New Haven Independent

Posted by: anon | October 9, 2008 2:18 PM

"DeStefano and his appointees on the school board would need to negotiate such changes with the teachers union in order to bring them to the public schools."

Amistad Academy has been around for a decade. How come no progress has been made on this issue?

Posted by: politico | October 9, 2008 2:57 PM

So DeStefano has been told by Obama that he's no chance of an administration post before the presidential election even. Obama knows a rotten stink when he smells it.

Will the democratic party please look for another candidate who might win on his or her merits. Its time Tammany Hall was put to rest and buried here in New Haven.

You republicans might also stand a chance if you could find a credible candidate.

Posted by: James | October 9, 2008 3:25 PM

"I'd like to create a New Haven Promise program for kids that meet certain academic standards, for kids who agree to meet certain civic responsibilities, to put in place a tuition program."

Excellent. Because by the time you're done playing with imaginary tax revenues and real tax increases, I'll need some sort of state-funded tuition program to send my kids to school. In fact, all you'll have left in this town is Yalies and people too poor to leave. Anybody who works for a living would be crazy to stay and continue to have their hard-earned income appropriated by the corrupt and bumbling administration to be redistributed to those the administration finds more deserving.

I'm happy to support programs that help others grow, achieve, and overcome their current disadvantages. But there's a limit and I need to make a living, too. Just because I work and am capable of paying taxes does not mean that I'm a human piggy bank. Why does this administration consistently get away with these outrageous taxes? Because New Haven is such a lovely place to live? Low crime, great schools, and terrific city services? This has to end and next year is our chance.

Please, for the love of all that is good and decent, please let us have a legitimate opposition candidate next year.

Posted by: donna | October 9, 2008 3:53 PM

well it is good to see others feel like i do...he could not become governor...and Obama does not want him....after all a New Haven did to support Obama.....and the so called democractic committee....we need someone who will take back New Haven for it's rightful citizens...we need someone with balls like the new chief of police...to bad he is leaving.....the mayor made the mess in New Haven .. even chief Ortiz became a yes man for him...wake up New Haven...we need better..don't make another mistake...

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | October 9, 2008 4:10 PM

If you get term limits,You would not have this problem!!!

Posted by: dixwell livin | October 9, 2008 4:10 PM

i think that if my kids do well in school it would be nice to see the city do something to help them go to college for free. not everyone gets scholarships cause to many people tryin to get them. i think its a good idea. it says going to new haven pubic schools is worth somethin if you try hard. go on with yourself mr. mayor i like the idea.

Posted by: Cheri | October 9, 2008 4:25 PM

I agree with points made by James, especially the idea that working people just trying to get by here are getting hit pretty hard by increased rents, due to property taxes, energy costs, plus we're hit with health insurance costs,etc. because we don't qualify for any kind of welfare aid. Where's the help for me? I'm paying taxes to suppport programs for people who don't work, and some of that I understand, but much of it is appalling.

After my yearly raise last year, I actually ended up with less in my check because of the increases that exist in living expenses I listed above. The same will happen this coming year. Give me some breaks, give New Haven working renters some breaks, please!!! Please stop giving my money to these do-gooder programs when this city can't afford it!!!!! Not now, anyway.
Mayor: RUN THE DAMN CITY LIKE A TIGHT SHIP FOR A FEW YEARS...GET IT IN ORDER, THEN GIVE SOME MONEY AWAY!!!

Posted by: East Rock | October 9, 2008 5:49 PM

Will Someone please PLEASE PLEASE!!!! run as a viable option to Destefano. Democrat, republican, Green Party, I don't care who it is as long as its not John (tax my city to death) Destefano.

Posted by: working (too hard) mom | October 9, 2008 6:27 PM

Lets discuss...who would you all seriously consider an excellent mayoral candidate??

Me? I'd want Gary Doyens.

Posted by: I Support DeStefano | October 9, 2008 7:12 PM

good to hear Destefano is running again. Only problem is I'd hoped he'd be running away.

Posted by: Gary Doyens | October 9, 2008 7:22 PM

To All: This inadvertently got posted elsewhere...it was supposed to be posted here. g.

Since the mayor claims he knows cheap and political, it's probably because he's been looking at it for 8 terms or longer - in the mirror.

Quite frankly, taxpayers in general and parents of children in the public schools are tired of lame excuses for excessive spending and standards so low a snake could pass. Just like DeStefano cooks the books on the graduation rate which is at least a third less than he claims; he lies about the property tax increase ((9% vs. 15%); and claims the state is cutting funds even when the state gives its dependent New Haven $14 million more than it gave it the year before. That's cheap and political.

The constant theatrical performance around the city ID card; Yale New Haven Hospital; Chapel Street Fire and Denz -- all cheap and political.

The stuffing the boards and commissions with cronies who regularly mug the public by not releasing PUBLIC information and refusing to hold them accountable - cheap and political.

Giving inaugural speeches talking about being bold and visionary in a time of economic downturn - intentionally providing a rosy picture knowing his proposed budget was in deep trouble - cheap and political.

Launching a political campaign for re-election by calling for "good politics" where disagreements and battles are not zero sum games; and then doing exactly that: cheap and political.

Submitting an unbalanced budget to the BOA claiming it is balanced in order to blame the state and the New Haven area state legislators - cheap and political.

Claiming New Haven's fiscal mess is all about PILOT payments and lots of non-profit real estate; claiming the city has an exemplary bond rating when it doesn't - cheap and political.

Refusing to put City of New Haven healthcare policies out to bid during the entire length of your administration; agreeing to sweetheart union deals in the midst of a governor's race, dropping the city ID card in the middle of the same race - cheap and political.

Waiting a few days after your election to announce you're demanding a $30,000 payhike for yourself - NOT CHEAP, but definitely political.

As for the New Haven Promise - try this one: Promise to reduce spending and taxes; promise to raise standards and be responsive to all concerned parents who want a good education and a better life for their kids; promise to quit blaming others for your own failure of leadership; promise to give back your payraise and not seek another one because of your poor performance and lack of accomplishments in office; promise not to steal good and honorable ideas from others and make them cheap and political.

Posted by: James | October 9, 2008 7:23 PM

Hey, Dixwell, where do you think that money is going to come from? I think it would be nice if your kids could go to college, too. But should that mean that I shouldn't be able to send my kids to college because I happen to have the good fortune to make a decent income? Because that's what this boils down to. Or will we give free college educations to all? That would be real nice, but it's not even close to feasible. This is just John pandering to his base with promises that he know he can't and won't ever deliver on.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | October 9, 2008 8:13 PM

hmmmmmmm I see the plan. who are the voters in the city??? We have Yale students (a large majority of renters)...many are not registered locally. We have owner occupied homeowners and we have for lack of better terms the poor and lower middle class families. Now who is the majority of this crop of eligible voters? who do you pander to. to get the votes?
I agree with Cheri! But Cheri that would mean a sacrifice would have to happen on so many levels. That would take time and their is an election in a years time. So what do you do if you are a mayor running for election again...you target the majority. Johnny D. is a very smart man he knows exactly what he is doing. He has the potential to be a great man. As I listen to Obama I learn more and more about what change can really be. When I listen to Obama talk about saving the shrinking middle class I cry for our city. It is the middle class of New Haven that is caring the weight! I do not see anything to give us a life raft in this city. I don't want to hear about forcloser help! That is a line of bull shi*. No do a phase in freeze till the economy picks up JOHN!!!!!!

Posted by: dean moriarity | October 9, 2008 11:12 PM

I address this specifically to Mr. Doyens. I have stated this before, and I was not the only one to do so. You have provided so many good points of direction, and highlighted so much of the misdirection and ineptitude that has gone on for all these years. You haven't just criticized this administration, instead you have been one of the few to point out viable solutions/alternatives. I believe you realize that the underlying base of New Haven's economy and structure is not a people who don't care, but a people who have no voice. That situation will continue until there is a credible candidate to unseat our current Mayor. Mr. Doyens, I think you are that entity.

You've posted here numerous times, outlined your positions and offered solutions. Guess what? Folks like them! New Haven cannot withstand another term under DeStefano. I do believe that the damage done can (in time) be turned around by an Administration that has different views and a different focus. And you have that.

So...start a campaign fund. I think you'd be suprised at the results. I'd be the first to contribute. We need change. Can you facilitate that Mr. Doyens?

Once again, I'm not the only one who has envisioned this. Others have said the same.

Mr. Doyens, respectfully, can you take our thoughts into consideration?

Dean Moriarity
(still...on the road)

Posted by: Fusterated | October 9, 2008 11:13 PM

As the independent is the only paper in town with real news I've been reading for ages, but I'm finally commenting now because I'm truly fed up with all this ranting.
I think this a great idea to put forward and begin a dialogue on. Its not just Kalamazoo, look to the entire state of GA. A college education is the best way to move your community forward. There are no details so you really can't evaluate the proposal in its entirety or on its merits. Who is funding this? I highly doubt that the taxpayers will foot the bill (he is running for re-election).

You all mention the middle class squeeze I'm sure the middle class will benefit the most. The "upper crust" so to speak usually tend to attend private institutions. Those who fall below the "middle class" often have greater access to need based scholarships. As a child of the "middle class" I am happy to have attended a state school - I did earn several merit based scholarships but did not qualify for any aid and I would have been ecstatic to have avoided student loans. This "Promise" would present students like me with just that opportunity. It would reduce long term debt and save parents like mine from refinancing a mortgage to help with the tuition bills.

As to term limits - I think that is a reasonable idea and if my memory serves me correctly isn't charter reform due to rear its crazy head again sometime soon - every ten years right? Maybe this is an idea the people support. If it is we should debate its merits. Usually natural forces take care of the need to create term limits. Look to other communities around us. How many Mayors has Hamden had in the last decade? Its strange to see that every contiguous town has a Mayor with less than 5 years of experience. Are there better candidates than John DeStefano, maybe, but maybe they realize how tough the job is - maybe they don't want to take on all the challenges? The mayor has his faults - more than I care to begin to list - but frankly I don't think that there is anything that anyone else would have done differently that could have fixed or prevented the problems we are facing.

As to PILOT isn't it supposed to reimburse taxes lost for College and Hospitals and State Owned property? Don't you think that if our taxes are going up these payments should be going up at the same rate? I'm trying to find some historic PILOT data - once I do I'll put up some data to substantiate my thoughts, but my bet is that the amount we are getting back for the taxes we loose is substantially less than it was 5 or 10 years ago. If that's the case the burden for these exempt properties is shifting from a statewide income tax toward my property taxes. Since it is a State program can't we do something at the state level to make sure that PILOT keeps pace with taxes?

So before you start ranting take a step back from your hating and obvious agendas to really think - and if your not going to put forth a well thought out comment please spare us your ramblings. I truly believe that if this was a true dialogue that if people ignored who said things and discussed the merits of the ideas presented rather than the individual that presented them that maybe the Independent could replace the Yaleies as City Hall's think tank.

Posted by: westville charlie | October 10, 2008 1:38 AM

i've come out of retirement to say this one thing.

our neighborhood is unsafe, what the hell do i care about promised college tuition? i can't even leave my car on the street without it A) being broken into by some crackhead for the change in the car or B) Being towed on a day my block hasn't been posted by the lackluster staff at the parking authority.

I'm beginning to pick out people in my neighborhood now that i don't think should be there. I'm starting to personally profile human beings that three years ago i'd just think were folks walking down the street. The mayor and his carpetbagger chief(s_) have left us to fend for ourselves. College tuition? are you f&%$#ng kidding me?

Posted by: Exiled Italian Shill | October 10, 2008 8:29 AM

Ok I cannot keep my mouth shut on this issue anymore. I would envision this promise program to be funded more the way that all of the new programs have been funded. through grants and other outside sources.

As for Doyens what do you stand for? What are you for? Every time I read your blogs you are against everything! Want to run for mayor go ahead. Grandstanding and running on slogans such as "accountability," "fiscal responsibility" or "raising standards" doesn't get you to far with voters. They are far smarter than that.

ID card? You are not supportive. Street Outreach worker programs? You threw rocks at that idea too. How about Shartenberg deal to develop land that was used for a parking lot and soon will be paying millions in taxes? Yeah, you were against that too right? Maybe a new vision for developing RT 34 . . . no wait you were overly critical there too. How about an idea to go out and start a community bank at no cost to taxpayers? Darn! You hated that idea as well. Lets see . . . I got it! Go out raise private dollars so that any kids - poor, middle class or wealthy - have a chance to go to college at little to no cost? You bash that idea as well. Homeless shelters? You called for cuts and when they happened you said the board and the mayor were balancing the budget on the backs of the poor. Interesting, no?

I know you liked the idea that seniors on fixed incomes should not have to worry about rising taxes? Nope! There again you felt that "people like you" would bear the burden. You are for working people at least. Wow! Not even that. You have made clear your opposition to labor unions fighting for fairness in the workplace. Kids! At last the one thing that you are for is kids! Hold the phone. You spoke out against a youth grant for a community theater organized on a voluntary basis. So you are against youth activities as well.

It is easy to stand on the outside and lash out on the decision makers when you have NO RESPONSIBILITY or you are NOT ACCOUNTABLE for decisions that you have made.

Go ask Mayor Bill Finch in Bridgeport about the wake-up call that guy got when he went from the Senate to the CEO of his city. He went from being one of 36 to being the guy in the hot seat that HAS TO make the hard choices and be ACCOUNTABLE for those decisions. And he wound up $20M in the hole this year with little choice to do more than raise taxes and lay-off workers - sound familiar?

How about Eddie Perez, the Mayor of my new city Hartford, because the State does not fully fund PILOT and gives munis only one real source of revenue - property taxes - he laid off workers and ran a $6M budget hole - sound familiar?

So look Gary. It is soooo easy to talk in generalities. Soooo easy to rattle off campaign slogans and spout off bumper sticker philosophy like you do. In fact it is very easy to admire uncompromising or intransigent men like yourself. You hold steadfast to a single point that all is wrong with the world and everyone in it is doing a poor job at running the place. I must say that it is very easy to admire those with such personalities as you are consistent and hammer away on a single point so unwilling to hear or see another's point of view.

You are exactly what a Hartford, Bridgeport or a New Haven does not need. You would do little more than pit neighborhhod vs neighborhood in a battle over limited resources and infinite wants and desires. You would choose to reward those that already have and leave behind those that don't to do little more than drag EVERYONE down.

And if confronted by opposing views on an issue you would attack, belittle, bully or just ignore pleas for reason. You would be the worst type of a candidate. In fact I do hope you run. Sometimes the best way for people to see what someone is really like is to shine the brightest spotlight on them. Gary, please run, pretty please.

Posted by: Joey A | October 10, 2008 8:34 AM

Lets start the campaign lies!! Nothings free!

Posted by: donna | October 10, 2008 9:07 AM

here we go again with his promises....they are the same ones he always make during elections...
we need to change the whole politacal system in new haven...he has gotten to confortable over the years with all his croonies....the whole board of directors should be changed also..how many of you tell your alders not to vote for something and they vote what the mayor wants anyway....why vote?? we do not have the representation we need..we voted them in now we vote them out.. we need some rent control in new haven...rents are sky high.they should be a cap on rents...we all do not have section 8....i have nothing against the ones that have it...but the working people can't afford the high rents..they should cap section 8 high rents...i know that is federal..

Posted by: Bob W. | October 10, 2008 10:04 AM

Is it just me, or does 9 terms seem like (at least) one too many? I mean at what point does the Mayor become responsible for the city's failings?

Posted by: Edward_H | October 10, 2008 11:12 AM

Draft Chief James Lewis for Mayor!!

Posted by: Margaret | October 10, 2008 11:16 AM

John please save everyone time and money and stay out of the race. You have caused enough pain for the City of New Haven, Just Retire! I'm sure you can set yourself up with nice retirement package. as you did a raise. Get the picture no one wants you !! You cost the middle class taxpayer to much!!! Someone PLease run agaisnt this man! His blubble needs to burst because my pockets have.

Posted by: Westville Mom | October 10, 2008 12:05 PM

It's probably naive to suggest this, but I'll try anyway. Why hasn't anyone questioned the fact that it is legal to drop out of school before you are 18? Legal age is 18. Nobody in New Haven needs to work on the family's farm. The drop-out rate in New Haven and cities like it is horrendous (if you count it accurately, that is.) If it were REQUIRED for kids to stay in A school---of any type---until turning 18, it would force kids to be supervised (i.e. off the streets) and learning, whether it be academic, vocational or technical---possibly in conjunction with internships. [Did anyone see the WTNH piece on Platt Vo-Tech yesterday?]
I think hizzoner's largesse in (yet again) leaning toward "giveaways" in govt. problem-solving misses the mark. Most of my friends growing up were poor, as was I, and we all managed to get through college with some grant support and to pay off our loans (as well as having a sense of satisfaction that wouldn't have been there if it had been free.) It's HIGH SCHOOL that's the problem--as well as adequate preparation for college. If they won't stay in high school, they are most likely doomed in this economy.
We are required by law to wear seat belts, but are allowed to drop out of school. Makes no sense.

Posted by: Gary Doyens | October 10, 2008 4:17 PM

To NHI Readers: This is a long post. There is much that begged a response. I've outlined it so you can scan for the highlights if you don't care to read it in its entirety. My apologies.

Exiled Italian Shill:

I'm going to address each of your points.

I stand for fiscal responsibility, transparency in government, accountability for results and responsiveness to the concerns of the citizens. These are not slogans - they're principles. There's a difference.

Fiscal responsibility means a reasonable amount of debt; practical public works projects and efficiencies in employment. It means not launching programs you can't pay for; it means having an employee benefit plan that is fundable and funded; it means a balanced budget with modest tax increases if any are needed; it means no off balance sheet borrowing; the best credit rating possible and a rainy day fund that meets the minimum the bond market requires for the best interest rate possible. It means that each city department should justify their existence by mission and accomplishment.

By contrast, today the City of New Haven is fast approaching three quarters of a billion dollars in debt; even minimal routine public works projects like sidewalks and street repairs are paid for with debt; the budget the mayor submitted and that was ultimately passed by the BOA was never balanced despite a monster 15% property tax increase and a lot of finagling three months later including new off balance sheet borrowing; our bond rating has not recovered from when it was downgraded several years ago and the single sheet of paper the city departments submit to the BOA Finance Committee are juvenile and insulting. This small committee is supposed to make decisions on departmental spending in excess of $400 million based on nothing more than a cover sheet.

Transparency in government is not withholding any public documents; not barring the press from any meeting unless it is discussing a personnel or legal strategy and having a city budget everyone can read and understand.

Accountability means setting standards and goals and expecting the various departments and personnel to meet them. It means having some sense of urgency to accomplish defined short, medium and long term goals. Accountability means being honest about failures and shortcomings and making the appropriate changes to right the ship.

Responsiveness to the concerns of citizens means not having an elitist, protectionist attitude that dismisses public testimony and does its best to minimize public discourse. It means that the views of the people should be respected and with a commensurate amount of urgency, addressed.

As to your specific issues:
1. ID Card - I don't believe this card was needed. I think it was sold to the public in the most dishonorable way and continues to be represented as addressing a problem that is smaller than described and that has no measureable results. The good news is that this is one of the few programs that have been launched in recent years that is not directly paid for with tax money aside from office space and management.
2. Street Outreach Workers - I generally support this program in concept. In the wake of yet another innocent victim being killed by indiscriminate gunfire by gangbangers at war earlier this year, I have a hard time wondering why Street Outreach put them in a field, mediated a private fight down the road..and to my knowledge, the person pulling the trigger is walking around free while a family grieves for a life cut short.
3. Shartenburg - I support the overall development of this project but the profile of the deal is weak. I don't support selling the land worth $4.5 million for a $1 and not even bothering to get an appraisal; not requiring the building permit fees to be paid when issued; and stretching out the full tax assessment and payment for so many years.
4. Route 34 Re-Development - Laudable goal but why should we embark on that stretch of 34 and talk about stitching neighborhoods back together again in a monstrously expensive endeavor, when it hasn't been done on the other end of 34 where the land continues to lay fallow? Further, to bring in a disgraced fellow mayor from Milwaukee to support such a project when his own effort in this regard is to be generous, meager makes little sense.
5. Community Bank - I don't remember taking a position on this one way or the other - I thought it was downright shameful for Mayor DeStefano to stand on the doorstep of New Haven Savings Bank and claim a robbery was going on inside. This was a payoff to get him to quit denigrating the bank and its leadership. I didn't like his strategy.
6. College for Kids - this is a great program. I support it provided it is funded with private donations. I don't think the mayor should prostitute a great and honorable idea like that for a re-election theme when he can't even get the graduation rate for New Haven kids above 50% and finds it hard to arrange for homework to those who have been expelled or suspended.
7. Homeless Shelters - These are important services to a desperate population. Since some of the homeless come from the suburbs and my friend has the evidence, I think the surrounding towns and cities should contribute to this effort. If the mayor has asked for financial help - it has failed. Where I differ with the administration is they complain about the homeless but have sought funds to build and staff them. It's unclear at this point if the non-profits already providing services could do it better.
8. Balancing the budget on the backs of the poor. I do call for cuts in spending - if we were spending/investing the money properly, we wouldn't be in this fiscal mess. I think there were plenty of places to cut the budget that were spared and that easy cuts, those affecting people with the smallest voices and least political clout were done first and more extreme.
9. Senior Tax Freeze - This is a nice perk for the seniors who take advantage of it. But in fact, it shifts their current tax payments to the working families in New Haven just because we're younger, not because we make any more money. If property taxes were reasonable, this program would not be unnecessary. This program was launched by the way, without all the details in place.
10. Labor Unions - I used to work for a labor union. When I was at Connecticut Limo as CEO, I had a good relationship with the union workers and union management. But the pay and benefit package for city workers is rich, is not and cannot be funded as its currently structured. These packages now exceed what is available in the private sector however you measure it. The pension fund and the rules surrounding pensions and retirements works against taxpayers and in fact, the fund for both police and fire is tens of millions if not hundreds of millions in the red.
11. The Youth Grant for theatrical performances - I had no problem with that grant but since it was going to a city employee's private charitable work, it should have been vetted by the conflicts/ethics process. It wasn't. Youth activities in general are fine - my own children pay to participate in Parks and Recs program, the ice rink etc. It's not clear how effective the mayor's open schools program is at reducing violence or bringing at risk children into a safe environment.

Contrary to what you wrote, it's not easy critique this administration. Retaliation has occurred in ways large and small across the last several years, as I've chosen to post under my real name and to testify in public at budget hearings. It's time consuming, takes time away from my family and other important causes and non-profits we support. But I think it's important for democracy and for the health of this city. The electorate has been dumbed down and disincentivised to the point less than 20% of the population bothers to vote. It's been told city government will fix it, do it and solve it for you and that you, the citizen have to do little except pay your taxes, fines and fees. We don't expect people to solve landlord problems because the city will catch them when they do the bi-annual inspection; we don't even expect people to hang a smoke detector or to change out the batteries - the city does that. Instead of educating, the city is doing for people what many times they could do for themselves.

Contrary to your comments about Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch - he didn't wake up and find out he's got a budget problem. Bridgeport has had chronic budget and corruption problems for years. Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez is hardly a bastion of good government or fiscal restraint. Since he's gained power, violent crime in Hartford, particularly the north end and Asylum Hill has escalated even as his friends have become rich on insider contracts and his own home was renovated by a city contractor who didn't even bother to pull a permit.

Contrary to your comments, it is the central themes of a good education, a promising future and a cost of living we can all afford that will NOT pit one neighborhood against the other for limited resources - it will join these neighborhoods for the common good so that collectively we move forward. City government is not a piggy bank for "infinite wants and needs," in fact, it should be very limited in what it does and it should guide and empower its citizens to do the rest. It should be a catalyst for real, substantial and postive change, not a moribound behemoth too cluttered and bogged down to get more than small incremental adjustments to its results.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | October 10, 2008 4:36 PM

Well dang Gary that about sums it up!

I agree with the above comments! Watching you in Budget meeting and getting to know your ideals. Knowing who you are as a person and a business man I must say you would make an outstanding candidate!

Posted by: dean moriarity | October 11, 2008 2:25 AM

Mr. Doyens, I go back to my original query: Why wont you run? I, and apparently others here, believe you may have the understanding and direction to set New Haven back on a corrective path, opposite from the ravages that we've been through. Fiscal meltdown, layoffs, outrageous property taxes, rampant crime with shootings in ever expanding areas. And the current Administrator grants himself a raise?

We need sensible and fiscally responsible leadership, good planning and someone who is above the cronyism that pervades this City. Your criticisms are on target and your corrective ideas are most valid.

You, sir, are what New Haven needs.
Might you please consider running?

Posted by: one point Gary | October 11, 2008 1:17 PM

Just one point. There was an appraisal done for Shartenberg by The Michaud company, which was never released or discussed in the course of the transaction. It may have been due to the fact that the site envoronmental report showed no contamination although that was a big reason the city claimed it had to be sold for $1. I would support Gary. I believe John has mismanaged the city and left the city in the hands of people with limited ability when he was running for gov. Had competent people been incharge they would still be in town hall and not have been moved to the housing authority. Why can't we see a review of the current mayoral staff and compare it to campaign workers. Then political payback using tax,payers dollars would be very apparent.

Also let's see why so many good administrators of various deparrtments resigned between 2005-2007. The head of IT, the treasurer. the assessor, human resources, various people from economice development and corporation council and the head of budget and finance. Maybe the current condition was right in front of the people that left and they were informed they couldn't say or change anything. By the way, as for the city gag order of employees talking to the press, that was discussed in a meeting the mayor called at the library downtown right after he won the primary vs. Malloy. All department heads were called in. I was there

Posted by: Fedupwithliberals | October 12, 2008 8:52 AM

DEAN MORIARITY

"Why wont you run?"

Gary will not run probably because another DeStefano term is a fait accompli in this town. The Register, WTNH and the NHI would not give him any significant attention because they are in JD's pocket, and there is no political base from which to get campaign money to run with. He could never buck the BOE, teacher's union, Public Works, Yalies, Hispanic organizations and patronage cronies who benefit from this mess called New Haven. And as mentioned in previous blogs, absentee landlords who have the most stake in tax issues can't vote in the city.

Get used to the concept of a 9th and 10th term. We'll have Johnny around for a long time.

Posted by: Fact | October 12, 2008 9:38 AM

Doyens comment about the union pay and benefit package being fat is incorrect. The City's Health Department is advertising for a Registered Nurse at about $42,000. The position has been vacant for many months. Why. Nurses at Yale New Haven and St Raphaels earn $70,000 and more with better benefits packages. They are non union.

Many of the non professional jobs at City Hall may be over compensated but the union prevents the recruitment of competent professionals.

Look at Ortiz. He earned about $105,000, but it took a nearly 50% increase to $150,000 to bring in a qualified replacement.

Johnny Boy likes it this way. It means he can employ total incompents as department heads. This makes him look good. It also gives him total control as they know nothing and do exactly as they are told.

All the talk about a new mayor must be ochestrated by Johnny Boy. The people being proposed are the same old failures that appear on the ballot year after year.

It will be Johnny Boy again next year. No doubt about it. Don't complain about your taxes now. Wait for 2009 and 2010 so you can really scream.

Property values will go thru the floor as those that can vote with their feet and escape to the suburbs.

Posted by: OMG | October 12, 2008 10:18 PM

So Gary Doyens was CEO at CT Limo. Was he responsible for running it in to the ground under Schiavone. Did he piss off Lowell Weicker so much that the subsidy was eliminated. Looks like we have another Ego like Johnnies thats so big its not in the real world. You want him you have him as mayor. Thank god I rent and can go live in someplace sophisticated. East Haven and West Haven look better by the minute.

Posted by: Gary Doyens | October 13, 2008 10:14 AM

OMG:

No, I did not run CT Limo into the ground. I was hired to re-position CT Limo after Joel lost the company. At that time, there was no state subsidy, a lot of old equipment but about 400 really good employees in three states, most of whom were located in CT and were union members. We launched the new logo, bought new equipment, streamlined routes and bought two companies. Passengers counts, which were in decline for more than ten years, began to turn around. I also negotiated three new union contracts that saved the company money, provided job security and increased the number of full time drivers with benefits. It brought labor peace to a troubled company for the next four years.

And just so the record is clear, Joel Schiavone, owner of CT Limo and real estate investor, put his money where his mouth is personally investing and restoring a sizeable chunk of College and Chapel, which created the anchor for the re-birth that you see today.

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | October 13, 2008 11:23 AM

OMG
You said thank god i rent and can go live in someplace sophisticated. East Haven and West Haven look better by the minute. I do not know about East Haven,But from what i know about West Haven it will be like New Haven in a few years,Yale Is buying up a lot of land in West Haven,They own bayer and Also West Haven in the next few years will have a train station and due to the fact that union station has not enough parking spaces all of the commuters will becoming to use this station in West Haven,Which will be a traffic nightmare,Also West Haven taxes are very high.Bottom line You want someplace sophisticated move the hell out of this state!!! Last i agree with fedupwithliberals king john will be a round for a long time.

Posted by: Da Hill | October 13, 2008 2:13 PM

I doubt folks are reading these comments any longer, but I couldnt help myself...

When the Mayor was running for Governor, his stump speech had an opener that defined insanity as engaging in the same behavior over and over and expecting a different outcome each time....

I couldnt help but apply that same stump logic here...electing the same person over and over and expecting something new and different with each election...are we insane?

I think the mayor has done some good things here in the City, but his time has come and gone...We need new blood, ideas, and fresh administration...DeStefano has reached a point of uneffectiveness and we are feeling it in out back pockets....cant afford business as usual...I think fairhavendoc should run.

Posted by: working (too hard) mom | October 13, 2008 8:30 PM

"I stand for fiscal responsibility, transparency in government, accountability for results and responsiveness to the concerns of the citizens."

Yes! I stand by my endorsement for Mr Doyens. I would be willing to contribute my time, energy and fiscal resources to get this man in the running.

"Get used to the concept of a 9th and 10th term. We'll have Johnny around for a long time."

I do believe the right candidate can beat DeStefano. However, they would need to run a very smart, energetic, tough lengthy campaign. New Haven voter turnout is just dismal! The positive spin on that is there is a large number of eligible voters just waiting for the right person to give them a reason to get registered and go to the polls.