We applaud the expansion of Southington’s Vo-Ag program by the addition of a teacher, which will allow a 20-student expansion of the popular program. Interestingly, accepting out-of-town students, who make up about half the program, helps increase school system revenues through tuition payments.
Alas, the hopes for an end of snow expressed by Record-Journal reporter Kimberly Primicerio for an end to snow until next January as she trekked along Meriden's Quinnipiac Gorge Linear Trail the other day through the deep white stuff seem doomed. More snow is expected beginning tonight and mixed with heaven only knows what sort of ice and sleet through sometime Thursday.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Jan. 30, 2011
The age of a criminal case doesn’t appear to be as much of a hindrance to prosecutors as one might think, according to New Haven State’s Attorney Michael Dearington, who has been on the job for many years. A cold case unit plays a role, and so does the Innocence Project, but DNA evidence, where it exists, is pretty hard to controvert.
Fuel oil and electric bills are beginning to gang up on local residents all over. Those without employment or with limited income have been applying in higher numbers to energy assistance programs at such organizations as New Opportunities of Greater Meriden – more than 5,800 this year so far – and with much winter still to come.
Fuel oil and electric bills are beginning to gang up on local residents all over. Those without employment or with limited income have been applying in higher numbers to energy assistance programs at such organizations as New Opportunities of Greater Meriden – more than 5,800 this year so far – and with much winter still to come.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Jan. 29, 2011
While it is certainly a good thing that any construction project complies with state and local rules on set-back and visibility and distance regulations, there’s a project in Wallingford near I-91 which has been on hold on a technicality for a long time. On the other hand, if the issue is the economic climate, which it might well be, the situation can be read quite a different way.
Some Republican Congressmen have announced their support for the Northeast Rail Corridor, which, of course, greatly impacts Connecticut. We see this as a positive sign in the upcoming Congress.
Some Republican Congressmen have announced their support for the Northeast Rail Corridor, which, of course, greatly impacts Connecticut. We see this as a positive sign in the upcoming Congress.
Friday, January 28, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Jan. 28, 2011
Parking bans have been in effect across the area, and there’s really no choice. This much snow makes the roads narrow and limits visibility, and the job of street clearance is a whole lot easier without miscellaneous vehicles parked along it.
The anti-gay “push poll” in the 13th district Senate race (Meriden, Cheshire, Middlefield, Middletown) is vile politics. Perpetrators will, we hope, be identified and run out of the community.
The anti-gay “push poll” in the 13th district Senate race (Meriden, Cheshire, Middlefield, Middletown) is vile politics. Perpetrators will, we hope, be identified and run out of the community.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Jan. 27, 2011
Meriden, Wallingford, Southington, and Cheshire: all area towns have experienced plenty of snow days, whole or partial, resulting in kids getting only about ¾ of scheduled hours of school for January. If this goes on through February – and who knows what the North Atlantic Oscillation will bring – the educational consequences and the scheduling issues could become difficult to handle.
The Connecticut Community Providers Association is making the case for steady and secure funding for non-profits. This is something which has been sought for many years without much luck.
Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals has given a grant to the Wallingford homeless shelter. This will enable the part-time social worker to continue his job there and to provide the help for those who reside at the facility.
The Connecticut Community Providers Association is making the case for steady and secure funding for non-profits. This is something which has been sought for many years without much luck.
Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals has given a grant to the Wallingford homeless shelter. This will enable the part-time social worker to continue his job there and to provide the help for those who reside at the facility.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Jan. 26, 2011
After 44 years as Southington's town manager, it would be uncivil to begrudge John Weichsel a deal which pays his supplemental insurance in retirement for life. His record is indeed exceptional, as those in other communities have observed as well, but even so, that exceptionality can create problems.
The proposal to give Wallingford town planning office a limited power to issue citations for violations such as signs and storage – violations easily remedied and just as easily repeated, makes much sense as a means of demonstrating that the zoning laws are to be taken seriously. A similar case may or may not exist for such powers for Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, and a decision on both suggestions will have to wait.
It’s presumptuous of any donor in Connecticut, no matter how generous, to assume that because of a gift, that donor would get to make decisions in the activities of the donee. Thus, however, Robert Burton of Greenwich and his $3 million gift to the UConn football program and his request his money be returned after the school, he alleges, failed to include him in the loop when hiring a new coach.
The proposal to give Wallingford town planning office a limited power to issue citations for violations such as signs and storage – violations easily remedied and just as easily repeated, makes much sense as a means of demonstrating that the zoning laws are to be taken seriously. A similar case may or may not exist for such powers for Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, and a decision on both suggestions will have to wait.
It’s presumptuous of any donor in Connecticut, no matter how generous, to assume that because of a gift, that donor would get to make decisions in the activities of the donee. Thus, however, Robert Burton of Greenwich and his $3 million gift to the UConn football program and his request his money be returned after the school, he alleges, failed to include him in the loop when hiring a new coach.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Jan. 25, 2011
Snow removal budgets are drawn down this month, whether the budget was high (Southington …$705,000) or low (Cheshire … $261,000) or somewhere in between (Meriden …$500,000, Wallingford … $508,000). There’s no way to predict a season total, and aside from prayer, or snow removal insurance, if you’re on a pay-as-you-go system, this is bound to happen.
That 90-day rule for filling established yet empty jobs in the city of Meriden may have had some merit when staffing levels could be called “high.” However, after several years of trimming, that is hardly the case today, and empty jobs can only result in angry phone calls from citizens waiting for services . . . which could, of course, always be funneled to those who insist in the 90-day rule.
That plan for Southington's North Center School is either a shell game for out flanking citizens who righteously and repeatedly oppose an outrageously expensive building for town employees or a well-conceived plan for moving ahead to replace outmoded structures economically and securing up-to-date quarters worthy of a 21st century community. Actually, both options are probably correct.
It is good that the Meriden City Council’s Finance Committee is taking another look at the Church & Morse building, not to mention the decision to move forward with architectural plans for Platt and Maloney. Every penny spent impacts taxpayers, but some pennies – and some millions – just have to be spent.
It was good that a suspected leak of CO2 was reported at Lincoln Middle School in Meriden this week (it is good that people are watching) and even better that the suspicion turned out to be incorrect.
That 90-day rule for filling established yet empty jobs in the city of Meriden may have had some merit when staffing levels could be called “high.” However, after several years of trimming, that is hardly the case today, and empty jobs can only result in angry phone calls from citizens waiting for services . . . which could, of course, always be funneled to those who insist in the 90-day rule.
That plan for Southington's North Center School is either a shell game for out flanking citizens who righteously and repeatedly oppose an outrageously expensive building for town employees or a well-conceived plan for moving ahead to replace outmoded structures economically and securing up-to-date quarters worthy of a 21st century community. Actually, both options are probably correct.
It is good that the Meriden City Council’s Finance Committee is taking another look at the Church & Morse building, not to mention the decision to move forward with architectural plans for Platt and Maloney. Every penny spent impacts taxpayers, but some pennies – and some millions – just have to be spent.
It was good that a suspected leak of CO2 was reported at Lincoln Middle School in Meriden this week (it is good that people are watching) and even better that the suspicion turned out to be incorrect.
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Mon. Jan. 24, 2011
In Meriden and Wallingford, as everywhere else, citizens are waking up to the latest changes in the income tax rules. The best thing is to be aware and to look carefully for opportunities of saving taxes.
It certainly makes sense for the Connecticut Department of Labor to move to direct deposit or to prepaid debit cards (as, indeed, the IRS is making noises about as well). The perils of lost and stolen checks, not to mention the time involved in mailing, and the expenses of postage should be well-saved.
It certainly makes sense for the Connecticut Department of Labor to move to direct deposit or to prepaid debit cards (as, indeed, the IRS is making noises about as well). The perils of lost and stolen checks, not to mention the time involved in mailing, and the expenses of postage should be well-saved.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Jan. 23, 2011
Those guys who jumped into Lake Sloper Saturday, to help families in Southington raise money to send children to camp. The weather seems to have been no incentive whatever for this effort, but it’s all in a good cause.
It’s a little difficult to think about baseball with all this snow lining the streets, but Meriden’s two leagues held sign-ups last week. Don’t worry if you missed because you were out shoveling or sledding: there will be other opportunities before the start of the season, so keep an eye out for notices.
Brian Cyr’s efforts to put music on Meriden’s “map” as he explores his position as district music coordinator, an extension of his already multiple tasks in the school system. But he comes with a good approach toward unified action, and that should place him and the city in good stead.
It is good to see plans advance for that North Center School structure, because only as the future takes shape can anyone in Southington really assess anything positive or negative about the complicated plan.
It’s a little difficult to think about baseball with all this snow lining the streets, but Meriden’s two leagues held sign-ups last week. Don’t worry if you missed because you were out shoveling or sledding: there will be other opportunities before the start of the season, so keep an eye out for notices.
Brian Cyr’s efforts to put music on Meriden’s “map” as he explores his position as district music coordinator, an extension of his already multiple tasks in the school system. But he comes with a good approach toward unified action, and that should place him and the city in good stead.
It is good to see plans advance for that North Center School structure, because only as the future takes shape can anyone in Southington really assess anything positive or negative about the complicated plan.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Jan. 22, 2011
Unions in Meriden, some of them anyway, whose contracts have come up recently, have taken a sensible strategic road with the Board of Education. Low raises, they hope, will help keep expenses of the district own and help avoid layoffs in the bad budget year ahead.
The plan developed for that strip of downtown Wallingford along the railroad is certainly a start, and gives folks something to think about, if, as and when the train service expands. Something should be suggested, and if folks don’t really like the proposal for one reason or another, they have the option of coming forward with something better.
The several feet of snow which have fallen in Connecticut so far this winter (in many places more in a month than is usual for a whole season) are challenging to residents. It is time to figure out what the North Atlantic Oscillation is and how it affects our weather from decade to decade – not that this will really help us deal with the results.
The plan developed for that strip of downtown Wallingford along the railroad is certainly a start, and gives folks something to think about, if, as and when the train service expands. Something should be suggested, and if folks don’t really like the proposal for one reason or another, they have the option of coming forward with something better.
The several feet of snow which have fallen in Connecticut so far this winter (in many places more in a month than is usual for a whole season) are challenging to residents. It is time to figure out what the North Atlantic Oscillation is and how it affects our weather from decade to decade – not that this will really help us deal with the results.
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Jan. 21, 2011
No one’s wasting any time wondering about who will run for Joe Lieberman’s senate seat. Former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz (of Middletown) and Congressman Chris Murphy (who represents Meriden and Cheshire in Congress) both had hats ready to toss into the ring.
So with the announced “affiliation” of Hartford Health Care and Central Connecticut Health Alliance, a significant portion of the state will be joined under one health care organization, including hospitals in Meriden, Southington, New Britain, Hartford and many related care-givers. This probably has many positive potentials for cost savings and for allocation of resources in creative ways, but it may also have its negative potentials which should not just be overlooked.
Congratulations to Meriden Fire Chief James Trainor and Mayor Mike Rohde, who were taped to the wall at the Pratt Street fire station to honor a promise made contingent upon city employees and firefighters to meet goals for United Way pledges for the coming year. Congratulations to the employees, too, whose generosity has exceeded expectations.
Town Councilors and mayor in Enfield, busily pressing the Public Library to cancel a controversial film on health care by Michael Moore (who seems to be a hot button for some people). The library, threatened with defunding, knuckled under to this flagrant abuse of power by the town against the public interest, which is in robust debate about health care.
So with the announced “affiliation” of Hartford Health Care and Central Connecticut Health Alliance, a significant portion of the state will be joined under one health care organization, including hospitals in Meriden, Southington, New Britain, Hartford and many related care-givers. This probably has many positive potentials for cost savings and for allocation of resources in creative ways, but it may also have its negative potentials which should not just be overlooked.
Congratulations to Meriden Fire Chief James Trainor and Mayor Mike Rohde, who were taped to the wall at the Pratt Street fire station to honor a promise made contingent upon city employees and firefighters to meet goals for United Way pledges for the coming year. Congratulations to the employees, too, whose generosity has exceeded expectations.
Town Councilors and mayor in Enfield, busily pressing the Public Library to cancel a controversial film on health care by Michael Moore (who seems to be a hot button for some people). The library, threatened with defunding, knuckled under to this flagrant abuse of power by the town against the public interest, which is in robust debate about health care.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Jan. 20, 2011
Meriden’s Board of Education has approved an addition to Hanover School in the hope of eventually housing all kindergarteners in the system there. City share of the construction is fairly minor, and it seems to be an accepted move by most of the community, so let’s go for it.
Through the magic of weather chance, it appears that Meriden, which at one point had over 11,000 CL&P customers without power during the recent icy storm, got the worst of it. Around 40 percent experienced an outage, which gave the city both a high percentage and a high absolute number; CL&Ps responses, however, had almost everyone back on line overnight.
Southington’s Board of Finance agreed to fund more cash for snow removal. Considering the snows we’ve had, there’s not really much choice in the matter.
Southington Planning and Zoning rejected an application for a 181-child daycare center near Ridgeview Village, a 55-an-older residential complex. One suspects the size, as well as the age, had something to do with the decision.
Through the magic of weather chance, it appears that Meriden, which at one point had over 11,000 CL&P customers without power during the recent icy storm, got the worst of it. Around 40 percent experienced an outage, which gave the city both a high percentage and a high absolute number; CL&Ps responses, however, had almost everyone back on line overnight.
Southington’s Board of Finance agreed to fund more cash for snow removal. Considering the snows we’ve had, there’s not really much choice in the matter.
Southington Planning and Zoning rejected an application for a 181-child daycare center near Ridgeview Village, a 55-an-older residential complex. One suspects the size, as well as the age, had something to do with the decision.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Jan. 19, 2011
“No swimming until May” is fairly grim news about the Cheshire Community Pool. Somehow this ordinarily non-controversial town recreational has presented the community with one difficult choice after another since its inception.
Senator Joe Lieberman will retire at the end of the present term. Many Connecticut Democrats will welcome his retirement, while others will see an opportunity to replace him.
Interesting that the Connecticut Juvenile Training School, where a scandal in contracting led, ultimately, to the downfall of Gov. John Rowland, is still operating, despite Gov. Rell’s intention to replace it. There also continues a long-term disagreement over whether it’s a treatment facility or a correction facility.
While there may be opposition to buying the now un-used Church & Morse building, if the city of Meriden does not buy it, what direction will the flood control process take next, since removal of that structure is a part of the plan?
In view of dioxin releases from the trash to energy plant in Wallingford, it is not unreasonable to want, as Councilor Testa has urged, stack testing more than once a year. But doesn’t what emerges from the stack have something to do with what is burned, and therefore isn’t the problem apt to have something to do with how materials are collected and sorted before burning?
Sheehan High School in Wallingford needs to replace its planetarium’s projection system, which is aging, an expensive undertaking. If Wallingford Education Foundation donates its revenue from the adult spelling bee planned for this April, the fund would get a significant boost.
Senator Joe Lieberman will retire at the end of the present term. Many Connecticut Democrats will welcome his retirement, while others will see an opportunity to replace him.
Interesting that the Connecticut Juvenile Training School, where a scandal in contracting led, ultimately, to the downfall of Gov. John Rowland, is still operating, despite Gov. Rell’s intention to replace it. There also continues a long-term disagreement over whether it’s a treatment facility or a correction facility.
While there may be opposition to buying the now un-used Church & Morse building, if the city of Meriden does not buy it, what direction will the flood control process take next, since removal of that structure is a part of the plan?
In view of dioxin releases from the trash to energy plant in Wallingford, it is not unreasonable to want, as Councilor Testa has urged, stack testing more than once a year. But doesn’t what emerges from the stack have something to do with what is burned, and therefore isn’t the problem apt to have something to do with how materials are collected and sorted before burning?
Sheehan High School in Wallingford needs to replace its planetarium’s projection system, which is aging, an expensive undertaking. If Wallingford Education Foundation donates its revenue from the adult spelling bee planned for this April, the fund would get a significant boost.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Jan. 18, 2011
While the material concerning Wallingford Housing Authority may not yet be ready for a proper discussion, the time will come. The issues really need to be aired.
If filtration is the way Meriden’s water will taste and smell better, then it is something we should be happy to pay for. Good public water continues to be a fantastic asset of our city.
A retired Southington teacher will become the school system’s grant writer in return for insurance premiums. Sounds like a creative use of human talent.
If filtration is the way Meriden’s water will taste and smell better, then it is something we should be happy to pay for. Good public water continues to be a fantastic asset of our city.
A retired Southington teacher will become the school system’s grant writer in return for insurance premiums. Sounds like a creative use of human talent.
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Mon. Jan. 17, 2011
The news about Wallingford’s new police station is that there’s no news. The plan is on hold for now, which will make some people a little unhappy.
The Townline Square in Meriden is losing Old Navy to the Westfield Shopping Mall. The change should not be catastrophic for the Square, and we await with interest to see what new tenants will emerge.
The Townline Square in Meriden is losing Old Navy to the Westfield Shopping Mall. The change should not be catastrophic for the Square, and we await with interest to see what new tenants will emerge.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Jan. 16, 2011
The developed information on town manager salaries, in Southington, in other towns in Connecticut, and in comparison to cities in the south and southwest, is informative and reassuring. Nothing, however, is new town manager Garry Brumback’s own comment that he knows “what I was getting into” here, that he wants to be in Connecticut, and that he’s not looking for a fortune.
The gun show in Wallingford over the weekend was a fine event, manifestly unthreatened by anything. One comment quoted in Record-Journal coverage was “a gun is no more dangerous than the person that uses it.” We’re fine with that, but the issue then is, how does anyone prevent the dangerous people from owning or using guns?
It is good to know that a special police unit in Meriden investigates sexual crimes. It remains alarming how much of the public believes that most sex crimes are committed by strangers, and how much energy is expended protecting against unknown outsiders when sadly the source seems most often to come from friends, family or acquaintances.
One of our state senators is bringing forward a bill to enable school boards to expel students convicted of violent sexual crimes, a measure many people would favor. It would be good to know ahead of time, though, what constitutes violent sex crimes under the law and roughly how many individuals might be thus subject to expulsion?
The gun show in Wallingford over the weekend was a fine event, manifestly unthreatened by anything. One comment quoted in Record-Journal coverage was “a gun is no more dangerous than the person that uses it.” We’re fine with that, but the issue then is, how does anyone prevent the dangerous people from owning or using guns?
It is good to know that a special police unit in Meriden investigates sexual crimes. It remains alarming how much of the public believes that most sex crimes are committed by strangers, and how much energy is expended protecting against unknown outsiders when sadly the source seems most often to come from friends, family or acquaintances.
One of our state senators is bringing forward a bill to enable school boards to expel students convicted of violent sexual crimes, a measure many people would favor. It would be good to know ahead of time, though, what constitutes violent sex crimes under the law and roughly how many individuals might be thus subject to expulsion?
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Jan. 15, 2011
Warnings from Meriden and Wallingford authorities about Carbon monoxide are timely and helpful. We should all be careful to remain aware of our surroundings.
Connecticut Music Educators Association’s Southern Region Music Festival is at Platt High School, Meriden, today. Over 300 students from around 30 high schools will sing and play their best, hoping to be chosen for the all-state concert.
Fletcher-Thompson, architects, will look at Southington’s middle schools to make some recommendations for updates and renovations. It’s high time the town began this process.
Connecticut Music Educators Association’s Southern Region Music Festival is at Platt High School, Meriden, today. Over 300 students from around 30 high schools will sing and play their best, hoping to be chosen for the all-state concert.
Fletcher-Thompson, architects, will look at Southington’s middle schools to make some recommendations for updates and renovations. It’s high time the town began this process.
Friday, January 14, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Jan. 14, 2011
A snowy field in Cheshire provided a soft landing for a private plane carrying a Connecticut father and son when the plane developed engine trouble. The FAA, investigating the forced landing, has not released the men’s names, but said they walked away from the plane unscathed by the accident.
A Meriden man has been arrested for possession of over 75 registered and unregistered weapons, including an Uzi machine gun, AR-15 and AK-47 assault rifles, as well as ammunition, gas masks and other items of equipment for survival under extreme conditions. Police searched a home on Baldwin Ave., after a resident made threats to shoot a co-worker while being evaluated at MidState Medical Center.
Narrowed roads and an extra-long break for schoolchildren are only two of the results of the snowstorm this week. In a 24-hour period, a record 29 inches fell on Meriden during this third storm in three weeks. Where to put the snow is a problem officials are pondering.
In the Bruenn vs. Suzio contest next month for the 13th Senatorial district (Meriden, Cheshire, Middlefield, Middletown) it will be most interesting to watch how several important factors play their roles in the polling.
A Meriden man has been arrested for possession of over 75 registered and unregistered weapons, including an Uzi machine gun, AR-15 and AK-47 assault rifles, as well as ammunition, gas masks and other items of equipment for survival under extreme conditions. Police searched a home on Baldwin Ave., after a resident made threats to shoot a co-worker while being evaluated at MidState Medical Center.
Narrowed roads and an extra-long break for schoolchildren are only two of the results of the snowstorm this week. In a 24-hour period, a record 29 inches fell on Meriden during this third storm in three weeks. Where to put the snow is a problem officials are pondering.
In the Bruenn vs. Suzio contest next month for the 13th Senatorial district (Meriden, Cheshire, Middlefield, Middletown) it will be most interesting to watch how several important factors play their roles in the polling.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Jan. 13, 2011
If there’s any upside to the bursting of the Cheshire town pool’s bubble, it’s that the pool was empty when the snow caved the roof in, and no one was hurt. Town Council Chairman Tim Slocum says there were no contingency plans to deal with the bubble’s collapse. The town will have to weigh two choices: to raise or find funds for a new bubble, or to rent another pool for the Rams, a team of national swim champions, to hold their practices. Either option will cost Cheshire money.
Kudos to state, city, and town workers for dealing with the record snowfall on Wednesday. While kids and teachers enjoyed a day off from school, and snowplow crews worked tirelessly to clear at least one lane on each road for cars to negotiate. Congratulations especially to Craig Whited, of Wallingford-based Pine Ridge Landscaping, who saved the life of a stranded driver near the Meriden Westfield mall on Wednesday morning during heavy snowfall.
Police in both Meriden and New Haven were busy ticketing illegally-parked cars; property owners in Wallingford may find themselves fined for not clearing their sidewalks within 18 hours. While these fines fatten the coffers of towns and cities, one has to wonder if some slack should be cut for drivers who have neither driveways nor garages to allow them to get their cars off the street, and for residents who are too elderly, frail, or ill to shovel.
Connecticut's new standing Committee on Aging has waited for more than a decade—since then-Gov. Weicker closed the Department of Aging—to become a regular committee. Headed by 85-year-old Sen. Edith G. Prague, the group can only be a positive addition to the state, which is 9th in the nation in percentage of senior citizens, and Sen. Prague knows through her legislative work and her life experience the particular needs of seniors.
Kudos to state, city, and town workers for dealing with the record snowfall on Wednesday. While kids and teachers enjoyed a day off from school, and snowplow crews worked tirelessly to clear at least one lane on each road for cars to negotiate. Congratulations especially to Craig Whited, of Wallingford-based Pine Ridge Landscaping, who saved the life of a stranded driver near the Meriden Westfield mall on Wednesday morning during heavy snowfall.
Police in both Meriden and New Haven were busy ticketing illegally-parked cars; property owners in Wallingford may find themselves fined for not clearing their sidewalks within 18 hours. While these fines fatten the coffers of towns and cities, one has to wonder if some slack should be cut for drivers who have neither driveways nor garages to allow them to get their cars off the street, and for residents who are too elderly, frail, or ill to shovel.
Connecticut's new standing Committee on Aging has waited for more than a decade—since then-Gov. Weicker closed the Department of Aging—to become a regular committee. Headed by 85-year-old Sen. Edith G. Prague, the group can only be a positive addition to the state, which is 9th in the nation in percentage of senior citizens, and Sen. Prague knows through her legislative work and her life experience the particular needs of seniors.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Jan. 12, 2011
Wallingford officials seem unfazed by the Superintendent of Schools’ budget request for next year, even though it means an 8 percent increase over two years. We imagine, though, that there will be a good deal of talk and consideration before anything of the kind is adopted.
Governor Chafee of Rhode Island has decided he and his staff will stay away from profit-driven talk show radio interviews, a position reached before the Arizona assassinations. This is an interesting and possibly provocative move with which many will have much sympathy.
The Connecticut law passed in an unsuccessful effort to win “Race to the Top” federal funds could be a casualty of the lack of funding. To the degree that the changes were merely reactions to an arbitrary set of standards, that’s probably a good thing.
Governor Chafee of Rhode Island has decided he and his staff will stay away from profit-driven talk show radio interviews, a position reached before the Arizona assassinations. This is an interesting and possibly provocative move with which many will have much sympathy.
The Connecticut law passed in an unsuccessful effort to win “Race to the Top” federal funds could be a casualty of the lack of funding. To the degree that the changes were merely reactions to an arbitrary set of standards, that’s probably a good thing.
The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Jan. 11, 2011
That 1.1 mile stretch of Route 68 in Wallingford seems unlikely to receive a face-lift for years to come, however much it’s needed: money – at $59 million – is the problem. Till something can happen, everyone needs to pay special attention to safety when negotiating the hazardous stretch of highway.
Residents may wonder what particular set of circumstances has prompted the investigation of residencies of several Southington students. This remains one of the oddities of Connecticut’s schools.
Craig Fishbein and Jason Zandri have teamed up again with the drive to support Wallingford’s Fourth of July Fireworks display for 2011. Check out their website: www.wallingfordfireworks.org
Residents may wonder what particular set of circumstances has prompted the investigation of residencies of several Southington students. This remains one of the oddities of Connecticut’s schools.
Craig Fishbein and Jason Zandri have teamed up again with the drive to support Wallingford’s Fourth of July Fireworks display for 2011. Check out their website: www.wallingfordfireworks.org
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Mon. Jan. 10, 2011
If Governor Malloy can get new computer systems for criminal justice issues all up and running – as required by laws passed early in 2008 – he will have earned is office well. The problems in Connecticut, with many different existing systems all organized and created for different purposes and myriad laws and regulations, are legion.
Prices of gasoline are rising, and there’s probably little any Connecticut residents can do about it but buy less gas. Yet more fuel efficient vehicles could certainly put a dent in usage, and hence in demand which drives prices.
Prices of gasoline are rising, and there’s probably little any Connecticut residents can do about it but buy less gas. Yet more fuel efficient vehicles could certainly put a dent in usage, and hence in demand which drives prices.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Jan. 9, 2011
Among towns facing the next highly uncertain fiscal year, Wallingford would appear to be in better shape than almost any other. There’s no reason to plan on spending the surplus accumulated with so much care, but it is certainly there it if is needed.
Meriden’s City Council moved precipitately to authorize departments to accept proposals for a digital billboard on city land along I-91. The way to do things is to make the rules first and then ask for proposals: this way, there may be a plan on the table which will alter the rules process to accommodate it, and that is wrong.
Meriden’s City Council moved precipitately to authorize departments to accept proposals for a digital billboard on city land along I-91. The way to do things is to make the rules first and then ask for proposals: this way, there may be a plan on the table which will alter the rules process to accommodate it, and that is wrong.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Jan. 8, 2011
Newly-inaugurated Governor Dannel Malloy his sticking to his guns about requiring employers in Connecticut to offer some form of paid sick leave. This is a humane and enlightened policy, and long overdue, even in hard times. People shouldn’t be laid off for being sick.
Connecticut’s new Secretary of the State, Denise Merrill, is going to tackle the problem which developed in Bridgeport during the recent election. We hope she finds the perfect approach, but we’ll settle for one which works.
P&W president David Hess suggests that Connecticut revamp its regulations and taxes to become more attractive to business. What, besides being permitted to offer to pay the wage equivalent of what is offered in China, India and Brazil, would he like to do, and how would he suggest, in a democracy, making that happen?
Southington’s new manager will earn a salary significantly in excess of that of the retiring incumbent, which may be because the incumbent has been content to serve for a relatively un-ambitious figure.
Connecticut’s new Secretary of the State, Denise Merrill, is going to tackle the problem which developed in Bridgeport during the recent election. We hope she finds the perfect approach, but we’ll settle for one which works.
P&W president David Hess suggests that Connecticut revamp its regulations and taxes to become more attractive to business. What, besides being permitted to offer to pay the wage equivalent of what is offered in China, India and Brazil, would he like to do, and how would he suggest, in a democracy, making that happen?
Southington’s new manager will earn a salary significantly in excess of that of the retiring incumbent, which may be because the incumbent has been content to serve for a relatively un-ambitious figure.
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Jan. 7, 2011
It is too bad that the city of Meriden and its teachers could not agree on the switch to a cheaper health insurance provider, because the inevitable result of arbitration is delay and expense.
It was helpful to see the issues concerning Wallingford’s Housing Authority spelled out by Councilor Economopoulos this week. If a hearing at the council level will help to clear the air, then it should certainly happen.
A Meriden contractor is on the Big Apple’s list for snow clearance. It’s a feather in a local cap, we think, and we hope the company turned a nice profit on New York City’s snow.
Superintendent Florio in Cheshire is set to ask for a 5 percent increase in the system’s budget, but the chair of the school board has responded unfavorably, given the economy. But at least the board members will know what a “stay even” budget figure would be.
It was helpful to see the issues concerning Wallingford’s Housing Authority spelled out by Councilor Economopoulos this week. If a hearing at the council level will help to clear the air, then it should certainly happen.
A Meriden contractor is on the Big Apple’s list for snow clearance. It’s a feather in a local cap, we think, and we hope the company turned a nice profit on New York City’s snow.
Superintendent Florio in Cheshire is set to ask for a 5 percent increase in the system’s budget, but the chair of the school board has responded unfavorably, given the economy. But at least the board members will know what a “stay even” budget figure would be.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Jan. 6, 2011
Another benefit flowing from the Trail of Terror in Wallingford is the gift of $9,000 to the fire department for a thermal imaging camera. This should help fire fighters find threatened people in smoky buildings.
Meriden’s school board has voted to seek a 2.93 percent increase in funding for the next budget year, which we suspect it will be unlikely to receive, despite last year’s no-increase budget. And even if the school system does get 2.93 percent more, 9 special ed staff, 9 unidentified employees, 8 reading facilitators, 7 classified staff, 2 math facilitators, one pre-k teacher and a science teacher on special assignment, would still lose jobs – the partridge in the pear tree would be offered a position in public works.
The decision to keep Pulaski kids in school during a power outage seems to have worked out very well, and made a lot of sense considering that most of the kids are from the surrounding part of Meriden also, naturally, hit by the outage. Given a choice of empty and powerless homes and remaining in school wearing jackets, the latter option made a lot of sense.
Meriden’s school board has voted to seek a 2.93 percent increase in funding for the next budget year, which we suspect it will be unlikely to receive, despite last year’s no-increase budget. And even if the school system does get 2.93 percent more, 9 special ed staff, 9 unidentified employees, 8 reading facilitators, 7 classified staff, 2 math facilitators, one pre-k teacher and a science teacher on special assignment, would still lose jobs – the partridge in the pear tree would be offered a position in public works.
The decision to keep Pulaski kids in school during a power outage seems to have worked out very well, and made a lot of sense considering that most of the kids are from the surrounding part of Meriden also, naturally, hit by the outage. Given a choice of empty and powerless homes and remaining in school wearing jackets, the latter option made a lot of sense.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Jan. 5, 2011
There seems to have been a surge of requests for information from the Wallingford Housing Authority, all apparently correct under the rules. Why not just let interested persons come and look through the files and save everyone a whole lot of time and energy?
Bald eagles have been spotted in Hubbard Park, an event which would have been unheard of in Meriden a generation ago.
Southington police are putting a push on to restrain the use of cell phones and other distractions while driving. Citizens who have been wont to dial and drive may find themselves with a citation if they do not hang up the phone.
Bald eagles have been spotted in Hubbard Park, an event which would have been unheard of in Meriden a generation ago.
Southington police are putting a push on to restrain the use of cell phones and other distractions while driving. Citizens who have been wont to dial and drive may find themselves with a citation if they do not hang up the phone.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Tues. Jan. 4, 2011
We read the story of Meriden's State Senator, Tom Gaffey’s resignation and plea bargain with deep grief for a man and public servant we have held in great affection and high regard.
Meriden city workers (not fire, police or education) are agreeing to a 401-k-style pension for incoming workers, rather than the fixed benefit traditionally bargained for. This could possibly save many dollars for taxpayers and would represent a major change in the status of city employees.
It is easy to predict that if the Connecticut General Assembly eliminates credits that no one uses, there will be no difficulty whatever, but if it attempts to repeal popular credits, users will turn out in droves and probably end any such effort.
Meriden city workers (not fire, police or education) are agreeing to a 401-k-style pension for incoming workers, rather than the fixed benefit traditionally bargained for. This could possibly save many dollars for taxpayers and would represent a major change in the status of city employees.
It is easy to predict that if the Connecticut General Assembly eliminates credits that no one uses, there will be no difficulty whatever, but if it attempts to repeal popular credits, users will turn out in droves and probably end any such effort.
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Mon. Jan. 3, 2011
It’s clear that blogging, as a tool, is found to be a two-edged weapon by local public-minded citizens from Meriden, Wallingford, Cheshire, Southington using them. It’s a new world out there, and it’s not yet clear who the gatekeepers are – if any are to exist.
Powder Ridge, in Middlefield, overlooks both Meriden and Wallingford. Though not active now, Middlefield selectmen have been working for years to put together new plans for the former resort’s future, and just secured half a million dollars from the State Bond Commission for infrastructure improvements.
Powder Ridge, in Middlefield, overlooks both Meriden and Wallingford. Though not active now, Middlefield selectmen have been working for years to put together new plans for the former resort’s future, and just secured half a million dollars from the State Bond Commission for infrastructure improvements.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Jan. 2, 2011
As the proposal unfolds itself, it appears that the Wallingford Incentive Housing Zone in several blocks near the railroad station would be a good thing. That’s not necessarily because state money could be found to support it (no guarantees there) but because it could incorporate housing above storefronts for families who typically work in police and fire department jobs and the like.
In Meriden, the city sends money when a mailbox is hit by a plough during a snow storm; In Cheshire, Wallingford and Southington, boxes damaged by plows are replaced. Either way is okay, but you’d think that some clever entrepreneur would come up with a plough-proof mailbox, one which would bounce back from a snowstorm clip.
New boilers in Meriden public buildings should help bring down costs of library and city hall, which is great. But how about the capacity to flick back and forth between natural gas and oil, depending on the price? That would seem to be a prudent step to take.
In Meriden, the city sends money when a mailbox is hit by a plough during a snow storm; In Cheshire, Wallingford and Southington, boxes damaged by plows are replaced. Either way is okay, but you’d think that some clever entrepreneur would come up with a plough-proof mailbox, one which would bounce back from a snowstorm clip.
New boilers in Meriden public buildings should help bring down costs of library and city hall, which is great. But how about the capacity to flick back and forth between natural gas and oil, depending on the price? That would seem to be a prudent step to take.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Jan. 1, 2011
Community Health Center is proposing opening a walk-in clinic at Platt High School, Meriden. The main goal is to permit treatment of routine sniffles and sore throats for which students would otherwise be sent home. It sounds like a good idea.
Efforts in Meriden to help Project Graduation raise enough volunteers and cash to hold a party this year with its traditional drug and alcohol-free environment. This is an important party to support, whether with your presence or your money.
Efforts in Meriden to help Project Graduation raise enough volunteers and cash to hold a party this year with its traditional drug and alcohol-free environment. This is an important party to support, whether with your presence or your money.
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