Norwalk: Common Council MTG of Endless Thanks

by turfgrrl

November 14th, 2007 · 23 Comments

Tags: In the News · Norwalk

23 Responses so far ↓ “Norwalk: Common Council MTG of Endless Thanks”

• 1 #13 of the Miserable 25 // Nov 14, 2007 at 8:14 am

  Help! I think I just got instant Sugar Diabetes.

• 2 Anonymous // Nov 14, 2007 at 8:24 am

  I want Kelly’s job. Missed two meetings in a row and still reelected.

• 3 Anonymous // Nov 14, 2007 at 9:27 am

  What do they mean stay involved we got rid of them because we did not like what they were doing. Stay home and do something else. Look back at some of the things you allowed to happen that were not good for the city like allowing all this over development. Shame on you and hope the new council does better. Dont fall into the political mind set and vote for the people in Norwalk not your pockets. Quality of life open space dont block our view with big tall buildings.

• 4 anonymous // Nov 14, 2007 at 9:38 am

  Sorry Gail you didn’t get Kelly’s job…

• 5 Anonymous // Nov 14, 2007 at 11:20 am

  Oh well Gail, guess you’ll just have to torment from afar! Nobody wanted to hear your sniveling crap on the council so they didn’t vote for you. Wishing for Kelly’s spot ain’t gonna happen.

• 6 anonymous // Nov 14, 2007 at 11:22 am

  I wanted Kevin’s job. Lose re-election, than get appointed back onto the Council by the DTC, put in every peiece of literature that I never left, only to get rejected again.

• 7 marital woes // Nov 14, 2007 at 11:27 am

  # 8 and 9 give you insight into the nasty, sniping, vermin that form the core of Norwalk’s Republican party. They smile in your face…well, you know the rest.

• 8 marital woes // Nov 14, 2007 at 11:29 am

  That’s posters 4 and 5 … and now poster 6.

• 9 anonymous // Nov 14, 2007 at 11:37 am

  I’m not a Republican, sorry! I voted for a few Republicans, but only the ones I knew and liked. I just got mad that Kevin put all of this info out, when he clearly wasn’t an incumbent.

• 10 dem in the know // Nov 14, 2007 at 12:49 pm

  OOPS #7-I was #5 and I sure ain’t a republican. I just have some common sense.

• 11 norwalkphil // Nov 14, 2007 at 2:29 pm

  Council Democrats should emulate Democratic Legislators at the state level by working together.

  Democratic Legislators successfully re-introduced the bond package which passed both chambers of the House and was signed by Gov. Rell. Highlights include, NORWALK: 1 million for harbor dredging, 3.005,000 million for flood control, $400,000 for Marine Aquarium, $153,000 for Norwalk transit, $878,050 for Norwalk Hospital, 100% reimburement for school construction projects, $250,000 Grant to Norwalk Transit District to construct bus depot.

  Congratulations!!! to Norwalk Democratic legislators Bob Duff (State Senator, 25th) Bruce Morris (State Rep. 140th) and Chris Perone (State Rep. 137th) for their relentless efforts and hard work on behalf of the People of Norwalk.

  Republican Mayor Moccia continues on a path of partisanship and against the best interests of Norwalk’s citizens. Mayor Moccia turned his back on city homeowners and taxpayers when he supported Republican Gov. Jodi Rell’s prior VETO to the statewide schools system bonding package.

  Detrimental Results of Gov. Rell’s VETO. Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich and other municipalities welcomed the bond package passed by the Democratic majority. But the lack of a bond package interrupted the flow of state grants for school construction since summer. The fiscal year began July 1, but it was late September before the General Assembly’s Democratic majority passed a $4.6 billion borrowing plan. (delay was due to continued opposition by Gov. Rell and Republican legislators)

  Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell vetoed it (bond bill) in early October, saying it was too expensive. To make amends for the long delay, the General Assembly and Rell estimated how much municipalities lost in interest payments and pledged to provide compensation. The result was adding $2 million to the final package. Some towns were forced to seek “expensive short-term loans” to keep projects moving forward while the bond bill was in limbo.

• 12 anonymous // Nov 14, 2007 at 2:35 pm

  I agree with you norwalkphil. The same thing is about to happen with federal funds for harbor dredging - Bush is going to cut Norwalk’s allocation from $8M to $4M. Too bad the mayor and governor aren’t working together to help Norwalk like the democrats in the state legislature are!

• 13 Anonymous // Nov 14, 2007 at 4:49 pm

  its not just the democrats. You all like to run around and pat each other on the back for a job well done. Its actually sickening. Please you act like the next coming of the Messiah. We wouldn’t be in this mess if the democrats didn’t want to spend like drunken sailors every last dime we have.

• 14 anonymous // Nov 14, 2007 at 5:08 pm

  Hold on here. Did someone not originally take a swipe at Kelly Straniti, a Repblican? What’s with these sucker punches where you hit, duck, and blame the offensive contact on the first Republican who walks into the room? Amazing stuff.

• 15 norwalkphil // Nov 14, 2007 at 5:10 pm

  This year’s victories in places like Kentucky, Virginia and Mississippi prove that 2006 wasn’t a fluke.

  In Kentucky, Democrat Steve Beshear took back the Governor’s mansion, defeating Republican incumbent Ernie Fletcher by a 20 point margin. And he wasn’t alone - Democrats won the Attorney General, Auditor and Treasurer elections, sweeping the failed, corrupt Republican leadership out of office, and they did it in the home of both Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and RNC Chairman Mike Duncan.

  But Kentucky wasn’t the only place where Democrats won big. In Virginia, Democrats made significant gains in the state House and took back the Senate. In Mississippi, we took back the state Senate. And in states across the country, we had tremendous victories in local and state legislative races.

  We will take back the White House in 2008 and build on our majorities in the House and Senate.

  Virginia and Kentucky aren’t the places most people think of as Democratic — but they’re exactly the sort of places we are winning now, and win in 2008.

  Democrats Marching to Victory in 2008

  The 2007 elections offered good news for Democrats, both in terms of this year’s gains and as we look to the long-term goal of winning in 2008 and beyond to build a permanent Democratic Majority.

  Across the country, strong Democratic candidates showed that we can challenge Republicans on values and win anywhere.

  As a result, despite competing primarily in Republican states, Democrats still hold 28 of 50 governorships, picked up two new legislatures to expand Democratic control to 56 of 98 chambers, and are poised to build on our Congressional majorities and elect a Democratic president in 2008.

  In Kentucky, Governor-elect Steve Beshear overwhelmingly won in a state that President Bush carried with 58.6 percent of the vote in 2004 and is home to both RNC Chairman Mike Duncan and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

  Beshear showed that strong Democratic candidates offering a clear vision for the future and real solutions on the issues that matter to voters — health care, jobs, stagnant wages, and corruption — can beat entrenched Republicans offering more of the same failed GOP leadership.

  Fletcher’s demise, the victory of Democrats down ballot, and Senator McConnell’s failure to rescue Fletcher shows both a Democratic Party moving in the right direction and trouble for Senator McConnell’s chances of reelection.

  Democrats won decisive victories in the Virginia legislative races, gaining Assembly seats and winning control of the Senate for the first time since 1999–showing that the Commonwealth continues to trend Democratic.

  Following Governor Kaine’s victory in 2005, Senator Webb’s election in 2006, and yesterday’s gains in the legislature, Virginia will be in play for the presidential contest and Democrats are positioned to win the Senate seat being vacated by John Warner.

  In Mississippi, Democrats made important gains, reelecting Democratic Attorney General Jim Hood and taking back the State Senate. Gubernatorial candidate John Arthur Eaves ran a strong campaign that took values issues directly to the people.

  A CLOSER LOOK AT 2007 RACES AND TRENDS:

  The message of the 2007 elections is two-fold: 1) the country is hungry for change, as the American people continue to view the Democratic Party as the Party best prepared to offer real solutions; and 2) strong Democratic candidates can win anywhere they show up and talk about Democratic values.

  In contrast, by adopting the Ann Coulter politics of hate, continuing to blindly follow President Bush’s failed foreign policy, and standing behind the President’s opposition to domestic priorities like children’s health care, Republicans have distanced themselves from mainstream American values.

  Kentucky

  Democratic Governor-elect Steve Beshear defeated Republican Governor Ernie Fletcher 58.7 to 41.3 percent. Beshear actually outperformed President Bush, who carried Kentucky with a 58.6 percent of the vote in 2004 and 57 percent in 2000. President Clinton won the state in 1992 and 1996, with 44.5 percent of the vote in 1992 and 45.8 percent in 1996.

  Not only is the Bluegrass State home to Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan, but it is also home to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who failed to rescue Fletcher and himself faces a tough re-election campaign in 2008.

  Building on last year’s election of Congressman John Yarmuth, Democrats won four of six statewide elections, including electing a Democratic Governor, Attorney General, Auditor, and Treasurer.

  The DNC investments in the Bluegrass State, including an infusion of millions this year and the hiring of two DNC-funded full-time organizers and a DNC- funded outreach director at the state party, have contributed to the resurgence of Kentucky Democrats.

  The voters in Kentucky — a so-called “red state” — joined so many other Americans in soundly rejecting the corruption and incompetence that came with four years of Republican rule. This is one more state where the positive, optimistic, Democratic brand of leadership is prevailing.

  This is bad news for vulnerable Republican governors running for re-election in 2008. The three people most disappointed in Tuesday’s results were Ernie Fletcher, Matt Blunt, and Mitch Daniels.

  Virginia

  Democrats won at least four seats in the Assembly and took back the State Senate for the first time since 1999.

  Virginia has developed into a critical swing state in recent elections. After electing Democratic Governor Tim Kaine in 2005 and Senator Jim Webb in 2006,

  Virginia

  Democrats are positioned to elect another Democratic Senator and chose the Democratic Presidential nominee for the first time since 1964.

  A recent poll of Virginians showed our top three Democratic presidential candidates leading or tied with the top three Republicans in head to head match-ups. [SurveyUSA, 9/25/07]

  THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE

  This year’s victories were the result of strong candidates running competitive races based on their values, but they also reflected the wider political landscape. Democrats are poised to take advantage of widespread dissatisfaction with President Bush’s failed leadership, the increasing weakness of the Republican “brand,” and the increasing strength of our Party.

  While the GOP is losing ground in its traditional strongholds and their base is shrinking, Republican efforts to use immigration as a wedge issue to distract from their failed leadership once again were unsuccessful.

  Republicans Are Losing Ground in Traditional Strongholds: Democrats are expanding the political playing field and eroding the preference for Republicans in key so-called “red state” regions. Dixie, once the heart of the Republican electoral map, is in play again as Southern voters’ preference for Republicans continues to wane and break Democratic.

  At the end of the summer of 2006, Republicans held a four point advantage over Democrats in the generic congressional horserace in the South. According to internal polling from earlier this month, Democrats now enjoy a five point advantage (46 to 41 percent) over the GOP in Southern states.

  Republican support also continues to erode in the Mountain and Plains states, where Democrats now hold an eight point advantage in the once solidly Republican Plains region. [brilliant corners Research, November 2007]

  GOP Brand is Suffering: While a majority of Americans (51 percent) view the Democratic Party favorably, the percentage of Americans with a favorable view of the Republican Party has plummeted to 39 percent, down 12 points since March 2006. The GOP’s unfavorable rating is up ten points to 56 percent in that same period. [Washington Post, 11/5/07]

  Republican Base is Shrinking: Key elements of the GOP base, including “fiscal conservatives” and “business leaders” are drifting away from the Republican Party “because of the war in Iraq, the growing federal debt and a conservative social agenda they don’t share.” [Wall Street Journal, 10/2/07]

  Even white evangelical voters feel that Democrats, not Republicans, are paying more attention to their top issues–the war in Iraq and health care. Just 10 percent of white evangelical voters said Republicans are addressing their top issue, compared to 24 percent who said Democrats are. [CBSNews.com, 1/18/07]

  The number of young evangelicals (ages 18 - 29) who “steadfastly proclaimed themselves Republicans” dropped 15 points, from 55 percent in 2001 to 40 percent today. [Washington TimesU, 10/2/07]

  GOP Party IDs at Record Lows: Just one in three Americans identify themselves as Republican in the latest Pew Research Center poll, giving Democrats the widest advantage in voter identification in two decades. [Baltimore Sun, 11/4/07]

  Republican Failures on Immigration, Economic Issues Fueling Fall: Despite frustration in many communities with President Bush’s failure to address immigration reform and refusal to provide state and local communities the resources they need to enforce existing laws, Republican efforts to use immigration as a wedge issue failed once again.

  GOP efforts to fan anti-immigration fears and play on growing economic insecurity and voter’s anxiety over job security, stagnating wages, higher living costs, gas prices, and other facets of the George W. Bush “You’re On Your Own” Economy failed in the face of strong Democratic candidates who offered real solutions on the critical issues.

  Republicans Are Losing On The Issues: The Democratic Party now has double-digit leads over Republicans when voters are asked which party is “better able to manage the federal government,” is “more honest and ethical,” is “more concerned about people like me” (Democrats lead by 29 points), and is best able to bring about “needed change” (Democrats lead by 22 points).

  Even on security, Democrats and Republicans are viewed as “equally qualified to face down national security threats.” [Pew Research Center for the People and the Press poll, November 2007]

  Republican Morale is Plummeting: Only 36 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning Independents say the GOP “does an excellent or good job” of “standing up for traditional GOP positions,” a decline of 25 points since July 2004. [Pew Research Center for the People and the Press poll, November 2007]

  Republicans Aren’t Happy With Their Candidates: According to the latest UWashington PostU/ABC News poll, “Republicans continue to be less satisfied with their candidate options than Democrats are with theirs.” [Washington PostU, 11/5/07]

  For the first time since 1979, no Republican candidate has been able to gain the support of more than 40 percent of Republican voters in the November heading into an election year. Among white evangelical voters, 51 percent are dissatisfied with their choices and say they wish they had more options. [CBSNews.com, 10/18/07]

  GOP Obstructionism Is Hurting Congressional Candidates: A recent SurveyUSA poll in seven states with vulnerable Republican Senate seats showed that Democrats are “leading or tied” in five of those races and trailing narrowly in another. [Roll Call, 11/5/07]

  This shows that the Republican Congressional strategy of obstructing Democratic efforts to fight for the priorities of America’s working families is failing, and will cost them seats next year.

  THE BOTTOM LINE

  In short, while the Democratic Party is better organized, better motivated, and better positioned to make the case for change, the Republican Party is increasingly challenged by “Bush Fatigue,” a damaged “brand,” a shrinking and demoralized base, and a lack of enthusiasm for its candidates.

  If Democrats continue the current trend, run on values, and offer clear solutions on the critical issues, the clear lesson of 2007 is that Democrats are well-positioned to win anywhere in 2008.

• 16 anonymous // Nov 14, 2007 at 5:20 pm

  So, 13, what would you like to see at the last meeting of our illustrious Common Council? With televised meetings, perhaps we can encourage a Jerry Springer-type format. We’ll need a few bouncers, some Nerf bats, and a good clergyman.

• 17 anonymous // Nov 14, 2007 at 5:24 pm

  right #13, “we wouldn’t be in this mess if the democrats didn’t want to spend like a bunch of drunken sailors” What an idiotic statement…what planet, or maybe decade are you living in? Clinton = huge surplus; Bush = huge deficit. Norwalk = balanced budget, AAA bond rating. Governor Rell = additional $2M in debt because of her stupid lame attempt at playing politics.

• 18 #13 of the Miserable 25 // Nov 14, 2007 at 5:32 pm

  Televising the council will be the biggest mistake this city could ever make. The grand standing and acting in front of the camera will make ALL BUSINESS GRIND TO A HALT while the actors re write their scripts. Normally most meetings are as interesting as watching paint dry. So the only thing that will hold any viewers is to turn it into a circus like the Jerry Springer show.

  I can see it now “The Norwalk Council Channel”, don’t’ touch that dial, “All 12 of you viewers”

  What will be next “Dancing with the Council members.”

• 19 Anonymous // Nov 14, 2007 at 5:40 pm

  Will there be popcorn and kool-aid?

• 20 deputy dog // Nov 14, 2007 at 7:21 pm

  We don’t have the reputation of cities like Waterbury and that’s a good thing. We need a bigger budget for food.

  maybe they have more troubles than we?

  WATERBURY, Conn. —

  One of the Waterbury firefighters injured in a crash that killed another firefighter in May has filed notice he’s suing the city for negligence.

  An attorney for William Mahony, a driver of one of two trucks involved in the May 19 crash that claimed the life of Capt. John Keane, is alleging negligence.

• 21 MGeake // Nov 15, 2007 at 7:22 am

  #18 I don’t dance, but I do come with my own stick

• 22 anonymous // Nov 15, 2007 at 7:25 am

  If they start televising the council meetings, I’ll have to start dressing properly to be in the audience!

• 23 Anonymous // Nov 15, 2007 at 8:22 am

  Be sure to keep that carrot handy Mike. Bugs Bunny will do almost anything to get that carrot.
  Go Mike Go.

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