Milfords Budget Showdown Looms

Greg Smith the current Republican board of Alderman Chair has placed the below quote on his Facebook page this week and anyone in Milford who is concerned about taxes going up and up along with everything else is encouraged to attend. Smith said:

"The Board of Aldermen will hold a Public Hearing regarding the 2011-2010 Budget on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 7pm in the City Hall Auditorium. This is your chance to be heard and hear what others have to say. I hope to see you there."

The Milford Democrats have posted the following graph (below) on their Democrat Blog. The graph clearly states that the only tax decrease ever realized in Milford was under the leadership of past BOA Chairman Ben Blake. The chart, according to its author states "The Mayor's speechifying aside; the numbers are speaking for themselves. Mayor Richetelli has proposed an average 4.6% annual increase in spending during his tenure."

This years budget, like last years budget marks additional increases that the mayor indicates are required to maintain educational and essential services. The Board of Education last year, closed Simon Lake school and this year taxes are expected to go up again another few hundred dollars per home owner. The bigger problem is the loss of education funds, an estimated 1.5 Million or $7.00 in additional taxes per taxable property.

The Showdown now is on between taxpayers, teachers, and parents. Taxpayers are upset with high tax increases every year, the teachers and city unions are upset with constant requests for concessions and layoff threats, and parents are upset their kids education, along with city services, are in constant decline.

There is not much clarity on where all the money is going and why taxpayers have to pay more every year just so every area of government can be scaled back. This in my opinion is distressing, especially after you look at the above chart and realize that its true we are paying more for less.

Some feel that these problems are symptomatic of a leadership crisis in Milford, that there are abuses of the fiduciary responsibility between taxpayers and their elected leaders. Others blame the unions for being excessive in their demands and off paycheck benefits such as excessive pension contributions, first class health care benefits and office perks negotiated through collective bargaining. 

Some city leaders are squarely placing blame on our elected leaders at the state and federal level. Its their opinion, that they are to blame for not restoring funds to local cities and municipalities. Last month our Mayor Jim Richetelly was up in Hartford protesting the proposed changes to the (MME's) The Chair of Commerce Rep. Jeff Berger spoke about these proposed changes to the Manufacturing Machinery & Equipment reimbursement to municipalities (MME's) in the governor's budget and the potential to affect his and other cities whose budgets rely on these state funds. Rep. Berger has been meeting with colleagues to find alternatives to reduce the impact on local budgets if the proposed cuts are approved.

Milford, like Waterbury, has a very heavy manufacturing base and will be impacted negatively if these funds are lost. Moving forward, if our Democratic Representatives and Senators fail to confront our new governor  the city may have to rely on creative accounting and new ways of procuring tax revenue. This task will be especially difficult in the current down economy where inflation is high, the dollar weak, and public sentiment toward government is at an all time low.

People are fed up with the enigmatic implementation of multiple layers of taxes. The frustration only worsens when people realize those taxes levied upon them are in tandem with a continuing loss of city services. Some have even decried that every year we move a little closer to a community based on "taxation without representation."

While no real significant protests have emerged as of yet in Milford, the Independent party does urge every able citizen to attend the upcoming budget meeting and let them know that this is your town. The budged is not "the budget" the budget is what it needs to be to preserve the integrity of our schools and keep our homes affordable during a period of contraction something the city of Milford continues to struggle with.

Lawmaker Cuts Deal with Pesticide Lobby

Health-protective pesticide legislation topped Connecticut environmentalists’ wish list for the current legislative session until Environment Committee co-chairman Rep. Richard Roy, D-Milford, struck a surprising deal with industry.


In return for a pledge from the pesticide lobby not to roll back existing pesticide laws, Roy single-handedly promised that the Environment Committee would not raise any new pesticide bills this year.

Continue Reading Jane Bradley Story by clicking HERE

Milford Independents Plan Meeting Ahead of Special Elections

Dear Independent Friends, our monthly meeting is scheduled for March 30th at 7:30P.M. we will be meeting at Costa Azurra to discuss candidate support in other Independent Party races, local politics, and a follow up on municipal elections. Anyone interested in arriving early can enjoy the newly created boardwalk (Not open yet) that goes from the Rotary Pavillion to Silver Sands a nice Two mile walk.

We will do the same format as the Cabo meeting, (order appetizers courtesy the Independent Party) and collect a donation during the meeting. Donations are entirely based on what you can afford to give and there is no committment required on your part to give. However, we do count on your support and always appreciate and thank everyone who has donated so generously in the past. There is also a cash bar available for any one who wishes to have a drink.  Newly registered Independent party members get their first Free drink on us.

For questions or comments please call me at (203) 247-4357.

Rocco Frank

Chairman Milford Independent Town Committee

Eisenhower Park Blighted And Vandalized

Each year the city of Milford spends a considerable sum on Eisenhower Park, this year we are celebrating the construction of Bodie's Place, a playground built with the donations and generosity of Milford Residents. The playground proudly bears the name of a young local child who was stricken with a deadly and debilitating disease.

The vandals on the other hand have no consideration, nor do they care to keep their community nice. They instead have spray painted every building in the Park with their rebellious message "Devon Taggin Crew." Ordinarily, one would expect that this sort of problem would be taken care of. We have websites in town like "seeclickfix" and local "blight laws" where these issues are reported. There are also several "Earth Days," and "Green Events" that the locals engage in and volunteer for. The city of Milford also pays a handsome price to have scores of city employees take care of the grounds at the park. This graffiti (featured in the photos) has been present now for several months and its everywhere in the park.

The utility poles, the old cabana, the dog park, the veterans concession building, etc.. etc.. all marred and vandalized with graffiti. Locals who are attending the park with their dogs, are hiking or riding horses pass by this blight and question where the money is being spent in Eisenhower Park one would think that the most obvious problems would be addressed first and foremost.

One such individual said "every year thousands of dollars are spent on worthless studies and every year the park looks more scuffled, what are they going to do when the vandals spray paint the their pride and Joy... Brodies Place will they clean it up then?"

Thus far several complaints have been made by locals under the new city blight complaint and it would appear that Milford has been slow in responding to its own complaints. Personally I feel the city should be complying with the very law it intends the rest of us to follow. This week we need to urge the city to clean up the blight at Eisenhower Park and keep our city looking attractive.

Photos in this caption depict the (Top) the main capana at the park entrance. Middle Photo is the rear of that same building. The photoe to the bottom left is a 135' hight utility pole belonging to the Middletown Power Grid. This pole is located to the far left corner of the main field where the bleachers are located. Photos taken by myself (Rocco Frank) on 3/14/2011.

Stamford Independents Nominate Monique Thomas For State Rep. 148th District

The Stamford Independent Party nominated and endorsed Monique Thomas for state Representative last week. Monique is a new force among an emerging and dynamic Independent Party across the state of Connecticut.

Monique greeted several of her supporters, fans, and members of the state central committee at an endorsement rally in Stamford Connecticut. Monique addressed her supporters with energy and enthusiasm.

Monique is a Taxpayer advocate, who proudly signed a pledge that she will "oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes" in the state. Monique is categorized by those who know her best as a fiscally responsible individual who is charismatic and full of positive energy.

Mike Telesca, the Chairman of the State Independent Party, and also the person responsible for candidate endorsement for several local Independent Town Committees throughout the state of Connecticut, said that Monique "is a welcome addition to the Independent Party and there is no doubt that she will be a shining example of the passion and commitment Independents so proudly resonate every place they go."

Monique is a cut above all her opponents, is a family oriented individual and an advocate for fairness, job security, veterans, the disabled, and education. Her record of fundraising, and working across the board for several political campaigns is a truly remarkable one that in my personal opinion, places her among the most dynamic and responsible candidates to date. Please give your support to Monique Thomas this election by coming out to vote for her in what will assuredly be a very competitive midterm election.



To proceed to Moniques Website visit this Link: http://www.moforstamford.com/

To make an online donation CLICK HERE

Good Versus Evil A Call To Have Courage And Stand Up Against Bullies

The best cartoon depicting Evil Bankers versus a Loving Free world. What an amazing creation! Highly recommend you watch this!

 
Anyone looking to fight their bank visit this website: http://www.stopthegreedybank.com/

Milford Independents Elect A New Slate of Officers

The Milford Independent party met at Cabo last week and held the annual election of officers for the year 2011. The current Chairman, Rocco Frank thanked the group for taking the time to come out and be involved in the local political landscape.

Frank reminded and encouraged the group as to how important it is to win over the "hearts and minds of the voters." Frank said that the "Milford Independent Party is like a seed firmly planted in the community, and over time will grow and bear fruit." Frank said that Independents in Milford have just as good a chance as any other candidate, reminding the Independents in attendance that the party is built on the success of others including the late Charles Iovino Milford's last Independent Mayor from 1959-1963.

Frank said that when you win over the "hearts and minds of the local people miracles can happen, when Joe Lieberman ran as an Independent he won, when Lowell Weiker ran as an Independent he won, and who can forget Americas most famous Independent Mayor Michael Bloomberg of nearby New York.

Frank added in his closing remarks that the Independent party is the engine that will "work tirelessly for the right candidate and still to this day we seek that impressive leader who will fearlessly lead, not through politics, but through the long coveted "truth" a truth that longs to resonate with Milford's voters who are overdue for a great leader."

The 2011 slate of officers were elected as follows: Chairman: Rocco Frank Jr. (Second Term) Vice Chairman: Steve Borer Treasurer: John Grant and Secretary: Dick Sieron (Replacing Todd Casey)