2 More Opportunities To Register & Vote For November 2nd Election

ELECTION 2021 NOTEBOOK:

NOVEMBER 1^ST VOTER REGISTRATION &

NOVEMBER 2^ND ELECTION DAY VOTER REGISTRATION.

 

TWO MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO REGISTER AND VOTE FOR THE NOVEMBER 2, 2021 ELECTION

 

New voters who just turned 18, moved into town, and just became a United States citizen will have at least two more opportunities to register to vote for the November 2, 2021 municipal election. 

According to the Connecticut statutory requirements, "...you must be registered at least 7 days before a general November Election," according to the City of Middletown's website under voter "Registration Requirements." The website further states you must register in person from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. the day before any election if you meet the criteria above. This date is Monday, November 1st. If you still cannot make this time you will have another opportunity to register and vote on Election Day at Middletown City Hall Lobby located at 245 Dekoven Drive from 6 A.M.-8 P.M. on Tuesday, November 2^nd.

 

Regarding Election Day Voter Registration Middletown Democratic Registrar of Voters Elizabeth Santangelo stated

"For those who know they will go to EDR, we encourage residents to go online after midnight Monday, November 1st. The site is Govote.ct.gov. That way when they arrive at EDR, their application is in the system and can be printed out and signed if necessary. There will also be computers for residents to use when they arrive as well as the last resort of paper applications. The library is open and can assist as well."

For those of you who voted by absentee ballot for this year's municipal election or are planning to vote by absentee ballot please check to see if your absentee ballot was received by the Middletown Town Clerk's office and it was recorded that you voted. Please do not assume they received your ballot. If you value your vote Call or Email the Middletown Town Clerk's Office at 860-638-4910 to find out.  Do It Today.

 

The Town Clerk is Ashley Flynn-Natale and her email is ashley.flynn-natale@middletownct.gov

If you do not check to see if the Town Clerk's office received your ballot your vote may not get counted and you may lose your right to vote in this year's election.

 

For more information about Voter Registration on November 1st and Election Day Voter Registration on November 2^nd  & to view a sample ballot of the election please see the following websites:

 

https://www.middletownct.gov/252/Registration-Requirements

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SOTS/ElectionServices/ElectForms/electforms/ED-671-En-8x10-No-code.pdf

https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS/Election-Services/FAQ/FAQ---Voter-Identification

 

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SOTS/ElectionServices/2021-November-Election-Municipal-Town-Ballots/Middletown_1.pdf

 

On this year’s Middletown ballot there will be two referendum questions about changes to the city charter voters will have the option of voting yes or no. Plus, candidates for the Board of Education, Planning & Zoning & Planning & Zoning Alternate. Please vote on November 2^nd either in person or by absentee ballot.  Absentee ballots must be returned to the Middletown Town Clerk’s Office by 8 p.m. on November 2^nd for it to be counted.  There are two absentee ballot drop boxes outside of City Hall.

Please Vote November 2nd.  Polls are open from 6 a.m.-8 p.m.

 

Enjoy the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17DT4EBKSj8

 

 

 

 

Happy Halloween 2021 In The Age Of COVID-19.

Happy Halloween 2021!

 

How did the Halloween holiday come about? According to history.com “The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain.”

 

The word Halloween precisely means “Hallowed Evening," and prior to this was referred by “early European celebrators as All Hallows' Eve. All Hallows' Eve (October 31) and All Saints' Day (November 1) both paid homage to saints ("hallows" = saints),” according to the article “What's the Real History of Halloween—and Why Do We Celebrate It on October 31?” by Blair Donovan from Country Living Magazine. 

 

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic the Center for Disease Control and the Connecticut Department of Public Health has issued guidelines regarding the traditional Halloween activities this year.  

The CDC updated its holiday advice for Halloween 2021 during another year of COVID-19.  They are saying that outside activities such as Trick or Treating are low risk activities because it is outside.  They are recommending that people who do this activity still wear a surgical mask underneath their costume masks and to get vaccinated against the virus if you have not done so already.  Also, people who pass out treats to the Trick or Treaters should also wear a surgical mask too.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC Director, noted people should not gather in large settings outside and shout like you are at a football game from the WEB MD article “CDC Director Encourages Halloween Trick-or-Treating”.  They are also recommending people get vaccinated from the COVID-19 Virus to minimize the risk of getting it.

The Connecticut Department of Health suggested instead of “in-person house parties host virtual Halloween events, e.g., virtual costume contests, Host drive-by Halloween events…Prepare candy scavenger hunts at homes with your household members…Have a Halloween movie night with the people in your household.  They are recommending the traditional trick or treating be avoided this year because it is a high-risk activity due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.  They also issued guidelines for people who would like to pass out candy to trick or treaters such as wear a mask while giving out treats, use a hand sanitizer before giving out the goodies, remain six feet apart from the trick or treaters and place the candy inside the bag for them instead of them taking it from your candy bowl.

It was 10 years ago on  October 29, 2011 that Winter Storm Alfred struck the state with two feet of snow causing many communities to cancel Halloween according to WFSB TV, Channel 3.  The good news is that there will not be any more snow to ruin everyone’s Halloween plans.  The National Weather Service website is not predicting any snow for Saturday and the nighttime temperature will be in the low 50 degrees. On Sunday, the forecast calls for “A chance of rain before 8am, then a slight chance of showers after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 63. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%,” from the National Weather Service

For more information about Halloween and guidance from the CDC, the Connecticut Department of Public Health please click on the links below.

 

https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween

https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/a40250/heres-why-we-really-celebrate-halloween/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/celebrations.html

https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20211025/cdc-director-halloween-trick-or-treating

https://www.wfsb.com/news/winter-storm-alfred-struck-7-years-ago-today/article_694b8ab0-db7c-11e8-b7ce-df4700f552c0.html

https://www.vaccines.gov

https://portal.ct.gov/vaccine-portal

https://portal.ct.gov/vaccine-portal/COVID-19-Vaccination-Walkup

 

Have a Happy & Safe Halloween!  Enjoy the videos!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQNXbv3LCfE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe93CLbHjxQ

 

 

Opinion - Why Voting is Important: Board of Education

 (COMMENTARY: Ed McKeon is a Democratic member of the Common Council, and a founder of the Middletown Eye.  He is not speaking for the Council, or the Democratic Party, but for himself .)

In my opinion, there might not be a more important Middletown Board of Education election for years to come.

Obviously, the district is struggling through some turmoil, with accusations of a toxic workplace, students attempting to get adjusted to in-person learning and socialization after eighteen months out, teachers dealing with burnout and parent groups demanding recess, relief from masks and "transparency."  What's more, an important Charter Revision questions asks that Middletown Schools become like nearly all other schools in the state, giving the Board of Education control of their own hiring and management of non-certified employees.

Layer on top of this the insidious threats from radical right-wing Republicans here, and across the country who hope to drag the curriculum back to the agrarian age.  Their inaccurate use of buzz terms like Critical Race Theory, reveals a deep vein of racism.

The Republican idea 
of curriculum improvement. 

You've got to listen to what the radical Republicans are telling us about themselves.  Steve Bannon, who was preemptively pardoned of his fundraising con by his ex-boss, Donald Trump, bragged that the right wing radicals would take over the country one school board at a time.

Here in town, radical republicans and members of the Trump cult, are trying to con parents into thinking they are concerned with your kids, teachers, administrators and schools.  These are the same folks who have been screaming "Cut, cut, cut," when it comes to school budgets, for decades.

Let me begin by thanking the teachers, paras, school administrators and staff for weathering the storm of the pandemic in an incredible fashion.  We hope things will return to "normal," soon.

Then let me recommend what may seem obvious if you've gotten this far in the essay.  Vote for Democratic Board of Education candidates.  The candidates, Susan Owens, Emily Jackson, Ian McMahon and Debra Guss are all more than qualified for the role. You can read about them here.  Three of the four Republicans are fringe candidates who have spent the campaign flinging mud, misinterpreting issues, lying and intimidating school employees.

There are two exceptions, if you feel obliged to vote for a Republican.  Charles Wiltsie seems to be a moderate Republican who wants to do the best for the schools. Laura Morello, who is a Republican, but running as a write-in candidate, might be a solution for you if you want to solve the issue of avoiding radical Republicans.  She comes recommended by people I respect.

Finally, I beg reasonable voters not to be distracted by the impeding investigation happening in town.  The Republicans are shamelessly opportunistic.  It would be unfortunate if voters elected them only to find out they will be our worse nightmare.

Vote Democratic, and vote for reason, because it can happen here.

Why Voting is Important: Planning and Zoning

(COMMENTARY: Ed McKeon is a Democratic member of the Common Council, and a founder of the Middletown Eye.  He is not speaking for the Council, or the Democratic Party, but for himself .  Stephen Devoto is a colleague of Ed McKeon's as co-founder of the Middletown Eye.)

Certainly, the development of the Riverfront is a very big reason to have the right people sitting on Planning and Zoning.  Every voter can select up to three candidates from the ballot, but only a single member of the current majority party (Democratic) will be seated (if they maintain their majority), while two minority members can be seated

The good news is that there are a lot of good choices.

Much has already been written about this race because the chairman of Planning and Zoning, Stephen Devoto is running as an independent (unaffiliated) candidate.  

To learn more, you'll want to check out candidate profiles here, and a story about Devoto's run, here  an essay on how to maximize your vote, here, and an essay on how zoning reform is a racial issue, here.

Let's talk about the good choices you have available.

Let's start with Devoto.  He has deep experience as a longtime member, and chair of Planning and Zoning (likely the most experience of any candidate running), with one of his most significant achievements being the creation of a forward-looking plan of development for the city.  He is also a member of the Riverfront Revitalization Committee.

Shanay Fulton is a Democratic candidate who has served on Planning and Zoning as an alternate for the past term.  She is an advocate for the creation of equitable and affordable housing for everyone, and she wants P&Z decisions to reflect the true diversity of the city.

Kelly Sweeny is also a Democrat, and has served most recently on the Charter Review Commission, but she has also been a member of the city's Ethics Board.  She's a Technology Deacon at First Church, and with a Masters in Communication she would like to see more effective communication between Planning and Zoning and residents.

Joan Liska is a Republican who has served for many years on the Conservation Commission and Inland Wetlands, bringing an important perspective for potentially serving on Planning and Zoning.  She'd like to see more residential development downtown.

Brian Gartner, a Democrat, also has a depth of experience on the Conservation and Agriculture Commission and on Inland Wetlands, as well as other commissions.   He is currently an active member of the city's Anti-Racism Task Force.  He would like to develop a good balance between economic development and conservation of open space.

Plenty of good choices.  Vote for up to three.

Why Voting Is Important: Charter Revision - VOTE YES

There are two Charter Revision Questions on the ballot this election A bipartisan Charter Revision Commission met over the course of eight months to consider changes that needed to be made. 

 The Commission met with city leaders, residents and leaders from other communities who had dealt with similar issues. Let's consider both questions. 

 QUESTION ONE: Shall the Charter be revised and reorganized to facilitate public understanding and access to local government by instituting: (a) clear standards of ethical conduct for local officials; (b) uniform procedures enhancing board and commission operations; (c) greater accountability and standards of compensation in the budget process; (d) nonpartisan council leader positions; and, (e) equal employment opportunities? 

 A lot is packed into this question. Much of it is cleaning up old terms that are no longer used, and making sure that the charter reflects the way city government operates now, and will operate into the future. There are some specific changes to consider that are new and different in this charter. There are new ethics regulations, and methods for removing city officials who are convicted of serious wrongdoing. There are stronger and broader regulations for hiring people who might not otherwise have access to city positions. There are term limits on appointed commission seats to open up the potential for involbement to more residents. The position of City Treasurer will be eliminated after the current term because the commission came to understand that the duties of the treasurer when the position was first established, are now handled by other city employees and departments. Also, the leadership structure of the Common Council will change as leaders will now be elected by the membership of the Council (as happens on the Planning and Zoning Commmission for example), and those leaders will be called Council President, and President Pro Tem. Finally rules for submitting budgets will require that all voting members, and the public will have advance knowledge of budget items and adjustments before they are voted upon. 

We urge you to vote YES on QUESTION ONE to move Middletown strongly into the future.

Question Two deals with the relationship between the city and the Board of Education. 

 QUESTION TWO: Shall the Charter be revised to transfer hiring and supervision responsibilities for custodians, secretarial and cafeteria staff, tradespersons, central office staff, and other employees who do not require State Board of Education certification at Middletown Public Schools from the Mayor to the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools? 

 Today, the mayor is responsible for hiring all non-certified (non-education-related) positions at the Board of Education. That means whether the BOE wants to hire custodians, cafeteria workers, school secretaries or the director of Human Resources, it's the mayor, and not the BOE who has the final say. We acknowledge that with the current administrative issues in town that some voters might be reluctant to give more power to the. However, this charter change will not only apply to the current administration and BOE, but to all in the future. At the core of the sometimes debilitating strife between the BOE and the city is the inability for the BOE to hire the staff they need, and want to have the ability to choose, in a timely manner. This charter revision will give them that ability. The city's education unions have opposed this change, seeing it as an attempt to split the unions. However, the unions will retain the ultimate power of organizing their unions that they have now through their collective bargaining agreements. In addition the union membership will retain their participation in the city pension plan, and will be eligible for city benefits. 

We urge you to vote YES on QUESTION TWO to end the decades-old conflicts between the city and the BOE.

Guide to Voting, Planning and Zoning

Getting the most votes does not necessarily mean getting elected. Smart voters will vote accordingly. 

In Connecticut, there is a limit to how many members of a Board or Commission can be from one political party. For Planning and Zoning, no more than 4 Commissioners can be from one party. In Middletown, this limits how many Democrats can serve. 

This year, 3 seats are open, only one of which is currently held by a Democrat. Thus, even though there are 3 Democratic candidates, Shanay Fulton, Kelly Sweeney, and Brian Gartner, only one can actually be seated. 

The other 4 candidates, which include an independent, Stephen Devoto, and 3 Republicans, Joan Liska, Nicholas Fazzino, and Sebastian Giuliano, are vying for the remaining 2 open seats. 

The limitation on the number of Democrats is independent of voting results.  For example, in 2017, the two lowest Democratic candidates had about 25% more votes than the highest Republican candidate, and yet two "losing" Republicans claimed seats instead. In 2013, the two lowest Democratic candidates had almost 50% more votes than the highest Republican candidate, yet two "losing" Republicans claimed seats instead. 

Similar results have been seen for all races in all recent elections: every Democratic candidate has won more votes than any Republican (there are 14,564 registered Democrats, and only 4,744 registered Republicans (there are 12,459 unaffiliated)). 

All voters can cast up to 3 votes. 

A strategic Democrat or Unaffiliated voter might cast a vote for only 1 Democrat, knowing that only one will be seated. A second votes might go to the unaffiliated candidate, Stephen Devoto (Row C). 

A strategic Republican voter, knowing that it is inevitable that one of the Democrats will be seated, would vote for their favorite Democrat, and two of the other candidates. 

Susan Owens, Board of Education Candidate

 My name is Susan Owens. I'm a Democratic candidate for the Middletown Board of Education. I was born and raised in Middletown and graduated from Middlesex Community College with a degree in multimedia. I'm a retired State of Connecticut employee. I have a adult son and raising 3 nephews. After retiring, I volunteered with Children in Placement as a Guardian ad Liem. I served on the NEAT board and was an instructor for PEP (People Empowering People) program. I volunteered with Middletown United Fathers working in the garden, delivering produce to families and the Amazing Grace. I helped Cheryllynn McRae-White run open mic at the Buttonwood Tree for teenagers.  I volunteered at Fellowship Christen School teaching the 5th and 6 grades video production. Later the students and I went to Comcast  and produced a 15 minute skit. I have been volunteering at MHS since 2005. It was in 2009 that Beverly Lawrence, Cheryllynn McRae-White and myself started a mentoring program for the girls at the high school called GIFTS (Girls Inspired for Total Success). We had over 300 girls go through our program.

My platform:  

• First, bring back the fundamental skills of education back into the school system: cursive writing , reports, research, etc.
• Second, interested in the mental health and safety of our children after Covid-19.
• Third, using the opportunity gap to close the achievement gap.
• Lastly, have more diversity of teachers in the public school system.

Come out on November 2, 2021 and Vote for Susan Owens for the Board of Education.

Halloween Safety Tips

From the Middletown Police Department
------------------------
With Halloween approaching us this Sunday, the Middletown Police Department would like to ensure that it is enjoyable and safe for everyone in our community. Our patrol officers will be in our neighborhoods doing their best to make sure that this is accomplished but they will need the community’s help. While trick-or-treating could be hazardous due to a large volume of pedestrians in our roadways during the darkness, it does not have to be if both motorists and pedestrians be cautious. We would like to pass along the following safety tips for Halloween:

• We urge drivers to pay special attention during the evening hours for trick-or-treaters and take your time when traveling our city streets. Be careful entering and exiting driveways.
• Children should wear reflective tape on their costumes or bags or provide them with glow sticks or a flashlight so that they can be more easily seen by motorists.
• Costumes should not impair the child’s vision.
• Realistic replica firearms should never be used as a prop to a costume.
• We recommend that a responsible adult accompany young children throughout our neighborhoods.
•  If a responsible adult is not available to accompany them, we recommend that you know your child’s route and that they trick-or-treat in a group.
• Children should walk, not run, throughout our neighborhoods and pay special attention when crossing streets during trick-or-treating.
• Children should remain on the side of our streets or sidewalks (when available).
• We recommend that children never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.
• If you intend to pass out candy, please ensure that your home is well lit.
• Inspect your child’s candy prior to them eating it and discard any unwrapped candy or any that just does not look right.

As always, report anything suspicious to the Middletown Police Department. If it is an emergency, dial 911. If it is not an emergency, our routine line is 860-347-2541.

Why Voting Is Important November 2

 (OPINION: This commentary is the opinion of the author, Ed McKeon.  McKeon is one of the founders of the Middletown Eye.  He serves on the Middletown Common Council, and has served on the Board of Education.  This is his opinion alone and does not represent the opinion of the Common Council, and other members of the Common Council, or any member of City government.)

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/critical-race-theory-invades-school-boards-help-conservative-groups-n1270794

This election day is important.  Every election day is important.  Every vote is important.

It may not seem so important to many.  No presidents or senators on the ballot.  No mayoral candidates.  

Is this the future you want?

However, the ballot features candidates for the Board of Education, the Planning and Zoning Commission and two Charter Revision questions.

You thought maybe you could skip this election?  Think again.

I challenge you, considering everything that's going on in town today, to argue that who serves on the Board of Education, and who serves on Planning and Zoning, is not important.

In addition, there's a widely-covered movement in which radical Republicans, following the advice of fascist sages like Steve Bannon, are attempting to take over local boards and commissions one town at a time.  Their goal: to have us retreat into history to a time when racism, homophobia and misogyny were acceptable.

Maybe you've been seduced by local Republicans who professes a sudden enthusiasm for schools, teachers and the environment.  I will tell you (in fact most of them will tell you themselves, if you look closely), that these are the same folks who have campaigned for years against school funding and environmental regulation. They're operating from the Trump playbook, and it's a con.  They agree with you on hot-button issues like recess or fighting in schools, but they don't really care about your schools, your teachers, your children, or your rivers and clean air.

Over the next few days, leading up to the election, I plan to give you my perspective on the upcoming election - who to vote for, who not to vote for, why charter revision is important.

You may have guessed by now that I'm a progressive Democrat, but I have worked well with conservative Dems, and with reasonable moderate and conservative Republicans.  Unfortunately, it's the "reasonable" label that seems to have been abandoned in these divisive times.

Election day is November 2.  See you at the polls.

COMMENTARY BY DAVID ROANE - MODERN-DAY LYNCHING?

(The following is an opinion piece by David Roane, a longtime Middletown resident, veteran and member of the Charter Revision Commission.  His opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other members of the Charter Revision Commission or other Middletown Eye authors or editors.) 

Lynchings were violent public acts that white people used to terrorize and control the labor and regulate the behavior of Black people into submission, and into an inferior racial caste position.

A typical lynching would involve criminal accusations, often dubious, against a black American, and remains one of the most durable tropes of white supremacy. The legacy of such brutal, racist murders is still largely going on in this the 21st century.

Instead of finding a tree and hanging Black (men, women, and even our black children) people, we are being gunned down by racist police and/or killed off by taking our jobs away from us solely because we are not doing or saying what the whites want us to do or say. In other words, “If we are not or act like a “Sambo," we will be lynched.

Today, I write to you as a Black man … There is no other way to write to you, given recent events.

I spent the night, like a moth drawn to a flame, reading repeatedly about the brutal lies and accusations against our city’s first Black Superintendent by the white supremacy, Middletown Republican party (and those even in the Democratic party) and community. It is a “legalized lynching."

I am struck by the callousness and the casual dehumanization of Dr. Conners solely because he is a Black Man. Secondly, Union Local 6457 president reported to City Council, in their claim said, “members of the central office senior management” yet, only one name is a Black Man, Dr. Conner! Why? Is the real reason they want to keep the charter revision from passing? When passed thereby giving more responsibility to the Superintendent? If you ask them, they will say it’s because they do not want to split the union. No, they do not want a black man with all that power.

In dealing with allegations of “harassment, intimidation and retaliation”, which is a repeat of when this city hired its first Black principle. Do you remember Dr. Richard Thompson? Whites made up the same lies about him in their attempts to get rid of him for the same reason, he was a Black Man. Along with these allegations, intimidations and retaliations, 15 anonymous, former employees, sent statements to council members.

I submit to you that these former and current employees are still working. These employees did not want changes; did not like not being promoted, coupled with the breaking-up and stopping jobs from going to their white family relations and friends, etc. Furthermore, they couldn’t stand having a Black Male tell them what they could and/or could not do and, when they could speak and could not speak.

The present Mayor issued a joint statement with Council Majority Leader and Council Minority Leader urging an investigation be conducted. Yet when the same kind of allegations were made about the former Mayor of this city, our Council was quiet because he was a “White Male."

In keeping it real, the same goes for our City Human Relation Office was quiet again when the same kind of claims were being made by city employees about the past Mayor. He was a white person and the HR boss.

Now we have a Hispanic (again the first) Superintendent filling in for Dr. Conner. Pay attention, he will be next. For this same white supremacy is already talking negatively about him, saying they fired him in Massachusetts, by buying out his contract to get rid of him. Asking why did superintendent bring him here? If he was a white man, there would be no questioning.

We must not and shall not let this racist faction of Middletown be victorious. We need to keep Dr. Conner as our school superintendent. And remember, in November, go out and vote “YES” for Charter revision.

David Roane

Middletown, CT

TWO REFERENDUM QUESTIONS ON CITY'S BALLOT NOVEMBER 2ND. VOTE NOVEMBER 2, 2021!

ELECTION 2021 NOTEBOOK:

 

TWO REFERENDUM QUESTION FACING CITY VOTERS ON NOVEMBER 2, 2021.

 

Middletown Voters will have the opportunity to vote for candidates for the Board of Education, Planning & Zoning & Planning and Zoning Alternate on Election Day, Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

City Voters will be asked to decide the fate of two referendum questions on this day.  The first question "Shall the Charter be revised and reorganized to facilitate public understanding and access to local government by instituting: (a) clear standards of ethical conduct for local officials; (b) uniform procedures enhancing board and commission operations; (c) greater accountability and standards of compensation in the budget process; (d) nonpartisan council leader positions; and (e) equal employment opportunities?" 

 

The second question "Shall the Charter be revised to transfer hiring and supervision responsibilities for custodians, secretarial and cafeteria staff, tradespersons, central office staff, and other employees who do not require State Board of Education certification at Middletown Public Schools from the Mayor to the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools?"  People will have the option of voting yes or no on these questions.

 

Deputy Mayor & City Councilman Vincent J. Loffredo stated the current city charter may change if the majority of voters approve of the changes.  He said “It will be a new charter based on the majority vote for each question.”  For example, if question one passes and question two fails the only changes in the new charter will be about question one.  The same will happen if question two passes and question one fails according to Loffredo.  If both questions are defeated by the voters there will not be any changes to the city charter. “The new charter will be reflected by the majority vote,” stated Loffredo.

 

The first question is comprised of 11 amendments to the City Charter.  In Chapter 2-"Officers & Elections", it proposes to eliminate the elected office of City Treasurer, conflict of interest & ethical guidelines are established and "removal provisions for department heads and appointed officials are consolidated; and grounds are created for removal of elected officials."

 

Chapter 3 eliminates the office of Deputy Mayor and is replaced by a Council President & President Pro Tempore. The new President would act in the absence of the Mayor and during a temporary vacancy in the Mayor's office.  The Council Clerk would be appointed by the Council President.  

 

Chapter 4-the Office of Mayor would eliminate the Administrative Staff position and it would be replaced with "Chief of Staff."  It would also eliminate the Corporation Counsel and changes the name of the City Attorney to “General Counsel” and it "...defines the functions of the office," according to the "Proposed Revision The Charter of the City of Middletown" document.

 

Chapter 5-City Departments. "Sets forth the powers and purpose of City Departments; establishes legal procedures for the creation and reorganization of departments." This section keeps the Mayor's authority to remove the department director for cause.

 

Chapter 6-Finance & Taxation: It restructures the city's budget process.  It "eliminates newspaper publication in lieu of compliance with the public notice provisions of the Charter allowing electronic publication unless otherwise required by law; added procedures for final action on the budget including a required public hearing and protocols for addressing disclosure of information prior to final action."

 

Regarding the City’s Legal notices that are normally published in the two daily newspapers. “It will be published on the city’s website unless the law requires it to be published in a local newspaper,” stated Loffredo. “It will stay on the city’s website permanently and it will be archived,” commented Loffredo.

Chapter 7-No changes to the Sanitation Disposal District.

 

Chapter 8-Boards & Commissions: It states the "the general requirements for all appointed boards and commissions including method of creation, appointment, term limitations (three consecutive terms), vacancy, removal, residency requirements, prohibition of compensation, minority party representation..." and more.

 

Chapter 9-Bonding Powers.  "Clarifies the authorization requirements for council action and referenda authorizing the issuance of bonds. The provisions do not change the current threshold of $750,000."

 

Chapter 10-Personnel Policies.  "Establishes standards for equal opportunity, diversity, equity, affirmative action and inclusion for the hiring and promotion of City employees."

 

Chapter 11-This section states these amendments to the City's Charter cannot take effect unless ratified by the voters on November 2nd.

 

The last day to register to vote for the city’s municipal election is Tuesday, October 26^th.  Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic people can vote by absentee ballot like last year’s 2020 presidential election.  Applications for absentee ballots are available now.   According to Middletown Town Clerk Ashley Flynn-Natale she stated “The deadline to request an absentee ballot in person is the day before.  There is no date by mail however if we do not have the absentee ballot by 8pm election night the ballot does not count.  We have two absentee ballot boxes outside of city hall and they are checked multiple times a day.”  The Town Clerk’s Office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.  The phone number for the Registrar of Voters is 860-638-4950 and the Town Clerk’s phone number is 860.638.4910. 

 

For more information about the two referendum questions, voter registration, absentee ballots & to view a sample ballot please see the following links:

 

https://www.middletownct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/20528/Explanatory-Text-of-Charter-Amendment-for-November-2-2021-PDF

 

https://www.vote411.org/connecticut#registration-deadline

 

https://voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/welcome.do

 

https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SOTS/ElectionServices/2021-November-Election-Municipal-Town-Ballots/Middletown_1.pdf

 

Please Vote on November 2, 2021 either in person or by absentee ballot.  Polls Are Open From 6 A.M.-8 P.M.  VOTE!

 

Enjoy the video.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOsvWZ4p3_Q