• The campaign finance statements are in and certain candidates cash-on-hand is laughable to say the least. I'll break down the numbers (and show you who donated to who) later...it's quite interesting.


• Hark! Mike "the law doesn't apply to me" Hallas is BREAKING CITY LAW again...why am I not surprised. I'll explain later.


• Day three of the sexual assault case against anti-immigrant extremist/former mayoral candidate John McGowan was just as silly as the first two days. Unfortunately, because of the debate, I haven't had time to do a write-up and get everyone up to date. I''ll bring you up to date on his latest court stunt later.


• From taking credit for the renovations to the Palace Theater, to misleading the public regarding his voting record in relation with Democrats on the Common Council, Mayor Boughton's recycled themes from 2007 are just begging to be debunked...and I'm just the person to do it.


• Speaking of Danbury's last honest man, in a post I'm working on, I'll explain why the "40-dollar-a-plate" Danbury Chamber of Commerce mayoral debate was a disservice to the public...and why Boughton avoids FREE and OPEN debates.


• Make sure to watch the video postings of my favorite public access shows. From Community Forum to Spotlight On, the people behind these shows really work hard to bring quality programming to the community and it's worth watching.


• WTF was up with the snow yesterday?!?!?

An assessment of the potential economic impact of the proposed Connecticut Studios project concludes the development will benefit both the local and state economies by creating jobs, attracting investors, building an industry, and boosting tax revenue both in town and in Hartford.

The Connecticut Economic Resource Center Inc. believes the project's development and construction phase alone will create 1,530 jobs and add $108 million to personal incomes, according to an analysis it presented to the town council. The developer's plan calls for developing an area of 750,000 square feet, roughly 17.2 acres, at a cost of $276 million.

The analysis, outlined by Dale Shannon, senior economist at CERC, estimates ongoing economic activity of the proposed studio and related businesses will create 4,590 jobs, lead to $786 million in sales, $623 million of that from film production alone. It is also expected to add $275 million to personal incomes annually, Shannon said.

Included in the construction phase is $60 million for the studio; $50 million for retail; $18 million for a hotel; $2.7 million for restaurants; and $10 million for infrastructure. The study also suggests the project will lead to the creation of 4,600 jobs in the areas of film and post-film production, studio offices, and hotel, retail and restaurant sales. And, Shannon said, those figures are "very conservative."

"It's a very substantial project," Town Councilor Kathryn Hale said. These are "bigger numbers and better numbers than I was assuming."

State Sen. Gary LeBeau, chairman of the commerce committee, assured the council that the state considers itself a partner in the development. "This is a tremendous project," LeBeau said.

[...]

[Town Manager Matthew] Galligan said many of those employed directly or indirectly by the studio project will live and work in town and "pay their taxes here." The town will also benefit from the increased value the project brings to the town's list of taxable property.

LeBeau said he views the Connecticut Studios project as just the beginning.

"My hope is this is the first of many studios to come to the state of Connecticut," LeBeau said.

Mayoral candidates will square off next week when regional and local business leaders ask them how they would boost the city's economic base.

The Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce will host a mayoral forum as a way for residents and business community to hear the candidates' plan for Danbury.

[...]

Boughton and Setaro already have squared off at two debates. In recent weeks, they debated at forums sponsored by the citywide Parent Teacher Organization and the Senior Center.

"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."