Political Potpourri

Garfield to retire

2009-06-16T14:51:00.002-04:00

The state Election Enforcement Commission's executive director, Jeffrey Garfield, will retire and the commission will conduct a national search for his successor.

Garfield has served for 30 years as the commission's executive director and general counsel.

According to a press release, Garfield has no immediate plans beyond assisting the commission through the transition for 90 days.

Local lawmakers to tour Meriden

2009-06-10T16:36:00.003-04:00

This is just a quick update on Chris Donovan's tour of Meriden tomorrow. State Rep. Cathy Abercrombie will be joining him. The schedule is outlined below.

9:50 a.m. – Board of Education, 22 Liberty St.
10:05 a.m. – Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller St.
10:30 a.m. – YMCA Daycare Center, Crown St.
10:55 a.m. – Senior Center, 22 West Main St.
11:15 a.m. – Courthouse, 37 West Main St.
11:30 a.m. – Housing Authority, Church St.
11:45 a.m. – Train Station, State St.

Dems emphasize objections

2009-06-10T15:59:00.006-04:00

Leading Democratic state lawmakers are making the rounds this week, telling people what they don't like about Gov. Rell's budget proposal.

They've been loudly emphasizing their displeasure.

For example, House Speaker Chris Donovan is expected to spend some quality time in his hometown tomorrow. Word is that he will talk about Rell's proposed cuts to library services. He could also be making a stop at the Meriden courthouse. I've been told more information is coming soon.

Donovan and some others were in New Haven today.

Traveling is fun, especially around this time of year, but aren't these lawmakers suppose to be sitting down with the governor and her administration to talk about the state budget? When is that happening? The clock is truly ticking now. The new fiscal year will begin July 1.

Maybe they leave a few lawmakers behind to tend to the numbers as they travel? Maybe they come in late in the day to crunch some numbers and weigh priorities?

I guess something must be happening somewhere because Sens. Don Williams and Marty Looney canceled a press conference at a New Haven school that was scheduled for tomorrow. The reason for not going: encouraging talks with the governor's office when it comes to funding for the state's charter and CommPACT schools.

I'm glad both parties are apparently on the same page about something.

House of Disappointment

2009-06-03T20:46:00.004-04:00

Rep. John Mazurek, D-Wolcott, placed a handwritten sign on his desk in the House chamber Wednesday. It read: "Welcome to the Connecticut State House of Disappointment."

In Corky's eyes, everyone is going to be disappointed by the budget lawmakers ultimately pass. The cuts are going to be deep, he said.

He is referring to the state's future biennial budget. There will be no state budget passed tonight.

Actually, at 9 p.m., the Senate is in recess. They haven't done anything in about two hours. The legislative session adjourns at midnight.

Fedele to carry torch

2009-06-03T16:29:00.004-04:00

Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele will carry the torch at Special Olympics Connecticut's Summer Games.

Friday's lighting of the cauldron will conclude a multi-day Law Enforcement Torch Run that kicks off the games. The lighting will happen at Jess Dow Stadium at Southern Connecticut State University. Both Fedele and David Dennin, a Special Olympics' athlete, will light the cauldron.

Let the last day begin

2009-06-03T11:13:00.005-04:00

The House of Representatives kicked off the last day of the legislative session with music from the Silver City Choir, a choral group from Meriden's Lincoln Middle School. The choir sang two patriotic songs, including "My America."

Their presentation was followed by discussion on an Act Concerning Trade with Africa -- a bill the Senate passed in late April.

The bill would require the Department of Economic and Community Development to conduct a study of their programs that promote and assist Connecticut businesses with regard to trade with African countries.

The cost to the Department of Economic and Community Development would be minimal.

Not to minimize the importance of international relations, but shouldn't Connecticut lawmakers be focused the state's finances right now and the fact that they haven't passed a budget?

Photo courtesy of House Democrats:

Open container bill passed for now

2009-06-02T14:32:00.003-04:00

So, House Democratic leaders just did an interesting thing. The House was debating a bill that would prohibit open alcoholic beverage containers in vehicles and then Democratic leaders chose to pass the bill temporarily.

That's never good news for any bill and could mean that the bill is dead, especially since the General Assembly will adjourn at 11:59 p.m. tomorrow.

The Senate had unanimously passed the very same open container bill last week.

I'm sorry that I don't have more information on the debate, but I've been working on a story about something different. If I hear anything else, I will blog.

For those looking to check out the language of the bill, it is Senate Bill 152.

Special session scheduled

2009-06-01T11:22:00.004-04:00

There are three days left until the legislative session adjourns, and state lawmakers still do not have a budget agreement.

They don't expect to have one before 11:59 p.m. Wednesday either.

The House and Senate voted Saturday to convene in special session, which is set to begin Thursday. The move will allow them to continue working on a biennial budget. This fiscal year ends June 30and lawmakers hope to have a budget for the next two years in place by then.

Gov. Rell hopes so too, but says she has contingency plans ready if necessary.

Some things to keep in mind:

1. Special sessions cost money. Is this wise when the state is already facing a deficit this year?
2. There's a lot of finger pointing when it comes to why Connecticut does not have a state budget ready to be voted on.
3. Rell sees the Democrats' call for a special session as a concession, and she is calling Democratic leaders disorganized. Democrats say they are just being prepared.

Was it a wise move to call a special session already? Why does the legislature need a special session? They've had about five months to come up with a budget. They knew the state's financial problems in January. Today is the first day of June and people still can't agree.

The Christmas bill

2009-05-21T12:49:00.003-04:00

How can you talk about reindeer in the state Senate with a straight face?

Sen. Edward Meyer managed to stay serious when he deemed Senate Bill 262 the Christmas bill. It would allow for the importation of reindeer between Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day. Under the bill, reindeer would have to be exported from the state by Jan. 8 of that year.

I did not know this, but apparently Connecticut is one of several states that ban captive members of the Cervidae family, including reindeer, because of the threat of Chronic Wasting Disease.

Anyway, I am not sure why this bill was drafted, but from the very limited conversation in the Senate on the bill, I know that it has something to do with Torrington. It was a bill pushed by Sen. Andrew Roraback.

I've never heard a bill being discussed in the legislature before about reindeer, and I'm going to assume that it is not a common bill topic. As a result, I just had to share.

For those keeping track, Senate Bill 262 was put on the Senate's consent calendar. Vote will be determined shortly.

Healthcare update

2009-05-19T14:21:00.001-04:00

House Speaker Chris Donovan's healthcare pooling bill and the SustiNet healthcare bill will likely be debated by state representatives tomorrow.

Senate could vote on death penalty

2009-05-18T15:00:00.004-04:00

Senate President Don Williams said today that the Senate may have enough votes to pass a bill that would abolish the death penalty.

The House of Representatives passed the bill last week. If the Senate passes the bill, it will go to the governor, who supports the death penalty.

Williams said he would run the death penalty bill if he gets 19 people to vote in favor of it. He said he does not have a firm count today, but will have one soon.

How your local representatives voted

2009-05-14T09:39:00.003-04:00

The House of Representatives voted 90-56 to replace the death penalty with a penalty for life imprisonment without the possibility of release for those convicted of capital felonies.

If the bill becomes law, it would only apply to those who commit murder after the date of passage, meaning that the two men arrested for the Cheshire home invasion would still be able to receive the death penalty.

The bill, House Bill No. 6578, must still be passed by the Senate and signed by Gov. Rell before it becomes law. Rell supports the death penalty.

The following is how local lawmakers voted:
Rep. Abercrombie: Absent
Rep. Aresimowicz- Yes
Rep. Esty- Yes
Rep. Fritz- No
Rep. Mazurek- No
Rep. Mushinsky- Yes
Rep. Nardello- Yes
Rep. Zalaski- No
Rep. Candelora- No
Rep. Donovan- Yes
Rep. Altobello- Yes

Food and the General Assembly

2009-05-10T08:10:00.003-04:00

Caucuses look to save on meal money
By: Amanda Falcone, Record-Journal

HARTFORD - Rep. Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, likes to cook and eat, making him the perfect person to be in charge of coordinating lunches and dinners for the House Democratic Caucus.

The General Assembly's four caucuses order food on the taxpayer's dime when they are in session for hours at a time, and for House Democrats, all meal requests go through Aresimowicz.

He is now known as the "food guy" among his Democratic colleagues.

Aresimowicz takes recommendations, shops for the best deals and takes note of any dietary restrictions. It's a volunteer responsibility he has embraced. He likes seeing people satisfied, he said.

Prior to Aresimowicz, Rep. John C. Geragosian, D-New Britain, served as the House's "food guy," leaving the position when he took on the responsibility of Appropriations Committee chairman.

"Being appropriations chair is a lot easier than being food guy," Geragosian joked Wednesday, saying that it is hard to please so many lawmakers. "I was very happy to pass the spoon."

When food is ordered for House Democratic lawmakers and a few of their staff members, Aresimowicz said that he must plan to feed 100 people. Most of the time, they dine on sandwiches and pizza, he said, adding that occasionally they splurge for Chinese food.

"Cost is our No. 1 factor," Aresimowicz said.

The food ordered by all caucuses is paid for with taxpayer money. Each caucus gets a budget, which is money appropriated to the caucus from the state budget through the Office of Legislative Management.

The House Democrats have a caucus budget of a little more than $5 million. House Republicans have a budget of $2.8 million. Senate Democrats operate on $4.8 million and the Senate Republicans' budget is $2.9 million.

Caucus budgets are used for purposes determined by the caucus leaders, and some of the money is spent on food. Providing food when the legislature is in session is important because lawmakers need to be near the House and Senate chambers to vote, lawmakers say.

House Democrats, by far the largest of the four caucuses, with 114 members, spends between $1,000 and $1,500 per meal. The amount spent varies and depends on how many people need to be fed, points out Douglas Whiting, press secretary to House Speaker Christopher J. Donovan, D-Meriden.

House Republicans, a group of 37, say they usually end up spending about $20,000 when the legislature is in session for a short session of just a few months, but they spend about $25,000 when the legislature has a long session and meets regularly for about five months.

The dozen Senate Republicans have spent $5,199.14 since Jan. 1 on lunches, dinners and a few other events. They order from Hartford eateries, said Brett Cody, the Senate Republicans' spokesman. Their colleagues across the aisle have spent about $6,000. Democrats have 24 in the Senate.

During tough economic times, the caucuses say they are trying to save money by being judicious about how often they buy lunches and dinners, and they say they are not planning to spend their entire allocation.

Connecticut is facing a budget deficit of just over $1 billion for this fiscal year and a nearly $8 billion deficit for the next biennium, according to the state Office of Policy and Management's latest estimates.

House Democrats plan to save some money by having a few caucus potlucks throughout the legislative session. The first potluck, organized by Aresimowicz, was Wednesday, and lawmakers were impressed by the edible display in the House Democratic caucus room.

"It's a good move," said Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-Cheshire, adding that she appreciates the choices that come with a potluck lunch.

Wanting to bring something healthy to the Capitol Wednesday, Esty made a salad.

"There's never enough salad," Esty said, adding that she wanted to make sure there were healthy options available because the job of lawmaker often is associated with weight gain.

Esty said she was warned that she would gain five to 10 pounds during her first year as a lawmaker. "It's like the freshman 15," she said.

"It's no joke," said Aresimowicz, who made sweet and sour meatballs for the potluck.

Like Esty, Rep. Emil Altobello Jr., D-Meriden, also came with a healthy dish - a frozen berry salad.

"The silver spoon in the berry bowl was made in Meriden," Altobello said.

Altobello's mention of his hometown got Aresimowicz' wheels turning and soon he began to outline a plan for a dessert potluck day. Lawmakers would be responsible for bring desserts made in their districts, he said.

In addition to some potluck meals, Aresimowicz said he may also collect a few dollars from lawmakers to save money. Other caucuses are asking for similar donations.

Bet you didn't know...

2009-05-09T15:01:00.002-04:00

- that the General Assembly's four caucuses each get money from the state budget each fiscal year. House Democrats, the largest caucus, gets just over $5 million, while the House Republicans get $2.8 million. Senate Democrats get $4.8 million, and Senate Republicans have a budget of $2.9 million.

- that the money is appropriated through the Office of Legislative Management. The caucus leaders, however, get to decide how to spend it. (If you are keeping track, those leaders are: House Speaker Chris Donovan, House Minority Leader Larry Cafero, Senate President Pro Tem Don Williams Jr. and Senate Minority Leader John McKinney.)

- that some of that money is used to feed lawmakers when the legislature is in session.

To learn more about lawmakers, food and taxpayer money, read Sunday's Record-Journal.

Sen. Gaffey must pay a fine

2009-05-07T09:56:00.004-04:00

I spent much of yesterday writing about Sen. Tom Gaffey, D-Meriden, and local attorney Dennis Ceneviva, who served as treasurer of Gaffey's political action committee.

I attended the state Elections Enforcement Commission meeting where the agreements between the state and Gaffey and Ceneviva were approved. Gaffey must pay a $6,000 fine for misusing political action committee money and for billing both the state and his committee for a variety of expenditures. Ceneviva was fined $3,000 for failing to require documentation prior to approving Gaffey's expenditures, for not itemizing expenditures and for not providing receipts on time or not at all.

Gaffey cannot control or establish a political action committee for one year, and Ceneviva cannot be treasurer of a candidate, party or political action committee for one year. If they wish to resume these roles in the future, they will have to attend a course on campaign finance law.

Gaffey's mistakes were outlined in his lengthy agreement. There was the double-billing. He also received reimbursement from his committee for personal use, which is against state law. According to elections enforcement, one cannot charge a hotel room upgrade to a political action committee. There's a whole host of other issues mentioned in the agreements, which can be found on www.myrecordjournal.com. A longer story about the agreements can also be found on the Record-Journal's Web site.

What do you think about the agreements? Are they fair? Did the Elections Enforcement Commission, which investigated four years worth of the political action committee's records, handle the situation well? Will the outcome hurt Gaffey's chance for reelection if he decides to run again in 2010?

Allegrettos sing at Capitol

2009-05-07T09:43:00.007-04:00

Maloney High School's Allegrettos opened the House of Representatives' session yesterday by singing the National Anthem. I stopped in the House chamber to watch them perform, and I managed to get a few pictures.

Lawmakers praise UConn teams

2009-04-30T16:24:00.003-04:00

It was Husky Day at the Capitol today, and House Speaker Chris Donovan, D-Meriden, led his chamber in a cheer.

"We're the House," Donovan said. "We're a crowd."

"U-C-O-N-N," the state representatives shouted, illustrating the letters using their hands.

The UConn women's basketball team, the men's basketball team and the football team were all subject to the cheer, but it was only the women's team -- national champions -- that got two cheers. At Donovan's urging, House members also chanted, "U-S-A," for coach Geno Auriemma, who will be coaching the 2012 U.S. Olympic women's basketball team.

Rep. Mary Fritz, D-Wallingford, introduced members of the UConn women's team and its coaching staff. Fritz described Auriemma as having "perfect hair" and as the coach "who was always grabbing someone."

Representing Republicans was Rep. Penny Bacchiochi, of Somers, who said the UConn women should feel right at home in the House chamber. She proceeded to relate the chamber to the basketball court, saying that the state representatives assist each other and sometimes must apply a full-court press. There is also a scoreboard, she said, pointing to the screen that displays House votes.

The House was not the only group to congratulate the three UConn teams for great seasons Thursday. The teams also appeared before the Senate, and Sen. Thomas Gaffey, D-Meriden, introduced some of the members of the men's basketball team.

Missing the trip to Hartford Thursday was men's basketball coach Jim Calhoun, who had a difference of opinion with a few state lawmakers earlier this year. The reason for his absence was unknown.

Parisi visits state Senate

2009-04-30T14:29:00.003-04:00

Wallingford's Robert Parisi got a warm welcome in the state Senate today.

The town councilor was publicly introduced by Senate Minority Leader Pro Tem Len Fasano, R-North Haven. Fasano, who represents Wallingford in the Senate, told his colleagues that Parisi was someone who encouraged him to get involved in politics nearly 20 years ago.

A quote from a House debate

2009-04-30T12:02:00.002-04:00

The House is currently discussing House Bill No. 6200, an act concerning the use of long-term antibiotics for the treatment of Lyme Disease. I'm working on some other stuff today, but am still paying attention to what is happening in the House and Senate.

I managed to catch a statement made by Rep. John W. Hetherington, R-New Canaan, and found it too good to not put in my blog.

"I don't claim to have a lot of medical knowledge. I get most of my information from "House.""

If he relies on the television show for his facts, it is a good thing Hetherington isn't on the Public Health Committee.

Sheff celebrates 20th anniversary

2009-04-27T15:52:00.005-04:00

I stopped at a press conference today at the Legislative Office Building. It was about the Sheff v. O'Neill case, which involved a state Supreme Court ruling that stated racial and economic isolation violates the constitutional rights of Hartford children. Today marks the landmark case's 20th anniversary.

I began my career covering education. Mix that with a bachelor's degree in sociology, and I am always fascinated by the Sheff case and other issues like it.

Anyway, this particular press conference focused on the strides made since the Supreme Court's ruling and was considered a preview of tonight's presentation at the University of Connecticut's law school. The anniversary event starts at 5 p.m.

The speakers were consistent. There are more opportunities for all students since the Sheff decision, but more work still needs to be done, they said. The success was largely linked to the availability of magnet schools, which create a diverse educational atmosphere by taking students from several different towns and teaching them under one roof.

The idea caught on outside of the Hartford region. Though Meriden was not directly affected by the Sheff decision, it has a magnet school -- Edison Middle School.

Since the ruling, two settlements have been reached between the state and the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. The most recent one requires a comprehensive regional integration plan, an expanded Project Choice program, a number of new magnet schools and a goal of serving up to 80 percent of Hartford children who seek to attend integrated schools by 2013.

While only a select number of towns are considered "Sheff districts," one speaker said that the lawsuit technically applied to the entire state, but he also noted that lawsuits would have to be brought forth in other school districts for the results of Sheff to be directly applied.

"I think we would need to start all over again," said John C. Britain, an attorney who worked on the Sheff case.

While he may be realistic, I see Britain's statement as a sad commentary on our society. How much has Connecticut really changed over the past two years when it comes to racial isolation? What can we do to make sure that all children get an equal education? When we finally tackle the problem of racial and economic isolation, will the achievement gap shrink?

For more information on Sheff's history and on how to connect with civil rights and education advocates," visit www.sheffmovement.org.

Do you support public financing?

2009-04-23T15:34:00.002-04:00

Is public financing a good thing?

Last year's elections marked the first year candidates for state office publicly-financed campaigns. They raise a little money from their constituents and then they receive thousands of dollars from the Citizens' Election Fund (ie; unclaimed property tax money). The 2005 campaign finance law also prevents lobbyists and state contractors from making campaign contributions.

The process supposedly allows the candidates to get to know their constituents better, because there is more face-to-face contact. Democrats say it has changed the way campaigns run and that it has changed the culture in Hartford.

Is any of this true?

Because of public financing, do you feel more connected to your state representative or senator? Is funding political campaigns the best way to spend the unclaimed property tax money that the state gets to keep -- even in good years?

With Republicans wanting to eliminate public financing and Democrats standing by it, now is the time to make your thoughts known. Afterall, everyone has been telling me that the best time for change is during a crisis.

Dissections topic of debate

2009-04-22T16:55:00.003-04:00

The House of Representatives voted 114-32 today to give students an out when it comes to participating in animal experiments or dissections if they conscientiously object.

Rep. Andy Fleischmann, the Education Committee's co-chairman, said the bill is not written for the student who thinks dissections are gross. The bill was constructed to help students who are vegetarians or who object because of their religion, he said, noting that school districts would be given some discretion and would be asked to provide another way to educate students. For example, there are resources on the Internet that teach students the same things they would learn during a dissection, Fleischmann said.

Should students be allowed to opt out of participating in a dissection, or are dissections so important that students need that hands-on experience? Will all students suddenly become conscientious objectors?

Next stop for House Bill No. 6565: the Senate floor.

Activity on Capitol Avenue

2009-04-20T19:10:00.003-04:00

When I pulled out of the Capitol parking lot today, about 50 people lined Capitol Avenue cheering, yelling and waving signs. The group was trying to get support for a bill being considered by the legislature -- the one that would legalize small amounts of marijuana.

As I waited at the stop light, someone was yelling to call Gov. Rell. Another was holding a sign that read, "help keep me out of jail." They had a message and they picked April 20, the unofficial national pot smoking day, to share it with the public.

Did this display help their cause? Should small amounts of marijuana be legalized?

Will we see this railway soon?

2009-04-17T15:59:00.004-04:00

House Speaker Chris Donovan sent out a press release today about the plan for a commuter rail running between New Haven to Springfield, Mass. He is making a push to secure some federal stimulus dollars for the project.

The president dedicated $8 billion for high speed rail initiatives in his stimulus plan, and it looks like Connecticut will have to put the wheels in motion (no pun intended) if it wants some of that money. It will be competing with other states for the cash.

Donovan is recognizing that there will be competition and is pushing for Gov. Rell to release $30 million for project planning and design next month. He is also putting together a high-level working group to determine the best use of stimulus funds and to investigate how the environmental review associated with the project can be expedited.

With Connecticut facing deficits for this fiscal year and the two that follow, is now a good time to release $30 million? When will we actually see this commuter rail?

The idea was part of a 2006 transportation package and plans have a train stopping in Meriden. So far there has been a lot of talk, but little action. Politicians say the process has been slow, particularly because of Amtrak. Federal legislation passed in 2008 helped speed the process up, but Connecticut residents are still a long way from taking a commuter rail to its neighboring state.

Thoughts on 1991

2009-04-13T13:21:00.004-04:00

I spent most of last week learning about the state income tax and the drama that unfolded during the 1991 legislative session.

I can't imagine being a lawmaker during that time. In 1991, the legislature voted to enact a state income tax and people were furious. I heard so many people talk about the rallies against the income tax, the death threats and the 24-hour legislative days.

Comptroller Nancy Wyman was a state representative in 1991 and had someone jump on her car and spat in her windshield. Rep. Mary Mushinsky had people rallying on her front lawn. She took the threats people made seriously and sent her two young children to live with relatives for a while.

Former Gov. Lowell Weicker was hung in effigy for proposing the income tax.

I bet those people didn't know what they were in for when they were elected to office.

With changes to the income tax and a series of tax hikes proposed this session, do you think we are in for similar chaos? Will people rally in the streets? Will they threaten lawmakers and their families? Will they get involved in their state government, or will they be apathetic?

Though they may not have made their grievances known in the best of ways, it sounds like people were engaged in current events in 1991. That is something we often lack today. People don't pay attention to the process, but cry about it later. If you are going to be angry, be angry as the decisions are made and the drama unfolds. Don't wait until it is too late.

And one more observation. Gov. Weicker was on his own, being the only elected official from an independent political party he created. Many often did not agree with his views, but most -- from all political backgrounds -- always say they respect Weicker for standing his ground and doing what he felt was right. How many politicians can say they have that same kind of reputation today?

Abercrombie leads autism effort

2009-04-08T15:30:00.003-04:00

The governor officially declared April Autism Awareness Month, and today was Autism Awareness Day at the Capitol.

Although House Speaker Chris Donovan and Senate Majority Leader Marty Looney were there, it was Rep. Cathy Abercrombie who ran the show. Since she was elected to the state legislature in 2005, Cathy has taken a special interest in helping those with autism.

Fedele worried about Italy

2009-04-07T12:53:00.003-04:00

Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele grew up in Minuturno, Italy -- about one hour from where the earthquake hit yesterday.

He's been in constant contact with family and friends who still live in the area, and he wants to do something to help. Recovery efforts will take months, he predicted in a press release.

Fedele is encouraging Connecticut residents to visit www.redcross.org and to donate to the International Response Fund. It is important to mark donations for the L'Aquila earthquake victims, he said. This will ensure that donations are used for that specific cause.

Wear your blue and white

2009-04-03T13:07:00.003-04:00

Gov. Rell has declared today through Sunday "UConn Huskies Blue & White Weekend" in honor of the University of Connecticut's men's and women's basketball teams. The weekend will be extended through Tuesday if either or both teams make it to the NCAA championship game.

"March Madness has turned into April Madness in Connecticut," the governor said in a prepared statement. "Although most of us will not be in Detriot or St. Louis to cheer on the Huskies, we can certainly do our part in showing our unwavering support for them right here in Connecticut."

Rell is urging state residents to show their Husky pride this weekend. She suggests wearing UConn gear, pinning a blue and white ribbon on your lapel, displaying a sign or flag in your front yard or window or getting a blue and white flower arrangement for your home.

She is also asking area business leaders to participate. Some Hartford businesses will display all blue and white lights this weekend, she said.

As a UConn alum, I love seeing people support my alma mater. Go Huskies!

Tax increases proposed by Dems

2009-04-02T14:02:00.004-04:00

Democrats came out with their state budget today. The following are some of the tax increases proposed.

- Progressive income tax system, increasing taxes for the wealthy.

- 30 percent estate and gift tax until 2012.

- Increase in cigarette tax by 50 cents — from $2 to $2.50 per pack of 20.

- Connecticut’s sales tax free week would be suspended for the 2009 and 2010 calendar year.

- A 30 percent corporation tax surcharge for the next three years. The corporation tax would be retroactive, beginning Jan. 1.

- Democrats are also looking to raise revenue by repealing a number of sales tax exemptions. For example, tax preparation and airport valet motor vehicle parking would be taxed under the Democrats’ plan. People would also find themselves paying more for car washes, child car seats and bicycle helmets and amusement and recreation services.

Are these good ideas, or bad ideas? Let me know your thoughts.

Also, for your information, the bills that deal with the budget proposal are Senate Bill 932 and House Bill 6560. For more information, keep reading the Record-Journal, or check out www.cga.ct.gov.

Farrell takes on "American Idol"

2009-03-25T11:00:00.006-04:00

Jerry Farrell Jr. is fighting for those passionate about music.

Farrell, the commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection, wrote to the Fox Entertainment Group today. He wants to ensure that Connecticut residents are able to enter the "American Idol Songwriting Contest."

The commissioner, who lives in Wallingford, said that at least one state resident has said that "American Idol" rules attempt to prohibit Connecticut residents from entering the contest.

In his letter, Farrell talks about how Connecticut regulates a "game of chance" versus "a game of skill." Connecticut law allows a entry charge in a game of skill, he said, adding that the "American Idol" contest comes with a fee. Farrell has deemed the Idol competition a game of skill.

"Connecticut has many musically-talented residents who might want to submit their songs to "American Idol," Farrell said. "I do not want a misunderstanding of our laws preventing them from competing alongside residents of other states."

Did you know Sam Caligiuri...

2009-03-21T13:11:00.004-04:00

- is the son of immigrants. His father came to the United States from Italy and his mother came from Canada.

- talks to his mom every morning while driving to work.

- met his wife, Lori, at the state Capitol in the 1990s. Lori was an aide to Republican Mark Nielsen, a former state representative and state senator. Sam worked for former Gov. John Rowland.

- has a 5-year-old daughter, Grace, who spends some of her time writing speeches. Politician in the making?

- has always considered his faith very important to him.

- was seven when U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., started out as a congressman.

- has a framed map of Southington in his Capitol office. U.S. Rep. Christoher Murphy, D-Conn., gave it to him with a note. Caligiuri succeeded Murphy in the state Senate, and when Caligiuri leaves office, he intends to leave the map for his successor.

- is a history buff. He loves going to historical places. He and his wife went to colonial Williamsburg on their honeymoon.

- likes to hike and spend time with his family.

- ran the Hartford Marathon in 2005. He has also run half marathons and other road races. His goal is to complete a mini-triathlon.

UConn wins either way

2009-03-20T19:25:00.006-04:00

The way I see it, UConn wins even if they lose.

UConn President Michael Hogan sent President Obama a letter today. In it, he expressed disappointment. Obama chose Memphis to win the men's NCAA basketball Final Four -- not UConn.

"I have to doubt your judgment in this matter," Hogan wrote. I bet that's not the last time Obama will have someone questioning him.

Anyway, Hogan challenged the president. If Obama is right and Memphis wins, UConn's Conn Men, an a cappella group, will go to the White House to sing Memphis' fight song and and its rendition of "Hail to the Chief. If UConn wins, the president will be UConn's May 2010 commencement speaker and will accept an honorary degree from the university.

Apparently, UConn hasn't heard from Obama yet.

As a graduate of UConn, I hope the Huskies win it all. But if they don't, the university wins either way if Obama accepts Hogan's challenge. The UConn name will take center stage regardless of whether the men's team wins a trophy.

Donovan greets Obama

2009-03-20T19:05:00.002-04:00

Like many other state leaders, House Speaker Chris Donovan was in Washington, D.C., today for a National Conference of State Legislatures' meeting.

He heard from the Office of Management and Budget about the stimulus package. Donovan said he now knows who to go to if he has any questions. He also added that those looking for more information on stimulus money should check out www.recovery.gov.

The secretary of transportation chatted with Donovan about Amtrak and a New Haven to Springfield commuter line. The secretary urged Connecticut to do what it can in the area without Amtrak. The process takes a while, Donovan was told.

And then there was the president. President Obama gave a 10-minute speech to those in attendance. Donovan said he focused on the need for transparency in government and the importance of the stimulus package.

Obama greeted people and answered questions.

"I said hello and shook his hand," Donovan said. "He didn't call on me though."

E-mails to chairmen prompt arrest

2009-03-19T11:08:00.007-04:00

The chairmen of the Judiciary Committee each received e-mails from a New Britain resident March 10 that made reference to the lawmakers' residences. The e-mails also insinuated retaliation for Rep. Mike Lawlor and Sen. Andrew McDonald's position on Senate Bill 1098, a bill that would have limited the powers of clergy in the Catholic Church.

Discussion on the bill has been tabled.

Capitol Police were notified of the e-mail and investigated the incident. As a result, Timothy Kane, 26, of New Britain, was arrested by warrant without incident and was charged with second-degree harassment. He posted a $500 bond and is due to appear in Hartford Superior Court March 27 for arraignment.

So much for the Catholic Church trying to make its point peacefully and without incident.

Caligiuri for U.S. Senate?

2009-03-13T15:53:00.003-04:00

I know the story about Sam Caligiuri's possible bid for the U.S. Senate ran earlier this week, but I never got the opportunity to blog about it.

So, I'm blogging now.

Sam is a pretty new state lawmaker. He's in the first year of his second term. He, however, has a lot of political experience. He is a former Waterbury alderman and acting mayor, and he was an aide to former Gov. John Rowland when Rowland was a U.S. congressman. Afterward, he was a deputy legal counsel to the governor from 1995-1997.

Sam won the state Senate seat vacated by now U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy in November 2006.

Could it be that the 16th District Senate seat is a lucky seat? Do you think Sam will follow in Chris' footsteps?

Sam is pondering whether he will try for the Republican nomination, but he said it is likely that he will. If he wins the nomination, he'll face long-time incumbent U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd. Dodd not only has experience on his side, but he has his name. I almost equate the Dodd name to the Kennedy name.

Dodd also has Democrats on his side. In a state that tends to vote Democrat, that means something.

A recent Quinnipiac poll says that Sam is largely unknown, and it says voters favor Dodd in a Caligiuri-Dodd match up. Sam would be the underdog, but underdogs have won seemingly impossible matches before.

Chris Murphy is an example. He beat long-time incumbent Nancy Johnson in the 2006 U.S. House race.

Like I said, maybe there is something in the 16th state Senate District that allows energized politicans to beat the odds.

Career day coming to Wallingford

2009-03-13T15:43:00.002-04:00

F.Y.I. Wallingford:

Area residents looking for work or who want to be trained for a new career can attend events associated with Wednesday’s job search and career day.

The state Department of Labor will station its Career Express Van, a mobile job search office, in the rear parking lot of the town’s public library, 200 N. Main St., from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Lori Pendleton, admissions director for Charter Oak Community College, will speak at Town Hall, 45 S. Main St.

Pendleton will present the college’s program for improving marketable skills for careers.

The job search and career day is sponsored by Rep. Mary M. Mushinsky, D-Wallingford, the Department of Labor and Charter Oak Community College. It is open to all area residents.

Healthcare pooling is back

2009-03-12T16:07:00.002-04:00

Chris Donovan is persistent.

For years, he has tried to get a healthcare pooling bill passed. Last year, he came so close. The bill got vetoed by the governor. This year, the bill has resurfaced with only small changes.

The bill would open up the state employee healthcare plan to municipalities, small businesses and nonprofits.

Should this be the case, or should only municipalities join together and create their own insurance pool? Will cities and towns save by joining the plan? These are the conversations that are being had behind closed doors, and they are some of the same debates that surfaced last year.

Will Donovan's new gig as House speaker help him when he's trying to convince the governor to sign the pooling bill? He was majority last year, but the bill still didn't make it past Rell.

Catholics and Canadians visit

2009-03-11T14:12:00.004-04:00

About 3,500 Catholics showed up at a rally at the Capitol today to protest a bill that would limit the financial and administrative powers of the clergy. Some even spoke at an informational hearing held by Republican lawmakers.

Catholics are everywhere. Some even came in busloads. They sang songs on the Capitol lawn and watched hearing testimonies from the hearing room or on televisions at the Capitol. They did everything could to make sure their voices were heard.

Discussion on Senate Bill 1098 has been tabled for the remainder of the legislative session, but that did not stop devote Catholics from expressing their discontent with the two lawmakers who proposed the bill. Should Catholics have quit while they were ahead, or is it important that lawmakers know they are upset and watching?

On a side note, House Speaker Chris Donovan, D-Meriden, gets to hang out with members of the Canadian Consulates General today. Google has told me that Canadian Consulates General are similar to Canadian embassies, but they are located in major cities -- not capital cities or foreign countries, and Donovan says members of the Canadian Consulates General visit Connecticut's Capitol every so often. I wonder what they talk about? With thousands of Catholics roaming the building in protest, there certainly will be a lot to to see.

Ridley seeks legislative approval

2009-03-09T11:16:00.006-04:00

At a time Gov. Rell is trying to eliminate the Board of Governors for Higher Education and merge the Department of Higher Education with the Department of Education, I find it interesting that she would nominate people to the board.

I guess she has to keep the board operational as the legislature deliberates.

Among this year's nominees is Frank W. Ridley, of Meriden. He currently serves as the board's chairman and his term expires this year.

Before winning another term on the board, Ridley must go through the legislative process. His public hearing will be tomorrow at noon.

Cost of college may go up

2009-03-06T12:10:00.005-05:00

Lately, there has been much conversation about budgets as they relate to college tuition. When there is more money for state colleges and universities, the impact on college tuition is minimal, but when money is being held back or cut from those institutions, it is the students and their families who most likely shoulder the burden.

Administrators at colleges and universities need to find a magic number. This year, with the economy like it is, they will probably have to increase tuition, but they need to do so in a way that will not cause prospective students to run the other way. That, I'm sure, will not be an easy task.

I recently read a newspaper article that said students at UConn favor an 8.67 percent tuition increase over three other options. The other options included in the student survey ranged from not raising tuition to an increase of 13.6 percent. I guess those students are willing to pay a little more to ensure that services stick around, but they don't want the tuition hike to be overwhelming.

Are you in college, or do you have a kid in college or about to enter college? If so, are you limiting the schools you will apply to because of the economy? Will you transfer schools if tuition increases? Does a tuition increase matter to your daily budget, or is it not an immediate concern because you plan to pay for school through a loan?

Today, a college diploma is important. Could the economy and the cost of higher education change the dynamics of society? Like with everything, only time will tell.

Petit to talk about death penalty

2009-03-04T15:11:00.006-05:00

It's a busy day at the Legislative Office Building today, but I'm focusing on just one room. The Judiciary Committee began at 10 a.m. It's now about 3 p.m., and they are still going strong.

I think I should have pitched a tent.

Today, the Judiciary Committee is holding a public hearing. Most people are here to talk about the raise the age and death penalty bills. I'm more interested in the death penalty bills. One would abolish the death penalty; the other would mean stricter standards in capital cases.

Dr. William Petit Jr. and his sister, Johanna Petit-Chapman, are here, and I'm waiting for them to speak. It's my understanding that they have never spoken about how they feel about the death penalty, and it should be interesting to hear what they have to say.

If you remember, Petit's wife and daughters were murdered in a Cheshire home invasion in 2007. I was actually the reporter covering the story for the Record-Journal that day, and I remember the scene well. It was pouring rain, police were working with the SWAT team, neighbors watched from outside as three bodies were removed from the house... Dr. Petit, who was injured during the invasion, was the lone survivor.

It is a day I will probably never forget, and as a reporter, it is the type of story that I hope I never have to cover again.

Anyway, it looks like Connecticut is debating the death penalty again. It is a conversation that the Nutmeg State seems to have every so often, and I know it makes me think hard about my views on the issue.

I will keep those views to myself. As a reporter, I do not feel it appropriate to share my opinion on the matter. I am, however, curious to hear whether you support the death penalty. Should it be repealed? Should the death penalty be tweaked to include stricter standards? Let me know your opinions, and I'll keep you posted on what Dr. Petit and his sister have to say.

Should the wealthy pay more?

2009-03-02T11:57:00.005-05:00

Lawmakers are considering a bill that would create a progressive income tax system. It would also raise the tax rate on trusts and estates.

Turn on CTN right now, and you can watch the public hearing. The Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee is discussing several bills, including House Bill No. 6557. Because of the weather, many committee members are absent and some of the people who signed up to testify are not there, but it still makes for interesting conversation.

If you remember, Democrats wanted a tiered income tax system in 2007, but the measure did not make it into the state budget. That system would have increased the income tax for the state's wealthiest residents. House Bill No. 6557 would do the same thing. Do you think this is fair? With the wealthiest residents seeing a decline in income, should the state charge them more, knowing that Connecticut may not see the amount of revenue it hopes for?

Stay tuned, and if you are taking a snow day, check out CTN.

A reporter's last day

2009-02-27T15:56:00.005-05:00

The mood in the Capitol press room this week is subdued and most are even a bit angry.

It was nearly a year ago that Capitol reporters watched Greg Hladky clear off his desk. Hladky covered state politics for the New Haven Register and was laid off in early March 2008.

Today, we watch as Mark Pazniokas follows in Hladky's footsteps. Both were laid off because of budget concerns.

The AP reports that the Hartford Courant, which is owned by Tribune Co., is struggling with an industrywide decline in advertising. As a result, the company announced Wednesday that it would eliminate 100 jobs, primarily through layoffs. Pazniokas fell victim to the ax.

But so did 30 other newsroom employees, bringing the state's largest newspaper staff to just 135 -- only slightly more than half the number of people the Courant had in the newsroom last year.

I worked out of my Meriden office yesterday, but was in Hartford Wednesday and am obviously here today. Public relations people, lawmakers...even the governor's budget director have filed through the press room to talk to Mark, offering him advice and sympathy. I believe Mark likened it to being alive at his own wake.

Sadly, layoffs are becoming less rare. With today's bad economy, there are often newspaper articles saying that this company or that company cut their staff. Newspapers like the Courant are not the only ones laying people off. Layoffs are not unique to the newspaper industry.

Let's hope things get better.

A while ago, I wrote a blog entry about the economy and about jobs and unemployment. I have a feeling that every now and then, this topic will pop up, and I want people to use my blog as a forum. I want it to be a place where they can exchange ideas and share stories. So, go ahead and share your thoughts, feelings and frustrations. Everyone needs a place to vent.

Deal or no deal?

2009-02-25T16:00:00.004-05:00

The legislative process can sometimes be slow -- painfully slow.

The House kicked off their day at 10 a.m. today. Shortly after they convened, they took a break to caucus. They are still missing in action.

The Senate started at 2 p.m., and they also decided to caucus.

What is the issue that requires so much talking? They are working on a deficit mitigation package. The governor already put her proposal on the table last week. Maybe by midnight, they'll all have a plan they can agree on.

Anyway, since it is currently the calm before the storm here in Hartford, I'd like to pose the following questions about the state's majority party to my blog readers.

Are Democrats doing a good job? Are they taking the right approach when dealing with this fiscal year's deficit? How about their approach for the next biennial budget?

Write your critiques here. I want to read them!

Wallingford, mark your calendars

2009-02-20T15:50:00.003-05:00

Sen. Len Fasano, R-Wallingford, and Rep. Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, will be in town Feb. 26 to talk about the current state budget. That's a Thursday night, and the fun begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Wallingford Public Library.

The event is open to the public, and there will be a presentation prior to open discussion.

It is important to note that the General Assembly is expected to take up the governor's most-recent $1.1 billion deficit mitigation package Feb. 25 -- the day before the Republicans are in Wallingford. Presumably, Fasano and Candelora can fill you in on all the details of a mitigation bill if one is passed.

Today, the governor says the latest Office of Policy and Management estimates for this fiscal year show that the state's deficit has increased to $944 million.

Let's talk about tolls and budgets

2009-02-20T15:28:00.005-05:00

I hear many people speak out against collecting tolls on Connecticut highways, but I hear few people say they want tolls.

Does anyone want tolls? If there were tolls on highways, would you look for an alternative route? Would out-of-state people not come to Connecticut if they have to pay to drive down I-95? That's a prime tourist spot. Would places like Mystic suffer?

Moving on....

This whole budget descrepancy is getting old.

Democrats say Rell's numbers are not right and that her budget proposal is not balanced, but they have not formally offered any solutions. They are apparently working on it.

The Appropriations Committee has been told to shave $2.8 billion off of Rell's proposal without raising taxes. Democratic leaders call it a needed exercise that will show Connecticut lawmakers and residents alike just how bad things really are under the governor's plan. They admitted they may not actually use many of the ideas the exercise generates.

Maybe that's why the governor's deputy budget director calls it a waste of time?

But the finger pointing does not stop there. Rell and her budget wizards are criticizing Democrats, saying that the majority party has not offered any deficit mitigation plans for this fiscal year. The governor is the only one making the hard decisions.

So much for putting party politics behind us.

Municipal aid questioned

2009-02-16T16:50:00.005-05:00

I wrote a story that appeared in Sunday's Record-Journal about prison towns and the governor's budget proposal. Cheshire's town manager says he notices a pattern. He thinks the state's prison towns are being treated differently. He says they are losing more money under Gov. Rell's propsal.

And when I look at the numbers, I see what he's talking about.

Cheshire, home to three prisons, is slated to lose $1.24 million under Rell's proposal, and it already doesn't get as much state aid as other towns. Enfield, which also houses three prisons, is in a similar position.

But a town like Southington gets more, but stands to lose less. Southington would only lose $154,973 with Rell's budget.

The state Office of Policy Management says the governor is flat funding state aid by giving cities and towns the amount of money they enjoyed in fiscal year 2006-2007 -- before a one-time surplus bumped up aid. Everyone knew that bump in state aid should not be expected in the future, said the office's spokesman.

And the problem with saying you will give cities and towns the same amount they had in a previous year? What happens when you don't keep that promise?

Cheshire's town manager said the governor's numbers will actually give his town less money.

Interesting statistics. Do you think cities and towns should question less given the state's fiscal problems, or should municipalities that sense injustice fight for whatever few dollars they can?

Also, everyone says the governor used old numbers when building her budget. This means that Rell's proposal leaves Connecticut still in the red. When more cuts are forced, will cities and towns suffer more than they already have? Should towns like Cheshire and Enfield be lucky to even have state aid that comes close to fiscal year 2006-2007 levels?

Tell me your thoughts, and if you missed my Sunday story, check it out here.

http://www.zwire.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=20262516&BRD=2755&PAG=461&dept_id=592709&rfi=6

McMahon update

2009-02-11T15:35:00.003-05:00

WWE Executive Linda McMahon's nomination for the state Board of Education was approved 34-1 in the Senate today. The House must still vote on her nomination before she can become a new board member.

McMahon was nominated for the position by Gov. Rell.

WWE exec and education?

2009-02-06T10:44:00.005-05:00

I still don't understand this appointment by the governor.

Rell nominated Linda McMahon, the chief executive director for the World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., for a seat on the State Board of Education. Linda, who lives in Greenwich, apparently has her teaching certificate, but there was some controversy over her resume. I guess her resume said she earned a teaching degree. Turns out, her degree was in French.

Anyway, there was much discussion about Linda's appointment during the Executive and Legisative Nominations Committee meeting yesterday. Some said they did not approve of WWE programming and talked to Linda about the show's content. They wondered how someone who creates and promotes those shows would be in a role that has influence over children and what they learn.

The shows are scripted, was part of Linda's reply.

Ultimately, the legislative committee approved Linda's nomination 11-2. Her nomination must now be approved by both chambers of the General Assembly.

I am left puzzled.

Why did Rell decide to appoint someone who has spent her life in the entertainment business, especially when the state is still struggling to deal with No Child Left Behind mandates and other accountability measures? Education is about helping children learn and grow. While money is always an issue, education should not be considered a business.

At the very least, No Child Left Behind and the standardized test scores that so many dislike share a good goal. Through such measures, there is an effort to overcome the achievement gap. There is an effort to employ more rigorous teaching standards that will hopefully allow a student to reach his or her full potential.

I am sure Linda McMahon wants children to succeed. I don't even doubt her sincerity and her willingness to take on the responsibility of being a state school board member. I do, however, wonder if there are more qualified people in the state that could have been nominated -- people who have spent years in the field of education and who know Connecticut's educational system inside and out.

Should Linda McMahon get on the Connecticut Board of Education? Why did Rell pick her? Was it because she has contributed money to Rell's political campaigns over the years?

If Linda does get the volunteer job, I guess we will have to wait and see. I hope Rell knows something that the rest of us do not. I hope that Linda will help the state's educational system and that we will be pleasantly suprised.

Meriden courthouse in jeopardy

2009-02-04T16:58:00.005-05:00

So, I've covered a few of Rell's budget proposals now, and this one is definitely different than the rest.

If Rell has her way, big changes are in store for state government.

One thing Rell is proposing is the consolidation or elimination of 23 state agencies. Say goodbye to the Commission on Aging or the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission. The Office of the Child Advocate would be folded into the attorney general's office, and the Department of Higher Education would merge with the Department of Education.

Do you have any worries about the departments being eliminated or consolidated?

Merging the departments concerns some, but I think many more are bothered by the jobs that would be lost. About 400 jobs would be eliminated and 448 vacant position would also eliminated. During tough economic times, I think many are wondering if this is the way to go.

I could go on and on about Rell's proposals. There is no tax increase in the budget, but the fees for virtually all licenses and permits would be increased, etc.

But there is one proposal that stands out because it singles out only two Connecticut communities: Meriden and Bristol. Rell wants to eliminate the courthouses in the two towns, bringing matters normally discussed there to other nearby courthouses. Meriden matters would be divided between three courthouses. Madison, Meriden and Wallingford matters would be handled in Middletown, while Cheshire issues would be heard in Waterbury. New Haven would handle Hamden and North Haven cases.

The savings attached to the consolidation is $2.8 million annually.

Is closing the Meriden courthouse something that should be considered? How would it affect downtown business owners who rely on court employees and those serving on jury duty as customers?

I'm sure I'll have more to say about the budget tomorrow, but let's take it issue by issue on this blog. I am hoping for exchange on these topics!

Rell's budget address coming soon

2009-02-03T12:13:00.003-05:00

Gov. M. Jodi Rell is expected to deliver her budget address in less than 24 hours, but she's already hinted at what people can expect. The budget is so important this year that she took a few minutes to address Connecticut yesterday in an unprecedented television appearance.

Did you watch it?

I was busy working on another story, but I do have a copy of her speech sitting on my desk.

She says she is not raising taxing and that she will cut spending, but does not share the details of her budget plan. Those will be released tomorrow.

Where should she make cuts? Will state lawmakers be on board? Can she balance a biennial budget that already has a deficit of nearly $6 billion attached to it without raising any taxes?

There are so many questions. Everyone keeps saying it is a hard budget year, and lawmakers say the deficits need to be tackled. When push comes to shove; will they be willing to compromise? Will they be willing to make cuts and minimize spending?

Time will tell.

Myrecordjournal.com will provide you with information on Rell's budget plan tomorrow. Be sure to check the Web site!

Obama set to entertain

2009-01-30T19:54:00.005-05:00

Looks like Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro could be partying Sunday at the White House.

The AP is reporting that DeLauro is one of 15 lawmakers invited to Obama's home for the Super Bowl. She is the only one from Connecticut on the list.

Obama has supposedly invited a bipartisan group, and it is another step in the president's effort to reach out to lawmakers. He is hoping to break down the partisan divide in Washington, D.C.

Do you think his efforts are working? Last I heard, Republicans were pretty set against his economic stimulus plan. Think inviting them over for some pizza and beer will help?

What can Obama do to bridge the gap? Will he succeed in unifying Congress? I think this brings us back to an age-old question. Why can't we all just get along?

More on Sen. Gaffey

2009-01-28T10:53:00.007-05:00

For those interested in learning more about Sen. Gaffey's investigation, here's one of two stories about him today. Feel free to leave any thoughts.

Records detail Gaffey's PAC use, double-billing for hotels
By Amanda Falcone; Record-Journal staff

With state reimbursement and money from his political action committee paying the way, Sen. Thomas P. Gaffey opted to stay in posh rooms at some of the nation's most luxurious hotels while attending events for the National Conference of State Legislators, according to a Record-Journal review of state records.

State documents and finance reports for Gaffey's political action committee reflect instances in which Gaffey billed both the state Office of Legislative Management and his political action committee for conference trips and one instance in which money from the political action committee was used to pay for a hotel upgrade.

In a recent interview, Gaffey and his attorney, Thomas Luby, acknowledged the doublebilling, calling it an oversight that occurred as a result of the senator's busy schedule. But records also show that Gaffey and a staff member were notified of state reimbursement for trips through at least two memos from the Office of Legislative Management.

The state Elections Enforcement Commission launched an investigation into Gaffey's political action committee, the Government Action Fund, in January 2008. The investigation is pending.

Tom Swan, executive director of the Connecticut Citizen Action Group, said he believes elections enforcement is correct in looking into the matter, adding that paying back money to his political action committee is an acknowledgement by Gaffey that he did something wrong.

Elections enforcement may choose to use Gaffey's situation as a way to change or clarify state laws, Swan said.

"PACs are not designed to be personal bank accounts," he said.

One of the trips in question occurred in August 2005 when Gaffey attended a National Conference of State Legislators' meeting in Seattle with his then-girlfriend Patricia Murphy. The Office of Legislative Management rejected some of the expenses he submitted for reimbursement, because the numbers did not correspond with Gaffey's submitted written request for out-of-state travel, documents show. The department adjusted the senator's voucher to reflect the four nights - the length of the conference - for which Gaffey initially requested payment. His expense form said he was looking to get reimbursed for five nights at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, the most expensive Seattle hotel option of the 17 choices offered to attendees.

About three months after legislative management declined to pay for the additional night, a charge of $294.77 - the cost of one night plus tax at the Fairmont - showed up on finance records for Gaffey's political action committee.

Gaffey says he used his PAC to pay for one additional night in Seattle because he attended a Democratic leadership council luncheon. He paid for other extra nights out of his own pocket, he added, noting that billing the state for a fifth night must have been an error made by staff when the paperwork was submitted.

Gaffey, however, signed off on the forms.

"It wasn't really life in the fast lane, by no stretch of the imagination," he said this week. When he went to a National Conference of State Legislators' seminar in February 2006, he stayed at a three-star luxury waterfront hotel, the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina, rather than the suggested hotel, the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk. The Wyndham Harbour Island Hotel, where the conference was held, had already been sold out when Gaffey went to make reservations.

Gaffey says he remembers both the Wyndham Harbour and Sheraton hotels being booked. As a result, he said, he took a room at the Marriott just down the street. The $244 per night cost at the Marriott, however, was more than the cost of a night at the Sheraton, and legislative management only reimbursed Gaffey at the rate he could have gotten at the Sheraton by identifying himself as a seminar participant: $149.

Gaffey then charged both the state and his PAC for the Tampa trip, another example of double- billing.

Another instance occurred when Gaffey and Murphy went to an August 2006 meeting of the national legislative conference in Nashville, where he opted to stay in a $359-pernight suite with a garden view at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center rather than a single room that would have been fully reimbursed by the state.

Upon arriving at the resort, Gaffey says, Murphy was ill, so they took the first room available - a suite at the discounted rate of $233.65 per night, which, Gaffey added, was not the fancy room some might envision.

Legislative management paid the approved nightly room rate of $179 instead of the cost of the suite. For his three-night stay, the state reimbursed him $613, and Gaffey's PAC was billed $ 1,015. The difference in cost was due to the room choice, Luby said. While the state can only reimburse for the cost of a single room at a hotel, Luby said those rules do not apply to a political action committee.

The Elections Enforcement Commission declined to comment when asked whether this was an appropriate use of PAC money, citing the investigation into the Government Action Fund.

Records show Gaffey doublebilled again for a one night-stay in 2007 at the Hotel George, described as a "hip boutique hotel" in Washington. Gaffey attended a meeting at the White House about the federal No Child Left Behind law. According to state records, his PAC was billed $449.19 for the hotel stay. The state paid the same, and also paid his other travel expenses.

Elections enforcement is looking into the Government Action Fund's expenditures, receipts and campaign finance disclosures, and Gaffey expects to pay a fine at the completion of the investigation. In addition to double-billing, Luby says, the state is also concerned about the misuse of a PAC cell phone, the reporting of credit card use on disclosure forms and other issues.

Because of his many work, legislative and family responsibilities, Gaffey says he often signs paperwork on the fly. He also said any state reimbursement is included in his paycheck, and he did not realize he was paid back for his trips until about 2007 because the reasons for reimbursement that appeared in his checks were not labeled.

Documents obtained by the Record-Journal under the Freedom of Information Act, however, show that in at least two instances, when discrepancies were found, Gaffey and a member of his staff received memos from legislative management telling the senator when to expect the reimbursement.

Legislative management sent a memo dated Feb. 6, 2007 to Gaffey's legislative aide, Robin Havelin, about Gaffey's Nashville trip, saying that Gaffey was reimbursed in his February 2007 paycheck.

A September 2005 memo was sent directly to Gaffey.

"Enclosed please find a copy of your adjusted employee expense voucher submittal for NCSL Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA. FYI, a travel reimbursement … has been processed and will be included in your Oct. 2005 payroll check," the memo stated.

"I've never seen those documents until someone recently FOIed them," Gaffey said this week.

Initially, Gaffey planned to pay back his PAC for the trips with any reimbursement he received from the state, he said, but because of the oversight, he pocketed the extra cash that came in his paycheck.

When he realized what had happened over the years, Gaffey said he began to reimburse the PAC until elections enforcement told him to hold off on any additional payments until the amount he owed was officially determined. To date, Luby says, Gaffey has written four personal checks to the committee for an amount totaling a little more than $2,000.

At least $500 of that money was not an issue of double reimbursement, but rather Gaffey paying for Patricia Murphy's January 2007 trip to Washington, for the swearing-in of U.S. Rep. Christopher S. Murphy, Luby said. Gaffey originally billed his PAC for Patricia Murphy's expenses, but after checking with elections enforcement decided to be conservative and make the payment out of pocket, Luby said, adding that he believes Patricia Murphy's trip would have been a legitimate expenditure out of the PAC because she was a volunteer on the freshman congressman's campaign.

Although there are many questions regarding Gaffey's political action committee, Luby said Gaffey never tried to gain personally from the Government Action Fund. In fact, he made personal sacrifices for the public benefit, Luby said. For example, Gaffey had to take vacation time from his job at the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority to attend the various conferences and never asks for mileage reimbursement.

"A mistake has been made, but not a mistake motivated by self-benefit," Luby said.

Capitol locked down for drill

2009-01-26T11:02:00.002-05:00

When I was in school, we had fire drills, but never intruder drills. Today, I'm participating in my first intruder drill.

"This is the state Capitol Police, your attention please," an officer is reciting. "This is a drill. I repeat, this is a drill."

As I type people are banging on the Capitol press office door, and an alarm is sounding. The Capitol is locked down right now, and the police want everyone in a safe and concealed area with the doors locked.

Good thing I wasn't roaming the Capitol in search of politicians this morning.

I am, however, wondering how long this drill will last. With the alarm sounding, it is kind of hard to make any phone calls. I don't want to misquote anyone because I can't hear them properly.

While I wait out the drill, I think I'll make a nice cup of hot chocolate and write a little more of a story for tomorrow's paper. At least with intruder drills, you are required to stay inside rather than go out into the cold!

DCF commissioner gets arrested

2009-01-23T16:11:00.004-05:00

The commissioner of the state Department of Children and Families was charged with driving under the influence on I-91 Thursday. Any thoughts?

Note that she got pulled over at 6:45 p.m. on a week night.

Susan Hamilton, who was appointed to her commissioner's job a few years back, will actually appear in Superior Court in Meriden Feb. 6.

The commissioner before Hamilton was Kristine Ragaglia. Ragaglia told a federal grand jury in 2004 that she received many of the same gifts that were used to bribe others in former Gov. John G. Rowland's administration while she was commissioner.

Can DCF really help the children who need it when they have their own trouble to deal with? Have you had to deal with DCF before? What are your experiences?

Critique the new president

2009-01-22T16:16:00.005-05:00

Sitting at the Capitol today, I've been listening to CNN in the background. Apparently, President Obama is creating some change already.

What do you think of some of his initial moves? Can he keep the momentum he had during campaign season going while in office?

America has high expectations for their new president. Will the pressure be too much, or will he rise to the occassion?

P.S. Here's a special thank you to those who checked in from Washington, D.C. this week. They certainly decorated this blog with great pictures, and I enjoyed hearing their stories.

Inauguration moments captured

2009-01-21T16:30:00.008-05:00

Scenic shot of Washington, D.C. during the inaugural parade.

State Rep. Elizabeth Esty, left, Daniel Esty, center, and Sarah Esty, right, dress up for the Green Ball Monday.

The inaugural parade in Washington, D.C.

* Pictures courtesy of Sarah Esty.

More pictures from D.C.

2009-01-21T16:20:00.004-05:00

The crowd watches President Obama's speech on the big screen.

A crowd gathers for the inauguration.

* Photos courtesy of Edward Canty.

Pictures of the Eastern Ball

2009-01-21T13:52:00.005-05:00

The following photos are of the Eastern Ball and are courtsey of Sarah Esty.

Scene from D.C.

2009-01-20T16:45:00.002-05:00

Photo courtesy of Edward Canty, of Cheshire.

Canty tries to get out of D.C.

2009-01-20T14:54:00.005-05:00

Cheshire's Edward Canty is looking for a way out of D.C.

The Metro was shut down and the crowds are still thick in the city, he said. Canty is trying to make it back to his daughter's home to relax. He has been up since 3:30 a.m. He got in line to get his seat for the Inauguration at 5:30 a.m.

Because of the cold, people are crowding coffee shops and other restaurants and stores, trying to stay warm, Canty said.

Canty promised that more pictures will be coming soon!

Photo courtesy of Edward Canty. Canty, right, and his daughter pose with U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy, D-5th, in Washington, D.C.

Visuals of Murphy's open house

2009-01-20T14:19:00.005-05:00

The following photos of U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy talking to constituents at his open house in Washington, D.C., are courtsey of Kristen Bossi.

Murphy overlooks crowd in D.C.

2009-01-20T13:50:00.005-05:00

U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy sat with other members of Congress at today's Inauguration, getting a front-row seat for the ceremony. His seat overlooked the sea of people that gathered in Washington, D.C.

His wife and parents also are in D.C., but had to watch from a different location, and his young son, Owen, spent time with a babysitter in Murphy's Capitol office during the ceremony.

Murphy sat next to another Connecticut congressman, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney. The two were in agreement that Obama's speech was amazing, Muphy said.

Photo courtesy of Kristen Bossi. U.S. Rep. Christopher S. Murphy chats with a constituent at an open house he hosted Monday in Washington, D.C.

Hey, hey, hey goodbye

2009-01-20T13:20:00.004-05:00

Paul Daniels went to Washington, D.C., to make sure that former President George Bush left the White House. Mission accomplished.

"He's gone," he said. "I've got the photo to prove it."

Daniels said he had decent seats at today's Inauguration, but not close enough to see the ceremony. He had to rely on the large screens. People were everywhere, and they went crazy when Democrats took center stage, he said. They remained respectfully silent for the Republicans, he added.

The Inauguration ceremony itself was anticlimatic, Daniels said. President Obama gave a nice, straight-forward speech and then the crowd began to disperse, he said.

Train ride proves entertaining

2009-01-19T14:23:00.003-05:00

Paul Daniels woke up early this morning, driving on unplowed I-91 to Bradley International. His flight left at 6 a.m.

When he landed, he headed to Baltimore, where he and his wife are staying during Inauguration festivities. The couple then took a train from Baltimore to Washington, D.C.

On the train, Daniels said people were singing, "Amen" and "Happy Birthday" to the Rev. Martin Luther King. Everyone announced where they were from, he added, saying that there had to be someone representating every state. People talked to one another like they knew each other for years, Daniels said.

"It's incredible," he said of the atmosphere in D.C. "The atmosphere is like a party."

The Estys' have full calendar

2009-01-19T13:40:00.006-05:00

State Rep. Elizabeth Esty and her husband Dan Esty, a member of Obama's federal Environmental Protection Agency transition team, arrived in D.C. today.

The airplane was full of people trying to figure out how they will navigate D.C.'s crowds, Dan said.

Elizabeth and Dan have a very busy two days ahead of them. Today, they will attend events hosted by U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy and U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd. They will also attend celebratory gatherings for Obama's transition team. At night, the couple will dress up for the Green Ball at the National Portrait Gallery.

Tomorrow, they will have seats on the west run of the Capitol for the Inauguration.

Maloney student checks in

2009-01-19T12:38:00.003-05:00

When Adam Rowe's train to Washington, D.C., passed the Baltimore station Saturday, the Meriden native got a glimpse ofthe train Barack Obama was riding. Obama's train was stopped in Baltimore and secret service were swarming, he said.

Once in D.C., Rowe has been doing activities through a leadership program--the program that brought him to D.C. for the Inauguration. Monday, as he chatted with me by phone, former Vice President Al Gore was speaking. Rowe's homebase for the conference is at the University of Maryland.

About 7,000 high school students are participating in the leadership program, but despite the large numbers, Rowe said he managed to meet a girl from Florida who has family in Meriden.

The most exciting part of Rowe's trip so far was Sunday's concert. Rowe stood near the reflecting pool in the National Mall and was able to see and hear the show because of the large screens and speakers set up throughout the area.

"When Obama spoke, everyone stopped and listened," he said.

Keep watching for more from Rowe and others in D.C.!

Amann coming to Meriden

2009-01-19T12:05:00.003-05:00

The day after he begins his new job as senior adviser to Speaker of the House Chris Donovan, Jim Amann will be in Meriden, but as a potential candidate for governor.

Amann, the recently retired House speaker, is scheduled to meet with the Meriden Democratic Town Committee at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The meeting will be at the Curtis Cultural Center.

Amann has not officially announced that he will run for governor, but said that he plans to make an announcement later this month.

Meriden Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Mildred Torres-Ferguson works for Donovan, who served as majority leader under Amann. She is in charge of personnel and some chief of staff duties.

Is Amann's appearance in Meriden this week a coincidence, or is it politics at its best?

Inauguration excitement mounting

2009-01-19T10:55:00.003-05:00

Over the next few days, I will be blogging about the Inauguration. I will not be in Washington, D.C., but I will be talking by phone to local people who are there.

Adam Rowe, a Meriden Maloney High School student, has already left me a voicemail. He was at the National Mall yesterday for the concert and to hear Barack Obama's brief speech. Judging by his message, he was quite excited to be part of it all. Hopefully, I'll be able to catch up with him more today to get more details.

Connecticut Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan, D-Meriden, leaves for D.C. today with his wife, and Meriden's Paul Daniels and his wife are also catching flights today. State Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-Cheshire, and her husband, Dan Esty, will be attending Inauguration Day festivities, and like Rowe, some Wallingford students will be heading to D.C. to witness history.

Keep checking Political Potpourri for more on the Inauguration!

A true political potpourri

2009-01-16T22:42:00.006-05:00

I ran out of time to blog at the end of this week, but there are certainly a variety of topics to talk about, and I wanted to take a moment to initiate discussion!

I'd love to hear your thoughts about Meriden Sen. Tom Gaffey. He's being investigated by the Elections Enforcement Commission for issues concerning his political action committee. Here's the story I wrote:

http://www.zwire.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=20242481&BRD=2755&PAG=461&dept_id=592709&rfi=6

Also, any opinions about Speaker of the House Chris Donovan hiring former Speaker Jim Amann as his senior adviser? Amann starts Tuesday and will make $120,000.

And finally, what do you think about the deficit plan passed by the General Assembly this week? They made a dent in the deficit, but didn't get rid of all of it, and it is expected to grow. Did they do the right thing? Should they have added in the additional spending for health care for the janitors at the Capitol? Republicans certainly don't think so.

This week was packed with politics. Next up: Barack Obama's inauguration.

Paul Daniels preps for D.C. trip

2009-01-14T14:29:00.008-05:00

As I wait for some return phone calls and for the House to finish discussing the state's deficit behind closed doors, I've tried to check in with some people who are heading to Washington, D.C., for the Inauguration.

I managed to reach Paul Daniels, a Meriden resident, who said he has spent tons of hours trying to arrange the details of his trip. Paul and his wife are going, and they will be staying with friends in Baltimore.

Despite the hassle, Paul was excited about his train tickets to Baltimore. The tickets have Barack Obama's picture on them, and people will be allowed to keep the tickets after they are punched for the ride, he said.

He also was pleased to get an invite to a gathering being hosted by U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy. Murphy's party will be Monday, he said.

Daniels noted that while he has tickets to the Inauguration, he will not be able to watch the parade. Spots along the parade route fill up before ticket holders get there, he was told.

I will be checking in with Paul and other people going to DC for Obama's big day next week, and I will be blogging about their experiences. Keep reading!

Voting error prompts reminder

2009-01-14T11:06:00.004-05:00

Speaker of the House Chris Donovan had to remind his representatives this morning to be careful when voting.

"Make sure the button you press is yours," he said. "That's very important."

Donovan's words came after Rep. Craig Miner accidentally pressed Rep. Juan Candelaria's button when voting on a joint resolution confirming William J. Sullivan, of Waterbury, as a senior judge of the Supreme Court.

Candelaria was absent for the vote. Miner voted in favor, and his vote was properly recorded before the count was taken.

The resolution passed 106-24.

Rell takes unpaid day of leave

2009-01-13T15:53:00.004-05:00

Setting an example that she hopes commissioners and non-union managers will follow, Gov. M. Jodi Rell took an unpaid day of leave today.

It's another way to save money, and she wants agency commissioners and non-union managers to voluntarily take one unpaid day of leave by March 1.

Rell says the state is not immune to the pressure's of the current economy, but is determined to avoid layoffs if at all possible.

Do note that on Rell's unpaid day of leave, she was in the office.

Another Wallingford appointment

2009-01-13T14:24:00.004-05:00

Apparently, Gov. M. Jodi Rell likes Wallingford.

Today, she appointed Carol P. Wallace to the board of Connecticut Development Authority.

The authority provides debt financing and investment capital to help businesses grow in Connecticut. The board oversees the authority.

While Wallace lives in Wallingford, she is president and chief executive officer of Cooper-Atkins Corp. in Middlefield.

Gaffey gets birthday wishes

2009-01-09T15:18:00.005-05:00

On the day before turning 50, Sen. Tom Gaffey, D-Meriden, spent two hours listening to sobering budget projections from Robert Genuario, secretary of the Office of Policy and Management.

But at least Genuario gave him a birthday shout out during the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee meeting.

Remembering the past

2009-01-09T10:34:00.008-05:00

If you read the front page of today's Record-Journal, you probably saw the article about Mary Mushinsky and Martin Looney. They are now the longest serving lawmakers in the General Assembly. They've been representing their respective towns for 29 years. Good for them!

To write the story that landed in today's paper, I talked to both Mushinsky and Looney about some of their memories over the years.

Did you know that for a few years some lawmakers actually set up their office in trailors parked outside the Capitol?

And did you know that Mushinsky and her staff has actually measured the amount of professional (paper) material the Wallingford lawmaker receives? Mushinsky told me she gets about 6 feet of paper each year.

And here's a random fact. Mushinsky says both her and Looney were single when they arrived at the Capitol, but since then, they've both gotten married and had children.

Throughout my interviewing, I also learned that Looney has a great memory and is particularly fond of sports. More than one person described Looney as a perfect gentleman.

Looney spoke a lot about his transition from the House to the Senate. He was elected to the Senate in 1992.

He even shared a funny moment that he had during his first year as a senator.

The House of Representatives has a bell that indicates that there will be a roll call vote. The Senate does not. They only have a voice announcement.

Anyway, the House bell rang one day, and Looney made his way to the House chamber, stopping only when he saw the representative that succeeded him. Representatives really are conditioned to react to the bell, he said as he laughed at the memory.

First day outtakes

2009-01-07T20:00:00.004-05:00

The General Assembly started its 2009 session today. It was a big day for Meriden's Chris Donovan, and many Meriden residents went to Hartford to see him get sworn in as speaker of the House.

Gwen Samuel was one of those Meriden residents, and she used her time at the Capitol wisely. Knowing that Connecticut is facing budget deficits for this fiscal year and the two that follow, Samuel felt the need to share her concerns on a variety of issues, particularly education issues, with lawmakers.

"I'm roaming the rooms," she said.

As for Donovan, he was forced to wait in his office while his House colleagues were sworn in. His colleagues then had to nominate him for speaker. Former House Speaker James A. Amann, D-Milford, accidentally mispronounced Donovan's name during the process.

Donovan has not gotten around to decorating his new Capitol office yet, but he did say that he cleaned before holding a Democratic caucus breakfast there.

The Meriden Maloney High School Allegrettos were scheduled to sing the national anthem on opening day, but they couldn't come because of bad weather.

A rocker at heart, Donovan wore a red, white and blue guitar pin adhered to his suit jacket. Donovan plays guitar in the band, "The Bad Reps."

Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero, R-Norwalk, may have approved of Donovan's nomination as speaker, but he warned that the two will be battling it out this weekend when the N.Y. Giants play the Philidelphia Eagles. Being from Pennsylvania, Donovan is an Eagles fan.

"This Sunday, we're going to have a show down," Cafero said.

Keep reading this blog regularly for more legislative session details that don't make it into the Record-Journal's print newspaper!

CCM announces wish list for 2009

2009-01-05T16:46:00.005-05:00

I'm in Hartford today for a Connecticut Conference of Municipalities press conference. Municipal officials (local mayors and first selectmen) represented the organization, relaying CCM's priorities for 2009 to the media.

The group doesn't want their funding reduced, but they are pushing for regionalization and want to have the power to levy regional taxes. Speaking of taxes, they also want to raise the state sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent, hoping to gain money for municipalities from the increase.

CCM says revenue is not keeping pace with costs, and something needs to be done. Those are two of the solutions the organization is proposing.

Let's take a look at the tax issue first. They want to have a regional tax on sales, hotels, etc., and they want to increase the sales tax. They say taxpayers can handle it as long as the money is used properly. Taxpayers don't want false promises from state government, they said.

As taxpayers, could you deal with a sales tax hike? Any travelers out there want to comment on a regional hotel tax? Are there are any tax increases you would favor?

Moving on to this whole regionalization idea. Regional cooperation could be good. These local leaders say it will cut down on costs if a good system is in place, but I do have to wonder if egos and tradition will get in the way. Afterall, politics is politics. Unfortunately, saying you will work together and actually working together are sometimes two different things.

Anyway, I'm certain this is not the last we will hear from our municipal leaders. The legislative session starts Wednesday, and the state budget is high priority. Local leaders will want to make their thoughts known as state lawmakers grapple with projected state budget deficits.

Wishing for the fairy-tale ending

2008-12-31T16:17:00.009-05:00

Gov. Rell is not a happy camper.

Democratic leaders are opting not to take up her deficit mitigation plan during Friday's special session, and she feels that time is of the essence.

Instead, Democrats plan to address the state's $365.3 million deficit Jan. 14 -- after the General Assembly's new members take their oaths of office. Some Republicans, like House Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero, are happy that a specific date has been set for the deficit discussion, but Rell is frowning.

"If legislative leaders are determined not to act right away, they should at least wait until revenue estimates from the Jan. 15 tax collections are in," she said in a prepared statement. "My fear is that if the legislature acts on Jan. 14, they will be a day early and potentially millions of dollars short.”

But Jan. 2 -- only two weeks earlier -- is a fine time to deal with the deficit?

Let's say Democrats had decided to act Jan. 2, and they eliminated the deficit -- all of it. My guess is that they would be addressing another deficit of maybe a smaller amount before the end of the fiscal year.

Rell is likely right. Numbers do change and the most recent projections will help lawmakers make better decisions. However, does two weeks make a huge difference when we still have six more months left this fiscal year?

Should lawmakers wait until after the tax collections are in to act, or should they make decisions Jan. 14? Do you think they were wrong in deciding that they would not deal with the deficit Friday?

Just a little something to think about in these finals hours of 2008. Maybe if Connecticut residents wish really hard, when the clock strikes midnight, the deficit will be erased and the drama that comes with budget cuts can be avoided.

Happy New Year!

Are you planning to go to D.C.?

2008-12-29T11:50:00.005-05:00

Today, I'm beginning to work on an inauguration story, and I'm looking for people who are heading to Washington, D.C., in January for the festivities. I hope to talk to people from Meriden, Wallingford, Cheshire and Southington who were lucky enough to get tickets from their local U.S. congressman or U.S. senator. I also want to talk to those who will be checking out the ceremony from the National Mall.

Once I find people going to D.C. for inauguration events and write an initial story, I hope to incorporate people's thoughts, experiences and reactions to the inauguration into my blog, particularly on Jan. 20 -- Inauguration Day. Submitted pictures would also be a great addition to Political Potpourri.

It is worth noting, that each U.S. congressman is distributing 198 free tickets to the inauguration. U.S. senators get to give out 393 tickets. That may seem like a lot, but offices are getting thousands of requests.

Anyway, if you are going to the inauguration, or if you know someone who is, please contact me. I want to tell my newspaper and blog readers about the inauguration, but to do so, I need your help!

Deep Throat dead at 95

2008-12-19T10:27:00.007-05:00

W. Mark Felt played an important role in American history. He was Deep Throat, the famous anonymous source who helped two Washington Post reporters investigate the Watergate scandal. After details surfaced, President Nixon eventually resigned.

During Watergate, Felt was an associate director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

For years, Deep Throat was depicted in books and films as a prominent government figure who often tried to loom in the background, challenging authority so that the truth would be known. For over 30 years, people tried to guess who Deep Throat was, but Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, would not reveal their source. Then, in 2005, Felt told the world that he had helped the reporters, ending speculation.

Felt died Thursday at 95.

As a political reporter, the Watergate story and the relationship between Felt and Woodward has always captured my interest. People, particularly journalists and politicians, can learn a lot from the story. But with Deep Throat's identity revealed and Felt and Nixon now dead; will Watergate just become another page in a history book?

When I was studying journalism in college, we learned about Watergate. If I remember correctly, we were required to watch "All the President's Men." The printers in our computer lab were even named Woodward and Bernstein.

But as the years pass, I worry that people are going to forget. To make sure that doesn't happen, I am going to suggest a few books for you to add on to your last minute Christmas list. "All the President's Men," of course, is a must if you haven't read it already. I also thoroughly enjoyed "The Secret Man," which was published after Felt revealed that he was Deep Throat. "Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate" is also a good choice. All are written by Bob Woodward. Happy reading.

New appointments announced

2008-12-16T17:10:00.004-05:00

Gov. M. Jodi Rell made some new political appointments this week and two of them have been from Wallingford.

Monday, Gaetano Zappala was nominated to the Elevator, Installation, Repair and Maintenance Examing Board. He will serve as the board's public member. Zappala is 71 and a self-employed hair stylist, and I'm gathering he's interested in elevators.

Today, Rell nominated Amalia Vazquez Bzdyra to be a commissioner of the state's Department of Public Utility Control. Since 2007, Bzdyra served as deputy commissioner of the Department of Social Services.

Rell's other appointment means a vacant Republican state House seat this January. Rell has also asked Rep. Kevin DelGobbo, a Republican from Naugatuck, to be a commissioner of the Department of Public Utility Control.

The minority party, which only holds 37 of the House's 138 seats, is losing someone who has served in the House since 1997. DelGobbo was a ranking member of the Appropriations Committee and was also a member of the Energy and Technology and Public Safety committees.

All legislative and executive nominations must be approved by the General Assembly.

Let's talk about jobs

2008-12-15T15:08:00.004-05:00

I've been researching the state of our state today and saw that Connecticut has lost 7,100 jobs this fiscal year. October preliminary estimates show that only 3,600 jobs were lost.

The state comptroller points out that the rate of job loss is accelerating, and for many, that is scary.

I wonder if President-elect Obama will really save the day? What will it take for Connecticut, and the nation, to bounce back? Have you or your place of employment had to deal with layoffs?

If you are willing to share your story, please do. At the very least, in uncertain times, readers of Political Potpourri should know that they are not the only ones wondering what the future will hold.

The economy and unemployment rates are hot topics -- topics, I personally, wish we didn't have to talk about. But the problems are there, and we have to deal with them. So, let this blog serve as a place in cyber space where people can help one another by offering advice and trading stories.

Donovan makes appointments

2008-12-11T17:30:00.005-05:00

The General Assembly does not convene for another month, but Chris Donovan, the incoming speaker, is getting down to business. He appointed his leadership team and his committee chairmen Thursday.

Donovan made his Meriden colleagues House leaders. Buddy Altobello remains a deputy speaker, and Cathy Abercrombie moved up in the ranks. She will be an assistant majority leader.

Add Sen. Tom Gaffey into the mix, and it looks like Meriden's delegation of four will all be leaders this year. Gaffey hasn't been named a Senate leader for 2009 yet, but he served as chief deputy president pro tempore last year. I don't expect that to change.

Towns near Meriden also are represented well when it comes to Donovan's leadership team.

Corky Mazurek and Zeke Zalaski are assistant majority whips, Joe Aresimowicz is an assistant majority leader and Mary Fritz is keeping her role as assistant deputy speaker.

Vickie Nardello will get to chair the Energy and Technology Committee -- a committee that tends to play a large role in today's society, and Mary Mushinsky is looking to foster systemic change by chairing the Program Review and Investigation Committee.

I know it's great for cities and towns to have people in high places, but did Donovan favor New Haven County? Did he make the right decisions?

For more on Donovan's appointments, check out tomorrow's Record-Journal.

Time to revisit state income tax?

2008-12-10T16:07:00.006-05:00

Gov. Rell has sent testimony to Washington, D.C. Her thoughts on the economy will be given to the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations.

In her testimony, Rell specifically points out that bonuses for top executives and for those working on Wall Street will likely drop dramatically, which will impact Connecticut. The state is home to many of those workers, and Rell notes that Connecticut relies heavily on that sector for income tax revenue. She adds that income tax revenues are already down significantly.

I wonder if Rell's mention of the state income tax in her testimony means something? Does the state income tax system need to be restructured? Will it be?

Maybe it's too soon to tell. In addition to the state income tax, Rell also mentioned several other aspects of the economy in her testimony. I guess we will find out more about Rell's vision for the future in her February budget address.

But as we wait, we do know that Rell recognizes one thing when it comes to Connecticut's economy.

"Connecticut’s projected budget deficits make one thing crystal clear: Connecticut’s government today is larger than our taxpayers’ ability to pay for it," Rell states in her testimony. "In Connecticut, we cannot afford to pretend otherwise."

Praise comes Donovan's way

2008-12-08T13:37:00.010-05:00

So there was this guy from Meriden at "Chris Donovan this is your life" last week. His name was Jeffrey Freiser, and he is actually the executive director of the Connecticut Housing Coalition.

I mention him, because he is a local guy who has known Chris for years through the Connecticut Citizen Action Group, and while we had a nice chat, his comments never made it into my story. Like it or not, a reporter can't always fit everything they know into one article.

Anyway, Jeffrey, who first met Chris in 1991, was talking about how much the soon-to-be speaker of the House likes people. (It's a good thing, because Chris had to mingle and make the rounds Thursday. More than 400 people showed up at the CCAG fundraiser.)

Jeffrey also spoke about how years ago, politicians were the enemy for community organizers like Chris. Community organizers were always angry that policians would not listen or make committments, he said. Now as a politician, Chris doesn't want to repeat those sins, Jeffrey said. People can be so cynical about politics and Chris wants to show that there is a different way to represent communities, he said.

Jeffrey was not the only one to praise Donovan last week. He got a lot of praise from many different people, including his wife and kids and his colleagues in the legislature.

Rep. John C. Geragosian, a Democrat from New Britain, mixed his praise with several jokes, including a reference to when Chris began to plan his climb up the leadership ladder. He had plenty of time to plan after former Speaker of the House Moira Lyons stripped him of a chairmanship about six years ago, Geragosian said, and the packed room at the Four Points laughed. Moira was sitting in the audience.

Geragosian also referenced Donovan's ties to labor unions. He works for one, but says he will leave his job when he becomes speaker next month. Unlike some, Geragosian didn't see Donovan's union background as a negative.

"I say it's about time that we have a speaker that is for working families," he said.

These details show that many are excited that Chris will be taking the reigns. They see him as a charasmatic and capable leader. My question to Political Potpourri leaders is; what do you see? After reading the newspaper stories, watching him in action and possibly meeting Chris, what do you think he brings to the table? And who do you think he will represent as speaker of the House?

Just a little update

2008-12-06T20:08:00.004-05:00

So, if you are anxiously waiting for interesting tidbits from the Chris Donovan / CCAG event, I'm afraid you are going to have to wait until next week. I've had a busy weekend with some police and local news to report on, and this blog has had to take a back seat. But keep checking, because I plan to write something more on Thursday's event soon. I promise!

Donovan rocks the House

2008-12-04T22:46:00.004-05:00

Want to make Chris Donovan turn bright red? Give him a large audience, the spotlight and some praise.

I just returned from "Chris Donovan this is your life." It was a fundraiser for the Connecticut Citizen Action Group, but it was basically a Donovan love fest. And I have to say...it was hysterical.

You should have heard all the teasing he got from family and friends! And of course, there was a performance by The Bad Reps. That's Donovan's band. He plays the guitar.

Anyway, I'm heading home now, but I'm going to write more about the event tomorrow. It was quite the political gathering--well Democratic gathering. Many of the state's power players were there, and I want to share more. Stay tuned!

Talk of a stimulus plan continues

2008-12-02T17:53:00.003-05:00

To Political Potpourri readers: I'm sorry it's been a while since my last entry. I was on vacation.

But I'm back now, and I want to know what you think should be included in a second economic stimulus package.

Gov. Rell and several of the nation's governors met with president-elect Obama Tuesday and an economic stimulus package was at the heart of the discussion. Many, including Rell, want to see a stimulus package that channels federal money to public infrastructure projects.

Should this happen? Would it work to revive the economy? What Connecticut projects should get the funding, and who will make those decisions?

It appears to be a decent plan -- one that will benefit the 50 states, but I'm still left with many questions.

And on a personal note, I would not mind seeing another stimulus plan that requires the federal government to send me a check. It's tough times for all, and I'm willing to bet most people would not mind the extra cash. I'll take it.

Obama hype continues

2008-11-21T13:29:00.006-05:00

I can't pass up a chance to comment on an Associated Press story I just read.

A New York elementary school got a name change mid-school year, mid week. Ludlum Elementary School is now Barack Obama Elementary School.

The local school board voted to rename the school Thursday and the change was to take place immediately.

I can only imagine being like seven. Your bus drops you off at Ludlum Thursday. But on Friday, you step off the bus to find that the name has been changed.

I wonder what Ludlum's mascot is. Maybe the school board should have waited until the Obamas decide on their new pet before changing the school's name?

It could have also waited to change names until Obama was officially sworn in as president.

The school name change clearly illustrates the hype surrounding Obama. Many, including our own state's leaders, have high hopes for the incoming president. They believe that Obama will change the direction of a frustrated country. That's a lot of pressure on one man.

And as for the change that has been promised and is expected? As Obama appoints more and more seasoned Washington insiders, I am growing increasing skeptical. A revised Clinton administration doesn't exactly scream reform.

Lieberman's future takes shape

2008-11-18T12:36:00.006-05:00

The news is out. U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., lost a chairmanship for supporting the Republican presidential candidate -- just not the chairmanship people expected him to lose.

Lieberman will no longer lead a subcommittee that has jurisdiction over the Environmental Protection Agency. He, however, will continue to chair the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

It looks like Lieberman lucked out.

Were Democrats right in telling him he can't lead the subcommittee? Should he have lost the more prestigious chairmanship instead? Did Democrats play it smart?

I guess the answers to these questions depend on who you ask.

State looks to lend a hand

2008-11-14T15:57:00.007-05:00

The state is putting money into Connecticut's Insurance and Financial Services Center for Education Excellence to help companies affected by the economic downturn. The center will help the companies assess the capacity of their work force. It will also provide training to help companies meet new business requirements.

The center was established in 2006.

Don't worry -- Connecticut is not dipping into the state budget to make this work. It is using $250,000 from a federal grant.

"The upheaval on Wall Street has taken a difficult toll on some of our largest employers including banks and insurance companies – and far too many workers and their families have felt the pain," said Gov. Rell in a prepared statement that just arrived in my inbox. "Connecticut is especially susceptible to the ups and downs of the market because so many of our residents work on Wall Street or work for companies with important Wall Street connections."

The additional services are a nice gesture, but will it make a difference?

Additional note: If you are looking for more information on the center or on how companies can participate, call (203) 610-8528.

Newspapers at risk

2008-11-13T17:40:00.006-05:00

I am a firm believer that most things are political in the end. That and this is my little spot in cyber space. Within reason, I get to write what I want.

Right now, I want to write about the state of the newspaper industry. And no, I don't intend for this to be a boring lecture-like blog.

Newspapers aren't doing too well lately. It's tough economic times for all, but newspapers seem to be taking a hit -- and have been taking that hit for a while now.

I've grown concerned about the industry, particularly over the past week.

The Day of New London announced they were laying off another 11 employees last week. I believe nine of them were from the newsroom.

Then came the announcement by the Journal Register Company that it will be closing several of its papers, including the New Britain Herald.

The company followed up that announcement with more talk of layoffs today. The New Haven Register is planning to eliminate about 20 jobs.

Thankfully, the Record-Journal's publisher says Meriden's hometown paper is doing O.K., but that doesn't change what is happening to newspapers nationwide.

It is depressing to see an industry -- one that has served the American people for so long -- start to fade.

One of my favorite quotes is the following: "Journalism is the first rough draft of history."

I desperately want to believe that is still true.

I'm not a math whiz, and I certainly do not claim to know all about the newspaper industry, but I do recognize that the industry will not survive when publications close and when so many jobs are cut. Soon, eager young journalists will follow another career path, and America will lose out on creating that first rough draft of history.

That is my initial reaction to the recent announcements. Beyond that, I welcome all thoughts. We need to work together to get this industry back on its feet.

Victory in the fight for a right

2008-11-12T16:21:00.005-05:00

When the state legislature voted in favor of civil unions in the spring of 2005, I was there -- as an intern. I was interning at the Capitol with the Journal Inquirer, and at that time, I really had no idea just how historic one of my assignments would be.

As lawmakers in the Senate debated legalizing civil unions, I remember sitting in the chamber frantically scribbling down notes. I distinctly remember the lawmakers going back and forth about the definition of marriage, and I remember Sen. Andrew McDonald rising to tell his colleagues that the civil union legislation did not threaten the religious institution of marriage.

But despite the passage of the bill, several lawmakers were still fearful. They were wondering what was next.

Sen. John Kissel is a good example. Like many Republicans, including Governor Rell, he said he believed marriage should be limited to one man and one woman. He also said the effort over the years to legalize same-sex marriage showed that civil unions were just one more step toward that goal.

The latter part of his statement proved to be true. Thanks to the state Supreme Court, same-sex couples in Connecticut can get marriage licenses beginning today.

It's a ruling that has received national attention, and the hype could validate another one of Kissel's predictions. If same-sex marriage is legalized in Connecticut, advocates will use the state as a springboard to launch a national issue, Kissel said in 2005.

Personally, I'm anxious to see how the nation will react. The issue of same-sex marriage has been hotly debated and many are passionate about the matter. Change takes time, and I'm guessing that it will be a little while before other states follow Connecticut's lead.

Do note that Connecticut and Massachusetts are the only states that allow same-sex marriage.

In the end, I guess the questions we ask today are the same questions that have been discussed for years. Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry, and why should they have to fight for a right that many take for granted?

Lieberman faces top Democrats

2008-11-07T14:41:00.005-05:00

Politics can be a tough arena. Just ask Joe Lieberman.

Joe was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1988, and in recent years, he hasn't had it easy.

Right now, his chairmanship is in jeopardy. He is chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Why?

He is an Independent who alligns with Democrats, but he backed Republican John McCain for president. And he just didn't quietly support McCain; he was loud about it. Loud enough to raise serious concerns among Democratic leaders.

As I said, things can get rough in politics.

But here's the thing. Joe was elected as an Independent. Is he at fault because he has his " political freedom," but still chooses to allign with Senate Democrats, or are Democrats at fault for keeping Joe in the inner circle?

And for those who seek cooperative lawmakers who want to work together, I guess there is another question. Why can't everyone just get along?

The situation Joe finds himself in shows us two things: partisan politics at its best and beytral. Afterall, maybe holding on to Joe was the Democrats way of giving him a second chance after he lost the Democratic primary to Ned Lamont in 2006. In their eyes, maybe Joe failed to take advantage of the political lifesaver that was thrown his way.

2009 legislature takes shape

2008-11-06T16:05:00.004-05:00

There was a Senate Democratic caucus today and the group decided it intends to reelect Donald E. Williams Jr, D-Brooklyn, as president pro tempore and Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, as majority leader.

Williams was first elected as the Senate's president pro tempore in July 2004. Looney has been majority leader for six years.

There are now 24 Democrats in the Senate and 12 Republicans. All senators will officially vote on leaders on the first day of the legislative session, which is scheduled for Jan. 6.

The House Democratic caucus is expected to meet tonight to decide its leaders. Current House Majority Leader Chris Donovan, D-Meriden, will likely be the choice for speaker of the House, while Denise Merrill, D-Mansfield, is said to be getting the nod for the position of majority leader.

It is important to note that Democrats have a veto-proof majority in both chambers after Tuesday's elections. The House has 114 Democratic members, while the Senate has 24.

Sharing Election Day thoughts

2008-11-05T17:32:00.005-05:00

It was much anticipated, but now Election Day is over.

I waited for numbers in Waterbury with U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy and his supporters yesterday. Murphy won another two years by beating his chief opponent, David Cappiello, by a pretty good margin (57 percent to 41 percent).

Cappiello lost in Danbury, his own hometown. You should have heard the cheers from Murphy's fans. I think taking Danbury made their night.

But it was not Murphy who stole headlines Tuesday. There was an Obama victory and a Shays defeat to talk about.

While Connecticut's Chris Shays' loss is certainly notable because he was the last New England Republican in the U.S. House, I am choosing to write about Obama today. Afterall, his victory is notable too. He will be the country's first black president.

Being that I have a degree in sociology, this intrigues me. It should be interesting to see how the country responds as time goes on. I want to believe the United States has coming along way since the 1960s and the Civil Rights Movement, but sometimes I'm not so sure.

But there is one thing I do know. Obama will be talked about for years to come -- and not just for being president. College professors and other intellectuals are going to have a field day analyzing him, and most of those discussions will -- right or wrong -- happen because of the color of his skin.

I'm willing to bet these discussions would not happen if he were white. Oh well, I guess it is good that we can at least talk about race relations now. Call it progress.

Pay attention to all political races

2008-11-03T15:50:00.006-05:00

The secretary of the state's office is reporting a record number of registered voters in Connecticut. Susan Bysiewicz says the state has more than 2.09 million voters.

Furthermore, she is saying that since Jan. 1, more than 134,000 people have registered to vote.

It is nice to see that people are choosing to register to vote, but it remains to be seen whether they will actually go to the polls tomorrow.

I know there is a lot of hype surrounding this year's presidential race, but will Connecticut residents flock to the polls, or will they just be names on voter registration lists?

Also, are voters only paying attention to the presidential race, or are they also taking note of the state House and Senate races?

It is refreshing to see people registering to vote, but I hope that people care about more than just who will be the next president. State and local elections are important too. Local, state and federal governments work together and that symbiotic relationship should not be ignored.

Soliciting opinions on convention

2008-10-31T17:48:00.004-04:00

I've spent most of my work week learning about Connecticut's constitutional conventions. I've been reading up on the few rules the state has regarding conventions, and I've spent a great deal of time studying the 1965 constitutional convention.

This was not a boring assignment by any means.

I have to admit, I was captivated by the history. I had the pleasure of talking to Hamden's Lawrence DeNardis, a former state senator and U.S. congressman, and Charles M. McCollam, a former state representative from Bethel, about their experiences as delegates. They are one of the few 1965 constitutional convention delegates still alive, and they were clearly proud of their affiliation with the historic convention.

If you didn't already know, 1965 was the last time Connecticut amended its constitution through the convention process.

Anyway, voters will get to decide next week if they want to hold a state constitutional convention. It's question No. 1 on the ballot. There are groups lobbying for both yes and no votes, and it has actually become a topic that many are discussing.

I've talked to those involved in the political arena, college professors and to those representing the groups lobbying for or against the question. I, however, haven't heard from the average Connecticut resident. I want to know what people think.

Should there be a constitutional convention, and is it worth it when the General Assembly gets to decide how delegates are selected?

Let me know your thoughts, and pick up a copy of Sunday's Record-Journal if you want to learn more about the 1965 constitutional convention!

Why so many uncontested races?

2008-10-29T15:02:00.006-04:00

I don't know if anyone read my story on uncontested state political races. It ran in Tuesday's Record-Journal. If you didn't, the link to the story is featured at the end of this blog.

Anyway, this year there are 53 uncontested House races in Connecticut and seven uncontested Senate races. Keep in mind, the Secretary of the State's office is taking into account both unopposed races and races where a candidate is not facing a major party opponent when they came up with these numbers.

Locally, Republican Sen. Leonard Fasano, Republican Rep. Vincent Candelora and Democrat Rep. Joe Arisimowicz are running unopposed.

Notably, Fasano has not run against an opponent since he was first elected in 2002. Wallingford's Democratic Town Committee chairman says that no one has stepped forward and wanted to run against either Fasano or Candelora, who is just wrapping up his first term in the legislature. Money and time play a role when it comes to potential Democratic candidates, Vincent Avallone said.

Most people, including Avallone, seem to think that the state's new public financing system will provide an incentive for people thinking about running for office. They think the new system evens the playing field, and come 2010, they are hoping that more people want to get involved in politics.

Is money the main reason why people are not running for office, or is it something more -- like apathy?

I'd like to believe it's only about money and time. Those are certainly valid reasons not to run. I, however, have my doubts. Call me cynical, but I'm more inclined to believe that maybe money and time are excuses rather than reasons.

Read the Story

P.S. My sympathies to the family and friends of Dan Hunter. Hunter, vice president of Meriden-based Hunter's Ambulance and Transporation Services, died this morning as a result of injuries he suffered when his motorcycle collided with a car in East Hartford Oct. 15.