DeLauro In Middletown On Thursday To Discuss SAFER Streets Act, Gun Violence Prevention

From a press release.
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Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, who represents our city in the U.S. House of Representatives, will hold a press conference Thursday, January 31 at 11 am to discuss her SAFER Streets Act and the need for stronger laws to prevent future gun violence.

Joe Bango, the Connecticut small business owner who proposed the legislation to DeLauro, will be present to hand over his AR-15 to the State Police.

Community Health Center Gets Grant Under Affordable Care Act

Modified from a press release by Congresswoman DeLauro, who represents Middletown in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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Rosa DeLauro announced today that the Community Health Center has been awarded a $451,370 grant by the Health and Human Services Department. With the grants, the Community Health Center, Inc. will be better able to provide comprehensive physical and mental health care to students, in schools, where the care is easily accessible.

“These grants will go a long way towards making health services more readily available for children and adolescents. Unfortunately Connecticut needs no reminder of how critical it is to make sure young people can access mental, as well as physical health care services. I am proud the Affordable Care Act created this grant program and that we are continuing to support programs that make our communities healthier. Even in tough fiscal times, we have to put people’s health and safety first.”

Under the Affordable Care Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to award grants to support school-based health centers that provide comprehensive physical and mental health services to children and adolescents. DeLauro announced that Fair Haven Community Health Clinic, in New Haven, and the Griffin Hospital/Griffin Health Services Corporation in Derby also received grants.

North End Farmer's Market Today

The phenomenally fun farmers market is today, on the North End of Main Street. I don't need to give an address, because you just have to look for the spectacular produce, food, arts, and most of all for the happy people enjoying a summer midday in our beautiful city. It runs from 10 to 2.

The pictures are from the North End Action Team's beautiful slide show of past Farmers Markets.

Our congresswoman, Rosa DeLauro, will be touring the Market today at 12:30. She will meet with some of the children participating in the “Kids’ Market” portion of the farmers’ market and hear about their summer lunch program.

Photos from Army Base Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Last night dignitaries cut a ribbon to dedicate the opening of Middletown's new Army Reserve Training Facility to local war hero General Maurice Rose who gave his life in 1945 defending our country during WWII.

Fishmuscle originally posed about the event in the Eye earlier in the week featured here:

This Eye reported noted that when asked to stand only 2 WWII Veterans were in attendance in the audience, a sign that as the population ages, living WWII veterans dwindle in numbers, making it imperative to properly honor these brave men and women and note their personal histories in a timely manner. Senator Richard Blumenthal gave a speech and stated that his son is currently serving in Afganistan. In her speech, Congresswoman Rosa Delauro noted that of those eligible to serve in Armed Forces in the U.S. only .06% of the population chooses to do so. The facility can hold up to 700 reservists on a rotating basis, including 100 permanent staff, as well as space for 150 service vehicles. Speeches by Army officials gave detailed about the life of General Rose.

Did you know? More facts about General Maurice Rose from Wikipedia:

"General J. Lawton Collins aka "Lightning Joe Collins", regarded Maurice Rose "as the top notch division commander in the business at the time of his death." However, Rose never gained the prominence of many of his contemporaries, for any of several reasons, including the fact that he did not survive the war, and as an intensely private man, he rarely if ever sought personal publicity.

His biographers have stated that he is "World War II's Greatest Forgotten Commander". Andy Rooney, a the World War II war correspondent and later 60 Minutes commentator, wrote the following about General Rose in his book "My War":

Maj. Gen. Maurice Rose, who had been with the Second Armored Division at Saint-Lô, was now the commander of the Third Armored and he may have been the best tank commander of the war. He was a leader down where they fight. Not all great generals were recognized. Maurice Rose was a great one and had a good reputation among the people who knew what was going on, but his name was not in the headlines as Patton's so often was. Rose led from the front of his armored division.

The Army transport USAT General Maurice Rose and the Rose Medical Center in Denver, Colorado are named in his honor. The Maurice Rose Army Airfield was in Bonames, north of Frankfurt, Germany."

Kleen Energy Fallout: New Standard “Clear Message To Industry”

Elected officials invoked the memory of six men who died in the Kleen Energy plant explosion at a press conference on Tuesday.

“We can hopefully say that the six men who died last February did not die in vain, and that this tragedy will be the last of its kind,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.

DeLauro helped announce a new standard to regulate the procedure that went horribly wrong in February of 2010, killing the workers and injuring some 50 others.

Highly pressurized natural gas was used to purge pipes at the under-construction plant on River Road. It ignited, and the explosion was felt dozens of miles away. The National Fire Protection Association, a non-profit which provides codes and standards on fire risk, investigated how the ‘gas blow’ was conducted. “What we learned was there really wasn’t a standard for this operation” said Jim Shannon, the NFPA’s president.

The new NFPA standard says flammable gas should not be used to clear pipes of debris. “This is a clear message to the industry that gas blows are inherently unsafe”, said Chemical Safety Board chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso. Other options, such as compressed air or inert nitrogen gas are available.“The tragedy at Kleen Energy was preventable.”

The state of Connecticut has since outlawed the use of flammable gas in such operations, but it is the only state to do so. Congressman Joe Courtney said “As a nation we are shifting towards natural gas”, so it is important that a national standard is set.

Courtney and DeLauro worked with the NFPA to have the standard written and released quickly. The standard does not have the force of law, but NFPA says their standards are often referenced or adapted as laws. Shannon said industry and manufacturers are already citing the standard.

In answer to questions about ultimate accountability for the blast, Mayor Sebastian Giuliano said civil and criminal investigations were still ongoing, and evidence was still being held.

Also in attendance at the city hall press conference were State Representatives Matt Lesser and Joe Serra, and State Senator Paul R. Doyle.

The six men killed were: Raymond Dobratz Jr., 58, Old Saybrook; Peter C. Chepulis, 48, Thomaston; Ronald Crabb, 42, Colchester; Chris Walters, 48, Florissant, Mo; Roy Rushton, Hamilton, Ontario; and Kenneth Haskell, 37, Durham, N.H.

DeLauro to be in Middletown on Saturday

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, will hold Neighborhood Office Hours on Saturday, July 25th, at the Super Stop, 416 East Main Street, from 11:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m.

DeLauro represents most of Middletown in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congresswoman DeLauro Comments on Cucia Park Selection

From the office of Rosa DeLauro:

“Cucia Park was the top choice of the Mayor’s Advisory Panel and I am pleased to see that, after its review of three different sites, the Army Corps agrees that this location represents the best potential site for the new Reserve Center in Middletown. I have long made clear through correspondence and conversation with the Secretary of the Army and elsewhere, that in order to find a suitable site for this facility, all interested parties -- the Army, town and citizens-must work together to find a mutually agreeable site. I will continue to represent the interests of Middletown and its citizens as we move forward with the environmental review of this site.”

Stimulus Dollars for CHC

From the Community Health Center:

President Obama and his administration announced today that the Community Health Center (CHC) will receive $670,628 in federal stimulus funding.

The funding was announced by U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro in her visit to CHC today and by a press release later in the day by U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd. Twelve health centers in the state received funding; however CHC received the single highest amount.

Community Health Center, Inc. will use the funding to expand primary care staff positions and capacity at two CHC primary sites in New Britain and Meriden. The stimulus funds will result in seven new positions and capacity to care for another 2,200 patients annually. In New Britain, the funds will support an expansion, due for completion in August, that will add 20,000 square feet to an existing building. In Meriden, the funding will support a renovation of existing space that has just begun. The funding will equip and furnish eight exam rooms in New Britain and the same in Meriden. The Meriden renovation is expected to be completed in April 2010.

“This funding will allow us to expand and renovate buildings and expand access to care for thousands of underinsured and uninsured patients in New Britain and Meriden,” said Mark Masselli, president and CEO of CHC. “It also provides for much-needed jobs. This would not be possible without the tireless leadership of our Connecticut delegation, who have worked hard to ensure that working families receive access to affordable health care.”

The money is part of a $338 million program that is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act approved by Congress a few weeks ago.

Rosa DeLauro: Boardman Lane still on the Army's list of sites

In a press release this afternoon, Connecticut Representative Rosa DeLauro indicated that the Army Corps of Engineers' Colonel Keith Landry will meet with elected officials in Connecticut on Monday to "announce the sites still in consideration as possible locations for the Army Reserve Center."

According to DeLauro's press release, the Boardman Lane site is still on that list.

There is no word as to which other sites may still be on the list. Those potential sites include Cucia Park, Mile Lane, Bysiewicz Industrial Park and Boardman Lane.

It seems unlikely that the Army will deliver a ranked list, showing the preferences for any site. As the press release notes: "these sites will undergo environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and no final selection will be made until the NEPA process has been completed."

According to the press release, DeLauro continues to press the Army to remove the Boardman Lane site from the list of potential locations: "In light of these discussions and last month’s response to the inquiry I made with Senators Dodd and Lieberman, it appears that the Boardman Lane site will remain on this list. I will continue to make clear to those reviewing these sites that Boardman Lane is not a suitable location for the Center and fight on behalf of my constituents for its removal from consideration."

The mayor's office, the governor's office and the office of Attorney General Richard Blumenthal were also contacted for comment on this story, but none returned calls on the topic.

Moody School brings out the candidates!

Several candidates chose to spend the critical home from work hours campaigning for votes at Moody School in Westfield. Rosa DeLauro, Paul Doyle, Matt Lesser, and Catherine Johnson were all there between 5:00 and 6:00 PM, each with several of their supporters.  The crowd of politicians and campaigners, with all their signs, greeted every voter arriving from the parking lot.  All of the candidates exuded cheer and caring, and many voters stopped to speak with them.

Inside the gym, Districts 4 and 5 are on a pace to shatter records for turnout.  At 5:45PM, 80% of the eligible voters had cast a ballot in District 4 (1233/1550) and 74% in District 5 (1054/1426).  Neither number includes absentee ballots.   Amazing.

Candidates meet at Westfield Forum

The Westfield Residents Association held a Meet the Candidates Forum Monday Night at the Third Congregational Church in Westfield for at least the 10th election season.

US Congressional and State Senate and Representative candidates were invited and all but 3rd Congressional District US Representative Republican candidate Bo Itshaky, attended.

The format, opening statements followed by questions from Westfield residents, made for a lively discussion, in fact much more lively than the candidate forum conducted by the League of Women Voters.

Westfield resident Stephen Devoto hosted.

US Congressional Candidates, Democratic incumbent Rosa DeLauro, and Green candidate Ralph Ferruci opened the session.

Rosa DeLauro began her presentation with a suggestion that served as backdrop for all speakers – a worldwide economic crisis that has come to haunt the neighborhoods of every American town.

DeLauro emphasized her record and accomplishments in health care for children, agricultural bill improvements, FDA regulations, equal pay and breast health care legislation. She sees her responsibility to address the economic crisis by investing in clean alternative energy, health care for all, and strong regulation of financial markets.

In answers to questions from the audience DeLauro indicated that greed and deregulation caused the current financial crisis, and that the people responsible should be prosecuted. She also noted that if the British can prevent rogue financiers from walking away with bonuses, that we ought to be able to do the same in this country.

As regards health insurance, she bridled at the suggestion that Congress people do not pay for their health insurance, and suggested that the country should build on the success of Medicare by making it stronger. She also suggested that the way to improved health care is through preventive medicine, lowering drug prices and improving medical technology.

Finally in response to a question about Barack Obama’s tax plan, DeLauro reaffirmed her alignment with Obama, saying that, “when it comes to providing a tax break, that tax break ought to go to middle class America. Middle class families ought to be able to sustain themselves”

Ralph Ferruci, of the Green Party pinned most of the nation’s woes on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He called for the impeachment and prosecution of George Bush, and made a plea for real universal health care in a single payer system.

While Ferruci displayed an idealogical earnestness, his answers seemed to indicate in their tone, and delivery, that he feels his candidacy is an uphill battle.

Ferruci indicated that the $700 billion tax bailout would amount to $27,000 for every taxpayer in Connecticut, and that the bailout would have been better structured if aid was given to taxpayers, and not to financial institutions. He also pinned the lack of substantial healthcare legislation on the 1000 healthcare lobbyists for every representative in Congress.

He also noted that, in his opinion, the promised Obama tax break promise is impossible to keep in the current economic climate.

In the debate between 9th district State Senate candidates, incumbent Democrat Paul Doyle and Republican challenger Ralph Capenera, the contentious tone of their campaign continued.

Senator Paul Doyle claimed that the campaign had been difficult for him because, as he characterized it, “this is a race of personal destruction.” He made a plea to his challenger to return to the issues.

“It’s not about me, or about you Ralph,” he said. “It’s about the issues. I’m not embarrassed to stand in this church and talk about anything I’ve talked about in this campaign. I wish my opponent could talk in this church, but he’s embarrassed” Doyle asked his opponent to make a pledge to end negative campaigning, but it was a challenge his opponent refused to acknowledge.

In answers to questions, Doyle acknowledged that Middletown bore more than its fair share of large state facilities, but that he would fight any expansion of the Connecticut Juvenile Training Center. He also indicated that he would attempt to shift emphasis in the legislature from industrial incentives away from things like the film industry and toward clean energy incentives, and green industry.

Republican Senate challenger Ralph Capenera, claimed that his campaign was not an attack campaign, but one which was addressing the record of his challenger.

His major legislation is a 3% cap on property tax.

Capenera agreed with a questioner that Middletown was unfairly burdened with more than its share of large mental health, correctional institutions, half-way houses and transitional housing , and that he was not afraid to fight to keep additional institutions from being located in Middletown.

Democratic challenger for the 100th State Representaive District Matt Lesser opened his statements with a plea for change. He emphasize that the tax system needs an overhaul, small business needs incentive, health care costs need to be addressed, and the state needs to focus on renewable energy, education and a new course for government.

Lesser believes the state, and municipalities need to find a happy medium between development and preservation of open space. He said he would have opposed a big box store (Price Chopper) in Durham.

With a ten percent rise in property taxes, Lesser believes that those on a fixed income, particularly seniors and young people hoping to buy homes, are most affected. He noted that if there was a silver lining in the economic crisis, it was the impetus to find new answers and new ideas, including regional cooperation.

Incumbent Republican Representative Ray Kalinowski also acknowledged the economic problems which has put state and local government in dire straits. He believes in controlling spending, creating an environment that’s friendly to business, and boosting cost sharing in his district for education.

Kalinowski feels that strengthened planning and zoning commissions combined with regional planning will help create better balanced development. He believes strongly in regionalism as a means to find savings in many areas including public works, schools and economic development.

Republican challenger for State Representative in the 33rd District Catherine Johnson continued to press her contention that solving transit problems is the key to solving many problems on a state and local level. She sees trains and express buses as economic generators which could revive business, communities and neighborhoods, while shifting priorities from a steady diet of petroleum.

She emphasized her experience in the movement toward Smart Growth for communities in the district and throughout the state. She added that regional planning for many of these issues can help speed changes.

Democratic incumbent for the seat, Joseph Serra, insists that any cuts in government must be done judiciously so as not to hurt vulnerable citizens. His ideas is to cut big ticket items like school building and out-of-control DOT projects.

Serra is vehemently opposed to county government which he noted, was done away with in 1959. But he does see some advantage in regional cooperation in areas like education and water supply and distribution. As an example where he thinks regional planning can work is fire departments.

"We have 330 fire departments in 169 towns," he said. "Each spending money to buy the best equipment."

Middletown mayor Sebastian Giuliano ended the evening with an explanation of three city referendum items. Giuliano said that a water and sewer question would provide needed increased water pressure for the West side of town, to address current pressure shortages, and to address future development. He explained that the bond, a general obligation bond, will be paid through water and sewer revenue.

The other two referendum questions are asking for approval of City Charter revisions, which the mayor characterized as “housekeeping.” The housekeeping includes language which assures that any agreement of financial impact needs Common Council approval, that referendum petitions must be approved as “legal” by the town attorney and, finally, that the mayor will issue a report at the end of every fiscal year.

The mayor was questioned about the effect that the credit crunch will have on the city’s search for bonding for the sewer referendum. Giuliano said that his worry was less about the credit crunch and more about the bond rating as a result of a fund balance weakened by costs from the recently negotiated police contract and the long-pending sale of the Remington-Rand building, which puts a $3million dent in the fund.

DeLauro and Ferrucci to appear in Middletown

There will be a rare chance in Middletown on Monday evening to see the incumbent Democratic congresswoman Rosa DeLauro with one of her challengers, the Green Party candidate, Ralph Ferrucci. Congresswoman DeLauro represents District 3 (which encompasses most of Middletown) in the United States House of Representatives, and has done so since 1990. Ferrucci ran for this seat as the Green Party candidate in 2004, and for the Senate seat against Ned Lamont and Joe Lieberman in 2006.
They will both be appearing at the Westfield Residents Association annual meeting, which has for many years featured a Meet the Candidates event. The third candidate on the ballot, Bo Itshaky (Republican) was unable to make it.

WRA Meet the Candidates Night
October 27th, 7:30PM
Fellowship Hall, 3rd Congregational Church
94 Miner Street, Middletown.

The WRA annual meeting will begin at 7:00. The meet the candidates portion will begin promptly at 7:30, with the two candidates for the 3rd US congressional district (DeLauro and Ferrucci). When they are finished, it will continue with candidates for the 9th state senatorial district (Doyle and Capenera), the 100th state legislative district (Kalinowski and Lesser), and the 33rd state legislative district (Serra and Johnson).

Mayor Sebastian Giuliano will also appear, to discuss the city-wide referenda on the ballot.

The annual meeting is open to the public.

Letter from Middletown's Congresspeople to the Army

The Honorable Pete Geren

Secretary

United States Department of the Army

Army Pentagon

Washington, D.C. 20310-1600

Dear Secretary Geren,

We are writing with regard to the ongoing site location process for an Armed Forces Reserve Center in Middletown, Connecticut. As we are sure you are aware, at a September 17 public meeting in Middletown, the Army Corps of Engineers announced the four sites that it has determined are most suitable for additional consideration in the siting process.

The inclusion of the Kenneth Dooley Drive-Boardman Lane configuration in the Corps of Engineer’s list was met with significant opposition from the public. Both Middletown residents and the city’s elected leaders have made it particularly clear that the Boardman Lane property is not acceptable to the community as a site for the Center, and the Corps’ announcement has further heightened local dissatisfaction with the manner in which this siting process has been conducted.

We have been encouraged by the Corps’ and the Army’s willingness to work with the community to determine a mutually suitable site for the Armed Forces Reserve Center. We were also glad to see that the Corps had taken into consideration the recommendations made by the Mayor’s advisory panel. However, though the Corps has determined the Kenneth Dooley Drive-Boardman Lane proposal to be a “new” configuration, it has been interpreted by many as evidence that the Corps and the Army will simply select a site regardless of public input. The inclusion of this proposal has dampened the sense of collaboration that we had all hoped to create and maintain throughout this process.

While we understand that there are three other alternative sites which will also be further investigated, we are strongly urging that any site that includes the Boardman Lane property be taken out of consideration. We would also encourage both the Corps and the Army to continue in the effort of working collaboratively with the city and residents to determine the most suitable site for this new Center. We believe that a mutually beneficial and suitable location can be found if there is open communication and discussion between all parties.

We appreciate your time and attention to our comments and look forward to your response. In the meantime, if our offices can provide you with any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Senator Chris Dodd

Senator Joe Lieberman

Representative Rosa DeLauro

Boardman Lane Still On Army's List

The most interesting thing about the Army Corps of Engineers meeting about the proposed Army Reserve Training Center Wednesday night was the speculation after the meeting as to why the Army still had Boardman Lane on their preferred site list.

After announcing their four preferred sites, in no particular order, Boardman Lane, with access through the Dooley property, the Bysiewicz industrial park, Mile Lane (former Nike site) and Cucia Park (which is the town's preferred site), the Corps was assaulted by those in Westfield who were appalled that Boardman Lane was still being considered. In addition, representatives from Rosa DeLauro's office, Chris Dodd's office, and State Senator Paul Doyle all criticized the Army for not taking Boardman Lane off of their list.

The most cynical among the audience speculated that the Army kept Boardman Lane on the list, knowing that they'd be criticized, but allowing them to focus attention on sites they actually preferred. Another theory was floated that Boardman Lane was kept on the list to prevent lawsuits by the current landowner.

In the end, the city, which offered four site selections (Cucia Park, Bysiewicz property, River Road and Manthay Property), felt that Cucia Park, adjacent to Smith Street and I-91 in the Southwest part of the city, was the most appropriate site.

Councilman Ron Klattenberg, who chaired a citizens' advisory committee on the site, presented the findings of the panel.

"The panel was unanimous in its rankings of the site, and two sites stood out, Cucia Park and River Road," he said.

For their part, the Army reviewed sixteen sites, rejecting the River Road site, along with 11 others including sites on Aircraft Rd, Middle St, Roscommon Office Park, Country Club Rd, Middle Street Delta Building, Atkins St – Krane Development, Freeman Road, Saybrook Rd, Tollgate Rd and Pratt and Whitney.

The Army will consider the city's recommendations and review its findings, and assess public comments which it will welcome until September 29. They hope to make a final selection by the end of October.

Members of the public who spoke out mostly addressed regrets that the Army had not eliminated Boardman Lane.

Westfield Residents Association representative Stephen Devoto said, "I don’t see how you can have this site on your list, after the Common Council resolution , and the work of the panel. It doesn’t show the spirit of collaboration."

One Smith Street resident, Sargent, explained that the development would increase traffic on her street. She also noted that Cucia Park is in a flood plain.

"A flood took the road right out during a storm," Sargent explained.

When asked if the city might put revenue from the sale of Cucia Park toward the purchase of property for open space, Mayor Sebastian Giuliano said, "We're at step one. That's about step 25, and I don't like to spend money we don't have yet."

Citizens Advisory Panel Member Unhappy with Delauro Response

Stephen Devoto, a member of Middletown's Citizens' Advisory Panel on the proposed Army Reserve Training Center, is unhappy with State Representative Rosa DeLauro's response to Army Secretary Pete Geren's interpretation of BRAC law.

According to a letter Devoto sent to fellow committee members and town leaders:

I am extremely disappointed that Congresswoman DeLauro can even think about accepting the obtuse and illogical stone-walling from (Army Secretary) Geren...Geren did nothing but parrot the same "absolutely none of your business why we think that" statement that we have heard from Dale. I can't believe that DeLauro waved the white flag without a whisper of protest.

DeLauro's response to Geren letter was released by her office. In it, she said:

I am encouraged by the Secretary Geren’s willingness to work with the Middletown community as we move forward with the siting and construction of the Armed Forces Reserve Center. In its response, the Army maintains that the language is clear on Middletown as the location...It is through open communication that we can ensure the community is fully involved in this process and provides Middletown’s citizens with greater input. Clearly, we all want to avoid the frustration that was experienced earlier this year. This week’s public meeting will provide both the Army Corps and the citizens of Middletown the opportunity to review and discuss those sites which have been recommended by the Mayor’s advisory panel.

While he sat on the site advisory panel, Devoto is still of the opinion that a majority of Middletown's voters are against the construction of the army facility on property in town. In the letter he writes:

If there is anything that unites all of your constituents, it is a recognition that the army base can only be a destructive drain on our resources. Do any of you think that an army base on ANY site in Middletown would be approved by a vote of the people (considering that a high school was defeated)? There will be no cheering if Cucia Park is sold, there will be cries of pain and anguish that we were forced to choose a bad option, just because the alternatives were so much worse.

In addition, Devoto underscores the opposition to the Army's legal manuvers from Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz and State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal who reject the Army's interpretation of BRAC law. They both insist that the Army publically share its legal opinion. Although both Blumenthal and Bysiewicz concede that a new facility is needed, and could be built in Middletown, on an appropriate site.

From the Bysiewicz letter:









Correspondence on the topic can be found here.

Finally, Devoto feels that he has found the Army's precedent for its Middletown decision in a similar case, with different BRAC language in Ayer Massachusetts, where a similar consolidation took place, and where BRAC language specifically cited Ayer, without the predominat if clause ("if the Army is able to acquire land suitable for the construction of the facilities") which appears in the law regarding the Middletown location.

Delauro satisfied, Bysiewicz not

It appears that Representative Rosa Delauro is satisfied with Army Secretary Pete Geren's letter asking for a clarification on the legal status of why the Army Reserve Training Center must be built in Middletown. While Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz is not satisfied with the response.

Here's what Delauro had to say:

I am encouraged by the Secretary Geren’s willingness to work with the Middletown community as we move forward with the siting and construction of the Armed Forces Reserve Center. In its response, the Army maintains that the language is clear on Middletown as the location; that the criteria will include price, sufficient buildable area, site access, environmental issues, zoning and construction cost; that the Army needs to acquire suitable property in time to complete the project before the 15 September 2011 BRAC-imposed deadline; and that the Army Corps of Engineers will need to get the environmental permits necessary to comply with the Clean Water Act. With this letter we have a clear understanding of where the Army is coming from and this should offer some additional guidance for the officials and residents of Middletown in how we proceed on the Center.

It is through open communication that we can ensure the community is fully involved in this process and provides Middletown’s citizens with greater input. Clearly, we all want to avoid the frustration that was experienced earlier this year. This week’s public meeting will provide both the Army Corps and the citizens of Middletown the opportunity to review and discuss those sites which have been recommended by the Mayor’s advisory panel.

Talking to the wall on Wednesday

Duh! I feel stupid.

For a moment, I thought that this week's public opportunity to speak was going to be a real occasion during which all of our high-rolling Democratic political allies on the Army Reserve Training Center controversy would be present to hear the thoughts of the PUBLIC, along with those of the Army Corps of Engineers!

Silly me. Wrong again. Rosa Delauro, Susan Bysiewicz and Richard Blumenthal will all be in Denver at the convention, as delegates. Now it's clear why there was a meeting last week. One meeting for the important politicians, another, this week, for the public.

Hello, Jennifer, can you stick an Eye blog in front of the CT delegation on Thursday morning? Paste it to the bottom of a bowl of red, white and blue M&M's.

Sure, we'll see our town council members, Democratic and Republican, and maybe even some of our state reps, but the faces which draw the cameras (or the faces drawn to the cameras), will be at the Pepsi Center tossing confetti.

The meeting before the meeting

Now confirmed by four sources, it's clear that some of our town leaders met with our state and federal leaders and Army representatives in a "pre-meeting" in the Mayor's office before the "public" meeting with the same individuals, concerning the Army Reserve Training Center.

No one would deny the mayor and other leaders the opportunity to have a cordial introduction outside of the gaze of the press, but the pre-meeting and discussion went on long enough that the actual public meeting was delayed by 25 minutes.

So much for the declaration by city leaders that they want open discussions about the Army's plans.

Rosa Delauro on the meeting with Colonel Landry

(NOTE: The next meeting on the topic is Wednesday August 27, not Thursday as noted in this letter.)


New Haven, CT – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) sent a letter to Army Secretary Pete Geren regarding several questions raised during the meeting Tuesday evening (August 19, 2008) about the Army Reserve Center between the United States Army Corps of Engineers, including, Colonel Keith Landry, Commander of the Corps' Louisville District, elected officials and members of the community. In advance of the August 27, 2008 public meeting on the Center, DeLauro requested legal clarification regarding the location parameters outlined in the BRAC language and previous correspondence with the Corps, the definition of suitable, and timing for determining a suitable location; as well as what environmental permits and approvals are necessary to move forward with the project.



"I was encouraged by Colonel Landry's willingness to more directly involve the City and the community in the upcoming site selection process," DeLauro writes in the letter. "At last evening's meeting several questions were once again raised, which I believe need to be fully addressed so that the community is more comfortable moving forward.



"It is absolutely critical that the community be fully involved in this process and I believe that this new approach will provide Middletown's citizens with greater input and help to avoid the community frustration that we have witnessed thus far."



Below is the text of the letter.



August 20, 2008



The Honorable Pete Geren

Secretary

United States Department of the Army

Army Pentagon

Washington, D.C. 20310-1600



Dear Secretary Geren,



Thank you once again for taking the time to speak with me on August 1st with regard to the proposed construction of an Armed Forces Reserve Center in Middletown, Connecticut. Last evening, Colonel Keith Landry, Commander of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Louisville District, and several members of his staff attended a meeting at which Middletown's elected officials were able to ask several questions and clarify the process by which a site for this facility will be chosen. I was encouraged by Colonel Landry's willingness to more directly involve the City and the community in the upcoming site selection process.



As we discussed, Governor Rell determined that the 205th Engineer Company of the Connecticut National Guard will not be consolidated into this facility, and I understand that as a result of that decision new specifications for the project will be forthcoming shortly. It is also my understanding that because of this reduction it is probable that a significantly smaller acreage size will be required for the facility. This would likely open up several additional properties for consideration and, as such, Colonel Landry has stated that a new site selection process will begin as soon as the updated specifications are ready. The City of Middletown has always expressed interest in siting the Armed Services Reserve Center in Middletown. However, the site selected needs to not only meet the needs of the Army's specifications, but must also provide an economic benefit to the City while maintaining the quality of life of its residents.



At last evening's meeting several questions were once again raised, which I believe need to be fully addressed so that the community is more comfortable moving forward. As you may be aware, the team from Louisville will be in Middletown again next Thursday, August 27 for a meeting in which the public will be able to pose questions. I believe it would be beneficial to all of those involved if some of these issues were addressed prior to that meeting.



First, the BRAC language states that the consolidation and building of a Reserve Center in Middletown shall take place "if the Army is able to acquire land suitable for the construction of the facilities." In November 2006, Mayor Giuliano of Middletown received a letter (enclosed) from the Real Estate Division of the New England District of the Corps which states that "We are inquiring as to the availability of approximately 16-25 acres of land in the town of Middletown or within 20 driving miles of the town limits that could be used for an Armed Forces Reserve Center." In recent meetings, representatives of the Corps have explained that their mission states that the Reserve Center must be built within the city limits of Middletown. As I am sure you can understand, these varying positions have caused great confusion and raised the question as to whether or not this facility must be located in Middletown.



I am therefore requesting that you provide me with a legal clarification as to whether this Reserve Center is required to be located within the city limits of Middletown and, if so, a detailed explanation of how the Department of the Army arrived at that determination. Furthermore, your Department's most recent letter to me of August 4 states that, if a suitable site cannot be identified in a timely manner, "this significant construction project will be cancelled and the Reserve and Guard soldiers will remain at existing locations." Yet, it is my understanding the Army Corps must find a way to implement the BRAC recommendations. Can you please clarify what your legal interpretation of the law is, what the Army's definition of a suitable site is, and what steps you may take if a suitable site is not found in Middletown?



A second issue that I believe needs to be addressed is with regard to the permits and approvals which the Corps may need to seek prior to proceeding with the construction of this facility. It is my understanding that, under current federal law, the Corps would be required to seek both a Section 401 permit, issued by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, as well as approval from the local Inland/Wetlands Commission. Yet, during this process, there has been some debate as to whether or not the Corps would need to seek such approvals. I would ask that you confirm whether these approvals, under current federal statutes, are required.



As stated above, I am very encouraged by the direction in which Colonel Landry has proposed to move forward with the site selection process. It is absolutely critical that the community be fully involved in this process and I believe that this new approach will provide Middletown's citizens with greater input and help to avoid the community frustration that we have witnessed thus far. Again, I would ask that every effort be made to address these issues prior to the public meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 27th, as I believe it would be of great benefit to all of those involved if these questions were resolved before moving forward.



Again, thank you for taking the time to speak with me earlier this month. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff assistants, Allison Dodge at (203) 562-3718 or Daniel Zeitlin at (202) 225-3661 if we can provide you with any additional information. I appreciate your time and prompt consideration of this matter.



Sincerely,







ROSA L. DeLAURO

Member of Congress



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www.house.gov/delauro

Epistles from the Army and East Hartford

In an earlier blog we noted that the Army had confirmed to Congresswoman Rosa Delauro that Governor Rell had ordered the Army to remove the New London base from the realignment, meaning that the Army Reserve Training Center could be build on a smaller site. This also means that the Army will likely be back in Middletown making additional searches for acreage on which to build their Training Center. For that we can thank Governor Rell who has otherwise kept herself above the fray.

Here's the letter (click on the letter to see it full-sized):











Another letter, this one in the Hartford Courant, suggests and East Hartford solution to Middletown's problems.

Army Could Use Rentschler Field

August 18, 2008

If the Army Corps of Engineers is looking for a site for their regional training facility in central Connecticut, East Hartford has a potential site that has the appropriate infrastructure already in place; it is flat with 600-plus acres of developable land, has access to I-84, I-91, I-384 and routes 5, 15, 2 and 3, and could be hooked up to the Metropolitan District Commission sewers and water.

The site is Rentschler Field, and while a regional training facility may not be in the current master plan, the facility could easily be integrated. It has been said that the base would more closely resemble a college campus than a traditional army base. The plans for Rentschler Field include retail, housing, high-tech manufacturing and research and possibly higher education facilities.

Adding the facility would bring in 400 visitors a month and create 70 full-time jobs which is very much in line with the goals of the current master plan for the field. With the economy sputtering and retail construction slowing the facility would serve as a great catalyst for continued development. The state has already invested heavily with the University of Connecticut Stadium, incentives for Cabela's and millions in proposed and actual road work within the former Pratt & Whitney airfield. Let's work in the army facility, which results in smart growth, that reuses a brownfield site and invests in a community that has the infrastructure to support a project of this size without paving over more farmlands and wetlands.

Jason Rojas, East Hartford