VIDEO ARCHIVE: Immigration Law Roundtable

Saturday, July 14, 2007
Time: 5:52 PM

From April 2007, here's video footage from the Immigration roundtable discussion featuring Immigration Lawyer Michael Boyle, students from the Yale Law School, and several activists from New Haven.

Although this event happened in April, and the immigration bill is again on the shelf, the members of the roundtable provide very useful immigration legal advise while taking several shots at Mayor Boughton, including a witty reply to Mayor Boughton offhanded remark when he described the Yale law students as "a bunch of students that don't have much to do with their time."

PLEASE, pay particular attention when Boyle describes what you should do if confronted by an ICE agent. If you don't know, a MAJORITY of people who are detained by ICE, are detailed simply because they incriminate themselves by providing information when ICE has no warrant for them.

Enjoy, I'm going back to the grill (note: I missed the first 10 minutes of the event.)


Grillin'


Time: 3:09 PM

It's simply too nice outside to be on the computer so I'm devoting this weekend to some good old fashion grilling.

If you're reading this post, please do the following:

1. Back away from the computer.
2. Turn the computer off.
3. GO OUTSIDE AND ENJOY THE DAY!!!


Now, who wants a hotdog?

HatCityBLOG accepts anti-immigrant organization challenge...and rips them to shreds

Friday, July 13, 2007
Time: 6:45 PM

By popular demand, here's an oldie but goodie video from Elise "deer in the headlights" Marciano's laughable anti-immigration forum. This videoclip tells you all you need to know about the assclowns who flood their hatred on the News-Times board.

Originally posted May, 2007.


Since the start of my site, I've been criticized by my politicians and anti-immigrant radicals who say I offer nothing but biased reporting.

Case in point, while claiming that they're only against illegal-immigration in interviews to the press, the anti-immigrant xenophobes in Danbury show their true colors and attack ALL immigrants during their own forums, meetings, and rallies.

The Vice President of the United States for Immigration Enforcement, John McGowan, has been highly critical of my coverage of his rants and issued a challenge to me to actually and factually report on his recent "well attended" anti-immigration forum.

The following videoclip is my reply...
nuff said.

The numbers are in!


Time: 2:20 PM

We have the fund-raising figures filed by the Mayoral and Congressional candidates.

First, in the Congressional race, according to Congressman's Chris Murphy's office, the freshman Congressman collected an eye-popping $357,000 this last quarter for a total of $805,000 for the year with $780,000 cash on hand.

Whoa, that's some serious cash for a first-term Congressman.

In contrast, according to the State GOP site, David Cappiello's camp raised $200,432.00 last quarter with $184,958.83 cash on hand. With Cappiello in Johnson's camp during the last election, it's not that big of a surprise that he would be able to raise cash...we're talking the 5th District which is Nancy Johnson's money tree folks.

The verdict is still out on whether or not this wil be an interesting race to watch but only time will tell. Now, as my friend CGG noted on CTLP, in a telling sign of some early desperation, I guess the State GOP didn't learn from the beating they took in last year's election with their pathetic attempt to slime Murphy.
Of course, when Murphy isn’t staging photo opportunities, he is busy selling his constituents a heavy dose of hypocrisy. As first reported by the Majority Accountability Project, Rep. Murphy said, on the day of his swearing in, that earmarks should at least be more “transparent”. But then Mr. Murphy refused to release his list of earmarks, unlike Republican Congressman Christopher Shays of the 4th Congressional District. The Westport News hailed Congressman Shays for his honesty and transparency. No such words for Mr. Murphy.
Hmm, I guess Healy's whack-pack didn't read this from MURPHY'S SITE.

This type of crap from the State GOP and the NRCC is EXACTLY why people were turned off with Johnson and in a Presidential year where the Democrats should win outright on the top of the ticket, the Republicans better watch themselves as the Iraq War has placed them far, FAR behind the Democrats.

I'll deal with the other crap the State GOP is attempting to smear Murphy with at another time...I have better things to do than debunk wingnut garbage.

Later, I'll update everyone on the figures for the mayoral race between "Mayor Mark" and Helena Abrantes and explain why this race is going to be pretty damn exciting.

Congressman Chris Murphy on Iraq troop withdrawl


Time: 1:40 PM

In November 2006, people across the country send Washington a clear message about the war in Iraq and tossed the Republicans out of the majority and no where was this more evident then in Connecticut's 5th District.

One of the biggest landslides in Connecticut happened in the 5th District with Democratic challenger Chris Murphy handed incumbent Congresswoman, local Republican favorite, Nancy Johnson her pink slip. If that was not enough, Danbury residents sent a loud message with Murphy beating the Johnson on every local machine in the Danbury.

Hearing the message of his constituents when it comes to a change in course, yesterday Congressman Murphy voted in favor of HR 2956, Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act, which would require that the Bush administration start bringing troops home from Iraq in 120 days.

From the floor of the House of Representatives, here is Murphy's remarks on the bill.
Here's the text of his speech.
I thank the gentleman for yielding. My friends, for all that we disagree on here today, we agree on one thing – we all want a stable, independent Iraq.

What I can’t understand is how anyone can still believe that our continued, open ended military involvement there will lead to a stable nation. In fact, it is doing the opposite.

The Iraqi Parliament and ministries are in unprecedented disarray.

The President’s own report to Congress says they haven’t met any of the political benchmarks. And an estimated 13,000 Iraqis are dead since the escalation began in January.

The fact is, as someone wiser than me said, the Iraqis are paying wholesale, rather than retail, for their political decisions today. So long as we are the military bodyguard for every major Iraqi political group, so long as we are subsidizing the political decisions of Iraqi political leaders, they will never make the difficult political concessions necessary to create a stable society.

Not another American soldier should die for a strategy that is, unfathomably, making Iraq less, not more stable.

I yield back the balance of my time.

A story of the Santos family

Thursday, July 12, 2007
Time: 7:19 PM

I'm at a loss of words about ICE goons rounding up Jose Santos and Neuza Chaves Santos and their two sons, Rodrigo and Roney. If there is any example of the insanity of ICE, this is it.

Instead of me describing what exactly happened, I'm going to do something I rarely do, place a crosspost from the Santos Family support site.
The Santos family has been living in Danbury, CT since the mid to late 80's. They came here from a small town in Brazil in search of the American dream like so many other immigrants have done before them. A mother, a father, two boys and one girl who was fortunate enough to be born on U.S. soil. They made a living for themselves working blue collar jobs: the mother in a factory, the father landscaping, both brothers graduated from high school and one became a carpenter and the other worked in excavation.

These good people paid their taxes, donated to their church and pursued higher education. Unfortunately, their visas were expired which made them illegal. Unlike many other illegal immigrants they were on file with immigration and therefore, have been fighting desperately within the court system to get legalized the right way. They were forced to go to immigration court in Hartford, CT every 3 months. They did this for 2 years until July 10th, 2007 when they were handcuffed and thrown into jail like criminals after showing up to their court date as usual. The daughter cried hysterically only asking to speak to her family before they were sent away. A simple right deserving of any decent human being. The less than sympathetic officers only allowed the daughter a brief 5 minute conversation with her mother through a thick plastic shield with phones on either side. The mother told her daughter to be brave and then gave her some last minute advice before being told that her time was up.

The mother (who is in her late 40s) was separated from her boys and they were all shipped to a different jail in Massachusetts. The officers informed the daughter that they could be held in custody for up to 3 months. Three months behind bars for what? What could they have possibly done to deserve to be treated like criminals? I wonder how those officers would feel if their mother, father and siblings were thrown in jail for circumstances beyond their control. I find it funny that such a God fearing country, a country founded by immigrants, created by immigrants and defended by immigrants can treat an entire family of HUMAN BEINGS like so much stale garbage who's pickup date has been long overdue.

There is a reason why so many immigrants will do anything to live in the home of the free and the land of brave. The employment in countries like Brazil is scarce. I have seen Brazilian doctors, lawyers and others professionals who have chosen to come to the U.S. to cut grass and move boulders instead of practicing their craft because they couldn't make a living in their home land. This is the kind of country that they are sending this family back to. Two young-Americanized brothers who can barely speak Portuguese because they spent their entire lives around baseball and hot dogs instead of soccer and salgados. What harm are they causing the community by staying within our borders and paying our taxes? Most of the mother's side of the family all live legally within the U.S. so by deporting her they are not only taking her away from her daughter but also her brothers and her own mother of age 70.

An injustice has been committed and a family has been torn apart. Why are we allowing this to happen? These people are no more criminals than Rosa parks was a criminal or any other African-American who's rights were limited by laws that were put in place to oppress the poor and empower those who fear change. They are only guilty of trying to survive and trying to give their children an opportunity to flourish. Many of us have been fortunate enough to have been born or naturalized in this beautiful country. Ask yourself, If you weren't so fortunate to have been born here? If you didn't have all of these opportunities? If you could leave that disparity and venture to a new land that offered you nothing but the fact that your hard work will produce hope for the future of you and your kids... would you be a criminal for pursuing that hope?

This 17 year old girl is now left without her family to support her at the time when she most needs it. She is now left with all of the debt her family has left behind for her to pay off. Her family will be deported but the bills that remain are very real. She would also like to be able to purchase a plane ticket to be reunited with them when they arrive in Brazil. These people need our help. They have gone through thousands of dollars in lawyers fees only to come up empty handed with an empty pocket to match.

I have in no way been asked by the family for this website nor am I receiving any compensation for it. I do this because I have known this family my entire life and I have been proud to call them friends. If you know this family or even know a family like them then I ask that you please find it within yourself to make a donation to these good people by contacting me via the email address below and I will put you in direct contact with the family. Also, if you are in the news industry and are interested in helping us please email me at mo1640@gmail.com

Thank you for listening and god bless.
Again, I'm at a complete loss for words in regards to this case...it's simply heartbreaking, completely outrageous, and doesn't make any common sense. We really need to get the elected officials who cheer for ICE out of office...and pronto.

Word has it that this particular case is sounding alarm bells, which is why it's important to contact your elected officials and express your support for the Santos as well as vent your outrage at the tactics of ICE in regards to this case.
You can also help us by contacting these elected officials and asking them to do all within their power to assist.

Jodi Rell
Connecticut Governor
State Capitol Office
Governor M. Jodi Rell
Executive Office of the Governor
State Capitol
210 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, Connecticut 06106
Email: Governor.Rell@ct.gov
Telephone
Greater Hartford Area: 860-566-4840
Toll Free: 800-406-1527

Senior Senator Chris Dodd
448 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-2823
Contact Senator Dodd's office by clicking here

Junior Senator Joe Lieberman
706 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC 20510
Tel. (202) 224-4041
Web: lieberman.senate.gov

Congressman John Larson
District Office:
221 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 278-8888
Fax: (860) 278-2111

D.C. Office:
1005 Longworth HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2265
Fax: (202) 225-1031

Congressman Joe Courtney
DC Office:
215 Cannon House Office Building
Washington , DC 20515
(202) 225-2076
(202) 225-4977 fax

District Office:
Enfield
77 Hazard Ave, Suite 1
Enfield, CT 06082
(860) 741-6011
(860) 741-6036 fax

Norwich
2 Courthouse Square , Fifth Floor
Norwich , CT 06360
(860) 886-0139
(860) 886-2974 fax

Office Hours in Killingly
Representatives from Congressman Courtney's office also hold office hours at Quinebaug Valley Community College every 1st and 3rd Thursday from 12n-5p.
QVCC
742 Upper Maple Street
Danielson, CT 06239

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro
Washington, DC
2262 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-3661
Fax: 202-225-4890

Main District Office
59 Elm Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Phone: 203-562-3718
Fax: 203-772-2260

Congressman Christopher Shays
Write to him by clicking here.

Phone: Bridgeport 203/579-5870
Norwalk 203/866-6469
Stamford 203/357-8277
Washington, DC 202/225-5541
Ridgefield 203/438-5953
Shelton 203/402-0426

Congressman Chris Murphy
81 West Main Street
Downtown New Britain
Phone: 860-223-5522
Fax: 860-223-5500


David Cappielo
State Senator, 24th District
Email: David.Cappiello@cga.ct.gov
Home Address: P.O. Box 2544
Danbury, CT 06813
Home Phone: (203) 778-0138
Work Phone: (860) 240-8875

Bob Godfrey
State Rep., 110th District
At the Capitol:
Legislative Office Building, Room 4107
Hartford, CT 06106-1591
(860) 240-8500
1-800-842-1902
Bob.Godfrey@cga.ct.gov

In the District:
13 Stillman Avenue
Danbury, CT 06810-8007
(203) 778-5127
Robert.Godfrey@snet.net

Janice Giegler
State Rep., 138th District
10 Old Hayrake Road, Danbury 06811
Residence: 203-744-3666
Capitol: 860-240-8700
Write to Rep. Giegler by clicking here

Joe Taborsak
State Rep., 109th District
At the Capitol:
Legislative Office Building, Room 5006
Hartford, CT 06106-1591
(860) 240-8585
1-800-842-8267
Joseph.Taborsak@cga.ct.gov

In the District:
110 Hayestown Road
Danbury, CT 06811
(203) 744-7888

Friendly reminder to our mayor...


Time: 12:25 PM


This isn't 2005 and using this card is getting VERY old.
Boughton said the big issue he continues to hear about is illegal immigration.

"It tops the list. People want me to remind people in Washington, D.C., they are very concerned with illegal immigration," Boughton said.
This is what when you choose to listen to one group of residents, who are telling you what you want to hear, while ignoring the others, who are reminding you that your leadership is a utter disappointment.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is what called, in political terms, "slight of hand." It's usually done by a politician, who after three terms in office, has NOTHING TO RUN ON.

Here's what Boughton doesn't want you to think about...
OUTRAGEOUS TAX BREAKS TO DEVELOPERS.

UNACCEPTABLE traffic concerns.

Failure to address developmental concerns from residents UNTIL WAY AFTER THE FACT.

A embarrassing downtown area.

Ignoring the City Charter whenever HE chooses.

Ignoring proposal after proposal the Democrats raise only to later adopt them as his own at a later point and claim the credit.

Leading the charge with a clueless and absolute worthless Republican Common Council majority in passing one bad ordinance after another bad ordinance, only to set up an ad-hoc committee to ADDRESS THE VERY PROBLEMS THE DEMOCRATS RAISED when the ordinance was being debated.

Using such knee-jerking topics such as immigration (parade ordinance) and the threat of sexual predators (sex offender ordinance) in order to force YOUR proposals though the legislative process (both ordinances are RIDDLED with well-known problems).

Failing to address well-known issues before it's too late (e.g. traffic nightmare at Elmer's "Politics over the People" Diner).

Running the city like a monarch.

AND LETS NOT FORGET...

Boughton's favorite answer to criticism is to point to the previous administration ALTHOUGH he's been in office for three terms.
..and trust me people, I'm holding back.

PLEASE, please, continue with the tired illegal immigration rant as part of your re-election game plan as it only caters to the low-information voter and the laughing stock of our city who blinded with bigotry that they can't see straight (insert Elise "deer in headlights" Marciano and Tom Bennett here).

By the way, how's that Support Reform project going? I get a kick out of the list of ALL THE WONDERFUL achievements on the site and I've given up on an explanation how one of my photos ended up on that well-designed site.

Using these tired campaign gimmicks only goes to further illustrate just how far out of touch this mayor and his current administration are with the residents in Danbury, which include numerous people at City Hall, civil servants (police, firemen), unaffiliated voters, and Republicans who had enough of "Mayor Mark."

Simply put, residents are simply fed up and had enough of this mayor and this god-awful administration and after three-terms of Boughton's rule, many in Danbury want a change in the way things are done in this once great city...and no amount of shameless self-promotion such as the over-hyped 311 system (I'm still on hold), "Mayor Mark" emergency-alert robo-calls (thanks for calling me at home that it's snowing...it really helped to get that call WHILE I'M AT WORK), two new police cars, countless god-awful misleading television interviews, or babbling from the soap-box about immigration will do the trick.

This isn't 2005...

New details of DeLuca-Galante connection emerge


Time: 8:23 AM

This is beginning to read like a bad Soprano's script. I mean, it's a sad day when you can't get someone roughed up for bargain price of 500.00.
A motion filed by prosecutors for Thursday’s sentencing of a trash company manager details how individuals with alleged mob ties failed to carry out an assault of the man state Sen. Louis DeLuca, R-Woodbury, said was abusing his granddaughter.

New court papers filed in Richard Caccavale’s sentencing say trash hauler James Galante turned to Caccavale to carry out the assault. DeLuca, who plead guilty to threatening charges last month, asked Galante to have one of his associates pay the man a visit.

Galante passed DeLuca a note that asked, “Do you want me to have someone pay him a visit?” DeLuca said “Yes.”

Galante then turned to Caccavale to handle the $500 job.

The assault, which never occurred, was described as “deck building” in phone conversations between Caccavale and the individual he hired to carry out the assault.

“On April 7, 2005, Caccavale, using coded language that referred to the visit as “deck building,” learned that his associate had found “a guy to build that deck” and that it would cost $500. Caccavale suggested that the guy should start by “scouting it out” and Caccavale would then go over the rest of the details. Caccavale expressed reluctance at saying too much on the phone,” court documents state.

“On April 8, 2005, the individual told Caccavale that his guy is ready to “do that deck” because the weather is nice. Caccavale opined that he did not want any “heat” and that he hoped “the sun’s not out,” believed to be a reference to law enforcement. Concerned that the intended beating was imminent, on or about April 9, 2005, federal and state law enforcement officers went to the residence of one of Galante’s associates. Upon seeing a state police trooper on his street, the Galante associate cancelled the planned ‘visit’.”

In the end, Caccavale and his associate were unable to find their target and decided to lie about the visit to Galante. “They discussed the cover story they would tell Galante to assure him the mission had been accomplished,” court documents state.
Tell me again why DeLuca shouldn't resign?

Man pulled from Squantz Pond in critical condition

Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Time: 2:08 PM

Since I'm pretty busy gathering information and conducting interviews, here's a report that getting a good deal of attention in New Fairfield.

A 19-year-old Bronx, N.Y., man was in critical condition at Danbury Hospital on Tuesday night, after being pulled hours earlier from the waters of Squantz Pond in an area that has proven deadly to swimmers over the years.

Witnesses said Jarvell Ward began floundering immediately after jumping into the water from "The Rocks," a remote spot in the park located well outside the area protected by lifeguards. It is posted as off-limits to swimmers.

"I don't think he knew how to swim," said Shad Anglero, 23, one of more than a dozen people who accompanied the victim to the park. Most of them were making their first visit to the popular swimming and picnic area.

The near tragedy, which happened just before 2 p.m., came barely a week after the state DEP announced additional measures intended to enhance the safety of visitors to the park, where eight people have drowned since 1998.

Seven of them died in the same area as Tuesday's incident.

New Fairfield First Selectman John Hodge said the victim was under water for about eight minutes before rescuers found him and pulled him back onto The Rocks, where they began CPR.

A visibly upset Hodge accused state officials of not following through on promises to protect park visitors, citing in particular the absence of a personal watercraft that could have brought rescuers to the scene in half a minute, instead of forcing them to run more than a quarter mile over boulders and fallen trees to reach the spot where the swimmer vanished.

"DEP promised upgrades and improvements, and they didn't follow through on any of them," Hodge said.

In addition to the lack of a watercraft, no DEP officers were in the park at the time, and there was no one handing out fliers to warn visitors about the number of drownings at Squantz and advising them to keep away from The Rocks, Hodge said.

"They should either protect the people or close the park down until they can," Hodge said.

Danbury Live archive: June Common Council Meeting


Time: 9:10 AM

As I stated earlier, I'm in the process of archiving the Danbury Live show. In the future, you'll be able to watch previous episodes of the show, which will be located in the HatCityBLOG video vault.

From the Danbury Live archive, here's June Common Council meeting.


Former Congressman Jim Maloney to intoduce impeachment resolution at upcoming State Central meeting

Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Time: 4:32 PM

MattW over at My Left Nutmeg pointed to this tib bit of info regarding what's on the agenda at the next State Central meeting.

Harwinton, CT Democratic Town Chair Myrna Watanabe and former Congressman Jim Maloney plan to introduce the following resolution for discussion at the July 25 meeting of the Democratic State Central Committee.

IMPEACHMENT RESOLUTION FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE CONNECTICUT DEMOCRATIC STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE 2007

WHEREAS, Section 603 of the Manual and Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives provides for impeachment to be initiated on a motion based on charges transmitted from a state legislature; and,

WHEREAS, President George W. Bush has committed high crimes and misdemeanors as he has repeatedly and intentionally violated the United States Constitution and other laws of the United States, particularly the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and the Torture Convention, which under Article VI of the Constitution, is a treaty as part of the supreme law of the land; and

WHEREAS, President George W. Bush has ordered at least thirty times the National Security Agency to intercept and otherwise record international telephone and other signals and communications by American citizens without warrants from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review, duly constituted by Congress in 1978, in violation of constitutional guarantees of due process; and,

WHEREAS, President George W. Bush has admitted that he willfully and repeatedly violated the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and boasted that he would continue to do so, each violation constituting a felony; and,

WHEREAS, President George W. Bush's dereliction of his duty resulted in our country launching an attack on a people and nation that presented no imminent threat of attack, causing the death of more than 3,000 American service personnel as of June 1, 2007, the maiming of thousands more, and the death and injury of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi people, the destruction of their civil society and infrastructure, and the sullying of the honor of the United States of America; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, the Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee submits that his actions and admissions constitute ample grounds for his impeachment, and that the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut has good cause for submitting charges to the U.S. House of Representatives under Section 603 as grounds for President George W. Bush's impeachment.

The Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee further submits that Articles of Impeachment should charge that President George W. Bush has violated his constitutional oath to execute faithfully the office of President, and to the best of his ability, to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.

In all of this, George W. Bush has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as President, subversive of constitutional government, to the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice, and to the manifest injury of the people of the State of Connecticut and of the United States.

WHEREFORE, be it Resolved: President George W. Bush by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any offices of honor, trust, or profit under the United States Constitution.

I'm going to be in the first row of this meeting!

UPDATE: Connecticut Bob offers this point.
Last night I spoke to Myrna Watanabe, and she requested that everyone do the following:

* Contact your local DTC chairperson and let them know you support this resolution.

* Tell them to contact all State Central members to express your support.

* Have them arrange for a proxy if they can't make the meeting to vote in support of the resolution.

Myrna is contacting members of State Central to get a consensus. This resolution will only be introduced if there's enough support for it to pass. Please help by contacting your Democratic Town Committee chairs and telling them to support it.
At State Central, Danbury is represented by Dianne Eppinger and James H. Maloney. Send an email and show your support for this resolution by emailing Eppinger and Maloney via the Danbury DTC at DanburyDTC@aol.com

You can also show your support for the resolution by contacting State Central at Voice: (860) 560-1775, or by emailing Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo

UPDATE (from Danbury DTC Chairman):
Actually the entire 24th State Senate District (Danbury, New Fairfield, Sherman and part of Bethel) is represented by Jim Maloney and Dianne Eppinger.

Light posting


Time: 12:31 PM

Sorry for the lack of posts folks but I'm deeply involved in a pretty complex local story that's taking a great deal of my time and energy right now. Also, as I stated in a earlier post, I'm in the process of upgrading this site for the two-year anniversary as well as freeing a GREAT deal of space on my system (and if things go the way I think they're going to go, I'm going to need every bit of that space for new video).

As always, thanks for your readership and please keep the emails coming. I swear, if the News-Times did half the work I'm doing right now, we wouldn't have such a god-awful newspaper.

...back to the lab.

352,000

Monday, July 09, 2007
Time: 10:21 PM


That's how much money Jim Himes raised in the second quarter in his quest to unseat Congressman Chris Shays.

352,000!
Greenwich Democrat Jim Himes raised about $352,000 in the last three months in his bid to unseat long-time incumbent Rep. Christopher Shays, R-4.

The early total is a record for a challenger in the 4th Congressional District and will likely clear the way for Himes to capture the Democratic nomination next summer without a primary. State Rep. Jim Shapiro, D-Stamford, announced last week that he would not run for the seat that Shays has held since 1987.
When you take into consideration that Republican Sean Sullivan raised anywhere between 25,000 to 30,000 in his challenge against Congressman Joe Courtney, this number is pretty damn impressive.

UPDATE 07.10.07: The Himes campaign issued this statement:
"The people who have contributed -- in amounts small and great -- and those who have given of their time and energy -- have shown that our District is ready for a different voice in Congress,” said Himes. “We want a Congressman who will put the chaos and confusion of an ill-conceived war behind us and move on to address the issues of the day: education, health care, transportation, energy independence and competent national security. Our working families in Bridgeport , our growing businesses in Stamford and our commuters from every corner deserve nothing less."

"My pride today is mixed. Today a man half my age is shouldering a weapon and climbing aboard a transport that will deliver him to a foreign battlefield. He, more than any of us, has cause to reflect on how we choose those who will send him away or bring him home,” continued Himes. “Would he, or any of the brave men and women in our military, be interested in dollars raised? Or would he instead select a leader based on the caliber of his ideas and judgment? Thank you very much to everyone who has given of their time and resources to demonstrate their trust in me to do the job better. It is time for change."

Upgrades

Sunday, July 08, 2007
Time: 12:36 PM

Well, it's that time again.

Instead of posting this weekend, I'm taking time to clean up the harddrive and make some minor upgrades to the site as well as my computer. Simply put, I have need to archive the videos on my drives and free up space for new material and as readers of this site know, archiving takes a great deal of time.

I want to take a moment to thank those who have emailed tips and information in Danbury-related items. A popular question I get regards advertising on HatCityBLOG and I'm working with blogads to add advertising capabilities to the site as well as some other goodies that I think you'll like.

As HatCityBLOG approaches it's two year anniversary, I'm going to do all my best to make this site one of the best local blogs in the country and looking at all the feedback, it seems like people across the country are really taking notice and like what they see.

Be back soon...

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10.03.18 (PDF):
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2018 (RADIO): WLAD
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Danbury Prospect Charter School press conference

03.19.21 (OP-ED): CT MIRROR
"Danbury leaders do not want a charter school"

04.01.21 (OP-ED): CT-LEAD:
"Why did Sen. Kushner vote against us?"

05.06.21 (VID): Danbury rally to fully fund public schools

10.07.21 (VID): Danbury City-Wide PTO "Meet the Candidates" education forum

10.07.21 NEWSTIMES
Danbury candidates quarrel over charter school, education funding

01.10.22 NEWSTIMES
"New operator named for Danbury charter school: ‘I’m a huge advocate for parent choice’"

01.10.22 NEWSTIMES
"Some Danbury Democrats ‘open minded’ about charter school after new, CT operator named"

01.21.22 (OP-ED): CT MIRROR
"Lessons from Danbury: Ending the dual process for charter school approval"

02.09.22 NEWSTIMES
"Proposed Danbury charter school won’t open in 2022, governor leaves funding out of budget"

02.18.22 NEWSTIMES:
Danbury residents plead for charter school funds in 9-hour state budget hearing: ‘Just exhausted’

03.05.22 (LTE):
Time has come for Danbury charter school

03.12.22 (OP-ED): TAYLOR
"Why I am excited about the Danbury Charter School"

03.16.22 (LTE):
"Why a Danbury Charter School?"

04.02.22 CT EXAMINER:
"Crowding and a Lack of Options for Danbury Students, But No Agreement on Solutions"

04.04.22 (OP-ED): DCS
"Danbury Charter School plans debut"

04.07.22 (PODCAST): (CEA)
"SENATOR KUSHNER DISCUSSES POINTS OF OPTIMISM FOR DANBURY PUBLIC SCHOOLS"

04.18.22 (VID): CT-LEAD
Protest press conference

04.25.22 (RADIO): WSHU
Latino group call on Connecticut lawmakers to open a Danbury charter school

06.03.22 (OP-ED): KUSHNER:
"Career Academy ‘a great deal for Danbury"

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On September 26, 2007, ten plaintiffs filed suit in response to an arrest of aday laborers at a public park in Danbury, Connecticut. Plaintiffs amended their complaint on November 26, 2007.

The amended complaint states that plaintiffs sought to remedy the continued discriminatory and unauthorized enforcement of federal immigration laws against the Latino residents of the City of Danbury by Danbury's mayor and its police department.

Plaintiffs allege that the arrests violated their Fourth Amendment rights and the Connecticut Constitution because defendants conducted the arrests without valid warrants, in the absence of exigent circumstances, and without probable cause to believe that plaintiffs were engaged in unlawful activity. In addition, plaintiffs allege that defendants improperly stopped, detained, investigated, searched and arrested plaintiffs. Plaintiffs also allege that defendants violated their Fourteenth Amendment rights when they intentionally targeted plaintiffs, and arrested and detained them on the basis of their race, ethnicity and perceived national origin. Plaintiffs raise First Amendment, Due Process and tort claims.

Plaintiffs request declaratory relief, damages and attorneys fees.

CLICK HERE TO READ/DOWNLOAD MAYOR BOUGHTON'S DEPOSITION

CLICK HERE TO READ/DOWNLOAD MIKE McLACHLAN (then MAYOR CHIEF OF STAFF) DEPOSITION

Danbury Area Coalition for the Rights of Immigrants v.
U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
3:06-cv-01992-RNC ( D. Conn. )

(02.25.08) Court docket

(10.24.07) Memorandum in Opposition to Defendant's Emergency Motion for Protective Order

(09.26.07) Press Release

(12.14.06) Complaint


Barrera v. Boughton, No. 07-01436
(D. Conn. filed Sept. 26, 2007)

(02.25.08) Court Docket

Amended complaint

Defendants' Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction

Defendants' Motion to Dismiss State Law Claims

Plaintiffs' Opposition to Motion to Dismiss

Order on Motion to Dismiss

Defendants' Answer to Amended Complaint

NEW HAVEN REGISTER: Immigrant's 2006 arrest was flawed Danbury mayor testifies

(10.05.07 (VIDEO) Boughton mislead the public about Danbury's involvement in raid

(09.18.07) Yale Law Students expose Danbury involvement in raid

(12.14.06) VIDEO: Interview with Yale Law Students at FOI presser

(12.14.06) VIDEO: Danbury 11 FOI complaint media roundup

City Clerk Jean Natale standing next to skinhead sparks outrage

(10.03.06) VIDEO: Danbury 11 rally

(09.29.06) VIDEO: Danbury 11 case deepens

Word of raid spread across the country

(09/29/06) VIDEO: Danbury 11 protest news conference

(09/29/06) Immigrant newspaper "El Canillita" gives best account of ICE day labor raid at Kennedy Park


trans_button Santos Family Story
VIDEO: Tereza Pereira's ordeal with ICE agents

VIDEO: Danbury Peace Coalition Immigration Forum (April 2006)
featuring Mayor Boughton and Immigration attorney Philip Berns

VIDEO: 2007 Stop the Raids immigration forum at WCSU

2007: Community protest anti-immigration forum

A tribute to Hispanic Center Director and immigrant activist Maria Cinta Lowe

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2023 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

Results:
11.15.23 Recanvass return
(Head Moderator Return Format)

11.07.23: Election night returns
(Head Moderator Return Format)

11.07.23: Initial returns


ESPOSITO FINANCE REPORTS:
Oct 10 2022
Jan 10 2023
Apr 10 2023
Jul 10 2023
Oct 10 2023

ALVES FINANCE REPORTS:
Apr 10 2023
Jul 10 2023
Oct 10 2023

CAMPAIGN SLATE DATABASE
Dem/GOP slate/ballot position

VIDEO: DRTC convention
VIDEO: DDTC conveniton


2021 (ALVES/ESPOSITO)

TOWN COMMITTEES
(VID) DDTC nomination convention
(PDF) DDTC campaign slate flyer

(VID) DRTC nomination convention
(PDF) DRTC campaign slate flyer

FORUMS/DEBATES
(VID) 2021 Danbury City-Wide PTO educational forum

CAMPAIGN FINANCE
First quarter
Alves Apr 10th SEEC filing

Second quarter
Alves Jul 10th SEEC filing
Esposito Jul 10th SEEC filing

Third quarter
Alves Oct 12th SEEC report
Esposito Oct 12th SEEC report

CAMPAIGN MAILERS
Alves "Jan 6th" attack mailer 10.21.21
Esposito "you can't trust Alves" attack mailer 10.20.21
Alves mailer 10.20.21
Alves mailer 09.30.21
Esposito mailer 09.28.21
Alves mailer 09.27.21
Esposito mailer 09.27.21


PAST CAMPAIGN COVERAGE

2005 (BOUGHTON/ESPOSITO)
Danbury 2005 election results
Newstimes Dean Esposito profile (10.25.05)

2007 (BOUGHTON/ABRANTES)
Danbury 2007 election results
(VID) Helana Abrantes TV ad
(VID) BRT tax deferral presser
(VID) Helena Abrantes "Community Forum" interview

2009 (BOUGHTON/GONCALVES)
Danbury 2009 election results
(VID) 2009 Danbury City-Wide PTO educational forum
(VID) 2009 Danbury Chamber of Commerce mayoral debate
(VID) 2009 DDTC nomination convention

2011 (BOUGHTON/TABORSAK)
Danbury 2011 election results
(VID) Saadi/Nero campaign kickoff

2013 (BOUGHTON/NO DTC ENDORSED CANDIDATE/MCALLISTER)
Danbury 2013 election results
(VID) 2013 DDTC nominaiton convention

2015 (BOUGHTON UNCHALLENGED)
Danbury 2015 election results

2017 (BOUGHTON/ALMEIDA)
Danbury 2017 election results
(VID) Al Almeida concession speech
(VID) 2017 Danbury City-Wide PTO educational forum
(VID) Al Almeida nomination acceptance speech

2019 (BOUGHTON/SETARO)
Danbury 2019 election results
(VID) 2019 NewsTimes Editorial Board interview with Mark Boughton and Chris Setaro
(VID) 2019 Danbury City-Wide PTO educational forum
(VID) 2019 Danbury Chamber of Commerce mayoral debate
(VID) 2019 convention endorsement speeches from Mark Boughton and Chris Setaro