New Canaan Roundup

08/02/10 BREAKING NEWS: Hearst Newspapers Chooses Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele Over Tom Foley In The Republican Primary For Governor

2010-08-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

CT Post Says Tom Foley "Brings Some Unpleasant Baggage To The Race"

Photo: Republican gubernatorial candidate and Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele

Connecticut Post Says Fedele The Choice Among Republicans

Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele has the combination of government and business experience that, given the chance to serve in the No. 1 seat, would be good for the state of Connecticut.

The Connecticut Post endorses his candidacy in the Aug. 10 Republican three-way primary.

The 55-yearold Fedele brings 10 years of legislative experience, serving in the state House of Representatives from 1992 to 2002, and three years in his current position.

But Fedele is also a self-made businessman and understands that job creation is the top challenge to the state.

Fedele understands in no uncertain terms that improving the atmosphere in Connecticut for small business is essential to turning around the state's economy.

His stand against any new taxes speaks to his understanding of the situation.

We compliment him for his position.

Given his experience, Fedele is confident solutions to the state's problems of spending and borrowing can be resolved through good management, and not through new taxes.Though Fedele has been part of the Rell administration ... well, that in some respects sums it up.

It was indeed the Rell administration, and if anyone can name a Connecticut lieutenant governor who shaped policy from that office, we'd be curious to know who it was.

Fedele rightly says he can be held accountable only for those areas in which he had authority.

He's been an effective ambassador for the state, recruiting business and reaching out to the Henkel Corporation, manufacturer of Loctite adhesive products and successfully encouraging them to consolidate operations in Rocky Hill.

Fedele also figured in the move of Columbia Elevators from New York to Bridgeport.

We also applaud Oz Griebel, another candidate in the GOP primary, for his passion and clear commitment to improving the business climate in the state.

And Tom Foley brings a business background as well. But he also brings some unpleasant baggage to the race.

But Fedele earns our endorsement. We believe he's the best of the three choices to lead the state.

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08/01/10 CT PRIMARY CANDIDATE ROUNDUPS: State Comptroller

2010-08-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

Photo: Kevin Lembo On The Campaign trail

Lembo And Jarjura Battle In The Democratic State Comptroller Primary

A week from Tuesday, Aug. 10, registered Democrats will go to the polls to narrow the field in a number of contested races, but even after that, there are so many contenders in so many races that it's really hard to keep track.

People shouldn't complain about their elected representatives if they don't at least cast an educated ballot first.

Do a little homework first. Visit the candidates' websites and study their positions on issues that you care about.

The battle to be comptroller, is very important given the state's nearly $3 billion deficit.

Many wonder why this seat is contested in such hard times. One would think that it would be more fun to be the money person when the state is flush rather than broke. But this hasn't deterred Democrats Kevin Lembo and Michael Jarjura from battling for the democratic nod.

The winner of that race will face Republican Jack Orchulli and Green candidate Colin Bennett.

Democrat Kevin Lembo, who served as assistant state comptroller to Nancy Wyman, is the party-endorsed candidate running against Michael Jarjura for the state comptroller seat.

Lembo is nationally recognized for his expertise in health care systems and consumer protection, according to his campaign website. He currently leads the Office of the Healthcare Advocate for the state. He lives in Guilford with his wife; they have three children.

Today the Harwinton Democratic Town Committee is hosting a meet and greet so voters can meet candidates. The event will be held at the Harwinton Senior Center, 209 Weingart Road, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Mr. Lembo has confirmed that he will attend.

Mike Jarjura is the mayor of Waterbury. He worked as a state representative in the 1990s and as an assistant attorney general. He has a B.S. in management from Post College and a J.D. from the University of Bridgeport School of Law.

This weekenday, with Waterbury Mayor Jarjura was on the ropes after Lembo came out with three body blows.

First, a YouTube video surfaced of the Democrat speaking at a Tea Party rally.

"We needed a spark, and you're the spark that is going to be the change. So don't give up. Don't get discouraged because this country is worth fighting for and you're fighting for it," Jarjura said at the rally in Waterbury last September.

Jarjura, a Democrat, defended his attendance at the ultra-conservative rally.

Jarjura claimed he was there at the request of Waterbury citizens and he wasn't there to advocate for any political group," he said. "Every one is trying to do a 'gotcha' in these campaigns and manipulate things to something you don't even represent."

Lembo isn't buying it.

"It's an odd choice for a Democratic mayor to be attending a Tea Party rally," he told the press.

The second blow to Jarjura's campaign was the Waterbury teachers union endorsing Lembo, following the lead one week ago of the local police union.

Jarjura's response: it's backlash from the tough contract negotiations between the city and the unions as a result of the tight economy.

Finally, Lembo launched a television advertisement attacking Jarjura for hiring former Gov. John Rowland, a Republican forced to resign by a corruption scandal.

"Jarjura hired Rowland to a $100,000 dollar a year job after he got out of prison -- calling him the best governor Connecticut has ever had," the 30-second advertisement says.

Jarjura backed the hiring of John Rowland, the disgraced former Republican governor, in an economic development job partly funded with city money.

Jarjura has responded with mailings touting his negative web site, called Lembo Lies, and filed a lawsuit attempting to block Lembo's ability to spend public financing money.

Jarjura's mailer to registered Democrats, accusing Lembo of being a secret conservative. The mailer directed Democrats to a web site created by Jarjura's campaign.

“Some of my opponents’ claims are just bizarre. But let me be clear – I have never ever lied to the people of Connecticut or distorted my record," Lembo said.

The Lembo campaign responded by saying that Jarjura is a cultural conservative who opposes abortion rights.

A Superior Court judge Tuesday rejected Michael Jarjura's effort to block Kevin Lembo from using public financing in their Democratic contest for state comptroller.

The terse order by Judge James T. Graham frees Lembo to begin spending the $375,000 awarded to him last week for his Aug. 10 primary with Jarjura, the mayor of Waterbury.

Jarjura, who also has received $375,000 in public financing.

This legal challenge is the second of two attempts by Jarjura to deny public financing to Lembo.

08/01/10 2010 ELECTIONS - CT CANDIDATE ROUNDUPS: Secretary of the State (Jerry Farrell Jr, Gerry Garcia, Denise Merrill

2010-08-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

Photo: Connecticut Republican Candidate Secretary Of State

Jerry Farrell Jr

Even the politically astute of Connecticut have got to be preparing scratch sheets to keep track of who is running for what this political season.

It is a tough job to try and keep track, but it is a job that needs to be done.

People shouldn't complain about their elected representatives if they don't at least cast an educated ballot first.

Do a little homework first. Visit the candidates' websites and study their positions on issues that you care about.

Not sure who is running? Then go to the secretary of the state's website (ctgov.org will get you started) and find out the candidate's names, political parties and offices that they are seeking.

Speaking of the secretary of state, did you know that Gerry Garcia (yes, that's really his name) could get bumped in next week's primaries in his bid to be Connecticut's new secretary of the state?

The Democrat is vying for the seat against party endorsed candidate Denise Merrill in what will be a three-way race Nov. 2 pitting either Garcia or Merrill against Republican Jerry Farrell Jr. and Green Party contender S. Michael DeRosa.

It's an important job, overseeing the state's elections, so we'd all do ourselves a favor by brushing up on the candidates' qualifications and platforms so we can make informed decisions come November.

Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Jerry Farrell Jr, nominated at convention for Secretary of State, reiterated the calls for fiscal conservatism, even through the Secretary of State's office.

Farrell just qualified for public campaign financing.and submitted his paperwork to the State Elections Enforcement Commission in preparation of the November general election.

Farrell’s campaign raised over $75,000 from over 900 contributors who were limited to a maximum of $100 per person.

Once approved, Farrell will receive a grant of $750,000 to compete with a Democratic opponent who will receive the same grant.

Farrell and Democratic attorney general candidate George Jepsen are the only statewide candidates without a primary election to receive public funding.

08/01/10 A Summer Adventure on the High Seas of Darien

2010-08-01T03:27:00.001-07:00

This Just In To The New Canaan Roundup Newsroom ....

New Canaan News - August 1, 2010

A Summer Adventure on the High Seas of Darien (Darien Patch)

The Long Island Sound was a place of enchantment Friday for 112 young area children who boarded power boats to tour the Darien and Norwalk harbors.

Ansonia man charged with three 2009 New Canaan burglaries (Connecticut Post)

A burglary arrest by Trumbull police in March led to Friday's arrest of a felon for burglaries in three New Canaan last December.

Standoff Man ID'd as New Canaan Resident, Former Weston School Bus Driver (New Canaan Patch)

Police have identified the man arrested for allegedly threatening municipal officials and residents in Weston and New Canaan following an overnight standoff as Scott DeiCas, a former school bus driver and self-described "leader of the LSD revolution." The 48-year-old New Canaan resident, pictured right, has been charged with second-degree ...

Standoff in Ponus Ridge ends (NCAdvertiser)

A police standoff in Ponus Ridge ended with a supsect being taken into custody shortly before 9 a.m. Saturday.

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07/31/10 CT POLITICS - The Governor's Race

2010-07-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

SATURDAY'S CAMPAIGN WRAP UP

GREENWICH BUSINESSMAN NED LAMONT IS STILL THE LEADER OF THE PACK

The Connecticut Governor's race is so doggone boring.

Greenwich resident Tom Foley, boring.

Former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, is just sooooo sleezy

And everyone out side of Hartford is saying,"Oz Who"

And Lt. Governor Michael Fedele is playing it safe.

While Greenwich Resident Ned Lamont is leading the whole pack in the polls.

Would someone please wake me up when it is over.

Lamont Leads Malloy in Connecticut (politicalwire.com)
Eddie Perez, Connecticut Mayor, Found Guilty On Charges Of Corruption, Bribery, Larceny By Extortion (huffingtonpost.com)
Hartford mayor convicted of corruption (msnbc.msn.com)

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07/30/10 NEW CANAAN BRIEFING: More CMT Information

2010-07-30T03:25:00.001-07:00

This Just In To The New Canaan Newsroom ....

More (New Canaan News-Review)

The percentage of New Canaan Public School students who achieved goal-level scores in the Connecticut Mastery Test [CMT] and Connecticut Academic Performance Test [CAPT] was significantly greater than the state average in each subject at each grade level, according to test results, which were made public earlier this month.

Building Permits and Home Renovations for the Month of July (New Canaan Patch)

The following building permits were issued during the month of July: 585 Canoe Hill Road: Garth Appelt and Kimberly Seltze contracted Coastal Construction Group, LLC to build their house for an estimated $1.1 million.

Town Center Planning Group: Meet the members (NCAdvertiser)

The following are biographies of the members of the Town Center Planning Group, charged with developing a master plan for the major town buildings downtown: Jim Beall/co-chairman Jim Beall has served on several town committees since retiring from IBM.

Ye Olde New Canaan: Codya s Drug Store (New Canaan Patch)

Long before the days of pricey health insurance and pharmaceutical giants, healthcare was a completely different ballgame.

Community Garden at Grace Farm Takes Shape (New Canaan Patch)

What started as a local teen's seed of an idea has grown into something for others in New Canaan to enjoy.A During the months of May and June, Graham Mink, a sophomore at St.

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This Weekend (The Wilton Bulletin)

Hear a theremin in Katonah, see Carousel in Danbury, go foraging in New Canaan this weekend.

New Canaan's Corners & Columns: Thursday, July 29 (New Canaan Patch)

Welcome to our daily photo column: New Canaan's Corners & Columns. Every morning we post a photo of an architectural element taken somewhere around our beautiful town.

07/29/10 We Report You Decide: Did Stamford Fire and Rescue Chief Robert McGrath Get His Promotion After Working On Dan Malloy's House?

2010-07-29T17:57:00.001-07:00

Robert McGrath was a Stamford firefighter working three days on, three days off.

On Robert's days off he operated a small heating and air-conditioning business to make ends meet.

Then this Stamford fireman got his big break....

Robert got the chance to do heating and air-conditioning duct work on the120-year-old barn that Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy was transforming into a house.

Robert also did many jobs for several of Dan Malloy's brothers.

Dan Malloy chose to use Richard who was on the Stamford City payroll to work on his future home even though there are hundreds of Heating And Air- Conditioning contractors with in a 30 minute drive of his home.

A short time after that Richard was promoted to Assistant Stamford Fire And Rescue Chief and then soon after that was appointed as the Stamford Fire and Rescue Chief.

Stamford Fire and Rescue Chief Robert McGrath later told Stamford Advocate reporter Louis Porter that the work on Dan Malloy's home did not have anything to do with his advancement to Assistant Fire Chief and later Fire Chief.

Another contractors who did work on Dan Malloy's Ocean Drive East house was Rick Sharper.

Rick told The Associated Press he got the job and dealt with Marc Lyons, a friend of Malloy who was involved in hiring city employees and contractors to work on then Mayor Dan Malloy's house.

Rick said after he did work on the mayor’s house Marc Lyons later arranged a lot of work for him at city high schools.

Marc Lyons, who was a Malloy family friend was the construction manager at Stamford High School and after the Mayor's house was completed he became manager of all of the city and school facilities in Stamford..

Stamford Board Of Finance Member Joesph Tarzia was quoted in the press saying, "The Malloy administration has reduced controls over city purchasing. Malloy dismantled the internal audit department”

07/28/10 NEW CANAAN BRIEFING: Ex-teacher to begin two-year rehab program

2010-07-28T03:34:00.000-07:00

This Just In To New Canaan Roundup Newsroom ....

Ex-teacher to begin two-year rehab program (NCAdvertiser)

Andrea Gravereaux, a former New Canaan High School teacher who reportedly sent anonymous and harassing letters to New Canaan residents for the past four years, will complete an accelerated rehabilitation program for the next two years, until July 24, 2012.

Students preview accelerated courses at AP Boot Camp (NCAdvertiser)

Last year, New Canaan High School rising senior Anastasia Puglisi passed up the chance to pile into the car for beach trips during the last few days of summer and, instead, piled with other students into a classroom to review Spanish in preparation for her Advanced Placement course.

Work begins at railroad station Monday (New Canaan News-Review)

Rail track construction work will begin at New Canaan Station starting Monday, Aug.

Police Log: Permit First, Build Later (Ridgefield Patch)

Jane Strong, 60, of 245 Lyons Plain Road, Weston, was charged on July 25 with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and traveling fast after she was pulled over on Branchville Road for driving 50 miles per hour in a 30-mile-per-hour zone.

Town Center Planning Group: There is No Plan (New Canaan Patch)

Budgetary constraints and issues with logistics have long been the hurdles of overhauling the municipal buildings and parking in central New Canaan.

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07/28/10 Connecticut Gubernatorial Democrats Stuck On Stupid As They Ask,'Who Is The Biggest Racist?"

2010-07-27T21:33:00.000-07:00

Why In The World Would Dan Malloy

Want To Play The Race Card?

In this day and age it is almost inevitable that a campaign will stray from policy issues to questions of character and conduct.

Greenwich resident Ned Lamont recently became a target of such scrutiny and said the negative attack was planted by a desperate and trailing Dan Malloy.

Mr. Malloy who is trying to benefit from playing the race card, argues that this is a means of assessing an opponent's temperament and morality.

Whether Mr. Malloy's attempt at playing the race card will be decisive in assessing the ability of Ned Lamont to govern is ultimately up to each individual voter.

In the current race to become Connecticut governor front runner Ned Lamont has taken a hard "nonpolicy" hit.

Mr. Malloy is hoping that his race card maneuver will cause the popular Ned Lamont's to have an increase in "negative numbers".

The race card is a proven campaign method of narrowing a race.

In articles and press releases printed below, you will read about Ronald Keene, a former executive vice president of Lamont Digital Systems Inc., who sued Mr. Lamont in 2002.

Mr. Keene alleged his firing and failure to gain stock, bonuses and commissions from sales were the result of racial discrimination. Lamont denied the allegation of bias and the parties settled the case the following year.

Mr. Keene's contention of a racial factor could be accurate, erroneous or the result of a misunderstanding.

Mr. Keene's racial allegation could also have been just a legal tactic to gain the upper hand in an employee termination lawsuit. It would not be the first time that something like this has happened in America.

Businesses often find legal settlements to be the least costly course of action.

There is clearly no pattern of racial lawsuits at Lamont Digital Systems, this was a one time event.

However, Dan Malloy's Administration has been named in over 100 Connecticut Commission on Human Right's And Opportunities's complaints, as well as, scores of Federal lawsuits filed by Stamford employees.

The Republican Gubernatorial Opponents Are Enjoying Every Minute Of Dan Malloy's Attempt To Play The Race Card

If Former Stamford Dan Malloy's Desperate Maneuver Succeeds,

Then The Republican Party Will Probably Use The Race Card On Him In The General Election

Former Lamont Employee Claimed Racial Bias In 2002 Lawsuit

By JON LENDER

Hartford Courant

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ned Lamont, locked in an Aug. 10 primary battle with former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, was sued in 2002 by a black former executive in his cable television company who claimed that he'd been mistreated on the basis of race, federal court records show.

Ronald Keene — executive vice president in the Delaware corporate office of Lamont Digital Systems Inc. for less than two years ending in mid-2000 — sought at least $1 million in U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania. Keene claimed he was "maliciously" fired after being denied stock, bonuses and commissions from sales activity. The mistreatment was "because of plaintiff's race, which is African American," the suit said.

Lamont, a Greenwich multimillioniare entrepreneur, denied Keene's allegation of bias as well as other claims, such as eligibility for sales commissions. The case was settled in September 2003, months after a judge denied Lamont's motion to dismiss the suit and moved it toward trial, documents show.......

Then Dan Malloy Quickly Fired Off This Press Release:......

Responding to a story in today's Hartford Courant in which it was revealed that Ned Lamont was sued for racial discrimination, and that he settled the suit privately with a confidentiality agreement, Dan Malloy, the Democratic Party's endorsed candidate for Governor, released the following statement:
"Since the beginning of this campaign, I've said that my experiences as a prosecutor and Mayor are why I'm confident I can do the job Connecticut's next Governor needs to do. Ned has said time and again that he should be the next Governor because of his business experience. That's why Ned needs to answer the questions raised in today's Hartford Courant story - because they're about his business.

"There's another reason he needs to answer them: the Governor. We just saw Gov. Rell try to fire a commissioner and enter into a confidentiality agreement with the employee. It blew up in her face, and it should've blown up in her face. Government doesn't work when it's secretive. It only works when it functions in the open, in a way that everyone can see.
"Here are the questions he should answer:
· Why is the statement confidential?
· What did he or his company acknowledge doing?
· Were certain employees denied benefits that other employees of similar seniority and status received?
· How much money was the employee paid in order to keep quiet?
· Why does a Connecticut-based company have a corporate headquarters in the State of Delaware?
· Is there a tax benefit to doing so?
· What happened to all of Ned's employees? He's said numerous times that he hired "hundreds and hundreds" of people, yet the company today has only 36 employees, including just 8 in Connecticut.
"I know what Ned will say in response: 'this is an unfair, desperate attack.' That's wrong. He's asked tough questions of me, and I've answered every one of them. Campaigns are tough, and they should be tough - because the job we're seeking is a tough job. You get asked tough questions in a campaign, but you get asked tougher questions when you're Governor. If you can't answer questions in a campaign, how will you answer them as Governor?
"I think Ned should answer these questions, and I'd prefer that he do that in a debate with me. Ch. 3 and CPBN want to have Ned and me debate on August 3 - and if Ned doesn't show up, the debate is going on without him. Most candidates would probably be thrilled. While I'm grateful for their offer, I'm not thrilled to be there alone. I'm more than happy to give up half that time if Ned will show up.
"One more thing: Ned's been saying he doesn't want to debate me because debates are only about '1 minute canned response.' My response to that is, let's not do that. Let's just have a conversation between the two of us. A civil conversation in which we ask each other questions, and challenge each other's responses.
"Back in May I said I wanted this to be a campaign filled with substantive debates where we both answer tough questions. We don't have much time left, but there's still time for that debate to happen.
"I hope Ned will change his mind."

This Caused The Lamont Campaign To Fire Off This Press Release .....

Lamont for Governor campaign manager Joe Abbey released the following statement regarding Dan Malloy's missive from earlier today:
"Dan's long list of questions today betrays an outright ignorance and hostility toward Connecticut small businesses. That press release was clearly written by someone who has never worked in small business or created jobs in the private sector.
"Dan has said time and time again that his years of experience running for political office entitle him to be governor. But throughout the nearly 10 years running that he's been running for governor, serious questions have been raised about his performance as mayor and the manner in which he talks about it. He should answer those questions.
"There's another reason he needs to answer them: Governor John Rowland. As Connecticut continues to try and erase the stain of a pay-to-play scandal in the governor's mansion, transparency and accountability in government are critical to our future. That is why it is so important for Dan to respond to the following:
• How many of the 55 civil rights complaints and 37 federal lawsuits were filed by employees reporting directly to you, or to your senior staff members?(Source: Greenwich Time -- http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Sunday-print-exclusive-Racism-in-Greenwich-508827.php and public records).
• When did you first learn that three of your employees, two of whom you named employee of the month, were embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from the city on your watch, as reported by the Courant? (Source: Hartford Courant -- http://articles.courant.com/2010-07-23/news/hc-stamford-arrests-fedele-malloy-07220100723_1_stamford-mayor-dannel-malloy-criticizes-michael-fedele)http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Sunday-print-exclusive-Racism-in-Greenwich-508827.php
• Why do you continue to advance claims about your record on jobs that have been fully debunked by the Courant? (Source: Hartford Courant --http://www.courant.com/community/stamford/hc-malloy-jobs-0628-20100628,0,480540.story)
• Is it true that Stamford lost a net of 8,000 jobs during your term as Mayor?
• After you were investigated in 2004 for awarding lucrative no-bid contracts to companies that contributed to your political campaigns, did you continue to accept contributions to your previous or current campaign from companies that either held contracts with the city or aspired to do so? (Source: New York Times --http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/23/nyregion/23stamford.html?scp=3&sq=Stamford&st=nyt)
"I understand why Dan was so defensive in his statement saying, 'I know what Ned will say in response: 'this is an unfair, desperate attack.' That's exactly what it was.
"I hope Dan will address these questions on Thursday when he and Ned appear together in Windham, but in the meantime let's have that civil conversation on the issues Dan's always talking about."

All Of This Reminded Greenwich Roundup About the Incident That Made Him Wonder What Values Dan Malloy Taught The Fruit Of His Loins ......

No I Am Not Talking About The Malloy Boy Arrested For Dealing Drugs

No I Am Talking About The Other Malloy Boy

Racist threats case filed by Stamford High student settled for $37,500

The lawsuit, filed in May, accused the city of "failing to act in part because one of the callers is the son of Stamford Mayor Daniel Malloy."

The exact amount the Board Of Education paid the family of Candace Owens, now an 18-year-old Stamford High graduate, was made public yesterday after The Advocate filed a Freedom of Information request last week.

The Board of Education spent an additional $25,000 on legal expenses, including representation by a Hartford law firm, Shipman & Goodwin LLP, school board spokeswoman Sarah Arnold said.

The case was terminated two weeks ago at a settlement conference, according to court records. As part of the settlement, the Board of Education denied any wrongdoing and liability.

The school board has 30 days from the settlement date to pay the Owens family by check to their attorney, Norman Pattis. The entire $62,500 tab will come out of a $375,000 legal fund.

"The case was resolved to the mutual satisfaction of both parties," said Patrick Fahey, one of the attorneys who represented the Board of Education.

He declined to comment further.

Neither Pattis nor Robert Owens, the father of Candace Owens, returned phone messages.

The Board of Education attempted to keep the terms of the settlement from being disclosed because of a confidentiality clause. But the Freedom of Information Commission said that any settlement funded by taxpayers is public record unless it is sealed by the court.

The settlement marked the end of a yearlong controversy that stoked racial tensions and political drama.

Last February, at least one of five teenagers sitting in a car left messages threatening to kill Owens, who is black, and repeatedly used a racial epithet. In one of three messages, one of them referred to her as "dirty" and threatened to burn her house down and tar and feather her.

The group included Malloy's youngest son, Sam Malloy, then 14. The mayor released a statement in March saying his son cooperated with police and did not know the alleged ringleader, Evan Kopek, or Owens before the night of the calls. He has declined comment since then.

Kopek, now 18, was a former friend and classmate of Owens. Two days before the phone incident, they had a shouting match during class. School officials suspended Kopek for that but would not discipline him and the other boys for an incident committed off school grounds unless the police made an arrest, which drew criticism from the state National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Owens left school for six weeks, saying it was traumatic to attend with the alleged callers. She returned after Kopek was arrested in late March. Another teen was arrested later that spring. School officials would not say whether they disciplined Kopek after the arrest.

The lawsuit said the decision to delay suspensions amounted to a failure to protect Owens. The suit accused the city of violating the federal Title IX rule banning discrimination in schools that receive federal funding. The school system has "continued to do nothing to protect Ms. Owens from repeated harassment and intimidation by the young men and their friends," the suit stated.

None of the students involved in the case attends Stamford High any more, Arnold said.

Candace Owens was arrested in an unrelated harassment case in October. In November, Kopek pleaded to being a youthful offender and had his case sealed. He will have no criminal record. He faced charges of first-degree harassment and second-degree intimidation by bigotry or bias.

It is not known whether Malloy's son was charged because he is a juvenile.

What Other Bloggers Are Saying:

Derogatory Dan Strikes Again

My Left NutMeg

by: BranfordBoy

When the media tried to use the arrest of three Stamford city employees on embezzlement charges to start a cat fight between Ned Lamont and Dan Malloy, Lamont chose not to take the bait and declined comment.

Why? Presumably because the allegations, absent any evidence that Malloy was complicit in their alleged crimes, had zero bearing on the governor's race.

But Dan Malloy isn't stupid enough to be gracious.

Today the Courant reported on a 2002 lawsuit against Lamont Digital alleging racial discrimination. ("Hold the presses! Breaking news!!)

In less time than it takes to write $505,000 worth of checks to pay for renovations on your $2-million dollar mansion, Dan Malloy released a statement in which he, a former personal injury lawyer of all things, expressed shock -- SHOCK! -- that lawsuits get settled out of court with confidentiality agreements attached....

07/27/10 An Update from New Canaan Patch!

2010-07-27T03:04:00.000-07:00

News

Business

Executive Director of New Canaan's Glass House Resigns, Looks Toward Future

As Executive Director Christy MacLear readies herself to step down, she reflects on her accomplishments and sets her sights forward.

By Max Schlusselberg

Government

Town of New Canaan Searching for a Budget Director

Police & Fire

Police Blotter: A String of Burglaries, Narcotics, Identity Theft & More

News

New Canaan's Corners & Columns: Monday, July 26

More News

Announcements

Social Notes

Save the Date for 'Moonlight & Magic'

The New Canaan Nature Center will be transformed Saturday, Oct. 2, "For an Evening of Moonlight & Magic...Under Nature's Spell." The evening begins at 6:30 and will combine nature's best offerings - bountiful food and drink, beautiful autumn …

By Darcy Bell Symes

Social Notes

Waveny Care Center Provides Lesson on Japanese Culture

Government

Governor Orders Flags Lowered to Honor Fallen Firefighters

More Announcements

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07/27/10 Video: Rick Torres on Socialism v. Capitalism

2010-07-27T02:17:00.001-07:00

Video: Rick Torres on Socialism v. Capitalism

New Canaan Friends,

Please take a moment to view my latest video on the evils of Socialism and the virtues of Capitalism.

As you may know, I have twice suffered under socialist regimes. First as a child under Fidel Castro in Cuba and then again upon my return to Bridgeport when I lived in public housing. I have a keen ear to tyranny and I know that we must act now to stop it.
I ask that you please watch my video on socialism. If you believe that I am a strong warrior for freedom, property rights, and our liberties I implore you to please support my Campaign.
We are 14 days away from the primary and my big government opponents can sense that we are gaining momentum. In these final days I need your financial support of at least $50 to ensure that we can effectively get out the vote.
Your financial support of at least $50will get us closer to our goal of raising an additional $10,000 to get out the vote. Our polling indicates that we need roughly 10,000 votes to win this primary. Your support of $50 or more will allow us to reach more than 60 registered Republican voters by mail to remind them to vote for me on August 10th..
With your financial donation today I know that we can defeat my big government Republican opponents. If we let them win then voters in my district will have two big-government choices on the ballot in the fall. I am willing ready and able to defend our natural rights in Washington, but I need your financial commitment in these final days to help me do so.

Sincerely,

07/26/10 Daily Updates from New Canaan Patch!

2010-07-26T03:04:00.001-07:00

News

Week in Review: Classroom Technology, Issues With Recycling, Margarita Recipes & More

Take a moment to review the headlines from last week.

By Max Schlusselberg

Arts

Campers Sing Along and Roast Marshmallows at Nature-Palooza

News

New Canaan's Corners & Columns: Sunday, July 25

More News

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07/26/10 - $10,000 Needed To Get The Primary Vote Out

2010-07-26T02:16:00.001-07:00

Help Rick win, donate today

New Canaan,

My August 10th Republican Primary is just days away. Victory is just within our grasp. I need your financial commitment to help me raise $10,000. With this money we can ensure a strong effort to get out the vote.

Over the last week dozens of supporters have been canvassing and phonebanking to inform voters of my commitment to stand against tyranny and to protect their freedoms. If you would like to help phonebank and make a big impact in our district from the comfort of your own home, click here.

I know that you are likely supporting other campaigns and that it is a lot to ask for your financial help but I need you to make a generous contribution of at least $50 to my campaign today. $50 will let us reach 1,000 voters on election night to remind them to vote on August 10th.
We only need 10,000 voters to win this Republican Primary. Your commitment of a $50 contribution could be the difference between victory and defeat. Please don't let another RINO big-government Republican capture the nomination in my district. I have the endorsements of Peter Schiff, the Libertarian Party, the Independence Caucus, Change the Congress, the 9/11 Families Foundation, and the Conservative Party.
I am ready to defend our individual and economic freedoms but I need your help to do so. With your help, I can win on August 10th.Please take a minute to donate now. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

07/22/10 Congressman Jim Himes' Hypocrisy On Spending

2010-07-22T04:39:00.000-07:00

Dan Debicella points out actions speak louder than words

Below is a statement from Dan Debicella regarding recent backpeddling by Jim Himes and his startling record promoting out-of-control spending.

From Dan Debicella:

“As an incumbent beholden to Washington insiders, Jim Himes has been feeding government from the all-you-can-eat buffet. Now, with an election approaching, he is showing a sudden interest in the dollar menu.

This is yet another example of Jim Himes’s hypocrisy. You can’t vote for a 22% increase in discretionary spending and then talk about cuts three months before the election. It’s too little too late and it doesn’t fool voters in Fairfield County.

The first place this commission should look to cut spending is by repealing programs that Jim Himes has already voted for that have launched spending to never-before-seen levels.

One more do-nothing political committee is not the answer and I believe there is a better way. I propose a hard spending cap that will force politicians of both parties to make tough decisions about how tax dollars are spent and an end to political earmarks that simply reward politicians for voting with party insiders. We need to get serious about cutting spending.”

The true Himes record. In his first term in Washington, Jim Himes:

· Voted YES on the trillion-dollar stimulus.

· Voted YES on one of the largest one-year increase in federal spending since the Carter administration.

· Voted YES on the ‘most fiscally irresponsible budget in American history.

· Voted YES on raising the debt ceiling in order to bring on $2 trillion in new debt.

· Voted YES – twice – on the trillion-dollar government takeover of healthcare.

Dan Debicella is the Republican Party’s nominee to face Jim Himes this November.

Debicella is a second-term Republican State Senator representing the eastern part of Fairfield County, including Shelton, Stratford, Monroe, and Seymour. He grew up in Bridgeport where his father was a police officer and his mother was a secretary. He was the first in his family to go to college full time, attending the Wharton School and receiving his MBA from Harvard Business School. He has spent most of his career in business, having worked for management consulting firm McKinsey in Stamford, as Director of Strategy at PepsiCo in Purchase, NY, and currently as Assistant Vice President of Marketing at The Hartford Financial Services.

In the State Senate, Debicella has served as the lead Republican on the budget-writing Appropriations Committee. He recently co-authored a budget proposal that cut the size of Connecticut government by 5% through combining or eliminating agencies, privatizing social services, and resetting program spending to 2007 levels. Debicella also led the fight against the budget that ultimately passed, which raised taxes by $1 billion and borrowed $1 billion to balance the budget.

The Fourth Congressional District comprises most of Fairfield County, including seventeen towns from Greenwich in the west, to Shelton in the east, and Ridgefield in the north. The seat was held by Congressman Christopher Shays from 1987-2009.

07/22/10 A Daily Updates from New Canaan Patch!

2010-07-22T03:05:00.001-07:00

News

Police & Fire
Storms Leave Over 1,000 Without Power, Several Roads Closed

Crews will be at work through much of the night and tomorrow trying to clear and open roads.

By Max Schlusselberg | Jul 21, 2010

Government

UPDATE: $1.1 Million Mead Pond Dredging Project Approved Jul 21, 2010

Business

New Canaan's Non-Profits Compete for Scarce Donations Jul 21, 2010

Business

Summer Theatre of New Canaan Sued for Unpaid Advertising Jul 21, 2010

News

New Canaan's Corners & Columns: Wednesday, July 21 Jul 21, 2010

More News

Announcements

Social Notes
CL&P: Over 1,000 New Canaanites Without Power

Severe thunderstorms and heavy rains pounded New Canaan Wednesday afternoon, leaving over 1,000 homes without power, according to Connecticut Light & Power. A statement has been posted on the CL&P site: Despite our best efforts, severe weather and …

By Max Schlusselberg | Jul 21, 2010

Government

State to Improve New Canaan Train Station Jul 21, 2010

Government

Six Days Remain to File for Storm Assistance Jul 21, 2010

More Announcements

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07/21/10 The Harvard Swim Team Captain, Richard "Misstatement" Blumenthal Is Caught Lying Again!

2010-07-21T05:27:00.001-07:00

Hearst Newspaper President Steven Swartz Is Scooped Again ....

First The New York Times Broke The News Of Richard Blumenthal's Lies About Having His Boots On The Ground In Vietnam.

Now Bloggers Are Breaking The Story That Blumenthal Had His Boots On The Ground In Vancouver, British Columbia

You Wont Read This In The Connecticut Post, The Danbury News-Times, The Greenwich Time Or The Stanford Advocate

What's Richard Blumenthal Doing At A Canadian PAC Fundraiser

Tricky Dick Goes To Canada To Get Wined Dined And Pocket Lined

Richard "I will not take money from special interests" Blumenthal caught traveling 2,432 miles a fundraiser arranged by trials lawyers along with other Democratic Senate candidates in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Just four months after saying he "never accepted special interest PAC money," AG Blumenthal is shown deep in cahoots with special interest money,

This Is Not The First Time That Tricky Dick Has

Lied About Accepting PAC money contributions

In an interview on MSNBC's Morning Joe, Dick Blumenthal said that he had never accepted PAC money, saying: "I have never taken PAC money and I have rejected all special interest money because I have stood strong and have taken legal action against many of those special interests."

Later, it was revealed that Blumenthal accepted over $220,000 in PAC money for the first fiscal quarter of 2010, according to his FEC report.

PLEASE SEE:

07/20/10 Limousine Liberal Richard Blumenthal: The Grandstanding Attorney General

Also Please Take A Look At This Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvcP_y93mWo&feature=player_embedded

=====================================
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07/21/10 An Update from New Canaan Patch!

2010-07-21T03:04:00.000-07:00

News

Sports

Tracking Our Talent: Xandra Hompe Takes on Two Sports At Cornell

Former Rams tri-athlete now competes in hockey and soccer for the Big Red.

By Bob Goldsholl | Jul 20, 2010

Government

Local Judges on Probate Court Restructuring: Bad Move Jul 20, 2010

Schools

Keeping Tabs on Student Athletes Jul 20, 2010

Government

Plan to Dredge Mead Pond Approved Jul 20, 2010

News

New Canaan's Corners & Columns: Tuesday, July 20 Jul 20, 2010

More News

Announcements

Government

Town Posts 'Request for Qualifications' for Master Plan

The Town of New Canaan invites Statements of Qualifications for professional services from firms, licensed for practice in Connecticut, for the planning, design, and preparation of a master plan for the Town Center, which may include a library, town…

By Darcy Bell Symes | Jul 20, 2010

Social Notes

Bank of New Canaan Hosted Seminar on Long Term Care Jul 20, 2010

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07/20/10 Hypocrite: Congressional Candidate Robert Merkle: “I Forgot To Vote, But Be Sure To Vote For Me”

2010-07-20T21:43:00.000-07:00

Amateurish Inexperience Is Beginning To Show As We Get Closer To The August 10th Primary:

The Problem Is That A Small Tea Party Faction Did Not Properly Vet Rob "I Got Issues" Merkle.

The Only Connecticut Republican Candidate Arrested For Drug Possession Rob Merkle, is not really qualified to run for Congress.

Rob "I Am A Real Tea Bagger" Merkle Is The Biggest Critic Of The American Political System,

Real Connecticut Yankees Say,....

"If You Didn't Vote. Don't Complain."

The Truth Is Guys Like Rob Merkle Are A Big A Part Of The Problem.

Rob Merkle Decided Not Be Involved
Rob Merkle Decided Not To Be A Part Of The Of The Solution
Rob Merkle Has Repeatedly Failed To Exercise His American Right To Vote.

Robert Merkle's repeated failures to vote means he doesn't deserve to hold elected office.

Rob “We All Need To Get Involved” Merkle has only voted twice in his life. Maybe Mr. Merkle was just too busy running his faltering business, Westport-based executive search firm Management Recruiters.

Rob Merkle hopes win an August !0^th primary so that he can run against Democratic Congressman and Greenwich resident Jim Himes in November. Shelton’s Dan Debicella and Bridgeport’s Rick Torres are in a three way Republican primary with Merkle of Norwalk.

According to the Norwalk Registrar of Voters, Merkle registered October 25, 2008, just before the presidential election. Records also indicated that Merkle voted in municipal elections in 2009.

In addition, Merkle lived in Florida between 1998 and 2002. According to the Secretary of State's office in Tallahassee, Florida, he registered to vote on February 25, 2001. However, there is no record of Merkle having voted.

Merkle’s lack of involvement is a red flag.

Rob Merkle, who claims to have some Tea Party support moved to New Canaan in 1992. In 1998, he moved to Florida, After being arrested for drug possession at age 32 Merkle returned to Connecticut in 2002 He then moved to Georgia for a year and came back to Connecticut in 2004.

A check of voting records in Georgia shows no indication that Merkle even bothered to register to vote.

Many say that Merkle, cares little about the issues and is just being opportunistic, because he feels that incumbents might be vulnerable in November if the Connecticut economy fails to improve.

Most long time Connecticut Yankee Republicans, who have voted all of their lives, think that Merkle is a spoiler and are repulsed by his misguided political ambitions.

Maybe This Video Inspired

Rob Merkle To Finialy Register

To Vote In Connecticut

More Information About

Rob "The Hypocrite" Merkle

07/13/10 The Greenwich Time Reporters Must So Stoned That They Forgot To Report That Jim Himes Congressional Opponent Was Arrested For Drug Possession

The Greenwich Roundup Post Includes This Link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjA0hy2kNzs&feature=player_embedded

07/16/10 the Only Guy Arrested For Drug Possession In The Fourth Congressional Race Stakes Out Jim Himes' Hometown

07/18/10 How News Gets Reported In Fairfield County

07/20/10 Limousine Liberal Richard Blumenthal: The Grandstanding Attorney General

2010-07-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

Hearst Newspaper President Steven Swartz's Fairfield County Newspaper Monopoly Is Unfair And Unbalanced.

Hearst Editor David McCumber Continues To Give Richard Blumenthal A Free Pass Just Like The Five Other Greenwich Time Editors That Proceeded Him During The Last Two Years

Hearst Newspaper Editors At The Daily Newspapers In Bridgeport, Danbury And Stamford Also Treat Blumenthal With Kid Gloves As He Continues To Grandstand And Cost Connecticut Jobs.

There was a study focusing on what one organization feels is an abuse of power was released, naming the 10 worst state attorneys general in recent history.

All the Hearst Newspapers ignored the report that received national publicity and was discussed on cable news and talk programs across the country.

The last thing the secretive Hearst Foundation needs is litigation brought on by the power hungry Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal

To this day the secretive family trust that controls the privatively held Heart Media empire refuses to even mention the report out of fear that they will end up on the wrong side of Richard "Mr. Lawsuit" Blumenthal.

PLEASE SEE:

Greenwich Resident Richard Blumenthal The Worse Attorney General In The USA.pdf

Hans Bader, Counsel for Special Projects at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, wrote the report, which names Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal as the worst.

"The nation's worst state attorney general is Richard Blumenthal, a tireless crusader for growing the power of his own office and spreading largesse to his cronies," Bader wrote.

Bader reported on Blumenthal's role in litigation against tobacco companies..

The report said Blumenthal steered $65 million in fees to his own allies and the associates of former Gov. John Rowland, later convicted of corruption in an unrelated matter.

It adds that Blumenthal went "through the motions" of soliciting letters from firms interested in representing the state in the lawsuit. Of the four he selected, one was his former firm, another's partner was married to a partner in the first firm and a managing partner in the third served as counsel to Rowland.

Blumenthal is also bashed for a lawsuit he filed on behalf of several other states against out-of-state utilities for allegedly contributing to global warming.

"Blumenthal himself admitted that his goal was to 'shake up and reshape the way an industry does business' across the nation," Bader wrote. "Since when is that the role of a state official?"

Hearst Newspapers wont tell you that Richard Blumenthal became the prototype for hyperactive attorneys general across the country. Not content to serve as in-house counsel for state government, he has used the office to advance by litigation what the left could not achieve through legislation.

Richard "Mr. Lawsuit" Blumenthal's has chased jobs from

Connecticut and caused new business from coming to the state.

Mr. Blumenthal a taste for massive multistate, class-action lawsuits. His jurisdiction in the name of consumer protection has since known no bounds. During the browser wars of the late 1990s, Mr. Blumenthal sued Microsoft over the marketing of Windows 98. He filed a supportive brief in a suit against Smith & Wesson that would have held gun manufacturers responsible for crimes committed by third parties using the manufacturer's products.

When the collegiate Atlantic Coast Conference poached some schools from the rival Big East Conference, of which the University of Connecticut is a member, Mr. Blumenthal sued. When subprime mortgage shop Countrywide Financial was in trouble, the attorney general piled on with his own lawsuit. When AIG's bonuses became controversial, Mr. Blumenthal issued a wave of subpoenas. Most of these efforts went nowhere, but they did get Mr. Blumenthal in the news.

The attorney general has also used the power of the state to bully small businesses. In 2003, he sued Computers Plus Center for $1.75 million in damages for allegedly selling state government machines without specified parts. Mr. Blumenthal issued a press release accusing the business owner, Gina Malapanis, of fraud: "No supplier should be permitted to shortchange or overcharge the State without severe consequences," he said. "We will vigorously pursue this case to recover taxpayer money and send a strong message about zero tolerance for contractor misconduct." Ms. Malapanis was even arrested in her home on seven first-degree larceny charges.

In 2008 the charges against Ms. Malapanis were dismissed. As for the civil case, she refused to plead guilty and countersued the state for abusing its power and violating her constitutional rights. The jury, recoiling at the overly aggressive action that ruined her business, awarded her a whopping $18 million in January. In a handwritten note on court documents, the jury foreman said the state had engaged in a "pattern of conduct" that harmed Ms. Malapanis's reputation, and cited the state's press releases impugning her integrity, some of which came from Mr. Blumenthal.

An eminent domain case involving a working quarry taken in 2004 to expand a highway in the town of Brookfield ended up in court. The quarry owners, who were originally paid about $4 million for the property, felt cheated by the state. They sued, and Mr. Blumenthal defended the state's action, bringing in new appraisers who also low-balled the property's value. Judge Barbara Sheedy concluded the state had been "unprofessional" and "less than scrupulous" in its handling of the case, having hand-picked unqualified appraisers for the purpose of deliberately underestimating the quarry's value. The owners were awarded another $28 million, including interest payments.

This spring, the exasperated CFO of Hartford-based United Technologies Corp. blurted out that doing business "anyplace outside of Connecticut is low-cost." The company was frustrated in part by a union lawsuit—supported by Mr. Blumenthal—challenging the company's plan to close a local factory as part of the firm's response to the recession. UTC—with $53 billion in revenue last year and 26,000 employees in Connecticut—is the state's largest private employer. It's exactly the sort of company other states would love to host.

Some Connecticut's business community have quietly greeted Mr. Blumenthal's candidacy for the US Senate with relief: Anything to get him out of state.

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07/20/10 An Updates From The New Canaan Patch!

2010-07-20T03:04:00.000-07:00

News

Schools

Cutting Edge Technology Coming Soon to a Classroom Near You

New Canaan Public Schools are readying themselves for the next school year by updating and integrating technology into their classrooms.

By Max Schlusselberg | Jul 19, 2010

Elections

Torres Attacks Merkle Voting Record

Jul 19, 2010

Police & Fire

Police Blotter: Marijuana Possession, Burglary, Vandalism & More

Jul 19, 2010

News New Canaan's Corners & Columns: Monday, July 19

Jul 19, 2010

More News

Announcements

Government

Public Hearing Wednesday on Proposed Ordinances, Ammendments

The town council will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, in the board room of town hall to hear a Proposed Ordinance on Tax Overpayments; a Proposed Ordinance For Storm Water Management; and Proposed Amendments to Ordinance on …

By Darcy Bell Symes | Jul 19, 2010

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07/20/10 Change the Congress Endorses Rick Torres

2010-07-20T02:31:00.001-07:00

Change the Congress Endorses Rick Torres for Congress

New Canaan Friends,

Change the Congress in 2010, a Federal PAC, is endorsing Rick Torres for the United States Congress for the 4th District of Connecticut.

Here's what Change the Congress in 2010 wants for Connecticut 4th District voters: An honest representative. A trustworthy person. A person with real experience in life. A person who lives and works and volunteers in his community – his community in Connecticut. A person who cares about people. A person who has paid taxes. A person who has balanced a budget. A person who has created jobs – real jobs. A person who will put his God and his country above himself. A person who will not sell out to the lobbyists. Rick Torres is that person.

Originally, Torres was not an Endorsed Candidate but Rick wouldn't give up on himself ... and wouldn't let Change the Congress in 2010 give up on him either. Rick Torres has probably been researched more than any other endorsed candidate. But once you learn all about Rick, you understand why he won't give up on himself and wouldn't allow Change the Congress in 2010 to give up on him. Giving up means losing ... you have to go way back in Rick Torres' life to understand why he won't give up. Although born in the United States, Rick returned to Cuba with his family ... Castro was no better than the previous dictator but it took years for him to get back to the states. When he did, he lived in public housing. Had public assistance. Rick was determined to get out of the welfare trap. He did.

Initially a registered Democrat -- having been attracted to the "social justice" rhetoric of the Democratic Party -- Rick in due course became first a closet Republican, and then a full-fledged Conservative. The more Rick looked around, the more inescapable was the conclusion: it was exactly the 'compassion' of the big government—professed by the Democratic Party—that was incentivizing poverty. On the other hand, the only logical solution to end poverty was to help people get off the government dole. Now he wants to represent the 4th District of Connecticut and work to get all of the people out of the welfare trap, off of public assistance, and into homes they work to own.

It's a tall order but Torres doesn't mind hard work. Today a successful self-made businessman, Rick never forgets his humble beginnings. He spent his post-Cuba childhood across the street from P.T. Barnum Public Housing Project while living in section eight public housing. Rick attended Bullard Havens Technical high school where he became a master carpenter and Rick will proudly show off the house he built with his own hands.

Rick Torres is a Change the Congress in 2010 Endorsed Candidate because he didn't give up. Now it's the turn of Connecticut 4th District not to give up ... Rick Torres epitomizes the American Dream ... he got out of the welfare trap and became a productive and successful citizen. Rick has signed the Contract From America ... pledging to fight for this country. Rick won't give up. Because he didn't allow Change the Congress in 2010 to give up on him either, we are proud to endorse Rick Torres for Congress from the 4th District of Connecticut.

Our mission at Change the Congress in 2010 IS to change the Congress … our house has become riddled with liars and thieves and cowards, not serving us but rather themselves and not even their country. Join Change the Congress in 2010 and support Rick Torres.

Catherine Welborn Executive Director Change the Congress in 2010, a Federal PAC PAC# C00465294 www.ChangetheCongressin2010.com

Sincerely,

07/19/10 Reader Submitted Comments: Greenwich Resident Ned Lamont Is Hopelessly Inexperienced And Naive Just Like His Great Grand-Father Thomas Lamont

2010-07-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

The Fruit Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree:

"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it"

Photo: Flash Back To 1929 And Black Friday. Thomas W. Lamont Graces The Cover Of Time Magazine Just Before He Used His Position At J P Morgan To Try And Inject Confidence Back Into The Stock Market Through Massive Purchases Of Blue Chip Stocks.

Let's Not Get Fooled Again.....

Ned Lamont Is The Most Naive Gubernatorial Candidate

Ned Lamont recently said, “We haven’t earned the right to raise anybody’s taxes,”

Then Ned Lamont turns around and declares that this should not be considered a “read my lips” pledge against raising taxes.

That is, Ned Lamont will raise taxes

even if he doesn’t earn the right to.

Lamont declares that he wants to “show taxpayers that we’ll fundamentally reform government,” and he identifies three huge areas of state spending that are ripe for review — medical care, payroll, and retirement benefits.

But any fool can try to get more Medicaid money out of the federal government; promising to prune “top-heavy management” is just pandering to the state employee unions and won’t save much money because so few state employees are managers, nearly all being unionized,

Basically Lamont offers no ideas for curbing

state government’s pension obligations.

Often Ned Lamont notes, “fundamental reform” won’t pay off right away, won’t be arranged in the month the new governor has before his first budget is due to the General Assembly.

Ned Lamont can't deliver “fundamental reform”

because he has no clue what it is.

Mr. Lamont’s main idea for confronting the state budget gap of about $4 billion, a revenue shortage of as much as 20%, seems to be only to gather representatives of the most interested parties and have cordial negotiations.

Of course this is not only naive — Lamont’s most important endorsement comes from the state’s largest teachers union, the Connecticut Education Association, notorious for refusing contract concessions — but also a transparent dodge.

For among those interested in the budget are the people themselves, and they are supposed to be represented by the people they elect as governor and state legislators, who owe them a little more than vague assurance that everything will be negotiated later with someone else.

Indeed, Lamont’s whole campaign, in which he first faces the candidate endorsed by the Democratic state convention, former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, in the primary Aug. 10, increasingly looks like a dodge.

Clueless Lamont’s commercials emphasize Connecticut’s need for jobs, with which everyone might agree, but fail to identify any means to that end, even as job growth isn’t the most urgent task of state government — putting its own bankrupt house in order is.

Ned Lamont’s commercials also emphasize his opposition to “no-bid contracts,” about which there has been no controversy lately.

Asked in an interview the other day to explain what his commercials aim at here, Lamont could not identify any no-bid contracts.

Maybe the phrase just resonated with a few expensive campaign focus groups.

The emptiness of Lamont’s campaign may be demonstrated most by his refusal to debate Former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy in the month before the primary, his refusal even to participate in the New London Day’s debate at the Garde Theater, traditionally a major campaign event.

Mr. Lamont explains his refusal as a matter of wanting to use the time to meet more people. But for meeting people and giving them a good look at a candidate, not much could surpass a debate in a big auditorium with an audience of more than a thousand and a television audience many times that along with news coverage generally.

The Desperate Ned Lamont apparently means to sit on his lead in Democratic primary polls and avoid getting shown up by a much more experienced and informed rival, confident that his nonsensical explanation about not debating will hurt him less than a competition broadcast statewide.

The Lamont"s Have Been Naively Screwing Up America For Years

Nativity In Politics Is Very Dangerous

Mr. Lamont, who is the great grandson of Thomas J, Lamont - a partner of the banking and finance firm J P Morgan And Company.

In 1920, Thomas Lamont undertook a semiofficial mission to Japan to protect American financial issues in Asia. He however did not aggressively challenge Japanese efforts to build a sphere of influence in Manchuria.

In 1926, Thomas Lamont, self-described as "something like a missionary" for Italian facism, secured a $100 million loan for Benito Mussolini..

Then There Was The Lamont's Biggest Failure

On Black Thurday in 1929, Thomas Lamont was the acting head of J.P. Morgan & Co. He tried to inject confidence back into the stock market through massive purchases of blue chip stocks.

The Lamont's prospered during the Great Depression while working and middle class Connecticut residents suffered greatly.

But There Are Even More Historical Naive Lamont Screw Ups

Thomas Lamont was an influential member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and one of the most important agents for the Morgan investments abroad. He was an unofficial mentor to the Herbert Hoover administrations, and informed both the Dawes Plan and the Young Plan.

The Dawes Plan (as proposed by the Dawes Committee, chaired by Charles G. Dawes) was an attempt following World War I to collect war reparations debt from Germany. When after five years the plan proved to be unsuccessful, the new and improved Young Plan was adopted in 1929 to replace it.

The Young Plan was a program for settlement of German reparations debts after World War I The Young Plan was presented by the committee headed by Owen D. Young. After the Dawes Plan was put into operation and it became apparent that Germany could not meet the huge annual payments, especially over an indefinite period of time.

The Young Plan was opposed by parts of the political spectrum in Germany. Conservative groups had been most outspoken in opposition to reparations and seized on opposition to the Young Plan as an issue. A coalition was formed of various conservative groups. One of the groups that joined this coalition was Adolf Hitler and the National Socialists German Workers Party (NAZI), a group which had previously been dismissed as an extremist fringe by the more mainstream conservative parties.

Thomas Lamont's naive Young Plan was was a major factor in bringing Hitler and the Nazis into power and bringing about World War II.

Ned Lamont made his political name four years ago by challenging U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman for renomination by Connecticut Democrats.

However, today all that has congealed into mere name recognition even as a new campaign demands a lot more than coasting on it as millions of dollars that are spent on Television ads trashing the Connecticut Democratic Party's Choice - Dan Malloy.

============================
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07/19/10 Help Rick Torres Defend Freedom

2010-07-19T02:31:00.001-07:00

You're receiving this newsletter because you joined the Rick Torres for Congress Community.
Not interested anymore? Unsubscribe. Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your browser.

A Letter from Jeff Wright

New Canaan Friends,

Today, Socialism is pounding at AMERICA'S door. In 1976, Margaret Thatcher said, "The problem with Socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money." President Obama is about to sign into law Wall Street regulatory legislation that gives the Treasury Secretary and his 9 fellow committee members exclusive right to seize any financial body they determine poses an economic threat to our nation. His signature brings America THROUGH THE DOOR OF SOCIALISM.

No candidate in this race is more knowledgeable on Socialism's looming threat, intrusion and loss of liberties to Americans than Rick Torres. The son of Cuban refugees he lived in Cuba and witnessed firsthand the failures of socialism. History clearly documents that centralized power never works, the power of the individual does. READ RICK'S BIO

The Republican congressional primary takes place on August 10^thand will determine who will represent YOU in the November election. As Rick Torres' Political Director, a Fairfield County resident & taxpayer, father, small businessman and concerned citizen, I want to impress upon you the urgency of the current political landscape. Like many of you, I believe we must elect a new breed of legislators who will stop the madness and fight to repeal Obama's new laws.

RICK TORRES is the ONLY candidate capable of achieving these goals.

Please join me to raise an additional $100,000 by July 30^th for Rick's campaign and consider a $100, $200 or greater personal contribution to help Rick get to Washington. For those of you who have already supported, thank you, and if possible please give again.

Why Rick?

· Rick will not be a career politician. He has the conviction to serve, not the ambition for a political career.

· As a life-long Bridgeport resident, he is the only Republican with the ability to get votes in the cities.

· His integrity, conviction, and passion to advocate for our rights are unmatched.

· Rick will work to defend our country from out of control government.

· Polling shows that Rick has the best name recognition out of the Republican candidates.

Time is flying and our current leaders in Washington are moving quickly to limit your freedom. America needs you now. We need you now. On behalf of Rick and all of his supporters, thank you for your support.

In victory,

Jeffrey A. Wright
Political Director
Jeff@ricktorres2010.com
203-581-4122

Sincerely,

07/16/10 New Canaan Republicans Reject GRASSroots Candidate Robert Merkle After They Learned He Was Arrested For Drug Possession At Age 32

2010-07-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

Politics: Republican Congressional

Candidate Rob Merkle Says:

Rob Merkle's Dad Was A Federal Prosecutor Who

Loved putting Drug Dealers And Dope Users In Jail,

Until His Son Got Arrested For Drug Possession.....

Did RedState.com Endorses A Pot Head?

Many Of Jim Himes' Supporters Said That Some Darien

Tea Party Leaders Acted Like They Were On Drugs

Let's All Get High

Make Some Real Crazy Signs

And Interrupt A Town Hall Meeting

Tokin
Enough
Already

Talk About Hypocrites ...

A Conservative Connecticut Tea Party Candidate Likes To Get Stoned

The Stamford Advocate Reporters Ignore The Criminal Background Of Fourth Congressional Candidate Rob Merkle

32 Year Old Rob "Light Em Up" Merkle Was Busted For Smoking Dope

Should Congressional Candidates Be Required To Take A drug Test?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjA0hy2kNzs&feature=player_embedded#!

More Hypocritical News About The Merkle Family:

Robert Merkles dad was a United States attorney who successfully prosecuted the Colombian drug baron Carlos Lehder Rivas, and many other potheads in Florida.

But somehow his dope smoking 32 year old son escaped jail time.

Mr. Merkle was the chief federal prosecutor for the Middle District of Florida from 1982 to 1988, a role in which he won not only a conviction of Mr. Lehder, whom the authorities described as having been responsible for 80 percent of the Colombian cocaine smuggled into the United States, but also an indictment of Gen. Manuel Antonio Noriega, the Panamanian military ruler later captured in the American invasion of his country.

Mr. Merkle was a flamboyant prosecutor, who acquired the nickname Mad Dog for his aggressive style. Critics questioned his methods. Defense lawyers, accusing him of abusive and bullying tactics that they compared to McCarthyism. There were multiple Justice Department investigations of Mr. Merkle for inappropriate conduct.

We Are Not Saying That Some Of Rob Merkle's Supporters Are On Drugs, But ....

Rob Merkle WILTON Town Hall Mtg.Tonight 7-9 pm At Library--Posted By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

This Crazy Blog Post Is Taged With:

anti-America, anti-white, CT, Darien,Democrats, Fairfield, Gadsden Flag, Greenwich, New Canaan,President Obama, racism, Rob Merkle, Stamford, Tea Party Patriots,

*************************************************

Did You Hear This Joke ....

Rob Merkle walks into a Norwalk appliance store and asks the owner, "How much for that TV set in the window?"

The owner looks at the TV set, then looks at Merkle, and says, "I don't sell stuff to potheads."

So Merkle tells the owner that he'll quit toking and will come back the next week to buy the TV.

A week later, Rob Merkle comes back and says, "I quit smoking pot. Now, how much for that TV set in the window?"

And the owner says, "I told you I don't sell to potheads!" So Merkle leaves again.

He comes back a week later and says, "How much for that TV?"

The owner says, "I'm not going to tell you again, I don't sell to potheads!!!"

Rob Merkle looks back at the owner and says, "How can you tell I'm a pothead?"

The owner looks back and says, "Because that's a microwave."
=======================================
Please send your comments, news tips and press releases to NorwalkRoundup@gmail.com

07/15/10 New Canaan News and Events From The New Canaan Patch!

2010-07-15T07:23:00.001-07:00

Weekly Newsletter

Forecast: Fri 74° | 91° Sat 72° | 91° Sun 72° | 90° Mon 72° | 90°

News

News
Batten Down the Hatches, Here Come the Shoppers

Saturday's Sidewalk Sale is expected to attract thousands itching for discounts.

By Max Schlusselberg | Jul 15, 2010

News New Canaan's Corners & Columns: Thursday, July 15 Jul 15, 2010

Government Rust-Covered Bridge Warrants Emergency Repair Money Jul 14, 2010

News Property Transfers For July 1 - July 2 Jul 14, 2010

News New Canaan's Corners & Columns: Wednesday, July 14 Jul 14, 2010

More News

Sports

Sports
A Letter Home From Rams' Football Training Camp

Sports columnist Bob Goldsholl offers up his take on the popular song,"Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh," as written by an NCHS football player.

By Bob Goldsholl | Jul 13, 2010

Sports All-Star 12s Drop Game Two in State Championships Jul 11, 2010

Sports NCHS Football Team Looks Sharp In 7-on-7 Tournament Jul 11, 2010

Sports All-Star 12s Take Game One in State Championships Jul 10, 2010

Sports Summer Camp Offers Sports Instruction To Children With Special Needs Jul 8, 2010

More Sports

Announcements

Thank You
Waveny Grateful for Sewing Group's Grant

Dear Editor, On behalf of all whom Waveny Care Network serves, I would like to thank the New Canaan Sewing Group for awarding us a generous grant this year. In our effort to continue to provide the highest levels of quality care, [this] funding will…

By Max Schlusselberg | Jul 15, 2010

Government Don't Lose Your Vote in the August 10 Primary Jul 15, 2010

Social Notes Chicken Joe's v. Garden Catering Lacrosse Game Jul 15, 2010

Social Notes Tonight's Waveny Concert Postponed Jul 14, 2010

Social Notes Chamber's Annual 'Village Fair' Just Hours Away Jul 14, 2010

More Announcements

Weekend Events

Friday
Summer Theatre's 'Seussical'
Tomorrow, Jul 16 10:00am
Waveny Park
677 South Ave

Saturday
New Canaan Farmers Market
Sat, Jul 17 10:00am - 2:00pm
Maple St & Main St

More Events

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers Needed
CT Food Bank in Dire Need

Connecticut Food Bank is pleading for help to keep its warehouses stocked with food as the summer months approach. The Food Bank has seen its food supply dwindle in the last few weeks as donations drop and the demand for food assistance continues to…

By Darcy Bell Symes | Jun 21, 2010

More Volunteer Opportunities

07/09/10 Fourth District Republican Congressional Candidate Rick Torres' Interviewed By The Fairfield Minuteman

2010-07-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

Rick interviewed by Fairfield Minuteman

Hi New Canaan Friends ,

I wanted to share with you the just published interview I had with the Fairfield Minuteman. Please see it below or click the link.

Torres: I'll bring small-government approach to Congress

Published: Thursday, July 08, 2010

by G. C. Peters

Rick Torres has carefully honed his political philosophy on the whetstone of life in the two Black Rock sections of Bridgeport where, first, he grew up and, second, where he and his wife Michel raised a family. He is tough-skinned on the one hand and philosophical on the other. He is a cabinetmaker and a jack-of all trades. He is proud of his business, the Harborview Market, not only because it engages him with the public but also because it allows him to chat with his friends over a cup of coffee about the critical issues of the day.

Torres will be a candidate in the Republican 4th District Congressional primary in August. Dan Debicella received his party’s nomination in May.

We were sitting at an outdoor table when Torres arrived. His first words after introductions were, “Let’s go.” He led the way to his van, we hopped in and he started talking as soon as we drove off. He explained that he wanted to show us what he was all about. He drove to his home as he talked about his vision, one that he knows well because he has lived the two parts of it: the one where his family was dependent on government and the one where he learned to stand on his own two feet.

“We’ve been in the same house for 21 years. It’s a cool thing, this old-fashioned American neighborhood. It’s a good place to connect with friends.” He parks his van and says, “You won’t meet a more conservative person than me.

“I’m a Bullard-Havens Technical High School carpenter, one of the most arrogant of all trades. I did all the work. My wife tolerates me.” To be fair, he worked his way through prep school education in exchange for carpentry work. He went to college where he met his future wife and then married her. From there, Torres went to graduate school before he dropped out to support a family.

Upon arriving at his home, he parked, we exited, and he promptly started to cover his life as husband and father, who with his skills made all the necessary repairs and improvements from the landscaping walls to the pool in the backyard, from the interior cabinets to the kitchen counter. As he spoke and moved from outdoor to indoor and then to the backyard, he called out to those young adult children at home by name, to a daughter coming down the stairs with a basketful of laundry, to his wife who was busy in the house. All were part of his eagerness to explain himself to the fullest. And they, as the most important part of his life, were there to share his enthusiasm for another campaign. This is the present tense of his life, his home—now to the P. T. Barnum Apartments.

We got into his van, and Torres, thoroughly convincing and extremely serious about his goal of becoming the 4th District’s Congressman, ousting Jim Himes, is still talking, almost non-stop. He is going to show us the other half of Black Rock, the past tense of his life. The one he lived in when he was permitted to come back to the States from Cuba because he had been born here and had left with his family because of the Cuban Batista’s ouster by Castro. But things were not what they had seemed. One dictator supplanted another with another set of politics.

Torres stopped at the corner of Clinton Park and showed us just where he lived, the exact spot in what had been “government housing” but is now the southwest corner of Stop and Shop. He could see the rest of the tenement housing in P.T. Barnum from his room. Suddenly, a driver making a turn, looking our way, was seen by Torres who says, “I know that guy. I grew up with a lot of guys who are still here.”

“Here” are the P.T. Barnum Apartments. And right “here” is where he ruminates aloud on his philosophical fundamentals as a Republican candidate for Congress. “Eliminate public housing,” he says fearlessly. Public housing is a permanent life style. It is not the American Dream. This and where he lives now are the two sides of Black Rock. “The continuum here is that there is no ownership. That’s the awful reality. These folks will never taste it.”

Then he drove to Iranistan Avenue, to the heart of his thesis, where on the right side of Iranistan is a beautifully maintained, sophisticatedly laid-out community, built in 1918 of brick. 257 modest houses put up in 90 days, a housing co-op of private homes called Seaside Park, all brick, all double hung windows with neat lawns and flower beds, on neat intertwining streets where all kinds of people live in a clean and relatively prosperous setting.

Whereas across the street is Marina Village, a complex of row houses, row upon row of government housing. Those buildings on Iranistan have wire mesh grills on first floor windows, one building after another. Turn the corner on our walk through the project and we are immediately struck by the differences of a group of people who have no ownership and no incentive to defend their property against the villainous blight.

And now, Torres, who has been speaking the whole time, telling us how if only these people were given their homes here, things would improve or those who showed pride in ownership would work together to maintain their properties and see to it that others did too. Torres the candidate introduces himself, speaks to the people he sees on the street, and later says aloud, “This has to change. This is what I want to change.”

The candidate Torres is the same Torres who does not tire expounding on his dissertation on the twin images of the neighborhood he grew up in. He believes, “I’m for small government in defense of liberty, meaning: giving people back control.”

We get back in the car and he shows us the University of Bridgeport, an anomaly dropped into the heart of the most beautiful part of the City, side by side with what is the best and worst of Bridgeport, and beyond the University, Seaside Park and some of the best beaches around. Torres is exuberant about this part of Bridgeport, you can feel the kinship in the tenor of his voice. He played here as a kid. He says it; he wants to go to Congress to remedy the situation that is Bridgeport. He wants to teach people the need to stand on their own two feet. He would have those in the projects take ownership, and let them climb out by their own bootstraps.

On the way back to the Harborview Market, his family’s place of business, Torres swings by the property alongside the finger inlets and parks in front of a gated barbed-wire lot and deplores the view of what is most beautiful to him and shameful, part of a waterfront that has been given up to a huge public incinerator and open lots that serve as a construction company’s transfer station for hills of dirt.

Torres sits and looks at the piles of dirt and says of it and the area, “This is an atrocity, waterfront property—the brilliance of a garbage plant and using waterfront to store dirt.” He reflects some more. He thinks again about the waste of humanity, and even as he does, a woman with her daughter who recognizes him drives by and stops to chat. He does.

Torres is running for Congress for Social Justice. “That’s the difference between the two parties: Social Justice.”

Thanks for taking time to read the interview. Please remember that I do need your generous contributions to win this election. A contribution of $25, $50, or $100 can help me win.

P.S. If you haven't seen it yet, please watch my video interview with Judge Napolitano on Freedom Watch.

Sincerely,

Rick Torres

New Canaan Roundup

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08/01/10 2010 ELECTIONS - CT CANDIDATE ROUNDUPS: Secretary of the State (Jerry Farrell Jr, Gerry Garcia, Denise Merrill

08/01/10 A Summer Adventure on the High Seas of Darien

07/31/10 CT POLITICS - The Governor's Race

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by: BranfordBoy

07/27/10 An Update from New Canaan Patch!

News

Announcements

07/27/10 Video: Rick Torres on Socialism v. Capitalism

Video: Rick Torres on Socialism v. Capitalism

New Canaan Friends,

Please take a moment to view my latest video on the evils of Socialism and the virtues of Capitalism.

07/26/10 Daily Updates from New Canaan Patch!

07/26/10 - $10,000 Needed To Get The Primary Vote Out

Help Rick win, donate today

New Canaan,

My August 10th Republican Primary is just days away. Victory is just within our grasp. I need your financial commitment to help me raise $10,000. With this money we can ensure a strong effort to get out the vote.

07/22/10 Congressman Jim Himes' Hypocrisy On Spending

07/22/10 A Daily Updates from New Canaan Patch!

News

Announcements

07/21/10 The Harvard Swim Team Captain, Richard "Misstatement" Blumenthal Is Caught Lying Again!

This Is Not The First Time That Tricky Dick Has

Lied About Accepting PAC money contributions

07/21/10 An Update from New Canaan Patch!

News

Announcements

07/20/10 Hypocrite: Congressional Candidate Robert Merkle: “I Forgot To Vote, But Be Sure To Vote For Me”

The Greenwich Roundup Post Includes This Link:

07/20/10 Limousine Liberal Richard Blumenthal: The Grandstanding Attorney General

07/20/10 An Updates From The New Canaan Patch!

News

Announcements

07/20/10 Change the Congress Endorses Rick Torres

Change the Congress Endorses Rick Torres for Congress

New Canaan Friends,

07/19/10 Reader Submitted Comments: Greenwich Resident Ned Lamont Is Hopelessly Inexperienced And Naive Just Like His Great Grand-Father Thomas Lamont

"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it"

07/19/10 Help Rick Torres Defend Freedom

A Letter from Jeff Wright

New Canaan Friends,

07/16/10 New Canaan Republicans Reject GRASSroots Candidate Robert Merkle After They Learned He Was Arrested For Drug Possession At Age 32

07/15/10 New Canaan News and Events From The New Canaan Patch!

News

Sports

Announcements

Weekend Events

Volunteer Opportunities

07/09/10 Fourth District Republican Congressional Candidate Rick Torres' Interviewed By The Fairfield Minuteman

Rick interviewed by Fairfield Minuteman

Hi New Canaan Friends ,