New Haven Independent

Posted by: dixwell livin | October 21, 2008 9:15 AM

No no no. whats wrong with these people. willie is a man of the people and not part of that machine like holder-winfield. everbody in dixwell knows that susan voight and the party made a deal with holder-winfield to undercut the guy from newhallville in august. then they go out have a party for mr. dyson to celbrate. what times we live in.

she should be the one resigning not willie. willie is gonna surprise people and beat holder-winfield watch and see. run willie run.

Posted by: sandstorm | October 21, 2008 10:16 AM

Gary Holder-Winfield is a candidate with a strong
platform, with relevance to New Haven's problems
and values. He is the endorsed choice of Bill Dyson, a man of unimpeachable integrity and certainly no
spineless party soldier. He has given Gary supervision and support for a number of years.

Willie Green is a very personable local politician
with , apparently, a little too much time and too
little influence. He was well aware of the rules he helped to create and if he is unhappy with them, he would do well to work from within (again) to change them while abiding by them as they are currently written. True enough, "You cannot have your cake and eat it, too"!

We should all support and encourage Gary as he expands his government involvement as an elected official.

Posted by: Insider 2 | October 21, 2008 10:43 AM

How naive is this guy or is he just plain stupid. Or did he play the whole community with his bogus message of change? You change the party from within? Does he really believe that? If so we are in trouble if he is elected. All ready he pressing the agenda for this administration and has not even been elected. God help us. He along with Voigt describe Greene as a renegade. Something stinks and it sure is not Greene. Winfield never ran against the machine. He was apart of the machine from from the very beginning. Greene has been consistent in his message over the years and never once sold himself for his own personal gain. We were fooled once but I will not be fooled again. Yes Winfield met with the administration and Voigt it is all too obvious that the machine laid down on Blango to make room for even a bigger fool named Winfield. I am with Dixwell Livin Greene is going to win this race because he has always be a man for the people. Greene clearly will have my vote.

Posted by: Insider 2 | October 21, 2008 11:22 AM

SANDSTORM The votes Gary received in the primary were anti Blango votes. Gary said nothing that was so revealing. And no one with the exception of yourself can say that Winfield has a platform that will benefit the 94th. As for Greene he did not create the rules and for you to say so is misleading. The very reason Greene is painted as a renegade is that for years he tried to change how this administration does business while sitting at the table. Yes, Greene is a personable individual and has helped a number of people in this community and city over the years. His influence is greater than you know. He is a team player but clearly does not believe in following blindly. Because of his courage to try change the environment and make room for those who have a different opinion the administration much like your comments try to diminish his accomplishment and him as a person. Greene brings much to table this makes him even more valuable and creditable to this race than Gary. I respect Bill Dyson but Bill is clearly wrong on this one.

Posted by: Raven | October 21, 2008 12:11 PM

Willie Greene is ready from Day 1. The issues and problems we face are just too important to let a novice like Gary spin his wheels trying to learn the system and the players. Gary might make a fine Alderman, but he is not ready for the State Legislature.

Posted by: Raven | October 21, 2008 12:26 PM

Sandstorm --

You apparently didn't read the part where Sue Voigt stated that what Greene was doing was perfectly within the rules of the game. So what "cake" are you referring to?

Posted by: cedarhillresident | October 21, 2008 1:05 PM

goodness I can't hold in in anymore. How may times does he have to run to realize he is not going to win?? Really?
Listen I give Suzie a Bravo on this! Green step down. One or the other! No one is saying you can't run but if you are a registered independent YOU CAN NOT BE A Co-chair to the democratic party!! You are not registered as a democrat! that simple!!!

Posted by: Insider 2 | October 21, 2008 4:12 PM

CEDARHILLRESIDENT First of all Greene is a registered democrat. Let us be open and honest here and make false statements. I am not sure where you live but I live in Newhallville so lets not cast Greene as an Independent when he is in fact not. I checked with both the Registrar of Voters and the City Town Clerk. Why did Ms. Voigt not ask for the resignation of Lieberman as Greene mentions in his letter when he ran outside the party. As long Greene has detractors like you of course he will never win. From all your comments in the past about Greene it is quite clear that you have never taken the time to talk to him. Apparently you desire representation that knows absolutely nothing about the 94th district or the City of New Haven. I would suggest that you reread the comments made by Mr. Winfield. He does not seek change. Anyone that has ever tried to work this administration always ends up getting burned. Greene is a man of the people and clearly again he will have my vote.

Posted by: Raven | October 21, 2008 4:13 PM

CedarHill Resident--

I live in the 94th and know Willie Greene and I am voting for him. He didn't just get here, and his record of contribution to this area is outstanding. Your personal attacks are unwarranted, and obviously you don't know very much about what you are commenting on. If you don't live in the 94th (which I assume you don't) then maybe you should let the folks in the 94th decide who they want to have. And no, you are wrong...Greene is NOT registered as an independent. He is, and for 30 plus years has always been, a Democrat (with a capital D).

Posted by: A.D. | October 21, 2008 4:54 PM

Gary has state level experience from his work lobbying on behalf on the SCSU union. Let's not turn this into a Clinton-Obama metaphor, with change fighting Day 1 nonsense.

If Greene "has always been, a Democrat (with a capital D)" then why did he not participate in the primary, when he himself is a co-chair? What is he doing being a co-chair? Instead of throwing stones about turn-out, why didn't he run, get out the vote, and thus make the primary more interesting and more democratic (lower case d)?

Insider 2 and the rest of the conspiracy theorists need to realize that yes, this is New Haven, but statements like "it is all too obvious that the machine laid down on Blango" is patently absurd. DeStefano was vocally pro-Blango, and at the time, all you conspiracy theorists were decrying the machine/DeStefano trying to silence Holder-Winfield, who was then the renegade for daring to challenge the machine candidate.

Greene is like Nader. He's a nice guy, and he will run and run and run until he's blue in the face, but he needs to realize that you are either in, or out: that is, be an activist, and push the system for change, or work within it to make it better. You can do both, actually (Gary has/will), but NOT at the same time.

Posted by: Insider 2 | October 21, 2008 6:18 PM

AD how misinformed you are. Greene is very well known on the state level and all through this City. (And my statement was not theory. Greene was not acceptable and Gary at best was manageable and can be controlled by the administration. It is a fact. Blango while a nice guy was an embarrassment to the administration) Greene as the executive director, of the New Haven Urban League Black Family Roundtable of written locally and state legislation, from his position of the Urban League of the New Haven and a number of not for profits organization. Try as you may while Gary may a be a nice guy he has no real experience. Gary is a staff member for the professors association and nothing more. He take notes and reads from prepared statement from the professors when he does speak and that is not very often. His position with Bill Dyson again was nothing more than cheap labor for our outgoing Rep. He gained no real practical experience. Winfield comes to the table with no legislative experience whatsoever. As for the Nader comment it is really uncalled for. I am proud to have a man like Greene that is not afraid to stand for what is right. Change from within. Not with this sitting administration. This administration took raises for themselves while the rest of us have had to face the rising property taxes, layoffs, foreclosures not to the banks but to the city. Walking around the halls of the capitol does make one qualified. Greene has the experience and background to make a significant difference. You cannot do both just ask those who have left the administration or those who have been fired because they disagreed with the administration. They all knew and know the ship is sinking. True change will come when we vote out this administration and stop shutting out the Willie Greene's because they have the courage to put people first.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | October 22, 2008 8:35 AM

A.D.

Very well put. Insider, most know that I go against the grain of things in New Haven. But no one laid down for Blango. Blango thought he had it in the bag and underestimated Gary and the voters desire for change. The city had the fire dept out door to door they had Alders on the phone and Blangos signs where wall papered every where. I think his biggest mistake was not doing the public debate. But that is now over.
Green, will lose the voters respect, this by far is not a boost in my eyes. Democracy has its rules. He is still registered as a Dem??? Anyone know if he can be?? that seems to be against all the rules?? Paul do you know if this is a forfeit for him to be a dem and not run in the primary's? Even turn coat joe change to independent right?? Dang this is confusing.
Who is Brian Mcgrath backing??? that may be a key question.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | October 22, 2008 8:52 AM

PS Raven despite the fact that I am not in the district and am lucky to have Cam as my Leg. Rep, this choose does effect me! He goes to Hartford as a Rep for the city, the city as a whole! State laws are on the table here. Laws that effect all!!!

Posted by: Ha Ha Ha | October 22, 2008 8:52 AM

This race will be a laugher. While Voigt makes a reasonable argument -- if you are the Democratic party ward chair, you should not run against the guy who won the Democratic primary -- it really won't matter.

Willie Green will not break 300 votes. You read it here first -- and it bears repeating -- Willie Greene will GET CRUSHED. I mean Jimmy Amman, "I will crush you" crushed.

In a regular election, Greenw always loses unless he runs against someone who forgets to actually run (as happened when he ran for ward chair) or against someone who is more odd than him (which has not happened for a long time).

This election cycle, an old guy, who keeps yammering about a forgotten America, is running against a young African-American progressive who paints a picture of an America we all want to see. One is running on the Democratic ticket, and one is not.

Vote McCain/Greene or Vote Obama/Holder-Winfield.

Does anyone really think that in a district made up of Newhallville and East Rock, voters plan to leave the Democratic line? (Or more accurately, will fill in the little boxes beside anyone not on that line?)

The only question is whether as a result of the national race, Holder-Winfield is one of the top vote getters for state house state wide.

But don't worry, Willie Greene will be back. He's like Jason.

Posted by: Raven | October 22, 2008 9:55 AM

Just made it to work and thought I would catch up on this blog.

Wow! I can't believe how averse to elections the Winfield supporters are. On one hand they castigate Greene for running in elections (including 7 successful races for his Aldermanic seat), and on the other they say that 600 odd votes in the Primary should be enough for the 94th District voters. Go figure.

I for one am glad I get a chance to VOTE for State Rep on Nov 4th.

Oh yeah, CedarHills, try reading Sue Voigt's letter. It should answer your question about whether Greene is doing something against the rules (bylaws, statutes, whatever).

Posted by: Da Hill | October 22, 2008 10:15 AM

Group,

The reality has more to do with the fact that the democratic "Machine" here in New Haven has slowly become the authority on who can run, for what office, and when...within the city of New Haven. Anyone who challenges this process will be outcasted and have the "Machine" as your opponent. Ask Jackie James, George, Robert Lee, Mike Smart, and all the other Alderfolks that have once been on the side of the Machine, only to have the Machine turn against you when you do not act accordingly. The sad part is how little is given to these candidates (most become indebted for as little as a couple hundred dollars for lawn signs) who in return relinquish their voice to the Machine...I respect the above mentioned group for standing against the Machine and winning their respective races.

Willie Greene, for better or worst, has become the resident Machine anti-hero and voters dont take him as serious. Despite his qualifications, his history makes him look like he runs for every office, every time, to be a pain in the Machines arse.

As for Susie Voigt...Well lets just say that she doesnt do anything, or make any decesion without the consent and approval of the Machine...How can you be an independent democratic voice when your "supplimental" income is directly tied to your appointment as a Marshal...and who does the appointing you ask...Don Destefano.

The Machine is powerful...not because of what the public sees, but because of what takes place behind closed doors and how many elected officials benefit from such an entity. The Machine would be a good thing if there was an opposing party with just as much presence within the city. The Machine is the great white shark in the tiny fish pond of New Haven.

I dont know much about Gary...but my advice is to stay true to yourself...you won your primary without their help, and you dont need their help now to be an effective leader. Call Willie up and have a man to man sit down without the Machine's involvement...Avoid the name calling via news mediums. Willie has a wealth of knowledge that may prove beneficial to you in the future..dont loose your democratic voice through unnecessary associations...good luck

Posted by: dixwell livin | October 22, 2008 11:09 AM

susie voight got nothin to say bout lieberman he is a congressman, but she should back off willie hes the man for the people.

cedarhill dont know anything about dixwell or newhallville. all those people do over there is say give us more police bcause people are stealing from yale students. you dont understand what we go through over here with bullets flyin in your windows. willie green does. holder-winfield didnt beat the guy from newhallville mr. dyson and a bunch of white folks beat the guy from newhallville.

you need to stay out of are politics and i promise you we will stay out of yours.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | October 22, 2008 12:23 PM

dixwell livin
your freakin kidding me!!! Do you know where Cedar Hill is??? They call us the McDonald's of drug dealing!! SO DON"T SAY I DO NOT UNDERSTAND anything!!! I just drove by one of our hookers working Warren and State!!! Lunch crowd!!! See no cops taken her down!! And they know she is there! PLEASE!!!

THESE ARE MY POLITICS I pay taxes in New Haven and the Rep's in Hartford need to be capable of working with the people in Hartford!!

And as far a Susie she is the head of the democratic party. She can only go by the rules that are on the books. It is her job to send the letter to willie.

Does anyone know how many different things Willie has ran for???
I am not throwing the lines other people have I am sure willie is a great person. I have met him on several occasions. I really don't know much about the Q house thing everyone talks about eighter. I just know Gary and the fact that he is more than capable of going to Hartford and fighting for our city. I see Gary making more head way up their. I see him being able to make alliances with key people.

Posted by: Insider 2 | October 22, 2008 12:45 PM

Group beg to differ. The problem is that the sitting administration takes him very serious. So much so that over the years efforts were fabricated to diminish and discredit him. Falsely arrested, car impounded, accused of making an emission sticker, $7000 in back taxes. Upon Greene's hiring of an attorney the taxes were reduced to less than $1300 and the paper printed that on the page next to the obituary pages where no one could see it. He took the City of New Haven to Court and while there was no monetary gain it was all about principle. When it was all said and done the City lead by its former Community Services Administrator dismantled the Q House. All you have to do is call the former chair Eleanor Boyd and you find out what truly happened there.Yet many from our community blamed Greene instead of going after the real culprits. Greene was just an easier target. He endured all that was thrown at him by this present administration. While I have great admiration for all those you have mentioned none have gone through what Greene has faced. Well lets say at least publicly. They attempted to drive him out of town blackballed by the administration and unable to work in a city he grew up in. Ben DeLieto ran twice before becoming mayor. DeStefano ran twice lost and then when on to win his race. Greene attempted to run for mayor 2 times yet somehow he has lost creditability. The second time he bowed out for many from our community accused him of destroying Newton's chance of winning. Greene bowed out and supported Newton to silence those who said his run was divisive. I commend him for stepping back. He put himself out there whereas many of us only write on this blog about how he is not this and he is not that. Yeah most will say he was not gonna win anyway. But look at the fiscal mess we now face. Greene has the experience we need here in the city and the state.

Posted by: Honest Joe | October 22, 2008 12:52 PM

Mr Green
I hope you get voted in as a representative.
Your tactics are as low as DeStefano's.
I dont want you as our next Mayor.
I dont want DeStefano.

Holder-Windfield. Try for Mayor of New Haven.

Posted by: Raven | October 22, 2008 1:01 PM

People, People.....Let's calm down. It's just a freakin' election.

CedarHill --
If you say you want to play by the "rules" you need to know what those rules are. The Prime Directive for American Democracy is that if you live in Cam Staples' district, you don't get a vote on the Greene - Holder contest. If you want to vote for Gary, then you gotta move into the 94th.
It is clear to us that you like Gary personally. And that you don't know much of anything about Willie Greene. But I'm not sure that your passion has anything to do with the relative merits of the 2 combatants to represent the 94th.
The Dixwell-Newhallville Political Alliance has endorsed Greene. They live, work, hold political office in the 94th. I think they have a more objective view of the 2 candidates than you do.

Gotta go....think I hear the boss coming!

Posted by: cedarhillresident | October 22, 2008 8:14 PM

Raven I do work in the district. Trust I am a vote whisper in the area.

I can disagree with the rules as much as the next person. I am not shy about that. But as a civilized society we have rules some good some bad, but none the less rules. I fight to change some. I went with a green party person as alderman and I am a out right democrat. I am not saying not to support who you feel is up for the job. But you have to allow others to do the same. That is what politics is all about.
At present time I am not a fan of Johnnys. But it does not mean that I would not vote for him if he is the only qualified candidate running. That is what politics should be about. The most capable.

I keep hearing about this "Dixwell-Newhallville Political Alliance" who does this consist of??? Really I have not heard of this group till now. Seriously who are they. We can say that the Democratic party of East Rock, Newhallville and dixwell back Greens opponent? And we know who they are. But this group has not stepped froward. I only saw a few names. Which business owners are part of this. Which community groups are part of this?? I am not being sarcastic, I come to this news source to understand what is happening in our city, to get other points of view. So I am asking you as a person with a different point of view and an obvious inside opinion who is this group that supports green??

Posted by: Insider 2 | October 23, 2008 1:12 AM

Honest Joe I agree with you only on one point. Yes I hope that Greene is elected as our next State Representative. Mayor aside Greene was the lone democratic alderman that stood up for the taxpayers and 3 times voted against any pay increases for the mayor and his staff. He asked the administration to hold the line and lead by example. He stood for the workers that were laid off while Johnny and company lined their pockets Dishonest and low like DeStefano. No!!!!!!!!! he's not. Greene did not create the fiscal nightmare we now face. Greene is a good man, not afraid to speak his mind and has never taken the politically expedient route like so many have. Greene will clearly be more valuable as the next State Rep. I truly feel sorry for the next man or woman that might succeed DeStefano. The city is broke and the worst has yet to come.