New Haven Independent

Posted by: Gary Doyens | May 6, 2008 7:44 AM

Paul: How is the city's partnership with University of New Haven to build a science school in West Haven at New Haven taxpayer's expense, with no financial help from West Haven which is basically broke, address Perez points?

Posted by: eastshoreguy | May 6, 2008 9:17 AM

Is it me does the guy in the photo look a little sad?

Posted by: FIX THE SCHOOLS | May 6, 2008 9:53 AM

Perez for mayor.

I don't know how he stands on other things, but the guy obviously has done his school reform homework. If you think that closing the achievement gap (as QUICKLY as possible) is THE most important priority for New Haven's future, then Perez represents a far, far better choice to lead this town.

Finally - we have a credible local politician who isn't afraid to say that we need to prioritize educational quality over employment for adults at the BOE.

Run Jorge, run!

Posted by: ROBN | May 6, 2008 12:28 PM

teachers AREN'T parents.

The city should NOT incentivize parental involvement. The city should REQUIRE it and have punitive measures for parents who blow it off.

Posted by: facChek | May 6, 2008 1:07 PM

The speech would be worth reading if the Black and Hispanic caucus had any clout.. any at all.. But, it does not.

If one would Take the time to read this speech and the prior speeches as well, it would demonstrate that they are merely slogans and empty complaints which talk about the problem, but are far short on the implementation of political solutions.

There is one area mentioned here that does deserve closer attention.. the youth initiative plan commission which according to Perez, never meets.
Taxpayers fund the city out-reach program at 400K/per, however, the value of the program is not discernible because it lacks monitoring and evaluation.
(on the other hand what community program is evaluated).

Successful outreach may be occurring, if so, what follow through programs then evaluate the teens at risk and actually provides a job or other recommended assistance. You got it none.. unless there's something you missed Paul Nunez, or perhaps slipped your mind!!

The mayor's youth program has one full time employee in the current budget at 460K. Enough money, but can one person plan, monitor and evaluate all youth programs. For the 09 budget the Mayor proposed two employees, again hardly satisfactory to address the problem area.

The Black & Hispanic caucus has pointed to a problem in need of correction, but can they deliver the necessary change... hang on for next years speech for the clue.

Posted by: What? | May 6, 2008 1:48 PM

Don't mean to sound cynical, but how long has Jorge Perez been an aldperson (probably about 15 or 20 years now)? Up until a couple of years ago, he was the leader of the BO Alds and the Mayor's go to guy. He is as much responsible for the problem as DeStefano. Aren't the Black and Hisp. Caucus nearly a majority of the Board? Isn't he now the leader of that group? After all the talk, don't they essentially rubber stamp the mayor's initiatives and budgets? I agree with FAcChek, this speech, along with last year, and the year before, and so on (you get the point) are merely slogans and empty complaints meant to get a headline or two, and maybe a meeting with the Mayor to get their own deal done. Isn't that why the mayor deposed him as BO Alds leader last time; because he got to big for his britches and demanded to much (for himself).

Posted by: Cpt. Moonlight | May 6, 2008 2:53 PM

Perez won't run for Mayor or State Rep or State Senate or anything else beyond Alderman of the Hill. Wanna know why? He's too scared

He is so afraid of losing what little he has he will not dare dream of greater things like Mayor or State Rep (he could beat Candelaria) or State Senate (he cannot beat Harp).

This guy goes around saying that Destefano will only run for one more term for one reason: it puts off any decision that Jorgie may have to make for another wo years and gets the unions off his back for a while longer.

Jorge could do more like State Rep or running for Secretary of State if Bysie runs for AG, but he won't. Hitching your wagon to a political star such as Perez's future is a waste of time.

Perez's speech is symbolic of who he is as a leader. Simply put, last night he was, as the kids like to say, faking the funk - (v.) To act with a false ethos surrounding oneself in an attempt to win respect from a certain influential party.

Tell me I am wrong.

Posted by: FIX THE SCHOOLS | May 6, 2008 3:07 PM

The black/hispanic caucus is besides the point. Clearly this guy is seriously thinking about running for mayor. This seems like it was a "test the waters" speech.

Who care whether he has been here a long time or not? Maybe he has learned some things along the way. In this speech he has introduced some radical concepts about improving public education. If we're lucky, this guy is taking a page out of Eddie Perez' book in Hartford.

Maybe Perez recognizes the truth. Through budget shortfalls and surpluses, through crime waves, and police corruption, through the good times and bad, - until we close the education gap we will forever be mired in poverty and it's symptoms.

Posted by: What? | May 6, 2008 6:22 PM

Fix the Schools:

I have 99% of the time agreed with you, on Perez I can not. If he were to run, he would attempt to win over the same patronage seeking folks that he has partnered with all these years, the same folks that DeStefano has. He doesn't have any original ideas, and there is nothing radical about his concepts. He is the same old thing dressed up in the same suit. Perez = DeStefano = taxes wasted, big bloated government, and a seriously flawed school system. He has not done anything in his many years to distinguish himself from the status quo, why would he change strips now? I looked at the established record, not empty promises (of which he has also established a record).

Posted by: FIX THE SCHOOLS | May 7, 2008 8:54 AM

What?,

Maybe you're right about Perez. I don't know what he'll do in the future. But isn't this the guy who criticized this administration when he saw things he didn't like, and later paid the price by losing his presidency? If he didn't roll over then maybe he won't roll over now. My impression is that people think that Perez is fair and honest, and those traits alone would rank him at the top of the far upper echelons of connecticut municipal government.

This is the first time that a credible local politician, one without a track record of corruption, has been so outspoken and brought to the table some pretty creative ideas. So even if it turns out that the candidate is flawed, his ideas need to be rewarded with support.

If Jorge Perez is serious about reforming the education system and he begins to pursue some of the strategies he outlined, then I predict he will garner some support. If he veers off into patronage land, he'll lose it.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | May 7, 2008 10:29 AM

I read Perez's whole speach because I was unable to go to the meeting and I have to say the man is in tune with the people! He hit the issue almost on the head! What I love about him the most is the fact the blue collar guy matters!

Posted by: outtaorder | May 8, 2008 8:04 AM

Maybe I am taking this out of context, but, what is this idea about gov't. incentivizing parents? Shouldn't parents have some inherent interest in the success of their children? Granted, there are some life distractions that limit how involved a parent might be in their kids' school life (e.g. two jobs to put food on your table). But, how does gov't "incentive" help that parent? Unless the gov't "incentive" comes in the form of better paying jobs, lower taxes, utilities and crime free neighborhoods, I don't get it.

All this talk makes me appreciate my mom and dad even more.

Posted by: abg | May 9, 2008 12:21 AM

cory booker rocks

Posted by: ac7085 | May 10, 2008 11:21 AM

I have read many of these comments and it is amazing to me the lack of knowledge and reality many of the commentators have. Although a bit nervous in his presentation I thought Alderman Perez speech was right on target. The speech addressed the reality of the state of the city:

1. A Schools Pitch
To mend a disheartening student achievement gap between minorities and their Caucasian counterparts, Perez said the city needs to incentivize parents and teachers to help students along.
If you are truly a resident of the city and truly care for our youth spend some time in our school systems and you will realize that something is not working. Demand to see the stats that affect our youth. Furthermore, what are we suppose to do with our youth that cannot attend college for financial reasons or not academically ready. The thought of having a vocational school to partnerships with several of the large city employers and trade unions is a great idea.
2. Perez called for the creation of a blue ribbon panel to comb through New Haven's budget. "This panel's sole task would be to examine our budget and offer suggestions for us to consider in streamlining our expenditures." Perez said he served on one such committee, comprised of volunteers from the business community, in the early '90s under former Mayor John Daniels.

In regards to the budget, the city administration knew and was aware of the tough financial woes we were and are going to be facing. I would like to hear from the highly paid city administrators and see what solutions they have to offer instead of rubberstamping everything. For those who follow city politics, they would agree that Alderman Perez is one of the most honest and no nonsense person on the board. As part of the legislative body Perez has continuously challenge any item that comes to the board that appears improper. To make references that he would not succeed if he ever ran for mayor is completely untrue. Perez is a man of integrity and honor, his record on the board speaks for itself. As a result of his convictions and non willingness to become a rubberstamp, it was the administration that pursued his Aldermanic presidency by buying alderpersons in exchange for their votes for the current president. Perez has offered solutions and great ideas to the administration in an effort to make some of these budgetary and educational issues work, but it would be far from the administration to humble themselves and work together, Oh know not from Perez he is the enemy, as all these problems unfold the truth will be known and in the end the residents will know the truth. Let's understand the dynamics of POLITICS and not give in to the propaganda fed from the city administration. I think we all can agree on something unless you are a large contractor then you are deafly afraid of Perez, because you know the gravy train will end. Change is good and sometimes needed do the math enough is enough we have nothing to loose.