Meanwhile, at the new Comcast studio in Cromwell, while the BOE meeting was going on Tuesday, two Middletown mothers were guests on the cable access show "The Edge" hosted by Jonathan Pulino and guest co-hosted by Councilwoman Debra Kleckowski filling in for regular host William Wilson. Jane Majewski, mother of two children attending Middletown public schools, one with autism, and organizer of the online petition written about previously in the Eye, calling for the termination of the three administrators in charge of special education services for Middletown because of what she calls their negligence in failure to address the needs of her son by elimination of the DEAL program. The DEAL program was a program made up of special classes taught by teachers trained to handle children with various learning and behavioral disabilities that was housed at Lawrence Elementary to serve all Middletown elementary aged special needs students.
Showing posts with label Jon Pulino. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jon Pulino. Show all posts
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Cable Advisory: Scholarships, Grant to Oddfellows PSA, Comcast Move
Last night the Northern Middlesex Cable Advisory Board got to see the result’s of its $2,500 grant to Oddfellow’s Playhouse. Oddfellow’s Director Matt Pugliese expressed his jubilation with the results of the 3 public service announcement’s that Oddfellow’s was able to shoot using the funds donated by the Board. Puglieses came armed with a ipad to show the 12 members one of the 30 second professionally directed PSA's that will be used in commercial campaign’s to attract new student’s to the youth theater program. Pugliese said “ In 2009 about a third of our student’s received some sort of scholarship help based on financial need, this past year that number is almost half. We at Oddfellow’s will never turn a child away because of inability to pay; but to be able to do that we need to be able to attract donors, get grants, and attract new students who are able to pay full tuition to be able to offer that cost. The building collapse last year really hurt us financially, and I cannot thank the Board enough for this contribution. With it we were able to make 3 PSA’s – two 30 second spots and a 4 minute long historical overview of Oddfellows. We will be using these on our website, and in the future possibly be using them for TV air time. Thank you all.” A number of board members expressed their eagerness to continue to help Oddfellows and expressed the desire to incorporate the PSAs as commercials aired during their personal cable access shows on Comcast. Pugliese said he would make the PSA’s available and they are now also available for the public to see on Oddfellow’s YouTube channel.
Board member William Wilson discussed plans to create a scholarship in honor of longtime Comcast cable access volunteer and Middletown resident Justin Hinze who passed away two days before Christmas in 2010. “ He was a wonderful person that was bullied at school, but learned to be himself around the Comcast set. He found his place on camera and developed his own show. Making a scholarship that his mother will have input on that’s available to students in all 5 towns that this board serves is a true honor to his memory.” The scholarship will be available to residents of East Hampton, Middlefield, Middletown, Portland, Meriden & Cromwell student’s graduating in 2012. The Board hopes it can make the scholarship offering an annual event. The Boards is currently developing the criteria for which a student will qualify for the scholarship and plan to distribute it to all the high schools where it will be offered.
John Barrow, general manager at Comcast gave his report and invited the public to attend an Open House January 31th at the new Comcast studio location. Anyone wishing to have his or her own cable access show is encouraged to come to the open house as well. Comcast previously located on Tuttle Rd. in Middletown has moved to a brand new facility on Willowbrood Drive in Cromwell. Barrow discussed the new features of the facility that were not available at the old location. The new Comcast Service Center & Studio has a state of the art lobby with 4 TV’s where customers can try out 3D TV and HDTV viewing. There is also a kiosk which customer’s can use like an ATM and directly pay their bill with cash or credit cards in person. There is also a service desk with staff where customer’s can address their cable & Internet issues if they are unable to resolve their needs by phone. The new studio is a huge upgrade from the previously aging studio in Middletown. New features include but are not limited to direct intercom from director to on set, fully functioning digital sound, and inputs for digital media from laptops. Previously any media that an access show’s producers wished to air had to be manually transferred by cd or sometimes vhs tape. The new studio is available to for the public access productions.
CA Board chairman Jon Pulino expressed what was on many of the member’s mind that evening and has been a topic of discussion at almost every meeting for over a year. When will AT&T Uverse have the public access channel? Barrow’s said, “Corporate is working on it but still in negotiations.” Barrow’s later reminded the Board that for other CT town’s some negotiations had gone on 2 years. Treasurer and the most tenured member of the Board Middletown resident John Schilke explained to me after the meeting that the negotiation is out of the hands of the local Board and local Comcast branch, it is something that the national At&t corporation and Comcast have to reach. Currently, Comcast airs Common Council, BOE and P&Z ,and other municipal meetings on the cable access channel, an agreement that has yet to be reached would allow At&T Uverse subscribers to have this channel also. I asked Schilke, retired director of Video & Digital Communications at Yale, what about the possibility of live internet streaming and archiving of these sessions, and he said as far as available technology it is certainly in the realm of possibility of as a service that Comcast could offer if it chose to do so. The Board cannot mandate what services are offered, but citizens can come before the Board to make suggestions or ask questions.
The meeting closed with a motion to move the public session to the front of the meeting, which passed unanimously. Resident’s with issues with their Comcast cable or internet service who have exhausted trying to resolve their billing or service problem by phone can appear before the Board and speak with the Comcast liaison directly to resolve their issue. The Board, as mandated by the FCC acts as advocate for the five surrounding towns.
Open House New Comcast Studio & Service Center –Willowbrook Drive, Cromwell
January 31, 2012 at 6:00 pm.
The Oddfellow’s PSA made possible by the Northern Middlesex Cable Advisory Board
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Cable Access Opportunity!
Have you ever wanted to start your own public access program? Did you ever consider getting free camera and technical support classes? If so, Comcast's Free Open House is something you may want to attend.On November 14,2011 Comcast Channel 15, located at 19 Tuttle Place in Middletown, will be having their annual open house which which will last from 6-8 P.M.Come join the public access community and meet the producers and hosts of your favorite shows. See You There!Thanks,Jonathan PulinoChairperson Northern Middlesex Community Cable Advisory Board
Friday, November 11, 2011
Identity Theft: The Real Julian Schmidt Expresses Outrage
The Middletown Eye reported last week that somebody used the name and photo of a Julian Schmidt, a real person in Germany, to masquerade as a Wesleyan student who was opposed to Dan Drew, and in support of Jon Pulino. The Full Story is HERE.
The real Julian Schmidt learned about this identity theft after being contacted by a friend of Viktoria Sundqvist, editor of the Middletown Press. He contacted The Eye on Monday, asking that his photo be removed from our web site.
Schmidt submitted the following statement to The Eye:
The real Julian Schmidt learned about this identity theft after being contacted by a friend of Viktoria Sundqvist, editor of the Middletown Press. He contacted The Eye on Monday, asking that his photo be removed from our web site.
Schmidt submitted the following statement to The Eye:
"First I've heard about this story, I was really shocked and outraged that somebody uses my picture and my name to act political in this way.
I have no idea who or why somebody would pick my name and photo. Also I don't have any relations to anyone in the USA.
This person has not enough courage to stand behind his own opinion with his own personality.
I have no respect for people doing such things.
It is really sad to hear about such a thing.
There are some many people out there who lie and cheat to other peoples, who trust them with all they have.
Just be yourself and stand behind the things you trust/believe in."
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Citizen Endorses Jon Pulino (R) Treasurer
Dear Editor:
I am writing this letter in order to highly recommend that the voters elect Jonathan to the office of city treasurer on November 8, 2011. As a school teacher, Jonathan Pulino is required to make tough and crucial decisions everyday that impact the future of many Maloney High School students and staff. Jonathan is consistently early for work and leaves the building very late in the day while taking pride in his work. Besides being an amazing and creative teacher that can motivate students to write about classic topics such as The Pearl, The Odyssey and Beowulf, Jonathan has become a very holistic problem solver. I have seen Jonathan calm a classroom down by using non-verbal communication techniques that bring down disruptions while bringing the level of production using a Collins Style method high. Another key component of Jonathan is his ability to be cool under pressure during fire and lock down drills, this is something is usually overlooked during teacher interviews, but could result in a teacher making a bad decision because they weren’t trained correctly. This isn't the case with Jonathan, who seems to know the safety manual backwards and forward.
It should also be noted that Jonathan Pulino is the current class advisor for Maloney's Senior Class (2012) and has done an incredible job at balancing the $23,000 budget that was raised by the students. Although the figure is not as big a city budget, the concept is the same: follow the money and keep track of the funds. If a discrepancy is found, the proper protocol at MHS is to alert the appropriate administrator. This is something that Jonathan would do very well as city treasurer, he would not be afraid to blow the whistle on any wrong doing that is going on and will do what's right.
Respectfully,
Kate Dubois
Middletown Resident
I am writing this letter in order to highly recommend that the voters elect Jonathan to the office of city treasurer on November 8, 2011. As a school teacher, Jonathan Pulino is required to make tough and crucial decisions everyday that impact the future of many Maloney High School students and staff. Jonathan is consistently early for work and leaves the building very late in the day while taking pride in his work. Besides being an amazing and creative teacher that can motivate students to write about classic topics such as The Pearl, The Odyssey and Beowulf, Jonathan has become a very holistic problem solver. I have seen Jonathan calm a classroom down by using non-verbal communication techniques that bring down disruptions while bringing the level of production using a Collins Style method high. Another key component of Jonathan is his ability to be cool under pressure during fire and lock down drills, this is something is usually overlooked during teacher interviews, but could result in a teacher making a bad decision because they weren’t trained correctly. This isn't the case with Jonathan, who seems to know the safety manual backwards and forward.
It should also be noted that Jonathan Pulino is the current class advisor for Maloney's Senior Class (2012) and has done an incredible job at balancing the $23,000 budget that was raised by the students. Although the figure is not as big a city budget, the concept is the same: follow the money and keep track of the funds. If a discrepancy is found, the proper protocol at MHS is to alert the appropriate administrator. This is something that Jonathan would do very well as city treasurer, he would not be afraid to blow the whistle on any wrong doing that is going on and will do what's right.
Respectfully,
Kate Dubois
Middletown Resident
Ryan Kennedy Endorses Jon Pulino (R) for Treasurer
From Ryan Carlson Kennedy, Middletown Board of Education, Voteryan06@yahoo.com
October 15, 2011
I have been asked to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Jonathan Pulino, and I am pleased to do so. I have known Mr. Pulino for more than six years and feel comfortable offering a personal and professional reference. Jon is a very bright, capable, and dedicated educator. He is calm, good-natured, and a loving father of two. He is also, without question, conscientious, self-motivated, and honest.
Jon has worked as a public school teacher since 1999, beginning at Pulaski Middle School in New Britain, Connecticut. He is currently employed with the Meriden Public Schools. Throughout his 12 years of teaching Jon has continued to further his education by completing his 062 and 015 state certificates. In short, by any measure he is a model educator and citizen who will reflect well upon any organization with which he might be associated.
Jon is also very well rounded. He is currently serving as Chairman of the Cable Advisory Board while continuing to host a monthly public access show titled “The Edge”. As is reflected in his professional resume, Jon has been and remains active in his community in both elected and appointed capacities. I trust you will agree that his many accomplishments in this area demonstrate two things: First, that he takes a genuine interest in the serious matters associated with civic affairs; secondly, that he has earned the respect and admiration of the opinion leaders of his community. Taken together, I believe this speaks very well of Jon’s professional potential and places him head-and-shoulders above most of his peers.
If I may be of further service to you or wish to speak to me about this recommendation I encourage you to speak to me directly. Otherwise, I urge you to give Mr. Pulino the highest possible consideration for the office of city treasurer.
Very truly yours,
Ryan Kennedy
Middletown Board of Education
October 15, 2011
I have been asked to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Jonathan Pulino, and I am pleased to do so. I have known Mr. Pulino for more than six years and feel comfortable offering a personal and professional reference. Jon is a very bright, capable, and dedicated educator. He is calm, good-natured, and a loving father of two. He is also, without question, conscientious, self-motivated, and honest.
Jon has worked as a public school teacher since 1999, beginning at Pulaski Middle School in New Britain, Connecticut. He is currently employed with the Meriden Public Schools. Throughout his 12 years of teaching Jon has continued to further his education by completing his 062 and 015 state certificates. In short, by any measure he is a model educator and citizen who will reflect well upon any organization with which he might be associated.
Jon is also very well rounded. He is currently serving as Chairman of the Cable Advisory Board while continuing to host a monthly public access show titled “The Edge”. As is reflected in his professional resume, Jon has been and remains active in his community in both elected and appointed capacities. I trust you will agree that his many accomplishments in this area demonstrate two things: First, that he takes a genuine interest in the serious matters associated with civic affairs; secondly, that he has earned the respect and admiration of the opinion leaders of his community. Taken together, I believe this speaks very well of Jon’s professional potential and places him head-and-shoulders above most of his peers.
If I may be of further service to you or wish to speak to me about this recommendation I encourage you to speak to me directly. Otherwise, I urge you to give Mr. Pulino the highest possible consideration for the office of city treasurer.
Very truly yours,
Ryan Kennedy
Middletown Board of Education
Citizen Endorses GOP Candidates
With Election Day rapidly approaching, I've been meaning to write about some of theGOP candidates that I have come to know best for some time now. I just never thought I'd be doing so with my thumbs on my cell sitting in my car in the Metro Square parking lot (the only place I can get somewhat reliable cell service.) Funny as it sounds, I've had a country song rattling around in my head for a solid month now. Its refrain goes something like, "Who are you when no one's looking?" It's really a lovely song by Blake Shelton and, believe it or not, while listening to it I had an epiphany - I am uniquely poised through my volunteering with the Middletown GOP to tell all and sundry about the following candidates' characters, something that always matters to me when I am casting a vote.
Let me start at the top. Mayor Sebastian Giuliano - he is what I call a "Mr. Middletown." What I mean by that is someone who knows everything there is to know about the city...and then some. And besides that, he loves this city. I don't think we could have another Mayor who cares for this city so viscerally as does Mayor Giuliano. I really don't. I have knocked on doors in various neighborhoods with Mayor Giuliano and have seen firsthand how much its citizens mean to him and how connected he is to his constituents. Their problems are his problems. He strives to do the right thing, even when it isn't the popular or easy thing to do. That tells me all I need to know about his character.
A footnote on the Mayor - he was at the city's emergency shelter for days. Doing the right thing (yet again) without any self-aggrandizement whatsoever.
Let me start at the top. Mayor Sebastian Giuliano - he is what I call a "Mr. Middletown." What I mean by that is someone who knows everything there is to know about the city...and then some. And besides that, he loves this city. I don't think we could have another Mayor who cares for this city so viscerally as does Mayor Giuliano. I really don't. I have knocked on doors in various neighborhoods with Mayor Giuliano and have seen firsthand how much its citizens mean to him and how connected he is to his constituents. Their problems are his problems. He strives to do the right thing, even when it isn't the popular or easy thing to do. That tells me all I need to know about his character.
A footnote on the Mayor - he was at the city's emergency shelter for days. Doing the right thing (yet again) without any self-aggrandizement whatsoever.
Letter of Endorsement: Jon Pulino Treasurer (R)
Editor:
My name is Eleanor (Bellobuono) Tomaszewski. I am a senior citizen (82 years young) and am
writing to urge Middletown voters to elect Jonathan Pulino as Middletown's next city treasurer on November 8, 2011. In particular, I ask that all of Middletown senior citizens vote for Jonathan Pulino as I know that he has our best interests at heart and will listen to our concerns. I know this for a fact as I have talked to Jonathan at length myself.
Currently Jonathan teachers English at an inner city high school in Meriden which is something that only a small amount of people can do. After getting to know Jonathan through the Middletown Republican Town Committee (I have been a member since 2004), I have been very impressed with his attitude toward his chosen profession and philosophy that the job is a "calling" rather than a daily grind.
He enthusiastically speaks about his experiences in the classroom and at times appears frustrated over the fact that he wasn't able to reach a student that day- this is a good example of somebody that is not self-absorbed and reflective and person that should be in local government.
Jonathan has also mentioned that as a treasurer he would institute a 4-prong policy to take the
office into a new direction. He speaks about forming a treasurer's committee which would include
members of both sides of the political aisle in order to focus on the city's money issues. Jonathan also supports line items and transparency with regard the Board of Education's budget something that he would like to push the state legislation to change if he is elected.
It is Jonathan's feelings that being part of city government is an honor and a privilege and not
something to be looked at lightly. I learned this when I dealt with Jonathan at a meeting of the Board of Assessment Appeals in 2007, he was kind and polite and listened to my appeal a lot longer than he wassupposed to which meant a lot to me: he was listening to my side of story, not trying to get me out of the office like others have done to senior citizens such as myself in the past.
Anyone that knows me knows that I am a very forthright person. I would only write a letter for
someone I wholeheartedly believed in. Jonathan Pulino is a person of exceptional and uncommon
integrity and possesses skills that will make for an excellent city treasurer.
Respectfully,
Eleanor (Bellobuono) Tomaszewski
My name is Eleanor (Bellobuono) Tomaszewski. I am a senior citizen (82 years young) and am
writing to urge Middletown voters to elect Jonathan Pulino as Middletown's next city treasurer on November 8, 2011. In particular, I ask that all of Middletown senior citizens vote for Jonathan Pulino as I know that he has our best interests at heart and will listen to our concerns. I know this for a fact as I have talked to Jonathan at length myself.
Currently Jonathan teachers English at an inner city high school in Meriden which is something that only a small amount of people can do. After getting to know Jonathan through the Middletown Republican Town Committee (I have been a member since 2004), I have been very impressed with his attitude toward his chosen profession and philosophy that the job is a "calling" rather than a daily grind.
He enthusiastically speaks about his experiences in the classroom and at times appears frustrated over the fact that he wasn't able to reach a student that day- this is a good example of somebody that is not self-absorbed and reflective and person that should be in local government.
Jonathan has also mentioned that as a treasurer he would institute a 4-prong policy to take the
office into a new direction. He speaks about forming a treasurer's committee which would include
members of both sides of the political aisle in order to focus on the city's money issues. Jonathan also supports line items and transparency with regard the Board of Education's budget something that he would like to push the state legislation to change if he is elected.
It is Jonathan's feelings that being part of city government is an honor and a privilege and not
something to be looked at lightly. I learned this when I dealt with Jonathan at a meeting of the Board of Assessment Appeals in 2007, he was kind and polite and listened to my appeal a lot longer than he wassupposed to which meant a lot to me: he was listening to my side of story, not trying to get me out of the office like others have done to senior citizens such as myself in the past.
Anyone that knows me knows that I am a very forthright person. I would only write a letter for
someone I wholeheartedly believed in. Jonathan Pulino is a person of exceptional and uncommon
integrity and possesses skills that will make for an excellent city treasurer.
Respectfully,
Eleanor (Bellobuono) Tomaszewski
Senator Len Suzio (R) Endorses Jon Pulino for Treasurer
Editor,
I urge Middletown voters to vote for Jon Pulino for City Treasurer. I know Jon personally and I have always been impressed by his intelligence, intensity and incredible work ethic. John's three-pronged plan which includes a bipartisan treasurer's cabinet is a terrific idea and shows Jon's creativity and open-mindedness. I know if Jon is elected he will give a 110% effort to the job.
Please vote for Jon Pulino on Nov. 8th!
State Senator Len Suzio
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Who Created Julian Schmidt?
[Note added, November 11th, 2011: Comment from the real Julian Schmidt.]
[Note added, November 7th, 2011: Today, The Eye received a request from a Julian Schmidt in Germany, requesting that we remove his photo from our web site. We have done so. Separately, the Facebook page for Julian Schmidt, Wesleyan '14, was deleted at some point between November 4th and 7th, 2011, and the name and photo were also deleted from the TSV Mutlangen sports club in Stuttgart.]
[Note added, November 7th, 2011: Today, The Eye received a request from a Julian Schmidt in Germany, requesting that we remove his photo from our web site. We have done so. Separately, the Facebook page for Julian Schmidt, Wesleyan '14, was deleted at some point between November 4th and 7th, 2011, and the name and photo were also deleted from the TSV Mutlangen sports club in Stuttgart.]
“Julian Schmidt, Wesleyan Class of 2014” has been the author as well as the subject of comments in the online news media outlets. “Schmidt” describes himself as a Democrat who is intending to challenge Joe Serra in a primary for the nomination to the 33rd District State Legislative Seat. This would be big news in our City, except for one detail. “Julian Schmidt” does not exist.
The comments section during the municipal election season becomes an even deeper than usual cesspool of insults, attacks, and unsubstantiated rumors. Virtually all of these are signed with “anonymous” or an obviously fictive name. The Eye comments section has not been fertile ground for this cowardly spew, because its comment moderators will reject the worst of them. However, the moderators see a substantial number of comments on the borderline between negative and nasty, we often agonize (and sometimes disagree with each other) over whether a particular comment is part of a productive dialog or drags the community down.
If a comment is signed, Eye moderators give it the benefit of the doubt, even if it approaches that border. We shouldn't be surprised, I suppose, that at least one commenter, eager to find a way to make negative comments, has taken to signing posts with the names of obscure public figures. These have included Al Pratt (the "real" Al Pratt is a DC Comics superhero), Bill Duke, and a number of others (challenge to our readers: how many have we let slip by?). [If there is a real Al Pratt or Bill Duke in Middletown, The Eye will treat you to an O'Rourke's breakfast as an apology for not printing your comment.]
Many of these comments include the phrase, “As a Dem...”, and then go on to criticize the Democratic nominee for mayor, Dan Drew.
A week ago Monday, we received the following comment which fit into that pattern, but included some jaw-dropping news below his name.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Candidate Profile: Jon Pulino for Treasurer (R)
The below information is a part of the Eye's Elections 2011 series to provide information to voting citizens and does not represent any endorsement by the Middletown Eye or any of its authors.
Jon Pulino is seeking a first term as City Treasurer of Middletown, CT. Previously Mr. Pulino has served one term on the Middletown Board of Assessment Appeals and currently sits on the town's Zoning Board of Appeals committee as well as Chairperson the Cable Advisory Board.
Occupation: Currently teachers English Literature at Maloney High School in Meriden, Connecticut where besides teaching five daily classes, he has been elected building representative for the Meriden Board of teacher four years in a row. Mr. Pulino holds the following educational credentials: English certification state of Connecticut (015); Certified Media Specialist (062); Educational Leadership Certification/6th year degree (Scheduled Completion date Spring 2013). Besides teaching full time in Meriden, Mr. Pulino works for the Wesleyan Upward Bound Program in Middletown and the New Britian Rock Cats organization, a double AA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.
Education- Mr. Pulino holds a Bachelors of Science in Communication and Bachelors of Arts Degree from Eastern Connecticut State University (1994/1995). He also holds a Masters in Educational Technology from Central Connecticut State University (2007) as well as 30 credits past his Masters. His earlier education includes earning an Associate Degree from Middlesex Community College in 1992 and a member of Xavier High School's class of 1989.
Political Offices Held: Chairperson of the Middlesex Cable Advisory Board (2009-Present); Zoning Board of Appeals (2009-Present), and Board or Assessment Appeals 2007-2009.
Civic Organizations: Italian American Civic Organization (2005-Present); Washington Lodge No. 70 Windsor, and American Federation of Teachers.
Volunteer: Comcast Cable - Host of “The Edge”: a political satire program that deals with local political issues since 1998 and co-host of “The Variety Hour” with Billy Wilson since 2007.
Visit his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jon.pulino
Occupation: Currently teachers English Literature at Maloney High School in Meriden, Connecticut where besides teaching five daily classes, he has been elected building representative for the Meriden Board of teacher four years in a row. Mr. Pulino holds the following educational credentials: English certification state of Connecticut (015); Certified Media Specialist (062); Educational Leadership Certification/6th year degree (Scheduled Completion date Spring 2013). Besides teaching full time in Meriden, Mr. Pulino works for the Wesleyan Upward Bound Program in Middletown and the New Britian Rock Cats organization, a double AA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.
Education- Mr. Pulino holds a Bachelors of Science in Communication and Bachelors of Arts Degree from Eastern Connecticut State University (1994/1995). He also holds a Masters in Educational Technology from Central Connecticut State University (2007) as well as 30 credits past his Masters. His earlier education includes earning an Associate Degree from Middlesex Community College in 1992 and a member of Xavier High School's class of 1989.
Political Offices Held: Chairperson of the Middlesex Cable Advisory Board (2009-Present); Zoning Board of Appeals (2009-Present), and Board or Assessment Appeals 2007-2009.
Civic Organizations: Italian American Civic Organization (2005-Present); Washington Lodge No. 70 Windsor, and American Federation of Teachers.
Volunteer: Comcast Cable - Host of “The Edge”: a political satire program that deals with local political issues since 1998 and co-host of “The Variety Hour” with Billy Wilson since 2007.
Visit his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jon.pulino
Jon Pulino has previously sent letters to the media featured here:
Friday, October 14, 2011
Treasurer Candidate Jon Pulino - Opinion Letter
The below information is a part of the Eye's Elections 2011 series to provide information to voting citizens and does not represent any endorsement by the Middletown Eye or any of its authors.
The below letter was submitted by Rebecca Tomaszewski, a member of the Middletown Republican Town Committee and a Middletown resident. She is a former student of Jon Pulino's and a Pulino supporter.
October 5, 2011
Dear Editor:
I am writing this letter of recommendation in favor of Mr. Jonathan Pulino, who is running for the office of city treasurer in Middletown. Jonathan is an English teacher at Maloney High School. He has been a teacher for the past twelve years. This year he teaches 10th and 12th grade and is liked by his students.
I have known Jonathan for five years and I can say that Mr. Pulino is a good teacher. He works hard to make sure that all his students are successful in his classes. His desire to help students during and after class never diminished in all the years I’ve known him. He talks to students on how to improve their performance in class and making parental contact to let them know that he cares for them, not only as students, but also as individuals. It is this type of leadership that needs to be transferred over to city hall; a creative person who is not afraid to lead while getting his hands dirty at the same time.
In school, Jonathan is a member of the school Culture and Leadership committee working on the self-evaluation for the NEAS&C visitation of March 2012. He was also a member of a visiting committee evaluating North Branford High School in November, 2010. As a member of the NEAS&C committee, Jonathan and his team were required to evaluate the school's budget and make recommendations based on a variety of factors which included student needs and the town's education budget. It is this type of skill that would make Jonathan asset as town treasurer.
Jonathan has a Master's in Education technology, Bachelors of Science in Communication, Bachelor of Arts in English, and is certified as a Library Media Specialist. He the class advisor for the 2012 graduating class, a position that requires him to evaluate vendor contracts and bond monies when dealing with larger sums of cash flow. The role of the lead class advisor is one that requires not only people and organization skills, but a position that requires the lead advisor to have a working knowledge of city budgets and public school law.
Besides being a school teacher Jonathan currently sits on the Zoning Board of Appeals and is the Chairman of the Cable Advisory Board. I was quite impressed with Jonathan due to his honesty at ZBA when dealing with a shed issue on his property; not only did he recuse himself from the vote, he walked out of the room in order for the ZBA committee to objectively deal with the issue. I don't see that from members of the Common Council.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Tomaszewski
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Cable Advisory Board Donates $2,500 to Oddfellows
Grant to Oddfellows- In order to help the Oddfellow's Playhouse a little bit further after the devestating building collapse nearly a year ago, the Northern Middlesex Cable Advisory Board (NMCAB) voted to give the creative arts organization a $2,500 donation to be used for the filming of a public service announcement. The award should be finalized by the board's November meeting.
Comcast to Leave Tuttle Road: This seems to be the case. With the lease up, the board quickly learned that the heads of Comcast are planning on moving their location prior to the new year. Although details were scarce from Comcast officials, it was learned that the bill center and public access studio will be broken up into two sections with the billing department most likely to end up out of Middletown, while the destination of the studio still remains unknown.
Justin Hinds Scholarship- The committee also voted on creating a scholarship in the name of Justin Hinds, a young Comcast volunteer who tragically passed away last Christmas. The idea is to give approximately $1,000 to a student in the Middletown area who plans to further their career in the broadcasting /communications field. A sub-committee plans to meet this month to create a template and formulate language in order to get this scholarship off the ground.
Note: The NMCAB meets bi-monthly and has a section on their agenda open for public comments. Any questions or concerns can be left in the feedback section of this post or sent to super11771@aol.com C/O Chairperson Jon Pulino
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Letter to the Eye: Jon Pulino (R) For Treasurer
Disclaimer: Commentary below is a letter written to the Eye and authored by Jon Pulino, who is a Republican candidate running for Treasurer. It is his opinion only, not necessarily the opinion of the poster of this letter, or any other members of the Middletown Eye Blog. Opinions, and claims discussed are the sole responsibility of Jon Pulino. All postings as as a courtesy not as an endorsement. As host/co-host of three live public access television programs, I find it amazing that year after year, voters complain about high taxes but vote for the same folks on a regular basis due to party loyalty. British author George Orwell, political novelist of such classics as Animal Farm and 1984 warned others of such abuse of power when he said: “Power is not a means, it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship.”
Although Orwell’s comments are most likely aimed to those that live in countries that live under a dictatorship like Cuba or the former Iraqi, the quote is also valid to local American governments that refuse to change due to party loyalty; in a sense this new form of government has become a hybrid of democracy and lunacy due to people’s misunderstanding of how a local government/municipality works.
The Middletown Democrats have been in power on the common council since 1993, a nineteen-year tenure in which they were/are allowed to become lazy and complacent due to party loyalty and voter’s habits. During their tenure, taxes have been increased on a constant level and spending has been at an all time high. When blamed for their indiscretions or attitude toward spending, their answer is a variation on blame the mayor, or as one wife of a Democrat councilman said on television: “He’s the C.E.O. of the town so he should be able to reduce the budget.” The quote is indicative of Orwell’s Animal Farm with the pigs gaining power and constantly changing the rules and messages in order to maintain what they have. Don’t educate the voters, use them and abuse them. It is the Democratic controlled common council and not Mayor Giuliano who has the final word on a budget as per the charter of Middletown. One needs to understand that Mayor Giuliano or any mayor for that matter, Democrat or Republican, can only vote in order to break a tie. In Middletown, the Dems hold 8 council seats while the Republicans hold 4 seats; whose budget is it?
It is the Democratic controlled Board of Education that controls approximately 70% of Middletown’s money and does not hesitate to ask for more. As a pubic school teacher since 1998, I fully support the Board of Education and their support of the schools, but it is also very important to point out that BOE will ask for money and not give the town an explanation as to what it will be used for. It was the Democratic controlled common council that refused to take a $1,000,000 in union concessions. These are the same Democrats that allocate monies into their budget before it is even approved. (I.e. Remington Rand or Cucia Park) Imagine giving all that money back during today’s economy; the local Democrats feel that the taxpayer should feel the burn and ignore the union’s generous package.
Jonathan Pulino
Republican Candidate for Treasurer
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
A Letter to the Eye by Jon Pulino (R) for Treasurer
Disclaimer: Commentary below is a letter written to the Eye and authored by Jon Pulino, who is a Republican candidate running for Treasurer. It is his opinion only, not necessarily the opinion of the poster of this letter, or any other members of the Middletown Eye Blog. Opinions, and claims discussed are the sole responsibility of Jon Pulino.
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Dear People,
I am a member of the Middletown Republican Town Committee. Did that scare you? Unlike the members of the Democrat Town Committee, I say and do what I want when I want. I have never been told what to say on public access television by any member of the organization. I don't always follow the so-called national Republican agenda, but I have always said what I wanted on my political satire program, “The Edge,” which airs live the fourth Tuesday on Comcast channel 15. I also appear on Billy Wilson's “The Variety Show” another live show that airs the 1st Friday of every month on channel 15/Comcast. Our shows unlike the Dem programs, which don't even take phone calls, encourage the opposition to call or appear on the show and vocalize their opinions; sadly The Middletown Press, once a great paper under the Duetch Brothers doesn't abide by that. According to Victoria Sundqvisgt in a response to my e-mail about not carrying any coverage of the Drew/Santangelo moderator ordeal: “Yes, we are hoping to do something on it (Drew moderator ordeal) first thing Monday. I am currently on vacation and our Middletwon Reporter left last week, so we are scrambling to get everything covered that needs to get covered- or anything at all for that matter. Tomorrow there will be someone on staff from the New Haven Register in our office to help us out.”
That being said, I have constantly invited guests from the Democrats, the Green Party, The Republicans and the Realistic Balance (RB) on the program. Recently, I had on Fred Carroll, a candidate for Common Council (good for you Fred) from the RB party the same night I had on sitting Councilwoman Debbie Kleckowski- that is how television should be. In attempting to be fair -unlike The Middletown Press- I invited a few candidates from the Democrats to sit at the table and discuss the issues or anything that is happening in town, the usual response was: “Uh, Pulino, I would love to, but they might get mad at me.” I found this response quite strange from a party that supposedly prides itself on being liberal and standing up for the little people. The irony is written all over their faces, they are scared and refuse to do anything that will rock the boat within their own parties. A majority of the key MDTC members are scared of ending up like the aforementioned Ms. Kleckowski, a Planning and Zoning Commissioner that voted ala David Bauer:How she wanted on the issues despite the party line! Where did that get her? The Democrats tossed her off the ticket and felt that Debbie should spend more time with her children. Ms. Kleckowski thus became a Republican and was elected as to the common council a few months later. Bravo! Ms. Kleckowski isn't the only Dem that was removed for improper behavior over the year. Don't take it from me do you own homework on that one, but ask yourself who stands to gain if Drew and Dems take full power?
To Digress: Lay off Robin Goss unless your put your money where your mouth is and reveal to the public who you are. One of the posters stated: “Seems she just came on the scene within the last year and now is everywhere.” If one changes the pronoun she to he you end up with Dan Drew.
If anybody has an issue with what I wrote or what I have to say you have three options: A) Appear on my public access show in a few weeks. B) Go to my Facebook Page - Jon For Treasurer 2011 or C) Call me on my cell phone at 860-301-2307.
Jonathan Pulino
Republican Candidate for City Treasurer
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