Campaign 2017: Democrats’ Nominations Committee To Interview Mayoral Candidates

Posted on May 7, 2017 by

The Democratic Town Committee’s (DTC) nominations committee will interview candidates for mayor this week as part of  endorsements for all municipal offices to be made in July by the 48-member DTC.

The nominations committee will be holding meetings with Democrats interested in joining the party’s slate for the November election in the run up to July endorsements. Candidates will be recommended  for Mayor, Town Clerk, Tax Collector, Treasurer, Common Council, Board of Education, Board of Assessment Appeal and Constable.

Individuals interested in being considered for city offices may contact DTC Member and Nominations Chair Rosemary Klotz at rosemaryklotz@gmail.com.  Candidates may submit their information to the nominations committee by linking to Candidate Information Form.

NEW BRITAIN DEMOCRATIC PARTY: WHAT WE STAND FOR IN 2017

  • We believe all New Britain children have the right to a public education so they can reach their full potential. We need a Democratic mayor who will work well with our representatives in Hartford to fully fund our schools. This is the key to building a strong community.
  • We celebrate our diversity, which makes us strong and welcoming of everyone, young and old. We are a City for All People.
  • We are for transparent, responsible management of City finances. The current tax and spend policies must end. Pushing the burden to future generations is wrong.
  • Our precious City assets are under attack, particularly our water resources. We are determined to protect them and defend the environment.
  • We stand for economic development, committed to good jobs for people living in New Britain.
  • We are in favor of looking outward to improve relations with neighboring and similar communities, as well as other levels of government, so we can properly share services, ideas, resources, challenges and opportunities.

NOTICE – If you do not wish to receive updates from New Britain Democrats write “cancel” in the subject box and reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com.

THANK YOU

Labor donated. Any costs associated with this message paid for by New Britain Democratic Town Committee, Post Office Box 2112, New Britain CT 06050 Approved by Bill Shortell, Chairman; Shirley Black, Vice Chair; Ann Speyer, Recording Secretary; Alicia Strong, Corresponding Secretary; John Valengavich, Treasurer; Chris Govola, Assistant Treasurer.

 

 

Posted in Endorsements | 1 Comment

Campaign 2017: Strong Turnout For Merrill Gay’s Mayoral Kick Off

Posted on April 29, 2017 by

Democrat Merrill Gay opened his campaign for Mayor on Sunday, April 23rd, to an overflow crowd at the Pride of Connecticut Elks Hall in downtown New Britain.

Democratic Mayoral candidate Merrill Gay was joined by Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and Ward 3 Alderwoman Shirley Black at his April 23rd Kick Off. (F. Gerratana Photo)

His New Britain supporters were joined by party leaders and elected Democrats throughout Connecticut.  They included Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, State Comptroller Kevin Lembo, State Senator Ted Kennedy, Middletown Mayor Dan Drew, former DCP Commissioner Jonathan Harris and Democratic National Committeeman John Olsen.

The city’s Democratic legislative delegation — State Senator Terry Gerratana, State Reps, Rick Lopes, Bobby Sanchez and Peter Tercyak — hosted the reception for the Merrill for Mayor Committee with Democratic Town Chair Bill Shortell and Vice Chair and Ward 3 Alderwoman Shirley Black giving a strong indication that Democrats are coalescing around Gay for the July endorsement when candidates for all municipal offices will be selected.

Gay, a Board of Education member elected to a second term in 2015, is a longtime advocate for children and the parent of two children who attended city schools. He is the executive director of the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance and formerly led the Coalition for New Britain’s Children.  A graduate of Clark University in Worcester in government studies, Gay went on to earn a master’s degree in community economic development from New Hampshire College, now known as the University of Southern New Hampshire.

Merrill Gay with members of his family. (F. Gerratana photo)

“We need to expand our grand list by filling the empty storefronts and create new jobs to put our residents back to work,” said Gay in sharing his priorities. “We need to strengthen our schools, starting with youngest all the way through to the expansion of innovative academies at the high school. We need to make sure our seniors are taken care of by making sure they receive property tax relief. We need to protect our city assets and natural resources.”

Yvonne Muniz, State Senator Terry Gerratana, Merrill Gay and State Senator Ted Kennedy at mayoral kick off on April 23. (F. Gerratana Photo)

A nominations committee of the Democratic Town Committee has started screening candidates for all city offices.  Up for election this year will be Mayor, Town and City Clerk, Tax Collector, Treasurer, five at large Common Councillors, 10 ward Common Councillors, three Board of Education members, two for Board of Assessment Appeal.  Democrats interested in running may submit their candidate information form  online or via the mail.

Photos from the Merrill for Mayor Kick Off courtesy of Frank Gerratana

The Merrill for Mayor reception was a “Taste of New Britain” with ethnic foods from Democratic kitchens. State Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford) is in the foreground.

Supporting Merrill Gay are DTC Member Willie Justiniano, State Rep. Bobby Sanchez, DTC Member Mario Santos and Richard Reyes, retired educator and candidate for common council.

DTC Member Rosemary Klotz and Frank Self.

Posted in Announcements, Endorsements, Meeting/Event | Leave a comment

Campaign 2017: Town Committee Candidate Workshop Is Saturday, April 8th at Headquarters

Posted on April 5, 2017 by

The Democratic Town Committee is holding a campaign workshop and discussion for candidates interested in seeking municipal office and volunteers on Saturday, April 8th, at 10 a.m.  at 19 Bassett Street headquarters. All Democrats are welcome to attend.

The workshop will be the first in a series of slate-building activities leading up to the Town Committee’s endorsements in July. On the ballot this year are candidates for Mayor, Town and City Clerk, Tax Collector, Treasurer, district and at large aldermen, board of education, board of assessment appeal and constable.

At a March meeting the DTC opened the floor to members and others to identify  key issues and actions to be included in a party platform that will be finalized for approval this month.  The issues platform will be a statement on where city Democrats  stand on such issues as public education, social and economic opportunity, municipal budget, the environment and economic development focused on sustainable jobs for residents.

Interested candidates for endorsement are invited to submit information to the Democratic Town Committee and its nominating committee.  Go to Municipal Candidate Information to submit information and to learn more

For more information contact Town Chair Bill Shortell, 860-833-6123  | billshortell@netscape.net

2017 Municipal Election – Key Dates

Party endorsements: July 18-25, 2017

Certification of endorsements: July 26, 2017 (4:00 p.m.)

Nominating petitions filed by: August 9, 2017 (4:00 p.m.)

Primary petitions filed by: August 9, 2017 (4:00 p.m.)

Primary (6:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m.): September 12, 2017

ELECTION DAY — November 7, 2017

Think globally. Act locally. Support New Britain Democrats

MAKE A CONTRIBUTION online or by mail

NOTICE – If you do not wish to receive updates from New Britain Democrats write “cancel” in the subject box and reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com.

newbritaindemocrat.org editor, John McNamara.

THANK YOU

Labor donated. Any costs associated with this message paid for by New Britain Democratic Town Committee, Post Office Box 2112, New Britain CT 06050   Approved by Bill Shortell, Chairman; Shirley Black, Vice Chair; Ann Speyer, Recording Secretary; Alicia Strong, Corresponding Secretary; John Valengavich, Treasurer; Chris Govola, Assistant Treasurer.

Posted in Announcements, Endorsements | Leave a comment

DTC Meets Thursday 3/16 On Municipal Platform…..Regionalism Forum At CCSU March 24th….LWV, NAACP Host Showing Of “13th” March 28

Posted on March 13, 2017 by

Monday Briefing 13 March 2017

Thursday March 16th Meeting Features Discussion of  Platform and Priorities For Democrats

New Britain Democrats will hold their March meeting on Thursday, March 16th, at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street.

The Democratic platform for this year’s municipal election will be discussed by members and guests at the meeting. Committee reports will include an update on voter registration. The municipal nominations committee will report on the candidate recruitment process leading up to July endorsements for city offices.

The committee will also hear from Middletown Mayor Dan Drew who has formed an exploratory committee for the 2018 state election.

The meeting will be begin at 7 p.m. All Democrats are welcome to attend.

CCSU’s Center for Public Policy To Focus on Regional Cooperation At March 24th Forum

“Regional Cooperation! For A Stronger Connecticut” will be discussed by city mayors, legislators and policymakers at a Friday, March 24th forum at Central Connecticut State University.

The Governor William A. O’Neill Chair and the Center for Public Policy and Social Research have organized the forum to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Memorial Hall.

Keynoting the meeting will be David LaVasseur, an undersecretary at the state Office of Policy and Management (OPM), Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and Brendan Sharkey, the former CT Speaker of the House.   House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin) will make opening remarks.  A panel discussion on prospects for strengthened regional cooperation will include Middletown Mayor Dan Drew, Litchfield 1st Selectman Leo Paul, Joseph DeLong of the CT Conference of Municipalities, Dr. Tim Garceau of CCSU’s Department of Geography and Suzanne Bates of the right-leaning Yankee Institute.

State budget deficits and the unsustainability of 50+ mill rates in cities such as New Britain are fueling new discussions about “regionalism” involving  local governments banding together to deliver public services.   The forum is open to the public. For information and to RSVP call 860-832-2064.

NAACP/LWV Present Documentary On Incarceration and Racial Inequality March 28th

The New Britain NAACP and the New Britain area League of Women Voters are teaming up for a showing of the documentary “13th” on March 28th at Trinity On Main, 69 Main Street.  The film will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday March 28th.

The 2016 documentary is an “in-depth look at the prison system in the United States and how it reveals the nation’s history of racial inequality.”  Nominated for an Oscar “13th” “shines a very bright light on two fundamental issues going on in out country. The power of money and its influence on profitable incarceration and ultimately perpetual slavery,” according to one reviewer.

Admission is free and the public is invited.

NOTICE – If you do not wish to receive updates from New Britain Democrats write “cancel” in the subject box and reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com.

newbritaindemocrat.org editor, John McNamara.

THANK YOU

Labor donated. Any costs associated with this message paid for by New Britain Democratic Town Committee, Post Office Box 2112, New Britain CT 06050   Approved by Bill Shortell, Chairman; Shirley Black, Vice Chair; Ann Speyer, Recording Secretary; Alicia Strong, Corresponding Secretary; John Valengavich, Treasurer; Chris Govola, Assistant Treasurer.

 

 

Posted in Announcements, Meeting/Event, Monday Briefing, Regionalism | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Bowling With Dems Friday 2-24….Vigil-Rally for ACA Saturday 2-25….Freedom Academy Focuses On Running For Office

Posted on February 20, 2017 by

Friday Night Out Bowling With New Britain Democrats – February 24th 

Chris Murphy and DTC Vice Chair Shirley Black at 1st Bowling for Democrats.

Chris Murphy and DTC Vice Chair Shirley Black at 1st Bowling for Democrats.

New Britain Democrats’ 3rd annual Bowling Party will be held on Friday, February 24th at Newington’s Bowl-A-Rama, 2143 Berlin Turnpike from 6 to 8 p.m. The evening includes two hours of bowling, shoe rentals, pizza, soda and cash bar.  Net proceeds swill benefit the New Britain Democratic Party’s voter engagement and party building activities. $30 per person. $50 for two. Like pizza but don’t bowl? $25. RSVP to  newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com, 860-505-8901.

Vigil For Affordable Care Act at Central Park Saturday, February 25th

As the Trump Administration and GOP prepare to launch an attack on affordable health care  Our Revolution — the organization inspired by the 2016 campaign of VT Senator Bernie Sanders is organizing demonstrations around the country to defend the ACA and health care access, including New Britain.

A  candle light vigil and rally in defense of affordable health insurance will be held at New Britain Central Park (adjacent to CT Access Health) on Saturday, February 25th, from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.

The rally, organized by Our Revolution’s  Central CT chapter, comes in defense of  the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and Huskycare. Participants will gather in front of CT Access Health at Central Park at 5:45pm and the vigil/rally will go from 6-6:30pm. Organizers, who include DTC Member Bobby Berriault, ask that participants bring their own candles and signs. Street parking is free on weekends. For RSVPing and more information: https://go.ourrevolution.com/page/event/detail/gplv4l

Freedom Academy Focuses On Running For Office, Civic Engagement

Black Democratic Club Co-Sponsors Program On Citizen Participation at Spottswood Saturday February 25

imagesCampaigning, running for office and civic engagement will be the topics at a Freedom Academy program to be held on Saturday, February 25th, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Spottswood AME Zion Church, 25 Crestwood Lane.

Political organizer and Strategist Michael T. Bland, formerly a campaign organizer for Cong. Elizabeth Esty and the Obama campaign, will be the featured speaker.

Freedom Academy is being organized by the New branch of the NAACP, the Black Democratic Club, the Spottswood Political Action Committee and Central Connecticut State University’s Center for Africana Studies. For more information:  contact NAACP President and DTC Member Ron Davis, Rdavis668@aol.com. 860-944-1233

At City Hall This Week: Common Council and Board of Finance Meetings

Preparations for the 2017-2018 municipal budget will accelerate this week as the Board of Finance holds two meetings on Tuesday, 2/21 and Thursday, 2/23 at 6 p.m. in room 305.

The seven-member board holds budget hearing meetings into March and will recommend  a budget to the Mayor’s office for consideration by the Common Council which must adopt a budget by June for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The Common Council will meet on Wednesday, 2/22, beginning with public participation at 7 p.m.

End Quote

President Trump promised to replace the Affordable Care Act with something that is better, is cheaper and covers more people. Scratch that. Republican leaders in the House and Mr. Trump’s secretary of health and human services released a plan last week that would provide insurance that is far inferior, shift more medical costs onto families and cover far fewer people.

NY Times Editorial, 2-19-2017

Think globally. Act locally. Join New Britain Democrats

NOTICE – If you do not wish to receive updates from New Britain Democrats write “cancel” in the subject box and reply to newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com.  newbritaindemocrat.org editor, John McNamara.

THANK YOU

Labor donated. Any costs associated with this message paid for by New Britain Democratic Town Committee, Post Office Box 2112, New Britain CT 06050   John Valengavich, Treasurer. Approved by Bill Shortell.

 

Posted in Announcements, Fundraiser, Health Care, Meeting/Event, Monday Briefing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Vigil, Rally For Affordable Care Act at Central Park Saturday, February 25th

Posted on February 20, 2017 by

As the Trump Administration and GOP prepare to launch an attack on affordable health care  Our Revolution — the organization inspired by the 2016 campaign of VT Senator Bernie Sanders is organizing demonstrations around the country to defend the ACA and health care access, including New Britain.

A  candle light vigil and rally in defense of affordable health insurance will be held at New Britain Central Park (adjacent to CT Access Health) on Saturday, February 25th, from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.

The rally, organized by Our Revolution’s  Central CT chapter, comes in defense of  the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and Huskycare. Participants will gather in front of CT Access Health at Central Park at 5:45pm and the vigil/rally will go from 6-6:30pm. Organizers, including DTC Member Bobby Berriault, ask that participants bring their own candles and signs. Street parking is free on weekends.  For more information and to RSVP go to https://go.ourrevolution.com/page/event/detail/gplv4l.

 

Posted in Health Care, Meeting/Event, social security | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Friday Night Out Bowling With New Britain Democrats – February 24th

Posted on February 20, 2017 by
sacdems.org

sacdems.org

New Britain Democrats’ 3rd annual Bowling Party will be held on Friday, February 24th at Newington’s Bowl-A-Rama, 2143 Berlin Turnpike from 6 to 8 p.m.

The evening includes two hours of bowling, shoe rentals, pizza, soda and cash bar.  Net proceeds swill benefit the New Britain Democratic Party’s voter engagement and party building activities. $30 per person. $50 for two. Like pizza but don’t bowl? $25.

More information:  newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com, 860-505-8901.

Think globally. Act Locally. Join New Britain Democrats

Any costs associated with this message paid for by New Britain Democratic Town Committee, Post Office Box 2112, New Britain CT 06050   Approved by Bill Shortell, Chairman; Shirley Black, Vice Chair; Ann Speyer, Recording Secretary; Alicia Strong, Corresponding Secretary; John Valengavich, Treasurer; Chris Govola, Assistant Treasurer.

Posted in Announcements, Fundraiser, Meeting/Event | Tagged , , | Leave a comment