Stop Trumpcare Rally Monday 7/10; Meet & Greet Reception Tuesday, 7/11; NB Dems Get Ready To Endorse Municipal Candidates 7/20

Posted on July 8, 2017 by

Summer of Resistance

Stop Trumpcare Rally Monday, July 10th, at 6 p.m. at CT Access and Central Park

A rally to oppose Republican legislation repealing  the Affordable Care Act (ACA/Obamacare) will be held Monday, July 10th, at 6 p.m. at the CT Access Health office, 200 Main Street, adjacent to Central Park.

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Rallying against Trumpcare and Republican legislation to repeal Obamacare — which began with massive state and national demonstrations in January — will continue as the U.S. Senate returns from its July recess.  (F. Gerratana photo)

The “Stop Trumpcare, Save Our Healthcare” protest is taking place the same day the U.S. Senate gets back from its July 4th recess to take up the legislation that the Congressional Budget Office estimated would cost 22 million Americans their health coverage and raise premiums for older Americans.

Members of the New Britain Democratic Party  are supporting the rally joined by   Our Revolution – Central CT Chapter, Connecticut Young Democrats, Action Together Connecticut, CCSU College Democrats and  CT Young Democrats .  Confirmed speakers include State Rep. Peter Tercyak, State Senator Terry Gerratana, and Candidate for Mayor of New Britain Merrill Gay.

The House and Senate Republican health care bills represent a massive cost shift to states and could cost Connecticut up to $2.9 billion per year,” according to Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT). “This massive erosion in federal support for Medicaid would force states like Connecticut to choose between cutting Medicaid, raising taxes on middle class families, or cutting other important state spending programs, like school funding – all to pay for a tax cut for the very wealthy.”

Organizers of the rally say the impact of ACA repeal in CT would cut as many as 200,000 individuals from Medicaid. It would repeal the employee mandate and cost-sharing provisions resulting in 30 to 35% percent increases in premiums.  Older persons will pay dramatically higher premiums, as much as 70% more than they currently pay, according to the nonpartisan analysis. The bill in its present form would double the number of uninsured in CT.

2017 Municipal Campaign

Municipal Election Meet & Greet Tuesday, July 11th at Paradise Restaurant 

The Democratic Town Committee will hold a Meet & Greet reception for Democratic candidates seeking municipal offices and share its 2017 party platform on Tuesday, July 11th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. one week ahead of a DTC endorsement meeting.imgres

The event will be held at the Paradise Restaurant, 10 East Street.  The suggested donation levels are: $10 Friend; $25 Patron $50 Sponsor.  For information call 860-416-0665.

Municipal Endorsement Meeting Is Thursday, July 20th At City Hall

New Britain Democrats will endorse candidates for all city offices at its July meeting.  The endorsement meeting will be held at New Britain City Hall, July 20th, at 7 p.m. in Room 504.

The 48-member DTC, representing the city’s 15 voting districts, will endorse a 27-candidate Democratic slate.vote-row-a On the ballot this year are candidates for Mayor, Town and City Clerk, Treasurer, Tax Collector, Common Council (15) Board of Education (3), Board of Assessment Appeal and Constable.

Looking Ahead:  Democratic Party Summer Picnic Saturday August 6th

Join the Democratic Town Committee for its summer picnic in support of the municipal slate at the Quartette Club, Quartette Club Avenue.  Rain or shine. Meet our candidates for city offices.

Festivities include music, horse shoes, outdoor games and awards program recognizing Democrats for service to party and the community. Suggested donation is $25. Children 10 and under free. Advertising opportunities available. Contact newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com for more information and to volunteer.

END QUOTE

“The difference between Democrats and Republicans has always been measured in courage and confidence. The Republicans believe that the wagon train will not make it to the frontier unless some of the old, some of the young, some of the weak are left behind by the side of the trail…We Democrats believe that we can make it all the way with the whole family intact….” former NY Governor Mario Cuomo, 1984.

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.

newbritaindemocrat.org editor, John McNamara.

 

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Posted in Chris Murphy, Endorsements, Fundraiser, Health Care, Meeting/Event, Public Health, Rock The Vote, Weekend Update | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Senator Murphy, Rep. Esty Back Mayoral Candidate Merrill Gay, NB Democrats in ’17 Municipal Election

Posted on June 11, 2017 by

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Cong. Elizabeth Esty (D-5) urged New Britain voters to support the candidacy of Democrat Merrill Gay for Mayor in the 2017 municipal election on Sunday, June 11th.

A backyard picnic of 100 supporters, candidates and friends at the home of State Rep. Peter Tercyak (D-26) and Pat Rehmer helped boost Gay, a Board of Education member, just over a month before the Democratic Town Committee makes its endorsements for city offices.

Murphy and Esty stressed the importance of supporting Gay and other Democratic municipal candidates this year to defeat the Trump-Republican agenda in Washington and Hartford in 2018.

US Senator Chris Murphy (left), Merrill Gay and US Rep. Elizabeth Esty at Sunday picnic for Gay’s mayoral candidacy . — in New Britain, Connecticut. (F. Gerratana photo)

From left Alderwoman and DTC Vice Chair Shirley Black, DTC Chair Bill Shortell and US Senator Chris Murphy. — in New Britain, Connecticut. (F. Gerratana photo)

US Senator Chris Murphy urges support for Merrill Gay’s candidacy for Mayor at the home of State Rep. Peter Tercyak. — in New Britain, Connecticut. (F. Gerratana photo)

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 Chris Murphy, Elizabeth Esty, Meeting/Event, Merrill Gay | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Mayoral Candidate Merrill Gay To Welcome Murphy, Blumenthal, Esty At Sunday, June 11th Fundraiser

Posted on June 10, 2017 by

NEW BRITAIN – Merrill Gay, Democratic candidate for Mayor, will get the backing of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation — US Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Cong. Elizabeth Esty (D-5) — at a backyard picnic on  Sunday, June 11th, from noon to 2 p.m. at the home of State Rep. Peter Tercyak (D-26), 150 Belridge Road.

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (left) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal in an earlier campaign appearance at New Britain Democratic  headquarters. Both are participating in the Sunday, June 11th backyard picnic for Democratic candidate Merrill Gay.  (photo by F. Gerratana)

“Our Connecticut representatives in Congress are fighting hard each and every day to fight for us. They also recognize that change begins from the ground up. That’s why they’re are banding together to hold a special event in support of my campaign,” said Gay, who is currently serving a second term on the Board of Education.

Gay 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, Democratic candidate for Mayor

Having announced his candidacy in April, Gay, a 28-year resident of the city,  is campaigning with other Democratic candidates in the municipal election to strengthen public schools, enact a “good job” ordinance to bring good-paying jobs to the city and to keep older residents in their homes by implementing property tax relief.

There is a suggested “supporter level” donation of $50 to the Merrill for Mayor 2017 Committee event.  More information on the Merrill for Mayor campaign visit www.merrill4nb.org

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 Blumenthal, Chris Murphy, Elizabeth Esty, Meeting/Event, Peter Tercyak, Weekend Update | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

NB Democrats Adopt State Budget Resolution: Tax Fairness Supported, Harmful Cuts Opposed

Posted on May 20, 2017 by

NEW BRITAIN – The Democratic Town Committee (DTC) unanimously adopted a resolution at its May 18th meeting for a “fair and just budget for all of Connecticut” as the Governor and Legislature deal with deficits and deliberate on state spending and taxes for the biennium that begins on July 1st.state capitol dome

The DTC resolution “rejects a Trump-style (austerity) state budget in Connecticut — a budget that guts essential services, scapegoats public sector workers, and places a greater burden on our towns and cities, while continuing to let wealthy individuals and the largest corporations avoid paying their fair share.”

New Britain Democrats urge “our state legislative delegation to pass a state budget the invests in Connecticut’s future — a budget that supports all working families, provides high quality human services for children, families and communities, and places a fair share of taxes on those who are able to pay.”

Democratic Town Chair Bill Shortell said New Britain Democrats adopted the resolution because the 48-member committee “favors a solution to the state budget crisis that gets the necessary funds from companies and people who can afford it without hurting workers and cities.”

Other groups in the statewide Democracy, Unity & Equity (DUE) coalition of labor, advocacy and religious organizations are also calling for alternatives.  Opposed are both Democratic and Republican leadership plans under consideration now that call for draconian cuts to education, social services and local aid.

“Connecticut faces a structural deficit that requires a structural response. Working together we can reach a balanced budget that invests strategically and builds opportunity over the long-term,” states a Connecticut Voices for Children May policy brief “Three Austerity Budgets.”

“The Governor’s budget proposal offered a cuts-focused austerity budget that raises revenue by asking for more from those with less,” according to the policy brief. “Compared with the current fiscal year’s (FY 2017) appropriated spending, the Governor’s budget cuts $1.36 billion from government services, assumes $1.56 billion in public sector concessions, and raises $600 million in new revenue, largely by raising taxes on low to middle-income families.”

“A structural deficit requires that the Governor and Legislature look at both the way the state spends and the way it raises taxes,” said John McNamara, 6th District Democratic State Central Committeeman and a member of the DTC.

Pointing to the Voices For Children analysis, McNamara said “leaving current tax inequities and loopholes off the table is not in the best interests of taxpayers nor vulnerable citizens in need of state services.”

Contacting state elected officials:

Find Your Legislator

Send an e-mail to Governor Malloy

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

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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.

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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.

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