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.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, July 26, 2010
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 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.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, July 23, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., July 19, 2010
Meriden accountant Robert Gollnick observes that since payments for day camp may qualify as an income tax credit, parents should be careful to keep receipts and to ask questions. Tax preparation, or at least tax awareness is a year-round occupation.
Two-week Orchestra Summer Camp program, presented by the Meriden Arts Trust and the Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra, and held at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center. Musical education is far too often sacrificed to the needs and demands of budgets and mandates, and we are happy to see the effort to maintain this facet of education.
Cheshire kids had a chance to learn about monarch butterflies at the Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society’s Riverbound Farm. Though these beautiful creatures are known to many people, not many actually know their biographies.
Two-week Orchestra Summer Camp program, presented by the Meriden Arts Trust and the Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra, and held at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center. Musical education is far too often sacrificed to the needs and demands of budgets and mandates, and we are happy to see the effort to maintain this facet of education.
Cheshire kids had a chance to learn about monarch butterflies at the Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society’s Riverbound Farm. Though these beautiful creatures are known to many people, not many actually know their biographies.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., July 18, 2010
Area: all local towns have student-computer ratios which have become far more favorable over the years. But it’s kind of funny: we used to worry about the student-teacher ratio!
Southington: Fish caught in Black Pond, near the superfund site, include less pollutants than fish caught in many other waterways in the state, including the Connecticut River. Chalk one up to environmental cleanup.
Southington: Fish caught in Black Pond, near the superfund site, include less pollutants than fish caught in many other waterways in the state, including the Connecticut River. Chalk one up to environmental cleanup.
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., July 17, 2010
A new bill strengthening the budget and governing process for the state’s technical vocational schools, including Wilcox in Meriden, was signed by Gov. Rell with local legislators looking on. This is a good and proper step to improve the vo-tech system.
Cheshire: It will be interesting to see the new capital items on the budget to be presented, and to see how the whole idea flies in this economic climate.
Cheshire: It will be interesting to see the new capital items on the budget to be presented, and to see how the whole idea flies in this economic climate.
Friday, July 16, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., July 16, 2010
Area: students in local schools continue to show an improving trend in CMT scores. No startling gains or losses is a good thing: major sudden changes would indicate some real surprise in the system in question.
State: similarly, minority students appear to be making progress at catching up to white students on CMT scores. This should help reduce some of the inequities which plague our society.
National: BP stopped the leak.
State: similarly, minority students appear to be making progress at catching up to white students on CMT scores. This should help reduce some of the inequities which plague our society.
National: BP stopped the leak.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Thur., July 15, 2010
Cheshire: Surely, surely, there is enough direct evidence in the triple murder case not to have to rely on admissions by the defendants? Remembering that the defense’s job is to challenge everything and anything, the evidential accumulation here must be considerable.
Meriden: the Parks and Recreation Department does not need to apologize for shutting and locking the gates to the road to the tower at 4:45 each day. The information is posted, and any driver stuck inside should consider him- or herself lucky not to get a ticket for needing some paid worker to unlock the gate.
The status of Connecticut’s election campaign financing law is bizarre, to say the least, with a federal appeals court overturning one ruling disallowing the higher threshold for minor parties but in turn allowing lobbyists’ contributions, while state courts cope with who can and who can’t receive state money. What a mess.
It would be nice if the Wallingford Housing Authority – and all other Housing Authorities around the state – could agree unanimously on all issues and what’s good for tenants. The difficulty seems to be in figuring out what’s good.
Meriden: the Parks and Recreation Department does not need to apologize for shutting and locking the gates to the road to the tower at 4:45 each day. The information is posted, and any driver stuck inside should consider him- or herself lucky not to get a ticket for needing some paid worker to unlock the gate.
The status of Connecticut’s election campaign financing law is bizarre, to say the least, with a federal appeals court overturning one ruling disallowing the higher threshold for minor parties but in turn allowing lobbyists’ contributions, while state courts cope with who can and who can’t receive state money. What a mess.
It would be nice if the Wallingford Housing Authority – and all other Housing Authorities around the state – could agree unanimously on all issues and what’s good for tenants. The difficulty seems to be in figuring out what’s good.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., July 14, 2010
Meriden is applying to be reimbursed for the services of Officer David Buck, a National Guardsman called up to help with the BP oil spill. Sounds like a plan.
Wallingford: The Lyman Hall athletic director has resigned so she can continue teaching after the job has been changed to administration only. There’s also a five-year program for strategic planning getting under way. One can wonder how much room to push the Wallingford system remains.
Meriden: a contest to rename the Hub wouldn’t hurt and it would be a fun civic activity. Timing is a consideration, but, of course, it could always be renamed if need be.
State: you win some and lose some in the courts. On appeal, Connecticut campaign law overturned lower court decision on minor party thresholds (saying they could be higher) but struck down a portion restricting lobbyist contributions.
Southington: so the 2 percent raises on union contracts are approved. Comparisons with Wallingford’s stance are tempting.
Southington: well if the special tax district is not working for the Greenfields, perhaps a Brownfields grant would help. We can hope so.
Wallingford: The Lyman Hall athletic director has resigned so she can continue teaching after the job has been changed to administration only. There’s also a five-year program for strategic planning getting under way. One can wonder how much room to push the Wallingford system remains.
Meriden: a contest to rename the Hub wouldn’t hurt and it would be a fun civic activity. Timing is a consideration, but, of course, it could always be renamed if need be.
State: you win some and lose some in the courts. On appeal, Connecticut campaign law overturned lower court decision on minor party thresholds (saying they could be higher) but struck down a portion restricting lobbyist contributions.
Southington: so the 2 percent raises on union contracts are approved. Comparisons with Wallingford’s stance are tempting.
Southington: well if the special tax district is not working for the Greenfields, perhaps a Brownfields grant would help. We can hope so.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Tues. July 13, 2010
Wallingford: The PZC was right to turn down requests to change the rules and allow different kinds of business in the Interchange Zone. If affordable housing is the only remaining option and if it can overcome any issues regarding water and sewer extensions and watershed issues, what’s wrong with that?
Southington: Labor contracts approved by council. It will be interesting to learn the terms approved.
Cheshire: teachers, politicians and residents can hash out the effects of the staff and materials reductions over the next few months. The trouble is that immediate changes are hard to perceive and long term changes happen after everyone’s forgotten what the fuss was about.
Cheshire’s Chamber of Commerce has drafted a letter which it hopes other chambers will sign, urging a reform of the way Connecticut budgets, as well as conceding that a budget solution must include both increase in revenue through taxes or other means and spending cuts. Making a strategic plan is a sensible idea for business entities but a political nightmare for government.
Southington: Labor contracts approved by council. It will be interesting to learn the terms approved.
Cheshire: teachers, politicians and residents can hash out the effects of the staff and materials reductions over the next few months. The trouble is that immediate changes are hard to perceive and long term changes happen after everyone’s forgotten what the fuss was about.
Cheshire’s Chamber of Commerce has drafted a letter which it hopes other chambers will sign, urging a reform of the way Connecticut budgets, as well as conceding that a budget solution must include both increase in revenue through taxes or other means and spending cuts. Making a strategic plan is a sensible idea for business entities but a political nightmare for government.
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., July 12, 2010
Area: book sellers and recyclers say there’s a plentiful supply and it is tempting to speculate on the reasons, aside from the general economic pinches. It would not pleasant to think that something electronic would take the place of such traditions as the coffee table book!
Advice on summer outdoor cooking safety are timely not just in Wallingford but everywhere. Keep your wits and senses working in food handling, since hot weather offers perils – and remember the safety tips from the Department of Consumer Protection.
Ice cream is a great treat in hot weather. The Meriden stores noted are old favorites. For those with the inclination, it’s also possible as well as fun to use an ice cream maker and make the good stuff yourself according to old family recipes.
Advice on summer outdoor cooking safety are timely not just in Wallingford but everywhere. Keep your wits and senses working in food handling, since hot weather offers perils – and remember the safety tips from the Department of Consumer Protection.
Ice cream is a great treat in hot weather. The Meriden stores noted are old favorites. For those with the inclination, it’s also possible as well as fun to use an ice cream maker and make the good stuff yourself according to old family recipes.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., July 11, 2010
Meriden-Markham Airport opens up under new management with some hopes for a bright future. There’s plenty of enthusiasm which we hope will take successful flight.
Cheshire: One does indeed fear that closure of Pratt & Whitney here and in Manchester is only a matter of time. After all, there’s no way the courts, based on a union contract, can keep the place operating indefinitely. Suppose the union buys the business?
Southington: in situ thermal treatment at the Solvents Recovery site sounds simple but is both expensive and complex. Three heating rods with different depths at each of 593 wells converting water to steam, which is sucked into treatment machinery and removed. Amazing.
Cheshire: One does indeed fear that closure of Pratt & Whitney here and in Manchester is only a matter of time. After all, there’s no way the courts, based on a union contract, can keep the place operating indefinitely. Suppose the union buys the business?
Southington: in situ thermal treatment at the Solvents Recovery site sounds simple but is both expensive and complex. Three heating rods with different depths at each of 593 wells converting water to steam, which is sucked into treatment machinery and removed. Amazing.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., July 10, 2010
Wallingford: The use approved by the Public Utilities Commission of covered water tank space near Gaylord Hospital for placement of cell-phone antennas is a relatively harmless way for this or any town to get some income without chewing up the ground.
The Meriden-Wallingford Summer Campership Fund has surpassed its goal and kids will be enjoying camp as the summer continues. Congratulations.
Work begins on preparing specs for the renovation of the two Meriden high schools, the “hybrid” option the city has selected to pursue. This is an exciting venture and will involve a significant amount of input from the stakeholders.
The Meriden-Wallingford Summer Campership Fund has surpassed its goal and kids will be enjoying camp as the summer continues. Congratulations.
Work begins on preparing specs for the renovation of the two Meriden high schools, the “hybrid” option the city has selected to pursue. This is an exciting venture and will involve a significant amount of input from the stakeholders.
Friday, July 9, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., July 9, 2010
Southington/State: Attorney General’s report on reporting issues of sexual impropriety and abuse has a lot of matter in it, based to a substantial degree on the Southington experiences early in the decade. While some changes may already have been made, it’s a report to attend to carefully.
Cheshire/State: the court’s decision on the Pratt vs. Union case is a victory for the workers. Ultimately, however, and in the absence of a contract requiring a “fact-intensive inquiry bargained for by the parties” – which it is hard to imagine Pratt agreeing to again – it seems pretty clear that the company will be “out of here” as soon as it can.
Meriden: glad that the first 100 acres of the NRG site on Cathole Mountain is heading, as affirmed earlier, toward permanent preservation. While we can easily understand the motive for keeping some of the remainder open for some development, the prospect is not exactly thrilling.
Wallingford/State: the question for consideration is why the demand for power early last week during the hot spell did NOT break records, given temperatures. And how is it that a peaking plant in Wallingford does not need to disclose when or how long it generates power? What an odd exception!
State: Regardless of the reasons for the dismissal of state DOT commissioner Marie, the fact is that commissioners serve at the governor’s pleasure. He failed to please: quod erat demonstrandum.
Cheshire/State: the court’s decision on the Pratt vs. Union case is a victory for the workers. Ultimately, however, and in the absence of a contract requiring a “fact-intensive inquiry bargained for by the parties” – which it is hard to imagine Pratt agreeing to again – it seems pretty clear that the company will be “out of here” as soon as it can.
Meriden: glad that the first 100 acres of the NRG site on Cathole Mountain is heading, as affirmed earlier, toward permanent preservation. While we can easily understand the motive for keeping some of the remainder open for some development, the prospect is not exactly thrilling.
Wallingford/State: the question for consideration is why the demand for power early last week during the hot spell did NOT break records, given temperatures. And how is it that a peaking plant in Wallingford does not need to disclose when or how long it generates power? What an odd exception!
State: Regardless of the reasons for the dismissal of state DOT commissioner Marie, the fact is that commissioners serve at the governor’s pleasure. He failed to please: quod erat demonstrandum.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Thur., July 8, 2010
Southington: Reading about the proposal to reuse an empty school and demolish two other town-used buildings in a consolidation of office plan makes perfectly good sense, once you figure out where the players are all moving. But no one should hope that a thorough modernization project on a public building is going to be done for pennies as a weekend project: it doesn’t happen that way.
Area: the ice business has been booming during the present heat spell. Who knew so many people bought ice, either bagged or in blocks?
Wallingford: the posturing between town officials and union officials over arbitration is kind of tempest in a teapot. Everyone knows arbitration will yield some increases (either wages or benefits) and that, barring tax increases, this will be met either with layoffs or unfilled positions, and that there’s always a gray area where wiggle room for particular cases can be discovered.
There’s a discussion among legislators and other officials over the euthanasia policies of the Connecticut Humane Society, a private charity. The indications here, as elsewhere, suggest that this might be best handled, given the modern sensibilities, by a state-run agency with transparent policies and accountability.
There’s something wrong with the way small business employees are being for selling tobacco products to minors, evident after a sting operation in Meriden. For one thing, when a sting operation is involved, there’s no way of telling how often any establishment or clerk actually sells tobacco to a bona fide purchaser who is under age.
Area: the ice business has been booming during the present heat spell. Who knew so many people bought ice, either bagged or in blocks?
Wallingford: the posturing between town officials and union officials over arbitration is kind of tempest in a teapot. Everyone knows arbitration will yield some increases (either wages or benefits) and that, barring tax increases, this will be met either with layoffs or unfilled positions, and that there’s always a gray area where wiggle room for particular cases can be discovered.
There’s a discussion among legislators and other officials over the euthanasia policies of the Connecticut Humane Society, a private charity. The indications here, as elsewhere, suggest that this might be best handled, given the modern sensibilities, by a state-run agency with transparent policies and accountability.
There’s something wrong with the way small business employees are being for selling tobacco products to minors, evident after a sting operation in Meriden. For one thing, when a sting operation is involved, there’s no way of telling how often any establishment or clerk actually sells tobacco to a bona fide purchaser who is under age.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., July 7, 2010
Wallingford: Anthem Blue Cross in the Mortgage Lenders building? Well, that would certainly solve a problem, and when companies make up their minds to do something, it is usually possible to get through the paperwork plug with astonishing speed.
Southington: it’s one thing to remove 80 cubic yards of soil from a property (which might be, say, a rectangular hole 24 feet long, 15 feet wide and 6 feet deep) and quite another to remove 40,000 cu. yd., in effect a hill, or a rectangular excavation, say, 120 feet wide, 300 feet long and 30 feet deep. Tabling was a good choice for the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Meriden: while the city needs to play by the rules with regard to 2041 North Broad St., the site of a former strip club and the site where a new owner wishes a special exception to open a “gentleman’s club” – a juice bar/strip club – it is hard to discern why such an establishment is the only choice for the property.
State: An insurance company – Health Net – somehow lost a disk drive with info on 1.5 million customers, including 450,000 CT residents, from its Shelton office last May and waited six months to tell customers. $250,000 in fines isn’t really enough of a settlement.
Southington: it’s one thing to remove 80 cubic yards of soil from a property (which might be, say, a rectangular hole 24 feet long, 15 feet wide and 6 feet deep) and quite another to remove 40,000 cu. yd., in effect a hill, or a rectangular excavation, say, 120 feet wide, 300 feet long and 30 feet deep. Tabling was a good choice for the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Meriden: while the city needs to play by the rules with regard to 2041 North Broad St., the site of a former strip club and the site where a new owner wishes a special exception to open a “gentleman’s club” – a juice bar/strip club – it is hard to discern why such an establishment is the only choice for the property.
State: An insurance company – Health Net – somehow lost a disk drive with info on 1.5 million customers, including 450,000 CT residents, from its Shelton office last May and waited six months to tell customers. $250,000 in fines isn’t really enough of a settlement.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Tues., July 6, 2010
Southington: when developers begin to look at projects which change the shape of the landscape, it’s fairly natural for the neighbors to worry. Now’s the time for those living at Southgate Apartments to make opinions clear and to try and shape the future into acceptable contours.
Wallingford: so now the cafeteria workers contract, rejected last year by council, has gone to arbitration and has been approved by default, giving the raises which were the point of the objection in the first place. Rejecting contracts worked out by the board of education and the unions doesn’t seem a particularly favorable or effective policy — although it makes a point.
Wallingford: so now the cafeteria workers contract, rejected last year by council, has gone to arbitration and has been approved by default, giving the raises which were the point of the objection in the first place. Rejecting contracts worked out by the board of education and the unions doesn’t seem a particularly favorable or effective policy — although it makes a point.
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., July 5, 2010
A welcome to new Meriden Superintendent of Schools, Mark Benigni, is in order, of course, as he begins work today. A familiar face and persona to most residents, residents should be careful not to expect a mayor instead of a superintendent.
Southington is fortunate to have Crescent Lake open and available for those who would kayak or otherwise boat about in the water. The hot weather is moderated by lakes and ponds even if there’s no swimming.
The pause for breath before getting into the state-run high-risk insurance pool. Whether the idea is good or bad, it behooves everyone to get the best fix possible on costs and obligations before signing on the dotted line.
Southington is fortunate to have Crescent Lake open and available for those who would kayak or otherwise boat about in the water. The hot weather is moderated by lakes and ponds even if there’s no swimming.
The pause for breath before getting into the state-run high-risk insurance pool. Whether the idea is good or bad, it behooves everyone to get the best fix possible on costs and obligations before signing on the dotted line.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., July 4, 2010
Former Meriden City Manager Roger Kemp’s latest contribution to civic literacy, focused on key documents in American history, especially fundamental documents. These are basic writings we need to keep in our minds, for, as Kemp says, “democracy is a work in progress.”
Southington: the scanners which were supposed to establish that permits of residents using the transfer center were bona fide local residents seem not to be functioning properly. Seems to us that a person sitting in a vehicle, looking at drivers’ licenses, would be a whole lot more reliable, and perhaps even cheaper.
Southington: the scanners which were supposed to establish that permits of residents using the transfer center were bona fide local residents seem not to be functioning properly. Seems to us that a person sitting in a vehicle, looking at drivers’ licenses, would be a whole lot more reliable, and perhaps even cheaper.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., July 3, 2010
Southington has reshuffled some town departments, resulting in a merged parks department under the Highway Department. We hope the change results in efficiency and better and more flexible service.
New funding from the state which will keep 18 domestic violence shelters open 24/7, including Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis. Emergencies happen at all times of day, all days in the year, and a closed shelter is a threat to endangered women and children.
New funding from the state which will keep 18 domestic violence shelters open 24/7, including Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis. Emergencies happen at all times of day, all days in the year, and a closed shelter is a threat to endangered women and children.
Friday, July 2, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., July 2, 2010
Meriden: the beginning of single stream recycling, with big, 96-gallon blue bins, is kind of exciting. Officials hope it will increase the participation by residents in recycling in general.
Southington: the retroactive award for the police contract is about $246,000, which “should not affect the police budget too much.” It’s kind of a relative thing, isn’t it, about how much is “too much” and how much isn’t.
Wallingford: it is in part an honor to town tradition that the fireworks happened this year. The glory days of the industry are worth remembering.
Southington: The probate hearing on the creation of a trust has drawn a lot of interest. The outcome, too, is important as the real estate in question is the subject of a development plan which would use the land for a sports arena.
Southington: the retroactive award for the police contract is about $246,000, which “should not affect the police budget too much.” It’s kind of a relative thing, isn’t it, about how much is “too much” and how much isn’t.
Wallingford: it is in part an honor to town tradition that the fireworks happened this year. The glory days of the industry are worth remembering.
Southington: The probate hearing on the creation of a trust has drawn a lot of interest. The outcome, too, is important as the real estate in question is the subject of a development plan which would use the land for a sports arena.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Editor's Notepod, Thur., July 1, 2010
Wallingford: the arbitration process does make it difficult all around. It’s hard to see what is gained by a decision mandating raises (for three years past, moreover) when that will mean laying off workers to satisfy the award.
State: the problems facing the state retirement program demonstrate the evils of postponing costs now – when they would require taxes which no one wants – and discovering that costs are a lot more later on – when more taxes will be needed. Renegotiating benefits after they have already been guaranteed is a pretty shameful option.
Southington would have been justified in proceeding via eminent domain to acquire property to provide a route for a long-needed sewer to end discharges of raw sewage into the Quinnipiac. Residents have a right to be somewhat irritated that the process has dragged on so long when such a situation is exactly what eminent domain is intended for: a fair price for a necessary public purpose.
State: the problems facing the state retirement program demonstrate the evils of postponing costs now – when they would require taxes which no one wants – and discovering that costs are a lot more later on – when more taxes will be needed. Renegotiating benefits after they have already been guaranteed is a pretty shameful option.
Southington would have been justified in proceeding via eminent domain to acquire property to provide a route for a long-needed sewer to end discharges of raw sewage into the Quinnipiac. Residents have a right to be somewhat irritated that the process has dragged on so long when such a situation is exactly what eminent domain is intended for: a fair price for a necessary public purpose.
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