endorsed" other Republican candidates including a U.S. congressional candidate in the Fifth District, Tom Marsh(Chester 1St. Selectman)we have also supported Presidential Candidate Ron Paul, and Invited Peter Schiff to Milford. However, the parties and people associated with those campaigns were embraced because they lack the personal and individual defects of many select members of the current Milford Republican Party.

The Independent Party has adopted the the motto "veritas" based on the tenet "that only the Truth Will Set You Free." We believe that Judge Beverly is the better candidate by virtue of the Time she is allocating to the job she is running for, and our opinion that the Democrats in Milford tend to be more truthful and honest than the Republicans. After meeting Judge Beverly in person, I am confident to say, that the Independent party, who has no candidate for the Probate office, really likes what she stands for and what she alleges she will do for us. We believe she will be a better choice than her opponent and I urge all Independent voters in our organization to vote for Beverly Streit-Kefalas on election day.

Below Article Published: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 in the New Haven Register

MILFORD — Judge Beverly Streit-Kefalas has announced her candidacy for re-election as judge of probate and seeks election to serve as judge of the Milford-Orange Probate Court, a newly merged court effective in January 2011.

As Milford’s full-time probate judge, Streit-Kefalas has 20 years of experience as a lawyer and nearly 12 years as probate judge to serve Milford and Orange full time, she said in a statement.

Streit-Kefalas’ statement said: “It has been a distinct honor to serve the people of Milford and their families during times of crisis and in times of joy.

“Since taking office in 1999, I have worked to protect abused and neglected children, appointed conservators for elderly residents in need of assistance, and guardians for intellectually challenged adults, as well as bringing families together in adoption ceremonies. To me, it is all about family.”

Judge Streit-Kefalas in state role

April 7, 2010 at 11:42 am by Frank Juliano Connecticut Post Blog

Judge Beverly K. Streit-Kefalas has been elected the first vice president of the Connecticut Probate Assembly, her second statewide post.

“I am honored to be selected by my fellow judges as an officer of the Assembly. In that role, I look forward to working on a state-wide basis to continue our efforts to improve services to the public and the probate system as a whole,” she said.


Re-Elect Judge Beverly Streit-Kefalas
New website: http://judgebeverly.com/

Above Photo of CT Rep. Dick Roy and Beverly Streit-Kefalas

Milford's Jim Amann Widraws From Race

Milford's Jim Amann has withdrawn from the race for Governor citing heavy competition from popular wealthy Democrats. Including in his words "Ned Lamont who has deep pockets." Amann alleges he cannot compete with the "personal finances" of many of the contenders.

Jim Amanns campaign was riding on the premise that the Citizens election campaign would provide him with 1.5 Million for a primary and another 3.0 Million to run for Governor.

The program was mired in problems that stemmed from a lawsuit that called the program unconstitutional. Last summer a a superior court judge named Underhill agreed and the program has been in a state of legal limbo ever since. Richard Blumenthal filed an appeal, but that appeal is expected to be heard this March and since legislators in Hartford have not acted in a favorable manner the program is expected to fail in its entirety.

Some key state legislators have already pointed out that millions of the the funds have already been redirected toward helping disadvantaged people in Social Services, calling helping the poor a higher priority than funding elections.

Governor Rell made her final plea last month to the state legislature during her State of the State address. She called upon both houses of government to rescue the belabored Citizens Election Program. Rell said that "we have worked tirelessly to limit the influence of special interests, saving public financing must be made an important priority moving forward."

Those words however are not being taken seriously because the number of candidates seeking public funding in the 2010 election cycle is significantly down. The main reason stems on the fact that there is no guarantee that candidates can be successful.

Jim Amman Update

(Press Release From JimAmman.com) The governor’s race in Connecticut is getting more and more interesting by the day.

When Governor M. Jodi Rell announced last month that she would not be seeking re-election, State Sen. Andrew Roraback praised the governor’s years of service and acknowledged the difficulty inherent in the job.

“It’s a tough job, particularly in these economic times,” he said.

That sentiment, though perhaps shared across the board, has not prevented numerous candidates from throwing their hats in the ring. Democrats in particular have been vocal, seeing the office as vulnerable, considering a Democratic majority in both the state house and senate, and the lack of a Republican incumbent.

On the Democratic side, a slew of candidates are taking a stab at the office, some with considerable political experience, like Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, considered by many to be a front runner, some with less, like Ned Lamont, the Harvard grad-turned U.S. Senate hopeful (Lamont was the democratic nominee in 2006, but was defeated by Joe Lieberman).

Democrats, already in a six-way race for the August primary, may see yet more competition, including Comptroller Nancy Wyman. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has said quite plainly that he’s not running for governor “at this time,” although rumors continue to persist.

Bysiewicz is seen as a strong candidate, though millionaire Lamont, heir to the J.P. Morgan fortune (his great-grandfather Thomas W. Lamont was a partner) used a considerable amount of his own funds, estimates ranging as high as $13 million.

Republicans have been less forthcoming, with only two officially announced candidates in the race — former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Tom Foley and current Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele. Still, with nearly a year to go until the general election, more may come out of the woodwork, particularly House GOP leader Larry Cafero, Senate GOP leader John McKinney and Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton.

The fact that so many potential candidates have set up “exploratory committees” has rankled some politicians, particularly Gerry Garcia, Democratic candidate for secretary of the state, said candidates who use exploratory committees, rather than candidate committees, are “gaming” the system by getting around contribution limits.

We are just trying to call everybody out. It’s time to make a decision. ... We are really trying to get people to abide by the spirit of the rules,” said Ricky Baltimore, Garcia’s deputy campaign manager.

Jim Amann, former speaker of Connecticut’s House of Representatives and a Democratic candidate for governor, agreed.

“What is there to explore? We need to get a clear picture of who is in and who is out,” he said. Amann also asked if, when Bysiewicz appears during the day on what are essentially candidate panels, “is she getting paid as secretary of the state?”

Tanya Meck, campaign spokeswoman for Bysiewicz, said that, like other statewide officials, “she gets asked to speak to a lot of groups.”

More Republican Drama Fowler Withdraws From The Ballot

The following quote is from the Connecticut Post and Demonstrates that the marred image of the Republican Party continues with Scandals, withdrawals, place keepers, and a desperation to push unwilling candidates on the ballot in the final hours of election deadlines.

The report given to the CT post states that "

Jack Fowler has also indicated that he will withdraw from the race. Working in New York, he doesn't feel he would be able to give the position the time that would be necessary." Fowler, the publisher of The National Review, is a former Board of Aldermen majority leader and a former chairman of the city's Republican Party.

"I was nominated at the convention as a place-keeper after someone who had agreed to run withdrew a few days prior," Fowler said Monday. "My place-keeper status was well-known at the convention. It was also well known amongst Democrats. I would have agreed to run and campaign if no one else had come forward. For a while it looked very much like that was going to be the case," he said.

Fowlers, escape from the malaise of the Republican Party was probably smart given Rhorhig, who was recently investigated, for criminal activity.

The Democrats have been very silent on the Decline of the Republican Party, they, I believe, are saddened by their unfortunate plight and dwindling support base. Some time ago Richard Smith was asked about the Independent Party and he welcomed it, and has been supportive of the Independent Party.

From a Political Strategy, and in the words of their Mayoral Candidate the Independent Party represents two Titan Republicans to them in a "Face Off." So why would they not support the Independent Party.

The Democrats, I believe, are banking on the party schism, drawing sufficient votes from Richetelli to sink his Re-election bid and I believe there is a good chance this will happen.

Numbers Put Malloy And Bysiewicz In Front, Amann Trails

Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy who is exploring a run for governor in 2010 raised $144,135 during the last three months and Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz isn’t far behind having raised $141,005 during that same period.

Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell raised $20,010 over the last three months and since forming her exploratory committee Rell has raised a total of $90,463. Since starting their exploratory committees in February Malloy has raised a total of $272,210 and Bysiewicz has raised a total of $239,530.

It’s unclear at the moment how much former Speaker of the House James Amann has raised. Amann’s campaign manager, Jim McMahon, said Friday that Amann has had one fundraiser to date, but has another half-dozen scheduled over the next few months.

“It’s no longer about fundraising,” McMahon said Friday referring to the new public campaign finance system. “It’s about raising enough money to qualify for the state grant.”

Amann, whose campaign is already out of the exploratory phase is the only declared candidate in the race and as such has to follow different fundraising guidelines than those still in the exploratory phase. Contributors to Amann’s campaign are only allowed to give a maximum of $100, while Malloy, Bysiewicz and Rell can receive contributions of up to $375. However, if they make the transition to a candidate committee only the $5 to $100 contributions will count toward the qualifying amount of $250,000.

Candidates who raise $250,000 are then eligible for $1 million in public funds for the primary and $3 million for the general election.

McMahon said he doesn’t have the final numbers yet, but says Amann has been traveling around the state “solidifying a tremendous amount of support.”

“Our state faces many challenges and I am pleased that so many citizens agree that it is time for real leadership in Hartford,” Bysiewicz said. She said she has traveled the state and visited with close to 70 Democratic Town Committees asking for support for the Democratic nomination next year.

Malloy has visited 62 Democratic Town Committees since forming his exploratory committee in February.

“I’m gratified and energized by this outpouring of financial support as I continue to explore a run for Governor,” Malloy said. “Over the past two quarters, our fundraising has been consistent, steady, and successful.”

C Stewart CT News Junkie. ORIGINAL STORY

Meet The Candidates Of The 118th In MIlford

THE INDEPENDENTS

Have put forth Rocco J Frank Jr. (Fairfield University Alumni, CSE Post Grad) See post below this one for the official press release and party endorsement.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FRANK'S OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


THE REPUBLICANS

"Nanci Seltzer has been endorsed for the office of State Representative for the 118Th District. A former member of the Milford Planning and Zoning Board, she chaired a subcommittee that focused on ways to preserve buildings of historical and architectural interest. She is a member of the Milford Zoning Board of Appeals. A community leader, she is active in Devon Revitalization and a member of the Walnut Beach Association. She started and is currently chair for Devon Day and Devon Summer Events. She is the chair of the Milford Anti-Hate Task Force. She is a certified and licensed occupational therapy assistant who works primarily with senior citizens. She has received the Milford Council on Aging’s Community Spirit Award. Nanci has also worked in schools with special needs children and has received the Occupational Therapist of the Year from the Connecticut Coalition for Inclusive Education. She has an associates degree in Allied Sciences from Briarwood College."

One other special note is that Nancy has cross supported Friends of Joe Lieberman with a $500.00 donation on 11/1/06.

THE DEMOCRATS

Last night the Milford Democrats, held their convention at the Senior Center and announced Barbara Lambert, the 2Nd. District alderwoman as their candidate for the 118Th. Lambert, reading from cue cards, gave a speech to a group of local Democrats. At this time there is not much more known about Ms. Lambert other than to say that she is possibly 60 or 70 years old been married for 40 years and has served in the local town government. The Democrats have not issued an official press release yet, but one is expected to arrive in the upcoming local news papers.

************************************

Update on Lamberts positions: (According to her 8" X 5" card.)

*Condemned United Illuminating for reopening its rate case.
*Demanded budget responsibility and accountability.
*Worked on and advocated senior tax relief and advocated "common sense" spending.

Experience:

*Great Grandmother, Grandmother, Mother, Wife.
*Senior Center Volunteer.
*St. Ann's Parish volunteer.
*Bethel Shelter volunteer.
*Softball Coach Milford Rec.
*Girl Scout Leader.
*Democrat, Alderman-Milford BOA
*Former Local 134 URW VP

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/

Startford Mayor James Miron Honors Fund Raising Efforts

Each year the fraternal lodge of Masons engages in fundraising activities to help various charities. The organization is put together and currently spearheaded by: (From Left to Right) Dave Urban, Rocco J. Frank, James Miron, Bruce Swan, and Tammy Trojanski.

Tammy is the representative of the charitable organization who benefited from our fundraising event. Her organization works with families in crisis that need emergency food and shelter, she works with several facilities including the Bethel center here in Milford.

This is our first official charitable donation and more are expected to come. If you know of anyone who needs help and could benefit from our support please contact me or Dave Urban for details. My Telephone number is (203) 247-HELP, Dave can be reached at (203) 377-6056.

We also have been pleasantly surprised with one of the most amazing opportunities ever. Mayor James Miron has indicated that he will run in next years Turkey Trot race. This will make Mayor James the first mayor to participate in our new town tradition of health and fitness. Our most sincere thanks to mayor Miron for helping us grow.

Todays event is expected to appear in the upcoming Stratford Star available at the town local library and residents.

Amann Dream's He is Governor LOL!

The December 6Th edition of the Milford Weekly was quite amusing, as Rep. Amann is featured smirking on the front page and aspiring to become our state Governor. This delusion of grandeur was a shock, especially since I thought his "crush" comment was about as arrogant, grandiose and over the top as he could get.

Some of the locals I spoke with in town, have been chuckling about Mr. Amann's unconventional way's of leadership. Bafoon style leadership that separate him from the masses. I have heard all kinds of stories about Mr. Amann from how he plans on fixing up our Johnathan Law High School to how he started a fire there as a kid.

The amount of diverging opinions about our overzealous, and yet very generous (with your CT tax dollars) leader is almost too much to think about. While the last election for mayor was somewhat of a political carnival, with guest appearances from Joe Lieberman, Ned Lamont, and a host of hypocritical endorsements I certainly promise not to subject the already disenfranchised voters of the 118th with anymore carnival like political theatrics.

Mr. Amann having run unopposed in the last election has not even a clue what people think of him. It has been four long years since his last contested election, and I imagine that the sprawling growth of Milford combined with its aggregate cyclical turnover has left him quite exposed to a new breed of voters.

If these voters are likened to the ones I read about on the web, Mr. Amann may be in for an upset come the 2008 election. I can can imagine nothing more embarrassing than to announce you will "crush" any "idiot" who runs against you, then announce your bid for Governor and lose your election to a Computer Repairman who recently arrived to Milford from Westport.

Mr. Amann if you are reading this, than you must know how my loss for words must amuse you. Should that smirk I always see on your face be indicative of your signature as our representative, than I look forward to 2008 where I can seriously bring to the table my Independent non partisan leadership. Smirk free leadership that will address our community problems free from the grandiosity, tyrannical remarks and delusions of grandeur.

6Th Annual Turkey Trot Race Bigger Than Ever!

The sixth annual Turkey Trot Race hosted by the Scottish Rite Masons and Daytime Lodge No. 144 was held at 8:15 A.M. Thanksgiving Morning 11/22/07. The race began at the Scottish Rite Festival Theater and ended in the same place it began.

The race is a 5K race with with 414 registered runners whose ages varied from 8 years old to 88 years. Rocco J. Frank Jr. is seen here addressing a crowd of 500 runners and spectators at the starting line on Main Street.The race results were documented by Hitekracing.com and the detailed results can be found at: http://www.hitekracing.com/results07/strat1122.htm

Dave Urban, an active mason, competitive runner, and this years race organizer called this years race "the most successful one yet and looks forward to the continued growth and support of all our contributors including Stockbridge Bakeries, who so graciously donated two very popular cheesecakes to be raffled off to the runners."

The event concluded inside the the Scottish Rite Theater where trophies were awarded for First, Second, and Third Place winners in each age category. These categories are also again divided by male and female. One unique trophy offered is the "Middle of the pack award" this trophy is awarded to the male and female who managed to complete the race at the exact 50% mark of all recorded runners.

This years overall top female winner was Christina Senft of Stratford CT. Christina is 23 and she completed the race in 19:42.

The top male winner was Matthew Janczyk of Bristol CT. Matthew who is 19 years old completed the race in 16.31

This 5K race will be scheduled again for next Thanksgiving morning 2008. If anyone wishes to enroll they should contact either Dave Urban, or Rocco J Frank Jr. at (203) 647-0380. Runners can pre-register or register the morning of the race, the cost is expected to remain the same at $35.00 per runner. Registrants only need to report to the Scottish Rite Festival Theater on Main Street in Stratford prior to 8:00 A.M.