A Dollar And A Dream? Or Is It A Nightmare?

Yes this was the title in the New Haven Register today as Geneveve Salvatore and Mayor Richetelli engaged in a new program to address the "Millions" of square feet in vacant retail space.

While the dollar is merely a figurative amount to keep an account open the dream is real, but for who is this dream real. If you look to the article below (Property Transfers), dreams and dollars are not exactly what go together these days.

When a house sells for a $1.00 that means the property was foreclosed, the owners evicted and their American Dream shattered. Milford has about two to three people a week losing their homes for a dollar.

This metaphor has an unintended consequence of being being in poor taste and offensive to those who lost their properties for a Dollar. My neighbor lost his retail space/business to undocumented and illegal workers giving away their services at prices that no legal business can compete with.

The city has a good idea in wanting to help businesses, the first thing that can be done to fill retail spaces is report undocumented workers to the INS, IRS, and Local police so legal businesses can stay in business, with registered cars, fair wages, and payment of taxes.

The next thing the city can do, is to remove the oppressive property tax that taxes businesses for their unused inventory, tables, chairs, paintings, computers etc. instead of auditing them to raise revenue.

One other thing that would be very helpful would be to streamline the permitting process, lower fees, and implement a program that does not disparage a person from wanting to even consider opening a business in Milford.

The last thing that I would personally do, would be to implement a grant program, much like other cities do, to help businesses obtain start up capital, and subsidized employees like those rendered by the Department of Social Services.

One last point, offer landlords tax breaks if 100% of their space is fully leased for two or more years. This will provide them with an incentive to keep rents low, and negotiate good leases.

Should a successful program prevail, brag about it. Advertise Milford as a "business friendly town," this would be much better than constantly looking at billboards full of conniving lying politicians. People want to visit Milford because something is here for them, like a movie theater, perhaps a future Maritime Museum, Pirate Ship or like attraction.

Until then the only thing a Dollar is going to buy in this town, is a foreclosed home and someone elses shattered dreams.

This Weeks Property Transfers

990 Naugatuck Ave, Richard J. Barrett to Joseph F. and Janet Barrett, $1,275,000.

354 Anderson Ave, Paulo J. and Rosa Debarros Amaro to Peter Sena, $255,000.

43 Barton Rd, Phillip and Lisa Napolitano to Ryan P. Gottsegen, $260,000.

790 E Broadway, Eva Porzio to James Porugini, $200,000.

89 Edgefield Ave, James W. Tift to Bob Paige Plumbing&Heat, $160,000.

99 Fairview St, Laura Boughton-Ahlborn to Geoffrey M. Spinelli and Shauna E. Aiken, $260,000.

22 Florence Ave, Steward S. and Whitney A. Tosh to Kathleen and Andrew Laird, $310,000.

33 Foran Rd Unit 7, Marcy Secondi to Antonio Zeko, $140,000.

14 Golden Hill St, Philip M. and Rebecca L. Wenzel to Lindsay Clifford and Brian Diango, $257,000.

79 Hill St Unit G, Janet Harlow to Mark A. Sabatino, $157,000.

4 Jackson Dr Unit 4, Alan V. Ado to Justin T. Andrews and Rebecca H. Layman, $222,000.

67 Jackson Dr Unit 67, Cathy Ginise to Countrywide Home Loans, $1.

300 Meadowside Rd Unit 303, Michelle L. Dasilva to David E. Zotti, $150,000.

308 Meadowside Rd Unit 205, Hoffman Christopher Est and Joseph J. Mager to Kenneth J. Mysogland, $142,500.

180 Melba St Unit 61, Ocean Point LLC to Sheila Starr, $250,000.

185 Melba St Unit 210, Bradley Fiminger to Lonos A. Gurliacci, $199,900.

267 Melba St Unit C10, Christopher M. Barnes and Tyanna R. Neil to Joy L. Southard, $222,000.

69 Merwin Ave Unit 69, Joan A Grossman Family LP to Suzanne Lussier and Shaun Wilson, $210,000.

130 Merwin Ave, US Bk and Home Equity Asset T to Lufam Homes LLC, $100,000.

28 Millard Dr, Paul and Jocelyn Robertson to Neema and Kathryn Vaheb, $345,900.

Naugatuck Ave, Constance G. Barrett and Michael Dedonato to Recycling Inc, $425,000.

1060 New Haven Ave Unit 1, Hart Winifred B Est and William D. Hart to Janet Harlow, $140,000.

190 Orange Ave, Manuel Alvarez to Countrywide Home Loans, $1.

113 Overhill Rd, Diane J. Troncone to Justin P. and Theresa Walker, $245,000.

1 Point Beach Dr, Robert H. Smith to Carter Mario, $65,000.

Popes Island Rd Unit B5, Val Santos to David Morais, $7,000.

Popes Island Rd Unit D8, Iric Pleszko to Joseph and Karen Treotola, $10,000.

70 Raton Rd Unit F, William A. and Amy Jean Vanarsdale to Sheil Systems LLC, $80,000.

117 Seaside Ave, Arthur A. Crisel and Gerald A. Heffernan to Mathew J. and Teresa Alaimo, $117,000.

1 Spice Bush Ln Unit 1, Dennis M. and Virginia P. Ring to Philip E. and Jane F. Norgren, $370,000.

35 Sunnyside Ct, Angela Marie Harvey and Eleanor Ann Mcmahan to David Forero and Christie L. Gillis, $240,000.

74 Sunnyside Ct, Vania Martins to National City Mortgage Co, $1.

556 Swanson Cres Unit 556, Peter Romick and Janelle Kan-drach to Meredith Gull, $195,000.

12 Union St, William FT and Gail Murban to Brock T. Dubin and Melissa Cagginello, $346,800.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ASSESSORS DATABASE

Milford Board Of Ed Awaits Investigation Results

The Milford Board of Education will soon meet much in the same a way a court tribunal meets in the coming months. Their objective, will be fairness, justice, and a resolution to a bitter set of civil and criminal accusations stemming from two Principals and the current Superintendent. The consensus among board members is to wait for the professionals hired to finish their job and present the documents to the board.

Everyone on the board is reserving judgement until the evidence they requested is presented, and all parties involved have had their ability to speak and submit documents in their defence.

The board will be confronted with some hard choices for our school leaders. The best outcome would be a joint resolution of all parties differences, a co-operative agreement on a new code of conduct and no one gets fired, suspended or quits. The big decisions just get deferred at the next contract negotiation and renewal based on the merits of past performance.

The worst possible outcome, would be the buying out of another contract, costly ongoing lawsuits, and the school is left with yet another search for a new Superintendent with the current accusers later exposed (in court) as over-reactive trouble makers.

The decision and work of the attorneys and investigators in the Polanski case certainly have a lot to do. This week marked a second criminal complaint being filed against the now suspended Superintendent and a resurgence of the acrimonious and contentious relationship that exists among Milford's top educational leaders.

No matter what the outcome of this scenario some big career bets have been made, the accusing Principals have gone "all in" against the Superintendent and the focus now has become on who is proven right/wrong. Whoever prevails, may very well have a "doomed career" as a result of either false baseless accusations, or by way of inappropriate behavior.

This is truly a sad situation that will most certainly end up creating a large emotional and financial hole in Milford's schools.

Milford's 8th Annual Lamp Light Stroll Tonight

The Downtown Milford Busness Association is launching its Eighth annual Lamp Light Stroll this Weekend. The event will commence tonight Friday December 4th from 5pm - 9pm and Saturday, December 5th, 10 - 5pm.

As part of this ongoing tradition participants will visit 30 participating stores. Each person who enlists in the program will recieve a passport that you will get stamped.

Once the passport is complete, fill out the back of the passport and leave it at any of the participating shops to be eligible to win one of four baskets filled with downtown Milford surprises, treats, treasures and gift cards!

The event will also have fun family activities including:

* Horse and Carriage rides with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 5:30 to 8:30pm around the green.

* The Yuletide Carolers will be strolling and caroling around downtown.

* Watch for the Town Crier who will be announcing store specials and events!

* Cornerstone Christian Church Choir will be performing on the steps of Milford Photo during the hours of 5:30 to 8:30pm

To visit the official event website CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL INVITATION

Peggy Rogers Announces GOP Bid For Congress

For some time I have been hearing that Peggy Rogers was intent on a bid for congress, the first word I received was from a nearby competitor of hers in the automotive industry who indicated that she was very vocal about her intentions earlier this year at a trade show meeting in the automotive sector.

Last elections, we met up at the polls at Orange Ave. and in a brief conversation we exchanged information and had a brief discussion about her ambitious intentions and what her immediate needs were.

Peggy and I also share a very zealous and energetic Independent minded person from my Lexington Green Development. Lorraine Murphy, Lorraine was an instrumental volunteer, who helped me raise money, work at the polls and get out the vote of the Independent party.

Peggy, the beneficiary of Ms. Murphy's services is the owner of the landmark auto collision center down in the center of town that most everyone recognizes as Center Auto Body. Peggy is seeking the Republican endorsement, and will be in competition with several other pre-announced contenders of the Republican party.

Should she prevail in winning a Republican endorsement, her most formidable opponent will be the politically battered Democrat Rosa Delauro, Rosa is in a weak position this year, especially after the last election results that were a crushing defeat of the Dem's ideology. Adding to the Delauro problem, is her political alignment with Nancy Pelosi, Chris Dodd and her refusal to Co-Sponsor a bill to audit the Federal Reserve. Delauro also drew national fire when she introduced a bill to federalize the family farm, and put big-agra corporations like Monsanto in control of our local farm rules.

Rogers, will also need over a million plus dollars to run an effective campaign, and money is on the side of Delauro as like all incumbent Congressmen possess a war chest full of special interest money that a "long shot" like Rogers will not have access to.

This could change if the Republican state Party Central decides to bring down their top Celebrity politicians and do the $1,000.00 a plate fundraisers to meet some top brass like Governor Rell, or maybe a member of the Bush clan. However, the likelihood of this happening might be a large task for a newcomer to politics.

Peggy certainly has the credentials to run, as she holds a masters degree and is a small business owner who like all others is living under the tyrannical rule of Washington D.C. and suffering by way of their monumental mistakes. She is outspoken and very energetic and she is also welcome to run as an Independent in the event the Republican "Boys Club" "kick her to the curb."

Republican Tom Jagodinski already "doomed her candidacy with this remark in the CT post:"

"Milford GOP Chairman Tom Jagodzinski said that Labriola has name recognition -- his father ran for the U.S. Senate several years ago -- and has fundraising connections within the party, but Rogers is a strong entry into the race. "We'll be able to field a strong team, and there are a number of factors in our favor," Jagodzinski said."

What To Buy For The Holidays This Year

This year is expected to be a lean one for retailers, but that does not mean the spirit of Christmas is not alive and well with the 54 plus thousand people here in Milford. Bargain shoppers are out there, and some people I have talked to this holiday season has brought back the "gift closet."

The "Gift Closet" is that special place where you accumulate those gifts that did not fit you, were not your style, or was such a summer bargain that you could not say no. This is one of the most novel ways to have something to give without actually going deep into debt.

Kids on the other hand, are a more creative and each year never do I expect anything over the top from my kids, but none-the-less that feeling of giving is an important one and Mom's and Dads can help them feel special this holiday by doing creative things.

One of my kids favorites is having them spend their allowance at the dollar store and purchase some extra large frames, we then go through some old photos of the family and our most memorable times and make a montage of memories. Writing a letter and then gluing it to the back of the picture will make it all that more meaningful in the years to come, especially when years go by and the person who received it has that extra bit of information to remind them where it came from.

However, some families are not at all that easy to please, so one thing that my step-daughter likes to do is go to the Christmas Tree Shoppe here in town and buy some very inexpensive cookie tins, and then fill them with home made baked cookies that she generously shares with all her friends and family. These are also accompanied by a small holiday greeting card with a message of holiday cheer.

For all those other folks out there that still like to give gifts, I found lots of those bargain items sold on T.V. can be interesting items to give, especially if I know someone who has commented on something they saw. It is also a great way to avoid the holiday rush and have items delivered to your doorstep.

These are most of the secrets that my family and I utilize each holiday season to keep in spirit with the gift giving tradition and also avoid placing that undue stress that a personal sense of obligation can bring. The holidays are a time of unity and togetherness and I would sincerely hope that people take a conservative approach to remove the undue hardship of protracted credit card payments and future indebtedness.

Happy Holidays

Milford Gets Another Czar

The term Czar certainly makes one think of the Obama administration and his record 22 Czars, we really do not think of local government when using the word Czar. This was in fact the case just last Fall when the city appointed Board of Health Director Dennis McBride as Milford's first Czar.

Some people think there is no place for Czar's in local government, and just as soon as the debate started it ended because McBride was not really costing the city any additional money to take on the job.

Well this is now changing, especially since our new "Land Use Manager/Director" is being installed as a full time position. The interim director Mr. Douglas M. Novak is being paid as much as the Mayor who appointed him, a whopping $95,000.00 per year to do the job of a Zoning Planning Board, wetlands commission, building department, Economic and Community Development Officer and the town Conservation Committee.

This position is interesting because just about every city agency reports to the Land Use Director, but who does the Land Use Director Report To? Certainly this sounds like all the attributes of a Czar, and if that is the case, as some believe, than this would in fact be Czar number Two in Milford.

The Obama presidency is certainly emblematic of this style of government, but for a Republican mayor to follow suit is enigmatic. Milford is unlike the woods of Weston where there is also a Land use Czar, Milford's demographics are much simpler, with a whole lot less nature. This new directors job has not really been specified in depth, and some are wondering how much time does it take to go from Eisenhower Park, to the woods along the river of the town Library and perhaps visit the few farms that are left in town. Sounds like another Napoleonic coffee drinking bueracrat in the taxpayers pocket.

The issues with our land use Czar go further, and some bloggers on the Internet are wondering why the mayor chose to hire him in the first place. The blogger argues that given the "high rate of local unemployment it should be mayor Richetelli's prerogative to go easy on the taxpayers."

Some bloggers feel that the exorbitant salary, combined with the fact that this job is purely a "cushy job" has been the root cause of what some want investigated as nepotism or perhaps worse cronyism.

The arguments appear to be gaining traction as well, because if you mention these issues to anyone in town and let them know the new Czar's salary, the job description and the fact that the person who got the job does not have to do much. Milfordites get upset and also feel that their interests are not being looked after.

Most people in Milford are struggling to pay their taxes, they are not understanding of these new Czars, nor do they want a continuation of the wasteful spending of the last decade. The spending during that period resulted in an unintentional punitive tax against Milford citizens, young, old and poor. Thankfully conservative Democrats reversed that trend this year, by overiding a proposed tax increse by the Republican administration but with those Democrats gone the "Money Spigot" is turned on "Full Blast" with few conservatives left to turn it off.

As the city continues to spend on wasteful Czars, and is thinking of new ways to yet again waste more money by cutting city services and education, Milford's citizens need to prepare themselves for the next fiscal crisis and double digit tax increases. The trend of wasteful spending is leading toward this inevitable reality.