Evonne Klein is not seeking re-election as Darien’s First Selectman. Reportedly Callie Sullivan, currently Second Selectman, will run as the Democratic candidate. Klein has led a resurgent Democratic party in Darien to victories in the last few elections.
Well, not quite.
But it is close enough that it is closed to traffic, and since a lot of local revenues are already dwindling if not drying up, local officials are keeping their fingers crossed that the bridge doesn’t fall into the Five Mile River, causing an emergency.
Brian Lockhart reports for the Stamford Advocate. Continue reading
In a short email to State Senator Bob Duff, Steve Papadakos replied that he’d prefer to meet and greet Darien voters one on one. Darien is perhaps Papadakos’ best opportunity to pick up votes.
State Senator Bob Duff releases a letter sent to Steve Papadakos encouraging Papadakos to talk about the issues in front of Darien voters:
Steve -
I’m sorry to hear that you were not well on Tuesday and were unable to attend the Darien LWV candidate’s forum. I hope you are feeling better.
Since the election is a mere 12 days away, I think it would still be a good idea for us to get together in Darien to discuss the issues. After all, the voters in town should have the opportunity to hear both of us identify our solutions and vision for the future.
It can be a forum or debate, your choice. I will make myself as reasonably available as possible to coincide with your schedule. Also, I’m happy to reach out to the League in Darien, Town Hall and also the producers of the local government access channel. This way, voters who might not be able to attend because of fast scheduling, would be able to view our meeting in the comfort of their own home.
Please let me know your availability and I’ll get the ball rolling.
Thanks,
Bob
Following a somewhat disastrous debate debut in Norwalk, Steve Papadakos candidate for the 25th District State Senate seat sent his regrets to the Darien League of Women Voters. There’s the famous , Bird Flu virus, then there’s the not named after Connecticut-Norwalk virus, and now the debut of the Norwalk Republican Chickenitis Virus.
Considering that Darien offers Papadakos his best chance for enticing Republican voters, this was an unprecedented lost opportunity. Especially coming on the heels of a sub par performance last week in Norwalk. Which is what the hot stove rumor factory is saying about Papadakos’ performance. Not showing up to meet voters is certainly an odd campaign tactic.
For Darien however, the debate offered two state senate candidates vying for the carved up district anyways. From the Darien News Time:
Education — both at the town and state level — transportation, and the budget are on the minds of Darien voters, according to the questions posed to its candidates at Darien’s Candidates Night.
The forum was held on Tuesday night in the Town Hall Auditorium and was moderated by Charlotte Garrell.
Candidates running for Board of Education positions and state positions responded to questions submitted to the moderator by the audience.
The incumbent State Sen. Bob Duff, who represents the 25th district, spoke alongside his colleague, Sen. Andrew McDonald, 27th district, who is running unopposed. Both Duff and McDonald are Democrats.
The state candidates spoke for 45 minutes about varied topics such as the environment, charter schools and health care.
Duff’s challenger, Steve Papadakos, a Republican, was ill and could not attend Candidates Night.
“I think the priority is to be budget watchdogs. . . . I’ll continue to make sure we don’t reverse the really wonderful gains we’ve made over the past couple years,” said Duff. “We want to make sure we’re out there protecting our constituents.”
Duff stated that transportation is a “public safety issue” and “one of the most pressing issues.”
Yep transportation is an issue. But the disaster that is the DOT is the problem. I think we have been overly focused on transportation safety at the expense of investing in mass transportation infrastrucutre that the economic engine of Fairfield County sorely needs. And the unopposed State Rep candidate was on hand too.
McDonald said that transportation-related issues were his passion and that the state needs to expand its vision of transportation beyond just trains. “We need to cut the programs that don’t work,” said Duff. “We need to work together and leave our party affiliations at the door.”
Terrie Wood, a Republican, is running unopposed for State Rep. of the 141st District, replacing long-time State Rep. John Ryan, also a Republican.
Education is the most important issue to Wood, who stated she “wanted to increase the standards for these kids and increase their production.”
All of the candidates spoke in favor of charter schools and against the voucher system — where students who aren’t in public school may use their state education allotment to attend another school — but agreed that education in general was an important priority in Connecticut.
I’m curious about the need for charter schools in Darien, but then maybe test scores aren’t high enough or something.
Another topic raised was regarding state statute 8-30g, which has been the subject of debate in Darien recently. This statute currently allows developers to build projects that might not be otherwise approved in towns where less than the mandated 10 percent of housing is deemed affordable.
“We need to make changes to 8-30g. It ends up really hurting the issue of affordable housing,” said Duff.
According to McDonald, “As a State Senator, I have offered amendments to 8-30g. I have not met with any success, but it’s not for lack of trying.”
Wood agreed that “8-30g has not been successful in the state. We are faced with some applications that are in some cases legal extortion.”
Ah, affordable housing. Well the state statute really doesn’t accomplish what it was intended to do which is encourage those municipalities hovering in the single digit affordable housing counts to build more. That would be towns like Darien. I’d like to see 8-30g change so that the towns like Darien, which benefit from being next to cities like Stamford and Norwalk contribute financially towards the infrastructure that enables economic diversity.
source: Darien-Times, Darien Meets its Next Representatives in Town, State, By Meghan Muldowney, 10/23/2008
From a press release:
First Annual ITPF WIFFLEŽ Tournament to Benefit The ITP Foundation
Will Feature Separate Leagues for “Fun” and “Competitive” Players
The Darien-based ITP Foundation will hold its 1st Annual ITPF WIFFLEŽ Tournament on Saturday, August 23, at the Darien Town Hall Fields 1 & 2, in Darien, CT. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the ITP Foundation to raise funds for its programs for children with the bleeding disorder ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura). Registration is now available at www.itpfoundation.org or by emailing chris@itpfoundation.org; the first 30 teams to register will receive a free official ITPF WIFFLE Tournament hat.
The ITP Foundation is proud to announce that The WIFFLEŽ Ball, Inc., the founders and official manufacturers of the perforated plastic ball, have sanctioned this tournament.
“We are thrilled that the ITP Foundation has chosen to organize a WIFFLEŽ tournament to raise funds for ITP research and family support,” states David J. Mullany, President of The WIFFLEŽ Ball, Inc. “The proceeds from this event should have a direct and lasting impact on the research into this disorder and assist the children and families affected by ITP. We hope that all involved enjoy a fun-filled day as they come together to support the event.”
You will be able to play in The ITPF WIFFLE Tournament in one of two leagues available: The “Family/Fun League” is for those who just want to have a good time and support a good cause. The “Competitive League” is for those with a higher skill level and perhaps a more serious approach to sports. Each team is guaranteed to play at least 3 games during the day!
“This is an excellent opportunity for some good old fashioned family fun that also supports a really good cause,” says Christopher Landino, Executive Director of the ITP Foundation and a native of Northford. “It’s great exercise and a great bonding experience for families and friends. And we’ll even have prizes for the top two teams of each League and for the team with the best uniform.”
In keeping with the theme of the tournament, Mr. Landino recruited his brothers Rick and Joey as well as some old friends from back home, Todd Parness, Robert Doody, and Christopher Connolly, to make up the ITPF WIFFLE Committee and volunteer at the tournament.
Landino is hopeful that the hardworking people of Northford and North Branford will show up on the day of the tournament to see some familiar faces and play WIFFLE Ball to help support The ITP Foundation.
The official rulebook for the ITPF WIFFLEŽ Tournament is available at the ITP Foundation’s WIFFLE webpage (www.itpfoundation.org/Wiffleballtrnmnt.htm.)
Registration for either League is $100 per team through August 1, and $115 after August 1. Each team must have two to five players on the day of the tournament. The first 30 teams to sign up for the tournament will be given the official ITPF WIFFLE Tournament hat!
The ITP Foundation is currently looking for corporate sponsors and volunteers to help make this tournament the best experience for everyone. For more information, visit www.itpfoundation.org and print the 2008 ITPF WiffleŽ Tournament Sponsorship Package, or email chris@itpfoundation.org for further details.
About ITP
ITP is an autoimmune disorder of unknown cause that affects both children and adults. ITP occurs when the immune system malfunctions and produces antibodies against the body’s own platelets. These antibodies destroy the platelets, resulting in a decreased level of blood platelets needed for normal blood clotting. Characterized by a low platelet count, notwithstanding normal bone marrow production and the absence of other specific causes (such as leukemia or aplastic anemia), ITP can lead to life- threatening bleeding episodes.
About the ITP Foundation
The ITP Foundation is a Darien, CT based non-profit which was established to raise awareness of ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura), a serious bleeding disorder. The Foundation helps families with children and adolescents with ITP who need financial assistance to manage and treat the disorder, and funds research to find the cause of and cure forITP. Information: www.itpfoundation.org
NEW ARTWORK IN THE GALLERY!Featuring:Susan McCaslinJourneys: A Closer Look? Artwork will be on display March 11th – 28th, 2008
Public Opening Reception Saturday March 15th, from 6 – 9 PM
(Wine and cheese will be served)
For Darien artist Susan McCaslin, the current exhibit at The Flow of Art Gallery in Norwalk offers a chance to examine how each journey one takes, in art and in life, encourages a “closer look.” The works on display illustrate, though collages, monotypes and oil pastels, how important symbols and iconography can be on these varied excursions. Journeys: A Closer Look is open now through March 28. A public opening reception for the artist will be held on Saturday, March 15th from 6pm to 9pm. Hope to see you there!The Story Behind Susan McCaslin:“I became interested in the language of symbols and iconography in a 10th grade Medieval history class,” McCaslin explains. “I was intrigued by the hidden meanings and their interpretation by people in different parts of society.”That interest was heightened in the early 1970s, when she lived in Southern California and was exposed to the visual motifs of the vibrant Mexican and Native American cultures. The result was a series of dolls that owed their heritage to Native American dolls and kachinas, as well as using wood as a painting media and including carving and attached found objects to the painting.
Arriving in Connecticut in the early 1908s, her fascination with iconography exhibited itself in both colorful, outsider-type works that expressed contemporary women’s issues—feminism, mothering and womanhood, as well as the frailties and frustrations of being a “new” woman in an “old” world.At the same time, her award-winning work as a graphic designer led her to include new elements in her work—photographs, printed pieces, letters and type elements.
The results range from small and intimate collages, to monotypes that enable the artist to let the idea “find its own path”, to oil pastels that employ deep and vibrant colors to invite a closer look.“I am learning to follow and trust my instincts,” McCaslin notes, “and am learning to recognize that the most important moment in each piece comes just before the solution.”Please join us for this Exhibit?March 11th- March 28th
For more information contact:Lindsey Ward: lward@flow-of-art.comMike Spizzirri: mike@flow-of-art.comChristien Ducker: christien@flow-of-art.comThe Flow of Art Gallery
16 River Street,
Norwalk, CT 06850
203-838-0500(River & Wall Street)
This is part of an ongoing series of guest posts about issues in Norwalk. yourCT.com is a non-partisan site dedicated to airing all sides of a issue. That can’t happen without valuable contributions from our readers.
By Chris Lionetti
You may have noticed green construction in Stamford (RBS headquarters, UBS, Metro Green) and the Wall Street Revitalization project in South Norwalk. Even Darien’s future Library will use two geothermal wells to heat and cool the building! These buildings are efficiently designed to use less energy and less water. Reduced operating costs mean more profitable buildings, which developers and banks understand and appreciate.
You may ask: How can my quaint older house be as efficient as these new multi-million dollar buildings? According to architect Carl Elefante, “The greenest building is the one that is already built.” Our homes represent a major investment of resources and energy. Preservation of these structures is an important act of recycling timber and minerals; by owning your house you have already achieved a light shade of green. These conventional houses (CHs), however, were built when energy was cheap. Insufficient insulation and low performance windows and appliances are proof of this, and encourage unnecessary fuel consumption. It is no surprise that our houses emit 30% of all greenhouse gases—that’s more than our transportation sector!
Conservation, through efficiency, is the only real option for the foreseeable future. In fact, high-performance houses (HPHs) are more desirable than conventional houses because they cost less to operate and promote a healthier planet. Thankfully, market forces, the Department of Energy, and state governments are making it economical to do the right thing, through tax incentives as well as the Energystar program for windows and appliances. Currently there is no sales tax on replacement windows or insulation in the state of Connecticut.
If you are planning a project of any scope—small jobs included—or simply want to improve your home’s efficiency, and want to discover how to improve your energy efficiency, feel free to contact me at:
Chris Lionetti
Center Line Building
203.921.8140
GOP leaders are scratching their heads after Tuesday’s Democratic sweep in Darien.
Town and state Republican leaders believe Darien, one of the most Republican towns in the state, is still aligned with the GOP, even if last week’s municipal elections suggest otherwise.History was made Tuesday night in a town where registered Republicans outnumber registered Democrats 3-to-1. Darien voters elected incumbent Democratic First Selectwoman Evonne Klein by a landslide to a third term and gave Democrats their first-ever majority on the Board of Selectman, choosing Callie Sullivan and David Bayne.
After the election, Republicans and Democrats downplayed the significance of party lines in municipal races. Still, a Democratic sweep raised the question of whether the town is leaning to the left four decades after it was 75 percent Republican and 12 percent Democrat.
“It’s still very much a Republican town. It’s just that the Republican sentiment comes more into play when it comes to statewide and national elections,” said Jack Orchulli, chairman of Darien’s Republican Town Committee. “Most people who come to Darien happen to be more Republican-leaning.”
Recent presidential elections suggest the town has not abandoned its GOP roots. In 2004, President Bush captured 62 percent of the town’s vote over Democratic challenger John Kerry. Bush won the town by a similar margin over Democrat Al Gore in 2000.
But the number of registered Republicans has trended downward, from 58.4 percent of registered voters in 2000 to 52.1 percent last year. And while the number of registered Democrats has upticked slightly – 15.5 percent in 2000 to 16.9 percent last year – the voter demographic that seems to be growing most aggressively in Darien is the unaffiliated voter.
Last year, 30.9 percent of all voters were unaffiliated, compared with 26.1 percent in 2000. There have been 2,427 newly registered unaffiliated voters in Darien during those six years, compared with 2,068 Republicans and 898 Democrats.
source: Advocate, After loss, Darien Republicans seek new, By Mark Ginocchio, November 11 2007
Or shall I say in the latest buzz way, there was a business invasion. Who knew that 4am, employees, who are not allowed to talk to the press, were working at the store. And what kind of corporate policy would decree that a store manager could not speak to the press about a robbery? Great job corporate HQ, your opportunity to get the details out to keep the public informed won’t exactly help you solve the crime.
From The Hour:
The robbers, dressed in black and wearing black ski masks, confronted the employees at about 4 a.m. and took them into the office where they forced them to open the office safe, the Darien Police Department reported.
The robbers bound both employees before leaving the store, at 436 Post Road near the Darien-Norwalk line and I-95 on-ramps, with an “undetermined” amount of money, police said. One of the employees was able to free himself eventually and called town police. Neither was injured, and neither saw a vehicle leaving the store area.
A manager and employee at the store declined comment, saying they are not permitted to speak to the press. A company spokeswoman in Massachusetts could not be reached for comment.
The Darien Police Department’s detective division is investigating. Police did not provide further information on the robbery Monday.
source: THe Hour, Trader Joe’s robbed in early morning hours by Noelle Frampton, August 14, 2007