If I Didn't Like It, You'd Know About It

Sorry this one is a little late but I wanted to make sure we commented on this. The News Times had an editorial in Thursday's paper regarding the lack of taxpayer comments at recent budget meetings. Basically what I got out of the editorial was that people no longer attend or speak up at council and various city meetings because they have a lack of confidence that they can make a difference or that they feel they are not welcomed. The Editor completely discounted the belief that if people don't attend meetings then they are supportive of what is being done. Well not so fast to you News Times Editor, are we living in the same city and attending the same meetings and reading the same editorials in your paper? If people in Danbury have a problem with the way things are being handled and what is being done, believe me they DO NOT wait for an invitation to speak their minds. They shout from the roof tops and they complain to everyone who will listen.
Don't get me wrong, I applaud the 4 people who the editor praised for speaking their minds, but these are the same four people to speak up about everything at almost every public meeting. Now if Mrs. Smith who never comes around unless something is really wrong comes to a public meeting, then that is a big thing.
The fact is I'd be more concerned if people were showing up and complaining. If something is wrong people do speak up and if meetings go unattended, it is a shame, but it doesn't mean that they don't feel like their opinions don't count or that they don't feel welcomed.
People will never be happy, if there is a meeting at 5:30pm people will complain that residents are still at work, if meetings are held at 7pm people will complain that people are having dinner with their families. The point is it doesn't matter what time these meetings are, if people don't support an issue or in this case the budget, they would be there or they would be letting everyone know how they feel.

To Post or Not to Post.....

So some of our commenters, or one of you, have complained about us posting only once or twice a week, and we appreciate your input, but I know I'd rather read a blog were the blogger writes about something they actually care about or that is really important instead of just writing about anything just to get a post up for the day. So, for now unless we receive an overwhelming response from our readers that they want us to post daily crap, we will continue to only blog when we feel we really have something to say. I also want to take this opportunity to thank our loyal readers for visiting the site regularly and for taking the time to leave mature, respectful and intelligent comments.

Yes, or No, For Maria - Cinta Lowe?

The Latino community is one of the fastest growing population in the state and the largest minority group in this area; over 20,000.

The mission of the Hispanic Center, located on 87 West Street in Danbury is:

• Encourage Hispanic members to self sufficiency, personal responsibility, career development and entrepreneurial success.
• Wants members of Hispanic community to be leaders to the community at large

The Hispanic Center also teaches skills in computers, preparation for GED courses, mathematics, and English. The executive director of the Hispanic Center of Greater Danbury is, Maria-Cinta Lowe. Many of us saw Lowe photographed in the recent article published by the News Times regarding the ICE Raids. Some claim Lowe's actions with the ICE Raids and immigration forums are taking away the main focus of the Hispanic Center.

The Hispanic Center claimed they were low funded at the past common council meeting. The common council meeting was a budget hearing focusing on non profits. The Hispanic Center made a statement pertaining to the idea that they are returning to their main mission of the center and will not get caught up with the immigration, illegal or legal that is going on here in Danbury........is that why they should be receiving more money out of the budget?

What about other non profits such as the Red Cross, WeCAHR, AmeriCares and the Amos House?

It's questionable to wonder WHY Maria-Cinta Lowe is dedicating much of her time and attention these days to the ICE Raids?? We understand their mission, which has been established since 1967 and we commend them for their hard work in the community. They have a dedicated staff that keeps the center up and running but they also have an executive director that is supporting illegal immigration. And at the same time the executive director, Maria-Cinta Lowe is requesting the city of Danbury to give her money for her non profit organization. The City of Danbury is trying very hard to preserve the community we live in. Danbury is a welcoming community but also a community that enforces laws in which we all have the equal opportunity to live here, be safe, comfortable, hold a job, raise a family, and be successful. Those who break the laws should NOT be granted the entities listed above as those who obey the laws. Danbury hasn't taken away it's welcome mat, but it has positioned it to a place where truthful, US citizens can pass over it.

Therefore if Maria-Cinta Lowe continues her support of illegal immigration she should be removed from the Hispanic Center. Let us know what you think.

Adding to the Mayor's Budget

We all know how upset the Democrats were to find out that Danbury's Mayor Mark Boughton had decided to present his budget a month earlier as Finance Director, Dena Diorio was leaving for a new job position. (March vs. April)

Apparently it caused a great stir as the Mayor proceeded with his budget address to the common council on March 6th, 2007.

• On the show, "Ideas at Work and Beyond," with host Ivon Alcime and guest Helena Abrantes (possible democratic challenger for Mayor's position) Abrantes claimed the Mayor's "early" proposal was too soon.
• Abrantes claimed that the Mayor who proposed a local budget incorporating a raise in the state income tax can't happen until the legislatures vote on it. Abrantes also referred to this proposal as a, "smoky mirror."
• Lastly Abrantes said the city of Danbury can not count on $ that doesn't exist. If we do, the taxpayers are going to get hurt.
• At a March 2007, DTC meeting, State Representative Bob Godfrey [D] called the Mayor's early budget, "folly." Godfrey also noted that State Senator David Cappiello [R] called the Mayor's address, "irresponsible."
• Godfrey said, there is no rush to adopt a city budget, "Don't be in a Hurry to Hurry."
• Godfrey also said we have to plan a budget using, 'real, not magic,' numbers. When the money comes in on April 15th, (1st Quarter Sales Tax) that is when any type of city budget should be proposed.
• Lastly on April 20th, the legislatures will vote on the Governor's Budget.
• Common Councilman Thomas Saadi stated, "This budget relies on the governor's funds. While that reliance may be 80 or 90 percent right, we are going to have to make up the difference."

Now let's take a glance at the reasoning of others'.

• Q. What is the job of the Director of Finance?
• A. "The Department of Finance is responsible for all financial matters of the City of Danbury, which range from collecting taxes to auditing expenditures. Accounts are kept by the Department of Finance showing the financial transaction for all departments and agencies of the City, ensuring that no taxpayer’s dollar goes astray. Additionally, the Department of Finance submits financial reports to the Common Council on a monthly basis so the state of the City may be determined. The Director of Finance has direct supervision over the Departments of Finance. " (Sounds like the Finance Director does have a tad bit to do with the budget, I'm sure she was pleased all her hard work was recognized before she left a job she's been with for over 2 years.)
• The Board of Education was surely anticipating this budget which pleased the members. Danbury School Board Chairman, Susan Podhajski said, "Mayor Boughton has been generous since he's been in office," she said, adding it doesn't get cheaper to staff the schools or to heat and maintain the district's 18 school buildings.
• However, the Board of Education knows the budget isn't final, "Looking at increases across the state, I think we can do the job very well with that rate,'' Danbury Superintendent Salvatore Pascarella said about the mayor's proposal, which still needs Common Council approval.
• Danbury's Mayor Boughton stated, "I'm thrilled with the governor's proposal and I'm supporting her 100 percent,'' Boughton said Tuesday. "If the legislature decides to cut the education cost-sharing funds, we'll have to revisit where we are."

Please visit the links below and tell us what you think.

Budget Slide Show Presentation

Mayor Boughton's Budget Address

Special Common Council Meeting

There will be a special meeting of the common council on March 19th, 2007 (tonight) at 6 p.m. in the common council chambers in City Hall to act on the items listed below.

1. Communication - Tenative Agreement - Danbury Police Contract


2. Ordinance - Police & Pension Revisons

"While many students are shining, some are not getting the resources they need."

Governor Rell has proposed a major increase in school funding. The increase would provide opportunity for all students and provide property tax relief for families.

Please visit the Connecticut Education Association website and ask your state senator and representative to vote, "yes," on an Act implementing the Governor's budget recommendations, regarding education by clicking here.

Ending A Problem

If you haven't heard, Danbury is working on a 10 year plan to end homelessness. This was a topic on the agenda at the Common Council meeting, Monday night in New Milford. New Milford's guest...Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton.

"We want to change the dynamic so that rather than just manage the problem, we end it," Boughton said.

"I think this is a great initiative," council member Ray O'Brien said.

What Boughton Wants:

1. Homeless will get permanent housing, home ownership
2. Homeless will receive aid from social services to keep them off the streets
3. Homeless will obtain federal housing vouchers that allow them to move from the streets into their own homes. Vouchers are used to pay mortgages rather than apartment rent.
4. Seek regional partners. Sherman has agreed at a cost of $1,300.

Watch it!

The March Common Council meeting will air on Channel 23 on Saturday, March 10th at 7pm and Tuesday, March 13th at 11am...let us know what you think.

What a NON-Show

Ok bare with us on this one, I know its long but we just had too much to say! Also, I know we'll be bashed for being a pro-republican blog again for this but we have to post things as we see them.

Last nights show on Comcast did just a little more to confirm my original opinions of the democrat’s possible candidate for Mayor. Helena Abrantes discussed all the great work she did for Eriquez during his administration and how she loves to help the community and how she wants to return Danbury to what it once was. Overall like I said before, I think Helena really cares about our community but she has none of the qualities needed to be Mayor.

Her biggest issue seemed to be the BRT tax incentives, she said that this is the first time in the history of Danbury that such tax incentives were given to a developer to build housing, even though that may be true, she should also take into account that this is the first time in Danbury’s history that our Downtown has lost so much business and become a place where most Danburians choose not to spend their time, so a first time tax break to a project that promises to bring more people downtown really isn’t such a horrible idea.

Helena also discussed how she’d like to change things by helping seniors to pay their bills and have food on the table, news flash, unless the democrats oppose it a tax credit is already being increased for our city’s seniors in the new budget.

Helena also expressed the importance of adding more police officers and safety personnel; check! That’s already been crossed off the list with plans discussed in the last 2 budgets, plus we are giving them a new fire house and police station, talk about a moral booster. Then she said if she was Mayor she’d give the police all the benefits they wanted, reality check, you can’t give everyone everything they want, if you do that the city goes into debt. Then Ivon came up with the brilliant view point that if you cut money in one area then you should do it for everything, another reality check, if you take money away, people get mad and the quality of service and programs go down.

Then she responds to a caller asking her if checks the legal status of her renters by saying, that isn’t mandatory, so basically she is going with the philosophy of look the other way or what you don’t know won’t hurt you. What kind of a Mayor would that make!?

Finally she complained about overdevelopment, then 10 minutes later she said we should use any available land to build more schools, which is it? Conserve our current open space or develop it?

Overall the show showed a candidate that needs to read from a piece of paper every time she wants to say something, like she did at the common council meeting on Tuesday night, and that she really has no specific points or plans. Also, has Ivon’s show got a new co-host? Why has Lynn Taborsak been on almost every week? It also seems to me that Ivon is getting alittle brainwashed, he showed his support for Helena in every way except to actually come out and say she can count on his vote. How about alittle more bipartisanship? And when a guest says that a Mayoral candidate shouldn't be reading from a piece of paper when she is saying what she stands for, don’t cut him off and say she really can be Mayor. That isn’t Mayor quality if you ask me.

U.N.I.T. is Proactive

Many of us saw the destruction of a deadly fire in the Bronx yesterday on local news channels and learned eight children and one adult had died has a result of careless behavior in a multi-family home.

Multi-family homes...sounds familiar because we've heard a lot about them here in Danbury lately.

And that is why the U.N.I.T. (Unified Neighborhood Inspection Team) is taking a proactive approach insuring the problem in the Bronx won't be a problem here in Danbury.

"The Unified Neighborhood Inspection Team will provide outreach programs to educate new residents of Danbury about our community standards and zoning rules and regulations. Our team will focus on blight remediation, code compliance and quality of life issues in Danbury’s neighborhoods and strive to enhance Danbury’s position as a premier place to live, work, and raise a family in a traditional yet progressive community. " Mission Statement of UNIT

So far the U.N.I.T. "has conducted over 680 inspections in this past year; 40% were in violation of city codes relating to illegal apartments and construction without permits."

In today's News Times article featuring the UNIT, Danbury Fire Marshal, Barry Rickert stated, "Considering the size of our community and its demographics, I think we're doing a pretty good job."

The U.N.I.T. can be reached at (203) 796-8026

Contacts of the U.N.I.T. are:
Unit Coordinator: Rich Antous, Jr. (photo above)
Director of Permitting: Sean Hearty
Deputy Fire Marshal : Jim Johnson
Senior Housing Inspector: Don Melillo
Zoning Inspector: Larry Miguel

Attention!

If anyone knows the actual times that Channel 23 will be airing the March 6th common council meeting please leave a comment, we'd love to see it!

Tune In Tonight

Just letting all of you know this evening beginning at 9p.m. Helena Abrantes will be the guest host on, "Ideas at Work and Beyond," with host Ivon Alcime. Abrantes will be making it clear to her audience tonight her steps for running for the Mayors Position this upcoming election in the programs' one hour broadcast.

Dbyblogger will post our thoughts and comments tomorrow on the blog for those of you who won't be able to tune in.

Lets Make The World A Better Place?

The DanburyDan beat me to posting on this story but I figured I'd mention it too. The Tribuna, a local bilingual paper, did a front page story on Helena Abrantes candidacy for the 2007 Mayoral election that shed some insight into who she is and why she is running. The Headline was "I Am An Immigrant", well that is great but what does that have to do with being a good candidate for Mayor? I think it is great that the paper pointed out Helena will be the first female, Portuguese born, naturalized citizen to run for Mayor in Danbury, I think more immigrants should be involved with their government, but I just didn't see anything that would convince me she should be the first to be elected. She says in the article that Danbury is not the same, that is true, but in someways I think it has changed for the better and even when it comes to the negatives she failed to mention any specifics. She also said she thinks she'd be an asset because she speaks Spanish and Portuguese, well that is great but I interpret that as, I will cater to the immigrants, including the illegal immigrants. She said that Danbury is a melting pot, and yes it is but I know plenty of people who think it's becoming too much of one. She said that she could help people by explaining to them in their own language what all the laws and regulations mean, isn't the current Mayor already doing that by enforcing the laws, by participating in bilingual community forums and by bringing in leaders of the Spanish & Portuguese/Brazilian community to help when things get lost in interpretation? She said over development is causing a serious risk to the community, and yet she is pictured in the piece with former Mayor Gene Eriquez who allowed so much of the over development that is occurring today. She says that schools and education are the most important items on her agenda, well if you ask me the current Mayor has that pretty well covered with increases every year he's been in office to education funding, with the first major school renovations and construction in years, and a new magnet school that parents can't wait to get their kids into. She says that immigrants shouldn't lose their own culture, and I agree to a certain extent but I also think that is part of the problem with downtown. The immigrant based businesses should be welcoming all residents, not just catering to the Spanish or Portuguese speaking. Overall, Helena sounds like she really cares about Danbury, but she offers no solutions to problems or drastic changes to what she vaguely claims is wrong. I guess we'll wait and see but right now I think experience and a realistic vision are more important then a Lets Make the World A Better Place candidate.

March 6 Common Council Meeting- Part 2

Now onto to the budget. Overall the budget addressed some issues that Danbury has been struggling with for a long time. The budget plans to add more police officers, to increase their training and technology and to assist the department with its reorganization plan that will eventually save tax dollars and resources. A groundbreaking for the new Police Headquarters was also announced for this summer. The budget also includes 10 new firefighter positions for the new westside firehouse and a new fire truck, the construction is expected to be complete this summer as well. I thought this was GREAT news for Danbury's westside and the entire fire department which won't have to take so long to get to the westside for a fire and to save lives'. Our ambulance services will also improve with funding for a new call system.

The budget also includes a reorganization of the Public Works Department, which like the Police Department's plan is expected to save us some money. The UNIT team is getting more money as well, hopefully that will enable them to do more inspections and get more illegal out-of-state cars out of our neighborhoods. The budget also addressed rising energy cost. Unfortuanetly we don't all benefit from this new tax credit but it does help our seniors who live on fixed incomes and who struggle to pay their bills and to have enough for everyday necessities like buying groceries. Another good point was a no rate increase for sewer and water and a less then 1% increase in taxes. Any increase doesn't help us everyday working folks but less then 1% is not too bad considering all the money the city is putting into safety, our neighborhood preservation and our education which also received an increase in funding. Overall there were no major surprises but that is a good thing as long as we don't get any negative surprises.

Soon after the budget I had to get going but I heard the issue of the BRT and tax incentives brought some additional heated debate and infuriated Councilwoman Taborsak so much that she up and left the meeting in the middle of it. I don't know about you but if she was representing my district I'd be alittle upset, she didn't vote on the rest of the issues and she walked away from her duties as a council member. I don't care how upset you get with an issue if you are my representative I want you there to do what is best for me and my neighborhood. Let us know what your opinion of the council meeting was and of the key issues we discussed.

March 6 Common Council Meeting - Part1

So the City of Danbury's Common Council meeting was rather interesting last night. From the residents who spoke up at the beginning of the meeting, to the budget presentation, to the outburst of Councilwoman Taborsak, it was one that you shouldn't have missed. Since there is so much to talk about, and I don't know about you but I hate reading a long blog entry, I am going to discuss the budget in more then one post.

The meeting opened with the usual time for residents to address issues on the agenda and the biggest one was without a doubt the BRT apartments and the city's tax incentives for the company. Both sides brought up some good points, some argued that the apartments were never supposed to be for college students and that college students wouldn't bring the income to downtown that everyone was told residents of the new apartments would do. I can see that point, looking back at my college days I was pretty much broke all the time but I always managed to get enough for dinner out or to enjoy a night at a local bar both of which are within walking distance of the new apartments. Others complained that parking would be an issue but Westconn is already planning on adding shuttle service to and from the apartments to both its campuses and parking garages. Others complained about partying and the effect of college students taking little care of maintaining the apartments, but again Westconn has addressed that issue by planning to run the apartments as they do dorms with RAs to make sure things don't get crazy and I'm sure apartment inspections will take place at the end of the school year forcing those who didn't mainatin their apartments to pay for any damages.

I agree that the apartments and incentives weren't approved based on the fact that they would eventually become like Westconn dormitories and I would even question if the city should give BRT all the incentives it promised and maybe even have Westconn contribute alittle but in the end the apartments will bring people downtown, whether they be familes or students, and would developers really consider building in downtown if there weren't incentives? Westconn is an asset to our city and I think we should give the plan a chance and maybe next time the city can take better care of putting the details in their contracts.

Crosby Street Apartments Progressing

Common Council members this evening will discuss the apartment complex BRT is building on Crosby Street here in Danbury. The building contains 115 units and will rent out every single unit to students and students only at WCSU. The large brick building on Crosby Street a.k.a. Brookview Commons has studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments that come already furnished (sounds like a great deal.)

BRT will likely keep the tax incentive it received from the city in 2005 to build downtown housing.

The prices are not listed on the Brookview Commons website however it is to our knowledge here at dbyblogger that they range from $4,500.00 to about $7,500.00. The prices range as one individual will pay a smaller amount for a studio than one who chooses a 2 bedroom apartment.

However, what dbyblogger didn't find out about these apartments in the News Times or listed on the Brookview Commons page we would like to share with those out there who may be interested in this complex.

• Students will be able to begin renting from Brookview Commons in the Fall of 2007.
• Students will be able to live in this complex from the fall semester until the end of the spring semester.
• If you choose to live in this complex during the summer time you will have to pay an extra amount.
• BRT isn't sure if they will allow students to live there during the winter recess.
• The set up will be similar to that of a dorm (R-A living on each floor)
• There is no meal plan one will have to buy as there is for the underclassman who dorms on the campus of WCSU.
• There will be a choice as to what parking garage a student chooses to have.
  
• Regular uncovered garage is $30 a month (x tra, not included in rent)
• Covered garage is $45 a month (x tra, not included in rent)

Dbyblogger compared the costs between living in the Brookview Commons complex on Crosby Street and the apartment housing options on WCSU's west side campus.

• Brookview Commons: One bedroom with three beds ($6,650)
• Westconn's Pinney Hall: One bedroom with two beds ($5,900)
• Westconn's Grasso Hall: One bedroom with two beds ($5,400)

Please click here to visit BRT's Brookview Commons webpage for more details.

Danbury Food Service Inspections

For the week of March 6th, 2007.

Please click here to read the entire list of the Food Service Inspections.
Summarizing it for you this week, top of the list and bottom;

• Bem Brazil (100)
• 213 White Street
• Mill Ridge Intermediate School (97)
• School Road
  
• Outback Steak House (89)
• 116 Newtown Road
• Henry Street Market (89)
• 18 Henry Street
• C Town Deli (89)
• 45 North Street
  

How Far Will The Govt. Go?

On February 27, 2007 an article was published in the News Times featuring a story entitled, "State weighs ban on trans fat." By clicking here you can read the full article from the News Times. In short a bill was proposed last month in which trans fat will be banned from restaurant use. This was the goal of state senator, John McKinney (R-Fairfield) and state senator, Andrew Roraback (R-Goshen). This, trans fat, according to the news times article is to blame for some 170-500 death in the state each year.

Connecticut would be the first state to ban such a substance from the use in restaurants.

Local state senator, David Cappiello is in agreement that Trans Fat is harmful but doesn't know if the government should be interfering.

"If we go down this road, what's to stop us from banning other products that we consume, such as alcohol or cigarettes?" he said.

Today in an article featured in the Conn. Post, "Lawmakers consider raising smoking to 21," an idea that has caused much discussion as of late in Hartford. Click here to read the full article.

It seems to us at dbyblogger that some issues Governor M. Jodi Rell addressed in her CT budget plan a few months ago have succeeded in causing further discussion. As she proposed to raise the state income tax she also had other ideas in mind as to how to do this. There will be an increase on the cigarette tax.

Is the government interfering too much?.....How far can the government go in stopping the goods of consumers; in as much as their goal is for the protection and well being of citizens?

VIP Common Council Meeting Tomorrow (March 6, 2007)

Tomorrow night, March 6th, is once again the first Tuesday of the month which means....Common Council Meets. However tomorrow night Mayor Mark Boughton will present his spending plan for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. A previous post on this blog noted the Mayor and Director of Finance, Dena Diorio will present this budget plan a month earlier as a result of Diorio's new job position in North Carolina. She deserves to deliver this presentation with the Mayor as many many hours were put into this spending plan. What a surprise...the democrats are upset once again. I am sure if one of the democrats on the council was in Diorio's position he/she would also like to present a major accomplishment for a city he/she has worked so hard for. It is to our belief here at DBYBLOGGER that this will be the last common council meeting in which Diorio will attend. Please join us tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m., 3rd Floor, common council chambers to thumb up, thumb down the spending plan for the city of Danbury as well as wish Diorio much success in her future and gratitude for all her hard work as Director of Finance.

Please visit the city's website to view tomorrow night's common council agenda.