The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Dec. 31, 2010

Debate over sales tax on Internet sales this year in the Connecticut legislature should be highly entertaining, not to say passionate. There are many citizens who shop on-line precisely because of its non-taxable status, but many government observers see little reason (particularly when Internet sales eat into sales tax revenues) not to tax purchases made by this means.

Meriden’s school board has an open door policy at meetings and is willing to listen to anyone on a matter scheduled for discussion by the board for three minutes, but takers are few. It’s not a secret: schools are expensive, it’s complicated, but the members are interested to hear the people and to be as responsive as possible.

There’s only one way to enforce the rules against liquor-selling establishments, it seems, even though education is carried out in Southington. A sting operation caught 50 percent of the outlets checked.

So Connecticut's Senator-elect Blumenthal got a good seat (although he paid for it) at a Huskies game for security reasons, according to the head of the athletic department, and the situation has led to speculations on ethics. There will be some observers, though, who grumble and wonder what the point of being a public official is if it doesn’t bring with it anything as trivial a front-row seat, be they at a ball game or at the symphony?

The Editor's Notepod, Thurs., Dec. 30, 2010

A judge has rejected Sen. Elect Markley’s (R. Southington) suit over electric rate surcharges used to finance a sale of future revenue bonds. It’s an interesting political/legal question which should draw some additional attention, even if it is equally an ingenious revenue ploy. Meanwhile, state customers of CL&P and UI will see 7.8 and 1.5 rate reductions as of January 2.

Connecticut’s public higher education system is preparing for tight budgets coming at them. The state pays only about a quarter of the total cost of operating universities and colleges compared to the tuitions paid by students, and has risen by only 83 percent over two decades (compared to the near 300 percent rise in tuition), and voters and legislators are reminded that there are only two sources of revenue for public education: taxes and tuitions.

Southington used the Townwide alert system during the snowstorm early this week and was pleased to find that the system actually worked quite well. As for citizens, well, some of them, who haven’t been particularly aware of certain electronic developments, were kind of bewildered about the calls, wondering how the town had obtained their numbers.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Dec. 29, 2010

Meriden and Wallingford have begun to think about establishing a reserve fund for any costs associated with pollution law changes affecting operations at the trash to energy plant. This is a good idea as well as a potential way to cooperate on a mutual responsibility.

Cheshire is looking at the next step in water pollution control, and a $30 million upgrade at the plant which will also remove phosphorus. Town by town, these are upgrades which are expensive, but necessary.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Dec. 28, 2010

The jump in average household income in Southington over the last decade (according to the cen-sus) is quite remarkable. $70,000 to $90,000 is a long way

With the results in, Connecticut seems not to have received as much snow and wind as other places around the northeast and New England. As Gov. Rell out it, we caught a bit of a break.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Dec. 27, 2010

It’s interesting to see the definition of blizzard all spelled out, and it’s easy to see why towns in central Connecticut and across the state need to be precise. Relief comes in accordance with definitions: without “blizzard conditions” no money for the weather damage.

Meriden is discovering one interesting fact after another about grease interceptor. Imagine enacting a law requiring such equipment in this year of challenge!

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Dec. 26, 2010

Southington: the post-mortem is underway concerning the selection of the new town manager, with such observations as that four of those who voted in the new guy are in their first council term. That’s an unusual situation on Southington’s council, which has featured longevity over the last 30 years, but that doesn’t affect the validity of any of its decisions.

Wallingford’s gamble on the savings of diesel generating power may be spiked by the spike in diesel prices. That’s how this cookie seems to be crumbling.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Dec. 24, 2010

Congressman Murphy’s bill to create more specialized housing could help prevent a repeat of incidents where differing populations of tenants come into conflict, as happened in Meriden at Community Towers a couple of years ago.

It was found that more than 42 percent of Connecticut Department of Transportation projects ran more than 10 percent over budget between 2001 and 2010, while only 37 percent of that work was finished on time. It’s a big case of a day late and a dollar short, but the important question is what can be done about the situation?

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Dec. 22, 2010

It was probably a good thing that the special Housing Zone change was not passed by the Wallingford Town Council Tuesday evening. Everyone seems to have a rather different idea of what it might accomplish, and we should have more definition before enacting something of this kind.

It appears that a good many of the present workers at Pratt & Whitney plants in Cheshire and East Hartford are electing to accept the buyout offer reached a couple of weeks ago. With 469 out of the 500 anticipated, the job of figuring out which jobs will go where will be simplified.

Fixing the Meriden water filtration plant at Broadbrook will be more expensive than anticipated but should fix the taste problem that many have complained about. Remember that a clean public water supply is the single most important element of public health.

Word that the next Great Connecticut Jazz Festival will have to wait until July of 2012, due to a slight drop in attendance which made backers reluctant to schedule another event so soon. It will be all the more eagerly awaited at the Four Points, Meriden, in a year and a half.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Dec. 21, 2010

Open comment session of Meriden’s City Council drew 12 speakers Tuesday evening, and seemed to afford those who came a chance to express various concerns. Is this a First Amendment right? Who knows? More important, though, is “what happens next?”

Stream flow is back before the Connecticut General Assembly’s Regulations Review Committee, this time minus ground water rules which derailed the measure before. This is a step which needs to be taken in the public interest in ready and fair distribution of water supplies among towns, businesses and ecological concerns.

While legislators Adinolfi (Cheshire) and Fasano (Wallingford) are seeking to beef up three-strikes laws regarding “violent” offenders, they should reduce judicial discretion with great care. It is that discretion which protects many values.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Dec. 19, 2010

CL&P has offered to extinguish streetlights in downtown Meriden after midnight for businesses which request such a change. Judging from initial reactions from several different interests, public and private, commercial and non-profit, there will be few takers.

Officer Michael Boothroyd will join the Neighborhood Initiative Unit in Meriden in January. His job will focus on assessing community concerns and instituting traffic enforcement at select locations, which may help bring drivers into line with the law.

The Department of Children and Families with help from Meriden's Maloney High School’s DECA organization held a party for kids in adoptive or foster homes this week. The event, which included a visit from Santa, has been in the planning since the summer.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Dec. 18, 2010

We hope that the Parks and Recreation Department building in Wallingford will get a patch which will last at least through the winter. The place has had some problems lately.

First public comment session set for after the City Council meeting in Meriden, this Monday evening. It will be interesting to see how the meeting runs.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Dec. 17, 2010

Meriden School board is moving toward requiring recess on a daily basis in al; the elementary schools. It may only be 15 minutes, but it’s time that belongs to the students.
The repair job done on electric lines along Gravel Street in Meriden
may have been designed to demonstrate that public utility projects can be finished within the time period promised. The only problem – a slight one – was that CL&P was too quick and didn’t take as long as they expected.

Meriden City Council’s Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee is on a cusp regarding digital billboard approval for city property near I-91. There are a number of the changing signs around Connecticut and if the concern is distraction, they’re way less bothersome than cell phones.

In voting to terminate the term of Cheshire’s town historian every two years when a new council is seated, the majority has shown a scant appreciation of the fact that history lasts for more than two years. There was no need that anyone can see to make such a change without even listening to the current incumbent.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Dec. 15, 2010

Cheshire’s Town Council has voted to accept the state grant for the artificial turf field at the high school. With this decision now settled, we hope this long delayed project can move foreward quickly and usefully.

Governor-Elect Malloy has met with leaders of Connecticut industry and told them that when he takes office the state will be “open for business.” We will await with interest the exact shape of that promise.

Southington Education Foundation has set its sights on a “big ticket” plan, an educational facility focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. A long term project, the foundation has hopes of locating it at the Y’s Camp Sloper.

While it’s good to know that Covanta has located the source and cause of pollution leaks at the Trash-to-Energy plant in Wallingford, and halted them, it will be more reassuring to know that the leaks will not be repeated.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Dec. 14, 2010

Southington: the deal with North Center School not transparent? Perhaps, but it is an ingenious solution to the twice rejected plans to replace antiquated town buildings with something more suitable for modern working conditions.

Wallingford’s Board of Education naturally wants to be involved in the film proposed about the Powder Puff Game in consideration of the kids, etc. But consider the probable shape and quality of a film made by ten different directors, the professional and nine others.

The probate headquarters of the merged court will be in Cheshire rather than Southington, based on the available space, but that should make no difference to those with business before the judge, who will hear matters in both communities.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Dec. 13, 2010

Last Sunday was rainy, just to put it mildly, with about 2.5 inches during the storm, in the Meriden area. We all know that into every statistical period a little rain must fall, but must it drop the full monthly quota of precipitation all at once?

The artwork done just last month at Meriden's Lincoln Middle School by bilingual students featuring the Charter Oak on Christmas ornaments under the direction of Mark Patnode wound up on display at the White House, a fine event. But was it history or art?

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Dec. 12, 2010

Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Joette Katz, who was the youngest person ever appointed to the state high court 18 years ago, is resigning to accept Governor-Elect Malloy’s appointment to be Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families. It’s a challenging job, both managerially and politically, butKatz can do it if anyone can; one likes what one reads of her.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Dec. 11, 2010

Bond Commission approved cash for uncovering Harbor Brook at the Hub in Meriden as well as for bridges in Wallingford and Southington and new rolling stock for Shoreline East and buses for the Vo-Tech schools. Of course, we’ll all have to pay for them.

When Lisa Sinclair’s 6th grade classes at Meriden’s Washington Middle School did not know who Adolph Hitler was, she changed courses and invited Bernie Frydenberg, a Holocaust survivor who lives in the city, to come and speak, an excellent signal of school-room flexibility. One can’t help noting that the days in which there will be people around who can relate first hand memories of that horror are becoming numbered.

The DOT will store sediment removed from Harbor Brook near the Cook Avenue bridge in Meriden on a lot at the corner of Miller and Center Streets. Seems like a good place for a time until all can be tested, though if anything dangerous emerges (and there’s no sign it will) further precautions would be needed.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Dec. 10, 2010

Meriden Superintendent Mark Benigni took a group of local realtors around to city schools after giving a slide show on the plus side of his city. Benigni’s approach is to be applauded and supported as both useful and innovative.

It’s hard to see any justification for opposition in principle to state regulations on stream flow and ground water use, such as seems to be coming from Wallingford. Surely, in principle, there’s as much reason, in a world soon to be short of fresh water, to regulate as there is to set standards for waste water.

Southington: it’s evident that all is not smooth sailing among members of the Board of Finance. We hope they work matters out, as that sort of discord makes a hash out of functioning.

State: another kind of fuel, liquefied natural gas, is going to be sold at a station near Bridgeport along I-95. This is the third alternative stations this fall, the first two being hydrogen and electricity stations.

The Editor's Notepod, Thurs., Dec. 9, 2010

Wallingford has won approval for a new Incentive Housing Zone, a six-block area in the heart of the town. It will be very interesting to watch how and if this develops as hoped.

An additional 8-classroom wing for all-day kindergarten at Meriden's Hanover School is approved. Presumably, the planners have figured out how the new wing will fit onto the property, and it appears that the city owns a good chunk of land.

It appears that the potential budget cuts facing Meriden’s schools may not be as huge as foretold. We hope that turns out to be the case, but a contingency plan is still a good idea.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Dec. 8, 2010

Meriden: it sounds as if the new or redesigned high schools will change mainly in the technology capability. If it looks “too much” like today’s schools, will the plan be hard to sell?

Southington: The Learning Experience planned facility on West Street needs to be accompanied by up-to-date traffic prognoses and by serious info about noise and management.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Dec. 7, 2010

Meriden: One is concerned that the decision on the animal slaughtering issue may have taken the matter too far and been motivated too much by non-health-related concerns. On the other hand, there should be a clear understanding of just what might be culturally required and what isn’t; there are limits.

Wind power is proving controversial as Prospect considers a plan to build two in that nearby community. In Wyoming there are large fields of wind towers which operate regularly and supply a considerable portion of the state’s electricity, and they look a lot better than, say, any one of Connecticut’s filthy five.

State: no argument with the fact that Connecticut has badly neglected equipment – and many other things – at the vo-tech schools, so that kids graduate learning to use machines which are generations removed from what is actually in use. This is a good place for the state to invest.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Dec. 6, 2010

Requiring a fourth year of high school math education for Meriden students is a good step, but care should be taken not to do so at the expense of other subjects. One wonders, too, if that fourth year could not be eased into the existing three by accelerating studies for those most attuned.

Billboards, electronic, at the end of Barr Road in Meriden, near I-91? Why not, since we’ve already gotten into the business. The ultimate question, though, is “How many are enough?”

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Dec. 5, 2010

Wallingford: no big surprise that residents have not been furiously calling about the new assessments received in November, despite a December 9 deadline for appeal. But even though the general assessment was downward, people can still face tax increases based on either reallocation of tax burden from commercial to residential or on an increase in expenditures.

The movement in Connecticut to change the rules on access to original information concerning adoption is interesting and important particularly regarding medical history. But the actuality of ex post facto changing a legally private arrangement after the fact because social views have evolved is somewhat troubling.

Southington’s denitrification plant has some glitches which are interesting chemically (since this is an inherently interesting process) but kind of expensive to control. It’s a good effort to have completed this plant and saves the cost of buying nitrogen credits while helping the plants and animals which inhabit Long Island Sound and which play a part in the state economy.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Dec. 4, 2010

Meriden: Swings in the student population would seem to be an inevitable result of local demographics. It would be wise to see what can be done to improve retention rates at the high schools, though that may be an expensive undertaking.

The Southington PTO is began its undertaking to beef up the high school’s library with a book drive at the vo-ag building. It’s certainly sensible to begin with as low-cost a strategy as possible.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Dec. 3, 2010

Meriden: A large project (over a mile of roadway and $8.7 million) is in the works for Gravel St. and Baldwin Ave. It seems to be a good thing that work is not to be connected to the federal stimulus program, as that causes delays.

Southington and Cheshire seem still to need to work out the necessity of accommodating the newly merged probate court. It’s a hard issue for both communities, probably best handled before and not after the merger takes effect.

It was elected officials who turned out to help fund Platt and Maloney High School’s Youth and Government program, trimmed earlier this year. This was a singularly appropriate source of help for the popular Meriden program, but much appreciated all the same.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Dec. 1, 2010

Meriden: School board is working out how to craft policies which will help provide recess time for kids in school every day. This is an excellent direction in which to move.

Justice Joette Katz of Connecticut’s Supreme Court has been tapped by governor elect Malloy to serve as his Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families. This is a critical job and one for which the soon-to-be-former justice appears to have a number of important qualifications.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Nov. 30, 2010

State: Gov. Rell has reversed herself, thank goodness. She will not suggest cuts in rail service to Danbury, Waterbury and New Canaan to save $$.

Meriden: a drawback of a purposeful device like SeeClickFix.com may be that it creates expectations that every problem reported will be corrected within a week. That is not possible now for Meriden or any other town or city and it has never been possible: people need to be realistic.

Wallingford: town will build a new transfer station to allow for dumping at ground level, a boon to residents.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Nov. 29, 2010

Meriden: the education gap. It is frustrating to watch officials with fine instincts and credentials working the brains out to try and end distinctions defined by a heartless and pointless test aimed at teachers as much as teaching. The underlying issues are poverty and family disintegration.

Southington’s Apple Harvest Festival has continued Melissa Ericksen’s role as coordinator for sponsors for next year’s event. Congratulations to her and thanks for her hard work.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Nov. 28, 2010

Southington: Lingering smells can afflict almost any building, we guess, but it’s particularly tough in a library which is expected to smell like books.

Cheshire: the town is proceeding with performance based contracting for four buildings and energy-saving procedures, materials or technology. Good place to go.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Nov. 27, 2010

Southington: Contracts which include more expensive “green” materials or technologies can be helped by “performance-based” contracting, which involves loans up front to enable cost-saving steps, which return the money over time in cheaper operations. Makes sense.

It’s going to take more than angry negotiations to change Pratt & Whitney’s corporate mind that it wishes to close operations in Connecticut, notably Cheshire and East Hartford. It’s too bad that the management and the union have always seen themselves as unalterably opposed in interest – which is not true – and have not worked together before interests became too polarized for any compromise.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Nov. 26, 2010

Southington: Parking at the high school does seem to be a perennial problem, even now, we guess, when cars for students’ exclusive use might be expected to be somewhat reduced in number thanks to the economy. Why not tell students they can’t drive to school until they are seniors, or some other makeshift solution?

Meriden: it’s an interesting idea that Superintendent Benigni is floating to save school costs by bringing outplaced special needs kids back to the city for education in in-town placements. The decision in each case has some fine and careful lines to follow.

The Editor's Notepod, Thurs., Nov 25, 2010

Meriden: under current plans, the city could have a renewed chance at acquiring some of the Undercliff property which it would desperately like to add to its developable resources. This is a situation folks will be watching with keen interest.

Southington: with one councilor taking himself out of the picture to avoid a conflict, the Town Council deadlocked over appointments to the Board of Police Commissioners. Time for a little bi-partisan spirit, isn’t it?

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Nov. 24, 2010

Southington: interviews for the town manager’s position proceed before the councilors. This is an important event for the town and there is a certain amount of suspense building.

Meriden: the expense of grease-trapping systems seems to be descending upon the school system. While we could understand the need for such equipment if the system were operating full-scale kitchens at which food was prepared from scratch, it’s our impression that most food served these days is merely micro-waved, with waste going directly into trash. Where’s the grease?

Wallingford/Meriden: good police work nabbing the guys suspected of grabbing an ATM from a gas station. It’s one thing to steal money from the till, but it gives a crime quite a different twist when it’s the cash machine which is taken.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Nov. 23, 2010

Wallingford: the auditor says it about the housing authority. “The tone starts with the board of directors,” he said. “As soon as that tone stops, you’re vulnerable to things. They should be looking at what their director, Mr. Nere, is doing — not because he’s doing something wrong, but to make sure he’s doing what he’s supposed to.”

Southington: so the finance director takes medical leave and a substitute is paid from overtime accounts as directed. This depletes overtime, however, and when request is made for more cash, it’s turned down all around; this makes very little sense.

In the Meriden schools, it seems that the cheese sandwich ploy has worked, and that kids who were served cheese sandwiches instead of the regular meal have persuaded parents to pay up. Apparently, as far as the kids are concerned, cheese sandwiches are not the lunch of choice.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Nov. 22, 2010

Wind turbine at the Y Outdoor Center on High Hill Road, Meriden. Constructed with a grant by Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, it should help the greening of Connecticut.

There will be improvements coming soon to 11 miles of trails in the north end of Wallingford's Tyler Mill Conservation and Recreation Area. It will be good to have areas clearly marked and to have damages done by illegal ATVs repaired.

We’re not convinced that tight state control over elections is a necessary response to the mess in Bridgeport on November 2. But is there any legitimate reason why Bridgeport should object? Do they really want to be able to order ballots for fewer than the miserable percentage which turned out for elections four years ago?

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Nov.21, 2010

Southington: the irritation with the process and the progress on Mt. Vernon Road repaving is easy to understand, but it’s true that grants under federal programs, like state programs and like municipal funding, must meet standards other than merely do it quickly and come in on budget. Patience is about the only answer.

The empty seats on the Cheshire Town Council are pretty unusual, but there shouldn’t be too much trouble finding people to fill them. How many vacancies – just speculating – would be enough to justify, if possible, a special election?

The advice on assessing elderly parents and other relatives during Thanksgiving visits, as offered by experts at VNA and Masonicare in Wallingford is excellent. Of course, one of the touchy parts of such a process is that often enough those aging parents may not appreciate the scrutiny.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Nov.20, 2010

Cheshire: Selling the pool is now the option being considered by the council. It’s hard to imagine a more divisive municipal facility, and this pool has established quite a record of rejections. Maybe the best solution is to fill it in.

The fiscal audit provided to the Wallingford Housing Authority’s policies and practices is full of many suggestions. It will be interesting to see what becomes of the recommendations.

SmartMusic, which students at Wallingford’s Moran and Lyman Hall are using, allow them to see where their mistakes occur during practicing. This should prove a helpful and creative innovation in music instruction.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Nov. 19, 2010

Meriden: the rumor mill, churning away at that $11 million projected shortfall for fiscal 2011-12, promptly started grinding out schools allegedly “to be closed” – all with no foundation in fact. At an informational session, it was stated clearly that the possible closing of a school is at the bottom of the list of options, but it was also clear that finding $11 million would not be an easy job.

Southington: it’s too bad that difficulties over the closure of part of West Main Street in Plantsville have come to the fore. It’s late to solve them and late to change the plans and no one wants to injure anyone’s business in this economic environment.

Cheshire: is there any concern over the exact reason for encouraging (or extracting, or forcing or arranging) the resignation of the High School Girls’ Soccer Coach? Did he get in trouble for disagreeing with the policy on punishing teen drinking when it occurs off-campus, or for expressing a difference with the board, and is this a policy appropriate to the administration?

The Editor's Notepod, Thurs., Nov 18, 2010

Meriden officials are going to need some clever thinking to determine how to compensate for an $11 million gap in funding for the school system next fiscal year. There’s no way this isn’t going to hurt in many places.

Wallingford’s Housing Authority will probably have an energetic discussion of that financial audit authorized by Democrats earlier in the year. But it’s possible the new majority will simply deep six it.

Southington is having a police investigation into an incident on a recent middle school field trip. Such news, without any word on charges, should either be buttoned up until a full charge is made or the case is dismissed, or the full allegations made public even before investigation begins; the rumor mill is fed by this sort of thing.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Nov. 17, 2010

Meriden: how can anyone judge whether the “slaughtering” process on Bee St. is offensive and if the animals are mistreated in any way? What will it take? Photos?

Meriden: MFT has unanimously approved the schedule change to allow conferences on Thursday. Obviously, this is a strongly-felt need and there seems to be no outcry from parents.

Southington: The Learning Experience proposal for a daycare center on West Street drew fire, mainly, it seems, because it’s near a 55-and-older condo. The company is a leading franchiser of day care and capacity here is set at 190, which seems rather large. It’s an interesting development in daycare.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Nov. 16, 2010

State: in thinking about the election audit, it would be helpful to remember that it’s only a few years that we’ve had these optical scanning machines where ballots had to be ordered in some quantity. The old voting machines simply went on recording votes mechanically . . . although they could become full.

Connecticut liquor wholesalers have agreed not to ship and deliver caffeinated high-test alcoholic drinks – which have been banned in four other states. Dealers are to be commended for their public-minded decision.

Those beech trees along Broad Street in Meriden, nearly removed several years ago when the corner at Pratt was developed, have proved their usefulness as well as their beauty, stopping a car headed into the ravine after a crash. It’s too bad that these fine trees are diminished in their health, as they should remain with us for many years.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Nov. 15, 2010

The discussion of Wallingford’s ability to pay, vis-à-vis the union arbitration awards offers some fascinating philosophical opportunities. Unfortunately, this is politics, not philosophy.

Meriden: It’s great that the Y is taking over where the public schools cannot go and running the Gifted and Talented program. It still is unclear to us, though, why the answer for G&T kids always seems to be more school.

From the words of shoppers at Westfield Mall in Meriden, there seems to be some cautious optimism as the holiday shopping season gets underway. Lots of people will be holding their breath to see what happens.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Nov.14, 2010

It’s a classic story of hard times, and we wish the very best to anyone from Meriden, Wallingford or anywhere else facing long-term unemployment especially if combined with medical issues and other expenses.

Southington’s Rails to Trails committee really needs to get whatever is needed to make the new stretch of the trail user-safe in place. The town could certainly help out with a little authoritative initiative, too, maybe advancing whatever cash might be needed to secure and finish off the job: it seems silly to wait with an 85% finished job until April.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Nov. 13, 2010

Yet another piece of fall-out from Wallingford’s budget hard-line: to save $6,000, the winter indoor pool program is cancelled. Citizens, rise up and demand to pay more taxes to keep your services.

Cheshire’s search for a new chief is down to three finalists, one of whom is the acting chief. That could be a very difficult moment for the panel doing the work.

It’s good to know that Hartford's mid-Conn trash-to-energy plant was built to handle minor explosions such as last Friday morning’s shredded propane container. But that’s surely not among the items which should be sent to the plant – rather more energy than expected.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Nov. 12, 2010

Wallingford will lay off people from other unions beside firefighters in the time-honored and scandalous process of part-timers and latest hired being dumped first. There’s something so anti-human about such a process.

Meriden: sudden closure of Tim Horton’s demonstrates how tough it is to compete these days when one outfit gets the upper hand. Nothing against Dunkin, but we already see them everywhere we look!

Meriden: firefighters taking time to explain their jobs. This is a good activity, and one which other municipal workers and others might attempt, since many citizens make huge assumptions (often grossly incorrect) about the chief activities of jobs.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Nov. 10, 2010

Southington: if work crews actually do call “Call before you dig” and the information does not match reality, what can anyone do when a gas line is ruptured? Older communities do tend to suffer this sort of incident. Patience and care.

Wallingford: cuts to emergency services in response to arbitration award will not be popular. To make up the $350,000 shortfall would take something like $8 a person in additional taxes; surely that’s an option?

Cheshire: shouldn’t fixing roads, at least up to a certain point to avoid flooding and potholes, be some sort of a local concern?

Governor Rell seems poised to conduct an orderly transfer of the governorship to her successor, Democrat Dan Malloy. This is consistent with her dignified handling of her office throughout her tenure.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Nov. 9, 2010

State: One might say that nothing becomes Foley’s race so much as the leaving of it. Now convinced by numbers, he takes the high road and concedes.

Hayes sentenced to death in the Cheshire home invasion case, and it’s only three years and four months since the crime. Now the clock will tick on the years which elapse until sentence is executed.

State: legislators are considering a plan which would bring Hartford students to suburban schools which have closed, opening them with 25percent Hartford kids, which sounds interesting but fraught. How about the reverse? Induce suburban families to move to Hartford and send their kids to public schools?

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Nov. 8, 2010

Wallingford revaluation is nearly ready to be mailed to property owners, and the assessor says because of the up and then down in values since the last reval, the new assessments may not be all that different. Quite possibly, but residents will probably want to wait and see before they stop worrying.

While it was a good thing to have that extra hour of sleep between Saturday and Sunday, we are not at all convinced that Eastern Standard Time is welcome, with its early darkness in the evenings, a true misery for office workers, who see neither morning sun nor evening (supposing its sun, not cloud). But really, it’s the shorter hours of daylight to blame, and we can’t have it both ways.

Proposals to do “something” about the shortage of ballots in Bridgeport and elsewhere have the usual smack of too late smart. At a top price of $1 a ballot (can it possibly be true that municipalities pay that much for copies?) it’s silly not to have a ballot for every potential voter. Now we know.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Oct. 27, 2010

Meriden: the system adds a few minutes and subtracts a few minutes, with, mostly, a net gain in time, but, more important, a chance to bring staff together for data exchange. So long as everyone likes it, the plan sounds wonderful.

Wallingford: Town Council decided, wisely, not to pursue further appeals of arbitration awards to firefighters and paramedics. The costs of the awards are on the minimal side and finding the cash to cover them may well be cheaper than the costs of an appeal – but there will still be the task of finding those funds.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Oct. 26, 2010

Southington: while that new section of the linear trail may not be officially “open,” a status which may not arrive until months after a public project is apparently completed, it may look finished. Either put the push on to complete before winter, or make sure that access isn’t possible.

Meriden: the situation of the Nigerian-born man who slaughters animals for his extended family and in so doing offends the neighbors needs to be carefully approached, of course. All facts should be carefully checked, and it there is a reasonable way to reduce cultural conflict it should be adopted.

The Editor's Notepod, Thurs., Oct. 21, 2010

Growth of Practical Energy Solutions, founded in Wallingford ten years ago. A firm needing more space is a good thing to happen.

Plans, and cash, to purchase area near Meriden railroad station as a beginning for the transport hub. It really seems that things downtown are finally coming together, but there’s still a long way to go.

Wallingford: unpaid bills to Electric Division, from both homes and businesses reflect a strained economy. It’s far from crisis, but something to be aware of.

A farm animal ordinance in Meriden? That seems likely to open several cans of worms; any move in this regard should be very carefully weighed.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Oct. 20, 2010

Wallingford: There seems to be no end to the disagreement among Housing Authority members, and equally no particular reason for all the enmity. They must find a fix.

State: the Connecticut Commission on Educational Achievement may have proposals for closing the academic performance gap between rich and poor, but they seem rather vague. How about passing a law eliminating the differences?

Meriden: What other result could there be to reducing staff and costs but higher classroom numbers? This will probably have to wait for an improved economy.

Southington: the vandalism along a portion of the Linear Trail is unacceptable. If it occurs in a characteristically isolated area, the best option would be to remove whatever the seclusion is by opening things up somewhat.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Oct. 19, 2010

Meriden continues to deal with a school lunch deficit, and is controlling the debt by feeding children behind more than five meals cheese sandwiches. It’s an interesting ploy and may work, but it remains a fact that even $60,000 of lunch debt over three years is a tiny fraction of a $100 million school budget, and that feeding high carbohydrate lunches in an effort to reduce debt rather conflicts with efforts to fight obesity.

Somehow, it just doesn’t seem to be the best outcome concerning parking issues for visitors to Wallingford’s successful Trail of Terror (or any other community event) to have improperly parked cars towed away. Clearly, parking is a problem for some nearby property owners, concerned with liability and vandalism, but would it not be possible for police to be involved in warning parkers away or in posting cones or safety tape to prevent parkers?

Meriden is working on plans to save money by early retirement of teaches, which is a common enough plan. But where does this leave the city’s system when it comes to the vaunted longevity of teachers, which was just in a news story?

The Editor's Notepod, Thurs., Oct. 14, 2010

Southington will erect netting to prevent foul balls from the baseball field at Recreation Park from escaping and landing on heads in the adjacent athletic fields. Good decision, and the sooner it can be done, the better.

The Wallingford Housing Authority members have made a visit to the Town Council, which has been likened to sending unruly students to the principal’s office. The simile is apt, but we are concerned that it may take more than this to straighten things out at the WHA.

The rescue of those 33 Chilean miners, trapped underground for 69 days, is one of the most exciting events of the year, surely. The patience, endurance and determination all around are an inspiration.

Choate Rosemary Hall’s decision to shut off student access to Facebook on the Wallingford prep school’s official network (though students may still access through their own smart phones). It’s a chance to focus on the need to be a community in a technological age.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Oct. 12, 2010

DEP proposes water regulations which could cost Wallingford and most other local water customers cash over the next years. But is the alternative NOT making the changes and allowing rivers, lakes, water tables to dry up so all the wild life (plants as well as animals) die preferable?

Quinnipiac University in North Haven and Hamden is ambitious to establish its medical school and to choose a focus of study on a neglected area in medicine. We are glad to hear of a newer player willing to step forward in the area of education.

The Connecticut DOT has placed that squeezed part of I-84 east of Waterbury on the less urgent list. Does that mean there’s a worse area of state roads somewhere?

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Oct. 11, 2010

Wallingford and other towns: As school numbers decline, we needn’t talk school closure, since at least in places there are portable classrooms or similar isolated areas. But if the trend continues (and in this economy and Connecticut’s relation in the national economy) it will be appropriate to have a plan.

It is fantastic that so many people are willing to go and wait in line at the Trail of Terror in Wallingford to be scared. It’s even better that the revenue goes to support local good works.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Oct.10, 2010

Census statistics on marriages can be interpreted like ballyhoo here in Connecticut or elsewhere just as anyone wants, but there probably is something to the notion that, for a change, those at the higher end of the education spectrum may be marrying more quickly than others – possibly since they have, or think they have, more chance for employment. But if wedding costs are keeping people away from weddings, why not get hitched for less money?

Another weekend at Southington Apple Harvest Festival – this time, no rain – gave at least some to test their ability to consume. Thank goodness we don’t need to eat an 8-inch pie in 6 minutes every day, or even every weekend.

Wallingford: Folks should prepare for the annual Senior Fair, a Record-Journal sponsored event which offers workshops and seminars dealing with retirement topics and includes exhibitors, vendors and activities – all free to the public. It takes place next Wednesday, Oct. 20, from 10 to 3 at the Center.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Oct. 9, 2010

Wallingford: whatever the problem, the Town Hall needs to have its front fixed so that bits and pieces don’t fall down on passersby. On the other hand, there’s no need to run about like Chicken Little either; just get the job done.

Meriden: plans by United Oil Recovery to create a railroad siding near its Gracey Avenue site to enable transfer of hazardous wastes onto railroad transport for removal. This strikes us as a wise move since it removes dangerous trucks from streets and highways.

Southington: with disposal costs for recycling and trash at the Bristol facility dropping, one might think that trash collectors might have passed some reduction on to their customers. But none of the customers seem to have seen such a thing, and at least some of the trash haulers seem to have missed the reduction memo from the facility.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Oct. 8, 2010

Cheshire/New Haven: the home invasion murder case now moves to the sentencing phase, where the issue will be aggravating factors vs. mitigating factors. There may be all sorts of emotional testimony, so we should be prepared.

Southington: the plan for old North Center School seem to be proceeding, with bids submitted for buying the property, renovating the building for school administration and other town offices, then lease the place back to the town for 10 years with an option to buy. While this does seem a somewhat complicated way of proceeding, it may be a way to satisfy votes who have turned down more direct plans to replace the Gura building.

Meriden’s Clean and Green program, designed to help build awareness of the need for controlling litter and of how to prevent the mess which it causes. Over a score of businesses have signed on to participate and there are young people and folks from the city’s Youth Services Bureau and other agencies involved as well.

Wallingford: Choate Rosemary Hall’s Kohler Environmental Center will be powered by an array of photovoltaic solar cells which, it is hoped, will allow the place to be a net-zero user of the power grid. The plan seems a good one and we hope it will pass through the permitting process successfully.

The Editor's Notepod, Thurs., Oct. 7, 2010

Southington: those Stonegate Road residents certainly have a point with their sewers in a mess while a new one – now not dependent on the sports complex – is built. But heavens, the Spring Street line is only a quarter million; surely sewer repairs can be financed as well.

Meriden: what to do with the Coe mansion must certainly be an issue for developers. One hates to subdivide or destroy an 8,000 square foot home with deep historic roots, nor does one want to build all over the lawn which is one of a large home’s distinctions, and yet one must have practicality in mind as well.

Wallingford: perhaps an appearance by housing commissioners or the executive director before the Town Council would be productive, perhaps it would be a donnybrook. If it would shed some light on any substantive dispute, it would be good.

Sell Plum Island at the end of Long Island for some glitzy developer? Preposterous; it should be a public place.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Oct. 6, 2010

Cheshire: If the town removes or wipes out its historic area, some property owners will be happy, but the town itself, in five years, will see a difference as people go ahead, as they’ve always done, and made changes not in accord with the “look” of the area. What is needed is a district which protects but does not oppress, and surely that is possible here as it is elsewhere.

Meriden: here’s where the canker gnaws on the “green” cleaner plan. Teachers and students in this lean year have been enlisted to bring in supplies but now they’re to be discouraged, since they probably won’t bring in the varieties recommended by the green plan.

Connecticut’s community college system is under pressure from its long-standing open application process, where everyone is taken. The state’s funding has been level while students have flocked to these schools because their tuition ($3,400 annually) is greatly less than, say, UConn ($10,416), and there are space issues, but state costs are mainly paying teachers. It’s discouraging to see the Commissioner of Education urging the schools to limit applicants.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Oct. 5, 2010

b: it’s nice that schools are attempting to try to close the achievement gap between high and low achieving students (remembering, of course, that some students will always do better than others). But one must guard against regarding the Connecticut Mastery test scores as an end in themselves.

State: we endorse the Connecticut Supreme Court’s comments in favor of recording all interrogations of suspects. In a system which relies on confessions, it is crucial to maintain the integrity of those statements, and simple recording is within the reach, as Justice Palmer said, of every teenager.

Wallingford: the choice of site for a new North Farms Fire Station doesn’t seem particularly clear cut. But then, there’s no particular rush, either, aside from the fact that folks are kind of touching elbows at the present station; there’s time for careful consideration.

The business of public comment is a touchy one in Meriden as elsewhere. The stand Meriden has adopted seems possibly workable, but citizens should examine the motivation for public comment sessions.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Oct. 4, 2010

What could be wrong with a portable ice rink on Meriden’s Hub site? It would add to the uses of the area, following up on some successes earlier this year, and a rink could actually be purchased for under $10,000, of which about half has already been donated.

A state senator from a prison-rich area – not local – is urging a purge of prison libraries to ban graphically violent volumes. While one cringes at the thought of prisoners reading novels and non-fiction accounts of horrendous crimes in hopes of becoming better criminals, the notion is more fanciful than real.

It seems that folks had a great time at the festivals this week end: Celebrate Wallingford and Southington’s Apple Harvest Festival. While there was rain Friday, Saturday’s weather couldn’t have been lovelier, and Sunday, though a little chilly, was pretty fine also.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Oct. 3, 2010

With Celebrate Wallingford in one direction and The Southington Apple Harvest Festival in another, local residents have had plenty to occupy themselves this weekend.

We wouldn’t go so far as to suggest that Cheshire’s Historic Districts constitute a dark cloud over property, but there are clearly communication problems and there’s a disconnect. The commission should see to it that the issues are addressed fairly.

Sounds like some Connecticut attorney-general action on those Robo-Signers who approved thousands of documents and disclosure statements for banks without any sign of reading them is appropriate. It’s amazing what sloppy work allowed mortgages to be written.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Oct. 2, 2010

Meriden: the job statistics – the unemployment rate – is pretty gruesome. But there are signs of hope in the holiday season.

Southington: chance that a 25-acre parcel, the Primus Trust, along the Quinnipiac, remains undeveloped. This is good news for the river.

Wallingford’s Sheehan High School German students celebrated the 20th anniversary of German reunification with a raft of positive studies. Great idea, but it really will be hard for some folks to realize that so much time has passed and harder for young people to realize how impossible reunification seemed even as shortly before as 1985.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Oct. 1, 2010

Celebrate Wallingford is on this weekend, with lots to see and do. Don’t miss the fun of seeing what’s what in your local community.

The contract discussions continuing between Hartford Healthcare and Anthem are pretty typical, and, we predict, will be settled, since it is in everyone’s interest to do so. It is very difficult for patients, or anyone else, to properly assess the impact of various contingencies, particularly when one is in need of the services under discussion.

State: a new law with tougher rules on cell phone use by drivers takes effect today: no loophole for first-time offenders, and penalties are raised. The real question though is whether police will have the time to enforce this law or whether folks can continue to ignore it and endanger the public.

Cheshire: it’s an interesting notion to be able to switch back and forth between different fueling systems for heating public schools, but the costs of hook ups to gas lines are not insignificant. It’s an idea best worked into the original school planning.

The Editor's Notepod, Thurs., Sept. 30, 2010

Wallingford seems headed for a showdown with the Beaumont Farm over cars stored on the property. Sometimes these long-standing issues can be easily solved and we hope this one can be.

What could be wrong with a surge in science studies at the Connecticut State University System? New buildings appear to have helped the growth which is a one-third increase in science majors and a one-fifth increase in degrees.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Sept. 29, 2010

Meriden: A $250,000 grant from HUD could set the city on the right road to planning for Mills Apartments; a $30 million grant could really change things. Well, though it’s a small chance, there’s no harm in trying.

Wallingford: that Choate Rosemary Students and other American high school kids are looking at UK universities for college is a new and interesting phenomenon. That these schools are cheaper than Ivies is most curious; that domestic universities is not the only possible choice suggests we may be losing our educational edge.

Wallingford’s search for a site for a new North Farms Fire Station continues, with the same two properties now reviewed by experts. As one might expect, an expert report seems unlikely to change the minds of those who have strong feelings about the matter.

Cheshire shows alcohol use down among young people and marijuana use up. The substance abuse effort has been focused chiefly on alcohol, and may have been effective, but the community at large will have to decide if it can tolerate higher pot use while booze declines.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Sept. 28, 2010

Plan to revivify Meriden's City and Brookside Parks with facilities for more active recreation. It’s an excellent idea and will take a good share of community involvement and support to bring to reality.

The withdrawal of the Republican candidate for Probate Judge in the Southington-Cheshire district puts the race in a whole new light. Whoever steps in as candidate will have an interesting and intense time of it.

Southington’s Town Council voted to approve that sewer line which extends the system over the Quinnipiac and towards the site of the proposed sports complex, but last we heard it was conditioned on that complex proceeding. In any case, this sewer extension makes sense developmentally.

Wallingford: It is good that Town Councilors are attending Housing Authority Meetings, but residents should hope that their doing so means more than a mere extension and enlargement of the partisan approach to Authority issues.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Sept. 27, 2010

The new buses for Wilcox Tech in Meriden won’t be ready, perhaps, in time, when the older vehicles are to be removed from service. Leasing will certainly be able to take up slack, but one would think that the vo-tech system would rent buses just as the municipal public schools do.

Massachusetts joins the “no texting” crowd of states. Drivers everywhere should get used to it, but alas, one still sees Connecticut drivers with their ears glued to phones continually.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Sept. 26, 2010

Continuing presentation of evidence is emotionally overwhelming in the Cheshire home invasion murder trial, especially considering that it all must be presented once again during the second defendant’s trial. We hope that the court system has some post traumatic stress counselors on hand following the conclusion of the case for the sake of the jury.

Plans for a facelift for a portion of Meriden's West Main will hopefully become reality during the course of next year. Included in the plan is a widening at the corner of Linsley/Lewis and West Main, where delays are frequent and a left turn lane would be appreciated.

Connecticut Walk for Obesity held in Hubbard Park last weekend in Meriden, helping to raise fund to fight this looming disease. It was an opportunity for a fruitful exchange of information, too, as well as for an expression of solidarity.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Sept. 25, 2010

The friction between Meriden school board and the council could be cleared up with a careful delineation of which body is doing what. It’s one thing to have access to documents, even when they are working drafts and not plans, but it’s quite another to become involved in discussions about transforming the working documents into a plan which will be presented and voted upon.

Meriden police officers are getting active training in emergency situations where it may be necessary to deploy guns. While all hope this will seldom be necessary, the pest way to prepare is through practice.

Route 68 study is on the table with many options running almost from the sublime – new striping for $3,000 – to thorough redevelopment and additional lanes for perhaps $55 million. It’s a smorgasbord from which we hope the State will make reasonable and prudent decisions for the benefit of Wallingford.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Sept. 24, 2010

Neither Meriden residents nor those anywhere else should get too het up about average SAT scores. The test has about as much intrinsic value as the CAPT or the Mastery and is designed for a specific purpose (college admissions or demonstration of No Child Left Behind) which is other than the instruction and learning of any child in the system.

Southington: the new spelling system being taught in schools this year aims at increasing not only students’ mechanical ability with words but also their understanding of words. That’s fine, so long as they continue to learn to spell them.

Southington: proceeds from a new calendar, which the Barnes Museum hopes to have ready for the Apple Harvest Festival, will help fund repairs to the roof, a long standing need.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Sept. 22, 2010

Meriden is confronted by obstinate scores on the CAPTs, the Connecticut Academic Mastery Tests, especially in science, where methods need to be developed. If anyone can figure out a creating approach it will be new Superintendent Mark Benigni.

Wallingford’s reconfiguration has led, as promised, to smaller class size, a result welcomed by almost everyone concerned with education. We hope the other expected benefits come through as well.

Governor Rell’s decision to ban flammable gas blow-outs in Connecticut as cleansing processes is well-founded. It’s kind of hard to figure why anything flammable should be put to such a use at all.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Sept. 21, 2010

Discussions concerning the public comment segment of City Council meetings, Meriden. Opening up the floor is a democratic and open premise – but what effect is this inchoate voice of the people, which is often the most interested people, to have upon the decisions of the council?

The alarming reality that beds in local shelters are already full and Wallingford is trying to deal with those in need parking near its shelter which does not open until November 1. It will be a challenge, as much fiscal as anything else, to open sooner.

It was a really good decision on the part of the state Department of Transportation to put off Route 10 road work in Southington until after Apple Harvest Festival. The work, which was to have begun last week and to have been completed on the 28th, was just too close to the start of the town’s major annual event – and in the middle of it – for comfort.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Sept. 19, 2010

Anthem Blue Cross’ move to Wallingford’s Greenhill campus should be a benefit all around. If traffic concerns are addressed, it will be all but perfect.

A luxury bowling alley is planned for Foxwoods in the southeast part of Connecticut. That’s a concept we’d never encountered previously but it has its appeal.

Hybrid and compressed natural gas vehicles may be loaned to Meriden? It’s good to try these out, so the sooner the better.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Sept. 18, 2010

Israel Putnam School observed Constitution Day, September 17, the anniversary of the day the United States Constitution was signed and presented to the independent states for ratification. Presenter Carol Glynn helped Meriden youngsters begin to value the achievement of our basic law.

Surveillance cameras have been installed at Bartlem Park, Cheshire, to keep an eye on potential vandals. It’s a shame we need to protect our public parks in this manner.

Potential expansion of Middlesex Community College's Meriden branch. Let's keep the ideas churning!

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Sept. 17, 2010

The artificial turf project at Cheshire High School has been tabled. Lots of patience may be needed by proponents of this long delayed project.

Wallingford: Council may appoint to new members to the Housing Authority based on its own partisan wishes rather than on tenants’ choice? That’s democracy in action.

A vernal pool may be a feature on some of the land atop Cathole Mountain. It’s an excellent choice for Meriden to wait and be sure where it is before making any final zoning judgments.

The Editor's Notepod, Thurs., Sept. 16, 2010

The decision of Arch Chemicals to pick up its Cheshire stakes and move to greener pastures. The company’s support of science in the schools has been of significant importance.

Southington is considering changing creating a new industrial zone. It would permit smaller firms to begin business in land already zoned for industry on half an acre instead of two acres, which are proving too expensive.

There would certainly seem to be advantages to electronic record-keeping for everyone, and Connecticut doctors should get with the program. Among other things it could really lower the incidence of illegible medical handwriting.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Sept. 15, 2010

Anthem Blue Cross’ move to Wallingford – not to mention the pay-off of the back taxes due on the property to which it is moving, the Campus at Greenhill, the former Mortgage Lender’s HQ which has been left unfinished since the financial crisis began. Not only is this great news for Wallingford but it’s also not so bad for North Haven, where the firm was, since it’s property there is already being incorporated into Quinnipiac University.

Meriden: Evidence that when taxpayers complain about their assessments, the tax department listens. While this is probably truer for some properties than others (vehicles seem to be simpler to negotiate) it’s good to know that there is a response at government.

Cheshire: delay or not, it does seem to make sense to replace the track at the same time an artificial turf playing field is added inside the track. But this is a project on which citizens may well need to show their support.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Sept. 14, 2010

The trial of the Cheshire home invasion case is underway and began with vivid testimony by witnesses. It’s difficult not to share the horror of the events as the story unfolds, and consider the ordeal this proceeding is for everyone.

State: today former Hartford Mayor Perez receives his sentence. What would constitute fairness in his case?

Wallingford: while it might develop that a defined contribution pension plan for town employees might cost taxpayers less than a defined contribution plan, there’s a lot more involved than just making a change. Moreover, unless the stock market begins to make strong surges forward, it’s hard to imagine trying to sell any union or any group of employees on the idea that it would be good to switch.

Southington: it’s hard to see how that sewer line which would run 455 feet along zStreet and down to the proposed sports complex would not be a good thing under almost any circumstances. While the bonding ordinance passed by the Town Council is conditional, it would seem to be a good step to take even without the complex.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Sept. 13, 2010

Southington: the Board of Finance is certainly within its rights to ask questions of the Water Department when it asks for bonding for projects. Even if there’s a necessity beyond argument, questions are still appropriate.

Nobody is happy to fire a contractor, as the Wallingford Housing Authority has just done, but when things aren’t going right, it makes sense, as they say, to part company. The work will be done eventually.

Meriden: the overtime issue at the Police Department seems to be yielding to the careful approach of Chief Cossette. The chief will earn a gold star if he can balance the interests economically without upsetting any other applecarts.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Sept. 12, 2010

A benefit of a hot, dry summer is that mosquitoes don’t breed as well. That means that in Central Connecticut, there are fewer reports of mosquitoes caught which test positive for the West Nile virus. Now with cooler weather, any threat should diminish.

It’s no surprise that defense attorneys want the survivor of the Cheshire home invasion murders barred from the courtroom during the upcoming trial of one of them. It will be interesting to see whether this request is granted.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Sept. 11, 2010

Southington: It would seem that discussions over possible change of venue for the Italian fest are a little previous. But anyone can surmise that serious construction and eventual development of Center Street might suggest a reasonable change.

Wallingford: there’s the old equation again between wages and budgets. The consequence of wage increases, bargained or arbitrated, yields layoffs in this stark juxtaposition.

Meriden: The question of airing citizen comments made prior to council meetings is interesting. Are such comments, often slams of the city or mere posturing “part of the program,” as councilor Williams suggests, or are they distracting and misleading to the public?

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Sept. 10, 2010

Meriden: Surely every one of those 20,000 delinquent accounts with motor vehicles on which taxes are due is eagerly awaiting word from the firm hired to collect these debts. The sooner it’s paid, the less the expense.

Wallingford: The good times are continuing at the Housing Authority, with a partisan divide growing abyssal. Now an audit has been approved, which may or may not result in anything from a nuclear explosion to utter tranquility.

State: the shoes (and lawsuits) are dropping hard and fast over the blast at that power plant in Middletown. From the reports issued in August, there would seem to plenty of opportunity for blame.

Southington: The middle school issue has taken a step forward with a request for funding for a study. It’s in the right direction, and, in spite of the money involved, it should be moved along with energy.

The Editor's Notepod, Thurs., Sept. 9, 2010

Southington: the town made a sensible decision by deciding to dump the permits for boat and fishing use at Crescent Lake for non-residents to continue to receive DEP services. The number of permits sold for a reasonable price simply isn’t worth what the DEP can provide.

Meriden: drivers on Crown St., absent police presence or some other control, will drive the way they’re going to drive. The need is for a through street in the city which allows a reasonable speed and a reasonable chance of reaching a destination promptly without a lot of traffic.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Sept. 8, 2010

Cheshire: Probably, unhappy residents can go ahead and end the historic districts in town so that the colonial-era homes they live in can be altered to the contentment of the owners. But, as a member of the commission has pointed out, the district’s aim is certainly to preserve history as well has improve property values, so if it’s a matter of easing fees and simplifying process, that’s a better choice.

Meriden/Wallingford: increased requirements for high school graduation were intended, apparently, as part of the qualifying steps for “Race to the Top” funds, which didn’t work out. So perhaps the rule can be eased somewhat, in consideration of tough times.

Southington Youth Soccer’s decision to help the Food Pantry with urging parents and players to make timely donations at their opening games. And congratulations to the league on its 35th year.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Sept. 7, 2010

Southington: the argument about whether a water tank is empty or full and whether any supervisory authority thereby devolves upon anyone is not very impressive. But the cell phone tower system was imposed on people years ago, and it hardly makes sense to worry about them at this point.

State: the proposed regulations for stream-flow and water sharing seem to make sense, and a better system for allocation has certainly been needed for years. The rules are certainly an improvement over first come, first grab.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Sept. 6, 2010

About the only thing those Pratt & Whitney workers in Cheshire can do is keep working hard and hold their breaths.

Southington: Another delay in the work on the expansion of the public library’s parking lot. It’s kind of ridiculous to let the work lie fallow: it’s a simple enough project, requiring grading and paving and the current lot is an acknowledged danger zone.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Sept. 5, 2010

Increased graduation requirements, from 22.5 to 25 credits, don’t take effect until 2018, which gives everyone, in Meriden and elsewhere, plenty of time. But more credits will of necessity cost a bit more.

Wallingford: Judge Berdon has taken a personal tour of the American Legion Building, the subject for so long of such a heated debate over its future. We hope Berdon is able to make a decision with dispatch, for it’s time to resolve the matter.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Sept. 4, 2010

Meriden: there are lots of ways to beat the heat, but unfortunately, not many of them can be tried inside a school with 500 or 600 other folks around. Popsicles work for some, but this is the sort of situation to expect when school begins before Labor Day.

Wallingford: it is good that the school system has responded quickly and apparently successfully to the issues around bus schedules and pick-up/drop-off points. While merely peripheral to education and not central to the learning experience, no one should not forget that the “devil is in the details.”

State: the high cost of transportation congestion has been more than demonstrated. Can anyone need more evidence that the emphasis should go on mass transit in this small state where, absent congestion, people can get almost anywhere else within an hour?

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Sept. 3, 2010

Meriden: efforts to update Casa Boricua to meet today’s fire codes are finally almost complete. It’s not an easy task to transform an old building into one which meets modern codes.

State: in addressing the deficit, it certainly would be sensible to combine tax increases with spending cuts in some sort of tolerable combination. But getting politicians to agree on such a premise seems all but impossible.

Meriden: the first installment of rent for a city-owned billboard has been received. This arrangement, part of which will benefit the Humane Society, which has needed every penny it could get for many years, may stick in a few craws, but it will bring the city income.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Sept. 1, 2010

Meriden: the veteran’s housing on Hanover will be reserved for vets from Meriden, will it not? This issue does not seem to have been addressed, or whether it matters.

Wallingford: The glitches in the school bus system went forward as expected. Surely this is a situation which can be ameliorated fairly easily.

Cheshire’s town council has approved a capital budget for $7.1 million. Since it does not include the artificial turf funding, many will be keeping an eye on that issue to see how it works out.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Aug. 31, 2010

Connecticut’s “achievement gap” is cause for concern, but we should not too easily begin pointing fingers at schools. The state is stuck with divisions between rich communities and poor ones based on historical accident and perpetuated by political realities.

Wallingford: Choate Rosemary Hall prepares to move forward with the environmental center plans. We hope this potential community asset will find less choppy waters than it did previously.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Aug. 30, 2010

Wallingford: Linear trail supporters are keeping their eyes on the prize and moving forward with planning for the next phase of the trail which will bring it from the bridge over the Quinnipiac and the tunnel under the Wilbur Cross to the center of Yalesville, an additional 1.25 miles. Construction could begin next summer.

Meriden: gotta love that incident on North Spring Street Sunday afternoon, when a car drove into the front steps of a home. The driver, unknown to his semi-conscious passenger whom he left in the front seat, took off on foot and has yet to be traced, leaving his unregistered, un-plated, uninsured vehicle in the hands of strangers.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Aug. 29, 2010

Southington: Is everyone, in or out of school, ready for “text” books (how quaint that looks) to be replaced by “robust and interactive learning systems with animations, videos, tutorials, embedded assessment and interventions available for teacher/student/parent”? If not, perhaps you should think about stepping out of the speed zone on the information highway!

State: At least one candidate for governor wants to continue with Gov. Rell’s request for the courts to end the 20-year-old federal oversight of the child protection agency, siting costs. Would that mean we could save money by terminating a lot of workers? There’s a fine moral dilemma.

Meriden: Public water remains the single most effective public health measure since Roman aqueducts. Even if it occasionally smells or tastes a little odd, it remains safe and a tremendous bargain, compared to anybody’s bottled water – which, remember, comes mostly from the taps in some other town or city.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Aug. 28, 2010

Wallingford: “We are going to make this work,” said Superintendent Salvatore Menzo, “We have no choice.” Despite the dislocation of feelings, and the assault of the strange which some parents may feel, Menzo is correct, and in a short time, any troubles associated with the reconfiguration will be over and done with.

After Connecticut’s failure to finish in the money in the “Race to the top” for federal money for education, the clerical error in New Jersey (furnishing budget data for 2010-2011 rather than 2009-2010) which cost that state $400 million makes the whole process seem that much more trivial.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Aug. 27, 2010

In Wallingford, efforts are beginning early to prepare to raise the money to light 2011’s fireworks and concert for Independence Day. Much is made of the “oddfellows” alliance of politically different Craig Fishbein and Jason Zandri, but we think their example is one which should be the norm and not the exception.

Connecticut’s child advocates are discussing how best to deal with the fact that some child care workers are too aggressive and some not sufficiently so. It would seem that, given the workers’ humanity, that’s an inevitable and recurring situation, just like the behaviors of the parents which puts their children at risk.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Aug. 26, 2010

The forum titled “Keeping Connecticut Students in School and Out of the Criminal Justice System” held at the New Life Church in Meriden this week and hosted by Congressman Chris Murphy. The statistics on school kids and contact with the law and the functioning of the No Child Left Behind law are eye-opening and require action.

Wallingford Health Department’s plan to acquire and use a skin damage detection machine. It won’t give all the answers but it is a great first step for skin vigilance.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Aug. 25, 2010

Southington: They’re correct. The plans for the North Center School are complicated in terms of renovation, rental, buy-back, land vs. building, and so on. Plenty could go wrong.

Meriden: The decision to shift the process of expulsion, giving the superintendent the job of working out an arrangement with parents (and/or lawyers) first to present for Board of Ed approval makes sense. It’s still too bad these things have become so formalized.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Aug. 24, 2010

Meriden: Clean liens; or, more correctly, clean and lien. When houses are being neglected, the city steps in and does the work and then bills/liens the owner for the cost. Obviously not to be done every day, but to move matters along it can act as a spur to bank action, if need be.

Area: Local Legislators scored fairly well on the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters’ scorecard, with Democrats doing “better” than Republicans. Before anyone gets too exercised, recall that there are scorekeeping groups with agendas on which Republicans do “better” than Democrats, and considering voter turnouts, it’s a good thing someone is keeping score.

Southington: the teen survey by STEPS (Southington Townwide Effort to Promote Success) came up with results not unlike state statistics on behavior by teens regarding alcohol, drugs, sex, feelings regarding family, school and community. The question is what to do about them.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Aug. 11, 2010

Meriden: No matter how attractive the Undercliff site is for development, nothing’s going to happen there unless the state wants to dispose of the extra property. The city, which sold the land to the state when it was deemed unneeded many years ago, cannot now avail itself of eminent domain against the sovereign state — unless, of course, the legislative process can be successfully invoked.

Southington: it’s kind of a dilemma how detailed to be in describing wording of proposed charter revisions on the ballot this November. Too much info and there won’t be room and voters will be confused; too little and they’ll have to guess.

Bad news out of the state Bond Commission which was expected to approve bonding for both Factory H demolition in Meriden and funds for the New Haven to Hartford commuter line this week. We hope those who raised annoying but necessary issues will find satisfactory answers to their funding questions.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Aug. 10, 2010

Meriden: completion of the paperwork needed to allow the renovation project for Chamberlain Heights to begin in earnest. With “green” design features, the renovated units should be attractive and efficient.

Southington: oops! Bids for the asphalting of the expanding Public Library came in above what was budgeted. This project has been in the works for so many years it seems a shame that someone can’t figure out how the upgrade, long needed, could be accomplished at once.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Aug. 9, 2010

Sorry, in spite of what security experts say in reaction to the killings in Manchester, there’s no real fool-proof way to avoid the possibility of violence in the work place, especially at moments when people are losing their employment, which is a naturally upsetting circumstance. The more effective route is, of course, the reduction in the number of loose firearms in the possession of people with no reason whatever to have them except for their inclination to use them when and if they become sufficiently irritated or irrational.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Aug. 8, 2010

The Summer Youth Work Program in Wallingford, a collaborative effort between the Workforce Alliance and the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce. It has revived an old program and helped 32 young people find work during this warm summer of opportunity Southington folks do seem to have their ideas in place as to what direction is best for the town’s middle schools as a major investment in the program looms. Ultimately, we guess, the voters in town will have a crack at the plans though referendum.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Aug. 7, 2010

Meriden: the city has noted a significant decrease in several kinds of crime, for which the strengthening of the Neighborhood Initiative Unit and Crime Suppression Unit over the last five years or so. This is news which should strongly help the city’s position in selling itself as a place to live and work.

Wallingford: so it’s come to a lawsuit in the matter of the Housing Authority. When is someone going to step in and bring a little civility to the discussion there?

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Aug. 6, 2010

Middletown: $16.6 million in fines against the companies involved in that explosion. It all seems to have something to do with a gas blow, cleansing by natural gas under pressure — which does sound like a recipe for an explosion.

State: It appears that the state restrictions on teen drivers are a) reducing the numbers of accidents among the age group and also reducing the number of youngsters who get licensed right away. This is good and elected officials, while always needing to be sensitive to constituent requests, shouldn’t give in to parents’; needs to have older siblings drive younger ones about as soon as they can legally drive: restrictions make sense.

Wallingford has demonstrated once again that strict adherence to a principle, in this case refusal to grant any wage increase, can wind up costing more than the implementation of a reasonable negotiated contract with a minimal wage adjustment. A better principle might be that unless a board of education makes an egregiously deviant contract, the Town Council’s role is to rubber stamp the accord and get on with business.

Indications that there may be funding from the federal government for redesign of the Columbus Avenue bridge as a part of Meriden’s flood control program. Candidate comments remind us that a grant which is one person’s long-awaited dream can easily be another’s detested earmark.

Meriden takes a reasonable stand on graffiti (read, record and remove) and the problem, while an irritant, seems under control. And readers of the story about graffiti will have learned a new term which describes what many graffiti-artists are doing: “expressive tagging.”

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Aug. 5, 2010

Meriden Early Childhood Council and Children First “Summer at Sherman Enrichment Camp.” It’s a good demonstration of how learning can creep up on you and enrich you while you’re in an informal setting doing other interesting things.

A new pump station site is being purchased on Meriden’s east side to help with water pressure issues. Seems like a good plan and it addresses a long-term problem.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Aug. 4, 2010

Meriden: prospects for $300,000 to begin razing Factory H and remediating the pollutants in the vicinity are good, as the money is on the state Bond Commission’s list next week. It will be an exciting process to see this site emerge from a long shadow of industrial abuse.

Meriden’s National Night Out Tuesday evening in City Park had the best sort of a problem to have: there were so many folks out having a good time that no one could count them. IT was a fine community-builder.

Manchester: here’s a demonstration, which cost nine lives, of how necessary it is for people to be able to walk around with firearms for their “self defense.” Supposing that this shooter, who took his own life so we will never know, had been the target of the worst sort of racial abuse, there is no justification for shooting people at random.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Aug. 3, 2010

Southington: renovating the two middle schools, or doing something else with them to provide more space in the over-crowded schools, has long been needed. Renovation is a perfectly good choice, so long as everyone, school board, council, citizens, is on board with the plan, and so long as it doesn’t make middle school into a pure construction experience for hundreds and hundreds of kids.

Bears are nothing new in Southington or anywhere else: almost every town in Connecticut reports sightings annually. The thing is how to manage these inevitable contacts so that no one – not people, not bears, not pets – is hurt.

The Chamberlain Heights project in Meriden is now set to go forward, with a technical change to conditions approved by the City Council. This project should make a difference in many lives.

A study by the University of Connecticut Health Center, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the Department of Public Health and the Department of Environmental Protection which finds no chemical danger in artificial turf compounded of crushed rubber. This is a finding long-awaited, as several towns, including Cheshire, have been holding up projects pending its release.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Aug. 2, 2010

The Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival last weekend at Four Points Sheraton in Meriden seems to have been a great spot for great music. Long may this tradition continue!

The Southington Townwide Effort to Promote Success – STEPS – seems to be a worthwhile activity and a bright light in the community. People should not miss the Community Day at Camp Sloper in September.

The Blast Off of the Meriden Public Library’s rocket program, last Saturday as participants and families gathered at the Dunn Softball Complex for the big launches. Tip of the hat to Kevin and Kathie Matsil, who ran the program.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Aug. 1, 2010

State: will the GOP Campaign for governor and its primary (and the Democrats for that matter) boil down to who’s got the most money? That’s an unhappy sign for American democracy.

State/Cheshire: the death penalty situation. Rep. Esty has it right in noting the tremendous burden a capital murder prosecution places on the judicial system. Many people find it odd or repellant that it’s been three years and a trial hasn’t started yet in the home invasion murders, but, were you a defendant, would you want your attorney to expedite your way to the scaffold?

Two improbable crimes: one where a Wallingford man in a neck brace robbed a bank; the brace made him easily identifiable and he was soon arrested. The other was a West Haven man who managed to involve himself in two accidents along I-91 in Meriden and North Haven in 20 minutes.

The Wallingford Foundation grants for 2010 were announced recently. Twenty-four of the 28 applicants received $24,911 of the $100,000 originally requested, and the job of choosing and whittling the many applications down to what is doable has to be one of the toughest going.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., July 31, 2010

Southington: It’s hard to see why installing a sewer line along Smoron Road near I-84 and Queen St. doesn’t make sense. Sooner or later, even if a sports complex is never built, there will be development, and it’s hard to see any situation in which it would not be better to have a sewer than not. On the other hand, why not get the developer, whoever it turns out to be, to chip in and help make sure the thing is installed in a convenient part of the property?

Meriden: the Bilger farm property has been waiting a long time for development, and it’s hard to see why the city can’t continue to be patient.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., July 30, 2010

Meriden: appraisals of real property begin again, as required by law. Remember a rising or falling tide raises or lowers all boats . . . unless yours has a leak or a new rudder.

Meriden: It would seem that the situation at a site up stream along the Linear Trail is in the process of being remediated and that the problem may have been caused, actually, by the remediation effort. Steps have been taken, and things should get better.

Wallingford: Town is accepting bids to study the best spot for a new North Farms Vol. Fire Dept. This is a good idea and should take some of the heat off.

Wallingford’s Bill Fritz has been appointed to the state Board of Education, in the first of two spots designated for those with a brief for technical and industrial education. Fritz seems a good choice and we are happy to see his appointment.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., July 29, 2010

Secretary of the State Bysiewicz was in Meriden’s City Hall Wednesday, urging people, particularly those who will turn 18 before the general election in November to register and vote in the primaries on August 10.

Wallingford: there’s no harm in continuing to ask the state for cash to help a high density housing zone in the town, even though there’s no money available. It might be taken as an earnest demonstration of intention.

Cheshire’s Norton School is out of bounds temporarily for the primary voting because of an asbestos abatement situation. No one likes to cope with disruption – voting somewhere else – but this is just one of those things which must be done.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., July 28, 2010

State/Local: Connecticut didn’t finish among the finalists in the Race to the Top competition, although a major package of significant reforms was passed this year and a great many towns and unions signed on to the deal. Former Wallingford Superintendent and now executive director of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, who knows what’s what, said the federal program is keen on charter schools and merit-based pay structures, neither of which has much traction in the package or the state.

Cheshire/State: the death penalty debate is always interesting. Some would say that in Connecticut, at least, the general feeling is that people want to keep the option of the death penalty for appropriate cases, but are generally reluctant, when it comes to cases, to inflict it when they sit on juries.

Cheshire: the Postal Service, still sitting in its moratorium, will not build in town, apparently no matter how much necessity and desire are expressed by the public. It’s just not in the cards.

Wallingford: An active promotional campaign waged by the three volunteer fire companies and supported by grants has kept volunteer numbers up, which is excellent news for the town. It is increasingly difficult to keep volunteers coming into the system given the demands on people today.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues. July 27, 2010

Meriden: the end of federal stimulus money could mean an $11 million shortfall – give or take a mill or two. It’s a great idea to have a summit to plan now and avoid panic later, but the planning will need to take several alternative routes, since the shape of the problem remains to be delineated.

Southington: one of the problems with public construction projects is that it is very difficult to cancel contractors or fire one if things go badly wrong. The project in Southington under suit, the Westview Pumping Station, was supposed to have been completed five years ago.

In Meriden, thanks to the approval by the Housing Authority of a needed conveyance, work can finally get underway at Chamberlain Heights. We, and tenants, look forward to the results when it is all completed.

Governor Rell has promised to put $260 million on the bond commission agenda in August for improvements along the railroad corridor from New Haven to Hartford, providing, among other things, new stations and that second set of tracks removed a couple of decades ago. This is a project dear to both Republicans and Democrats, and has been supported by members Meriden's delegation to Hartford.

Wallingford: Master’s Manna food pantry and resource center, at 46 North Plains Industrial Road was the site of a dental clinic for those without insurance, with staffing from the Community Health Center in Meriden. What do those complaining about the new health care law make of such efforts to reach those not covered by any insurance?

Meriden: the Linear Trail project is about to embark on a master plan so that those working on various ideas and projects will have a good handle on where best to allocate resources. The prospect of inter-town connections is exciting . . . but still a semi-distant prospect.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., July 26, 2010

State/Rail corridor: plans to restore the second set of tracks on the railroad line from the Meriden/Berlin line through Newington (by the end of 2012) and progress of plans to repair – at long last – the main rail line between Springfield and points north which have limited speeds for many years to 10 mph. Imagine!

The Sgt. Jeffrey S. Boucher Auto Show, an event which will raise scholarship money in memory of a Meriden police officer who died too young, at the Hub on August 8. Thhis is a fine way to turn a sad event – the officer’s death – into a living and positive memorial.

And, thanks to the recent visit of the Cole Bros. Circus, the increased prominence of the Hub – or whatever it may eventually be called – as a venue for festive occasions and fun in downtown Meriden.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., July 25, 2010

A North Haven teacher is serving an “externship” at Ultra Electronics Measurement System Inc. in Wallingford, working on something called MEMs, or Micro-ElectroMechanical devices. The teacher has a specialty-enriching experience and the company helps future students in a developing field: it’s good for everyone.

Local primaries are coming soon, featuring some interesting races, such as that between Republicans in the new Cheshire/Southington Probate Court, and the three-way GOP race to challenge Congressman Chris Murphy in Cheshire and Meriden. That’s not to mention a number of state-wide races, which we all hope will prove enlightening.

Maturation of social networking systems. While some kids, as the clinical director of Meriden Child Guidance notes, may use them more than necessary, some results are positive. Studies show that television viewership has dropped: “at least people are writing and communicating, even if they are virtual vegetables,” as a Quinnipiac professor put it.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., July 24, 2010

State: with 2,500 students in the State University System from Meriden, Wallingford, Southington and Cheshire, it is something of an outrage that the chancellor and presidents are receiving raises of over 10 percent. Why does this remind us of the behavior of bankers during the meltdown?

State: primary campaign seems focused on behavior decades ago of one of the candidates and the definition of the criminal action of which he was accused but not convicted. Okay, the point is noted; now, are there any policy issues?

Word that there will fireworks this year at the Southington Apple Harvest Festival, only the second time this has been an event included. There is a new corporate sponsor providing the festive explosions!

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., July 23, 2010

Meriden: Hanover Pond is silting up — which is surely no news to anyone, and the cost of dredging it, assuming we could agree on a plan, may be around 425 million, out of reach of the city at present. It may be that the pond’s natural lifetime is approaching its end and it will revert to the swamp which covered much of the area before the dam.

We can’t remember a time when Connecticut reported two tornadoes during a single year. This sort of weather is too violent for the Land of Steady Habits, and we hope it ends soon.

Cheshire: the fate of the community pool in Bartlem Park remains a source of discussion and concern. A year-round pool? A summer-only pool? A Taj Mahal? A hole in the ground into which the town pours money?

Cheshire: a decrease of enrollment of a net 115 students probably won’t make much of a dent in the school system’s costs. It does seem, though, not the best way to achieve savings.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., July 22, 2010

Meriden: Undercliff, it seems, attracts trespassers and photographers, not surprisingly. The problem would be solved if the state would transfer the property back to the city.

Hamden/Quinnipiac University: the ruling that cheerleading does not qualify under gener-equality rules is a setback to the sport, which is trying to achieve parity with other activities on campuses. One wonders if any scenes from the hit TV series Cheers were a part of the evidence in the case or if it made any difference to the outcome.

With what appear to be corporate revenue and profits from recent months Pratt & Whitney would seem to be in good shape. Which, considering recent reports of sales, makes one wonder exactly why the company wants to close plants here in Connecticut.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., July 21, 2010

Southington: the continued funding of buses provided by Calendar House Senior Center for people, elderly or disabled, who need transportation to medical appointments or shopping. While those who happen to live conveniently to shops and offices may be able to use those motorized wheelchairs one sees here and there, anyone more rural needs a larger and faster form of transport.

State: The tax credits being offered small businesses for health care expenses should help. The real issue is the continued insistence that health care coverage is a) an employer’s responsibility, b) a luxury, c) a free enterprise choice.

Cheshire/State: Pratt & Whitney and its multinational partnership, International Aero Engines, logged a combined $1.48 billion in business on the first day of this week’s Farnborough International Air Show in the UK. The news, which seems good, makes one wonder how much business is enough Pratt to keep the company in Connecticut.

Southington and Cheshire will receive grant money from the state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management if they can purchase and install backup generators for their for their emergency evacuation shelters and operations centers before November 15. Sounds like a doable challenge.