The picture tells the story

Saturday, March 20, 2010
Time: 12:03 AM



Rick Green's view on the GOP snooze fest gubernatorial debate.

LOCAL ACCESS VIDEO: Ideas at Work and Beyond 03.18.10 broadcast

Friday, March 19, 2010
Time: 2:27 PM


CT 04: Himes on board to approve health care reform


Time: 10:24 AM

Not to be outdone by Congressman Murphy's morning announcement, minutes ago, Congressman Jim Himes released the following statement regarding his upcoming vote on heath care reform.
With premiums skyrocketing every year and thousands of Connecticut families without health insurance, we can’t afford to wait any longer,” said Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4). “This long overdue reform will put Americans back in control of their health insurance choices and ensure that everyone has access to high-quality, affordable health care.”
  • Improve coverage for 463,000 residents with health insurance with new protections against premium hikes, annual and lifetime coverage caps, and exclusions because of preexisting conditions.

  • Give tax credits and other assistance to up to 94,000 families and 19,700 small businesses to help them afford coverage.

  • Improve Medicare for 99,000 beneficiaries, including beginning to close the donut hole.

  • Extend coverage to 31,000 uninsured residents.

  • Guarantee that 9,300 residents with pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage.

  • Protect 600 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs.

  • Allow 43,000 young adults to obtain coverage on their parents’ insurance plans.

  • Provide millions of dollars in new funding for the 4th District’s community health centers.

  • Reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and other health care providers by $20 million annually.

Congressman Himes' office also released a fact sheet outlining how the health care reform package will effect people in the 4th Congressional District.


CT 05: Chris Murphy gives health care reform the thumbs up


Time: 9:57 AM

A day after the release of the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office report, which estimates the health care reform package costing $940 billion while reduce the deficit by $138 billion over a ten year period (and reducing the deficit by $1.2 trillion over the second ten year period), Congressman Chris Murphy has made a statement regarding how he's going to vote:
The message from the people I represent is clear – health care costs and health insurance practices are out of control. While nearly every person I meet has a different idea about what the exact fix should be, everyone agrees that doing nothing is not an option. We need to make changes to the current system to provide people access to affordable care, to cut costs for businesses, and to strengthen Medicare for seniors. The changes we need to make to our health care system will only come by transferring power away from the health insurance industry and to consumers. The current health insurance reform bill does this, and that’s why I plan on voting in favor of its final passage.

This bill has real, immediate benefits for people. It closes the Medicare drug donut hole, lowers small business health costs, and insures 18,000 of my constituents that currently don’t have health care. But maybe most importantly, the bill extends the solvency of Medicare for another decade, and cuts the national deficit by $140 billion. That’s real progress that shouldn’t be denied to the people of Connecticut.


Congressman Murphy's office also released a fact sheet that what health care reform will mean for people in the 5th Congressional District.


LOCAL ACCESS VIDEO: Spotlight On 03.16.10 broadcast

Thursday, March 18, 2010
Time: 10:24 PM


CT-GOV: Boughton losing ground in quest for governor


Time: 10:04 AM



Although stating publicly that he made a decision in running for governor back in early January, the latest Quinnipiac poll was released today which shows that Danbury's last honest man is losing ground among the field of Republican candidates for the gubernatorial nomination.

When asked who would support for the state's top elected position, Tom Foley leads the field with at 30 percent, up 13 points since the last poll in January. Mark Boughton barely registers a blip on the screen at 4 percent, DOWN two points since the last poll in January.

While his favorable numbers are still below 10 percent, eighty five percent of those polled said they haven't heard enough about the man who's been Danbury's mayor for almost ten years.

The Q-poll also finds that people support for Sunday alcohol sales (56-39 percent) while opposing keno gambling (70-27 percent) and reinstating toll booths on highways (56-40).

You can read the complete report by clicking here.

UPDATE: The last honest man attempts to find a silver lining...
Let's keep rockin on... remember, this is about delegates, not the general population.


Hmm, now it's not about the poll numbers but the GOP convention. Interesting

Lets take a look at what Boughton had to say about his higher poll numbers in January from his so-called "expert analysis."
Although Greenwich multi-millionaire Tom Foley and Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele had higher ratings in the latest Quinnipiac University poll, Boughton noted that he had 6 percent of the vote in the poll without yet having declared his candidacy.

So in other words, Boughton had no problem touting the Q-poll when he didn't officially declare his candidacy for governor (although he did hint his intentions to the press at the time). Now that he's been a candidate over a month, and has been traveling across the state with his recycled campaign speech, Boughton opts to ignore the his latest poll data showing that that his numbers are taking a nose dive.

They don't call him the last honest man in Danbury for nothing...

I'll make it simple and get to Keating's point in the write-up that Mark referenced.

There is a WORLD of difference between public opinion and delegates who will cast their vote at the GOP convention.

The whole convention thing is a crazy game of chess which takes too long to explain but for those who don't know a thing about conventions (which probably accounts for a majority of the public), arm twisting and deal making is the name of the game at events. Because of this, most stuff that goes down at conventions have nothing to do with the mood of the general public. As someone who was a state legislator and better known within the political inside baseball arena as opposed to the general public, logically, Boughton's delegate percentage should be higher than his general public poll numbers.

As someone who's been to a few of these events over the years, I can tell you that conventions are nothing more than the ultimate in inside political baseball. Whether or not Bouhgton twists enough arms to grab 15 percent of the TOTAL delegate vote is somewhat irrelevant when it comes to his chances in grabbing the nomination IF he makes it to the primary in August.

To recap:

  • With NO money,


  • no guarantee that the state's public campaign finance program will be in place in time for the race,


  • the fact that he's going around to the various RTC in the state touting accomplishments as mayor...most of which he INHERITED from the previous administration,


  • and NO real name ID to speak of,


The two most important elements in a campaign are MONEY and NAME RECOGNITION and with Foley's warchest, Boughton is in an overwhelming uphill battle when it comes to being relevant in this race. Linda McMahon's rise in the poll over Rob Simmons has shown that political experience isn't needed when it comes to the GOP.

As Q-poll director Doug Schwartz stated:
Like Linda McMahon, Tom Foley is the only candidate for governor who is on TV, which helps him break away from the Republican pack.

As the high undecided drops, and Foley continues to flood the airwaves, expect his numbers in the polls to increase. At this point, Foley only real challenger is Mike Fedele, which is why Foley is sharpening his attacks against the Lt. Gov while completely avoiding anything that comes out of Boughton's mouth at the various forums the candidates have held across the state.

In short, only candidates who are down in the polls talk about delegates at a convention most people have no idea about. Boughton's latest rant is no exception.

Happy St. Patty's Day

Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Time: 3:23 PM



...pass the mustard.

CT-STATE SEN 24: Alice Hutchinson forms exploratory committee for State Senate

Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Time: 5:25 PM

Today, Former Bethel First Selectwoman Alice Hutchinson formed an exploratory committee to possibly challenge the ultra-homophobic, hyper-partisan, disgraceful Mike McLachlan for the 24 district state senate seat.
As a former First Selectman, I am keenly aware of the needs of local municipalities and how much decreased state funding has burdened the local taxpayers. Most importantly, we must be focused on the future of our State, our economy and creating good jobs for working families.

I don't believe Senator McLachlan's priorities are our priorities and I don't believe his views are consistent with those of the voters of the 24th. That is why I am seriously considering a run for this office.

I will spend the next few weeks listening to the voters of Bethel, Danbury, New Fairfield and Sherman as they voice their concerns and hope to make a more formal announcement soon.


As the darling of the Family Institute of Connecticut, teabagger whackos, and anti-immigrant groups, Mike McLachlan is by far the worst state senator at the Capitol.

As a former chief of staff of Mark Boughton, McLachlan has been instrumental in pushing a highly anti-immigrant/xenophobic policy through Danbury. As a state senator, while totally ignoring the concerns of his district, McLachlan's opted to use his term in office to lead the ultra-right wing charge on such issues as marriage equality and opposition to the death penalty.

If there is one state senator who deserves a pink slip in November, it's McLachlan and Hutchinson could possibly be the person who could give him the boot.

Yours truly in front of the camera


Time: 12:50 PM

A few weeks ago, I taped an interview for the local access show "Progressive Soup" where I talked about the state of political blogging in Connecticut, the problems associated with the lack of local media coverage in Danbury, and the future of journalism in general.

Here's the first half an hour of the interview.



You can watch the second part of the interview by clicking here

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No part of the content or the blog may be reproduced without prior written permission.
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INDEPENDENT PARTY OF DANBNRY
DATABASE COMING SOON


“Facebook”“Twitter”“Email”

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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