A Funny Phone Call

This evening, about 7pm, I got a 1-800-phone call. I don't normally answer those calls, and when the answering machine picked up, it was a recorded call from the Dan Drew campaign.

The subject of the call was to accuse Mayor Giuliano of not "standing up to the electric company" like other mayors have done.

Really? There are only so many crews, so much time, and SO many trees and damaged lines to fix. What "standing up" by any mayor is going to change the amount of time it's going to take to put our electric grid back together? Just what can anyone say or do to make it go faster?

I know it has been a frustrating week, but I am so thankful for the men and women that have worked their tails off this week to get things working again. I'm sure it wasn't perfect, and perhaps CL&P might have done something differently to be better prepared. But, I overheard a conversation the other day about a crew that came from Canada and worked in Maine, then New Hampshire, then Massachusetts and then here in Connecticut. They're a long way from home and I have no doubt they've been working as hard as possible over the last week.

Just for comparison's sake, the International Energy Agency estimated in 2009 that 1,441 million people in the world didn't have access to electricity. That's 1.4 billion people, or 20% of the world's population. Even with my generator, which powered my heat, well, fridge, and microwave, and about 1/2 the lights in my house, I did find myself feeling annoyed because I couldn't do laundry. I'm sorry for that, because I know I have far more than the majority of the world has...I wasn't hungry or cold or out in the elements. Even if I had been, I have the resources to just go someplace else that has whatever I was lacking.

Thanksgiving is coming, and it's never too early to be thankful for anything and everything. It's also my daughter's 8th birthday, and when I consider how hard it was to even have her, everything else just fades away.

Here's what I'm thankful for: my family, my home, my friends, and my town. I'm thankful for the way the crazy weather over the last 3 months has allowed me to get to know my neighbors better. I'm also glad for the opportunity to teach my children what hospitality and caring for your neighbors really looks like.

I'm not saying I did it perfectly this week. There were MANY moments I cursed the blasted storm and wished the kids were in school. OK, it was most of the time. I was REALLY annoyed that Halloween was canceled (our neighborhood has underground utilities and young trees, so we didn't have the dangers I know were present elsewhere), but then I got to hear my daughter say that this would be the "healthiest Halloween ever" because only 7 houses on my street were home to give out candy.

I've volunteered with Feed My Starving Children, an organization that packs meals for other organizations to distribute to malnourished children in nearly 70 countries worldwide. Their meal package costs $1.44 cents for 6 children, and for most of these kids, it's their only meal of the day. The 2005 World Bank estimate has 1,345 million people living on less than $1.25 per day. When I look at those numbers, even a few days without power seems a whole lot better than a lifetime of poverty and malnutrition.

So, in the end, I didn't appreciate that phone call at all. I get that campaigns are down to the last minute, but let's focus on what candidates actually have control over, and CL&P's performance isn't one of those things. Let's talk about education in our town, or how the Council, the Mayor, and the BOE don't get along AND spend our tax dollars to do it. Let's talk about accountability and transparency and politics as public service, not as political power-mongering.

See you at the polls on Tuesday morning...

Eye On Emergency Shelter Volunteers

This week, after winter storm Alfred, 96% of Middletown was left without power according to reports from CL&P. Middletown High School was without power until Wednesday of this week, despite this, the school was opened by the City as an emergency shelter Sunday. Tonight, the shelter closed, except to hand out sandwiches for people to take home. Before closing, Health Department officials and emergency personnel who have been on staff in 24 hour shifts since the storm, ensured anyone whom they confirmed did not have power restored as of yet had shelter for the nigh if they so required it. The City is putting families who still do not have power and need shelter up at no cost to the family, in a local motel for the night. Over 1,000 individual meals were served Sunday after the initial storm, and on Monday over 650 people were still using services provided at the shelter. On Monday night 600 people spent the night on cots in the high school's gym. Overflow of people spilled into the surrounding hallways. Middletown had 500 cots, and borrowed 100 extra from Old Saybrook and Wallingford when it was determined more were needed.

Services ranged from showers in the locker rooms, to a place to get warm, to a place to charge cell phones and computers, a place to get warm, as well as a place to seek medical attention and sleep. Many people without power who needed oxygen assistance or other acute medical care came to the high school and were assisted by volunteers and Health Department employees. Dozens of other City employees donated their time this week helping out. Employees worked setting up beds and keeping the school clean as well as other maintenance & janitorial duties to keep order. Volunteers were needed checking people in, calling road crews to send them out clear trees and meet CL&P crews, as well as cook, set up cots, and organize places for belongings. Other volunteers watched pets that had been brought in by families who sought shelter. Cat & dogs in kennels were sectioned off from the human shelter population, however, had round the clock volunteer care provided. One woman reportedly brought her five hairless cats that would not have survived in her home without heat; for her there was no choice not to come to the shelter as some hotels do not accept animal guests. Over 50 Wesleyan students came through out the week despite some still not having power themselves to help out residents. The Community Health Center also sent personnel to help. Volunteer City employees and workers not directly helping residents manned phones and coordinated with the City’s emergency management crews to assess damage and work with electrical crews to make sure that before a family was went home, it could be confirmed whether or not they had power restored.

I spoke with several C.E.R.T. (certified emergency response technician) volunteers at the end of the day today just as operations were winding down and the last few families needing places to stay were being sent to the motels. Resident and retired fireman, now C.E.R.T. volunteer Jim Loewenthal has been a volunteer now for 2 years, commenting after 25 years as a firefighter it seemed like the natural progression for him. “I really got involved when retired Chief George Dunn asked me, then we thought why not get Patti and Laura to volunteer.” Resident Patti Hines has also been a C.E.R.T. volunteer for 2 years, and she and friend Laura Nickolson, who is still in training, experienced their first emergency situation while working at the high school shelter that was set up after hurricane Irene.

“At first I was reluctant… I thought how can I do this? But once you just do it, you get so much out of it. I feel so good afterwards. To see how much people appreciate just the simple things we can do. Especially the elderly, they are the most grateful, just to have a warm place to go and someone to sit and talk too while all this is happening. I would want someone to do the same for me someday.”

Loewenthal expressed how much planning goes into a make shift emergency shelter set up. “There is so much. We have to check people in, and people get up set and ask why, and it’s because once they enter the shelter we are responsible for them, so we have to keep track of people coming in and out of the building for everyone’s safety- suppose there is a fire or another accident. We really are here to take 100% care of people.” Loewenthal went onto explain that other challenges the shelter faced was people with medical conditions arriving without medication or equipment.

“We take care of all of that, staff calls doctors or runs to the pharmacy. We have had local nursing homes lend bariatric chairs and wheel chairs. We have oxygen available.” When asked why he choose to continue in the field of emergency response after retiring from that same field, and about being burned out Loewenthal said,” I had a good life, a good job, I love giving back. It’s my reward. I feel the need to serve my community.”

Emotions often run high at the shelter, another aspect that volunteers must deal with. In the beginning of the storm whole neighborhoods were without power, as that number dwindles, it is hard for residents and emergency personnel alike to get answers from CL&P why there are still streets where all the houses have electricity except perhaps maybe one or two. Middletown as of web reports at this hour on the CL&P website still is showing about 1800 homes in Middletown without power. According to Loewenthal he saw double the families using the shelter after this storm than after Irene, he blames the cold weather.

“That’s hard. Seeing families with children come in who are upset, probably did not get any sleep, and aren’t getting the answers they need right away. I completely understand them being upset, I hope by coming here they can feel better at least for the time being while things get fixed at home.” said Hines. “The best part is when a mother hugs you, we had a mother of five stay here, and she hugged me she was so thankful, that felt wonderful to me.”

“I feel better knowing that even if it’s a hot shower, someone feels better.” Said Nickolson.

Volunteer James William is no stranger to helping others. Williams is a regular volunteer cook at St. Vincent DePaul Soup kitchen. “ I love it, this is a like a family to me now this past week.” Williams reportedly spent the whole week helping at the high school shelter.

I tried to interview a Health Department employee or other Emergency Management personnel, but with things still needed to be done, none had the time to stop and chat, and with good reason- Department employees were easily visible in blue vests and seen running down the corridors and on walk talkies coordinating the effort. Police & fire- both on and off regular duty were at the ready.

Photo above ( Loewenthal, Hines, Nickolson) Second Photo (Jeff Daniels, Mayor Giuliano man phones coordinating with road crews & CL&P)

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.

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

MAYORAL CANDIDATES VISIT WITH MXCC STUDENTS

The race for Middletown’s next mayor was up close and personal for Middlesex Community College students over the past few weeks. These students, who are taking the American Government course at MxCC, had exclusive visits to their classroom from two of the mayoral candidates, incumbent Mayor Sebastian Giuliano and challenger Middletown Councilman Dan Drew. During the meetings, candidates gave students an insider’s look at running a major political campaign, discussed issues facing the city, and answered students’ questions.

In addition to the 35 students, each meeting was attended by deans, faculty, and members of MILE (Middlesex Institute for Lifelong Education). Candidates were given one hour with the audience, and were able to structure the discussion any way they chose.

The visits were arranged by Tad Lincoln, assistant professor of economics and political science at MxCC. He often invites elected officials or members of past administrations to the classroom to give students a first-hand look at how government really operates.

“The lessons students learn during these visits with candidates are invaluable,” Lincoln said. “Politicians and candidates have information and first-hand accounts of how government works that can’t be taught any other way. I am impressed with how our students interact with all the officials, lobbyists, legislative aides and others who have come to campus over the years – and I think we are developing a reputation as an informed, engaged and challenging audience.”

Founded in 1966, Middlesex Community College (www.mxcc.commnet.edu) is an independent member of the Connecticut Community College System. The school offers more than 50 degree or certificate programs on its main 38-acre campus in Middletown, and at the Meriden Center in downtown Meriden. The college promotes understanding, learning, ethics, and self-discipline by encouraging critical thinking. Current enrollment exceeds 2,950 full and part-time students, and 1,600 continuing education students.

# # #

A Response to 450 Wes Students Registered to Vote by Local Democrats

Information below is an opinion letter, not necessarily the view of the other Eye authors nor the view of the Eye. Responsibility is placed on the author of the opinion piece and is published as a courtesy.

Hello All,

This week the Patch is reporting that over 450 Wes students have been registered by the local Dem's to vote in the local election. YES- participation in government is good and encouraged. WE want students to participate locally. However, the alternative view on this is that these students are not choosing people who necessarily the popular vote of the permanent residents would be choosing. In the late 1980's, Paul Gionfriddo's mayoral campaign made a valiant effort to mass register Wes students. He won that election, ironically "some say" that he was not the 'hometown" favorite of those who own property, live, work, and raise children here. There is no way to measure other than word of mouth at the time and claims by both parties on voter feed back.

I was present when Mayor Giuliano gave a speech to the Wesleyan Republicans saying he encouraged students to participate in local government, if they truly showed concern for citizens here and made educated decisions. He encouraged them to get active in Middletown culture and activities. Alex Levin is running for BOE on the same ticket as me and he is a student at Wesleyan who plans to stay for the long haul and serve if elected.It is of my opinion, not that of my party or that of the Mayor, but my own, that when a particular candidate lines up shuttles to drive students to the polls, & works with only single party organizing the effort ( ie College Democrats & The Local Democratic Town Commitee) not a bipartisan group on campus (Democracy Matters), he is sending the message that he Dan Drew does not believe Middletown residents are educated & smart enough to make decisions about who they want elected for themselves.

These students have also not been educated, from my understanding, to the fact that by changing their permanent address to Middletown, they are now subject to local car tax and possibly state income tax.

A plea to Wesleyan students: Not long ago, I too was a college student in a small City. I have had Wesleyan students and professors as roommates since becoming a home owner right around the corner from campus. I love going to Wesleyan concerts especially Taiko Drumming. Please be careful when you vote; use your head, be kind & keep citizens at the front of your mind rather than party affiliation. Realize your vote may weigh more than you know. There are real families attached to every decision you make.

As many letters during election season are written by the party and signed randomly with a name, I decided to skip that and sign my own name.

Food for thought- Thank you!

Molly Salafia, Assoc, AIA, LEED GA - a really annoyed citizen, and yes (R) candidate for P&Z

and author of the really annoying cartoons people love to hate.

Westfield Residents Association Hosts Meet the Candidates Night

Last night's Westfield Residents Association (WRA) Meet the Candidates Night drew quite a crowd, and most of those individuals were candidates for office in Middletown!

All three mayoral candidates and the three city treasurer candidates had a chance to introduce themselves, as did many candidates from both the Republican and Democratic parties. Interestingly, both parties (as well as the independent candidates) repeatedly mentioned the need for transparency and accountability in public office, yet no one specifically mentioned how that could happen differently given the fact that most of the candidates already hold public office in Middletown. Mayoral challenger Dan Drew pushed hard for the concept of economic growth by targeting specific growth industries (bio-tech and green industries), but he didn't explain how he could offer tax incentives to such businesses AND cut taxes while also fully funding the education budget that has been level funded for the last 4 years (don't forget that level funded actually means a budget cut due to contractual increases in salary or services that force cuts elsewhere).

The three mayoral candidates got into an argument over the purpose of the city's reserve fund. Democratic mayoral candidate Dan Drew explained his view of the Democratic-controlled City Council using reserve funds rather than raising taxes: "I would say that we've been in trouble. How would it have been to have been taxed an additional $11.2 million? We are overtaxing if we're saving more than one month's operating expenses." Mayor Giuliano responded,

The concept that a healthy fund balance is overtaxing...the only people who used to advocate that are somewhat to the right of Russ Limbaugh. You need two months reserve to maintain your bond rating. To improve the rating, you need to grow your reserve balance and it needs to be sustained growth, not a yo-yo. Don't forget that you need to pay bonds back with interest, and right now, Middletown's debt service is $15 million per year - that's 10% of the budget, and you could cut 3 mils right there if you didn't have to service that debt.

Christine Bourne, the independent candidate for mayor and current City Treasurer, stated that Middletown has "barely one month's operating expenses in reserve." She also commented that if Middletown wants to be able to offer loans to attract more businesses to our town, we need to have a healthier reserve account to accomplish that.

Much time was also spent discussing the Senior Center, and whether or not Block Grant funds should have been allocated to support this project. Christine Bourne argued that Middletown citizens should have been able to vote on whether or not to spend the money on the Senior Center as the City's Charter requires voter approval for projects over $750,000. That the Council split the project cost into two and then voted to approve funding for 1/2 the project simply denied Middletown residents project approval they should have had. Dan Drew defended his vote against using Block Funds for the Senior Center, "I think we could have funded the center later on AND given $90,000 worth of funding to other organizations right now. That way we could have done both things - funded the Senior Center in another way AND helped out those organizations that really needed it instead of just putting $90,000 away in a bank account for a year."

Clearly the candidates were ready to debate far into the evening, and time ran out before it got too ugly. It was an informative night, but the limited time made it hard for any one candidate to really answer a question.

Public Service Announcement:

Election Day is November 8, 2011. Please take the time to review the different candidates' positions, and then just vote when Election Day comes. Change in Middletown doesn't come because a candidate does or doesn't get voted into office: change happens because individuals take a moment to get involved, and they exercise their free right to self-determination. Many people in other parts of the world would die for what we have, so don't squander a precious gift, and don't be casual about it! Decide what's important to you, and then support a candidate that will embrace your philosophy. Your vote does matter, and you do have a responsibility to your fellow citizens to participate in the process.

See you at the polls!

Candidate Profile: Ed Dypa (R) For 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.

I am involved as a volunteer in many civic, church and social activities and there are others that are not listed. Of these, I have only been appointed to two by Mayor Thornton and Mayor Guiliano - the Senior Affairs Committee and Senior Center Building Committee. Unlike the list of committees and commissions that the Democratic candidate for Mayor listed, but was not a member of, until he was appointed, not elected to the Council. I am not bragging about what I have been involved with in my 54 years as a resident of Middletown, I'm PROUD of it.

This is my first venture into politics. You may ask; why at 78 do I want to run for the Council? My wife and I also wonder why. But if you’re dissatisfied with what is going on, then get involved and don't critique anonymously, be accountable and make a difference!

Catales: Bark & Boo Walk Fundraiser

October 22nd, from 2-5 pm Veterans Memorial Park, Walnut Grove Road Middletown $5 Entry Fee All are welcome to wear Halloween Costumes

Trick or Treat Bags will be provided! Open to Parents, Children,

Pet Lovers and their Pets

100% of Proceeds to benefit Catales, Inc. a non‐profit no-kill organization that provides food, medical care, and shelter for those purr-fect pets waiting to be adopted! Check out who is ready for adoption NOW!

At: www.catales.org Email Questions to: sandy@reynolds.org

1.5 Mile FUNdraising Walk, with treats for children and pets. Special Thank You’s go to the following: Willy’s Treats for donating Doggie Treats 2nd Year in a row! McDonald’s on Main St. and McDonald’s on Washington Street who have donated Happy Meal Collector Toys, Travel Bingo and Fun Time Game Booklets; and especially to A&A Office Systems for Donated Copy Services! You are all special.

Additional fees apply for various other vendor services (i.e. pet nail clipping etc.)

No Rain Date set at this time, just bring an umbrella, Pets still have to go out to do their thing! Kids love to play in the rain and so do some of us grown ups. Come have fun for the Purrrrr-fect Cause. If it is raining that day, check our website to find out if a Rain Date has been set.

Catales is a home grown non profit with it's main foster home in Middletown. Catales is run entirely by volunteers. Catales profits homes, medical care, and rehabilitation to feral and displaced felines. This year alone, they have adopted out nearly 100 animals alone. In picture left, Barabar Melia, Mayor Giuliano, and Catales founder Deb Bagley.

Weekend Review: CROP Walk for Hunger a Success!

A better late than never weekend article about this past Sunday’s CROP Walk. Held on the South Green. CROP Hunger Walks are community-wide events sponsored by Church World Service and organized by local congregations or groups to raise funds to end hunger at home and around the world. CROP was an acronym for the Christian Rural Overseas Program as it is under the Church World Service organization.

Local Organizersizer's changed the acronym to Community Response to Overcome Poverty for the event. The walk was organized by Bill Maune and Debra Hopkins, chapter leaders, and honorary co chaired by Mayor Giuliano. This is the second annual CROP Hunger Walk held in Middletown. Giuliano read a proclamation at the opening ceremony of the walk declaring Sept. 25, 2011 CROP Walk for Hunger Day. The organizing committee provided signs, bookmarks, and apples & water for walkers. Ron Krom, director of the local Amazing Grace Food Pantry was in attendance and spoke to the crowd about how funds raised at this event would find their way back to Middletown and help feed local families. Other dignitaries included Representative Matt Lesser (D) (also an honorary committee member), and Common Councilman Phil Pessina (R).

The walk was approximately 3 miles long going from the South Green, north on Main Street to Amazing Grace on Stack Street, and circling back along High Street back to the Green. Local Boy Scout Troop 72 raised funds for the cause and participated in the walk. Earlier this month, Amazing Grace put out a request for donations because the food supply was at an emergency low due to the increase in families needing assistance. This year 25% of the proceeds go directly to support the local efforts of the St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen in Middletown with the remainder going to end hunger world wide. To date, the Middletown CROP Walk has raised $456.20 just with its corresponding online campaign. The online campaign is still open for donations ( see link). Update with the final figure to with what was raised at the walk to come!

Find out how you can help St. Vincent DePaul Amazing Grace Food Pantry here

The next event to benefit the pantry is:

Amazing Grace Food Pantry Invites you to the 2011 Amazing Challenge

Thursday, October 13, 2011 from 5:00—7:00 p.m.Fox Parish Center at St. Francis of Assisi Church 10 Elm St. Middletown. In the photo below, Ron Krom (left) speaks about food insecurity to the crowd, pictured are event organizers Bill Maune, and Debra Hopkins. Bottom photo, Troop 72 passes Spear Park. Walkers carried signs with the message "Stop Hunger."

To get involved with the CROP Committee on a local level contact:

Debra Hopkins, 860-346-6757, hopkinsinter@yahoo.com

Bill Maune, 860-635-6007, bmaune@att.net

In the photo below Ron Krom explains how funds reach Middletown, to his right are event organizers and CROP Walk Committee Chairs Bill Maune and Debra Hopkins. Opening prayer was given by Pastor Marybeth Marshall (pictured left). Debra Hopkins is founder and CEO of Hopkins International Ministries located at 131 Main Street Extension in Middletown. Kathy Burton a regional director with the World Church Service spoke. Leadra Hylton, age 15, was the youth coordinator for the event.

Pictured above, Boy Scout Troop 72 passes Spear Park.

Local Sponsors:Young Printing, Doolittle Funeral Home,Our donations came from Bob's Surplus, Home Depot, Stop & shop , Lyman Orchards, Middlesex Fruitery, 99 Restaurant,Wesleyan University, Price Chopper, Main Street Market,Only Natural Market,Royal Capital Management Group,Michael's Restaurant and Lounge

Scarrozzo blasts The Press

Commentary below is a letter of opinion authored by Chairman of the Middletown Republican Town Committee Matt Scarrozzo. It is his opinion only, and does not represent the opinion of The Middletown Eye news blog, the poster of this letter, or any other contributors of the Middletown Eye blog.

As chairman of the Middletown Republican Town Committee (MTC) in response to the letter Ms. Sundqvist published as an editorial [in the Middletown Press] on September 22, 2011. It essentially accused our current Mayor Sebastian Giuliano of misconduct by supporting Christine Bourne’s primary bid and endorsing Dan Drew as Middletown Press’s candidate for Mayor. Now that the primary is over, I cannot let the rumors that the Press is presenting as truths about the Republican candidates go unchallenged. No reference in the editorial did it state, if in fact it was the opinion of the Press or just Editor Viktoria Sundvist’s personal opinion that alleges such wrong doing by Mayor Giuliano. I must point out to the public that the endorsement written by Sundvist stated no reasons for why the Press was endorsing Drew or state for the public’s knowledge what exactly is his platform, no where was there an outline of his platforms printed by Sundqvist.

Dan Drew states his platform if for job creation, tax reduction and improving education. No where have we read what business Mr. Drew claims he owns in Middletown. If the Middletown Press is whole-heartedly endorsing this candidate, why were these key points not outlined in the endorsement? We need to remember that the Democratic Party at this time has the majority on the Common Council that sets the budget; if the budget is too high; this is a direct result of the work of the democratically controlled Council. It was noted in the Press’s endorsement that Ms. Bourne and the city have lawsuits against the BOE but at the same time, it is not mentioned that the BOE is also suing the City of Middletown. Let’s not forget who initiated the very first lawsuit , the Board of Education filed it against the City of Middletown.

This endorsement lacks any journalistic motivation on the part of the Press and head editor Ms. Sundqvist to provide real facts to the public. Ms. Sundvist’s only accomplishment with this piece of fictitious writing is that she has proven herself adept at trolling Facebook and plucking comments out of context at whim. Sundqvist insinuates about scandalous friendships between opposing party professionals, private citizens, and city employees as well as their kin because of handshakes, smiles or tidbits of candor on Facebook and turn it into fodder to fire at those who disagree with her golden calf, Dan Drew. Where is it in the City charter that states once elected, these officials would have to remove themselves from friendships and kin that they have know prior to the election if they are not in the same party . I could insinuate a lot about Sundqvist from her blind devotion and biased writing and her relationship with the Democrats, but I will not. The sad part is that Ms. Sundqvist could have corroborated her story with simple phone calls to verify facts; however, adding to the surmounting evidence that the Press does sloppy and biased journalism that they are selling to the public as fair and balanced news, as many MRTC members have fund, it’s very difficult to get coverage from that Press that requires even minimal effort and writing ability. The Press has a decidedly biased view of politics in Middletown and the public should be aware when reading the Press that they are reading only one side of the story. The “Middletown reporter” for the “Middletown” Press is always on vacation. A rename of the “Occasionally Half of Middletown Press is in order.

It is noticeable to everyone that reporters from the Middletown Press only sporadically attend public meetings, stay for the first ten minutes and the misquote a few people of their choosing and head for the door. Where was the Press Reporter when Chairman Raczka called for a recess and then pulled the TV feed on Ed McKeon while he was speaking at the BOE meeting a week ago? Drew’s endorsement by Working Families stayed up for 5 days on the Press’s website, yet in that time I know for a fact that MRTC members sent letters to the Editor about issues concerning them and none were published or even acknowledge. Council 4 AFSCME endorsed Mayor Giuliano and this received no front page coverage. The MRTC has found that often in the comment section of the online version of the Press, although comments are supposedly “screened”, sexist and derogatory comments against citizen members particularly those opposing the Democratic view allowed to remain for hours. If there is a time gab between when comments are sent for “approval” and posted, why then should the Press allow these vicious comments even for a second?

Want to know some truths about our Mayor you will never read about in our local paper that carries our city’s name. Here are some of what has been accomplished under Giuliano’s administration because of HIS leadership.

• moving forward on joining the Mattabassett District which will open our riverfront. The possibilities will be endless.

• the finishing of the state of the art High School.

• the army training center on industrial park road; best use of that parcel and managed to keep some park space.

• the expansion of the community health center and an anchor to the Northend

• the Mellili parking lot expansion and upgrading

• building a new senior & community center for our seniors.

Bottom line, the public needs to know that when they read the Middletown Press,

are reading one view point, one that which patronizes the local Democrats and rarely bothers to even shed light on views that differ from this. Print subscriptions should be discounted by 50% because the Press, led by Ms. Sundqvist is selling half-truths as news. An editorial is protected under freedom of speech; however an editorial written with lies and allegations is slanderous, and misleading to those who rely on journalists to be accurate. Ms. Sundqvist is allowed her opinion, as I am mine, however we as a community should expect a higher level of journalism from those in the profession. If the Press wants to be biased, fine, just call it a tabloid or novella, and stop misleading the community into thinking they are reading and purchasing a newspaper.

I encourage everyone who wants to hear the many view points of Middletown and get accurately quoted and researched news to read the Middletown Eye Blog, The Middletown Patch, or the Hartford Courant, and skip the Middletown Press and its so called professionalism.

If this letter to the same Editor I am criticizing even makes it to print, it is a step in admitting there is a problem with the Press and that’s at least a start. To find out more about viewpoints and accomplishments of all the MRTC endorsed candidates see our website or come by headquarters and meet us, we are here to serve.

Sincerely, Matt Scarrozzo

Chairman, Middletown Republican Town Committee

Commentary above is a letter of opinion authored by Chairman of the Middletown Republican Town Committee Matt Scarrozzo. It is his opinion only, and does not represent the opinion of The Middletown Eye news blog, the poster of this letter, or any other contributors of the Middletown Eye blog.

AFSCME Local Endorses Mayor, Other Candidates

Council 4 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees endorsed Mayor Seb Giuliano’s re-election bid on Thursday.

The union also endorsed a slate of candidates for other positions including three of its own union members: Linda Salafia and Philip Pessina for Common Council and Tami Kapacziewski for Board of Education. An AFSCME spokesman said they would campaign for their candidates who are “on the front lines of the city, making it run.”

The continued friction between the mayor and the Board of Education became the focus of a press conference announcing the endorsement. The mayor said “Personally I have a hunch they’re exacerbating a problem to take them into November.”

Kapacziewski, running for Board of Ed, said she originally stood up “as a parent, then as a resident, and last as a union member.”

Opinion from Common Council candidate Linda Salafia

The below posted letter is solely the opinion of the author, Linda Salafia, and in now way represents the opinions or views of the Middletown Eye or any of the contributors to the Eye.

Letter to the editor,

I recently took a mini-vacation to downeast coastal Maine where there are several small towns that have marvelous views, artist shops and small cafes. However, the main streets in these towns don’t compare to our Main Street. The wide variety of restaurants and available parking that we have puts them to shame (got to be able to parallel park if you even find a space); we even can compete in the “view’ category with our river. When we join the Mattabassett District, we will gain more in that category.

However, I returned to politics as usual: the Board of Education again has decided to act independently and totally ignore decisions from the Mayor’s office and compliance with the union contracts regarding the hiring and paying of employees. The details of their actions I’m sure are becoming tiring to those not directly affected but the fact that they are still occurring is very important. The charter for the City of Middletown clearly states that the Mayor is the hiring authority for all classified employees for the whole city; every department. When grievances cannot be settled between the parties, they are heard by the State Labor Board who then rules; the union has just received another unanimous ruling in their favor from the Board awarding back wages to the employees who were harmed. I am predicting that the Board administration will again not abide by the ruling and the union will have to file again with the state. The disturbing issue to me is that we’ve a democratic majority on the Board of Education that is suspiciously silent through all this. As the body that the Board of Education administration answers to and reports to; they could easily instruct the administration to follow the charter and adhere to the union contracts but for some reason, they have chosen not to. Dan Drew is running on a platform proposing cooperation between the City and the Board of Education; however, cooperation could exist NOW if only the Board of Education members instructed the administration to adhere to the rules as they exist.

I am running for a place on the Common Council and I urge you to vote for the re-election of Seb Giuliano as Mayor. I also urge you to vote for ROW B on November 8th; it’s time to break the logjam; time to change the composition of the Board and Council; it’s time stop what’s going on now since those members of the majority party currently sitting on the boards are not requiring the BOE administration to comply with the rules.

Thank you.


Linda Salafia
Republican Candidate for Common Council

The above posted letter is solely the opinion of the author, Linda Salafia, and in no way represents the opinions or views of the Middletown Eye or any of the contributors to the Eye.

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

Weekend Review: 4th Annual Ryan Woods Autism Awareness Event

The fourth annual Ryan Woods Autism Awareness Fundraiser and Fair was held this past Saturday Sept. 10th on the South Green. Donning vibrant orange shirts, volunteers served up snow cones, hot dogs, hamburgers and refreshments. The Ryan Wood Autism Foundation (RWAF) offers a variety of activities geared to the specific needs and requests of members. RWAF offers outreach and support for families with children on the spectrum; recreational and educational activities such as: bowling; annual music festivals; annual gala in November that engages the City of Middletown and surrounding towns. In October 2010, RWAF launched the first After-School program for Teens with Special Needs in the state of Connecticut. The program is called RWAF After 3. The program will be facilitated effective June 22, 2011 in the Masonic Lodge, 33 Pleasant Street, Middletown, CT. The organization is now aligned with Middletown Public Schools to further RWAF's mission of educational advocacy and enhancing outreach programs for not only children with autism, but their families and non autistic children to help them better understand autism.

The Taiko Drum Ensemble group of Wesleyan took the stage in the show mobile to provide an entertaining musical interlude. (photo left)

Various talented artists sold wares to benefit the foundation. Two large bounce houses, one of which was a water slide kept children in attendance entertained thru-out the afternoon. The Middletown fire department was on staff to monitor the event and provide a watchful eye on the large inflatable water slide. In the photo to the left, 6 year old, Daniel Gwynn, a child with autism, of East Hartford cools off in the waterslide with his friends and his on looking mom nearby. (photo left)

Mayor Giuliano (R), Councilwoman Debra Kleckowski (R), Councilman Phil Pessina (R), and the distinguished human rights advocate and City Human Rights committee member Roland Cockfield (first photo above right) were on hand to give inspirational messages of hope and praise to the volunteers. Deputy Mayor Joe Bibisi, and Republican council candidates Linda Salafia, Matt Fraulino, P&Z candidates, Fred Terrasi, myself, and BOE candidate Tami Kapacziewski were also on hand to meet & praise 10 year old Ryan Woods who has autism, who was the inspiration for the event.

A touching moment was when common council candidate Ed Dypa (R) (photo immediate left) spoke to the crowd about his own adult son, who has cerebral palsy & learning disabilities, as being his inspiration, and reminded people how special every child is. Dypa's has been a longtime member of the Board of Directors for MARC (Middlesex Association for Retarded Citizens) and life long advocate for persons who cannot necessarily speak for themselves, who have what in his words are what society has labeled "disabilities." Dypa, who made no references to his own campaign through out his speech, reminded the crowd that the focus should always be on a child's abilities, and integrated education for children with special needs with children without those needs is key to bending the cycle of discrimination that differently abled adults face. Mayor Giuliano praised event coordinator Brenda Wilson, grandmother of Ryan Woods and foundation founder, (first photo top right) for being a community leader and expanding her grassroots effort into such a wide spread and successful City wide event that has shaped the way the community sees autism & all children. Giuliano, who spoke of his young cousin who is on the autism spectrum as well, reiterated that "many hands make a perceived burden light" in regards to the tedious & daunting task that society undertaken as far as research about finding cures and coping mechanisms for autism.

Various local artists, crafters, and vendors

had table the Green selling their wares with various percentages of the proceeds going to RWAF. One of the local artist's who's work caught my eye was Middletown resident

J. Burts (photo right). I found particularly engaging was his Michael Jackson tribute piece, which sold early in the day.Burts is a multi media artist who specializes in airbrush art, and has been creating art for over a decade.

Middletown resident Lulu McArthur sold her hand made brightly colored afghans and slippers. When I asked, I was shocked to find that McArthur has only been making crocheted items, which were exquisitely crafted for about 6 months & she is completely self taught! McArthur spoke passionately about RWAF and said crocheting was a good excuse for her to void housework. (photo below)

To find out more information about The Ryan Woods Autism Foundation visit:

http://ryanwoodsautismfoundation.org/

rwaf@comcast.net

Office: (860) 346-8777

J. Burt's does commisioned work and can be reached at (860) 834-9502, or at his website http://burtsartwork.com