MANCHESTER DEMOCRATS

MANCHESTER DEMOCRATS REACT TO ADOPTED BUDGET

2008-05-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MANCHESTER DEMOCRATS REACT TO ADOPTED BUDGET

TAX LEVY INCREASE MORE THAN THE 3% CLAIMED BY GOP,
MORE THAN DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY’S FY 2007/08 BUDGET

Manchester Democrats reacted strongly this week to the adopted FY 2008/09 Republican budget that was adopted Tuesday evening, pointing out that it results in a 4.4% increase in the tax levy and not a 3% tax increase as Republican Mayor Lou Spadaccini claimed in his Budget Address.

“The Republicans have manipulated how tax increases are calculated and misled the public,” said Democratic Town Chair Michael Pohl. “This is an attempt at avoiding accountability for their budget's shortcomings. Instead of taking responsibility for breaking their so-called Covenant with Manchester Taxpayers, Republican Directors actually raised taxes by 4.4% and cut services. The Republicans have chosen to mislead taxpayers with fuzzy math.”

The customary practice for calculating the increase in taxes is to take the overall tax levy for the current year, divide by the overall tax levy for the prior year, arriving at the percentage increase. Performing that calculation for this Republican budget, (dividing the tax levy for the FY 08-09 year ($109,354,126) by the tax levy for the FY-07-08 year ($104,749,906)) results in an increase of 4.4%. That is the true tax increase for this budget. The “3%” figure cited by Mayor Spadaccini in his budget address apparently excludes new revenues from grand list growth or tax appeals which, said Pohl, “is an unorthodox way of calculating a tax increase and is intellectually dishonest, not to mention in excess of the cost of living and rate of inflation.”

Using the customary method of calculation, the tax levy increase in last year's adopted FY 2007/08 Democratic budget was only 2.76% from the FY2006/07 adopted budget. Under the Republican calculations used this year to get to the “3%” figure, that actual 2.76% increase in FY2007/08 would likely have been somewhere around 1%. “Therefore,” said Pohl, “the Democratic controlled Board of Directors in 2007 actually kept tax increases lower than the Republican controlled Board of Directors did in 2008. This is striking considering all of the promises we heard and continue to hear from Republicans about lowering taxes.”

“In addition,” said Pohl, “the adopted budget made many of the unwise and fiscally irresponsible budget adjustments that Manchester Democrats had feared in releasing the “Watch List” last week, including, making cuts in education that will result in the cutting of teachers and underfunding the reopening of Bennet, refusing to adequately fund our community’s public safety needs such as security at town facilities and functions and basic maintenance of police vehicles, and cutting the necessary funding to the non-profit community organizations that help our residents and ultimately save taxpayers money.”

“Most disturbing,” said Pohl, “was the manner in which the budget process was conducted - the Republican majority promised to be more ‘accountable’ and listen to the taxpayers yet they denied the public an opportunity to learn more about town programs and spending and to offer their input when they rejected the Democratic proposal to televise the Budget workshops, refused to meet with the Democratic caucus on the Board of Directors in a joint deliberation session, refused to release any ‘performance based budgeting’ reports as they had promised, and refused to release their proposed budget figures until 24 hours prior to budget adoption meeting.”

Pohl said the Town Committee and the Democratic Directors will continue to put the needs of Manchester’s residents first as they monitor the implementation of the adopted budget and its effect on the quality of life in Manchester.

MANCHESTER DEMOCRATS MEET TO DISCUSS BUDGET

2008-04-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- April 28, 2008

MANCHESTER DEMOCRATS MEET TO DISCUSS BUDGET PRIORITIES;
SUBCOMMITTEE RELEASES “WATCH LIST”

The Manchester Democratic Town Committee will meet at Waddell School on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 7:00 PM to discuss their priorities for the Town Manchester’s FY 2008-2009 Budget. This follows a meeting of the DTC’s Policy and Action Subcommittee where subcommittee members had the opportunity to meet with Democratic Directors and discuss possible scenarios for the Budget and develop a Watch List to monitor important programs and departments in the Town government that may be targeted for dramatic budget cuts.

“The Policy and Action Subcommittee had a very productive meeting and wants to highlight several points to the full Town Committee,” said Democratic Town Chairman Michael Pohl. “Most importantly, we are concerned that the responsible stewardship of the Town and the progress made by the Democrats over the past 16 years is threatened by drastic and dangerous cuts that may be coming for the programs and departments in Town government which reflect the basic values that we as Democrats hold and which we believe are also reflective of the values of our community as a whole.”

The Subcommittee identified the following Watch List and described the possible affect of budget cuts in those areas that are priorities for Democrats:

· Education - There is no more important service for protecting the quality of life and our property values in Manchester than providing a quality education. If there are further cuts in the Board of Education’s budget, we can expect to see “non-mandatory” programs like gifted and talented education, freshman or junior varsity sports and other enrichment programs cut back or eliminated completely. We also fully expect reductions in staff including full-time and part-time teachers and para-professionals under the Republican budget. Finally, we expect that the re-opening of the Bennet 6th Grade Academy - a $40 million dollar investment by the taxpayers - will be underfunded by nearly $1 million.

· Youth Services/Recreation - We are concerned that the Republican majority will cut or refuse to adequately fund youth programs that have been developed under Democratic leadership. The funds allocated for the reopening of the East Side Rec and the proposed plan for a "Bennet Leisure Center" is one example of where we expect such services will be woefully underfunded or not funded in this budget. Every cut to youth programming is a cut that threatens public safety in our community.

· Public Safety - We are concerned that the Republican majority will turn the clock back on the advances made under Democratic leadership towards putting more uniformed officers on the street and decrease staffing at the Police Department, threatening the safety of our neighborhoods. Specifically, we believe they will refuse to fund important staff positions such as increased security at the library and a student resource officer at the new Bennet 6th Grade academy.

· Community Agencies - The Republican majority has expressed a desire to cut back on assistance to community non-profit agencies that the Town has traditionally supported including organizations like MACC and PAL which provide vital services to the our neediest residents and youth, and they have even refused to honor their supposed desire to at least keep increases to town services in line with the rising cost of living.

· Infrastructure - We anticipate that the Republican majority will cut within the Public Works budget, freeze additional positions, and borrow from reserve fund balances, all of which threaten the maintenance of our existing infrastructure including roads, bridges and town facilities.

“If the Republicans do make the cuts identified on the watch list to any significant extent” said Pohl, “we see it not only as endangering our Town, but also as an egregious violation of the promises they made in their ‘Covenant with Manchester Taxpayers’. The Republicans specifically promised to cut taxes and to do so without cutting services. From what we have seen, we believe it is likely that they will violate both of these promises. Furthermore, they promised to adhere to a system of ‘performance based budgeting’, to assess the community’s need or desire for specific programs and they have not made any attempts to do that in this year’s budget and have made their determinations on where to cut the budget without any kinds of “performance measures” and without public input. In addition, the Republican majority denied the public an opportunity to learn more about town programs and spending and to offer their input when they rejected the Democratic proposal to televise the Budget workshops and they refused to meet with the Democratic caucus on the Board of Directors in a joint deliberation session.”

On the other hand, said Pohl, beginning in November, the Democrats have identified their own priorities for the budget and have brought forth productive and important ideas, including through several resolutions presented before the Board of Directors such as:

· Support for full implementation of the town staff’s recent proposal for the so-called “Bennet Leisure Center” at the new East Side Rec
· Fund All Day Kindergarten at all 10 elementary schools
· Increase funding for Community Service Agencies to keep pace with inflation
· Increase funding for additional Public Safety Officers at places like Mary Cheney Library
· Increase funding for additional school crossing guards at Illing Middle School

Most importantly, said Pohl, the Democrat Directors have a plan to provide funding for these important initiatives while still decreasing overall spending under the Manager’s proposed budget. Nevertheless, the Directors expect that these concepts will be rejected outright by the Republican majority.

Democratic Directors Announce February Resolutions

2008-01-30T05:55:00.000-08:00

The Democratic Directors recently released their February resolutions, which will be heard and considered by the entire Board of Directors later next month. There are four (4) resolutions in total; addressing the Bennet Leisure Center, hiring a library consultant, filming and broadcasting the Directors' budget workshops and the institution of all-day kindergarten at all 10 elementary schools.

The Bennet Leisure Center resolution calls for the full implementation of the town's recent proposal for after-school and weekend programing once the facility comes back on line later this fall. It is a comprehensive plan that will provide a variety of activities to provide creative outlets for Manchester's youth.

During the last election, the Democratic candidates for the Board of Directors made Mary Cheney Library a chief issue in that the demand for - and success of - the programs offered has forced town staff to consider other space alternatives simply due to the existing size limitations of the structure. The Democratic Directors' resolutions calls for the town to release an RFP (request for proposal) or RFQ (request for quotation) to hire a consultant to study future space needs and whether the existing facility is capable of supporting same.

As past budget workshops have not been documented to any great extent, the Democratic Directors believe that transparency is critical and have thus submitted a resolution that calls for the videotaping of all workshop sessions and subsequent broadcasting on Channel 16, Silk City Television.

The most ambitious resolution in the recent set of submissions is the request to institute all-day kindergarten in all 10 elementary schools prior to the state of the '09-'10 school year. Countless studies have demonstrated that young students who attend all-day kindergarten have more advanced social skills, fully-developed independent study skills and are better prepared for academic success later in their academic careers. The resolution calls for the Board of Directors to provide "all necessary funding" to assist the Board of Education in ensuring that that this goal is accomplished.

Dems Get $200K for Spruce Street Youth Center

2007-12-20T07:18:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-18T13:01:00.001-08:00

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

2007-12-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-07T09:23:00.000-08:00

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!!

2007-11-05T13:37:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-04T12:34:00.001-08:00

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

Stafford on CNN Headline News

2007-11-04T05:20:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-03T16:54:00.000-07:00

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

2007-11-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

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:

$400,000 to reconfigure the bus loop at Buckley Elementary School;
$710,000 to replace windows at Illing Middle School;
$532,000 for a new roof and installation of HVAC modifications at Martin Elementary School;
$500,000 for new furniture at Manchester High School;
$280,000 to repave the bus loop at Keeney Street School;
$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:

$1.18 million for sidewalk replacement and extensions;
$250,000 for curb replacements;
$400,000 for bridge repairs (on Hartford Road and Summit Street);
$250,000 for drainage repairs;
$750,000 for work in the West Side Neighborhood;
$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

2007-10-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-30T17:47:00.001-07:00

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

2007-10-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-27T05:33:00.000-07:00

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:

You will check in at your regular polling locations (as you have done countless times);
You will receive a paper ballot (it looks like a standardized test form);
You will receive a short explanation from the polling moderator about what you should do and where you need to submit your ballot;
You will enter a small privacy booth (or if you are unable to do so, you may vote by telephone);
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;
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

2007-10-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

Democrats Put Progress Above Promises

2007-10-26T09:57:00.001-07:00

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:

School Renovations
Streets & Sidewalks
Maintenance to Town Facilities
Awards and Recognitions
Public Safety
Open Space Preservation
Improving Management
Planning Ahead
Tax Relief
Strengthening Neighborhoods
Services to Youth
Services to Seniors
Helping Working Families
Protecting Manchester's Environment
Attracting Businesses and Creating Jobs
Making Government Work Better
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

2007-10-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-23T09:44:00.001-07:00

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

2007-10-22T14:06:00.001-07:00

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

2007-10-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

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.

...

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

2007-10-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-08T09:24:00.001-07:00

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

2007-10-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

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."

Democratic Directors Justify Trip to Washington

2007-09-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

On September 10 Chief Berry of the Manchester Police Department received a letter from the Department of Justice informing him that Manchester would be receiving a $50,000 grant from the DOJ's COPS "Secure Our Schools" grant program. The receipt of this money is a direct result of the efforts by the Democratic Directors, including Dave Sheridan, Kevin Zingler and Jason Doucette, who attended the National League of Cities national conference in March. The grant will be used to enhance school security with state-of-the-art security technology at Nathan Hale School and Illing Middle School.

The March trip has also reaped additional returns for the Manchester community, including a $500,000 grant for the Regional Emergency Operations Center and $200,000 for the Spruce Street Youth Center. Perhaps even more impressive is that these results fly in the face of the Republicans who, at the time, decried the Democratic Directors attending the conference, claiming that the cost was exorbitant and a waste of taxpayer dollars. Based on the results, it appears that the indignation was misplaced and completely without merit.

VIDEO: Democratic Director Candidates Release "Pledge" with Manchester Residents

2007-09-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

Below is video from last Thursday's press conference, where the Democratic candidates for the Board of Directors released their "Pledge" with Manchester residents.

Democratic Director Candidates Pledge Press Conference
Uploaded by ManchesterDTC

Directors Zingler & Topping Push for Block Watch Program in Green Manor Neighborhood

2007-09-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

Directors Kevin Zingler and John Topping recently sent a letter to Town Manager Scott Shanley requesting that the town research the details regarding the purchase and installation of "Block Watch" signage in the Green Manor area.

Both attended the last community meeting at the Manchester Senior Center, and with about 50 people in attendance, discussed how to make the neighborhood safer. One of the suggestions was the formation of a "Block Watch" program. As the sentiment was unanimous that this occur quickly, Directors Zingler and Topping immediately forwarded a letter to Shanley requesting that the town identify what the procedure(s) are for the installation of the signs, the cost and the time required to perform the installation.

As stated by Zingler, "Besides being a crime deterrent, the installation of the signs would also reaffirm the town's commitment to solve the recent criminal activity in the area."

Director John Topping Seeks Tax Relief for 8th District Firefighters

2007-09-20T05:48:00.000-07:00

It was reported earlier this month that Director John Topping brought forth a proposal for consideration by the Board of Directors that would provide a tax credit for 8th Utilities District Firefighters, Emergency Medical personnel and fire police. The Hartford Courant has a follow-up in this morning's paper, excerpts are found below:

The ordinance would give a $400 property tax exemption to volunteers who meet certain requirements. One requirement is that a volunteer must respond in a six-month period to 120 calls, 25 of which must be mutual aid to the town of Manchester.

The Eighth District has been trying to get a property tax exemption for its volunteers for years, said John Topping, a Democrat on the town's board of directors who used to be an Eighth District firefighter and a member of its board of directors.

Topping said the Eighth District's members do more than fight fires.

"They are involved in crowd control, blocking streets off. They just free up other police officers so that the police officers can go back to patrolling the town," he said.

...

Eighth Utilities District Fire Chief Paul Litrico said his firefighters assist the town's paid firefighters with major events and fires.

"Because of the efforts and time the volunteers of our organization put in throughout the whole town, there should be some sort of compensation," Litrico said.

Topping proposed the ordinance to the town's board of directors this month and the board is scheduled to vote on it next month. Directors have expressed interest in approving it.

...

Democratic Director Kevin Zingler said there are 40 to 50 people in town who would qualify for the tax exemption, which would cost the town about $16,000.

"When you put it all together, and the hours that these people are putting in volunteering for the town of Manchester ... they're donating well above $16,000 in time and money," Zingler said.

Dems Pledge To Use Individual Strengths to Carry Out 9-Point Plan

2007-09-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

This article appears in full on the September 18, 2007 online edition of the Manchester Journal-Inquirer (emphasis mine):

By: Kimberly Phillips, Journal Inquirer
MANCHESTER - In unveiling a nine-point campaign platform today, local Democrats said that the goals play on their individual strengths, even though the slate of six pledges to work as a team.

"We run because we want to better the community," incumbent Kevin L. Zingler said during a morning press conference. "We want to help out the people who are the neediest."

At the top of the platform is making the town safer through the immediate hiring of additional police officers so they can gain experience before the town loses numerous others to retirement.

That's something incumbent John D. Topping has taken the lead on, Democrats say, given his background as a former Hartford police officer: "The town is safer, the town is a better place overall," he said of Democratic leadership.

Newcomer Pamela Cranford said she decided to run for the board based on the "people aspect" of political work and because her employment with the state Department of Children and Families makes her the best advocate for the next prong in the platform: planning for outreach to at-risk youth.

That's achieved through locating a youth center on Spruce Street and developing a plan for alleviating overcrowding at Mary Cheney Library, another part of the platform, they said.

Whether that means building a new library or reusing another town facility, candidate Jason E. Doucette, who's running for his first term after being tapped to fill a board vacancy last year, said a plan for the library is "one of the obvious challenges for the next board."

"We don't let things get to the point where we have to play hero," incumbent Lisa Paggioli O'Neill said of Democrats' "constantly and quietly" planning for the future.

O'Neill, given her occupation as an engineer, will be called on to provide insight into future municipal and school building projects, incumbent David M. Sheridan said, especially since continued focus on the schools makes the list.

"It's interesting, the platform does accentuate the talents of our team," Sheridan said, adding that Zingler watches out for the town's oldest residents and Doucette has an interest in working smarter and spending wisely, another two tenants of the platform.

"We just know what we have to do as a governmental leaders, and we get it done," Sheridan said.

Topping said Sheridan's strength is exemplified in each of the points, since his work as a lawyer makes him adept at fleshing out others' proposals to make them fit with both the law and what town staff want.

The platform is rounded out with pledges to maintain roads, sidewalks, bridges, and other town facilities; acquire more open space and look to making the town "greener" through environmental conservation; and work to improve the town's emergency services.

Democratic Pledge

2007-09-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

Moving Manchester Forward

Manchester’s Democrats have worked hard to make our Town a place where people from all walks of life can be proud to live, work and raise their families. As the driving force in Town government for many years, we've focused on real solutions – not on headlines and sound bites. Others deliver speeches – we deliver results. You can depend on the Democrats to always do what is right for the people of our town and for the future of Manchester. You can depend on the Democrats to:

Make Our Town Safer: Put more uniformed officers on the streets.

Take Care Of What We Have: Protect our investment in town infrastructure by maintaining, repairing and renovating roads, sidewalks, bridges, town buildings and facilities.

Work Smarter. Spend Wisely: Promote the efficient use of our tax dollars; by continuously examining town services and programs to find new ways to deliver high quality services at the lowest possible cost to the taxpayers.

Continue To Rebuild Our Schools: Develop and carry out plan to repair, renovate and upgrade all of Manchester's elementary school buildings.

Build A Cleaner And Greener Manchester: Acquire more open space land and continue implementing energy-efficiency and environmentally responsible measures.

Plan For The Future: Work towards a consensus plan for addressing library space needs at Mary Cheney Library.

Make A Difference In The Lives Of Our Youth: Encourage expanded programming and outreach to at-risk youth.

Help Our Senior Citizens: Ensure that Manchester’s seniors receive all the services and assistance they need for health and happiness in their retirement years.

Be There For Every Emergency: Continue to improve the effectiveness of town-wide emergency medical, fire and public safety services

Democrats Issue Pledge to Manchester Community: Set Reasonable and Achievable Goals

2007-09-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

Today the Democratic candidates for the Board of Directors released their pledge to the Manchester voters. The pledge will Move Manchester Forward by:

Making Our Town Safer.
Taking Care Of What We Have.
Working Smarter. Spending Wisely.
Continuing To Rebuild Our Schools.
Building A Cleaner and Greener Manchester.
Planning For the Future.
Making a Difference in the Lives of Our Youth.
Helping Our Senior Citizens.
Being There For Every Emergency.

Director Dave Sheridan said, “The voters of Manchester know that we need strong, effective leadership if we are to continue to move this Town forward. We Democrats have shown that we know how to put Town government to work solving problems and making Manchester a better place to live. We have the experience and ability to overcome new challenges in the future and make Manchester stronger, safer, cleaner, and healthier. We know what has to be done, and we know how to get it done."

“Manchester needs a realistic and understandable plan for the future, which this clearly is. We take great pride in open, honest, straight-forward government, and I believe this program parallels that attitude and the vision that we have set forth and worked hard to follow throughout the last two years” said Director Kevin Zingler.

Deputy Mayor Lisa O’Neill followed, “Over the past two years we Democrats worked extremely hard to keep our town safe, looked critically at our spending and ensured that we are responsible, and fought to continue providing the services that Manchester’s residents appreciate and deserve. Our pledge demonstrates that we are committed to moving Manchester in a direction that all residents can be proud of.”

Director Jason Doucette stated that Manchester is the envy of all its neighbors and that thinking strategically, and not politically, is the key to continue leading the way in municipal government. “We have wonderful schools, great after-school programs for youth, awe-inspiring open space and have provided tax relief to our communities’ most vulnerable citizens. We pride ourselves in not playing politics with our community, but rather getting things done in a way that continues to better Manchester as a whole.”

Candidate Pamela Cranford continued, “Being a Democrat means putting people before politics. It means producing real results. We have been models in achievement and I am proud to be a member of this team.”

Director John Topping called special attention to keeping Manchester safe, “Being a former police officer, I cannot think of a more important issue to any community. We have and will continue to fight for more police, better equipment and more training. We also cannot forget the great services that our firefighters, paramedics and fire police provide in keeping our community safe and secure. Our work, including fighting for a Regional Emergency Operations Center, shows that we put a premium on the safety of our community.”

Information on the Manchester Democratic Party and each of the candidates can be found by going to http://manchester.dems.info/boardofdir.html.

Mayor Josh Howroyd and Democratic Directors Preserve Jobs

2007-09-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

The Journal-Inquirer wrote today about the fantastic efforts of Mayor Josh Howroyd, the rest of the Democratic Directors and Town Planning and Economic Development Director Mark Pelligrini, and their cumulative efforts to keep Fuss & O'Neill, a renowned engineering firm, in Manchester for the foreseeable and preserve its 190 jobs.

In order to stay, the Directors granted Fuss & O'Neill a 2-year tax abatement on its expansion properties, which will be located at 146 (their present location) and 160 Hartford Road.

"I am extremely proud they worked with our town administration to come up with the tax assessment agreement," Democratic Mayor Josh M. Howroyd said during the board's meeting.

In a memo detailing the expansion project, Pelligrini said that "the expansion, costing between $1.2 million and $1.6 million, is expected to add 11,000 square feet of space, for a total of 53,830 square feet between the two buildings, giving room for the company to hire an additional 30 workers..."

The abatement will cost the town $16,300 per year, but Pelligrini noted that any potential loss will be offset by personal property improvements, which will ultimately allow the town to collect $10,344 in taxes during the abatement period.

Money aside, Democratic Deputy Mayor Lisa Paggioli O'Neill, who is not related to the company's principles but is an engineer with Pratt & Whitney, said during the meeting that there's been a revitalization in the industry recently, especially in civil engineering, since the bridge collapse in Minnesota this summer.

Further, she said that having Fuss & O'Neill in town provides local teens an opportunity for job shadowing.

Director Zingler Works to Reopen YMCA for Seniors

2007-09-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

Below is a full press release from Director Kevin Zingler's campaign on his effort to work with Town Staff and active seniors to reopen the Community "Y":

The Fitness Center at the Manchester Community “Y” will open again for due to the efforts of Manchester Board of Directors member Kevin Zingler. After bringing the issue before the Board at last Tuesday’s Board Meeting, Director Zingler worked successfully with town staff and community members this week to secure the use of the recreation center again.

In a letter to Director Zingler, that he read from during the Board meeting, resident Laura McCoy tells of how “many lives have been affected in a very positive manner since the gym was renovated.” She adds that “it has enriched our lives through exercise and also in the development of friendships, and the fitness center is a wonderful example of what makes Manchester a community of choice.”

The Fitness Center normally closes during the summer due to staffing reasons, but the recreation department did their best this year to keep the facility open after a request was made by a group of 30 senior citizens who use the gym regularly. After August 18th, however, it was closed.

Director Zingler intervened this week to keep this valuable community facility open to senior citizens. “Programs like these are the reason we have such a great Department of Parks and Recreation,” he added. “I am thrilled to have been able to help so many seniors.”

At Director Zingler’s request, town staffs made arrangements to have the new fitness facility remain open for morning use again starting Monday, September 10th.

Director Zingler calls “the reopening of the fitness center a wonderful example of how town leaders and citizens can work together for a better community.”

For information on the town’s Fitness Center and other programs, call the Manchester Department of Parks and Recreation at 647-3084.

Update: Geoff Luxenberg Literacy Program

2007-08-31T19:10:00.000-07:00

The following article appeared in full in this week's Reminder News:

BOE thinks RSVP program can help young readers be successful

BY JOAN HUNT ReminderNews Editor

If you can’t read, you can’t be successful in school, and educators agree that the early K-3 grades form an all important base for reading skills. So what happens to the child who needs a little extra help in these formative years? If he or she is lucky, they might get it at home, but it is very difficult within the parameters of a busy classroom to get the extra help that is needed.

This is where RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) comes in. According to newly-appointed Board of Education member Geoff Luxenberg, this program that matches senior citizens and retired people age 55 or older with students who have been identified by their teachers as needing extra help would fit the bill.

Luxenberg said several residents had approached him with ideas of having senior citizens become more involved in the schools. “One resident approached the board on senior citizen involvement and another senior mentioned a tutoring or mentoring program,” he said, “so I got a sense it might be something worth looking into.”

Once he started investigating, he found many options were expensive, hard to implement or inflexible. “Finally, I stumbled onto RSVP,” he said.

This is a program of the Community Renewal Team, Inc. that was started by Mary Wilcox, director of the Greater Hartford RSVP.

“This is a one-on-one reading program for children who want extra help but don’t qualify for special services,” said Wilcox. “It has proven that if they stay in the [grades] one to three program for all three years, they are reading most likely at the top grade level and sometimes above, and they have all the confidence in the world,” she added.

On the flip side, the seniors who have been involved in the program also benefit, said Wilcox. “It is so rewarding to a senior. Some of them are retired teachers or from other lines of work and they have a love of reading and know how important it is for children.”

During his research on the RSVP program, Luxenberg spoke to both Wilcox and to Kathi Young, who is the coordinator of the program in Vernon, which has been in operation for 10 years.

Young started as a volunteer with the program when she retired from teaching grades K-3 in East Hartford, the very grades that are impacted by the program.

“It is something that was meant to be, I think,” Young said. The Vernon program started with an after-school format in one school and has grown to include in-school and even summer activities at a total of five sites. Young believes strongly in the program.

“The seniors read with the same child every single week, and you see such bonds develop,” she said. At Maple Street School, where the tutoring takes place just before recess and lunch, some of the children would rather stay in and continue reading with their mentor than go out to play, she said.

“RSVP will not work with children who are severely learning disabled,” said Luxenberg. “They do work with kids who are below grade level and could be falling through the cracks at a critical early age.”

Training sessions are offered twice a year for senior volunteers, and Luxenberg said RSVP will help recruit the volunteers from the community. “What a great way to connect the community and the schools,” said Young.

Luxenberg said that Board of Ed Chair Margaret Hackett, the central office staff and most members of the BOE are supporting the program.

For more information contact Luxenberg at www .geoff 07 .com.

Director Topping Proposes Tax Credit for Firefighters

2007-08-29T05:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the JI published a story about an tax-credit initiative proposed by Director John Topping.

The program, which Director Topping previously pursued as an 8th Utilities District Director, would provide an additional $400 tax credit for firefighters who "meet certain criteria based on the number of calls they respond to each year." Presently the 8th Utilities District offers a similar tax-credit for firefighters that live within the district, however, many do not and consequently are not eligible for the credit.

Director Topping estimates that between 40-50 firefights would benefit from the tax-credit.

According to the JI, eligibility for the program requires firefighters to respond to a minimum of 120 calls per year. Of those 120 separate responses, 25 must be mutual aid calls to assist the Town Fire Department. In addition, fire police and emergency medical technicians (EMT's) would be able to participate in the program as well. Unlike other paid town positions, fire police are volunteers.

Topping said of the program, "They [firefighters, EMT's and fire police] look with eager anticipation for something that recognizes the service they provide to the town."

Board of Education Candidate Geoff Luxenberg Introduces Program to Improve Student's Literacy Skills

2007-08-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

Democratic Board of Education Member Geoff Luxenberg Introduces Innovative Partnership for Manchester Public Schools
Program marries trained senior citizen reading tutors with Manchester’s neediest students

During last Monday's Manchester Board of Education meeting, Democratic Board of Education member Geoff Luxenberg introduced a proposal for a new program designed to improve the literacy of Manchester’s students. The program, at no cost to the Town of Manchester, will create a partnership between the Manchester Public School System and the Greater Hartford Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

“This is a win-win for Manchester residents and taxpayers,” Luxenberg said. “RSVP will help our students improve their literacy skills at an early age and engage our senior citizens in helping to build a stronger community and better future for Manchester—all at no additional cost to the taxpayers.”

This new partnership, upon future passage by the board, will allow RSVP to recruit and train senior citizen volunteers from the Manchester community and then place them in the public schools to work directly with struggling elementary school children who are reading below grade level in kindergarten through third grade. The program is the culmination of months of in-depth research, and the initiative is designed specifically to address the achievement gap and bolster some of the lower reading scores from the recent Connecticut Mastery Test data.

The introduction of this program was received with glowing support from Chairwoman Margaret Hackett and other members of the Board of Education.

“Geoff has brought forth an initiative that our community can be proud of,” said Chairwoman Hackett.

Kathi Young, the Senior Coordinator for the Vernon program, which has been in existence for 10 years said, "The impact on the children with learning and emotionally has been great - mentors and mentees have formed a unique bond. It has been a true melding of community and volunteerism for all."

RSVP has been working for several years in the Vernon Public Schools, Middlesex County Schools and in Tolland Country Schools, with the overwhelming support of superintendents, teachers, senior citizens, parents, students and community members.

Following Up: Democratic Directors and Teen Night

2007-08-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Today the Journal-Inquirer has a follow-up story about last week's "Teen Night" at the Cheney Library.

Thanks to Directors Kevin Zingler, John Topping and Dave Sheridan, $4,500 from a youth-initiative account was used to purchase five LCD televisions, two Nintendo Wiis, and three Sony PlayStations for the participating youth - who have turned out in droves every Wednesday night from 6-8:30 to relax and spend constructive time with friends.

Director Dave Sheridan Calls for Realistic, Practical Change

2007-08-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

Director Dave Sheridan has appeared before the Charter Revision Commission twice during the month of August and presented testimony on the following issues:

Ethics Code Development
Removal of the "Standards of Conduct" from the Charter
Streamlining Boards and Commission

Ethics Code Development
When the Commission first took up the question of re-structuring how ethics codes are developed for the Town and how ethics complaints are handled, Sheridan stated:

"I don't believe we have an ethics issue in Manchester. But there are many, inside and outside of Town government, who believe that our current ethics system, which has not seen significant change for over thirty years, needs to be revised to reflect modern realities. I have felt from the very beginning that meaningful reform of our ethics system would require a Charter revision."

"Standards of Conduct"
Sheridan suggested to the Charter Revision Commission that it would be best to remove the "Standards of Conduct", which are currently in the Charter, and leave intact the provisions regarding the organization of the Ethics Commission and the procedures for handling ethics complaints.

"I feel very strongly that the Ethics Commission should be a body created by Charter, so as to give it a stature equal to the other Boards that fall within its ethical oversight, such as the Board of Directors and Board of Education."

At the same time, Sheridan explained, removal of the Standards of Conduct - to be replaced by an ordinance that would define appropriate conduct for Town officials and employees - would make the Ethics Code easier to amend and supplement.

"Right now, we have to go through a Charter revision process to make even the slightest change in the Ethics Code. Because its so cumbersome, we haven't bothered. As a result, we're trying to applying an ethics code from the 1970's to an era of cell phones and e-mails and the Internet."

Streamlining Boards and Commissions
At the last meeting of the Charter Revision Commission Sheridan testified on a proposal to consolidate and streamline the multitude of Town advisory boards and commissions (over thirty at last count) that have been created over the years. One potential road block to that effort has been that some of these boards and commissions were created in the Charter. Sheridan asked the Commission to consider removing some of the provisions from the Charter and replace them with complementary ordinances. An ordinance would allow the Board of Directors to begin a process of drafting supplemental ordinances that would consolidate the work of boards that have similar functions.

"All of these boards and commissions consume an enormous amount of administrative time and energy. Any time one of those boards meets - and some of them meet monthly - a notice of the meeting is prepared and published, an agenda is prepared, and written minutes are kept. If we could consolidate the work of three boards into one board, we would reduce that administrative workload by two-thirds."

Sheridan also pointed out that finding volunteers willing to give their time to the various boards and commissions has been a daunting task and that many vacancies exist.

"We owe it to all those dedicated volunteers to re-visit all of these boards and commissions in a comprehensive fashion and decide how best to carry out their important work in a way that does not duplicate efforts or create needless bureaucracy. This is a logical first step."

What's Next
The Charter Revision Commission will continue to meet throughout the Fall and is expected to make recommendations in February 2008. Sheridan concluded, "It's clear to me that this Commission is taking its work very seriously and giving much thought and effort to the task. I'm looking forward to their recommendations."

Democratic Directors Enjoy Expanded Teen Night

2007-08-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

Last night Directors Dave Sheridan, John Topping and Kevin Zingler attended another "Teen Night" gathering at Mary Cheney Library. Earlier this month the three Directors, led by Director Zingler, requested that Town Manager Scott Shanley authorize the purchase of console games and equipment for the teenagers that attend. According to Director Sheridan the equipment has been purchased to "widespread acclaim".

Sheridan also noted that the following game systems and equipment were purchased:

5 LCD screens
2 Nintendo Wii's
2 PlayStations for Guitar Hero
4 Guitars for Guitar Hero
1 PlayStation for a Karaoke game

After watching the happy teenagers playing and thoroughly enjoying themselves, Director Sheridan commented further, "This most certainly is a success story."

New Candidates' Page

2007-08-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

Go check out the new candidates' page on the Manchester Democrats web site.

Meet Dr. Bethany Silver

2007-08-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

Below is video from last Thursday's Democratic Town Committee meeting where Dr. Bethany Silver was nominated to replace Linette Small-Miller as a candidate for the Board of Education.

In Their Own Words

2007-08-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

Today the following Letter to the Editor, written by Board of Directors candidate Jason Doucette, appeared in the Journal-Inquirer:

Director's Vision
I am pleased to be a candidate for the Manchester Board of Directors and would like to thank the Democratic Town Committee for endorsing me to continue serving on the board. Since I began serving on the Board of Directors, I have worked hard to ensure the town provides the best possible services to residents in the most fiscally responsible way.
In addition to constantly working to confront the day-to-day challenges that face town government, I have spent a great deal of time over the past year on several new initiatives that will benefit our community.

For example, I introduced an exterior paint program and proposed a "Housing Development Zone" program, each of which would assist with beautification and housing rehabilitation efforts in Manchester neighborhoods. I chaired a subcommittee to study the most effective way to preserve and protect our wetlands and watercourses, which resulted in several recommendations that have been implemented to improve our regulation and oversight of wetlands. Finally, most recently, I introduced to the Board of Directors the "Manchester Platform for Strengthening Families and Improving Outcomes for Children and Youth," which proposes initiatives geared toward improving opportunities for our youth.

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 the most reasonable taxes possible - a community we can all be proud of.

Please visit my Web site (www.doucetteformanchester.com) to find out more about me or to contact me with questions or concerns. I look forward to the upcoming election season as an opportunity to speak directly with as many residents as possible and hope to see you during my travels down the campaign trail.

Jason E. Doucette
Manchester
The writer is a member of the Manchester Board of Directors.

8th District Peach Festival

2007-08-19T17:24:00.000-07:00

Despite heavy rain on Friday night, many of the Democratic candidates for the Board of Directors and Board of Education attended the 8th Utilities District Peach Festival to enjoy some delicious peach cobbler and meet with Manchester residents.

Welcome to the Peach Festival!!

State Rep. Bryan Hurlburt (D-Tolland) talking with voters about Board of Education candidate Geoff Luxenberg

Teddy Doucette supports his dad, Jason Doucette, for Board of Directors

Geoff Luxenberg talking with voters.

Jason Doucette meeting voters.

Geoff Luxenberg chats with Ms. Barry about his campaign.

Dave Sheridan and Warren Packer listening to a resident talk about the peach cobbler.

Wet attendees Rod O'Connor, Heather Doucette, Dave Sheridan, Warren Packer and Eric Prause discuss the passing rain storm.

Geoff Luxenberg shakes hands with young supporters.

Democratic Directors Propose Subcommittee to Finalize Elementary School Renovations

2007-08-08T05:38:00.000-07:00

At last night's Board of Directors meeting, while discussing prospective bond referendum questions, the Democratic Directors suggested the creation of a bi-partisan subcommittee to study and develop a comprehensive and realistic plan to renovate the 8 remaining elementary schools.

The subcommittee - whose membership will be comprised of 4 members of the Board of Directors, 4 members of the Board of Education and 2 members of the Building Committee, in addition to town staff - will be tasked with developing a full and detailed strategy and timetable for the renovation of the 8 remaining school, taking into full account the Town's current and anticipated debt service and bonding, the expected reimbursement from the state and the actual cost to town residents.

During the meeting, Director Sheridan noted that a similar committee was responsible for breaking the logjam on the Bennet Middle school project and the Manchester High School addition. He noted that it is time to develop an overall strategy for tackling the renovation of the remaining schools - a strategy that the Board of Education, the Board of Directors and the Building Committee can all agree on.

All 3 Republican Directors were in concurrence with the Democratic Directors' subcommittee proposal.

You can read more about last night's meeting here.

Democratic Directors: Expand Teen Night

2007-08-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

Last week three Democratic Directors, Dave Sheridan, Kevin Zingler and John Topping, attended "Teen Night" at Mary Cheney Library. They were so impressed at the turn out and benefits offered to young people that they have all pledged to finding funding sources to provide additional equipment, including televisions and gaming consoles.

Kevin Zingler has already submitted a letter to Town Manager Scott Shanley indicating that he has requested Library Director Douglas McDonough to develop a proposal for needed equipment. Additionally, Sheridan said he would speak with town staff to develop funding possibilities to purchase equipment before the kids return to school at the end of the month.

Below is a revealing excerpt from the article that details the success of the program:

"It's one of those things that just struck me and I think struck Kevin, too," Sheridan said, explaining that Teen Night is "low intensity" in that video game equipment and televisions are set up around the perimeter of the room, allowing teens to socialize around them. They also spend time with adults who are focused on them and their interests.

"The kids just hang out, which is what all kids just want to do," Sheridan said, adding that a dozen teens were waiting in line last week to play "Guitar Hero."

During a report to the board last month, McDonough said organizers thought Teen Night would bring out between 50 and 60 people each week. But 163 teens showed up one Wednesday in mid-July, and it grew to 200 in August.

"That Wednesday was their slow night," Zingler said of his visit. "And I'm thinking this is slow?"

Your Democratic Candidates for Manchester Board of Directors

2007-08-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

Front Row: Director John Topping, Director Jason Doucette, Director Kevin Zingler
Back Row: Deputy Mayor Lisa O'Neill, Director Dave Sheridan, Pamela Cranford

Meet Geoff Luxenberg

2007-07-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

On July 12, Geoff Luxenberg kicked off his campaign for the Manchester Board of Education. Appointed to the Board in late 2006, Geoff has committed himself to closing the racial-achievement gap, integrating gifted and talented programing and implementing all-day kindergarten for every elementary school.

Geoff is a graduate of North Carolina State and is the former clerk of the Education committee of the Connecticut General Assembly and Legislative Aide to Representative Andrew Fleischman. He is also the former campaign manager of Rep. Fleischman's campaign for Secretary of State and Rep. Ryan Barry's Deputy Treasurer for his reelection campaign in 2006. Presently Geoff is the clerk of the Environment committee and Director of Campaign Operations for Congressman John Larson.

In early 2006, Geoff helped to re-energize the Greater Manchester Young Democrats and soon thereafter was elected President of the chapter. In 2007, he was reelected as President and was named by the Connecticut Young Democrats as "Young Democrat of the Year".

Geoff is also a member of the Manchester Commission on Aging and has served on the "Honoring Friends" committee for the Democratic Town Committee. He presently sits on the Personnel and Finance and Transportation and Residency committees on the Board of Education.

Meet Pamela Cranford

2007-07-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

Pamela Cranford has been a resident of Manchester for over twenty years and is running for the Board of Directors.

Pamela has been employed by the State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families for over 19 years with direct social work experience, including serving as a case manager, trainer, counselor and contract manager. She currently serves as a Program Supervisor for the Department. She graduated from Prairie View A & M University in Prairie View, Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism-Media Broadcasting and also received a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut.

Pamela has served on the Town of Manchester Human Relations Commission, the Manchester Scholarship Foundation and on search committees for the Town Manager and Assistant Superintendent of Schools. She has been active in the local Students of Color organization. Pamela is the proud mother of two sons who are products of the Manchester Public School system, one a recent college graduate of Morgan State University and the other a Junior at Manchester High School.

Nominating Convention Photo Slide Show

2007-07-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

Below is a photo slide show of the Nomination Convention, held last Thursday evening at the Lincoln Center. There were about 50 members of the Democratic Town Committee in attendance to nominate and approve the candidates for Board of Directors, Board of Education, Board of Selectman and Town Constable.

The rendition of "America the Beautiful" is performed by jazz pianist John Stebbe, a public school teacher in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can hear more of his music or purchase one of his CD's at http://www.johnstebbe.com/.

Nominating Convention

2007-07-20T13:25:00.000-07:00

Last night members of the Town Committee gathered at the Lincoln Center to nominate their candidates for the November election. Candidates were nominated for Board of Directors, Board of Education, Board of Selectman and Town Constable.

Here is video of Mayor Josh Howroyd sharing his thoughts about each of the candidates for Board of Directors:

Director Kevin Zingler shares his thoughts about the achievements of the Democratic Directors and his reasons for running again:

Majority Leader Dave Sheridan discusses his desire to call-out Republicans for factual inaccuracies:

Director John Topping talks about how appreciative and excited he is to run again:

New candidate Pamela Cranford discusses her excitement and desire to run for the Board of Directors:

Exhumed from the Grave: The TRUTH SQUAD Returns

2007-07-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

I am pleased-as-pie. To my absolute astonishment, we have received an anonymous e-mail; one that will most definitely rile the hairs of the Republicans. Dormant since late in 2005, the "Truth Squad" has returned! Below, in its full glory, is what was unexpectedly e-mailed to us recently. Sadly, attribution cannot be made.

Disclaimer: The thoughts, opinions and comments expressed below represent those of the "Truth Squad", whoever he, she or they may be.

TRUTH SQUAD
I guess they were right - it is just like riding a bicycle. It’s been so long, you’d think that all the old habits would have been forgotten, but they’re still there. Oh, I’m not talking about me. I’m talking about the Republicans. There they go again. Time for the Truth Squad to set the facts straight on who’s zoomin’ who about public safety.

In the summer of 2005, it became apparent that the Police Department, due to an unusual combination of attrition (retirements and other departures), authorized leave (medical leaves, military service) and light duty due to injury or illness, was in the midst of a severe shortage of patrol officers. At the time, the Department’s authorized strength was 122 sworn officers and only 111 positions were actually filled. Of those 111, significant numbers of officers were unavailable for patrol duty because of medical leave or light duty.

Now, for those of you that were in solitary confinement, 2005 was an election year. The Democratic candidates, led by John Topping (who, lest we forget, is a retired police officer), put forth several ideas for recruiting additional patrol officers. According to the Hartford Courant, they laid out “an aggressive strategy to fill vacant police officer positions.” (See “A Push for Police Recruits, Democrats Outline Hiring Strategies,” Hartford Courant, July 30, 2005). John Topping was quoted as follows: “in order for community policing to work, we need a full compliment of officers on the street.” Kevin Zingler (who, lest we forget, has never been a police officer) said “having more police officers on the street is an integral part of the safety of the community … public safety needs to be our top priority.” (See “Public Safety the Focus of Democratic Campaign in Manchester,” Journal Inquirer, July 30, 2005).

Matt Peak (who, lest we forget, wrote in his second grade yearbook that he would someday like to be a police officer), scrambling to jump on the bandwagon, wrote a letter to the editor on August 6, 2005 in which he commented “they’re [the police] doing a good job -- we just need more of them. Identifying the systematic obstacles to hiring and changing the status quo would be responsible leadership.” Can’t argue with that, can we Matt?

Through the remainder of 2005 and into 2006, the Department, following some of the suggestions of the Democrats and implementing some of their own, did make impressive strides towards closing the hiring gap. As the 2006 budget season began, two more (to use the words of Matt Peak) “systematic obstacles to hiring” were identified: (1) authorized strength, and (2) funded positions.

“Authorized strength” is the maximum number of sworn officers (having the power to enforce the law) within the Department. The authorized strength of the Department had been set at 122 positions for well over a decade, despite the growth in the department’s responsibility for crime prevention and law enforcement - most especially related to the Buckland Hills retail area. Given that a significant percentage of officers will always be unavailable for patrol duty for legitimate reasons, a need to increase authorized strength was identified in order to increase the available pool of patrol officers.

The second obstacle was funded positions. Historically, for as far back as anyone remembered, the Board had never put enough money in the Budget to actually pay for 122 officers. It was always reasoned that with retirements and other attrition, it was practically impossible for the Department to have 122 sworn officers on the payroll for an entire 365-day year, so why budget for that? Well, the down side of this - the “systematic obstacle” (thank you, Matt) - was that this became a self-fulfilling prophecy. You don’t budget for 122 officers, you never get to 122 officers, and there’s no incentive to get to 122 officers because, if you do, you don’t have money to pay for 122 officers. Meanwhile, you’re paying more for overtime when officers go out for medical leave or other reasons because someone’s gotta do the job - crime doesn’t take a day off.

So, as part of the 2006 budget effort, the Democratic caucus increased spending for the police department by nearly 10 percent, fully funding positions for 122 officers (the current authorized strength) for the first time in anyone’s memory. But, the Democratic caucus also increased the overall authorized strength to 124 officers. The 123rd and 124th positions were not funded because it was highly doubtful that those positions would be filled within the fiscal year- it would have required hiring more than 14 officers in twelve months or less, or Topping coming out of retirement, neither of which is likely. Nonetheless, the Democratic caucus pledged that - if by some miracle they were filled - additional money would be appropriated to fund them.

Here’s where it gets interesting. The Republicans criticized the Democrats for not doing enough. In a public access video they recorded to explain their budget positions, the Republicans argued that increased police spending should be used for an authorized strength of 126 officers and funded positions of 124 officers. See “Budget Concern: Public Safety, Both Parties Seek Improvements, but With Different Funding,” Hartford Courant May 9, 2006 and “GOP Wants Cost of Living Increases with Exception of Police Department,” Journal Inquirer, May 9, 2006)

At the May 9, 2006 meeting for the budget adoption, the Republicans again urged that 124 positions be funded. Cheri Pelletier (who, lest we forget, once met a police officer), stated: “We however do favor endorsing Police Chief Berry’s request for the authorized strength of 126 officers with a minimum funding of 124. We believe that this level of manpower will achieve the proper staffing levels, alleviate an over-reliance that we have on overtime, maintain optimum officer performance levels, and establish a power shift that the Police Chief would like to do from 7 pm to 3 am to meet Manchester’s demand for service.” Sounds good. But, you know that would mean funding positions that we’re almost positive we could never fill in the next twelve months. But, we like the idea. Maybe next year.

In his Budget Message, Lou Spadaccini (who, lest we forget, has concerns about police officers), commented: “... the resources of the police department are being stretched too thin and good officers are being overwhelmed. We must give our police department the tools and manpower it needs to fight crime. We must also dedicate resources to combat neighborhood problems like the spread of graffiti and enforcement of our traffic laws. This is why the Republican Caucus proposed a budget for public safety that exceeds the recommendation made by the General Manager. We support the additional funding necessary to add four more police officers to the beat. We need to send a strong message that crime will not be tolerated and if you engage in criminal activity in the Town of Manchester you will be apprehended and prosecuted.” Strong message. Got it. Fight crime. Got it. More police officers. Got it. Book’em, Lou! You ‘da man, Lou!

Now, fast forward to the 2007 budget adoption. For 2007, the Democrats proposed a budget for public safety that would increase funding by 3.2% over the prior year and fund positions for 124 officers – two more than 2006 and full funding of the current authorized strength. Given the Republicans’ comments in 2006, you would expect they would enthusiastically support funding 124 positions in 2007, right? Wrong. The Republicans voted against the 2007 Public Safety budget. They recommended a public safety budget cut of $219,000 from General Manager’s recommendation and funding for only 122 officer positions, the same as 2006, but two less than the current authorized strength. Why? In the words of Matt Peak “in reality, finding, recruiting and training a fully authorized force has been a
challenge.”

Amazingly, - the Republicans at their July 9, 2007 press conference accused the Democrats of being “ disingenuous” and “pandering” to the electorate over public safety issues. They cited the Democrats’ decision to fund the Police Department at the full authorized strength of 124 positions as an example of this treachery because (they claim) the Democrats “knew they couldn't fill" those positions.

Huh? What? Disingenuous? Matt Peak and the Republicans take two diametrically opposed positions twelve months apart, and in the process bail out on a pledge to the voters to put more cops on the street. The Democrats pledge during the election that getting to funding of full authorized strength will be a “top priority,” and then carry through on the pledge after they are elected. Disingenuous? Please, don’t make me laugh.

Hiring more officers turned out to be more of a “challenge” than they had bargained for, so Matt and the Republicans just gave up. What did Matt tell us when he was running for office? “Identifying the systematic obstacles to hiring and changing the status quo would be responsible leadership.” Really? Matt, what do you call it when “changing the status quo” becomes too much of a “challenge” and you just simply quit and walk away?

If you’re looking to the Republicans for “responsible leadership” on public safety, look elsewhere.

They’re just not up to the challenge.

Letter to the Editor: Inaccurate Claim

2007-07-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

Below is a full reproduction of a Letter to the Editor written by Jim Stevenson, Co-Chair of the Ethics Panel, that was printed in the Hartford Courant on July 13, emphasis mine:

I am responding to the recent article "Three GOP Directors To SeekRe-Election" (July 10).

In the article, Louis Spadaccini and the Republican minority on theManchester Board of Directors take credit for the comprehensive ethicscode. This statement is not accurate. The comprehensive code of ethics was developed by a bipartisan ethics panel that was appointed by the board of directors. Mayor Josh Howroyd and the members of the board called for a bipartisan commission to remove the ethics issue from the realm of partisan politics.

The panel was made up of 15 members of the community, which included members of the board of directors, board of education, ethics commission, town staff and citizens. Individuals were members of both political parties and an unaffiliated member. The commission examined the current ethics guidelines in the town charter as well doing extensive research of existing ethics guidelines from other communities and agencies. The commission also solicited input from various board members including the permanent ethics commission.

The finished product was accepted by the board of directors and adopted as part of the board's code of conduct. The recently convened charter commission will examine and decide how to integrate the code recommendations for use by the entire town government.

I do not believe any one party or person is entitled to claim ownership of the product of the ethics panel. This code was not a Republican achievement and Mr. Spadaccini and the other minority board members should not take credit for this effort of many.

Jim Stevenson, Manchester
The writer is co-chair of the ethics panel.

Money for Emergency Operations Center Passes First Test

2007-07-16T12:24:00.001-07:00

The Journal Inquirer is reporting that a $500,000 federal request for the establishment of a regional emergency operations center in Manchester has been approved by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies.

This project was, along with the renovation/conversion of the Spruce Street Firehouse into a community center, one of the priority projects of Democratic Directors when they attended the National League of Cities National Conference in Washington, D.C. this spring.

From the article:

"We are excited we have an opportunity to get the funding," Democratic Director Kevin L. Zingler, who attended the conference and pitched the project with Shanley and other Democrats, said today. "It's the fruits of our labor ... I hope everything goes through the appropriate" channels.

In Manchester, a new emergency operations center would be on the second floor of the public works building off Olcott Street, and would provide the necessary space for communications and operations along with areas for office work, meetings, and dormitories.

The facility would be staffed for regional disasters, but Manchester would have priority should an event happen here.Meeting space in Lincoln Center now serves as the town's emergency operations center, but its configuration prevents it from doing so efficiently, officials have said.

Communications equipment from the downtown firehouse would have to be wheeled on a cart to Lincoln Center to set up a command post.

Manchester has also been offered $250,000 by the Capitol Region Emergency Planning Committee (of the Capital Region Council of Governments). The funds will come from the Homeland Security grant and will satisfy all other necessary costs and overhead - not covered by the direct federal appropriation - needed to establish the center here.

You can read the press release from Senator Dodd's office here.

Director Doucette and Fellow Democratic Directors work to Strengthen Families and Improve Outcomes for Children and Youth

2007-07-16T05:50:00.000-07:00

At tomorrow's Board of Directors meeting the Board will address an initiative spearheaded by Director Jason Doucette and the other Democratic Directors. Working through the National League of Cities, the Board hopes to adopt the Platform for Strengthening Families and Improving Outcomes for Children and Youth and submit a proposal to the National League of Cities to help in providing support and funding to implement the program. The program will ultimately "provide access to essential infrastructure for a sustained community effort to achieve the Platform's objectives".

If selected to participate in the program, Manchester will work cooperatively with the National League of Cities Youth, Education, and Families (YEF) Institute to study, develop and implement the plan. The benefits include:

A planning assessment by the YEF Institute to identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities for progress;
Support from YEF Institute staff during a period of up to one year in implementing a children and youth agenda;
Direct access to national experts who will provide guidance on critical aspects of plan implementation or have specific content expertise in the a particular development field (e.g., youth mapping, developmental assets and financing alternatives.)
Opportunities to participate in a cross-site network of municipal and school leaders working on youth master planning initiative;
Access to a nationally-sponsored framework that enables municipal and school leaders to invite diverse segments of their community to join a collaborative effort that supports successful implementation of youth master plans; and
A heightened stature and national visibility associated with participating in a technical assistance initiative sponsored by the National League of Cities.

Summer Breakfast Series

2007-07-13T08:31:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow, Directors John Topping and Dave Sheridan will be at Valentino's Resturant, 471 Hartford Road at 8:00am.

As always, all are welcomed to stop by and share their thoughts, concerns or questions.

Democratic Directors Challenge Republicans

2007-07-13T05:46:00.000-07:00

DEMOCRATS CHALLENGE REPUBLICANS ON THEIR VOTING RECORD ON “QUALITY OF LIFE” ISSUES
Democrats say the Republicans’ actions tell a completely different story from their words

Today, Democratic Directors Jason Doucette, Lisa O’Neill, Dave Sheridan, John Topping and Kevin Zingler questioned whether the incumbent Republican Directors commitment to “quality of life” issues is for real, or just another empty campaign slogan.

Specifically, on Monday, July 9 at a press conference announcing their intentions to run again in November, the Republican Directors stressed that “quality of life” issues would be a “theme” of their campaign. However, their record shows anything but a commitment to issues that most directly affect the lives of hard-working families and seniors.

Below are examples of efforts by the Board of Directors to improve the quality of life for Manchester residents that Republicans voted against:

Acquisition of 63 acres of undeveloped farmland on Bush Hill Road. (Action #063-07)
Providing the funds necessary to construct bathroom facilities for disabled children at the Boundless Playground at Northwest Park. Director Cheri Pelletier ridiculed this particular effort as “pure pork”.
Additional funds to remove graffiti from Town property. (Action #157-06)
Additional funding to enforce the property maintenance code. (Action #157-06)
Allocating $25,000 to study the drainage problems on Gerard Street. (Action #157-06)
$75,000 in funding for “positive youth development” activities. (Action #156-06)
Funding for the Memorial Day Parade, the Thanksgiving Road Race, the Lutz Children’s Museum, the Summer Youth Employment Program, North Elm Street Elderly Housing, Nike Tykes Program, the Arts Commission, Channel 16 Public Access TV, and Dial-A-Ride.

Director Dave Sheridan said, “In this business, you have to back up a commitment to quality of life issues with real money. You can’t say you support all the things that make Manchester such a great place to live and then vote to deny the funding that makes those things happen.”

Director Jason Doucette also noted the irony in the fact that the Republican Directors claimed to have been the motivating force behind Manchester’s enrollment in the 20% by 2010 program through Connecticut Innovations, but they voted against funding for the program. (Action #189-07)

“The voters can judge for themselves which party is truly committed to quality of life in Manchester. All they need to do is look at both parties’ voting records,” concluded Director Kevin Zingler.

Town Committee Names Last Candidate

2007-07-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

Below is the article-in-full from the Journal Inquirer, dated July 11, 2007. I hope to have a photo of Pam Cranford posted in the coming days.

DEMS ADD NEWCOMER TO SLATE
By: Kimberly Phillips , Journal Inquirer

MANCHESTER - Town Democrats are banking that Mayor Josh M. Howroyd will secure some votes this fall - not for himself, but for Pamela D. Cranford, who, party leaders announced Tuesday, will join five incumbents on the Democratic slate for Board of Directors.

"I think she'd be a wonderful addition to the board," Howroyd said Tuesday, saying Cranford, a 20-year resident, has "a lot of excellent qualifications that will be a benefit to the entire community."

Cranford works alongside Howroyd at the state Department of Children and Families, he said, and during the years the two co-workers often have stopped in the halls to talk about town issues. That's translated into a deeper political relationship - Howroyd has agreed to serve as her campaign manager since he's decided not to run for re-election.

"She's had an interest," Howroyd said of Cranford and civic issues. But there were two reasons keeping her from getting involved before - her sons.

Now, though, with one already having graduated from college and the other starting his junior year at Manchester High School, Howroyd said Cranford, who could not be reached for comment, decided this is her time.

In addition to working at DCF, Cranford has served on the town's Human Relations Commission, the Manchester Scholarship Foundation, and the town manager and assistant school superintendent search committees. She's also been active on the local Students of Color organization.

Town Chairman Ted Cummings said the party's nominating committee unanimously endorsed Cranford's nomination after interviewing her and considering three other candidates, all of whom stepped aside when they learned of her interest.

She will join Democrats David M. Sheridan, Kevin L. Zingler, Lisa Paggioli O'Neill, John D. Topping, and Jason E. Doucette to round out the committee's endorsement.

Typically, Cummings said, the nominating committee doesn't announce its selection of candidates until the night of the endorsement - Thursday, July 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Lincoln Center. But it finished its work about a week early, and in fairness to the town committee decided to make the announcement.

While the nominating committee's endorsement likely will get support from the entire town committee, other candidate nominations for director will be taken from the floor on July 19.

"It's going to be a very exciting campaign that will offer the people a clear choice," Cummings said, calling Cranford a "top-notch lady."

"We're fortunate to have such talent to choose from."

It's expected that Board of Education incumbents Margaret H. Hackett, Linette Small-Miller, Geoffrey R. Luxenberg, Michael E. Pohl, and Carl Stafford will be endorsed for the ballot. Cummings said the nominating committee is reviewing the school board's slate of candidates now.

Candidates for Board of Selectmen and constable also will be endorsed during the meeting.

Director Doucette Announces Launch of Web Site

2007-07-11T08:00:00.001-07:00

DIRECTOR JASON DOUCETTE ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF WEB SITE
Stresses Community Ties and Development Experience

Today, Director Jason Doucette announced the launch of his campaign web site, www.doucetteformanchester.com.

“I am pleased to be able to use my website to offer voters an opportunity to learn a little more about me, to serve as another outlet to communicate with the voters, to encourage a dialogue and speak with them about the issues most important to them and their families,” said Doucette.

Director Doucette, a Manchester native, was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2006 and is running for his first full-term on the Board. He is a commercial real estate attorney at the law firm of Bingham McCutchen, LLP and has previously served on the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals and as Manchester’s representative on the Capital Region Council of Government’s Regional Planning Commission.

Always Leading

2007-07-10T18:00:00.001-07:00

The article above was recently published in the July edition of Manchester Life. The article does a fantastic job enumerating the priorities of the Democratic Directors, including the renovation of the Spruce Street Firehouse into a Community/Youth Center, a plan to address the renovation of Mary Cheney Library and codifying a comprehensive plan to upgrade the eight remaining elementary schools.

As noted in the article, one of the many strengths of the Democratic Directors is their foresight and their willingness to tackle big problems, among them a history of sound fiscal management, providing tax relief for seniors and delivering on necessary infrastructure upgrades.

I believe Kevin Zingler said it best, "We are proven leaders. We've done wonderful things for this town...We're here for the long haul".

All Are Welcome; Share Your Concerns

2007-07-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

All are invited to join Directors John Topping and Dave Sheridan this Saturday, July 7 at 8:00am at the Sinnamon Shop, 21 Oak Street, for the second installment of the Breakfast Club Summer Series. Feel free to stop by and share your thoughts and concerns.

Deputy Mayor Suggests Helping Familiar Face

2007-07-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

Deputy Mayor Lisa O'Neill recently requested that the town reach out to Arthur and Lynn Steele of Steele's Tree Farm to help save their business and Manchester promontory.

The Steele's have operated the tree farm in the northeast corner of town for years. At the beginning, they would place small, concealed, inconspicuous signs throughout Manchester to help promote business during the holiday season. But, within recent years, the Town has begun removing the signs; causing a significant decrease in business and forcing the Steele's to sell a significant portion of their land.

Last week Aurthur Steele appeared before the Directors asking for assistance. Director O'Neill responded and requested that General Manager Shanley set a meeting with Arthur and Lynn and other town staff to discuss what, if anything, could be done to help a "lifelong resident" and small business owner.

The solution:

Officials concluded the Steeles can apply for a state agriculture program that allows farmers to place temporary signs on state roads. The Steeles already had applied for the program in 2000, but their application was never accepted, and they say they could never get a full explanation of what happened to it.

...

Shanley said the town was trying to help the Steeles get their application from 2000 processed.

...

Lynn Steele said she is pleased that she and her husband can work with the town now to move past a 10-year-old misunderstanding."I don't know how it's going to turn out," she said. "What they're doing simply is trying to help us get what we should have gotten a long time ago as far as state signs are concerned."

This is just another example of the Democratic Directors providing the help, assistance and proactive leadership that the people of Manchester have come to appreciate and will undoutedly continue to need in the future.

Director Doucette Suggests Town Provide Help

2007-06-21T05:20:00.000-07:00

Last night the Directors heard public reaction to a program to help provide support to those who are having a little trouble with home upkeep.

Director Jason Doucette had suggested to town officials that a portion of the Community Block Grant be set aside to provide reimbursement assistance to qualified homeowners in certain neighborhoods.

This program is intended to provide help to those who do not qualify for "Rebuilding Together", a fantastic program that provides housing upgrades to residents in need.

Doucette said, "If someone could benefit from a fresh coat of paint, we should have money set aside."

Property owners could be reimbursed up to $500 for paint and supplies. Labor is not immediately included unless the homeowner is elderly or disabled. If that is the case, they may be eligible for an additional $500 reimbursement.

The article in the Journal Inquirer can be found here.

JI: Democratic Directors Experienced, Bi-Partisan and Results Driven

2007-06-14T10:33:00.001-07:00

The Journal Inquirer article on the Democratic Directors announcement to seek reelection, much like the Courant article, clearly demonstrates why the Democratic Directors are the best choice for Manchester.

Emphasis mine:

"Hands down, we have the best team for Manchester," Zingler, who's been on the board since 2001, said.
"We've always looked out for the best interests of all residents. We are always looking for ways to improve the quality of life. We arelooking to do things that will help people down the road."

Citing such accomplishments as passage of a living-wage ordinance, funding for more police officers, and planning for the eventual closure of the landfill, Democrats say they will continue to be "honest, frugal, and performance-driven," Zingler said.

"I believe in the town and its residents, and I know the four people I'm sitting here with believe in this town and have the residents' best interests at heart," Topping, who was elected to his first term in 2005, said.

He added, "... we respect each other and our counterparts, and it's clear to me it's not always the same on the other side."

Sheridan, who's served as the board's majority leader the last two years after first being elected in 2001, touted the experience of fellow Democratic directors in the areas of public safety, law, engineering,the legislature, and social services.

That's on top of local experience on the Board of Education, Planning and Zoning Commission, and 8th Utilities District board of directors.

...

O'Neill ... said she's most eager to follow through on projects that already have been started, namely the continued renovation of the elementary schools."We're a proven majority," she said.

...

While Doucette ... affably referred to Sheridan as the "dean of our delegation," he was equally complimentary of the other four directors, "All of the attributes we bring ... function seamlessly."

He added, "The most important thing that we do is a responsible and reasoned approach to town government."

...

"We love this town, and it would be an honor and privilege to serve the residents again," Zingler said.

With Sheridan adding, "and it would be an honor and privilege to serve with these four."

Directors: Strong, Effective, Proactive Leaders

2007-06-14T05:36:00.000-07:00

The Hartford Courant has reaction to the Democratic Directors announcement yesterday that they would be seeking reelection this fall. As the article noted, the Directors have confronted the issues of the community head on, initiating innovative and successful solutions to the most pressing problems.

Emphasis mine:

Sheridan said the backgrounds of the five Democrats - law, engineering, public safety and working with people with disabilities - and their political experience have given the team success.

"We're not a bunch of political or governmental neophytes," said Sheridan, who has been on the board since 2001. "We can do this job and we can do it well."

Sheridan said the problems facing the town two years ago have been addressed and he would like to see the next board address a couple of other issues. He said the board needs to address spaceneeds at the library and to improve the elementary schools that have not been recently renovated. Town buildings, especially the schools, have undergone or are in the middle of major renovations.

"One of the reasons I'm running is to see these projects through," said O'Neill, who served on the school board before being elected to the board of directors two years ago.

She also has been outspoken about historic and land preservation."I'm not going anywhere and I really, really want to see this town succeed for many generations to come," O'Neill said.

Doucette said planning ahead is one of the most important jobs of the board.

"Responsible planning, forward thinking ... what's going to make sense three, four years down the road," Doucette said.

Zingler, who was elected to the board of directors in 2001, said the town should be proud of its achievements in the past two years, such as creating a tax credit program for low-income residents and a program that gives senior citizens tax relief.

"We love this town and it would be an honor and privilege to serve again," Zingler said.

Topping, a retired Hartford police officer who runs his own landscaping business, said he brings the public safety and business mind-set to the board. Topping said he has fought hard for more funding for the police and fire departments to hire more officers.

"I just want to continue what I started two years ago," he said.

Manchester Democratic Directors To Announce Reelection Candidacy

2007-06-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight, at 6:30pm in the Manchester Room in the Town Hall, incumbent Directors Jason Doucette, Lisa O'Neill, Dave Sheridan, John Topping and Kevin Zingler will formally announce their intentions to run for reelection to the Board of Directors this November.

The Directors plan to cite their experience, knowledge, vision, and resume of reasoned and responsible stewardship as reasons for reelection with a special emphasis on the record of progress under last 16 years of Democratic leadership. They will also touch upon some of the critical issues facing Manchester and both general and specific goals for the future, including responsible fiscal management and reconciling the need for critical town services and care of Town facilities and vital infrastructure with the ability to pay, school reconstruction, public safety, responsible planning and strengthening neighborhoods, continuing to provide creative, productive outlets for Manchester’s youth, and improving overall management of Town resources.

A candidate to replace Josh Howroyd’s seat on the Board of Directors has yet to be announced. The Manchester Democratic Town Committee will make that determination in the coming weeks through its Nominating Committee process.

Additional information on each of the candidates can be found by going to http://manchester.dems.info/boardofdir.html.