The Vernon Republican Town Committee will be holding its annual Lincoln Day Breakfast on Saturday, February 6th at the Rockville Fish and Game club, Fish and Game Road, Vernon, CT.
Breakfast will be served starting at 9:00 AM.
Keynote speaker will be Lawrence Cafero, House Republican leader. Also in attendance will be Rob Simmons & Linda McMahon candidates for US Senate, Tom Foley, candidate for Governor, Matt Daley, candidate for US Congress (2d District).
As well as State Rep Pam Sawyer and State Senator Tony Guglielmo.
Donation for program will be $20 per person, $30 for family. For further information please contact VRTC chair, Hal Cummings at yankeejag@aol.com or at 871-1185.
Perhaps here is a clue of what is going on in Washington DC and several decent people are leaving town because of the chaos at hand.
Take a look at a recent C-Span outtake dated December 23, 2009. The US Senate voted passed the Healthcare bill on December 24, 2009.
The Honorable Max Baucus from, Montana, is apparently under some type of duress. But was amazes me is that fact that no one in the US Senate chamber helped this individual.
(176,795)
That brings the total number of open House seats to 11 for the Democrats, presenting Republicans with a plethora of attractive targets. While House Republicans have 12 members stepping down, many to run for higher office, most of them are leaving behind seats in reliably Republican districts.
Carl Slicer, blog editor, www.VernonGop.com , “Who do you trust ?” 20329
From the state Capitol this week the message rang out loud and clear: Nowhere in state or municipal government can any more money be saved even as the state budget deficit grows by tens of millions of dollars each month and threatens state government with running out of cash next year just as California state government did this year.First the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee held hearings to parade every hard-luck case in the state in front of the television cameras to plead against any reduction in their assistance. Then the Municipal Mandate Board just appointed by Governor Rell to recommend reductions in state grants to cities and towns voted not to recommend anything. The only municipal official opposing the motion was Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy, who had specified many state mandates whose repeal would reduce municipal expenses.
It appears that when, next week, at Governor Rell’s call, the General Assembly convenes in special session to address the deficit, the leaders of the Democratic majority may either undertake to try to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars for current expenses, thereby destroying the state’s bond rating if lenders can even be found, or simply abdicate and adjourn the special session immediately as if nothing can be done except to await financial collapse.
Has anyone in the parade ever urged his legislators to review how much more drug criminalization or government-subsidized childbearing outside marriage Connecticut can afford?
Has anyone in the parade ever complained to his congressmen about the essentially infinite cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the rescues of the bankrupt financial houses that devastated the world economy?
Of course it is not really as if nothing can be done. The question is just whether the political will can be mustered to prevent society from collapsing under the weight of the government. There is a desperate emergency and there can be no more asking the permission of anyone to save the state. All statutory and regulatory impediments to saving money must be repealed or suspended so that the basic functions and humane institutions of government can continue to do what is essential through hard times.
The great objective must be to restore a relationship between the public’s income and the income of the government, its employees, its vendors, and its dependents, to wrest control of the government from those who vote for a living and give it back to those who work for one.
—–Chris Powell is managing editor of the Journal Inquirer.
Here’s one more reason why the Democratic caucus must be replaced in 2010.
“The western Massachusetts university town of Amherst is mulling a resolution urging the Congress to release cleared Guantanamo Bay detainees into the United States and calling for the town to welcome those detainees into the community”.
On Monday, October, 19, 2009, thetown’s Select Board voted 2-1 Monday night to endorse a warrant article titled, “Resolution to Assist in the Safe Resettlement of Cleared Guantanamo Detainees.”
redbarchetta88 wrote:
Last time I checked, Amherst is $1.4 million in the red and closing an elementary school to balance their budget for next year. Where are they going to find the money to pad their self-righteousness?
wth978 wrote:
Another example that elections matter. How can people vote for these idiots that have no clue, if one of the detainees kills someone they should be held responsible. But that would be too much to ask for liberal cool aid drinkers….it is ashame that common sense has been removed from the gene pool….
ObamaISaLIAR wrote:
Free rides to UMass Amherst for all of the poor terrorists!
baseballdiamond wrote:
Thank you, Amherst. Don’t we have enough problems in Massachusetts? Send them all “home” and if they want to make their way back here, let them fight for the right like other honest people do to be citizens of the U.S. No need to hand it to them, especially in our own state!
High-Taxes wrote:
Amherst would welcome Osama with open arms just to repudiate Bush. What a bunch of idiots.
First watch the video and then ask yourself why is Mr Murtha endorsed by these people and businesses ?
Ok, now here are his endorsees from 2008. These were obtained from the John Murtha website. Here is who endorsed Mr Murtha in 2008
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Political Action Committee – “This letter is official notification that the Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee (VFW-PAC) Board of Directors has endorsed you for re-election to the United States House of Representatives. In addition to comments received from VFW leaders in your state, this endorsement is based on your strong support for veterans, national security/defense, and military personnel issues.”
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees – AFL-CIO - “This letter is the confirmation that you have received the endorsement of Council 83, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, (AFSCME, AFL-CIO), in the upcoming Election.”
United Steel Workers District 10 – “The United Steelworkers, AFL-CIO District 10 are proudly endorsing the following Candidate for the November 4, 2008 General Election: Congress 9th Congressional District – John P. Murtha.”
United Mine Workers of America – “With this endorsement, we bestow upon you our trust, that you will consider the needs of all working men and women… Working together, we can make life better for working families!”
National Rifle Association – “Based on your congressional record and responses to our 2008 federal candidate questionnaire, you have earned an “A” rating and endorsement from the NRA-PVF. We urge our members and other gun owners and sportsmen in the 12th Congressional District of Pennsylvania to vote for you on November 4th.”
American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO - “The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is proud to endorse Congressman John Murtha for re-election in the twelfth Congressional District of Pennsylvania. In these difficult times, working families in the twelfth Congressional District need a champion…We have such a champion in Congressman John Murtha.”
VoteVets.org – “When the chips are down, time and time again, John Murtha has been there for us. He recognizes that under this administration, care for veterans has suffered greatly, and has worked in Congress to help veterans get the funding we need. As a Marine, Congressman Murtha is one of us, and hasn’t forgotten us. We need Congressman Murtha to stay right where he is- in the halls of Congress.”
Democrats for Life of America, Inc - “Democrats for Life of America is very proud to endorse your candidacy for re-election. Your past voting record makes it abundantly clear that you are dedicated to promoting the critically important pro-life values that our organization.”
Service Employees International Union - “Your history of supporting issues important to Pennsylvania’s working families and your leadership in Congress have earned our respect and support.”
Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters - “The Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters is pleased to inform you that we have unanimously endorsed your candidacy for Congressman in the 12th District in the 2008 General Election at our September 7, 2008 Executive Board Meeting. As a dedicated family man yourself, you truly understand the problems facing American families in today’s society.”
Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association – “It is with great honor that the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association has chosen to endorse you for reelection. There is a reflection of the support you have shown for Firefighters during your tenure in Congress.”
Fraternal Order of Police Pennsylvania State Lodge – “You have always been an active supporter of the law enforcement community, the officers, and their families. Once again, we are proud to present you with our full support for public office. Please accept our sincerest appreciation for all your hard work and best of luck with your campaign.”
The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) - “You have shown your support for us, and we in turn support you in your election effort. We have sent a letter to all NTEU members in your area, urging them to vote for you on Election Day. We believe that your victory on November 4 will result in a better understanding of the important contributions federal employees make…”
National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) – “Representative John Murtha is a powerful advocate for Pennsylvania and America’s community pharmacies and the patients they serve. That is why the National Community Pharmacists Association strongly endorses him for re-election to Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District.”
UFCW Local 1776 - “our endorsement recognizes your commitment to policies that benefit working families, please feel free to use this endorsement in your literature or any other way you set fit.”
Humane Society Legislative Fund - “We are grateful for your support of humane issues, and for your work to create a more humane society. The Humane Society Legislative Fund looks forward to working with you in the 111th Congress to promote more humane treatment of animals.”
Alliance for Retired Americans - “Your positions demonstrate a strong commitment to improve the quality of life for older Americans. Your leadership on issues such as fighting Social Security privatization and strengthening the Social Security and Medicare systems exhibits that commitment. In addition, our members can support your candidacy because of your belief in the need to provide more affordable health care for older Americans, to create a Medicare drug program that benefits seniors, not insurance and drug companies, as well as the need for stronger retirement and pension security, and quality long term and nursing home care.”
National Farmers Union Political Action Committee - “NATFARMPAC seeks to support candidates for federal office who are committed to ensuring that the public policy needs of family farmers, ranchers and the communities in which they live are addressed. You have demonstrated that commitment, and we thank you.”
REA Energy Cooperative Inc. – “In addition to the support you receive from ACRE, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association (PREA), REA deeply appreciates your efforts on behalf of our local members as you strive to improve the quality of rural life.”
Pennsylvania Action Committee for Rural Electrification – “On behalf of the Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE), we are pleased to endorse your candidacy for re-election in 2008. This endorsement represents the support of electric cooperative leaders in Pennsylvania.”
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO – “This endorsement is extended to you in recognition of your support of Labor issues. Again, congratulations on Labor’s endorsement! On to victory!”
Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers – “This endorsement, recommended by the PFT Political Action Committee and approved by the PFT Executive Board, constitutes the full support of the 3800-member Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers.”
Pittsburgh Area Retiree Workers of the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO - “Use your vote as if your life depends on it – because it does! Vote early. This is our opportunity to determine who the candidates will be in the General Election this November.”
Former Mayor Donato B. Zucco, Ph.D – “You may agree or disagree with the positions he [Congressman Murtha] has taken over the years; however, in my opinion he has been and continues to be the major driving force in the transformation and revitalization of the region. We all should remember that his position is to ask us the community, business, civic, elected leaders and local residents what our highest priorities are to grow the economic base of his district. Many of us have participated on numerous occasions in helping to form those priorities which he then strives tirelessly to achieve.”
MEDIA ENDORSEMENTS
Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh Tribune-Review – “And his sharp words following the Haditha killings in Iraq might not have been the most artful but they certainly did force a change in basic tactics, as did his call for U.S. forces to leave Iraq. The military still has no better champion. It’s no contest. Re-elect Jack Murtha.”
Johnstown, PA Tribune-Democrat – “Murtha has worked with employers to bring many jobs to our region. And he is now working with our area’s defense contractors to help them earn contracts based on their quality work and growing experience rather than Murtha’s presence in Washington… We think folks around the 12th district should see Murtha as the better chioce by far to represent them in Washington in the coming term. You should vote to keep him in office.”
Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – ” The challenger says government should focus on infrastructure, national defense, and law and order. “It’s not the government’s role to ensure that everyone gets equality of outcome,” he said. This survival-of-the-fittest approach may work for Mr. Russell, but not for many residents of the 12th District, which includes Greene County and parts of Allegheny, Armstrong, Cambria, Indiana, Somerset, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties. The incumbent may have his warts, but the challenger is not a promising alternative. We endorse John Murtha for another term.”
Indiana, PA Indiana Gazette – “For his part, John Murtha has used his influence and standing in Congress to our benefit. “His deeds have been in our best interests, and they speak louder than his words.”
Washington, PA Observer-Reporter - “This newspaper endorses Democrat John Murtha for re-election to Congress from the 12th District. He has provided good representation to Western Pennsylvania and on national issues tends to be right more often than not.”
Uniontown, PA Herald-Standard - “With practically no dissension, the Herald Standard editorial board enthusiastically endorses U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Johnstown, for re-election. There is no denying that Murtha, one of the most influential congressman in history, has been a big benefit to Fayette and Green counties since his 12th District expanded into those areas…. Murtha has already proven he can work both sides of the aisle, having been successful and respected under Republican administrations and in a GOP-led House of Representatives. He is perhaps the most influential member of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation- and turning him out to pasture would be a notoriously bad idea.”
Four House Republicans on Wednesday accused the nation’s largest Muslim advocacy group of trying to “infiltrate” Capitol Hill by placing interns in the offices of lawmakers who handle national security issues.
The four lawmakers, members of the anti-terror caucus, asked for an investigation into the Council on American Islamic Relations after discovering an internal memo noting the group’s strategy. They also highlighted a new book by Paul Sperry titled “Muslim Mafia,” scheduled for release on Thursday, which claims the group has been actively infiltrating Congress.
The internal memo, provided to FOXNews.com, stated that CAIR would “focus on influencing congressmen responsible for policy that directly impacts the American Muslim community.”
The memo cited three House committees — Homeland Security, Intelligence and the Judiciary — as panels on which lawmakers preside over policy affecting American Muslims.
“We will develop national initiatives such as a lobby day and placing Muslim interns in Congressional offices,” the memo read.
Earlier this year the FBI severed its once-close ties with CAIR as evidence mounted of the group’s links to a support network for Hamas, which the U.S. has designated a terrorist organization.
“It’s frightening to think that an organization with clear-cut ties to terrorism could have a hand in influencing policy — especially national security policy — within our government,” Myrick said. “The investigations that we’re asking for are simple, and I’m hopeful that they will bring to light any and all information regarding the goals of CAIR.”
Franks called on CAIR to renounce its ties to terrorist groups and state publicly that it does not support Hamas or the Muslim Brotherhood.
“I take the charges levied against CAIR and laid out in this book very seriously because they affect our national security,” Franks said in a statement. “This Congress must be deliberate in taking a strong stance against those groups and organizations that align themselves with terrorists.”
“We live in a post-9/11 world where the coincidence of nuclear proliferation and Islamic terrorism pose a very dangerous combination and real threat to America’s national security,” he said. “That is why it is critical, in light of the well supported documents and information, that the U.S. Congress take this issue seriously.”
CAIR decried the call as a “racist” and “insidious” attack on Muslims and mocked the allegations.
“If it wasn’t so insidious, it would be laughable,” CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper told FOXNews.com. “What are their charges? CAIR seeks political participation of Muslims. I’m shocked.”
Hooper said the evidence proves only that the group is trying, like every other minority group, to engage Muslims in the political process.
“Why is it evil when Muslims seek political participation?” he asked.
In the book “Muslim Mafia,” a six-month sting appears to link CAIR to an organized crime network made up of more than 100 other Muslim front groups that make up the U.S. Muslim Brotherhood. The book claims the group is bent on destroying Western civilization.
Hooper said Sperry’s efforts only proved the group’s good intentions.
“The guy spied on us for months, stole documents — and the most they came up with is CAIR seeks to work with policymakers on Capitol Hill?” Hooper said.
The state of Connecticut finally has a new budget! Unfortunately that is where the good news ends. In the early morning hours of September 1st, the legislature approved the $37.6 billion two-year budget in a manner that left many scratching their heads and something that I could not support.
With Connecticut’s economy struggling to gain momentum, everyone was aware of the challenges facing the state heading into 2009. In her State of the State address back in January, Gov. M. Jodi Rell warned us that balancing the state budget would be not be easy and that difficult choices would have to be made, much like the decisions many families have had to make during this recession.
The budget was the most important responsibility of the legislature this year, yet the urgency and the importance to pass a true bi-partisan compromise seemed to be lacking throughout the entire process. More focus was placed on determining and politicizing the actual size of the budget deficit than making efforts to reduce it. When the session ended in June without a budget, the feeling was that everyone would put aside their differences in Special Session where the legislature and the governor’s office could concentrate solely on reaching an agreement. This did not happen.
Instead, it was more of the same. While budget negotiations did take place sporadically throughout the summer, they did so out of the public eye between a small group of legislative leaders and the executive branch. There were no public hearings, and very little media coverage since a news blackout was out in place for several weeks.
When the majority party announced they had an agreement, legislators were called back to the capitol to vote on the plan the next day even though there was no bill available for anyone to review. It wasn’t until the day of the vote that anyone was able to read the state budget. Think about that, the most important measure of the next two years and rank and file members were presented a 700-plus page bill just hours before the vote. That’s not a responsible approach in my view.
Would the last one out Please turn out the lights ?
Review some eye opening facts that the Yankee Institute has put together on migration in and of Connecticut. Dated September 2009.
Written by Scott Moody, MA & Wendy Warcholik, Ph D. at the
Yankee Institute for Public Policy
Key findings include:
• Connecticut lost a net of 325,526 residents to other states between 1991 and 2008, or about one in ten residents. 10% of our population is HUGE !
• The top states that people from Connecticut move to are Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and South Carolina.
• The top states that people move into Connecticut from are New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Nebraska.
• The total net income leaving the state was nearly $5 billion between 1995-2006. Had this income stayed in Connecticut, state and local governments would have collected an estimated $566,520,000 in additional tax revenue.
• Of course, when someone leaves, state and local governments don’t just lose income and taxes for one year, but rather for all future years as well. Compounding these figures over the twelve years assessed in this study, the state has lost $31.2 billion in net income and $3.7 billion in state and local tax revenue due to out-migration.
• People move to states where the weather is warmer, taxes are lower, union membership is lower, population density is lower, and the cost of housing is lower.
• The number one destination state for former Connecticut residents is Florida, a state with no income tax and no inheritance tax.
• An August, 2009 poll conducted by The Yankee Institute found that 45 percent of state residents have considered moving out of Connecticut due to high taxes
IN proportion, the town of Vernon lost $5.7 million in estimated additional tax revenue.
With winter fast approaching, there is no better time to consider ways to lower your energy bills. In order to help you identify potential assistance and savings, we have put together an easy to use interactive web site detailing government and utility sponsored programs to help you lower your energy costs and usage.
Eligibility for some programs is determined by your income, however most programs are open to anyone.
Please take a moment to browse this site and feel free to share it with your friends and family via social networking sites or email. As always, please contact my office should you have any questions or concerns about this or any other issue concerning state government.
The Simmons for Senate campaign today announced 20 Republican mayors and first selectmen from around Connecticut are endorsing Rob Simmons for U.S. Senate.
“As CEOs of our towns, we know leadership is about setting positive examples and doing what’s right,” said Durham First Selectman Laura Francis. “Rob Simmons has led the sort of life that will make the people he represents proud, and he has demonstrated the good judgment, common sense, and selflessness that is required of those who seek the public trust.”
“As chief executives officers, mayors and first selectmen understand leadership and we understand what is required of those who hold the public trust,” said Mayor James Richetelli of Milford. “Rob Simmons is a leader whose judgment and character set him apart. He will make a great U.S. Senator.”
“I am grateful for the support of these distinguished local leaders,” said Simmons. “No one understands the pulse of their communities like mayors and first selectmen. Their support will be an enormous help to my campaign.”
The Simmons for Senate campaign adds these 20 endorsements to those of 31 members of the Republican State Central Committee and 11 members of the General Assembly.
Republican convention rules award bonus delegates to municipalities where the Party controls the chief elected official.
Jeers and cheers at Woolsey health-care reform town hall meeting.
Just outside the entrance to the Petaluma Veterans Memorial Hall was an older, bearded guy carrying a sign that read, “Love one another”, in Petaluma, California.
The main hall, an overflow room and a lobby were packed to the rafters with people carrying signs. Security and police officers were peppered through-out the crowd.
Over 1000 people packed the hall.
Marin and Sonoma, Calif. Representative Lynn Woolsey bowing to pressure by constituents, both for and against the proposed health care reform bill, finally scheduled a long awaited town hall meeting on Monday evening.
The two hours set aside weren’t nearly enough time to hear everyone who wanted to speak their mind.
At one point, things got pretty heated between opposing sides in the packed main room and a security officer had to intervene, but nobody was physically removed.
A business woman from Nevada City, California travelled over 100 miles to be heard at this town hall meeting of 1000 people allowed in.
Introduced by: Conn Senator Donald E. Williams, 29th District and
Representative James A. Amann, 118th District just don’t get want the people of Connecticut need. Public Act 2005-05 became Conn Law.
Remember this in the November 2009 elections !
The Democratically controlled House & Senate introduced and passed a bill that bypasses the little guy AND then at the same time, if the first part isn’t enough, makes the Conn Taxpayers pay for it.
This song is really getting old.
Democrat Recipe to ruin the CT Taxpayer.
Inefficient Causes: Find something that benefits only a handful of people.
Justify with a Mother’s attitude: Start a “Bleeding Heart” campaign and make sure you are righteous in your pursuit.
Be Frivolous: Take the cost and run out the most expensive process to run up the bill.
Robin Hood Effect: When the bill comes up, pass it on to the wealthy first. If we can’t get the wealthy to swallow hard, then we can pass it along and label it “Reform” and let the taxpayers pay for it.
Gloat: Go back home and beat your chest in front of the people who do NOT pay the bill.
Campaign: Mix well and run again for election. (Start over with Inefficient causes.)
US Court Judge, Stefan R. Underhill, who sits in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport, issued a permanent injunction blocking further implementation of the public financing scheme.
The Judge was quoted as “public financing to participating candidates at windfall levels, well beyond historic expenditure levels in most races, thus creating merely illusory expenditure ‘limits’ for participating candidates.”
Thus, the program acts “as an impermissible subsidy for major-party candidates, rather than a permissible substitute for … traditional sources of funding,” the judge wrote in his 138-page decision.
The Conn Republicans tried, in the 2009 General Assembly, in both the House & Senate, argued the State of Conn CAN NOT AFFORD the such a program.
Senate President Pro Tem Donald E. Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn, said early today that he also hadn’t fully analyzed the decision, but supports all efforts to preserve public financing.
“Obviously I’m disappointed,” he said.
The Democrats who voted for the bill were: Claire Janowski, Joan Lewis, Michael Lawlor, Mary Handley, Gary LeBeau, Martin Looney, EDITH G. PRAGUE, ANDREW J. MCDONALD to name but a few.
Passing 27 Yea and 8 Nay under SB 2103 in Senate and
Passing 82 Yea to 65 Nay under SB-2103 House.
Public Act 2005-05. AN ACT CONCERNING COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM FOR STATE-WIDE CONSTITUTIONAL AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OFFICES.
Changing Connecticut’s Probate Court System? By State Senator Tony Guglielmo.
August 25, 2009
One of the longest standing institutions in our state is the probate court system. Dating back over three centuries, to the earliest days of Connecticut’s history, the probate court system has been in place to handle all matters pertaining to the administration of family wills and estates. What were once the responsibilities of the state’s trial courts and the General Assembly, probate courts were established throughout the state to deal specifically with matters of probate comprising of judges elected by voters in municipalities where the court was established. While the system has undergone some cosmetic changes over the years the main responsibilities of the state’s probate courts has remained constant.
Today there are 117 probate districts in Connecticut. Many towns have individual probate courts, while some of the state’s more rural communities share their courts. Because the current court system was created by state statute, any changes to the makeup or responsibilities of the courts can be made only by an act of the General Assembly.
Over the years, some of our state’s smaller towns have voluntarily consolidated their courts with neighboring communities because, unlike the larger municipalities, they have fewer cases brought before them. This does not mean however that all probate courts in smaller towns should be merged. That is why I voted against legislation this year that seeks to “reform” the state’s probate court system. It is my belief that matters of probate are local matters and that we should do everything in our power to keep them that way.
PA 09-114 established a Probate Redistricting Commission to develop a plan to consolidate the state’s probate court districts to deal with a projected shortfall in the Probate Court General Account. The commission is made up of 13 members appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. Their redistricting plan must take into account a number of factors including the size and potential workload of the new district, geographic accessibility, availability of municipal facilities, and communities that may be interested in sharing a proposed district. The commission must report back to the legislature with a plan that reduces the number of probate courts in Connecticut from its current 117 to around 50. Such a reduction would surely affect many towns in eastern Connecticut that have smaller populations, while keeping in place the probate courts in the state’s cities and larger towns.
Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy accepted the Vernon GOP nomination for a second term as Vernon, CT’s Mayor on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, by thanking the group for allowing him to serve as Vernon’s mayor. The mayor said he’s looking to continue to control government spending, offer better schools, make our streets safer and use common sense in governance.
Receiving the Vernon GOP nomination for the board of education are incumbents George Apel and Anne Fisher for four-year terms, and Laura Bush and Vicki Rispoli for two-year terms for the Board of Education. The Vernon GOP candidates for Vernon Town Council are Deputy Mayor Brian Motola, Mark Etre, Dan Anderson, Bill Campbell, Harry Thomas, Sean O’Shea, Judy Hany and Dan Champagne.
Mayor Jason McCoy said this was an incredible group and it will be his privilege to run with them.
Mayor McCoy pointed to the last two approved budgets, which held the line on increased spending by 0.85 percent in the face of the repayment of money from the 2005 bonding project. He also cited a lower tax rate; creation of technology for better citizen access to service; the town’s bridges which are completed, under construction or in design; a proposed energy improvement district; implementation of a policy to decrease governments usage of energy and fuel through implementation of no idling rules, key hold accountability, synthetic oil usage, bringing single stream recycling to Vernon, passage of an ordinance for a tax exemption for hybrid vehicles to encourage citizens to buy vehicles that would reduce reliance on fossil fuel.
McCoy explained how he fought for Vernon and other towns in Connecticut to reduce CRRA tipping fees or garbage disposal feeswhich reduced costs for towns. McCoy also procured grants to replace Vernon Vehicles with hybrid vehicles to reduces fuel usage, save money and protect our environment.
McCoy worked on the relationship with the members of the board of education, prompting a rule passed by the BOE that stopped transfer of funds without BOE approval, a huge step in controlling spending and transparency for the citizens of the town. The council, BOE and the mayor relationship saved nearly $1,000,000.00 for Vernon taxpayers, according to the Vernon Republicans.
“To me, these things are important,” Mayor McCoy said.
State Senator Anthony Guglielmo, R-Stafford, called McCoy a capable mayor who has done skilled work to control spending in a tough economy. “Competence counts and Mayor McCoy is more than just competent,” he said.
“Mayor McCoy and our ticket have experience, they offer what Vernon needs now- good fiscal sense, they have done an amazing job in these tough economic times,” said GOP Chairman Hal Cummings.
Vernon Mayor Jason L. McCoy recently announced that residents who have served in the armed forces and currently qualify for disabled veteran status will no longer need to provide annual proof of disability to the assessor for a municipal tax credit.
The new legislation — Conn Senate Bill 846 ”An Act Concerning the Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption” — eliminates the requirement of annual filing for the tax credit. Mayor McCoy said the new law benefits disabled service members who will now need to file appropriate paperwork once and make it easier to obtain and submit proof of disability.
State law permits annual municipal tax credits of $1,000 for qualified veterans. For additional information on the new law contact the assessor’s office at 860-870-3625 or 860-872-8591 (Main Number).
Tolland County Econony has put out its August 2009 and the news is good for Connecticut employment.
“Dear TV show guests, volunteers and friends:
I have some very good news. Our Tolland County Economy e-Job Bank is gaining traction! As of today, we are aware of over 50 job openings in Tolland County. Many of the organizations hiring have been on our TV show!
Johnson Memorial Hospital, Stafford: administrative assistant, medical affairs; ICU secretary, registrar, nutrition aide, occupational therapist, physical therapist, respiratory therapist, registered nurse, vice president of administration at Evergreen, social worker, mental health worker, diagnostic imaging receptionist
Rockville General Hospital, Rockville: diet aide, emergency department technician, evening supervisor, licensed practical nurse, medical lab technician, operating room technician, physical therapist, registered nurse
ServPro of East Windsor & Enfield : I realize these franchises are technically outside of “Tolland County,” but with all of the rain this year, business is brisk and they have openings for projects throughout the County
University of Connecticut, Storrs: student union custodian, associate vice president and chief information officer, and many faculty positions in athletics, engineering, computer science, health, education, biology, materials science and pharmaceuticals
Woodlake at Tolland: certified nurse aide, laundry assistant, director of admissions, registered nurse
Feel free to forward this email to people who may benefit from this information. If you or they would like help in finding more information about these openings, please email me at dcrandall@KeepTouch.com . And remember to let me know of openings at your organization! This service is free as a community service.
(Tolland County Economy & Drew Crandall host a business showcase on the Vernon-Comcast system, Channel 5, at 7:00pm, every Thursday. Business guests are interviewed from the Tolland County area for 30 minutes to bring a local aspect on your community. Courtesy of the Community Voice Channel studio.)