New Haven Independent

Posted by: givemeabreak | April 14, 2009 8:08 AM

Another Mayor Destefano crony, just what New Haven needs!

Posted by: Westville Mom | April 14, 2009 9:31 AM

"There is more of a mixture racially, stronger constituency in Hispanics, African and white community, a change in age demographics" that McCormack does not represent, he said.

This is a profoundly disturbing statement. Following this logic, Barack Obama should not be President because this country does not have a population that reflects an African-American majority and he could not be expected to effectively represent whites. For most of us (educated) Americans, elections are about ideas and philosophy, not ethnicity.

The implications of this are stunning. If this is part of his justification for running, one must wonder why Mr. Paca hasn't gotten the memo yet on the notion that Obama's election was supposed to represent "post-racial politics." And how about the "age-ism" implication of his "age demographics" comment?

When I was in elementary school in the 1960s and had black teachers, there actually seemed to be LESS discussion of race in some cities and in some quarters than now. How ironic.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | April 14, 2009 9:38 AM

This is great news! I am so glad you are running Marcus!!!

Posted by: NewHaven1 | April 14, 2009 9:40 AM

"Paca, a strong backer of the mayor" AND appointed by the mayor to the development commission.

Not a rubber stamp? Could of fooled me.

Posted by: NewHaven1 | April 14, 2009 9:43 AM

Are you serious cedarhill? To be one who opposes the mayor quite often I'm a bit surprise.

Is he a good kid? Yes.. However put another check to the King John side which only increases this one sided government we live in.

Posted by: Exiled Italian Shill | April 14, 2009 9:46 AM

So the Greers are with Liz? That's interesting.

Posted by: tom | April 14, 2009 9:58 AM

really looking forward to a contested election and, hopefully, come fall, an energetic and enthusiastic City Hall representative. good luck marcus.

Posted by: anon | April 14, 2009 10:28 AM

How can we contact Mr. Paca about his campaign? Will he create a website?

Posted by: peoplefirst | April 14, 2009 10:39 AM

Marcus congratulations! You must be doing something right. Hang in there and be strong because the true struggle is against change not you. I know you will be the best representative for this community.

Posted by: Jonathan Swift | April 14, 2009 11:03 AM

Will someone credible and capable please challenge Yusuf Shah?

Posted by: Exiled Italian Shill | April 14, 2009 11:13 AM

It's time for Liz to go. It's time to look forward. This kid will have his hands full against the machine in the ward as Liz will win the Democratic nomination. The Greers will vote pull for her and the Party will back her. He can win if he works as nobody remembers who Liz McCormick is.

Posted by: City Hall | April 14, 2009 11:20 AM

Marcus -

You're statements are untrue and racially charged - why is this ok? But this Administration finds Dustin Gold's statements "racial and unacceptable"??

You will lose!!!

Posted by: Zahra Moon | April 14, 2009 11:35 AM

I am excited at the fact that Mr. Paca is willing to run against someone with a long standing history in politics and as an alderwoman. We all know that political debates are forever going to be bogus and opinionated no matter who is in office. That is the development of the system. It is written. But if Paca has a strong will to make change and create a new voice in the Edgewood area then so be it. Yes, the area is more diverse since 1987 and yes children back then are now adults who have experienced the changes first hand including Paca. Besides, what does stopping a landromat and a builder have to do with community development.

Posted by: lance | April 14, 2009 11:53 AM

You want my opinion? You don't? Well you're going to get it anyway. People who don't pay taxes and also collect entitlements should not be allowed to vote. No representation without taxation.

Posted by: Insider | April 14, 2009 11:56 AM

Exiled Italian Shill,

Reality:

Yes Liz will secure the endorsement due to her co-chairs and YES the Greers will do some work for her however the administration will NOT support her. Regardless if she receives the endorsement the DeStefano administration will work to unseat her as they did to Alder Lee who I recall was the endorsed candidate. Yet the mayor's machine and Susie was there saying "we are here on personal time"

Posted by: Streever | April 14, 2009 12:20 PM

It's not really a machine, is it? If the DTC & the Mayor don't always agree with it?

People are obsessed with these stupid conspiracy theories. Come on! Over 2k dollars on an already stacked board? If we have such a well-oiled machine, I don't understand how it can endorse one candidate, and then support another. That's just mind numbing.

Do you really think that someone goes to the mayor and goes, "PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE GET ME ON THE BOA IT IS MY LIFE GOAL" That seems a little unlikely. I don't doubt that incompetent people sometimes get jobs with the city based on personal acquaintance/friendship/loyalty. In the business sector it's called "networking", and yes, it's not acceptable for tax dollars to go to nepotism, but let's be real about the BOA. It's pretty likely that either candidate will work with the City (thank god), so let's not point fingers now, let's just talk to the winners later, & make sure that they are serving the people & not rubber stamping anything.

The real "corruption" is just laziness in my experience... or, in the case of the BOA, stemming from too much to do, not enough time.

Best of luck to both candidates. Great to see yet another contested race. I'm sure, in the end, people will support the candidate they like, just as happens all over the world. Amazing, isn't it.

Posted by: Streever | April 14, 2009 12:24 PM

oh & an FYI:
Yes, Susie is there, on her own time. She works full-time for the Peabody museum, which I am pretty sure doesn't pay her to go campaign. I'm also pretty sure that the mayor doesn't draw an overtime cheque for his campaigning, so yes, again, "on his own time", as someone felt the need to scare quote.

People, I applaud that you want to improve things, but I question the way you do it, and am disappointed in the poor presentation of our communities & neighborhoods when it's by misinformed people.

Susie works full time for the Peabody, & serves restraining orders to men--a job that pays far less than her full-time, involves danger, & she is I believe the only marshal currently taking it on. Clearly she has an altruistic desire to help people. You can demonize her & label her and DeStefano a "machine" but I dont' think the scare quotes around their personal time are warranted. Both individuals DO spend an inordinant amount of THEIR personal time helping others & supporting what they believe in.

Call a spade a spade (there are incompetent people doing jobs at City Hall) but there is no need for spreading rumors about corruption.

Posted by: greg | April 14, 2009 12:49 PM

please, no more minions for the King. Enough with this administration!

Posted by: Blue Dog Democrat | April 14, 2009 1:33 PM

As someone who has been privy to inside the "machine" and chose to leave its machinations, the machine does exist. It is used to primary out those who JDS no longer favors; it is used to intimidate adversaries into toeing the party line, and last, to ensure that the unions and certain departments which accept patronage positions fully support the candidates that the machine endorses by getting out the vote during elections.

I am sure that Susie and others actively involved have their reasons for doing so, but lets not pretend that it is all for altruistic and charitable reasons. It could be for something as base as self-preservation since upsetting the apple cart will not only rid us of JDS, but also of those in his inner circle.

Having seen the power of the DTC and our Ward committee two years ago, and how it stymied all opposition to our alderwoman, I am hopeful for change, though I don't expect any, no matter who the players turn out to be the day after the election.

Posted by: Neighbor | April 14, 2009 3:38 PM

Paca Kid--

I've been living in this Ward for sixteen years and you've been here for a few months. Show up at neighborhood meetings, roll up your sleeves or leave. Liz has been here for myself,Whites and Hispanics for years. You represent nobody, Who are you, where did you come from???

GO LIZ GO!!!!!

Posted by: citizen | April 14, 2009 7:57 PM

Does Liz pay staff at the independent. I happen to know Paca personally and find it hard to believe these quotes are from him or twisted in favor of Liz. In my opinon this is bad press, which in any case is expected from a veteran like Liz in fear of someone who has this ward in his hands. Paca seems to care for this community and willing to help where necessary. Liz doesn't have a chance its time for her to go,so she should bow out gracefully. Unless she can suprisingly get to know the people between Sherman and Norton or perhaps prevent my car from hitting at least 10 potholes in the ward per day-- I don't see her even making it to the primary.

Posted by: EastRockerSince1970 | April 15, 2009 11:46 AM

Streever,

Please! How do you think Roland got on the BOA when Elizabeth stepped down? How do you think Roland's wife became Co-Chair of Ward 9? Do you not know how things work in New Haven? Wake up fella! Sure Susie is employed full-time at the Peabody Museum, but spends much of that time serving papers. Also you might want to check how much money she earns serving those papers because I am sure you will find it is more than what she earns at the Peabody Museum.

Posted by: Marcus Paca | April 15, 2009 12:49 PM

Dear neighbors, friends, supporters and non- supporters,

I am happy to see that my candidacy for Alderman- Ward 24, is creating so much dialogue. I just wish the dialogue focused more on the economic development of our community, particularly, the Whalley Avenue corridor; police and community relations, youth and elderly services and the continued beatification and preservation of our community.

I am focused on being the best leader the 24th Ward has seen. Over the past year I have prepared myself diligently; consistently attending Board of Alderman meetings, mentoring our city middle and high school students, knocking on doors discussing community issues with residents, and working to help ensure New Haven businesses have the opportunity to be successful in our great city.

I cannot allow myself or my campaign to be swayed by nay- sayers and opinion spinners looking to deflect from the tasks at hand. For those who want to act positively in the neighborhood, the WEB Management Team meetings are every 3rd Tuesday at the Police Substation on Whalley Avenue. For those of you who are interested in the development projects affecting our communities; the Development Commission meetings are every 2nd Tuesday at City Hall. Those that are looking to organize and lobby for more community youth and elderly services, sustainable living projects and less crime, please contact my campaign.

I am ready and able to be a champion for those issues. I do not condone using racially charged tones, innuendos or hear say to attempt to take the focus off the ball. My work and my actions speak for themselves. The truly concerned persons in our ward will decide their candidate based on actions and results, not just divisive dialogue and favors.

I am prepared to win this race. I will then work with Liz and her supporters to continue to make our neighborhood the best in the city.

If anyone would like to sit down and talk to me to learn for them selves what I plan on doing for our community, you can email my campaign at paca4alderman@gmail.com. I am always more than glad to sit down with anyone serious about bringing more voices and positive change to the community.

Sincerely,

Marcus Paca
Ward 24 Candidate for Alderman
'Let's bring the energy and leadership we need back to our community"

Posted by: Streever | April 15, 2009 6:05 PM

EastRockerSince1970,

I've heard a lot of stories about Roland's getting on the BOA. I understand that no one ran against him in the general election. I'm... well, I'm not exactly mystified as to how he won, are you? It seems not very difficult, to win an uncontested vote.

Perhaps you should read the NHI more carefully. It reported on just how little Susie makes serving those papers.

Thirty dollars.

That's right.

Thirty.

Yea, Susie Voigt sure is corrupt. Driving & tracking down men who are charged with violent crimes & threats to serve them restraining orders for 30 dollars.

Wow let's end her evil ways.

Yes, there are funny things that go on in this city of ours. There is a general lack of competence in some of the City Hall departments. There are serious issues with the priorities of some of our politicians & staff members. But at the end of the day, the "they are so corrupt" thing is starting to wear a little thin.

How many local politicans have gone to jail? Been charged with a crime? Been accused in an open forum of being corrupt, with evidence?

Perez probably was pushed out of the BOA presidency. I think he's a great guy, personally, but I also really like Goldfield. I think t hey've both done great work. I also think Goldfield votes against the mayor as often or more often than Perez.

Anonymous accusations of corruption are easy to make, but Roland winning his uncontested alderman battle isn't one of them. How many other people wanted the Ward 9 Co-Chair position at the time that Anika assumed it? Did they declare any interest whatsoever, or sit & gripe at a local bar?

Posted by: Streever | April 15, 2009 6:10 PM

At the end of the day, these debates can continue endlessly.

It's so childish. "He's a crony! No, he's a crony! No, that one's the crony!"

No sooner does a "non crony" get elected then people say, "OH he really WAS a crony all along!" (a la Winfield)

Instead of alleging corruption & nepotism with 0 evidence/proof, why not instead look concretely at each individuals promises, background, & statements, and then make a decision as to who you support based on the individuals, not on a PERCEPTION of corruption?

I mostly object to the endless, anonymous, unsubstantiated rumor mongering. Seriously, I'd love to see any corruption removed, so why not post facts if you have any? And in the meantime, let's focus on these two people, not someone's 39 years of East Rock & irrelevant history.

Why should anyone give any credence to the anonymous rantings of people who allege in one breath that Blango is the crony, then that it was REALLY Gary!

Even if any of you ARE right, you sound awfully paranoid :(.

Posted by: City Hall Watch | April 15, 2009 9:51 PM

Marcus:

I read your open letter with a skeptical eye. It was well founded. Interestingly, every paragraph began with "I" as if the race for alder is about you, not the voters. That's the problem with most alders and alder wannabes, and the mayor too for that matter. Secondly, you throw around "economic development" just like City Hall does. It's not a magic word, Marcus. In fact, it's been so dumbed down and prostituted as to mean nothing and everything all at the same time. It should mean jobs. New Haven has an effective unemployment rate of nearly 15%. The city hasn't seen any significant, sustained quality job growth in years, which ironically, is precisely what economic development is supposed to mean. Thirdly, we don't need more youth activities or senior activities for that matter. We have plenty of both and if you had bothered to study the budget, you would see we spend millions in these areas. Less crime? What's your plan? Another dialogue project? What should be happening that is not happening now? What have you done about it besides going to some meetings?

It's notable you didn't say a word about property taxes and user fees. Perhaps that's because you don't pay any and therefore it's beyond your understanding how oppressive they are. These family and business expenses in your ward and across the city are driving taxpayers out to be replaced by more subsidized housing, more people needing city services and fewer people and businesses to pay. It's putting the hope of a home beyond the ability of working families to afford. Yet, you are stunningly silent.

And finally, you write about racial overtones as if somebody other than yourself raised the issue. Fact is, Marcus, you did when you said: "One of main reasons I'm running is because of the dramatic change in demographics...There is more of a mixture racially, stronger constituency in Hispanics, African and white community, a change in age demographics" that McCormack does not represent, he said.

If that qoute is not accurate, you should have said so. If it is, you should be apologizing for saying something so trivial, stupid and shallow. I would have respected you for admitting a mistake. As you should know, nobody in city government ever admits that. In case you don't know, one doesn't run for public office, or rather shouldn't run because you're browner and younger than the current occupant in this alder seat. You should run because you actually believe deep down inside in public service; that you won't be a mallethead, that you'll use your brain and make the best decisions possible for all people in your ward and across the city.

Posted by: anon | April 16, 2009 10:29 AM

Great post, Cityhallwatch!

Posted by: Streever | April 16, 2009 11:27 AM

while I don't agree with everything CHW says, I can't find fault with their argument or the way they constructed it. Good post. We need more of that from other commentators here.

Posted by: anon | April 16, 2009 2:26 PM

"New Haven has an effective unemployment rate of nearly 15%."

Actually, it is much higher than that. DOL statistics don't tell you anything about the real extent of the problem.

Posted by: INSIDER | April 16, 2009 9:22 PM

PACA-

City Hall drafted a different letter for you to put in the NHI, how come you wrote all about "I", you can't even follow the instructions of your handlers.

Lost round #1!!!

PS keep up the divisiveness.

Posted by: PEOPLEFIRST | April 17, 2009 12:46 PM

Paca--This is a well written response. I like that you used "I" at the begining of your paragraphs because it shows that you are an independent thinker and not an alledged "crony" or whatever choice words people like to use. You can only speak for yourself and the things YOU intend to see within the community. Last I checked it is only gramaticaly correct to speak in the first person using the term "I" to represent ones personal thoughts and ideas. You also focused on the positive things you intend implement and improve within our community.

Unemployment rates amoung the country, state, and the city of New Haven are at a all time high. OUR NATIONAL ECONOMY IS IN THE SLUMPS right now this is a known and given fact.

Property Taxes, last I checked this is an issue the BOA and City of New Haven approves. Which leads to my main point....WHAT HAS OUR CURRENT 11 term ALDERMAN in the 24th done to help these issues??

In my conversation with PACA he appears to be open and willing to hear the comments and concerns of the people. When he wins the election he will have the authority to help address the changes we need in our community.

This city and nation has this notion that you either have to be for or against something. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO AGREE WITH SOMETHING ENTIRELY! It is ok to agree with parts of an idea and to disagree with others. Thats why we have something called COMPROMISE.

Is it wise for Paca to be against the JD? Is it wise for him to be for JD? I'm sure different people depending on how they feel about JD would think differently. I think its safe to say JD isn't the best, but at the same time he's done alot of good for this city. Last I checked the only way to get things done in this city is if you have good ties with the mayor, which doesn't necessarily mean you have to agree with everything he does. ITS called COMPROMISE the ability to work together to get things done.

Just one more thing...everyone who is appointed to commissions are "appointed by the Mayor". IS everyone else on all of the commissions considered a "crony"?

GO PACA!!! You have mine as well as my whole family and friends vote because you seem to understand how things work in the city. Be careful of the interviews you take because not all press is good press.

I encourage you all to get to know the kid sit down with him understand his ideas and visions for our community. BEWARE of the "divisivness" the press and media often relay.

Posted by: Edward_H | April 18, 2009 12:01 PM

Other than being young , black and inexperienced, how is Paca different from McCormack?

Posted by: T | April 19, 2009 9:32 AM

I agree with City Hall Watch comments. Marcus states he has been putting in work for a 1yr to prepare himself for candidacy for Alderman. Is this someone truly committed to public service and our community? No. He is not addressing real issues because he clearly cannot relate to them nor does he have the knowledge to do so. Maybe he should try again after he has put in some REAL work and has a better understanding of what it truly means to be an Alderman. Just because Marcus was appointed to the Developmental Commission Board recently in Jan. 2009 does not qualify him, and coming out of no where going to a few meeting should definitely not qualify him. It is a good thing that he wants to be involved in the community, but he also needs to be a bit realistic especially when he is quoted verbatim. I also know Marcus and I am sure he was quoted correctly, it sounds exactly like something he would say.