Large turnout for Gas Tax Cap Rally

Today State Senator Len Suzio R-Meriden & Middletown, lead a rally at Hiba Gas Station on South Main Street. Suzio has drafted a bill to propose a cap on state tax on gasoline, which he says is supposed to be used on road repair and bridge work, however, this revenue is being put back into the general fund.

“ I feel the people of Connecticut are getting gouged,” Senator Suzio said, " Matt Lesser came out and spoke against price gouging during the hurricane, but what about the rest of the year? The gouging that goes on everyday? That's why I am here.", statement that drew applause from the crowd gathered.

Currently CT's state gas tax is 47 cents per gallon. This 47 cents gross receipts tax is in addition to the state flat tax of 23 cents on each gallon of gasoline. This spring, it is projected that the price for gasoline will extend beyond $4 a gallon. The tax is currently 7.5%- the highest in the country. Suzio has a petition started on his website. The senator is also challenging the current taxes on Social Security benefits. Local Middletown Councilwoman Debra Kleckowski, Councilmen Phil Pessina, & Joe Bibisi were there to lend support.

* location corrected

Sparks on the Field: July 4th Baseball Game Honors Veteran

No fireworks? Who cares! There are few things more American than baseball, and baseball on Independence Day is double the fun. Earlier today I posted a reminder of the Third Annual Norm Way Classic Memorial baseball game that took place this morning at the Bill Pomfret stadium at Palmer Field in Middletown. Today the local 75er's played Berlin's team. The Middletown American Legion Local Post #75 is coached by Tim D'Aquila and is comprised of players16-19 years old. Today the game was played in honor of the late Norm Way a veteran of WWII who fought 1944-1945 after which he returned to Middletown and was a key figure in local sports & the Legion until his death in 2008. Way fought at Normandy, arriving the day after D-day. Today's game was sponsored by the Middletown Military Museum.

The opening ceremony was at 10:30 am on the pitchers mound. The Way family was there to honor their patriarch and Way's granddaughter Kelly Deegan threw the first pitch to the Middletown catcher Kyle Krajewski. Mayor Sebastian Giuliano (R) (right photo, with hot dog), flanked by Councilmen Phil Pessina(R) and David Bauer(R) (far right photo), threw the second pitch, all later stayed to cheer on the players. In the stands Councilwoman Deb Kleckowski (R) and B.O.E. Boardmember Ryan Kennedy(R) showed their support for the veterans and the players. Roughly 150 people came to see the game today. The new digital score board showed who is at bat, out's, strikes etc was very user friendly in keeping track of what was going on and well worth the investment.

I have to give the players extra credit too, because they played a double header the day before, and with temperatures over 90 today, they made it look easy as fans watched from the shaded stadium. In honor of all branches of the armed forces, Middletown traded it's traditional blue and white uniforms for tan and brown camo tee shirts printed with their numbers in black, but kept the original light blue pants and darker blue cap normally worn. The very sharp looking tribute tee's were supplied by local sports store Home Team Supply on Saybrook Road. Berlin's traditional red and white uniforms complimented Middletown's blues and made the event all the more patriotic. It was a fashion home run in my book.

I am not a sports writer, so I cannot comment too much about the actual game, I have to say that for a non sporty person it was still very exciting and engaging to watch! Regrettably I did not write down player names as I was watching to see who did what- my apologies to the team. It was neat to see lots of slides and no bickering with the umpire.

I will leave the real sports writing to the game's announcer and Middletown legend Jim Bransfield who wrote a fantastic article about the play by play of the game for the Middletown Press that is truly be worth reading. It was a pleasure to listen to Bransfield announce the game today, I think sports I think that voice! I do have to say that by the fourth inning Berlin made a steady practice of trying to steal second base, but this didn't slip by the stealth view of Middletown's pitcher Krajewski (seen pitching in photo on right). Pop fly's seem to be the theme today as far as ball play for what Berlin was hitting. Atleast 2 balls were hit out of the park- one by Berlin ( the red guys) to Washington Street during the third inning and one by a Middletown player (camo & blue) to the parking lot during the fourth inning, which made me duck and cover and almost spill the amazing nachos I got from concessions- which by the way were only $2! Middletown plays Wallingford July 6th at Palmer, 7:00 pm, with the live action, brilliant announcing by Bransfield and very reasonably priced concessions,I recommend taking the whole family and checking out a game or two. More information can be found at the website here. Outcome: Middletown won 2-1 against Berlin

ps Jim Bransfield, if you're reading this please come write for the Eye anytime!

Branfield's article aka real sports coverage

http://middletownpress.com/articles/2011/07/04/sports/doc4e12068078ef6780984251.txt

http://www.middletownsports.org/Post75/

pss The Eye could use some sports coverage :)

Madam Nirvana aka Molly Salafia

Kleckowski Responds to Democratic Town Chair

From Deborah Kleckowski

I want to take this opportunity to thank all you who have supported me. This article is to address the comments made by the Democratic Chairman Daniel Russo and Anonymous as reported on July 6, 2009.

In response to Dan Russo's comments, "She effectively left the party two years ago. She stopped communicating with the party." That is an inaccurate assessment. I have not "stopped" communicating with the Democratic Town committee. There has not ever been any communication.

The only time there has been communication between me and the Democratic Town Chairman or other members of the party has been when my involvement in the party was "inconvenient" or an apparent threat to the "status quo", which Dan himself promotes as a positive working relationship among party members and the community at large. For example, shortly after the 2009 municipal election Dan Russo asked me to step aside to allow a long time commissioner, who was not re-elected, to resume his position. The reasons were that this person had served for several years and was an asset to the commission, which is true, and, now that I was a mother and had "mother duties" it may be a good time for me to resign. The commissioner in question had NO knowledge of this request. Frankly, there was something very unsettling about "manufacturing" the outcome of an election. This is a very slippery slope of which I wanted no part.

Another example of "party communication" is in reference to the election of the P&Z Chairman. The Democratic Chairman requested a meeting with me. The discussion was about the contentious subject "seated alternates”, which could affect the votes for the Chairman. Many may recall there was a debate as to the interpretation of the language in the City Charter, the P&Z By-Laws and State law as to whether or not "seated alternates" can vote for leadership. Dan Russo contended that "seated alternates" do not have the right to vote for leadership (Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary). In the end I did not agree with Dan's legal interpretation of the By-Laws/Charter. Dan Russo expressed his point of view in front of P&Z that same evening about 1 a.m. However, Dan gave the commission his legal opinion without disclosing his position as the Democratic Town Chair. I had to ask myself the obvious questions, "was Dan interpreting the law/Charter/By-Law on the basis of who held the current majority/leadership", "or was his interpretation void of any political motive at all”? Yes, "seated alternates" can vote for leadership the same as with any other land use matter.

Finally, on April 15th, 2009 I submitted to Dan Russo my letter of intent to run for re-election for P&Z. I received no response. My change of party was not noticed until June 1, 2009. Where was the interest from the party in supporting my re-election bid? Where was the support of the party when I was attempting to ensure leadership was present at meetings? Where was the communication between the party and myself for the past six years?

It is the culmination of all the examples given which has led me to switch parties and to seek office on the Republican slate.

Regarding the statements made by Anonymous, your facts are wrong. I have never been invited to or participated in a Republican caucus.

We reside in an interconnected community with the unique problem of having many qualified people interested in serving in an elected capacity. It is time to open the "business as usual" gates and to give others the opportunity and privilege to serve their community. Just because "things are working" does not mean things are working well or that things could be working better! Status quo does not mean working to full potential it means there is no movement-it is just stagnant. I believe Middletown residents have more potential then "status quo" and more importantly, residents of Middletown deserve more than the "status quo'!

Kleckowski Switches Parties, Makes Bid to Run For Council

After a contentious, year-long attempt to unseat the former chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and elect a new chair, P&Z member Deborah Kleckowski has switched parties from Democratic to Republican, and has announced her intention to run for the Common Council.

"I am a nominated candidate," Kleckowski said Sunday. "But the consideration for the slate is not complete. The slate will be announced officially on July 27."

Asked about the party switch Kleckowski admitted to a great degree of frustration with the leadership of the town's Democratic party.

"I was asked to join the Republican Party," Kleckowski said. "And it was a good opportunity given the circumstances of leadership. I didn't receive any support to oppose the chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission in the matter of her attendance."

Kleckowski, and former P&Z chair, Barbara Plumb, were in the same party, but Kleckowski was active in an effort to unseat Plumb who was absent from P&Z meetings for most of the winter. Kleckowski found herself voting with Republicans on the issue. A regular series of votes has never produced the necessary majority to elect a new chair, and for seven months, the Planning and Zoning Commission has operated without an elected chair. Richard Pelletier, P&Z vice chair, who in recent months placed his own name in the running to serve as chair, has been running meetings.

Speaking with regret about her need to switch parties to achieve "opportunities for leadership values and to move forward with my sense of vision," Kleckowski spoke of a need for continuity and commitment.

"There should be a continuum between municipal boards, the Common Council, state Representatives and our Representatives in the U.S. Congress," Kleckowsky said. "Right now, we don't have people who will talk with one another. Not once since I've been on Planning and Zoning has a Common Council member attended a meeting to build support for a point of view about an issue."

Kleckowski expressed disappointment with the Democratic Town Committee for failing to react to her plans to build such a coalition.

"I have presented it to the Democrats for the past six years, and there was no interest," she said. "By the simple fact that they have volunteered to serve the city, they should be inclusive. I don't find that sense of inclusion. Instead I've experienced a sense of exclusion. There are good people who want to progress, yet I know several who are not supported."

Kleckowski feels that as Middletown changes, elected officials need to reflect those changes, and the diversity in town, and not live by old rules and relationships.

"Deb has made her own decisions, based on her perspective" said Dan Russo, chairman of the Democratic Town Committee, Sunday. "She effectively switched parties almost two years ago. She stopped communicating with the party. She chose to stop communicating."

"One of the strengths of the Democratic Party," Russo said. "Is that we have a larger number of qualified and interested candidates for positions than there are available positions. We have brought many young, women and minority members into the party in the last several years."

As for progress within the Democratic ranks, Russo indicated that the party was not interested in fixing what wasn't broken.

"We have eight council Democrats working well together," Russo said. "And I don't see a need to change that."

"We need to look forward, not back," Kleckowski said. "We have new people who have chosen Middletown, who have moved here because it's such a vibrant and diverse community, and they want to be involved, and should have that opportunity."

Kleckowski said she has been informed that she will retain her status on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

All They Couldn't Do Was Elect A Chair

In an issue that has been pressing for the better part of a year, the Planning and Zoning Commission once again failed to elect a chair. Two Democrats, Deborah Kleckowski (4 votes) and acting chair Richard Pelletier (3 votes) were not elected, again.

Other then that continuing embarrassment, the Board moved briskly through business, tabling a public hearing on a 15 lot subdivision at Flynn Lane due to improper signage announcing the public hearing.

The board approved a change in language to allow a plan by Lori Montazella to open a Bed and Breakfast in her home which is located on Westfield Street and is in an R-15 zone. Montazella will have to appear before the Board with specific plans before she opens the B$B.

The board also approved a three lot subdivision at 42 Middlefield Street. In the approval they recomended planting of buffer trees, required sidewalks, and a turnaround driveway (hammerhead).

The board also extended approval of a industrial park development on land owned by Ted Bysiewicz. They approved a name change for a used car dealer on Johnson Street, and forwarded public hearings for two other subdivisions.

In other business the board agreed to make time in future meetings to consider changes in regulations for Bed and Breakfasts, sidewalks, and several other changes sidelined at other meetings but compiled by board member Catherine Johnson.

Opportunities for public input to Planning and Zoning

From Deborah Kleckowski:

The Planning and Zoning By-Law committee is holding a workshop on the changes to the By-laws on Wednesday May 20, 2009 at 6pm, in Council Chambers. The meeting will be taped.

The workshop is an opportunity to add your comments to By-laws. As many of you are aware, the P&Z Commission has struggled with elections and other matters. It is crucial that a document be developed that clearly addresses procedural matters and standards of professional conduct. I encourage people to attend the workshop and I look forward to hearing input from the public.

On a separate issue, the presentation last Wednesday night at the P&Z meeting was very enlightening! We, as Commissioners, are lay people, and professional development is absolutely critical to ensure we are as educated as possible to properly represent the interest of the City of Middletown and its' residents. Thank you to Commissioner Johnson who arranged the presentation. I look forward to other Commissioners bringing forth ideas for additional workshops and presentations.

The Plan of Development is also in progress. The next meeting is Thursday May 21, 2009 at 6:30pm in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library. The Plan of Conservation and Development is the blueprint for development of the City. It is important that as many people as possible provide their input into the future design of Middletown.

I look forward to seeing many of you on May 20th and May 21. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance: debilee14@hotmail.com

Deborah Kleckowski

Planning and Zoning Commissioner

Kleckowski Fine After Collapse At P&Z Meeting

"I've had a horrible cold for a few weeks," Planning and Zoning Commissioner Deborah Kleckowski said on the phone this morning. "My sinuses are blocked, but I'm fine. Tell everybody I'm fine."

At Wednesday's Planning and Zoning meeting Kleckowski fainted, and was taken to by emergency techs to the hospital for observation.

"It was a reaction to antihistamines I'd been taking," Kleckowski said. "Not only was I dehydrated, but my blood pressure spiked. And I don't usually have a blood pressure issue. The doctors told me it's something that can happen when you're taking cold remedies. It's not a good way to learn a lesson, but it's something that most people don't know."

Kleckowski was quick to thank all those who attended to her after she passed out.

"Of course Bruce (Driska - Zoning Enforcement Officer), was a former EMT so he was great," she said. "And Jason the EMT was wonderful. And the mayor stayed with me to make sure I stayed aware."

The cold which caused the initial problem has kept Kleckowski from her work as an instructor at Middlesex Community College for the past few days.

"It's a nasty cold, but I'm beginning to feel much better."

Planning and Zoning Commission Still Without A Chair

Again Wednesday night, for the third month in a row, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted on electing a new chair for the commission.

Again, with Democratic candidates Deborah Kleckowski and Barbara Plum nominated, the commission voted, with written ballots. Kleckowski got four votes, Plum three. Neither was elected since five votes are needed.

Commission members continued the parlimentary bickering about whether the Commission actually had a chair. Kleckowski suggested that Plum, who had been the chair, should not be listed on municipal stationery as the chair.

Commissioner Ron Borrelli spoke angrily about the commission's inability to elect a chair.

"If you're gonna vote for some who appointed herself chair, and appointed herself to three other commissions, and hasn't been here for four months to attend meetings," Borrelli said. "Then you're voting, along party lines, for someone who shouldn't be chairman, or a commissioner. Let's elect someone else. Let's move on."

Democrat Barbara Plum, who has served as chair of P&Z for several years, leaves Middletown, and the state, for an annual winter vacation each year.

In other parliamentary matters, the commission passed a mercy rule - a revision to their bylaws, which states that all Planning and Zoning meetings must end by 11 pm, with some exceptions allowing meetings to absolutely end by midnight.