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.
Prayer for Peace March held in New Britain
By Brian K. Riley New Britain Independent Board President A group of clergy, who call themselves “The Gatekeepers”, consist of Pastors and Ministers from within the New Britain Community. They were responsible for the planning and organizing, of the Prayer for Peace March, which took place on Saturday, August 13, 2016. Rev. Gervais Barger of […]
Black Democratic Club Continues Voter Empowerment
By Tim O’Brien Columnist New Britain has a great need for dedicated advocates for voter empowerment. Our community has a very real history of voter suppression by those charged with operating our election process. That is why it is more important than ever that New Britain’s people remain highly organized to fight for their rights and […]
Art Perry’s Fighting Spirit and Boundless Optimism Will Not Be Forgotten
By John McNamara Contributing Columnist Originally posted in NB Politicus Augusy 13, 2016 New Britain’s and SEIU’s Art Perry died this week after an extended and brave battle with cancer at the age of 63. I knew and will not forget Art as a union organizer of fighting spirit and boundless optimism through too many […]
Basing Our Support of Democratic Candidates On the Company They Keep
By Rhona Cohen Opinion Editor There are two very consequential local democratic primaries happening in New Britain on August 9th. Local elections are hardly ever discussed anywhere in statewide media, which might lead folks to believe they are of no consequence. However, they have major and reverberating effects, both locally and nationally. New Britain […]
Improving Equality and Justice in New Britain, Starting with Voting Rights
By Tim O’Brien Columnist As New Britain joined people nationwide in mourning the lives lost in senseless violent acts, the Black Ministerial Alliance of New Britain led the way in bringing people in the community together in a “Community Prayer for Peace Service for those who lost their lives at the hands of Law Enforcement […]
Ways to Improve Police-Community Relations, When Tensions are Rising Nationwide.
By Cody DallaValle Unsolicited Op-Ed Why is it that police and the communities that they are assigned to protect sometimes have sour relationships? Obviously this question doesn’t have just one universal answer; the answer depends upon myriad variables such as quality and intelligence of officers, the mood of citizens, current events, distrust on both sides, and […]
The Selling Of Patton Brook Well: Will New Britain Get A Fair Price To Help Southington Address Its Water Crisis?
—– Mayor Stewart’s Lowered $1 Million Price Drastically Undervalues Patton Brook Well —– By John McNamara Contributing Columnist A Monday, July 11th public hearing at New Britain City Hall will take up a proposed sale of the city’s Patton Brook Well in Southington as that town’s water commission faces growing challenges to address its need […]
A Case for Direct Citizen-Initiated Ballot Measures in Connecticut.
By Cody DallaValle of Torrington Unsolicited Op-Ed There are only two ways to change the constitution of our great state, they are outlined in Articles 12 & 13. The first method is called a legislatively referred amendment which requires both chambers of the legislature to vote on and pass the amendment twice, with more than […]
Smalley Academy Renovation Cost Jumps To $53m; Public Hearing Wednesday, June 22, At Council Committee
By John McNamera Contributing Columnist What’s behind a $53 million price tag for renovations to Smalley Academy, a K-5 elementary school near downtown and North-Oak Streets? That question should be on the minds of the Common Council after initial estimates by school officials were closer to $30 million last year. The earlier estimate by school […]
Larger Action Needed on Housing and Homelessness
It is always welcome news when housing is made available for those who can least afford it. The recent news about new housing opportunities going up on North Street is certainly movement in the right direction, and the people of good conscience who labor to help others deserve credit for their work. But, it is […]
Registrars Moves To Re-Locate Two Polling Places For Primary, November Election
By John McNamara Contributing Columnist New Britain’s Registrars of Voters are moving to change polling places in Districts 6 and 13 in time for an August 8th Primary and the November 8th Presidential Election. Republican Peter Gostin and Democrat Juan Verdu have identified Angelico’s Cafe restaurant on East Main Street to replace the State Armory […]
The Truth about Hoarding: A Real Dilema
By Leslie Jacobs Columnist The first time I ever was in a hoarders house was in the early 80s. I had become friends with a group of people at work and I dropped off one of them at home—she invited me in to let me go to the bathroom. As I walked into the […]
Connecticut Cabaret Theatre Features Several New Britain Residents
By Robert Held Staff Writer The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre is located in Berlin, right next door to New Britain. Several of the shows preformed at the Cabaret Theatre feature actors or crew from New Britain. The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre is currently in its 19th season. Currently playing every Friday and Saturday night until June 25th, […]
Receiving without Guilt
By Leslie Jacobs Staff Writer On TV, Sheldon from The Big Bang theory said to Penny during the Christmas episode “Receiving gifts are obligations. I know you think you are being generous, but the foundation of gift giving is reciprocity. You haven’t given me a gift. You’ve given me an obligation.” An obligation meaning […]
Les Is More: How To Deal With Unwanted Paper
By Leslie Jacobs Columnist One person piles it up, another tosses it in a drawer, and a third person sticks in a bag. What is the point of this? There are many ways to organize paper but none of the above are the correct way. Motivation, passion whatever you call […]
Spring is that you? Nine Ways to Kick Start Your Spring Cleaning.
By Leslie Jacobs Columnist Growing up in New Britain, I knew when Dairy Queen opened for the season, spring was upon us. This year, when Dairy Queen opened in early March it was my signal to call Vietnam veterans (800-775-8387) and schedule an appointment for their donations pick up. It’s one of my […]