Jewett City Party

Just Another Tax? State approved home insurance rates skyrocket.

2007-05-17T05:41:00.000-05:00

Homeowners Brace For Insurance Spike
by Patricia Daddona - published by The Day - May 17, 2007

More than 4,000 home insurance customers with the Middlesex Mutual Assurance Co. in towns from Old Saybrook to Ledyard will be getting rate increases of 85 percent.

Middlesex is one of four insurance companies for which sizeable rate increases have been approved under new state Insurance Commissioner Thomas Sullivan.

Coastal homeowners typically are charged rates at the high end of a range of increases. At Middlesex, for instance, other homeowners could have a 3 percent decrease or an increase of just 2 or 9 percent, but those in the shoreline towns of Stonington, New London and Old Lyme will have 85 percent hikes.

Kevin Reardon of the Reardon Agency in Waterford and John Scott of the Bailey Agency in Groton said this is just the beginning.

“If every single insurer takes exponential rate increases, where are homeowners going to go?” asked Reardon. “Once one insurance company does it, they're all going to do it. Regrettably, it's going to be a position where the homeowner has no resort.”

“The cost to us increased more than 100 percent” for reinsurance, said Chris Anderson, a spokesman for Middlesex. “We do buy the highest level of reinsurance catastrophic protection because we care about our clients. I think that's reflected in the fact that we are rated by A.M. Best as A+, a superior rating.”

Judy Jackson, chief executive officer of the Norwich-based New London County Mutual Insurance Co., gave reasons why her company will raise its rates as much as 64 percent, with 43 percent the norm in New London County.

“For two years now,” Jackson said, “we've lost money on virtually every coastal policy we write because of the expensive catastrophe

reinsurance. What industry goes forward and continues to lose money? You can't keep doing that. We were forced to either raise rates or shed enormous amounts of business.”

In an interview Wednesday, Sullivan confirmed that those are the types of issues forcing rates up. He pointed out that of the 100 carriers in Connecticut, only Allstate has refused to insure new customers. A healthy market is one that thrives on competition, not government intervention, he said.

“Markets are very cyclical,” Sullivan said. “While these increases may be painful, if markets are open and competitive, you will see cycles of increase but also cycles of stability. As long as we have ... more players, not less, eventually competition will catch up with rate increases.”

Among the reasons his staff is approving high rate increases, he said, are:

• Forecasting models have changed and show New England as overdue for a major hurricane.

• Re-insurers, the companies that insure the insurers, are charging those insurers more to stay in business.

• Credit rating agencies have increased the surplus requirements of all of the companies by as much as 20 or 30 percent or more. In order to maintain their ratings, the companies have to set aside more of their surplus.

Scott, the Groton insurance agent, said coastal homeowners are shopping briskly for better-priced insurance, but agents are getting “heartburn” trying to make the best deal for their customers.

“Each company is defining 'coastal' very differently, and that's where the department did not do a good job” when writing guidelines for coastal insurance last year under former Commissioner Susan Cogswell, said Scott. Cogswell is now a deputy commissioner.

“We do get angry phone calls just about every day from people who justifiably feel they aren't shoreline people. Someone in Ledyard wouldn't expect to get a letter saying they have to have a high deductible,” he said. “We're ending up having to move the business to another insurer, which is what (the insurers) wanted.”

Coastal bands are the distance from bodies of water within which more stringent requirements like hurricane deductibles can be imposed. Under Cogswell's guidelines, coastal bands extend to 2,600 feet from the water, about half a mile.

Sullivan maintains that the guidelines in place are adequate.

“There should be no ambiguity as to what we define as coastal,” he said. “I'm not aware of companies who are not following the guidelines.”

Sullivan also warned against seeking quick fixes to the market fluctuations through lawmakers or statewide policy changes, as Florida, a state more prone to hurricanes than Connecticut, has done. Taxpayers in Florida will pay dearly when the state, acting as a re-insurer, has to cover major losses, he said.

“It's better to have more competitors in your market and let the market determine prices,” he said.

The insurance department has a responsibility to balance the needs of the consumer with the solvency of the market, Sullivan added. For instance, a homeowner with an insurer who goes bankrupt has liability coverage of $400,000 through a “guaranteed fund,” but if that home is worth $500,000 the consumer has to cover the difference, Sullivan said.

Sullivan is using a New York model to develop a new program within the FAIR Plan, a market of last resort, which would give consumers who couldn't find coverage a company that could write policy for them. Details are still being worked out, he said.

Jackson had another suggestion: Homeowners should take measures to protect their property where possible.

“That'll help with future insurance costs,” she said, “and it'll help them have a place to go home to after a hurricane hits.”

Sullivan urged consumers to use the department's hotline for coastal coverage: 866-870-4305.

Middlesex Mutual Assurance: 3 percent decrease to 85 percent increase

Patron's Mutual: 40 percent to 81 percent increase

New London County Mutual: no change to 64 percent increase

The Merit Plan: 17.5 percent increase statewide

Source: Connecticut Insurance Department

Jewett City 'Freeman' pass budget (22-6) while 1400+ voters do not attend

2007-05-16T06:38:00.000-05:00

Board Approves Jewett City Budget
by Megan Bard - published by The Day - May 16, 2007

To offset a potentially significant tax increase for borough residents, the Board of Warden and Burgesses decided Tuesday to use more of the borough's surplus to lessen the impact.

The $454,784 Borough of Jewett City budget for 2007-08 was approved Tuesday at the Annual Freeman's Meeting by a 22-6 vote.

The budget, which is a $43,089 increase over the current year, had been proposed to require a 2.25 mill tax rate. With the recent revaluation of all taxable property within the town of Griswold, including the borough, the impact for some could have meant a 50 percent increase in taxes.

For this reason, after the budget was approved, the warden and burgesses agreed to set the new tax rate at 2 mills, using an additional $32,059 from the borough's surplus account.

Burgess Alan Geer expressed some concern about this decision, saying it might leave the borough with too little to pay for significant emergencies. With the transfer, the fund balance is left at $27,197. Nonetheless, the entire board was in favor of the decision.

“It's important. We needed to get it whittled down to where they can handle it,” Geer said of the tax impact on residents living on fixed incomes.

Warden Cynthia Kata, a former town assessor, said the tax increase on a residential property with an average assessment of $112,000 will be $49 for the year.

“This is about the best we can do,” Kata said after announcing the tax rate.

Resident Ron Ward had been planning to ask for the borough utility company — which sets the electrical and sewer rates — to contribute more to the budget to offset the tax increase. Ward did not make the request during the meeting, however.

Instead, Ward said he will ask the utility commissioners directly to contribute more in the future. The company contributed $100,000 to the budget's revenue projections in the approved budget.

The majority of the borough budget's increase is attributed to salaries for borough positions, including extending the hours of the tax collector from part time to full time, and retaining two resident state troopers. It also includes $10,000 more to maintain the borough's fire hydrants.

All aboard -- the bandwagon is rolling!!

2007-05-15T07:20:00.000-05:00

On February 4, 2007, the Norwich Bulletin expressed its opinion in an editorial entitled, "Towns Can't Thrive Without Able Leadership." The Norwich Bulletin has missed two recent opportunities to be a "participating citizen" when "able leadership" is needed "as Eastern Connecticut advances into the 21st Century."

Here are a couple quotes from the article:

Some communities have able leaders, and for that they should be grateful. But sometimes local elections are little more than popularity contests, whose outcomes fail to best serve constituents.
Are you satisfied with the people running your town?

No longer is simple tenure good enough to secure another term leading a town. Common sense, due diligence and a plan for the future are needed to make sure there are more towns like Preston and Colchester and fewer like Canterbury and Montville.

Plainfield and Griswold seem to be turning the corner into the 21st century, and kudos to the new leadership for bringing it. To the others from another generation of elected officials, hop on board the bandwagon to the future, or get out of the way.

As for the recent Jewett City Borough election, the Norwich Bulletin did not make an endorsement in the contest for Borough Warden. The only way that towns can have "able leadership" is for the residents to vote. Going to the polls requires taxpayers to make a decision and select a candidate.

If the Norwich Bulletin could not be a "participating citizen" and make a decision on a Warden candidate, then the words of the editorial back on February 4th just simply ring hollow.

Budgets and taxation are two of the most fundamental functions of government. Jewett City residents have direct input on the budget through the Freeman's Meeting. On this topic, the Norwich Bulletin didn't believe that the Tuesday, May 15th meeting was worthy of a news story. In fact, the small notice published did not even correctly publish the proposed mill rate.

Why it is that a proposed 52% increase in total tax collected is not worthy of a news article seems to be inconsistent with the stated position of the Norwich Bulletin back on February 4th. How can residents answer the question, "Are you satisfied with the people running your town?" (as asked by the Norwich Bulletin on February 4th), when the news papers give little to no coverage of the budget meeting to raise awareness so that residents will attend?

Jewett City Party will continue in its efforts to inform residents and encourage their attendance at public meetings. Especially, attendance at meetings where taxpayers can vote. A news article appearing this morning in the local press would have definitely "turned out" a few more attendees at tonight's Jewett City budget meeting. Taxpayers attending the meeting would have an opportunity to watch, participate, and make an independent opinion regarding their "satisfaction" with local leaders.

The Norwich Bulletin encouraged towns to "hop on board the bandwagon to the future, or get out of the way." Advise timely given needs to be advise presently taken. Come on Norwich Bulletin -- the band wagon is rolling, endorse candidates and give advance coverage to meetings where citizens can vote. Just do it -- and get on board!!

Working families need affordable health care

2007-05-14T06:20:00.000-05:00

Senate leader: Let state pay for health care
By Julie A. Varughese - published by Norwich Bulletin - May 14 2007

When Lorraine Conderino and her husband retire in a few years, they fully expect to be working part-time jobs just to pay for their health-care coverage.

"They look forward to retirement, whenever that may be, but they can't, because they have to go back to work," said Conderino, 59, about people nearing retirement.

The Colchester resident echoes the worries of many others who say health care in Connecticut needs an overhaul.

And state Senate President Pro Tempore Donald Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn, says he has a plan to fix it.

At 7 tonight, the public is invited to the Rose City Senior Center in Norwich, where Williams will present "HealthFirst Connecticut: A Bold Approach to Fix a Broken System," a plan to reform the state's health-care delivery system.

Williams' proposal includes providing insurance coverage to the uninsured, expanding access to health care and ensuring quality health care throughout Connecticut with what he describes as a single-payer, "Medicare-for-All" plan.

"This is a landmark bill and part of an effort to do what no other state has done -- provide health care to everyone in the state, regardless of age or income," Williams stated in a press release. "While we work to find the best possible way to bring about wholesale reform of the health-care system in our state, Senate bill no. 1 includes immediate action to cover more than 140,000 in the state currently without insurance and measures to ensure access to people who have insurance."

Sylvia Nyszczy, a retiree in Griswold who uses Medicare, said the state's system works only for the poor and the rich.

"The middle class are out," said Nyszczy, who switched to Medicare from a private insurance plan a year ago.

52% Increase in Jewett City Borough Taxes?? Vote NO on Tuesday, May 15th

2007-05-13T12:02:00.000-05:00

"Residents and taxpayers cannot afford a 52% increase in taxes paid to the Borough of Jewett City, said Ron Ward, JCP Founder & recent candidate for borough Warden. He continued by stating, "Neither can we afford to eliminate the resident state troopers that patrol our streets."

What's the problem?
Additional revenue is needed to keep our streets safe and provide a tax-break to residents and taxpayers.

What's the solution?
In the past, the Jewett City Department of Public Utilities (Electric & Sewer) has contributed $100,000 to the Jewett City Borough budget. Since the residents of Jewett City own the electric & sewer, it is sorta like shareholders getting paid a dividend when the JCDPU makes its annual contribution to the borough budget.

The residents and taxpayers need a bigger dividend paid to the shareholders for Fiscal Year 2008. By contributing and additional $106k to the borough budget, the JCDPU will enable residents and taxpayers to receive a 4% tax-break and, at the same time, two resident state troopers will stay on the job patrolling our streets.

click here to read the Jewett City Party alternative proposed budget.

5:30 pm on Tuesday, May 15th - Town Hall, 28 Main Street, Jewett City

Vote "NO" on 52% tax increase borough budget

Vote "YES" for 4% tax-break & $106k more from electric and sewer

Non-resident Taxpayers can vote on budget!!

article printed below was reported in The Day on May 12, 2007
Written by Megan Bard

Jewett City Readies To Vote On 2007-08 Borough Budget

Griswold — Although significantly less than the proposed $32 million townwide municipal budget for 2007-08, the Borough of Jewett City spending plan for the next fiscal year still requires borough resident approval.

The Board of Warden and Burgesses will host the borough's Annual Freeman's Meeting on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall first-floor conference room. At that time, residents living within the one-square mile borough will consider and vote on the proposed $454,784 borough budget for 2007-08.

The townwide municipal budget, which also affects borough residents, will be voted on at a referendum scheduled for May 21.

The proposed borough budget is $43,089 more than the current year's financial plan. If approved by voters, the budget will require a tax rate of 2.25 mills. The majority of the borough budget's increase is attributed to salaries for borough positions and retaining two resident state troopers.

The cost for the police coverage next year is proposed as $241,672, a $26,172 increase compared with the current year. The borough pays roughly 70 percent of the cost for the troopers, including office rent and utilities, supplies, training and overtime.

Salaries for other borough employees, including the warden, burgesses, clerk, assessor, treasurer, bookkeeper and tax collector, has increased by $11,917, primarily because the tax collector's position was changed from part time to full time to meet resident demands.

An additional $10,000 has been added to the budget to maintain the fire hydrants.

Ron Ward, JCP Founder, says, "Vote Y-E-S for more classrooms"

2007-05-13T07:02:00.000-05:00

Article published May 13, 2007 by Norwich Bulletin

Letter to the editor: New Griswold school is needed

Residents of Griswold are being asked to vote on a $70 million school building project. It is more than obvious the schools are overcrowded and more classrooms are needed to provide a quality education to the children of our community.

In summer 2005, the Space Needs Committee recommended Griswold residents consider several alternatives to meet the growing number of students attending our public school. The next step was to appoint a School Building Committee.

What happened with the recommendation?

The Board of Selectmen that was elected in November 2005 did not act on the recommendation until summer 2006, one full year later. Only the Board of Selectmen can answer as to why it took nine months to appoint a committee to address the needs for the future of our students.

Building classrooms to teach our students is the right choice for Griswold.

RON WARD

Jewett City

Editor's note: Ward is the founder of the Jewett City Party.

$70 million on the line -- Let's Get It Right!

2007-05-10T05:30:00.000-05:00

Residents of Griswold are being asked to vote on a $70 million school building project. It is more than obvious that the schools are over crowded and more classrooms are needed to provide a quality education to the children of our community.

Way back in the summer of 2005, the Space Needs committee recommended that Griswold residents consider several alternatives to meet the growing number of students attending our public school. The next step was to appoint a School Building committee.

What happened with the recommendation??

The Board of Selectman that was elected in November 2005 did not act on the recommendation until Summer 2006, one full year later. Only the Board of Selectman can answer as to why it took nine months to appoint a committee to address the needs for the future of our students.

Building classrooms to teach our students is the right choice for Griswold.

[Opinion of Ron Ward, Founder of the Jewett City Party]

The following article published by The Day on May 9, 2007

Contract In Limbo For Griswold School Project
by Megan Bard - published by The Day - May 9, 2007

Griswold — With plans for a proposed $69.9 million school project still being finalized one month before a townwide vote, officials and the architectural firm that designed the school project have yet to sign a contract.

As attorneys continue to negotiate, the two sides have decided to put aside their “petty squabbles” for now to see how the $35.9 million new elementary school and $34 million renovated middle school proposals fare with voters.

At issue is a promise made to New Britain-based architectural firm Kaestle Boos Associates Inc. that it would continue working for the town if the projects were approved at the mid-June referendum.

The promise, made during an interview process in January, goes against a town ordinance that requires that most contractual work worth more than $3,000 be put out to bid. It also does not comply with the original request for qualifications the town solicited late last year, which only referred to work done before the referendum.

However, during the interview process, School Building Committee members informed the two finalist firms that the committee had a $29,900 budget, with $25,000 of that to be spent on an architect. At that point, someone — either from Kaestle Boos or from the committee — proposed that if the architect would do the work for that amount, the firm would be guaranteed the job, should the school projects be approved by voters.

Neither side disputes that the proposal was made, but who made the proposal is disputed.

Charles Boos, CEO and chairman of Kaestle Boos, said the committee made the suggestion. Committee Chairman Franklin Everett said it was proposed by the architect. Either way, both men agree that everyone at the meeting that night approved of it.

Within weeks, Kaestle Boos presented the town with a contract reflecting the firm's work from conceptual design to ribbon cutting. Attorneys for the town reviewed the contract, amending one section involving the amount of insurance required. This issue, however, has become nearly irrelevant.

In late March, attorneys again reviewed the contract, this time comparing it to what was required in the original request for qualifications. It was then they discovered the contract had gone beyond the scope of the request and is in violation of a town ordinance.

First Selectwoman Anne P. Hatfield, a member of the committee, said she remembers people discussing the promise but that no formal vote was taken. Based on the town attorney's recommendation, Hatfield has refused to sign the contract.

Hatfield has suggested revising the contract to pay Kaestle Boos for its services up to the referendum. As of Friday, the firm had not been paid for its work.

Charles Boos disagrees, saying he believes his firm has a binding verbal contract with the town and that he has worked in good faith based on this agreement.

In a legal opinion presented to the town by the firm Shipman & Goodwin, which is representing the architect, an attorney wrote that the ordinance does not apply to the work Kaestle Boos is providing the town because that work is considered contractual services. Town Attorney Michael Zizka disagrees with this interpretation.

In a conference call at a meeting on April 20, Zizka said the promise should never have been made. He said if voters approve the projects, the town is required to seek new proposals from architects to complete the job.

However, Zizka said the lowest bidder need not be chosen and that preference could be given to Kaestle Boos based on its involvement.

An alternative to following the ordinance is to include Kaestle Boos in the referendum question, identifying the firm as the chosen architect. Zizka said this is legal because an ordinance can be overridden based on an affirmative town meeting/referendum vote. Zizka did not recommend including the information on the ballot, however, saying that it puts the town at too much risk for litigation. Zizka said if the original request indicated that whichever firm was chosen would see the project through to completion a different group of applicants may have submitted proposals.

At a meeting between selectmen and building committee members Tuesday night with the town's bond counsel, the issue was not considered, according to Hatfield.

A second alternative would be to agree with Kaestle Boos and sign the contract, but to require the architectural firm's lawyers to defend the town against any litigation because of the decision. Zizka said if all firms who bid on the original request knew they would have an opportunity to see the job through to completion, there may have been more bidders.

Comments posted by Readers

Anonymous said...

u r kidding right. u don't have kids or pay taxes and u r tellin us what to do. get a grip.

May 9, 2007 3:12 PM

Borough resident is concerned about tomorrow. You can improve our community by VOTING!

2007-05-09T07:16:00.000-05:00

The following comment was posted at the Norwich Bulletin website.

I still to this day do not know who she is.......I only meet one person and I am sorry to say that person did not win.

It is not up to me to seek you out it is up to you to seek me out. and that is why she did not get my vote. I feel bad for all of us that live here in JC, nothing is going to happen, I don't even have a sidewalk in front of my house, But still nothing will be done about that because I don't live on the big city street.

I wonder how many times we all can call her this time to get no answer.

The sewer thing is full of stuff, when it rains it realy does pour, been full forever. Summer is on the way and I can see it already no place for these teenagers to go hangout with out more town problems getting in there way. so they will be on the streets.

Nothing any of us Little people can say that will be heard. So why do we try. At lease this time she got a run for her money. next time I don't think she'll be as lucky.

This time people will remember & the people will see what get done and what stays the same. lets pay attention and find out. Lets watch from the sideline, & see just where her heart lies at night. The end.

Leave me alone there is nothing any of you can say that can make me change my mind or see it your way. Lets all walk a long way to get the bus........

Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 7:51 am
click here to read comment at Norwich Bulletin website.

Commentary by Ron Ward, Founder of the Jewett City Party

May 7th in Jewett City was a great election day! It was the first time in more years than most can remember that the residents had a choice.

The three hundred twenty-nine (329) voters that went to town hall made the decision for the other eleven hundred (1100) voters that stayed home. When it was all said and done, 12% or 165 voters made the decision for the 3000 or so residents that make Jewett City their home.

Jewett City Party is committed to making the issues known to the residents, taxpayers and community members of the borough. Thank you to those that support the goals of the Jewett City Party.

We can improve our quality of life by working together!

Questions? - Comments? or Offers to Volunteer?

Contact Ron Ward --

860-376-3530 = telephone
email = founder@jewettcityparty.com

Democrat Incumbent Kata wins election in Jewett City

2007-05-08T05:54:00.000-05:00

Kata Retains Jewett City Seat
by Julie A. Varughese, published by Norwich Bulletin - May 8, 2007

JEWETT CITY --Voter turnout in Monday's borough election was seven times greater than the 2005 election, thanks to a spirited three-way race for warden that sparked interest through candidate blogs and door-to-door canvassing.

The publicity even interested a few Griswold residents in voting, but they were turned away after being told it was a borough-only election, election moderator Joe Lussier said.

The election featured the first time in a decade an incumbent warden had been challenged, and it was also the first time an optical scan voting machine was used.

Incumbent Democratic Warden Cynthia Kata won with 165 votes --or 49 percent -- beating Republican candidate Melinda Seaman Brooks, who got 125 votes --or 37 percent. Jewett City Party candidate Ron Ward captured 47 votes -- or 14 percent.

The turnout was 26 percent, compared to 3.73 percent in 2005.

Kata, a four-term incumbent, said she expected to win because of her track record in the borough. She takes credit for keeping the tax rate at 2.5 mills, obtaining grants for a $19 million state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility and improving sidewalks and roads, among other items.

"It's back to business," Kata said about retaining her position.

Normand Foucher, 59, said he voted for Kata because she was recommended.

"Everybody's always saying she's done a good job and she's respectful," he said.

Opponents said during the campaign season Kata did not do enough to prevent a 44-percent sewer-rate increase and a separate water-rate increase or to attract economic development and is not in the borough enough to take care of it.

Brooks, 38, said she planned on running for a town of Griswold office in November.

"I think the fact that it's pretty close, that shows that people are ready for change," she said.

Ward, 43, said his goal was to create enough interest in the race to encourage people to vote.

Timothy Sharkey, a first-time burgess candidate and the only Republican to sit on the new Board of Warden and Burgesses, said he hopes to create better communication between the borough, the town and the fire department.

The new voting system required voters to fill in circles on the ballot next to the names of desired candidates within a booth, then slip it into an optical scan voting machine.

Lussier said there was little confusion Monday on how to use it. Election workers helped voters through the steps.

"We have very few problems," he said at 2 p.m. "People have been mystified by it, and many people say they like it."

Election Results

Warden:
165 - Cynthia Kata, Democrat (Winner)
125 - Melinda Seaman Brooks, Republican
47 - Ron Ward, Jewett City Party

Burgess:
225 - Alan D. Geer, incumbent Democrat (Winner)
198 - Patrick Sullivan, incumbent Democrat (Winner)
197 - Stanley Drobiak, incumbent Democrat (Winner)
128 - Timothy P. Sharkey, Republican (Winner)

95 - Joseph David Lobe Jr., Republican

68 - Alan Aho, Republican

59 - Angela K. Adams, Jewett City Party

33 - Katrease Gerace, Jewett City Party

Bailiff:
183 - William J. Czmyr, Democrat (Winner)
75 - Benjamin E. Hull, Republican

52 - James L. Couillard, Jewett City Party

Clerk:
294 - Valerie A. Pudvah,
endorsed by Democrats and Republicans (Winner)

Tax collector:
274 - Leona Sharkey,
endorsed by Democrats and Republicans (Winner)

Treasurer:
252 - Linda Cote, Democrat (Winner)

Ward says, "Get our fair share of taxes paid to Town of Griswold to repair our roads and sidewalks. We deserve better!"

2007-04-30T05:28:00.000-05:00

[click here to read "Council for Economic and Community Development to Support Jewett City Merchants and Stimulate Job Growth" - February 27, 2007 JCP-eBlog! post by Ron Ward]

[click here to read "Commission on Housing and Neighborhood Development: Improving our community by supporting renters and owners" - April 18, 2007 JCP-eBlog! post by Ron Ward]

[click here to read "Can't Tell You, It's a Suprise" a proposal to create a Consumer Board of Utility Control - January 17, 2007 JCP-eBlog! post by Ron Ward]

This Year, Jewett City election A Real Contest
by Megan Bard, published by The Day - April 20, 2007

Griswold — For 10 years, the Borough of Jewett City election has gone unnoticed and uncontested.

Not this year.

On May 7 , two challengers will join four-term incumbent Democratic Warden Cynthia Kata on the ballot. Republican Melinda Seaman Brooks, a political novice, and Ron D. Ward, a registered Democrat and founder of the independent Jewett City Party, will be her challengers.

Kata and Brooks are lifelong residents of Griswold and Jewett City. Both graduated from Griswold High School and have raised their families here. Ward moved to Connecticut in 1990 from Illinois. He's lived in various towns throughout southeastern Connecticut before moving to Jewett City a year ago.

All three candidates say they intend to address concerns about rising utilities rates, among other issues, but they do not agree on how or whether there really is a problem.

Kata, 68, said after more than 30 years of public service to the borough and the town, as tax assessor, treasurer and warden, she stands by her record. Kata said throughout the years she and the incumbent burgesses have been able to keep borough taxes low — this year's projected tax rate is 2 mills — build new sidewalks, and institute the Resident State Trooper program. She lists her greatest accomplishment as the completion two years ago of the $18 million waste water treatment plant, primarily paid for with state grants.

The plant, and the rates associated with running it, is one of the primary issues that infuriates borough property owners, renters and businesses.

Last July the borough's Department of Public Utilities increased sewer rates by nearly 44 percent, retroactive to January 2006. Utilities officials said the plant was operating at a deficit. Kata, who does not have direct authority over the department, said it calculated its rates on receiving a set amount of sewage and on the lowest cost presumed necessary to run the plant. The calculations were wrong.

The plant was built to hold 1.1 million gallons to accommodate the next 25 years worth of development. As of now it is only processing roughly 350,000 gallons, 150,000 gallons less than previous years, meaning fewer people are paying to run the plant.

Kata says once the Route 164 corridor in the town is developed and the multiple condominum projects throughout the borough are completed, more waste water will be processed at the plant and the burden will be shared by more rate payers.

Brooks, 38, a new borough resident, said she will educate the public on the department's community service based initiatives, in addition to working with Director Kenneth Sullivan to determine the best way to handle the increasing rates. Brooks said until she learns more about the process she will not make any promises.

The CEO and sales director of Stratilis LLC of Willimantic, Brooks said her experience in real estate will help attract business to the borough and could assist in the town's economic development initiatives. If successful, Brooks said it will not only help revitalize the borough's downtown but also possibly alleviate some of the burden of paying for the new treatment plant.

Ward, 43, said one way to help lessen the sting of the rate increases is for people to have more input in the utilities department. To “restore confidence” in the department, Ward wants to disband the current Board of Public Utilities Commissioners and replace it with a consumer-based commission. The commission would oversee a utilities board of directors that would work directly with employees of the utility department.

Ward, a law school graduate who has worked in various appointed state positions, as a dealer at Foxwoods Resort Casino and is currently a teacher for Mad Science, has set ambitious goals for himself. On his Jewett City Party Internet blog, Ward regularly posts information about various initiatives, such as restoring defunct borough boards and commissions and creating new ones. Ward wants to increase the involvement of residents who rent in shaping borough policy.

Brooks sees it as the warden's job to advocate for this one-square mile area along the Quinebaug and Pachaug rivers. In addition to focusing on bringing small business to the borough and addressing concerns about blighted property, she wants to enhance recreational activies for youth and seniors.

Although she said she doesn't dwell on the recent town trend to oust incumbents, Kata said in the back of her mind she's concerned the borough “won't get what it needs” if she is not re-elected.

Kata said she's confident that her plans to build sidewalks along North Main Street and finish sidewalks along Carley Avenue will be accomplished along with having her proposal considered to build a new, stand-alone ambulance facility where the Jewett City fire department is now housed.

The projects will be funded by the next round of federal grants the borough is expected to receive later this year. The year after that, Kata intends to concentrate on improving the facades along Main Street and supporting the small businesses along the stretch.

For the most part, in public, the race has been civil. Much of the spiteful banter has involved Ward's and Brooks' internet campaign sites and blogs and a state election's complaint Ward filed against Brooks, which was dismissed.

The only consistent complaint about Kata is that she is in California more than she is in the borough. Kata denies this, saying that her companion Walter Sawicki sold his Golden State residence in 2005 and that the couple has not returned since.

Jewett City Party Candidates Bring Choice to Ballot: Vote on May 7th

2007-04-30T05:24:00.000-05:00

Eight Candidates Are Seeking Four Burgess Seats
by Megan Bard, published by The Day - April 30, 2007

Griswold — Like the race for warden, the Borough of Jewett City race for burgess and bailiff are contested for the first time in nearly a decade.

Eight people will run for four burgess seats on the May 7. The candidates include three incumbent Democrats Stanley Drobiak, Alan D. Geer and Patrick Sullivan, all lifelong residents of the borough. Their Republican challengers are Alan D. Aho, Timothy P. Sharkey and Joseph David Lobe Jr. The two independent candidates representing the newly created Jewett City Party are Angela K. Adams and Katrease Gerace. The other burgess seat has been vacant for the past year following the death of Republican Larry Pudvah.

For Drobiak, 78, running for election is something he's done since 1969. Drobiak, who has been a burgess and warden as well Griswold's first selectman, said he enjoys serving the borough.

His goal is to keep taxes down so residents on fixed incomes can enjoy a good quality of life. He also hopes to install new lights at Veterans' Memorial Park on Ashland Street to enable summer activities to last later into the evening.

Sullivan, 70, has served as a burgess for nearly 20 years. If elected to another term he said he will concentrate on building more sidewalks and helping current Democratic Warden Cynthia Kata in her effort to build a new ambulance garage. Sullivan said his understanding of borough history and awareness of what residents need and want make him a good candidate. Although he's accustomed to running unopposed, he said having eight people vying for four seats will hopefully bring voters back to the polls and make them more aware of borough issues.

Geer, 61, a former borough police officer who has been a member of the Jewett City Fire Department for more than 30 years, said he will continue to concentrate on public safety issues. Geer, currently a judicial marshal in Norwich, said he also intends to concentrate on building new sidewalks and beautifying Main Street by use of façade grants for property owners and planting small trees. As a member of the park commission, Geer said he intends to increase activities at the park this summer.

Drobiak, Sullivan and Geer all said as a group they've done well by borough residents and business owners.

Their challengers are not so sure.

When the privately owned Jewett City Water Company notified its customers that it intended to signficantly raise its rates, Lobe, 25, a financial analyst at Foxwoods Resort Casino, said he began to research why. Although he knows the company is not owned by the borough utilities department, he considers part of the warden and burgesses job to be an advocate for borough rate payers who should force state regulators to review the rates and make the company justify the increase. In his opinion, this wasn't being done.

“I thought rather than complain about this I would contribute,” said Lobe, who his in his second year of law school.

Aho, who declined to reveal his age, fully blamed the increasing water, sewer and electrical rates on the borough owned ulitity company — which controls electrical and sewer utilities — and the incumbents. Aho said the utilities department, with the incumbents' knowledge, is balancing the costs of running the new $18 million sewage treatment plant on the backs of borough residents. Aho wants to be elected to make changes in the department by replacing the utilities board's membership and altering how the department is opperated.

Jewett City Party candidate Adams, 42, said she is neither a public speaker nor is she in the race for the politics. Adams, the mother of a special needs child, said she is running to provide activities in the borough for children with regular and special needs. Fellow independent party candidate Gerace declined to comment for the story when reached Sunday.

Sharkey could not be reached for comment.

The remaining contested race on the ballot is for bailiff. The candidates include Democrat William J. Czmyr, who was chosen last week to run in the place of William P.L. Maynard who died on April 20, Republican Benjamin E. Hull and Jewett City Party candidate James L. Couillard.

Candidates in the uncontested races include incumbent Democrats Valerie A. Pudvah for clerk and Linda Cote for treasurer. Assistant Tax Collector Leona C. Sharkey, a Democrat, will run for the tax collector's position.

French Club holding Food Drive in Jewett City

2007-04-30T04:33:00.000-05:00

Food drive to benefit Jewett City
By Julie A. Varughese, published by Norwich Bulletin - April 30, 2007

JEWETT CITY -- The Jacques Cartier Club will hold its annual "555 Challenge" Saturday.

The three 5s in the name of the event stand for the 5,000 pounds of food the club hopes to collect that day to give to the Jewett City Pantry housed in St. Mary's Church.

Forty percent of the borough's population lives under the federal poverty level.

The pantry helps feed more than 150 families -- 500 people who eat 9,500 meals per month -- in Jewett City, Griswold and Preston, according to club President Jeff Raymond.

This is the club's first food drive, but it hopes to establish it as an annual tradition, said bar manager Kelly Hulse.

"A lot of people, they'll donate food during the holidays, but sometimes (needy) people are forgotten about during the year," she said.

The drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and donors are invited to contribute non-perishable goods. Cash and toiletries will be accepted, as well as items for infants and the elderly.

Local businesses can help by having the club place a drop box in their establishment, which will be collected later.

The challenge will be held rain or shine and live entertainment will be provided.

Jewett City Party candidate for Warden has a Plan to 'Get the Job Done'

2007-04-29T05:35:00.000-05:00

[click here to read "Council for Economic and Community Development to Support Jewett City Merchants and Stimulate Job Growth" - February 27, 2007 JCP-eBlog! post by Ron Ward]

[click here to read "Commission on Housing and Neighborhood Development: Improving our community by supporting renters and owners" - April 18, 2007 JCP-eBlog! post by Ron Ward]

[click here to read "Can't Tell You, It's a Suprise" a proposal to create a Consumer Board of Utility Control - January 17, 2007 JCP-eBlog! post by Ron Ward]

Ward's goal is economic development
by Julie A. Varughese, published by Norwich Bulletin - April 29, 2007

JEWETT CITY -- Ron Ward moved to Jewett City.

He soon discovered economic development was hindered by the lack of parking for businesses and last year's 44 percent sewer-rate increase.

Ward founded the Jewett City Party and is making an independent bid to be borough warden in a place that typically votes Democratic, if it votes at all. The 2005 borough election drew a 3.73 percent voter turnout.

"I'm running a campaign that offers choice," said Ward, who teaches at Mad Science. "What I have to offer is the ability to welcome all individuals to the table. I understand that 40 percent who live in the borough live below the federal poverty level."

Ward, 43, has run on a platform focusing on economic development and bringing small shops into downtown.

Duke Arndt said Ward motivated her and her husband, Duane, to open their own businesses on School Street. Duane sells skateboards and Duke sells clothes for teenagers.

"I feel that Ron is a doer," said Duke, who worked with Ward at Mad Science. "He's very, very knowledgeable about the kids and what's going on. Jewett City has had a children's problem for as long as it existed."

Peter Reynolds, owner of Cutz by Roc, a barber shop on North Main Street, said none of the candidates has visited his shop.

"I'm sure they're not too concerned about everybody's opinion. They probably target certain people and that's it," said Reynolds, who said his biggest concern is the lack of parking downtown.

Ward has said he is interested in keeping children off the streets.

Despite Ward's claims that he doesn't want to run a divisive campaign, he has rubbed some people the wrong way.

In February, he filed a complaint with the state Elections Enforcement Commission against Republican candidate Melinda Seaman Brooks, accusing her of using borough and town of Griswold seals, and town data, from the town's Web site on her Web site.

The commission ruled this month that the claim is unfounded.

Brooks said Ward's campaign tactic is to make others look bad.

Ward also cited Griswold First Selectman Anne Hatfield in the complaint, accusing her of allowing Brooks to use the seals and information, giving the appearance the town government endorsed Brooks.

Hatfield said she has complied with numerous Freedom of Information requests from Ward, but she said he had bothered her to the point that it felt like harassment.

"There are a tremendous number of issues that need to be dealt with in town," Hatfield said. "It's really got to stop. We've got to take that out of local politics."

[click here to read "Incumbent Kata says she has done much for the borough" by Julie A. Varughese, published by Norwich Bulletin - April 29, 2007]

[click here to read "Brooks: It's time for a changing of the guard" by Julie A. Varughese, published by Norwich Bulletin - April 29, 2007]

Jewett City Party gives Borough residents more choice on ballot

2007-04-29T05:26:00.000-05:00

[click here to read January 21, 2007 Norwich Bulletin editorial: Our View More Choice on Ballot]

Jewett City ballot offers choice: 3 candidates running for warden
by Julie A. Varughese, published by Norwich Bulletin - April 29, 2007

Ah, Jewett City.

Home to Slater Mill Mall, Veterans Memorial Park and probably the quietest elections around.

The last borough election, in 2005, attracted only 3.73 percent of the electorate.

Some complain the high number of renters is the reason so few turn out at the polls. Others blame the unconventional time of year -- May rather than November -- the borough elections are held.

The prevailing argument, though, is usually there's little choice on the ballot. Most candidates in recent years have run unopposed.

Not so this year. And some officials and residents hope that means a larger interest in voting.

The Democrats have re-nominated four-term incumbent Warden Cynthia Kata. The Republican candidate is Melinda Seaman Brooks, a lifelong Griswold resident. And there's even a third choice: Newcomer Ron Ward is running as the Jewett City Party candidate.

Renter Ken Miller said he doesn't plan to vote May 7 and isn't aware of the issues that anger some residents, such as the increased cost of utilities, lack of parking and the suspicion among some borough tax dollars aren't spent wisely.

"I'm just a temporary resident," he said. "So I don't pay attention to what's going on in the local political scene."

The Bulletin today profiles the three candidates for borough warden. Each offers a different outlook. Voters get to make their choice May 7.

Proclaim July 18th Jewett City Charter Day: Laser Light Show Celebration at Veteran's Park

2007-04-28T13:54:00.000-05:00

Jewett City Party Founder and candidate for Borough Warden, Ron Ward, is committed to celebrating the day that the Borough of Jewett City adopted its Charter. On July 18, 1895, the residents of the Borough voted to make Jewett City a community within a community and organize a government independent from the Town of Griswold.

A March 21, 2004 article in the New York Times explained a borough by stating:

There are nine boroughs left, down from 15 in 1950 and 23 in 1900, according to state records, though the number could dwindle even more. Every now and then, a faction of anti-borough residents will gain momentum and try to dissolve or consolidate their borough status. But for the most part, borough residents are proud of their political distinction and are determined to maintain it.

[click here to read the January 20, 2007 JCP-eBlog! posting of the New York Times article.]

Ron Ward, stated, "As Warden, I will oppose adopting any measure that will dissolve borough services." He continued, "I will defend the Borough Charter against any effort that takes away our right as residents of Jewett City to have a self-regulated and autonomous government." [click here to read the January 25, 2007 JCP-eBlog! post.]

Pride in our Community & Respect for our Traditions
"Signing a proclamation to declare July 18th as 'Charter Day in the Borough of Jewett City' will be the first official act of my administration," said Ward. "A generation of hard-working and industrious residents made the effort to create the borough over one hundred and eleven years ago. It is our responsibility to respect our traditions and celebrate the future of Jewett City," he concluded.

Laser Light Shows are a fantastic way for a community to celebrate a special event. During the month of July, many communities host fireworks displays. A laser light show will distinguish Jewett City and provide an opportunity for area residents to visit our community. A Jewett City Charter Day committee will be appointed to organize the event to be held at the Veteran's Memorial Park located at Ashland Lake in the borough.

Former Jewett City Fire Chief, James Couillard, is JCP Candidate for Bailiff

2007-04-27T05:44:00.000-05:00

Democrats Endorse Czmyr for Borough Bailiff
by Megan Bard - published by The Day - April 27, 2007

The Democratic Town Committee has unanimously endorsed William J. Czmyr for bailiff in the Borough of Jewett City.

The endorsement at a special meeting Wednesday comes less than two weeks before the borough's May 7 election.

Czmyr was endorsed for the office previously occupied by longtime borough resident and community activist William P.L. Maynard Sr., who died April 20.

Republican Benjamin E. Hull and Jewett City Party candidate James L. Couillard will challenge Czmyr.

The bailiff primarily acts as the sergeant at arms at borough meetings.

Residents & Taxpayers have Opportunity to Build the Future of Our Community

2007-04-26T06:18:00.000-05:00

'The Math' at 73.5% State Reimbursement

Local Cost ~ State Paid Cost ~ Total Cost
$9,010,000 ~ $24,990,000 ~ $34,000,000
$9,513,500 ~ $26,386,500 ~ $35,900,000

$18,523,500 ~ $51,376,500 ~ $69,900,000

Panel Gets Estimate on School Construction
by Megan Bard - published by The Day - April 26, 2007

Griswold — It could cost up to $70 million to build a new elementary school and to renovate and add onto the existing middle school.

The cost estimates for the projects — $35.9 million for the new school and $34 million for the middle school work — were revealed Wednesday night during a special School Building Committee meeting. The estimates include everything associated with the projects.

Vice Chairman John Taylor said he really hadn't known what to expect.

First Selectwoman Anne P. Hatfield, a committee member, said she was surprised.

“It is much more than I expected, but I'm not familiar with the cost of construction,” Hatfield said, adding, “it's really up to the townspeople to determine whether they agree.”

The committee will host the first of two public hearings on the projects at 7 p.m. on May 3 in the middle school auditorium. A second hearing is tentatively scheduled for May 18. Taxpayers will vote on the proposal at a referendum tentatively scheduled for June 12.

The building committee has worked for months to create conceptual design plans for the two schools, which have become overburdened by an increasing student enrollment and aged facilities. New Britain-based architectural firm Kaestle Boos Associates Inc. has worked with the committee to complete the designs.

Originally the committee thought it would be more cost-efficient to thoroughly renovate the elementary school and build two new academic wings. Last week, Charles W. Boos, chairman and CEO of the firm, said it would be less expensive to demolish the existing school in phases and build a new facility on the site.

On Wednesday night, Boos provided committee members with information showing that to renovate the elementary school could cost $38.3 million, or 6 percent more than building a new school. The higher costs are associated with the amount of work needed to renovate the school; Boos said only the frame is salvageable.

In addition to being more expensive, Boos said it was almost assured that if the town decided to go with the more pricy option, the state would not reimburse the cost.

As of now, if taxpayers approve the projects prior to June 30, Griswold is eligible to reimbursed by the state for up to 73.5 percent of the project cost. There is a possibility that as of July 1 the reimbursement rate would decrease, as proposed by Gov. M. Jodi Rell. Local legislators have told finance board officials that this may not be the case, however.

Boos said that if the projects are approved at referendum, construction on the middle school could start in April 2008 and be completed by August 2010. Construction on the new elementary school would be done in phases, with the first beginning in April 2009 with the demolition of a portion of the building and the entire project completed by August 2011.

During construction at the elementary school, the fourth grade would be temporarily relocated to the middle school.

Stand Up for Jewett City

2007-04-24T08:23:00.000-05:00

[This article was originally published on January 25, 2007.]

The Charter of the Borough of Jewett City was adopted by the people on July 18, 1895. The Connecticut General Assembly created a community within a community by granting the residents of Jewett City the authority to have a self-regulated government which is independent from the dictates of the town portion of Griswold.

A Jewett City resident appeared before the Griswold Board of Selectman on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 seeking to dissolve borough services and consolidate Jewett City and the town portion of Griswold under one government -- the Griswold Board of Selectman.

Ron Ward, has made a pledged to "Stand-up for Jewett City" as Warden of the Borough. Ward is the Jewett City Party (JCP) candidate for Warden in the upcoming May 7, 2007 municipal election.

"As Warden, I will oppose adopting any measure that will dissolve borough services," he explained. He continued by stating, "I will defend the Borough Charter against any effort that takes away our right as residents of Jewett City to have a self-regulated and autonomous government."

Taxes in the borough and economic development in the town are the reasons given to do away with the Jewett City Charter. In May of each year, Borough residents and taxpayers vote on the referendum which establishes the budget and mill rate for Jewett City.

As for economic development in the town, Ward stated, "Under my administration, the Jewett City owned sewer authority will be a willing partner in efforts to promote commercial development so that we can increase the grand list and lower the property tax burden for all residents -- those living in the borough, as well as, those living in the town."

Ward made the following comparison, "Loyal fans of a baseball team unhappy with a lack-luster season would not dissolve the franchise and bulldoze the stadium. Instead, they would work together and develop a winning approach."

In contrast to his pledge to "Stand-up for Jewett City," the position of the other two candidates for Borough Warden has not been made known or has been flip-flopping.

The incumbent Democratic Party candidate for Warden has changed her position twice.

''I think a lot of people don't know what's here,'' said Ms. Kata of Jewett City, which is part of the town of Griswold. ''All of sudden they find out they're paying extra taxes, and they say, 'What for?' But then you have people like me who've been here for 50 years who like it.'' (quote from New York Times, March 21, 2004).

Jewett City Borough Warden Cynthia Kata said she also favors "dissolving the borough services," and having one government run both municipalities. She said that would streamline the process for businesses to move into the Borough. "It was presented to the people for a vote, and four times the town of Griswold people turned it down," she said of the referendums on the issue in the last 20 years. (quote from Norwich Bulletin, August 21, 2006).

"You can't get rid of something and give it to the town," said Kata, who did not say whether she supported or opposed the idea. Kata said since she began working for the Borough in 1983, she has served on at least four committees to study the idea. All four times, the idea flopped at the polls. (quote from Norwich Bulletin, January 9, 2007).

Even though the Republican Party candidate for Warden has not made her position known, the First Selectman of the Town of Griswold, who is the top-elected official of the Republican Party, is an advocate for putting an end to the right of the people of Jewett City to self-govern their own affairs.

Griswold First Selectman, Anne Hatfield, who has no jurisdiction over Jewett City's government, said she is very interested in revitalizing the borough. "I'm fully in favor -- it's a question of how far my authority can go," Hatfield said, saying she advocates a consolidation of the borough of Jewett City and the town of Griswold. (quote from Norwich Bulletin, August 21, 2006).

In a December 7, 2006 letter addressed to the chief-elected official of Colchester, our local First Selectman requested and received a blue print on how to dissolve the borough and put Jewett City under one town-wide government.

Residents, taxpayers and community members are encouraged to contact Ron Ward with questions or comments on this issue.

JCP Candidate for Warden "Opposes" disolving Jewett City borough services

2007-04-24T07:55:00.000-05:00

[This article was originally published on January 29, 2007.]

Jewett City Party candidate for Borough Warden in the upcoming May 7, 2007 election has made a pledge to "Stand-up for Jewett City."

Ron Ward, stated, "As Warden, I will oppose adopting any measure that will dissolve borough services." He continued by stating, "I will defend the Borough Charter against any effort that takes away our right as residents of Jewett City to have a self-regulated and autonomous government."

The Norwich Bulletin made a mistake when it published an article on Sunday, January 28, 2007 using the word "supports" instead of the word "opposes."

The Norwich Bulletin acknowledged the mistake by publishing on Monday, January 29, 2007 on page A2 the following correction:

Ron Ward, candidate for borough warden and founder of the jewett city party, opposes consolidation of the borough of jewett city and the town of griswold. His position was reported incorrectly in a brief on page B2 in the Sunday Bulletin.

Norwich Bulletin publishes column written by Incumbent Borough Warden

2007-04-24T06:30:00.000-05:00

Column: Jewett City borough is run well
By CYNTHIA KATA - published April 24, 2007

I, Cynthia Kata, as warden of the borough of Jewett City am beginning to wonder whether any of the people running against me know anything at all about the borough. I am all for an open election, but learn about the job before you apply.

Residents are upset about the increase in the water bill. Guess what, the water company is private. We have absolutely nothing to say about its budget. The officials in Hartford set the rate. I spent many hours with attorney Richard Duda trying to change the minds of the people at the Department of Public Utilities in Hartford, but because we have the fire hydrants in the borough, we fall into what they call a fire district and the fee is set.

There were letters about the electric rates in the borough. In case you missed it, we have the lowest rates around. This is because the residents in the borough own the electric utility. If you save $15 per month on your electric bill, that comes to $180 per year. For an average homeowner, that pays your borough tax bill.

Because we have the hydrants in the borough, your home owners insurance is reduced based on how close you are to a hydrant. Believe me, you are closer to a hydrant than people out in the town. That alone should save you $100 per year or more.

Now onto the sewer authority. Does anyone remember when were had a moratorium on building by the state. Then it was going to make us update our old sewer plant. This was going to cost the people in the borough $7 million. Through the town officials at that time and Joe Dudek and his commissioners, we applied for grants. The state told us if we could make the project a tri-town job (covering three towns), it would fund us almost $18 million. The borough would still own the plant, but we had to service three towns.

This went through. Lisbon paid any expense incurred to tie in and now it pays for any dumping into our plant. Same thing with Griswold.

When we first went on-line running the plant, we were told it would cost between $5 and $9 per cube. We decided to go with the $5, but after the first year, we found out it should have been the $7.

Once the new commercial projects go in on Route 164 and the houses on Pleasant View, it will be more money coming in.

I have one more thing to say. Since I have been warden, the mill rate has gone from 3.5 to 2.5 and held for eight years. No other municipality I know can say that.

"Can't tell you. It's a surprise!"

2007-04-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

[This article was originally published on January 17, 2007]

When the Publisher's Clearing House is on the way to your home with that "big check" and a bouquet of roses, it's ok for your in-the-know neighbor to keep the arrival a surprise. But, if what is headed to your home is another rate hike in your electric bill, then forget about the "surprise" and let's have community involvement in the decision making process.

Ron Ward, Jewett City Party candidate for Warden of the Borough of Jewett City, has a plan that gives consumers served by the Jewett City Department of Public Utilities (JCDPU) a seat at the table where the decisions are made. Ward stated, "By creating the JCDPU Consumer Board of Utility Control, rate payers will have a role to play in the management and performance of the Jewett City Department of Public Utilities."

As a candidate for Borough Warden, Ron Ward emphasized, "Introducing and passing an ordinance creating the Consumer Board of Utility Control will be a priority for my administration." The Board of Warden and Burgesses will immediately address how best to lower both the electric and sewer rates.

The JCDPU is publicly owned by the residents of Jewett City. It is governed by a three member Board of Commissioners. These commissioners are appointed by the elected Board of Warden and Burgesses of Jewett City. State of Connecticut statutes and regulations that created Citizen Advisory Councils for Cable Television providers will serve as a model for the proposed Consumer Board of Utility Control.

There is a good reason that the fox isn't put in the hen house to keep a watchful eye on the hens.

Jewett City Public Utility hikes sewer rate by 77%

2007-04-22T17:53:00.000-05:00

[This article was originally published on January 7, 2007]

While Jewett City residents and small business owners have been digging in their pockets to pay sewer rate increases, the Jewett City Department of Public Utilities (JCDPU) has been accumulating cash-on-hand exceeding $5,000,000 (five million) dollars. Audited financial statements for the JCDPU Sewer Division for the period ending June 30, 2006 indicate that cash and cash equivalents totaling $5,687,334 were being held on deposit.

On June 30, 2006, JCDPU commissioners imposed a 44% retroactive sewer rate hike and re-calculated consumer bills going back to January 1, 2006. When added to the rate hike of 23% imposed three years ago, the previous rate of $3.08 per hundred cubic feet of water has increased $2.38 to put the current rate at $5.46 per hundred cubic feet.

Back in June 2006, the Norwich Bulletin reported that rate payers speculated that the JCDPU set the June 30th meeting on the Friday before the July 4th holiday to keep attendance low. Jewett City Party Founder, Ron Ward, believes that the June 30th meeting date was timed to coincide with the last day of the JCDPU fiscal year.

Because the rate hike was retroactive, Jewett City Public Utilities was permitted to reflect the "new" revenue on their balance sheet for the 2005-2006 fiscal year. JCP Founder Ron Ward, stated, "Once again, the consumer's pocket has been picked by the hand of the corporate balance sheet. This time around, the flagrant deed was exceptional because the "pick pocket" is publicly owned by the residents of Jewett City!"

Public Accountability

The Jewett City Department of Public Utilities is governed by a three member Board of Commissioners. The Commissioners are charged with the public responsibility to be the overseers for both divisions of the JCDPU: Electric Power and Sewerage. These Commissioners are appointed to their positions of public trust by the Board of Warden and Burgesses of Jewett City.

The wallets of Jewett City residents and taxpayers are not well-springs from which to quench the Board of Commissioner's thirst to increase the Jewett City Public Utilities balance sheet. Elected officials of the Borough of Jewett City have cast aside the needs of Jewett City residents by "turning a blind eye" to the actions of their appointees that serve as Commissioners of the Jewett City Department of Public Utilities.

Election Day - May 7th 2007 - is "eye doctor" day for elected officials. Voter's will have the opportunity to prescribe a new set of eyeglasses for Jewett City.

Double-standard? Although Brooks owed car taxes, her campaign critized her opponent

2007-04-20T06:58:00.000-05:00

"For months, contributors on Melinda Seaman Brooks' campaign Web site have been critical of fellow warden candidate Ron D. Ward's tax delinquency, questioning whether someone who owes money to the town should be allowed to run for the borough's highest office." [quote from article published by The Day - April 19, 2007]

On April 19th in a post on her campaign website, Brooks stated:

I think drug testing would be an excellent idea.

In response to today's article. I have to thank Megan for letting me know. I absolutely will take care of it.

It is just a residual from a divorce. It is really a non issue.

I do plan on going to the town hall to settle up on Fri am.

Ok, lets focus on the issues.

I want to get some of feedback from you on what you want to see done in town.

On Friday, April 20th, the comment had been deleted from Brooks election campaign website.

[The two articles printed below were published by The Day]

Delinquent Jewett City Candidates Pay Taxes
by Megan Bard - published by The Day - April 20, 2007

The two candidates for Jewett City warden who owed back taxes to the town have paid all or some of their respective bills, according to the tax collector's office.

Republican candidate Melinda Seaman Brooks paid in full Thursday the $1,037.21 she owed on three vehicles listed in her name. She said Wednesday that she was unaware she owed the money on a 2006 Mazda 5, a 1999 Nissan Maxima and a 2004 Toyota Sequoia. She said she no longer owns the Nissan. She said her former husband kept the Toyota after a divorce last year and is responsible for the payments.

Jewett City Party candidate Ron D. Ward also made a payment to the tax office Thursday. Ward paid part of his debt, $201.76, and is disputing a portion of the balance of $174.45. Ward said he ceased to own a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire in December 2005 and will provide the town office with the appropriate paperwork to prove his claim.

Ward said once the issue is settled he will pay the rest of what he owes, which he estimates is $41.42.

Griswold Candidates In Arrears
by Megan Bard, published by The Day - April 19, 2007

Griswold — Of the 11 people vying for a seat in the upcoming Borough of Jewett City election, four owe back taxes on a variety of motor vehicles, according to a review of town tax records.

Of the four, two are candidates for warden, the top office in the borough.

None of the candidates has scheduled a payment plan with the municipal tax collector's office.

For months, contributors on Melinda Seaman Brooks' campaign Web site have been critical of fellow warden candidate Ron D. Ward's tax delinquency, questioning whether someone who owes money to the town should be allowed to run for the borough's highest office.

On Wednesday, Ward said he has not owned the vehicle he owes taxes on, a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, since late 2005 and expects to dispute at least a portion of what is owed.

“I am not trying to escape my financial responsibilities and am not trying to hide that I owe some or all of it,” Ward said.

Seaman Brooks was surprised to hear she owed back taxes and said they would be paid in full by Friday afternoon.

When asked about the three vehicles — a 2006 Mazda 5, a 1999 Nissan Maxima, and a 2004 Toyota Sequoia — Seaman Brooks said she no longer owns the Nissan. She also said her former husband kept the Toyota and is responsible for the payments.

Neither Ward nor Seaman Brooks thinks their delinquency is a reason for voters to be concerned about whether they can perform the job of borough warden, if elected.

Seaman Brooks said she truly was unaware of the outstanding bill, adding that she is not a “chronic non-bill payer.”

Ward said he sees the situation as one that “a lot of other residents of the borough” are facing and that he has first-hand knowledge of their struggles.

When reached Wednesday evening, Angela K. Adams, Jewett City Park candidate for burgress, said she did not want to comment on the issue. Alan D. Aho, Republican candidate for burgess, could not be reached for comment.

Warden:
Jewett City Party candidate Ron D. Ward owes
$376.21 in delinquent motor vehicle taxes since July 2005.

Republican candidate Melinda Seaman Brooks owes
$1,037.21 on three vehicles listed in her name since July 2006.

Burgess:
Republican candidate Alan D. Aho owes
$284 on a vehicle since July 2006.

Jewett City Party candidate Angela K. Adams owes
$1,177 on motor vehicles since July 2005.

Source: Tax Collector's office.

Commission on Housing and Neighborhood Development: Improving our Community by Supporting Renters and Owners

2007-04-18T21:48:00.000-05:00

Jewett City Party founder and candidate for Borough Warden, Ron Ward, is proposing that the Jewett City Board of Warden and Burgess create a "Commission on Housing and Neighborhood Development." Ward said, "With over 60% of the 1500+ Jewett City housing units occupied by renters, a public commission dedicated to housing and neighborhood development would provide benefits to both renters and property owners."

The Connecticut Judicial branch has published, "Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants in Connecticut." This official publication is a resource which gives general information regarding the business relationship between the tenant and the landlord.

A local commission dedicated to housing and neighborhood could serve as a resource for tenants and landlords to get information on ways to resolve disputes that arise regarding rental housing. The housing and neighborhood commission would be a local organization committed to publicizing information on state and federal programs which make funds available for energy conservation improvements; tax credits for seniors, disabled & veterans; and, neighborhood improvement projects.

Ward said, "A housing and neighborhood development commission would take the initiative to organize neighborhood projects such as block watch, street beautification, as well as, social and cultural events." He continued by stating, "As economic development continues, it is necessary to maintain housing opportunities within the borough that are affordable to those that have all ready made the decision for Jewett City to be their home."

[click here to view: "Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants in Connecticut."]

click here - Southeastern Connecticut Housing Alliance (www.secha.org)

click here - HomeConnecticut (www.homeconnecticut.org)

The article which appears below was published by The Day on April 17, 2007

Affordable Housing Leadership
Opinion of The Day published April 17, 2007

Promoting the creation of affordable, working-class housing is vitally important to the region, which is why a proposal to place that job into the organization most responsible for steering regional development makes a lot of sense.

The nonprofit Southeastern Connecticut Housing Alliance was created last year after repeated studies demonstrated a major gap between the cost of housing in the region, particularly rental housing, and the ability of many working people to afford it.

If not addressed, this affordability gap will have many negative implications. It will continue to create economic hardships for many. It will hinder the ability for economic growth since employees need a place to live. And it will force many workers to travel greater distances from places where they can find housing, adding more traffic to highways and more pollution to the air.

Using state grants and private donations, the alliance created the job of executive director, putting one person in charge of pushing for policies that would encourage affordable housing development.

Those efforts would include working to amend restrictive-zoning regulations that now prohibit the kind of dense, multifamily development needed to build affordable apartments and homes. The director's job also would include lobbying state lawmakers to address the financial disincentives — chiefly higher education costs when young families move into towns — that discourage communities from welcoming affordable-housing construction.

But the fledgling alliance has had difficulty filling the job. Its first director stayed only a short time. Several new, quality candidates have been identified, but the alliance's inability to afford a health insurance and fringe benefit package has stalled the process.

The proposed solution has been to make the director part of the planning staff at the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, the group chiefly responsible for regional transportation and development issues. The COG would include the affordable housing director in its benefits package, costing about $20,000 annually. The alliance would provide the roughly $80,000 salary.

Policy direction for the affordable housing director would be provided by the alliance. The COG's executive director would provide day-to-day supervision.

While the motivation for the proposal was financial, it makes sense in other ways. Promoting affordable housing is a key development issue, so why not include it as part of COG's function? It was the council of governments, after all, which conducted the original blue ribbon study that identified the looming affordable housing crisis. And by sharing in the cost of funding the position, the towns that make up the COG will have a stake in seeing that the affordable housing effort is successful.

The local elected leaders should approve the proposal.

State Commission does not decide if use of Public Property - the Official Town & Borough Seal - was illegal

2007-04-14T08:04:00.000-05:00

The State Election Enforcement Commission only decided the issue of whether or not "public money" was used to promote the Republican candidate election campaign effort. The Commission indicated that it does not have any jurisdiction over statutes regulating the use of Official Town Seals or copyrighted materials published on a Town owned and operated website.

[above comments are note from JCP-eBlog! publisher.]

Election Panel Dismisses Complaint Against Warden Candidate, Selectwoman
by Megan Bard - published by The Day - April 14, 2007

Griswold — The state Elections Enforcement Commission has dismissed a complaint against Melinda Brooks, a Republican candidate for borough warden in Jewett City, and First Selectwoman Anne P. Hatfield.

In its decision Wednesday, the commission found that neither Brooks nor Hatfield had violated state statutes regarding the use of public money.

The commission did not rule on whether Brooks' use of town and borough seals on her campaign Web site was inappropriate.

In the three-page decision, commission Chairman Stephen F. Cashman wrote that the commission does not have jurisdiction over copyright infringements because they “do not fall within the parameters of state election law.”

Brooks has since removed the materials from her site.

In a complaint filed Feb. 20, Ron Ward, the Jewett City Party candidate for borough warden, implied that Hatfield, acting as Brooks' campaign treasurer, had allowed Brooks to use the town and borough seals on Brooks' Web site.

Ward wrote that by doing so, Hatfield allowed Brooks to give the impression that municipal government had endorsed her candidacy, possibly at taxpayer expense.

Reached Friday afternoon, Brooks and Hatfield said they were pleased with the commission's decision. Both maintained they did nothing illegal or unethical.

Hatfield, who has since resigned as Brooks' campaign treasurer, has said she did not know Brooks had used the town or borough seals on the Web site. Brooks has also said that if she erred it was unintentional.

“I believed all along this would be dismissed. I was just eager to have it resolved,” Brooks said. “I believed from the beginning that this was Mr. Ward's attempt to get into the paper and try to smear our names.”

Hatfield commended the commission for settling the issue prior to the May 7 Borough of Jewett City election and said the candidates can now focus on “real issues” such as safety, economic development and taxes.

In addition to Brooks and Ward, Democratic Warden Cynthia Kata is running for re-election.

Ward also said Friday that he was not surprised by the commission's decision.

"Don't Complain & Don't Ask" - The Brooks & Hatfield Motto for keeping the people's government running smoothly

2007-04-13T17:34:00.000-05:00

It's official -- Brooks, Republican candidate for Jewett City Borough Warden, denied:

"giving Anne Hatfield access to her website or password or asking and obtaining permission from Anne Hatfield to use, copy and paste material considered to be property of the Borough of Jewett City or the Town of Griswold."

It's official -- Brooks, acknowledged:

"copying the Borough of Jewett City portion of the Town of Griswold website and incorporating it to her campaign website."

It's official -- Hatfield, Griswold First Selectman & former election campaign finance treasurer for Brooks stated:

[that she] "did not take or use or authorize anyone else to take or use the Town of Griswold or the Borough of Jewett City seals (copyrighted or not) for the Melinda Brooks election campaign."

Now that -- "Brooks said what she did do and Hatfield said what she didn't do" -- has been officially determined by the State Election Enforcement Commission; let not there be any "songs of exoneration" from the Brooks-Hatfield "she said - she said" political chorus.

Especially, since they are the only two people (in the entire world) who know what they said to each other; and, like a magic act stage show, their stories coincide to "keep the lady in the box from being sawed in half."

Like the Election enforcement commission said, "The Commission has not discovered any evidence to the contrary."

click here to read: February 22, 2007 complaint filed by Ron Ward, Jewett City Party founder and candidate for Borough Warden

click here to read: April 11, 2007 "Findings and Conclusions" issued by the Connecticut Election Enforcement Commission

click here to read: April 4, 2007 "JCP eblog! publishes Facts on Republican candidate's alleged campaign wrong-doing"

click here to read: April 3, 2007 JCP eblog! article "Griswold Town Attorney uses public Tax Dollars to defend Brooks against Allegations of Election Campaign wrong-doing???

"Don't complain" & "Don't ask"

"Don't Complain" -- That is the Brooks plan for "problem solving" and responding to resident complaints. In a April 13, 2007 post on her personal political campaign website (www.jewettcityborough.com), Brooks stated:

"It would appear to me that all allegations of "ELECTION WRONG DOING" that Mr. Ward made, had NO SUBSTANCE other than being an attempt to smear my name and Anne's name.

Mr. Ward also threw out allegations of wasting tax dollars for defense in this matter (also fictitious) when it was actually Mr. Ward who's complaint against a town employee wasted some tax dollars for the town attorney to respond to requests made on the town when the complaint was filed.

I THINK IT IS TO SAY THAT MR. WARD HAS WASTED TAX DOLLARS. REMEMBER THAT ON MAY 7TH."

Apparently, the Brooks "problem solving plan" works sorta like this. If you complain, you better be right. Otherwise, you are wasting tax payer dollars.
click here to read the post.

"Don't Ask" -- That is the Hatfield plan for "freedom of information" requests. In a January 23, 2007 email from Griswold First Selectman Hatfield addressed to Ron Ward, Hatfield stated:

"That is the point I was trying to make "the act of 'creating information to fulfill your request' would be fraud and is something that can't be done. The grant administrator either has documentation of the due diligence record keeping maintained by his office or he does not."

However, I believe my Finance Director has provided you with an adequate response. I will have her revisit your request upon her return next week.

Please note, the amount of time to continue to chase your request for information that doesn't appear to exist is also a waste of taxpayers dollars."

Apparently, the Hatfield "freedom of information plan" works sorta like this. If you ask, I had better be able to find it. Otherwise, you are wasting tax payer dollars.
click here to read the Hatfield email.

Altone's in Jewett City to Host Fundraising event to benefit local Bride and Groom

2007-04-10T20:33:00.000-05:00

Annie Kudelchuk, owner of Altone's in Jewett City donated the hall at the restaurant for the wedding and is holding a pasta dinner fund-raiser later this month.

How to help: Pasta dinner held from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. on April 20 at Altone's Italian Restaurant, 47 North Main St., Jewett City. Eat-in or Take-out; $7/adult; $5/child. For information - call: 376-5940

A miracle brought him here: Blind couple tying knot in Jewett City
By Liz Mugavero - Norwich Bulletin - April 8, 2007

JEWETT CITY -- When Tammy Robbins heard Bob Chabotte's miraculous story of survival after a devastating motorcycle accident, she was determined to meet him.

After all, they had something in common: Robbins has been blind since birth, and Chabotte lost his sight in the accident.

But she had no idea he would turn out to be the love of her life, or they would be planning a wedding less than a year later.

"My heart just went out to him after hearing his story, and I wanted to meet him," Robbins said. "It took me nine months to track him down, but then he came to my house and never left."

And with the help of a good friend, the couple are hoping to raise enough money for a special wedding day and a few days away to spend together.

Annie Kudelchuk, owner of Altone's in Jewett City and longtime friend of Chabotte, donated the hall at the restaurant for the wedding and is holding a pasta dinner fund-raiser later this month.

"They love each other and want to be together, and I want to help," she said.

Robbins first heard of Chabotte through an October 2005 article in the Norwich Bulletin. She wasn't able to locate him until July 2006, but both agree it was worth the wait.

"We just have so many things in common," Chabotte said.

"When he hugged me that day," Robbins said, "I just knew it was where I belonged. A miracle brought him here."

Chabotte, 37, was living in Florida when the 1996 accident happened. In addition to his sight, the crash took his sense of smell and partial use of his right leg. Pronounced dead three times, doctors only gave him a 5 percent chance of survival.

Today, Chabotte is back to working as a mechanic. He, Robbins and her son, Aaron McCollum, 14, are enjoying life as a family. The couple will marry May 5.

"I've always wanted a family, and now I have a perfect one," said Robbins. "Now I hope we can have a perfect wedding, too."

Making Good on Commitment to maintain Skatepark: Youth input "A Must" to repair facility on Hill Street

2007-04-09T05:55:00.000-05:00

Jewett City needs to make good on its commitment to keep the skatepark on Hill Street a safe place that is properly equipped and operational.

The joint Borough & Town project opened in 2004 after two years of planning, meetings, and input from parents and youth.

The original $10,000 cash and in-kind contributions got the skatepark started, but the lack of additional financial support over the last three years has left the park in disrepair. As reported by The Day in a December 27, 2006 news article, it is more than understandable that residents have questions about the future of the skatepark.

"We want to address it before it becomes a safety issue. We want to be proactive and preventative," was the direction urged by Marc L. Cournoyer, former Town Recreation Director, in a December 2006 letter to the Warden and Burgess of Jewett City. [Mr. Cournoyer's last day of employment as Griswold Recreation Director was the end of March. Plans for hiring a replacement have not been reported by the media.]

Tony Hawk Foundation: Action Plan Model & Possible Funding Source
"Supporting Youth and Public Skateparks" is the mission of the Tony Hawk Foundation. A statement from the foundation website says it best.

After receiving thousands of e-mails from parents and children across America who either did not have a safe, legal place to skate or were ostracized-and in some cases arrested-for skating on public property, Tony decided to establish a foundation whose mission would be to serve this population. He wanted to help them develop quality places to practice the sport that gives them much-needed exercise and a sense of self-esteem. So in 2002 he established the Tony Hawk Foundation, financed the organization with a personal gift, and assembled a board of directors that represents a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise. [www.tonyhawkfoundation.org]

Action Plan Model:
Direct grass-roots involvement by skaters is the hallmark of the the Tony Hawk Foundation. Youth must take the lead to organize skaters, plan the project, fundraise local dollars, and design the skatepark.

The foundation has published four articles on each of these subjects to provide guidance and inspire the possibilities.

1) click here - organizing
2) click here - planning
3) click here - fundraising
4) click here - designing

Possible Funding Source
The Tony Hawk Foundation makes grant awards between $1000 and $25,000 twice each year in April and December. The competition for funding is definitely extreme. Youth engaging the application process with the support of local government will create opportunities for individual learning, personal responsibility, and community pride.

The requirements of the Tony Hawk Foundation grant process can be found by reading the following documents:

1) click here - Letter from Tony Hawk
2) click here - Grant Eligibility Guidelines
3) click here - Grant Application Worksheet

Support of the Board of Warden and Burgess and direct youth involvement are critical to submitting a competitive grant application to the Tony Hawk Foundation.

Ron Ward, JCP Candidate for Warden committed to Skatepark
"The youth of Jewett City have demonstrated an interest in having the skatepark," said Ron Ward. He continued, "Now it is time for the Borough to make the skatepark safe and operational for our youth." A new skateboard shop will open at its School Street location on May 1st. The owner of the shop understands the market potential here in Jewett City. It is time to encourage our youth, support a new local merchant, and provide a top-notch skatepark.

Other Resources
Skaters For Public Skateparks: www.skatersforpublicskateparks.org
Skate Park Guide: www.skateparkguide.com
Skate Park Association of the USA: www.spausa.org
Skate Park: www.skatepark.org

The Day - editorial published December 28, 2007: click here

photo credit: Tim Martin, The Day - December 27, 2006

Two Adults & Two Youth - all part-time - supervise Griswold Rec. After-school Program

2007-04-09T05:27:00.000-05:00

Marc Cournoyer, director of the Griswold Youth Center, resigned to take a position at the University of Connecticut. His last day was March 29.

While Cournoyer is gone, two part-time adult workers and two part-time high school-age workers will supervise the after-school program.

Cournoyer began working in Griswold in October 2002 as a part-timer running the Youth Services Bureau and overseeing the after-school program at the Youth Center. In summer 2003, the program was expanded and Cournoyer was made director of the summer recreation program, which is the town's summer camp program.

In 2005, the recreation and youth service bureaus were combined, which made his position full-time. He expanded youth services to the schools, expanded the recreation program from a summer program to a year-round one and expanded offerings of other programs.

He also helped with two moves for the Youth Center. The first was from Main Street to School Street. Last summer, the Youth Center moved into Slater Mill Mall.

Cournoyer will become a program coordinator for the Windham County 4-H programs out of the University of Connecticut extension office in Brooklyn. In that position, he will oversee all the 4-H youth programs in Windham County.

Entire post is an excerpt from a news article by Julie A. Varughese
published by Norwich Bulletin - April 9, 2007: click here to read

Taking Time to Hire Quality Educators is Best for Students and Community

2007-04-08T08:21:00.000-05:00

Good Game Plan In Griswold
The Day - Editorial published April 5, 2007

The Griswold school system appears to be a victim of its own success.

Superintendent Elizabeth Osga faces the formidable challenge of replacing four top administrators in the system that has a single elementary, middle and high school, all located on the same campus.

But rather than signaling that something is wrong with the town's public school system, the mass exodus is a signal that things are right. A willingness to be innovative has apparently made its administrators attractive to other jurisdictions.

Middle school Principal Preston Shaw has been hired as a middle school principal in Holden, Mass., near his home. Mr. Shaw directed the transformation from a junior high to a middle school during his 11 years in Griswold and successfully introduced a team teaching approach.

During his eight years in charge, Griswold Elementary School Principal Paul Carolan's willingness to try different approaches helped capture the attention of the Regional Multicultural Magnet School in New London. Mr. Carolan is expected to become director there once the governing board gives its formal approval later this month.

The elementary school also loses its principal, Alfred Souza III, who will become principal of a Berlin elementary school. Mr. Souza had introduced computer software for assessing student math skills, then using the data to make instructional adjustments.

Jack Cross, Griswold's first curriculum director, departs after eight years. There was little coordination before Mr. Cross was hired. Students would find themselves going over the same topics in consecutive years while needed subjects went ignored. Mr. Cross, who is leaving to become assistant superintendent in Clinton, has aligned courses and eliminated needless repetition.

All the administrators leave at the end of the school year.

Superintendent Osga said Griswold's use of teacher evaluation standards tailored to specific curriculums, as well as classroom observation by administrators to provide constructive feedback to teachers, has caught the attention of other school systems, adding to the marketability of Griswold's administrators.

The challenge for Superintendent Osga and the Griswold school board is to find quality replacements who share the same interest in continued innovation. The superintendent has a good game plan. A selection committee of staff, parents, board members and school administrators will evaluate finalists. Replacing the two principals will be the top priorities. Once an elementary principal is selected, that person will take part in the hiring of assistant.

The curriculum director will be hired last because that position is the least critical to opening school next fall, according to Superintendent Osga. Positions should be filled by mid-August.

But the superintendent said she would not be rushed into a poor choice. If a quality candidate cannot be identified for any of the jobs, a position can be filled with an interim appointee while the search resumes, she noted.

That is wise. Griswold should strive to build on past successes, even if it means administrators will move onward and upwards, just hopefully next time not all at once.

JCP eBlog! publishes Facts on Republican candidate's alleged campaign wrong-doing

2007-04-04T22:18:00.000-05:00

JCP eBlog! articles by Ron Ward, Jewett City Party Founder and JCP candidate for Borough Warden

February 22, 2007 - Republican candidate for warden removes the official seals of the borough and town from her campaign website [read article: click here]

March 18, 2007 - It's all a political move to smear their names, say Republicans Brooks & Hatfield, about Jewett City Party's Ward filing a complaint [read article: click here]

April 3, 2004 - Griswold Town Attorney uses public Tax Dollars to defend Brooks against Allegations of Election Campaign wrong-doing??? [read article: click here]

click here - View the Official Town of Griswold Seal and Borough Seal as it appeared on the Republican candidate's website.

click here - On February 21st, the Republican candidate's website removed the Town Seal & Borough Seal and looked like this.

click here - On February 22nd @ 9:00 am, First Selectman Hatfield resigned as campaign Treasurer for the Republican candidate's election campaign effort.

click here - On February 22nd, the Republican candidate's website added a disclaimer that looks like this.

click here - On April 3rd, the Republican candidate responded to allegation that Griswold Town Attorney used Public Tax Dollars to provide Brooks with a legal defense

Griswold Town Attorney uses public Tax Dollars to defend Brooks against Allegations of Election Campaign wrong-doing???

2007-04-03T05:55:00.000-05:00

Michael Zizka is the Attorney for the Town of Griswold. Mr. Zizka wrote a letter to the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) on March 1, 2007 regarding Complaint No. 07-160 filed by Ron Ward on February 22, 2007. The only legitimate reason that the Town Attorney might offer as an explanation for his March 1st letter would be defending his client, the Town of Griswold.

Complaint filed with State Election Enforcement Commission (SEEC)

The complaint filed by Ron Ward on February 22, 2007 with the SEEC alleged,

"Anne P. Hatfield, Griswold First Selectman, has used the official town and borough seals, which are public property, to give the appearance that the Government of the Town of Griswold has endorsed the Republican Party candidate for the office of Borough Warden." [read complaint: click here]

Hatfield at the time of the complaint held three offices: 1) First Selectman of Griswold; 2) Treasurer for the Melinda Brooks election campaign effort; and, 3) Vice Chairman of the Griswold Republican Town Committee.

After learning about the complaint, Hatfield immediately resigned her position as election campaign Treasurer. [Read the 9:00 am - February 22, 2007 - Hatfield resignation letter: click here]

Hatfield submitted her resignation on the same day that the SEEC received the complaint filed by Ron Ward. [read February 27, 2007 - SEEC acknowledgment letter: click here]

Regarding the Republican candidate for Borough Warden, the complaint alleged,

"Melinda Brooks election campaign has taken copywrited materials (including, but not limited to the Official Seal of the Town of Griswold and the Official Seal of the Borough of Jewett City) from the official town of griswold website and incorporated the materials into her election campaign website."

Regarding the allegations against the Republican candidate for Jewett City Borough Warden, The Day in a March 2, 2007 news article reported,

"Brooks said she never intended to illegally use copyrighted information on her Web site or give the impression that Hatfield, in her capacity as first selectwoman, had endorsed her candidacy. She said Hatfield never gave her permission to use the material and that she didn't ask."

It was also reported that Brooks stated, "If I made a mistake, I'll take full credit for it." [read The Day - March 2, 2007 news article: click here]

Only Legitimate reason for Griswold Town Attorney to write March 1st letter

The Griswold Town Attorney is strictly prohibited from using public tax dollars to defend Melinda Brooks, Republican Candidate for Jewett City Borough Warden, against the allegations that she used copyrighted materials from the Town of Griswold website on her privately owned election campaign website.

Town Attorney Zizka is also strictly prohibited from using public tax dollars to defend Melinda Brooks, Republican candidate for Jewett City Borough Warden, against allegations that she used the Official Seal of the Town of Griswold which is the public property of the Town of Griswold on her privately owned election campaign website.

The only allegation that Mr. Zizka, Griswold Town Attorney, might possibly be permitted to address while using public tax dollars is the allegation regarding Anne Hatfield in her official capacity as First Selectman of the Town of Griswold.

Defense submitted to the SEEC by Town Attorney Zizka in March 1st letter

Public tax dollars were used to pay Michael Zizka, Griswold Town Attorney, to write a letter to the State Elections Enforcement Commission in which Mr. Zizka made the following statements,

Frankly, I am puzzled by Mr. Ward's allegations, and I am not sure why the Elections Enforcement Commission should be involved.
There is a distinction between an Official Town seal and a pictorial representation of the official Town Seal.
The official Town seal is a device that physically embosses a raised design on a document to show that it is an official Town document or record.
However, an artistic representation of the seal is not the official seal.
I am not aware of any legal restriction that precludes a candidate for office from displaying a picture of a municipal seal in an information website, so long as the website does not otherwise purport or appear to be an official website of the municipality.
I have spoken with the Town Clerk's office, and they are not aware of any specific ordinance, order, resolution, or other official pronouncement by which the Town adopted an "Official Town seal."
The sealing device may have been approved by the Town's selectman many decades ago, but, since selectman's minutes are not indexed, there is no reasonable way for us to determine where to find any reference to that potential approval.
As for the alleged misuse of copyrighted materials, it seems to me that that is not a proper issue for the Elections Enforcement Commission.
The holder of a copyright may take issue with a violation of his, her, or its copyright, but that is a matter between those two parties.

Allegation against Hatfield is not mentioned in March 1st defense letter

The March 1st letter written by Town Attorney Zizka does not even mention the allegation being investigated by the SEEC dealing with the Griswold First Selectman. The complaint alleges that Hatfield:

"used the official town and borough seals, which are public property, to give the appearance that the Government of the Town of Griswold has endorsed the Republican Party candidate for the office of Borough Warden."

At a minimum in his March 1st letter (paid for by public tax dollars), Griswold Town Attorney Zizka should have mentioned that First Selectman Hatfield, in her official capacity as First Selectman, did not authorize Melinda Brooks to use the official town seal on her privately owned election campaign website.

In fact, Melinda Brooks was quoted the very next day, March 2nd, as stating, "Hatfield never gave her permission to use the material and that she didn't ask." The potential liability to the Town of Griswold and the First Selectman might be non-existent if the Republican candidate's statement is proven to be correct.

Although the First Selectman and the Town Attorney have failed to address the allegation made against Hatfield in the February 22nd complaint filed with the State Election Enforcement Commission, the residents and taxpayers of the Town of Griswold have paid the bill for Town Attorney Zizka to write the March 1st letter. A letter which should have only been written to defend the interests of his client, the Town of Griswold.

Allegation against Brooks is obviously mentioned in March 1st defense letter

It is more than obvious that at least in statements five and eight, as numbered above, Town Attorney Zizka is defending the allegations made against Melinda Brooks, Republican Candidate for Jewett City Borough Warden.

Statement Five ("I am not aware of any legal restriction that precludes a candidate for office from displaying a picture of a municipal seal in an information website, so long as the website does not otherwise purport or appear to be an official website of the municipality"). This statement made by the Griswold Town Attorney has absolutely nothing to do with the allegation made against the Griswold First Selectman.

It is obvious that Town Attorney Zizka is using public tax dollars to defend Melinda Brooks, the Republican CANDIDATE for Borough Warden. It is being alleged that the Republican candidate used the Griswold Town Seal on her official election campaign website. Or, as Town Attorney Zizka described it "an information website."

In fact, after Ward filed his complaint, the Town Attorney's description (information website) was parroted by Brooks on her election campaign website in the following statement: "This site was created to bring the Borough residents information about the election, town, issues, and as a means of communication.)

Further, it is obvious that words written by Town Attorney Zizka, at tax payer expense, are being parroted by Brooks on her election campaign website (www.jewettcityborough.com) in the following statement: "This website was created by Melinda Brooks for the campaign and is not and never has been a town site, nor was it paid for by the town."

Obviously, an effort is being made by Brooks to make sure that the Republican campaign website (to use Town Attorney Zizka's words) "does not otherwise purport or appear to be an official website of the municipality."

Statement Eight ("As for the alleged misuse of copyrighted materials, it seems to me is not a proper issue"). This statement made by the Griswold Town Attorney has absolutely nothing to do with the allegation made against the Griswold First Selectman.

It is obvious that Town Attorney Zizka is using public tax dollars to defend Melinda Brooks, the Republican candidate for Borough Warden. It is being alleged that Brooks used copyrighted materials from the Official Town of Griswold website on her privately owned election campaign website.

Explanation given by Town Attorney Zizka for writing March 1st defense letter

In a March 19, 2007 email from Griswold Town Attorney Zizka written to First Selectman Hatfield, the Town Attorney states,

"My [March 1, 2007] letter to [State Elections Enforcement Commission, Investigator] Gilberto Oyola was prompted by Mr. Oyola's request for information, which was sent to me by [Griswold Assistant Town Clerk] Valerie Pudvah. Valerie was uncertain how to respond.

I, too, found Mr. Oyola's request to be confusing and I did not understand the legal or factual bases of his requests. I also thought that responding to his requests would be substantially burdensome, time-consuming and unproductive for the town clerk's office.

As Town Attorney, I believe I have a duty to protect all Town Officials and staff from such burdens, and that is the sole reason I sent my [March 1, 2007] letter to Mr. Oyola [the State Elections Enforcement Commission Investigator]."

[read March 19, 2007 email sent at 4:56 pm: click here]

Regardless of the March 19, 2007 explanation given by Town Attorney Zizka as to why he wrote a letter back on March 1st, it remains obvious that public tax dollars were used to pay the Griswold Town Attorney to defend Melinda Brooks, the Republican candidate for Jewett City Borough Warden.

SEEC request sent to Griswold Assistant Town Clerk

State Elections Enforcement Commission, Lead Legal Investigator - Gilberto Oyola, sent an email to the Griswold Assistant Town Clerk on February 28, 2007 at 1:03 in the afternoon. The only request contained in the email was to provide documents. [read February 28, 2007 email sent at 1:03 pm: click here].

From reading the email, it is obvious that the SEEC did not ask the Griswold Assistant Town Clerk to answer any questions. Nor, did the SEEC ask her to provide an opinion regarding any of the documents requested.

The hand-written notation at the bottom of the email states, "Mailed Seal ordinance . campaign filings .etc on 2/28/07"

Within three and one-half hours of receiving the SEEC request, the Griswold Assistant Town Clerk had mailed the documents requested and complied with the email received at 1:03 pm from the State Elections Enforcement Commission.

Town Attorney describes February 28th request from SEEC

After more than two weeks had passed, on March 19th, Town Attorney Zizka states, "Valerie [Griswold Assistant Town Clerk] was uncertain how to respond." [read March 19th description: click here]

Regardless of what happened on March 1st or March 19th, it is obvious that back on February 28th, the Griswold Assistant Town Clerk received a request for documents and within three and one-half hours, complied with the SEEC request by sending out the requested documents by the end of the business day, the same day of the request.

Public tax dollars used to pay for March 19th Town Attorney email

Why did Town Attorney Zizka send the email on March 19th at 4:56 pm to First Selectman Hatfield? Because First Selectman Hatfield sent an email request 56 minutes earlier at 4:00 pm to Town Attorney Zizka.

First Selectman Hatfield explained the reason for her email request by stating,

"Ron Ward has publicly accused me of "First Selectman Hatfield authorized the use of public tax dollars to pay the Griswold Town Attorney to write a defense in response to the on-going State Election Enforcement Commission investigation"

Can you please document for the record that this is not true (even if it is internally) in the event he continues to make these allegations.

The assistant town clerk contacted you as a result of election enforcements request."

[read March 19, 2007 email sent at 4:00 pm: click here]

The public accusation referred to by First Selectman Hatfield was not contained in any official complaint. The statement by Ron Ward appeared in an article that was published March 18th on the Jewett City Party eBlog! website. [read March 18th JCP-eBlog! website article: click here]

Even though the Town Hall is closed for official business at 4:56 pm in the evening, through some unknown means, by 10:26 pm that very same night, the Town Attorney email was posted by "anonymous" on the Melinda Brooks, Republican candidate election campaign website. [read Town Attorney Zizka quote on Brooks website: click here].

Facts regarding statements made by Town Attorney Zizka in March 1st letter

On September 5, 1973 the electors and citizens of the Town of Griswold met to consider and act on a proposal to designate the Town Seal as proposed by the Griswold Historical Society the official Seal of the Town of Griswold. [read September 5, 1973 legal notice of special town meeting: click here]

On August 17, 1976 the Griswold Board of Selectman adopted the New Seal as previously approved at a Town Meeting on September 5, 1973 as the Seal for the Town of Griswold. It was noted in the minutes that the Town realized a savings because the cost of the cast for the Seal for the BiCentennial also used as the Seal for the Town was paid by the BiCentennial Committee. [read August 17, 1976 Board of Selectman minutes: click here]

On November 30, 1976 the Connecticut Secretary of State sent a letter to the Griswold Town Clerk acknowledging receipt of the new Town Seal of the Town of Griswold adopted on August 17, 1976. The letter stated that the seal has been placed on file in accordance with Section 7-101 of the General Statutes. [read November 30, 1976 CT Secretary of State letter: click here]

The 1999 History of the Town of Griswold on page 181 indicates the process whereby the Town of Griswold adopted a new Town Seal. The Official Town Seal is described,

"The seal depicts a union of the Pachaug and Quinebaug Rivers in Griswold. Along the rivers are a barn, farmland and grist mill, symbolizing the importance of agriculture and mills to the town's heritage. Evergreen trees depict the formerly wooded nature of the community."

[read excerpt from History of Town of Griswold: click here]

Despite the assertions made by Town Attorney Zizka contained in statements six and seven, as numbered above, the Town of Griswold meeting minutes and the history of the Town of Griswold Seal are easy to find at the Office of the Griswold Town Clerk. Any member of the public could find the information without the benefit of an index or any specialized knowledge; or for that matter, any legal training.

Questions regarding the use of Public Tax dollars to pay for March 1st letter

Question: What does Town Attorney Zizka mean when he says the Assistant Town Clerk was uncertain how to respond? Regardless, of any confusion that may have existed, the Assistant Town Clerk complied with the SEEC request by the end of the business day on February 28, 2007.

Question: Why did Town Attorney Zizka provide a written legal defense on March 1, 2007 when the February 28th email from the State Elections Enforcement Commission only asked for documents?

Question: What was "burdensome, time-consuming and unproductive for the town clerk's office" that required Town Attorney Zizka to write a legal defense on the day after the Griswold Assistant Town Clerk had already complied with the SEEC request and mailed out the documents?

Question: How does Town Attorney Zizka writing a letter which obviously provides a legal defense to the Republican candidate for Jewett City Borough Warden "protect all Town officials and staff from such burdens" when the requested documents were already sent to the State Election Enforcement Commission.

Question: Why does Town Attorney Zizka state, "since selectman's minutes are not indexed, there is no reasonable way for us to determine where to find any reference to that potential approval" when any member of the public could find the history of the Town Seal and the approval documents by simply making an inquiry at the Office of the Griswold Town Clerk?

Question: Why does Town Attorney Zizka state, "I have spoken with the Town Clerk's office, and they are not aware of any specific ordinance, order, resolution, or other official pronouncement by which the Town adopted an Official Town seal" when the hand-written notation on the bottom of the February 28th email states, "mailed seal ordinance . etc on 02/28/07"?

Question: Should the residents and taxpayers of the Town of Griswold foot-the-bill for the Town Attorney to defend any candidate running for public office?

Griswold education round-up

2007-04-02T17:03:00.000-05:00

Building chair OK'd to talk with attorney

staff reporter - Norwich Bulletin - April 2, 2007

GRISWOLD -- The Board of Selectmen voted to allow School Building Committee Chairman Franklin Everett to communicate with Town Attorney Michael Zizka regarding matters related to a proposed school building project.

The committee has to find an architectural firm to design an elementary school renovation and middle school addition.

Previously, architectural firm Kaestle Boos Associates Inc. dealt with Zizka regarding a contract. The committee had to go through First Selectman Ann Hatfield to speak with Zizka.

Everett said because the committee has little time left before the June 30 deadline to apply for state reimbursement, having direct communication with Zizka would quicken the process.

The attorney's fees will be charged to the committee.

[Note by JCP-eBlog! author - Ron Ward: The Griswold Board of Selectman vote took place on Tuesday, March 27, 2007.]

Educators to leave Griswold; 4 resignations at once called coincidental
By Julie A. Varughese - Norwich Bulletin - April 2, 2007

GRISWOLD --Christina Baker said she is sad to see Griswold Elementary School Principal Paul Carolan and Assistant Principal Al Souza leave for other jobs.

"They're totally different people, personality-wise, but they worked very well together," said Baker, mother of a first-grader and co-chairman of the Griswold Elementary School PTO.

Administrators call it a coincidence that four leaders at Griswold Public Schools will be leaving at the end of the school year. They announced their resignations last week as a proposed school building project is being considered by the town.

"It was like four planets lined up," said Preston Shaw, principal of Griswold Middle School, who is leaving to become principal of Mountview Middle School in Holden, Mass. The move will reduce his commute from one hour to 10 minutes.

Director of Curriculum Jack Cross will become assistant superintendent of Clinton's school system.

Carolan will become director of the Regional Multicultural Magnet School in New London.

Souza has accepted the principal position at Richard D. Hubbard Elementary School in East Berlin.

Superintendent Elizabeth Osga called Carolan and Souza "top notch."

"My administrative team could be the envy of any superintendent in Connecticut," she said. "Individually, they differ in some of their superlative qualities, and together they have meshed as a very effective team."

Souza, who eventually wants to become a superintendent, said becoming a principal was a natural step for him.

He said his new school has high academic standards and performance, a "school family" atmosphere and good school leadership.

"Griswold has embodied these attributes and readily prepared me for this exciting journey to East Berlin," he wrote in an e-mail message.

Cross was the district's first curriculum director, a position that had been recommended by a previous superintendent.

Cross was able to link curricula across multiple disciplines -- math, language arts, social studies and science -- and between different grades.

He said his goal is to become a superintendent --he recently acquired certification for it.

"One of the key things I learned working with Betty is how best to support staff, particularly in her ability to provide common focus and common direction," Cross said last week.

Now, Osga said the next candidate must be able to take the district's older school buildings to the next level by being able to figure out how to provide more access to technology.

Osga said Carolan's new position fits him well. He has traveled and taught around the world.

"We've been privileged to be a stop through his wanderings," she said.

Carolan said in an e-mail message he enjoyed working with children and helping staff develop their skills.

"I couldn't ask for a more rewarding career," he wrote.

Jewett City Party gives all residents more choice; 'Political party insiders' will have competition for May 7 election and November 2007

2007-03-24T07:57:00.000-05:00

"Party aims to provide choices in Jewett City" -- That was the headline over two months ago when the Norwich Bulletin published an article on January 15th about the newly organized Jewett City Party (JCP).

The article stated, "Ron Ward, founder of the Jewett City Party, is looking for candidates for the May 7 election." As the Founder of the Party, "Ward said he wants to give voters a choice not only in May when the borough election is conducted, but also in November for the Griswold election."

In the same article the "Republican Town Committee Chairman Ed Wilds said the group will endorse candidates . . . including a candidate for Kata's position." With only three days to go before their upcoming Thursday meeting, Republicans did not take the opportunity to announce that Melinda Brooks would be the GOP candidate for Borough Warden.

Ron Ward, made his candidacy public back on January 10th by stating, "The Jewett City Party will give the people a candidate on the ballot who is not beholden to either a Democrat or the Republican parties." The article published by The Day went on to state, "Democratic Town Committee Chairman Richard Duda said the committee is expected to endorse its incumbents."

"It's about the obligation of elected leaders to put aside partisan politics and party loyalty to achieve the best result for our community." -- Words by Ron Ward, JCP Borough Warden candidate on December 31, 2006.

[NOTE: The remarks published above were included by Ron Ward, JCP-eBlog! author. The article appearing below is the the opinion of the Norwich Bulletin published on March 22, 2007.]

Our view: You have power to provide choice in local elections
Opinion of the Norwich Bulletin published March 22, 2007

It happens time and time again. You go to vote in a municipal election, and you see your vote really does not matter in many of the races. There are only enough candidates to fill the slots. You don't have a choice, and you don't have a voice.

The last two local elections in Voluntown were so bare, only one person on the entire ballot could lose. In Norwich's 2005 election, only one candidate for the City Council did not win a seat. Situations such as these do not serve the community.

But you do have a choice and a voice. You could consider running for one of those boards or commissions that need elected leaders.

Taking on the issue

Chris Healy, the new chairman of the State Republican Committee, recently told the Norwich Bulletin Editorial Board he is committed to reducing the number of uncontested races in the municipal elections. That's an effort we can stand behind. Party affiliation, at this point, matters little. Ensuring voters have a choice is what is crucial.

Town committees, regardless of party affiliation, should heed Healy's call. They must do their due diligence to ensure they can put a full slate of candidates in front of voters Nov. 6. They would do well to ensure that slate includes newcomers to the political process.

Town committees will endorse candidates from July 14 to July 24. It's not too late to step forward and begin exploring a run for office. Elected office need not be a full-time commitment. Different boards and commissions require varying degrees of time commitment.

There are other reasons to consider a run, too. Those who are frustrated with a lack of response from local government, can increase accountability by ensuring elected leaders have to compete for their jobs.

There is no question running for office, and then serving, is a commitment. But, if residents refuse to get involved in their own town, or city, then the whole structure of government must be rethought.

We urge the town committees to work hard at exploring new potential candidates and energizing citizens to participate.

Norwich Atheist responds to appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

2007-03-23T04:54:00.000-05:00

Atheists meet after Griswold bell ringing suit

by News Channel 8's Tina Detelj
Posted Mar. 22, 2007
5:57 PM

(Griswold-WTNH) _ A decade old holiday tradition sparked outrage by a group of atheists and made news nationwide. Now the group is meeting to talk about whether their message was lost in the media hype.

Little did Bill Russell know his fight to silence the bells at a Jewett City church would land him in the national spotlight on a comedy show.

"Never seen it before in my life," Russell said.

The Daily Show's 'Sam on Your Side' came to Jewett City to take a tongue-in-cheek look at this Norwich atheist's claim that the church bells are unconstitutional because the sound system is owned by the town.

Russell says some of what he said was taken out of context and the questions were confusing. From the show:

"If you were me?"
"Yup."
"Would you still be on my side?"
"I guess?"

"Because of the way she worded it, it was almost like would I be on her side, and I didn't know what her side was," Russell said.

He also found it odd to see basketball great Bill Russell on the show.

From the show:
"What do you think about his hat?"
"It sucks."

"So he didn't like it. Big deal," Russell said.

It may be fake news, but they did try to get both sides of the story, so Bill Russell was not the only one who got his bells rung. Jewett City resident Ron Ward was also a target of this comedy troupe. Town First Selectwoman Ann Hatfield found the more fun than factual story entertaining.

"I was happy that I wasn't on the show," she laughed.

The Norwich Atheists are holding their monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Olde Tymes Restaurant in Norwich. They expect a higher turnout than usual because of Bill Russell's appearance on the comedy show.

It's all a political move to smear their names, say Republicans Brooks & Hatfield, about Jewett City Party's Ward filing a complaint

2007-03-18T15:50:00.000-05:00

Jewett City Party candidate for Borough Warden, Ron Ward, filed a compliant with the State Elections Enforcement Commission which alleged that Melinda Brooks, the Republican Jewett City Borough Warden candidate, and Anne Hatfield, the Republican Griswold First Selectman had violated election laws by putting the Official Seal of the Town and the Seal of the Borough on the website, www.jewettcityborough.com, which is the official election campaign website for Brooks.

First Selectman Hatfield, the top elected official of the local Republican party, in a February 9th article published by The Reminder Newspaper, gave a strong endorsement to Brooks, the republican candidate for Warden. Hatfield stated, "She definitely has all the capabilities to manage the borough. She has a strong business sense. She is an excellent candidate. She is very successful in real estate."

The Reminder article revealed that Hatfield's endorsement went so far as to include her working for Brooks as the Treasurer for the Brooks election campaign. In the Reminder article, the Republican candidate announced her new election campaign web site, www.jewettcityborough.com and stated, "I may not always stick to party lines."

Hatfield reacts to allegations of election law wrong-doing

Immediately after allegations of election law wrong-doing, Republican First Selectman Hatfield stopped working for Brooks as her campaign Treasurer. Hatfield's name was removed from the Brook's web site and was replaced by a new campaign Treasurer. Even though she stepped down as Treasurer, Hatfield stated, "I remain in full support of Ms. Brooks."

First Selectman Hatfield explained her resignation, "I submit this resignation as a preventative measure against further negative campaign agendas and political attacks." Republican Hatfield reasoned, "My position as the First Selectman for the Town of Griswold will overshadow the Borough election."

Hatfield concluded by stating, "My position as the First Selectman for the Town of Griswold will detract from what is important, namely, the republican and democratic Warden candidates." In the resignation letter, Hatfield did not mention the fact that over 30 voters had organized an independent third party or that a candidate for Warden was nominated by the Jewett City Party.

First Selectman Hatfield authorized the use of public tax dollars to pay the Griswold Town Attorney to write a defense in response to the on-going State Election Enforcement Commission investigation.

In a March 12th Norwich Bulletin article, Town Attorney Zizka offered as a defense, "He didn't think a picture of a seal on Brooks' Web site was the same as the actual seal used to emboss documents." Mr. Zizka mentioned, "In my view, you have to do more to trick people into thinking it's the town Web site."

In the same article, Ron Ward said, "[First Selectman] Hatfield was mentioned in the complaint because she used the seals to make it look as though the town [of Griswold] government is endorsing Brooks." Ward explained, "It's an idea of identity. The last place that anyone should use it [the official government seals] is on their campaign Web site."

Republican First Selectman and former Brooks campaign Treasurer, Anne Hatfield, summarized her response by explaining, "This is just Ron trying to get in the paper." Hatfield described the allegations being investigated by the State Election Enforcement Commission by stating, "It's a kind of bizarre complaint."

Brooks reacts to allegations of election law wrong-doing

Immediately after allegations of election law wrong-doing, Republican candidate Brooks removed the Official Town Seal and Borough Seal from her campaign website. In a March 2nd article in The Day, Brooks said, "She never intended to use copyrighted material. Hatfield never gave her permission to use the copyrighted material. She didn't ask [to use copyrighted material.]"

Despite the Republican candidates admission that the material was copyrighted, Brooks concluded, "I think this is just dirty politicking." Brooks went on to promise, "If I made a mistake, I'll take full credit for it."

Ten days after promising to take full credit for her mistake, Brooks shifts responsibility to an anonymous and confidential town employee by stating, "A town employee told her the town seal was not copyrighted and the borough seal was created by a town employee's daughter for a contest."

On March 4th, the Republican candidate Brooks in a posting on her web site characterized her opponent by stating, "You are a trouble maker who likes to cry to the press. Get your own website and stay off mine. I would like to Thank You for drawing so much attention to my website. That is awesome."

Stick to the party line? A joint response by Brooks & Hatfield:

In a joint response to the on-going investigation into allegations of election law wrong-doing made by Ron Ward, the Jewett City Party candidate for Borough Warden, the Norwich Bulletin in a March 12th article reports:

"Melinda Seaman Brooks and Griswold First Selectman Anne Hatfield, who have both been cited in a complaint, say this is just a political move by Jewett City Party Borough Warden candidate Ron Ward to smear their names and create publicity for himself."

Jewett City Party candidate for Borough Warden responds:

On February 22nd, Ron Ward responded to his opponent removing the Official Town Seal and Borough Seal from her campaign web site by stating, "The decision to remove the emblems of borough and town government from her election effort website is commendable. Matching the content of the website to be within the requirements of the law eliminates the appearance that a candidate has received backing from the local government."

________________________________________________________

Photo credits: Both pictures appeared in the Norwich Bulletin in a March 12, 2007 article entitled, "State may investigate complaint from Jewett City Candidate" a photo journalist was not credited.

Click here to read State Election Enforcement complaint filed by Ron Ward
Click here to read February 22nd JCP-eblog! post by Ron Ward
Click here to read February 22nd Hatfield treasurer resignation letter
Click here to read March 2nd article in The Day
Click here to read March 12th article in the Norwich Bulletin
Click here to read February 9th article in The Reminder Newspaper
Click here to read March 4th post on Brooks website

Supporting Local Merchant's is the first priority of the Warden's Council for Economic and Community Development

2007-03-18T14:10:00.000-05:00

"Each local merchant currently doing business in Jewett City deserves to have the full support of the Borough Government," says Ron Ward, Jewett City Party candidate for Borough Warden. He continued, "Any talk about bringing economic development to Jewett City must begin with the merchants that are already here and working hard to be a success." Ward concluded by stating, "Only after giving our full support to assist the merchants already in Jewett City, can we begin to plan for attracting additional business to the Borough."

For more information about the Jewett City Party plans for Borough Warden's Council for Economic and Community Development click here.

Included below is an excerpt from a Norwich Bulletin article which describes the great success of a local Jewett City business: Two Sisters Shipping.

More women in state pursuing self-employment
by Amy Lawson - Norwich Bulletin - March 17, 2007

When Lynn Hardell took maternity leave from her job in 2001, she never dreamed that when she returned to work, it would be to manage her own business.

Two factors put her on the path to running her own business.

"I couldn't commute to my job in Mystic from where I live in Canterbury because I had an infant son, and my job didn't want me to do part-time," she said. "My sister and I both have children, and we also didn't want them in day care. We decided to try something of our own."

Six years later, Hardell, and her sister, Kimberly Maxson, are still the owners of Two Sisters Shipping in Jewett City, a thriving packaging store that is half consumer-based and half freight management. The business ships packages for local residents and transports major goods across the country for larger companies. It even has a second location in Preston.

"We've grown a lot. It was slow, and took a while for the word to get out, but things are good now. But it would be nice to see more women take that chance," Hardell said.

photo credit: Tali Greener/Norwich Bulletin

Read the entire story at the Norwich Bulletin online: click here.

"It's an idea of identity," says Ron Ward, Jewett City Party Warden candidate. Local Republicans Brooks & Hatfield say, "It's just a political move."

2007-03-12T22:17:00.000-05:00

State may investigate complaint from Jewett City candidate
by Julie A. Varughese - published by Norwich Bullettin on March 12, 2007

JEWETT CITY --The state Elections Enforcement Commission may discuss Wednesday a complaint filed against the Republican borough warden candidate.

But Melinda Seaman Brooks and Griswold First Selectman Anne Hatfield, who have both been cited in a complaint, say this is just a political move by Jewett City Party Borough Warden candidate Ron Ward to smear their names and create publicity for himself.

Brooks, Ward and Democratic incumbent Cynthia Kata are running for the position in the May 7 election.

Ward's complaint stems from Brooks using the borough and town seals and information from the town's Web site on her campaign Web site, www.jewettcityborough.com. He said in the complaint those items are copyrighted.

Town Attorney Michael Zizka wrote a letter to the commission saying he didn't think a picture of a seal on Brooks' Web site was the same as the actual seal used to emboss documents.

Hatfield was mentioned in the complaint because Ward said she used the seals to make it look as though the town government is endorsing Brooks.

"This is just Ron trying to get in the paper. It's kind of a bizarre complaint," Hafield said.

Zizka wrote that a copyright violation should be pursued by the holder of a copyright -- the town or borough.

"In my view, you have to do more to trick people into thinking it's the town Web site," Zizka said Wednesday.

Lois Blackburn, clerk of the Elections Enforcement Commission, said the commission may meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday at 20 Trinity St. to discuss the complaint.

Hatfield resigned from being treasurer of Brooks' campaign after the complaint was filed. She said the commission told her there was no conflict in her working for Brooks' campaign.

Ward said he didn't approach either woman before going to the commission because he didn't think they would admit to wrongdoing.

Brooks said she took the items off her Web site after hearing about the complaint.

Ward said that proves Brooks wasn't sure if it was right to have them on the site.

"It's an idea of identity. The last place that anyone should use it is on their campaign Web site," he said.

But Brooks said a town employee told her the town seal was not copyrighted and the borough seal was created by a town employee's daughter for a contest. The town Web site states its contents are copyrighted.

Resident Christopher LaBrie said, "Sounds like politics to me. I suppose that's for the attorneys to sort through."

Jewett City residents appear on 'The Daily Show with Jon Stewart'

2007-03-08T08:45:00.000-05:00

'Daily Show' airs Jewett City piece
by Ed Dunn - published by Norwich Bulletin on March 8, 2007

JEWETT CITY -- Bill Russell of Norwich is an atheist and he was none too pleased last winter when he visited Jewett City and heard the chimes of the Jewett City Baptist Church.

The music was playing on a system owned and installed in the church by the town. Russell said the chimes should be shut down, citing a violation of the principle of separation of church and state.

Russell's complaint set off a flap that made its way to The New York Times and, Tuesday night, to Comedy Central's "The Daily Show."

On "The Daily Show," Russell's comments were interspersed by host Samantha Bee with comments of former basketball star Bill Russell.

It was either very confusing or hilarious.

Jewett City resident Phil Anthony, co-owner of Anthony's Hardware in Jewett City, was a participant in the segment, and he held his own quite handily against the professional comedian and "investigative reporter" Bee.

"I'd seen 'The Daily Show,' so I was wary," Anthony said.

Regarding the chimes, Anthony told Bee, "There's nothing illegal about them. In fact, I would invite litigation."

Anthony said he and other local business people had offered to buy the chimes and give them back to the church if the church-state issue became problematic.

The show's producer said Anthony supported the chimes playing in the borough "as if he were debating international law."

Anthony said he got a huge response from friends and relatives in Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Milwaukee.

People came and went Wednesday complimenting him on his appearance.

Griswold First Selectman Anne Hatfield said she had missed the show, but would try to catch it if it were rebroadcast.

"I've got to see it. I think I'm glad I wasn't on it," Hatfield said.

Kate Frazier of Canterbury works at the Movie Gallery in Jewett City.

She said she missed the show, but she would advise anyone from out of town who is offended at the chimes to leave, because most people enjoy the music.

"It gives a feeling of unity to those who enjoy it," Frazier said.

Brittany Weisberger, 15, of Jewett City attends Griswold Middle School.

She also didn't see the show.

But regarding the chimes, she said, "They're really beautiful. They are energizing and refreshing. It is a different and unique sound."

View Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Bee - Sam on Your Side"

2007-03-07T20:42:00.000-05:00

[On assignment in Jewett City, CT]: Samatha Bee, Senior Consumer Advocate, was dispatched by The Daily Show with Jon Stewart to investigate the Bell Chimes controversy in Jewett City, CT.

To the entire crew and especially Samatha Bee, you were "incredibly fabulous!"
Thank you for visiting Jewett City.

Jewett City Party candidate for Warden, Ron Ward, appears on Comedy Central's 'The Daily Show with Jon Stewart'

2007-03-07T08:04:00.000-05:00

Report from 'Godless Hellscape'

by Roger Catlin - 'TV Eye' columnist & TV critic for The Hartford Courant -
published by Courant.com on March 6, 2007
Read the 'TV Eye' by Roger Catlin - click here

“The Daily Show” piece on Jewett City finally ran Tuesday, disguised as a consumer advocate report by Samantha Bee.

“The Sam on Your Side” segment began with a complaint from one Bill Russell about the bells in a Jewett City church that chimes songs – some of them religious -- from a system paid for by the town.

Unfortunately it was not the NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell who Bee first interviewed:

Q. Why are you so offended by these chimes? You know, the chimes? Jewett City, Connecticut? You’re Bill Russell, chime hater?
A. I don’t have the slightest idea bout what you’re talking about.

Eventually she talks to the real but less famous Bill Russell, identified as lightbulb salesman and atheist, who had complained about the bells during the Christmas season as a violating the separation of church in state.

Trouble was, he wasn’t a town resident and couldn’t file suit. So Bee goes door to door to try to find a plaintiff for him. She finds that everyone likes the chimes.

Borough warden candidate Ron Ward, described as an “the incredibly fabulous” Jewitt town elder, says, “It just gets our dander up that somebody would challenge us on something as important as our bells.”

Finally, she wonders if she could still be “Sam on Your Side” against these odds.

"This is a tough one,” she levels with Russell. “You don’t live in the town, the church barely plays religious music and everyone in town loves it. If you were me, would you still be on my side?”

He takes a long time to answer.

So she asks if there’s some other issue she can more easily side with.

He then goes on, if editing is to believed, a long litany of slights and persecutions. So by the end, she’s “Sam on Your Side” for the town of Jewett City, being terrorized by this mustachioed guy with a corduroy cap.

And she gets more screen time with the more famous Russell.

As the episode’s credits roll, Bee is back in front of the Jewett City church as its chimes pound out “Onward Christian Soldiers.”

Then she pauses and grabs her cell phone, saying “Oh, I’m sorry, I think that’s me.”

And she mutters to her friend on the line: “I’m just in some godless hellscape, doing another story.”

Jewett City Party candidate for Warden makes offer to have public debate

2007-03-06T20:08:00.000-05:00

Jewett City Party candidate, Ron Ward, indicated his willingness to participate in a public debate between the three candidates for Warden of the Borough in the upcoming Jewett City elections to be held in May.

In a letter addressed to the incumbent Democratic Party candidate and the Republican Party endorsed candidate, Ward stated, "Any weekday date between now and April 27, 2007 would be agreeable. I defer the selection of the date to Cynthia Kata, the incumbent Warden and Democratic Party endorsed candidate."

Ward suggested, "that the debate be moderated by a joint panel assembled at the discretion of the Norwich Bulletin and The Day." Regarding the debate format and questions, he stated, "The editors of each paper are in the best position to jointly determine the format and select the questions."

It was suggested that the Griswold middle school auditorium might be a possible location to hold the event.

To view a copy of the letter: click here

Ron Ward, Jewett City Party candidate for Borough Warden speaks out to make his position known to Borough residents

2007-03-04T18:13:00.000-05:00

The Jewett City Borough election on May 7, 2007 is taking place in nine weeks. For the first time in years, Jewett City voters will have a choice on election day between candidates for the Office of Warden of the Borough of Jewett City. Democrats have nominated incumbent Cynthia Kata. Republicans have nominated, for the first time in more that 8 years, a candidate, Melinda Seaman Brooks for the Office of Warden.

A new independent third party was organized by Jewett City resident Ron Ward. The Jewett City Party has nominated the party Founder, Ron Ward to be the Jewett City Party candidate for the Office of Borough Warden.

Since January 1st of this year, Ron Ward has been writing articles and posting them on the Jewett City Party eBlog! site. Voters, residents, taxpayers and community members have been able to read about the specific plan that Ron Ward has to address issues effecting the residents of Jewett City.

Thank you for visiting this website! It is intended that the articles listed below will communicate to you the position of Ron Ward, Jewett City Party candidate for Warden, on the issues and provide specific information regarding his plans to enhance the quality of life in the Borough of Jewett City.

Please V-O-T-E on May 7th -- Your support is greatly appreciated!

Listed below is an index to some of the articles that are posted on the Jewett City Party eBlog! site. To read an article, move your mouse pointer over the words "click here" and left click your mouse.

Profile of Ron Ward published by the Reminder Newspaper: click here

Norwich Bulletin, January 21st, editorial, Our view: More choice on Ballot: click here

January 19, 2007 the Jewett City Party announced goals: click here

Former Jewett City Fire Chief, James Couillard, is JCP candidate for Bailiff: click here

Sewer customers of JCDPU to receive credit for retro-active fees: click here

Consumer pay 77% more for sewer, JCDPU makes charges retro-active: click here

Offer electric to Griswold homes to save consumers money: click here

Ron Ward will defend Borough Charter & oppose consolidation: click here

Appointed commissioners of JCDPU will not be re-appointed: click here

New Consumer Board of Utility Control to establish electric & sewer rates: click here

Residents of Jewett City pay electric rates that are 16% higher: click here

Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart interviewed Ron Ward: click here

Economic and Community Development Council to support local merchants: click here

Jewett City Party candidate for Warden says, "Let the Bell Chimes Ring!": click here

Past commander of Jewett City American Legion Post 15 honored: click here

Ron Ward files complaint with CT Election Enforcement Commission: click here

Republican candidate changes website in response to complaint: click here

Julie A. Varughese, Norwich Bulletin reporter, writes on role of third party: click here

New York Times story discusses the Borough of Jewett City: click here

Public Transportation Advisory Board to keep SEAT bus in Jewett City: click here

S.E.A.T. bus No. 9 to Jewett City may have more cuts in level of service: click here

Jewett City Charter requires Town to pay for Borough road maintenance: click here

Heating Assistance available from TVCCA for residents of Jewett City: click here

Questions regarding any of these articles or positions taken by the Jewett City Party candidate for Borough Warden can be directed to:

Ron Ward, JCP candidate for
Jewett City Borough Warden
860-376-3530 phone
email: founder@jewettcityparty.com

'My position ... will overshadow the Borough Election,' said the First Selectwoman of Griswold.

2007-03-02T07:27:00.000-05:00

The original of this letter is on file in the Office of the Griswold Town Clerk, 28 Main Street, Jewett City, CT 06351.

######################### Letter stamped received 07 FEB 22 AM 9:00

February 22, 2007

Anne Hatfield
P.O. Box 513
Jewett City, CT 06351

Town Clerk
28 Main St.
Jewett City, CT 06351

RE: Notice to Clerk of resignation from position as Treasurer for the Committee to Elect Melinda Seaman Brooks

It is with regret that I must resign my position as Treasurer for the Committee to Elect Melinda Seaman Brooks effective upon filing of the amended Candidate Registration form to be submitted by the new Treasurer for the Committee, Marjorie Lang. I remain in full support of Ms. Brooks and I am confident that this transition will be seamless without any disruption to her campaign.

After much though, it is my opinion, that my position as the First Selectwoman for the Town of Griswold will overshadow the Borough election and detract from what is important, namely, the republican and democratic Warden candidates, Melinda Seaman Brooks and Cynthia Kata. Two lifelong residents with opposing views on how to make the Borough a better place.

I have the utmost confidence that these two women will run a clean yet hard fought professional campaign to promote the best interest for all of us who live, work or visit the Borough. I look forward to a healthy debate on important Borough issues such as sewer rates and economic development.

It is with the best intentions at heart for the Town, Borough, and candidates, that I submit this resignation as a preventative measure against further negative campaign agendas and political attacks.

Best of luck to both candidates who are willing to serve selflessly and promote the best interest of our community.

Sincerely,
Anne P. Hatfield

######################### end of letter

'If I made a mistake, I'll take full credit for it,' said Republican candidate for Warden about alleged use of copywrited material.

2007-03-02T07:05:00.000-05:00

State Panel Looking Into Complaint Lodged Against Griswold Candidate
By Megan Bard - Published by The Day on March 2, 2007

Griswold — The state Elections Enforcement Commission is investigating a complaint the Jewett City Party candidate for borough warden filed against his Republican opponent.

On Feb. 20, Ron Ward alleged that Melinda Seaman Brooks inappropriately used the Town of Griswold and the Borough of Jewett City seals on her campaign Web site.

Ward, in his complaint, also implied that First Selectwoman Anne P. Hatfield, Brooks' campaign treasurer at the time, allowed Brooks to use the seals and other copyrighted information taken from the official town Web site. Ward wrote that Hatfield may have allowed Brooks to use the information to “give the appearance” that municipal government has endorsed Brooks' candidacy.

Hatfield, who is vice chairwoman of the Republican Town Committee, has since resigned as Brooks' campaign treasurer.

Neither Hatfield nor Brooks had received a copy of the complaint or were aware of its filing until contacted by a reporter. When Brooks heard about the complaint, she removed the information in question from her site pending the outcome of the state investigation.

Ward said he did not call either woman to tell them about his concerns because he did not expect them to answer him.

“I would not expect my opponent to truthfully be open to answering questions when I'm basically saying you've done something wrong,” he said. “That's why we have a state agency to regulate these issues. ... You need an outside third party to investigate this.”

Brooks said she never intended to illegally use copyrighted information on her Web site or give the impression that Hatfield, in her capacity as first selectwoman, had endorsed her candidacy. She said Hatfield never gave her permission to use the material and that she didn't ask.

“If I made a mistake, I'll take full credit for it,” Brooks said. “These concerns were never even brought to my attention. I think this is just dirty politicking.”

Ward said Brooks' Web site's address and the site's use of the town and borough seals suggested it was the official site of the town and borough.

Brooks said Hatfield did not help create the Web site and that she purchased the domain name, jewettcityborough.com.

Monday, March 5th @ 11:00 pm is the date for Comedy Central's 'Daily Show with Jon Stewart' to air Jewett City Bell Chimes story

2007-03-01T22:46:00.000-05:00

Jewett City TV Segment Postponed
by Megan Bard - published in The Day on March 1, 2007

Griswold - The segment on the bell chimes controversy in Jewett City scheduled to air tonight on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" has been rescheduled to Monday.

Developing national news issues forced show producers Thursday to postpone airing the local clip, according to a spokesman with Comedy Central, the cable network that broadcasts the satirical newscast.

On Feb. 1 representatives from the show spent the day in the borough interviewing business owner Philip Anthony, resident Ron Ward and Norwich resident William Russell.

Russell, an atheist, brought a complaint against the borough and town governments in November claiming that the municipally owned sound system that plays the bell chime music from the belfry of the Jewett City Baptist Church is a constitutional violation.

The Daily Show appears at 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Jewett City Bells controversy to air this evening on Comedy Central network - 'The Daily Show with Jon Stewart'

2007-03-01T05:23:00.000-05:00

The Norwich Bulletin has reported that "a spokesman for Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" said a piece by correspondent Samantha Bee concerning the controversy about the music system owned by the town in the Jewett City Baptist Church will run at 11 tonight."

Back on February 1, 2007, Samantha Bee, a correspondent with the 'Daily Show,' came to Jewett City to report on the Jewett City Bell Chime controversy. The report by Megan Bard entitled, 'Dialy Show' Conducts 'Interviews' in Jewett City: Satirical Comedy Program To Weigh In On Church-Bell Flap published by The Day on February 2, 2007, stated, "all three men interviewed as part of the show hope something positive will come of the broadcast, but all are keenly aware that the show, a satirical newscast on Comedy Central, pokes fun at serious issues.

Ron Ward, the Jewett City Party candidate for Borough Warden, was interviewed by the 'Daily Show' during their visit to Jewett City at the beginning of February. In her February 2nd article, Megan Bard of The Day reported:

Ward said they didn't share their questions with him but indicated he would represent the community's interest in defending the bells. "My gut feeling is it's a comedy. It's going to be funny. If you can look past the satire and look at the real issue, I think it will be good for Jewett City," Ward said. The only request the crew made of Ward, other than to sign a release at the end, was for him not to reveal the show's slant on the issue. "And to be honest, after nearly two hours of question-and-answer ... I don't know what their posistion is," he said, laughing.

In a recent interview with reporter Carol Davidge published by the Reminder Newspaper on February 16, 2007, Ron Ward stated, "I told them 99.9 percent of us want the bells, it's a matter of local pride. In 10 years, not a single person has objected, and we're not going to allow somebody from outside the borough to come in and tell us what to do."

Vote on May 7, 2007 - Jewett City Party appreciates your support!!

Council for Economic and Community Development to support Jewett City merchants and stimulate job growth

2007-02-27T22:36:00.000-05:00

Stimulating job growth and supporting local merchants will be top priorities for The Borough Warden's Council for Economic and Community Development. Jewett City Party candidate for Borough Warden, Ron Ward, announced his intention to create this new organization.

The Council for Economic and Community Development will serve in an advisory capacity to the Office of the Borough Warden. Unlike other municipal boards or commissions that are charged to carry out specific governmental functions; this Council will give merchants, residents, taxpayers, and community members an opportunity to meet in an informal setting and exchange ideas to improve economic conditions in Jewett City and support initiatives which enhance the overall community within the borough.

"It will be sorta like a chamber of commerce, community action agency, and resource center all rolled into one," said Ward. He continued, "Creating jobs, supporting local merchants, and enhancing our community will be the principals driving the work of the new council."

Coordinate activities with other public and private programs

Governor Rell recently announced that former Congressman Robert Simmons is her choice to fill the newly created statewide position of Business Advocate. As Business Advocate, Mr. Simmons, as reported by the Norwich Bulletin, "will be responsible for providing information on public and private programs to assist businesses . . . and providing them with programs, services, technical assistance, job training and financial assistance."

"The Borough Warden's Council will play a key role in coordinating and working with the Connecticut Business Advocate," said Ward. Council members will have opportunities to work with other organizations: Southeast and Northeast Connecticut Council of Governments; Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, Mystic & More State Tourism District, Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Corridor committee, Griswold Business Association, Connecticut Economic Development Department, U.S. Small Business Administration, and Connecticut Labor Department.

Questions regarding this new organization should be directed to:

Ron Ward, JCP Candidate for
Jewett City Borough Warden

860-376-3530 phone
email: founder@jewettcityparty.com

Vote on May 7, 2007 - Jewett City Party appreciates your support!

Elizabeth "Betty" Knox elected to the Office of Griswold Town Treasurer

2007-02-27T20:54:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Betty Knox for her being elected by the voters of Griswold to serve as Town Treasurer.

The election results as reported at Town Hall Tuesday evening are as follows:

District #1: 162 (Knox) - 116 (Collins); 278 votes cast; 2656 eligible voters
District #2: 207 (Knox) - 170 (Collins); 377 votes cast; 3719 eligible voters
Total votes: 369 (Knox) - 286 (Collins); 655 votes cast; 6375 eligible voters

Betty Knox received 56% of the total vote cast with 10.27% of those eligible to vote actually going to the polls.

Treasurer Knox has been on the job everyday since last fall doing the work of the Griswold Town Treasurer. The voters have selected her to continue to serve until this November.

All the best to you, Betty, as you continue to serve the residents of the Town of Griswold.

This endorsement is the personal opinion of Ron Ward, the Founder of the Jewett City Party.

Jewett City electric company claims bragging rights, while keeping rate payers in the dark

2007-02-26T07:28:00.000-05:00

In a Sunday, February 25, 2007 letter to the editor published by the Norwich Bulletin, the three gentleman that serve as commissioners of the Jewett City Department of Public Utilities stated, "Our community enjoys electric rates that are 20 percent lower than those of Connecticut's investor owned utilities."

The three commissioners went on to claim, "Unfortunately, that was incorrectly reported in recent articles that appeared in the Norwich Bulletin . . . and has caused understandable concern for our customers."

"The borough's kilowatt-hour rate is slightly higher than CL&P's rate right now because the utility services only 2,200 customers, most of whom are residential and do not require enough electricity supply to lower the purchase price," said Ken Sullivan, director of the Jewett City Department of Public Utilities in a January 7, 2007 article published in the Norwich Bulletin.

Wow ... how is it that Ken Sullivan, the Director, says one thing and then his three politically appointed bosses say something else completely different? Ken Sullivan said, "Slightly higher than CL&P" but, his bosses just said, "20 percent lower."

"Understandable concern?" Rate payers are far more than concerned; they are outraged by the "double-talk" coming from the politically appointed commissioners of the Jewett City Department of Public Utilities.

A possible explanation?

A correction printed by the Norwich Bulletin on January 9, 2007 stated, "Connecticut Light & Power charges $57.79 in fees while Jewett City Department of Public Utilities charges only $21.78. The bills recording the same usage would cost the Connecticut Light and Power customer $137.10 but the Jewett City Department of Public Utilities customer $113.69."

There is a $36.01 dollar difference between the fees charged; but, only a $23.41 dollar difference between the bills based on usage. That leaves $12.60 unaccounted for in the comparison between CL&P and Jewett City electric. Based on an average 700 kilowatt hour bill, that could mean that Jewett City electric costs 1.8 cents more per kilowatt hour than CL&P.

Sorta looks like the Jewett City electric director, Ken Sullivan, was correct when he stated that JCDPU had a slightly higher kilowatt per hour rate when compared to CL&P.

Stop the "Double-Talk"

In a February 16, 2007 article published by the Reminder Newspaper, the Jewett City Party candidate for Borough Warden stated, "Right now we have three gentlemen serving as commissioner who decide what happens, and they won't be re-appointed if the people vote for me and the two burgess candidates running with the Jewett City Party."

Ward indicated, "The first priority is to get a consumer board set up to give people access to the process, to have a way for people to be listened to, and for us to have an impact on what happens." Ward was referring to his plan to create a Consumer Board of Utility Control to oversee the management and performance of the Jewett City Department of Public Utilities.

On January 17, 2007, the Jewett City Party candidate for Borough Warden, first announced his plan to give Jewett City residents a "seat at the table where the decisions are made." Ward stated, "Introducing and passing an ordinance creating the Consumer Board of Utility Control will be a priority for my administration."

Correct the wrongs of the past!

Last year on June 30th, the three commissioners of the Jewett City public utilities made a 44% rate hike in sewer fees retroactive back to January 1, 2006. Ward has pledged, "Every current customer that was charged the retroactive sewer increase will receive a credit to offset the charges assessed last summer."

"It is just wrong to retroactively increase a utility bill," said Ward. He continued by explaining, "The more than $5 million dollar Jewett City utility surplus fund will be more than adequate to correct the wrongs of the past."

Vote on May 7, 2007 - Jewett City Party appreciates your support!!

Republican candidate for warden removes the official seals of the borough and town from her campaign website

2007-02-22T20:39:00.000-05:00

Actions do speak louder than words!

In what could be characterized as a direct response to allegations of election campaign wrong doing, the Republican candidate for Warden has stopped using the Official Seal of the Borough of Jewett City and the Official Seal of the Town of Griswold in her effort to get elected.

The decision to remove the Official emblems of borough and town government from her election effort website is commendable. Matching the content of the website to be within the requirements of the law eliminates the appearance that a candidate has received backing from the local government.

Prior to February 19th, the Republican candidate's website looked like this: click here. As of February 21st, the Republican candidate's website looked like this: click here. The website with a new disclaimer looks like this: click here.

Based on the new disclaimer, the Republican Griswold First Selectman is no longer Treasurer and has been replaced by a new campaign finance Treasurer.

It's all about change!!!

The complaint filed by Ron Ward on February 20th, can be read here: click here.

Betty Knox is the best candidate for Griswold Town Treasurer

2007-02-22T07:06:00.000-05:00

Betty Knox is on the job everyday doing the work of the Griswold Town Treasurer. She is a Vietnam Era United States Veteran, a dedicated member of the Griswold ambulance medical crew, and has already been doing the job of Town Treasurer for over six months.

Betty Knox is the Best Candidate for Town Treasurer. Vote for Betty Knox.

This endorsement is the personal opinion of Ron Ward, the Founder of the Jewett City Party.

Our view: Special election comes at critical time for Griswold
Opinion of the Norwich Bulletin published on February 22, 2007

The political struggles in Griswold continue. There is a special election happening Tuesday for town treasurer. The position will be filled with the winner of the vote until November, when another election will occur.

In Griswold, these issues are not simple matters.

The vacancy came after Mary E. Miller, a Democrat and treasurer for about eight years, resigned mid-term in August. The Board of Selectmen voted 2-1 to appoint Elizabeth "Betty" Knox, another Democrat, to the post. Paul Brycki, the man who lost the first selectman's office to Anne Hatfield in a close election in 2005, was the dissenting vote. Brycki and Steven Merchant Sr. then circulated and submitted a petition to have a special election for the post.

Now, it's Knox vs. Democrat Patrick Collins for the seat. The special election will cost a minimum of $6,000. It's a cost Griswold can handle and voters wanted.

Democracy at work

An election can never be a bad thing, and the process that caused this election is democracy at work. We support a special election. But, we do not support the politicking that seems to be behind it. The lack of the Democratic Town Committee's suggestion for the position, in the first place, and Brycki's role in the vote and petition suggest to us motives were not democracy, but rather an attempt to oppose Hatfield for the sake of being contrary.

This would be politics at its worst, and a sign Griswold might be close to descending into the kind of dysfunctional operations that have embroiled Canterbury for more than four years.

What is of even greater concern is the potential for poor voter turnout. To many residents, the treasurer's position would seem to hold little significance. It is a position critical to the daily workings of the town, ensuring the bills are paid. However, it does not make policy.

We can only hope both candidates take the challenge of an election seriously, and they try to spread the word about the reasons each wants the job and what they each bring to the role. Only then will the residents be informed of their options. Then, perhaps, this election might have the chance of becoming about real issues and not just political shenanigans.

Decisions will be made by people putting their heads together and coming up with answers

2007-02-19T08:59:00.000-05:00

Jewett City Party backs Ward for Warden
by Carol Davidge - published by Reminder Newspapers on February 16, 2007

JEWETT CITY -- In addition to the Republican and Democratic candidates for election as borough warden on May 7, Ron Ward, a third party candidate has been nominated by the Jewett City Party.

Ward, a graduate of the Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri, is currently a science educator with Mad Science of Southeastern Connecticut based in the Slater Mill Mall, an organization that has afterschool programs and also takes innovative hands-on learning activities to classrooms. "Our motto is Sparking Imaginative Learning," he said.

He founded the Jewett City Party to provide a new way for town and borough residents to participate in local affairs.

"Before the holidays, I started thinking of doing something to make a difference, to make a change, a new way to engage voters, something that was not about a party but was simply about Jewett City," said Ward.

The former clerk to the General Assembly's Education Committee has listed a number of goals on the Jewett City Party's Web site: www.jewettcityparty.com.

"The highest priorities are the utility rates, roads and sidewalks, and public safety," said Ward.

"There are so many issues -- it takes time to unravel complicated issues. I'm not into government speak -- I'm into plain talk. What I'm trying to do is translate concerns so that people can communicate about them over coffee and donuts at Arremony's," said Ward.

His highest priority is to set up a public utilities consumer board. He thinks it's good that the borough owns its electric, water, and sewer provided, but feels that the rate increases are unjustified.

"As owners, the residents can do what we want about rates. The first priority is to get a consumer board set up to give people access to the process, to have a way for people to be listened to, and for us to have an impact on what happens. Right now we have three gentlemen serving as commissioners who decide what happens, and they won't be re-appointed if the people vote for me and the two burgess candidates running with the Jewett City Party," said Ward, pointing out that there is an unused fund of more than $5 million that could be tapped, and that not only did the rates go up by 44 percent last summer or sewer use, they were retroactive to Jan 1, 2006, which caused undue burdens to residents, and some businesses had to pay $4,000 in order to continue to receive service.

"People are outraged," he said.

He also plans to set up a new Public Safety Commission for the borough to oversee and coordinate fire, police, and medical services, as well as civil preparedness and emergency management for the borough. "If a gas tanker truck turns over or there's a hurricane, we need emergency management," he said.

He says he was misquoted about wishing to dissolve the borough. "I will stand up to preserve the borough," he said. One important reason to keep the borough is socio-economic demographics which allows Jewett City to qualify for federal assistance.

"Forty percent of borough residents are below the federal poverty level, while about 30 percent in the town of Griswold have incomes of more than $100,000. If we merged, we would no longer qualify for federal assistance to our low-income families," he said.

Ward was recently inducted into the A. A. Young Fire Department, and he spends two weekends a month training to serve, which he considers an honor.

Recently he was interviewed for the Daily Show with John Steward about the controversy surrounding the playing of bells with secular and religiouss music on a town-purchased sound system at the Jewett City Baptist Church.

"I told them 99.9 percent of us want the bells, it's a mater of local pride. In 10 years, not a single person has objected, and we're not going to allow somebody from outside the borough to come in and tell us what to do," he said.

"Although I've only lived in Jewett City a year, I consider myself a son of Connecticut who has come home," said Ward. Recently through historical and genealogical research at the Slater Library and other places, Ward discovered that he is a direct descendant of colonists John Mason and the Reverend James Fitch. Mason settled Windsor, one of Connecticut's oldest English communities. Fitch and Mason were original grantees of the land where Jewett City and Griswold are now.

Ward has been part of an amateur sail racing team, ensign class. He attends the Jewett City Baptist Church where, out of homage to his grandmother, he sits in the on the far left of the fourth row in the church. He grew up in the midwest and in 1990, he moved to Connecticut because his folks had moved to Norwich. He has lived in several towns to be near work.

"I think Jewett City's a wonderful place to live. There's a lot of tradition here. Coming from a place that's really flat, I like the topography here with the rivers and the hills. People here are respectful and courteous, and you can make friends for the rest of your life," he said.

"Whether you're Republican, Democrat or unaffiliated, most people want to make Jewett City a better place to live. If the Jewett City Party is elected, decisions will be made by people putting their heads together and coming up with answers," he said.

Arthur St. John, Commander American Legion Post 15 Jewett City in 1950 and 1956 inducted into Connecticut American Legion Hall of Fame

2007-02-15T21:20:00.000-05:00

Post Commander Arthur St. John joined the American Legion Post 15 in Jewett City upon discharge from his active duty in the Army Air Force during World War II. While serving at American Legion Post 15, Mr. St. John was Chairman of the John C. Garand Bridge Dedication. Upon returning to his hometown of Jewett City, Mr. St. John founded a weekly newspaper called The Star. "Our philosophy was, if things didn't look right in the community, we'd talk about it," said Mr. St. John. [excerpts from article written by Rob Barry and published in the Litchfield County Times on February 15, 2007]

Litchfield's Legionnaire
by Rob Barry - published by The Litchfield County Times
February 15, 2007
Link to article: click here

Arthur St. John of Bantam was inducted Jan. 13 into the newly-established Connecticut American Legion Hall of Fame. Having been a Legionnaire for 61 years since his period of active duty in the Army Air Force during World War II, there is no one accomplishment that made him deserve this honor. Rather, it has been his lifetime of service.

"I was kind of brought up in the legion," said Mr. St. John, who is 80. He said his father was also a member and served in the military during World War I. "When I got discharged in '46, my father signed me up right away," he recalled. At that time he became a member of American Legion Post 15 in Jewett City in eastern Connecticut, where he had grown up and met his wife, Annette.

The induction ceremony was held at the Courtyard by Marriott in Cromwell and was attended by more than 200 people. There, Mr. St. John was among the first 10 people-only five of whom are still alive-inducted into the Hall of Fame. Art was nominated by a committee for his 61 years of service to the Legion, during which time he created the Veteran of the Month program, started the Post 44 Newsletter, "Veterans Voice," and designed the All Wars Memorial.

The idea for a state hall of fame for Legionnaires came about at the state convention in 2005. A number of those who attended felt there should be a way to reward the efforts of some of the more ambitious members for their efforts.
"They brought up that a lot of people had done a lot of work with the Legion and not gotten thanked for it," said Mr. St. John. Each year five veterans will be inducted into the Hall of Fame-three living and two deceased.

Locally, Mr. St. John is best known for the Veteran of the Month program he spearheaded for American Legion Post 44 in Bantam. The program, which began in 1989, was originally the idea of post commanders Arthur Shaw and Francis Fabbri. In 1990, they asked Mr. St. John if he would coordinate the program, which honors one deceased veteran each month-and in the process sustains an ongoing level of remembrance and devotion that, in society in general, is only witnessed around Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

"We honor them both for what they did for the military and what they contributed to the community," said Mr. St. John, who developed the format for the honoring ceremony and published a manual of procedures for the program. The program was quite successful. Feb. 3 marked the 208th consecutive month in which a veteran was honored.

In 1993 the brochure Mr. St. John designed even got adopted into American Legion procedures at the national level. The legion's Americanism Commission presented it before the national delegates and it was approved and duplicated.
"That's the first time since the organization started in 1919 that a program started at the local level was adopted at the national level," said Mr. St. John. But this was not the first time he won widespread recognition.

While involved with Post 15 in Jewett City, Mr. St. John was the chairman of the John C. Garand Bridge Dedication. His committee dedicated a bridge over the Quinnebaug River between Griswold and Lisbon to John Garand, who invented the M-1 Assault Rifle. "There wasn't anyone in the infantry that didn't have an M-1," said Mr. St. John.

Mr. Garand, a Canadian by birth, spent a number of years living in Jewett City. The dedication ceremony for him that Mr. St. John put together managed to draw more than 15,000 spectators, according to the Norwich Bulletin. He served as post commander twice in Jewett City, in 1950 and 1956.

Also credited to Mr. St. John is the All Wars Memorial in Bantam, which he designed. The committee he chaired raised more than $30,000 to build and more than $50,000 to perpetually maintain the memorial, which lies along Route 202 in Bantam. The memorial contains a stanchion and a flag for each major war since the Revolution and one for peace (totaling 13).

"There was a flagpole on that site since 1958," said Mr. St. John. "People used to use it for memorial services. But it got overgrown through the years." Now, the All Wars Memorial has become a popular local spot for ceremonies that honor veterans.

In the Army Air Force, Mr. St. John was an aircraft and aviation mechanic. He worked to train pilots to use different aircraft and helped maintain aircraft. His service was carried out within the United States. After his discharge in 1944, Mr. St. John became a junior designer at General Dynamics' electric boat division in Groton. "A junior designer, I always feel, is just a glorified draftsman," he joked.

Before long, Mr. St. John was back in his hometown, Jewett City, starting a weekly newspaper called The Star. The tabloid formatted community paper used its own format and illustrations. "Our philosophy was, if things didn't look right in the community, we'd talk about it," said Mr. St. John. He said the paper died after eight years because there was not enough interest in the community for a slightly controversial publication.

Finally, Mr. St. John found a career in sales and marketing in the Aerotherm Division of Aerotec Industries in Bantam. Between 1961, when he moved to Bantam, and 1989, when he retired, Mr. St. John rose from writing parts manuals to become the director of sales and marketing.

Mr. St. John and Annette, have been married to for 59 years. He is very proud of the contributions he and his fellow legionnaires have made. "Everyone is given a God-given talent," he said, his, of course, being writing and publicity. "And if you don't put it to use, you're not doing yourself justice." He paused a moment. "So if you have a talent, use it."

Incumbent Democratic candidate for Jewett City Warden considers selling Borough owned Fire House

2007-02-14T16:48:00.000-05:00

Griswold Ambulance proposes relocation

by Julie A. Varughese - published by Norwich Bulletin on February 14, 2007

JEWETT CITY -- American Legion Ambulance Inc., also known as Griswold Ambulance, is interested in buying the A.A. Young Jr. Hose & Ladder Co. No. 1 building on Hill Street.

Borough Warden Cynthia Kata said she had been thinking about transferring the building to the town of Griswold. That way, the borough wouldn't be responsible for maintaining a building the town uses to store its fire equipment.

"Right now, it's not saving or costing (taxpayers), but if they (the fire department) come in next year and say, 'We need a new floor or a new roof,' that could be $20,000 or $50,000," Kata said.

Right now, however, the building is not for sale, she said.

Griswold Ambulance operates out of the building next to the Town Hall and Senior Center on Soule Street.

But Ambulance President William Czmyr said that building is getting too small for its operations.

"We wouldn't have to add on or look for a new site. (The fire station) would fit our needs just as it stands," he said.

Czmyr said the fire station location is just as convenient for emergency responses as the ambulance's existing building.

Griswold Ambulance has two full-time workers, 18 per-diem workers and two ambulances. The round-the-clock ambulance also serves Lisbon, Plainfield and Voluntown.

The fire department has 53 personnel and four bays for fire trucks.

Czmyr said the possibility of having fire personnel and Griswold Ambulance work out of the same building will have to be worked out if the borough entered into negotiations with the ambulance company.

Because the building belongs to the borough, Czmyr's request to the town could not be discussed by selectmen Tuesday night.

Fire Chief Bob Hanson could not be reached for comment.

New search engine on eBlog! site

2007-02-12T23:52:00.000-05:00

Readers on the Jewett City Party eBlog! site have a new search engine tool available. Visitors can type in a key word or phrase and receive a list of posts from the blog that match their search. This new feature will enable readers to locate articles on topics of interest.

Visitors can share articles by clicking on the small "envelop" button at the end of each article to email the post to a friend.

Jewett City Party welcomes you to this blog and encourages your participation!!

Thank you!!

"It's all about You - it's all about Me - it's about -- The all of Us." -- Jewett City Party

2007-02-11T05:31:00.000-05:00

Third parties fill void
by Julie A. Varughese - published by Norwich Bulletin - February 11, 2007

When the traditional Democrat and Republican parties don't satisfy them, some people start independent parties.

The Jewett City Party, for instance, wants to tackle some issues in the borough its members believe have been ignored or need fixing, said party founder and borough warden candidate Ron Ward.

Experts say although independent parties are begun with the right intentions, once they accomplish their goals, they tend to fade away. They also are heavily personality-driven, as in the case of former Gov. Lowell Weicker Jr.'s A Connecticut Party, which dismantled after he left office in 1995.

Two basic types

Christopher Barnes, director of project development at the University of Connecticut's Department of Public Policy, said independent parties fall into two categories: Those that are on the ballot every year and sometimes have a national presence and an ideology, such as the Green Party, and others created because a group is frustrated at the local level.

The latter type, if successful, tends to win seats only a few times before the party fades out of existence.

Barnes said, within towns, independent parties spring up from a few residents who attend meetings regularly to complain or are created by a person who has been elected to a town office in the past.

"They can really change the dynamics," he said, explaining third parties can take votes from the traditional parties, making it harder for either party to win.

Laurie Soulor, owner of Second Chance Consignments in Jewett City, said she plans to support Ward in the May 7 election against incumbent Democrat Cynthia Kata and Republican Melinda Brooks. But she also believes the party would fall apart without Ward's leadership.

"If he stops doing what he's doing, everything's going to stop," she said.

No 'one-man show'

Ward, who moved to Jewett City last year, said he wasn't interested in being a "one-man show" and hoped the party, even if it eventually fades away, would invigorate residents to be more proactive.

Democrat Kata has run unopposed for warden in the past several borough elections. Voter turnout in recent elections has been low, possibly reflecting the lack of choice on the ballot. This year she has two opponents and the Jewett City Party has a slate of other candidates as well, including burgesses and baliff.

Canterbury First

The Canterbury First political party was started by Canterbury residents who said they wanted to hold officials' feet to the fire on a number of issues, including government openness and accountability.

Party Chairman Robert Noiseux said the party is made up of people who felt disenfranchised by the town's Democratic and Republican parties.

"We represent a centrist group where Republicans and Democrats come together and work together," he said.

Ray Sulich, chairman of the Canterbury Republican Town Committee, described Canterbury First as "nothing more than an arm of the Democratic Party," however.

"Canterbury First is a bad representative for third parties. I think that a third party has the potential for doing things, for bringing new issues to a town and getting additional residents for input," he said. "But they're all about being disruptive and negative."

Sulich said the state needs to address the "hole" in the state statutes that allows members of local third parties to register with national parties. He said that allows third-party members to sabotage local Republican and Democratic campaigns, by electing the "weakest" candidate at a town's party primary to run against the third party candidate.

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz could not be reached for comment.

Barnes said third parties also tend to fall apart because they lack an infrastructure, or a solid base of supporters.

"It's a reminder that all politics is a pyramid structure," Barnes said.

Don't be Cold: Hard Facts on TVCCA Heating Assistance

2007-02-10T21:07:00.000-05:00

The information contained in this eBlog! post is provided as a service to our readers. It is not intended to be a statement of eligibility for participation in the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Interested persons should contact the Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA) at 860-889-1365 extension 6552 for a determination of eligibility.

Renters and homeowners living in Jewett City Borough are eligible for winter heating assistance during 2006-2007 energy program year. The application deadline for the energy assistance program is May 1, 2007, which will especially benefit residents struggling with this winter's exorbitant heating bills. The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps income eligible households pay their heating bills. TVCCA administers the program for New London County.

Interested persons can make a confidential call to TVCCA to start the process to determine eligibility. Referrals can be made through local selectman's offices, town and by state social services offices.

TVCCA administered: Connecticut Energy Assistance Program

Assistant Director: Christopher Sardo
Uncas-on-Thams
401 West Thames Street, Unit 201
Norwich, CT 06360-7155

860-889-1365 phone
860-885-2738 fax

TVCCA website: http://www.tvcca.org/

DSS website: http://www.ct.gov/dss

Income eligibility guidelines for renters and homeowners who pay seperately for heat. Also includes renters whose heat is included in their rent--as long as more than 30% of gross income is paid toward rent.

Family of 1 = $14,700
Family of 2 = $19,800
Family of 3 = $24,900
Family of 4 = $30,000

Or--if you or a member of your household is at least 60 years old or has a disability, your household is eligible if . . .

Family of 1 = $19,600
Family of 2 = $26,400
Family of 3 = $33,200
Family of 4 = $40,000

U.S. Cencus year 2000 data:

32% of Families earn less than $35,000 per year: Jewett City Borough
18% of Families earn less than $35,000 per year: Griswold - town portion only

zero% Families earn more than $100,000 per year: Jewett City Borough
13% of Families earn more than $100,000 per year: Griswold - town portion only

62% of housing units are renter occupied: Jewett City Borough
13% of housing units are renter occupied: Griswold - town portion only

22% of householders 65 years and over: Jewett City Borough
19% of householders 65 years and over: Griswold - town portion only

25% of population between 20 and 34: Jewett City Borough
16% of population between 20 and 24: Griswold - town portion only

Candidate for Borough Warden announces Transportation Initiative

2007-02-09T07:46:00.000-05:00

Candidate for Jewett City Borough Warden and Founder of the Jewett City Party (JCP), Ron Ward, has a plan to address the public transportation needs of Jewett City residents, taxpayers and community members. Introducing a Jewett City local ordinance to create the Jewett City Public Transportation Advisory Board will be a top priority of his administration.

Ron Ward stated, "Residents of Jewett City depend on the SEAT bus service for getting to work, buying groceries, and keeping medical appointments. A local Public Transportation Advisory Board will give residents an opportunity for 'hands-on' involvement to address our transportation needs."

The board would consist of seven to nine members and meet at least once a month to address resident concerns and development recommendations for public transportation initiatives. Ward explained, "Having a resident that uses public transportation on a regular basis serving as Board Chairperson will keep the mission 'front and center' and demonstrate a commitment to providing excellent public transportation."

Meeting our need for public transportation requires regional cooperation and problem solving. Regional and local taxpayers know that an effective transportation plan is a key to economic development. Governor Rell's budget recommendation to appropriate $3,000,000 to address Southeast Connecticut transportation needs is a step in the right direction.

A local Jewett City Board of Public Transportation will give board members an opportunity to serve as representatives and participate in decision making as the region continues to address our transportation needs. Currently, the Griswold First Selectman serves as a voting member on the SEAT board of directors.

Candidate Ward stated, "As Borough Warden, I will request that the Jewett City Board of Burgess have the opportunity to appoint a member of the local Public Transportation Advisory Board to serve as a voting member on the SEAT Board of Directors." He continued by stating, "Understanding that Jewett City residents are the primary riders on the SEAT bus, it is appropriate that a member of the local board serve on the SEAT board of directors."

Workers depend on SEAT buses for getting to their jobs

2007-02-09T07:33:00.000-05:00

Buses key for region, Eastern Connecticut residents and leaders say
by Ray Hacket - published by the Norwich Bulletin - February 9, 2007

NORWICH -- Henrique Cavalcante of Norwich takes a SEAT bus every day to get to work at Mohegan Sun. It's a reliable source of transportation -- but not always the most convenient.

"I think it would be nice if there were more buses. That way I wouldn't have to leave an hour before my shift starts," he said Thursday while waiting downtown for the next bus to arrive at the Viaduct. "It would also be nice if they ran later in the evening."

Cavalcante said he would like to see the service extended to more destinations in the region.

Meeting demand

SEAT is expanding its service, extending its hours, adding another Groton stop on one route and creating a new route connecting New London and Waterford. SEAT General Manager Mark McClanan admits, however, it probably doesn't fully meet the demand.

"What we have is a good system. But right now we're operating on a one-hour headway. We'd rather operate every half-hour instead," he said. "But we have a limited budget and we need to go to places with the most ridership."

SEAT ridership will exceed 1 million passengers this fiscal year, an 11 percent increase over 2006. With 25 buses serving nine Eastern Connecticut communities, SEAT rapidly is growing into one of the region's primary forms of transportation.

But the majority of riders are concentrated in the region's two major urban centers -- Norwich and New London -- leaving the larger population of the area pretty much on its own.

"I can't imagine anyone trying to get around Eastern Connecticut without a car," said Deb MacDonald of Niantic, who works at Connecticut College.

Enhancing the mass transit system is a critical component for the region.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell, in her proposed budget, has included funding for a New London transportation center, tying together the city's existing passenger rail service, ferries, buses and taxis. She has allocated $6 million for a two-year pilot program that would link the region's major tourism attractions. SEAT buses already provide service to those locations, but McClanan admits not as frequently as he'd like to see. The pilot program would double what now exists.

But Rell's biggest regional initiative involves passenger rail, a proposal to add additional trains and service to Shoreline East. Area lawmakers said Thursday the plan doesn't go far enough. Right now, all but one of the Shoreline East's trains stop in Old Saybrook. At a Capitol press conference Thursday, lawmakers said they want to expand on the governor's plan, calling for an additional $26 million to bring all Shoreline train service directly into New London.

"We must focus on mass transit, not highways if southeastern Connecticut is to avoid the gridlock of Fairfield," said State Rep. Steven Mikutel, D-Griswold, vice chairman of the legislature's transportation committee.

But getting drivers to give up their automobiles won't be easy.

"It's really a matter of convenience," said Pat Dunion of Montville, who said he wouldn't give up his car for a bus, gridlock or not.

SEAT bus schedules and routes are available on its Web site at www.seatbus.com. Inform ation regarding services also can be obtained by calling the SEAT offices at 860-886-2631.
Shoreline East rail service schedules can be found at its Web site www.shorelineeast.com, or by calling 1-800-ALL-RIDE

Good - Bad - Ugly: All comments are welcomed!

2007-02-08T08:46:00.000-05:00

It's all about You - it's all about Me - it's about -- "The All of Us." It's about the three thousand or so people that call Jewett City -- Our Home. It's about the obligation of elected leaders to put aside partisan politics and party loyalty to achieve the best result for our community. It's about government officials providing loyal, able, and disinterested service to the Borough as a whole - regardless of the political consequences. It's about demanding that our public servants meet their day-to-day obligation of obtaining the consent of the people; and, not just our vote on election day.

Jewett City Party welcomes you to this Blog and encourages your participation!!

Posted By Ron Ward - Founder of the Jewett City Party on December 31, 2006

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Jewett City business owner plans to support Ron Wa...": WHat a F***ing loser you are. WHy waste the time of the poeple of our town with your promises you can not keep. Posted by Anonymous to Jewett City Party at February 8, 2007 8:04 AM

Donna Ward-Gurling has left a new comment on your post "To turn a blind eye?": Dear Anonymous--Love your accusations. I could make the same towards my family from my home town of Westport, CT 06880. However, I look forward, not backward. PS. Come chew the fat with me at Happy's Steak House on Feb 20th here in Jewett City. I will wear a name tag so as to identify myself. Posted by Donna Ward-Gurling, Jewett City Democrat Registered Voter Posted by Donna Ward-Gurling to Jewett City Party at February 8, 2007 1:05 AM

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Jewett City business owner plans to support Ron Wa...": With all of these choices as anyone thought about a debate so the voters can hear from the candidates concerning the issues that we are interested in. Posted by Anonymous to Jewett City Party at February 7, 2007 10:07 PM

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "To turn a blind eye?": A vote for Ward is a vote against progess for Jewett City---HE IS A CROOK just ask any member of his own family!!They will tell you! HE IS A LYER AND A CHEAT--what happened with the business you had with a family member?? what happend in New London??? Why the hell do you live above a bar? WE ARE NOT STUPID! BROOKS WARDEN!!!! Posted by Anonymous to Jewett City Party at February 7, 2007 8:27 AM

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Comments made by our eBlog! Readers": Ron, why is your phone number registered in Eichelberg, R's name? Posted by Anonymous to Jewett City Party at February 5, 2007 8:00 PM

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "'Chew the Fat' on Feb 20th: Fat Tuesday": how come your phone number is registerd to Eichelberg, R ? Posted by Anonymous to Jewett City Party at February 5, 2007 7:55 PM

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Comments made by our eBlog! Readers": To whom ever said, let the kids walk to school. That would be great if I could. If our town were safer, I would have no problem letting my children walk to school. Now, I can't stand it if they are out of my sight. And the JCP announced at the Jan 24th meeting, "Lets get rid of the police and go to a 0 mil rate." Well, that certainly would not improve our crime rate and make this a safer place for all. Unless Ron is going to stand watch at night? Posted by Anonymous to Jewett City Party at February 2, 2007 9:10 AM

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Ron Ward, candidate for Borough Warden 'Stands Up'...": Is Mr.Ward a borough resident? Why does Mr. Ward flip flop on the consolidation issue? He said he was against but then in the bulletin he said he supports it? What is that all about. Posted by Anonymous to Jewett City Party at February 1, 2007 10:09 PM

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Comments made by our eBlog! Readers": Who is ron ward? Where does he come from? What are his family values? What religion is he? Does he smoke, drink or do drugs? Where did he come from? New London? How long has he lived here? I heard three months? Did he come here just to run for office because he doesn't have a job? Is that true? Does he have a job or is he just plain wealthy? What kind of car does he drive, does he have one? What about a drivers license? Is that why he is worried about the seat bus schedule? Isn't he in the fire department and work as their liason with the town hall? How does he get to fire scenes? Should he be able to drive? He wanted to save the bells but did Ms. Hatfield save the bells? I thought so. Has anybody asked about this individual? These are just a few starter quesitons. Posted by Anonymous to Jewett City Party at February 1, 2007 10:00 PM

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Freedom of Speech for the Community": Jewett City Borough Church Bells I hear that the Dailey show was in the Jewett City Borough today about the church bells that play Patriotic music over a sound system. Some Athiest complained who doesn't even live in the town and the Dailey show comes to town to interview residents and business owners. I was hysterically laughing this evening when I heard they interviewed Ron Ward. I think he has lived here a few months. The guy is not all there and this network intervies him? They are sure to get some Jerry Spring worthy material out of that guy. At least they spoke to well respected Phil Anthony who has been a well respected business many for decades. Speaking as a resident of the borough. WE LOVE THE BELLS, THANK YOU FIRST SELECTWOMAN ANNE HATFIELD FOR KEEPING TRADITION ALIVE. Posted by Anonymous to Jewett City Party at February 1, 2007 7:27 PM

May 7, 2007 is Election Day for Borough residents, taxpayers and community members.

Register to vote at the Griswold Town Clerks office. Anyone over the age of 18 is eligible. Renters and property owners can vote.

Voter registration is FREE ... every vote counts: you can make a difference here in Jewett City.

Jewett City business owner plans to support Ron Ward's candidacy for Borough Warden

2007-02-07T08:10:00.000-05:00

Turnout has been tiny in Jewett City elections
by Julie A. Varughese - published by the Norwich Bulletin on February 7, 2007

JEWETT CITY -- In May 2005, the highest number of votes any candidate received in the borough elections was 53.

That means only 3.73 percent of the 1,422 registered voters cast ballots for the people who make decisions such as who sets utility prices and how many state police troopers to hire.

Residents attribute the lack of voter participation to apathy or simply that people aren't aware there's an election, since it is held in May rather than November.

But this year's May 7 borough election may be different because, for the first time in years, the Democratic borough warden has opponents.

Republican Melinda Brooks and Ron Ward, founder of the Jewett City Party, are running against incumbent Democrat Cynthia Kata.

Kata, who has been in office since 1999, said there still may be low voter turnout because residents are satisfied with the status quo.

"I think it's because they're content with what they've got, I'm hoping. I mean, why else would you (not vote)? If you have a problem, you show up," she said.

Helmi Robillard said she plans to register to vote in the borough election for the first time since moving to Jewett City five years ago.

"I think part of the reason there aren't that many people voting is, for the most part, from what I can observe, meetings are held when the average person can't go," she said. "So people have an apathy about what's going on. So they feel there's nothing they can do, nothing's ever going to change."

Brooks said the high number of tenant-occupied units in the borough also might be the reason.

"People who rent don't always think about going to vote, because they're not paying property taxes," she said.

Laurie Soulor, owner of Second Chance Consignments and the building where it is housed, said most people probably don't know there is an election. She plans to support Ward's bid for office.

Jewett City Voters to have a choice of Candidates for first time in years

2007-02-06T06:53:00.000-05:00

Jewett City Party Files Paperwork with State
by Megan Bard - published by The Day 02-06-2007

The Jewett City Party is officially a party.

Party founder Ron Ward hand-delivered the required paperwork to the secretary of the state's elections division Monday, establishing the independent political party.

Ward also submitted petitions necessary for the party's candidates to appear on the ballot for the May 7 borough elections.

Ward is running for warden while Katrease Gerace and Angela Adams are seeking election as burgesses. Gayle Renaud had accepted the party's nomination to run for a third burgess seat but withdrew from the race this week because of time constraints.

James Couillard, a former chief of the Jewett City fire department, is running as the party's candidate for bailiff.

John Fox Slater - a Jewett City native receives Congressional Gold Medal

2007-02-05T22:13:00.000-05:00

Monday, 5 February 1883: Joint resolution presenting the thanks of Congress to John F. Slater, and for other purposes.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the thanks of the Congress be, and they hereby are, presented to John F. Slater, of Connecticut, for his great beneficence in giving the large sum of one million dollars for the purpose of "uplifting the lately emancipated population of the Southern States and their posterity, by conferring on them the blessings of Christian education."
SEC. 2. That it shall be the duty of the President to cause a gold medal to be struck, with suitable devices and inscription, which, together with a copy of this resolution, shall be presented to Mr. Slater in the name of the people of the United States.

John Fox Slater was the son of John and Ruth Slater and nephew of Samuel Slater who brought the cotton-spinning industry to America.

While still a young man, John Fox Slater was put in charge of the former Jewett City Cotton Company mill which had been bought by his Uncle, Samuel Slater, in 1823. When the Hopeville mill was bought in 1825, John Fox ran that mill as well. Much of the Jewett City Cotton mill complex remains standing and in use today as the Slater Mill Mall on Slater Avenue, Jewett City, CT.

As the years went on, John Fox Slater became one of the leading industrialists in the United States. John Fox Slater died in 1884 and is buried in the Yantic Cemetery in Norwich, CT.

His many accomplishments include:

Financial backer of Ponemah Mill in the Taftville section of Norwich
Director of the Norwich and New London Steamboat Company
Director three railroads: Norwich & Worcester; Joliet & Chicago; and, Chicago & Alton
Corporator of Norwich Free Academy
Director of Washington and Moel Manufacturing Company of Worcester
Director of Norwich Fire Insurance Company

John Fox Slater bequeathed funds to complete the Slater Library of Jewett City and established an endowment fund for its operation, as well as, endowed funds for the Slater Museum of Norwich, CT.

One of his greatest gifts was the $1,000,000 endowment for the Slater Fund for the purposes of providing education to the recently emancipated slaves in the Southern States.

On February 5, 1883, John Fox Slater was presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor in gratitude of his generous and philanthropic bequest to provide the opportunity of an education to the freed slaves at the end of the Civil War.

*Special thanks and appreciation given to Mary Deveau, Griswold Municipal Historian, for her contribution to this article.

Elections are key to building our future

2007-02-04T15:16:00.000-05:00

Our view: Towns can't thrive without able leadership
Opinion of the Norwich Bulletin published on February 4, 2007

As Eastern Connecticut advances into the 21st century, communities will face increasingly complicated circumstances in running their towns, many of which are in transition.

Some towns have faced up to the need for change, while others have not.

Rejecting change is a mistake. This region is in the midst -- maybe even the infancy -- of enormous growth. How it is managed, especially at the grassroots level of town offices, is possibly the single biggest denominator in whether a town will flourish or perish, thrive or be taken advantage of.

Some communities have able leaders, and for that they should be grateful. But sometimes local elections are little more than popularity contests, whose outcomes fail to best serve constituents.

The day is past when the first selectman drives the snow plow and occasionally checks state statutes or the town charter to stay on top of things.

Eastern Connecticut is the fastest growing region of the state and smart leadership is a must in dealing with the next Lisbon Landing, domed racetrack or Utopia.

In short, take a hard look at who you want to deal with your multi-million dollar deal. Is it a boon for the town, or only the developer? Will lower taxes offset the increased traffic? Who will defend your rights and interests when someone comes calling with big promises?

Are you satisfied with the people running your town? No longer is simple tenure good enough to secure another term leading a town. Common sense, due diligence and a plan for the future are needed to make sure there are more towns like Preston and Colchester and fewer like Canterbury and Montville. Plainfield and Griswold seem to be turning the corner into the 21st century, and kudos to the new leadership for bringing it. To the others from another generation of elected officials, hop on board the bandwagon to the future, or get out of the way.

Is there a template for a quality leader? Not really.

When Bob Congdon was elected first selectman of Preston, he was the owner of a trucking company and the town was known for its beauty and its slow pace.

Jenny Contois was an office manager when she took over in Colchester 15 years ago, the town was a quiet commuter hub. They steered their towns into the future, knowing which decisions to make -- and not to make -- to improve the quality of their citizenry.

Plainfield's first selectman, Kevin Cunningham, was in computer technology. Griswold's first selectman, Anne Hatfield, is a lawyer. Both, in the first year in office, are turning their towns upside down in an effort to provide quality, responsible and accountable public service. That they have seen resistance to change -- and in Hatfield's case even vandalism -- only shows that while they have made strong initial steps, there is more work to change Town Hall and the mindsets of those who live in the past.

Quality leadership isn't limited to these four. Keith Robbins, a salesman and Bozrah's first selectman, is becoming a force in the regional and state stage. Joe Jaskiewicz, who is retired, is trying to fix the Rand Whitney mess started by his predecessors.

There are more: Dennison Allen in Sprague, Richard Matters in Franklin.

A trucking company owner, a computer technician, a retiree, a lawyer, a salesman, an office manager, and others. It's hard to find the common thread. Different types of towns, from very rural to one in the shadow of casino towers. Party affiliations split just about evenly.

There is no absolute right answer. What there is, however, is making sure there is a choice and an informed voter. What are your town's major needs and goals? What strategies does the candidate have for dealing with it? If already in office, what progress has been made in this area?

In short, do you trust this person to make decisions that will affect the quality of life and cost of living for you and your family?

Find the person you can say yes to. Many towns in Eastern Connecticut have, and they are poised to thrive in this boom time, to manage the growth, to choose the development. Can the people of your town say that?

If not, throw the bums out. Start over. The boom is here. Make sure you do it right.

Heated discussions on streets of Jewett City?

2007-02-02T06:31:00.000-05:00

'Daily Show' Conducts 'Interviews' In Jewett City
Satirical Comedy Program To Weigh In On Church-Bell Flap
By Megan Bard, Day Staff Writer - published on February 2, 2007

Griswold — They came, they yelled at the chimes, they interviewed and then they were gone.

Representatives from “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” spent the day in Jewett City Thursday talking to people about the bell chimes that sound hourly from the Jewett City Baptist Church's belfry.

All three men interviewed as part of the show hope something positive will come of the broadcast, but all are keenly aware that the show, a satirical newscast on Comedy Central, pokes fun at serious issues.

“It's a comedy show, for goodness sake,” said borough business owner Philip Anthony, who was interviewed along with borough resident Ron Ward and Norwich resident William Russell.

Although the bells have been ringing for 12 years, in November an atheist group, at Russell's request, filed a complaint with the borough and town governments claiming that the town-owned chimes playing from a church violate the constitutional separation of church and state.

Russell spent more than three hours Thursday with “The Daily Show” crew.

“It's a constitutional issue, and I made sure they knew that,” Russell said.

In addition to the question-and-answer portion, Russell walked Main Street in front of the church with the crew and took part in a scripted skit. Crew members pretended to be “people on the street” that Russell approached and asked about their belief in God.

“I should have asked about their belief in the Constitution, but I got into the moment,” Russell said later.

The crew got to the borough at 7:30 a.m. and created a makeshift set at Mad Science in Slater Mill Mall. There they interviewed Ward, a bell advocate.

Ward said they didn't share their questions with him but indicated he would represent the community's interest in defending the bells.

“My gut feeling is it's a comedy. It's going to be funny. If you can look past the satire and look at the real issue, I think it will be good for Jewett City,” Ward said.

The only request the crew made of Ward, other than to sign a release at the end, was for him not to reveal the show's slant on the issue.

“And to be honest, after nearly two hours of question-and-answer ... I don't know what their position is,” he said, laughing.

After finishing the morning interview with Ward, “Daily Show” crew members began a tour of Main Street. Ten minutes before noon, show correspondent Samantha Bee and her crew had set up their cameras on the sidewalk across the street from the church. As the bells began to chime, Bee, in character, began shouting for them to “Shut up!”

Thirty minutes later inside the church, Pastor David Honeychurch said he told Bee that he didn't appreciate her yelling, which he could hear over the chimes, in his office at the rear of the church.

“As a whole the church doesn't mind being in the middle,” said Honeychurch, who was not interviewed for the show.

An interview with First Selectwoman Anne P. Hatfield was canceled and an interview with Anthony, originally set for 1 p.m. at his Ace Hardware, was delayed until 4:45. By that time, Anthony said he was in perfect character to take on the “funky, rude, crude” questions the executive producer warned would be lodged at him.

“I said, 'Bring it on',” he said.

Anthony described his exchange with Bee as heated, but in jest, with her first question setting the tone.

“The first thing she asked me after she came storming into the store was 'Why are you torturing the atheists when they stand on firm legal ground?' We went at it after that,” Anthony said.

“I'm aware they may take my piece out of context, but the bottom line is: It's a comedy show,” Anthony said.

All three men said they felt good about their time before the camera. They hoped the broadcast is in good taste.

The Jewett City segment of “The Daily Show” is tentatively scheduled to air the week of Feb. 12, possibly on Feb. 15.

Comments made by our eBlog! Readers

2007-02-01T21:23:00.000-05:00

Anonymous said...February 1, 2007 7:27 PM

Jewett City Borough Church Bells

I hear that the Dailey show was in the Jewett City Borough today about the church bells that play Patriotic music over a sound system. Some Athiest complained who doesn't even live in the town and the Dailey show comes to town to interview residents and business owners. I was hysterically laughing this evening when I heard they interviewed Ron Ward. I think he has lived here a few months. The guy is not all there and this network intervies him? They are sure to get some Jerry Spring worthy material out of that guy. At least they spoke to well respected Phil Anthony who has been a well respected business many for decades. Speaking as a resident of the borough. WE LOVE THE BELLS, THANK YOU FIRST SELECTWOMAN ANNE HATFIELD FOR KEEPING TRADITION ALIVE.

JCRESIDENT1 said...January 24, 2007 6:32 PM

Thank You for reminding us it is time to call my niece and get my cookie order in. Love those Samoas.

Anonymous said...January 23, 2007 6:51 PM

What happened at 84 slater ave? Did you get evicted for not paying your rent? How can we have someone like you in office if legal isues are going to follow you around..

DiscoverytoysRI said...January 23, 2007 11:47 PM

Dear Anonymous:

Your comment does not make any sense in regards to the issues of this upcoming election. If you choose to make this forum a place of personal attacks then please have the courage to sign your name.

Anonymous said...January 23, 2007 11:37 PM

It is refreshing to have someone finally stand up for the people of Jewett City. While I may not vote for the Jewett City Party, I am thankful for the attention you have brought to the issues gacing our community. I look forward to the debate between the the 3 Party Candidates before the upcoming elections.

Anonymous said...January 23, 2007 11:41 PM

Dear Jewett City Party:

It is obvious in reading some of the comments posted to this blog that there are always cowards who will sling mud at others and try to drag up one's past. This is the surest confirmation that these individuals offer no ideas or solutions of their own.

Please promise us that at the onset of this Movement for the people by the people that you will stay focused on the future and the solutions that will make life better for all of us.

Anonymous said... January 22, 2007 10:27 PM

THe more you talk the more things about your past are going to come out and that's not good for ronnie baby

Anonymous said... January 21, 2007 9:45 AM

Hey Ron get your facts straight before you print this false info on your web site

Anonymous said...January 21, 2007 9:51 AM

You can't believe everything you read in the paper and this WEB SITE,

Anonymous said...January 21, 2007 10:24 AM

Rummor has it, that Ron Ward, hasn't told the whole story, of his past, like where he resided, and how long he has been living here in Jewett City, Ct.Also if there are any inpurifications of himself.

Anonymous said... January 18, 2007 4:27 PM

Although I don't live in JC, I think the idea of a consumer board of utility control is a good one.

Anonymous said... January 10, 2007 10:47 PM

Wouldn't it be nice if the Director of the Utilities told us his plan to try and reduce our costs, and help us conserve some of the money we are funneling into his account

Anonymous said... January 10, 2007 10:57 PM

What exactly is the point of having an electric company in the borough if we are going to end up paying more than the folks who live just outside the borough?

Anonymous said... January 10, 2007 8:23 PM

We are fortunate to have such a wonderful library here in the Wonderful Borough of Jewett City. In addition to the many books we can read, videos you can borrow, they also bring in some wonderful programs for families and children.

Anonymous said... January 10, 2007 10:53 PM

Finally a voice for the people.

Anonymous said... January 10, 2007 11:05 PM

Does the Jewett City First Party believe that Consolidation with the Town of Griswold is something that would benefit us all?

Anonymous said... January 10, 2007 11:02 PM

Perhaps the new developments on 164, will encourage SEAT to extend there routes past Lisbon Landing.

DWG on South Main said...January 9, 2007 10:44 PM

Query -- As a registered Jewett City Democratic Party voter, I am wondering, how does an individual resident wanting to discuss betterment for the City (Jewett) reserve the public Town Hall meeting room for an open forum? How about 7:00 pm on Wednesday January 24th? I don't have a key.

Do the keys to the City belong to the elected officials only? Or, do the keys to the City (Jewett) belong to the residents?

If there aren't any of our elected officials available to open the doors, so that the Jewett City (independent) party can hold a community discussion, where shall we go?

Shall the people meet at the Jewett City Baptist Church where the bells still ring free?

God bless America!

Anonymous said...January 5, 2007 6:13 PM

Amen to that - let's get the Merchants and Brycki and all their cronies who sit on the Board of Finance and are in their back pockets out of office and get some honest people in there for a change. we've started the honesty with Anne Hatfield - let's keep the ball rolling! Mr. Ward may well be just what this town needs. Let's shake em up, Ron!!

Anonymous said... January 4, 2007 11:38 PM

Let's remember the Arsonists, let's remember the lack of Police Protection that cost over 80k a year,let's remember the politicians who watchful eyes were blinded by inconpetance.
Let's remember our dutiful Town Leaders lack of accountability of the Cleanup!

Let's Remember all of this come Election TIME!

Anonymous said...January 4, 2007 11:31 PM

Maybe if we had the kids from JC walk instead of being pampered with the bus, we could re-allocate that fuel to SEAT and continue the operation! My kids always walked to school, and guess what? None of them are obese either, in fact because of walking to school, it got them involved in Cross Country and Track.

SEAT has received money from the towns, money from the State, money from the federal Govt, and I never saw them reduce service when EB was at 100,000 strong!

In the end it's all about money, not service. I pity that poor blind guy that relies on that bus route on a daily basis to be able to break the boundaries of JC and all the others as well! I guess we can forget about the ADA now as well.

Ron Ward, candidate for Borough Warden 'Stands Up' for Jewett City Bell Chimes

2007-02-01T12:09:00.000-05:00

'Daily Show' coming to hear chimes controversy
by Megan Bard - published by The Day on February 1, 2007

The controversial bell chimes that sound from the belfry of the Jewett City Baptist Church have been heard by a comedy news show on Comedy Central.

Representatives from "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" will be in the borough Thursday to interview a handful of people about the recent request by an atheist group to silence the bells.

First Selectwoman Anne P. Hatfield, resident Ron Ward and Norwich resident William Russell all have confirmed they have been scheduled for interviews throughout the day.

And all have said they’re surprised that the local controversy has piqued the interest of a national audience.

In December the Connecticut chapter of the American Atheists sent a letter to town and borough officials warning them that governments should divest themselves of the chimes that sound from the belfry. In 1995 the town and borough contributed $3,500 to purchase a sound system to play a CD of bell chimes daily and hourly from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. That schedule is now off by 10 minutes because the system has not been updated in about 2 years.

Despite the warning of a potential lawsuit by Russell, an atheist who travels through the borough a couple of times a month, borough residents and officials have stood their ground and refused to silence the chimes.

On January 31, 1940 Social Security begins Monthly Benefits

2007-01-31T20:11:00.000-05:00

1940 : First social security check arrives

On January 31, 1940, Ida May Fuller of Ludlow, Vermont, popped open her mailbox and found a check from the Federal government worth $22.54. Though hardly a fortune, the check was nonetheless a milestone: indeed, it was the first monthly retirement payment made under the auspices of the Social Security Act. When the act initially passed into the law books in 1935, benefits were paid out in lump sums. But, with Fuller's check, the government kicked off its program of doling out regular benefits to retired workers. For Fuller, it was simply the first in a series of payments that lasted for the next thirty-five years: Before passing away at age 100 in 1975, Fuller received regular payments totaling $22,000.

Story from History.com

Freedom of Speech for the Community

2007-01-30T22:38:00.000-05:00

Regarding the Bell Chimes that play every hour on the hour here in the borough, the Norwich Bulletin in a December 11, 2006 editorial stated, “Church-state flap likely moot in Jewett City.”

The Bulletin opinion may have been based on the fact that it was determined that the bell chimes where actually owned by the residents and taxpayers of the Borough and purchased at the direction of the Board of Warden and Burgesses of Jewett City. Any suggestion that residents of Jewett City should be required to give-up ownership of the bell chimes is short-sighted, and does not respect the residents of the Borough or their right to determine what is best for Jewett City.

Besides, prohibiting governmental entanglement in the free exercise of religion, the First Amendment, guarantees the freedom of speech and of the press. In other words, Jewett City residents have the Constitutionally protected right to direct the government to purchase bell chimes, locate them in a church belfry, and have their elected officials select melodies, so long as, the government is not engaged in promoting religion.

If the Borough of Jewett City, by simply locating government owned and operated bell chimes in the belfry of the Jewett Baptist Church, is “respecting an establishment of religion,” then, countless other government funded programs that are conducted on property owned by synagogues, mosques, and churches are in jeopardy of being discontinued. Often times, the community food pantry that distributes government purchased commodities to the hungry is located in a religious house of worship. That these programs are within the requirements of the Constitution is a well settled matter.

The American Atheists are challenging song selections by characterizing them as being Christian. The bell chimes play musical notes which are arranged or composed into melodies; thereby, leaving the decision to associate any particular set of lyrics, whether they be religious or otherwise, up to the choosing of the listener. Many so-called religious melodies where composed long before they were borrowed by writers of religious hymns. Prior to branding a melody with the stamp of “religious origin,” consideration must be given to which came first: the melody or the lyric.

Lacking any specific evidence that a melody is of religious origins, the residents of the Borough should continue to peal the bells more loud and strong. Let the collective voice of the residents resound through out the Borough with a melody of freedom.

'Chew the Fat' on Feb 20th: Fat Tuesday

2007-01-28T23:10:00.000-05:00

Jewett City Party (JCP) is hosting a meet the candidates social hour on Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday, February 20, 2007 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Happy's Restaurant & Steak House located at Slater Mill Mall in Jewett City, CT 06351.

The informal event will give candidates running on the JCP ticket an opportunity to greet residents, taxpayers, and community members and listen to their concerns on issues for the upcoming May 7, 2007 municipal election. All members of the Jewett City community are encouraged to attend and exchange ideas.

Ron Ward, JCP candidate for Borough Warden, stated, "Political contributions will not be accepted. This 'Chew the Fat on Fat Tuesday' Mardi Gras event is an opportunity to gather as a community."

Happy's Restaurant & Steak House will be offering its fresh salad bar and selections from its full service menu of steaks, seafood, and pasta entres from which guests can purchase a festive Mardi Gras dinner. Jewett City Party will be providing complimentary soda, coffee, and beverages at this alcohol free event.

The Jewett City Party slate for the May 7, 2007 municipal elections will include the following candidates:

Warden: Ron Ward
Burgess: Angela Adams
Burgess: Katrease Gerace
Burgess: Gayle Renaud
Bailiff: James Couillard

Jewett City Party has openings available on its slate of Borough Candidates for the following offices:

Clerk of the Borough
Treasurer of the Borough
Tax Collector of the Borough
Burgess of the Borough (one seat)

Any resident of Jewett City interested in being a candidate for Burgess, Clerk, Treasurer, or Tax Collector who is at least 18 years of age, eligible to vote, committed to improving our community and desires to be part of the JCP team, should contact:

Ron Ward at (860-376-3530 phone) or email: founder@jewettcityparty.com

Former Jewett City Fire Chief joins slate as candidate for Bailiff

2007-01-27T06:25:00.000-05:00

Jewett City Party Founder To Run For Warden In May
by Megan Bard - published in The Day - January 26, 2007

The newly founded Jewett City Party has endorsed candidates for the May 7 Borough of Jewett City elections.

Party founder Ron Ward accepted the party's nomination for warden. Borough residents Angela Adams, Gayle Renaud and Katrease Gerace will seek three of the four burgess positions, and former Jewett City Fire Chief James Couillard is the party's candidate for bailiff.

Ward said Wednesday that as warden he would oppose dissolving the borough into the town of Griswold. His platform includes, among other things, establishing a Consumer Board of Utility Control and creating a plan to reduce electric and sewer rates for borough residents, improving borough roads and sidewalks, and improving bus service.

Ward said borough residents who wish to seek the party's nomination for clerk, treasurer or tax collector should contact him at 376-3530 or at founder@jewettcityparty.com

Does your road or sidewalk need repairs?

2007-01-26T08:24:00.000-05:00

Going out the door to take a stroll on the sidewalk or a drive down the road should give residents an opportunity to see their tax dollars hard at work making the trip a pleasant one.

The candidates for Warden and Burgess running on the Jewett City Party (JCP) ticket have a plan to repair and improve our roads and sidewalks here in Jewett City. "Any expenditure of tax dollars starts with the residents and taxpayers that are paying for the improvements," said Ron Ward, JCP candidate for Borough Warden.

Ward, announced that Katrease Gerace, JCP candidate for Burgess, will be taking the lead to get input from Jewett City residents on the roads and sidewalks that need repairs. Gerace stated, "I look forward to meeting with residents to learn about the road and sidewalk repairs that are needed in their neighborhood."

The JCP candidates for Warden and Burgess will be making a list of needed repairs to present at the annual April meeting when the elected officials of the Borough of Jewett City and the Town of Griswold meet as required by the Charter of the Borough of Jewett City. The Charter states,

Section 22: The town shall annually in the month of April pay to the Borough of Jewett City such sum of money for the maintenance of streets in said Borough as may be necessary properly to maintain said streets, such sum to be agreed upon by the Warden and Burgesses of said Borough and the Selectman of said Town, and they failing to agree the amount to be fixed by a Judge of the Superior Court on application of the Warden and Burgesses or the Selectman." (page 21 of the Charter of the Borough of Jewett which is on file in the Slater Public Library, Jewett City).

Residents, taxpayers and community members with suggestions for road and sidewalk improvements are encouraged to contact Ron Ward or Katrease Gerace.

Katrease Gerace, JCP candidate for Burgess
860-376-9423 phone
email: katrease_gerace@jewettcityparty.com

Ron Ward, JCP candidate for Warden
860-376-3530 phone
email: founder@jewettcityparty.com

Jewett City Party: Road and Sidewalk Improvements email: roads_sidewalks@jewettcityparty.com

Jewett City Party Announces Candidates for Upcoming May 7, 2007 Jewett City election

2007-01-25T17:51:00.000-05:00

At a public meeting held yesterday evening, Wednesday, January 24, 2007, at the Griswold Town Hall in Jewett City, Ron Ward, Jewett City Party (JCP) Founder, announced that the Jewett City Party slate for the May 7, 2007 municipal elections will include the following candidates:

Warden: Ron Ward
Burgess: Angela Adams
Burgess: Katrease Gerace
Burgess: Gayle Renaud
Bailiff: James Couillard

The Jewett City Party has openings available on its slate of Borough Candidates for the following offices:

Clerk of the Borough
Treasurer of the Borough
Tax Collector of the Borough
Burgess of the Borough (one seat)

Ron Ward at (860-376-3530 phone) or email: founder@jewettcityparty.com

New option for electricity provider in Town of Griswold??

2007-01-23T07:45:00.000-05:00

Consumers living in Griswold that receive electricity from CL&P may find themselves with a new option for meeting their electric needs. An effort is underway to give Griswold consumers the option of buying electricity from the Jewett City Department of Public Utilities (JCDPU).

Ron Ward, candidate for Borough Warden running on the Jewett City Party (JCP) ticket, has announced a plan to extend current JCDPU services beyond the limits of the borough. Ward stated, "By including more customers, individual rate payers will realize the savings achieved through economies of scale. The objective is to ease the financial burden of families confronted with an ever rising tide of higher electric bills."

An act of the Connecticut Legislature approved on April 21, 1909 indicated that the "new option" might be available. The text of the legislative initiative is printed on page 37 of the Charter of the Borough of Jewett City which is on file in the Slater Public Library. It reads as follows:

Authorizing The Borough of Jewett City to Furnish Electric Light Outside the Limits of Said Borough. RESOLVED by this Assembly; That the Borough of Jewett City be and hereby is authorized and empowered to furnish electric light from its municipal electric light plant to the inhabitants of that portion of the Town of Griswold located outside the limits of said Borough. (Approved, April 21, 1909) (Substitute for House Bill No. 351).

Ron Ward will be contacting legislative leaders to seek guidance as to how this "law from the past" can serve as a means to provide less expensive electric service to the consumer of today.

"Currently, JCDPU electric rates are 16% higher than rates charged by CL&P," explained Ward. He continued by stating, "However, I am committed to creating the JCDPU Consumer Board of Utility Control and taking immediate action as Warden of the Borough to make our electric light plant the obvious choice for competitive electric rates."

Residents, taxpayers and community members are encouraged to attend a public meeting being held by the Jewett City Party at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at the Griswold Town Hall which is located at 28 Main St., Jewett City, CT.

It's cookie time!!!

2007-01-22T22:12:00.000-05:00

The Brownies and Girl Scouts are knocking on our doors, emailing and phoning for cookie pledges - $4 per box. Please help instill a community value that hard work is rewarded.

Be a Cookie Monster and not an Oscar the Grouch!!!

Jewett City Party gaining momentum for May elections

2007-01-21T08:40:00.000-05:00

Our view: More Choice on Ballot

Norwich Bulletin - Editorial published January 21, 2007

Some folks in Jewett City are unhappy with the "good ole boy" political network they perceive among Democrats. Ron Ward has founded the Jewett City Party to counter that, and he intends to fill a slate of candidates for the May 7 election.

Since Jewett City is small -- a community within a community -- Ward has a shot, although, historically, such efforts do not fare well at the state or national level.

Democrats long have been the party in power and Republicans had little influence. The recent exception is Republican Anne Hatfield, who was elected Griswold first selectman in 2005, surprising townspeople as she defeated five-term incumbent First Selectman Paul Brycki.

Jewett City is a borough, a section of Griswold. It is run by the Board of Warden and Burgesses, similar to a town board of selectmen. Cynthia Kata is the warden. She began working for the borough in 1983 as treasurer; she was elected warden in 1999.

Borough residents own the sewage treatment plant and the electric company (which buys electricity at wholesale rates from Connecticut Light & Power and resells it to borough residents). Jewett City Department of Public Utilities is run by appointees of the warden and burgesses.

Unhappiness among borough residents has emerged on three fronts: the police, the sewage treatment plant and electric rates.

Ward intends to challenge Kata as a member of the Jewett City Party because he lacks confidence in the Republican Party. He is convinced the borough has been dominated by Democratic leadership for so long the leadership is unresponsive to the borough's best interests.

Ward's platform includes these planks:

Plan to reduce electric and sewer rates.

Create "Consumer Board of Utility Control."

Initiate specific road and sidewalk improvements in the borough

Improve SEAT bus service, which has undergone three reductions in service in the past year.

Bring light manufacturing -- as opposed to service jobs -- to the former Triangle Wire property.

Review and implement recommendations from the 1994 National Main Street study of the borough.

Create new opportunities for residents as appointees to boards and commissions.

Half of the borough's budget -- $254,000 -- pays for police protection. That pays for two resident state troopers who work the first and second shifts, but there is no third-shift coverage.

The sewage treatment plant was built with an eye to future needs -- nearly 20 years down the road. As a result, it is operating now at only 50 percent capacity. While capacity may be 100 percent in 20 years, the current shortage led the Jewett City Department of Public Utilities' Sewer Authority to increase rates 44 percent on the last day of fiscal 2006, an action that infuriated some residents.

The Jewett City Department of Public Utilities Electric Division retail rate per kilowatt hour is 13.13 cents -- 16 percent higher than CL&P charges retail customers. Norwich Public Utilities charges 12 percent less than CL&P.

At a minimum, Ward's candidacy is stirring interest. Party candidates must submit to the Secretary of the State's office petitions bearing the signatures of at least 1 percent of the number of voters who voted for the same office in the 2005 borough election. The top voter getter in the 2005 elections was Kata with 75 votes.

Candidates will need just two signatures, that of one voter and their own, so Ward probably can fill a slate of candidates for the May 7 elections.

The record shows keeping a third party together can prove nettlesome.

Six years ago, Richard Mackin formed the Griswold Independence Party. He thought Griswold government was controlled by a clique of Democrats. The Griswold Indep-endence Party lasted about one year.

Nationally, in 1968, George C. Wallace ran for president as a member of the American Independent Party; in 1992 Ross Perot ran for president with the Reform Party.

In Connecticut, Lowell Weicker was elected governor in 1991 as a member of A Connecticut Party. None of these parties survived longer than the involvement of their founders.

That said, nearby Canterbury First has proved successful in Canterbury, but that party evolved for about three years; it was not founded overnight. According to party Chairman Bob Noiseux, unhappiness with the Republicans running the town led to Canterbury First.

The Democratic Party had been ineffective since the 1970s and provided little in the way of an alternative, according to Noiseux.

The 2005 election in Griswold revealed a chink in the armor of Democrats when Republican Hatfield defeated Brycki. There are no guarantees, of course, but in his platform, Ward has identified issues that resonate with voters.

The Jewett City Party is gathering steam, and there is no reason that should not continue through Election Day, less than four months away.

Where the relatively unknown Hatfield pulled an upset in Griswold, Ward just may do the same in Jewett City.

What is the "Borough" of Jewett City??

2007-01-20T21:47:00.000-05:00

The following are excerpts from a New York Times article published on March 21, 2004 written by Georgina Gustin.

Boroughs. Wardens. Burgesses. The terms, leftovers from Connecticut's past, are not tossed around regularly these days when discussing state governance. Yet despite their shrinking numbers -- and their irrelevance, some say -- boroughs and the people who run them keep hanging on as little reminders of the state's quirky municipal evolution.

There are nine boroughs left, down from 15 in 1950 and 23 in 1900, according to state records, though the number could dwindle even more. Every now and then, a faction of anti-borough residents will gain momentum and try to dissolve or consolidate their borough status. But for the most part, borough residents are proud of their political distinction and are determined to maintain it.

The state's boroughs were incorporated, with the approval of the State Legislature, between 1800 and 1915; they usually came into being when a group of town residents decided their more densely populated area of town needed municipal services, and therefore taxation, their rural neighbors didn't require.

''I think they felt they needed their own government, because on the outskirts people lived three miles apart,'' said Joan G. Crick, the warden of the Newtown borough, which was incorporated in 1824 as a separate entity within the larger town of Newtown. ''They needed services.'' Boroughs were the heart of sprawling agricultural towns and they had little-city needs: streetlights, sidewalks, night watchmen and fire departments.

Of the states' nine boroughs, eight are within towns, and one, Naugatuck, has gobbled up the whole town. The town of Litchfield has two boroughs within its borders: the boroughs of Litchfield and Bantam. The first borough to form was called Newfield, in present-day Bridgeport, which was set apart from the town of Stratford because residents wanted oil-lamp streetlights and fire protection.

There is also a kind of familiarity that comes with living in a borough that goes beyond the practical: collective pride.

''We have a sense of taking care of our own,'' said Elaine Lippke, president of the borough of Danielson, in the town of Killingly. ''The problems of the borough don't seem to connect with the town. We've become self-protective.''

Though relations between towns and boroughs are generally good, there is a visible distinction between them that sets them apart. Anyone leaving the borough of Newtown, with its preserved historic architecture, will pass into the less stringently zoned town at large, with its newer homes, and notice the striking change.

''When the borough ends and the town begins, there's a difference,'' said Ms. Crick, the Newtown borough warden.