Veterans, We Honor You!

Looking back at this weekend I have to say that I am proud of the way our great city honors our nation's veterans. Saturday morning brought together residents and visitors to honor the city's newest memorial dedicated to African American Civil War soldiers and sailors from the greater Danbury area. Monday morning many of us lined Main Street to watch this year's parade which hopefully reminded us about those who have fought for our freedom, while down the street from me veterans marched early in the morning to a memorial to lay a wreath in honor of soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I want to thank local officials, veterans groups and individuals who took some time this weekend away from the TV, pool and bbq to remember the real meaning of Memorial Day.

What were they thinking?!?

The News Times had an editorial today regarding the new Elmer's diner on North Street and we have to agree with their point. What are city officials thinking by approving businesses in areas where there isn't enough parking and way too much traffic? Even worse, now parking is being allowed along such a busy street where traffic congestion is horrible during rush hour! Elmer's Diner isn't the only mind boggling new construction in town, the new Walgreens in the Stew Leonard's parking lot makes no sense as well. The city didn't allow Stew Leonard's to expand their store which is an asset to the city but they let yet another Walgreens be built in an area where parking has been an issue for years! I think this November we need to take a closer look at who we are electing to our Planning and Zoning Commission and demand that the Planning and Zoning Department start thinking about what is best for the city and not developers.

No money for the less fortunate, isn't that the way it always is?

So President Bush declared a Major Disaster in Connecticut on May 11th confirming aid for those who probably need it the least.

Governor Rell's press release explained who would get the aid as follows:
"local governments and certain non-profit agencies in Fairfield and Litchfield counties will be eligible for reimbursement of part of the costs they incurred to cope with the storm and its aftermath. In addition all counties in the state are eligible for grants under the Hazard Mitigation program, which pays for actions to prevent or reduce long-term risks to life and property from natural hazards."

Don't get me wrong businesses and municipalities do need the help to fix up streets, bridges, facilities, etc. that were damaged by the flood but they have special insurance that they can afford while individuals need the aid too. I am glad to see that Governor Rell isn't letting this issue go as she has requested and begun the process of appealing for more assistance from the federal government for individuals.

Governor Rell's press release stated:
“I very much appreciate the assistance this declaration will provide for the people of Connecticut"....“I am asking the state Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security to prepare to appeal this portion of the decision,” Governor Rell said. “Inspectors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency counted more than $31 million in private losses from the storm. In fact, private losses made up the vast majority of the more than $43 million FEMA estimated the storm had cost Connecticut. What these homeowners need right now is assistance in putting things right again in their own homes.”

Good job Governor Rell for not forgetting about the less fortunate, a large percentage of which live in Danbury.

Can You Believe It's Been 3 Months?

Dbyblogger would like to update on the past few months in which this blog was inactive. There were a few major events that happened here in the city and we would like to make a few comments. Dbyblogger is sorry for the lack of posts but other local bloggers have certainly kept readers up to date with their opinions....so here is ours'!

1. Clean City Danbury Day 2007....News Times reported on the huge success of Clean City Danbury Day. I myself waited in line for about 30 minutes at the PAL Building, others said they waited close to 2 hours. Next year I hope the Mayor and Clean City organizers provide the numerous sites with more dumpsters and possibly more drop off sites....(Triple A Building on Lake Avenue or Danbury High School on Clapboard Ridge.) Now let's all step up to the plate and keep this city clean. Overall Great Job Danbury Residents!
2. Parade Ordinance.....I'm sure a lot of you were hoping we would comment on the parade ordinance that took effect for a mere twelve hours. The Common Council will vote on it the beginning of next month. I am rooting that this ordinance does take effect and a majority of the members of the council vote yes. It's no surprise that a few Dems are struggling to agree with the remainder of the council.....Where were they when Brazil won a game in the World Cup this past summer? And Where were they when Danbury residents were complaining about the traffic problems?
3. ICE........The Immigrations Custom Enforcement was at it again this past week. Now the Danbury 10 are undergoing criminal investigations and most likely will be represented by the Yale School of Law.....hmmmm the Yale School of Law represented the Danbury 11....they had a brief conference following the raid but....what has happened since then?
4. HAT CITY BLOGGER.........totally out of control! Too bad everyday wasn't officially Mother's Day because according to HAT CITY he wouldn't be blogging on Mother's Day; in an attempt to spend time with the family. (hahahahaha) But in all honesty this blogger is out of control. His lastest post with the disturbing photo of Oedipus Tyrannus, captioning that the mayor should take a lesson from him before poking his own eyes out. He is again upset with the parade ordinance yet feels that the more he blogs, the more he bashes, his point will be the result. (I heard it on Main Street......Hat City is promoting his blog with flyers being posted on car windshields.....)

Sorry for the interruption folks!

On behalf of everyone at Listen Up Danbury! we'd like to apologize for the interruption of our postings. After a long break we are ready to start up again with comments on the latest news in the great city of Danbury!