Election Day 11/8/2005

[SyZyGy]

morganika, dahlink,
Here is a nice little cyber-pet for you - very, very low maintenance (i.e. no cleanup). Just watch out for the cyber wolves and cyber feral cats ;D

[SyZyGy]

Frankly, this proposal for a dog park within Mill Woods - just 36 (thirty-six) days before a local election - smacks of the Dem's again trying to "buy" votes, as they did two years ago with the still unfulfilled "Cove Park" pledge and the Cottone Field/Lights promises/financial convolutions.

Promise people (the more sizable group the better) whatever they want, whether or not it may or may not be good for the entire town, and, at all cost, get elected. Then declare a "mandate" and @#$%^ the taxpayers - especially the elderly, our parents and grandparents, living here (for the time being) on fixed and usually very, very limited income. Maybe it's time for a regime change

[oldetowne]

and this surprises you because..... why?

[SyZyGy]

Well, there you have it folks: the first installment of WCTV-14's "Meet the candidates" before the 11/8/2005 election.

Last nite's cast of characters included co-hosts level-headed Rick Garrey and Mary Beth (cackle, cackle) Mallucio, and 4 of the council candidates, two from each of the major parties:

• Russ ("I'm...on a fixed income") Morin
• Matthew Julian (AKA "Tarzan") Forrest
• Richard (the PZC specialist) Roberts, and
• Steve ('a Wethersfielder, from a family of volunteers') Kirsche,Jr.

Kudos to Rick Garrey who maintained a reasonably good order and progression of the seemingly too short 1 hour available for Wethersfield LIVE. The format was reasonably good, except too little time was allocated for questions from the public (callers). [Knowing that it would be a very little time and a lot of potentially important questions, information and impressions to be handled, Rick should have opted to continue the program past the 10 PM limit! Though the introductory comments were constrained to 2 minutes per candidate, the closing comments should have been trimmed to only one minute per candidate, or in the case of Russ and Matt, no additional time for "rebuttal" - as they have done to the public during Council meetings!]

Cackles go to Mary Beth who always seems to have no trouble distracting even polished guests and viewers from the specific item being discussed at a moment - usually by raising an ill-timed, (to her) humorous non sequitor. This usually (as it was last nite) results in a couple to several minutes of multi-vocal laughing, interjections, interruptions and general disorder, effectively goosing the guests and distracting the viewers.

The "show" was primarily for the politicos in town and in the at-home audience. It was not really intended to convey information as it was to convey impressions.

As far as content is concerned, Rich Roberts and Steve Kirsche did a much better job of conveying information to the viewing public than did Russ and Matt.

• Roberts displayed an expanse of Zoning knowledge that left the Dem's in his wake. Considering what the Democrat-constructed Planning and Zoning Commission has recently done, Russ and Matt could only pay lipservice to the concept of open space preservation.
  
• More than once Kirsche skewered the Dem's with the need to follow a plan once developed and not to go off on a tangent of a cause du jour - straying from the focus outlined in numerous "plans" developed but still uncompleted over the years. Again, Chairman Russ and especially Tarzan could only pay lipservice to the concept of a "plan" of development by saying that they are just giving the people what they asked for.
  
• Chairman Russ, in one of the biggest gaffs of the evening claimed that he too feels the effects of the increased taxes, because - get this - he is "on a fixed income too." So much for the classical empathy and sympathy the Democrats are said to have for our retired and restricted elderly who do not have the option of getting a second or third job (let alone a cushy, primary State job). I am sure Russ' handlers choked on this one! Russ implied that the Dem's have (naturally, single-handedly) moved the Polluted Cove issue from the back to the front burner, ignoring the threat of the Federal Governernment if the State/we don't; the Cove is just as polluted NOW as it was when Chairman Russ took the center stage position.
  
• Forrest (AKA 'Tarzan' by many in Town) was swinging from the trees trying to fill in the blanks left by Russ, by offering claims and concepts instead of concrete evidence that the Dem's have (presumably single-handedly) helped to make a positive difference in the life and times in Wethersfield. Neither he nor Russ provided provided any apology for not having grown the grand list beyound what the reevaluation has generated.
  
  On the subject of where the Dem's got the money to spend in the last two years and in the recent past, he launched what was a wonderfully convoluted course of questionable economics, with just the right mix of obligatory hot-button words; I just loved his claim that the Dem's were able to spend the money which the Republican's had saved because the latter were (by implication) too short sighted. He must mean, actually, that the Dem's spent what rainy day funds were set aside and then raised (out of pocket) taxes by almost 30% over the past two years. Forrest made it clear that the Dem's will be raising taxes again, and again, if they are going to do the will of the people by pursuing projects large and small.
  
  Tarzan swung really far out on a thin limb when he claimed that the Dem's HAD a plan for the Silas Deane Highway, alluding to the combined, Rocky Hill / Wethersfield SDH meeting of two days earlier. This flew in the face of the facts that the consultants did not provide a plan nor a way to meaningfully implement the non-existent plan in that meeting. They had only provided expensive suggestions. Forrest made it sound AS IF it was a done deal, when in fact, like many other plans in the past, it is highly complex and will be very difficult and expensive to make extensive changes to the SDH corridor and adjacent lands over the next 20 years.
  
  
• None of the candidates talked about the yoke of binding arbitation which allows the teachers to suck up most of our tax dollars at the expense of the elderly who comprise a very significant portion of our population. None of the candidates talked about the HUGE MDC bill which will come our way in the next Council term if/when we bite the bullet of rebuilding our failing sewer infrastruction by passing (along with the other involved Town's) what will be by then a nearly BILLION dollar bonding package to pay for all the needed and promised upgrade.

As far as impressions are concerned:

• As had been expected by many, Matthew Julian Forrest was his usual narcissistic self last night and the only one of the candidates in a suit - though he had had a horrible time tieing his loud cravat. For a moment there, near the end of the program, he started to sound as if he was going to take over Rick's position of host. Don't you just love the effect that television cameras have on those who fancy themselves as carrier politicians!? His smugness oozes from every pore, even though he rode the coat-tails of the ticket the last time.
  
• Chairman Russ, as yes, Chairman Russ. Well, he was Russ, what more can I say. Had he worn a Santa Claus costume and offered good things for all the good little boys and girls (of ALL ages) in Town, I probably would not have known the difference. Lounging in his chair, sans suit or tie, hardly looking like a Mayor, and emoting yag concern for others LIKE HIM, who are on a fixed income, with two kids in college, I got the feeling that the Town might not be able to afford another two years under his titular guidance (Forrest's ears just perked up; see!)
  
• Steve Kirsche, Jr., who is nearly the same age as Forrest, comes across as a devoted Wethersfielder, with his eyes on the Town and not on some other higher office. He had a solid grasp of what the Dem's tax and spend policies have done to the elders in Town who are, as he notes, "House rich and cash poor." He voiced a genuine concern about keeping our elders in town, instead of forcing them out, with escalating taxes.
  
• Rich Roberts came across an experienced, controlled expert in Zoning matters, with the legal background (lawyer) to be able to see the possible and the impossible and to be able to balance the factors and forces which a member of the Council should have. Despite his casual appearance on the set, we got the definite feeling that he considered his answers thoughtfully and with details to support them.

I know that many here don't enjoy what I have to say here. We have a phony but controlled way of displaying that displeasure, but that's the way it goes. This is politics; people who put themselves up as candidates are fair targets for kudos and cackles. Don't like it, well, post your ideas and responses here.

Last nite's show will be televised again, I think three or four more times, during the next week. So, tune in see for yourself. Then tune in on the 14th and then again on the 21st for the next two installments of candidates.

[JackAss]

Hey Syz,

Your no Dan Rather (you tell it like it is ). I missed last nights episode, but you gave us a very good job reporting.

I think your right when you perceive Mr. Forrest to be seeking higher office (Mayor) for starters.

Your right, this Democrat Council has to answer about their P&Z commission and the low income housing that will go in the end of town that with the assessed value pays probably 50% ? or maybe more of taxes in town.

Now they give the town manager a nice bonus and raise when they talked about offing her when they came to power, I guess they convinced her to "tote the line".

[Dr.Ken Sokolowski]

Hey, Syzygy,

Wow, you really got a little wound up with the program!

I would suggest that, the next time around, you comment more on the candidates' handling of the issues (pointing out where each's handling of an issue is strong or weak) and try to keep away from the personalities per se.

We all have traits that are endearing to some and annoying to others. Charity begins at home.

- - - - -

Remember, on the 14th, the guests / candidates shall be:
Republicans: Dave Drake, and Bernadine Franco
Democrats: Chris Fortunato and Jeff Kotkin
Petitioner: John J. Console

[oldetowne]

Sy - I hadn't watched the show, but thanks to you I don't need to now. I had assumed it would be a rehash of the "Democrats Promised, Democrats Delivered" speech, combined with defensive deflections of the 30% tax increases and soothing chatter about what they plan to do with our money in the next two years. It's also amusing to hear about how they cleaned up the "mess" that had accumulated - the Democrats have been in control for 10 of the past 12 years. Who MADE the "mess", if not them? If only the "silent majority" would rouse from their slumber and vote out these folks.

And don't be so harsh on Mr. Matthew Julian Forrest, Esq. The road to the State Capitol is a crowded one on that side of the aisle. No wonder he suggested that the charter revision folks make Council a paying position.

[morganika]

Does Russ have any idea how selfish, ignorant and snide he sounds by stating he is on a fixed income? A ridiculous remark. He has a cushy state job and I believe his wife is a dental hygenist. For the record folks, a fixed income is like a pension, social security etc.

What an ass that man is.

[RGarrey]

Well, at least now I know that someone was watching the program and not everyone was watching the baseball game.

Syzygy, that was quite a commentary. I will only comment on a couple of things. The casual dress of the candidates is the way we like it. If you watch our program you know that we are very informal.

As far as the limited time you are right, one hour is not enough time to get into very many subjects in depth. We discussed letting the next two programs go to 10:30 if the candidates agree.

As far as taking questions from the callers we decided that having callers go on the air live to ask the questions would take too much time and could be very distracting. Taking the calls off the air and asking the questions ourselves turned out to be distracting also.

I would ask again that if you have questions you would like to have asked of the candidates for the next two programs please post them here or e-mail them to me. I believe you can click on my name on this post and it will go to my e-mail. We would much prefer to have the questions come from different people and not have to come up with them ourselves.

Just remember that the candidates, as well the crew of "Wetherfield Live", are volunteer citizens who are not professionals but are trying to do their best to bring you information that you can use to make an informed decision in November.

If you missed this past program it will replay three more times for you to see or tape. Tonight at 11:00 pm, Wednesday at 9:00 am and Friday at 7:00 am.

Thanks for watching and tell everyone to watch next week.

[SyZyGy]

RGarey wrote:"The casual dress of the candidates is the way we like it. If you watch our program you know that we are very informal."
Well, then, what about "Tarzan" (MJ Forrest) - he looked like he was ready to go out on a big date (or maybe not, he is still living at home with Mamma and isn't even a home-owner in Wethersfield, the last time I checked!)

RG also wrote: "Just remember that the candidates, as well the crew of "Wetherfield Live", are volunteer citizens who are not professionals but are trying to do their best to bring you information that you can use to make an informed decision in November."
Discounting the staff at WCTV, I take exception to your characterization of the candidates as mere (my choice of word) volunteers. These 'mere' candidate-volunteers, as those already on the Council, could and might have a profound, permanent effect on the citizenry, the very lifeblood of Wethersfield. They may be volunteers, but they are/will be the decision makers in Town while serving on Boards and Commissions, including Council and BOE. These "volunteers" control many aspects of the lives of Wethersfielders all. As elected volunteers (and for that matter appointed volunteers), when they err, the people of Wethersfield suffer.

Some of these incumbent-candidate-volunteers, as they continue to blindly follow a political agenda or dogma ("our plan"), will do more significant harm - such as taxing the elderly, who may be truly on a fixed income (unlike Russ!), right out of their current homes into subsidized housing or right out of Wethersfield altogether.

No, I will not cut these incumbent / neighbor / volunteers ANY slack. They have the ability to change Wethersfield for the better or worse.

The voters - probably a very large number of the elderly - will be going to the polls or using absentee ballots. The best that the Dem's can hope for is lousy weather in Wethersfield that day. Otherwise, Tarzan may just have to find another "job."

[Jubashero]

RGarrey,

I tried to watch the last program but had to turn it off when the democratic candidates took credit for having restored a good fund balance and thus saved our town a bunch of money through less debt-service costs for the bonding. I’m not sure of the budget history of past councils but I don’t trust a word the democrats say anymore. I’m sure the democrats will take credit for anything if there were some political gain – e.g., cove issue. My opinion is that they have been taking money out of the fund balance to pay for some of their pet projects until they found out that the bonding agencies don’t like that.

I know that the mayor would not be at the next show, but Chris Fortunato is scheduled. Because she supported the “one penny less than required referendum” special appropriation request from the Board of Education and is a mouthpiece for the democrats, I would like her to clarify some mysteries for me.

The claim was that “good management” and “unforeseen phenomenon” resulted in the $486K BOE surplus. What percentage of the surplus is attributed to each? (I’m assuming that you can’t have good management of unforeseen phenomenon but the democrats may.) Do the 10 pregnancies fall under good management or unforeseen phenomenon?

I’m sure that the BOE had an idea that they had a surplus in June-maybe it was only $199,999.99. At that time, the town manager was doling out paper clips because of the budget crunch on the town’s side of the ledger. In good faith, or as ponch said "trust", did the BOE and the town manager talk about the potential surplus then?

If the BOE had good management, does it mean that the library had bad management resulting in no surplus?

Finally, the claim was that no student was ill-effected by the surlus. If so, and a large percentage of the savings was from “substitute” teachers for the 10 pregnancies, why not fire all the teachers and hire substitute teachers?

But my question is: What did we get for the 30 percent increase in taxes? I figure that approximately $300 of the increase is for road improvements, athletic field, town hall renovations, and debt servicing, but what about the other $700 in increased taxes? If the claim is higher uncontrollable wage and fringe benefit costs, see paragraph above for the town employees.

I think the problem is that the unions/contractors see politicos that are more willing to comprimise if personal political kudos are made rather than do what is right for the town. It's time for a change.

[standish]

Let's be honest about The Cove: If it were not for Russ Morin's courage to back Dan O'Connor's resolution, run (along with two other Council candidates) on the platform that he would sue the MDC , then work to ensure six votes for the suit if MDC failed to come to the table, we would not have zero discharge to The Cove in Phase I of the MDC's Long Term Control Plan. Furthermore, he was at nearly every meeting, every step of the way, including the less publicized meetings where the real negotiations took place.
In fact, the then-seated Republicans unanimously opposed the effort to sue, yet, supported the continued $60,000+ per year expenditures with Fuss & O'Neill and Robinson & Cole. They did nothing but "business as usual", and would have done the same for the foreseeable future. If they had continued in office, we'd have spent another half million dollars or more and still be nowhere. What in the world were they thinking?
Russ kept his word and continued the fight, long after others withered by the wayside. I am convinced we'll have a clean Cove in a half dozen years or so. DEP has already indicated their intent to bless the Plan.
Given my history with this issue, it takes a lot to convince me. However, there's too much at stake for the LTCP to not be approved. Nobody wants a Federal Court Order to dictate the terms of the Clean Water Act for us: It will likely cost more with less locally desirable results.

[SyZyGy]

standish wrote {and Syzygy interjected}:

Let's be honest {but this politics, standish!} about The Cove: If it were not for Russ Morin's courage {courage had nothing to do with it; he had nothing to lose at that time; it was a gamble with no immediate stakes involved} to back Dan O'Connor's resolution, run (along with two other Council candidates) on the platform that he would sue the MDC, then work to ensure six votes for the suit if MDC failed to come to the table, we would not have zero discharge to The Cove in Phase I of the MDC's Long Term Control Plan {and I wonder why it is called a LONG TERM Control Plan}. Furthermore, he was at nearly every meeting, every step of the way {which is what would be expected of the Chairman of the Council, especially one who claims to be on a "fixed income"}, including the less publicized meetings where the real negotiations took place{I wonder why they were less well publicized, perhaps because the pols wanted to take credit for whatever might develop in a positive direction}.
In fact, the then-seated Republicans unanimously opposed the effort to sue, yet, supported the continued $60,000+ per year expenditures with Fuss & O'Neill and Robinson & Cole. They did nothing but "business as usual", and would have done the same for the foreseeable future. {let me get this right, you're saying that the Republicans who were "seated" can be blamed for the ten years before them when the Dem's were "seated" and didn't do anything (I would guess you would have to say) either} If they had continued in office, we'd have spent another half million dollars or more and still be nowhere {ooh, this is not like you standish, conjecture; I wonder why the Dem's "got religion" so close to the last election; hmmm}. What in the world were they thinking?
Russ kept his word and continued the fight, long after others withered by the wayside {other than being a delightful, Biblical alliteration, that is an easy but unsubstantiated, if not politically motivated, comment} I am convinced we'll have a clean Cove in a half dozen years or so {So, if we don't who will you blame THEN?}. DEP has already indicated their intent to bless the Plan.
Given my history with this issue, it takes a lot to convince me. However, there's too much at stake for the LTCP to not be approved. {and, I have to believe that you KNOW that the selling the what by then will be about a 3/4 $billion plan, and with cost over runs might reach a full billion, will not be easy to the other towns in the referendum which will be required first} Nobody wants a Federal Court Order to dictate the terms of the Clean Water Act for us: It will likely cost more with less locally desirable results. {Say, the referendum fails, enumerate these "less locally desirable results, please}

In closing, I suppose that you were equally happy with all of the other planks of the Dem's '03 platform and can show where each of them were accomplished to the same 'high degree' that the Cove plank was nailed down for the benefit to the whole town of Wethersfield not just the Cove dwellers.

[standish]

{and Syzygy interjected}

NOW, NOW, SYZYGY... THEE DOTH PROTEST TOO MUCH![/b][/color][/size]:

Let's be honest {but this politics, standish!}EXACTLY... AS IS YOUR RESPONSE![/b][/color][/size]about The Cove:
...zero discharge to The Cove in Phase I of the MDC's Long Term Control Plan {and I wonder why it is called a LONG TERM Control Plan} BECAUSE PHASES I, II & III WILL TAKE A DOZEN OR MORE YEARS. FORTUNATELY, THE COVE PORTION WAS NEGOTIATED IN PHASE I, BECAUSE WE KNEW WHAT WAS AT STAKE (UNLIKE SOME OTHERS WHO CHOOSE TO COMMENT OUT OF IGNORANCE OF THE ISSUES.[/b][/color][/size]. Furthermore, he was at nearly every meeting, every step of the way {which is what would be expected of the Chairman of the Council, especially one who claims to be on a "fixed income"}, including the less publicized meetings where the real negotiations took place{I wonder why they were less well publicized, perhaps because the pols wanted to take credit for whatever might develop in a positive direction}WHAT? PLEASE ELABORATE. THIS MAKES NO SENSE.[/b][/color][/size].
In fact, the then-seated Republicans unanimously opposed the effort to sue, yet, supported the continued $60,000+ per year expenditures with Fuss & O'Neill and Robinson & Cole. They did nothing but "business as usual", and would have done the same for the foreseeable future. {let me get this right, you're saying that the Republicans who were "seated" can be blamed for the ten years before them when the Dem's were "seated" and didn't do anything (I would guess you would have to say) either}NOPE... ONLY FOR OPPOSING THE ONE STRATEGY THAT FINALLY GOT US OFF THE MARK.[/b][/color][/size] If they had continued in office, we'd have spent another half million dollars or more and still be nowhere {ooh, this is not like you standish, conjecture; I wonder why the Dem's "got religion" so close to the last election; hmmm} BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO GET ELECTED AND, CONTRARY TO THOSE SEATED, FINALLY DECIDED TO DO WHAT THE ELECTORATE OBVIOUSLY WANTED BADLY... A CLEAN COVE![/b][/color][/size]. What in the world were they thinking?
Russ kept his word and continued the fight, long after others withered by the wayside {other than being a delightful, Biblical alliteration, that is an easy but unsubstantiated, if not politically motivated, comment} I am convinced we'll have a clean Cove in a half dozen years or so {So, if we don't who will you blame THEN?}THE DEMOCRATS IN POWER AT THE TIME, OBVIOUSLY. THEY, TOO, ARE ON THE LINE. THAT'S WHY THEY'LL DO WHAT THEY HAVE TO DO.[/b][/color][/size]. DEP has already indicated their intent to bless the Plan.
Nobody wants a Federal Court Order to dictate the terms of the Clean Water Act for us: It will likely cost more with less locally desirable results. {Say, the referendum fails, enumerate these "less locally desirable results, please}ONE-YEAR STORM STANDARD FOR COVE... NO NON-WATER-QUALITY-RELATED IMPROVEMENTS IN HARTFORD.

In closing, I suppose that you were equally happy with all of the other planks of the Dem's '03 platform and can show where each of them were accomplished to the same 'high degree' that the Cove plank was nailed down for the benefit to the whole town of Wethersfield not just the Cove dwellers.NOW, SYZYGY... I SUPPOSE THE 7/8THS OF THE COVE THAT'S TOWN PARK, NATURE AREA AND ON THE TOWN SEAL IS NOT ENJOYED BY YOU AND OTHERS?[/b][/color][/size]

[Jubashero]

Let’s be honest. I may be the one to which you referred as commenting out of ignorance. You’re right – you know lets change democracy that only those people, the elitist, the informed few, have the right to vote and voice their opinion. Until then -

My opinion is that the regulatory process has a public participation component and that a permit would have never been granted to MDC for a discharge to the cove. But the regulatory process is slow, and I supported the threat of a law suit to resolve the issue more quickly for the affected neighbors, but not at wasting money on quick-fixes.

I agree we don’t want the federal government overseeing the implementation of the long-term plan. The consequences include increased costs and restrictions on connections to the existing sewers.

I agree that the mayor did an excellent job in participating in this project. But all of Wethersfield wanted the Cove cleaned up. I wish the mayor would participate at the same level for politically less-supported endeavors. A common theme that has emerged from the current administration is that the minority is either deceived (I’m not going to say lied to) or summarily ignored. This action leads to our council and town being so divisive.

You mentioned the cost for consultants and that council save our town by firing those pesky no-good consultants. I have to believe that the consultants properly documented the activities on which a law suit could be based. In the end, it is likely that the continued costs for the consultants brought diminishing returns. I remembered when they were vilified by the council. Fast forward to 2005. The same consultants are praised by the same council and hired for the Silas Deane project. Politics at its best.

My ignorant opinion on the cove was based on the following:. In February, the council was tripping over themselves to congratulate each other on settling the cove issue. At the time, MDC recommended a cheaper solution, building a deep rock storage, using Park River as storage and building a conduit to dispose of the CSO to the Connecticut River. (For us ignorant persons, my opinion was that MDC would have never gotten their NPDES permit to discharge to the “American Heritage” Connecticut River or be allowed to build/utilize these storage facilities). In July, MDC reports they are going to the on the more expensive option, rebuilding the 60-year old infrastructure that had been neglected (sound familiar). They report that I/I during storms in one town exceeds 80 MGD. And in our town, add another 25 MGD and we get 105 MGD of clean water going to a 105 MGD capacity WWTP. And this was new information? I have to just shake my ignorant head and ask what was debated during all the negotiations prior to February? What negations happened between February and July to drive MDC to the option of rebuilding the infastructure?

Now, thanks for the information to educate myself. To me, there is a difference between cleaning up the cove and timing. Based on your remarks, I’ll give the council credit for the accelerated cleanup. But to keep from being ignorant, given the MDC recent decision, what is the cost for the accelerated cleanup and time saved?