New Haven Independent

Posted by: king james v | February 6, 2008 1:18 PM

There is not a single mention of the abomination that was the last election. Tim, if you are going to someone accountable, be your own man and take a stand - either way - on the Vito /Mcgrath, otherwise, dont' bother.

Posted by: TrueBlueCT | February 6, 2008 2:47 PM

It will be interesting to see if outside forces , (Unions, Suzie Voigt, etc.), simply let the neighborhood decide this election, or if they come in with heavy artillery.

Traditionally, it's never been a case of letting the neighborhood decide, and this kind of challenge to the status quo usually gets met with fierce opposition.

Guess we'll have to wait and see.

Posted by: ericaholahan | February 7, 2008 12:10 AM

One of the great things about this year's presidential race has been the emphasis on moving beyond jadedness, skepticism, anger, and a simple lack of faith in democracy, to get people involved again in public service.

To see that this can happen as well on the local level is exciting and invigorating.

Certainly there are obstacles to achieving a political system that works for everyone and that is not clouded by the bad judgment of some of the players.

But let's give a little credit to the newcomers trying to make things better than they were in the past, and exemplifying that we are in fact a government of the people.

Full disclosure: I am Tim's cousin. But I don't live in his ward, so I can't vote for him.

Posted by: Semi Semi-Dikoko | February 7, 2008 1:06 PM

Wow! This is sheer excitement in the neighborhood!

In today's New Haven Register, Secretary of State Bysiewicz tells us that the voting rules kept 43% of electorate from the polls on last Super Tuesday Primaries!

Two of my friends could not vote because they did not know that to vote in the Primaries they needed to not only be Registered Voters but also have a party affiliation. Both have been faithfully voting for their party of choice, the same one for over 20 years! Both born and raised in New Haven. They feel and believe they are staunch party members. Not so, say the rules!

The Ward Committee? Never heard of it!

It is exciting, at the local level, to see someone, (who is not running for Mayor or Alderperson), going door-to-door trying to get people involved in the political process. This has got to have a positive impact in terms of involving the people, disseminating the rules to the people and giving them a direct feedback on the impact resulting from their involvement in the process.

I met Mary Faulkner at the New Haven Police Academy's Citizen Academy. Dedicated, involved, passionate and focused, to say the very least. She spread the bug getting me to join her at the Westville - West Hills Community Management Team, where I met Tim Holahan, her running mate.

Their bid, their level of energy and dedication is an exciting development not only for the 25th Ward, but also for the entire city and, (yes, I am going to say it), for both Parties! A truly refreshing development that can only bring awareness to more people at the local level and reinstate the Parties' Town Committees for what their respective By-Laws intended them to be (from a legislative point of view):

The Grassroots' level of the political process within each Party, within each Ward.

After all ... "Grassroots democracy is a tendency towards designing political processes where as much decision-making authority as practical is shifted to the organization's lowest geographic level of organization. [... It ...] would place as much decision-making power as possible in the hands of a local chapter instead of the head office. The principle is that for democratic power to be best exercised it must be vested in a local community instead of isolated, atomized individuals."
That's from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Let us hope that the same excitement catches on to the rest of the city.

SSD

Posted by: cedarhillresident | February 7, 2008 8:56 PM

This is what deconcracy is about. It is amazing how many people don't even know that these two chairs are chairs that are up for election. Ward 25 is one of how many wards doing this? I know that ward 10 is having a race for these chairs as well. It is the first race in over a decade. It is exciting to see new things happening in this old world city.

Posted by: Tim Holahan | February 7, 2008 11:48 PM

King James: We're trying to get an inclusive discussion going about problems and opportunities facing our ward and our city. We want to talk about those issues, not things we didn't witness. That said, I'll be out in front of the Edgewood School all day on March 4th, and if I think someone's being coerced into voting for us or against us, I'll raise hell.

True Blue: If shoe-rubber and enthusiasm can get it done, we will.

Erica: Thanks for the love, cousin. Give little E a hug.

Semi: Thanks for the kind words. Email me so we can get you on the list.

Cedar Hill: Not totally sure what "deconcracy" is, but I'm glad to be a part of it!

Posted by: cedarhillresident | February 8, 2008 8:11 AM

:) wow where is instant spell check when you need it.

Posted by: westville1983 | February 8, 2008 10:59 PM

Yes, let's have a discussion about what is a Ward Committee. I invite you to come to my home to meet Mary and Tom with your questions. All Democrats are welcomed.

Sunday: February 17th 4pm-6pm
242 Alden Ave. Debby Evans and Richard Burford host

RSVP: By 14th: 387-7813 ( maximum 35 people,
first come, first served.

Change can happen from the bottom up in the 25th Ward.

C

Posted by: ericaholahan | February 9, 2008 12:19 AM

I would like to thank the NHI for giving the ward committee races so much coverage. I think it would be great for you to run an article interviewing all of the other Ward co-chairs so that residents know who they are and what they're up to. (what do the bloggers think?)

I'm embarrassed to admit that I don't know whether or not there are co-chairs in my ward (ward # 13) but I'm guessing there are not? since I've never heard of any. My apologies to the ward 13 co-chairs if you're out there and please add a comment if you are. Thank you Westville Dems for making New Haven politics a bit more hopeful.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | February 9, 2008 10:32 AM

I agree Erica the NHI is our city greatest news source and I spread the word of it to all I talk to.

Here as a ref. is the bylaws of Dem. ward committees.
http://newhaven.dems.info/towncommittee/bylaws/

Posted by: cedarhillresident | February 9, 2008 10:45 AM

ps Erica
Yes your ward does have one all wards do.

Posted by: Semi Semi-Dikoko | February 9, 2008 3:31 PM

FYI:

The list of Co-Chairs: http://newhaven.dems.info/towncommittee/cochairs/
The By-Laws: http://newhaven.dems.info/towncommittee/bylaws/

Posted by: Tim Holahan | February 9, 2008 6:00 PM

That site also has a list of the current co-chairs.

As I read the by-laws, the Ward Chairs are supposed to get in touch with every registered Democrat in their Ward at least once every two years to let them know about the Committee and the process for application. (Two years being the term of the Town Committee and Ward Committee Chairs.)

In how many wards does this actually happen? It seems that the Ward Chairs feel that as long as the same Chair of the Town Committee remains in office, his or her "term" is ongoing, and this process does not need to occur.

Any current or former Town or Ward Committee members reading this are welcome to comment about whether these rules are being interpreted differently.

Some key phrases from the by-laws:

It is the purpose of these Rules to provide an opportunity for the members [of the Democratic Party] to participate in the governing and operation of the Democratic Party of the City and Town of New Haven.... (Article I, Section 2)

Members of the Town Committee ... shall hold office from the first Monday following their election for two years or until their successors shall have been chosen. (Article II, Section 3)

The Town Chairperson shall publish notice in the New Haven Register of the procedure for membership on the Ward Committee within 10 days of the commencement of his or her term. The Co-Chairpersons of each Ward shall make every effort to contact all registered Democrats in their Ward concerning said procedure. (Article III, Section 3)

Posted by: king james V | February 10, 2008 2:14 PM

Tim lots of blah blah blah, not direct answer to my question. i will ask in front of all of these people. DO YOU CONDONE MCGRATH'S ACTIONS, YES OR NO? i've made it easy and only given you two choices. my bet is you don't answer, thus proving you are not the man people of the 25th (as i am) need.

Posted by: Tim Holahan | February 11, 2008 8:55 AM

King James:

Calm down, your majesty. The answer to your question is no, I don't condone Brian McGrath's actions. But I rarely condone the actions of people I've never met. If he actually did what is described in the Independent article of Nov 7, 2007, I condemn it, but sometimes the media, even the mighty Independent, gets things wrong. Some reservation of judgment is in order.

I'd like to know the results of the SEEC investigation, and the upshot of the Dec. 10 meeting of the New Haven Commission on Disabilities. If the SEEC took testimony from all sides and found that Vito was coerced into voting (as the article makes it seem) or illegally assisted in voting, that is clearly wrong, and I would expect the Ward Committee to do what it can to prevent Mr. McGrath from participating in get-out-the-vote activity in future elections.

I will get in touch with the State Election Enforcement Commission. If I find out more about their investigation, I will post what I learn. I will also try to find out what steps citizens can take to prevent voter coercion from happening in the future.

As to your vote in the Ward Committee primary, I urge you to decide what's best for the 25th Ward, our fair city, and American deconcracy. But don't fail to vote. A king's got to set a good example.

Posted by: jeffreykerekes | February 11, 2008 11:14 AM

I can provide an update about the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC). I called and spoke to Attorney Shannon Bergquist who is an SEEC Staff Attorney and the person whom responded to my formal complaint back in November 2007. She reported that they are currently still investigating the issue. They received a number of complaints (from around the state) regarding election issues in general but are still working on the matter. They cannot comment on an ongoing investigation but this they could say. They have been interviewing people pertaining to the issue and are still actively investigating the matter. Once they reach a finding, they will make their presentation to the actual Commission. This may be an open or closed session depending on the findings. Either way, there will be a public report made available at the conclusion of the investigation and hearing. I will be contacted once the hearing has been set and will try to get the word out. They did ask that if anyone had any information on this situation or if they too had been subjected to any similar action, that they should call the SEEC at 860-256-2940.

I hope this answers some questions about the status of the Vito and McGrath case.

Posted by: king james v | February 11, 2008 11:28 AM

Thank you. Perhaps as ward co-chair, you can encourage ms. silverman to also take a public stand, and publicly denounce future use of such tactics, then perhaps my distaste for new haven's democratic party will be somewhat sweetened.
I'd also like to see my ward's elected officials worry less about weather chickens are livestock, and more about the city's facists parking policies, censorship of city employees and rubber stamping of the mayor's orders.

Posted by: eli | February 12, 2008 12:04 AM

Halohan, your response to a very valid question, one you sidestepped earlier, was both vague and condesending. You answered like a politician, we've got enough of those. Is there any posiblility of you answering that question - a tough one if you are going to be hanging out with Silverman, but one that deserves a truthful answer nonetheless -without being smarmy?
A man was forced into voting by a paid city employee to vote for the ticket cuttently in charge. This is serious, and you treat it like a joke. I'm not impressed.

Posted by: Tim Holahan | February 12, 2008 10:30 AM

Eli:

First of all, thank you for the esteem in which you seem to hold my opinion.

Second, thank you for keeping this thread alive. I started to get worried when King James seemed satisfied with my answer.

Third, I am running for a public office, so however minor the office may be, that makes me a ... politician. (If you're reading this Mom, don't cry.)

At the risk of repeating myself, if the SEEC investigation finds that Mr. McGrath coerced someone into voting against his or her will, I will strongly condemn his actions, and do what I can to see that he does not participate in future Democratic Party get-out-the-vote efforts. I spoke to an SEEC lawyer yesterday who told me that, as Jeffrey Kerekes has reported above, the investigation is ongoing. The earliest possible conclusion date for the process is March 12, so the result will not affect the Ward Committee election.

Eli, while I think it's important to maintain a sense of humor, I do not think that voter coercion or the abuse of people with disabilities is a joke. I've re-read my comments and I don't believe any of them give that impression. If I have offended anyone, that wasn't my intention.

I'm glad this issue has gotten more attention and discussion thanks to this thread, and I hope it will get some closure when the SEEC reports on their investigation.

Posted by: eli | February 12, 2008 11:39 AM

Tim, i'm all for a sense of humor, however your brand and tastes seems a bit too familiar, the same flavor i get from DeStefano when he uses his self appreciating humor to blow off critisism and skrit real answers. And, the voting issue SHOULD effect the upcoming vote. Any and all persons connected with the planning and execution of this incident doesn't deserve to be in a position of power at any level. It's corrupt and unfair, and therefore it ABSOLUTELY should affect the ward's vote.
There is nothing wrong with admitting to a mistake, and this trend of local dems not being able to admit to mistakes or problems within - starting with Destefano and trickeling down to Reggie Mayo, Goldfield, Silverman, Shah and now yourself - is leading this town down the road to ruin, which although is one of my favorite Ramones albums, is not a place i care to be headed. (see i interjected humor without being condescending)
just so you know, i am a leftist bleeding heart, and have been a democrat since the day after my 18th birthday, that's why this situation disgusts me so much.
you can have the last word on this, i'm done.

Posted by: ericaholahan | February 12, 2008 6:55 PM

Eli,

As a Holahan, I can tell you that our sense of humor is partly inherited.

I'm troubled that you you are grouping Tim in with collection of politicians who may have trouble thinking for themselves, or at least have trouble looking out for the interest of others besides themselves. Tim is a free thinker, is committed to the democratic process, and above all wants to be a working part of what makes Westville a great place to live.

Why don't you set up a time to meet with him one-on-one? Or show up at the polls to see the politician in action before you pass heavy amounts of judgement.

And as for the bleeding heart democrat thing? Not so impressive in a place that is mostly democratic in name anyway. What exactly are you doing about your loss of faith in politics in New Haven? Anything positive, proactive? 'Cause in my mind, if you're not part of the solution, you're the problem.

Posted by: king james V | February 13, 2008 1:49 PM

Mr. Other Holahan who answers (perhaps a broter) for someone else, did you come up with that cliche by yourself, but it's hard hitting and provocative.
I think i'll take your lead and speak for someone on this forum.
Eli may be done, but i'm not, that fact that timmy boy did not come out and express his full open and complete disgust that silverman, nor any of the city dems did not publicly condone - not just condone, but condone and vow to never use unfair vote pulling practices - makes his a willing bedfellow. a one on one converstion cannot be heard by the thousands of new haven democrats who still vote.
You want to be part of the solution? Call for Silverman to make a public statement calling the use of coersion - no no, the specific example of mcgrath & his partner forcing vito out of the house - a reprehensible action. i'll also accept abomination, a really stupid and bad thing, yucky, or something in that realm.
here's my cliches, use them as you like.
We gave 110%, trickle down theory, i'm completely happy being new haven's mayor.

Posted by: broke in westville | February 13, 2008 8:17 PM

Tim-Eli is right, you come across in these posts as arrogant and condescending.What's wrong with a direct response to a direct question? I also am still very angry and disgusted about the Vito/McGrath debacle and am looking for new candidates (from ANY party)that have the gumption to take an active stance against these types of unfair, underhanded maneuvers. Tone it down or risk turning off alot people.
Erica-Your attacks are not helping your cousin. I would say Eli is definitely part of the solution by asking anyone running for any office for a straightforward answer regarding a very important issue. Seems to me that IS the definition of being proactive; educating oneself before casting a vote. Your cousin makes it seem like we are wasting his time with such trivial matters. How disappointing....
I live in the 25th ward, and was very excited to see that Mary Faulkner has " tossed her hat in the ring", I couldn't think of a better person to be involved in this race. I only hope that her running mate presents better in person, beause my first impression of Tim (and his cousin) leave alot to be desired!

Posted by: Tim Holahan | February 14, 2008 2:24 PM

Eli, King James, Broke:

If it wasn't obvious, I'm new to this running-for-office thing. None of my remarks were intended as condescending or sarcastic.

I feel that I've answered your questions with a reasonable degree of clarity. If you want to discuss it further, we should meet face-to-face and talk it over. We're neighbors, after all. Mary and I began this campaign with the goal of getting conversations going in the ward, so let's have one.

Email me, and we'll set up a time to meet.