The Dem and GOP conventions start tonight. You wanna be a delegate? Or an alternate, at least? Democratic Town Chair Mario Testa has been scrambling for folks to go to Hartford in place of delegates who cannot, or don’t want to, go to Hartford for a couple of days. Bridgeport has 77 delegates to the state convention, the most after New Haven. He’s promised Ned Lamont he’ll deliver his peeps to endorse him.
Some delegates grab a hotel room for the weekend, some go back and forth, but some just aren’t going to Hartford. Mario’s scouring the past few days to find stand-ins to endorse Ned Lamont for governor, and the other candidates for constitutional offices. Hey Mario, stop being a cheapskate. You should invite every delegate to dinner at Morton’s Steakhouse for an all-you-can-eat bonanza, book hotel rooms for each one, better yet limo service to and back from Hartford with a fully stocked bar, with shrimp and lobster included, sipped down by bottles of 1982 Lafite. That’s the way to go. Maybe Sal DiNardo can throw in a couple of cases of Far Niente. How about some shirts, suits and ties from Ascot Chang? (Jesus, I’m getting flashbacks.)
Can you believe it, Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz won’t be on the ballot this year. Connecticut’s most relentless, ambitious pol will sit it out after the State Supremes ruled Love Is Here and Now You’re Gone. This whole thing might be a blessing for SuBy. Had she been elected AG within one year she’d be running for Joe Lieberman’s U.S. Senate seat. How would that look? Amazes me that delegates didn’t see it that way enough to bother them, they were prepared to endorse SuBy. So now she’ll be in office until January 2011 with an eye towards 2012.
From George Jepsen:
MALLOY AND LAMONT ENDORSE GEORGE JEPSEN FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL
Jepsen to Win the Nomination
Friday, May 21, 2010
(HARTFORD, CT) – Dan Malloy and Ned Lamont, the two Democratic gubernatorial candidates have announced their endorsement of George Jepsen as Connecticut’s next Attorney General.
“These are both strong candidates and I am honored to be endorsed by them,” said Jepsen. “We plan to secure the nomination and work tirelessly to win in November.”
Earlier this week former Attorney General candidate Cam Staples also endorsed George Jepsen for Attorney General.
For more information on the George Jepsen campaign, visit www.georgejepsen2010.com
From Dan Malloy:
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF POLICE UNIONS ENDORSES MALLOY FOR GOVERNOR
AFSCME Council 15 says Malloy will ‘put Connecticut back on the road to prosperity’
May 20, 2010 – Democratic Candidate for Governor Dan Malloy today received the endorsement of the Connecticut Council of Police Unions, AFSCME Council 15. The Council unanimously endorsed the former Stamford Mayor, citing his “commitment to rejuvenating Connecticut’s economy with a plan to fuel job growth.”
Council 15 is Connecticut’s largest municipal police union, representing 62 individual municipal police unions and more than 4,000 police officers throughout the state.
“We met with Dan on a number of occasions and it became clear to us that he is the candidate to put Connecticut back on the road to prosperity,” said Council President Anthony Zona.
A New Haven police sergeant, Zona also stressed that Malloy will make public safety a top priority in his administration: “Police officers have a difficult job taking on more responsibility and working with fewer resources today. Dan Malloy will make sure that cops have the resources they need to do the job and protect the citizens of Connecticut.”
Union leaders also pointed to Malloy’s record of stimulating job growth in Stamford, which they say bodes well for the rest of Connecticut.
“We looked at Dan’s record on job growth in Stamford and we were convinced that he is the best candidate out there to help turn Connecticut’s economy around,” said Council Executive Director Jeffrey Matchett. “Dan has a proven track record of success in making Stamford a real competitive player in economic development in the region.”
Malloy thanked the Council for its support and pledged to be “a partner with police officers” as Governor.
“I’m proud to have the support of so many brave police officers throughout Connecticut,” said Malloy. “As a Mayor and former prosecutor, I have a deep appreciation and respect for the work they do. As Governor, I’ll welcome them to the table as a partner in helping to put Connecticut back on track.”
Last week Malloy was also endorsed by SEIU Healthcare District 1199 and SEIU 32BJ. Other announced labor support for his campaign includes the Communication Workers of America Local 1298, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478, the New London Police Union (AFSCME Local 724), the Hartford Police Union, the Waterbury Police Union Local 1237, the Carpenters Local 210 and the Connecticut Police and Fire Union (CPFU).
Malloy’s campaign also has the support of 50 Democratic Town Committees, 51 DTC Chairs, more than 100 elected officials including Congressman John Larson, and more than 4,000 individual contributors who helped Malloy become the first gubernatorial candidate to qualify for the Citizens’ Elections Program, giving him access to up to $8.5M for his campaign.
From Ned Lamont:
Lamont, Glassman Secure State Legislators’ Support
New Haven, CT — Today, Democratic candidates for governor and lieutenant governor Ned Lamont and Mary Glassman announced endorsements from members of the state legislature. Lamont and Glassman have been traveling around Connecticut building a base of grassroots support.
“I’m honored that these hardworking public servants have placed their confidence in me and Mary as the best team to move Connecticut forward,” said Lamont. “Their support for Mary and me will be incredibly valuable, not only during this campaign, but as we work to create jobs, solve the budget crisis, and make state government work for Connecticut families in the months and years ahead.”
“These men and women have had the chance to get to know all of the candidates over the past several months, and I’m deeply grateful they’ve all chosen to support me and Ned,” said Glassman. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, and I’m looking forward to working with them throughout this campaign and after the election as Ned and I tackle the problems facing families across the state.”
The following State Senators have endorsed Lamont and Glassman:
• Senator Donald E. Williams, Jr. (Brooklyn)
• Senator Tom Gaffey (Meriden)
• Senator Andrew Maynard (Stonington)
• Senator Ed Meyer (Guilford)
• Senator Mary Ann Handley (Manchester)
• Senator Ed Gomes (Bridgeport)
• Senator Toni Harp (New Haven)The following State Representatives have endorsed Lamont and Glassman:
• Speaker Chris Donovan (Meriden)
• Rep. Kim Fawcett (Fairfield)
• Rep Brendan Sharkey (Hamden)
• Rep. Andrew Fleischman (West Hartford)
• Rep. John Geragosian (New Britain)
• Rep. Tony Guererra (Rocky Hill)
• Rep. Kathy Tallarita (Enfield)
• Rep. Tim Larson (East Hartford)
• Rep. Karen Jarmoc (Enfield)
• Rep. Steve Mikutel (Griswold)
• Rep. Mae Flexer (Killingly)
• Rep. Demitrious Giannarous (Farmington)
• Rep. Linda Gentile (Ansonia & Derby)
• Rep. Zeke Zalaski (Southington)
• Rep. Betty Boukus (Plainville)
• Rep. Minnie Gonzalez (Hartford)
• Rep. Susan Johnson (Windham)
• Rep. Linda Schofield (Simsbury)
• Rep. Jack Thompson (Manchester)
• Rep. Chris Lyddy (Newtown)
• Rep. Don Clemons (Bridgeport)
• Rep. Ezequiel Santiago (Bridgeport)
• Rep. Betty Boukus (Plainville)
• Rep. Chris Lyddy (Newtown)
• Rep. Peter Teryak (New Britain)Lamont has recently accepted endorsements from the United Auto Workers Region 9A, Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, the Connecticut Laborers’ District Council, Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Former U.S. Rep. Sam Gejdenson, the Bridgeport DTC, UFCW Local 371, Iron Workers Local 424, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1, and Sheet Metal Workers Local 40.
From Michael Fedele
Fedele/Boughton Team Endorsed by State Representatives Klarides, Scribner, Giegler and Rowe and Senator Toni Boucher
Endorsements for Fedele/Boughton – More Than Twenty in Just Ten Days
Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele announced that the Fedele/Boughton ticket for Governor and Lieutenant Governor was endorsed today by State Senator Toni Boucher of Wilton, Deputy House Republican Leader Themis Klarides and State Representatives David Scribner of Brookfield, Jan Giegler of Danbury and T.R. Rowe of Trumbull.
“I worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Mike previously in the State House and most recently in the State Senate. I have seen first-hand his dedication and commitment to our state while managing his business and taking care of his family,” Senator Boucher said. “Mike and I have both managed our businesses in the private sector and raised our families while serving our constituents. We understand how bad policies proposed and enacted by the super majority have damaged Connecticut’s business climate and have residents fleeing to more tax friendly states. We must reverse this negative trend and return Connecticut to its former status as the one of the best places in America to raise a family, get an education, grow a business and retire. As an entrepreneur, Mike understands better than anyone that government does not create jobs – private employers do. Mike supports pro-growth policies that will give employers the confidence they need to not only remain in our state but also to expand, creating more job opportunities for our young graduates. Mike has the best ideas for our state and he is the best prepared to put them in place.”
“Of all the candidates for Governor, what sets Mike apart are his values and his character,” Deputy Leader Klarides said. “Mike will stand up for what is best for our state. The majority party has blocked or ignored many common-sense solutions offered by Republicans and they have created the gridlock that is slowing Connecticut’s economic recovery. Mike has offered concrete plans to put our state back on track and I know he will fight to put them in place.”
“Having served with Mike in the House, I have known him for many years and I am proud to endorse him for Governor,” Assistant Leader David Scribner said. “Mike Fedele is man of integrity and ideas who has the right values and vision to lead Connecticut the next four years. He is a man of incredible character and a proven example of the American dream and success story our country was founded on. He understands what the Democrats have done to our state’s business climate and he knows how to fix it.”
“Mike knows that taxes are not the answer – they’re the problem,” State Representative Janice Giegler said. “We need to reverse the big spending, high taxing pattern that has been set in Hartford over the past couple of years. Mike knows the budget inside and out and he has the courage and fiscal discipline to make the tough spending cuts we have to make.”
“Our state continues to face tremendous challenges,” State Representative Rowe said. “We are at a critical point in our economy and the decisions the next governor makes will affect our state for many years to come. I believe Mike will make decisions in the best long-term interest of our state and our citizens and I am pleased to support him.”
Summer Vibes
Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival Goes FURTHUR
Finalizes Four-Day Lineup Kicking Off July 29
The Fifteenth Annual Gathering of the Vibes Music, Arts and Camping Festival finalizes 2010 lineup with the addition of Friday night headliner FURTHUR, featuring Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh and Bob Weir.
BRIDGEPORT, CT – Gathering of the Vibes, the largest and most-respected Music, Arts and Camping Festival in the Northeast, is thrilled to return to Seaside Park, on the shores of Long Island Sound in Bridgeport, CT, July 29 through August 1. This year marks the fifteenth anniversary of “The Vibes” and the fifth time it will be hosted in the Park City. In 2009, the festival was attended by 20,000 revelers per day at the 370-acre waterfront venue. The Vibes is an all-ages, family-friendly event that caters to both weekend campers and single-day guests; both have access to the park’s shaded groves, manicured fields and more than a mile of Long Island Sound beachfront.
The final addition to the jam-packed lineup of artists includes Friday’s 2-set, headlining performance by FURTHUR, featuring the Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh and Bob Weir. Gathering of the Vibes executive producer Ken Hays is delighted by the pairing. “Phil and Bob have graced our stage with their own bands for many years, but to have them both perform together with this powerful and inspirational band is a dream come true.” The band’s ensemble includes Jeff Chimenti on keys, John Kadlecik on lead guitar and Joe Russo on drums.
Gathering of the Vibes 2010 spotlights more than forty bands on three stages and features a reunited Les Claypool and Primus; reggae legend and 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inductee Jimmy Cliff; Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann’s Rhythm Devils with Keller Williams; reggae sensation Damian Marley with special guest hip-hop icon Nas, pedal steel guitar master Robert Randolph & The Family Band; New Orleans funk superstars Galactic; Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings; and The Radiators.
Additional main stage and “late night” stage performers include Steve Kimock’s Crazy Engine; Umphrey’s McGee; Beastie Boys’ DJ “Mix Master Mike”; Jackie Greene Band; Little Feat; Martin Sexton featuring The Ryan Montbleau Band; New Riders of the Purple Sage; Donna Jean Godchaux; Dark Star Orchestra; Zach Deputy; Big Sam’s Funky Nation; and Connecticut’s own Max Creek and Deep Banana Blackout.
The Green Vibes stage offers an eclectic lineup of up-and-comers, as well as festival mainstays, in a more personal and intimate atmosphere. Artists include David Gans; King For A Day; Lubriphonic; Turbine; Kung Fu; Caravan of Thieves; Quinn Sullivan; McLovins; Waylon Speed; Macpodz; Hot Day at the Zoo; Kicking Daisies; Jamie McLean Band; Leroy Justice; The Trapps; Billy Simons; Bronze Radio Return; Band Together; Christopher Robin Band; and Andy The Music Man. All weekend long The Primate Fiasco will be wandering the festival site serenading the attendees.
Since its inception, Gathering of the Vibes and its fans have made “giving back” a priority through their support of numerous social causes. In 2008 and 2009 combined, festival organizers have donated more than $125,000 to local Bridgeport charities, the Connecticut Special Olympics and many worthy not-for-profit organizations. In 2009, festival attendees donated 5,500 pounds of non-perishable items to local and state food banks. The festival’s bold “Green Vibes” environmental initiative ranges from an aggressive on-site recycling campaign to educating fans on the current research and development being done, and the progress being made in the field of alternative energy solutions.
Gathering of the Vibes began in 1996 as a celebration of the life of Jerry Garcia, who had passed away the previous summer. Initially named “Deadhead Heaven,” the festival provides an annual forum for fans from across the country to remember the countercultural icon. In each of its past fourteen years, Gathering of the Vibes has paired legendary artists with emerging acts to appeal to a wide cross-section of live-music enthusiasts.
WHAT: Fifteenth Annual Gathering of the Vibes Festival
WHEN: July 29 – August 1, 2010
WHERE: Seaside Park, Bridgeport, CT
INFO: www.GOVIBES.com
TICKETS: A limited number of Weekend Camping Passes are on sale for $197.50; VIP Passes are $420. Friday and Saturday Single-Day Tickets are available for $65 per day when purchased in advance; Sunday Tickets are $50. For tickets and information go to www.GatheringoftheVibes.com or call Vibes HQ at 203.908.3030.
Hmmm interesting piece in some upstate TV station’s website in the same video that has Blummy in a li’l hot water he clearly says he did not serve there did anybody here about it??? Go check it out for yourself!!! Blummy you are the guy CT needs!!! Lennie any new word on Paul Ganim for AG?
Best political ad ever my change in party will enable me to be reelecteddddd.
www .youtube.com/watch?v=x97DdZho11k
Hey Lennie, I think you accidentally deleted the second half of Lamont’s press release, which has a couple of Bridgeport names in it! It read:
“The following State Representatives have endorsed Lamont and Glassman:
Speaker Chris Donovan (Meriden)
Rep. Kim Fawcett (Fairfield)
Rep Brendan Sharkey (Hamden)
Rep. Andrew Fleischman (West Hartford)
Rep. John Geragosian (New Britain)
Rep. Tony Guererra (Rocky Hill)
Rep. Kathy Tallarita (Enfield)
Rep. Tim Larson (East Hartford)
Rep. Karen Jarmoc (Enfield)
Rep. Steve Mikutel (Griswold)
Rep. Mae Flexer (Killingly)
Rep. Demitrious Giannarous (Farmington)
Rep. Linda Gentile (Ansonia & Derby)
Rep. Zeke Zalaski (Southington)
Rep. Betty Boukus (Plainville)
Rep. Minnie Gonzalez (Hartford)
Rep. Susan Johnson (Windham)
Rep. Linda Schofield (Simsbury)
Rep. Jack Thompson (Manchester)
Rep. Chris Lyddy (Newtown)
Rep. Don Clemons (Bridgeport)
Rep. Ezequiel Santiago (Bridgeport)
Rep. Peter Tercyak (New Britain)
Lamont has recently accepted endorsements from the United Auto Workers Region 9A, Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, the Connecticut Laborers’ District Council, Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Former U.S. Rep. Sam Gejdenson, the Bridgeport DTC, UFCW Local 371, Iron Workers Local 424, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1, and Sheet Metal Workers Local 40.”
With all of that, it’s still shorter than the Malloy release you posted by about 40 words.
Good catch marlys. I loaded the entire release. Now we have it twice just to make the word count balanced!
Interesting spot on Fox news this AM. They had the commander of the VFW where Blumenthal held his press conference to clarify his remarks on his Vietnam service. He stated the VFW did not know what the conference was going to be about and there was not 1 Vietnam veteran on the podium. He also stated the VFW response on Blumenthal’s remarks on a statewide basis were negative.
There is no doubt Blumenthal will get the nomination for the senate this weekend but one has to wonder.
Let Alpert Blow His Horn!
A bit coincidental that the Blumenthal expose happens a day before huge financial regulation voted in Washington. He was big on investigating financial firms. Besides, Bush 43’s military record should also be revisited. By the way, on financial issues it’s high time someone explain in plain English what derivatives are, and especially Credit Default Swaps. I will do this next Tuesday on the program.
Now as far as Ned Lamont, we need to have him come to visit Bridgeport and show he cares about the city.
Blight will be part of the next show’s topic the north Main Street area, 344 Brewster Street, the West Ave. On the show there will be an update on Board of Ed. But it’s not all bad news in the city. If you didn’t know, there is a major effort to attract investors in the city going on.
Below is an abbreviated part of a story in today’s NY Times. It shows the costs of municipal pensions and how they are boosted.
Question–Bpt also has an “outside” overtime system. Do these payments (for a role once handled by “specials,” non-police officers) add to city pension costs?
Former Mayor Leonard S. Paoletta once questioned this city cash cow for the police, wondering if the 8 hours the cop worked for the city was when he was “fresh and alert” or if it was when he was “tired from a previous shift guarding a hole in the ground.”
The bottom line, no mayor has ever wanted to look into this pot of gold, which could be turned into a job creation opportunity for a city with people in need of employment.
FROM THE NY TIMES – In Yonkers, more than 100 retired police officers and firefighters are collecting pensions greater than their pay when they were working. One of the youngest, Hugo Tassone, retired at 44 with a base pay of about $74,000 a year. His pension is now $101,333 a year.
Edward A. Stolzenberg collects $222,143 a year, one of the biggest New York State pensions.
Yonkers has arranged for its police officers to put in overtime as flagmen on Consolidated Edison construction sites. Though a company is paying the bill, Yonkers is reporting the work as city overtime to the New York State pension fund, thereby increasing future payouts.
It’s what the system promised, said Mr. Tassone, now 47, adding that he did nothing wrong by adding lots of overtime to his base pay shortly before retiring. “I don’t understand how the working guy that held up their end of the bargain became the problem,” he said.
Despite a pension investigation by the New York attorney general, an audit concluding that some police officers in the city broke overtime rules to increase their payouts and the mayor’s statements that future pensions should be based on regular pay, not overtime, these practices persist in Yonkers.
The city has even arranged for its police to put in overtime as flagmen on Consolidated Edison construction sites. Though a company is paying the bill, the city is actually reporting the work as city overtime to the New York State pension fund, padding future payouts–an arrangement at odds with the spirit of public employment, if not the law.
The Yonkers experience shows how errors, misunderstandings and wishful thinking are piling hidden new costs onto New York’s public pension system every year, worsening the state’s current fiscal crisis. And the problem is not just in New York. Public pension costs are ballooning everywhere, throwing budgets out of whack and raising the question of whether venerable state pension systems are viable.
That is NOT the way it works in Bridgeport … not even close. Pensions are adjusted with base salaries and years on the job, only. That system in Yonkers is ludicrous. Wish I worked there.
Cop works outside OT or department OT what’s the difference? Outside OT is paid by the contractor, department OT is paid by the city. Neither add to the pension benefits of the employee. You could make $100K in OT and it still does not affect how much you retire with.
Police Specials could work no more than 18 or 19 hours per week, keeping the health and legacy benefits out of the equation. Get paid about $14.00 an hour. Utilities would pay the same amount as they do for present outside overtime. That balance gets transferred to the inside overtime budget allowing a defined amount of Inside OT an officer can work. Cops can be paid a premium for being cops. The other part of the argument as voiced by John Gilmore potentially could set the city up for a major liability issue if an officer had worked an inordinate amount of outside OT and through fatigue had a bad shooting or car accident.
*** Richie B. will be all right providing he doesn’t step on it again! *** Proxy, only if I can vote for Malloy & have transportation & meals to Hartford & back! *** The poor choices we make always come back to affect us in negative ways, so instead of finding blame down the road for our choices, we should blame ourselves first. The “new” American way of a “greed addict” is to get all you can before you get caught! “Choices” we’ve made in the past continue to plague us today & maybe in the future. ***
Yes, the outside OT does not add to Bpt pensions. (Whew! The city got that right!)
But outside OT does provide a pot of money to a specific category of employee. That’s got to be a hard swallow for some poor schnook trying to get by and keep his family afloat.
No one ever got rich being a “special,” but in today’s world it might help someone get by. I don’t want to get into “big government vs. small government” fighting, but it’d be a nice touch for government to be on the side of as many people as possible.
John … The city actually makes money on outside overtime assignments in the police and fire depts. by tacking on an administrative fee charged to the entity requiring the services. I am guessing it is quite a nice chunk of change at the end of the year too.
As far the overtime and pension issue … Barf and town committee were correct that overtime outside or inside is not factored into police and fire pensions. All the more reason to run at the bare minimum and allow current employees to work it. It is a proven fact it is cheaper to pay overtime than it is to hire new employees and be responsible for their salaries, benefits and pensions. I repeat IT IS CHEAPER TO PAY OVERTIME than it is to hire new employees. Given the fact the police and fire departments in Bridgeport don’t factor their overtime into their pensions, the city should be working these guys as much as they can within reason.
Richard the A.G. makes one think if some investigated on trial person says “I’m guilty” then says “sorry I misspoke” and if Richard then said okay I’ll cut you loose.
Who misspoke?
John you sound like you want to go to the socialist theory where everyone makes the same yearly salary. When there is OT in a factory or on a construction project should we bring in this poor schnook so he can make money also? I think not. Maybe the poor schnook you are talking about should study and take the next exam.
Town committee: Nope, I don’t want a construction company to bring in some untrained person to erect a building I will work or live in. I want the most competent builder possible on the job.
But do we need a trained police officer with a 9mm pistol guarding a hole in the ground? Or do we want him patrolling the streets protecting citizens?
I like your construction analogy … this discussion is all about the right tool for the right job.
And if I recall, the city only makes–or used to make–a nominal amount in administration fees for providing cops to guard those utility jobs.
Historically, the jobs went to them as a means of giving them an OT boost the city couldn’t afford. The specials who used to provide the service were eliminated through attrition, simply phased out with other aspects of the past.
But today, with high unemployment, it’d be something for someone willing to work.
Take an exam to guard a hole in the ground?
Ya know, some of those specials were blind enough to fall into that hole in the ground.
Just sayin’.
On the other hand, sometimes cops used to be tired enough from the OT jobs, you would wonder where they were cooping if they drew an overnight shift.
John: What you say about an officer being tired after working outside OT could be and probably is true however aren’t we all tired after working OT?
The only saving grace for the police officer is there are only 21 street cops on duty at a given time. We then have a good shot that the other 430 or so are not out on patrol and doing the real work of the police force thus they can’t get injured because they are too tired from outside OT.