LOCAL ACCESS VIDEO: Community Forum August 26 2009 broadcast

Friday, August 28, 2009
Time: 5:56 PM

Guest: Democratic City Clerk candidate Eileen Colaradci.


Hypocritical


Time: 2:11 PM

I'd like to follow-up on the News-Times editorial regarding the State Police's refusal to release public information.

When news of First Selectman Burke's arrest first broke, I drove up to the State Police-Troop A barracks in Southbury to obtain a copy of the police report as well as the mug shot for my write-up.

Once in Southbury, I was as informed to call the Department of Public Safety headquarters in Middletown where I was told that the State Police wouldn't release the photograph...a CLEAR violation of the Freedom of Information Act (Section 1-210) and the only information they would release was a summary of the arrest.

The refusal of not releasing the mugshot made no sense then and it makes no sense now.

Photos of individuals arrested by the police in Connecticut are released all the time..why would this time be any different?

For instance:

From the State Capitol Police:



Here's a mugshot of Hal Turner, the moron who threatened the lives of State Senator Andrew McDonald and State Rep. Mike Lawlor.



Here's a pic of middle school teacher Tim Kane, another moron who threaten the lives of State Senator Andrew McDonald and State Rep. Mike Lawlor.

Here are the State Police photos of Joshua Komisarjevsky and Steve Hayes, the two individuals charged with the brutal slaying of the Petit family.



As the News-Times stated, not releasing Burke's photo is not only a CLEAR violation of the Freedom of Information Act (Section 1-210), it's hypocritical and wrong.

If the newspaper plans of filing a complaint, I'd be more than happy to add my name to the cause and join in on that fight.

LOCAL ACCESS VIDEO: Ideas at Work and Beyond August 27 2009 broadcast


Time: 2:07 PM

...here's the video from the show everyone's talking about.

Guests: Larry Craybas: Republican First Selectman candidate, Paul Szatkowski, Republican Selectman candidate:

Website: www.craybas09.com


Eileen Coladarci points out the failures of City Clerk Jean Natale

Thursday, August 27, 2009
Time: 5:42 PM

On last night's edition of the local access show Community Forum, City Clerk candidate Eileen Colararci continued the task of pointing out the alarming failures of current City Clerk Jean Natale.

Here are some highlights.



I'll have the entire interview posted tomorrow.

For more information on the incompetence of City Clerk Jean Natale, make sure to view my special report on the WORST elected official in Danbury.

LOCAL ACCESS VIDEO: Spotlight On August 11 broadcast


Time: 11:54 AM


HatCityBLOG EXCLUSIVE: 2009 Bethel RTC caucus

Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Time: 1:06 PM

I'm been flooded by emails from people in Bethel who saw me at the Republican Town Committee caucus and requested that I post my video footage.

Although I uploaded this file to Youtube some time ago, and planned to do a write-up on the event at a later date, recent events have changed things.

Here's the video (note: only parts of the video which was editied was the voting portion of the meeting...which lasted HOURS).


PUBLIC ACCESS VIDEO: Bob Burke to answer charges


Time: 12:26 PM

On Monday night, Bob Burke did an interview with Bob Crnic's local access show "Common Sense" and commented on his recent arrest.





The show is scheduled to air in it's entirety this Friday at 7:30 on Comcast 23.



*Full disclosure (for those visiting the site who are unfamiliar with Bethel): The following video clip was posted to YouTube by Dan Gaita, treasurer for Burke's campaign. Host Crnic, is a supporter of Burke, chairman of the Pro Bethel Political Party, and was quoted by the News-Times regarding the arrest on 8.25.09.

BREAKING NEWS: Danbury PD investigated Bethel First Selectman on harassment complaint in June

Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Time: 8:20 PM

Just when you think it couldn't get worse for Burke...
A Danbury woman called police to complain she was being harassed by Bethel First Selectman Robert Burke in June, a Danbury Police Department spokesman confirmed Tuesday.

The alleged incident took place more than five months after an incident that resulted in Burke's arrest by Connecticut State Police on Monday.

No criminal charges were brought against Burke in the Danbury case, police department spokesman Capt. Thomas Wendel said Tuesday.

Instead, police contacted a prosecutor in the Danbury state's attorney's office and were referred to state police, who by this time were already pursuing a separate investigation against Burke. Danbury police turned the complaint over to the state police.

However, the two alleged incidents are apparently related. The woman who contacted Danbury police is the daughter of the woman who filed the complaint in December that led to Burke's arrest for second-degree harassment.

"My family has been having problems with him for a long time," the daughter claimed Tuesday.

So from what little we know about this situation, Burke had the cops called on him on by the victim and the victim's daughter on at least two occasisons.

Lets look back at what Bethel Police Commissioner Nick Ellis said to the News-Times yesterday.
Bethel Police Commissioner Nick Ellis, who was elected three and a half years ago, said he was sorry about the arrest but knew it was coming.

"I feel sorry for Bob and his family, but the victim has gone through a lot,'' Ellis said Monday. "I'm sorry it had to happen this way."

Ellis said Burke and the alleged victim had a personal relationship that was private between them and their families, but the issue became public after the individual went to the police department several times.

The alleged victim didn't want to file a complaint initially but finally did last December, Ellis said.

What's worse is that just about everyone in Bethel knew about the "rumors" surrounding Burke's situation before the arrest...including those within Burke's own party.
[Selectman] Szatkowski said that he, like many people, had heard rumors of Burke's situation for weeks.

"We're a small community,'' Szatkowski said. "Everybody knows everybody.''

"It was probably the most open secret in town,'' said GOP Town chairman Paul Improta.

Improta said the rumors of Burke's legal problems were among the reasons the town committee decided not to endorse him, instead backing Craybas.

"We didn't want people saying 'You knew about this and you endorsed the guy anyway?'" Improta related.
Like Szatkowski, Improta said it would be "wise'' for Burke to drop his primary challenge.

"It would be good for the town,'' he said. "We don't need to go through a fight he has no chance of winning. I think he'd be doing himself a favor."

Although the case is scheduled for Spetember 8th, the recent news reports are not looking good for Burke.

Could Burke be in violation of the town charter if convicted of a crime?


Time: 6:16 PM

For someone who lives in Danbury, my email box is full of questions regarding Bethel First Selectman Bob Burke.

Someone passed along this tidbit from the Town of Bethel's charter:

Chapter 19 Section 11: Disciplinary action (take note of subsection 12)

A. Disciplinary action against any regular employee in the classified service shall be taken only for cause, and the following procedures shall apply. Records of disciplinary action shall be maintained in the employee's personnel file and a copy given to the employee.

B. Cause for disciplinary action. A department head or the appointing authority may reprimand, demote, withhold pay increases, suspend, dismiss or otherwise discipline an employee for reasons such as, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Violation of these rules.

(2) Dishonesty in the performance of duties.

(3) Consumption of alcohol or the illegal use of drugs on the job.

(4) Reporting for work unfit for duty.

(5) Recklessness or negligence on the job.

(6) Inefficiency.

(7) Tardiness or absenteeism.

(8) Engaging in unauthorized work or activity while on duty.

(9) Failure, refusal or inability to perform a normal quantity and quality of work.

(10) Failure to obey a reasonable order, either written or oral, provided that nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require an employee to commit an unlawful act.

(11) The use of abusive language to a supervisor, coworker or the public.

(12) Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude.

(13) Fraudulently obtaining sick or injury leave.

(14) Insubordination.

(15) Other due and sufficient cause.

Moral turpitude is defined as the following:
Moral turpitude is a legal concept in the United States that refers to "conduct that is considered contrary to community standards of justice, honesty or good morals.


The question that was posed to me is what happens if Burke takes a plea deal? Would his taking a plea deal equate to him being convicted of a crime? If the answer is yes, then could the town of Bethel bring disciplinary action against him?

This whole thing is getting stranger by the minute...

Bethel First Selectman responds to charges


Time: 9:00 AM

This morning, First Selectman Bob Burke issued the following statement regarding his arrest.
"I intend to vigorously defend my innocence against this misdemeanor charge. I do not know the details of the accusation but I am more than 100% certain that this allegation is without merit and baseless. Anyone that knows me knows that I have always been very passionate about sticking up for the little guy, and when it comes to clearing my own good name and reputation, I will spare no expense or effort to do the same. I do not intend to change my political campaign in any way. I look forward to clearing my name and running on my record of accomplishments – first to my fellow Republicans and then to all the people of Bethel who are entitled to the truth. The people of Bethel expect a full accounting of the facts surrounding this misdemeanor charge and I will do everything possible to provide the full truth."

Bethel First Selectman arrested on harassment charges

Monday, August 24, 2009
Time: 5:25 PM

Bethel's Republican First Selectman Bob Burke is having a bad day..a REAL bad day.

First, his own party refused to nominate him for a third term. To add salt to the wound, after kicking him the curb, his party trashed him in the newspaper.

And now comes this...

This morning, Burke was arrested and charged with second degree harassment (C.G.S 53a-183). The arrest stemmed from an investigation into a series a harassing phone calls Burke made to an unnamed victim.

According to the State Police criminal information summary, Burke released on a written promise to appear at Danbury Superior Count on September 8th.

...oh yeah, Burke forced a primary for his seat which is scheduled for September 15th...one week after his court appearance.

UPDATE: Here's how the story played out on the networks yesterday...



UPDATE 2: The rabbit hole gets deeper?
Bethel Police Commissioner Nick Ellis, who was elected three and a half years ago, said he was sorry about the arrest but knew it was coming.

"I feel sorry for Bob and his family, but the victim has gone through a lot,'' Ellis said Monday. "I'm sorry it had to happen this way."

Ellis said Burke and the alleged victim had a personal relationship that was private between them and their families, but the issue became public after the individual went to the police department several times.

The alleged victim didn't want to file a complaint initially but finally did last December, Ellis said.

He said the local police did what they were supposed to do, but the state's attorney in Danbury thought the case was too close to home so it was moved to the state police.


UPDATE 3: Bethel GOP to Burke: "Go away"
First Selectman Robert Burke's Republican opponents urged him Monday to shut down his primary plans.

"He should bow out,'' Selectman Paul Szatkowski said. "A wise man would."

[...]

"It's an embarrassment to the entire town and to his family,'' Szatkowski said of the arrest.

Szatkowski said that he, like many people, had heard rumors of Burke's situation for weeks.

"We're a small community,'' Szatkowski said. "Everybody knows everybody.''

"It was probably the most open secret in town," said GOP Town chairman Paul Improta.

Improta said the rumors of Burke's legal problems were among the reasons the town committee decided not to endorse him, instead backing Craybas.

"We didn't want people saying 'You knew about this and you endorsed the guy anyway?' '' Improta related.

Like Szatkowski, Improta said it would be "wise'' for Burke to drop his primary challenge.

"It would be good for the town,'' he said. "We don't need to go through a fight he has no chance of winning. I think he'd be doing himself a favor.''


Here's the police report...


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CITY OF DANBURY VIDEO ARCHIVE (Dec 2012-present)

The Mercurial (RIP)
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10.03.18 (PDF):
"Approval of Danbury Prospect Charter School"

10.30.20 (HatCityBLOG VID): Charter School discussion during 2020 interview with Julie Kushner

2018 (RADIO): WLAD
"State Board of Ed signs off on Danbury charter school proposal"

08.20 (VID): CT-LEAD
"Stand up for Education Justice" Rally

08.20.20 (OP-ED): KUSHNER: "Charter schools are not ‘magic bullet’ to improving Danbury schools"

09.13.20 (OP-ED): CHAPMAN
Candidate for state Senate supports charter school for Danbury

01.15.21 (VID): CT-LEAD
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):
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04.02.22 CT EXAMINER:
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04.04.22 (OP-ED): DCS
"Danbury Charter School plans debut"

04.07.22 (PODCAST): (CEA)
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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
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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