Letter to Voters: Councilman Phil Pessina

The voters of Middletown,
I want to thank the voters for their confidence for electing me to my 3rd term on the Common Council, along with the rest of our Republican Team. It was very rewarding for me to continue my dialogue with our community members as I have done over my past two terms and during my campaign in the various neighborhoods I visited. I heard your frustrations, suggestions and the need for government to work for you in a more amicable and cost efficient manner.
Our Republican Team & I can assure you that you can expect to see our support and respectful advocacy for a more conservative approach towards the utilization of your tax payer dollars and a greater appreciation for the need to continue to fund and build upon our Fund Balance Savings.
We will encourage the new administration to incorporate more transparency in our city government, centered upon a greater need for a collaborative bipartisan approach towards your concerns and issues. We will encourage for a more relaxed and different format of our Community Council Meetings which will allow for questions and answers as we navigate through the different parts of our city neighborhoods. Community Conversations can change negative perceptions on issues into positive results when we engage our community stakeholders.
We will look forward to working with the new Board of Education Members and their anticipated New Leadership Team in a more harmonious manner. We will be stressing the need for the board to recognize the importance of our City Charter in the same way as they do towards their policies and adhere to both these documents in a more collaborative manner.
We also are respectfully requesting on your behalf, that the board commence with a more open and collaborative transparent approach with their Budget Development Process by co sponsoring with the Common Council a Budget Workshop for a better understanding of their budget process and the expenditures of city taxpayer dollars. This openness will address the public’s demand for fiscal accountability.
We will advocate for the board and city to look for real ways to combine city and board duplicate services which will allow for a more cost effective, real shared services fiscal approach to government. These suggestions will then allow for the Board to concentrate on continued innovative opportunities towards the educational needs of our children and youth.
We look forward to working with Mayor elect Dan Drew’s Administration for enhanced communications which we feel will be the basis for our city’s continued economic and infrastructure growth and for the continued health and safety of our City of Middletown which we all know and love!
Thank you,
Councilman Philip J. Pessina
Minority Leader

Candidate Statement: Fred Carroll - Common Council

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.

Hi, I'm Fred Carroll and I'm soliciting your attention to consider me when you vote on Tuesday, November 8^th. I'm seeking a seat on Middletown Common Council on the Realistic Balance Party, a recently created third party line.

You may or may not remember me from "Bums with Brooms," The Homeless Report (WESU 88.1 fm radio station from 2006 to 2008), but I dare say that I might very well be Middletown's resident expert on homelessness and as such, represent a significant portion of the Middletown community.

Here is a quick review of my six campaign points and thank you for you consideration.

1- Create Designated Loitering Zones (DLZs), an area designed to be both bum-welcoming and at the same time bum-proofing, the hope of minimizing the negative environmental impact of Middletown's ever growing loitering class.

2- Brooms and chess sets everywhere especially at the DLZs

3- Free water

4- Don't sell any more parking lots for a dollar

5- Put spittoons everywhere

6- One more liquor store where the soup kitchen currently is, to decrease pedestrian traffic at the corner of Liberty Street and Main Street.

Letter to the Editor: Candidate Dan Drew's Credentials

Disclaimer: Opinion piece: The following is a letter to the Middletown Eye from a Middletown citizen. It does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the writers of the Eye and is a courtesy posting. All responsibility lies solely on the author of the letter and should be read as an opinion piece.

Dear Editors of Middletown Eye & Patch,

My name is Juan Montalvo and I am a member of several City of Middletown Commissions as well as a member of the Middletown Republican Town Committee. First and foremost, I am litigation advisor. As a litigation advisor I took an oath to uphold the law and justly serve my community. It is that dedication that leads me to write this letter. While I am sure critics will claim that this is an attempt to smear the opponent, and sling mud, I believe Middletown citizens deserve to know the true nature of Democratic candidate for mayor Dan Drew.

The facts speak for themselves and the inconsistencies in Mr. Drew’s resume should be brought to light. Although not forthright, it is not uncommon for one to show their best face when writing his or her resume and highlight his accomplishments, however; it is despicable for a person to dramatize those accomplishments to almost the point of fiction to make one seem more qualified for a particular position than is remotely plausible based on facts presented. This over dramatization of achievement to the point of false portrayal of facts is even more despicable when that person is seeking to hold such a highly esteemed public office as that of mayor of a City. Dan Drew presents awards on his resume both published on independent sites and his own website, as individual awards given only to him based on his sole merit without giving credit as those received by an entire organization. In one particular case, Drew credits himself with an award that the organization he was employed by received, but he had nothing to do with. Investigating Mr. Drew’s credentials the information below was found:

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From: Ginger Stanley [mailto:GingerS@vpa.net] 
Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2011 9:30 AM
 
Subject: RE: Virginia Press Association Awards

I can confirm that Daniel Drew was among a team of reporters that won a first place award in 2004 for a multi-story series on the armed siege of a middle school. This was a team effort at the newspaper (Potomac News). Second place award in 2003, football stars dies in shooting, sports news coverage was also a team project at the Potomac News. Our search did not turn up anything with his name on it for 2005, although Potomac News won a first place for 'staff' for sports pages but I have no way of confirming that Daniel was a part of this staff award. We do not have any records on the Media General awards, Donna Reed at 804-649-6000 may be able to help you. Hope this helps.

Ginger Stanley, Executive Director

Virginia Press Association

11529 Nuckols Road

Glen Allen, VA 23059

804-521-7575 Phone

804-521-7586 Fax

gingers@vpa.net E-Mail

www.vpa.net www.HeadlineVA.com www.VAPublicNotice.com

And more:

From: Donna Reed, Media General Communications Holdings, LLC,

Sent: October 28, 2011 2:10 PM

Subject: RE: Media General Awards

"These were in-house recognitions that were handed out on a monthly basis at one of the small northern Virginia community newspapers owned by Media General. Mr. Drew was given honorable mention in October 2003 for a local sports story."

Donna Reed

Media General, Inc

Richmond, VA 23219

-----Original Message-----


Sent: Friday, October 21, 2011 2:45 PM
To: Ginger Stanley
Cc: Kim Woodward; Caroline Cardwell
Subject: Virginia Press Association Awards

Good afternoon,

I am hoping that you could assist me in some research. A gentleman by the name of Daniel (Dan) T. Drew is running for mayor of our City of Middletown, Connecticut; he is a relative newcomer to our fair city, residing in town less than 5 years, and there is a lot of curiosity about him.

In his bio, he stated that he is the recipient of 3 separate journalistic awards from your organization, and I was hoping that you could confirm information. Since an exhaustive search via the internet has failed to reveal any articles published under his name, I hope you could please shed some light on our search. These are the award years and honors he claims:

Awards and Honors:

* Virginia Press Association, 2005, 1st Place award

* Virginia Press Association, 2004, 2nd Place award

* Virginia Press Association, 2003, 1st Place award

Won several writing awards for reporting on the Washington sniper murders, serial killer John Allen Muhammad's life in jail, the armed siege of a middle school by a teenaged boy, and dozens of murders. Wrote an award winning investigative series about corruption in a county sheriff's office that lead to that official's election loss and indictment.

Additionally, these other honors are listed as well; however an internet search has not even resulted in any information about the awarding entity. Is this anything that you are familiar with?

* Media General Mega Award Honorable Mention, 2003

* Media General Mega Award Honorable Mention, 2003

* Ellen Knowles Harcourt Foundation, 1998 Harcourt Scholar

Would you please help....? Thank you.

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Dan Drew appeared on the Bill O’Reiley tv show in 2002 claiming to stand for the First Amendment. However, where was Dan Drew when BOE Chair Ted Radzka pulled the plug literally on the microphone when Ed McKeon was speaking at a public session several months ago? Where was Dan Drew when Councilmen Santangelo, Serra, and Councilwoman Kasper walked out on a member of the public who was addressing the Public Safety Committee during a public session only weeks ago? How is it that such an esteemed award winning investigative journalist, and self-proclaimed free speech advocate, Drew failed Middletown in not doing what he himself has professed as his crowning achievements- finding & exposing the the truth in government and standing up for free speech? How is it that Mr. Drew expects Middletown citizens to believe he was such a fantastical investigative reporter when he in fact was primarily a SPORTS writer & provided occasional coverage of the police blotter at the time that some of these awards were given? Middletown should not want a bystander for a mayor.

It is of my opinion, as they say in the courtroom, that the preponderance of the evidence shows that Dan Drew is not a champion of the truth if he cannot be truthful on his own resume. Dan Drew cannot be a team player in the political arena and bring “transparency & communication” back between the BOE and the City & and the City and the citizens if he cannot be honest about being on a team that received journalistic awards rather than trying stretch the facts to boost his ego and pad his resume. Failure to recognize reality and be honest with one’s self-let alone the public is not a quality Middletown should want in a mayor.

Dan Drew’s Resume: http://www.linkedin.com/in/danieldrew

Sincerely Juan Montalvo, Litigation Advisor & Middletown Republican Town Committee member.

Letter of Endorsement: Please vote for the GOP Slate

To the editor:

I am writing to urge all Middletown voters to vote for the entitre GOP slate of candidates on Nov. 8. I would like to share my thoughts on what makes the following candidates uniquely qualified to serve: Joe Bibisi + Phil Pessina. Both have served on the Common Council for a long time. Both have a lot of experience – something that Middletown needs and deserves in its elected officials. Ed Dypa, Matt Fraulino + Linda Salafia. All three are hard-working and eager to serve the people of Middletown as Common Council members. I urge you, the voter, to give them all a chance to serve you. Callie Grippo , Cheryl McLellan + Alex Levin. All three would bring a spirit of collaboration to the Board of Education. All three are dedicated to seeing that the children of Middletown have the best education possible and will not lose sight of the fact that the children are the Board of Education’s top priority. Ken McLellan, Fred Terrasi + Molly Salafia. All four will work hard as members of Planning and Zoning. Each has the dedication and work ethic required to be productive and impartial. Ronald Borrelli + Corrine Dorsey. Both are very capable and intelligent people who will make sure that whatever they undertake will be done and done well. Laura Gionfriddo. A hard worker and highly competent, Laura can always be counted on to do whatever is asked of her. William Gregorio. Another hard-worker who I am sure will do his best to do his job to the best of his abilities.

Again, I urge everyone to support our entire GOP slate on Nov. 8.

Sincerely,

Lea Tomaszewski

http://middletownctgop.com/

Candidate Christine Berry Bourne for Mayor (I)(D) responds to Argus and Wesleying Articles

Below is a courtesy posting sent to the Eye from Mayoral Candidate Christine Berry Bourne. It does not necessarily reflect the view's of the writers of the Eye. Bourne writes in response to articles posted on the Wesleyan Argus- a student newspaper and blog as well as the student run Wesleying online blog.

Please consider posting the following which was submitted to the Wesleyan
Argus and the the Wesleying blogspot:
My name is Christine Berry Bourne and I am running
for the office of Mayor of Middletown as an independent candidate in the
upcoming municipal election. I am encouraged by the interest that the
Wesleyan student body has shown in this year’s election by your
registering to vote, your attendance at candidate debates, your assistance
to local town committees and your participation in voter registration
drives on the Wesleyan campus. I commend you for those activities and
other examples of your involvement in the Middletown community and I ask
you all for your consideration and vote on Election Day (November 8).
I have lived in Middletown most of my life and thus have developed
strong ties to this great community. I have been married to Robert Bourne
(Wesleyan Class of 1980) for over twenty-one years and we have three
children – two of whom are currently in college and one in the 8th grade.
I have worked tirelessly as a community leader and have served, among
others, as the president of a labor union local (AFSCME Council 4 Local
466); as a vice-president of AFSCME Council 4; as a vice-president of a
non-profit organization that serves the developmentally disadvantage; as
a religious education teacher; as a youth basketball and cheerleading
coordinator; as a president and secretary of various schools’ PTO; as a
co-chairman of the Middletown Mayor’s annual charity ball; and as a
member of the city’s Charter Revision Commission. I hold deeply the
notion that for one wanting to lead one must first serve.
Having been born into a family with a strong tradition of public
service and involvement in local Democratic Party politics, it has been a natural
progression for me to seek and to hold public office. As things have
turned out, I have had the distinct honor to serve the City of Middletown
as its Treasurer for the past sixteen years. During that time, I have
been elected and then re-elected to eight consecutive two-year terms and
during those elections as well as during the off-years, I have helped
numerous state and local Democratic candidates in their pursuit of
elected office. I am also currently a member of the Connecticut
Democratic State Central Committee and serve the Democratic voters
located within the municipalities of Middletown, Meriden, Middlefield and
Cheshire, respectively.
Moreover, I have strong ties to the Wesleyan Community. When my
husband and I were first married (a Wesleyan Chaplain presided at our wedding),
we purchased a home near the campus so that we could more easily
participate in the many events and activities that Wesleyan has to offer.
Our youngest child went to the Neighborhood Pre-School on campus and all
our children grew up enjoying Wesleyan sports, sledding on Foss Hill and
going to Homecoming. When our older children needed assistance in high
school, we hired Wesleyan students as tutors (kudos to the Physics
Department and the Writing Workshop !). I have never viewed Wesleyan to
be separate and distinct from Middletown. Rather, Wesleyan is one of the
many key attributes of the Middletown Community that make Middletown a
very special place. As mayor, I will advocate even greater cooperation
and collaboration between Wesleyan and the city at large.
Despite what the editors of the Argus might think, I do have a
platform and it can be summarized as follows. I believe in the bedrock principles
of the Democratic Party - among those being, pro-worker, pro-union,
pro-senior, pro-veteran and pro-education -- with an unbending support
for equal rights and opportunities for all. As mayor, I will promote
greater economic development in the city because the best social program
is a having a steady and fulfilling job that pays, at a minimum, a living
wage. To promote such development, I will strive to keep local taxes low
in order to encourage private investment in the city. In order to keep
taxes low, I will introduce and spearhead policies that encourage great
efficiencies in how local government operates without laying off
municipal worker and I will encourage greater public/private partnerships
(including partnerships with Wesleyan) and other initiatives.
Notwithstanding the value of a platform (since it means so much to the
Argus editors), deeds speak much louder than words. I believe that I
have shown through my many years of public service and community
involvement that I practice what I preach and therefore am qualified to
serve as your mayor and respectfully request your consideration and vote.
I would have been able to make these points clearly at the debate, but
unfortunately it was cancelled two days prior and rescheduled to a date
more convenient for Mr. Drew, which I was unable to attend.
I am running as a petitioning candidate for mayor and not as the
endorsed candidate for either mayor or for my current position as Treasurer
because the party bosses of the Middletown Democratic Town Committee did
not endorse me. It seems that they got a little upset that one of their
own candidates/officeholders (a female officeholder to boot) had the
audacity to speak out against mismanagement and misappropriation of funds
at the Democratically-controlled Board of Education. It didn’t matter
that I was speaking out as an individual citizen exercising my
inalienable First Amendment right. I guess the party bosses are all in
favor of such exercise but only if it is to criticize mismanagement by
Republicans. And since I “followed the money” and found that it landed,
among other places, in the padded expense accounts of the school
bureaucrats rather in the classrooms for the benefit of its intended
recipients – the students and the teachers – I was given the boot. You
know, I am proud of that badge of courage.
Now, with this backdrop in mind, one must question why the party
bosses are so enamored with one of my opponents in this November’s election –
the Democratic Party endorsed candidate – Dan Drew. In fact, they have
been so enthralled that they actually appointed him to a seat on the
Common Council that was “conveniently” vacated a few months earlier by a
veteran Democratic councilman. I would assume that the bosses “elected”
him to that seat (rather than having been elected by the people in a
general election) to give their young candidate some needed “street
cred”. You see, Dan has not been very involved in community activities
in Middletown and he may have even less experience in government or other
public service activities.
So one must ask the question, why do the party bosses want Dan?
Maybe one theory or answer can be found in his campaign finance reports. Those
reports are filled with the listed donations of lobbyists, lawyers, party
operatives, city and state contractors and vendors and the like. In
Middletown terms, the proverbial “One Percenters” (1%’ers). I, on the
other hand, have shown through my words and actions that I will represent
and advocate for common good and not for the benefit of the power brokers
and the special interests. If you want to explore further the
differences between me and Dan Drew and me and the present mayor, Seb
Giuliano, please check out one of our recent debates found at
Middletown-ct.patch.com.
Again, I thank you for your interest and involvement in
Middletown. Ihave provided to you this information about my background, my viewpoints
and my observations about the upcoming mayoral race in the hope that this
information will help you in making an informed decision should you
decide to vote on November 8th.

I ask for your vote.

Thank you.

Sincerely,


Christine Berry Bourne
Independent Democrat for Mayor

Middletown Press Endorses Mayor Giuliano

Today the Middletown Press posted its endorsement of incumbent Sebastian Giuliano (R) for Mayor.

Read the endorsement here: http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2011/11/03/opinion/doc4eb2f7168384b927106304.txt

The Press's editor Viktoria Sundqvist wrote an editorial endorsing Democratic candidate Dan Drew in the primary held in August.

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

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

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.

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

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

From the Pencil: Steady As She Goes...

Mother & Daughter Candidates: Linda Salafia & Molly Salafia

Candidate profiles: as a courtesy The Middletown Eye will publish candidate profiles unedited in the order received.

Linda Salafia (R) for Common Council:

There are few people running for Common Council that understand finances and government like Linda Salafia. Salafia said, “ I believe that my experience working for the City will allow me to bring an understanding of how the various departments function to the table. I would like to believe that I’m prudent, realistic, and practical.”

Born in Maine, Linda came to Connecticut with her parents because of the better economic climate here at the time; her dad taught school in Portland for many years and her mom worked at Wesleyan. Linda graduated from Portland High School and then earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Vermont. During college vacations and summer, she worked for Mallove Jewelers on Main Street, where she met her husband of 31 years. The Salafia family will be busy this fall as daughter, Molly, is running for the Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission.

Linda worked as a psychiatric aide at the Institute of Living in Hartford for several years. After earning a Certificate of Accounting from Morse School of Business, Linda then took a book keeping job with Joe Cartelli, Ed Bogdan, and Bob Curtain at the former Insurance and Real Estate Center.

In 1987, Linda started work with the City of Middletown in the Tax Collector’s office, then several positions in the Finance Department before moving to the position of Payroll/Pension Supervisor 13 years ago. Linda retires this Spring.

Linda has been very active in her union and has been elected to serve in various leadership capacities for the American Federation of State, Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 466 whom are also endorsing Linda. She is currently Vice President of the Local. Salafia has been part of bargaining negotiations over the years and understands the need for balance and respect on both sides of the table.

Linda is a member of Polish Falcons, Nest 519 and the Family Campers and Rvers’- a group that promotes conservation, family recreation, and volunteerism.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/votesalafiawomen/

Questions to Mrs. Salafia can be directed to: linda.salafia@yahoo.com

http://middletownctgop.com/

Linda has written several letters to the various media outlets speaking out against injustices in City politics and government this past fall. Please click below to read

http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2011/09/26/opinion/doc4e7d0520625ce409788066.txt

http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2011/07/28/opinion/doc4e30873a383d5810813878.txt

Planning and Zoning Candidate: Molly Salafia, Associate AIA, LEED GA (R) & Realistic Balance

Molly Salafia brings a strong professional background to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Salafia is an architectural designer and job captain at an architectural firm in New Haven. She believes everyone deserves a safe place to live and it should be a right, not a privilege.

“My goal is to open people’s minds and to challenge preconceived ideas so that Middletown can grow.”, said Salafia, who has a Master’s Degree in Architecture, and minors in Visual Arts & Art & Architectural History from Roger Williams University.

“I hope my training and experience will be helpful to smart growth and prosperity for Middletown.”

Salafia wants to preserve open space in Middletown, work on a plan to develop the riverfront that engages residents in a dedicated public space, and bring the right kind of development to the riverfront area. Salafia wants to preserve the nostalgia and vitality of Main Street, but also help spread that vitality to other parts of town. Molly believes that the only way to keep Middletown economically sound for all residents is to let new companies know “Middletown is open for business.”

Molly also serves of the Design Review and Historic Preservation Board for Middletown.

She has served as Chapter President of the American Institute of Architecture Students and is recipient of the Alpha Rho Chi Medal, given to 1 student in every graduating architecture class. Salafia is certified in Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Green Associate. Molly is also an active member of Middletown Kiwanis Club, a club dedicated to community service. This fall Molly is taking on politics following in her relatives’, former Councilman Jesse Salafia & the late Phil Salafia’s foot steps.

Along the campaign trail, Molly & Linda have organized MRTC’s collection of items for Catales, Amazing Grace, and the group’s participation in CROP Walk. Molly grew up at her parents’ home in South Middletown and now enjoys living in the Village District in her own fixer-upper. Molly is thrilled to be cross endorsed by the Realistic Balance Party.

Questions to Molly can be directed to: molly.salafia@gmail.com

Salafia has published several pieces in local media outlets as well including the Press & Eye further detailing her goals & beliefs about the "Third Industrial Revolution" if elected:

http://middletowneyenews.blogspot.com/2011/09/part-ii-candidate-molly-salafia-follow.html

http://middletowneyenews.blogspot.com/2011/08/last-from-pencil.html

Candidate Profile: Debra Kleckowski Common Council (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.

I am seeking my second term on the Common Council to continue to grow Middletown and to put the focus on solving problems as a community rather than based upon partisan politics, I am focused on what needs to be done and how to get it done efficiently and effectively.

During my first term on the Common Council I pushed for an audit of the Board of Education finances, worked to improve employee relations, helped to create an Emergency Operations Center, and facilitated the construction of an emergency access road at Middletown High School.

I am a native of Middletown and a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. My parents are Beverly Talbot (Dionne) and Daniel Kleckowski. I have two younger siblings Gailyn and Brenda. I am a proud mother of twin boys. I am currently an Adjunct Instructor at Middlesex Community College. I am seeking a second term as a member of the Common Council and it will be an honor to serve on the Council and represent the citizens of Middletown for a second term.

My professional career has been dedicated to advocacy and to the betterment of communities. I have also been a member of service organizations. I am committed to the taxpayers of the City of Middletown to pursue ideas and to implement policies that are beneficial to the community today and tomorrow. Long-term planning is the key to sustainable economic success and to ensure an exceptional quality of life in Middletown and for its residents.

I serve on the following Council committees:

Citizen’s Advisory Committee

Public Safety

Personnel Review

Insurance and Claims

Issues: It is a priority to ensure the safety of the residents of Middletown, especially our children. I initiated an emergency access road, which is currently under construction, at Middletown High School. I work to ensure a fair labor environment and the heath safety, and general well-being of the community.

Taxes and the economy are in the forefront of issues of urgency. It is essential that the City develop long range plans to address attrition and how to continue to incorporate technology into the application of services. Incorporating technology will improve services; provide residents the opportunity to conduct business outside the traditional business hours and save the taxpayers money. I also want to continue to grow the business community and to ensure Middletown is a business friendly community.

Previous Experience: I served on the Planning and Zoning Commission. I made the recommendation to hold a planning meeting and a zoning meeting to provide better service to the public and to more efficiently address both planning and zoning issues.

I have worked on mayoral, gubernatorial, state representative and Secretary of the State campaigns. I was appointed to serve on commissions including the New Britain Youth Services Commission and the New Britain Health Commission and served as Chairman.

Education: Eastern Connecticut State University-Bachelor of Sociology and Applied Social Relations. Central Connecticut State University-Advanced Certificate in Business Management. Wesleyan University-Master of Arts in Liberal Science.

Please contact me if you have any questions or if I can be of assistance.

Kleckoski's statement's were featured in this previous Eye article : Councilwoman Seeks Termination of BOE Business Manager Nancy Haynes featured one year ago this November.

http://middletownctgop.com/

Wesleyan Argus & Wesleying.org Election Articles of Note

Off the more traveled path of web reading this week besides the Press, the Patch, & the Eye, the Wesleyan Argus & Wesleying.org blog have had articles pertaining to similar election issues regarding registration of students to vote locally. With the issues this surrounding the registration of students and use of a p.o box vs. a physical address that took place earlier this week, several news sources have published articles of note about the issue. Ben Forshiem, president of the Wesleyan Democrats wrote a response to the letter by Eye writer & candidate Molly Salafia. Forshiem's response is published in the Wesleyan Argus & on the Middletown Patch that can be found here. Forshiem also elaborated in more detail in addition to his letter about his thoughts and stated he agreed with another commenter in a response to the issue on the Wesleying.org blog here.

BOE candidate and Eye write Ed McKeon wrote a response on the Wesleying.org blog, an independent student run blog a commentary on the issue worth reading. It can be found here:

http://wesleying.org/2011/10/27/community-voice-ed-mckeon-voting-with-the-townies/.

Eye writer and Wesleyan Biology Professor Stephen Devoto (Fishmuscle) wrote an article discussing student voters, and also asking them to take a closer look at 3 municipal candidates- all of which are locally running as Republicans ( Sebastian Giuliano, Debra Kleckowski, and Molly Salafia) he praised and asked readers to take a look at because "I think deserve strong consideration from left-leaning voters."

His article can be found here: http://wesleyanargus.com/2011/10/27/to-the-nearly-500-students-who-registered-to-vote-in-middletown/.

Salafia, McKeon, Devote, & Forshiem all discuss the same issue of voting locally from different perspectives. Forshiem, who is a student, wants students to vote locally. Interestingly,Salafia, McKeon, & Devoto, the Eye notes, all are in consensus regarding Wesleyan students voting in their current city of Middletown. All three approach this in a similar way; they support college student's of Middletown voting in the municipal elections so long as they educate themselves with the relevant local issues. While each response to the issue is unique pointing out various ramifications; all three advocate researching all candidates to better understand not only the needs of their university that the candidates propose to meet, but also how the candidate will meet the needs of the other citizens of Middletown.

Candidate Profile: Joyce Rossitter (D) Planning & Zoning

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.

Joyce Rossitter

Democratic Candidate for the Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission

Participating in the planning of a future Middletown as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission is a responsibility that as a long time resident I feel qualified to do.

As a former newspaper correspondent, I reported on numerous meetings of planning and zoning commissions learning the concepts and vocabulary as well as the difficulties involved.

My involvement in Middletown includes teaching English as a Second Language for many years in the Middletown Adult Education program; being active in Wesleyan Hills, a planned community of 575 homes (currently president of its association); participating in a study conducted by the Greater Middletown League of Women Voters on mass transit which resulted in my being named to the first Middletown Transit District; and a League study of nuclear waste which led to my serving on the Connecticut Yankee Community Decommissioning Advisory Committee.

Candidate Profile: Frederick Terrasi for Planning & Zoning (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.

Fred Terrasi brings solid experience to the Planning and Zoning Commission. He has spent many years giving back to the City of Middletown in official capacities and as a volunteer.

“I will work to bring the right kind of development to Middletown, said Terrasi, “Working together in a proactive fashion will lead to the best results for Middletown in the future.”

Terrasi is serving his fifth year as a member of the Inland Wetlands Commission, a key panel towards understanding rules and the demands development places on a community.

He had held numerous positions helping the community- former President of the Italian American Civic Order, President of the Holy Name Society and a President and Commissioner of the Middletown Youth League.

Terrasi has also served as co-chair of an annual fundraiser which benefits “Amazing Grace Food Pantry.”

Terrasi earned his Associate’s Degree in Business from Middlesex Community College and a Bachelor of Science from Central Connecticut State University. Terrasi, now in semi-retirement is a consultant to Pratt & Whitney. He is also a member of the Middletown Elks. Terrasi and his wife of 40 years have one son.

http://middletownctgop.com/