Dems Get $200K for Spruce Street Youth Center

All of the tireless work by the Democrats has paid off! Yesterday Congress approved a massive omnibus spending bill that included a $200,000 grant for the Spruce Street Youth Center. President Bush has indicated that he will sign the bill. You can read the entire press release below.

DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE FUNDING FOR SPRUCE STREET YOUTH CENTER

$200,000 Grant In Federal Government Omnibus Funding Bill

Today Democratic Directors Kevin Zingler, Lisa O’Neill, Dave Sheridan, John Topping and Democratic Town Committee Chairman Ted Cummings announced that a $200,000 grant for the Spruce Street Youth Center was incorporated into the congressional spending bill (H.R. 2764, Division K) that was finalized yesterday and is expected to be signed by President Bush in the coming days.

Democratic Minority Leader Zingler said "I along with my Democratic colleagues on the board await the President's signature to receive this federal grant. The funding will move us one step further towards the opening of this much needed center at firehouse on Spruce Street. The center will provide a variety of opportunities for Manchester's youth to grow socially, emotionally and intellectually. Projects like this will provide our future leaders with the tools needed to succeed. I am grateful to everyone who worked on this project,"

Director O’Neill, who served previously on the Board of Education, stated that the project will foster positive role models to support our youth in their education and other initiatives.

Director Sheridan, who participated in a 2006 National League of Cities Conference in Washington, D.C. where this project was brought to the attention of Manchester’s congressional delegation, noted “This is a project that is very important to me. A few years ago this was just an idea, now we're on the road to making it happen. Our vision was to build a place in the Spruce Street neighborhood where young children can go after school to learn and play and grow in a safe and caring environment. With this grant, we can begin to do that. There is much work ahead of us, but this is an important first step."

Director Topping followed in agreement, “I’m very proud to be a member of the Democratic caucus that worked so hard to arrange for this grant. We still have much work to do and the kids, parents and promise of the Spruce Street area will continue to be our motivation going forward. I have no doubt that the Youth Center will become one of the many gems of the downtown area.”

Town Committee Chairman Cummings expressed that the project, which wouldn’t have occurred without the many tireless efforts of the Democrats, will provide a variety of social and recreational outlets for the many residents of the Spruce Street area, including mentoring and life-skills training.

The Youth Center will be located in the former Spruce Street Firehouse and will have several computer workstations, space for recreational and youth service programs, and will house the Police Activities League, who will couple with the Youth Service Bureau and Recreation Department to provide programming. Additional programs may include health and safety programs (CPR, babysitting, etc.), tutoring, and a Youth and Senior Theater.

Republicans Can't Define Campaign Promise

The JI has a recent article regarding one of the Republican's most prized campaign promises and how they, despite their many claims that it will protect taxpayer money, don't even understand the concept.

Republicans' attempt to apply "performance-based accounting" methods to the town budget has become more convoluted than expected, as the practice's definition doesn't line up with what directors describe.

Town Manager Scott Shanley explained Tuesday that there are several terms being used interchangeably by town staff and elected officials when, in fact, they mean different things.

Despite the remainder of the article (which paints a rather rosy depiction of the Republicans' ineptitude), watching the rebroadcast of the last Board of Directors meeting clearly demonstrates that the Republican majority is far more concerned with spouting off (incorrect) rhetoric than actually improving Manchester. Coupled with their recent request that the town attorney review potential "conflicts of interest" restrictions in advance of their blight ordinance (remember: Republicans Cheri Pelletier and Mark Tweedie are landlords and are - according to recently enacted ethics guidelines -prevented from considering and voting on legislation pertaining to same), it signals that the next two years will be filled with empty promises, deception and questionable ethical practices.

Manchester Selected for Youth Initiative Program

Though no longer serving, former Director Jason Doucette's efforts are still paying dividends.

The JI is reporting that Manchester has been selected by the National League of Cities to participate in a technical program that will help in developing a written strategic plan for youth initiatives. Manchester is one of 4 nationwide communities that was selected for this "learning community initiative".

The effort started locally in July when former Democratic Director Jason E. Doucette pushed for the adoption of the NLC Platform for
Strengthening Families and Improving Outcomes for Children and Youth, which pledges to develop a plan to address youth needs and ways to assess their success.

According to town Human Services Director Mary Roche Cronin, the 4 selected communities and NLC staff will begin a series of telephone conferences in January.

This post is cross-posted at http://www.gmyd.wordpress.com/.

The Day After

Though the results were not as we would have hoped, the Democrats fought a tough battle, based on issues and on their accomplishments. Kevin Zingler, Lisa O'Neill, Dave Sheridan and John Topping will continue to work hard over the next two years to Move Manchester Forward.

Congratulations to Lou Spadacinni, Matt Peak, Cheri Pelletier, Jeff Beckman and Mark Tweedie on a well run campaign.

Many thanks go out from the candidates to all their volunteers for their countless sacrifices and endless commitment to the values of the Democratic Party. An additional showing of gratitude must be extended to Chairman Ted Cummings for his unwavering leadership throughout. I have no doubt that in two years the Democrats will once again earn the support of Manchester's residents and be returned to the majority.

GO VOTE!!

Tomorrow is Election Day and the polls open at 6am. If you need a ride to the polls or have questions about your polling location, please contact the Democratic Town Headquarters at 432-8561.

New Voting Procedure

Below is a video produced by the Secretary of State's office regarding the new optical voting machines.

Stafford on CNN Headline News

In response to Steve Edwards' proposal on grading parents, Democratic Board of Education member Carl Stafford appearened on CNN Headlines News last week in opposition to the program.

Keep Moving Forward

As we quickly approach Tuesday, it's time to seriously consider the bold leadership and experience that is necessary to continue Moving Manchester Forward over the next two years.

The last two years have produced 144 Accomplishments, including reduced crime, preserved open space, increased efforts to enforce property maintenance, sucessful school construction projects, a new ethics code, and countless other achievements - all due to the efforts of the Democratic team.

Moreover, throughout the campaign, the Republicans have been devoid of substance, instead offering misleading rhetoric and failing to offer one substantive policy initative, preferring to remain ambiguous. Manchester needs experience. Manchester needs real solutions and real answers. There is no question that the Democrats provide the necessary leadership and experience that Manchester demands.

For example, it was the Democrats who proposed the Bi-Partisan School Renovation Committee. They have acknowledged the need to develop a comprehensive plan of attack; one that fully explains what needs to be done and how much it is going to cost the taxpayers. We have also seen a firm commitment to seeing the Spruce Street Youth Center to completion - the benefits of which are obvious. We have also witnessed Geoff Luxenberg, a candidate for the Board of Education, propose the creation of an Achievement Gap Taskforce, responsible for developing real and smart solutions to elevate student achievement in Manchester.

On Tuesday, it is important to remember that Manchester needs decisive leaders. Leaders who will govern according to what is best for Manchester; tackling the issues head on and with great resolve. On Tuesday, it is important to remember that Manchester needs to elect a Democratic team that will put progress before politics.

On Tuesday, put Manchester first and vote ROW B.

Bond Questions

A recent article in the JI caught my attention, and has prompted this post.

On Tuesday, voters will have the responsibility to vote for two bond questions, one for school improvements and the other for public works projects.

The school improvements question provides for $2.47 million (of which $657,000 is expected to be reimbursed by state grants) in upgrades and infrastructural improvements, including:

1. $400,000 to reconfigure the bus loop at Buckley Elementary School;
2. $710,000 to replace windows at Illing Middle School;
3. $532,000 for a new roof and installation of HVAC modifications at Martin Elementary School;
4. $500,000 for new furniture at Manchester High School;
5. $280,000 to repave the bus loop at Keeney Street School;
6. $47,500 for debt management.

Also, $100,000 left over from the 2001 bond question will be used to correct the moisture problem at Highland Park School. The Bi-Partisan School Renovation Committee will then examine more extensive upgrades at Highland and Verplank and (hopefully) prepare a sprint referendum question, and then redefine the process for renovating the 8 remaining schools.

The public works referendum question allocates $5.9 million (sadly, much less than is actually needed, but the Democratic Directors recognized Manchester's ability - and willingness - to pay) to the following:

1. $1.18 million for sidewalk replacement and extensions;
2. $250,000 for curb replacements;
3. $400,000 for bridge repairs (on Hartford Road and Summit Street);
4. $250,000 for drainage repairs;
5. $750,000 for work in the West Side Neighborhood;
6. $60,000 for debt management.

The bond questions received universal approval by the Board of Directors and should be marked "YES" on Election Day.

Senator Handley, Representative Barry and Democratic Directors Announce Bond Money for Broad Street Revitilization

MANCHESTER DEMOCRATS’ WORK PAYS OFF – BROAD STREET REVITALIZATION TO MOVE FORWARD

Senator Mary Ann Handley and Representative Ryan Barry work with Manchester Democrats to ensure Bond money for Streetscape.

Yesterday Senator Mary Ann Handley (D-4) and Representative Ryan Barry (D-12) announced that the state bond package included $4 million dollars for the Broad Street Revitalization Project.

Senator Handley said, “I am happy to see the Broad Street project included in the bond bill which we passed yesterday in the Senate and House. This revitalization effort can be the beginning of a whole new commercial district in the center of Manchester. The beautification plans and the reorganizing of traffic patterns will give a lift to the entire area and encourage the development of new business in the Parkade district.”

Rep. Barry followed by adding, "I am very pleased to be announcing that the funding for this project is in the state bond package. There is no doubt in my mind that this project will help improve pedestrian safety and consumer accessibility and, perhaps most importantly, improve economic development opportunities in the Broad Street area. Mary Ann and I, along with the rest of the legislative delegation and Democratic Directors, worked very hard to ensure that this project would continue moving forward and I am certain that when finished, it will add another jewel to the Manchester community."

Mayor Josh Howroyd, who also dedicated a great deal of time to the project said, “I can’t say enough about the efforts of Mary Ann, Ryan, the rest of the Manchester delegation, the Democratic Directors and the town staff. They kept the pressure on the state and articulated a very persuasive argument as to why this project needs to go forward. The benefits are many: improved economic development, increased safety and a commitment to enhancing the appeal of the Broad Street Retail District. We have much work to do, but this is a wonderful step forward.”

The receipt of this money follows a commitment from the state of $400,000 to conduct a study on the area to upgrade the area infrastructure. The project will provide for the following:

• Improving Broad Street's two major intersections with Center Street and West Middle Turnpike
• Making structural roadway improvements that include addressing pavement failures, modifying/adding roadway drainage to eliminate ponding, and replacing the existing culvert
• Reducing the number and size of curb cuts in problem areas; better define driveways and curb cuts
• Creating a uniform roadway width by narrowing it from 44 to 38 feet throughout
• Installing continuious sidewalks with standardized grass snow shelves on both side of the street
• Installing uniform curbing materials along the entire length of the street with concrete entrance aprons
• Installing colored, textured crosswalks at four locations
• Installing median islands, gateway landscaping, and improved lighting, and plant street trees to soften the visual landscape and create an attractive invitation for business patronage.

The overall goals of the project are:

• Improved pedestrian access, scale and safety
• Improved functionality and infrastructure
• Improved visual appeal and overall appearance.

Sen. Handley and Rep. Barry concluded by saying that the package includes $2 million for the next two years and that the project awaits final approval from the State Bond Commission, which is chaired by Governor M. Jodi Rell.

VIDEO: Congressman John Larson and Manchester Democrats Press Conference

Below please find video of last Saturday's press conference with Congressman John Larson.

Congressman John Larson and Manchester Dems Press Conference
Uploaded by ManchesterDTC

JI Coverage of Congressman Larson Press Conference

Today the JI reported on Congressman John Larson's visit to Manchester on Saturday.

The article can be viewed in full below:

Larson 'optimistic' about youth center funding; stumps for local Democrats
By:Kimberly Phillips, Journal Inquirer
10/29/2007

MANCHESTER - Partial funding for the proposed Spruce Street youth center continues to wend through Congress, but U.S. Rep. John B. Larson said Saturday that he's optimistic it'll head to the president for approval by Veterans Day.

"It looks extraordinarily good for Spruce Street," Larson, who was in town stumping for local Democratic candidates, said during a press conference at Nathan Hale Elementary School

The Labor Department budget, which contains $200,000 for the center, has passed the House of Representatives and likely will be called for a vote in the Senate by Nov. 12, Larson, D-1st District, said. After that, President Bush must give his approval.

While the funding is only a fraction of what's needed to turn the former Spruce Street firehouse into a youth center for 9- to 12-year-olds, Larson said Manchester wouldn't have seen any money for the project if it weren't for lobbying efforts by local Democrats.

"It's vitally important your leaders are down there making sure your leaders get the message," Larson said, referencing local Democrats' biennial attendance at National League of Cities conferences that provide opportunities to meet with congressional members.

Democrats most recently sent three members to a conference in March, following criticism from Republicans, who sent one member this spring.

During that week in Washington, Manchester's delegation met with Larson and other congressional members to stump for the $1.2 million youth center project and others, including a planned regionalemergency operations center. Funding for the latter, some $500,000, also is in the
approval process."

I believe, as directors, you have to go to Washington," Larson said, adding that many federal issues, including the No Child Left Behind law, affect local taxpayers.

In the case of that law, for instance, not enough federal funding is provided so municipalities must fund the difference: "Whether you go to Hartford or Washington, it makes good sense," Larson said.

He also acknowledged that local leaders - he started his political career on the East Hartford Board of Education - carry out most of the grunt work in bringing projects to fruition. "The toughest work is at the local level. That's where you're most held accountable by the citizens you represent."

Several residents at Saturday's press conference aired concerns about putting the youth center in the former firehouse, when, they suggested, the Cheney building on the Bennet Middle School campus might be a better location.

Larson assured them language in the funding bill "will provide the flexibility the community needs."

Democratic candidate David M. Sheridan - who attended the press conference along with director candidates Jason E. Doucette, Lisa Paggioli O'Neill, John D. Topping, and Kevin L. Zingler, and school board candidate Geoffrey R. Luxenberg - said Larson is one of the few in Washington who knows what's going on at home.

"You don't go to lobby John Larson, he knows the issues in your town," Sheridan said. "We are extremely fortunate in Manchester that we have John Larson, a friend and congressman, in Washington."

Zingler Proposes Installation of Solar Panels

The JI has a great article on a recent proposal by Director Kevin Zingler. As the article notes, Zingler has proposed the installation of solar panels on town buildings, furthering the town's commitment to "green energy" and helping to reduce electrical costs.

Zingler has reached out to SunEdison, a well renowned solar company, to determine the logistics of installing and maintaining the panels. According to Zingler, the panels are expected to last 10 years.

Some notable article excerpts:

What SunEdison would do, he [Zingler] explained, is install and maintain solar panels on one or more town buildings, charging Manchester only for the amount of electricity created by the panels. The rate would be based on current electricity costs, and would be locked in for the life of the panels, which span at least a decade.

"Locking in some of our electrical costs now, through green energy, is a way to save the town hundreds of thousands of dollars in the face of double-digit, spiraling energy costs over the long term," he said.

...

Using solar energy would move the town closer to fulfilling its promise to obtain 20 percent of its energy from clean sources by 2010, Zingler said. This participation in the so-called 20/10 program already has netted the town three solar panels based on the number of residents who have signed up for clean energy.

Zingler also indicated a desire to put the contract out to bid to "seek input from other companies" and wishes this project to be completed with the input of the Board of Education. Perhaps even more important, however, is that Zingler noted his preference to have a public hearing on the matter to hear the opinions and thoughts on this issue from Manchester residents.

Congressman Larson Comes To Manchester

Today Congressman John Larson visited Nathan Hale school on Spruce Street to discuss the barriers erected by the Bush administration and the difficulties they have caused for municipalities, No Child Left Behind and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and a firefighters initiative to increase participation in volunteer fire districts.

He also spent a great deal of time boasting about the accomplishments of the Democratic candidates, specifically referencing their willingness to work with federal representative and federal agencies to help improve Manchester. He noted that because of their willingness to travel to D.C. at various times to reach out for federal help has provided Manchester with $200,000 in seed money to develop a Youth Center at the old Spruce Street Firehouse, a $250,000 federal grant to establish a Regional Operations Emergency Center and $50,000 to implement state-of-the-art security equipment at Nathan Hale and Illing schools.

The Congressman took questions from those in attendance and a real dialogue between engaged residents and the Congressman took place. The Congressman touched upon how important it is that change occur on a local level and that residents continue to fight for change and work with their elected representatives if there is an issue they are passionate about.

The Ballot

Above you will find a copy of the ballot for this years Municipal elections. The process this year is dramatically different than in past years; this year electronic scan machines will be used to tabulate votes. The process is quite simple:

1. You will check in at your regular polling locations (as you have done countless times);
2. You will receive a paper ballot (it looks like a standardized test form);
3. You will receive a short explanation from the polling moderator about what you should do and where you need to submit your ballot;
4. You will enter a small privacy booth (or if you are unable to do so, you may vote by telephone);
5. You will then fill in the bubbles (to the upper left of the candidate's name) for those you wish to vote for (VOTE ONLY LINE "B"!) with a pencil or pen;
6. Then you will walk to the electronic scan machine, insert you ballot, and voila, you are done!

Make sure that when you vote, you don't forget to vote YES for the two bond questions at the very top of the ballot.

144 Accomplishments

Democrats Put Progress Above Promises

Today the Journal-Inquirer has an article detailing the recent release of 144 Accomplishments by the Democratic Directors. The document is a comprehensive list of accomplishments that addresses the following areas:

1. School Renovations
2. Streets & Sidewalks
3. Maintenance to Town Facilities
4. Awards and Recognitions
5. Public Safety
6. Open Space Preservation
7. Improving Management
8. Planning Ahead
9. Tax Relief
10. Strengthening Neighborhoods
11. Services to Youth
12. Services to Seniors
13. Helping Working Families
14. Protecting Manchester's Environment
15. Attracting Businesses and Creating Jobs
16. Making Government Work Better
17. Improving the Quality of Life in Manchester

“This list is comprehensive and demonstrates the commitment that we Democrats have to the town of Manchester,” said Director Dave Sheridan, “It is a further reminder that we are committed to solving difficult concerns and, perhaps most importantly, have focused our efforts on quality of life and service-related issues.”

Director Kevin Zingler agreed, “We made a promise to focus our efforts on real, lasting and noticeable change. From seniors to youth, from school renovation and construction to town and service-related upgrades, this list verifies that the last two years have been extremely successful.”

Deputy Mayor Lisa O’Neill said, “The most important responsibility we have to this town is to ensure that projects are completed on time and on budget. I have been personally invested in making that promise a reality and I am extremely proud that we were able to accomplish this with the Manchester High School and Bennett school projects, in addition to the numerous paving and road construction projects that we have seen to completion.”

Director Jason Doucette commented on the Democrats commitment to open-space preservation, “It is critical that we preserve open-space. Through the direct purchases of the Starsiak, Dennison and Peterman properties and the contribution to purchase Upper Case Pond, we’ve shown that preserving Manchester’s environmental gems is foremost in the minds of Democrats and I know that it will continue to be in the future.”

“As an ardent proponent of public safety I think it’s important to note that, after hearing the concerns of Manchester residents, we made a commitment to fully-fund 124 police officer positions. This is in addition to providing additional funds for fire training and equipment. Because of these direct efforts, and similar efforts like youth outreach programs, crime in Manchester has decreased for 3 consecutive years and we were ranked as the #7 safest city under 60,000 in the United States by CNN Money,” said Director John Topping.

Candidate Pamela Cranford said, “This is a very impressive list. Everyone in Manchester has been positively affected by one of these achievements. Seniors, children and working families should all be very proud of the Democratic accomplishments during the last 2 years. I look forward to reviewing a similar list 2 years from now.”

The full list will be available for viewing later tonight.

A Worthwhile Read

Below is a letter to the editor that appeared in yesterday's Journal-Inquirer. It requires no additional commentary from me.

Grand Old Parallelism

I cannot help but notice the strong resemblance between local and national Republican politicians. Both groups have reinvented the English language by consistently distorting the truth.

Our minority party in Manchester tells us how, if elected, it will reduce taxes. It is difficult to determine how because our Republicans so often "flip-flop." They learned this from George W. Bush, who often has promised to reduce taxes and has created the largest deficit in U.S. history, standing monumental at $9.8 trillion.

Increasing local taxes is a serious concern of the Democrats, who have prudently agreed to increase taxes only to meet the ever-growing needs of our changing community.

Local Republicans invited the Democrats to run a "clean campaign" - only after smearing Democratic directors on their honesty, competency, and integrity for years.

Several years ago they established their "Contract with Manchester," like Newt Gingrich's "Contract with America." Republicans wanted to fire our town's top administrators and replace our local government with some form of a strong mayor government.

Our Republican directors now wish to establish a "Covenant with Manchester." This covenant includes a strong mayor, so loosely defined that the mayor could end up appointing department heads and doing the same firing of administrators Republicans pledged to do several years ago.

A "Covenant with Manchester" is a prescription for failure for our government. Every two years voters determine if the Board of Directors and Board of Education have been accountable. To replace this two-party system with a nonpartisan election destroys the accountability they seek.

Manchester's Democratic Party is far from perfect, and needs to continue to improve on its hard work and straight talk. I urge Democrats and independents to vote on behalf of Democrats for the Board of Directors and Board of Education. Our voters are intelligent, capable people who do not need more distortions, lies, and flip-flopping.

Richard A. Cormier
Manchester
(Posted with the permission of the author)

Democrats Endorsed by Manchester and Connecticut Firefighters

Yesterday all 6 Democratic candidates for the Board of Directors, along with Board of Education candidate Mike Pohl, were informed that they have been endorsed by the Professional Firefighters of Manchester and the Uniformed Professional Firefighters of Connecticut. As with the police endorsement, this honor represents the strong show of support that the Democrats have among the rank and file firefighters throughout Manchester.

Over the last two years, the Democrats have made significant commitments to Manchester's firefighters, including additional funding for firefighter training and professional development and supplies and equipment. They also purchased 2 new pumpers for Station 2 and 3 and a new paramedic response vehicle for Station 5.

Moreover, the Democrats have made Manchester a regional leader in emergency preparedness by increasing the funding for local preparedness in response to bioterrorism, working with town staff to conduct training and operations drills (including participating in the Statewide Strategic National Stockpile drill in April '06 and a day-long Pandemic/Influenza Continuity of Operations Drill in August '07) and working with federal representatives to obtain a $500,000 grant for a Regional Emergency Operations Center, which will serve as the base of operations for the region should something unforeseen occur.

It's About Success

The Courant has an article today profiling the encumbents running for reelection on November 6. In essence, the article notes each candidate's reason(s) for running, their proudest accomlishments and their priorities over the next two years. Most of the article can be found below (emphasis added).

Democrats Dave Sheridan, 52, a civil trial lawyer, and Kevin Zingler, 30, director of marketing at MARC Inc., have each served six years on the board.

"I am proud of my record of achievement over the last six years, but there are still things I want to accomplish," Sheridan said. "I think we need a strategy at tackling the construction at the eight elementary schools. ...We need another strategy for how we're going to address the inadequacies at the current Mary Cheney Library. Does that involve expanding the library, or moving it?"

Sheridan said he believes the Democratic slate is a group of talented people with valuable backgrounds and life experiences.

...

Zingler said that he and the other Democrats helped to renovate the schools, reduced crime and improved efficiency in government.

"We really hit challenges head on," he said.

In the next two years, he said, he would like to increase staffing inthe police department, fix the library's problems and finish the school projects by creating a subcommittee to review the eight elementary schools that are left in the renovation process.

"That's really the missing piece in our education," Zingler said. "That's really a high priority on my list."

Democrats Lisa Paggioli O'Neill and John Topping ... were elected to the board for the first time two years ago.

O'Neill, 43, a mechanical engineer at Pratt & Whitney, said she would like to spend the next two years on the board helping to plan for the rest of the school renovations, addressing the library's space needs, creating the proposed Spruce Street Youth Center and finding uses for historical or abandoned buildings in town.

"My biggest accomplishment is seeing these [school] renovations through. These are items I advocated for when I was on the board of education and really stood alone when I was advocating for these projects," O'Neill said.

She said she is running for a second term "to get everything done that we've already started, to continue on the good progress that we're making on working on our infrastructure."

...

Topping, 44, is a retired Hartford police officer and a former volunteer firefighter, and he owns a landscaping business.

"When I started running two years ago, there was a youth violence outbreak and people didn't feel as safe in town," Topping said. "I promised to make public safety my No. 1 priority, and I have, and it's showing. The results speak for themselves."

He said that he has differentiated himself from the rest of the board because, since he works for himself, he can take the time to meet residents in town.

"I don't just do this during the campaign season. I do it all year round. And I'm able to reflect the concerns of the citizens to the other board members, and I think that's very effective," Topping said.

Jason Doucette, a 30-year-old commercial real estate lawyer who was born and raised in Manchester, is the newest addition to the Democratic incumbents.

He was appointed to the board last year after a longtime Democratic director retired.

Doucette said he has spent his year on the board advocating for youth initiatives, such as working to bring a youth center to Spruce Street that would serve kids aged 9 to 13.

Doucette said he expects federal funding for seed money for the proposed youth center to come in the next year.

He also said he advocated for open space acquisitions, a program that helps low-income families repaint the exteriors of their homes and an initiative to extend after-school programming.

"I think I've got a pretty strong record. I'm proud of it, and it speaks for itself," Doucette said.

Hartford Courant Profiles Pamela Cranford

The Hartford Courant recently profiled Pamela Cranford (pictured at right with her sons K'Ronn and Kevin), who is running for her first elected office after serving on the Human Relations Commission, the Manchester Scholarship Foundation's Board of Directors and on the search committees for a new Town Manager and Assistant Superintendent of Schools. Excerpts are below (emphasis added).

Cranford said she is running because, "It's time for the board of directors to reflect the diversity in this town."

Cranford, a 45-year-old contract manager for the state Department of Children and Families, said she is representing the single mothers and people of color in Manchester. Cranford, who is black, is the only person of color running in the major races.

"I would definitely do whatever I can to advocate for keeping costs down ... and continue to get your basic needs met," she said.

Cranford said education, race relations and programs for senior citizens are her three main issues. She served on the human relations commission for two years and helped create Parents of Students of Color about 10 years ago to strengthen the relationship between certain parents and the Manchester school system. She said she ran a program that connected seniors with tutoring youth in Hartford in the 1980s.

"I would love to have some kind of mentoring program between the youth and the seniors," Cranford said.

Interestingly, in the article one Republican candidate said, "... I truly believe that Manchester is the best town in the state of Connecticut..."

We couldn't agree more. It's quite a compliment when a member of the opposition party acknowledges the hard work and successes of the entire Democratic team.

The Party of Public Safety

The Manchester Police Local 1495 has officially endorsed all 6 Democratic candidates for the Board of Directors. This endorsement of the entire Democratic slate is especially significant, as it illustrates the broad support the Democrats, as leaders of the Town, have among rank and file police officers in Manchester.

Director Dave Sheridan sees the endorsement as a strong affirmation of the Democratic majority's record on public safety issues:

"We are proud to have the support of the men and women of our police department. Asresidents, we trust our police officers to keep us safe. To know thatthose same officers trust us as the majority on the Board of Directorsto give them the means to keep us safe only strengthens our resolve tosupport them in every way possible."

This endorsement is another example of the commitment that the Democratic candidates have to the Town of Manchester, and to public safety specifically. Under Democratic leadership and the hard work of the many uniformed police officers and staff, crime has decreased for 3 consecutive years, youth crime has also dramatically decreased and, for the first time in town history, the number of authorized officer positions (124) was fully-funded.

Over the last 2 years the Democrats have also initiated the hiring of youth outreach workers; applied for and received $500,000 for a Regional Management Operations Center, and coupled with the drills and training of town staff, makes us the regional leader in emergency preparedness; and obtained a federal grant to purchase and install additional video surveillance and security equipment around the Buckland Hills Mall.

Democratic Directors Show They Are Best For Manchester

Last night the Democratic and Republican candidates for the Board of Directors gathered at Lincoln Center to debate a variety of issues, including Mary Cheney Library, emergency preparedness and the Manchester Country Club.

Throughout the debate, the Democratic candidates demonstrated superior intellect and sharp command of the facts, whereas the Republican candidates relied on smear-tactics, innuendo, half-truths and misleading statements - all aimed at distracting the voters from the real issues and concerns of the community. In fact, it seemed as though several of the Republican candidates were completely unprepared and incapable of directly answering the questions. In sum, the Democratic candidates - the 5 incumbents and new candidate Pamela Cranford - clearly demonstrated that they deserve election to the Board of Directors.

Below are some interesting observations from Kim Phillips at the Journal Inquirer (emphasis added):

...In the most tense moment of the evening, Democratic incumbent John D. Topping apologized to Republican candidate Mark D. Tweedie, who had attacked Topping earlier on his public-safety record, for being drawn into political warfare.

Tweedie had told Topping that he'd have fired him as head of the directors' public safety subcommittee because the group hadn't convened during the last two years. Topping explained that he approached Republican incumbent Louis A. Spadaccini, who sits on the subcommittee, with three dates to hold a meeting.

None worked for Spadaccini, Topping said, so the three-member subcommittee never met. But that doesn't mean Topping never worked on such issues, he said; there now are six block watches in town for instance, up from one two years ago, and Topping attends most of their meetings.

...

Democratic incumbent David M. Sheridan agreed that the town should maintain its neighborhood schools: "I believe the neighborhood schools are the backbone of Manchester. It's part of the fiber of the community," Sheridan said.

...

Democratic incumbent Kevin L. Zingler said he thought the Mary Cheney Library should remain in the downtown area, but he acknowledged that it needs upgrades such as additional parking and more space.

...

Democratic incumbent Lisa Paggioli O'Neill said she's certain the town is "very well positioned" to handle a widespread emergency, such as a health pandemic, thanks in part to the numerous drills conducted during the last year simulating an event.

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As for the Country Club, which is said to be in debt, Democratic candidate Pamela Floyd-Cranford said her party is committed to looking at the terms of the lease and would consider pulling out, and putting management of the facility out to bid if that's what is most fiscally prudent.

The debate will continue to air regularly on Cox Channel 16 until Election Day.

Manchester Life Profiles Director Jason Doucette

In continuing with the Manchester Life's candidates profiles, below please find Director Jason Doucette's response (emphasis mine):

Running a town of well over 50,000 people like Manchester is always a challenging task. Manchester has vastly different needs than it did 65 years ago when my grandparents started their families here - we are now in a mode of perpetual maintenance of our town's resources and adapting to the changing needs of our citizens and increasing demands on our town's services. Over the next two years, we need to work diligently to make sure those services remain viable and need to work smarter and spend wisely to promote the efficient use of our tax dollars.

We need to protect our investment in town infrastructure by maintaining, repairing and renovating roads, sidewalks, bridges, town buildings and facilities. As just one example, over the next two years I think we need to develop a plan for the future expansion of our town libraries, which serve so many of our residents. Also, we need to help our citizens maintain their own neighborhoods. In my first year on the Board, I introduced an exterior paint program which utilized Federal funding for grants for exterior house paint and supplies for eligible homeowners and properties in Manchester’s older neighborhoods to help maintain and beautify housing. I also proposed a “Housing Development Zone” which would increase access to funding for the rehabilitation of distressed housing, but there is more work required to get this program up and running.

We need to continue to have a comprehensive approach to development and land use. In my first year on the Board of Directors, I chaired a subcommittee to study the most effective way to regulate the preservation and protection of our wetlands and watercourses, which resulted in several recommendations now being implemented. I also served on the Land Acquisition Committee which brought about the acquisition of many acres of open space. We are on the right track here, and I hope to continue working on initiatives like these over then next two years.

We need to improve the lives of our children by continuing to rebuild our schools, and by creating and enhancing places for after-school activities in our neighborhoods. Toward this goal, I traveled to Washington D.C. on behalf of Manchester and lobbied members of Congress for federal funding for a new youth center. I also introduced the Manchester "Platform for Strengthening Families and Improving Outcomes for Children and Youth” which proposes a number of initiatives geared towards improving opportunities for our youth and coordinating after-school programming. Again, both of these efforts need more work over the next two years.

As a father and citizen of Manchester, I have a clear vision of what the future of Manchester should hold – a prosperous place with opportunity for all of our children, excellent town services and reasonable taxes – a community we can all be proud of. I would be grateful to the voters of Manchester if they allow me to continue the work I have started towards making this vision a reality.

Manchester Life Profiles Deputy Mayor Lisa O'Neill

As with the previous post, below please find Deputy Mayor Lisa O'Neill's response to Manchester Life's question regarding her priorities for the next term (emphasis mine).

Hopefully with the voter’s gracious support, the priorities I will pursue the next two years concern preserving and enhancing Manchester’s assets and thereby protecting Manchester’s future. My goal is to continue the expansion and improvement of existing facilities. Increase public safety, greater library services, expanded Head Start and all day kindergarten along with completing renovations are my main priorities. I will continue to support ongoing maintenance and repair of roads and sidewalks. Additionally I believe our existing public parks need more attention.

My approach is to listen to Manchester residents and recommend incremental improvements in a manner taxpayers can afford. Since 1999 I have advocated this approach to address school renovations, open space acquisitions, water and sewer maintenance along with road and sidewalk repair.

As an engineer I am able to utilize my expertise and training to address these complex issues in a comprehensive logical and efficient manner. To ease the burden on taxpayers, it is important to aggressively pursue innovative funding sources and fight for Manchester’s proper share of revenue from federal, state and non-profit sources.

I will continue to support policies that attract new businesses to town and encourage the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Overall I am committed to implementing practical solutions that are in the best interest of Manchester residents. This approach has allowed the town to provide a level of services residents have come to expect and ensure a quality of life that makes Manchester a desirable community – the City of Village Charm. I respectfully request your continued support.

Manchester Life Profiles Director Dave Sheridan

Recently, Manchester Life posed the following question to each of the candidates running for the Board of Directors:

What do you see as priorities in Manchester over the next two years?

Below is Dave Sheridan's answer, published in this month's edition (emphasis mine):

PRIORITY ONE: Town Directors and Town staff must continue to explore every possible way to deliver services as effectively and efficiently aspossible to residents, so as to maintain our high quality of municipal services with the least possible impact on local property taxes. This requires sound management, constant planning, critical analysis, and consistent policy direction.

PRIORITY TWO: Manchester must continue to invest in public safety. Wemust continue our efforts to put more officers on the street for lawenforcement, and expand our community-oriented policing efforts designedto prevent crime from occurring in the first place.

PRIORITY THREE: Manchester must continue to invest in maintaining and re-building its infrastructure - roads, curbs, sidewalks, bridges, townbuildings, water and sewer lines, streetlights, etc. Current funding levels are inadequate to stay ahead of our maintenance needs, let aloneour need to rebuild or replace aging infrastructure that is obsolete orworn out.

PRIORITY FOUR: We have two huge question marks for Town facilities that we must erase by building a bipartisan consensus for future action. First, what is our strategy for tackling needed renovations at the eight remaining elementary schools? How much will it cost? How will we payfor it? How long will it take? We need to answer those questions overthe next two years. Second, we need a strategy for how we will address the inadequacies of the current Mary Cheney Library. Can we expand thecurrent facility, or will we be required to build a new facility atanother location? The answer to those questions also must be found inthe next two years.

Hartford Courant Endorses Democrats for Board of Directors

The Hartford Courant will publish in tomorrow's paper their endorsements for the Board of Directors. To no one's surprise, the Courant Editorial staff endorsed all of the Democratic candidates.

The recommended candidates are:

Democrat David M. Sheridan, 52, a lawyer seeking his fourth term, offers six years of valuable experience. He correctly gauged residents' reluctance to eliminate valuable services for the sake of tax reduction.

Democrat Pamela Cranford, a 45-year-old program manager for the state Department of Children and Families, is running for her first term. She has nevertheless established a presence in town as a member of the Human Relations Commission and Parents of Students of Color.

Democrat Lisa Paggioli O'Neill, 43, a mechanical engineer at Pratt & Whitney and deputy mayor, is running for her second term. She brings a wealth of expertise to the position, including five years on the board of education and participation as Manchester's representative on the Capitol Region Council of Governments.

Democrat Kevin L. Zingler, 30, marketing director at MARC Inc. A three-term incumbent, he helped expand the senior tax credit and the earned-income tax credit for low-income residents.

Democrat Jason E. Doucette, 30, is an attorney running for his first full term after filling in for Joseph Hachey, who resigned last fall. A member of the planning and zoning commission since 2002, Mr. Doucette introduced a program to paint and stain the exteriors of buildings in older neighborhoods.

Also recieving praise was Director John Topping:

Democrat John D. Topping, 44, a retired Hartford police officer and owner of a landscaping business, who is seeking his second term. He led efforts to increase funding and staffing for the Manchester Police Department.

The Courant's observations are further proof that the Democratic candidates for the Board of Directors are the best choice to Keep Manchester Moving Forward.

Democratic Candidates Discuss Planning Issues and Republicans Call for Removal of Town Management

The Hartford Courant recently posted answers to the second question in their "virtual campaign" feature.

The question for the Board of Directors candidates requested clarification regarding what advice town staff can provide in regards to zoning and building questions.

You can read the answers of Lisa O'Neill, Dave Sheridan, Kevin Zingler, Pamela Cranford, Jason Doucette and John Topping.

There are also two puzzling answers from the Republicans worth discussing.

In her shocking answer, Republican candidate Cherri Pelletier went well beyond the intent of the question and promised that under Republican leadership, "a change at the top of town management" would occur. Is Pelletier asserting that should the Republicans gain control of the Board of Directors that they would fire, demote or lateral the most experienced, knowledgeable and senior town staff? If so, why? Manchester has an envious bond rating, the lowest amount of money bonded per capita ($751) in the region (145th in the state), fantastic services that many residents depend on daily, a healthy fund balance, and a wonderful mix of commercial/residential development and a commitment to open space preservation. All of these successes are a result of a Democratic majority and a conscientious and skilled staff. Again, why would Manchester's residents want to cause such dramatic, and potentially dangerous, change?

In the same vein, Lou Spadacinni unnecessarily belittled town staff and claimed that contacting your local elected officials will bring about (desired) results if the answer provided is not ideal. Reading between the lines, it appears that Spadacinni is implying that elected officials should - and under his leadership would - "bring down the hammer" on town staff when they cannot, under the law, provide assistance or direction. As a lawyer, Spadacinni should know better.

As experienced members of the Board of Directors, Spadacinni's naivete and Pelletier's arrogance are astonishing and further demonstrates that a Republican majority would upend the town, bring about the elimination of town services, reduce productivity and hamstring positive, tangible change.

Geoff Luxenberg Calls for Achievement Gap Task Force

Today Geoff Luxenberg announced his plans for the creation of an achievement gap task force, that would produce a detailed report for the Board of Directors within a year.

The task force, co-chaired by one Democrat and one Republican member of the Board of Education, will consist of two more Board of Education members, school administrators, a PTA representative and others.

From the Journal-Inquirer article outlining the plan (emphasis mine):

One Republican and one Democrat from the Board of Directors would serve ex-officio roles on the task force because, Luxenberg said, he wants "the folks who control the purse strings, the folks on the Board of Directors, to have a stake in this process."

The achievement gaps are a problem nationwide and statewide as well as in Manchester. Connecticut's achievement gap has been measured as the largest in the nation.

"It's a major civil rights issue of our time," Luxenberg said.

Superintendent of Schools Kathleen M. Ouellette and other administrators have made closing the achievement gaps a top priority, but "the Board of Education has to become an active player in achieving this goal," Luxenberg said. "It's not enough to just have the superintendent and central office working on it."

The task force would look for proven ways to address the gaps in all subject areas but with a special emphasis on reading, where the gaps widened at some grade levels.

"Reading is really the most critical of subjects and it's where the gap is most harmful," because poor reading ability affects the ability to learn in other subjects, Luxenberg said.

The Board of Education is expect to vote on Luxenberg's proposal at tomorrow night's meeting.

JI Details School Security Grant

The Journal-Inquirer has an article today detailing Manchester's receipt of a $50,000 grant from the Department of Justice's COP "Secure our School" program, which was previously discussed here.

In relevant part:

Illing Middle School will receive most of the improvements, including cameras and related monitoring equipment, a buzzer system, and a key card reader, town Budget and Research Officer Julian Freund says in a recent memo. Also at Illing, a security office will be created.

All of the schools will be assessed for security deficiencies, have safety lines designated for the pick up and drop off of students, and have lighting installed in arrival and departure areas, Freund says.

At Nathan Hale Elementary School, Freund notes that a wireless connection with the downtown police substation on Main Street will be established.

The receipt of this grant is specifically a result of the efforts of Directors Zingler, Sheridan and Doucette, who met with DOJ officials while in Washington, D.C. for a National League of Cities conference. As many will remember, Republicans ridiculed the Democrats for the trip, which has thus far netted the town $750,000 in grants for various programs, including a Regional Emergency Operations Center and the Spruce Street Youth Center.

Courant Launches New Candidates' Page

Today the Hartford Courant launched a special electronic feature focused completely on the Board of Directors and Board of Eduction campaigns. This feature, coined the "Virtual Campaign" and developed by Courant reporters Jim Farrell and Regine Labossiere, is exclusive to the Manchester page in the Courant's "Towns" link online.

Today you can read answers from Directors Topping, Doucette, Sheridan and Zingler about paying for town services, senior housing, library space and the Manchester Parkade property. Some interesting points to consider:

• A cut in taxes would result in a cut in, or complete elimination of some town services.
• The Manchester Housing Authority is in the process of developing plans for more senior housing.
• The Manchester Parkade is owned by a private developer and the potential for ownership by the town was defeated by referendum.
• There is universal agreement that library needs must be addressed. The Democrats have proposed that the bi-partisan school renovation committee also consider the libraries in their deliberations.

There is also an opportunity to read responses from the Democratic Board of Education candidates as well. This week you can review responses regarding after-school programming from Board Members Peg Hackett, Carl Stafford, Mike Pohl, Geoff Luxenberg and candidate Bethany Silver.

There is also a feature that will allow readers to post on most any campaign issue (once you have created a Courant user account). Please take a moment to check out the site and share your thoughts, concerns and suggestions. You are also encouraged to e-mail the Democratic candidates here if you have specific questions that you would like answered.

Directors Help With Clean Up

Directors Kevin Zingler and Dave Sheridan joined other volunteers, led by the tireless Doug Smith, the unofficial "river keeper" for the Hockanum River, for the annual Union Pond clean-up. Over the course of a three-hour effort, the volunteers fished about a dozen bags of trash from the banks of the pond, as well as bicycles, old tires, children's toys, a lawnmower, and a town trash receptacle. Firefighters from the Eighth Utilities District brought their rescue boat to the pond and hauled the bags of trash back to the boat launch, where Town crews hauled it off for disposal.

Director Sheridan remarked "Union Pond is certainly a natural treasure, but the real treasure is these volunteers, who give so much time and energy to keeping this Pond, and the entire Hockanum River Linear Park, clean and beautiful for all of us. Once a year Kevin and I come down and pitch in for a few hours, but they are out here year round. It's a pleasure to work alongside them, they love this river so much."

Director Zingler agreed. "Without Doug Smith and his volunteers, Union Pond is a different place. It's a shame people don't respect the pond and throw all this junk into the water. Maybe someday that will change. But until it does, everyone in Manchester owes a tremendous debt to these volunteers."

Organizer Doug Smith commented that this is the fourth year that the cleanup has occurred and "every year it gets a little better, every year the Pond seems to be a bit cleaner." One of the volunteers remarked that it's great that the clean-up occurs in the fall because that's when the Pond is at its best. "In a week or two all these leaves will turn and this will be the most beautiful place in Town, a half-mile from Buckland Hills Mall. That's something we should always preserve. I hope this Pond is here - just like this - a hundred years from now."

Democrats Want to Begin Work on School Renovations Now

Today the Hartford Courant published an article about the Republican Minority Leader's stall tactics in appointing two members to the School Renovation Committee, which is tasked with developing a real, cost-effective and achievable plan to renovate the 8-remaining elementary schools.

The article notes that the Democrats are interested in beginning their work in October (for a variety of reasons, the least of which is that little could be accomplished during the holiday season and January is spent considering the school budget), whereas Republican Lou Spadacinni would prefer to wait until after November, arguing that the membership could change following the November elections. Spadacinni's failure to act further distinguishes the Democrats desire to tackle the hard issues and reinforces their commitment to not play politics with concerns foremost in the minds of Manchester residents.

Despite objections, Spadacinni has agreed to appoint two Republican members and allow the committee to begin its work in earnest and start to solve this complex dilemma

EXCLUSIVE: I spoke with Director Sheridan this afternoon and he shared the following thoughts (emphasis mine):

"There is nothing more important in this Town that we should be working on between now and November 19 (the swearing in of a new Board) than a potential Spring 2008 referendum for renovations to elementary schools. It is definitely more important than the election, and arguably more important than anything on the October BOD Agenda. Finishing the rebuilding of our schools is the most important task on our plate right now. When you have something that important to do, and you have a deadline of March 2008, "let's wait a few months" is hardly the attitude to take.

Second, as the Republicans stated in August, this is a bi-partisan effort. The partisan outcome of an election should not affect it. The Republicans seem to have abandoned bi-partisanship before the committee even gets started with this bizarre argument that somehow the joint committee will operate differently or reach a different result if the Republicans - rather than the Democrats- are in charge.

Finally, the whole "wait - there's an election coming up" argument offends me. The people elect us to work together and govern right up until the day we leave office. Everything shouldn't grind to halt because there's an election coming up."