Police on April 20 arrested two male residents on drug charges following a motor vehicle stop on Cherry Hill Road.
According to police reports, Officer Jay Bunnell observed a motor vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed in the area of Collins Street and Circular Avenue around 10:45 a.m.
A police search of the vehicle turned up seven grams of marijuana. Also, police seized $1,244 from the driver, Brian Davis and $995 from the passenger, identified as Wilbur House III.
Police arrested Davis, 25, of 58 Arch St, on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana with the intent to sell. Also, he was given a ticket for traveling unreasonably fast and failure to use turn signal. Davis was released after posting a $2,500 bond He is scheduled to appear in court in Meriden on April 29.
Wilbur House III, 25, of 28 Fawn Ridge Road, Hamden was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana with the intent to sell. House, who was released after posting a $2,500 bond, is scheduled to appear in superior court in Meriden on April 29.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Motor vehicle stop leads to drug arrest
A West Haven man was arrested by on drug charges April 19 after police stopped him for a motor vehicle violation near the Hamden Plaza, according to police reports.
Police said they stopped Scott Spearman, 33, of 665 Washington Ave., West Haven, after he committed a motor vehicle violation around 2:30 p.m.
Police investigation discovered that Spearman was in the possession of 16 grams of cocaine and $920.00 in U.S. currency. Police arrested Spearman on charges of possession of narcotics and possession of narcotics with the intent to sell. He was issued a written warning for turn signal violations. Spearman was detained at police headquarters on a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in superior court in Meriden on April 29.
Police said they stopped Scott Spearman, 33, of 665 Washington Ave., West Haven, after he committed a motor vehicle violation around 2:30 p.m.
Police investigation discovered that Spearman was in the possession of 16 grams of cocaine and $920.00 in U.S. currency. Police arrested Spearman on charges of possession of narcotics and possession of narcotics with the intent to sell. He was issued a written warning for turn signal violations. Spearman was detained at police headquarters on a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in superior court in Meriden on April 29.
Woman arrested on theft charges
A Hamden woman is scheduled to appear in court on May 6 on allegations that she stole money by writing three checks to herself from the account of a 96-year-old woman.
On Jan. 26, Hamden police said they met with an individual who wanted to report a past larceny. Police reported that the man was reviewing the finances of his 96 year-old mothers when discovered three suspicious checks written on her account.
Subsequent investigation by police revealed that Ann Marie Orr, 26, of 75 Kaye Vue Drive, apartment 2A, allegedly befriended the victim and allegedly wrote three checks totaling $8,950.00 to herself.
After further investigation, police applied for an arrest warrant served on Orr on April 22 when she turned herself into police headquarters.
Orr faces charges of larceny in the 3rd degree, larceny in the 4th degree, larceny in the 5th degree and three counts of forgery in the 3rd degree. She was released on a written promise to appear in superior court in Meriden on May 6.
On Jan. 26, Hamden police said they met with an individual who wanted to report a past larceny. Police reported that the man was reviewing the finances of his 96 year-old mothers when discovered three suspicious checks written on her account.
Subsequent investigation by police revealed that Ann Marie Orr, 26, of 75 Kaye Vue Drive, apartment 2A, allegedly befriended the victim and allegedly wrote three checks totaling $8,950.00 to herself.
After further investigation, police applied for an arrest warrant served on Orr on April 22 when she turned herself into police headquarters.
Orr faces charges of larceny in the 3rd degree, larceny in the 4th degree, larceny in the 5th degree and three counts of forgery in the 3rd degree. She was released on a written promise to appear in superior court in Meriden on May 6.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Fire leads to drug charges against 18-year-old male
An 18-year-old resident is scheduled to appear in court on drug charges police filed against him following a fire in the kitchen area of his residence at 36 Merrimac St.
On April 2 at 7 a.m., Hamden firefighters responded to a structure fire in progress at 36 Merrimac St., according to police. On arrival, firefighters discovered a fire in a kitchen area, which they extinguished.
Hamden police then learned that drugs were inside the residence. Police subsequently located 15 bags of marijuana in the bedroom of Brandon Little who was promptly arrested, according to the police report.
Police said, Little was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with the intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was detained at police headquarters on a $5,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Meriden on April 16.
On April 2 at 7 a.m., Hamden firefighters responded to a structure fire in progress at 36 Merrimac St., according to police. On arrival, firefighters discovered a fire in a kitchen area, which they extinguished.
Hamden police then learned that drugs were inside the residence. Police subsequently located 15 bags of marijuana in the bedroom of Brandon Little who was promptly arrested, according to the police report.
Police said, Little was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with the intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was detained at police headquarters on a $5,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Meriden on April 16.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Three men face charges in Hamden street robbery
Two residents and a New York man are scheduled to appear in superior court in Meriden on April 9 in connection with an armed street robbery in which electronic equipment and money were stolen from a male walking in the Bradley Avenue area during the afternoon of March 26.
Samad Mickens, 18, of 32 Building Brook Road, Denver Darden, 19, of 87 Gorham Avenue, both of Hamden, and Justin Diaz, 21, of 1411 Jesup Avenue, Apt. B, Bronx, New York were arrested for allegedly robbing a man around 1:30 in the afternoon, according to police.
On Monday morning, police said, Mickens was charged with robbery in the 1st degree, assault in the 2nd degree, conspiracy to commit robbery in the 1st degree, larceny in the 2nd degree and conspiracy to commit larceny in the 2nd degree. He was detained on a $25,000 bond, according to police.. Diaz is charged with robbery in the 1st degree, conspiracy to commit robbery in the 1st degree, larceny in the 2nd degree and conspiracy to commit larceny in the 2nd degree. Diaz, who was detained on a $25,000 bond. Darden was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery in the 1st degree and conspiracy to commit larceny in the 2nd degree. He was detained at police headquarters on a $5,000 bond
On March 26 at approximately 1:15p.m. Hamden police said they responded to Bradley Avenue on the report of an armed street robbery. The victim told police that he was walking on Bradley Avenue when he was approached by two suspects who had exited a motor vehicle. One of the subjects allegedly grabbed him, police said, while the other subject displayed a firearm. The victim, who was then allegedly stabbed in the left hand, was able to escape on foot. He suffered a left hand and right arm injury and was treated at the scene by the Hamden Fire and Rescue team.
Moments later, police located the individuals at 14 Brook Street in Hamden. After further investigation they were arrested. Additional details were not immediately available.
Detective Angelo Polzella and Officer Stephen Baris conducted the investigation.
Posted by Frederick Nevin
Samad Mickens, 18, of 32 Building Brook Road, Denver Darden, 19, of 87 Gorham Avenue, both of Hamden, and Justin Diaz, 21, of 1411 Jesup Avenue, Apt. B, Bronx, New York were arrested for allegedly robbing a man around 1:30 in the afternoon, according to police.
On Monday morning, police said, Mickens was charged with robbery in the 1st degree, assault in the 2nd degree, conspiracy to commit robbery in the 1st degree, larceny in the 2nd degree and conspiracy to commit larceny in the 2nd degree. He was detained on a $25,000 bond, according to police.. Diaz is charged with robbery in the 1st degree, conspiracy to commit robbery in the 1st degree, larceny in the 2nd degree and conspiracy to commit larceny in the 2nd degree. Diaz, who was detained on a $25,000 bond. Darden was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery in the 1st degree and conspiracy to commit larceny in the 2nd degree. He was detained at police headquarters on a $5,000 bond
On March 26 at approximately 1:15p.m. Hamden police said they responded to Bradley Avenue on the report of an armed street robbery. The victim told police that he was walking on Bradley Avenue when he was approached by two suspects who had exited a motor vehicle. One of the subjects allegedly grabbed him, police said, while the other subject displayed a firearm. The victim, who was then allegedly stabbed in the left hand, was able to escape on foot. He suffered a left hand and right arm injury and was treated at the scene by the Hamden Fire and Rescue team.
Moments later, police located the individuals at 14 Brook Street in Hamden. After further investigation they were arrested. Additional details were not immediately available.
Detective Angelo Polzella and Officer Stephen Baris conducted the investigation.
Posted by Frederick Nevin
Police arrest log for March 27 2010
March 27, 2010
Brown, Brandon 28 133 Shepard St; Interfere With Offcr/Resisting, Engaging In Pursuit, 5,000 bond; court date: 04/08/2010
Buhler, Anthony 21 615 Grandview St; Middlesex, New Jersey. Operation While Under The Influence; court date: 04/12/2010.
Elkies, Howard 33, 448 Wheeles Farm Road, Orange, Issuing A Bad Check, $50 bond, Larceny 6 court datee: 04/09/2010
Sykes, Mercedes, 26, 36 Emerson St, New Haven, Misuse Of Plate,
No Insurance, Operating Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Operating Under Suspension. Court date: April 8.
Brown, Brandon 28 133 Shepard St; Interfere With Offcr/Resisting, Engaging In Pursuit, 5,000 bond; court date: 04/08/2010
Buhler, Anthony 21 615 Grandview St; Middlesex, New Jersey. Operation While Under The Influence; court date: 04/12/2010.
Elkies, Howard 33, 448 Wheeles Farm Road, Orange, Issuing A Bad Check, $50 bond, Larceny 6 court datee: 04/09/2010
Sykes, Mercedes, 26, 36 Emerson St, New Haven, Misuse Of Plate,
No Insurance, Operating Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Operating Under Suspension. Court date: April 8.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Town to hold informational hearing on proposed Skiff Street tunnel
HAMDEN, The town of Hamden will hold an informational meeting April 6 on a proposed plan that would redirect the Farmington Canal Greenway through a tunnel under Skiff Sreet. The meeeting will be held at 7:30 pm in the Third Floor Conference Room at Government Center, 2750 Dixwell Ave., Hamden.
The project is in a preliminary design stage and has been recommended for construction under the Surface Transportation Program administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation Program. The firm of Milone & MacBroom, Inc. is designing the project, according to an announcement from the officer of Mayor Scott Jackson.
It is the town of Hamden's and the State's policy to keep persons informed and involved when such projects are undertaken. It is important that the community share its concerns to assist in the project's development, the statement said.
As proposed, the Skiff Street Underpass Project will provide users of the Farmington Canal Greenway with an underground connection between the segments of the Greenway on both sides of Skiff Street. A 105 foot tunnel, comprised of a 14-foot wide and 10-foot high precast, concrete box culvert will pass directly under Skiff Street. The underpass will be illuminated and contain a video surveillance system linked to the Police Department.
The project will take approximately two months to complete. There will be a temporary, one to two-week closure preventing through traffic on Skiff Street, during which time traffic will be detoured to an alternative route. Existing utilities -- gas and water mains as well as electrical lines will be temporarily supported during the construction phase.
Based upon a preliminary assessment, the construction cost will be approximately $1,145,000. It is anticipated the Federal Highway Administration will provide 80% of costs up to $880,000, with the Town of Hamden providing the remainder. The Town of Hamden expects right of way acquisitions limited to one permanent and two temporary easements, and environmental permits limited to an Inland Wetland permit, to be part of this project.
The town is responsible for all the design costs associated with the project, according to the statement.
Anyone interested in obtaining further information or providing input may do so by contacting the Hamden Planning and Zoning Department at 203-287-7070.
The project is in a preliminary design stage and has been recommended for construction under the Surface Transportation Program administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation Program. The firm of Milone & MacBroom, Inc. is designing the project, according to an announcement from the officer of Mayor Scott Jackson.
It is the town of Hamden's and the State's policy to keep persons informed and involved when such projects are undertaken. It is important that the community share its concerns to assist in the project's development, the statement said.
As proposed, the Skiff Street Underpass Project will provide users of the Farmington Canal Greenway with an underground connection between the segments of the Greenway on both sides of Skiff Street. A 105 foot tunnel, comprised of a 14-foot wide and 10-foot high precast, concrete box culvert will pass directly under Skiff Street. The underpass will be illuminated and contain a video surveillance system linked to the Police Department.
The project will take approximately two months to complete. There will be a temporary, one to two-week closure preventing through traffic on Skiff Street, during which time traffic will be detoured to an alternative route. Existing utilities -- gas and water mains as well as electrical lines will be temporarily supported during the construction phase.
Based upon a preliminary assessment, the construction cost will be approximately $1,145,000. It is anticipated the Federal Highway Administration will provide 80% of costs up to $880,000, with the Town of Hamden providing the remainder. The Town of Hamden expects right of way acquisitions limited to one permanent and two temporary easements, and environmental permits limited to an Inland Wetland permit, to be part of this project.
The town is responsible for all the design costs associated with the project, according to the statement.
Anyone interested in obtaining further information or providing input may do so by contacting the Hamden Planning and Zoning Department at 203-287-7070.
Hamden Police log for March 24, 2010
March 24, 2010
Barnes, Andrea, 43, 268 Lombard St; New Haven, Ct Larceny 4, court date: 04/01/2010
Diaz-Albino, Carlos, 49, 185 Quinnipiac Ave; New Haven, C No Insurance, Operating Unregistered motor vehicle, operating with out a License, court date: 4/6/2010
Jimenez, Eric, 20, 31 Whiting St; Hamden, Ct Breach Of Peace 2nd, court date:03/25/2010
Koummal, Anes, 21, 603 Aspen Glen Dr; Hamden, Ct Assault 3, court date: 04/08/2010
27 Puritan Ln; Stamford, Ct Assault 3.
Ortiz, Rose, 42, 66 Lilac St; New Haven, Ct No Insurance, court date: 04/06/2010
Operating Unregistered Motor Vehicle.
Santana, Michael, 23, 1811 State St; Hamden, Ct Violation Of Probation, 50,000.00 bond, court date: 04/07/2010
Young, Lavon, 30, 136 Butler St; New Haven, Ct Shotguns, Rifles, And Muzzlelo,
Barnes, Andrea, 43, 268 Lombard St; New Haven, Ct Larceny 4, court date: 04/01/2010
Diaz-Albino, Carlos, 49, 185 Quinnipiac Ave; New Haven, C No Insurance, Operating Unregistered motor vehicle, operating with out a License, court date: 4/6/2010
Jimenez, Eric, 20, 31 Whiting St; Hamden, Ct Breach Of Peace 2nd, court date:03/25/2010
Koummal, Anes, 21, 603 Aspen Glen Dr; Hamden, Ct Assault 3, court date: 04/08/2010
27 Puritan Ln; Stamford, Ct Assault 3.
Ortiz, Rose, 42, 66 Lilac St; New Haven, Ct No Insurance, court date: 04/06/2010
Operating Unregistered Motor Vehicle.
Santana, Michael, 23, 1811 State St; Hamden, Ct Violation Of Probation, 50,000.00 bond, court date: 04/07/2010
Young, Lavon, 30, 136 Butler St; New Haven, Ct Shotguns, Rifles, And Muzzlelo,
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Jackson moves into the mayor's office
By Frederick Nevin
Democrat Scott Jackson emerged as the new mayor of Hamden in Tuesday’s election, which also saw the Republicans take three district seats on the Legislative Council.
Jackson, the mayor’s chief administrative aide for the last four years, defeated Republican Ron Gambardella. The unofficial tally gave Jackson 7,179 votes to 6,061 votes for Gambardella who lost two years ago to Mayor Craig B. Henrici who decided not to run for a third term.
Meanwhile, the Republicans will control five of 15 seats on the new legislative council. Craig Cesare and Betty Wetmore return as the at-large candidates. Republican Mike Iezzi III won the first district seat, while Republican Gabe Luppo took the second district seat. Republican Lynn Campo, a longtime member of the Board of Education, won the 9th district seat over Democrat Don Werner. Luppo garnered 1,117 votes to 777 for Werner. Iezzi defeated Democrat Michael McGary, 507-502 and Luppo defeated Anthony Brown, 639-528.
As with the last election, the mayoral race turned on results from a couple of districts. The Democrats came up big in the 3rd, 4th, 5th 6th districts. In the 5th districts, Jackson received 1,163 votes to 409 for Gambardella. In the 4th district, Jackson garnered 857 votes to 698 for Gambardella. In the 6th district, Jackson tallied 974 votes to 638 for Gambardella and in the third district; Jackson recorded 690 votes to 262 for Gambardella.
Gambardella took the 8th, 9th district by wide margins. He recorded 808 votes in the 8th district to 644 for Jackson. In the 9th district, Gambardella garnered 1,132 votes to 800 for Jackson. Other district results: Jackson, 526 to 517 for Gambardella in the 1st district; 629 votes for Gambardella to 626 votes for Jackson in the 2nd district; and 689 for Gambardella to 647 for Jackson in the 7th district. The absentee ballot favored Gambardella, 279-252.
Speaking after the results were tallied, Gambardella thanked his supporters. “The numbers are just too great,” he said in reference to the huge number of voters the Democrats have over the Hamden Republican party. “It’s impossible. There is nothing more we could have done. We spent $60,000 to bring this home,” he said.
But Mike Iezzi, a longtime party leader, said there was also some good news with Republicans winning three district seats on the council. “If not for Ron’s efforts, “ he said, “we would have ended up with only two at-large council seats.”
Meanwhile, Jackson said the voters got a campaign that was based on the issues and what each candidate could do for them. “I think Ron and I gave them that,” he said.
Now that the partisan work is done, Jackson said, “I look forward to doing the non-partisan work of the town.”
After taking office, Jackson said, he would immediately get to work on the budget for the next fiscal year. He plans to sit down with department heads and create some goals and priorities for the community, he said.
Unofficial results of other council districts were: 3rd district, Oswald Brown, 644 votes over Republican John Prete, 238; 4th district, Democrat David Henigan, 781 votes over Matt Corcoran, 662 votes; 6th district, Democrat Curt Leng, 1,009 votes to 507 for Chris Battipaglia; Democrat Michael Colaiacova, 805 votes to 457 for Republican Sarah Morrill; 8th district, Democrat John DeRosa, 773 over James Frolish, 608 votes. Results from the 5th district were not immediately available on Tuesday night.
Democrat Scott Jackson emerged as the new mayor of Hamden in Tuesday’s election, which also saw the Republicans take three district seats on the Legislative Council.
Jackson, the mayor’s chief administrative aide for the last four years, defeated Republican Ron Gambardella. The unofficial tally gave Jackson 7,179 votes to 6,061 votes for Gambardella who lost two years ago to Mayor Craig B. Henrici who decided not to run for a third term.
Meanwhile, the Republicans will control five of 15 seats on the new legislative council. Craig Cesare and Betty Wetmore return as the at-large candidates. Republican Mike Iezzi III won the first district seat, while Republican Gabe Luppo took the second district seat. Republican Lynn Campo, a longtime member of the Board of Education, won the 9th district seat over Democrat Don Werner. Luppo garnered 1,117 votes to 777 for Werner. Iezzi defeated Democrat Michael McGary, 507-502 and Luppo defeated Anthony Brown, 639-528.
As with the last election, the mayoral race turned on results from a couple of districts. The Democrats came up big in the 3rd, 4th, 5th 6th districts. In the 5th districts, Jackson received 1,163 votes to 409 for Gambardella. In the 4th district, Jackson garnered 857 votes to 698 for Gambardella. In the 6th district, Jackson tallied 974 votes to 638 for Gambardella and in the third district; Jackson recorded 690 votes to 262 for Gambardella.
Gambardella took the 8th, 9th district by wide margins. He recorded 808 votes in the 8th district to 644 for Jackson. In the 9th district, Gambardella garnered 1,132 votes to 800 for Jackson. Other district results: Jackson, 526 to 517 for Gambardella in the 1st district; 629 votes for Gambardella to 626 votes for Jackson in the 2nd district; and 689 for Gambardella to 647 for Jackson in the 7th district. The absentee ballot favored Gambardella, 279-252.
Speaking after the results were tallied, Gambardella thanked his supporters. “The numbers are just too great,” he said in reference to the huge number of voters the Democrats have over the Hamden Republican party. “It’s impossible. There is nothing more we could have done. We spent $60,000 to bring this home,” he said.
But Mike Iezzi, a longtime party leader, said there was also some good news with Republicans winning three district seats on the council. “If not for Ron’s efforts, “ he said, “we would have ended up with only two at-large council seats.”
Meanwhile, Jackson said the voters got a campaign that was based on the issues and what each candidate could do for them. “I think Ron and I gave them that,” he said.
Now that the partisan work is done, Jackson said, “I look forward to doing the non-partisan work of the town.”
After taking office, Jackson said, he would immediately get to work on the budget for the next fiscal year. He plans to sit down with department heads and create some goals and priorities for the community, he said.
Unofficial results of other council districts were: 3rd district, Oswald Brown, 644 votes over Republican John Prete, 238; 4th district, Democrat David Henigan, 781 votes over Matt Corcoran, 662 votes; 6th district, Democrat Curt Leng, 1,009 votes to 507 for Chris Battipaglia; Democrat Michael Colaiacova, 805 votes to 457 for Republican Sarah Morrill; 8th district, Democrat John DeRosa, 773 over James Frolish, 608 votes. Results from the 5th district were not immediately available on Tuesday night.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
New YMCA program offers Membership for All
In response to the current economic condition that faces many individuals and families in Hamden, North Haven and other surrounding communities, the Hamden/North Haven YMCA, 1605 Sherman Ave, Hamden, is now offering membership for all with rates based on total annual household income. The program will go into effect Sept. 1 according to a YMCA press release.
The mission of the Hamden/North Haven YMCA has always focused on providing programs for all people, regardless of their social-economic level. Through Membership for All, the YMCA hopes to continue to be accessible and affordable to all members of our community, particularly those who now find themselves having to make tough choices based on personal finances,the statement said.
With Membership for All, a family of 3 whose household income is $42,000 will now be able to participate in YMCA programs for as little as $46 per month. This is a 37% reduction from the current rate of $72 per month. A senior with a household income of $24,000 will now pay $23 per month, a 55% reduction from the current rate of $42 per month.
To qualify for these income-based membership rates, individuals must present proof of income in the form of a federal 1040 tax form (or equivalent). All personal information will remain confidential. Current members are eligible for these rates as well, providing they are able to produce proof of income.
If interested in more information regarding the Hamden/North Haven YMCA’s Membership for All Program, call 203-248-6361
The mission of the Hamden/North Haven YMCA has always focused on providing programs for all people, regardless of their social-economic level. Through Membership for All, the YMCA hopes to continue to be accessible and affordable to all members of our community, particularly those who now find themselves having to make tough choices based on personal finances,the statement said.
With Membership for All, a family of 3 whose household income is $42,000 will now be able to participate in YMCA programs for as little as $46 per month. This is a 37% reduction from the current rate of $72 per month. A senior with a household income of $24,000 will now pay $23 per month, a 55% reduction from the current rate of $42 per month.
To qualify for these income-based membership rates, individuals must present proof of income in the form of a federal 1040 tax form (or equivalent). All personal information will remain confidential. Current members are eligible for these rates as well, providing they are able to produce proof of income.
If interested in more information regarding the Hamden/North Haven YMCA’s Membership for All Program, call 203-248-6361
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Ron Gambardella's GOP mayoral endorsement speech
Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen,
Paraphrasing Franklin Roosevelt, on April 7, 1932 he said the following: “These unhappy times call for the building of plans that rest upon the forgotten, the unorganized but the indispensable units of economic power …. that put their faith once more in the forgotten man at the bottom of the economic pyramid.” Why, you may ask, quote Franklin Roosevelt at tonight’s Republican convention on something he said over 75 years ago during one of his radio talks? - Because we are experiencing an economic decline in this country and town that has not been seen since the last Great Depression; Because, once again, this election is about the “forgotten man at the bottom of the economic pyramid”. These individuals are not just Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated, they are from all walks of life and political persuasion. We know them personally, and see them on a daily basis. They pay their taxes, want a good quality school system for their kids, and demand their town government to be honest and responsive to their needs.
Many Hamden residents are frightened, financially insecure and fearful of the future. They are searching for new leadership to help guide our town from financial distress back to prosperity. This campaign is not about pitting the Republicans against the Democrats, as hardship is now occurring with members of all political parties. It is about putting aside party politics, and working together for the betterment of our town. It is about addressing the needs and concerns of the “forgotten man”.
Driving throughout town it’s easy to see that businesses are hurting. Vacant store fronts and empty buildings are a testament to failed economic policies, and more upsetting: the destruction of someone's hopes and dreams. During this economic decline, Hamden has not fared as well as surrounding towns, where new development seems to be taking root on a daily basis.
Not surprisingly, there is a tremendous need for jobs in Hamden, and without a vibrant business community, these jobs will continue to flock to other towns. Recently, I have been in discussion with area business leaders who wish to bring new economic development back to Hamden. Many claim Hamden is not known as a business friendly town. This is unacceptable. Responsible economic growth increases our tax base, and will stabilize our mill rate.
We need to showcase Hamden and encourage responsible business growth and economic development, not stymie it. For example, taking long contaminated land and turning it into responsible, green building projects, while at the same time providing employment opportunities for Hamden residents, is responsible government.
I have the necessary background, not just with an MBA in finance, a small business owner, and former member of the Hamden Legislative Council, but by strong values and hard work to get Hamden moving again, in the right direction.
As I look around the room tonight at all the candidates who were just nominated for office, I know that each person on our ticket understands these shared values. They agree that we must open up government to allow transparency and citizen participation. They know that success can only be achieved when elected officials carryout the will of the people. I am confident in our prospects for victory. We all want the same things as the “forgotten man”, financial stability, a government that listens to them, and prospects for a brighter future for ourselves and our children.
The prior administration has long forgotten these basic tenets. From them, we have received historic tax increases, ethical lapses of judgment, outrageous spending projects, broken campaign promises, and a Legislative Council that simply rubber stamps the status quo. They are content with the concentration of power in the hands of the few, and with the machine politics that keeps them in power. This has got to change.
We will not follow this path. We will forge a new path of inclusive government, inverting the pyramid with the Hamden’s residents on top, and government officials serving the people. Not the other way around.
What makes this campaign so exciting is the response we have been receiving. People are fed up with their voices not being heard and with no opportunity to participate in government. They are fed up with the inaccessibility of their elected officials governing from an ivory tower. They want to be heard. Our under ticket understands this and will be available after the election and not just during the campaign. We are committed to providing the citizens of Hamden with more involvement by agreeing to take up the issue of charter reform. We support the need for a citizen run Education Task force and the establishment of a Street and Sidewalk Commission. We know a mayor is only as good as the advice provided by experts and other stakeholders. That is why we will form a mayor’s advisory committee made up of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Greens and others to give sound advice to those who make decisions on behalf of the many.
We have a fine group of men and women running this year to change Hamden. Taxpayers will take note of the fact that we have highly qualified individuals running in every district for town council and council-at-large. We have candidates with expertise and experience running for the Board of Education who will offer solid solutions to make our town's education system even better than it is today. We have an outstanding candidate running for Town Clerk, who will bring a fresh face and new ideas to town hall.
Fiscal responsibility is what we promise, and concern for all residents is our top priority. We must preserve the town services we provide, while at the same time look for any and all opportunities to bring cost control back into the equation. We cannot simply rely on endless tax increases and last minute revenue shenanigans to balance the budget, as the current administration has been accustomed. We need a five year financial plan and fiscal management to stabilize taxes. If not, the “forgotten man” will remain cynical, at the bottom of the pyramid, dazed and confused by the failure of government to heed to the will of the people. Once again, I reiterate, Hamden residents cannot afford more tax increases. As a government, we need to learn to do more with less, and I have the expertise in finance and budgeting to make this a reality.
Hamden is at a crossroads. Residents this November have the power to throw out the status quo candidates, and elect new faces with new energy on the Legislative Council and Board of Education, for a better Hamden. Rest assured, we are eager to get started working for a new and fiscally sound Hamden.
So, join me along with our slate of candidates and volunteers, Republicans, Democrats and Greens alike, and let's get this campaign rolling, in every street from Highwood to Mt. Carmel, and in every neighborhood in between. We have the right message and the right team. Together, we will change Hamden and always remember the forgotten man and women, the senior and child alike. With our victory in November, the "forgotten" taxpaying public will finally be remembered.
Thank you!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Hamden to celebrate National Night Out
The town of Hamden invites area families and individuals to join 11,000 other communities on Aug.4 to celebrate National NIght Out at Rochford Field, 533 Newhall St. in Hamden from 4-8 p.m.
In addition to arts and crafts, games, raffles, giveaways, community resources, and other activities, the celebration will include live performances from the Hamden High School cheerleaders who will also provide a cheerleading clinic, Ultimate Dance Experience, Hip Hop Dimensions, sponsored by Young Audiences of Connecticut, The Flying Tangerine People, and Jus B. Music will be provided by D.J. E-Man.
The Master of Ceremonies will be Vincent Iezzi. Free refreshments will be offered, including hot dogs fresh from the grill!, chips, water and refreshing snow-cones.
This year, Hamden’s National Night Out promises to be bigger and better than ever! There will be special emphasis on issues of Safety in Our Community. Bicycle, car, child and pedestrian safety education, information and resources will be provided by Yale – New Haven Injury Prevention Program, Street Smarts and Carter Mario Injury Lawyers. Free bicycle helmets from these organizations and businesses will be distributed, The Hamden Rotary Club will offer Child I.D. cards; NEOA and Hamden Elks will be on hand with a drug prevention trailer and activities.
Other organizations and businesses offering various resources, activities and giveaways include Walgreens, TD Banknorth-WOW Zone, Hamden’s Partnership for Young Children, Family Resource Center, QVHD, United Illuminating, and Pathfinders.
There will be activities for all ages. They include: Moon Bounces, a Community Art Project with P.L.A.C.E.; Face Painting, Spin Art, Button -Making, Video Gaming with Zombie Gamers; a Bicycle Rodeo with Elm City Cycling; and much more!
National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and is co-sponsored locally by the Hamden Police Department and Hamden Youth Services Bureau with special support from TARGET, the national corporate sponsor and Yale-New Haven Injury Prevention Program.
The event will involve over 11,000 communities from 50 states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. National Night Out is designed to: heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
For additional information, call Susan Rubino at 777-2610 srubino@hamden.com or contact National Association of Town Watch (610) 649-7055 www.nationalnighout.org
In addition to arts and crafts, games, raffles, giveaways, community resources, and other activities, the celebration will include live performances from the Hamden High School cheerleaders who will also provide a cheerleading clinic, Ultimate Dance Experience, Hip Hop Dimensions, sponsored by Young Audiences of Connecticut, The Flying Tangerine People, and Jus B. Music will be provided by D.J. E-Man.
The Master of Ceremonies will be Vincent Iezzi. Free refreshments will be offered, including hot dogs fresh from the grill!, chips, water and refreshing snow-cones.
This year, Hamden’s National Night Out promises to be bigger and better than ever! There will be special emphasis on issues of Safety in Our Community. Bicycle, car, child and pedestrian safety education, information and resources will be provided by Yale – New Haven Injury Prevention Program, Street Smarts and Carter Mario Injury Lawyers. Free bicycle helmets from these organizations and businesses will be distributed, The Hamden Rotary Club will offer Child I.D. cards; NEOA and Hamden Elks will be on hand with a drug prevention trailer and activities.
Other organizations and businesses offering various resources, activities and giveaways include Walgreens, TD Banknorth-WOW Zone, Hamden’s Partnership for Young Children, Family Resource Center, QVHD, United Illuminating, and Pathfinders.
There will be activities for all ages. They include: Moon Bounces, a Community Art Project with P.L.A.C.E.; Face Painting, Spin Art, Button -Making, Video Gaming with Zombie Gamers; a Bicycle Rodeo with Elm City Cycling; and much more!
National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and is co-sponsored locally by the Hamden Police Department and Hamden Youth Services Bureau with special support from TARGET, the national corporate sponsor and Yale-New Haven Injury Prevention Program.
The event will involve over 11,000 communities from 50 states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. National Night Out is designed to: heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
For additional information, call Susan Rubino at 777-2610 srubino@hamden.com or contact National Association of Town Watch (610) 649-7055 www.nationalnighout.org
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