New Haven Independent

Posted by: jeffreykerekes | September 11, 2007 6:12 PM

Were these city employees there on city time (my dime) or their own personal time? I suspect these employees were campaigning on city money/time. This is why we need independent alderpersons.

Posted by: JP | September 11, 2007 8:06 PM

This is pretty awful politics. A candidate that is unfamiliar with her constituents problems, why is she running? DeStefano has run his course, we need to start working to get rid of him.

Posted by: fairhavendoc | September 11, 2007 8:10 PM

Names please! Who were these people? Were they there on their personal time? I would like to see more on-the-job accountability and less politicking. All in support of someone with no political experience or platform and who admits to knowing little about her potential constituents. What is going on here?

Posted by: Ned | September 11, 2007 8:35 PM

I doubt an "independent" alderperson is going to make a difference. Politicians are always for the establishment. The problem is the amount of power that elected officials have over citizens. Really, the difference between organized crime and the government is apparently only a matter of degree and often there is no difference - just look at the Kennedy family or John Rowland, ad nauseum. Where are the anarchists?

Posted by: fairhavener | September 11, 2007 8:44 PM

This isn't my side of town or I would elaborate with more than: what a joke.

"When you don't do what the mayor says," Lee reasoned, "you're not part of the party."

Are you kidding, if you don't do what the mayor says, your not even a valid human being. Good luck Lee. If I lived over there I would vote for you.

Posted by: Esbe | September 11, 2007 10:26 PM

The Mayor's candidate says she's "too new to politics to offer a specific platform," and "not familiar with what their [her constituents] problems are". DeStefano undercuts his credibility by campaigning for someone who isn't even taking the job seriously.

Posted by: Jay | September 11, 2007 11:35 PM

I was there, helping Ginger, who I think was the better candidate.
I do not, and never have, worked for the city.
What's missing from this biased article is Robert Lee's machine.
I would like to know who was paying his poll workers, who seemed to know very little about the candidates. I seriously doubt that they were mostly volunteers. Ginger's people were all there on their days off, and were not paid by her campaign.
Lee won because he was the real "machine" candidate. Talk facts if you want to be taken seriously as a newspaper. This was an editorial. Further, what today's races showed is that the city should stop kowtowing to the unions. They are clearly impotent with no influence with the voters.

Posted by: Joe | September 11, 2007 11:53 PM

It is highly doubtful that city hall employees were campaigning without taking the day off. The city hall folks who tend to volunteer in politics (both for OR against "the machine") are not idiots. They have been around long enough to know the rules and thus take the day off.

On another note, it would be worth asking what "streams of city hall employees" really means. Paul likes to use language like this - but from watching some past elections days, this usually means at most 5-10 people. Of course, in an election day with so few races, it could of course mean more. Anyway - Paul, considering that your bread and butter is an occasionally cynical bunch, might not it be worth dropping the charged language and just using a number, or at least a more descriptive adjective?

Posted by: Oh No! | September 12, 2007 7:33 AM

For all of you who wish for more independent voices on the Board of Alderman, I respect that position. However, please remember that not all who are 'against' the mayor are independent or, in this case, even intellectually competent. I invite you all to attend the Board meetings so you can experience Mr. Lee's contributions to New Haven's political life. The 'independence' that issues forth from his mouth is, without exception, ignorant and uniformed. Come on down! Experience the cringe of horror and embarassment yourself! Don't forget. Looks like we're gonna get two more years of this fantastic entertainment!

Posted by: cedarhillresident | September 12, 2007 8:33 AM

I have spoken with Lee and he excited me about the prospect that government can be changed! He was my first encounter with another Alderman besides my areas, Ed Mattison (who repeatedly told us we do not have enough voters in our 8 street area to get help from the city). Lee's views impressed me and I am very glad good prevailed and he has won the sit!!

Jay
I think people know Lee because he really does take the time to talk to them. He is one of those rear few that loves this city, wants to make it a better place to live FOR ALL. And he is not afraid to take a stand for what is right for the people!! So he is a respected candidate city wide.

Posted by: Sabrina | September 12, 2007 9:00 AM

Names? You can have mine. Sabrina Bruno and yes, I do work for the Park's Department and yes, I took a personal day off to spend the day supporting Ms. McHugh. That is what personal time is, personal, and how I chose to spend it. I have known Ginger Mc Hugh for over 14 years. I met her at the board of education meetings that I faithfully attended while my children were in school and offered my support to her on primary day.

The day started with the concerns of the moderator about the Lee campaign signs that were posted on the tent and in the lawn. They were outside of the 75 foot mark and I was surprised that they were asked to be taken down. The moderator then called for an opinion and was reversed. But, while she was calling, Mr. Lee arrived and started yelling about where his signs were and demanded to know who took them down, glancing my way. After I assured him that I had had nothing to do with the removal, he started yelling and swearing about what he was going to do and say to the moderator. This is how an Alderman speaks? I am glad to have missed the banter the Independent has quoted; quite frankly, I had heard enough bitterness out of the mouth of the Alderman by the break of dawn. I did have to ask myself, though, if the definition of democratic primary eludes him, wouldn't the comprehension of city business be a bit difficult, too?

I am glad that I spent the day supporting not just the right to primary another democrat, but also for the education I received on what goes on at New Haven's largest senior complex.

Over the course of the day I spoke to and heard about the lives of so many folks. There were many interesting men and women who were funny and interesting and helpful and very glad to be exercising their right to vote. In really nasty weather they made their way to try the new scanners and to choose their representative. They liked having a choice and isn't that what is important?

And what about those residents who were not as spry? Those who are both physically and/or mentally ill and whose challenges too many of us forget to be concerned about. Folks who are afraid to leave their homes, afraid to go to the parking garages, afraid to speak out for fear of retaliation and folks who are just so lonely that a chat on an election day was worth coming out for - even though they couldn't vote because they were either not democrats or they weren't registered at all. Their need for someone who cares to listen and to represent them was very clear and was counter-indicated by Mr. Lee's shout to voters: "A vote for Lee is a vote for me." I am sorry Ms. McHugh didn't prevail, I am confidant that her personal slogan was "A vote for McHugh is a vote for you."

I also learned that the cordially staffed resident service center located right near the Victoria Community Room has a food pantry that relies on donations and that the shelves are nearly bare. I am sure they would be grateful for any support any of the readers here can extend.

I thank Ginger McHugh for running and for the opportunity I had to meet those she would have served well.

Posted by: DOC | September 12, 2007 9:14 AM

Of 3000 city employees, seeing 10 or so take a day off to work elections does not present a problem. The real problem is that most candidates running throughout the city cannot find 10 regular citizens willing to volunteer a day or even a few hours to exercise their responsibilities as citizens. Come on NHI - try to focus on real issues.

Alders need to run and stand for something other than anger. OK - we get it Ald. Lee, you don't like the Mayor - so what. What are you for? What issues have you successfully raised, advocated for, built a coalition around and got passed by the majority of your colleagues since you've been on the Board? Don't just be against everything - try to stand for something that would benefit your constituents.

Hats off to everyone to takes the risk to run for something and participate in our democracy. My suggestion- if you don't like your choices - get out there and get involved.

Posted by: ThankGod | September 12, 2007 1:44 PM

Sabrina give me a break. I am glad Lee won because we need more aldermen who speak their mind. Aldermen represent the people and it is good to know that Mr. Lee is as "real" as they come.
You have chosen to support a candidate who does note have a platform, does not know what her people want or need, who is just running, JUST RUNNING because Mr. Lee is a thorn in the Mayor's backside. Please Sabrina if you are going to support a candidate do it because of what they have to offer and what good he/she has done in the ward not because someone is a "friend".
Congrats.! Mr. Lee

Posted by: cedarhillresident | September 12, 2007 2:37 PM

Sabrina
I have a respect for you and your opinion, if I had witnessed a fit like that it may of swayed me a bit to. You stand by your party and who it backs no questions asked, you are 100% Democrat. And you put more time in community work than anyone I know. So Bravo to you and all your hard work.

But I must confess I did not do to much research on the other candidate in this race because I remember what that area use to be like and I thought that it has gotten a little bit better than what it was...even with the fact that Bella Vista is surrounded with a lot of subsidized housing complexes.

I will make sure my donation box that I have will be brought to Bella Vista next time I fill it. Thanx for the heads up!

Posted by: Been Called Worse | September 12, 2007 7:35 PM

...watched a stream of City Hall employees and aldermen show up to work against him

Well, lets clear the air then. Who are these City Hall employees, specifically? Then why not FOI their attendance record for the day (is that even possible? I dunno..) and see if they were on City time or not. Until some sort of proof is given to these accusations (and really, that is all they amount to at this point until substantiated) then I can't accept this article as unbiased reporting, or sloppy journalism at best.

Don't misunderstand me here. I choose the NHI as my first source for local, in-depth news. The comment feature creates an interesting dialouge where differences of opinions, politics, morals, etc are all discussed, and I think it is great.

But to cast a negative shadow on city workers, the vast majority of which I have found to be professional and have integrity in their work is disingenuous. If city employees were found to be politicking on the taxpayer's dime, then by all means hold them accountable and demand an explanation.

So please, for the SPJ's sake, clarify and explain "a stream of City Hall employees", and seek out this stream to give them the opportunity to respond to allegations of wrongdoing.

Posted by: Edward Mattison | September 13, 2007 12:12 PM

Since Cedar Hill resident has written about me, I would like to clarify what I said to her which was essentially "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." I have tried hard to make sure that Cedar Hill is not forgotten when city services are provided, but the fact that so few people vote in that neighborhood reduces my clout. It is hard to get people who have so much on their minds to vote, but they really need to understand that it matters. Ed

Posted by: Melissa Bailey | September 13, 2007 12:37 PM

Dear readers: This article casts no allegation that any city employee was campaigning on city time.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | September 13, 2007 4:13 PM

Ed I give you credit for kind of admitting that this is a fact. ED you did come out and say that we do not vote OVER HERE and we needed to vote to get anything, and yes you also said, so many times "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." which echos in my head. And was a good thing because I do more than squeak I screech.

But what confusses me is... so if we can not get these basic things why do we have to pay taxes for them??? Should we get a rebate for services not rendered?? Or is it that the poor are paying for the nicer areas to stay nicer?? Not really sure how that works :0

We are only 8 Streets "8" streets of lower income, middleclass that work 2 jobs to eat.
I can knock on the drug dealers doors and ask them to vote for a man that will get cops in our part of the district but I have a feeling that would be counter productive to them(which I do anyway, beggars can't be choosers). Year after Year of neglect turns potential voters bitter, they feel like why bother we won't get any help anyway. And I am sure that is what some count on. Because god forbid the lower income figure it out...the government would change.
I remember the first time I met you...you were with Claire I remember you promised to get more help over on our side of East Rock ... Yes people East Rock ward 10 has a bad area it is called Cedar Hill, we are there state required diversity but the highway divides us.
When Columbus House and Leeway and other clean and sobers houses where put up in our area we should of at the least got 1 cop in the area right?? When these type of places are put into a community should the police be at the least patrolling the dealers that the community complains about. Don't get me wrong we have welcomed these places because we are not so narrow minded to believe when offered help people can't change. But Ed come on would these places of been put in hmmm lets say the star building on state?? in fact instead of Leeway expanding in Cedar Hill since we can't have a cop why don't they move into the star linen building that should meet there needs.

ONE COP! ALL DAY EVERYDAY. The words that our area is to out of the way for the police to come echos in my head!! Remember you had suggested a meet up with the cheif...I think it is time.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | September 13, 2007 4:16 PM

PS I do love ya as person. I think the things you do in your everyday life a wonderful. :)

Posted by: 2Faced | September 14, 2007 9:31 AM

As a Democrat in New Haven I find myself disgusted with the flip flop tactics of the the mayors political machine...this machine manipulates the democratic platform at will...to the idiots that hide behind the innocence of Little Miss McHugh and their motive for really tapping her to run...can be summed up by two words...Democratic Dictatorship...maintaining control over the BOA and decreasing the number of Alderman in opposition is the lesson here...this lady is merely a warm body and she knows it...that is why she can be so candid in regards to having no real platform or reasoning for her position on issues that effect our city...the mayor just needs you to be able to mutter the word "YES" or provide a paw print...when it is time to vote on his agenda...when your a dictator you surround yourself with people who are willing to be as self serving...anyone else jeopardizes the leaders ability to control an operation...I understand this Aldermans frustration...he has been elected to represent the interest of his ward and because he does that with such passion...he has been marked public enemy #1 by the Mayor...there is something wrong when the Mayor is compelled to invade a ward or wards with an enormous amount of resources, money and people that are city affiliated to maintain his power...incumbent Lee and challengers Fair, Felder, Hopkins and Morrison had primaries on Sept. 11th...each challenger or incumbent that was not in step with the vision of the political machine took on the MAYOR...not their "real" opponent...Despite the arrogant statement made be the mayor regarding his reasoning for not supporting Lee...his brigade fell short and victory prevailed for the right person...for that I congratulate this man for not kissing the ring and selling his community down the river...I look forward to the day that the Mayor leaves office and all of his FLUNKIES are without Jobs...until then we have to continue to get involved and remind our aldermen why they are in office!

P.S. What kind of Democrat is the Mayor anyway?

Posted by: Interesting . . . | September 14, 2007 10:06 AM

Cedarhillresident -- amazing posts!!!

Posted by: cedarhillresident | September 14, 2007 3:22 PM

Interesting . . .
I think they are more rants then posts. I just get so aggravated. As you can see by my Alderman's comment he trys but because our small area does not vote enough, there is little he can do?? WOW! And everyone wonder why I am such an angry one.
There ya go in writing!

Posted by: bfair | September 15, 2007 9:31 AM

As much as non voters don't want to hear it the fact remains if you don't vote you don't have a right to complain. One day every 2 years is your biggest opportunity to be heard and if you can't commit to that one day to come out and make your voice heard the best alderperson in the world cannot get much done. He/she needs the disgruntled to come out and support their campaign. If Lee's people did not come out and support him Destefano could easily have changed the politics in that area with his chosen person who didn't even know the people's issues. Don't blame your representative if you don't come out and support his efforts for change. Destefano banks on registered voters in certain areas to stay home on election day. that's how he continues to be mayor not because everyone is voting for him but because the few who come out vote for him and the others sit home and wait for others to do the work of replacing him. If you don't vote you truly don't have the right to complain. Make a difference get out and take the 3-5 minutes that it takes to place your vote. You will feel empowered and your alderperson will be obligated to listen to your concerns if he/she wants to stay in office.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | September 16, 2007 3:54 PM

bfair
you have spoken words of wisdom! I always vote. Funny, but I always voted for John, lawn sign and all. I went door to door with another community member trying to educate people what there vote meant. Here I am a loyal democrat being told by my alderman MY VOTE does not count (in so many words)because others do not vote. MY VOTE is nullified by the fact that others in my area do not vote. All the hard work I do in my area to make it a safer place for the people that do not vote does not matter!
So why vote??
Because I am a dreamer, because I believe in the American dream, because I am a fighter for those who do not realize that they matter weather they vote or not! Because I thought it was my responsibility as a member of society to protect those who do not know better (not to cast them aside!)
And you bring up the fact that if you don't vote you don't have the right to complain..A favorite line of mine (I say it all the time!)! But when you are in an area that in the most part was not raised to believe they matter, remember some are brought up around it and see it as a part of life. It is our jobs as community members to teach them and show them that they matter.
Well, I just type a whole long thing and deleted it because it was way to much.... but in short....

I VOTE AND THAT VOTE SHOULD MATTER!!

and I like Lee he rocks the boat, and guess what we need boat rockers to keep things going in the right direction.
I think John could be a good Mayor if we have more Lee's as alderman.