In Southington, revised plans for middle school renovation save $15 million total and increased state rate of contribution through eliminating space not programs. We hope it all works out as planned.
Meriden’s “Cheese sandwich” program seems to be working. Students whose families tended to run up debts for lunches are no longer doing so now that negative balances mean that students receive cheese sandwiches instead of the regular meals.
Cheshire Historical Society’s Boutique in the Shed: vintage items for sale every Sunday with proceeds to the Society. Sounds like a chance to pick up some interesting artifacts.
United delegation Meriden sent to meet US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan last week. As Supt. Benigni said, part of the point is putting the city on the map for officials.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Tues., July 19, 2011
The Blue Trail Range of Wallingford and its owners have been released from claims concerning possible threats caused by bullets fired there and from claims that lead from bullets was contaminating Ulbrich Reservoir. This will be a fine relief for this business and enable it to get on with what it does best.
Meriden anglers will be able to fish – so long as they have fishing license – in Mirror Lake, now reserved for kids under 15. Perhaps their presence will help lower the quantity of goose dropping which has been typical.
SEBAC has agreed to change its approval process for contracts and modifications. It seems that a renewed effort to get the huge agreement with Gov. Malloy approved by Connecticut's rank and file.
Lots of book lovers will be sad at the demise of Borders Books, including at Meriden Westfield Shopping Town, now expected to begin perhaps as early as this Friday. It’s a combination of the economy and changing consumer habits.
The ACLU is taking on the issue of prison porn, or at least thinking about it, now that Connecticut prisons are readying to remove it all from prisoners. It’s apparently a question of safety, since porn is a valuable and tradable asset for prisoners, which results in violence which impacts guards.
Meriden anglers will be able to fish – so long as they have fishing license – in Mirror Lake, now reserved for kids under 15. Perhaps their presence will help lower the quantity of goose dropping which has been typical.
SEBAC has agreed to change its approval process for contracts and modifications. It seems that a renewed effort to get the huge agreement with Gov. Malloy approved by Connecticut's rank and file.
Lots of book lovers will be sad at the demise of Borders Books, including at Meriden Westfield Shopping Town, now expected to begin perhaps as early as this Friday. It’s a combination of the economy and changing consumer habits.
The ACLU is taking on the issue of prison porn, or at least thinking about it, now that Connecticut prisons are readying to remove it all from prisoners. It’s apparently a question of safety, since porn is a valuable and tradable asset for prisoners, which results in violence which impacts guards.
Monday, July 18, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., July 18, 2011
Crescent Lake in Southington seems to be proving its worth as a recreation site, judging from the description of its peace and tranquility in today’s edition. It took a long time to work out the acquisition, but residents should be glad the deal was finally completed.
Employment in Connecticut continues to challenge those looking for work, but some sectors are doing better than others. While that does offer hope, one can only wonder whether chances would really be improved by someone trading experience in one career for trials in another field, even if there are more jobs there.
Lifeguarding in the area’s public pools (there are eleven scattered among Meriden, Wallingford, Cheshire and Southington) is a necessary job and a good one for young and responsible adults to help in raising college funds and to have a good time outdoors. But it’s also one which requires serious training and one in which you can never let your attention wander.
The Life Stories Project at Southington Care Center helping seniors to write down some of their remembrances for their kids and grandkids, so that the experience of one generation can be perpetuated.
Employment in Connecticut continues to challenge those looking for work, but some sectors are doing better than others. While that does offer hope, one can only wonder whether chances would really be improved by someone trading experience in one career for trials in another field, even if there are more jobs there.
Lifeguarding in the area’s public pools (there are eleven scattered among Meriden, Wallingford, Cheshire and Southington) is a necessary job and a good one for young and responsible adults to help in raising college funds and to have a good time outdoors. But it’s also one which requires serious training and one in which you can never let your attention wander.
The Life Stories Project at Southington Care Center helping seniors to write down some of their remembrances for their kids and grandkids, so that the experience of one generation can be perpetuated.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., July 17, 2011
More fallout from the failure of Connecticut’s union deal: commuters to face hikes in fares along Shore Line East and Metro-North, with service to Old Saybrook ended. Not a good plan.
Results from the Sonic restaurant’s first year in Wallingford have been more than satisfactory, with loyal customers and many employees. We await future developments on the rest of this property.
As Southington Councilor Dawn Miceli says, “Anything that’s going to change the downtown area for the better is a positive and worthwhile.” She’s referring to expansion or extension of the Renaissance Zone and the questions are, of course, when and how much?
It’s great that Meriden’s Farmer’s Market got off to a good start this last Saturday. We wish this venture the best of success.
Results from the Sonic restaurant’s first year in Wallingford have been more than satisfactory, with loyal customers and many employees. We await future developments on the rest of this property.
As Southington Councilor Dawn Miceli says, “Anything that’s going to change the downtown area for the better is a positive and worthwhile.” She’s referring to expansion or extension of the Renaissance Zone and the questions are, of course, when and how much?
It’s great that Meriden’s Farmer’s Market got off to a good start this last Saturday. We wish this venture the best of success.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., July 16, 2011
Meriden faces some of the realities of the rejection of that deal between the state and the unions. As Speaker Chris Donovan says, there needs to be a way for the coalition of unions, CEBAC, to acknowledge the will of the majority.
Wallingford’s Blue Trail Range has been hosting four members of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, here in the US to compete in an Ohio event. Welcome and good luck!
Covanta, which operates the trash-to-energy plant used by Wallingford, Meriden, Cheshire, North Haven and Hamden, is paying a substantial fine for violations of emissions, apparently back when it was still being operated by CRRA prior to last July. Does the manner in which fines and assessments work act as a corporate deterrent in such cases?
Victim of Connecticut budget crisis: ferries in Rocky Hill/Glastonbury and Chester/Hadlyme, the oldest in the nation. Amazing how a budget snafu can louse up 350 years of history.
Local towns are expecting around 75 percent on their requests for FEMA money for last January’s snow storm expenses. Southington has had a reimbursement confirmed, while Meriden, Wallingford and Cheshire wait.
Considering that about 4 of 5 child car seats are improperly installed in parents’ vehicles, it makes sense for police officers, youth and social service workers from Cheshire or anywhere else to get some instructions in how to perform this important operation, so they can help parents to whom the instructions are obscure.
The Summer Campership Fund for Meriden and Wallingford has finished its collection season, sending over 400 kids to weeks at summer camps. The high point? No child was left behind.
Wallingford’s Blue Trail Range has been hosting four members of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, here in the US to compete in an Ohio event. Welcome and good luck!
Covanta, which operates the trash-to-energy plant used by Wallingford, Meriden, Cheshire, North Haven and Hamden, is paying a substantial fine for violations of emissions, apparently back when it was still being operated by CRRA prior to last July. Does the manner in which fines and assessments work act as a corporate deterrent in such cases?
Victim of Connecticut budget crisis: ferries in Rocky Hill/Glastonbury and Chester/Hadlyme, the oldest in the nation. Amazing how a budget snafu can louse up 350 years of history.
Local towns are expecting around 75 percent on their requests for FEMA money for last January’s snow storm expenses. Southington has had a reimbursement confirmed, while Meriden, Wallingford and Cheshire wait.
Considering that about 4 of 5 child car seats are improperly installed in parents’ vehicles, it makes sense for police officers, youth and social service workers from Cheshire or anywhere else to get some instructions in how to perform this important operation, so they can help parents to whom the instructions are obscure.
The Summer Campership Fund for Meriden and Wallingford has finished its collection season, sending over 400 kids to weeks at summer camps. The high point? No child was left behind.
Friday, July 15, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., July 15, 2011
Malloy’s outline of planned Connecticut layoffs certainly cast something of a shadow in many places – closing motor vehicle offices will not be popular – but this must be done somehow. And he’s right that SEBAC change its ratification rules.
Congratulations to Michael Kahn, Southington police officer selected by the American Legion as the state’s top cop. An officer with a strong commitment to charity, the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award is a fine recognition of his contributions.
Odysseyware, a program helping kids at Platt High School Meriden get through the summer and do what needs to be done for promotion.
Southington, like other towns, getting less money for road repair will do less of it this year. Watch out for potholes everywhere.
As elsewhere, Wallingford’s Gardeners Market kicks off this weekend on Saturday, at the railroad station, the first of 10 occasions. Nothing like fresh produce!
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Congratulations to Michael Kahn, Southington police officer selected by the American Legion as the state’s top cop. An officer with a strong commitment to charity, the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award is a fine recognition of his contributions.
Odysseyware, a program helping kids at Platt High School Meriden get through the summer and do what needs to be done for promotion.
Southington, like other towns, getting less money for road repair will do less of it this year. Watch out for potholes everywhere.
As elsewhere, Wallingford’s Gardeners Market kicks off this weekend on Saturday, at the railroad station, the first of 10 occasions. Nothing like fresh produce!
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Thursday, July 14, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Thur., July 14, 2011
While there will certainly be some new faces on Meriden’s City Council after this November’s elections, it would seem premature to speculate on possible leadership, especially leadership roles going to members of any minority party. Non-partisanship is a noble concept, but all trends in the nation are towards more partisanship rather than less.
Twilight Tunes Concert Series will be running in Wallingford on the Parade Grounds near Town Hall every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. through August 10, presented by the Parks and Recreation Department with a donation from Stop & Shop. It’s a great time to hear some great music.
Bridgeport’s former mayor, Joseph Ganim, now a year out of seven years in prison for corruption, reportedly wants to re-enter city politics. One can only wonder if that would be something his city needs.
Twilight Tunes Concert Series will be running in Wallingford on the Parade Grounds near Town Hall every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. through August 10, presented by the Parks and Recreation Department with a donation from Stop & Shop. It’s a great time to hear some great music.
Bridgeport’s former mayor, Joseph Ganim, now a year out of seven years in prison for corruption, reportedly wants to re-enter city politics. One can only wonder if that would be something his city needs.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., July 13, 2011
Rejection of the Dunkin shop on East Center St. in Wallingford was apparently unexpected, and it is a little surprising considering how many of these outlets there are in our part of Connecticut. Presumably, it’s “back to the drawing board” for would-be developer.
This police controversy in Meriden really needs to be brought to a head and dealt with. Whoever is working on investigations for various parties should all bring all the evidence along and have the matter out. It’s bad for everyone for the affair to drag on.
So Wallingford’s council has managed to sell the old Legion building? Not a bad price, considering the lack of attention the place has had for a decade.
While it’s fine that area scores, especially Meriden's, on CAPT have inched up, and that probably keeps No Child Left Behind happy, what does it mean for individual students? We are happy that superintendents afford these results no more significance than they deserve and we only wish they could collectively afford to allow them only the focus in schools which they merit.
Actually, reducing Connecticut’s prison population isn’t a bad way to save costs in state government. It can be argued that a lot of those in prison are there only for victimless crimes and that the expenditure of money for their care and feeding does nothing to prepare these convicts for subsequent life.
This police controversy in Meriden really needs to be brought to a head and dealt with. Whoever is working on investigations for various parties should all bring all the evidence along and have the matter out. It’s bad for everyone for the affair to drag on.
So Wallingford’s council has managed to sell the old Legion building? Not a bad price, considering the lack of attention the place has had for a decade.
While it’s fine that area scores, especially Meriden's, on CAPT have inched up, and that probably keeps No Child Left Behind happy, what does it mean for individual students? We are happy that superintendents afford these results no more significance than they deserve and we only wish they could collectively afford to allow them only the focus in schools which they merit.
Actually, reducing Connecticut’s prison population isn’t a bad way to save costs in state government. It can be argued that a lot of those in prison are there only for victimless crimes and that the expenditure of money for their care and feeding does nothing to prepare these convicts for subsequent life.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Tues., July 12, 2011
That’s a great set of contracts I2S of Yalesville has won to build steel mills in China. A great deal of hard work and communications pays off.
Wallingford, Cheshire, Southington, Meriden all carry substantial debt but it works out in very different ways in each community. And there is more to a community than its debt, clearly.
Looks like it’s back to the drawing board for an applicant for a donut shop on East Center Street, Wallingford. Development needs to meet a number of rules and standards, and it’s proper to insist on them.
Trees are naturally a peril on the Merritt Parkway as well as any road through wooded areas: Routes 77, 79, 68 and many more come to mind. On the Merritt, one trades the risk of falling branches or trees for that of interactions between careless drivers and tractor-trailers.
A moment of silence for another old Meriden firm, Butler Paint. It was in business since 1876, but like so many others, could not compete with national chains.
It’s going to be “full immersion” nostalgia at Southington’s town operated drive-in this summer with both American Graffiti and Grease shown on successive evenings. Throw in costumes and some classic cars and July22/23 should be quite a weekend!
Genealogy, as was clear from presentations at Wallingford’s Senior Center, has a strong attraction for many people, but the shape of that attraction differs greatly among individuals. Pick your reason and enjoy the research, and it is history that benefits.
Southington is embarking on its property valuation update at the mid-point between 10 revals. Everyone will love the results we are sure!
Wallingford, Cheshire, Southington, Meriden all carry substantial debt but it works out in very different ways in each community. And there is more to a community than its debt, clearly.
Looks like it’s back to the drawing board for an applicant for a donut shop on East Center Street, Wallingford. Development needs to meet a number of rules and standards, and it’s proper to insist on them.
Trees are naturally a peril on the Merritt Parkway as well as any road through wooded areas: Routes 77, 79, 68 and many more come to mind. On the Merritt, one trades the risk of falling branches or trees for that of interactions between careless drivers and tractor-trailers.
A moment of silence for another old Meriden firm, Butler Paint. It was in business since 1876, but like so many others, could not compete with national chains.
It’s going to be “full immersion” nostalgia at Southington’s town operated drive-in this summer with both American Graffiti and Grease shown on successive evenings. Throw in costumes and some classic cars and July22/23 should be quite a weekend!
Genealogy, as was clear from presentations at Wallingford’s Senior Center, has a strong attraction for many people, but the shape of that attraction differs greatly among individuals. Pick your reason and enjoy the research, and it is history that benefits.
Southington is embarking on its property valuation update at the mid-point between 10 revals. Everyone will love the results we are sure!
Monday, July 11, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., July 11, 2011
Wallingford and the Department of Transportation are looking at new options for relocating the train station when the New Haven to Springfield commuter line is finally upgraded. One thing which will make sense is for there to be emergency equipment on both sides of the tracks; another is arranging for alternatives to grade crossings.
Mark Benigni has now finished his first year as Meriden’s Superintendent of Schools, and has brought an admirable energy and commitment to the job in his hometown.
Fire buffs had a chance to enjoy Meriden’s Silver City Fire Fest this last Saturday. A combination of those who love fire trucks, both full scale and scale models, and those who like to ride and build them, it’s an occasion for a lot of people to express their enthusiasm.
Mark Benigni has now finished his first year as Meriden’s Superintendent of Schools, and has brought an admirable energy and commitment to the job in his hometown.
Fire buffs had a chance to enjoy Meriden’s Silver City Fire Fest this last Saturday. A combination of those who love fire trucks, both full scale and scale models, and those who like to ride and build them, it’s an occasion for a lot of people to express their enthusiasm.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., July 10, 2011
Sixteen teems participated on a recent Saturday in Southington's second annual “Ballin’ for autism” tournament. A lot of folks came out to help raise money through football for helping youngsters with this disease.
Planning continues apace for the August 7 Sgt. Jeffrey A. Boucher Auto Show, which will be held at the Hub in Downtown Meriden. Raising funds for scholarships in Boucher’s memory, it also helps put the Hub on the map.
If helping Southington students enjoy reading more through reading workshops then we’re all for it. On our part, it takes no workshop for us to look forward to summer when we have more time to sit outside with any number of good books to enjoy.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy for recovering addicts set to begin as part of a program in Wallingford this summer. If horses can serve as a pathway into a human’s emotional issues in a helpful way, it’s a fine idea.
Southington middle school students raising money for and organizing food drives. Need does not dry up in the summertime.
BRAVE, which stands for Bring Remembrance to All Veterans Everywhere, Cheshire high school students has planned its 2011-12 activities to honor veterans. This is positive community involvement.
Planning continues apace for the August 7 Sgt. Jeffrey A. Boucher Auto Show, which will be held at the Hub in Downtown Meriden. Raising funds for scholarships in Boucher’s memory, it also helps put the Hub on the map.
If helping Southington students enjoy reading more through reading workshops then we’re all for it. On our part, it takes no workshop for us to look forward to summer when we have more time to sit outside with any number of good books to enjoy.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy for recovering addicts set to begin as part of a program in Wallingford this summer. If horses can serve as a pathway into a human’s emotional issues in a helpful way, it’s a fine idea.
Southington middle school students raising money for and organizing food drives. Need does not dry up in the summertime.
BRAVE, which stands for Bring Remembrance to All Veterans Everywhere, Cheshire high school students has planned its 2011-12 activities to honor veterans. This is positive community involvement.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., July 9, 2011
Closing a prison in Enfield as part of Gov. Malloy’s budget fixing plan and moving them to Cheshire has virtue as a cost savings and the prison system can take it, having lost population over the last few years. But the issue is whether Cheshire’s municipal sewer plant, soon to be replaced, can handle more inmates in the correctional institutions there.
Sooner or later the Hall Farm on Preston Avenue, Meriden, will find a buyer, and probably a lot of folks won’t like it. It’s a pity that there are no farmers who can afford to buy this land and continue with its historic usage.
Continued efforts to raise funds for Haris and Emir Mehovic of Southington who lost their parents in a tragic murder-suicide in June. Left in such a situation, they’ll need all the help they can get.
There are apparently some conceptual issues to be decided on the Platt High School renovation project in Meriden, but we trust this matter will be worked out promptly and that this project can get underway without any loss of time.
An afterschool program initiative in world languages to begin soon, thanks to help from Wallingford Parks and Rec Department. All indications are, as Supt. Menzo says, that languages are easier to learn the younger instruction begins.
Sooner or later the Hall Farm on Preston Avenue, Meriden, will find a buyer, and probably a lot of folks won’t like it. It’s a pity that there are no farmers who can afford to buy this land and continue with its historic usage.
Continued efforts to raise funds for Haris and Emir Mehovic of Southington who lost their parents in a tragic murder-suicide in June. Left in such a situation, they’ll need all the help they can get.
There are apparently some conceptual issues to be decided on the Platt High School renovation project in Meriden, but we trust this matter will be worked out promptly and that this project can get underway without any loss of time.
An afterschool program initiative in world languages to begin soon, thanks to help from Wallingford Parks and Rec Department. All indications are, as Supt. Menzo says, that languages are easier to learn the younger instruction begins.
Friday, July 8, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., July 8, 2011
Difficulties in hiring construction managers for Platt and Maloney High School projects may slow matters down a bit. We hope all the paper work is pushed through on these Meriden projects as quickly as is compatible with accuracy.
Hackers who had managed some identity theft at the All Pets Club in Wallingford and Branford. Whoever is doing the cheating is a nasty piece of work.
That $5,000 a month for life (minus taxes, we presume) will set a Meriden man up very well for his coming retirement. As usual, the biggest danger is likely to be all the people who are ready to help him spend his winnings.
In some contrast to what happened in Bridgeport (where the school board, mayor and superintendent asked for state intervention in schools), Windham’s system will get some help from the state upon state intervention. They’ll have a “special master,” Hartford’s newly-retired superintendent, as a special advisor to address some of Windom’s issues.
It seems odd, but one consequence of the rejection of the labor deal by state employees is that Connecticut employees all got 2.5 percent raises last week, all governed by contract and all deferred from the last economic meltdown.
The Italian Cultural Extravaganza will take place in Southington on July 24 at Recreation Park, a first stage in the Italian American Festival which takes place the following weekend. About 15 young people have been working on presentations to kick off this year’s events.
Hackers who had managed some identity theft at the All Pets Club in Wallingford and Branford. Whoever is doing the cheating is a nasty piece of work.
That $5,000 a month for life (minus taxes, we presume) will set a Meriden man up very well for his coming retirement. As usual, the biggest danger is likely to be all the people who are ready to help him spend his winnings.
In some contrast to what happened in Bridgeport (where the school board, mayor and superintendent asked for state intervention in schools), Windham’s system will get some help from the state upon state intervention. They’ll have a “special master,” Hartford’s newly-retired superintendent, as a special advisor to address some of Windom’s issues.
It seems odd, but one consequence of the rejection of the labor deal by state employees is that Connecticut employees all got 2.5 percent raises last week, all governed by contract and all deferred from the last economic meltdown.
The Italian Cultural Extravaganza will take place in Southington on July 24 at Recreation Park, a first stage in the Italian American Festival which takes place the following weekend. About 15 young people have been working on presentations to kick off this year’s events.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Thur., July 7, 2011
With Keith Gordon and George McGoldrick both out, there will be some keen competition for the open seats on Meriden's Council. It seems likely that candidates will smell opportunity!
Now that the Board of Finance has knocked $15 million off the $100 million middle school project in Southington, we’ll see what develops. One cannot help noticing that they merely found the price too high and did not offer suggestions as to which parts of the projects might be trimmed, which really doesn’t seem like the most accountable method of reaching a final number.
The evident need for a state takeover of Bridgeport schools, requested by the mayor, superintendent and school board president. Apparently, meetings have become so acrimonious that business cannot be accomplished, which might not matter so much if Bridgeport schools were flourishing.
It’s up to state unions to figure out how to approach Connecticut’s governor with a workable plan. They’d better not stop for lunch.
Now that the Board of Finance has knocked $15 million off the $100 million middle school project in Southington, we’ll see what develops. One cannot help noticing that they merely found the price too high and did not offer suggestions as to which parts of the projects might be trimmed, which really doesn’t seem like the most accountable method of reaching a final number.
The evident need for a state takeover of Bridgeport schools, requested by the mayor, superintendent and school board president. Apparently, meetings have become so acrimonious that business cannot be accomplished, which might not matter so much if Bridgeport schools were flourishing.
It’s up to state unions to figure out how to approach Connecticut’s governor with a workable plan. They’d better not stop for lunch.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., July 6, 2011
Maybe the community will believe Meriden’s transit-oriented development district only when it sees how it has grown, but the city has to start somewhere and to have some kind of plan. Skepticism is fine, cynicism is no help.
Kids Entertainment Series organized by Southington’s Parks and Recreation Department got underway this week on Tuesday night at Recreation Park. From the schedule, it appears that every Tuesday at 6 p.m. will be when the fun starts.
We affirm the NAACP’s wish that the truth about whatever does or does not happen at the Meriden Housing Authority’s Chamberlain Heights project – or anywhere else – is made crystal clear to all.
Kids Entertainment Series organized by Southington’s Parks and Recreation Department got underway this week on Tuesday night at Recreation Park. From the schedule, it appears that every Tuesday at 6 p.m. will be when the fun starts.
We affirm the NAACP’s wish that the truth about whatever does or does not happen at the Meriden Housing Authority’s Chamberlain Heights project – or anywhere else – is made crystal clear to all.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Tues., July 5, 2011
We suppose it makes sense that Connecticut has just passed a law restricting the use of credit checks in employment application situations, at least where it is not directly relevant. But it might make more sense to inquire why so many employers think that credit is relevant when hiring employees who do not handle money or are not in situations which might require credit-worthiness – if there is any reason beyond, heretofore, having been able to use it as a handy tool to winnow.
Did the Wallingford Housing Authority adopt a budget too quickly? Depends on who you ask, with one member thinking it was hastily done, but with the agency under the gun with an extension on filing its budget with CHFA about to expire.
Did the Wallingford Housing Authority adopt a budget too quickly? Depends on who you ask, with one member thinking it was hastily done, but with the agency under the gun with an extension on filing its budget with CHFA about to expire.
Monday, July 4, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., July 4, 2011
An updated cyber bullying law which deals with some of the issues of electronic abuse of school mates has become law. It was clear that the bullying law would need revamping and fine-tuning when it was passed in Connecticut, and it is good to see that it has happened.
Some 24,000 people across the country became citizens in the week before Independence Day, including folks working with SCOW in Wallingford. It’s an irony that very often those who have studied about this nation’s history to pass their citizenship test are better informed than those who were born citizens. We hope it doesn’t have something to do with the fact that US history isn’t on the CAPT or the Mastery Test.
Harford’s Hispanic groups are rallying to try and impress on leaders what a good idea it would be to shape legislative districts – Senate District #1 is their immediate target – so that it would be likely to elect a Latino state senator. Were districts shaped ever to make election of African-American lawmakers likely?
Some 24,000 people across the country became citizens in the week before Independence Day, including folks working with SCOW in Wallingford. It’s an irony that very often those who have studied about this nation’s history to pass their citizenship test are better informed than those who were born citizens. We hope it doesn’t have something to do with the fact that US history isn’t on the CAPT or the Mastery Test.
Harford’s Hispanic groups are rallying to try and impress on leaders what a good idea it would be to shape legislative districts – Senate District #1 is their immediate target – so that it would be likely to elect a Latino state senator. Were districts shaped ever to make election of African-American lawmakers likely?
Sunday, July 3, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., July 3, 2011
Master’s Manna has certainly stepped in in Wallingford and Meriden to meet needs of people with all sorts of problems. The growth of this organization is a remarkable phenomenon.
Connecticut’s mandated reporting law has been strengthened, or will be if Gov. Malloy signs a bill on his desk. The measure owes a good deal to the handling of issues in a Southington case involving a coach seven years ago and will be welcome if signed.
Southington Historical Society is interested in working on an historical kiosk for the new segment of the linear trail in town. This is a natural project for the Society.
Cheshire’s renovated public library will feature, when completed, some interesting ideas, including a café in the front windows. Reconfiguration should keep ‘em talking as well as reading.
Connecticut’s mandated reporting law has been strengthened, or will be if Gov. Malloy signs a bill on his desk. The measure owes a good deal to the handling of issues in a Southington case involving a coach seven years ago and will be welcome if signed.
Southington Historical Society is interested in working on an historical kiosk for the new segment of the linear trail in town. This is a natural project for the Society.
Cheshire’s renovated public library will feature, when completed, some interesting ideas, including a café in the front windows. Reconfiguration should keep ‘em talking as well as reading.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., July 2, 2011
Southington is discussing that middle school project and the latest wrinkle is that the Board of Finance is soon to have a go at the issue. Their main concern is saving money, and we hope too many of the finer points which can make a school unique don’t wind up on the cutting room floor.
Gov. Malloy was given most of the authority he wanted to trim Connecticut’s budget. The other half of the equation is that the legislature postponed D-Day on the labor ratification until August 31.
Congratulations to Richard J. Piekarski, Wallingford tax collector, who is retiring after 35 years with the town. Oddly, it seems to take a pleasant person, not a threatening one to get the most – as it were – out of taxpayers.
Hartford is installing gunshot detectors to triangulate gunfire over a three square mile area to locate trouble and speed police response. Whatever it takes to reduce gun violence sounds like a good plan, and it’s too bad the city didn’t win a grant for video surveillance as well.
Gov. Malloy was given most of the authority he wanted to trim Connecticut’s budget. The other half of the equation is that the legislature postponed D-Day on the labor ratification until August 31.
Congratulations to Richard J. Piekarski, Wallingford tax collector, who is retiring after 35 years with the town. Oddly, it seems to take a pleasant person, not a threatening one to get the most – as it were – out of taxpayers.
Hartford is installing gunshot detectors to triangulate gunfire over a three square mile area to locate trouble and speed police response. Whatever it takes to reduce gun violence sounds like a good plan, and it’s too bad the city didn’t win a grant for video surveillance as well.
Friday, July 1, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., July 1, 2011
Connecticut legislators consider the options at the special session, which began yesterday. It’s going to take a lot of considering, not only by them but also by union leadership and membership before any new agreement is reached.
It would seem that the middle schools in Southington deserve an investment in which the town can take pride. Therefore, as plans progress, it’s important to be prudent but not penny-pinching, although that may turn out to be what voters actually really want, come referendum.
It’s Independence Day Weekend, so police will logically be on the alert with checkpoints for DUI, seatbelts and texting. A word to the wise should be sufficient, but often enough it isn’t – and for goodness’ sake be careful of fireworks, too, remembering that in Connecticut everything is illegal but sparklers and fountains.
Beach pollution was up in Connecticut last summer, it appears, and underlines the need for continuing controls of non-point source substances.
It would seem that the middle schools in Southington deserve an investment in which the town can take pride. Therefore, as plans progress, it’s important to be prudent but not penny-pinching, although that may turn out to be what voters actually really want, come referendum.
It’s Independence Day Weekend, so police will logically be on the alert with checkpoints for DUI, seatbelts and texting. A word to the wise should be sufficient, but often enough it isn’t – and for goodness’ sake be careful of fireworks, too, remembering that in Connecticut everything is illegal but sparklers and fountains.
Beach pollution was up in Connecticut last summer, it appears, and underlines the need for continuing controls of non-point source substances.
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