West Shore Fire District Blog

Thanks to WSFDFF, a new blog has been created called West Shore Fire District which will be devoted to explaining the workings of the West Shore Fire District.

We've gotten a bit off topic here on Lower West Haven Taxes; while the Fire Consolidation is one potential help to tax relief, it's only one segment of a broad spectrum of possible changes.

In my sleep-deprived state at the end of last week, I let some posts go through that I now regret, as they seem to have 'fanned the flames'. Many will notice that I have not posted their comments from this past weekend. In doing so, it's not because I'm trying to limit perspective - I'd say that there were equal numbers of posts on both sides of the issues that I haven't put through. Instead, I've decided that posts that are either inflamatory, attacks, or overly defensive aren't going to be posted. We should be discussing ideas, not attacking each other.

Additionally, for the Fire Consolidation Good/Bad areas, if the posts were discussing the ideas, I'd like to ask you to hold off on that post until we get to the Discussion post that I promised later this week. We're a few posts short in that area, though, and I'd like to see more in the Good/Bad first.

I have some other news topics that I'll soon be blogging about - while I welcome additional discussion about the fire consolidation under the appropriate topics, I really want to see both sides act with respect. There is no need to be outraged on either side here. While we are discussing topics that are near and dear to our hearts, we can still try to keep an open mind, and assume the best intentions in all posts, as opposed to thinking everything 'is fighting words'. Let's educate each other instead of being 'morally outraged'.

Short Break until next week

Hi All -

Just wanted to make certain that you all don't think that I've deserted you, but I'll have some limited availabity until next week. That little thing called work is going to take up a good portion of my time, and take me out of town for a bit.

I'll try to check in tomorrow (Friday) for a bit, if I can -- if not, keep the ideas on the Fire Districts coming, both for and against... and I'll roll up more of the thoughts.

Then, later next week we can get down to the work of discussing those ideas.

Why Our Readers Feel Fire District Consolidation is Bad.

PLEASE READ BEFORE COMMENTING:
We're trying something new. Please post comments to this blog entry as to why you think Consolidation would be a bad thing for West Haven. (I've also added some posts from others - my apologies if I haven't attributed these ideas properly.)

You'll notice that we've set up a separate blog post for "Why Our Readers Feel Fire District Consolidation is Good."

Unless you can show that something is flat-out untrue, please do not argue points in these comments as they will not be posted. In comments to this entry, only post your thoughts on why consolidation is bad. I will pull these entries up into the main post.

Once we have compiled a list of thoughts on why Good and why Bad, we will start a new topic entitled "Weighing the Pros & Cons of Fire District Consolidation" to discuss and debate both sides of the issue, and hopefully to come away with a better understanding of the issues.

Summary of Points in Comments:

• BAD: Response times would increase should firehouses be closed.
• BAD: Should City Hall be in charge of the fire departments, taxes may be unfairly attributed to fire district consolidation.
• BAD: Should fire houses be closed, people would likely lose jobs.
• BAD: City has had a hard time managing its own finances; should they mis-manage fire department finances, it could mean people's lives, not just their homes and livlihoods.
• BAD: Previous studies have shown no significant cost savings and no improvement in service by consolidation.
• BAD: Consolidation will move control directly from taxpayers to City Council.
• BAD: Consolidation would create a huge incase in pension costs as longtime firefighters would retire en masse ahead of consolidation.
  

Why Our Readers Feel Fire District Consolidation is Good.

PLEASE READ BEFORE COMMENTING:
We're trying something new. Please post comments to this blog entry as to why you think Consolidation would be a good thing for West Haven. (I've also added some posts from others - my apologies if I haven't attributed these ideas properly.)

You'll notice that we've set up a separate blog post for "Why Our Readers Feel Fire District Consolidation is Bad."

Unless you can show that something is flat-out untrue, please do not argue points in these comments as they will not be posted. In comments to this entry, only post your thoughts on why consolidation is good. I will pull these entries up into the main post.

Once we have compiled a list of thoughts on why Good and why Bad, we will start a new topic entitled "Weighing the Pros & Cons of Fire District Consolidation" to discuss and debate both sides of the issue, and hopefully to come away with a better understanding of the issues.

Summary of Points in Comments:

• GOOD: Less salaries as some roles (such as fire chiefs, secretaries, fire inspectors) may be able to be consolidated.
• GOOD: Less higher end administration may mean a reduction of the high end pensions.
• GOOD: Some functions (such as legal advisement) could be covered under City contracts at no additional cost to the fire budget.
  

And now, for something different

I came up with an idea this morning. What if I create two blog entries:

• Why Our Readers Feel Fire District Consolidation is Good.
  
  
• Why Our Readers Feel Fire District Consolidation is Bad.

Then, under each of those posts, readers can explain their thoughts on the topic. I'll then pull the 'talking points' up into the main post.

My thought is that in the arguing back and forth, we're losing the points (good or bad) that people are trying to make.

Then, after we've put our points into the two topics, I'll create a new entry:

• Weighing the Pros & Cons of Fire District Consolidation
  

Where we can discuss each side's ideas, and try to come up with points we BOTH can agree on.

What do you think? Worthwhile? Or should I just create the Weighing the Pros & Cons of Fire District Consolidation?

Long Island Sound Stewardship Act awaits President's Signature; Sandy Point in West Haven named as stewardship site

According to an article in today's Westport News, Sandy Point in West Haven is named as one of the stewardship sites that would benefit from the $25 million of federal funding. However, the Long Sound Stewardship Act still must be signed by President Bush.

According to the article:

It is a bill authorizing $25 million in federal funding annually to further the goals of an initiative that includes purchasing land and development rights to properties along the Sound.

(...)

Linked to the Senate action, environmental officials from Connecticut, New York and the federal government have agreed to designate 33 areas along the Sound's coastline as ecological or recreational assets needing restoration, protection and research -- with 17 of them in Connecticut. They have established a committee to oversee spending $6 million to restore coastal and river habitats on both sides of the Sound.

The surprising wording above is about the "purchasing land and development rights" - I'm not certain that applies to Sandy Beach, but instead to private properties which the are to be designated as stewardship sites.

Latricrete International ... possibly coming to West Haven?

... ok, it's a long shot, and depends upon Bethany not keeping the manufacturer of ceramic tile and stone installation systems who has been doing business there for 50 years. Basically, a proposal to offer competitive tax incentives to area businesses has been proposed in a unanimous vote by the Board of Selectman; ultimately this must be approved at a town meeting, and the Board of Finance must approve the incentives on a business by business basis, which I suspect it is likely to do for a business of this longevity.

However, Laticrete is/was looking at West Haven as an alternative. From an Orange Bulletin article:

"Laticrete came to me because it wanted to expand and was looking at other areas specifically the Bayer site in West Haven and Progress Industrial Park in Waterbury because those sites are close to major highways," [First Selectwoman Derrylyn] Gorski said.

"Those towns were offering them tax incentives of a 50 percent abatement for five years. We're offering them 30 percent for five years," Gorski said explaining she was able to offer less because those municipalities have a higher mill rate than Bethany has.

Gorski said Latricrete International, a company that has been doing business in Bethany for 50 years, has proposed a $12 million expansion.

Gorski said the ultimate decision on the tax abatement rests with the Board of Finance but she would like to see the maximum benefit allowed by state statute of 50 percent be offered to allow Bethany to compete with other towns.

There's another interesting point in the article, also made by First Selectwoman Gorski:

Gorski said businesses do not increase the level of services the town must offer.
"Businesses use virtually no services. Residents get curbside pick-up but businesses don't," Gorski said as an example.

Gingsburg West River Crossing presentation not made; Picard to visit Haverstraw; City Council reconsidering West River Cross Project

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend last evening's City Council meeting, which accord to today's New Haven Register article entitled "Restless W. Haven taxpayers wonder: 'Why so many Obstacles?'" was attended by 133 people, crowded into the little City Hall meeting room. Therefore, the discussion below is second hand, and I invite anyone who was there to add to the comments, and I'll pull them up into the top level of the post, if they help enlighten us about the meeting.

Residents who attended the meeting were very interested in hearing what Ginsburg and West River Crossing LLC (who have a tentative partnership agreement) had to say about his plan for developing a $225 million housing project in West River Crossing. However, the slideshow that Ginsberg had prepared was not seen, as apparently the City Council had previously contacted the presenters, suggesting an appropriate time for a presentation, other than the City Council meeting. It's not clear if that presentation would have been in a public forum.

In fact, it's not clear who said what. The article says that City Council Chairwoman Martha Bell (who apparently ran the public comments portion of the meeting, which Mayor Picard was unable to attend) had "... firmly [warned] Centore that she had notified him beforehand they’d set up an appropriate time for a presentation". According to Centore:

... Centore said he’s tried to secure a presentation with several city officials of whom only Bell responded with a letter inviting the developers to speak at Tuesday’s public session. According to the Sept. 19 letter, Bell didn’t note any limitations.

Mayor Picard is apparently "skeptical of the proposed presentation since neither Ginsburg nor West River Crossing was officially invited to give a formal presentation." However, the article states his intention to visit Haverstraw- and that can't be a bad thing.

According to the article:

Consequently, Mayor John M. Picard’s administration has stepped back to reassess and ensure the city’s future site plans revolve around a "smart-growth" project that includes mixed retail, commercial and housing use. Many taxpayers consider this pre-planning plan lost opportunities while the city’s taxes are more than the average homeowner can bear.

Even before reading this article and the plans of Mayor Picard's administration, I'm a proponent of the type of 'smart growth' mentioned. I believe that building high end housing won't work if there isn't an infrastruture to support it.

However, I'm concerned that we've already spent a lot of time and money on this project - can't we capitalize on any of the research already conducted?

City Planning and Development Commissioner Eileen Buckheit also indicated that Ginsburg was welcome to look to private property owners for other areas to develop in the city, and stated:

"The administration is going down a different road ... of proper planning and acquiring of parcels (while) working with the state of Connecticut to develop a viable development parcel," she said. "If this were happening next October, we’d have something to talk about."

This statement in the article was alarming:

Centore and Pinto, better known as West River Crossing LLC, were previously working with the city to attract United Illuminating Co. to a site along New Haven Harbor when the pre-development agreement expired without tangible progress.

The part that concerns me is whether or not the UI deal is contingent upon West River Crossing, LLC. Previous articles didn't mention the connection of the UI deal to Centore and Pinto - as this is a $4 million deal for us, I truly hope that while West River Crossing, LLC was involved in the discussions, that the UI deal is indendent of West River Crossing's involvement, as it is a fantastic opportunity for West Haven.

A note to the firefighters (and everyone else) who read this blog...

Given the recent bitter comments, I think it's quite possible that you've mistaken questions about the structure of the fire districts with the author of this blog being negative about our fire departments and/or fire fighters.

That couldn't be further from the truth, as I have a great respect for those who help others. I also understand that there is a great deal of danger involved in the job that you do, and I appreciate that you do it so that I do not have to.

I should remind our readers as well that all opinions expressed on this blog are not my own - some are that of readers of the blog. In those instances, there will be another name other than 'West Haven Taxpayer' associated with the comments, or will be quoted in my posts, which will look like this:

quoted words - these are not my own

or will have quotation marks around the words like "this". When I quote others, I try to be very careful to attribute the words to the person that has said them, and to indicate the source.

I've been very clear when I do not have the full picture, and I've asked for additional information. Remember, this blog started as my journey to better understand our tax situation, try to find solutions, and to learn about the local government system. I want your comments, suggestions, and to be set straight when I don't have all the facts. My intent is not to "spread lies", but instead to find out the reality of situations -- and to help others in this town understand the facts as well.

You'll see that I update articles when I have more facts. You may need to refresh your browser in order to see the updates. To do so, hold down the control key, and press F5. Alternatively, you can hold down the control key and click on the 'refresh' or 'reload' button (the name of the button varies by browser). The control key will (in most cases) force a reload of the page, instead of reading from your local cache.

The incredible lack of online information available to the tax payers of this town about the fire districts is very frustrating - the internet is a very inexpensive way of disseminating information. I will really applaud the West Shore fire department if they revamp their website, and put more information to help the taxpayers understand. I understand that is their intention, and I think it is a good one!

I invite ANYONE who has good sources of information to post them in a comment to me. I particularly invite those involved with the West Haven fire department to post your comments about the structure of the fire districts, and why you feel consolidation would hurt us. If it seems like a good new topic, you'll see your comment (attributed to you, or if you'd prefer, to an 'anonymous reader' - just let me know) as a new topic.

I ask everyone to NOT confuse this blog with the West Haven Taxpayer Initiative, with the Fire District Consolidation group, etc. I've seen a lot of speculation of who I am. Trust me, you probably don't know me - I'm literally one human being, and I have no political agenda or ambitions. Besides the fact that this is not about me, if you'd seen some of the comments that will never make it out to the blog, you'd understand why I have no interest in revealing my identity. I just want to better understand what we can do to make West Haven a better place to live, with reasonable taxes, and continuation of current good services, and better services that need improvement.

Tom Conroy offers a few suggestions on the West Haven Voice

Tom Conroy, in a letter to the editor of the West Haven Voice, has offered some suggestions to save property taxes.

First, to summarize (I urge you to read the full letter as I have made this very brief):

• increase the minimum amount of property required to build to 1.5 acres, or eliminate the ability to build new single family homes, as he feels single family homes crowded into properties are a drain on services.
  
• move the train station to Morgan lane, after leveling the Sikorsky building, and add a convenience store and a Dunkin Donuts.
• Buy the property on Prindle Hill (?) and make a 9 hole golf course.
• Instead of buying the Masonic Temple, build a new high school by the Nike site next to the new soccer fields, and instead of revamping city hall, move it to the existing high school, and put the art center in the existing city hall.
• rebuild the area along the shoreline to be full of little cafes and specialty shops, like Mystic Seaport (?)
  

I applaud Mr. Conroy for taking the right attitude of looking for solutions ... but I think there is a few problems with some of his statements and his plans.

First - While I do agree that I'd like to see zoning regulations improve the size of building lots (there's one going up on Ocean Avenue that is absolutely sandwiched between two other homes), property taxes on land are much less than property taxes on homes.... which is another way of saying that houses bring in taxes, while vacant property does not. I think that there is a different value to open land, though, and I still think that the zoning should change.

In regard to this statement in his letter:

I have yet to hear one person explain where economic development is coming from a train station. We are taking buildings off the tax rolls (does anyone who owns or is selling these properties?) to build a building that will not pay taxes.

Wow, I think that the train station is absolutely mandatory. Right now, commuters to New York must go into Milford to get to the city - it's a slow and awkward commute, even from those on the Milford border. As I've mentioned previously, New Yorker commuters have been eyeing shore front property as more affordable than properties closer to the city. If you want to be able to create a higher end development, you need the infrastructure to make it happen - I think that the railroad is crutial to that.

Next - in regard to the building properties being taken off the tax rolls - the reason that Stop & Shop wanted that location was because of the proximity to the new train station. I fully expect that the Armstrong building will also have a new life, full of shops should the railroad station be built. It is a great location in proximity to the highway, and to downtown, and to the beaches. I wouldn't be surprised to see a local bus hub be placed there as well!

I think that the commuter lines could easily revitalize West Haven... imagine a downtown where people commute TO West Haven!

The number of shuffles in Mr. Conroy's plan are not simple ones - moving city hall would be a major undertaking... just ask the Police Department what it cost for them to move. There are many logistics, and infrastructure changes, not to mention reconfiguration and revamping of the buildings once they left...

Regarding the property on Prindle Hill... I really have a hard time with the idea of taking that land by eminent domain for the name of economic development. I strongly disagree with the ruling in New London - I think that eminent domain should exist only when there are no other solutions for city-based services, not for the case of building commercial enterprises.

Also, in looking at Google Maps, isn't this the land alongside the Latella's farm? The land is a very steep hill. A 9 hole course doesn't attract the real golfers, who want a full 18 holes, along with luxury housing. The Google Map indicates that there is a U.S. Military Reservation in the midst of it, as well.. but perhaps that is outdated.

I think we have to be careful about how we develop our shoreline. The State is giving us money to keep it as open space, from what I gather, and we've already made some serious mistakes in how we've put it together even now.

In speaking with another resident, we were discussing how the end of Campbell Avenue really should have been a gateway into the beachfront, instead of the entryway into Adams... there's no link between Campbell and the beach, and it's part of the problem.

So, I've said my piece - what do the other readers here think?

[note: Thanks to TheTruth who pointed out my mistake in the first name of Mr. Conroy - no offense was meant - it's just been a very long day]

Columbus Day Parade not particularly Italian or Columbus-related

I attended the Columbus Day parade on Sunday; it was a beautiful day, and a nice parade, well attended, and a nice showing of communities in the Greater New Haven area. It showed the diversity of the area, and as best I know, went off without incident (outside of the fact that the Allingtown fire department had to leave part way through the parade for a call).

I had a few concerns, though:

• There was a decided lack of Columbus-related floats. In fact, I counted two.
  
  
• I felt that the politicians who marched and blared their political messages marred the day - this was supposed to be a celebration, not a political statement.
  
  
• I wonder how much this cost the West Haven taxpayers?
  

6 to be promoted in West Shore Fire Department

The New Haven Register reports "Burns, 5 others to be honored" in West Shore Fire District's largest-ever promotional ceremony to be held on Sunday at 10:30 am outside district headquarters at 860 Ocean Avenue, with a reception at the Italian American club to follow. The following department members are to be honored:

Fire Chief Harold C. Burns
Deputy Chief Clifford T. Burns
Assistant Chief David A. Collins
Administrative Capt. Gary N. Bloomquist
Capt. Daniel P. Potter
Lt. Glen J. Murray

While I expect that with promotions, comes raises - does anyone know if this was part of the citizen approved West Shore budget? I must plead ignorance in terms of knowledge of the budget and whether or not said promotions are deserved; unfortunately, information is less available for the fire departments than even for the city.

On the other hand, the article spoke of Harold C. Burns vision and plans for the department, including a committee to update the district's web site to "better serve the public". I'd settle for better informing the public, but maybe I'm just mincing words.

Parts of the article was fairly abstract but sounded good, such as the statement attributed to Fire Chief Burns: "The team will specifically incorporate enhanced technology, training and communications to make the department cost-effective and extremely efficient."

But there were two statements that made me think: 'huh????':

• "Clifford T. Burns, a former assistant chief, will concentrate initial efforts on assisting economic development projects along Sawmill Road toward a timely completion."
  
  Why is the West Shore fire department involved in economic development projects on Saw Mill Road??? [UPDATE: It has been relayed to me what Clifford Burns will be involved in is overseeing building inspections to make certain development projects are up to fire code - this makes INFINITELY more sense to me now - thanks for the clarification from Slappy].
  
  
• "Collins, a certified fire instructor in Connecticut, is charged with upgrading the department’s volunteer training program."
  
  Volunteer training program? Aren't we paying for permanent fire department positions?? [UPDATE: Reader WSFDFF wrote to me to explain:
  
  All 3 districts have a volunteer department that suplement the career firefighters. This is nothing new and in fact quite common. That is the reason we fall under the classification of a "combination department"!
  
  From your moniker, I assume that you are with the West Haven Fire Department, and I thank you for your explanation. I'd like to learn more about how our fire department is set up - is there a place online where I can get that information?]
  

Maybe it's just my lack of knowledge about the current fire department system, but those are fairly strange statements to me, at least. [Update - things are making more sense to me now - but I'd really like to learn more... keep the comments coming, please!]

The article is summed up with Fire Chief Burns talking about creating cost-effective and progressive service, as well as stating

"During my tenure as chief, I intend to be open, accessible and willing to listen to the concerns of firefighters and the residents"

I guess we'll see how it goes - it sounds good - but as one of those who are paying for the party on Sunday, I guess I feel like the jury is still out.

[UPDATE: Reader WSFDFF also set me straight here -- the taxpayers aren't paying for Sunday's event -- instead, the firefighters pay for it out of pocket. Thank you for the clarification - it would be nice if that information was put forth by the newspaper! Maybe someone ought to write a letter to the editor to explain...]

Nearly $17,400 sought from Bomb Hoax Participants

(As an aside, I first heard about this today on the news on WFSB, but I'll be darned if I could find it on their site. I did find a New Haven Register article entitled "Restitution sought for bomb hoaxes". )

Someone is listening and understanding; West Haven taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for the actions of a few. The Board of Education and West Haven Police Department are jointly going to seek $17,398.90 to cover the costs of emergency personnel ($8149.95) and the lost revenues from West Haven Food services, and the extra bus service from Winkle Bus Company ($9248.95) from the 16 students who have been accused of creating the three bomb scare hoaxes late last month. Of these students, 13 student juvenilles and 18 year old WHHS graduate Thomas Griffin have been arrested and charged with felonies; two more student juvenilles are expected to turn themselves in today, and will likely face felony charges.

Our police chief, Ronald Quagliani, is quoted in the article:

"I can’t drive it home enough that the taxpayers of the community should not have to pay for the criminal activities of these individuals. That is why we are seeking restitution."

Thank you, Police Chief Quagliani - clearly you get the big picture.

West River Crossing Meeting on Tuesday

Accord to the West Haven Voice,

Tuesday (I assume this is October 10)
7 pm
Harriet North meeting room

the City Council will meet with West River Crossing LLC, as well as New York-based Ginsberg Development Corporation (who developed Haverstraw, NY), who reportedly has a join venture agreement with West River Crossing LLC.

Apparently, there is a two page advertisement (which isn't in the online version, which is what I read) that is trying to drum up support for the meeting.

It sounds like there are lots of politics going on; West River Crossing, LLC was originally the devloper pegged for the project, but that was rescinded by the current administration, who apparently wants to put the project out to bid. Carlo Centore, who runs West River Crossing, LLC, has been trying to at least be able to present his ideas to the city council, and this looks like it will be his chance.

The most interesting part of the article (to me) is the last paragraph:

If the council allows the firm to come back in as the preferred developer, it would be able get things in motion almost immediately, according to Centore. The project that they have planned would be very expensive townhouses along the harbor. They could bring and estimated $12 million yearly in new taxes. If the project goes back out to bid, both sides agree it will set the project back another 2-3 years.

$12 million in tax revenue is, of course, very tempting. However, I've voiced my concerns previously- high end housing requires services and ammenities that high end owners will expect. Most concerning, is that the riverfront is currently one of the less favorable waterfront districts of West Haven, with views of the gas depot, and the highway. There is a LOT of work tht would have to be done to clean up the area in order to attract the high end crowd, and crime would have to be reduced.

Easy transportation to NYC for commuters has to be put in place, and the train station project isn't yet fully funding, and won't start construction for several years yet. A ferry service to Long Island might be needed as well. Believe it or not ,but the coastline of West Haven is starting to be considered the most affordable for the NYC set who is looking for a home in the country. I know of real estate agents who place ads in NYC papers for waterfront property -- and who are getting bites.

There has to be sufficient marina resources, too - high end housing on the water requires places for the rich to play. That's a business that might bring some new business revenue to the area -- and should be acccounted for. Thankfully, New Haven has a fashionable theatre district, but I'd like to see our arts council come alive, too. The Milford boutiques would appeal to the high end crowd -- but wouldn't it be nice to have them in West Haven, too?

This isn't going to be a quick fix, and it won't happen overnight -- but if it can all be pulled together, and timed properly, it would be a HUGE asset in the long term. Remember, the delays on the work on Sawmill Road? It's my understanding that a large part of the delay was because the highway work was delayed - why open a hotel, restaurant or store, when the infrastructure needed is still years off - so it waited. The highway project is nearing completion... and so is Walmart, and Texas Roadside Grill, with the hotel work not far behind.

So let's hope that this is considered a LONG term fix (and I think we might be longer than a 5 year plan)... and let's hope that it's one long term vision that will help bring life back to this town.

"Lower West Haven Taxes in the News Again - in the 'Dear Felicia' gossip column!

Well, this has been the most amusing mention of all - we've been mentioned in the West Haven Voice, under the 'Dear Felicia' column. Known for being the "insider's" column about politics in West Haven, "Cobina" has this one wrong... based on what is being said, "she" clearly doesn't know who I am.

The column seems to make the same mistakes that many new readers had; thinking that everything is written by one poster who they say this about:

.... the guy behind the blog is the same guy who clogged up our emails wantin’ to find things out, but when he didn’t hear whot he wanted, he began with personal attacks. Then when he was given same, complained about how we were being mean. Some people yew can reason with, some people jest have reason to be unreasonable.

Wrong. I've never complained to the Voice about ANYTHING, let alone make personal attacks. In fact, I think Cobina and Bill Riccio would be very surprised to find out who I am. Sorry, Bill, but when Cobina says:

... it’s short on facks and long on innuendo. Actually, it’s like the ol’ sayin, “I’ve got my mind made up, don’t confuse me with the facts.”

"she" should look in the mirror - you've pegged the wrong person.

I can't tell you if the person you have in mind is one of the readers and commenters -- that person MIGHT be one of the posters. I truely have no idea if that is the case, because the posters are anonymous (many fear political retaliation), plus I have no idea of whom you refer to. However, I can assure you that you're pegging the 'blame' for the blog on the wrong person.

It would be FANTASTIC if Cobina, Bill Riccio, Chuck Marino, or WHOEVER from the Voice wouild come up here and present facts, and explain where you have think we have it wrong. I *want* facts for this blog. As it says in my bio:

I am a West Haven, CT resident, who shall remain nameless. While I am registered as a Republican, I'm NOT a partisan voter, and vote with my conscience. I do not represent any political concern, but instead am interested in trying to understand the politics of West Haven from a layman's perspective. Where I can, I'm trying to separate the fact from the fiction - please DO contact me to let me know if I have my facts wrong, and point me to the sources that I can use to correct my mistakes.

I mean it - if there are things that are incorrect, let me know - either by posting a response, or by email to westhaventaxes@yahoo.com . I'm more than happy to discuss ANY of the postings here, either on or off the record, as well as other people's concerns, either about the good or the bad being done here. The only thing that you won't get from me is my identity. It's not about me... it's about the town.

State Governor Candidates have different Tax Relief Strategies

There's pertinent tax discussion at the state level in today's New Haven Register, in the article entitled "DeStefano promises tax breaks". In the article, there are strategies from both the sitting Governor Rell (R) and John DeStefano (D) (who is currently the mayor of New Haven, but who is running for Governor). I am not going to openly endorse either, but present the strategies here for discussion.

DeStefano:
Phase I ($455 million cost):

• property tax freeze to 2006 rates for seniors 65 and older whose annual income is $46,000 or less for a single person or $54,000 or less for a couple living together. Towns to be reimbursed for lost revenue.
  
• $1,000 property tax rebate when middle-class residents file their state income tax.
• Immediate elimination of the tax on manufacturing equipment, which is now being phased out.
• paid by millionaire's tax, surplus funds, temporary surcharge on real estate conveyance tax.

Phase II:

• paid by government reorganization and tightening up bonding
• $10,000 property tax credit for small businesses
• homestead and car tax exemptions
• boost in state education foundation grant
• fully funded payments to towns with high amounts of tax-exempt property (I assume that this is to replace the current STARR program, which reimburses 70% of taxes from universities, hospitals, etc., and this would affect us, with UNH and the Veteren's hospital being on site).

Also of interest from the article:

DeStefano, New Haven’s six-term mayor, has advocated for major property tax reform by making the state a fuller partner in support of education funding. Connecticut now is the most dependent state in the country on funding K-12 education through property taxes.

"Our dependence on bad property tax policy is not only costing us jobs and home ownership, but it’s resulting in bad educational and bad land use policy," said DeStefano, who in 2003 was chairman of the bipartisan Blue Ribbon Commission on Property Tax Burdens and Smart Growth Incentives.

Governor Rell
(as relayed through campaign spokesman Rich Harris)

• State to reimburse towns and cities for car taxes (effectively eliminating property tax on motor vehicles)
  
• supported by shifting some of Casino income
  

Some thoughts:

• I'm concerned about gubernatorial candidate DeStefano's plan to freeze the rates at the 2006 rates - our seniors won't be helped by that in West Haven. It's too little, too late.
• Why rebate property tax at the state income tax level? Why not eliminate up front?
• Anything that is reimbursed by the state to the towns means that we're paying for it in some way - either locally (property taxes), or state taxes (income or sales tax).
  

6 arrests in the Monday Bomb Scare; 4 more are coming shortly.

NBC 30 news reports that 18 year old Thomas Griffin and 5 "youthful offenders" (aged 16-18) have turned themselves in to the West Haven Police Department. The remaining 4 other male students have apparently made arrangements to turn themselves in as well.

All are being held on $50,000 bond apiece; Mr. Griffin was charged on three charges; the youthful offenders, two.

What an incredible waste of taxpayer $'s for a prank, if you think about it.

Is Help on the way for the West Haven Beaches?

WNTH is reporting a story entitled "Act earmarks millions for Long Island Sound preservation". The Long Island Sound Stewardship Act, which is a bill awaiting President Bush's signature, won Senate approval this past weekend.

If signed into law, it will approve up to $25 million per year for 5 years starting in 2007 for various projects, and identifies 33 specific areas to be targetted, including 18 in Connecticut. Is one of these areas the West Haven beaches???

I found the Bill Status here, as well as the text version of the bill here (converted from PDF). Unfortunately, the bill doesn't mention which areas have been identified.

Chris Dodd's website has a press release celebrating the passage of the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act (LISSA) in the house and the senate. From the release:

LISSA will help protect the Long Island Sound (LIS) by providing financial incentives for owners of land parcels within the LIS area to preserve the environmental quality of and public access to this endangered habitat, which is home to 8,000,000 people.

According to the Northender News:

LISSA focuses on the Sound’s rim, and should not be confused with the effort to reduce pollution in the Sound itself. Israel [Representative Steve Israel (D-Huntington)] says he will continue to fight for $40 million annually for this objective.

Tax Cut Solutions -- Reader's ideas (October)

I'm going to try a new idea, which is to set up a blog posting each month for readers to post their ideas for how the city can cut taxes. Post and discuss your ideas in the comments - I'll summarize them and put them in the blog post, along with credit to those who think 'em up.

The Truth: Use citizens instead of police officers to direct traffic around construction. (see post).

(thanks to our reader "the truth" for this idea.)

[UPDATE: The problem with this suggestion is that the information scrolls down and off the page - unfortunately Blogger doesn't offer a way to make a topic 'stick' to the top of the page.]

Mayor Picard and consistancy

Mayor Picard is consistant with the messages that he presented back in May 2003. According to the New Haven Regsiter article entitled "Mayoral candidate warns of financial crisis":

Picard, the only candidate so far to announce a run for mayor, warned that unexpected expenses and the city’s decision to use some of its fund balance, or rainy day fund, to keep from raising taxes created the crisis. He said the city is "in jeopardy of lowering its bond rating to junk status."

Whether or not you agree with his handling of the issue, it does appear that he is delivering a consistant message.

Mayor Picard's plan for West Haven back in 2003

While researching older New Haven Register articles about John Picard to try to verify comments having been made in the Haverstraw blog post, I came across an interesting article from 9/6/2003 entitled "Picard releases plan for West Haven".

The statement that sticks out is the first one:

The key to a successful economic-development plan is to reduce the city’s high taxes and burgeoning debt.

High taxes just got higher here... reducing the mill rate isn't reducing taxes when you revalue property.

Mayor Picard also claims in the article that we had a $200M deficit (compared to Mayor Borer's assertion that we had a $150M deficit). With that, I can't see how he could claim surprise at the current situation.

(edited later to add the following)

Taking this back a little further, to July 1, 2003, and "Picard slams leaders on highter tax bills", claiming "Not only did the mayor’s proposed budget call for a tax increase, the Morrissey-controlled City Council added an even greater increase." He goes on to slam Morrissey for doing nothing to cut back spending by saying:

"Chairman Morrissey did absolutely nothing to cut back the mayor’s proposed spending plan," Picard said, charging that Morrissey "was more interested in who would get new jobs vacated by retiring city workers than he was in lessening the burden on city taxpayers."

Is the pot calling the kettle black?

Tax Cut ideas from our Readers: Don't use Police to Direct Traffic

In the incredibly popular September 27th post entitled "Chuck Marino on Haverstraw and West River Crossing" (we're up to 47 Comments at last look, and that's just the ones that made it to being published), a reader who goes by the moniker of 'TheTruth' discussed the following tax-saving thought:

We can take this thread down another road and figure out while Milford, Orange, and most other towns in the area don't use cops to direct traffic. The cops are getting overtime at about $45 hour while the person hired by UI or SBC (AT+T) gets about $12. Some projects may require cops but I watched them sit around up at Saw Mill Road for weeks while construction was stopped. I have seen roads closed off of Ocean Ave with cops behind the barracades. Some will say the contractor pays the cops (they do) but they also inflate the price to cover the expense. West Haven has in it's union contract that WH Police must be used for traffic duty. Who negotiates this stuff ? The sad part is the traffic personel from the utilities do a better job at directing traffic than the cops do !

It all adds up people. West Haven is a modest town and the average Cop and fireman is making 80K a year with great benefits and an incredible pension on the backs of West Haven taxpayers. At some point it has to stop !

I don't know the source of the salaries, but if they are accurate, $12/hr is about one quarter of the cost of $45/hour - this sounds like a viable cost cutting measure to me. Time to research the budget to see if the budget is broken down in a way that we can see how much this would save.

What do others think of this idea?

Bridgeport Principal (who lives in West Walk) dies of Legionaires' Disease; second resident contracts it.

The New Haven Register today reported that Bridgeport elementary school Principal Howard Reed died Monday night at Yale New Haven Hospital of Legionaires' Disease, and that a second resident has contracted the disease. The CDC has been asked in to help Public Health Commissioner J. Robert Galvin and West Haven Health Director Eric Triffin investigate.

Legionaires' Disease is caused by a common bacteria, which grows in warm water, such as plumbing systems or hot tubs, and isn't spread person to person. The state on average sees 15-35 cases per year, and there are probably more cases that go unreported, as symptoms are similar to the flu, and often go away on their own.

Apparently, because of this, the state wouldn't test West Walk or the Bridgeport Elementary school water systems unless a second case had appeared. However, now they feel two cases in West Haven diagnosed in one week is unusual.

Howard Reed lived in West Walk; the latest case, an unemployed middle-aged man who has been hospitalized, lives on First Avenue.

My thought -- have they both been fishing down recently? Perhaps on the sandy shoal by our Sewage plant?

April City Mission and Vision Statements do not reflect Campaign Promise of reducing taxes

Thanks to Colonial West Haven Taxpayer, who pointed me to the City of West Haven April 21, 2006 Monthly Department Meeting powerpoint presentation.

In it, is Mayor Picard's Vision statement, and Mission Statement.

Vision Statement:

To be a diverse community which embraces the changing needs and expectations of our citizens through respect for people, preserving the shoreline, and creating a prosperous and safe community.

("... and promote world peace" - pardon the joke, but outside of 'preserving the shoreline', how is this customized to West Haven?)

Mission Statement:

To be a fiscally stable municipal government which includes a system of checks and balances and provide compassionate leadership in meeting the needs and vision of the government that serves with honesty and integrity. Encourage participation by all in the development and improvement of services and strive for excellence and satisfaction in delivering of public services. This will be accomplished by maintaining respect for each other and the public and continually improve channels of communications both internally and externally. Fostering a progressive environment that will enhance the quality of life, fulfilling employment, recreational, educational opportunities for all and recognize our strengths and weaknesses and how we can learn from them as we prepare for the future of the City of West Haven.

That's a mouthful... and it's clear that Mayor Picard was already investigating the financial situation. Reading between the lines, though, it sounds more like "Spend More of your Money" than "Reduce Taxes". Granted, in his 2005 campaign interview he cleverly stated that he saw us as having 4-5 mills less of taxes in 5 years time.

It's particularly very clever, because if you increase your tax basis, the mill rate will immediately go down if you keep the same budget (remember my primer on Property Taxes, Mill Rates and (re-)Valuations?) . He also compares mill rates in a chart in his "campaign interview" (which really reads more like a 'FAQ' - not many interviews come with charts) - mill rates on their own are meaningless. It's the budget in conjunction with the mill rate that give you your taxes. You can have a low mill rate, but if your property is over-assessed, you'll pay high taxes.

To get the full April 21, 2006 document, go to the City of West Haven downloads areas, select 'Official City documents', and click select. The file that you are looking for is this one:

Department Head Meeting 4-21-06
Last Saved: 4/24/2006 5:01:08 PM
Summary: This is a PowerPoint presentation as prepared by Mayor John M. Picard and Executive Assistant James Burns.
City of West Haven Monthly Department Meeting April 21, 2006 One Team - One Dream YOU can make the DIFFERENCE Agenda Mission Statement Policy/Procedures Parking Relocation Web Page Update Freedom of Information (FOI) Budget Update Roundtable City of West Haven Vision To be a diverse community which James Burns.

City Council Meeting Minutes

A recent West Shore Follies Blog post entitled Call it as I see it.......... brought up a point that I was considering for a blog entry. Lately, City Council meeting minutes have not been posted on the City of West Haven website. In the past, they've been in the downloads area of the site, but haven't been there for some months now.

According to Colonial Park Taxpayer (who writes the West Shore Follies):

All meeting minutes from the city council are "supposed" to be posted within 7 days after the meeting.

Anyone have a reference for this "rule"?

UPDATE: the reference was the Monthly Department Meeting Minutes (see comments section for details of how to access). However, while this document says that there must be meeting minutes within 7 days, it doesn't say that it must be publicly posted at all.

West Shore Follies: City Council Meeting Schedule

West Shore Follies: City Council Meeting Schedule

Colonial Park Taxpayer reminds us on his blog that the following City Council meetings are coming up:

October 10 & 23
November 13 & 27
December 11 & 26

City Council meetings are usually at 7:00 pm on the 3rd floor of city hall. I urge anyone who cares about what happens in this town to attend as many meetings as possible.

Greater New Haven area Economy - Mixed news

Well, according to today's New Haven Register article entitled "Area Economy hits rough spot", there's some mixed economical news:

First, the good news:

• Unemployment fell from 5.1 percent down to 4.7 percent (including self-employed people)
  
• Total job force rose from 306,100 to 308,400 (0.8%).
• Median sales price of homes for this quarter is up 5% from the same time period of last year, from $278,700 to $292,600

Here's the bad news, though:

• Home prices are dropping on a month to month basis.
• Inflation is increasing.
• Consumer confidence is dropping.
• Consumers have less disposable income
• There are less new housing permits being issued.

Since this information is regarding the August scorecard (which is the latest information they have), I wonder how much of the negative affects are directly related to the West Haven tax situation?

Events: Breast Cancer Candlelight Vigil

Thanks also to the 9-29-06 City Notes for the notice of this event:

Vigil to remember those affected by breast cancer

A candlelight vigil Oct. 13 in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month will remember loved ones and recognize survivors of the disease.
The vigil, presented by the Breast Cancer Awareness Committee, is part of the city’s campaign to raise consciousness of one of America’s leading causes of cancer death among women and men.

Participants will gather on the Green at 6:30 p.m. for the public ceremony, which starts at 7.

Anyone wishing to remember a loved one or survivor can call organizers. The committee will recite the names and inscribe them on a luminary.
Call Beth A. Sabo at 937-3588, Jennifer Cavallaro at 937-3619, Susan See at 937-3914 or Charlene Morgal at 937-3586.

The committee also has announced that it will donate the year’s $35,000 in fundraising proceeds to three area organizations.

Branford-based Y-ME of Connecticut, which offers counseling services for women and men with breast cancer, and the Yale-New Haven Breast Center will each receive $10,000, said Sabo, the city’s commissioner of public works.

Sabo said the Hospital of St. Raphael’s Father Michael J. McGivney Center for Cancer Care and its Looking Forward program will receive the lion’s share of the proceeds with $15,000.

New West Haven Blog - westhaventowncrier

There's a new blog that has popped up - westhaventowncrier - I look forward to having a new read! (thanks to reader Westie for letting me know about this one).

Flu Shots Offered

The City of West Haven will be offering an expanded Flu Shot clinic, as well as Pneumonia immunizations for the elderly. I'm not certain of the funding source, but as this is being conducted through the Danbury Visiting Nurse Association, and that medical co-pays are being accepted, I suspect that this is not costing West Haven anything except for having a place for the event to take place - kudos to the town for holding this.

Here's the announcement as it appeared in the City Notes:

Flu Shot Information
FYI

Health Department expands flu vaccination program

This year, there should be no problems with the national supply of influenza vaccine, according to city Health Director Eric Triffin.

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that 20 million more doses of the flu vaccine will be available this year than last, bringing the national stockpile to 100 million doses.

“We therefore have an opportunity to immunize people who were not in previously targeted risk groups, including the elderly and high-risk patients,” Triffin said.

With the help of the Danbury Visiting Nurse Association, the city Department of Health will make flu vaccine available to anyone at its regular senior clinics and its new Family Flu Clinic – Flu is no Fun Day. The family clinic offers vaccine to the newly expanded target group of children 6 to 59 months old and any interested family members.

“This will give everyone a way to reduce their risk, especially since children are the likeliest ones to spread the flu to others, and the vaccine is most effective the younger you are,” Triffin said.

Since up to 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu every year, with 200,000 hospitalized and 36,000 deaths, it is a serious illness, but one that is preventable.

Triffin said that everyone, especially employers, should see the value in protecting themselves and their employees from the flu to reduce absenteeism.

For those 65 and older, the department will also make pneumonia vaccine available.

“This vaccine will help prevent or reduce the difficulties from almost a dozen of the two dozen types of pneumonia out there,” Triffin said. “However, this is not a yearly shot; it is usually only required once after the age of 65.”

As the winter season comes along, making flu, pneumonia and colds more likely, Triffin encourages people to practice good hygiene, including frequent hand-washing when out in public.

“There are many steps we can take to put a barrier between germs and ourselves,” said Triffin, “and keeping our hands clean and away from our faces where the nose, eyes and ears can become doorways into our bodies makes a huge difference.”

The walk-in flu clinics, for residents 55 and older, are scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 12 for residents whose last names begin with the letters A to K and from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 18 for those whose last names start with the letters L to Z. Both clinics will take place at the Savin Rock Conference Center, 6 Rock St.

The Family Flu Clinic – Flu is no Fun Day is slated from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 in the basement of City Hall, 355 Main St.

The shots at all clinics are free, or require a co-payment fee, for residents with Medicare Part B, Anthem Blue Cross, HealthNet, Oxford and ConnectiCare health care plans.

The cost is $33 for anyone else. Residents must show proof of insurance or pay by cash or check.

Said Triffin: “We look forward to this greatly expanded program this year and to protecting the people of West Haven from influenza through these efforts. We will also keep some vaccines available if none of these dates are good for you and make arrangements about that if need be after these dates.”

For more details, call the Health Department at 937-3660.

Columbus Day Parade

The following is from the City Notes email of 9/29/06:

City Notes 9-29-06
FYI

West Haven announces Italian-American of the Year, parade grand marshal

The city has announced the recipient of its Italian-American of the Year honor and the grand marshal of its first Columbus Day parade.

Sabino Anthony Panza, 90, a founder of the Panza Construction & Woodworking Co. on Forest Road, will receive a plaque in recognition of his years of service to the city’s Italian-American community as part of the eighth annual Columbus Day celebration at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 6 on the front steps of City Hall, 355 Main St.

On Oct. 8, Bruno DelSanto, 62, owner of Bruno’s Hairstyling Salon on Campbell Avenue, will lead at least 90 marching units and 24 bands as part of the Columbus Day Committee of Greater New Haven’s annual parade. The two-hour procession will step off at 1:30 p.m. along Campbell Avenue.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

W. Haven club to host post-parade reception

The West Haven Italian-American Civic Association will hold a reception at its Chase Lane club after the city’s Columbus Day parade.

The 2.5-hour parade is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Oct. 8 along Campbell Avenue. The $5 donation includes hamburgers, hot dogs, coffee and soda.

For tickets, visit the I-A Club, 85 Chase Lane, or call Frank Consorte at 676-6379.

One does wonder where we are getting the money for this events; I do know that private business owners and the public at large were solicited. However, it seems rather hypocritical to drasticly cut the Savin Rock Festival because of monetary problems, and then agree to host a multi-town event.

Our Readers: Apple Festival and the Italian Festival were nice events

Our readers made the following recent observations:

At 10/01/2006 3:21 PM, Strutrue said...

Not sure how to leave just a general comment unrelated to any news story that's been posted but:
On a lighter brighter note I think the Apple Festival and the Italian Festival were very nicely done.

At 10/01/2006 11:26 PM, Westie said...

I agree, they were very nice events. Just a point of interest though, neither of the events were "city" events and organized by private citizens working together. The Apple Festival was a Church event organized by the Congregational Church on the Green, and the Italian Festival was organized by a committee chaired by none other than our former first lady Dorinda Borer. No political leanings here but really a nice job by all involved. You gotta call them as you see them.

I didn't attend the Apple Festival, but I agree that the Italian Festival was a nice event. However, there was little or no publicity for either event, and very little support by city hall, including no mention in the "City Notes", which goes out to their mailing list (you can sign up at: http://cityofwesthaven.com/registerforannouncements.asp - I believe only your email address and maybe your name is required).

Ironically, according to the City Notes of 9/29 , apparently the City of West Haven is going to hold a Homecoming event:

West Haven plans first Homecoming Festival

The city will hold its first Homecoming Festival from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 17 on the Green.

The festival, featuring West Haven High School clubs, activities, athletics and organizations, will include performances by the high school’s band, cheerleaders, choir and theater group.

The public event, which will also include food, beverages, contests and games, will serve as a pep rally for West Haven’s Oct. 20 football game vs. Xavier-Middletown at 7 p.m. at Ken Strong Stadium. The festival’s rain date is Oct. 18.

Anyone who wants to volunteer for the homecoming can call festival Chairman Frank Biancur Jr. at 937-3594.

Posting general comments on the blog

Recently, a reader asked how they could make a general comment on the blog - i.e. one that doesn't necessarily come under any other topic.

To do this, I request that you email me at westhaventaxes@yahoo.com - you can create a yahoo.com or hotmail.com account for this purpose, if you don't want to reveal your identity, although I will publish your email address so that others can reach you.

ALTERNATIVELY! You can make a comment on ANY post, and start it with PLEASE POST AS NEW POST and I'll consider posting it under a new topic.

I will not promise to publish every comment, but if it is relevent and constructive, I'll likely do so. There have been very few comments that I haven't published; the only ones that I haven't clearly sought to do nothing more than spread negativity. Please remember -- while I can edit my own posts, I cannot edit comments other than to approve, reject, or delete them.

I also urge people who don't have information that they wish to have published on the blog under their moniker, or who wish to discuss items like the purpose of this blog to email me directly - that's why I have a public email address. If you would like something to be confidential and not posted on the blog, I will happily respect that - just make certain to let me know when you email.