Bob Halstead has been part of the city’s neighborhood fabric for decades. As founder of the city’s community garden program he was instrumental in transforming vacant eyesores into community pride points. He no longer serves in that capacity, a victim, he claims, of retribution for supporting Mayor Bill Finch’s mayoral opponents. Halstead shares this commentary that provides a brief history of the city’s community garden program, his relationship with the mayor and subsequent dismissal. [Read more →]
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is excited to welcome new animals to the Zoo just in time for its 90th birthday, most notably an Andean condor. Desmond, a one-year-old male, arrived recently from the Denver Zoo in Denver, Colorado. The young condor is located in its exhibit near the Zoo’s front gate. Also new on exhibit are a Yacare caiman, a Canada lynx, and nine vampire bats. [Read more →]
The campaign of U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon thinks it has a wedge issue heading into Friday’s state convention that could peel away support from opponent Chris Shays. The Shays campaign worked a spin into the news cycle a few days ago trying to connect Bridgeport Republican Town Chairman John Slater’s attendance of a WrestleMania event in April with his endorsement of McMahon in May despite no credible evidence to make the claim. Slater produced evidence he had paid his own way and no freebie was involved. The McMahon campaign issued an eblast today to GOP delegates charging “Congressman Shays thinks you can be bought” that includes an audio file from Slater condemning Shays’ campaign tactics. The audio was also unleashed as an automated phone call to delegates. McMahon Campaign Manager Corry Bliss issues this: [Read more →]
Kooky things can happen at political conventions. Republicans will gather Friday at the Hartford Convention Center to endorse candidates for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. It appears Linda McMahon will come out with the endorsement for U.S. Senate and former Congressman Chris Shays, a Bridgeport resident, will wage a primary. Democratic Town Chair Mario Testa will have a busy Monday and Tuesday as a bunch of candidates position for the endorsement of several local city and state races including the featured event Monday night at Mario’s restaurant, the State Senate endorsement battle between incumbent Ed Gomes, former State Senator Ernie Newton and State Rep. Andres Ayala. Lots of maneuvering going on. This is a good time to reminisce about the afternoon in 1994, the day Mario drilled the state Democratic Party bosses. [Read more →]
Check out the intro video of “Still Revolutionary,” part of the state’s two-year, $27 million tourism campaign. What’s your take? Lots of images from eastern Connecticut, state casinos, etc. Maybe the state’s largest city will make the next cut. Tourism officials say more to follow. Hey, the finest oysters on the planet come from Long Island Sound. And you thought we had no pearls! Don’t worry, plenty of delicious oysters at the Black Rock Yacht & Athletic Club, location of OIB’s June 20 anniversary party, 5:30 p.m. How’s that for a slurpy plug? [Read more →]
Mayor Bill Finch on Friday will ride his bike to work as part of National Bike to Work Day. And you can join him. The mayor will ride his bike from Chris’ Spoke & Wheel, 2355 East Main Street, to the City Hall Annex, 999 Broad Street. If you want to bike with the mayor, arrive at Chris’ Spoke & Wheel by 8:15 a.m. The mayor will depart at 8:30 and will host a breakfast outside City Hall Annex at 9 a.m. Now wouldn’t it be cool if the entire 20-member City Council joined the mayor? Talk about huffing and puffing. They could caucus as they bike. Look out for the Pequonnock River! Maybe the mayor will back pack his fly rod to pull them out of the water. [Read more →]
Bob Halstead, Ex Finch Roomie, No Longer Tending Community Gardens–Claims Retribution
May 17th, 2012 · 1 Comment · Analysis and Comment, City Council, Development and Zoning
Bob Halstead has been part of the city’s neighborhood fabric for decades. As founder of the city’s community garden program he was instrumental in transforming vacant eyesores into community pride points. He no longer serves in that capacity, a victim, he claims, of retribution for supporting Mayor Bill Finch’s mayoral opponents. Halstead shares this commentary that provides a brief history of the city’s community garden program, his relationship with the mayor and subsequent dismissal.
[Read more →]
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