LOCAL ACCESS VIDEO: Spotlight On 09.29.09 broadcast

Saturday, October 03, 2009
Time: 12:09 PM


Democratic Town Committee chairman weighs in on Boughton avoiding FREE and OPEN debates

Friday, October 02, 2009
Time: 2:06 PM



Today, I interviewed Danbury Democratic Town Committee chairman Joe DaSilva to get his take on Mark Boughton's repeated attempt to avoid FREE and OPEN debates with Gary Goncalves and why the mayor's recycled action is a disservice to the public.



What do you think..should Mayor Boughton agree to FREE and OPEN debates with Gary Goncalves? Answer the latest HatCityBLOG poll and give me your take.




RELATED POSTS:

News-Times to Boughton: Stop waffling on FREE and OPEN debates

Avoiding free and open debates is nothing new for Boughton

Goncalves blasts Boughton over not agreeing to open debates

Flip over accident on Padanaram Rd


Time: 10:13 AM

Accident_NStreet

A late model Honda SUV and a late model Honda Accord were involved in an accident on Padanaram Road this morning.

The accident caused the SUV to flipped over right in front of the Subway sandwich shop around 9AM and caused traffic delays.

The vehicles were being removed from the scene when I arrived and I have no information regarding the condition of the passengers involved in the accident.

Here's a small video clip of what the scene looked like when I arrived.


News-Times to Boughton: Stop waffling on FREE and OPEN debates

Thursday, October 01, 2009
Time: 11:45 PM

I guess the News-Times isn't buying Boughton's 2007 recycled excuse in not debating Gary Goncalves in a FREE AND OPEN forum.

From Friday's editorial:
Open and spirited debate is necessary so the electorate can make informed decisions when voting. But Mayor Mark Boughton is waffling about whether he can fit a proposed League of Women Voters debate this month into his already busy schedule.

Excuse us, mayor, but few events could be considered more important than letting voters hear candidates' views and answers to questions during a public debate.

[...]

Both candidates will participate in the debate scheduled for Oct. 14 by the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce at the Holiday Inn.

That is good, but it does not suffice.

That mayoral forum is part of a $45-a-plate luncheon that begins at 11:30 a.m. Not everyone can afford to attend and for some it could be difficult to leave work at that hour.

The chamber forum is an excellent idea for reaching members and other business people. An evening debate, such as the one organized by the League of Women Voters, would broaden the reach.

[...]

Voters should not be limited in choice; they should not be limited in finding out as much as they can about the positions of candidates who will represent them.

Both candidates for the mayor of Danbury should take part in every debate between now and the election.

When it comes to avoiding open and public debates, residents shouldn't Boughton should not be allowed to get away with the same tactics he pulled with Helena Abrantes in 2007.

For the mayor of the seventh largest city in Connecticut to avoid debating someone who will question his record is a grave disservice to the public. We line in serious economic times and the public has a right to see candidates debate the issues without forking over 45 dollars for a chamber of commerce luncheon (in the middle of the day).

...and all due respect mayor, spare the public the schedule excuse, we've heard that tune before.

Ned Lamont throws his support for Gary Goncalves


Time: 5:18 PM

Goncalves_Lamont05
Ned Lamont notes Gary Goncalves' business resume as a major factor in backing the mayoral candidate's campaign.
Danbury Public Library. Sept 30 2009.


On Wednesday, Ned Lamont made a trip to Danbury to offer his support for Gary Goncalves.

Lamont made headlines by defeating Senator Joe Lieberman in a historic Democratic primary and was a instrumental in making to easier for Democratic candidates to express their opposition towards the Iraq war in 2006.

Before attending a fundraiser for the Democratic mayoral candidate, Goncalves and Lamont held a press conference in front of Danbury Public Library where they made a statement and answered questions from the press.


HatCityBLOG (the television show): EPISODE 3

Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Time: 10:07 PM



TOPIC: Meeting with Senator Chris Dodd



HI-RES_BUTTON

You can watch HatCityBLOG (the television show) WEDNESDAY EVENINGS at 6PM and THURSDAY MORNING at 11AM on Comcast 23.

The campaign against City Clerk Jean Natale is coming...


Time: 1:23 PM

Jean_Pig

...and it's not gonna be pretty!

Avoiding free and open debates is nothing new for Boughton


Time: 12:03 PM

Boughton on avoiding open debates: October 2007
During her closing statements, [Helena] Abrantes challenged Boughton to three debates that would be open to the public and held at night or on weekend when more people could attend.

Boughton said Wednesday that he hasn't decided on Abrantes challenge but said he would try and see what will fit in his schedule.

"We'll look at any request." he said, pointing out that he will attend upcoming candidate forums held by the PTO and volunteer firefighters. "Beyond that, we'll have to look at the dates and see what we can squeeze in."


Boughton on avoiding open debates: September 20 2009
As for other debates in the mayoral race, Goncalves said he has agreed to participate in an event sponsored later next month by the League of Women Voters of Danbury.

Boughton, however, said he had not yet received an invitation to the event.

"There are already several events planned for next month," he said. "Anything beyond that may be difficult to fit into our schedule."

Boughton on avoiding open debates: September 25 2009
Goncalves said it was "slap in the face to the voters" and a "display of arrogance" when Boughton said last week that he likely couldn't attend a debate being offered by the League of Women Voters of the Danbury Area.

"As a Danbury resident and taxpayer who was born, raised and educated in Danbury, I consider the mayor's response that he had not seen the invitation, that his schedule was filling up and that enough other forums were scheduled, totally unacceptable," Goncalves said during an outdoor press conference.

Goncalves, who made reference to a debate being held next week before the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce at a cost of $45 per person, added that residents have a "right to hear the opposing viewpoints of the candidates in an open and no-cost forum."

In response Boughton said he only received the invitation to the league debate late last week and he will evaluate whether he can attend the event.

"It's already late in the (election) cycle and we do have a full schedule of events," he said. "I also have a responsibility to run the city of Danbury."

Avoiding open debates is nothing new for Mayor Mark Boughton...just ask 2007 Democratic mayoral candidate Helena Abrantes.



Citing the concerns Gary Goncalves has with the chamber of commerce luncheon/forum (not free to the public, held during a time when most of the public would be unable to attend, etc), throughout her campaign two years ago, several times Abrantes called upon Boughton to agree to an open forum in which the public would have an opportunity to hear the two candidates debate the issues.

Unfortunately, the public never had an opportunity to see the two candidates debate each other in an open forum.

Earlier this week, I caught up with Abrantes and talked to her about the similarities between Boughton's refusing to open debates with her back in 2007 and his refusal to open debates now.


Election ballot selection process 101

Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Time: 7:42 PM

Bethel_lottery
Bethel municipal ballot lottery
Bethel Municipal Center


Several readers emailed and questioned me about how the election ballot selection process works.

Rather than explaining the process, I thought it would be better if I showed the ballot process in action.

Form Bethel, here's footage of their municipal election ballot lottery (including an explanation behind the ballot selection positioning process).


About us


Time: 2:25 PM


Here's more info on the League of Women Voters...and why their highly respected when it comes to political debates.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, has fought since 1920 to improve our systems of government and impact public policies through citizen education and advocacy. The League's enduring vitality and resonance comes from its unique decentralized structure. The League is a grassroots organization, working at the national, state and local levels.

There are Leagues in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Hong Kong, in addition to the hundreds of local Leagues nationwide. The League of Women Voters of the United States and the League of Women Voters Education Fund operate at the national level with grassroots support from state and local Leagues.

The League of Women Voters is strictly nonpartisan; it neither supports nor opposes candidates for office at any level of government. At the same time, the League is wholeheartedly political and works to influence policy through advocacy. It is the original grassroots citizen network, directed by the consensus of its members nationwide. The 900 state and local Leagues – comprising a vast grassroots lobby corps that can be mobilized when necessary.

Over time, the League’s legislative priorities change to reflect the needs of society and critical issues of concern. The organization remains true to its basic purpose: to make democracy work for all citizens. The League of Women Voters makes a difference in the lives of citizens because of the energy and passion of thousands of members committed to our principles.

Our Mission Statement

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

When it comes to debates, I'd take more credit from questions from the LWV as oposed to any other group.

Water coolers?


Time: 11:14 AM

With eight years of tax increases, a budget that's ballooned from 149 million in 2001 to 202 million, and city debt going through the roof, this is how Mark Boughton responds to Gary Goncalves' criticism regarding the way he's governed the city.
Boughton said they even saved $13,000 a year by eliminating water coolers in City Hall...


...a budget that's over 200 million dollars (10+ million of which goes towards debt) and he's talking about water coolers savings?

With remarkable comments like this, it's no wonder Danbury's last honest man is doing everything in his power to avoid going toe to toe with Goncalves in an free and open public debate.

Bethel First Selectman case moved till after the election


Time: 11:08 AM

Just found out that the court case for First Selectman Bob Burke has been moved from tomorrow morning, to Nov 6th, which is three days after the election.

Burke is facing second degree harassment charges stemming from alleged phone calls the first selectman made to a person who, according to court records, he had a personal relationship with.

UPDATE: The News-Times has more...
Burke's attorney Thomas Beecher said the change was at his request, but had no comment about why it was postponed until after the Nov. 3 municipal election.

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INDEPENDENT PARTY OF DANBNRY
DATABASE COMING SOON


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CITY OF DANBURY VIDEO ARCHIVE (Dec 2012-present)

The Mercurial (RIP)
Danbury News Times
Danbury Patch
Danbury Hamlet Hub
Danbury Daily Voice
Tribuna Newspaper
CT News Junkie
CT Capitol Report

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):
"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