It is a great relief that the Komisarjevsky trial (Cheshire Home Invasion case) has at last been completed and led to the imposition of sentence. Appeals will take the proverbial forever, and no one should expect any rapid conclusion.
A Wallingford property owner’s decision to end public parking on his lot following rejection of an arrangement approved by the council is having an effect upon those who need to reach Holy Trinity School. This is not a good situation.
Fox-a-thon at Plantsville School, Southington, in aid of the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. The $2,359.60 raised by the kids is a tribute to the organization of students, their teacher, and a UConn student.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Jan. 27, 2012
Reading the comments of Sgt. Wuterich’s parents it is clear that the last six years have been an immense burden on both him and his Meriden family as it has coped with the intensity of a high-profile criminal case. We are glad for them that it is now over.
People will be able to draw their own conclusions from the status of Meriden mayoral candidates’ financial status 2 and a half months after the election. Look at the money and where it came from.
Wallingford Housing Authority members should be extra careful in dotting all I’s and crossing all T’s as it proceeds. Perhaps it would be better, given practices concerning plumbing contractors, to go forward with that full audit so that there are no questions.
The story involving East Haven’s mayor is pretty incredible. That his comment about tacos could be offered by an elected official is a sign of how far our culture has to go.
Meriden Housing Authority’s idea of turning the former “Professional Building” at 137 West Main Street into housing for the homeless makes a good deal of sense. It will take a whole lot of grant money though (around $7 million) so no one’s counting rooms until they’re ready for occupancy.
One has a feeling that the New Haven man who stole $700 worth of baby formula from Target store in Meriden may have acted out of need. We hope that all the facts will e carefully sorted and that we are not witnessing a page out of Les Miserables.
It certainly makes sense for Southington to undertake a study of its sewer system. When it comes to fixing it to whatever standards are set, though, there’s not really much choice for the town.
People will be able to draw their own conclusions from the status of Meriden mayoral candidates’ financial status 2 and a half months after the election. Look at the money and where it came from.
Wallingford Housing Authority members should be extra careful in dotting all I’s and crossing all T’s as it proceeds. Perhaps it would be better, given practices concerning plumbing contractors, to go forward with that full audit so that there are no questions.
The story involving East Haven’s mayor is pretty incredible. That his comment about tacos could be offered by an elected official is a sign of how far our culture has to go.
Meriden Housing Authority’s idea of turning the former “Professional Building” at 137 West Main Street into housing for the homeless makes a good deal of sense. It will take a whole lot of grant money though (around $7 million) so no one’s counting rooms until they’re ready for occupancy.
One has a feeling that the New Haven man who stole $700 worth of baby formula from Target store in Meriden may have acted out of need. We hope that all the facts will e carefully sorted and that we are not witnessing a page out of Les Miserables.
It certainly makes sense for Southington to undertake a study of its sewer system. When it comes to fixing it to whatever standards are set, though, there’s not really much choice for the town.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Jan. 26, 2012
We are concerned for the illness of Principal Tom Brown of Meriden’s Pulaski School and we wish him and his family the very best. He’s been a very strong member of the school system for two decades.
Wallingford wound up the last fiscal year with a surplus, due to leaving positions unfilled. This holds the budget line, and is probably what taxpayers want, but it’s hard on those who need services as well as on employees who often must cover for unfilled jobs.
Renovation of Southington’s middle schools, a job long in the decision, is clearly not going to be short in the execution, either. But the process is underway and will eventually produce two up-to-date schools.
Possible revival of the Learning Academy in Southington, a program at the high school aimed at freshmen and sophomores who are failing courses at the end of their school year. After school programs, twice a week, may not be everyone’s dream come true, but it offers second chances for some who take advantage of the program.
Meriden looks forward to a concert February 11 from its newly formed Pops Orchestra, which will play at the Curtis Cultural Center. We are very glad to see the return of orchestral music to the community and we wish the group a good success.
Wallingford wound up the last fiscal year with a surplus, due to leaving positions unfilled. This holds the budget line, and is probably what taxpayers want, but it’s hard on those who need services as well as on employees who often must cover for unfilled jobs.
Renovation of Southington’s middle schools, a job long in the decision, is clearly not going to be short in the execution, either. But the process is underway and will eventually produce two up-to-date schools.
Possible revival of the Learning Academy in Southington, a program at the high school aimed at freshmen and sophomores who are failing courses at the end of their school year. After school programs, twice a week, may not be everyone’s dream come true, but it offers second chances for some who take advantage of the program.
Meriden looks forward to a concert February 11 from its newly formed Pops Orchestra, which will play at the Curtis Cultural Center. We are very glad to see the return of orchestral music to the community and we wish the group a good success.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Jan. 25, 2012
That marijuana incident at Hanover School, Meriden, involving a 4-year-old who arrived with packets of the stuff is really unfortunate. It’s too bad when a small child becomes the center of a situation with such characteristics.
Southington is already engaged in a typical budget dilemma: cut sports or teachers. It’s not really a good plan, long run, when one program is pitted against another.
Wallingford is again discussing its long-dormant insurance commission. While it is certainly good to make sure all decisions are made transparently, it is hard to figure why decisions made by a committee of five would be any better than decisions made by one professional employee.
It sounds like a really good idea to switch Meriden water and sewer bills to a quarterly payment basis. Maybe folks could also pay on-line, if that can be done without extra cost, to save postage.
It doesn’t look as if the Gura Building in Southington will be disappearing any time soon. The panel to plan its future met for the first time and talk was not of removal but of finding new uses, public or private.
The Wuterich case is concluded, and the Meriden soldier can go on with his life. International chips will fall where they may.
Let’s keep things in perspective: it was widely reported that state workers filed fraudulent claims for food stamps after Hurricane Irene. As facts emerge, it appears 686 of 800 workers who applied did so eligibly (what does that say about state wages?) and 98 have been forwarded for fraud review, of which 4 have retired and 4 have been fired, hardly a huge scandal when dealing with aid of between $200 and $1,200.
Platt Senior Sammi Barillaro’s efforts to raise money in Meriden for Special Olympics through a Polar Bear Plunge at Hammonnasset on February 11. You don’t have to jump in to help this effort, just pledge.
It’s probably good that Southington schools review homework policy – as in how long per day – since all kids have busy schedules and folks should know what to expect. On the other hand it does reduce the process to a sort of accounting exercise rather than a learning experience, since homework, ideally, helps kids learn something, not just occupy their time.
Southington is already engaged in a typical budget dilemma: cut sports or teachers. It’s not really a good plan, long run, when one program is pitted against another.
Wallingford is again discussing its long-dormant insurance commission. While it is certainly good to make sure all decisions are made transparently, it is hard to figure why decisions made by a committee of five would be any better than decisions made by one professional employee.
It sounds like a really good idea to switch Meriden water and sewer bills to a quarterly payment basis. Maybe folks could also pay on-line, if that can be done without extra cost, to save postage.
It doesn’t look as if the Gura Building in Southington will be disappearing any time soon. The panel to plan its future met for the first time and talk was not of removal but of finding new uses, public or private.
The Wuterich case is concluded, and the Meriden soldier can go on with his life. International chips will fall where they may.
Let’s keep things in perspective: it was widely reported that state workers filed fraudulent claims for food stamps after Hurricane Irene. As facts emerge, it appears 686 of 800 workers who applied did so eligibly (what does that say about state wages?) and 98 have been forwarded for fraud review, of which 4 have retired and 4 have been fired, hardly a huge scandal when dealing with aid of between $200 and $1,200.
Platt Senior Sammi Barillaro’s efforts to raise money in Meriden for Special Olympics through a Polar Bear Plunge at Hammonnasset on February 11. You don’t have to jump in to help this effort, just pledge.
It’s probably good that Southington schools review homework policy – as in how long per day – since all kids have busy schedules and folks should know what to expect. On the other hand it does reduce the process to a sort of accounting exercise rather than a learning experience, since homework, ideally, helps kids learn something, not just occupy their time.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Jan. 24, 2012
It is good that Sgt. Wuterich and his attorneys have managed to bring these protracted hearings to an end. We hope the Meriden native may now proceed to whatever is next for him in life, and that the nation can put this incident aside and that harm done to civilians on the other side in that war can be peacefully remedied.
Wild fluctuations in the price of gasoline would be troubling, and it has always been a wonder how events across the world can cause prices to rise at the pump on gas which has already been purchased by retailers or by distributing companies. That said, a 30-cent difference in the price of a gallon amounts to only 10 percent or so and makes little long-range difference to anyone, and as for any windfall to Connecticut coffers, that’s all to the good, considering how desperate the straits it is in.
The Meriden Housing Authority will work with a residents’ committee on issues about affordable housing and the future of public housing, which makes sense to do on several grounds. We hope a way is found to process and respond to input developed by this committee or it will be somewhat pointless.
Lots of people can accept the notion that there will be parking arranged at the Wooding-Caplan property in Wallingford, about which the town is preparing a report for the Council. It is the word “temporary” which causes some concern, as once it’s there, it seems unlikely anyone will continue to find alternative parking, an issue which has left burn marks on many political skins.
It seems that “bait and switch” is a little tough to use on the fact that estimates for sewer installations in Southington were badly off. Sewers are necessary, really, and they’re going to cost what they cost.
Wild fluctuations in the price of gasoline would be troubling, and it has always been a wonder how events across the world can cause prices to rise at the pump on gas which has already been purchased by retailers or by distributing companies. That said, a 30-cent difference in the price of a gallon amounts to only 10 percent or so and makes little long-range difference to anyone, and as for any windfall to Connecticut coffers, that’s all to the good, considering how desperate the straits it is in.
The Meriden Housing Authority will work with a residents’ committee on issues about affordable housing and the future of public housing, which makes sense to do on several grounds. We hope a way is found to process and respond to input developed by this committee or it will be somewhat pointless.
Lots of people can accept the notion that there will be parking arranged at the Wooding-Caplan property in Wallingford, about which the town is preparing a report for the Council. It is the word “temporary” which causes some concern, as once it’s there, it seems unlikely anyone will continue to find alternative parking, an issue which has left burn marks on many political skins.
It seems that “bait and switch” is a little tough to use on the fact that estimates for sewer installations in Southington were badly off. Sewers are necessary, really, and they’re going to cost what they cost.
Monday, January 23, 2012
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Jan. 23, 2012
So Democrats who want to vote in a Republican primary in Connecticut may do so, and the GOP primary is April 24, 90 days from now. But that’s presidential; voters planning interparty strategy should whether if, by changing affiliations, they could switch back for a Democratic Senatorial primary.
Interesting listing of stipends for various jobs coaching or supervising extracurricular activities in Wallingford schools. The cash is minor, but the principle is of greater concern.
Less evidence makes sense in dealing with Connecticut's forensic lab. Clearly, not every case needs forensic treatment, but we do hope that by setting limits cases which need examination will not have lab work done.
Interesting listing of stipends for various jobs coaching or supervising extracurricular activities in Wallingford schools. The cash is minor, but the principle is of greater concern.
Less evidence makes sense in dealing with Connecticut's forensic lab. Clearly, not every case needs forensic treatment, but we do hope that by setting limits cases which need examination will not have lab work done.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Jan. 22, 2012
Seems to us that if folks begin comparing Connecticut’s legislative expenses with other states’ (which is essentially comparing apples to oranges) we’re asking for trouble. That notion floated by Sen. Gary LeBeau of eliminating a chamber is worth looking at as long as it’s not merely done to save money, which is merely a way of ensuring we get what we pay for.
Our pat of Connecticut got off easy in Saturday’s storm. We hope that Meriden, Wallingford, Cheshire and Southington have it just as easy in the precipitation set for tonight and tomorrow.
Our pat of Connecticut got off easy in Saturday’s storm. We hope that Meriden, Wallingford, Cheshire and Southington have it just as easy in the precipitation set for tonight and tomorrow.
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