Southington: The Barnes Museum roof, now apparently 175 years old, is leaking badly. One can continue with sumps and buckets, but the museum leadership must decide whether to fish or cut bait. A replacement slate roof is a big deal, but they may find it’s not that much more costly (and far more historically correct) than switching to asphalt shingles or some other material.
Wallingford: experience of those taking appeals demonstrates that assessment is a two-way street. A couple of the appeals resulted in major valuation increases, enough to give the appeal process a net positive effect on the grand list.
Wallingford: consultants report on the realignment ideas. If the greatest impact is the elimination of the portable school rooms – which some teachers reportedly prefer – and the goal is merely to save money, the motivation is far from compelling. If there’s a valid and positive educational result, then it’s worth considering seriously.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Apr. 28, 2010
Meriden: Clearly, prompt payment of all municipal taxes and fees is necessary. It is not good that the water department has some cash flow difficulties. Getting 250 people to pay up the last half year on rates, if they all pay $300 nets only $75,000. It’s one thing to be serious and another to be tough for the sake of toughness.
State/Wallingford: While it’s certainly nice that the federal government is setting up its disaster relief operation in Wallingford and sending 80 to 100 folks to run it, it’s getting a little hard to remember when the disaster to which Uncle Sam is responding took place. Of course, we weren’t hard hit, but still, it’s been a month since the second storm.
Milford/Wallingford: it’s okay that other towns are looking at the notion of reconfiguration or realignment of elementary grades as Wallingford did. However, as we said before, making such a change solely to save a little cash without any serious demonstration of an educational policy seems likely to do little in that department but create more educational age-ghettos.
Meriden: while it’s fine that the city administration and the school system have worked out a deal on handling this year’s school “surplus,” which should reduce the number of layoffs, it seems that too much focus on that “surplus” is not really called for.
State/Wallingford: While it’s certainly nice that the federal government is setting up its disaster relief operation in Wallingford and sending 80 to 100 folks to run it, it’s getting a little hard to remember when the disaster to which Uncle Sam is responding took place. Of course, we weren’t hard hit, but still, it’s been a month since the second storm.
Milford/Wallingford: it’s okay that other towns are looking at the notion of reconfiguration or realignment of elementary grades as Wallingford did. However, as we said before, making such a change solely to save a little cash without any serious demonstration of an educational policy seems likely to do little in that department but create more educational age-ghettos.
Meriden: while it’s fine that the city administration and the school system have worked out a deal on handling this year’s school “surplus,” which should reduce the number of layoffs, it seems that too much focus on that “surplus” is not really called for.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Tue., Apr. 27, 2010
Wallingford: KeyBank, which seems to hold the mortgage for Workstage-Connecticut, builder of the corporate headquarters for defunct Mortgage Lenders, has paid off one-half the taxes due, perhaps forestalling the town’s tax foreclosure action. Whatever happens, that’s $400,000 in town coffers.
Meriden: there is definitely some confusion about the purposes of calling 911, and the uses of emergency services and police. Educational efforts need to be very clear about acceptable reasons, and, we suppose, prosecution is appropriate in an egregious case of misuse.
US Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood was in Connecticut to help move the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail improvement project along. The corridor is high on the priorities list and we may actually see a renewal of the line in our lifetimes.
Meriden: there is definitely some confusion about the purposes of calling 911, and the uses of emergency services and police. Educational efforts need to be very clear about acceptable reasons, and, we suppose, prosecution is appropriate in an egregious case of misuse.
US Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood was in Connecticut to help move the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail improvement project along. The corridor is high on the priorities list and we may actually see a renewal of the line in our lifetimes.
Monday, April 26, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Apr. 26, 2010
Wallingford: Questions regarding lawyers on the staff and also on retainer for the town? Everyone likes to tease the sharks, but in running any sort of serious operation, they’re more than necessary.
State: the legislature is grinding to the official end of the session with a lot of work to do. It seems to be an impossible task to get the important stuff done early so that the wrangling over emotionally-charged issues can be enjoyed at the end of the session without blocking necessary work.
State: the legislature is grinding to the official end of the session with a lot of work to do. It seems to be an impossible task to get the important stuff done early so that the wrangling over emotionally-charged issues can be enjoyed at the end of the session without blocking necessary work.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Apr. 25, 2010
No one could hardly have asked for better weather for almost everything at Meriden’s Daffodil Festival on Saturday. It was one of those golden days.
Wallingford: with a budget set NOT to reserve any funds to cover contracted-for wage increases, the stage is being set for considerable employment diminution. The situation could become nasty and tough.
Wallingford: with a budget set NOT to reserve any funds to cover contracted-for wage increases, the stage is being set for considerable employment diminution. The situation could become nasty and tough.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Apr. 24, 2010
Cheshire: The “dispute” is “settled.” Again, this means of resolving an issue between an officer and the chief is not in the public interest and should not be tolerated.
Wallingford: The campaign to raise money for the fireworks on July 4 must be completed by June 1. An interesting challenge.
State: law allowing towns to reduce the number of polling places for primaries is sensible, given the required staffing levels and the expense. Considering that it is the most active political types who show up for primaries, the reduction shouldn’t discourage the people who are already planning to vote anyway.
Southington: We can’t imagine the developer is any happier than town officials who have pulled the bonds on the Mountainview Farms subdivision after sitting apparently abandoned for nearly two years. It seems as if the project hit the cycle at the worst possible moment.
Wallingford: The campaign to raise money for the fireworks on July 4 must be completed by June 1. An interesting challenge.
State: law allowing towns to reduce the number of polling places for primaries is sensible, given the required staffing levels and the expense. Considering that it is the most active political types who show up for primaries, the reduction shouldn’t discourage the people who are already planning to vote anyway.
Southington: We can’t imagine the developer is any happier than town officials who have pulled the bonds on the Mountainview Farms subdivision after sitting apparently abandoned for nearly two years. It seems as if the project hit the cycle at the worst possible moment.
Friday, April 23, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Apr. 23, 2010
Southington: the charter revision members who wanted a contract for the manager are taking the issue to petition after council rejection. While we mainly agree with the logic of a contract, it begins to feel more like a struggle to see who’s in charge rather than a disagreement over good government.
Meriden/Wallingford: it’s more than time for the two municipalities to sit down and reason together over such issues as the Veterans’ Service Center and inter-city bus routes, and so on. It’s easier to talk about reason than to do it, and one should be wary of unexpected and unintended consequences. Sometimes when you ask a question, you actually get an answer, and it is not one you like.
Southington: School board prepares to look at items to be trimmed to meet the budget for presentation Monday. A round-up of the usual suspects.
Cheshire: it will be interesting to see which way the council will jump concerning the community swimming pool and replacing its bubble. And it will somewhat later be interesting to see how voters react.
Meriden/Wallingford: it’s more than time for the two municipalities to sit down and reason together over such issues as the Veterans’ Service Center and inter-city bus routes, and so on. It’s easier to talk about reason than to do it, and one should be wary of unexpected and unintended consequences. Sometimes when you ask a question, you actually get an answer, and it is not one you like.
Southington: School board prepares to look at items to be trimmed to meet the budget for presentation Monday. A round-up of the usual suspects.
Cheshire: it will be interesting to see which way the council will jump concerning the community swimming pool and replacing its bubble. And it will somewhat later be interesting to see how voters react.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Apr. 22, 2010
Cheshire: why anyone anywhere puts up with the sort of hazy, semi-secret disciplinary/retirement arrangements beats the heck out of us. First a top officer of the police force is suspended, and he just happens to be the head of the union; then no one talks; then he retires and there was “no suspension” at all – just part of his retirement. It’s all contrary to the public interest.
In Southington, some 13 tax-delinquent properties will be sold. Either the tax will be paid and the property redeemed, or someone is likely to pick up a useful piece of real estate.
Wallingford: the question one might have, following the transfer of $8,000 from the budget line item for MidState’s “donation” to that for Master’s Manna, is, why has the town been making a donation?
In Southington, some 13 tax-delinquent properties will be sold. Either the tax will be paid and the property redeemed, or someone is likely to pick up a useful piece of real estate.
Wallingford: the question one might have, following the transfer of $8,000 from the budget line item for MidState’s “donation” to that for Master’s Manna, is, why has the town been making a donation?
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Apr. 21, 2010
Meriden: Overtime pay discovered among Board of Education clerical staff. That’s a lot of cash to be handing out. Are there any reasonable controls?
Meriden: Plans for the Hall Farm. There are three interests to be balanced: the city’s economic development, the neighbors’ quiet, the family’s profit.
Wallingford: sounds as if the judicial candidate has a good sense of when not to pick a fight. It’s too bad that a candidate can be forced to withdraw without a hearing.
Meriden: Plans for the Hall Farm. There are three interests to be balanced: the city’s economic development, the neighbors’ quiet, the family’s profit.
Wallingford: sounds as if the judicial candidate has a good sense of when not to pick a fight. It’s too bad that a candidate can be forced to withdraw without a hearing.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Tue., Apr. 20, 2010
Southington: there’s a lot of fuss over the 22-page “adult-business” regulations which have been written and will go to a public hearing on May 4. No doubt everything will be spelled out, though why a police background check to sell “adult” material should be required is something of a question mark.
Southington: bogus $100 bills have been noted and the Secret Service called in. In case you didn’t know, the government, even in the electronic age, takes counterfeiting very seriously and earnestly prosecutes would-be copiers. Don’t try.
Meriden: the improved bond rating the city has earned from Standard & Poor should wind up saving taxpayers considerable money in interest payments over the life of upcoming bonds.
Cheshire: While we suspect that few people will feel very sorry for either defendant in the home invasion murder case, it is interesting nevertheless to learn that the man on trial wishes to skip the jury selection process, reason not given. Permission was denied by the judge, but the story goes on to relate that the actual process is grueling and requires the defendant to arise at 3:30 a.m. every morning, on fairly short daytime rations, and a return time around 7 p.m.
Southington: bogus $100 bills have been noted and the Secret Service called in. In case you didn’t know, the government, even in the electronic age, takes counterfeiting very seriously and earnestly prosecutes would-be copiers. Don’t try.
Meriden: the improved bond rating the city has earned from Standard & Poor should wind up saving taxpayers considerable money in interest payments over the life of upcoming bonds.
Cheshire: While we suspect that few people will feel very sorry for either defendant in the home invasion murder case, it is interesting nevertheless to learn that the man on trial wishes to skip the jury selection process, reason not given. Permission was denied by the judge, but the story goes on to relate that the actual process is grueling and requires the defendant to arise at 3:30 a.m. every morning, on fairly short daytime rations, and a return time around 7 p.m.
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Apr. 19, 2010
The fine weather for the Daffodil 5K run on Sunday morning. The spectators in Meriden’s Hubbard Park may have been a little chilly, but it was great for the runners.
Southington: the Board of Finance has made the spending decisions and the Town Council prepares to act on the 2010-11 budget. Some say the increase is too much even after cuts, others say it’s not enough. Whatever happens will hurt.
Southington: the Board of Finance has made the spending decisions and the Town Council prepares to act on the 2010-11 budget. Some say the increase is too much even after cuts, others say it’s not enough. Whatever happens will hurt.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Apr. 18, 2010
Meriden’s Hubbard Park, preparing for the Daffodil Festival, is said to be the largest municipal park in Connecticut at 1,803 acres. We don’t want to get too excited patting ourselves on the back about this; we just want to make it a hospitable place for the thousands expected this weekend to enjoy themselves.
Wallingford: It seems a reasonable idea to fund at least a few of the capital budget expenses through the $7.2 million surplus payment from CRRA received last year. While the cash shouldn’t be squandered, it doesn’t all need to remain a nest egg.
D
eputy Mayor Matt Dominello is to be commended for keeping the ball rolling on the corrections needed at Meriden’s World War II plaque up on Broad Street. Misspellings are regrettable but unavoidable, and the only thing that can be done is to make a reasonable effort to correct them.
Wallingford: It seems a reasonable idea to fund at least a few of the capital budget expenses through the $7.2 million surplus payment from CRRA received last year. While the cash shouldn’t be squandered, it doesn’t all need to remain a nest egg.
D
eputy Mayor Matt Dominello is to be commended for keeping the ball rolling on the corrections needed at Meriden’s World War II plaque up on Broad Street. Misspellings are regrettable but unavoidable, and the only thing that can be done is to make a reasonable effort to correct them.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Apr. 17, 2010
Wallingford: Jason Zandri’s efforts to fund this year’s Fourth of July fireworks display show fine public spirit. We hope people respond and that he is successful.
Area: it seems that though sightings of some wild animals are up in number, the reports reflect an uptick in people’s concerns and worries more than they do any particular danger from any animal. Just as some of today’s urban youngsters are unable to recognize a tomato or a potato, the thought of a real bear or coyote finds us with scant notion of what to do about it. Basically, and unsurprisingly, start by keeping away.
Meriden: It’s an unpleasant dilemma for the Harte dealership: accept a buy-out from GM or take a bigger risk and fight the decision to disenfranchise. As tough a choice as that is, we can think of worse scenarios.
Meriden: The NRG-owned power plant site on Cathole Mountain is not quite yet in a position to move in where the Kleen project over in Middletown had a major disaster a couple of months ago. For an industry which deals in power generation, things move awfully slowly.
Area: it seems that though sightings of some wild animals are up in number, the reports reflect an uptick in people’s concerns and worries more than they do any particular danger from any animal. Just as some of today’s urban youngsters are unable to recognize a tomato or a potato, the thought of a real bear or coyote finds us with scant notion of what to do about it. Basically, and unsurprisingly, start by keeping away.
Meriden: It’s an unpleasant dilemma for the Harte dealership: accept a buy-out from GM or take a bigger risk and fight the decision to disenfranchise. As tough a choice as that is, we can think of worse scenarios.
Meriden: The NRG-owned power plant site on Cathole Mountain is not quite yet in a position to move in where the Kleen project over in Middletown had a major disaster a couple of months ago. For an industry which deals in power generation, things move awfully slowly.
Friday, April 16, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Apr. 16, 2010
Southington: Because of the Stonegate road water and Flooding issues, the town may begin inspecting for illegal sump pumps this summer. It would seem, though, that the moment to inspect for pumps would be when the rains are actually causing flooding.
Meriden: If firms with a need to make good on environmental violations can do so through some of the many tasks needing remediation on Factory H, we’re all for it.
Meriden: If firms with a need to make good on environmental violations can do so through some of the many tasks needing remediation on Factory H, we’re all for it.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Apr. 15, 2010
Wallingford, Meriden, Southington, Cheshire: everyone is struggling through budgetary pains, each town with its own process and players. It is a troubling time.
Wallingford: end of a potentially interesting idea of putting ads on the fences at athletic fields when it ran smack into town zoning rules which don’t allow such brazen activity. It would seem to many that ads on baseball fences are a good deal less offensive than some other forms of advertising.
Meriden: What to do with Ceppa Field? Well, probably someone wold like to build houses, but there are also many sports groups which would be glad to have the use of the field (s).
Wallingford: end of a potentially interesting idea of putting ads on the fences at athletic fields when it ran smack into town zoning rules which don’t allow such brazen activity. It would seem to many that ads on baseball fences are a good deal less offensive than some other forms of advertising.
Meriden: What to do with Ceppa Field? Well, probably someone wold like to build houses, but there are also many sports groups which would be glad to have the use of the field (s).
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Apr. 14, 2010
Area: The dust-up over fishing licenses and hunting licenses as well as park fees seems kind of futile. First, such increases are unlikely to break anyone’s bank, just as increases in drivers’ licenses are the stuff of grumbles – but everyone pays. Second, unlike motor vehicle fees, the actual increases amount, state-wide to not all that much cash, so that, apart from making a statement of state penury, the raises are pointless. Why not raise fees and then allow people without means to apply for waivers?
Wallingford: The trial of the American Legion building will not be decided for weeks yet as Judge Berdon considers his verdict. Verdict? This is a trial without jury, so the judge acts as trier of both fact and law.
State: the House passed a budget bill 147 to 1 in an almost incredible demonstration of bipartisanship. This is a good move on both parties’ parts, and we hope they can stick to it.
Wallingford: The trial of the American Legion building will not be decided for weeks yet as Judge Berdon considers his verdict. Verdict? This is a trial without jury, so the judge acts as trier of both fact and law.
State: the House passed a budget bill 147 to 1 in an almost incredible demonstration of bipartisanship. This is a good move on both parties’ parts, and we hope they can stick to it.
Monday, April 12, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Apr. 12, 2010
Wallingford: Work has begun to improve the Route 5 intersection with the Wharton Brook Connector. This is a good beginning.
Southington: if superintendent Erardi thinks that taking in tuition-paying students from other communities would help the alternative school ALTA remain in good funding condition, we’re all for it.
Southington: if superintendent Erardi thinks that taking in tuition-paying students from other communities would help the alternative school ALTA remain in good funding condition, we’re all for it.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Apr. 11, 2010
Southington/Hartford: The “Don’t Tread On Me” flag is a memorable flyer in American history, but, made in the US or not, it does not belong on the state capitol front lawn to mark the opening of anyone’s campaign. Capitol Police were correct in halting the stunt, which was plainly political or became so.
Southington, Meriden, Wallingford: the arguments over what bond funding remains and what is cut, and whether the governor or the legislature can make the choices, is sure to rise the hackles of those who profess to despise “politics” and horse-trading. So, is there another way to make these decisions?
Southington, Meriden, Wallingford: the arguments over what bond funding remains and what is cut, and whether the governor or the legislature can make the choices, is sure to rise the hackles of those who profess to despise “politics” and horse-trading. So, is there another way to make these decisions?
Saturday, April 10, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Apr. 10, 2010
Meriden: Theft of copper flashing at the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association HQ this week. It’s not the first theft from the QRWA, nor is it the first local theft of copper, but it’s a pretty unattractive habit.
While seeing the roots of your family tree, with helpful instruction from ancestry.com or with encouragement from the Southington Genealogical Society of the local history librarian at the Meriden Public Library, it’s good to remember that not all those roots turn out to be royalty or whatever one happens to be hoping for.
Southington: it doesn’t sound like a very good plan to cut Calendar House’s Dial-a-Ride program money until state funding is secured. Usually, state matching grants depend on local funding and such a decision, besides being unpopular, could leave the program in a catch-22 position.
Wallingford: signals are that the Internet is going to remain fairly remote from town hall offices and from services residents might want to access on-line. A pity.
While seeing the roots of your family tree, with helpful instruction from ancestry.com or with encouragement from the Southington Genealogical Society of the local history librarian at the Meriden Public Library, it’s good to remember that not all those roots turn out to be royalty or whatever one happens to be hoping for.
Southington: it doesn’t sound like a very good plan to cut Calendar House’s Dial-a-Ride program money until state funding is secured. Usually, state matching grants depend on local funding and such a decision, besides being unpopular, could leave the program in a catch-22 position.
Wallingford: signals are that the Internet is going to remain fairly remote from town hall offices and from services residents might want to access on-line. A pity.
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Apr. 9, 2010
Wallingford: progress is being made in the trial of the American Legion Building. We hope the case provides a solution which makes no one happy – usually how one can tell that the solution is fair.
Southington: Charter Revision members reject Town Council amendments to the charter changers they’d offered. It will be interesting to see how far either side will push.
Meriden: Golf Course rates may be adjusted to give out-of-towners a break at off-peak times. Like other courses, Meriden’s has seen a decline in usage thanks to the economy, so there’s no harm in trying this strategy.
Connecticut: a federal grant is funding a crackdown on cell phone texting and talking. The program is taking place much of this coming week in Hartford and we hope people wind up being deterred rather than distracted statistics.
Southington: Charter Revision members reject Town Council amendments to the charter changers they’d offered. It will be interesting to see how far either side will push.
Meriden: Golf Course rates may be adjusted to give out-of-towners a break at off-peak times. Like other courses, Meriden’s has seen a decline in usage thanks to the economy, so there’s no harm in trying this strategy.
Connecticut: a federal grant is funding a crackdown on cell phone texting and talking. The program is taking place much of this coming week in Hartford and we hope people wind up being deterred rather than distracted statistics.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Apr. 8, 2010
With the large number of Wallingford positions which may be eliminated, the school system has initiated a class in resume writing and interview skills for those school employees in the path of job loss. This is an excellent step.
The probate court reforms, intended to reduce the number of courts which do not pay their own way, mean that Southington and Cheshire will have one probate operation. So far, progress is smooth, but there are some tough decisions to be made.
The probate court reforms, intended to reduce the number of courts which do not pay their own way, mean that Southington and Cheshire will have one probate operation. So far, progress is smooth, but there are some tough decisions to be made.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Apr. 7, 2010
So we’ve got El Nino to blame for the sewer back-ups in Stonegate Road homes in Southington? Either that or upstream illegal sump pumps. Clearly, there’s a sewer problem which needs to be fixed, and fixed promptly.
Wallingford: confusion among parents as to which increase to support for the school budget is entirely understandable. All kinds of choices are possible.
Wallingford: confusion among parents as to which increase to support for the school budget is entirely understandable. All kinds of choices are possible.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Tue., Apr. 6, 2010
Wallingford: the decision to chop the $30,000 for public fireworks seems unnecessary. Citizens need public parties and celebrations, and just because times are tough, there is no need to decree that there should be no more cakes and ale, to misuse the Bard.
Meriden: the decision of the City Council to give a portion of revenues from the billboard to the Humane Society is good and proper. It has been evident for many years that, regardless of intentions, the Society has difficulty raising the funds it needs to perform its very public service for animals. It’s certainly in part a public responsibility in which the public has a duty to share, either voluntarily or through public revenues.
Cheshire: a discouragingly antagonistic discussion on the budget. Surely, the solution cannot be either service cuts or tax hikes but some of each achievable through decent and public spirited compromise.
Southington: a short finance board hearing reveals the familiar arguments between spending and cutting. Does it help for labels to be attached to positions with which one does not agree?
State: while anyone wrongfully convicted of any crime should be, must be, promptly released (and compensated, it would seem only fair) upon reasonable proof of innocence, it does seem odd that the state is not afforded a chance of questioning or challenging the proof presented, as was apparently the case of the two men imprisoned for 16 years for murder.
Meriden: the decision of the City Council to give a portion of revenues from the billboard to the Humane Society is good and proper. It has been evident for many years that, regardless of intentions, the Society has difficulty raising the funds it needs to perform its very public service for animals. It’s certainly in part a public responsibility in which the public has a duty to share, either voluntarily or through public revenues.
Cheshire: a discouragingly antagonistic discussion on the budget. Surely, the solution cannot be either service cuts or tax hikes but some of each achievable through decent and public spirited compromise.
Southington: a short finance board hearing reveals the familiar arguments between spending and cutting. Does it help for labels to be attached to positions with which one does not agree?
State: while anyone wrongfully convicted of any crime should be, must be, promptly released (and compensated, it would seem only fair) upon reasonable proof of innocence, it does seem odd that the state is not afforded a chance of questioning or challenging the proof presented, as was apparently the case of the two men imprisoned for 16 years for murder.
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Apr. 5, 2010
Meriden: the city’s capital budget plans seem modest enough this year, all things considered. When a new roof is needed because the existing one is leaking (the Stoddard building) or when there’s mold in the firehouse basement, postponing repairs can only make the final cost higher.
Wallingford’s First Congregational Church continues its tradition of offering “God’s Dinner” on Easter for those who are alone for the holiday.
Wallingford’s First Congregational Church continues its tradition of offering “God’s Dinner” on Easter for those who are alone for the holiday.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Apr. 4, 2010
Wallingford: the trenches are getting deeper as both sides dig in over the school budget. Facing the fact that controlling the budget will take increasing taxes, reducing expenses and compromise, what part of sharing the pain do people not understand?
Meriden: The Regional Children’s Court out on East Main Street, now operating as intended, is dealing with important family issues in an intimate and intense situation. Creation of this court was a good idea.
State: the judicial branch has apparently decided to make an issue of visible tattoos on the skin of judicial marshals, whose union has now filed a grievance about the matter. This seems a strange issue on which to take a stand today.
Southington: it seems as if it is time to face up to issues of renovating or adding to the middle schools, now approaching the 50-year benchmark. All the choices are going to be expensive, but a committee of stakeholders to consider the matter and make a recommendation could be helpful.
Housing authorities in Meriden and Wallingford have no apparent plans to institute a smoking ban within public housing. Of course it’s a good idea if everyone quits smoking, but a ban of this type – as recommended by HUD, apparently – is likely to do more harm than good.
Meriden: The Regional Children’s Court out on East Main Street, now operating as intended, is dealing with important family issues in an intimate and intense situation. Creation of this court was a good idea.
State: the judicial branch has apparently decided to make an issue of visible tattoos on the skin of judicial marshals, whose union has now filed a grievance about the matter. This seems a strange issue on which to take a stand today.
Southington: it seems as if it is time to face up to issues of renovating or adding to the middle schools, now approaching the 50-year benchmark. All the choices are going to be expensive, but a committee of stakeholders to consider the matter and make a recommendation could be helpful.
Housing authorities in Meriden and Wallingford have no apparent plans to institute a smoking ban within public housing. Of course it’s a good idea if everyone quits smoking, but a ban of this type – as recommended by HUD, apparently – is likely to do more harm than good.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Apr. 3, 2010
The other defendant in the Cheshire home-invasion murder case is said to be considering a guilty plea. Be prepared for anything and remember, 95 percent of all cases are settled rather than tried.
Meriden: fixing the water and mold problems at Engine Co. #5 at Pomeroy and East Main shouldn’t be rocket science, but it can be complex. It should also be taken care of a.s.a.p.
Meriden: fixing the water and mold problems at Engine Co. #5 at Pomeroy and East Main shouldn’t be rocket science, but it can be complex. It should also be taken care of a.s.a.p.
Friday, April 2, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Apr. 2, 2010
Southington: Charles Motes, Jr., the town’s health director, has made an enterprise for the town’s benefit out of his interest in the collection of weather data. His addition to the records of the area is significant – as well as, obviously, fun for Motes.
Wallingford: Sewer rate hikes are on the table and probably in the pipeline. If water consumption in town declined significantly after the last rate hike, as reported by the general manager, one might wonder if another raise would accomplish what is intended.
Meriden: it seems only yesterday that the last round of property revaluation was accomplished and settled. And here we are once again!
Meriden’s plan of application for the Community Development block grant is included on page 17. There are many important pieces of the money from Uncle Sam which tops off at just over $1 million.
Cheshire: it would seem that the stated wish of one defendant in the murder and home invasion case would change a great deal – but also, oddly, not that much. When the death penalty is involved, nothing happens easily, nor should it.
Meriden had, with 4.36 inches of rain during last week’s storm, enough to get good and wet, but not enough to cause the sort of flooding which has plagued downtown in the past. That was good luck, but maybe also the fact that some improvements have been carried out. Also, maybe Mother Nature knows we’ve got an eye on her watery tricks, too.
Wallingford: Sewer rate hikes are on the table and probably in the pipeline. If water consumption in town declined significantly after the last rate hike, as reported by the general manager, one might wonder if another raise would accomplish what is intended.
Meriden: it seems only yesterday that the last round of property revaluation was accomplished and settled. And here we are once again!
Meriden’s plan of application for the Community Development block grant is included on page 17. There are many important pieces of the money from Uncle Sam which tops off at just over $1 million.
Cheshire: it would seem that the stated wish of one defendant in the murder and home invasion case would change a great deal – but also, oddly, not that much. When the death penalty is involved, nothing happens easily, nor should it.
Meriden had, with 4.36 inches of rain during last week’s storm, enough to get good and wet, but not enough to cause the sort of flooding which has plagued downtown in the past. That was good luck, but maybe also the fact that some improvements have been carried out. Also, maybe Mother Nature knows we’ve got an eye on her watery tricks, too.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Apr. 1, 2010
Meriden: the circumstances which led to MHA’s firing of James Rice, the lawsuit he subsequently brought, and the settlement which has now been paid are to no one’s credit, and we wish they were otherwise. Now, however, this unhappy episode may be placed finally behind the housing authority so that it may move forward without this particular burden.
Cheshire: students are busy protesting planned or threatened cuts in the school system’s budget. The process of fighting politically for what you believe in is a major part of education as well as books and papers.
Cheshire: students are busy protesting planned or threatened cuts in the school system’s budget. The process of fighting politically for what you believe in is a major part of education as well as books and papers.
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