The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Dec. 31, 2011

A new use of the former Isaac Lewis mansion on Meriden’s East Main Street has been proposed: a mosque for the Islamic Association of Southern Connecticut. Considering other buildings in the area – religious, municipal, cultural – the plan sounds ideal and appropriate at first blush, and we hope all zoning and building rules can be met.

We hope the perps of a credit card info theft scheme which has affected over 200 Wallingford residents since Christmas can be found and brought to justice. This is a crime too often committed these days.

A new law takes effect January 1 which will require those convicted of DUI to use a Breathalyzer interlock to start their vehicles. This may cut down on the number of people who drive drunk, but it wouldn’t stop situations like the one reported in Meriden where a man was arrested twice in a single day for the offense: it’s doubtful the law can work that fast.

Wallingford’s Mayor Dickinson isn’t about to authorize extra spending merely because the town wound up with a surplus of $671,000 for fiscal 2010-11. No one would expect him to.

As Meriden police warn, there has been an increase of solicitors canvassing without permits. While this isn’t necessarily a sign of further criminal intent, residents should be sure to check ID and to be aware that such visitors could be casing them out.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Dec. 30, 2011

There’s a public meeting on January 11 to consider or discuss the possible closing of the Wallingford postal sorting center. Since it is stated that impact on mail service will be minimal, this is going to a tough change to fight.

The game of Musical Chairs continues, With Congressman Murphy trying for the Senate and Representative and House Speaker Donovan trying for Congress, two Meriden Democrats are looking at the state House race. Keith Gordon and Hilda Santiago are both well-known local figures, and we will be curious to se how the cookie crumbles here.

Fire hazards increase in winter, as that tragic blaze in Stamford demonstrated. A Southington family was lucky its ashes were noticed before they caused a conflagration; don’t you be the next number!

Record-Journal cartoonist of Southington, Tony Manning, has donated a major collection of his original cartoons spanning 40 years or more to the Historical Society. This is a treasure trove of local history which the Society is glad to have and will find something interesting to do with them: our congratulations and best wishes to Tony, as well.

Connecticut has hired a consulting group to consider how best to promote state ports. This seems like a reasonable approach to some of the economic doldrums.

It is disappointing that the State Forensic Lab in Meriden has not yet been able to clear up the administrative difficulties which resulted in its loss of accreditation last summer. This is not a task which can be neglected.

Connecticut is increasing its supervision of bail bondsmen. Apparently, according to the head of the Bail Association of Connecticut, the industry has brought this on itself with a “wild west” mentality.

Continuing agenda for energy related legislation from energy industries and others in Connecticut. Make haste slowly is a good rule – but given how these issues move, speed would be welcome.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Dec. 29, 2011

Reminder: CL&P rebates for losses due to power outage during the late October nor’easter are still available. Connecticut customers need to apply by the end of January, so don’t delay.

The explanations about why Meriden’s public housing received low scores from HUD are mostly cogent, but we’d still like to see the city landlord come out better, whether or not similar behavior is required of private owners. Public ownership does have a higher standard.

Wallingford police are warning against identity thefts, a couple of dozen of which have recently been reported by residents. It isn’t always easy to know where it is safe to use a credit card or debit card, but it is still quite easy to follow bank records on line and to call promptly when anything odd is detected.

Meriden police will be holding a DUI checkpoint this weekend at a point not announced. One more good reason to refrain from drinking before driving.

It’s a shame that a donation of books to the library in Cheshire – or anywhere else – can be regarded as suspicious because it’s not in a transparent package. Please, though, remember to use a package which will not seem suspicious for books or any other donation; and deliver in person if possible.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Dec. 28, 2011

Generous spirit of Piper Killen of Wallingford, age nine, whose charitable impulse led to a collection of 100 pairs of shoes for those in need. Santa and helpers stepped up to this plate for her.

Congratulations to Meriden Children First Initiative for winning a highly competitive Promise Neighborhood planning grant of $465,000 from the U.S. Department of Education. Children First was the only New England winner and will help expand the Meriden family Zone for healthy families.

Northeast Utilities is planning a merger with NSTAR which provides electricity to Boston, a move almost certain to make Connecticut the tail of the resulting dog. Attorney General George Jepson is rightly urging Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to review this worrisome plan.

Connecticut legislative leaders may continue working on a compromise Congressional reapportionment plan even as the state Supreme Court ponders a special master to do the job. It is not praiseworthy for politicians to have failed to work this matter out themselves.

Varying rates of reimbursements for Connecticut hospitals is an eye-opener, as analysis reveals how and why rates are different. An immediate remedy, to connect payments from the various public, private and governmental agencies which make them, to actual costs of procedures, seems unlikely.

A Small Town Economic Assistance grant will come to Wallingford for repairing North Main Street Extension. This will be a welcome infusion of cash for a job otherwise on taxpayers’ shoulders.

Although it’s behind schedule, and could lag further, depending on weather and whether all custom-mad components fit properly, Cheshire’s new Community Pool bubble is in the works. Residents will be glad to have this job completed.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Dec. 27, 2011

Meriden’s planners are seriously considering a return to a two-way traffic pattern downtown and making other changes. It will be interesting to see how this ultimately affects the commercial area.

Connecticut could use some greater transparency in revealing costs of medical procedures to consumers. Unfortunately, insured persons probably don’t need to know while uninsured persons generally find medical bills astronomically out of reach, so in the end is there really any point in knowing that an appendectomy actually costs $6,000 or whatever?

Good luck to Lyman Hall and Sheehan High School bands, still competing for a grant from Pepsi. We hope Wallingford schools manage to win.

Connecticut has failed to set aside funds to do maintenance on state-maintained bridges, despite the accident in 1993 which caused a portion of an I-95 span to collapse in Mianus. So, the state is working on the problem.

Congratulations to Wallingford’s Recycling Committee which has received the GreenCircle Award from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection along with four other local businesses or individuals. This is a good path to follow.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Dec. 26, 2011

Southington is pursuing a Safe Schools, Healthy Students grant from the federal departments of Education, Health and Human Services and Justice. If obtained, the town could receive $1.5 million for each of 4 years to support resource officers in the high school and to install security cameras.

Weather certainly contributed to local ills during 2011. But, as they say, it could always have been worse.

It is highly unseemly – as well as churlish and childish – for Connecticut legislators to be squabbling over whether to hang a portrait of Gov. Jodi Rell in the State Library and who is to pay for it. But then, there’s precedent: They wanted to hang Rowland rather than his portrait, and Lowell Weicker wasn’t particularly dear to either regular party after his term and it took a while.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Dec. 24, 2011

Meriden, Wallingford, Southington, and Cheshire will be needing to realign their voting precincts following changes in state house and senate districts to keep voters from having to visit different places on Election Day. The process has already begun in a couple of towns.

Southington’s Gimenez family, which has gone caroling together every Christmas for 15 years, bringing music to friends and neighbors. There’s tradition for you!

That 9-year old flying in from Tennessee to visit Danbury grandparents and who had to change planes unexpectedly – and no one informed those who were to meet her. Two things: it is unacceptable for an airline not to call about a child passenger in its care; but why didn’t she have a cell phone?

Southington’s 2011 Apple Harvest Festival is expected to turn a $25,000 net gain when all the books are balance, including having paid for town expenses in extra police and fire coverage. This is an important milestone for the festival and especially welcome in these tough times.

The longish article on origins and policies surrounding American community Christmas trees is one which should be required reading, not only because of the “Christmas Tree” war, either. There is information there that almost no one knows about how and why this became a practice.

Distribution in Meriden of over 500 coats in the first Community Coat Drive. This was an excellent idea and well carried out, too.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Dec. 23, 2011

It is good that initial reactions to the idea of Meriden’s and Wallingford’s Housing Authorities helping each other out has received some positive feedback. Why should two adjacent communities duplicate the entire work of two relatively small housing agencies merely because they are in different municipalities?

“It’s shameful, unacceptable, that young men and women who have served our country should come back to a jobless society for them,” Senator Richard Blumenthal said during a news conference Thursday, and he’s right. Everyone needs jobs, but in Connecticut, 15.5 percent of post 9/11 vets are unemployed compared to the 9.2 percent rate for everyone else.

People love to talk about government waste, but, considering that Connecticut legislators are paid only $28,000 annually (20th among states – and try living on that, if that happens to be your only income), it doesn’t necessarily mean that eliminating one legislative chamber will save a meaningful amount of money. If Sen. LeBeau wants to cut a house, he should bring the idea forward on its merits, not as a cost saving item.

Wallingford Emergency Shelter has made great progress on its two family town houses, with completion expected by May. This improvement, financed by support from the Trail of Terror, will allow the shelter to offer significantly more services to families in need of shelter.

The reason for Meriden Planning and Zoning Commission rule changes to limit roof heights in residential neighborhoods is to help reduce sun-blocking and to build in more housing variation. We’re not sure yet quite why these changes accomplish their tasks.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Dec. 22, 2011

Meriden’s Housing Authority has offered to lend assistance to Wallingford’s, as the latter goes through transitions. This seems a potentially desirable suggestion, particularly if it can save both agencies money or improve conditions for tenants, so we hope it works out.

The redistricting committee missed its deadline on Congressional districts for Connecticut, so the matter goes to the court. This is too bad, since it’s better to have an agreed-upon plan than one imposed upon both sides, but that’s how the cookie crumbles.

The possible MountainRidge purchase by New Life Church is apparently a substitute for rebuilding at its Bee Street church in Meriden, which is interesting. This change would have some property tax consequences for Meriden, but it’s too soon to worry about that.

Moran Middle School kids have been participating in a drive to raise funds for operations to repair cleft palates of youngsters in poor countries. This is reasonably standard work in the US but beyond means in some countries and the charity offers Moran kids in Wallingford a chance to think of others.

Donations to Toys for Tots are down in Meriden this year, which means there will be some disappointed youngsters. We hope some last-minute presents will help prevent such an eventuality before Friday’s distribution.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Dec. 21, 2011

Meriden's New Life Church’s potential deal to purchase MountainRidge, formerly Mountainside, is an interesting proposition and could create a unique facility in town. This plus a downtown food and clothing ministry shows a highly active congregation.

Demolition of Factory H in Meriden has begun, at least in a symbolic way with ribbon cutting and so on. The next few weeks will see work begin, and by the time this job is done, there will be new vistas in this part of the city.

All of Meriden will have full-day kindergarten, thanks to council approval. We’ve come a ways: first time this topic was mentioned, it had almost no support.

Southington school chief Erardi is on the right tack in suggesting that kids spend Veterans’ Day in school working on material which honors vets and the wars in which they fought and the reasons these wars were fought. If all can agree, this would tend to put meaning back into a national day.

Congratulations to Ed “Spaghetti” Siebert, whose new volume on Meriden has just been published. It includes much positive information about the community and is a good read, too.

Well, it’s always nice to know one did the right thing. A testimonial dinner for Wallingford’s mayor was set for winter 2010 raised some concerns and was cancelled, which now the state Elections Commission has determined was the correct decision.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Dec. 20, 2011

The driver found responsible for an accident which injured former Wallingford Superintendent of Schools Dale Wilson and his wife last December, has been given substantial jail time. It is good to send the message that driving under the influence and reckless driving will earn time in prison.

Hikes totaling 17 percent over three years at UConn are a stiff price to pay for school improvement, considering that the state contribution has been cut. UConn should have been put in the higher education package with the state universities and community colleges and students should not, in this economy, be forced to pay substantially more.

We continue to feel that expansion of Meriden’s Linear Trail is an excellent investment for the city and for the residents. If federal money is received, moreover, the city’s share is only 20 percent of the total and the net cost is small change for a self-respecting city hoping to improve its prospects and self-respect.

Southington’s artificial turf committee is getting to work. It will have a lot of questions to ask and answers to receive.

Bassick High School in Bridgeport shows some excellent results with its education methods. It takes money, as well as willpower, and that’s in short supply not only in Connecticut’s largest city but in the state as well.

The tremendous success of Wallingford’s Trail of Terror has permitted the organization, now in its 17th year, to distribute around $130,000 to deserving charities locally. This is a trail well worth following.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Dec. 19, 2011

Superintendents Florio, Menzo, Benigni and Erardi (Cheshire, Wallingford, Meriden, Southington respectively) are enthusiastic about proposals to reform Connecticut education. There are suggestions well worth attention but also likely to draw lightning.

Delay in anticipated completion of the renovation of North Central School in Southington. This delay, however, will not alter the need for this project nor postpone positive changes for long in the big picture.

The Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society, along with other bird-centered groups across the state and the nation, are working on the annual bird count. Information collected on the national Audubon Society website helps us understand bird populations and to anticipate what will happen as a result of changes in environment and climate.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Dec. 18, 2011

The auction of the old The auction of the old Meriden/Wallingford Hospital was called off. Since city intentions were a little unclear, it’s not altogether clear now whether this was a good or a bad development, but in any case, the postponement of action in law courts is certainly among the expected developments of any court date.

Southington school board is considering going paperless. This would save a considerable number of sheets and printouts of all sorts of things, many of which sit in people’s homes for years without ever being read. Trouble is that people must be reasonably diligent about checking their electronic transmissions.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Dec. 17, 2011

Congratulations to new appointees in Wallingford’s Law Department, particularly Janice Small who has served as town attorney since 1988 and moves to corporation counsel. There’s good stability in this arrangement.

The best way to avoid thefts from your cars, say local police, is to avoid letting your car be a desirable target. Remove or hide all sorts of gear so that thieves are not attracted.

Southington’s Board of Park Commissioners is working to get all recreational sports leagues on the same page regarding practices, government and financial management. This is a good plan and one which should improve sports in town.

Work has begun at Hanover School’s all-day-kindergarten addition, despite the rough economy. This is said to be the best plan for Meriden’s children, but it must somehow be managed in spite of fiscal challenges.

Interesting redistricting results which has moved potential challenger out of one district into another in Wallingford. However, that potential candidate, Craig Fishbein, may decide to run in any case, just against a different incumbent, Mary Fritz instead of Mary Mushinsky.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Dec. 16, 2011

An examination of the CL&P and NU experience during storm Albert seems to reveal that there were some unexpected and challenging difficulties. It’s not a surprise, but it is worth observing that the cure may prove more costly than the disease.

There is more on the possibility of a Meriden school closing because of the budget game. This is absolutely one of the worst cost choices one would have to make.

Plainville-Southington Regional Health Director Charles I. Motes Jr. is planning to retire. His career has indeed been an interesting one, and he is has been a valued and competent professional town official

The affordability gap for winter fuel is opening wider, according to a Hartford report. This doesn’t surprise us much as energy continues to cost more.

A windfall state grant for West Main has permitted Meriden City Council’s Finance Committee to reallocate around a million dollars to next year’s street paving account. Because the state has come through with cash for the West Main Street improvement project, the city’s money can go over to a repaving account, moving that process forward.

Gift to Stevens school in Wallingford by local Toyota dealer and Toyota Corp match for technology. This should help this elementary school stay in the fore with science and math.

In Southington, a committee to implement middle school plan has been named and will meet after holiday season.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Dec. 15, 2011

More changes at Wallingford Housing Authority with the deputy director tendering her resignation and a commissioner resigning. We continue to hope for stabilization.

Texting while driving seems to be the big issue as reported by Southington and state police and by anecdotal evidence from all over. Since, apparently, people, particularly young people, find the idea of a ban on texting ridiculous, other means will have to be found to defuse distracted driving – such as self-defense!

Arrests in Meriden schools – or schools anywhere – are disturbing, even when, as is evidently the case, kids are not treated as adults and get specific aid in many cases from those, including police officers, who intervene. We could perhaps discuss again whether it is always right to treat every action which would be criminal in an adult as worthy of police intervention in a juvenile.

Police Detective Joseph Vitello of Cheshire has won the Connie Wallace Employee of the Year award. He was lead investigator in the Petit case, among other duties, and his professional dedication was highly noteworthy.

Wallingford Grange Hall is featured on the Historic Preservation Trust’s glass holiday ornament this year. This fine ornamental tradition is now 20 years young.

Plans for downtown Meriden’s park are taking shape, highlighted by the “daylighting” of Harbor Brook, buried in a culvert for the last 40 years. There is much funding in place and we look forward to seeing results.

It is reassuring that Wallingford’s council, though by a small margin, decided to apply for a grant to extend the Quinnipiac River Linear Trail to the senior center. It is important to keep the process going, good times or bad.

Connecticut’s two big tribal casinos (and state revenues) are experiencing some inroads as other gambling facilities entice away some of the gambling guests. Quiet discussions are underway to re-tool ideas and approaches, which will be a major job.

Southington officials are promoting a special needs registry where people with such requirements can be on record in the event of a disaster. This way, emergency responders can check the registry to make sure that proper equipment is in the right place as may be necessary.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Dec. 14, 2011

Meriden’s school board is looking at worst case scenarios and considering how and whgy it might be necessary to close a school or schools to save money. It is a truly daunting prospect, but before anything of that sort happens, citizens might well wonder why it would be more cost-effective to close a whole school (or schools) rather than operate schools with closed and unoccupied rooms which would not be heated below a minimum.

Wallingford’s council, after a good deal of discussion, approved the school administrators’ contract.

Meriden’s industrial past is well-worth investigating, as a pair of researchers, independent of each other, examined firearms production in the city. The scale of some of these contracts was impressive.

A couple of Southington men ordered marijuana which was delivered to the post office and when they picked up the 12-pound package they were arrested. How could anyone believe such a deal would work, and worse, if it actually could, why would it work?

The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Dec. 13, 2011

It’s too bad that Joseph DiNatale will be leaving Wallingford Housing Authority, but when you purchase a golf course, that requires your attention. WHA needs, at this point, people who can afford the time commitment it has needed in recent months.

Michael DeFeo certainly looks like the right man for the job of guiding Southington’s fact-finding committee for artificial turf. With a world of experience and dedication to sports as well as a business background – in energy drinks – and a commitment to activity which fights obesity, he should bring a fine impartiality to the leadership.

We certainly wish restful nights at home for the two members of Wallingford’s school board, Valerie Ford and Thomas Hennessey who have just finished their service. Being on a board of education anywhere in Connecticut is hard work.

Southington Town Councilor Dawn Miceli is chairing a committee to decide what happens next for the Gura Building. This structure has long bee termed inadequate, and it is good to see that opinion seems to be tending toward preserving it.

It is rather amazing that while UConn’s enrollment has increased by 53 percent over 15 years, faculty census has grown by only 16 percent. To increase faculty numbers by upping tuition doesn’t seem the most desirable option, but given, again, this endlessly bad economy, it’s perhaps the only path.

Meriden Lions Club has replaced worn-out planks in Red Bridge, near the start of the Quinnipiac Gorge Linear Trail, a task which earns them the thanks of the many users of that trail. The city is fortunate to have a group which maintains its interest in this old structure, which they brought into usable shape in 2001.

While we’re discussing volunteer work which impacts Meriden’s linear trail, another thank you is due to the unnamed man who, with shovel and push-broom, spent several hours working along that trail on a recent weekend. Storm damage had altered drainage patterns so that several portions of the trail remained covered with moisture, a dangerous situation with icy weather approaching.

So, reading both articles on Connecticut prepared by CT Mirror, it appears that while we still suffer from meager job growth, Connecticut has a healthy number of assets for residents who want the good life. Compared to sop much of the rest of the world, this state is a veritable paradise.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Dec. 12, 2011

Plans are in the works to continue with development of a plaza on South Colony road in Wallingford. IT is good news that the economy may be at long last permitting such considerations once again.

A task force considering the future of Connecticut’s 16 Vo-tech schools, including Wilcox Tech in Meriden, will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, at 5 p.m. in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. This would be a good one for those concerned about the 11,000-student system to attend.

Dr. Robert Gendler’s astronomical photographs, featured in this morning’s edition of the RJ. Gendler, an interventional radiologist at the Hospital of Central Connecticut, has learned how to use the resources of telescopes and public access to create beautiful shots of the fierce stars, galaxies and nebulae which abound in space.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Dec. 11, 2011

Southington’s 78-acre Korin property seems to offer hiking peace and quiet for those who’d like to get away, complete with acres along a ridgeline. This is another excellent town resource.

Wallingford’s Electric Division is determining savings from substituting LED light bulbs for those now in use in a pilot project. We hope they take the opportunity to use full cut-off lighting, also, to reduce the amount of light lost upwards and outwards instead of down.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Dec. 10, 2011

Meriden Board of Education member Scott Hozebin wishes to keep a sharp eye ion expenses for the high school renovation projects, and that’s an idea easy to agree with. There will be plenty of work for any group intending or hoping to watch expenditures.

Connecticut’s income tax revenue, thanks to tax increases, has risen significantly. While that means more of us are paying more, at least that tax increase seems to be having the intended revenue-producing result and not something else.

Meriden’s Parks and Recreation and Public Works Departments are readying that portable skating rink for use this winter. All it will take is a few days of sub-freezing weather.

If Paul Daniels, president of National Association of Letter Carriers Local 20, based in Meriden, is correct, current post office woes are due to unreasonable requirements passed in 2006 requiring funding now for retirement health benefits for 75 years. Such a situation could be easily reversed.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Dec. 9, 2011

Condo associations in Meriden and West Haven have been struck by a thief or thieves and a North Haven man is charged with the crimes. Condo associations are not too dissimilar to churches or other non-profits, and may be subject to the same sort of fiscal attacks.

The Motor Transport Association of Connecticut is irked that Southington and some other towns are hiring out-of-state contractors to clear brush from the storm. This complaint would get a lot more support from all sorts of folks who would like to hire locally,

Physician Recognition Awards given to deserving doctors at MidState’s annual medical staff meeting, in Meriden Thursday night. Physicians honored were Dr. Charles Kim, Dr. Nirmala Ramadhar-Persaud, and Dr. David Ross-Russell.

Because so many utility poles fell during storm Alfred in Connecticut, the attorney general and the consumer counsel have asked for an independent oversight administrator to maintain inspections on these crucial poles. Three thousand downed poles indicate a considerable amount of trouble.

Anyone who was without power as of noon on November 5 who wishes to apply for compensation for power outages during Alfred should apply now. Eligible Connecticut Light & Power customers will receive between $100 and $200, depending on how many eligible customers apply: call 888-566-9257 or visit www.cl-p.com.

Wallingford schools are selling themselves. A promotional video has been achieving significant success and another is planned.

About 40 Meriden fifth-graders will begin a Saturday enrichment course to develop skills in science and math. Funded by the state, the program will involve critical thinking beyond the curriculum, always a good idea.

Wallingford-based Quinnipiac River Linear Trail Committee is kicking off a fundraiser called “Own a Piece of the Trail” – personalized bricks to be placed at the walkway to the Labyrinth. This is a great way to help further a great and very popular idea.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Dec. 8, 2011

Congratulations to new Meriden council leadership. The changing of the guard, as it were, always evokes memories.

Meriden, Wallingford, Southington and Cheshire each cleans up the brush from Storm Alfred in its own way, some working more quickly than others, some spending on overtime. We don’t suppose it matters much, eyesores apart, unless somehow a succeeding storm turns accumulations of brush into a problem.

Winners of the Wallingford Rotary Club’s Four-Way Speech Contest are to be admired for their achievement and coherence. Public speaking is a difficult art to master and these young people are leading the curve.

Connecticut’s state Board of Education is reviewing a report with recommended school reforms submitted by a superintendents’ group. Reactions seem positive, but we will see what’s what when it comes to adopting action plans.

If and when Southington has large amounts of cash sitting idle, there are certainly ways of handling investments so that interest is received upon them. If that’s what the Board of Finance wants, it should certainly happen.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Dec. 7, 2011

Burns & McDonnell, engineering firm, has moved into the campus at Greenhill in Wallingford, making it their New England headquarters. It is a felicitous move and most welcome to the town.

Good news for car dealerships in Meriden and around Connecticut. Sales are up substantially this year, reversing a trend which had followed the recession during the last couple of years.

The former Meriden-Wallingford Hospital has come down to the wire, and owners have run out of options. With a foreclosure sale set for Dec. 17, it looks as if it could wind up belonging to the city for its $600,000 tax bill unless someone shows up with a big plan.

All-day kindergarten is moving closer to reality in Meriden. This is not your traditional kindergarten but one with curriculum value.

It certainly makes sense to bring the pumping station for Southington up out of the Quinnipiac’s flood area. It isn’t a good plan for it to be underwater during high water conditions when it could be damaged.

Let’s not forget that among other proposals last spring was one to place vo-tech schools, such as Meriden’s Wilcox Tech, under local control. While that plan was scotched, a study committee on vo-tech future holds a hearing next week, Dec. 13 at the state Legislative Office Building in Hartford, to get opinions from students, parents and anyone else with an interest in the schools.

The Dodd Middle School kids in Cheshire who watched Rachel’s Challenge and Rachel’s Legacy were mostly infants when the massacre occurred at Columbine High in Littleton, CO. It is good that something good is being made out of that tragedy.

Southington Water Department is closing its books on some missing cash and is of opinion that it was not a theft but a lack of accounting, which we hope is correct. Meanwhile, the forensic audit has made recommendations on how to handle accounts which seem well worth adopting.

Wallingford Housing Authority has received $700,000 for repairs to units at Ulbrich Heights and Southside Terrace complexes. This will be welcome news for tenants.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Dec. 6, 2011

Train death in Wallingford: It’s hard to keep people off the tracks. You can’t fence the entire line. But it’s traumatic for railroad crews and for riders who happen to catch sight of the results of a suicide or accentual killing.

Connecticut Gas prices are continuing to fluctuate. That gives us all a chance to shop around for the bargains, even if we only save a couple of cents per gallon on a thankful (which will amount to a dollar or two) – it makes us feel good.

New officials were sworn in in Meriden to the city council and to the board of education. It is a reminder of democracy’s virtues that this process works so smoothly year after year, even when times are difficult.

Southington Water board has received some good advice on its practices. We hope it is taken promptly.

The Wallingford sorting USPO service due for a hearing on closing, also Stamford, as post office seeks ways to save $20 billion. A potential job loss of over 600 is not good news at all.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Dec. 5, 2011

Wallingford’s downtown is to lose another business. Neighbors don’t seem too upset for it also happens that new businesses move in pretty quickly, even though it’s sad to lose old friends.

Redistricting seems not to pose too many issues for Central Connecticut state House and Senate districts, but we will see how it works out. The congressional districts look like a tougher job.

Certainly is a shame that Connecticut power lines weren’t buried in the first place. Remains a possibility where neighborhoods are new.

State's Race to the top is unseemly. What’s more, the pressure of decisions for applications short circuits state debate over the objectives listed, whatever they mean.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Dec. 4, 2011

Thanks to a pay freeze and a switch to gas heat from oil, Wallingford is not expecting a budget crunch. Superintendent Menzo does not let the grass grow, and that’s a good thing.

Reilley, a Southington girl who thinks about other youngsters. She has developed a toy drive for kids who, like herself, spend time in the hospital, especially over holidays.

Xmas in the Village – South Meriden Village – happened Saturday. The weather was a little warm for the time of year but there weren’t many complaints about that and a jolly good time was enjoyed.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Dec. 3, 2011

Good news that the State Bond Commission is expected to consider and approve a nice $3.5 million chunk for remediation of the Meriden Hub acres. This will help its conversion, in due course, into a park and into a transportation hub.

Retired teacher Joe Boriello has been named a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor, for his service during World War II in the liberation of France. The Meriden veteran will travel to the consulate in NYC next May for formal presentation.

Meriden police are reminding all shoppers in the city and elsewhere to exercise due care during excursions and after they return. It’s a matter of locking cars, of covering small, stealable items, of tearing up packaging discreetly.

Well, it seems as if modest cuts are to be expected by Meriden in the Maloney project as well. It will be good to trim stuff as long as basics aren’t affected.

Another local small business, Canelli’s Jewelry, will be closing in Wallingford, soon, depending upon inventory sales. We much regret the loss of this 94-year-old family concern.

Repair of a persistent cold-water leak at the Southington Public Library. There’s just no telling how these things persist – had how fine it is when they are ended.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Dec. 2, 2011

Meriden’s financial picture has improved steadily for several years, and the latest report is positive and helpful. Prudent fiscal management isn’t the only factor in the good life, but it’s a good place from which to improve other aspects of city management: Kendzior and the council deserve praise from citizens.

Wallingford Public Housing Authority seems to be moving ahead, seeking how and when to replace the former executive director. It is good to consider all the alternatives.

Cost estimates for the Platt High “do-over” has come down a little for Meriden, but at a total of $212 million for both schools, that’s a drop in the bucket, as is a further suggested reduction to reflect a slight shrinkage of enrollment. This will be schools for many decades and it makes sense to do it well and stick to a plan.

There’s a Connecticut legal case involving a woman who was sexually abused and about which warrant details were released with victims names blacked out – something one victim claims does not go far enough under a constitutional provision protecting them. This will be a case to watch for open records supporters.

Meriden schools’ ratings in Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now have risen from 109th of 162 to 62nd, a significant increase, and potentially much more telling than the statistics produced by standardized testing. Congratulations to Superintendent Benigni and to each school and principal.

Unified Theater presenting in Southington High School, bringing a diverse group, including a number of special students together to offer a Disney-themed show. This is a good and healthy community opportunity to build solid bridges.

Sheehan and Lyman Hall (Wallingford)are both working on new band uniform drives, with fund drives to get the process jump-started. Priorities are what they are, and it’s too bad, but character-building, that this is necessary.

Congratulations to Ronald Perry and Madelon Baranosk, both Meriden residents and both named to the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame this year. Both served during the Vietnam War and both have been active in the years since.

Exchange program with Spanish high school students who are about to visit Southington. The 15-day visit for 10 youngsters will be returned by a visit of Southington students to Madrid in February.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Dec. 1, 2011

Many well-dressed Wallingford residents will miss Charlie DiFranco’s men’s clothing store. After 47 years, he has decided to retire and close the business, which will leave a gap on Center Street which will be hard to fill.

Southington’s artificial turf committee is beginning its work on the project for the high school, now that election results won’t upset membership. This is a change away from the mud and glop which many schools are making and it also creates a more versatile and resilient playing area for kids to use.

Although his membership on the redistricting committee is fixed by law, along with every other member, and although each other member is also redistricting his or her own district, to avoid sniping, Meriden legislator and Speaker of the House, Chris Donovan, has stepped away from this post. It’s a wise decision and could help this committee resolve the congressional boundary issues.

It’s easy to see how power lines serving Meriden’s Lydale Place could be a problem while they’re bordering Land Trust Property and away from the street. Instead of negotiation for permission to trim, or putting more poles in along the street, why not bury the lines as has been done in other neighborhoods?

Milner’s Café is closing ending a run on Broad Street, Meriden, which began with the repeal of Prohibition in 1937. Can’t complain, but there are many locals, regular patrons, who will miss the exchange of good times which occurred there.

Cheshire police have had a “moh-vember,” growing moustaches to encourage increasing awareness of men’s health issues. While significant others may have harbored qualms about their hirsute friends, the cause is a good one – and the best thing about hair is that it grows back, or, in this case, can be shaved off.

Whatever is done or not anything is done in reaction to the use of Tasers in the Black Friday Southington incident or elsewhere, it does appear that Tasering is an effective way of reducing injury to suspect, police and bystanders when there is a resistance to arrest. This, by itself, is a solid recommendation.

The former American Legion house next to Wallingford’s Town Hall will become a bed & breakfast with an 1870s theme under the latest bid approved by the Town Council. This plan, given the number of visitors to Wallingford who need places to stay, could prove a winner and we hope it does.

Meriden Public Library will get some new and brighter lighting under a proposal expected to be approved soon by the State Bond Commission. This will be much appreciated by patrons and employees alike.

A contract has been awarded to Wiese Construction of Norwich $1,331,180 to raze Meriden’s long-abandoned Factory H. Work is expected to begin within weeks and to be completed by March.

Southington Town Councilor Dawn Miceli and water board Commissioner Mike Domian are working on a plan for a temporary ice rink in town, given the success of such rinks in other communities. It’s low cost, low maintenance, and many components can be reused.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Nov. 23, 2011

Meriden’s teachers have reached an agreement with the Board of Education in what both sides call a fair contract. It seems quite reasonable under today’s economic conditions.

Meriden’s Planning Commission has voted to change the city’s Plan of Development to preserve single-family housing in several neighborhoods, beginning with an area near Roger Sherman School. Since 53.9 percent of housing in the city was single-family a couple of years ago, it isn’t as if there’s a shortage of multi-family units, and a mix is a good plan.

Turkey dinner at Alta in Southington, served by students and faculty to students, their families, administrators and friends. It’s a thankful occasion.

Wallingford and Meriden Rotary Clubs raised $22,000 between them this year for the Dry Dock, Chrysalis, United Way, Wallingford Emergency Shelter, Wallingford Community Daycare, Master’s Manna, Wallingford Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner and Holiday for Giving in Wallingford and in Meriden to the YMCA. This work, with the help of Liberty Bank, provides a great many meals.

Bids have come in on the Hanover school addition in Meriden to accommodate all-day kindergarten. Classes are now expected to begin a year from January.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Nov. 21, 2011

Evident determination by Meriden workers to get Hubbard Park into shape for the annual Festival of Silver Lights, expected to begin Tuesday night. We salute the hard work, even as we can scarcely believe that it’s time for this Christmas tradition once again.

A welcome to Kim Carbone-Pandiani who will take Kevin Scarpati’s place on Meriden’s Board of Education as he leaves for his new seat on the City Council. She seems a logical choice for this office, and we wish her the best.

A huge federal contribution -- $275 million -- for a busway linking New Britain and Hartford was announced this week. If this can help unclog I-84, it will do much for Connecticut’s future.

Wallingford Community Women are going to create a new environmental literacy program. It will be a “Nature Corner” with nature-themed exhibits and lectures and will offer hikes on town trails, all aimed at getting youngsters excited about outdoors.

Meriden police officers Jeffrey Selander and Brian Wilkinson, along with the North Meriden Neighborhood Association, dropped off two carloads of food at New Opportunities. This means a lot of families and people of limited means will have a brighter holiday.

A sting operation in Southington netted five liquor stores and three convenience stores for sales of booze and tobacco to underage buyers. As Sgt. Lowell DePalma said, there’s an easy way to avoid trouble: DePalma said there’s an easy way to make sure a store doesn’t get in trouble: “If they look young, card them.”

Students at Cheshire High School are remembering Pearl Harbor. It’s been 70 years since that attack, and their event, called BRAVE, which stands for Bring Remembrance to All Veterans Everywhere, will welcome veterans to enjoy refreshments, music, documentaries and more at the high school on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Nov. 21, 2011

Between Nicholas Economopoulos and Craig Fishbein, there should be plenty of political action in Wallingford’s new Town Council. Both men, though, may have their eyes on higher elective office.

Wallingford Public Access Association’s new TV show, Free Speech Square, where anyone interested can be on the air and speak their minds. It is about free speech and should provide entertainment and possibly enlightenment.

Meriden has experienced an unexpected school enrollment drop, about 500 students system wide. Officials, nonetheless, feel that this drop should not impact state reimbursement for Platt and Maloney renovation and that once done, the two schools should draw new students.

Greenwich has a new playground after several years of work, designed specifically to include kids with learning disabilities and developmental disorders, it was costly and is one of a kind in the United States. We hope this sort of playground catches on elsewhere.

Live Strong at the Southington Y helps cancer survivors regain strength, endurance and function. A foundation set up by the late Lance Armstrong provided the grant money for this program.

Meriden is beginning a program in which teachers evaluate each other through peer coaching. Colleagues, mostly from similar teaching positions, observe and then can offer critique and comments to each other.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Nov. 20, 2011

Plans for Meriden’s downtown include reviving the notion of Pratt Street as a boulevard. If this can be accomplished, it would certainly make more sense than trying to re-ramp I-691.

The Meriden Boys & Girls Club held an electronics recycling drive at Ragozzinos Saturday. The club hopes to raise between $12,000 and $15,000 for its programs.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Nov. 19, 2011

Wallingford Housing Authority has taken a logical and anticipated step and terminated Executive Director Stephen Nere while offering him a separation package of $130,000. It appears this finalizes a deal (which also ends litigation) worked out between Nere and board members.

With disaster status clarified, Southington will begin collecting debris from Storm Alfred, which is expected to cost around a million dollars. FEMA is expected to reimburse the town for about 75 percent.

An explosion in Cheshire High School gym is no joke and should be dealt with seriously. Investigation must be full and accurate.

A cash loss of $900 from the Southington Water Department is disappointing. It seems certain that the incident will spell trouble for someone.

So Nick Economopoulos wants to run for Mayor of Wallingford and is getting a head start on the effort? It certainly takes determination to set out on such a trek.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Nov. 18, 2011

It is fairly typical of court proceedings, whether of the complaints or of subpoenas or of any other documents, that issues are not spelled out in layperson’s language. It may yet happen that the public, not to mention the defendants in the case (Meriden’s chief of police and his family), will find out what the latest move really signifies in due course.

Connecticut Light & Power’s president, Jeff Butler, has been given a swift kick (and probably a golden handshake) and removed, as a piece of raw meat for consumers and legislators angry over CL&P’s response during storm Alfred. Interestingly, Butler was not one of those Northeast Utility executives listed among the gigantic salaries a couple of weeks ago, apparently because his compensation doesn’t come from the parent company.

Fire department personnel in Wallingford and Meriden were pushed flat out by dozens of calls Thursday over the smell of gas caused by saturating a new pipeline with the odorant. Fortunately, this was nothing dangerous, but it does raise the “what-if” question.

Congratulations to Aimee L. (Darius) Powers, William C. Piper, Matthew R. Fritz and Remi Torres Borak, all welcomed to Sheehan High School’s Hall of Fame Thursday. These are four individuals who have accomplished a great deal of good in Wallingford and for Wallingford’s reputation.

Wallingford Housing Authority is expected to act today on an agenda item described as “authorizing separation agreement and general release that would provide for an early termination of Executive Director Stephen Nere’s written employment agreement.” Many will be interested to see how this works out and hopeful that WHA will be able to move forward.

You’ve got to give Judge Jon Blue credit for reaching a useful compromise in dealing with testimony of the convicted murderer’s daughter in the penalty phase of the Cheshire home invasion case. As a matter of principle, though, a special showing of this material to members of the press separate from the jury would seem to establish press as separate from the public, which it is not and should not be.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Nov. 17, 2011

So it’s back to square one for Simpson Court parking issues. It will be interesting to see who in Wallingford blinks first.

Yesterday’s gas leak reports in Meriden and Wallingford – when Yankee Gas was testing its pipes with heavily odorized gas – is a reminder that natural gas doesn’t smell at all. That gas smell is a good thing, because without it, no one would know when there was a leak.

State prosecutorial offices have been criticized by auditors for certain laxness in allowing employees to use sick days and employing key cards and other current technology. Rules are rules, and they apply to all: if we want to change them, we’ll have to legislate.

Southington’s Board of Finance will be considering the benefits of “stand-by” contracts in the event of future emergency situations. This could save money on labor costs if, heaven help us, we have more storms.

Approval to move forward with a bid for demolition of Factory H is expected in Meriden within a week, with demolition to begin shortly thereafter. This will be a solid achievement when it is completed.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Nov. 16, 2011

Connecticut officials, and folks in other states, are examining laws to see what reporting rules are so that situations such as that Joe Paterno scandal in Pennsylvania could be avoided or averted. We’ll probably pass another set of laws making rules more specific and carrying greater penalties, but the real question is whether we can be trained to see what goes on in front of us and to feel a need to stop it.

Anthem Blue Cross has moved part of its operations into the Wallingford Campus at Greenhill on Leigus Road, bringing this large structure into operation. A building with many green features, it should be a showcase for ecologically sensitive processes.

A tip of the hat goes to Tom Bruenn, former teacher and now former Meriden school board member, and also former Guest Member of the Record-Journal Editorial Board. He has served his community with zeal and skill for many years.

Wallingford teachers, school board and council have reached a formula for a new three-year contract avoiding arbitration and lots of other expenses. This seems like a favorable deal all around.

If there is a serious issue with the condition of sidewalks at a Riverside Drive condominium complex in Southington, it should be fixed, especially if residents are intended to be over 55. Saying that it is a “civil” matter isn’t really an answer, since that involves considerable expense of hiring attorneys and filing lawsuits with procedural pitfalls along the way.

Brush collection continues in Meriden, Wallingford, Southington and Cheshire, as crews work steadily to collect a mountain of debris from that October snowstorm. Patience is necessary, as weeks will probably go by before this task can be completed.

Superior Court Judge Mark T. Gould gave some sentences to Lyman Hall students in Wallingford on how he regards his courtroom from the bench. It was a learning experience for some of his listeners who could have had ideas of the judiciary shaped by Judge Judy and her TV colleagues.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Nov. 15, 2011

Wallingford voters soundly rejected the parking lot plan. We hope that the results of this rejection will turn out to be as sound as the majority opinion.

It certainly was a civics lesson for kids at Moran Middle School where Wallingford voters went to express their views on the parking lot issue. Alert teachers added the occasion to their curriculum in social studies.

MidState Medical Center in Meriden had a good fiscal year with an operating surplus not quite as significant as in the previous year but sound. This is an encouraging report and there’s a vision for the future as well.

Congratulations to Southington WMCA award-winners: Tony Sheffy, the Person of the Year award for his work with the Southington Education Foundation; Rachel Wache, former American Legion Unit 72 Auxiliary president, the Unsung Hero award; Southington’s Townwide Effort to Promote Success, the Reaching Out award.

Connecticut’s official auditors have looked at the Department of Revenue Services and found it wanting, since in several areas, DRS chose to maximize income tax receipts rather than following every return’s errors to their ultimate resolution. Well, that’s what auditors are supposed to do, but auditors frequently see the errors on the ground without quite understanding the conditions.

Connecticut’s Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor visited Thomas Hooker School in Meriden yesterday because it is an award-winning school and because “this school district is creating a model for the rest of the state.” These are very encouraging words!

Wallingford leases farmland it purchased as open spaces to farmers for agricultural use. This seems a strange but entirely benign use of public land in our highly urbanized part of the world.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Nov. 14, 2011

Today Wallingford votes on that parking lot referendum. It will be interesting to see, beyond results, just how many voters turn out for the event.

Two very contrasting success stories today, one about the support Police Lt. Sal Nesci of the Meriden force, who underwent tumor removal last summer, the other about new Southington Board of Education member Terry Lombardi who fled Castro’s Cuba as a girl. If you need inspiration for a Monday morning, here is the place for it.

It would seem sensible, all things storm-wise considered, to suspend enforcement of Connecticut’s arborist law, requiring only licensed arborists to trim or remove trees, but if the state wants to permanently end this law, it should be repealed, not suspended.

The DeDominicis property – 180 peaceful acres – is certainly an asset of which Cheshire can be proud. It is good to continue purchases of open land so that future generations can continue to be in direct contact with the natural world.

To celebrate American Education Week, Wallingford Education Foundation is asking graduates of that school system to send in remembrances of their favorite teachers. Submissions will be collected and posted on the school district website through Friday.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Nov. 13, 2011

The hours report/overtime report of a Meriden police officer under investigation reveals some of the hard realities of police work. Perhaps, without the context of a particular investigation, these conditions and some of the union rules which have become associated with them should be examined with some care.

Reminder to Wallingford residents: Be sure to vote in Monday’s referendum on the parking lot issue.

Meriden real estate appraisals are down for many properties, 17 percent on average for residences, in a switch which pushes the burden slightly toward commercial areas. Appraisal numbers, by themselves, mean little until the city’s next mill rate is set.

Kudos to all volunteers and city employees who worked to clear the linear trail in Meriden so that walkers would not need to wait until spring to stroll. This was a well-thought out decision and will be much appreciated.

Use of the QR app for smart phones and of information on local businesses along the linear trail in Southington may emerge as a compromise to advertising on Kiosks to be located along that path. It should be better than the visual pollution which can develop should the Kiosk solution be opened up to commercial messages.

Cheshire’s “Mile of Hope” — from the school to the town green – was celebrated again on Saturday with thousands of luminaries sold as part of a fundraiser throughout the year. Funds received, over $40,000, will be split among Youth and Social Services Department, the Cheshire Community Food Pantry, and the Petit Family Foundation, with another portion going to a scholarship.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Nov. 12, 2011

Meriden sets its priority for all-day kindergarten. This may rub some folks the wrong way, but the city lags behind other urban districts in providing this schooling.

The discussions, to put it politely, between Cheshire’s council and board of education over spending issues and authority does highlight one major issue which troubles state schools – or not, depending on your point of view. Historically, town councils make only a lump sum grant to boards of ed, which have authority over how to spend; this is a status suggested for change by the Superintendents of Schools association.

Here’s the other shoe dropping: Connecticut electric customers should prepare for higher rates in reaction to the storm. Everyone expects it, the only question being how much everyone will put up with.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Nov. 11, 2011

Meriden officials have presented a new plan for downtown to an audience at Lincoln. This blueprint will certainly be discussed, argued about and perhaps altered, but it looks exciting and actually doable.

It seems fair enough for state cable, phone and internet providers not to be paid when power which runs them was not available – or is it? Which organization was actually responsible for failure of service? But then, too, this will help spread the financial burden regardless of fault.

Southington’s new school board members were sworn in and promptly had to face decisions on vacations to change because of storm days after Albert. They found two days easily enough, but others will have to wait for January.

It appears a Saturday morning operation to clear up debris along Meriden's Quinnipiac Gorge Linear Trail will go forward with the help of volunteers. Since this is city work, everyone is urged to be extremely careful with chain saws and moving tree trunks.

Congratulations to the Sheehan High School marching band. The Wallingford school organization took home its second straight U.S. Scholastic Band Association state championship at Kennedy Stadium in Bridgeport last Saturday.

Hartford is considering electronic tolls as a way if financing needed work on the I-84 viaduct, built in 1965. So far it’s just a study.

Five students at DePaolo Middle School in Southington are participating in NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month. If they can get 50,000 words on paper by the end of the month, they qualify, and these hearty students are making the effort.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Nov. 10, 2011

Wallingford’s Cook Hill Volunteer Fire Dept. will close: not enough volunteers, not enough fire calls. Chief Struble is confident he can cover town with HQ and Yalesville with fewer but more intensively-trained crews. This decision says a lot about how volunteer firefighting and how society has changed in 30 years.

Meriden’s Quinnipiac Gorge Linear trail took a real beating during the snowstorm, worse than it took in Irene. But Mayor Rohde and consultant caseworker Ed Siebert have decided to round up city and volunteer help to get the trail in usable shape for the winter, a decision for which we have nothing but praise.

Although CL&P has offered $10 million to customers, pretty much without strings, who were damaged by the power outage, it is said that the sum should be greater. We imagine that someone is going to have to figure out how any such money, regardless of total, is allocated.

Plans for improving a part of Route 68 near rte 150 in Yalesville should help alleviate traffic flow. But we do find it hard to believe that merely synchronizing traffic signals would cost millions more.

Wallingford Housing Authority, as advised by its attorney, has hooked smoke alarms up to monitoring systems, a sensible and easy step. One can only wish other issues were so easily resolved, but such things as bookkeeping and employment evolve over time and can only be unraveled with care for legal priorities.

Connecticut superintendents of schools have come up with some plans to improve schools which should at a minimum produce a lot of discussion. Some of them seem like long-hoped-for goals, so pay attention!

A needs survey will be undertaken by MidState and United Way in Meriden and Wallingford beginning this Saturday. It will help shape what services you have available, so if you are called, answer thoughtfully.

Trees and CL&P: Governor Malloy and the utility could trade statistics and claims for years without getting very far. There’s no question that this storm was “different” from all previous in the last 60 years in many ways, since leaves remained on the trees; it’s also undeniable that back in 1998, when CL&P undertook a major tree trimming effort, local officials, including Meriden’s tree warden and Cheshire’s beautification committee, expressed distress at what was being done.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Nov. 9, 2011

Major theme of the elections is that there has not been much change. Certainly there appears to be no ground swell of feeling for something “different” and, while some of one party and some from another party won, such as Scarpati and Shamock in Meriden, such victories are due more to the attractiveness of the candidates than to any party or philosophical appeal.

Voters approved spending money, quite a lot of it, in Southington (for overdue middle school renovations), in Cheshire (for required water pollution updates). In this context, one can surmise that the political point which was made during the campaign in Meriden about not submitting the high school renovation project to a vote probably didn’t attract too many voters.

Yale casts its first mascot in bronze, and bigger than life. One can only hope the university didn’t overspend on this issue.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Nov. 8, 2011

NU executive pay is revealed, which is nice timing. State Representatives, including Chris Donovan (D – Meriden) and Vickie Nardello (D – Prospect, Cheshire) are naturally concerned; the situation makes one wonder exactly what sort of work these guys do to merit all this compensation.

Predictions are that voter turnout in Wallingford, Southington, Cheshire, and Meriden will be on the light side, typical of a local election year. It’s odd, since local elections make a lot more immediate difference in the lives of residents.

Wallingford will add a full-time technician to manage and care for the high tech equipment the school system now owns. This seems a reasonable and necessary step.

Whoever had the idea – the super debt reduction committee? – to proceed nationally on the debt by taxing employer-based medical insurance plans had a simply awful idea. How to draw a bead on your own foot and shoot!

Food pantries in the area, including Southington Community Services, Wallingford’s Master’s Manna, and Cheshire Community Food Pantry are short of supplies after helping out during the recent snow emergency. Now is a good time to bring in food supplies to help re-stock these shelves.

Crews are at work trying to restore cable TV lines too, as many were damaged during the storm. It’s not quite as life-and-death as electricity and heat, but it’s very important to lots of people who are dependent on it as a source of information.

Hubbard Park in Meriden is closed as the city attends as a first priority to power lines which supply homes and businesses. Volunteers are at work on trails as well, but this process could take a while both at Hubbard and along the linear trail.

Southington is moving forward with another purchase of open space, this on the 25-acre Primus property. Funds -- $2.3 million – include some from the clean-up costs assessed and paid to the Quinnipiac River Groundwater Natural Resource Damages Fund.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Nov. 7, 2011

CL&P didn’t make its target, but they tried and they came fairly close. That’s no comfort to those who are still darkened in Meriden, Southington or Cheshire.

Southington, we should recall, has a referendum on middle schools tomorrow, which is a major commitment and a major expenditure. We hope it passes.

The state is going to have a hearing in Wallingford on adding a lane to route 68 between Route 5 and 150. This is a major idea, probably long overdue and far in the future. While they’re at it, why not fix the three-way situation so that the Merritt can exit directly onto 68 somehow?

Band demonstrations to help high school band programs with middle schoolers is a good and necessary plan. Southington, Wallingford and Meriden also send kids to band camp in the summer.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Nov. 6, 2011

Will people in our state take any lessons or reach any interesting conclusions from the prolonged outages this storm has caused? There should be conversation, but it’s to be expected that once power is back, folks will sink back into their chairs in front of the TV until the next time.

Bottom line here: Everyone says how wonderful Wallingford Electric has been. So how many are willing to pay to buy transmission lines and production means from CL&P, assuming they’d sell, and how many are willing to accept the alternative of a government takeover of the utility industry?

The story about “Rethinking the grid” By Jan Ellen Spiegel should be required reading, along with Adam Wittenberg’s piece on the New Norm. Both offer plenty of thought-provoking commentary about how a state like Connecticut might proceed with reforms to its electricity distribution.

Good story about David Bowen, Director of Meriden’s Emergency Operations Management Center. We’re not sure he was wise to opine that we’ve had everything but locusts: you never know, but at least probably not until spring!

It is good that Meriden is moving forward with plans for downtown as that commuter line from New Haven to Springfield moves closer to reality. Though it will probably never be “high speed” in any sense of the word – there are far too many grade crossings which cannot be protected or closed – it will have a profound impact on the city.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Nov. 5, 2011

Well, CL&P is making progress on restoring power, with remaining customers without power in Meriden down to 28 percent at press time for Saturday’s edition and 15 percent by late Saturday morning, with fewer than 10 percent in Southington and Cheshire. Compared to the Farmington Valley towns, our area is doing fairly well, but again it is worth reiterating whether rate payers would rather pay ongoing higher rates to encompass aggressive tree-trimming and more crews all the time or consider low rates as the end-all.

An election is still scheduled for Tuesday, regardless of power status (although estimates are seeming pretty firm that all polling places will be supplied by that time). As a matter of interest, had this storm occurred closer to the election date, what remedy for the mess would there have been?

As has been remarked on other occasions when the lights have gone out, local residents do seem able to increase their courtesy factor and navigate without damage or collision the many intersections where traffic signals remained out – even, in the case of several places in Meriden, on Friday.

It’s hard to keep up with technology. Meriden used radio, internet and phone emergency reverse 911 to get word out about where and when shelters were open and where food might be located. Yet there were still people who, without power and without telephone landlines which don’t use power, were left “in the dark” as it were and really needed door-to-door information delivered.

After recognizing that such things as sump pumps don’t work without power and that electrical damage may need to be corrected even when power is restored, a comment was made by Alan Barberino, property manager of Crown Village condominiums in Meriden, that generators may become a more standard item in the future. If correct, we wonder if that suggests a decline in utility service, an increase in power-demanding technology, or a rise in severe weather?

The Editor's Notepod, Fri.,Nov. 4, 2011

Still the restoration of power seems to lag in Meriden. There are a lot of crews, but the question is raised whether they are being deployed effectively.

Shelters in Meriden are now providing meals, as well as snacks, thanks to National Guard and to churches. One cannot continue driving to fast food places indefinitely.

Area landfills are accepting storm debris, tree limbs and the like. Meriden and Wallingford will begin curbside pick-up on Monday.

Connecticut’s redistricting panel is now at full strength. This is a difficult process under any circumstances, since the temptation to arrange districts to help incumbents or existing party divisions is overwhelming.

Red Cross blood workers are on strike in Connecticut. One can only wonder to what extent current labor difficulties in this charity are related to decisions to close local offices and consolidate to “core” activities a few years back. There’s much to be said for running any charity in a businesslike fashion, but in the end, charities should still be charities, and in the public interest, not for the sake of making money, since there are no shareholders.

One more thing to worry about: this storm has stimulated the use of wood burning stoves and of generators, thus upping the particulate count in the air in Connecticut. Pray for a good wind.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Nov. 3, 2011

Meriden residents should be wary of the personal direction the campaign seems to be taking in its last days. Sources of funds are certainly relevant, but are not necessarily the whole story.

Progress is being made by CL&P in Meriden, Southington and Cheshire, as power is slowly restored. We should all take a careful look at priorities as we assess the damage this snowstorm has done.

It’s to be noted that local cable companies are somewhat behind the power company in restoring service. This raises the question whether it’s better to “chill out” these powerless nights in front of a functioning TV or in front of the silent box.

Once again, generators are great in emergencies, but you cannot run them unventilated without risking death by carbon monoxide as local officials in Meriden and elsewhere continue to stress – and as was sadly demonstrated by a young woman in Bloomfield found dead and presumably killed by fumes from a generator in her cellar.

Westfield Meriden Mall has remained open and powered during the entire outage, which has afforded many families a welcome oasis of comfort and sustenance. Is it worth remarking that there really aren’t a lot of large trees in the mall’s parking lot?

Schools will be closed because of outages in Meriden, Southington and Cheshire. This is going to play havoc not only with school schedules regarding snow days and vacations but also with managing to educate kids during November, which winds up a very short month.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Nov. 2, 2011

Everyone’s a little frustrated by the apparent lack of progress in storm clean-up, but CL&P had 19 crews in Meriden Wednesday working on issues. With that many crews, it can’t possibly take as long as folks seem to fear.

While residents elsewhere made do with cold or visited shelters, those who visited Wallingford could count on hot meals at local restaurants and on entertainment. Not only were there lines at eating places, with school out a lot of people showed up at the Holiday Cinemas to see almost anything being screened, to keep warm, and to eat popcorn, which, after all, is warm.

Governor Malloy has held the first meeting of the Joint Labor-Management Committee, a body seeking to encourage state employees and to encourage them to find ways to streamline and improve services. This, it is hoped, will also lead to savings in many areas.

It was a good thing all around that towns opened shelters for those without power to visit. It creates, of course, a lot of administrative issues, keeping track of who is where, but the good that is accomplished in schools and senior centers goes well beyond merely providing warmth and showers and prepared meals.

Safety tips for power outages are more than timely, as 16 people were sent to hospitals from central Connecticut following carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Nov. 1, 2011

A lot of people and businesses remain without power in the Meriden area. CL&P will face questions, and, as another story shows, consumers will face choices as to what they are willing to pay for.

Wallingford Electric Division demonstrates another reason why it has paid to maintain a separate identity for town electric service. But it no doubt comes at the cost of a more aggressive tree trimming program.

With local schools getting snow days off this week in Meriden, Wallingford, Southington and Cheshire, a head start has been made on school calendars and on snow removal expenses. We can hold our breaths as the winter season progresses to see how these and other town concerns fare.

For heaven’s sake, stop at any place where there’s a darkened traffic light.

Meriden’s YMCA has moved Halloween to Friday night and is seeking donations of their candy supplies, which may likely have been unused Monday night, for distribution then.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Oct. 31, 2011

So everyone sees this snow storm as worse for Connecticut than Irene? Let us hope that this is no harbinger of the winter to come!

A $433,968 grant from Wallingford’s Electric Division for energy-saving projects will let a revamping of heating and air conditioning systems in town schools move forward, part of an ongoing refurbishing of school buildings. It makes sense to do these projects concurrently.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Oct. 30, 2011

It’s good to know that the swing bridge in East Haddam is operated by a woman from Wallingford. It’s a fascinating bridge with a long history.

It is interesting to read the financial aspects of the Wallingford parking lot which has become such an issue. It begins to sound as if the lease in question regulates and continues an existing situation.

In the wake of this weekend’s snow storm, will there be more or less concern in Connecticut over utility contact with towns? Granted, it’s only been two months since Irene, but a lot can be done in that time.

North Center School in Southington is now undergoing construction, on schedule. Residents will be glad to see this metamorphosis completed and space for town offices opened up.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Oct. 29, 2011

Snow accumulations in October, even at the very end of October are not welcome. New York State’s snow belt, thanks very much, and we don’t really want to live there. The good news is, though, that Meriden has just received – and just in time, we guess -- $164,000 in FEMA disaster relief for last year’s snow relief efforts.

The Gala in Southington for the Education Foundation provided fun for those who attended. We hope the challenge grant conditions were met.

Southington Chamber of Commerce has donated $4,000 worth of LED lighting strings for downtown this holiday season. They are welcome, and should work better than last year’s lights because, thanks to outlets on downtown poles, they can be plugged in and need not rely on solar power.

There seems to be a new suitor for the Powder Ridge ski area in Middlefield, though it’s too soon to tell if it will work out. It might be well to inquire as to the source of cash in advance of planning a deal.

Linda McMahon’s report to the Federal Election Commission revealed that she is again financing her own campaign to represent Connecticut in the US Senate. Wasn’t there a time when people ran for public office did so because others asked them to?

The Editor's Notepod, Fri.,Oct. 28, 2011

The Wallingford Housing Authority is going forward with a full forensic audit. We hope it puts to rest allegations of mismanagement, one way or another.

So Connecticut’s legislature, without Republican help, has enacted a measure to go forward with Jackson Labs’ biomedical research facility. We will all see whether it works out or not.

The Cheshire Education Association’s questionnaire to Town Council candidates seems perfectly legitimate, asking questions which are of interest and concern to residents as well as teachers. If they are difficult to answer, it may mean that they are good questions.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Oct. 27, 2011

Congresswoman DeLauro, who represents Wallingford and the New Haven area in Congress, is part of an effort to make diapers, especially for infants, more available and affordable to families who cannot afford them. If this means a decrease in the number of such children spending time in day care centers with soggy diapers, spreading germs, it’s a great idea, and that’s just the beginning.

Having hair stylists and hair dressers, who often work with the same clients for years, on the lookout for signs of skin cancers – just as dental hygienists and other professionals do – makes huge sense. Cosmetologists as well as dermatologists in Meriden, Wallingford, Southington and Cheshire and elsewhere are alert on behalf of what so many of us cannot or will not see ourselves.

Alpine Ridge LLC has backed out of its deal to restore the Powder Ridge ski area in Middlefield, dashing hopes of yet another effort to revive this resort. The good news is that the town of Middlefield owns the land and can continue with permitting processes and remarket the property – but be prepared for it to take a long time.

Connecticut’s legislature has overwhelmingly passed a jobs bill covering a number of initiatives to create employment, and passed on a partisan vote a measure to loan money for a biotech lab. We hope this gamble works out, but the vote leaves Republicans in a position to complain if it doesn’t.

Looks as if there’s another suitor in the wings for Wallingford’s former American Legion Building, now that the first proposal has been withdrawn, and, according to councilors, similar or identical terms. There would seem to be no harm in trying.

Wallingford’s Fire Department is handing out 100 carbon monoxide detectors donated by a manufacturer after an incident in which a mom and five kids were rescued after they used a charcoal grill indoors. These detectors are lifesavers.

Meriden’s Boys and Girls Club is sponsoring an electronics waste collection November 19 at Ragozzino’s on the Chamberlain Highway, 9 am to 2 pm. Collected waste will be sold to a recycling company which pays by the pound, and the goal is to raise $15,000, so get your broken walkmen (or is it walkmans?), TVs, record-players, VCRs, fans, and heaters ready to deliver.

Cheshire is having to hire workers earlier laid off to help registrar work for the upcoming elections. This is an area where close attention should be paid to proper staffing, since, after all, voting is kind of basic to democracy.

Voters in Southington should check where they are to vote. Due to construction at North Center School, there has been realignment, and although notices have been sent out twice, it certainly makes sense to check.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Oct. 26, 2011

Both Wallingford Public Schools and Choate Rosemary Hall are focusing on solar energy. Two major projects are in the works, both of which make ecological sense.

Nurses at MidState in Meriden are going to picket in order to keep the public informed of ongoing negotiations. It should be noted that this is not a strike and that placards are being toted not on official time.

The bids for remediation and demolition work on Factory H in downtown Meriden came in low. Since approval is expected as soon as possible, this old factory may at long last be gone by early next year.

Food service workers in Wallingford public schools are receiving a 1 percent wage hike in the contract agreed upon by Town Councilors this week. While it’s hard time to extract any wage concessions from taxpayers, one might admit that food service workers, especially part-timers, are among those who might most need modest increases.

1,200 trumpeters is the goal on Fontana Field, Southington for next April. Registering trumpeters will help the Connecticut Music Educators Association and the Mill Foundation – and also break the record for trumpet bands recorded in Guinness.

Cheshire voters have a ballot measure to address approving sewage treatment plant repairs. There seems to be an open question of whether and how much the state government will contribute, which is a reasonable question indeed.

The trial of Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich of Meriden is still pending, as was noted in a nasty exchange between candidates recently. Lawyers say that justice delayed is justice denied.

Hyper-parents, the over-scheduling kind, are right up there with helicopter parents when it comes to difficulties for kids to overcome (and we all do both to some degree). They’re the subject of a presentation Thursday in Southington at Youth Services.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Oct. 25, 2011

Meriden police officer Evan Cossette, on “administrative duty” pending investigations has earned a weekly overtime by operation of the police contract, not because anyone is affording him special treatment. Those who may see this as a problem will need to address not Cossette but the contract when it is next negotiated.

Clearly, there needs to be a resolution of whatever issues are muddying the waters at the Meriden Housing Authority. It is not a productive situation to have a commissioner engaged in confrontation with his colleagues.

Meriden schools, eight of them, now have governance councils, advisory bodies required by a piece of legislation enacted to attempt the “race to the top.” Despite fairly complex election procedures there is no lack of interest and we will be most curious to see how these bodies influence their schools.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Oct. 24, 2011

Southington, like other towns with ridgelines and trails, faces a problem of the use of those trails by ATVs, which permanently change the land and tend to cause ruts and erosion. Clearly, ATV use is something to be accommodated somehow, but it cannot be at the expense of hiking trails.

The arrival of the Christmas Tree Shops at Westfield Meriden Mall is eagerly awaited by economic development officials as well as consumers. It should be a boost to the local economy.

A drop box for disposal of unused prescription drugs – so they don’t get tossed into the water supply – is a good idea in Southington and elsewhere. It may take some careful planning and permissions but it seems a proper avenue of progress.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Oct. 23, 2011

Wallingford’s North Farms Volunteer Fire Department’s 65th Anniversary was a chance for fire fighters to open their doors to the public and explain modern equipment. It was a moment, too, to reflect on how much this profession has changed in that time.

Members of the Lufbury family were on hand in Wallingford Saturday to commemorate the World War I pilot’s service by dedicating a portion of I-91 (the Wharton Brook Connector to Route 5) in his honor. This dedication process for Lufbury and others is a fine way to remember and honor people.

Southington Education Foundation is holding a silent auction which will, it is hoped, match a challenge grant from the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain. Money raised is used by the Foundation to supplement the town’s education budget for unfunded special projects.

The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Oct. 22, 2011

Wallingford Housing Authority is about to be released and indications are that there are problems. All concerned should proceed with circumspection and with careful advice.

Southington’s Apple Harvest Festival 2011 seems on its way not only to complete fiscal independence but also to showing a small net income. This is good news for the people of Southington.

Meriden’s Housing Authority is following the lead of City Council and limiting speakers at board meetings to three minutes and items on the agenda. While this is a sensible – though unpopular – procedure, it does seem that insofar as it is or appears to be a move to halt discussion of Tenant Commissioner James White’s eviction status, one must question the timing of this decision.

Demonstrating that learning through music, movement, visuals, and technology is the future of education, Lincoln Middle School was host last week to Lodge McCammon, a specialist in curriculum and contemporary media. He had Meriden kids singing, dancing and videographing to Isaac Newton’s First Law.

The Editor's Notepod, Fri.,Oct. 21, 2011

The ability of inserting microchips into dogs and cats – and other domestic animals, we’d suppose, cows, chickens and so on – was useful in identifying a dog lost by Naugatuck residents and found living with a Cheshire police officer. This technology instantly asks the question: if useful on animals, why not people, especially children, who have a tendency to become lost or runaway, and husbands, who need to be found occasionally?

Voters should be aware of the unusual situation in Southington that residents may vote on the middle school proposal without being registered to vote and without voting on the general election ballot (where those voting for local offices may also vote on the school question) by going to Derynoski School on election day to cast this particular ballot only.

We are happy to see progress on the second portion of Meriden’s linear trail, from Red Bridge to Platt and to see planning underway and priorities developing for remaining trails in the city. As planners said, it helps the grant process if some sorts of goals are articulated.

The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Oct. 20, 2011

Green plumbing is an incoming technology, and local contractors, interested in working with this technology, are training at the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 777 training center on Murdock Avenue in Meriden. These are heat collectors which actually warm water or air for circulation, not photovoltaic cells which convert sunlight directly to electricity.

Bread For Life’s annual soup night held in Southington high school’s cafeteria this week. Bowls of soup sold to supporters raise cash to buy food for families who cannot afford it themselves.

We look forward to input today at a public hearing on Jackson Lab’s $291 loan proposal to build a genetics lab near the UConn Health Center in Farmington. There are some strong draws to this project, but many will need some convincing.

Yale has acquired a copy of a suppressed 1920 play by Eugene O’Neill (considered by many as the father of modern American drama). Despite occasional Connecticut resident O’Neill’s apparent intentions, copies survived and should provide plenty of matter for dramatic controversy over the playwright’s life and art for years to come.

While we certainly applaud the ambition and determination of students at Platt in Meriden in attending sessions for practice for the CAPT tests, to be administered in a few months, we find it appalling that this punitive and arbitrary test, which does almost nothing for individual students, has become the driving force in education. Don’t blame teachers or administrators, either; just work to repeal the darn No Child Left Behind law.

Governor Malloy’s task force examining the status of Connecticut’s vo-tech schools (including Wilcox in Meriden) has concluded they should remain under state authority rather than be handed over to municipalities. We heartily agree with this conclusion.

The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Oct. 19, 2011

There’s just no judging results of any audit of anyone, Wallingford Housing Authority or anyone else, before that audit is released. We await with interest that report.

“Sloper After School,” created by Southington’s YMCA as a way of bringing kids to Sloper, to outdoor activity and to the skate board park, seems to have hit a nail on the head. The camp gets used and kids have a good time.

Southington Planning and Zoning is considering a future for the West Street. It’s a subject about which residents of that area should take a keen interest.

The number of large classes across Meriden’s school system has decreased, a welcome piece of news indeed, even if the average size stayed about even. It’s a difficult balancing act, but it seems to have worked out well this year.

It takes a while to figure out the exact cost of disasters such as Irene, but the figures eventually emerge. In Wallingford, that figure seems to have been about half a million dollars – and unfortunately, it isn’t one about which there can be much negotiation or planning.

Literacy Volunteers are now at home at 14 West Main Street, Meriden, former banking headquarters, There’s a certain ironic pleasantry about that location, in light of the protests to “occupy Wall Street.”

The key word in the councils which will be set up soon in several Meriden schools and in schools across the state (part of “race to the top” which netted Connecticut no grants whatever) is “governance.” If it were “governing,” we would anticipate change, but with “governance,” each council is on its own to make its views count.

The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Oct. 18, 2011

To accurately vote in the Wallingford referendum on parking behind Simpson Court, you’ve got to know the way the choice is set up. Reflecting how the issue was raised, “no” means “don’t overturn the council’s arrangement regarding parking” and a “yes” means “overturn that council vote about parking.”

Thomas Hooker School in Meriden shares with an East Lyme school an award for being top in Connecticut. This demonstrates not only a lot of passion and hard work at the school but also how standardized test scores, whatever they are or are not, cannot tell a full story.

Southington schools held a forum on how bullying laws are enforced, a procedure with which concerned parents should naturally be aware. A solid crowd showed up and demonstrated interest and curiosity.

The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Oct. 17, 2011

Meriden residents certainly hope that the investigations concerning police officers are completed and dealt with in an orderly and efficient way. While these investigations do come with a price tag, cost isn’t the only result of this process and it is far from the worst.

Congratulations to Meriden Hall of Fame’s class of 2011: Rhudean S. Raye, Matthew C. Dominello Sr., Rob Hyman and the late Francis Giuffrida. Residents will be glad to honor the new inductees either in person or by proxy.

The terminated investigation into two former commissioners of the Wallingford Housing Authority seems not to be as terminated as it might be. We hope someone comes up with a way to move this process along: perhaps a “truth and reconciliation” approach should be tried.

The Mattabessett Trail as it runs along the Beseck Trap Rock Ridge in Middlefield, overlooking Black Pond and a large section of Meriden has been a fine hike for many decades since the existing trail was laid out and cleared – and no doubt for many years before that when someone could figure out how to find their way through the woods to the summits.

The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Oct. 16, 2011

Soy Unica! Soy Latina!, now in its tenth year in Meriden, is helping Latino girls embrace their cultures and further their educations. Workshops and events with their moms, grandmothers, caregivers and others help strengthen relationships and, in the end, opportunities.