Strictly Stamford!

City meeting

2010-06-10T17:38:00.002-04:00

I went to a meeting last night.
I was free and I've wanted to see the dynamics played out between the city of some of the north Stamford residents.
This wasn't a pretty meeting, it was full of distrust and accusations and very adversarial and it really appeared to be part of David Martin's political campaign.

WILL SOMEONE PLEASE TELL THIS MAN WITHOUT A BRAIN HE LOST THE ELECTION AND IT IS 4 YEARS TILL THE NEXT ONE.

He has been rude an obnoxious to the interim health director, Ann Fountain, saying she hasn't done anything. Not that she hasn't done enough, but that she hasn't done anything.
Sadly, a political lie.
Maybe because she is a woman and I am also, but he was unnecessarily nasty and someone needs to put him in his place.
There were lots of overtones of "we don't trust the city", some outright and many times inferred, but it makes little sense, since by many of their own admissions, they won't share their results.
That just doesn't make sense. They are hiding information and it's the city who can't be trusted?
I do not know, but I do know, I will not go to any of these meetings again.
They really disgust me.

perspectives on Stamford

2010-06-08T14:00:00.003-04:00

It has been a very long time since I posted anything.
I have moved out of Stamford, but i still follow the things going on and visit once in a while.
Stamford is a strange little town, that calls itself a city and that is probably its biggest problem, it is not a city, it is a town.
I have been listening to all the activity concerning the Scofield situation and have reached a conclusion.
I'm not an environmentally aware person, so I get lost in that part of the debate, but I think the debate is more economic than anything any way.
The big problem is that the people who live "North of the parkway" have homes that are valued very high.
Instead of taxation with out representation, their cry is taxation without services!
And that is what the source of all the issues are, they want some city service for all the taxes that they pay and water is a really good start.
This has been the cry of the "North of the parkway" people for some time, but they think they have more clout now.
This is the problem with this little town that supports all the big corporations on the homeowners tax dollar.
Change that and things might be different, but for now they have a rallying cry!
"It's the city's fault!"

Parlor Tricks?

2010-04-17T10:41:00.002-04:00

Strange rumors are surfacing concerning the "cuts" of employees.
Several positions that are slated to be eliminated on July first have some kind of significant extensions given to them.
I am not talking weeks, but months.
There will be people leaving, there is no question, but what is this smoke and mirrors game?

Figure head or head of governement?

2010-04-01T20:32:00.004-04:00

Well, the Pavia administration is entering its fifth month and there is no question who is running the show...
between Joe Tarzia and his obvious "get even" tactics on everyone he doesn't like (read the library especially) and Director of Administration Frederick Flynn and his "this town needs to be run like a business" attitude the citizens of Stamford face the following:
A new fenced in unfinished area in the downtown area - I of course talk of the ill fated Mill river park restorations which is now added to a list of empty and unusable areas in downtown Stamford.
Loss of library time or personnel, what is wrong with these people, why throw punches at a library? maybe they weren't allowed to check out books as a youngster?
The engineering department gutted - the ones who make sure that the roads are paved and that sort of thing.
The Health Department losing personnel? They can't keep up with restaurant inspections as it is! i guess there will be a lot more trips to the hospital for food poisoning!
The schools now are on the chopping block and that looks like another one of those grudge matches.
Can I throw in the do nothing attitude now concerning the Scofieldtown area?
Or the further lack of protection for tenants in the city with the gutting of the social services department?
Or still more gutting of the Operations department?

What is next?

Another raise for the mayor?

This is not a city that is working, it is old time politics at its worse!

The "New" buisness model - inaccessibility

2010-03-16T14:36:00.002-04:00

Inaccessibility is the new motto of mayor mike.
You can not go and see the mayor any more.
The public is not going to see him as he lets them sit outside on the 10th floor and wait.
City personnel must be "buzzed" in.
I think some one got things mixed up!

Parade & Circuses

2010-03-14T16:04:00.003-04:00

I know it's suppose to be bread and circuses, but with the St Patty's day parade going on in the rain with all the police and fire people getting over time and the inclement weather,I think it is appropriate.
Of course my power went down and I had to return to this post.
Dropping 119 positions and then having a parade does not seem to be in keeping with the idea of fiscal responsibility.
Now of course we have a weather related disaster on our hands and more OT must be paid, what is a mayor (or Joe Tarzia) to do?
It looks like politics as usual to me!

Morale

2010-03-11T14:50:00.002-05:00

Since the 119 positions were cut from the budget and to be fair only 49 were filled full-time positions and many of the rest were unfilled position, there has been a feeling of gloom among employees at the government center.
Worse, there are now rumors (total unsubstantiated) that there will be more layoffs in April.
This is probably because most of the cutting that occurs has been traditionally done by the board of finance and their review of the budget occurs in April.
Since it is my opinion hat Joe Tarzia is behind most of this, I do not see this as an issue.
What I do think is an issue is anyone wanting services from the city show not expect much.
As morale is low, I doubt that service for complaints will be very pleasant.
As for projects, I say good luck.
One interesting note, the Democratic canidate for the last election was at the Scofield meeting the other night and was not very understanding of a new interim Health Director just getting their feet wet. Shame on you David Martin, you are still campaigning!
I will definitely go "green" next election.

So is it Joe or Mike running the show?

2010-03-09T16:54:00.002-05:00

With 119 positions eliminated one might wonder. mayor Mike said he wanted a better business like atmosphere and Joe Tarzia said the budget constraints and that idea were incompatible.
I am sure with the power of the Board of finance, there would have been this number of positions lost no matter what administration was in office.
And if things hold true, if a Democrat had submitted a budget with those positions still intact even more would have been lost, Joe Tarzia has a reputation for vindictiveness.
So who is running the show? I think the answer is in the power of the board of finance.

politics as usual

2010-02-21T13:18:00.002-05:00

Politics is the name of the game and Pavia plays it well, as a non player, but what does it mean?

The 10% and 5% budget cut requests where a just in case, but scared a lot of employees.
He assures us that it is a last resort, but who does run things?

he has made good choices (Ernie) and questionable ones (His campaign director?)and then there are actions that appear to be no action on his part (The health director).
He stopped capital projects (especially the Mill River one) and said let's wait and see what is really going on.

I actually think He has done some smart things in all of this, but we will see.

Now as the scofieldtown thing bumbles along, we will see how those people react. it sure does seem that only want one answer and it means that I have to pay fir it!

New Direction?

2010-02-11T21:20:00.002-05:00

So many things, the departments are asked to lower their budgets by 10% and a significant figure (well paid I think) is leaving.
Yes the Director of health is leaving for Greener pastures. Now if they don't fill the position right away, will that save 10%? He got paid an awful lot!

Stamford Politics

2010-02-02T11:23:00.003-05:00

I've been away a long time and Stamford's political scene has changed or has it?
We have a new mayor, Mike Pavia. He has done a few shake ups, but it may be that the real power behind the scenes is now Joe Tarzia, who has been shaking up a number of departments.
A memo from the mayor has building and zoning departments increasing their hours to accommodate the public. Accommodate the public? What a novel idea!
What till they find out the Health Department is available only 3 days a week in the morning.
I also understand that Joe threatened the Health Director if he didn't start doing something about the Scofieldtowm situation. And they did do something, they had ther DEP come down and declare it was a private property owners problem and the city didn't have to be involved.
Mean time the North Stamford residents have formed their own task force and it almost sounds like the beginning of their own government.
While I would not agree with what some of the more, how do i put this politely?, paranoid of the group believe that there is a great cover-up and conspiracy, I don't see it that way.
The reality of not wanting to take action or place it on the homeowners' shoulders isn't a cover up, it's disinterest!
Now when the lawsuits issues are settled, I predict that this administration will have put the city in a real financial hole, mostly because of disinterest.
It is too cold for me to come back at this time. I really need to go back where it is warm.
New restaurants by the dozens and i can't wait to try some of the new Indian food places; Tawa and one on Altlantic where the Italian restaurant used to be.
I see the Housing authority and Stamford Hospital are diving up the West side and there are new block the box laws with painted boxes.
Well time to get out and see what else is happening!

Confusion

2009-10-17T20:59:00.002-04:00

Stamford's politics have always confused me. The Democrats seem more like Republicans and visa a versa.
Reading the literature, Martin seems like a "lets get the corporations into Stamford Now " kind of a guy. Pavia seems to be "lets get quality of living back into town".
The Green party sounds like he wants us all to be on bicycles.

it is very surreal.

Why Mike, Why?

2009-10-03T09:02:00.002-04:00

I have know of Mike Pavia for a long time, as a matter of fact everyone in Stamford know s the Pavia family in some way, I think.
I was going to vote for him, but now I am not sure.
Martin , to me, represents the status quo as far as corporations and big business running Stamford. I do not believe the downtown special services whatever has done Stamford right. It has been great for everyone who works downtown (mostly out of town and out of state people) and has helped some businesses, while shooting many, not in the foot, but the head.
Then Mike does his thing on the Scofieldtown area, getting a consultant (for free, yes) to say that the carbon filter are a short term solution and that Aquarion water should be pumped over land immeditely.
First, I am sad that he politicized a bad situation and his recommendations do nothing to help the situation.
I do not know much about the technical things, but I think I saw that the filters were okay for a short term solution.
What AM I MISSING? That was the whole point of the filters, temporary until the water could be brought in, in the SPRING of next year!
The overland water thing seems to be missing a key fact, it gets cold in Stamford in teh Winter, pipes freeze. I think the frost line is something like 3 feet AND ABOVE GROUND WATER PIPES WON'T FREEZE?
As I said, I am very sad that he went this way. I will NOT be voting for Mike. He showed very bad judgement and we have had enough of that in Stamford.

Interesting

2009-09-28T22:27:00.002-04:00

I went to the meeting for the residents near the dump and I as fascinated.
The residents who seemed to be most effected by the stuff found seemed more calm with the action that will be taken than many who seemed to be a distance off. I overheard someone say: "well if they can get a free test, i have a right to it also!" That person didn't live anywhere near the area. Another boasted in a open session for residents that he would get results for his entire street, also some distance from the dump in 5 days. He was asked to share those results. I haven't seen anything in the newspaper concerning his actions. Maybe he was just a lot of hot air. Of course he was in the Advocate again today, but there was nothing about those tests, again.
Hysteria is a great word, but right now I would say there is more selfish "Me" going on than hysteria. I am sure some one will also grip that the city is spending money on over time to test, of course the featured worker in the paper didn't help matters by saying "its overtime", meaning of course money in their pocket. I wonder if that person lives in Stamford?

The birds come home to roost

2009-09-08T16:38:00.002-04:00

Or maybe the S... hits the fan is likely.
Of course, no one from Stamford reads me and Frankly i don't give a D...
The problem, much in the news is Scofieldtown Park or Dump or what ever you want to call it.
My source tells me there was a report in 1975, I believe the mayor was Mr. Claps, a republican.
Another report in the late 80's, Mr. Serrani, a democrat was mayor.
I am told there was another report in the late 90's, Mr Esposito, was republican.
Now it is 2009 and there is Mr. Malloy, a democrat and everything hit the fan.
The issue was known and over looked for a long time, it was buried just like those waste drums at Scofieldtown dump and hoped that it would never see the light of day.
Is the insecticide found in the wells from the dump, I hear there is some question about that, but does it matter?
The residents are rightfully up in arms and action needs to be taken.

Chaos!

2009-08-31T15:23:00.002-04:00

Stamford is falling apart.
Scofield area wells are all contaminate (not true, but that's the hype, some are).
The police Station is falling down (okay partially true).
The technical school is closed (now that is true)!
The list goes on, but between the republican watchdog (???) Tarzia and the Democrat Mayor, Malloy, life is confusing.
On the one hand the Finance board keeps workers at a minimum and tries to keep wages down and so we have fewer city services.
One the other we have money spent on well meaning, but not essential projects like the Mill River Park and rubberizing all the ball fields in Stamford.
I think it is a mess.
I watched the Topix on the Scofield thing and realized it is much easier to blame "government" than to take any responsibility yourself.
What if Homeowners misused the chemicals for termite control? It is far easier to blame the city dump than to say, oops.
The Ct governor closing Wright tech is just plain mean, it only hurt the kids who actually want to do something with their lives.
The Mill River and the parks are just stupid, but I have said it all before.

Acting like children

2009-08-09T08:02:00.002-04:00

What do I know? Probably nothing, this post might get me in trouble, if I had a following.
Some one will probably tell some one and I'll get pulled over for a broken tail light or something.
So here it goes.
Advocate headlines - Lyme disease, dead birds, mites and ticks.
These are things that EVERY Stamford resident deals with, most of the year.
The Connecticut Agricultural Station has reported mosquitoes positive for West Nile Virus in Greenwich. They have said to expect to see dead birds due to West Nile, especially Starlings and crows.
Ticks and Lyme disease have been issues in Stamford since, I don't know when, a long time, since it was discovered, I think.
Birds and bird mites have also been big issues, okay I don't know, I'm guessing, but birds carry mites, right?
So what's the big deal with the police?
They are complaining about the same things we residents deal with every day.
What they want is a new building.
That's right, a new building.
Confused?
I was till I found out that the new looking building was only a face lift, like putting silicone in a sagging chin. No real change, but it looks better.
What should have happened instead of lining all the soccer fields with Astro Turf was to use one of the properties the city owns and build a new police station.
But no, Astro turf was more important.
The Mill River project was more important than an old building.
I even remember reading that they can't use water fountains in the building because of lead.
Now to the children. Instead of making the case rationally to all of us that they need a new building, they act like 2 year olds and distract every one from the real issue by acting like they are some how mistreated because they get Lyme disease or have dead birds around their main building.
Will anyone ever learn?

The discovery of complaint

2009-07-26T21:12:00.005-04:00

I complained about something, a door to Il Falco constantly being left open. Some one got the message, finally after many years,it is closed.

I see "Precious" still is not open. I guess the clean-up needed was severe.

This name really gets to me. It means something totally different in my language and I would not eat from one so named.

So much for my Sunday outing

More Rumors

2009-07-23T21:09:00.003-04:00

I heard some disturbing rumors concerning Mike Pavia's run for mayor.
The item I heard was that if he is elected he will put Joe Tarzia running the office of operatios.
Now every one knows I do not like Tarzia for his very arrogant way of doing things mostly. I do not think he saves us tax payers any money, but then I hear from city employees because he usually bullies them. That upsets me even more.
Say it ain't so Mike!

Who is Martin?

2009-07-22T17:44:00.002-04:00

I know I don't know much about Stamford politics, but at least I have heard of and even like Mike Pavia. So who is this Martin? What has he done? And why should i consider voting for him?

Stamford Leaders show promise

2009-07-18T10:59:00.003-04:00

Despite the antics by the board of finance, Mayor Malloy and his cabinet are showing that they will put themselves in the same position as the rest of the unionized employees - they will take furlough days and pay cuts. To me this is an unprecedented stand with those who make less and are being forced to suffer because of one mans unreasonableness. The article was printed in the Advocate on Friday.
At least one man has some sense of compassion!

New Recycling to begin i Stamford!

2009-07-11T18:41:00.003-04:00

Wait DO NOT throw out that coffee cup!
Do not throw out the empty cereal box, that CD wrapper?
It all goes into the new Stamford Recycling program!
That is the new message about recycling, everything that is paper or plastic, wash it and recycle it!
New bins that are on rollers to accommodate the new amount of recycling material.
Ben Barnes (yes, I know, not my favorite person either) found a new company that will take virtually everything.
He hopes that we can get a 20% increase in recycling and break even. More than that will be used appropriately (maybe to reduce taxes? I think not).
Sounds good to me!

Walking Around Stamford

2009-07-05T18:00:00.003-04:00

Yesterday and Today I was "Out and about" downtown Stamford.
I actually met Joey K doing something similar, of course he looked tired, but well. It was his exercise thing.
Last time I saw him was in February at the Ferguson Library, he looked better and his spirits seemed up, but this is not why I am writing.
Stamford may have come a long way, but it has far to go. On this major holiday, Saturday, the Fourth of July, Target was open and people were going in and out. there were people in most of the open restaurants downtown. There were not a lot of people, but there were enough to make it seem okay.
How do I say this politely? Stamford is still a sleepy little town, with precious little activity downtown. Cove was busy, but downtown was quiet!
There was no activity to speak of either day except really the shoppers coming in and out of Target and the Burlington and the Mall.
The delis which service the crowds of people who work, but do not live in Stamford, were all closed.
This is a contrast to the night time on Thursday through Saturday, when the bars and clubs are open and it is some contrast!
Since I have come here some 20 or more years ago, Stamford has changed, but not that much on the weekends.
There really is very little to attract people downtown except the restaurants during the late afternoon to early evening, no events, no music, no art. This is sad.

Good bye Uncle Dias, hello precious

2009-06-24T11:30:00.002-04:00

Yes the very dirty Uncle Dias is gone and soon to open is a Malasian/Inndonesian cusine, but first they clean up the place!
Early July is the opening schedule.

Scofieldtown Dump Scoop?

2009-06-04T07:17:00.002-04:00

According to a source, one of the reasons there is leeching of the toxin, PCB, is that the cap placed over the old dump site was "violated" many times by past public works personnel.
The statement was "the cap was broken many times by certain people who no longer work for the city." I wonder if this is true and what recourse since this problem is appearing in more issues of the Advocate and seems to have sparked some controversy?

Afordable Housing, Stamford

2009-06-01T16:32:00.002-04:00

Well, while prices are plummeting around town, even in the luxury condos, there may be a bright spot.
What bright spot? How about a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home from under $300,000 ?
They exist! In the near downtown area!
While some of the neighborhoods are fairly run down, this one still holds its own very nicely!
Maybe there is a silver lining after all.

What is wrong with that man?

2009-05-28T17:04:00.000-04:00

Tarzia, again! I am really on a rant with him. The funny thing is that a lot of people I talk to are having the same problem.
Today the Advocate had an article where he approves 2 of the unions' concessions, but not the other 6, except all the "give back" were identical!
The man does have a loose screw cause he will not be saving any money.
One comment I heard talked about how he has a conflict of interest in the whole thing because he is a teacher! Well, the teachers will loose people, but HE will get a 3% raise in July.
The children will suffer, under his malevolent guidance.
He is not helping save money at all. He goes after workers, but doesn't touch projects which spend millions (in this case I am talkin' about the waste to energy proposal that was removed because some sensible people stood up to it).
When are we going to get rid of this guy?

Days without pay

2009-05-23T10:26:00.000-04:00

The State of CT and Stamford have taken two very different approaches to handling "furlow" days. The state has certain days that everything will be closed. This last Friday was one, the day after Thanksgiving will be another and I believe the day after Christmas, but I'm not sure about that one. No business will be conducted. State use of cars have been eliminated. I believe the State Health Commissioner gave up his car some months back. Everyone is pitching in to save money.
Stamford will not be closed except for its "normal" Holidays. Furlows can be taken as days or hours and are handled as vacation time, except that the emplyee won't be paid for the time. Only the workers and direct supervisors are affected. Part-time, seasonal, and Appointed staff ,you know the ones with really big salaries, are not affected.
In this case I guess Stamford is the Town that works. Any thoughts?

Double Standards

2009-05-19T14:48:00.000-04:00

Here in the city that's not workin' for us, things have gotten nastier. The board of Finance and Tarzia particularly have approved additional money so that only 13 police will be laid off and still get their raises. I realize that the police are pretty much a bunch of spoiled brats and that the only one who ever took them on was Eposito, who I did NOT like, nor the way he did it), but what is good for one is good for all. The police are not special! Hold that thought, may be they are "special", but what is good for one municipal employee, is good for all. Many times I see the police dragging a social worker with them when they deal with difficult people.
But the BOF, in its infinite wisdom has said that they have a grudge against everyone Else who works for the city. Wait a minute, hold the presses, doesn't Tarzia work for the BOD? The one who is laying off TEACHERS, so everyone else can get a raise? Something is rotten in Stamford.
Tou knew this post was coming, all you lurkers!
Only one person dares to say they are linked to me!

UAW votes in Stamford

2009-05-14T11:40:00.001-04:00

As evry' one knows, I have been very much against what I saw the Board of Finance do to the regular city employees at the budget hearings. the more I hear, the worse it gets.
So last night there was a meeting, the UAW voted to take proposal one to the mayor.
This means that there will be 8.25 furlough days without pay and have no layoffs. The 3% increase exists, but is eliminated by the furlough days.
The kicker to me is that it now comes our that only regular, full-time city employees were targeted. There is no change for part-timers, retirees who came back, appointees or the like. The Mayor's cabinet enjoys a 12% pay increase for the year before (everyone else got 3%).
There is some thing wrong with this man Tarzia.

2 Issues tonight

2009-05-04T22:20:00.000-04:00

The first comes from me third hand, so it is far from verified. Someone I know told me that someone he knows went by the waste-to-energy site today and it was shut down, no longer in operation.
Considering the opposition to the project, I do not doubt this. Any one else know?
The other is that we know the MAA union has agreed to give backs, 7 days of days off without pay. Considering the pay scale, that should not be a problem, next year they still have the 3% increase plus what ever they negotiate for this coming year. Any other unions in the works? I heard the police and fire had a 3% pay hike. How does that work and then they layoff teachers. Couldn't they layoff one assistant to the assistant vice principal at $100,000?
Do not understand this town.
Great new artificial turf covered fields and no teachers????

Ben Barnes, The WPCA and the waste to energy project

2009-04-22T10:46:00.000-04:00

Interesting Editorial on Ben Barnes, The WPCA and the waste to Energy Project today in the Stamford Advocate, It doesn't appear to be online, so I can't reference it for you, but I read it Today.
I have known Ben Barnes awhile and he is mostly a likable fellow, but the report was that he called the people against the WPCA waste to energy project a "lunatic Fringe".
Oops, I think he owes an apology to a lot of people.
Now the group the writer represents, I usually disagree with, but in this case i think they are right on.
I am not an expert in the field, as a matter of fact, I know almost nothing about the subject, but one of my friends who reads this does know a bit about it and he has told me that every attempt to make a project like this work, had failed. Since I know he has worked on something similar, I think he might have some knowledge.
My big deal with this is the amount of money they want us to pay for an experiment. Not at this time, not on my dime and not in this economy. They want to let employees suffer and have us pay for something unproven? I'll only say, forget it.

Mayor's meeting

2009-04-15T15:16:00.000-04:00

Today, the mayor of Stamford met with the employees to talk about the budget.
The low down -
The mayor did not want this, disagreed with it and now has to deal with things that are handed to him.
His budget would have called for a zero % increase, except that the city is responsible for the current underfunding of the pension and that would have come fto a 1.41% increase.
The rest comes from the board of ed (and all those very high paid administrators!) italics are mine!
The board of finance cut the salary account, removing the negotiated extension of the current contract (3%) from that line. They also removed any step increases for newer employees.
Stamford Advocate said you have to make $70,000 per year to live here. I do not think one of these people in that room (the cafeteria) make that much).
The reason for this decision maybe found in a feud between the board of representatives and the board of finance. Apparently the Board of Finance does not have the right to refuse contract negotiations, only recommend or not a negotiated settlement. They did not recommend this extension of the contract, the board of representatives approved it, so they did what they had the power to do, cut the budget to get their way.
I still find the method disgusting, they don't talk to the Unions, they are 3 men who basically said to the board of representatives(I think in Stamford it is 12 people), forget you, we want it our way.
I find this petty at best.
I understand the mayor came across looking very good today.

Living on a prayer

2009-04-13T13:09:00.000-04:00

That's right folks - the same peeps that brought you living on a prayer are slated to come to Stamford at the old Thirsty Turtle site.
No plans filed, but this time I think the rumors are HOT!

Good bye to all the wanna bees, you are all finished!

Bufflo Wild Wings, Bon Jovi, Mary Anns, I think Stamford just got well shaken!

Rumors

2009-04-10T12:59:00.000-04:00

A while ago I read from someone with some misplaced authority that work had stopped at the Trump tower. Of course with the economy, the rumors are back. 4 different sources told me
a) All work had stopped
b)Trump was bankrupt
c) He stopped work every where
d) he was being sued for stopping work in Mexico City.

All these wonderful sources were wrong.

I had a chance to be in my home city, the work was still happening.
I had a chance to see the cranes moving in New York
I see workmen going in and out everyday of the Stamford building.

I have no way of verifying if Trump is bankrupt or not, but with the others not being true, I doubt that one as well.

The source were from people who ought to know, but don't.
Rumors are just that, rumors.

Still Ranting

2009-04-07T14:50:00.000-04:00

About Mr. Tarzia. I realized that one of the responders to this blog noted that the Mill River Greenway is going to take $20 Million and so Tarzia cuts $10 million without talking to unions ahead of time??? Supposedly this targeted an agreed upon 3% raise for July and any civil service step increases. And then MY taxes go up 3% anyway! Cut the stupid greenway money and then we don't have any increase!

Budget and Cuts

2009-04-05T09:34:00.000-04:00

Front page of the Advocate this fine Sunday mornin' talks how the board of finance cut the 3% increase for raises scheduled in July. Yesterday, the school board was talkin' the same cuts and what it would mean.
Now as a tax payer, I don't want to pay any more either, especially in this strange economy.
Why do I call it strange?
Well there is money out there, but businesses are cutting positions and others are raising prices (like at the grocery store, you notice).
The economy appears to be coming back up except of course for jobs and then there are those millions that we are giving to AIG (MY Money!) for bonuses.
So the cost of surviving has gone up (food is survival as far as I am concerned), so I can understand Unions not wanting to negotiated again. Actually when the whole thing started, they did negotiate and agreed to extend the contract another year with out anything else (at least the UAW did). This would mean that any action the city would take to reduce that would be certainly lost in arbitration.
Actually I understand, Joe Tarzia, the master mind of much of this, ranted at a city office support person (not any one with authority) for 20 minutes cause people in a completely different department had not given him info he wanted fast enough, The man has a loose screw.
I do not believe strong arming people is never the answer. The mayor negotiated with the unions and did get a simple extension. That was in good faith. Trazia's thing, however well meaning for us Taxpayers, is not.

Budget Hearings

2009-04-03T13:38:00.000-04:00

or is it Herrings? Well Ms. brown removed the controversial $20 million waste to energy proposal, said it needed more study time, I guess. I still can not find anywhere in this country that this has worked! And someone has told me that they have been working on this for 30 or more years!
There is still the issue of the pyro-glass at the end of the process that will need disposal and how much "Fuel" will this process actually make?
Other wise one entire department (3 people) in the public works or whatever it is called now was eliminated. Sorry for any one who loses a job in this economy.
They did cut a good amount, but we still get a tax increase, UGH!

Volunteer Fire Department

2009-03-28T17:51:00.000-04:00

Okay, I read on a post some where, that i can't find, about the mayors thing about the volunteer fire department. Couldn't understand it, don't think I believed it. Well the budget show that they were cut from $600,000+ to $30,000. He is savin' money in a bad budget year, but it seems like he only wants paid people or an I missing something? Anyone?

Stamford Hospital

2009-02-24T21:55:00.000-05:00

Okay, I am going to get excited! I got a scoop! Stamford Hospitals plans are to extend all the way to the Mill River Park, this from someone who has seen said plans!
ANyone else?

Swimming Pool Regulations

2009-02-20T13:33:00.000-05:00

Boy , I'm good!!
I reported about the swimming pool regulations coming on 12/12/08, is this how it should be done? Today (1/20/2009!) the Stamford Advocate finally talked about residence getting the chance to speak about it. The big issue has to do with fines being levied against home owners who do not meet the new regs. The regs are more stringent than the State Regs and may result in fanes of up to $200 per day. The article is not available on line that I can find. 7:oo PM, Monday, March 2nd.

Other news, after years of fighting it, the Health Department will be publishing inspection scores, similar to the way Farmington and Norwalk currently do. Bravo!

Malloy on FOX news

2009-02-16T22:33:00.000-05:00

Yes, today and he did a good job of handling the commentator who was trying to get him to say all the money he was asking for was for one artificial field. Not always a fan, but when some one takes on FOX news and comes out on the high side, I will hand him a rose!

AIDS program

2009-02-15T10:51:00.000-05:00

So the other days news was on the large cuts in the Federal and State budgets for the support network that exists for people with HIV and AIDS. The reality is that this program keep getting cut, almost every year. Those who work in the departments have made significant sacrifices every year to continue providing services and testing, intervention and prevention.
I think the saddest thing is I believe the cuts target this group of individuals because people believe that some how these people are responsible for contracting HIV and somehow deserve to get AIDS and so it is their fault and why should we support them.
In one sense they are right, there was behavior that allowed it to happen, but the other way of looking at it is that the rest of us where just plain lucky. AIDS is still not curable and is a long wasting disease that would tax resources no matter what.
The attempt at education and counseling and intervention is highly needed and this group of people is no different than any other that is targeted for discrimination.

As the pension fund turns!

2009-01-31T08:50:00.000-05:00

On the 18th of this month, there was a rather inflammatory article in the Advocate on the city pension fund. It basically said that like everyone else, the pension fund lost millions in the current economic down turn. It then went on to say that IF the pension became underfunded (something that has not happen yet), the city and its taxpayers are obligated to put money into the fund by contract. Tarzia had lots to say as usual, but he never is the fiscal watchdog he claims he is or it would not have taken him more than six months to get his mouth working. The biggest culprit was the firefighters fund, which accounted for a third of the loss. The mayor stuck up for the rest of the classified employees fund saying the loss in that fund was not significant. What is going on here really???? Is this going to be the next contract fight? Or are firefighters going to be put under the microscope? Stay tuned for more fun(d) (pun intended) as we see what happens to the economy.

Beach Closure meeting

2009-01-13T12:22:00.000-05:00

There is a beach closure meeting scheduled in Stamford on January 22, 2009. I do not have the agenda nor the location, but it appears to be a governmental meeting between the USEPA and the city with the state looking on. The Health Department has been invited, will Josh Polur, the sanitarian who does all the leg work on the beaches and Joe Kuntz, the lab person who has done mountains of research and has not only been instrumental in the setting the beach closure policy for the city, but also the state and influence the USGS and the USEPA on their current programs be there???? Stay tuned for more info.

Sewage Fuel

2009-01-09T16:14:00.000-05:00

Okay, its been awhile and I have been sittin' on this post a bit. Stamford successfully managed to get a grant to turn dry sewage sludge into fuel, they have this guy workin' on a pilot plant daily, it seems to work. The sad news is CT statues will not let us use it! I guess they are afraid of recycling poo. It has to be sold somewhere significantly out of state (not New york or New Jersey or Massachucetts. New York makes a very high quality sludge fuel and saddly ours doesn'y quite measure up. This of course means that we will need to have pay someone to take it off of our hands and use it or bury it. What a waste!

Snow removal

2009-01-05T10:35:00.000-05:00

I have a few minutes before going to work and I thought about snow removal.
Why back when Stan Esposito was mayor, Mike Pavia was running the office of pubic works. There was a big fight between him and the highways person (who I can't remember the name) over the policy of clear plowing the roads. The actual issue was whether to use just plow and salt or to use plow, sand and salt. One would clear the roads to black pavement (and possibly black ice), the other would give more traction, but would leave the roads 'unkempt' looking. There was a cost concern - sand was cheaper, but resulted in needing to clean out storm drains after the winter more often. I bring this up, because it looks like both sides lost. I do not see sand on city streets, but neither are they plowed to perfection and heavily salted. I realize there is also a temperature consideration in all of this, but I do not know it and if the really low temperatures are to blame or if cost saving is to blame.

Why is this allowed?

2008-12-29T14:31:00.000-05:00

Today was a day unlike many when the weather is nice and I was out and about walking during my short lunch. I often happen behind Il' Falco on my way to Target and almost alway find that the back door to the kitchen is open. Would not be so bad, but there is NO screen! It doesn't even look like it has a place for one. Now Il' Falco suposedly has good food, but I do not think I would ever want to eat there thinking about what is coming in the door. The Health Department doesn't seem interested, I called about it years ago and well it's still open! This is another example of things that are broken just like 'On Stamford" wrote about the speed monitors in this place that may or may not work.

well it is Christmas

2008-12-24T12:25:00.000-05:00

Well nothing to say 'cept merry christmas!
More posts on the interesting things that happen in the strange and unusual "City that works!"
And remeber if you find a city worker that is, the limit on gift's value is $50.00!

Bogging

2008-12-22T14:13:00.000-05:00

At first I thought this would easy and I would certainly get a local following, but i realize, lookin' at the blogs I follow, that you get comments if you are funny or tragic, I am neither, so I should expect no comments. I have also carefully kept my profile fairly inconspicuous, so no one is going to try to be my friend either. I am neither republican or democrate, but find the ways this city work (or not) interesting. An example of a conversation I heard the other day. It had to do with a public works project which had been budgeted for $300,000, but would cost $600,000 to finish. The conversation went something like this:
Person 1: "So with that shortfall how is the project going to get finished?"
person 2: "We'll get the rest of it anyway."
Person 1: "you going through the boards?"
Person 2: "No, but we'll get it."
I know this sounds simple, but it really underminds the whole way the friggin' governemnt is set up. No true review or oversight by the boards to see how money is spent (not that I think the boards are right by funding half of a project, but that is another story) and obviously there is $300,000 that is being set aside for something else that will be delayed or was never needed. I have seen a copy of the budget and the thought of all of this is frightening.

Good Things

2008-12-20T16:38:00.000-05:00

Not everything I post will be criticizin' things in this small town, tryin' to grow up town, Stamford. One of the very bright spots has been garbage and recycling. I know the Tarzia faction wanted to make a big deal about the new trash cans and the elimination of backyard pick-up, but I like the new cans and they are easier to work with for me. I also could newr understand the frevor over backyard pick-up. I mean really, for many people (me included) it didn't happem anyway. Yes to get my garbage picked up I had to hail my cans out to the street, the guys would not come in my fenced area to get the garbage. And believe it or not I was glad they didn't invade my privacy at 6 in the morning or earlier. The other portion of this was recycling and I knew it was a private company and they were difficult, not coming when they were suppose to and picking up half the street and not the other. That changed sometime ago and it is now city worker who do the recycling and since then I have not had a problem. I also know that the public works, excuse me, the 'office of operations', suffer regularly when it come s to layoffs in the city work force and this redistribution of workers did a really good thing (I hate the thought of people getting laid off who have helped me in some way) in all ways concerned.

Mill River Greenway

2008-12-18T09:43:00.000-05:00

Just got my newist request for donation in the mail, from the friggin' people who are goin to redo the Mill River Park! Now I do not feel that it is a bad thing to redo the park, however there were a few surprises.
1) 40% of the cost WILL BE TAXPAYER MONEY!
2) Since they are soliciting donations, that means they DON'T have the other 60%!
3) Their proposed start has been delayed because one of the contractors who bid is challanging the who was rewarded the contract.

Okay, I actually like the park, hate the dam and would love to see a real walk/bike way along side the river. This of course should be conected to the northern extention so we could actually do some real biking in the area. I have absolutely no opinion on the trees. To me they are beautiful in the spring and wouldn't know a diseased tree from a healthy; an old tree from a young one.

On the other hand, I don't thnk the economy warrents spending money for these kind of improvewments right now. Do you think we could wait a year or two?

Did you know?

2008-12-17T09:43:00.000-05:00

Writing with out knowing you are being read is a drag, but I promised msyelf to do it" just in case" some one one day shows an interest.
Today's Topic - The sewage treatment plant is close to earning a Million dollars in nitrogen credits this year - what is going to happen with that money? Will it reduce our "Water use tax"?
I hate the way the treatment plant set itself up, but it really is no different than the water co., which many municipalities run themselves also (not in CT) and we all allowed it in a charter change a few years ago.

illegals and housing

2008-12-15T20:58:00.001-05:00

Saw today that the Day workers got a party. Now before igot any further being and Day worker does NOT make you an illegal. I saw enough on the blogs to know that hte general flavor among the blogger's in Stamford at least is fairly positive. They fill a nitch that no one will fill an there are a lot of immigrants for a lot of countries. Now to the point, everyone knows rents are outrageos and so to save money housing is really full. I mean there are 3 maybe 4 gfuys to a room, or a whole family to a room. Then there are the housing ordinances, which specify how much space a person needs in a room. Who is there to enforce these ordinances? There was a task force that was composed of health, fire, police and social workers, but I think that is cut out because of budget cuts. How many times have you seen cutains in a cellar (one with no access 'cept through the house)? Or actually seen people living in one? I have countless times. I just think, a fire in the house would kill them, but to provide enforcement of these ordinaces, we need to have a budget that will support overtime and that means I have to pay more taxes, which basically support the quality of life of these lower income people. I am in a quandry.

Residency reward

2008-12-14T17:11:00.000-05:00

I followed in the Advocate that new recruits for the police will be given points for residency? I realize that the majority of the city workers are residents and always thought that was a good thing and thought that the 'old guard' police who were Stamford residents were excellent. I can't find the info in the archive now. Was I seeing things?

Your choice

2008-12-13T08:31:00.000-05:00

Citizen's services? How many people have used the citizen services Department/complaint registration?
I have used the website and had a mixed bag. 1) the website doesn't seem to have all the choices I think I need and sometimes I do not know the department that is in charge. Barrin' that, I have had excellent results filling nasty pot holes and removing debris and abandoned cars. Anyone else?

Is this how it should be done?

2008-12-12T11:20:00.000-05:00

Gotta scoop that the Building department is reviewing new regs on PRIVATE swimming pools. Yes we know that the great cumbersome health department tries to regulate all pubic pools (clubs, health clubs, condo's, hotels and hospitals), but it appears that the Building department is looking to raise money by implementing the exact same regs for Private pools. We know there are the traditional regs on construction, but this seems to be more emcompassing and they aren't going to let anyone know about it unti pool season opens Of cource, I do not know all tyhe details , but I'll bet the mayor's office will have its hands full next summer.

Restaurants?

2008-12-11T16:06:00.000-05:00

How many Restaurants can Stamford support? I mean we have many and more are closing all the time and everyone wants to put in another restaurant? Stamford Talk set something up about Sabatello's, but I am going to agree with the dissenter, why a restaurant? Why not try to make the area a bit more boutique like? I like cool shops and the place isn't that big, even with the upstairs. Anyway I am just mouthing off, which may be the tne of this blog.