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Friday, August 27, 2010

More bucks for the bang - Efforts to fund 2011 fireworks show start early

As published in the Record Journal Friday August 27, 2010

By Jesse Buchanan
Record-Journal staff
jbuchanan@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2230

Follow all the news directly on the Record Journal Website for the most up to date information. www.myrecordjournal.com

Write a letter to the editor letters@record-journal.com

WALLINGFORD — After raising $30,000 in a little over a month to save this year’s July 4 fireworks, organizers Craig Fishbein and Jason Zandri are getting an early start on raising $40,000 for next year’s festivities, an amount they hope will also restore the R Band concert before the fireworks.

“It was a massive rush,” Zandri said of the effort earlier this year.

Fundraising will begin at Celebrate Wallingford, Oct. 2 and 3. The pair, an odd couple politically, will also hold events as often as monthly to raise funds and maintain awareness of the effort.

Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. cut money for the fireworks show from the town’s budget last year, prompting a voluntary effort to fund it.

The Wallingford Fireworks Fund’s new goal could help pay the orchestra, as well as absorb cost increases in town services and fireworks.

Zandri, a Democrat, said the display cost about $18,000 and town services - such as police overtime - totaled $12,000.

“I’m playing a little inflation into both,” he said Thursday. “I figure I better have a little bit of wiggle room.”

Zandri and Fishbein, a Republican Town Councilor and local attorney, will have a booth at Celebrate Wallingford and will be giving mugs, bottles and shirts to people who donate to the fireworks. The goal is to announce that fundraising has begun rather than raise a specific amount of money, according to Zandri.

“It’s more of an awareness thing,” he said.

Fishbein said he is in the process of registering the fund as a non-profit with the IRS, which would allow it to hold a raffle to raise money.

Official nonprofit status would also help the fundraising effort, Fishbein said. Last year, donation pledges totaling at least $6,500 were withdrawn when donors found out that the organization wasn’t a 501(c)3.

“We had people who said they weren’t willing to donate if you’re not a charity recognized by the IRS,” Fishbein said Thursday.

Zandri said he intends to go before the council next spring and request the town donate its services for the show. He’s not banking on acceptance of that proposal, but said the savings could be used to expand the show for next year.

The fireworks display is one of the largest, if not the largest, event in town, Zandri said, and would benefit many of the residents.

Council Chairman Robert Parisi said he wasn’t opposed to donating the services but that he’d judge based on the financial situation the town was in next year.

“It’s worth listening to,” said Parisi, a Republican, Thursday. “They did very well on the fundraising.”

Two fundraisers are already tentatively planned: a dinner in March and a concert in April, both at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn, which is owned by Jason Zandri’s uncle Jim.

Jason Zandri hopes to get volunteers to hold events throughout the year to keep momentum going. The big push will be January to May of next year.

“It can’t be just me and Craig all year long,” he said.

Monday, August 16, 2010

FROM WALLINGFORD - People had other things to do

As Published in the Record Journal – Sunday August 15, 2010

Jason Zandri

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So the Primary race has ended. All the money that was spent by candidates seems to have been wasted on an electorate that basically had other things to do than show up and vote.

In Thursday’s Record Journal there was a cartoon depicting an excited TV viewer watching American Idol while clicking away on a phone (presumably to vote for a contestant). The next panel showed the same viewer snoozing in front of the television that was illustrating election information.

Unofficial voter statistics published showed that 2,969 voters came out and cast their vote for the office of Governor in Wallingford. That is the combined totals for the Republicans and the Democrats. The numbers were even lower for other races.

As of 2008, there were nearly 26,000 registered voters in Wallingford. If that number is still correct (or at least close) then the 2,969 voters represent an 11.4 percent turnout.

To be fair, a 26,000 registered voter total includes unaffiliated voters who cannot vote in the primary but despite that fact, the turnout is what I perceive to be unacceptably low for a free democracy. In other countries where the threat of physical harm up to and including death is often realized upon the electorate, the numbers of those that turn out are higher there than what we see here in America on a regular basis.

The primary on Tuesday was to select which people, from those that were nominated and from those that had enough support to force the primary, would be on the ballot for this upcoming November election.

Wallingford’s turnout was very low but they had plenty of company; most towns were in the same area percentagewise.

Secretary of the State Bysiewicz reported an average statewide turnout of about 20 percent around 5 pm on primary day as reported in the Hartford Courant.

Many will give myriad reasons why they “couldn’t” vote. Often it has to do with not having the spare time. These are the same people that leave the line in the coffee shop and head out to go wait an hour in line for fast food. They’ll complain about how bad the economy is too but you’ll see them daily in line buying food and coffee that could be prepared at home for much cheaper. But I digress.
Some will give you the argument of “there was no one running that I liked or cared for enough to be bothered to go.”

Who would you have then? Name me someone you think should have been running and then let’s you and me go and have a conversation with them and see if we can encourage them to run at some future date.

Someone has to run the town/state/country — if not these candidates then who?

If you are not going to help choose them by showing up to vote then the same minority of people that ARE turning out will keep putting THEIR favorites into office.

You don’t get to pick your boss (in most cases) and that person directly affects your ability to make a living. You can’t choose your family either (and that may be a plus or a minus).

What you do have the ability to do is vote your choices for who you want to govern you.

Why the majority chooses not to, year after year, election after election is a mystery to me.

I wonder: if the privilege to vote were to be forever revoked for three occurrences of non participation if it would change attitudes and the apparent lack of participation?

Unfortunately, you can’t claim to be a free society and attempt to compel citizens to vote.

Still, it’s a shame that the will of the electorate from the majority standpoint always seems to be one of non participation and no confidence.

If this were the attitude in 1776 we’d still be an English Colony today.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Is Connecticut too deep in debt for rail project?

As printed in the Record Journal Sunday August 15, 2010

Originally published online at CTMirror.org - “State borrowed from capital program to keep budget afloat” 

CTMirror.org is the Web site of The Connecticut Mirror, an independent, nonprofit news organization covering government, politics and public policy in the state.

 

Nearly $600 million borrowed from future capital projects to help state government pay its bills has thrown a wrench into Gov. M. Jodi Rell's efforts to bond another $260 million for the planned New Haven-to-Springfield commuter rail line.

Rell canceled Wednesday's scheduled State Bond Commission meeting after leaders of the legislature's Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee questioned why the $580 million in short-term borrowing - approved in April 2009 when the state was more than $1 billion in deficit - still hasn't been repaid.

And Rep. Vincent J. Candelora of North Branford, ranking House Republican on the committee, said he was unaware the financing had been sought to keep the state's checkbook in balance, and not to finance capital projects.

"There wasn't any discussion about borrowing for our cash flow at the time," Candelora, whose finance committee leadership post also makes him a member of the bond commission, said Thursday. "I don't want there to be any secrets or surprises out there."

Candelora and his fellow GOP lawmakers already have criticized both Rell, a Republican, and the legislature's Democratic majority for ordering $2 billion in borrowing over the past year to cover government operating costs.

Despite having nearly $1.4 billion in the state's emergency reserve, Rell and the legislature agreed last fall to borrow $1.05 billion to cover the 2008-09 budget deficit. This enabled them to use the entire reserve to support the 2009-10 and 2010-11 budgets.

The governor and legislature then agreed to borrow again this past May, approving another $956 million in financing for the current budget--an amount that has been cut to $700 million by recent surplus projections.

And if the state effectively advanced itself another $580 million in April 2009 that will eventually be used for capital projects, why does Rell need  another $260 million for the rail project now? Candelora asked.

"I believe it is imperative that the commission members have adequate information prior to its vote," Candelora wrote this week to Rell, warning he was prepared to vote against further borrowing at the bond commission's Aug. 11 meeting. The panel, which is being asked to approve $520 million in new general obligation bonding for projects, including $260 million for the commuter line, has been rescheduled to meet Aug. 17.

Rep. Cameron C. Staples, D-New Haven, and Sen. Eileen M. Daily, D-Westbrook, then sent e-mails to Rell, indicating they shared many of Candelora's concerns.

The governor's office issued an statement this week indicating the meeting had been delayed because of lawmakers' concerns about past borrowing. "All of us, including Representative Candelora, the other lawmakers and my administration, deserve to have this extra information before we move ahead," she wrote.

That borrowing was authorized by Rell, and performed by state Treasurer Denise L. Nappier, in accordance with emergency provisions spelled out in state law. The treasurer is empowered, with the governor's approval, to borrow funds when the state coffers are at risk of running dry.

Nappier submitted a plan in early March 2009 to Rell, which the governor subsequently approved. The "first line of defense" in that plan stems from a procedure commonly followed when state government finances road repairs, new building construction or other capital initiatives.

The bond commission routinely allocates a fixed amount of borrowing, to be repaid over 15 or 20 years, for such projects. But in the early stages, a relatively small amount of the funds might be needed for tasks such as architectural designs or engineering studies.

This fraction of the total project budget typically is borrowed, at lower interest rates for short terms such as one or two years, through bond anticipation notes.

When the state is ready to move ahead with the bulk of the project, it issues long-term bonds, and uses the proceeds both to repay the anticipation notes and to pay for the remaining work.

Nappier's plan called for the bond commission to approve $700 million for future capital projects, which it did in April 2009.

The treasurer then used bond anticipation notes to effectively secure an advance of $580 million, to improve the state's cash flow.

"That plan was reviewed by the governor and shared with the General Assembly," Nappier wrote this week in a response to Candelora, adding it allowed Connecticut to borrow at rates ranging from 0.47 percent to 1.15 percent. "Had the BANs not been used in FY 2009, to aid the state's overall cash position, other methods of cash flow borrowing, more than likely at higher interest rates, would have been necessary to ensure our ability to meet the state's obligations."

This system works because of state government's common cash pool, a system that effectively mingles tax revenues, receipts from fees, licenses and penalties, federal grants, and proceeds from borrowing, in one big account.

Originally scheduled to be repaid in June 2010, those notes were extended for another year. Nappier added in her letter that she plans to issue long-term bonds next June to borrow the full $700 million authorized for capital projects back in April 2009, and to use those proceeds to repay the short-term notes.

But what about the $580 million used to shore up state government's operating budget last year as tax receipts ran low? Is all of that funding effectively still available? If so, why does the Rell administration need more borrowing?

"You want to be able to see how this $580 million fits into the whole context," Staples said. "The treasurer's letter provides some information, but it doesn't provide us with all of the context we need."

"If we were going to borrow even more money for (operating costs,) this is something that should have been debated by the legislature," Candelora said.

Staples added committee leaders would be seeking to meet with Nappier in the next few days to better understand the common cash pool.

Candelora and Rep. Craig Miner of Litchfield, ranking House Republican on the Appropriations Committee, questioned during the regular 2010 legislative session whether the state's operating budget effectively was borrowing from its capital projects to stay afloat.

About 27 percent of the funds in the state's cash pool at the end of January 2009 came from bonding, while that ratio had jumped to 52 percent one year later, said Candelora, who sponsored a measure enacted this year that requires the treasurer to issue monthly reports on the state's cash balance starting in October.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

AGENDA - REGULAR TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT

REGULAR TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

Town Council Chambers

August 17, 2010

6:30 P.M

1. Opening Prayer – Reverend Margaret Jay, First Congregational Church

2. Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call

3. Consent Agenda

3a. Consider and Approve Tax Refunds (#10-88) totaling $16,081.61 Acct. # 001-1000-010-1170 - Tax Collector

3b. Note for the Record – Mayoral Transfers; Anniversary Increases -Mayor

3c. Consider and Approve Request of American Legion Shaw-Sinon Post 73 for use of Parade Grounds area on September 2, 2010 from Approximately 5:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. or in case of rain the use of Robert Early Auditorium - Mayor

3d. Consider and Approve a Transfer in the Amount of $520 to Capital-Printer Acct # 001-7010-999-9903 from Office Expenses Acct # 001-7010-401-4000 – Planning and Zoning

3e. Acceptance and Appropriation of $20 Youth & Social Services Special Fund to Donations Acct # 213-1042-070-7010 and to Expenditures Acct # 213-3070-600-6000 - Youth & Social Services

3f. Acceptance and Appropriation of $24.53 Youth & Social Services Special Fund to Donations Acct # 213-1042-070-7010 and to Expenditures Acct # 213-3070-600-6000 - Youth & Social Services

3g. Acceptance and Appropriation of $7,220 Youth & Social Services Special Fund to Donations Acct # 213-1042-070-7010 and to Expenditures Acct # 213-3070-600-6000 - Youth & Social Services

3h. Consider and Approve an Appropriation of $2,695 Council on Substance Abuse to Revenue Acct # 232-1043-900-1001 and to Expenditures Acct # 232-3070-608-9061 - Youth & Social Services

3i. Consider and Approve a Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the State of Connecticut Department of Pubic Health, Preventive Health Block Grant, in the Amount of $5,925 and designate Eloise Hazelwood, Director of Health, as the administrator of said program for the purpose of implementing a Skin Cancer Awareness Program – Health Director

3j. Consider and Approve an Appropriation in the Amount of $5,925 Preventive Health Service Block Grant to State Grant Acct # 224-1040-050-5000 and to Grant Expenditures Acct # 224-3010-605-6001 - Health Director

3k. Consider and Approve the Appointment of Joe Rusczek as an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals to fill a vacancy for a term ending January 8, 2013 - Chairman Robert F. Parisi

3l. Consider and Approve a Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, regarding the use of Federal Fiscal Year 2009 State Homeland Security Grant Funding and Custodial ownership of regional assets in DEMHS Region II – Fire Chief

3m. Consider and Approve a Transfer in the Amount of $11,000 to Injuries & Damages Acct # 431-8920-925 from Administrative & General Salaries Acct # 431-8920-920 FY 2009-10 - Water Division

3n. Consider and Approve a Transfer in the Amount of $17,500 to Pension & Benefits Acct # 431-8920-926 from Power Purchased for Pumping Acct # 431-8620-623 FY 2009-10 - Water Division

3o. Consider and Approve a Transfer in the Amount of $37,800 to Injuries & Damages Acct # 431-8920-925 from various accounts FY 2009-10 - Water Division

3p. Consider and Approve a Transfer in the Amount of $34,500 to Injuries & Damages Acct # 461-8920-925 from Operating, Labor & Expense-Treatment $4,500 Acct # 461-8640-642 and from Administrative & General Salaries $30,000 Acct # 461-8920-920 FY 2009-10 - Sewer Division

3q. Approve Minutes of Regular Town Council Meeting of June 22, 2010

3r. Approve Minutes of Regular Town Council Meeting of July 13, 2010

4. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda

5. PUBLIC QUESTION & ANSWER

6. Consider and Approve an Appropriation in the Amount of $3,800 to Fire Station Feasibility Study Acct # 200-2030-999-9903 and to C.R.R.A. Distribution Acct # 200-1050-050-5000 – Fire Chief

7. Discussion regarding Board of Education Custodial Contract, Local 1303-60 – Councilor Vincent F. Testa

8. Consider and Approve Appropriations to Federal/State Grant Fund (Special Revenue) as follows:

$1,971,677 to Grant Revenue-ARRA/Ed. Grant Funds Fund #235

$1,087,094 to Grant Revenue-ARRA/Gov.’s Service Funds Fund #235

$1,971,677 to Grant Expenditures-ARRA/Ed. Grant Funds Fund #235

$1,087,094 to Grant Expenditures-ARRA/Gov.’s Service Funds Fund #235

Reductions

$3,058,771 to Revenue – ECS Grant Acct # 001-1030-050-5025

$3,058,771 to Expenditures-Education Acct # 001-7060-860-1110 -Comptroller, James Bowes

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Farrell looking forward to facing Merrill on Nov. 2

As published in the Record Journal Wednesday August 11, 2010

By Jesse Buchanan
Record-Journal staff
jbuchanan@record-journal.com 
(203) 317-2230

Follow all the news directly on the Record Journal Website for the most up to date information. www.myrecordjournal.com

Write a letter to the editor letters@record-journal.com

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Jerry Farrell Jr., the Republican candidate for secretary of the state, didn’t face a primary Tuesday, but he spent the night visiting with fellow Republicans at victory parties keeping an eye on the vote to determine his Democratic opponent.

Denise Merrill, a state representative from Mansfield and the House majority leader, defeated former New Haven Alderman Gerry Garcia in Tuesday’s Democratic primary and will face Farrell in the general election.

“Tonight I’m just delighted,” Merrill said, adding that she’s looking forward to a positive campaign against her Republican opponent that “talks about the issues.” Farrell, a Wallingford town councilor and the state’s consumer protection commissioner, said he respected the campaign run by Garcia, who he said tried to engage disenfranchised voters.

Farrell called Merrill a “Hartford insider,” and said her victory gave voters a distinct choice in the general election.

Farrell spent much of the evening at U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon’s victory celebration in Cromwell accompanied by campaign staff and his wife, Natalie Campisi, and parents Gerald Farrell Sr. and Mary Ann Farrell, all of Wallingford.

While the governor and U.S. Senate races receive plenty of attention, Farrell said running for secretary of the state was a challenge since some are unaware of the office’s role. Attending the Republican victory parties is important in raising support, Farrell said.

“It’s a good place to be,” he said. “You’ve got to network with these people.”

While Farrell didn’t face a primary, he said fellow Republicans have been impressed that he’s been campaigning while Garcia and Merrill fought it out. That’s a message he hoped to get out while talking to Republicans Tuesday night.

“They know I’m out there working,” he said. “I haven’t rested on my laurels.”

Farrell said he hopes his supporters in the party will spread the word among their friends and family of his merits. He expects to do well in Wallingford, his hometown, but expanding beyond that will take work.

“Party people see there’s an energy there and I’ll keep that up,” he said. “That’s the kind of networking that radio and television can’t buy you.”

New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart, a Republican, said he’s supporting Farrell and was impressed with his work for consumer protection.

“You can’t say anything bad about the guy,” Stewart said. “He’s what you want in government.”

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Foley Declared Winner In Republican Race for Governor; Malloy Takes Win over Lamont for the Democrat Race

These are the results as of 10:55PM EDT on August 8, 2010 as reported on the WFSB website.

ORIGINALLY POSTED: 7:44 pm EDT August 10, 2010

UPDATED: 10:45 pm EDT August 10, 2010

http://www.wfsb.com/news/24585431/detail.html?treets=hart&tml=hart_break&ts=T&tmi=hart_break_1_08360108102010 

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- Former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Tom Foley has been declared the winner in the Republican gubernatorial race.

Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont has conceded to former Stamford mayor Dan Malloy in the Democratic race for governor.

The race for the Democratic spot on the gubernatorial ticket was tight heading into Tuesday's primaries, with a Quinnipiac Poll released Monday showing the race too close to call.

For Malloy, the primary victory was a redemption of sorts for his loss in the 2006 Democratic gubernatorial primary against New Haven Mayor John DeStefano. This time, Malloy said it was easier to differentiate himself from Lamont, a Greenwich businessman best known for challenging Sen. Joe Lieberman in 2006.

Malloy will face the winner of a three-way Republican primary. Lamont spent more than $8.6 million in the losing effort.

Governor - Democrat

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Voter turnout at the polls Tuesday was less than expected. In 2006, statewide primary turnout was 43 percent. It was fueled by a contentious Democratic battle between Lamont and U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman. In 2008, turnout for the Democratic presidential primary was 53 percent.

Foley beat out Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele and Hartford-area business advocate R. Nelson "Oz" Griebel for the Republican gubernatorial ticket. Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell is not seeking re-election.

Governor - Republican

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Today is Primary Day – Polls are open until 8PM

Make sure you take the time to get out there and cast your votes for who you want on the ballot come election day in November

Wallingford Democrat Ballot as provided in the Record Journal

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Wallingford Republican Ballot as provided in the Record Journal

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Saturday, August 7, 2010

Activist’s workshop aims to inspire Hispanic youth

As Published in the Record Journal Saturday August 7, 2010

By Samaia Hernandez
Record-Journal staff
shernandez@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2266

Follow all the news directly on the Record Journal Website for the most up to date information. www.myrecordjournal.com

Write a letter to the editor letters@record-journal.com

Jason SCOW America shirt

WALLINGFORD — His activism helped save the town’s annual fireworks celebration at the 11th hour, but can Jason Zandri inspire civic participation in Hispanic youth?

He gave it a try Friday at the Spanish Community of Wallingford, discussing topics such as voter turnout and grass-roots activism, like the kind that occurred during the debate over the town-owned Wooding-Caplan parcel.

Nearly 40 middle and high school students attended the lecture Friday as part of the Adelante America leadership program, which sponsors weekly educational lectures and activities for Hispanic youth in Wallingford. The program is sponsored by a grant from AT&T’s educational initiative and is administered through the League of United Latin American Citizens. It aims to help lower the high school dropout rate among Latino youth by exposing students to post secondary ideas and concepts.

The program, hosted by SCOW, is set to end in August. Maria F. Harlow, the agency’s director, is hoping to gain funding for next year to keep it going yearlong.

“It’s supposed to be for the kids that are at risk,” Harlow said, “But we have many kids who are motivated already. ... We’re looking for role models to bring here to talk to them and inspire them about what to do with their lives.”

Zandri’s visit is also a way of leading by example.

He gave a presentation on technology to the group last month, but was originally connected with the agency after hearing about its renovation under Harlow, who took over this year after serving as chairwoman of the board.

“He sent an e-mail and said, ‘How can I help?’ ” Harlow said.

Zandri, a senior technology account manager for Microsoft, put his expertise to work and upgraded all 12 computers at the center. He also unlocked a blocked computer and fixed a wireless router thought to be permanently broken.

“Now people can come to the center. If they have their own computer, they can connect on a laptop,” Zandri said.

Friday, however, was focused on community involvement, one of Zandri’s passions outside of work. “I take issue with a lack of civic involvement,” he said. Valencia Mendoza, 16, a Wallingford resident and Wilcox Technical High School junior, said this summer’s program is much more entertaining that last year’s, which was halted halfway into the summer due to lack of participation.

“This year is better. We’ve been going on field trips a lot,” Mendoza said. Meeting people in the community including engineers and members of the armed services has piqued her interest the most.

“Now I know that there’s so much more out there,” she said.

Friday, August 6, 2010

FROM WALLINGFORD - Checks and balances at WHA

As published in the Record Journal – Sunday August 1, 2010

by Jason Zandri

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Over the past few days there have a number of articles in the paper regarding the Wallingford Housing Authority. In addition to the stories there have been even more letters to the editor regarding the same.

Not surprisingly, the comments in the letters to the Editor have fallen along party lines.

I’d like to review some of the accomplishments that have been made recently. I personally view these changes to be a positive for not only the best interests of the tenants but for the taxpayers as well.

Some of the letter writers opined that the changes that have occurred since Chairman Fischer was elected Chair of the WHA have been politically motivated and have not been in the best interests of the tenants.

So I offer these to you to make your own assessment.

The WHA by-laws, established in 1985, were replaced with new by-laws that are now in compliance as some no longer complied with more up to date State statutes.

Recently, a labor attorney was hired to negotiate the new contract between the Authority and Union employees. Previously, Director Nere and Commissioner Prentice negotiated for the Authority. It is important to note that Director Nere received benefits that were awarded to the union employees. Given these facts, there is the possibility of a conflict of interest when someone is a key negotiator and a recipient of the final agreement.

WHA employees can no longer use Authority vehicles for their personal use. In a day and age of responsible use of resources I am all for this. I say this should get reviewed for possible additional expansion to other town departments.

Another change that was made was to rotate meetings among the different elderly complexes making it easier for tenants to attend. Prior to this, all meetings had been held at the administrative office of the WHA.

Public question and answer periods are now a regular part of the Authority agendas where before they were not. This allows for open discussion from tenants or residents that attend the meetings.

Are these changes in the best interests of the tenants? I think so.

The Democrat commissioners supported Bill SB 320 authorizing tenants to appoint their own commissioner instead of the Town Council doing so. Director Nere applauded the Governor for vetoing the bill.

How is that action in the best interests of the tenants or the Wallingford taxpayers? This could have made it possible for the tenants to have voice in choosing the body that manages their complexes much in the same way they control their own destiny when they vote for their representation at the Town Council level.

The Democrat commissioners voted for a forensic audit to evaluate the books and records of the Authority. The Republican members voted against this.

I realize there is an associated cost to do this but it is comparatively low when you look at the total amount of funds that the WHA is responsible for. When you additionally look at some of the reported expenditures and the resulting purchases that do not seem to be comparable there is at least enough argument to defend the valid need for this audit.

If the audit doesn’t turn up anything then it was a piece of mind exercise that cost little more than what the town recently spent defending itself in contract arbitration. The argument for arbitration and the logical expenditure was made in an effort to try keeping salary costs in line. Performing an audit in an atmosphere of questionable accounting results is a logical expenditure as well.

If there’s nothing to find, nothing will be found. If something can be found then monies can be saved / returned / reallocated.

Why the “no” votes opposing an audit?

A good check and balance system, especially in government, should always be considered.

In light of the tight economy it should be mandatory.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Labor board rules against Wallingford

As posted online at MyRecordJournal.com

By: Jesse Buchanan | Posted: Thursday, August 5, 2010

No big surprise here. According to the story online at MyRecordJournal.com the state labor board determined that Wallingford committed a prohibited practice when it voted down a contract with the custodial workers union in September 2009.

The story written by Jesse Buchanan goes on to indicate that the “decision was made in late July by the Connecticut State Board of Labor Relations, which ordered that the town put into effect the agreement of last year.”

The end result of this was that the three-year contract was effectively reinstated and it awards a one percent wage increase for the first year and a 1.95 percent wage increase for the subsequent two.

That wage increase cost is on top of the costs that the town needed to spend, in both time and money, to defend itself in arbitration. Those additional monetary costs were in the neighborhood of $12,000.00.

Again, this is in addition of the costs of people time spent doing work related to the arbitration effort.

AGENDA - SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT

SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

Town Council Chambers

August 12, 2010 6:30 P.M

1. Pledge of Allegiance

2. Roll Call

3. Executive Session pursuant to §1-200 (6)(A) concerning the appointment of an employee-Fire Marshal position – Chairman Robert F. Parisi