As someone who was ON THE SCENE yesterday and was in CONSTANT contact with the police department while awaiting a statement, there is NO evidence that his matter had ANYTHING to do with the tragedy...none.

Out of respect for the grieving family members, the media should do the right thing and inform readers that THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE DAY CARE OPERATION IS CONNECTED TO THE INCIDENT.

Do Better.

Last Thursday, I attended the long-awaited opening of Sonic Drive-In restaurant located across the street from the Western Connecticut State University's midtown campus on White Street.

It's been at least twelve years since rumors first circulated about the fast food operation's desire to open an establishment in Danbury.

In 2012, the city approved a plan to build a Sonic location at the property on Newtown Road that currently occupies The EDGE fitness center. The tenant at the property at the time (XPect Discounts) filed and won a lawsuit blocking the restaurant's construction, arguing that the placement of the franchise on the property would violate their lease agreement.

Fast forward to today, and the White Street property that once housed food establishments such as Wendy's and Arthur's Treacher's, now has Sonic as their new tenant.

Here's my video recap of Sonic's ribbon-cutting ceremony, as well as my interview with Mayor Dean Esposito where we discussed what the opening means for the economic development efforts on the city's east side.

PRESS RELEASE

Citing “Significant Support from Fed Up Taxpayers Who Want New Leadership in Hartford,” Michelle Coelho qualifies for CT Financing Grant

Michelle Coelho, who is running to be the next Connecticut Senator from the 24th District, has qualified for Connecticut’s public campaign financing grant, through the Citizens’ Election Program.

“I want to thank the over 400 individual campaign donors, who helped us reach our goal. Our campaign has momentum, our positive message is resonating with voters, and I have been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response we have received from people across the district,” Michelle Coelho said.

“The support for my campaign has been from all party affiliations: Republican, Independent, Unaffiliated, and Democrat voters. All who simply are fed up with the direction our state is heading. People of all ages and backgrounds are hurting financially. They want someone representing them in Hartford, who will fight for lower taxes and safer communities, while keeping local control.” Coelho added, “I also support state funding for a public Charter School in Danbury. My number one job is to listen to the residents of our district, something which has been lacking for far too long. As their state senator, that’s exactly what I will do. I will listen to the people of our district and I will bring their voice to our State Capitol.”

In order to qualify for public financing, candidates for state Senate must raise $17,300, with at least 300 (Coelho far surpassed that) contributions from individuals residing in their district. The 24th Senate District includes Danbury, New Fairfield and Ridgefield.

Michelle Coelho has applauded the Republican plan to send more money back to residents through immediate tax relief for struggling families. (The plan and its petition can be viewed at AffordableConnecticut.com) “As your state Senator, I will vote ‘yes’ on immediately cutting the income tax, sales tax, diesel tax, and the highway truck tax. I will vote ‘yes’ to lessen the burden on middle-class households. We need action now, and we need to elect state lawmakers who will fight to protect people’s wallets. I am asking the voters from all political parties for support - and their vote - on November 8th.

Thank you so much for your encouragement and support. It has energized me to campaign tirelessly from now, until Election Day.”

The weekend-long event that showcases the best in Greek food, culture, and arts and crafts, is best known for its music and folk dancing performances. With my new binaural/3D sound microphones, I can finally capture the sights and sounds of the experience like never before.

Basically, unlike regular mono microphones, binaural audio captures all the audio from a 360-degree perspective. The result is a video with sound that's captured from every angle as it happened.

Here's a video clip of one of the many folk dance performances at the event captured in binaural/3D audio (you'll need to wear headphones to hear and fully appreciate the sound in binaural format).

NOTE: You can watch the 15 minite entire performance by clicking here.

Yesterday, by a final vote of 2641 to 433, residents gave their seal of approval to spend 208 million dollars to construct the proposed Danbury Career Academy School, and a childhood center at Great Plain Elementary School, as well as support numerous school infrastructure improvements throughout the city.

While the final tabulation of turnout was unavailable last night, as of 7 PM, an estimated 6.4 percent of the voting public expressed their opinion on the bond package designed to alleviate long-standing educational concerns in the city.

After the vote, I caught up with Mayor Dean Esposito to get his opinion of the bond referendum passage.

In a future post, I'll evaluate the results of the bond package against past referendums and the results of last year's municipal election to get a clearer picture of the public's willingness to express their opinion on one of the top concerns in the city.

Earlier today, I attended Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz's press conference in Danbury where the Lietenant Governor, along with Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, and state and local officials, announced the start of the state's child tax rebate program designed to assist working families who are currently coping with COVID-realted expensses.

Press release from Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz:

(DANBURY, CT) – Today at 10:00am, as part of Governor Lamont’s $600 million tax cut package, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz will join State Representative Sean Scanlon and Danbury officials to announce that beginning today, June 1, 2022, families can apply to receive a state tax rebate of up to $250 as a result of the recently enacted 2022 Connecticut Child Tax Rebate. The rebate provides direct relief to workers, up to three children, doing their best to provide for their families while confronting pandemic-related costs from masks and tests to childcare and internet access.

Republican delegates from Danbury, Ridgefield, and New Fairfield gather together Monday night at the Maron Hotel to nominate Michelle Coelho as their choice for the 24th State Senate district and pick to remove current incumbent Julie Kushner from the General Assembly.

Here's highlights from the political ceremony...

Last week, I attended the monthly City Council meeting and listened to the debate regarding education funding for the next fiscal year.

There have been a lot of discussions recently regarding what was discussed at last week's meeting so, in order to provide full transparency to readers, I videotaped the proceedings and combined my footage with the audio and video feed that the city provided. The result is footage from the meeting that is easier to follow.