November Election: Truth and Consequences - Part 1

This is liable to be a long rant, so before embarking on it - you might want to go grab yourself a Snicker's Bar, or something..

First a bit of housekeeping...

One of the disadvantages of writing news-related pieces on behalf of The King's View is that our pieces often come out late; news outlets have the resources and where-with-all to get out their information fast - primarily because they have the added pressure to compete with one another to scoop and meet deadlines.

On the other hand, one of the advantages of The King's View publishing pieces when we get to it, is that we can take our time, connect all the dots after the fact (even the invisible ones) and draw a complete picture for the record - even if some don't like it.  So while this column isn't as partisan as a Rick Green's weekly anti-Republican rant, or isn't as dry a read as say the plagiarized works of a Kevin Rennie, or doesn't have the finesse of a Daniela Altimari's blog, it has its own unique place in the Connecticut blogsphere - unafraid, and direct.  I try to write what people think but dare not say, publicly, in front of their party bosses out of fear of retribution, or worse - the fear of being booted off the invite list of another establishment cocktail hour. Good Grief. Save it.

My own allies don't quite know what to make of me.  They can't stand the fact that The King's Castle has a massive turret atop of it, that swings 360 degrees and fires at anything that moves which The King doesn't like.  Hey, if we do the right things, you see praise, but if you act like Democrat-replicans and follow the Governor's lead by voting for things like The Job's Bill then you get hammered.  Don't want to get hammered?  Don't act like Democrats.

November Election: Truth and Consequences

Given  the fairytale account
of most of Wednesday
morning's papers, most
should have begun,
"Once Upon a  Time..."

We have to start by laughing at the proactive, partisan assault by many of those in the media who drank Governor Malloy's cool-aid and went out of their way to publish victory articles on behalf of Connecticut's Democrat Party.  Even the Associated Press got it wrong. It's one thing for the media to front their Democrat favorites all through the election cycle, but it's quite another for them to spin the outcome in such away as to make it appear as though Democrats crushed their Republican opposition.  Such a fairy-tale is merely wishful thinking by a liberal press.

Facts are facts.  After Tuesday's election Democrats gained 9 Town Councils, and Republicans gained 14 Town Councils which according to The King's abacus leaves Republicans with a net gain of 5 towns in the positive column.  (If someone could please check my math, I'd be grateful).  This brings Republicans from 99 up to 104. And 104 out of 169 is a respectable majority of 62%.  With numbers like these, you have to wonder why our representation in the State House or at the Congressional level is so skewed in the opposite direction. I have my opinions, but that's a piece for another day.

Let's look at the election by town and shed a little light in places where we won and lost.

"Winning isn't everything.
It's how you tweet that
counts."

Middletown:  Since both The Hartford Courant and Governor Malloy went out of their way to splatter the news of Democrat Daniel Drew's defeat of incumbent Republican Sebastian Guiliano, we can probably start here.  Immediately looking at the results it's hard to imagine that an overwhelmingly Italian city like Middletown would pass up a Guiliano for a Drew which goes to show you that anything is possible in Middletown - even when it comes to overcoming ethnic barriers.  The numbers (unofficial) show Drew winning 4959 to Guiliano's 4317 (margin of 642).  At the root cause of this defeat for the GOP, we see that the problem lies not with the hard work of Middletown's RTC, but by the overall direction given to the candidate by one former State Chairman Christopher Healy.  Once again, with his Midas touch, Healy managed to turn yet another campaign to dust, and help Democrats win a seat.  Had Guiliano listened to anyone but Healy, he would have steered away from Healy's self-destructive strategy and went on to be re-elected. (I'm sure no matter what happens, Jim Vicevich will kiss Healy's arse to the end).

If I were Lisa Wilson-Foley, I might want to really think about whether or not Healy is a good choice to help out on my campaign.  With a campaign record like his, you don't need to worry about the opposition. All in all, Guiliano's win last time around was a bit of a upset based on a campaign against a politically corrupt Democrat administration which had tarnished the public image of Middletown Democrat Party.  For a City that is 3 to 1 Democrats, and harbors an mental-institution like Wesleyan University, one of the most liberal places on the North American Continent, it's a miracle that Republicans were granted a brief stay in the Mayor's office at all.

Truth: Middletown could have been retained by Republicans if they banned together, and ignored Chris Healy's strategy of defeat. 
Consequence:  It's best to hope that Mayor Drew's inexperience (at anything) makes his first term - his last and only term.  It won't be long before he becomes embroiled in the endless scandals caused by Middletown's corrupt police force. Everyone knows that the Middletown Police Department is nothing but a group of dirty, drug-infested rogues; most of which should not be wearing badges.,but serving hard time behind bars. Oh Middletown, you disgust me. 

Hartford:  The Capitol city is a hard nut to crack for Republicans.  The last time Hartford had a Republican Mayor, it was Antonnia Uccello back in 1971.  People from the area my be surprised to know that recently Ann Street in Hartford was renamed in her honor.  Even though there are still large pockets of Italians in the South End, the majority ethic group in Hartford is either Black or Latino.  One of the most disconcerting parts of Tuesday's defeat is that a very good man, and Republican's great hope - Corey Brinson also went down in flames.  

This begs the question as to whether or not minorities would ever embrace the pro-business, pro-capitalist ideology of Republicanism under any circumstances - even when it's sold by a man of color.  White liberals aren't capable of seeing what is largely a problem of reverse-racism inherent in minority ideological brainwashing.  The record shows that Hartford's population would rather choose an open homosexual activist like Segarra - regardless of his do-nothing record - than a hardworking black man like Brinson who has gone out of his way to break stereotypical molds, and would give Hartford at least an alternative perspective at City Council. It's a shame that the editorial boards at The Advocate or the Courant can't see past their Democratic partisanship to have given Brinson a chance.

Truth:  Registered Hartford Republicans need not apply - to anything. This place is worse than New Haven.
Consequences:  Hartford, New England's Rising Star, undeterred by fret of Republican opposition, can go back to issuing tickets as its primary form of revenue generation, and only seconded by revenue collected at The Gay Pride Festival that Mayor Segurra is hell-bent on bringing to Hartford.  Meanwhile, the sound of moving vans will fill the quiet Hartford air as Hartford-based businesses continue to slip away in the darkness of night.

Cromwell:  This town has an interesting background in that looking back only forty years ago, there was a farm where Super Stop & Shop stands today.  With the growing pains it's encountered over the last twenty years, it's not surprising that the First Selectman's Office has changed hands between Democrats and Republicans often and continuously over the last two decades. Every election has been and is a nail-biter. Cromwell was embroiled in a recent battle to revise the  Town Charter which became an instant Flashpoint of controversy among Cromwellians. 

Mertie and Stan Terry. A family
that sets a high standard when it
comes to dedication & public service 

But there is a great story here for Republicans to tell.  Most people outside of the Rose City don't know that Mertie Terry is the widow of three-term Republican First Selectman Stan Terry, who The King knew personally and admired greatly.  I'm sure Stan is looking down from Heaven with a smile on his face knowing that Mertie will carry forth his torch of fair governing and honest public service.  The margin here - about 773 votes - nearly double her opponent's - was significant enough to be a solid win for Republicans. 

Truth:  Cromwell Republicans were galvanized by a war over the Town Charter.  Campaign 101 tells you that people come out to vote against something rather than for something, or someone.  The fact that Cromwell RTC was able to produce an overwhelming result contrary to the norm speaks volumes to the dedication and effort of their campaign team.
Consequences:  The new First Selectman will have to navigate through the trials of the new charter while working to maintain productive relationships at Town Hall.  It will be interesting to watch how well Mrs. Terry does two years from now.

Newington:  First a bit of history: Back in 2007, Jeff Wright and Newington Republicans campaigned on pledge of a tax cap of 3%. Wright's plan was more than an election scheme - it served as a contract with voters which ensured them that the days of balancing a run-away budget on taxpayer backs was over.  Mayor Wright cut expenses, and made a great number of improvements to local Government, and infrastructure including repaving torn roads, building senior housing, and reconstructing the entire downtown area.  Remarkably he did all of this without eliminating any positions on the town or school side, and maintained his tax cap pledge consistently for his entire tenure.

Fast forward to 2011: Newington Republicans made the fatal error of nominating a clown named Mike Lenares. Lenares became Mayor of Newington when Jeff Wright made a career move to Texas. His first fatal error was nominating his best friend, Scott McBride, a Democrat, to become his Deputy Mayor.  You can't say Lenares abandoned Republican principles because he never had them. Lenares spent most of his waking hours publicly criticizing Jeff Wright's policies and leadership style, instead of making his case to voters for election.  Upon hearing Lenares treasonous thinking, Newington Republicans turned their backs on him for there is one thing worse than a Democrat - it's a Republican who walks, talks, and acts like a Democrat.  Besides alienating his own base, Lenares ran an armchair campaign of running newspaper ads, and dispatching a few lingering campaign workers to place signs up around town.  It's not a surprise that on Tuesday, Newington Republicans were crushed by a huge margin, and pushed back into a super-minority status.

Mike Lenares should
wear this sign in this
life and the next.

Truth:  Newington Republicans are back to square one.  Mike Lenares should be made to wander around Newington for the rest of his life with a Kick Me sign taped to his back.  Lenares is fortunate that Jeff Wright lives in Texas now, else he might feel a size 10 boot... well, enough said there.
Consequences:  Time for Republicans to caucus and examine what it means to stick to Republican principles.  And throw those who disagree off the RTC so they can't destroy what's left of a once proud committee.

Fear not. Newington can easily rebound under the right leadership, and given the pinch that everyone will be feeling over the next two years, the 2013 municipal election may offer the opportunity for Newington to "Wright itself."  Well, see.

West Hartford:  It seems like forever when I think back to casting votes for Mayor Rob Bouvier and having it count toward a majority victory for Republicans in West Hartford.  Indeed, those were much better days (for a lot of reasons) when you consider the overpopulated metropolis it has become today; and the travesty and blight that Blue Back Square has brought upon our once beautiful "Center" as we used to call it.  Hardly the progress anyone was looking for, particularly when you find adjacent sidewalks littered with beer cans and used condoms - it's a sickening disgrace.  But the look back at better days is significant when you consider the massive delta between Republicans versus Democrats in terms of registered voters:  3 to 1 (or better understood as 18,000 Democrats to 6,000 Republicans). 

According to actual polling data at Wolcott provided The King, Democrats on mean received
 302 to 445 votes. In contrast, Republicans received 203 to 273 - the delta between the cut of the lowest Democrat candidate to Republican falling just below the cutoff point of victory was just above or at 100 votes.  In a city where the incumbent Mayor only received 7998 votes or 12.9% of the total vote - you have to question why Republicans were not able to motivate their base to come out to help retake the Council. If the power outage was not enough, the steady increases in taxes over the present Mayor's tenure should have generated enough outrage to motivate people to make a change - or not.

What the contest in West Hartford shows (and it's noteworthy that in this case the Power Outage should have played a much larger role than it did in other cities/towns within the First District), Democrats were still able to squeak by to secure a majority that they should have lost given the pathetic turnout of their own registered supporters.  The outrage expressed by Scott Slifka earlier this week was more than angst at concerns about power restoration - it was genuine concern about whether or not Malloy, CL&P and other issues related to the storm might have impacted the outcome of the election.

West Hartford Republicans had one of the best chances in recent memory to take back the Council, but clearly there are some serious issues regarding campaign organization within the West Hartford RTC.  The RTC is long overdue for a cleansing of sorts, and it will mean looking at those who will actually do things, as opposed to those who simply show up in 30-year old vest to write big check.  The central command and authority of West Hartford politics almost appears to work a deal with Democrats to ensure that certain minority players manage to get on Council while others Republicans are thrown to the wolves.  With a smirk and a gleam in his eye, Steve Adler never seems to come under fire by the Democrat opposition - which is curious.  Almost as curious as seeing his sign, the only Republican sign, often surrounded by Democrat signs on numerous yards in town.  Maybe it's not so curious after all.  Maybe it's just simple collusion.

Truth:  West Hartford Republicans should have been able to organize and motivate their base to come out and support regime change - if not based on Mayor Slifka's allegiance to Dan Malloy, but for the string of ever-increasing expeditures, crime issues, and tax increases thwarting West Hartford.
Consequences:  West Hartford RTC must return to its activist roots, and throw out its candidates and members who are willing to make deals with the opposition to secure a seat at the table.  At least Leon Davidoff switched sides last year to become the Democrat he always was, now it's time to plan a strategy to get the Democrats on Council who use the Republican name as a way of getting around the majority council rule.

Manchester:  Again, the story is usually the same when it comes to big cities, so the bright headlines in The Press about how the cities are turning Democrat is a bit disingenuous.  The story in Manchester is a bit unique in that Mayor Lou Spadaccini broke the "big city Democrat mold" by being one of the first Republicans to win election in a city in years - perhaps decades.  This year's Democrat victory is softened by the fact that Lou decided against running for re-election this year.  Much of the Manchester success story for Republicans lies with Lou's personal popularity and commitment to sound fiscal principles.  Clearly, voter turnout and motivating the Party base to come out and vote obviously played a huge role in this election.

Truth:  Lou Spadaccini did his public service for an extended period of time and after fulfilling his service, he decided it was time for him to take his career and family commitments up a notch.  Democrats were expected to have an easier task once the popular Mayor opted to not seek re-election.  It's unfortunate that Spadaccini didn't have a replacement plan in place to help his Party extend its tenure.  But this is how things go.
Consequences:  It will probably be a tough road for Manchester Republicans for a while, but the good news is that they do know how to compete, and they have the recent history of winning the Mayorship on their side.   The worst thing that Manchester Republicans could do is scatter.  I'd look to Lou to help conduct a review of the campaign and help to sort out what can be done better next time by looking at exactly what you did right to change the landscape the first time.  Good luck.

Glassman is appealing.
The King predicts she will
eventually be the Dems
pick for Governor

Simsbury:  Mary Glassman, Mary Glassman. What to do about Mary Glassman?  Simsbury is a study in the complexities of having a Democrat First Selectman who is highly popular in a town that is supposed to be largely Republican.  The migration of liberal West Hartfordites over the last twenty into Simsbury has certainly made it difficult for Republicans to right itself.  Glassman, who is also a big-whig with the State Democrat Party is on her sixth consecutive term.  Simsbury has 15,192 registered voters, and 37% came out to cast a ballot - even many who are still in the dark. 

According to Simsbury Republicans, the problem is that it's largely a case of loving the candidate enough to overlook the Party affiliation, and sometimes even the policies like high taxes.  The only way to erraticate Glassman from her office is for her to 1) hope a big issue arrises that engulfs her adminstration, 2) Republicans find a candidate with Superstar/celebrity status, and the most likely option 3) Glassman runs for higher office and wins.  The third option is obviously the best option for Simsbury's tired RTC, but Glassman has her own private wars with her own Party.  Although she won't admit it publicly, she's still subject to a glass ceiling among Democrat Party operatives.  Glassman has criticized her own Party for not cutting enough taxes making her a tough sell to the liberals running things behind the scenes at Democrat Central.

Truth: Simsbury Republicans need a mega-star and a hot-button issue to break the spell that Mary Glassman has cast over Simsbury. Without that or her moving on, they may change the name of the Town to Glassmanville.
Consequences: Republicans would do well to take the other candidate positions such as BOE and others as serious as they do the First Selectman's position.  The big complaint I hear is that Simsbury Republicans limit their effort to mostly signs, and ads, and don't canvass door-to-door to close the deal.  If there are 10,000 homes in Simbury - Republicans need to visit every one. Personal appeal can only be outdone by a face-to-face approach in 2013.

Avon:  We end on a good note for Republicans with an impressive 4 to1 victory on the Town Council, and the sweeping of all other town positions by the Avon GOP.  If there was ever a place in Connecticut's Fifth Congressional District where Republicans have a safe haven it's Avon.  20% of Republicans flocked to the polls in what was clearly a blowout.  The top vote getter was Republican Mark Zacchio with 2359 votes - over three hundred votes from the nearest vote getter.  Whatever they are doing in Avon, aught to be replicated across the District because it works.  Of course, to be fair - the voter registration rolls certainly give Republicans a slight advantage when compared with neighboring towns. A bonus was that long time Democrat William Shea was booted from Council having received 1795 votes (ten shy of the lowest Republican victor... Ouch!

Truth: Republicans in Avon are the Lighthouse on the Hill in a what Jeff Butler calls "the Simsbury area".  The Hublein Tower should be turned over to Avon immediately. 
Consequences:  Avon Republicans can brag and make fun of those who live in Simsbury. Simsbury residents often refer to Avon residents as Simsbury-wanna-bes.  Well, if the price of being a snob from Simsbury is having to lose for six straight terms and turn your income over to Mary Glassman and company, then I'd say it isn't worth it.

Part 2 to be released sometime tomorrow....

I AM

THE KING

This original blog article can be read at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

Make Election Day a Referendum on Gov Malloy and Democrats

CT polls are open until 8 pm tonight!
There is no such thing as an off-year
election!

TODAY - Tuesday, November 8th Connecticut Residents will have the opportunity to go to the polls in large measure to cast a vote of confidence for or against the policies and competency of their local government officials.  Over the past few months, we've witnessed dramatic state tax increases at the state level, reduced revenues, and historic spending increases being disguised as investment projects (e.g. the Busway to Nowhere, and the Jobs Bill).  As the U.S. Economy flounders under President Obama, our State Government has been forced to react to costly new federal mandates which in large part, Governor Malloy has been cheerleading right along on behalf of his Democrat Party. Connecticut State Government has in turn reduced aid and support to local governments which has lead to increased revenue gaps in local budgets which taxpayers are expected absorb under what Governor Malloy markets as "shared sacrifice".

Over the last several months, we've seen several chain and local businesses close up shop. Take a quick drive down the Berlin Turnpike and look at the number of newly-closed businesses along the strip including Friendly's and Circuit City, just to name a few. Connecticut's unemployment rate has been hovering around 9% for the entire year with many people losing their homes to foreclosure which are also up sharply.  None of this has caused the Democrat majority to pause and think about the root cause of Connecticut's ills - in fact, Connecticut has gone out of it's way to compound the problem by mandating sick pay on businesses, and even promoting a scheme that requires taxpayers to foot the bill for diapers - causing people to cry out - What color is the sky in their world at the State House? Hurricane Irene, and the October Snowstorm have added additional stress on both residents and business; the result is expected to be millions in lost revenue, and unexpected increases costs for services being provided at the local level.  At the end of the day, given our present course under one Party rule, the prospects of recovery in the Nutmeg State are gloomy.

Governor Dannel Malloy has been in office for nearly a year.  His early strategy of blaming his predecessor for the State's woes is obviously a page right out of the Obama playbook - and that’s proven to be an unacceptable strategy with Connecticut residents.  Connecticut residents are largely under-represented by a mega-majority of Democrat electors in the State House, Governor's mansion and even at the Federal Level.  Given this, it’s not a surprise that the failed, rehashed liberal policies which have led to a continuous slide in Connecticut's economy are, in fact, the result of one party Legislative rule over 40+ years in Connecticut.  Today Connecticut will have a unique opportunity to send a message to Governor Malloy and the Legislature by electing pro-business, pro-growth Republicans to Municipal Office.  If its true that the buck stops at local government, returning those Republicans who currently hold mayorships and serve on trusted Boards around the state will be more critical now than at any time in our history - and eradicating those Democrats who have had a tenured stranglehold on political office is twice as critical.

If Connecticut residents empower Democrats to continue to hold elected office, then there will be absolutely no opportunity to stop Connecticut's downward spiral into oblivion. Unfortunately, the burden of reversing course will rest largely on the shoulders of both private sector workers, and soccer- moms because those individuals living on the public dole have everything to lose by seeing a shift back to sound economic, and pro-growth policies.  Remember, Democrats have the added advantage at this and at every election - many union, public sector employees, and government workers have been granted the day off (many are union paid) to stand at the polls to sway voters and sell their self-serving agenda.  It is no wonder that at key poll stations, we often see a 4 to 1 misrepresentation of Democrat poll workers to Republican workers.  It will take focus and determination by voters to see past the smiling faces of tax and spend proponents, and cast a vote for responsible Municipal Government.

If the warnings about continued counter-productive economic policies don’t sway you, perhaps the folly of the past week’s October Storm will.  While Governor Malloy enjoys passing out donuts to state employees at DOT garages, and lording over the microphone at the Emergency Operations Center, his ability to lead is questionable.  After holding weeks hearings after Hurricane Irene, and collecting thousands of pages of data and testimony, its clear that very little has progress has been made in the way that Connecticut handles a single emergency response, let alone two occurring back-to-back.  Blaming out of state agencies for an underwhelming response, Governor Jodi Rell for not cutting enough trees, and letting C&Ps Jeff Butler run a dog and pony show at his expense is not good leadership.  Connecticut residents,100,000 who are still in the dark, have lost confidence in Governor Malloy's ability to lead or manage an emergency of this scale.  And his temperment is seriously unprofessional.

It is no wonder that Dan Malloy's disapproval rating is the highest of any Governor in the Continental US - under 40%.  This past week, we noted that several of his advisers even rotated out of his office to new positions suggesting serious issues within the Governor's Office. And if you think that is bad, look at the collusion between the Governor's Office and many Democrat-led cities including Simsbury's Mary Glassman and West Hartford's Scott Slifka who've shifted their criticism almost entirely to CL&P; now giving Governor Malloy a free-pass on a debacle he owns!  Simply amazing! Simply partisan! Democrats, thick as thieves, never, ever break with the Party line!  And the evidence is plain to see for anyone willing to look!

And lastly, a clear reminder to Connecticut Republicans - there is no such things as an "off-year election".  Every election counts, and this one is no different.  Municipal Elections are grooming grounds for our next set of State and Federal Elected Leaders.  By making sure that Republicans are elected to majorities across our 169 town municipalities, we can accomplish two things - 1) Ensure responsible Government at the local level where Connecticut's residents are truly represented, and 2) Grow our own pool of future State and Congressional Leaders (while throwing a wrench in the Democrat machine's breeding and incubation center).  These elections are important! And if you look at a map (I couldn't find the latest to post) of Connecticut Towns where Republicans are entrusted to represent the people, Republicans hold an overwhelming majority! Let's keep it that way!

Connecticut can send a message today that Republicans are the preferred choice when it comes to sound and responsible municipal management.  Let this election be a referendum on Governor Malloy's first pathetic year in office, and on the Democrat controlled State House's never-ending assault on the paychecks of Connecticut Taxpayers. 

Please join me in voting Republican today! 

I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be read at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

Article may be revised at a future date.

Governor Malloy's latest Debacle

Nightmare in Connecticut

Sorry for the lack of posts during this extrodinary time.  We've several drafts on many topics ready for release, but given the ongoing crisis caused by the October Snowstorm (and compounded by CL&P and Governor Malloy's childish blame-game antics), I've been focused on 1) holding nightly candle-light vigils in my frigid home, 2) trying to keep up with the latest in West Hartford 18th century colonial living standards, and 3) Helping those in need around me who are about to, or have already lost their patience, and -- their minds. 

Priorities are priorities, and everyone is doing their best to cope with an insane situation.  It's bad enough to hear stories about elderly people and their pets dying of CO Poisoning as they try to keep warm in their homes, or fist fights taking place at gas stations, but it's frustrating as hell to hear FEMA representatives giving grief to West Hartford Public Works Department Director John Phillips about whether or not, or how the trees are being disposed of in town. 

Are you serious? 

As you know, Republicans aren't big on the Federal Government running much of anything -but when people are suffering - just trying to get back basic necessities like heat and electricity, and when a Federal Agency like FEMA finally shows up and all they can manage to do is antagonize local leaders and make a stink about wood chips, it makes even my most liberal friends angry.  See, Republicans aren't always wrong - if the Federal Government isn't going to help, they can leave West Hartford and take their bag of redtape and petty demands with them.

It took six days for the misery index to go through the roof before Governor Dannel Malloy finally did what he should have done from the start - activate the Connecticut National Guard to assist public sector employees to remove trees and make streets safe.  This was a no brainer - even for this Governor.  Governor Malloy boasted about how he took a three hour helicopter tour to survey damage during the early part of the week - he was well aware of the extent of damage and the need for large-scale resources.  Our neighboring towns of Simsbury and Avon are in the same shape as some sections of West Hartford - trees blocking roads, and trees smashing powerlines lose causing an ongoing safety hazzard for everyone.  It finally took a bit of pressure from his usual allies at The Hartford Courant to provoke him into action. Reactionism isn't the attribute of a good leader - sorry. 

Governor Malloy has not equitted himself well beyond day two of this crisis.  He didn't cause the storm, but he's done a few things to really shrink his reputation to the point of disrepair during this crisis.  First, his reaction to everything has been slow - assessment of the situation lingered for about four days with CL&P not even posting targets for repair until Wednesday for Hartford County. The Governor should have demanded immediate information be distributed publicly by at least Monday... bad news is better than no news in emergency situations. And saying it's going to talk a long time didn't help, either. He left us all flapping in the breeze for much too long.

Second, Dan Malloy's office and his legislative allies echoed the goofy comments that weather forecasters were too blame.  Of all people, it's hard to throw the people who actually got it right - under the bus.  There is no mileage in this game, and as NBC Connecticut's Bob Maxon pointed out in a harsh twitter retort, "CL&P: Don't blame the forecast.. 24-36 hours before the 1st branch fell, we forecasted 1" of snow was very possible... wet-heavy snow."  I understand Maxon wouldn't dare direct a comment at Governor Malloy (and keep his job) but you can bet he was thinking it.  But good for Maxon for sticking up for the truth.

Third, Dan Malloy made the childish. low-brow mistake of placing blame for the power outage at the feet of former Governor Jodi Rell.  This tactic is a page right out of President Obama's playbook - Blame Bush.  The Govenor might want to look at his calendar and recognize that he's about a year into office.  And if he thought trimming trees and improving state infrastructure was equally as, or more important than pushing through his multi-million dollar Busway to Nowhere to satisfy campaign union obligations, than I guess he would have done something about it during over last 10 months he's been in office. 

What about all the Hurricane Irene hearings he held, and the thousands of pages of data and testimony that he collected? How many of those recommendations from qualified experts were enacted?  If trimming trees was a recommendation, why didn't Governor Malloy make it a priority with the start of Winter only a month and a half away? 

I guess it's policially expedient to blame the previous administration for everything that goes wrong - jobs, economy, taxes, highways, and - now power outages.  Leaders don't place blame and deflect, they take ownership of the problem and manage solutions through to a resolution.  If anyone wondered why Governor Dannel Malloy's popularity rating is in the tank; the worst of any Governor within the Continental U.S., they don't go think back beyond the last week of his bumbling leadership to wonder why.

Connecticut Light and Power's Jeff Butler is equally accountable.  Here's a guy that doesn't pay his bills to external resources on time,  but will tack on a late charge on every poor sap who falls a day past the 30-day due date on his electricity bill.  It's no wonder why the response by out of state resources was "underwhelming".  I have to say it was pretty bizarre listening to a CEO rant on and on for five minutes at the microphone about how frustrated he is with the situation. Not the behavior of most CEOs that I know.  His job is defuse frustration not demoralize the public by talking about his own.  Where did they get this guy?

"Would you say Gov'nor Malloy
has about ...this much influence?"

It's funny 50 miles to our northeast in Boston-town, Governor Duval Patrick was praising the out-of-state response in Massachussets.  The image of Duval sticking his tongue out at our Gov'nor certainly came to mind.  Nowithstanding, Butler's smirky smile and arrogance, Governor Malloy could have used whatever influence he claims to have to bring in support where needed.  This begs the question as to whether Governor Malloy is considered just another Yankee Big Mouth amongst his peers, and not the next great Democrat political superstar he believes himself to be.  It appears that the only influence Malloy has is with his own peanut gallery in the legislature (oh, and apparently this includes quite a few Republicans too).

Well, at least he and Governor Patrick can have a laugh about how old Duval upstaged and made a fool out of Dannel in the Press.  Must be nice to have friends so close.

I'm sure somewhere Tom Foley is sitting in his high-back leather chair in his toasty office sipping burbon and smoking his cigar, blowing smoke rings, thanking God Almighty that he didn't have to deal with all the shananigans and crisises of the past two months.  It makes you wonder what #Winning is really all about?  Meanwhile, we have a loud mouth at the podium, posturing and talking his head off, while hundreds of thousands of people are suffering - out of water, out of power, out of heat, and out of patience.

Under Dan Malloy, we have residents fighting with residents, residents fighting with police, police fighting with local officials, and local officials fighting with the FEMA and unions, and Dan Malloy storming out of meetings.  Nice job Dan.  You really set the standard!

Angry Dan needs a Plan..
because blaming Rell and Maxon won't cut it
(and stop firing your staff members every
week - it might help!)

Next up, we have an election planned for this coming Tuesday which aught to be really interesting.  Because something tells me that all the lights won't suddenly turn on across the Nutmeg State at precisely 11:59 pm on Sunday evening.  Let's send a message, and make November 8th a referendum on Governor Malloy and his Democrat controlled Legislature, and send them a message that we voters understand exactly how out of touch Democrats are with constituents.

Ok, rant over... I had to get something out.  Now I'm off to buy a few more candles for tonight's vigil.

Meanwhile, I'll leave you with this and if you look closely, you'll see Dan Malloy!




I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be read at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

CTGOP Chairman Jerry Labriola, Jr. Reacts to Poor Storm Response

Passing along a CTGOP Press Release that was forwarded to me by some folks in the media:

Friday, November 4, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chairman Labriola Reacts to Poor Storm Response


Contact: Bryan Cafferelli
bryan@ctgop.org

Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Jerry Labriola, Jr. released the following statement this evening regarding the response of the Malloy administration to Winter Storm Alfred.

"Today marks day six of Connecticut battling the aftermath of October Storm Alfred. More than 300,000 Connecticut families are still without power, which is simply unacceptable. This storm was forecasted long before it hit.

“The Malloy administration and CL&P failed to take action and make the necessary preparations to ensure that Connecticut would have the resources to recover in a timely manner. There have been countless reports of miscommunication among key state agencies from mayors and others on the front lines.

“We are humbled by the support from our neighboring states that were also affected by this storm. However, those states were prepared to respond to Alfred's certain destruction. They have recovered far more quickly than Connecticut.

“Governor Malloy clearly failed to regard the lessons from Tropical Storm Irene. Press conferences do not restore power, and sound bites will not get Connecticut back to work.”

###

The King's view is it's good to see our Republican Chairman weighing in on this issue, and it's appropriate that Mr. Labriola did the right thing and withheld criticism for a full week to allow those in charge to get their act together.  However, after a week a pure confusion and chaos, and with 300K still left without the basic utilities to be able to turn on a light,  heat their homes safely, or even flush a toilet.

It's clear to everyone that our Governor has perhaps given the impression of "doing all the right things" but when it comes to execution on the right things - his priorities are clearly out of order.  Reports to The King are that behind the scenes, Malloy has been seen coming unglued and has thrown a number of temper tantrums in front of staff and officials.  Surely, this is not the best way to motivate people to resolve the crisis.

I AM

THE KING

This original blog post can be viewed at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com