Atty. Carrier Exits Democratic Contest for Probate Judge; Will Accept Republican Nomination
By John McNamara New Britain Attorney Michael Carrier has dropped out of the Democratic contest to replace longtime Judge of Probate Walter A. Clebowicz in a special election to be held on November 2nd, the same day that voters will go to the polls to elect Mayor, City Councillors and other candidates to municipal offices. […]
Landlord Group’s “cage fight between Lamont & Zherka” remark stumps the press, brings apology to Governor
There’s No Mystery About Who Sam Zherka Is In New Britain By John McNamara West Hartford-based Connecticut Coalition of Property Owners (CCOPO) had to issue a quick apology on May 19th over its first version of a press release opposing an eviction moratorium and use of $400 million in federal pandemic aid to landlords and […]
Fighting For The Public Option: Putting Health Access Over Profiteering
By Bill Shortell. Since I wrote “Debunking CBIA’s Takedown of the Public Option” there have been two more attacks by the business community
School Building Committee Resolution Curtails Checks and Balances On Construction Projects
“A consequence of the new SBC resolution is that it contributes to a bigger divide between City Hall and the BOE. New Britain’s close to last ranking in how much the municipal government contributes to public schools is a perennial and contentious issue at budget time every year and this year is no exception.” By […]
“Tax Equity” Proposals Call For Reducing Regressive Sales and Property Levies, Raising Rates On Wealthy
Bills that would dramatically alter the way Connecticut taxes individuals and businesses were the subject of a marathon hearing at the …
Stewart Seeks To Exclude BOE, Common Council From Approving Use Of School Construction Money
The Stewart Administration, blocked in recent months by a bipartisan Board of Education (BOE) and city ordinance from filling a political …
New Britain Common Council Vacancy: An Opportunity For Bipartisan Cooperation
The alderman-at-large vacancy caused by the election of Emmanuel Sanchez to the 24th District House seat is an opportunity for some all too …
New Britain Is Using Two Ballot Drop Boxes At City Hall For Now: Legislators Get Two More OK’d For Heavy Presidential Turnout
So far Bernacki is confining use of the drop boxes to City Hall and is reluctant to set up more citing insufficient personnel and time…
Republican Candidate For 26th District Stirred Social Media Controversy in 2015
“Racially Divisive” Posts Sunk Ceglarz’ Council Candidacy In The ’15 Municipal. By John McNamara. The New Britain Republican Town Committee’s (NBRTC)…
Under the Cover of COVID: Four Democratic Councillors Excluded From July Meeting
Mayor Pulls Plug On Remote Access For Common Council Members… Four Democratic City Councillors, expecting teleconference access because of the state-…
Stuck in the 18th Century: State Constitution Impedes Voting By Mail, Early Voting
While a score of other states have ballot access via vote by mail and periods of early voting before Election Day, Connecticut is stuck in another century.
Looking Ahead: Stanley Quarter Park Makeover, New Playground Take Shape For Spring
The early days of Spring require all of us to practice social distancing and avoid gatherings in public places in the effort to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic.
Remembering Emma Pierce: The Life Of The Party
Emma Pierce, matriarch of her family and a leader of boundless love, energy and spunk for Democrats and her New Britain community, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 29th at the age of 91.
Turning Red To Blue: Charlotte Koskoff’s 2020 Congressional Campaign
Charlotte Koskoff isn’t done with Congressional politics, not for herself, but to put progressive Democrats into Congress
Rosemary Klotz To Be Honored At Democratic Party Women’s Leadership Brunch
Rosemary Klotz, executive aide to two mayors and volunteer for Democratic campaigns in New Britain, will be honored by the state Democratic Party.
Rep. Sanchez Makes “Respect” for Early Childhood Educators A Priority As New Chair of Education Committee
Rep. Bobby Sanchez is the new Chair of the Legislature’s Education Committee who brings a strong background in early childhood education to his leadership.
Stewart Penalized For Using Taxpayer Mailing To Boost Her 2017 Reelection Campaign
Mayor Erin Stewart violated state campaign law according to a ruling by the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC).
Kay B. Davis Luncheon: A Celebration Of Food And Togetherness At Bethesda Apostolic Church
The New Britain Branch of the NAACP and Bethesda Apostolic Church hosted a Pre-Thanksgiving Luncheon on Saturday, November 17th.
Remembering Senator Joe Harper: “One Of A Kind”
By John McNamara Joe Harper, New Britain’s former state senator and a local Democratic Party leader for a generation, died May 20th at the age of 69. Harper’s public service — mayoral aide, state representative, state senator — is being remembered as “iconic” and legendary by former colleagues and state Capitol observers. Mark Pazniokas in […]
Martin Luther King: Remembering April 4, 1968
by John McNamara Contributing Columnist I remember exactly where I was on April 4, 1968. That sunny and warm Thursday, like many others in my senior year in high school, I drove to Bradlee’s Department store on the Lynnway in Lynn, Massachusetts after school to punch in for the evening shift, earning some money before entering […]