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

A regular Joe seeks to make a real difference

Some folks have criticized Joe Visconti for making the jump to run for Connecticut's first district House seat after only being in his West Hartford Town Council position for only a few months. Yet, you also have to admire Joe for having to the guts to not permit John Larson to run uncontested, unchecked where it matters most.

Everyone realizes that Joe has a tough job as it is. He painfully sits and listens to the debate between Democrats and alleged Republicans (RINOs) about - not whether or not taxes in West Hartford should be raised, but how high they should be raised all the while spending increases are soring through the roof. Sadly (but expectantly) Alder and Davidoff are hardly the opposition that Republicans clamoured for during campaign season. The record shows that these two have done nothing but sit on the sidelines and endorse the Democratic parties decision to give town employees a free pass instead of renegotiating budgets and even asking the question - as any responsible person should do. Occasionally, Adler might make a point or two in an effort to appear high-minded, but its merely lip service, because when it comes down to voting - he's not willing to make the tough choice and take a stand against backroom pals. Right out of the Joe Lieberman play book.

God bless Joe V for sitting week after week around the table with liberals from both parties, with only the ability to voice opposition and cast a "no" vote. The fix appears to be in. Everyone is on board the tax and spend express except Joe. And to think, five months ago, Davidoff talked openly about taking the Republican Party in a new direction. Well he's certainly done that - someone please buy him a shirt that reads "I sold out" so that he can show everyone that he's been honest to his word. As for Adler, well Adler is as Adler does. A walking, taking contridiction. It's pitiful. Poor Joe. He's a the lone wolf, the lone Republican. Can anyone really poo-poo him for seeking public office where he may actually be able to make a difference if he won?

Connecticut is full of districts where state senate or state house of representative seats are owned by Democrats (and I mean owned!) simply because the Republican Party can't seem to muster anyone to bother running. And those that tend to run sound a lot like Democrats anyway which gives voters little choice but to vote for the real thing anyway. It must be nice for the Democrats to live in a world where they can do anything and say anything without fear of losing their precious seats. Want a full fledged crusade against businesses by calling for new taxes? Or how about creating bills to bail out those who took opted to jump into risky variable mortgage schemes? And if that's not enough, why not spend time and money drafting bills to apologize to families related to witches of the 1600s?

Well, I wish Joe Visconti luck. It's been awhile since Republicans have had a solid candidate like this run for public office. Yeah, and buy the way, you guys at State Central may not be able to pull this candidates strings; and Joe has proven that he doesn't need party endorsements, or big money organized support to get his message out, or get elected. Nope. It's Joe Visconti, an average Joe. No millionaire connections, no movie stars, no law degree, no big corporation bucks, no royal ties, and no rears to kiss through favors owed. Self-made and a breath of fresh air.

If you haven't heard Joe speak, I strongly recommend taking the time to listen to a man who willing to put the little guy ahead of city hall, and speak his mind on issues that matter to all of us. No one is perfect, but he gets it right where it counts, and that's what matters.

So there's the difference. You have the Adlers and the Davidoffs, who are a ball of fun at Democratic cocktail parties slapping each other on the back over their lasted defection of principle, and then you have the real dea, Joe Visconti - a guy that is ten times the Republican that either of those characters will ever be. Someone that understands family, fiscal restraint, national interest, national security, economics, and what its like to get his hands dirty to earn a living without having a silver spoon handed to him. It's going to be nice to have a candidate that listens to you for a change.

Good luck Joe! I hope you make it all the way to Congress!

West Hartford Republicans

Joe Visconti

Joe Visconti

West Hartford Republican Record and Mitt v Huck

Christmas season has been a busy one this year; which has meant less blogging and more family events, parties, and preparations. But I also see that few other friendly blogs are firing on all their pistons either.

I've been keeping tabs on all things local and national, but haven't had the time to write a great deal about them, or the inclination to get excited about politics.

The other evening I watched "West Hartford Republican Record" on WHCT. I have future blog entry in the works that breaks down what was one of the single worst performances by the West Hartford Republican GOP that I can remember. Low energy, low impact, and incredibly pathetic. And the Council meetings can just about go on without GOP representation if our elected officials are going to behave this way.

When Carl Donatelli asked the simplest of questions... "What is your New Years Resolution?" Our three Republican representatives, together, couldn't string along a coherent answer. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE? You guys came off as having the personality of a small soap dish.

It's funny that these guys tell me face to face that they don't want to hear criticism or be picked on, and then they go on town-wide television and make assess of themselves.

The cardinal rule for politicians going on television is that you never go on television unless you have something to say, some message to deliver. All this low energy "I can barely answer the question" stuff is gut-wrenching.

Guys, if you don't like this post, then you'd better not tune in to the next one.

Since you couldn't come up with New Years' Resolutions, here are few for you:

Leon: Start acting like a leader. You couldn't tell who the minority leader from watching that show. This soft spoken tact is low energy dribble. Say something for Godsakes. Shout the message from the hilltops. Lead Leon, lead! You told us you were commited to change and making things happen. So when does the work begin on behalf of the taxpayers who elected you? Or are we going to see two years of you campaigning by not making any waves so you can be re-elected? You go back and look at the tape of the show and then you answer the question ... "What is appealing about the West Hartford GOP?" If you are honest with yourself, you will plainly agree that last week show stunk and you guys looked uninterested, boring, and pointless.

Adler: Start acting like a team player; bringing all this attention to yourself and empire building makes you look like a self-centered gutonness jerk. Holding your own town halls must really boost your ego. How about showing a little teamwork and collaboration through action not words. You give credibility to the negative comments that Dems and others make about you. Must you "follow up" on everyone's comment by trying to redirect attention to yourself? There is nothing worse than trying to steal the thunder of your allies. And its being noted elsewhere.

Joe: Stop acting like you were born yesterday. People elected you for your energy and activism. This duh, duh, laying back "just watching" stuff is tedious because its simply - not you. Both of those guys on either side of you don't seem to have it together. So if Leon is going to sit there, and Steven is going to boast about himself, and no one is going to talk issues, then you might as take on the de facto leadership role in absence of anything tangible. And let's focus on this job before you begin talking about the next. People IN THIS TOWN are counting on you.

UHHHGGGGHH! If I were the Democrats, I'd be beaming with opposition like this. I'd be saying - wow, looks like they drugged Joe or something... look how he sits there.

By 2020, the Royal British archives will open up the files on Rudolf Hess, and we will find out if the guy they tried (and eventually murdered in Spandau) was the real Rudolf Hess. In 2008, we'll find out if the Joe Visconti that ran for elected office in West Hartford is the real Joe Visconti who's been seen in public and on television since the election, or if its a cheap double, and somewhere in a dungeon, the real Joe Visconti is locked up or being held captive by Leon, Steve and Carl and the rest of the WH Republican Town Committee.

So far I'm beginning to believe that the one that appeared the other night is nothing more than a double. I think we need to organize a search party for the real Joe Visconti.

Back to Presidential elections (where the candidates actually want the job and care about the job and their constituents... )

This analysis by PJB is right on target.

Unless a major scandal hits the press, I believe that the stars are aligned.... Rudy is out, McCain is done, Thompson is finished, and that leaves only Mitt and Huckabee to battle it out. First stop Iowa where Huckabee appears to have a lead. But Iowa is only Iowa. And there will be more to savor from primaries where multiple states cast ballots on the same day.

My money is still on Mitt Romney. The sooner the others can clear out and shut down their lackluster campaigns, the faster we can have some one on one debates between the two front runners and separate the rhetoric from their policy positions. We are hearing plenty from the campaigns, and not enough from the nominees.

McCain, Rudy, Fred, Duncan, and the rest... thanks for playing; time to go home and go back to work.

West Hartford Republicans

Hottest Political Mom Contest Results!

It was a race to the finish. But the results are in:

Read 'em and weep:

Theresa McGrath: 61%

Shari Cantor: 29%

Kelly Clark: 4%

Diane Mudge: 4%

Clare Kindall: 2%

Of course this is silly, and I couldn't believe that over 315 people actually voted.

My apologies to Essie Labrot, she should have been included in the poll from the start. She might have even had a chance of pulling out a win.

Thanks to all you neanderthals for participating.

West Hartford Politicos: Active Blogs or Static Webpages? Where's the Beef?

West Hartford Blog shows by the link title that there are blogs for a few of our West Hartford hopefuls: Joe Visconti, Steve Adler, Leon Davidoff. But I tend to disagree with this particular point of view.

For years now, would be political hopefuls have had websites that contain fairly static information about themselves and their positions. Usually, the information provided is meant as a public relations tactic to look viable and "on the web". Since its incarnation, "Blogging" is different in that blogging by definition means that timely information is published with some frequency (either weekly or a few times during the week). To be considered a political blog over a political webpage, you need to publish somewhat regularly, and provide readers with near real time updates on events, issues, positions, thoughts and what-have-you.

Joe Visconti's blog for example appears to be updated almost daily with tidbits, positions, and food for thought items. The picture of him on his blog is somewhat disturbing - he looks like he's passing a kidney stone or suffering. But content wise, it qualifies as a blog. It's not that he's putting out heart stopping press releases (which he should), but it beats not seeing anything.

Adler's and Davidoff's pages are clearly not blogs. There is some good information about their positions and great background information about them but after one or two visits, you realize that you will be disappointed if you expected timely releases and updates etc. In fact, its a very disappointing effort to say the least, particularly from two very intelligent individuals like these guys. Since they went through the effort of setting up blogs/pages, the least they could have done was to devote 10 minutes every couple days to add new content or reveal a little more about their positions, etc. When you are trying to topple those in office, it takes a full blown effort and a diversity of tactics - particularly in such an internet focused society.

The Democrats have not seemed to embrace technology or the web in blog fashion but they have one known website which can be found here and it's for the incumbent School Board team. The Democratic strategy is an interesting one... I like the way they've focused on running as a solidified team. The Putterman-Schmitt-Kindall logo is a fabulous campaign tactic - sort of the "all or none" approach. Often as I drive around town, I'll see the three signs in yards displayed the same way as depicted on their webpage. That's usually the sign of a well-organized campaign. Perhaps they don't feel the need to advertise in cyberspace with their clear edge.

The rest of the candidates also seem not have embraced blogging or webpages which is a real shame. For relatively unknown candidates trying to unseat the incumbent party like Kelly Clark, Peter Martin, Diane Mudge, and Mike Seder - anything would have been a boon to their dwindling campaigns.

Surprisingly, the outspoken Theresa McGrath doesn't have a blog or a webpage, but she does have name recognition. Why they didn't draft her for Council over Kelly Clark is beyond me. Seems like they should have switched nominations - Theresa probably would have made a real run at it, and brought some energy to the G.O.P's lackluster campaign. But I digress.

Elliot Check, mild-mannered but sharp, checks into West Hartford Blog now and then and makes some brilliant points. Elliot is the most underrated candidate in the field. But he doesn't strike me as a blog guy - but I bet if he had one it would be incredibly interesting and thought provoking. Even if Elliott had a "dental blog" it would be fascinating to read. Besides, any guy that wears a yellow suit to a televised debate has guts.

Scott Silvka probably doesn't need a blog since he has the bully pulpit of the mayor's office to wage his campaign for re-election. Scott presents well and has really come into his own since Harris left office. A mayor's blog would be an interesting take, but its unprecedented stuff. Perhaps he might be bold enough to take it up in the future.

The rest of the Democrats in the field have apparently forgone websites and blogs in favor of door to door campaigning, and telephone banks.

For yuppie, up and coming, state of the art, on the cutting edge of everything, West Hartford Candidates and their organizations get a "D" grade for using the world's greatest medium to get out there message to their constituencies and voters.

West Hartford

Memo to Kelly Clark, West Hartford Town Council Candidate

Dear Mrs. Clark:

You seem like a very nice lady. I'm willing to bet you are a loving and caring mom, and a great wife. You seem sweet when you smile and giggle during your West Hartford Television appearances. And you even appear attentive and generally interested in the conversation being conducted in front of you by your opponents during televised and live debates.

But what the blazes are you really doing in this race? Who hoodwinked you into running for Town Council when its apparent to anyone watching that you are out of your element? And you clearly aren't comfortable talking in public about issues and matters of public concern, or articulating your position on any matter. And you aren't comfortable engaging or debating or doing anything that remotely resembles passion for being a candidate for public office.

What is going on here? Was this your idea? Your husband's? Or someone else?

Yesterday, I watched you give your closing statement on WHCT. Surely, if you had real passion for being on the Council, you would have told viewers you want to be elected for better reasons than "keeping traffic flowing" or keeping sidewalks and roads safe. You want to be the safety candidate. And you are worried about recycling measures. Fine, but that doesn't make for any sort of platform on which to run for public office. And furthermore, you don't have to be elected to champion any of those worthy causes. You had an eternity to craft your message to the voters, and you gave them 10 seconds of silence before you could knit together a few empty statements.

It's probably too late for you to withdraw. I expect that your message of "safety for all" probably won't resonate with our citizens. And I'm sure you probably don't expect to win at this point. But I'm disappointed that you took a spot (an endorsed spot) that would have been better suited for someone who really wanted to run for Town Council on behalf of the residents of West Hartford. And I'm very disappointed in the West Hartford GOP for putting you in such an awkward and embarrassing position. They should be ashamed. And you should be disappointed.

The next time someone suggests that you do something that you are not comfortable doing - like run for office, please tell them politely "no". Being a politician takes passion and willingness to fight for ideas in a public forum. That's just not you.

Best of luck in the future. I hope you enjoyed the experience. I just hope that you being the weakest link on the ticket didn't help embolden or catapult the West Hartford Democrats to an easy victory in November. There is so much at stake for those of us who really want a change in tax and spend policies, I just wish you considered our situations before you embarked on this half-hearted venture.

The King

West Hartford Republicans OR West Hartford

Wicked Tired....

It's been a weird Fall season so far. Seems that "working hours" have been very much extended at the job - mostly because I've been asked to take on another "program". Not project - but program. It's interesting how managers pile work on those who already have tons of work to do. Not that anyone else is sitting idle, but I'm completely maxed to the rafters. When you have too much work, you tend to move from a proactive, creative thinking mindset to a reactive, minimalist state of being - we joke about plugging the dikes on an overflowing dam. And your mind continuously prioritizes each task, and honestly - some you actually prefer to do simply fall off the list.

Throw the stress of work in with our house hunting effort, fall cleaning, and the trying to spend valued time with your kids and you get the feeling you are this continuous endless loop.

I admit that its been difficult to keep my blogs current with everything to do. And obviously daylight seems to be a premium at this time of year. Eventually we get to a point where we commute to work in the dark and come home in the dark which adds to mental depression.

This past Saturday we held a tag sale. For all of the effort and energy (and time loss to do more productive things) we made about $70. A couple trips to the dump or salvation army and I could have saved 10 hours of prep, sitting, selling, and watching people pick through my junk with disgust. I can't blame them for disgust - obviously its out there on the table because I don't want it (or its not been in use in months or years).

I also have to say that we sold a few nice things for far less than they are worth, but perhaps the buyer will turn that around in time and give someone else a break.

Also, its amazing how quickly things once up for sale (for nearly nothing) instantly vanish once you put them on the curb. But what do I care, its one less thing to put away in the basement. And one less thing I'll have to hall back up in the Spring.

I have to say that West Hartfordites are real penny pinchers. It's almost comical to watch some of our loaded (not immediate) neighbors haggle over a dollar or a quarter. On the positive side, tag sales do make an excuse for you to chat with your neighbors, so that aspect is always a positive.

Yep, just another typical weekend in West Hartford.

West Hartford: Automated Trash Collection Doomsday approaches!

Alas, this is the final week for West Hartfordites to be able to load up their front lawn with lots extra trash before we convert to the new Automated Trash Collection process set to begin on October 1st. If you have a dozen questions about the process - the link above answers many of them.

My take on the policy is very mixed, but I think I'm slightly leaning toward being disappointed by the change.

On one hand, if this new automated trash policy reduces cost to the town and on taxpayers than I can see the need to move to automation as a fiscal strategy to reduce expenses (and I have no information that we are going to see cost savings by the projected numbers, so if you have this information please comment below or provide a link).

But on the other hand, I'm disappointed that I won't be able to put a lot of the "extras" out on my lawn that don't normally fit into a regular 28 gallon trash barrel or the new 95 gallon trash barrel (to be provided) which the garbage men today have no qualms about picking up and throwing in the truck. And moreover, during holidays and when we have events, our garbage increases 10 fold - I hope that I can cram all of my trash into the barrell provided. I have no intention of pestering my neighbors to add to theirs as Dana Hallenbeck suggests you do if you have days where trash doesn't fit into your barrel.

One of the points that irks me is that some families are larger than others and therefore have more trash per week than others. People with infants and children will clearly have more trash then say two-adult families, and people with five family members will have more trash than those with only three persons in residence. The 95 gallon barrel is a one size fits all solution that is obviously impractical.

Further, West Hartford's solution for days that you have more trash than you can fit in your barrel is to purchase another barrel at $85 a year. Since we pay-mega taxes in West Hartford, you'd think the town would and should cover the cost of the additional barrel if you have the need. Obviously, the town shouldn't pay for everyone to have two 95 gallon barrels but there could be some type of program to address the discrepancy of volume.

I think the biggest disappointment with regard to the new trash policy is that we can no longer take our fallen tree limbs, or shrub clippings - cut them up, and bundle them along side our barrels for pick up. The town expects you to cut them up small enough to be placed in the 95 gallon barrel along with the rest of your trash.

So there we have it. Until we use our barrel for at least a month, we won't be able to fully evaluate the impact. So until then, the jury is out. In the meantime, West Hartfordites should be seen in a frenzy this weekend preparing for the Fall clean out, and their last opportunity to unload their junk for free.

West Hartford

Almost too tired to write anything meaningful, but...

It's been a busy weekend. There's not much I can add at this point to what was a full schedule of general activity. I failed to get the lawn mowed, but what a pity. Somethings just have to fall by the wayside, don't they? So, I'm sitting back at this late hour and enjoying a Spaten Beer, and lamenting the fact that it's past my bedtime and I have to get up to start the week cycle all over again.

The weekends' refereeing went exceedingly well, and the games were a pleasure to officiate. One thing West Hartford can be proud of is how well its youth presents itself out on the field of play. Parents of West Hartford can take note that whatever they are doing to instill decency and good behavior amongst the kids... well, they are doing it right, and aught to keep on doing it. This kids are making you proud.

Next week, we'll start heating it up on this blog once again. I have some great material going forward. We'll give it a whirl and see if we can keep in entertaining.

Idiot Capuano: Crashes vehicle

From this story in the Hartford Courant, we learn that John Capuano, 36, of Newington led West Hartford police on a wild chase yesterday through parts of West Hartford, Farmington, and Hartford which ended in a crash on Farmington Avenue in Hartford. Besides hoping that they string him up for pistol-whipping his elderly father, and driving dangerously through three or more towns, evading police, I would like to know who pays for the damage to the West Hartford Police Cruisers as shown in the Hartford Courant snapshot?

Can anyone tell me who's obligated to pay for the damage? I hope its Capuano and not West Hartford Taxpayers. Can anyone shed light on this?

Cornell Lewis: Using the Petit Family Murders to stir up Hate. Shame!

As if the murders of the Petit family didn't already have us saddened and upset; we are left locking our windows, securing entry-ways, and staring down would-be assailants in our local Stop-n-Shop. Every parent now operates on higher sense of alert; checking every nook and cranny for the potential for danger. The plain fact is that this is the horrific story of three innocent people, one wife and two children, attacked, raped, murdered and burned, and a loving husband left for dead - staggering out of his smoke-filled house, fleeing for his life. What kind of monsters would do such a thing? We all know.

Yes, we all know that two sick villains, both white ex-cons, planned and perpetrated the murders, and were caught red-handed fleeing the scene. Now we are left with the pictures, the story, and the fear that this could happen to any one of us in the darkness of night. The slight shimmer of hope is that the two rotten monsters who are responsible for committing such wretched acts are on track to most likely never see the light of day again. With any hope, they will feel the intermittent pulse of a 10,000 megawatt electro-charge, and seize to exist on this Earth.

Unfortunately, the story, as told in all its horror, isn't enough for some. And it only took only a few weeks, but the creeps have come out in full force.

First there are the idiot conspiracy theorists, having little class and too much time on their hands in between watching episodes of mindless crime scene shows that fill cable TV schedules, have decided to try and pin the murder on the only surviving victim - Dr. Wiliam Petit. The clue that drives them to conspiracy? It's only that poor Dr. Petit survived. "Why did Petit live, and why did the others die?" I'm sure Dr. Petit has asked himself that question a dozen times. Sometimes probably wishing he had departed this plane of existence with his family instead of having to face the ghosts of great memories, and memories that will never be.

Leave the man be. It's hell on Earth for him as it is. Just leave him alone.

This is the thinking of the mad in our midst. The same losers hanging around in West Hartford Center who rally against troops serving abroad who are protecting our way of life. The same that see rap music songs that call for shooting police officers as a mild form of expression misunderstood. You know, the counter-culturalists among us that see right as wrong, and wrong as right. Those who's heads were screwed on backwards at birth or got in with the wrong crowd at college and learned to reject Western Civilization and their parents for having successful lives on the backs of Native Americans, or the Slave trade, Capitalism, the poor, etc, etc. You know the type.

Not to be outdone by wanna-be detectives, along comes an even bigger creep. It's none other than black political activist Cornell Lewis, and his gang of cronies, who instead of showing support and compassion for the victims, and affected community (which by now is all of us), have instead come out in typical racist-fashion to try and turn the horrific Petit murderers into a racial issue or some type of self-serving publicity stunt.

Eager to turn this tragic story to his advantage, Reverned Lewis decided that because the victims lived in middle class Cheshire, and the victims were white, that he'd heard enough about this story and questioned, "[IF this had happened in a black community, would it had received the same attention?]. I guess the question to be asked is what does Lewis and his band of trouble-makers hope to gain by floating racial-charged hypotheticals completely unconnected with the Petit case? What is to be gained by such classless behavior? What does he want? Riots in the streets? To stir up anger in his followers seeking scapegoats for their ills? Attempt to energize his base? What?

It's a pretty lowdown tactic by a man who calls himself "Reverend". The fact is that Lewis doesn't even have a point to make. It's pure hatred and racism on his part. He even pretty much admitted on WFSB Channel 3 that some would call his charges - racism. Yes, Reverend. This story is all about the hate and racism in your heart. Let's hope that the good people of Hartford see through Lewis' shenanigans to "stir it up".

I'm sure Lewis was saddened to hear about the news of the Petit murders. But sad chiefly because the story was about two white guys committing a crime against a white family in a middle class neighborhood. This story doesn't fit nicely into Lewis' warped view of the world. There was no opportunity for him to advance his ongoing assault of racism charges against Hartford Police for alleged profiling of victims, or claim some injustice for would-be-minority suspects against a system that he believes punishes minorities without cause. Nor did this story feed his claims that his community is unprotected and ignored by city officials - yep, no candlelight vigil in Hartford this time around. No black on black crime. No opportunity to spout statistics and point the finger at George Bush, Carl Rove, and a million or so responsible Republicans. No legs for Mr. Reverend Lewis and his agenda.

What Lewis doesn't understand is the horror of the story is that someone, not just a regular working stiff (like this writer), who spent his entire life serving, catering, and healing others in his community, has had a loss. And Lewis, the fact is when its someone who cares and serves, and loves like Dr. Petit and his family, we tend to see things differently. It's not because they are white, or live in Cheshire.

Reverend Lewis, like his followers, and the conspiracy theorists, has shown us all just how hollow he really is. And what's a shame is that the next time he might have a legitimate civil rights concern - he's hurt his credibility with those of us who may actually care. Because with someone like him standing up at a rally podium - the story will become lost in the memory of his self-serving ploy to downplay the memories of Dr. William Petit's family for his own self-serving need for public attention.

Get a grip Reverend Lewis. It's time for you to go back in your cave, and let the rest of us mourn for the Petit family in peace.

And shame on WFSB-TV Channel 3 for not knowing better than to fan the illegitimate flames of hate harbored by so called-Reverend Lewis and his band of cronies.

Cornell Lewis

Fuzzy Math: West Hartford families to see 4.54% tax increase

As I predicted months ago, during the 2007 West Hartford budget and taxation debate, those seeking fiscal restraint, lower taxes, and spending reductions by West Hartford town officials have been left in the dark. Despite the overwhelming margin of victory and the clear cut message sent by West Hartford taxpayers by referendum two weeks ago that the tax increases proposed are too high, and the spending is clearly unacceptable - we seem to be back in the same place as we were before the budget was rejected by residents - with another large tax increase headed our way.

Property taxes on residential properties are going to go up 4.54% this year which is not a small increase for your average West Hartford family getting by each month. Not everyone receives a yearly pay increase of 4.5% to offset the yearly West Hartford tax increase. And there are people in worse situations then we are in here who will struggle and really feel this as a burden.

Yet, there are still those out there in town and on the web engaged in this debate that attempt to distort away the tax increase as something less than it is - moving numbers around to try to imply that the town is spending less and people will pay less - yes, perhaps on car taxes - despite that the mill rate is still higher than the average neighboring town and is the third highest millrate in the State of Connecticut.

Another ploy is to attempt to finagle the numbers so that there is an implication that the millrate will drop from 44.08 to 27. over five years - which Mayor Slivka has promised (or at least he did at one point). But all of these promises are nothing more than smoke and mirrors meant to deflect from the fact that West Hartford officials can't bring themselves to say "no". They can't bring themselves to do the mature and unpopular thing - cut out the fat. They refuse to say no to the special interest groups that infiltrate the Council's budget process. And quite frankly, by seeing what they offered up in terms of "cuts" this time around, it shows that they aren't willing to do the hard work and dig into the budget "line by line" and make the cuts needed to even start to make the budget reasonable.

Unfortunately, misinforming the public and pretending that we really aren't receiving a 4.54% residential property tax increase this is year is nothing short of -- deceitful. Even the Hartford Courant's numbers differ from that of the Town Manager - so it supposes that something is awry in the numbers process. And the factual reasons for not reducing spending lies in several areas - inability to cut wasteful programs, spending too much on things that aren't necessary (for example, hidden elements to beautify the town), high administrative costs, and the inability to negotiate with the teacher's union and all the other unions in town that seem to get a free pass when it comes to agreeing to their demands.

Harping on the union argument for a minute. Live and on television last week, we all witnessed confirmation that the nurses in West Hartford schools get paid - not just very well - but paid the highest in the region! How did the West Hartford Board of Education respond when it came to a request for pay increases? Well, they gave them a whopping 3.8% increase on the backs of the taxpayers without blinking an eye, despite that a week earlier, the referendum failed miserably.

The only way that you will get true tax and spend reform is to elect fiscally responsible people to the Council and the Board of Education. Anything short of that will only result in the continuation of imposing even higher taxes over an even longer period of time. There is no end in sight to the trend, and the people sitting on the Council and in the Town Manager's office know it!

And putting honest, loyal, and accountable Republicans in office in West Hartford is no easy task. In the end it will be interesting if the people in town can separate their hatred for George Bush, and the emptying of their wallets by the West Hartford Democratically-controlled Board of Education and Town Council.

For those of you who aren't believers... here is what West Hartford residents have seen in tax increases since 2001:

2001: 4.0%
2002: 5.6%
2003: 5.6%
2004: 6.3%
2005: 4.3%
2006: 5.7%
2007: 4.54% (proposed)

Does anyone else see both a "trend" and a "problem"? Makes you wonder what lies ahead in 2008? Don't residents see that they've been conditioned to accept increases of this magnitude year after year without showing REAL resistance. It's almost as if, a spending freeze is completely out of the question, never mind a tax cut.

So what is their yearly strategy? They recommend a much higher increase, we referendum and bark at them, they trim it (marginally), and in they end you still get what you see above.... a yearly high tax increase. It's like anything else - ask for more then you'll know you'll ever get and then negotiate it down to your minimum - still getting what you want from the start - more spending, higher taxes, and unions pay increases! The perfect cycle.

When will we take off the blinders and really make a stand?

So here we are, with the latest tax increase about to be imposed on the residents of West Hartford. And our town officials stand before you - long faced, solemn, and pretending to look exhausted over all the pretended effort and drain its taken on them to produce this "wonderfully balanced" budget.

Meanwhile, after the cameras are shut down, our elected town officials retire to the backroom, yucking it up with martinis in hand, celebrating their victory over the residents of West Hartford - who will see another rise in taxes for the "good of the people".

West Hartford

West Hartford Taxpayer Association (correctly) threatens second referendum!

The West Hartford Taxpayers Association has been keen to watch how the West Hartford Board of Education and Town Council has behaved this past week. My earlier post cites an example this week where highly paid nurses (highest paid in the entire region) were given a 3.8% pay increase without anyone batting an eye.

West Hartford News is reporting this story regarding another referendum in the works.

If the West Hartford Town Council and Board of Education are going to continue to ignore the will of the residents - which is "cut the budget" then we can have referendum after referendum until they get the darn message. For all the good our elected officials think they are doing, in reality they are pushing families out of West Hartford.

Link Source for the story: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18504563&BRD=1646&PAG=461&dept_id=11035&rfi=6

West Hartford

Happy Father's Day!

Hi fellow dads!

Just a note to wish you a very Happy Father's Day!

I'll be spending the day with my daughters (aside from a brief refereeing duty - last game of the season today) and enjoying every minute!

I've already received a few great presents this morning .... a popcorn bowl imprinted with both daughter's hands and feet on the side. And a personalized sushi soy sauce bowl and a new pair of chopsticks! My wife had the stuff made at the Claypen here in West Hartford. If you haven't visited the Claypen in West Hartford, then you're missing out.

After the game we are all headed out to my brother-n-law's place for a nice B-B-Q poolside! Should be a great day!

I took my dad out on Friday to a nice steak dinner. We opted to celebrate his Father's Day early because he had some commitments today, but nonetheless - we always seem to fit it in.

Happy Father's Day to everyone! Make it a great one!

West Hartford Budget Referendum "official" results

Here are the OFFICIAL results of the West Hartford Budget Referendum:

Yes: 2939

No: 7893

All I can say is WOW. That is a resounding rejection of the budget! I have to admit, I'm very surprised with the margin of victory for working families!

Thank you residents of West Hartford for making the West Hartford Town Council, Board of Education, and all town officials work a little harder when it comes to spending YOUR money. Perhaps now, they will buckle town and make some real cuts and concessions on the budget.

It's hard for some to understand, but this is a very good thing for all of us. Even those supporting the budget thought it was flawed and lousy. Now they have a directive from the people to go in there and make it right!

Way to go West Hartford! Way to Go!!

Official results will be certified tomorrow.

West Hartford middle class families should vote "NO" on the budget!

On June 12th, West Hartford residents will have the option of sending a message to the Town Council about their inability to create a budget which is reasonable and fair to West Hartford Taxpayers.

A lot has been said in the media and on area blogs about why people should support this poorly developed budget. Most agree that West Hartford taxes have been consistently on the rise for over five years. Each year, a budget battle occurs and does the standard referendum. And each year, West Hartford residents get hosed.

The Democratic plan is always the same -

1) Create an outrageous budget with unchecked spending and tax increases,
2) When opposition mounts, cry foul, and claim that the old and young are being targeted by the rich and the taxpayers union,
3) Slightly reduce the budget, but eliminate no favors and fraudulent spending programs - just make it look like your making an effort to reduce the tax burden,
4) Sell it to the public as a realistic budget and name call those who disagree,
5) Demonize those calling for a referendum, and call the pot black by accusing them of wasting taxpayer's money by wanting a public discussion and vote on the budget,
6) Eventually, win the referendum, increase taxes and spending and further plummet the West Hartford Middle Class into debt - while claiming you have done everyone a favor - particularly the teacher's unions and all other blood sucking unions who care only about improving their salaries and benefits and care nothing for the town.
7) Next year: repeat the strategy

It's an easy game. The sad thing is that the outcome is always the same.

Question: Can West Hartford Taxpayers stand up this time?

Can we show the Democrats on the Town Council that we are done with high taxes and out of control spending?

Or will we let them have their way with us once again?

Please, please - vote "NO". Tell the West Hartford Town Council and their lackeys that we are through with their lazy tax and spend policies.

It's time to put West Hartford families first for a change!

West Hartford guide to Sushi, Sashimi, etc (revised)

Since I consider myself a Sushi addict, I thought I'd share a complete rant on my view of West Hartford area restaurants that offer a "Sushi fix" and few points of interest for those of you who seek a quality Sushi / Sashimi experience in the West Hartford area.

For those of you who understand what it's like to have a burning desire to crave sushi then you will appreciate my rant. For those who don't, I recommend trying it and you too can feel the "nicotine-type" craving for raw fish.

There are quite a few places in the West Hartford area that offer Sushi; I'm limiting my comments to components that matter to me: quality and quantity, freshness and taste, cleanliness of the restaurant, customer service, and of course - price. Also, I've included links where available. In order to be fair in evaluating price, I'm going to use the standard "Sushi Dinner" price tag which I will list based on what's shown on the menu (tax not included unless otherwise indicated). As a rule of thumb, Sushi Dinner consists of a tuna or California roll, seven pieces of select fish fashioned over rice, and is usually accompanied by either a salad with ginger dressing, or miso soup.

To level set, I want to mention that everything written here is based upon my own experience with each restaurant. I've visited each of the restaurants at least 10-12 times so I am certainly qualified to report what I've seen and tasted. If you have a different experience, well good for you (or not) - it will not change my rating or view of the restaurant. My ratings are based on consistency and not the one or two good or bad experiences. Every restaurant has its bad days!

Ichiban located on 530 Farmington Avenue in Hartford (just over the Hartford/West Hartford line) is a excellent choice for the Sushi connoisseur. The restaurant is interesting because it offers a blend of Japanese and Korean entrees. I've often visited Ichiban for both lunch and dinner and find the portions more than adequate for the price. The sushi or sashimi is generally fresh and I've not had a bad experience in the restaurant. The service is quite good, and the wait staff is very attentive and friendly. This is particularly helpful when you are rushing at lunchtime. The only negative is that they don't offer a large number of custom sushi rolls. Clean enviroment. Sushi Regular Dinner is $14.95. You are better off ordering from the Dinner menu for lunch or you will leave disappointed and starved.

I love Sushi/Egg Roll Express (no website found) is located on 278 Park Road in West Hartford near AC Petersen's. I used to frequent this restaurant which is primarily take out (one half Chinese - fast food style, and the other half Sushi take out.) This restaurant gets the lowest rating for most categories. My last two visits (2006) gave me the experience of distinctly tasting fish that wasn't fresh and what is worse - finding bones in my sushi. Also, I found that the people preparing sushi are quite young, and the owner is a bit of an ogre to deal with. Also, service is faster in the evening; do not expect to make a lunch run unless you have plenty of time on your hands and your boss won't be looking for you. This isn't to say that I haven't had OK experiences, but enough turn-off experiences to turn me off from going there in 2007. It's a hole in the wall. Sushi Dinner will cost you $14.85, tax incl.

Muraski Japanese Restaurant is located on La Salle drive in West Hartford Center. The very fact that it's in West Hartford Center should tell you something - that its good, no - that its expensive. In fact, its insanely expensive for the minuscule portion you receive. The sushi and sashimi are fresh and of excellent quality, but after consuming an entree, you are left wondering if you've just consumed an appetizer. It's certainly a place for rich West Hartfordites to brag that they go there to sip expensive wine, eat sushi, and be seen. It is funny that the website reference uses a New York Times food editorial that mentions that its a "real find" for the price. They must be comparing the prices to New York prices, because they are clearly over-priced in the market. The service is adequate, but who cares if you leave hungry. The atmosphere is crowded; very tight quarters, but clean. Sushi Dinner will set you back $19.50.

Szechuan Tokyo is located at 1245 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. The group that owns this also used to own Osaka which was in West Hartford Center until it closed its doors in Winter of 2006-07 (sidebar: Osaka was excellent in all categories, and portions were reasonably sized and the prices were ridiculously low in contrast to Muraski - perhaps that's why they didn't survive, who knows?) Based on my revised appraisal of this resturant, Szechuan doesn't deliver in terms of quality and price. Sushi portions are meager and food quality has dwindled. Sashimi portions are very disappointing. Service at Szechuan is exceedingly poor. Routinely, you are greeted at the desk by an angry looking woman who immediately dispenses with all niceties, and is often seen lording over the staff and yelling at employees. Phone orders are often misunderstood and you feel rushed through the order. Moreover, if you order take out you must be careful to inspect every aspect of the order prior to paying and leaving. Over the last eight visits (I used to eat there weekly until this week's poor experience) I've required modification to my meals every time. I've been forced to inspect take out orders after having experienced the frustrating scenario of arriving to home to find food missing and having to make a second trip (and once a third trip) back. Moreover, do not expect them to keep record of the credit you are owed. This has been lost more than once, and you are made to look and feel that you are trying to pull one over on them. You can avoid embarrassment by inspecting your order before you leave. It is pretty difficult for them to manage an order of two meals. Eat in service is slightly better. Despite it's name, this is a Japanese restaurant in name only; its clearly a Chinese restaurant. Sushi Dinner is only $12, but you are better off ordering Sushi Deluxe at $14.50 to get the experience that is contrasted in competing restaurants. Bathrooms are filthy and disgusting.

Update: 5/8/07: Szechuan Tokya has worsened from two perspectives: 1) My last two times visiting found that in the sushi quality has diminished greatly, in fact the fish "smelled" and 2) the customer service has gone from bad to worse; it is exceedingly poor. The mean lady at the front was seen arguing with customers. Also, she argued with me last week when I told her she forgot something - her reply was that my wife never ordered it. To which I replied, yes she did, I was standing right there. She said it twice. Her reply was "oh yeah?" Rude and obnoxious. I'm so tired of their antics, that they've lost my business. My honest recommendation is for people NOT to eat at Szechuan Tokyo.

Fuji Sushi, 1144 New Britain Avenue in West Hartford. This sushi spot has sky-rocketed to the top of the charts. My first rating didn't include Fuji Sushi because I had not eaten there enough to really provide feedback. But since I started visiting regularly, I can provide good feedback on fish quality and preparation. Prices are average for sushi in our area. The building is ugly and probably doesn't do much for itself being next to a pet store. But the portions are decent and the service is very upbeat and pleasant. Eat in may be your best option due to the small dining area. Kids are welcome.

Ginza located at 14 Witonbury Road, Bloomfield (in the strip mall) and is frequented by many West Hartford residents. While somewhat pricey, the sushi and sashimi are both fantastic - fresh, and give you that "melt in your mouth" experience. There are many options on the menu for the sushi and sashimi connoisseur with special rolls galore. It's worth going as an eat-in experience and deserves the Best of Advocate Awards won in 2005 and 2006. A young friendly guy named Alex greets you at the door, and he's pleasant, and eager to please his guests. The wait staff is pleasant, friendly and helpful (and very good with children). The only other negative is that they used to offer Japanese style ice cream, but removed it as part of the Sushi Dinner. Not that you are there for ice cream, but its hard to take something away that everyone enjoyed as part of the meal. Very clean, and well maintained. Sushi Dinner is $19.

Feng located at 93 Asylum , Hartford. This is supposed to be the high-end Sushi spot based on it's location and atmosphere. However, I recommend going for lunch as the prices jump at dinnertime. The quality was very good when Feng first opened over the winter 2006-07, but popular opinion (including my own) is that over the past month both the quality and freshness of the food, and the service has dove-tailed. On my last two trips, the in-service wait staff has been fairly inattentive with my soup coming after my Sushi arrived (and after I've enquired about it). My last visit showed the confusion between the wait staff and Sushi bar chefs who actually got into an argument about who was responsible collecting the order, etc. The place is clean and well maintained. Sushi Dinner will set you back $24. Again, go for lunch and choose Sushi B for about $15 dollars and change. (A side note is that this group is actually owned by the same group that owns Ginza. They could use a good manager to get the place back in order to where it was when if first opened.)

And lastly, Koji downtown located at 17 Asylum Street in Hartford. Good for lunch. Fresh fish under the banner of "Chef's choice". The only issue is that you tend to get what's available so each lunch is a mystery - sometimes good choices and sometimes a mix. This is more of a hip hangout for folks who like Martini's. Based on my recent experience at Feng, I probably prefer Koji at this point. And for a while I was alternating between the two restaurants. Clean surroundings. Sushi Dinner is a bit expensive for the size portion you receive: $18.


Well, I hope this is helpful. Let the hate mail begin! Seriously, everyone has a select taste and their own experience. I recommend that you try all of these options at least once, and then form your own opinion as to which restaurant is best for you. As for my favorite, well, honestly the jury is still out! But Ginza is certainly hard to beat for eat-in.

In the future I'll write a little more on Sushi etiquette and how to "ease into" sushi for the uninitiated.

sushi west hartford

Memorial Day Success in West Harford! Some thoughts on civilian losses in war, et al.

Hopefully, you attended the Memorial Day parade and ceremony on Monday. If you didn't, you missed something very special. The entire town - including all of the fabulous school bands, and groups marching down Farmington Avenue looked sharp and really made us all proud that we are residents of West Hartford. As I said in my previous post - Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, and a day to recognize the sacrifice that so many made in the name of freedom.

I recognize that many of the kids who marched, may not yet understand the nature of why we are celebrating and parading around town. But in time, they will grow up to comprehend it, and remember that they took part in honoring those who have gone before us and made the ultimate sacrifice. This is a good lesson that we teach our children; this is one holiday that should not be removed from the holiday schedule so that the school teacher's union members can get out a day earlier. (Pathetic idea to say the least). And no matter how hard they try, the schools just wouldn't do it justice - seeing, feeling, and listening to real veterans tell real stories is the real deal - let the kids walk amongst giants. Schools just wouldn't get it right.

My young daughter is only two years old, and she may not recollect all of the images she witnessed on Monday in her later years. But I did capture images of her at the parade on my modest Canon A520, and I will continue to bring her to Memorial Day parades and celebrations so that she may learn the value of what these men and women have done for us and for future generations.

The ceremony was also well conducted and solemn. I think it was very fitting to hear certain points regarding the sacrifice by civilians in war. One of the speakers made it a point to describe a tale of what the Atomic Bomb - launched by our Armed Forces on Hiroshima, Japan - did to the civilian population - relaying a story told by a visiting Japanese teacher regarding her family's escape from death and starvation by hiding under the bridge and consuming Saki to stay alive. Also, to be fair, the German War machine rained tens of thousands of bombs on London and her outlying areas - turning streets and homes to rubble, and killing thousands of innocent civilians. The same story can be told in many places, from Vietnam to Dresden, Germany.

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Few escape the horrors of war when the battle rages on their homeland. During 9-11, I lost a fraternity brother who had one child who's wife was months away from giving birth to their second child. He was a civilian casualty of Bin Laden's mad dream. He had phoned his wife to tell her he was on his way down the stair to safety - but he never made it. The horror of it is surreal. While I wasn't close to him as both started families in different parts of the world, we still had our time together at UConn. And so the speech on Monday hit home and the point was poignant.

The purpose of the day is to get us to remember. So while the parade featured military veterans, bands, balloons, and old jalopies, it held special meaning for some of us who spent the rest of the day reflecting on what it all means, and how complicated war can be - including this one in Iraq - which everyone is sick to death of. But the balance between was is right and what is necessary is often blurred.

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I have to say that the United States does engage in a lot of conflicts around the world - that much is true. But I also have to say that we do not start them, but often are called on to finish them. There is not easy answer to this, because if there were then it would be implemented and congress would be embroiled in arguments about health care and taxes and little else.

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But the policies should not take away from the human element. No one signs up to die, and no one enlists to become a name on a grave marker. I think this is often lost in the discussion; and intentionally dismissed by those on the left, like Cindy Sheehan and Hillary Clinton, who invoke a soldier's misfortune for political gain. For that reason, I strongly dislike these people, and when I read stories like these, I'm angered by the self-centered mindset of some holier-than- thou people like Sheehan.

I need to end on a positive note with this posting. Monday was a fabulous day for West Hartford, and our veterans, parents, children and -- even our politicians managed to act respectful - for the most part and honored the crowd with thought-provoking commentary that didn't go over the top.

Thank you Veterans. And thank you families of veterans lost. Thank you for what you've endured, and for your sacrifice. And to the families of those civilians who were lost due to war - we mourn with you and share in your sorrow.

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Most of us appreciate your loss, and we offer our respect and condolences on this Memorial Day in West Hartford.

Thoughts on Memorial Day in West Hartford & Parade Detail

West Hartford has consistently done an excellent job of celebrating Memorial Day over the years. And I'm sure that this year will be no exception.

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Even the past years replays on our cable access channel (minus the speeches by Lil' Jonathan Harris) are worth viewing over and over again. One smiles at the children parading down Farmington Aveune carrying flags, feels respect for the older veterans decked out in WWII military uniforms as they ride in antique cars , and feels hearts sink as specific stories are retold at the podium behind West Hartford town hall of how men - we have known - have given their lives for this great country.

Memorial Day should be celebrated by all of us. From Bunker Hill to Iraq, Americans have given their lives in the cause of freedom - our freedom from tyranny and oppression, and madmen who would wish to see us and our western allies wiped off the face of the Earth.

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Democracy has a price that is paid in blood and death, and will continue to be paid in blood and death as long as Democratic Republics exist and human beings never surrender the will to be free. Not everyone agrees or understands that war is a necessary evil. In fact there are those around us that simply cannot bridge the gap between war and freedom; many of these people are well meaning, but cannot grip the hard reality that violence and death are the necessary results of defending that freedom. Sadly, some will never get it. And those people are to be ignored.

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Instead, we should focus on those men and woman who have gone before us. And celebrate their lives. And think on their ultimate sacrafice.

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Men and woman who have given their lives for our country are our true heroes - not our sports team, hollywood idols, or politicians. They have given their lives - not so we can eat hotdogs and hamburgers once a year or attend a parade - but so we can live the way we do each and every day - 365 days a year. I've provided the parade information below. Please attend and pay homage to our true heroes, and remember.

West Hartford parade information from CTNow.com:

The town's parade begins at 10 a.m. from the corner of Woodrow Street and Farmington Avenue. It will proceed east on Farmington Avenue, turn south on South Main Street and continue to town hall. State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is the honorary parade marshal. Leading the procession will be the grand marshal, 1st Lt. Jean-Paul Berard, US Army Reserves. He is a World War II veteran of the Pacific Theater and a retired West Hartford teacher.The Rev. Rick Hansen of the United Methodist Church will be parade chaplain, and Tim Hussey of the Conard High School band will be parade bugler. A service will be held at the Veterans' Memorial at Farmington Avenue and North Main Street.The Central Connecticut Region of the Antique Car Club of America have invited veterans and their spouses to ride the parade route in one of their antique cars. Veterans wishing to do so should be at the entrance to town hall at 9:15 a.m.

Courant Story: Home invasion on Exeter Ave, West Hartford

See this Hartford Courant story regarding a home invasion on Exeter Avenue in West Hartford.


Makes the case for the use of alarms and fire arms to protect oneself.

Four hispanics brandishing guns, met the owner by pointing a gun at her, threatened and the repeatedly ransacked the house. Talk about being violated.

Here are some crime statistics available on West Hartford, and more here; if you can provide more recent detail, please let me know.