Feel Good Night in Council Chambers

American Legion Post 206 Gets Approval For New Post HQ

Council member Gerry Daley speaks against
funding the American Legion post.

After a lengthy debate, and public testimony from African American veterans, and concerned citizens, the Harry Ruffin jr post (206) of the American legion received funds for the city for a new proposed post at 25 Industrial Drive in a vote that only saw a few Council members voting against the proposal. 

Council members Gerry Daley and Sebastian Giuliano argued vociferously against providing funds to the post at this time.  Giuliano argued that the $260,000 appropriation came at a time when the city was facing financial hardship.  He said the mayor's proposed budget would already be a hardship on residents.

"We're still looking at a significant tax increase," Giuliano said.  "I don't know how any of us can consider this at present."

Daley argued that the appropriation would be better made after next year's budget is passed.

"An appropriation now would be uneffective because it would be linked to state funding," Daley said, advising his colleagues to wait until the May 15 city budget was set.

But with Post 206 members speaking passionately about the need for a home for their post, Daley and Giuliano's colleagues on the council ignored the pleas for frugality.

Post leader David Roan talks
about the need for a post HQ

"We're supporting this to let the state know we believe in our people," Council member Grady Faulkner said.  "A vote of confidence and a vote of faith should start today."

"We don't have a home," Post 206 member Jerome Turner said.  "A base that we can say to those who need our help, 'Here's our address."  An address for them to come to."

"I enthusiastically support this," Council member Gene Nocera said.  Indicating the thirteen years the group have been without an official post location, Nocera added,  "It's long overdue."



Mixed Feelings, but A Victory in a Vote Against Tolls

A non-binding, "feel good" resolution condemning Governor Ned Lamont's budget proposal for tolls on Connecticut highway also passed in a vote which saw five in favor (Daley, Giuliano, Santangelo, Cotten, Salafia), five abstaining (Nocera, Pessina, Bartolotta, Chissem, Faulkner) . and one opposed (Blanchard).