Opinion
New Britain Progressive Opinion Page
On this page, you will find Op-Ed pieces, news analysis and other opinion in which the authors seek to inform on topics of interest to the New Britain community. If you would like to send commentary for consideration, please email it to newbritainprogressive@gmail.com.
Behind Mayor Stewart’s War On Supt. Sarra and the BOE
The vandalism and trouble that occurred at New Britain High School in September needlessly escalated the rift between Mayor Erin Stewart and New Britain School District leaders.
The Return of Tim Stewart: Ex-Mayor Chairs SBC As $50M School Project Begins
By John McNamara Former Mayor Tim Stewart is the new Chairperson of the School Building Committee, gaining reappointment by his daughter, Mayor Erin Stewart, just as the seven-member committee moves forward with expenditures on the $50 million major renovation at the Chamberlain Elementary School on the city’s East Side. The former four-term Mayor resigned from the […]
The Day After: Should Fireworks Be Free Or Come With A Fee?
By John McNamara The City’s Fourth of July Tab: $60K And $10 A Car Load No one can deny that fireworks on the Fourth of July brings a community together. It is America’s birthday tradition that can awe and delight children or the child in all of us. And after 15 months of social distancing […]
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 […]
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 Republican Moves Appear to Echo Trump
Editorial. While New Britain Republicans avoid their own party label, recent state and local actions by Republicans appear to reflect Donald Trump.
Voter Suppression in New Britain?
By Tim O’Brien. When I was an elected official, I tried to stand up against cases of injustice. The way I looked at it, is that if I had
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-…
Lack of Mayoral Leadership in New Britain During the Pandemic
By Alderman Aram Ayalon. Unfortunately, in New Britain, mayor Erin Stewart failed to provide the leadership needed to combat the pandemic.
Davis Calls for Columbus Statue Removal
I am writing in support for the removal of New Britain’s Christopher Columbus statue and for action to be taken for the name changing of Columbus Boulevard.
Black Ministerial Alliance Vision Against Racism and for Equality
We are witnessing an unprecedented movement in our country that is birthed from our fight against racism and hatred towards black and brown people, that has
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.
Human Rights Chair: “Change Begins and Ends With You”
As chair of the Human Rights and Opportunities Commission, I am tasked to remain impartial in the hopes that clearer minds will prevail.
Alleged City Hall Theft Scandal Emerges Post-Election
POST ELECTION NOTE: When first elected, Erin Stewart got rid of the Director of Community Services,
Dr. Lampkin Calls for City Ban on Vaping
By Peggy Lampkin. I am writing to request a ban in our fair city of New Britain of all e-cigarettes and vaping, like so many other mayors across the …
Baron Defends Reid Cancellation
As President of the Polonia Business Association, I have been asked to respond to the recent controversy surrounding the cancelled talk of a self described historian in New Britain.
Heartbroken About NRZ
People who know me well as a person, know my values and have worked alongside me know why I would be so heartbroken right now.
North-Oak NRZ President Responds to Letter Calling for Resignation
Please refer to the city ordinance regarding the chapter of the North-Oak NRZ also see the Connecticut state statute of the Office Policy Management (OPM)