Tagged: Cafero

Union Giveaways Blasted By Cafero

from a press release:

House Republican Leader Cafero Blasts Union ‘Giveaways’ as Absurd

Calls for Full Audit of Deal to Find Cost Savings

HARTFORD –  House Republican Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., today blasted the overly generous deal Gov. Malloy negotiated with state unions as a slap to taxpayers and predicted private sector workers will be outraged when they learn the details.

“Union leaders took Gov. Malloy and taxpayers who must pay for government employees’ salaries and benefits to the cleaners,’’ Cafero said. “Ironclad four-year guaranteed employment, extending the gold-plated health and pension plan for five more years and a minimum of nine percent pay hikes are no concessions. There is not even a wage freeze because no furlough days were included in this deal.’’

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Duff And Cafero Still Pushing Autism Legislation

I watch in horror. Why not just hold the people accountable for this mess in the first place? Why do we always have to increase the size of government with stupid laws that are unenforceable?

Lawmakers and Parents Testify In Support Of Bill That Will Protect Those with Autism from Phony Therapists

Hartford: Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and House Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero (R-Norwalk) joined parents from Norwalk at a public hearing today to support Senate Bill 799, AN ACT CONCERNING MISREPRESENTATION AS A BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST.

It was prompted by the case of a woman who was found guilty in 2010 of forging credentials in order to treat autistic children throughout Fairfield County. Stacy Lore, who was hired by both Norwalk’s and Weston’s public schools, reportedly charged taxpayers and parents more than $400,000 for what proved to be fraudulent services.

The proposed bill would crack down on people who fraudulently represent themselves as board certified behavior analysts—primarily for the treatment of children with autism. The penalty for this new criminal offense would be up to 5 years in prison and up to a $500 fine for each offense—with each instance of patient contact or consultation constituting a separate offense. That is the penalty under Connecticut law for fraudulently posing as a speech, occupational or physical therapist.

Ugh. Fire Ruotolo.

There, I feel better.

Sort of. It’s a live action joke isn’t.

Dude 1: Hey why are you guys doing near that street light?

Guys: Looking for our keys. We lost them in the parking lot.

Dude 1: So you lost them in the parking lot? But that’s over there.

Guys: Yeah but its dark over there, and we can see better over here.

Duff and Cafero Work on Keeping DCF in Norwalk

from a press release:

Hartford – State Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and Representative Lawrence Cafero (R-Norwalk) today issued the following statement on the future of the Norwalk Department of Children and Families (DCF) office after meeting with Commissioner Joette Katz:

“Earlier this week, we met with Commissioner Katz to discuss the fate of the Norwalk DCF office. This past December, the department announced that the Norwalk office would be merged with operations in Bridgeport in the second-half of 2011—a cause for serious concern not only over how the local caseload would be managed but also about how agency functions in regards to family and youth issues in Norwalk and neighboring communities would be impacted.

“”We had a meaningful exchange of ideas at our meeting with Commissioner Katz, and we are encouraged by the commitment she displayed toward making sure our concerns are realized. We are also extremely pleased to report that the Commissioner offered her assurance that DCF will continue to have a presence in Norwalk.

We fully recognize and support efforts to reduce cost and find efficiencies in DCF operations. However, closing this office completely would not be good the children and families, and would not be good for DCF. While operations may be moved to a different location, we’re thankful for the commissioner’s honest assessment of the situation and her commitment to maintain that Norwalk presence.

“We appreciate Commissioner Katz taking the time to meet with us, and we will continue to work with her and her department to find solutions that save money while maintaining critical services for children in Norwalk.”

It’s The Budget Bob and Larry

Normally state Senator Bob Duff and house Minority Leader Larry Cafero are focused on pragmatic issues like streamlining government and fighting to extract dollars out of Hartford for Norwalk. But Rick Green wrote a nice article  about the blatant lack of focus up in Hartford that’s worth a read:

While the mayors of our big cities tell me they are facing elimination of basic services, such as schoolteachers, our legislature spends hours on end discussing whether liquor stores should be open on Sunday. At least they are not wasting time on whether to regulate hookah lounges. Oh wait, they are.

Are we really rethinking how much government can do? If so I’m not sure how establishing Ronald Reagan Day, French Canadian American Day, a Connecticut Beer Trail or a State Song of Remembrance has become someone’s legislative priority.

I try not to use plastic bags, but is now the moment to tax them? I feel the same about Rep. Diana Urban’s bills regulating chicken cages and Sen. Paul Doyle’s campaign to establish a “State Waltz.”


And yes, I have a deep appreciation for the practical logic behind Sen. John Kissel’s bill that would “ensure the normal distribution of alcoholic liquor during emergencies.”

But isn’t it my responsibility to stock the fridge with beer before the next snow emergency?

Among the 38 pieces of legislation that Sen. Michael A. McLachlan has introduced are curriculum directives to local schools telling them what they should teach, a call for a federal constitutional convention and an endorsement of the Electoral College system “as the best way to elect the president of the United States.” (Even with 9 percent unemployment, somebody is still thinking about Bush vs. Gore!)

The Danbury Republican has also introduced the so-called “birther” bill, requiring presidential and vice presidential candidates to present an “original birth certificate” to Connecticut’s secretary of the state, as well as a bill banning the “rationing” of health care. McLachlan’s bill would also prohibit requiring insured persons to participate in end-of-life counseling, a.k.a. “death panels.”

Then in my inbox is a press release from them stating:

LAWMAKERS TO DETAIL PROPOSED CRACKDOWN ON FAKE BEHAVIORAL THERAPISTS

This bipartisan coalition will detail new legislation to help protect vulnerable children and parents from individuals who misrepresent their qualifications as autism behavioral analysts…

Really? You mean that the employment practices of local school systems are incapable of checking credentials of employees? This is all about Fay Ruotolo’s inability to run the Norwalk Public Schools HR department Bob and Larry. To create “Stacey Lore” legislation when basic job accountability is the root cause is just a waste of your focus. Try whittling down that $3.7 billion dollar deficit. Yes, special ed issue parents are vocal voters, but pandering is pandering.

A Legislative Debate On Education

There’s still time to get your questions about education issues to the organizers of a legislative forum that will be held Thursday October 28, at City Hall, in the Community Room starting at 6:30. The organizers are hoping that the conversation about US Educational Reform gets some play with the following invitees:

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Norwalk Inn Saves Historic Landmark

from a press release:

SEN. DUFF & REP. CAFERO DETAIL COMPROMISE AGREEMENT TO EXPAND

NORWALK INN, PRESERVE HISTORIC LANDMARK

Plan would provide economic opportunity while restoring piece of local history

Norwalk - After several years of lengthy hearings and court actions, an agreement has been reached that will provide for the expansion of the Norwalk Inn and Conference Center and the restoration of the historic Grumman-St. John House on East Avenue in Norwalk.

At a news conference at the inn this morning, state Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) and Representative Lawrence Cafero (R-Norwalk)—the two legislators directly involved in the crafting of the compromise plan—were joined by Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia and representatives from both the Norwalk Inn and the Norwalk Preservation Trust to detail the noteworthy agreement.

“This was truly a situation where, by getting everyone to sit down together, we were able to work out a plan that is mutually beneficial to everyone involved,” Senator Duff said. “I’m so proud of how everyone stepped up to the plate to end the years of disagreement and come up with a viable, realistic and, ultimately, ideal solution for Norwalk, for the neighborhood, for a local business and community partner and for a city landmark. The links that we have to our past are priceless, and I think this agreement marks a great way to keep that past alive while building toward our future at the same time.”

“All parties involved—the state, city of Norwalk and the Norwalk Inn—worked together for this tremendously positive outcome, said Representative Cafero. “The agreement reached here today represents a road mark linking Norwalk’s rich history to its continuing economic vitality and future. All parties share an equal stake in this common-sense approach to solving a dispute over this historic property that had remained unsettled for far too long.’

Under the compromise plan, the Grumman-St. John House will be renovated and restored and very likely used as additional hotel rooms for long-term stays at the inn. The Norwalk Inn would expand upward, adding a third story above the existing building that would approximately hold 40 additional hotel rooms.

“I am pleased that my office assisted in preserving the Grumman St. John House and also enabling the Norwalk Inn to expand,” Attorney General Blumenthal said. “This historic home is regarded by preservation experts as a storehouse of state history — a vital reminder of our heritage that the law required to be protected. Norwalk Inn and others are to be praised and thanked for reaching an agreement that saves the structure and serves our common goals.”

“This agreement represents the best of our neighborhood spirit of collaboration, and I am particularly happy that all parties have worked things out,” said Mayor Moccia. “I especially wish to commend the work done by Representative Cafero and Senator Duff to bring the fellow citizens together to find a solution that serves all interests so well. The result will be a healthier and more beautiful vicinity.”

“Our plan for the Norwalk Inn expansion and rehabilitation of 93 East Avenue has been the product of a successful, year-long negotiation process—one initiated and coordinated by state Representative Larry Cafero and state Senator Bob Duff,” said Chris Handrinos and George Katsaros, managers of the Norwalk Inn. “Representative Cafero and Senator Duff helped find a solution to this problem. In dozens of meetings, they worked to clarify the issues, identify areas of common ground, point out possible compromises and set out step-by-step plans. In time, we formulated a plan that can deliver sorely needed economic growth and a landmark renovation project, not to mention a significant neighborhood improvement plan.”

“Senator Duff and Representative Cafero demonstrated that diligence and sincere commitment can yield a solution that works for everyone—the neighbors, the inn, NPT, the preservation community and Norwalk as a whole,” said Tod Bryant of the Norwalk Preservation Trust. “The Norwalk Preservation Trust is also grateful to the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation for their unwavering support. And, of course, we wouldn’t be here without the support of the people who believed that it was worth it to save this piece of Norwalk’s past. The Grumman-St. John House will not only be saved, it will be returned to useful economic life and contribute to economic growth in the city.”

“The National Trust for Historic Preservation is grateful to the many people who have worked diligently for so long to bring about a successful agreement to restore the Grumman-St. John House. The leadership of Senator Duff and Representative Cafero in facilitating this win-win agreement between the Norwalk Preservation Trust and the Norwalk Inn is remarkable,” said Alicia Leuba, director of programs for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “This is a powerful example of an alliance between economic development and historic preservation, giving new life to an important historic building while providing economic development opportunities and increased buffering for the residential neighborhood.”

“The Commission on Culture & Tourism is pleased at the resolution of this matter and commends everyone involved for working together to come up with a solution which has resulted in the preservation of 93 East Avenue and also meets the need of the owners of the Norwalk Inn and the neighbors,” said Karen Senich, executive director and state historic preservation officer of the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism. “The preservation of this important National Register property serves as a model for the future when our invaluable historic resources in Connecticut are threatened.”

The Grumman-St. John House dates back to the Revolutionary War and was built by Samuel Grumman.  It was severely damaged in the burning of Norwalk by the British in 1779 and was rebuilt in the 1780s. The house was expanded and its current roof was added in the 1870s. It has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1986 as part of the Norwalk Green Historic District. The Norwalk Inn purchased the historic property in 2001.

Cafero Named Legislator of the Year

Larry Cafero is one of the few legislators that get why it’s important to not just be a voice of opposition as a minority party leader, but that you have to present solutions not just opposition. As minority leader he consistently outmaneuvers the leaden Senate Majority Leader Don Williams in presenting the issue to the public. It’s nice to see him recognized for some of his work.

from a press release:

American Legion Names Rep. Cafero Legislator of the Year

Rocky Hill – The American Legion Department of Connecticut has named Norwalk State Rep. Lawrence F. Cafero Jr. Legislator of the Year for his commitment to members of the military and their families at its 92nd annual convention at the Marriott Hotel.

Cafero was cited for his contribution to the interests of all service members and for going “above and beyond the call of duty,’’ for veterans and their families. He was introduced by American Legion official John Monahan.

Cafero told the audience, “This award means more to me than any other I have ever received in my life.’’ Cafero said society must never forgot the sacrifice and commitment that veterans have made for their country and that too often we lose track of the struggles that they have endured.

“From someone who did not serve, to those who did…thank you, thank you thank you,’’ Cafero told the crowd. Numerous past commanders were also honored for their service to the organization during the convention.

Cafero has consistently supported veterans’ issues over the years and has enlisted public recognition of veterans and their families. Cafero spearheaded the drive to exempt 50 percent of veterans’ pensions from state income taxes. He also helped dedicate a commemorative Support our Troops Connecticut license plate and exempt Gold Star families from paying additional fees for their license plates.

Cafero Says Rell, Democrats In Denial

Larry Cafero has given up on negotiations with Democratic leaders on the subject of the State budget. According to a Ken Dixon CT Post report:
Larry Cafero has given up on negotiations with Democratic leaders on the subject of the State budget. According to a Ken Dixon CT Post report:

Minority Republicans, predicting that an imminent budget deal between Gov. M. Jodi Rell and legislative Democrats will not contain enough spending cuts, abandoned bipartisan negotiations on Saturday.

The Republicans said they are afraid that the deal will fail to address the state’s looming multi-billion-dollar deficit.

Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan, D-Meriden, called the GOP protest “unfortunate,” but he welcomed their input if they want to rejoin talks.

Rell’s office said Saturday that a negotiated restructuring of the $19-billion budget scheduled to begin July 1 has not been reached.

House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., R-Norwalk, and Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, R-Fairfield, said during a mid-afternoon news conference that it became plain to them Friday night that their input was being ignored by the Republican governor and majority leaders.

“The macaroni’s cooked,” Cafero said in a news conference outside the House chamber, backed by dozens of House and Senate Republicans. He said he participated briefly in a bipartisan meeting Friday night, but walked out around 9:15, when it became clear that GOP concerns were not part of the talks.

“I’m disappointed in the product,” McKinney said.

“I’ve known all along that the governor is faced with dealing with a Democratic majority that has a veto-proof majority, a Democratic majority who in many budget negotiations have sat there with their hands folded, unwilling to move.”

The GOP leaders said they will not participate in further negotiations because their ideas for further union concessions; privatization of state services; and a reduction in the 52,000-member state government workforce, have been ignored.

“We put forth all of our ideas understanding that they would be discussed, picked and choosed from and unfortunately we found out that’s not going to be the case,” Cafero said. “The governor and the Democrats are on the precipice of a deal.”

He charged that the pending agreement does not include major attempts to address multi-billion-dollar deficits projected in the fiscal year that starts July 1, 2011.

McKinney said recent news of an increase in revenue may have hurt the cause of fiscal austerity.

“Unfortunately, I believe that news of having some extra revenue has given license for the people who are in charge not to engage in or try to seek and find real structural reform for our budget, for how we spend money and how we do business,” McKinney said.

“It appears that the will of the majority is now to simply put a Band-Aid on the problem and not to try to seek and fix the problem.”

Anna Duleep To Challenge Larry Cafero

In an early start, Anna Duleep confirmed that she will be filing paperwork to run for the State Rep seat in the 142nd district, a seat currently held by Minority Leader Larry Cafero. The last significant challenge Cafero experienced was in 2006, when the Democrats ran Lex Paulson in the district. Paulson came within 688 votes of winning that race. In 2008, there was no Democratic candidate challenging.

Duleep served on the Norwalk Common Council when she was appointed to fill in for Councilman Doug Sutton who retired at the start of 2009. Duleep also holds a position on the South Western Regional Planing Agency (SWRPA) as co-chair of the Housing Committee and is also on the Environmental Committee.

Bysiewicz Eyes 2012

Things are all set for the Friends of Susan announced press conference in Middletown Wednesday at 11 am, where presumably Susan Bysiewicz will jump from the Gubernatorial race to the Attorney General race. As the chess moves get made over on the Democratic side, we look forward to the potential leading contenders for the State’s highest elected office to quickly become a Stamford on Stamford affair.

Dan Malloy with his 450k plus war chest dominates the money field in the Dem contest for Governor. His surrogates have done well to position him ahead of the rest of the field heading into the convention. If the Dems could escape without a primary they would have a whole summer in which to make the case to the public rather than the hyper partisan primary voting Democrats.

But why would Bysiewicz make the jump to the AG spot? Looking ahead to 2012, it is another presidential year, and assuming the Obama does enough to keep the hounds of tea partiers at bay, Obama sweeps in another round of Democratic congress critters. And who isn’t a Democratic congresscritter these days. Senator Joe Lieberman. Lieberman too will be looking to see where the wind is blowing come 2012, and should the turbid waters of Connecticut politics seem unfriendly, he’ll position himself to exit off the political stage with a cabinet spot, freeing up the Senate seat in a safely Democratic leaning state to the next round of challengers. Brownie points for the master politician. He’ll need it. So what aspiring Connecticut Democrat wouldn’t want a senate gig these days, Six year terms, and not a lot of hard work to do. Something that would befit an aspiring AG, rather than a sitting Governor, or former Secretary of State and candidate for Governor.

And so that brings us to Wednesday’s announcement. And the potential line up of Malloy and Bysciwicz teamed together instead of fighting it out in a primary. Solves quite a few problems doesn’t it?

It also makes thing interesting for the Republicans. Mike Fedele is busy raising cash. ALmost $70k in 30 days is pretty nifty for a just announced candidate. But now that Malloy is looking like the potential match up, do the Republicans really want to run a race of Stamford vs. Stamford. Malloy comes into the race as a popular 14 year Mayor who did a bunch of things. Fedele comes into the race with slim credentials and as M. Jodi Rell’s sidekick. A Stamford doer versus a Stamford What Could Have Been.

Tom Foley isn’t the answer either. It should make Republicans long for Larry Cafero to have waited just a month or two more before announcing he was out. Then you would have had the leader of the fighting 44 against the former Mayor of Stamford. Wouldn’t that have been more interesting.

The next Democratic scramble will be who becomes front runner for Secretary of State. Watch Jonathan Harris pick up steam there.