New Haven Independent

Posted by: ROBN | April 8, 2008 9:04 AM

Can we use the money to buy back the water authority?

ENRON

Posted by: facChek | April 8, 2008 11:17 AM

"Why did he change his mind?
Rhodeen said he wasn't aware at the time of the vote of the impact the sunset clause would have. After the vote, he was told that "the language of the sunset clause would hamper the city's ability to sell bonds."

That argument was made on the floor by Goldfield at the March 24 meeting.

It appears from the article that Rhodeen was fully aware of the city's objection to the Sunset plan before the first vote. He now says:
"if it makes people more confident that they can sell bonds, then it seemed reasonable to me."

This is a sorry-ass reason to change his mind and his vote, it is this kind of knee jerk reaction that is precisely the flaw of the BOA. They vote on issues that they are not fully aware of , or , fully understand.
At the same time, the BOA has not fully vetted the issue of new debt the city will incur, regardless of whose name it is under. The city will be selling the transfer station, which is now in debt. Should the sale not produce positive results, the city will re-inherit the old, as well as, the newly accrued debt.

Indeed, this is a Enron in the making... only in the city's case, they are telling us the real accumulative debt story in pieces. The problem is, no one, not even the Aldermen is listening.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | April 8, 2008 1:08 PM

ROBN

YUCK YUCK.... I second that!! When does the citizens of New Haven get a say so???? that is my question??

And ditto on the
ENRON!

Posted by: cedarhillresident | April 8, 2008 1:28 PM

Can't this be put up for some kind of a vote???

Posted by: Daniel Sumrall | April 9, 2008 1:07 AM

New Haven had its vote last year and decided to pretty much keep all the same players--only you guys in ward ten lucked out Cedarhillresident. And next year, will New Haven again vote status quo and then spend the next two years complaining? Probably, because it's easier than growing a spine and putting new faces in city hall.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | April 9, 2008 8:21 AM

Daniel
Your right! I am not to sure how government works but I am quickly learning.
But.... is there a way to put this up to a special vote with the citizens of New Haven. There must be a way? I the public does not agree with the way the Alderman voted. Anyone Know???

Posted by: eastshoreguy | April 9, 2008 8:24 AM

Rhodeen: latin translation flip-flopper maximus

Posted by: Chris | April 9, 2008 9:09 PM

A Few comments-

This is a deal to lease not sell the trash assets. Like taking an equity line of credit today to pay back tomorrow with interest, but the city still owns the assets.

Water authority (RWA) good - Water pollution Authority (WPCA) ...

There was almost no citizen representation at the Aldermanic public hearing on the trash deal.

As a active skeptic but not cynical resident of ward 13- Rhoodeen has been a stand up guy on all heights issues. On this matter I think he stood up and then sought compromise- he may not be good on the spin game -but isn't that good?

Posted by: jeffreykerekes | April 10, 2008 9:54 AM

Cedarhill Resident:

Our charter allows for us to have non-binding referenda. In other words, you can get something on the ballot for people to vote for, but the Mayor/BOA does not have to follow the outcome. The charter does not allow for a "binding referendum". We would need Charter Revision. The Charter must be reviewed every ten years but CAN be reviewed at any time in between.

There are ways to get involved. Here are some important April meetings:

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Vital April Meetings
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April 29, Tuesday @ 7:00 PM -- FINAL Public Hearing on the Budget, BOA Chambers @ City Hall

May 27, Tuesday @ 7:00 pm -- BOA Vote On The Budget, BOA Chambers @ City Hall

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Important April Meetings
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April 23, 2008 @ 6:45 pm -- Hearing on Creating a Used Car Lot on Olive Street
April 23, 2008 6pm - 8pm -- Panel Discussion on the Budget
April 24, 2008 @ 6:00 pm -- Mayor's Budget Discussion Road Tour

D E T A I L S B E L O W
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Panel Discussion on the Budget. Confirmed panelists below.

Wednesday, April 23rd, 6 - 8 pm at the Courtland Wilson Branch of the Library (http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/library/Wilson.asp).

The Library has a decent-sized parking lot which is most easily accessed by driving down Daggett St toward Washington Ave. (There's a smaller entrance to the parking lot to the right of the Library on Washington.)

The event will take place in the Community Room, which is in the lower level of the building.

Definite
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Paul Bass (moderator)
Jorge Perez
Carl Goldfield
Rob Smuts
Jacqueline James
Jeffrey Kerekes

Maybe
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Ina Silverman
Pat Dillon
Bill Dyson
Martin Looney

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Used Car Lot get info here: www.nousedcars.com

Dates to remember
Andy Ross will be holding a meeting on this issue at his house at 612 Chapel Street at 7 pm on April 14th Monday. Refreshments will be served. Please try to tell call him in advance if you are coming. 203-641-4666 or andy@andyrossgroup.com

The review Board meets at City Hall on April 23rd at 6:45 pm. We need you there!
City Hall, 165 Church Street, 2nd Floor.
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"Community Budget Discussion" on Thursday, April 24 at 6:00pm.

Event: Community Budget Discussion "It's your City and your budget"
What: Informational Meeting
Host: City of New Haven
When: Thursday, April 24 at 6:00pm
Where: Nathan Hale School
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