New Haven Independent

Posted by: Steve | August 21, 2009 10:45 AM

Sounds like Susie Voigt and Mayor Johnnie have completed the "Joe Liberman Course of I can do whatever I want" and by the way the the rest of you need to follow the rules!!

What a bag job!! You can't believe for a minute that this isn't a move driven by desperation and weakness by the Mayor and The DTC Chief.... They are rightfully fearful that they will finally have to be accountable to a BOA that they don't have in their pockets.

In my ward Susie and Johnnie boy's help would be a BIG ZERO!!

Posted by: streever | August 21, 2009 10:57 AM

I think it's the DTC's business who they support or don't support, & Susie can donate her personal time as she wishes. I don't personally endorse any of the candidates (I don't live in these wards) but hope they all have a good race--

Posted by: The Count | August 21, 2009 11:05 AM

Ah, "one-party rule." Isn't it grand?

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | August 21, 2009 11:15 AM

Vote Teletubs and you will not have a problem!!!

Posted by: John | August 21, 2009 11:46 AM

Voigt's Support for non-party endorsed candidates is a slap in the face to the democratic process. As the leader of the party she should be supporting the choice of the ward committee. She has the audacity to say, "She's acting "as a volunteer," not as a representative of the DTC. Hello!!!!! Susie you are the Chair of the Party 24/7 ...

Posted by: Darnell Goldson | August 21, 2009 12:07 PM

To be perfectly transparent, here are the letters between Ms. Voigt and I. I am still awaiting a response from my latest letter, which I will post once received.

August 18, 2009

Susan Voigt
Chairwoman
New Haven Democrats

Dear Sue:

As you well know, I have been endorsed by both the local Ward 30 committee, as well as the New Haven Democratic Party, for Alderman for Ward 30. I look forward to representing the party and the Ward at the Board of Alderman. As you also now know, I am being primaried by another candidate. As the party endorsed candidate, I am requesting assistance from the local democratic party for my campaign. What I will require is campaign workers to canvass and leaflet the ward from now until election day, campaign materials such as brochures/flyers and campaign signs, as well as resources for election day (workers for election day pulling operations, vehicles, funding).

I look forward to hearing from you shortly as to how we can work together for the party endorsed team.

Darnell Goldson
dgoldson.ward30@gmail.com
203-806-0411

=============================

Dear Mr. Goldson:

I am in receipt of your email request for Democratic Town Committee support as the endorsed Democratic candidate for Ward 30 Alderman.

First, allow me to congratulate you on your endorsement. The New Haven Democratic Town Committee ("DTC") has a great and rich history of supporting a wide variety of Democrats, which have helped to shape and form policy in government that has improved the quality of the lives of New Haven residents. These DTC supported candidates remain true to the tenants and platform of the Democratic Party. Because of the success of the DTC in the support given to our candidates in General Elections the Party is well represented with elected officials as members at the local, State and Federal levels.

Your question to me was in the form of a request for financial, volunteer and campaign literature. To be sure, you requested, and I quote, "What I will require is campaign workers to canvass and leaflet the ward from now until election day, campaign materials such as brochures/flyers and campaign signs, as well as resources for election day (workers for election day pulling operations, vehicles, funding)."

This is a most unique request and one that I cannot recall having been put to the Chair of the Town Committee to date. That is to say for the DTC to create, staff and fund an entire primary electoral campaign outside and away from a candidate committee. Simply put, what you are requesting may well be illegal and in direct violation of Connecticut General Statutes that places limits any political party's contributions to a single candidate committee.

Furthermore, to the best of my knowledge I cannot recall a time or specific event where the DTC has decided to expend funds on direct campaign activities to prosper a single Primary candidate in the form of design, printing, staffing, outside consulting, renting vehicles or the hiring of campaign staff. Rather the DTC does and will expend funds on behalf of a slate of Democratic candidates for the General Election cycle. You are currently engaged in a Democratic Primary slated for election on September 15, 2009.

The DTC, as it has traditionally done, will pay for Primary Day food for all candidates' poll workers, provided the DTC has sufficient funds to cover such a significant expense. Over the past few primaries the DTC has even gone to the length of having the food delivered to the polls so as to ease the amount of work each campaign has on such a hurried day.

I hope this letter has helped to answer your email. Although you are the endorsed Democrat in Ward 30, the DTC will continue to follow past practice and not expend funds for any primary candidate, nor will the DTC lend any contributions either in-kind or direct dollars that will violate state law. I do hope you understand.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

Regards,

Susan L. Voigt
28 Pelham Lane
New Haven, CT 06511

203.623.6577

=======================

August 20, 2009

Susan Voigt
Chairwoman
New Haven Democrats

Dear Ms. Voigt:

I am in receipt of your email of August 18 in response to my request for assistance as the New Haven Democratic Party endorsed candidate for Ward 30. Thank you for your congratulation on my endorsement, that was very kind. But, as I mentioned in my previous correspondence to you, I hope that your good wishes also comes with some real support and assistance.

I am a little confused by your response that the local democratic party DOES NOT support it's locally ENDORSED candidates, as you stated that the party "will pay for Primary Day food for all candidates' poll workers" (your italics and underline). As I understand your response, the party will endorse both its endorsed candidates and the challengers. That seems a little strange, as it leaves me to wonder why anyone would even choose to seek the endorsement under these circumstances.

You also stated that "This is a most unique request and one that I cannot recall having been put to the Chair of the Town Committee to date... Simply put, what you are requesting may well be illegal and in direct violation of Connecticut General Statutes that places limits any political party's contributions to a single candidate committee." In fact, the CGS DOES allow contributions from party committees to candidate committees for municipal candidates other than the mayor up to $1500. I have included the link to the State Elections Enforcement Commission as well as a copy of the relevant citation in the Party Committee Finance Guide for you information (at the end of this document).

Now that this issue of legality has been clarified, I am again requesting assistance for my party endorsed candidacy.

I look forward to hearing from you shortly as to how we can work together for the party endorsed team.

Cordially,

Darnell Goldson

Democratic Party Endorsed Candidate

Ward 30

http://www.ct.gov/seec/lib/seec/publications/partyguidefinalwithformsaugust2009.pdf

(Page 17) V. Spending Committee Funds

Spending by party committees must be for a lawful purpose, as discussed more fully below. There are additional guidelines for spending, such as limitations on the amount that a party committee may contribute to other committees and the manner in which a party committee may use cash for expenditures. Finally, there are some prohibitions on spending, such as personal use and buying votes. The permissible uses of party committee funds and guidelines for use are discussed below.
A. Permissible Expenditures Generally

All campaign expenditures must be made to promote the party, the candidates of the party or continuing operating costs of the party. Permissible expenditures include but are not limited to the rental of real and personal property, the purchase of computer equipment, professional services, office supplies, polling, utilities, and other costs associated with campaign headquarters, printing, postage, photocopying, compensation of campaign staff, and campaign advertising of any kind.

[Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-607(g)]

A party committee may make such expenditures jointly with another committee when both committees are benefiting from the permissible expenditure. Party committees may also make an expenditure on behalf of a candidate committee which can either be (a) reimbursed by the candidate committee (unless the candidate is participating in the Citizens' Election Program ("CEP") and has received a public grant); (b) deemed an organization expenditure which is not considered a contribution to the candidate committee, see Organization Expenditures in Section C of this chapter; or (c) deemed a contribution to the recipient (only permissible if the recipient is not participating in the CEP), subject to certain limits, as more fully outlined below.

[Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 9-601a(b)(16), 9-610(b), 9-616(a), 9-617(a)-(c); Regulations of Conn. State Agencies § 9-706-2(b)(8)]

(Page 18) B. Permissible Contributions from Party Committees

A party committee may make contributions to a candidate committee, subject to the following aggregate limits, which apply separately to primaries and elections:

Table 4-Party Committee Contribution Limits to Candidate Committees

OFFICE SOUGHT

TOWN COMMITTEE

Governor

$7,500

Lt. Governor, State Treasurer, Comptroller, Attorney General and Secretary of State

$5,000

State Senator

$5,000

State Representative

$3,000

Probate Judge

$3,000

Chief Executive Officer of the Municipality (e.g. Mayor, First Selectman)

$3,000

Other Municipal Offices

$1,500

Exploratory Committee (undetermined office)

$375

Political slate Committee (Municipal Offices)

$1,500

Political slate Committee (Town Committee Primary)

$1,500

[Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-617(b) and (c)]

Candidates participating in the CEP may not receive contributions from party committees. However, party committees may make organization expenditures on behalf of such candidates which are not considered contributions. See Organization Expenditures in Section C of this chapter.

A party committee may make contributions to a political committee, subject to the following aggregate limits, per calendar year:

Posted by: David | August 21, 2009 12:19 PM

Is Susie supposed to stop having a brain as DTC chair? Is she supposed to be some kind of automaton who only does what other people tell her?

Come on, as she said herself in the article "there are a lot of differences" between party members. Every Democrat is allowed - actually SHOULD - make up their own mind on all races. Susie and any campaign volunteer no matter who the candidate should be applauded for their efforts for issues they believe in, not attacked because they did not conform to some label.

Posted by: Jonathan Swift | August 21, 2009 12:28 PM

The election (sort of) of George W. Bush was my motivation to register as a Democrat after spending my voting life as an independent voter.

Susie Voigt ... and John DeStefano
convinced me to leave their party and become an independent again.

Posted by: Hmmm | August 21, 2009 12:40 PM

Paul hates PACA, its a conspiracy...too bad he will win regardless of these blatant attacks.

Posted by: Norton St | August 21, 2009 1:11 PM

Even after Greer stacked the ward committee with key Liz supporters and witheld the list from Paca's team just to get the party endorsement;
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/07/ward_24_nominat.php#entry-016186more
Greer alledges DTC does not support the endorsed candidate. I live here so I know whats going on. The fact of the matter is LIZ has not hit the pavement enough herself nor galvanized the support of the community. PACA has well earned the support of the community and even others outside the ward respect his efforts and hardwork. He's out everyday with tons of volunteers. We support Paca because he's out there creating positive action.

Posted by: Sandra | August 21, 2009 1:19 PM

It's a sad day in America if people are being scrutinized for who they personally support. If Voigt donates her personal funds and time not as DTC Chair, but as a volunteer this shouldn't even be an issue. People have the right to support who they think will be best for the position.

Posted by: west rock resident | August 21, 2009 1:45 PM

Streever,

I live in West Rock. I am a member of the DTC (as a registered Dem), Mr. Goldson is a member of the DTC and is endorsed by the DTC. He should be supported by the party machine.

Posted by: whatever | August 21, 2009 1:48 PM

Susie is obligated to support all the PARTY ENDORSED candidates, not just the ones that tow her and DeStefano's line.

Posted by: DTC Watch | August 21, 2009 2:01 PM

Sounds like Goldson is looking for the DTC to fund and run his whole campaign. No one said it was easy running campaigns are expensive and require an emense amount of help from volunteer efforts. Candidates should rely on getting their own volunteers and raising their own funds to support their campaigns. The reality is that the DTC usually can provide more help in the general election in Nov.

Posted by: Darnell Goldson | August 21, 2009 2:02 PM

As promised, (Today, 8/21)

Dear Darnell,

Thank you for your correspondence. I plan to continue the tradition of our local New Haven Democratic Town Committee that recognizes the great diversity of opinion among Democrats in our City. We have never provided funding to any candidates for a primary election and respect the efforts of ward committees, candidate committees and individuals in making their personal choices.

We will come together in September to support the entire Democratic slate in November.

Regards,

Susan L. Voigt
28 Pelham Lane
New Haven, CT 06511

203.623.6577

Posted by: Lance | August 21, 2009 2:20 PM

Can't believe I'm saying this, but King Johnnie and Voight have no fault in this. They are not obligated to personally support either candidate. If they choose to personally support one and expend personal resources there is no problem with that!

Posted by: Insider2 | August 21, 2009 3:10 PM

When Greene ran for State Representative last year and did not support the party endorsed Winfield he was taken to task, read the riot act for failing Winfield and asked to resign as the co democratic chair and leave the party. So what's the difference. People go back and her lady to Greene.

Posted by: dee | August 21, 2009 3:15 PM

It all depends on whether Voigt uses her position at DTC Chair when she's out campaigning for Paca, doesn't it? If she goes up to people and says "I'm the DTC chair and this is my candidate Marcus Paca," thereby by implying DTC support of the candidate, then what she's doing is unethical.

Look, it's really simple in this town. Find out which candidate John DeStefano wants to win in your ward, and then VOTE FOR THE OTHER ONE. We have GOT to break his stranglehold on the BoA.

Posted by: I call for Resignation | August 21, 2009 3:27 PM

It is absolutely shameful that the Chairperson of the New Haven Democratic party is allowed to show support for candidates who are NOT endorsed by the party that she was elected to represent. I'm curious to know who's interest do you really serve? It would seem to me that your putting your own party in the backseat as you carry out the mission of the mayor to control the board of aldermen.

In the past, Susie has stated on more then one occasion that candidates should abide by their ward committees endorsement. ...
WAKE UP Town Committee Members!! Elections are quickly approaching in March for co-chair positions. YOU ALL need to elect a chair who will represent THE PARTY and not her/his own interest. Better yet, I would suggest an emergency meeting where you all should ask for her resignation. Its a spit in the face to ALL co-chairs that your chair makes a PERSONAL choice when you all as a body made another choice. The PERSONAL choices should be left to the people in those wards who have clearly spoken in favor of who THEY want and we as a BODY should abide by their wishes. The chair needs to be held accountable for her actions. RESIGN.

Posted by: Dirty Laundry | August 21, 2009 3:31 PM

Greer has his fair share of playing dirty politics in New Haven. The irony of it all is that Destefano and and Voigt have no obligation to devote personal resources and funds to endorsed parties. Now if Paca or Staggers recieved a DTC check then I would be worried.

Other than that, its all fair play on this one. Typical move to divert voters from the real issues with election day 3 weeks away.

Posted by: WARD 30 | August 21, 2009 3:35 PM

Stop whinning Darnell you have a campaign to run remember...This is when the winners stand out from the losers. Step up to the plate, raise your own money, staff your own volunteers! Even with Carlton seems to have a better chance than you at this point.

Posted by: Winthrop | August 21, 2009 4:28 PM

NORTON-

Liz is everywhere and at every neighborhood meeting for the Last 20 years. Welcome and wake up. ALL and ALL of Paca support is from Downtown . They gave him a $5000 check to waste on his campaign. He's out i'll give you that much but he's completely being run by downtown and as a brother i'll tell you as it is, "Downtown is using him and he's enslaved to them". Liz has real people in this Ward that have seen her good work from Hotchkiss to Hubinger from Sherman to Brownell from Whalley to Edgewood from Eldert to Argonne. Stop the the rash remalks and blind comments, you know darn well how this neighborhood aint like other parts of the City and Liz, Hank and Eli are ALL part of the POSITIVE SOLUTION.

I Know ya and hail from Winthrop and Maple.

Posted by: This is Bananas!!! | August 21, 2009 4:45 PM

The check that Voigt gave to Paca for his campaign should be confiscated by the IRS and paid to his arrears.

Posted by: Resign?? | August 21, 2009 5:05 PM

Are you kidding?? Why should Susie resign? All politicos pick who they want to personally endorse

Posted by: I Call for a reality check | August 21, 2009 5:07 PM

To "I Call for Resignation," "West Rock Resident," Darnell Goldson and all those telling Susie Voigt off for supporting candidates as she sees fit:

Until the votes have been counted on September 15th, the Democratic Party as a whole does not have an official candidate for Alderman. An endorsement from the party is a statement of support from the institution--not a contract with all of its individual members. Among the benefits of the endorsement are a slot on the ballot in the Primary without the need to file petitions, having your name listed first on the ballot, and being able to call yourself an endorsed Democrat. Aside from that, neither the party nor its individual members are obligated to those it has chosen to endorse.

To claim that Susie Voigt is being unfair by supporting other candidates in a primary election is both childish and stupid. Like all other registered Democrats in the City, Susie gets to vote for the candidates she personally prefers in the Primary election, and can help anyone she chooses to support. In this case, it seems that you have not convinced Susie Voigt that you are the better candidate--I suggest you work on that instead of complaining to your friends at the Independent.

In addition, the notion that the Democratic Party should be responsible for getting a candidate elected before the candidate has been nominated for office by the party is absurd. I would be appalled to learn that the Party was responsible for supporting people who did not win a primary election held among registered Democrats, and was required to do whatever Honda Smith and Virlinda Billups, the Ward 30 Co-chairs, happened to decide was best. Doesn't it seem fitting that in a democracy, decisions like this should be made by the voters as opposed to two over-powered people?

Stop your thinly-veiled attacks on the people who are trying to help Carlton Staggers get elected. Stop trying to paint yourself as a victim or the target of some kind of conspiracy. You were endorsed by the ward committee and its two co-chairs--ask them for help and support, not someone who never had anything to do with your candidacy. Respect the choices that people around you make. If you can't do that, I can't imagine how you could possibly be a good representative.

Posted by: west rock resident | August 21, 2009 5:19 PM

Ward 30,

Goldson is not whining.

Posted by: JZ | August 21, 2009 6:31 PM

Publishing emails is surpremely tacky, Mr. Goldson.

As for the Susie V. situation, I feel she should have declined to campaign for anyone. Part of her influence is her political title and you can't seperate the two. In private you can vote for any candidate you wish.

Posted by: This is Bananas!!! | August 21, 2009 7:12 PM

I really don't think money from the Demorcratic Town Chairwomen or contracted celebs is going to make a difference in Paca's campaign at this point. September 15th is right around the corner.

Posted by: anon | August 21, 2009 7:20 PM

Wow. Just wow. These guys write the rules as they go along. Town Committee endorses its slate of candidates and then the Town Chair knocks on doors with a challenging candidate and donates money to that campaign. And she's only volunteering?? And it's only in a personal capacity?? Citizen Voigt?? Ugh. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. The DTC endorses its slate and is supposed to stand by and assist the candidates its chosen. We know Voigt wants Paca and Staggers but to actually personally go door-to-door with them (and donate money to them) is so brazen and in-your-face. When she shows up at the door with a candidate it certainly implies that this is the endorsed candidate of the Dem Party. I'm really shocked by this.

Posted by: TrueBlueCT | August 21, 2009 7:36 PM

Guys, the rules are pretty simple here.

In most cases it behooves party chairs to stay neutral in a primary, b/c that way they remain in a position to knit the party back together after the contentiousness. However, a chair will often rally the troops around an incumbent, as the State Party is now doing for Senator Dodd.

But for a party chair to work to defeat an endorsed incumbent of twenty years? That's pretty much unheard of.

What is Susie Voigt thinking?

Posted by: City Hall Watch | August 21, 2009 8:46 PM

As a mother and a woman, I'm surprised Susie Voight has such low standards for personal responsibility, parenting and the law that she would support Paca. Is this the kind of behavior she expects from her son? No wonder politics in New Haven are so lame - the people in charge have no moral compass.

Posted by: John | August 21, 2009 11:38 PM

let's be realistic, what Susie is doing is just wrong. As the face of the party, she should be respecting the process. She has a responsibility to carry out the wishes of the ward committee as she has asked many others to do. To all town committee members this should serve as a wake up call.

Posted by: SuitingHerNeeds | August 21, 2009 11:54 PM

Some of you don't get it...in the past, she has been all Party... saying decisions were not hers but she goes along because it is what the party (DTC) wants... and the recent "our process is a shining example of democracy" comment. YES, the DTC chair is expected, in all towns, to put aside their personal preference in favor of the party line, supporting the party endorsed candidates and decisions.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 22, 2009 9:59 AM

ok Last go around I supported a green party candidate and was judged on it because I was a ward committee member, not the head of the party just a member so I do believe that suzy should be judged the way I was, heeld to the same standards any town committee member that pledges to support the dem. endorsed candidates.
With that said Suzy as a single mother who has fought for child support, As one of thousand of New Haven single mothers fighting for child support I find this jumping the dem train to support a deadbeat to two children in 2 different states to be the ultimate slap in the face to us!!! I have always supported and respected you because I thought you got it. I am sad that I was wrong.
Peace and love I hope your conscience is fine with supporting him, I always thought of you as a better person than that.

feeling really let down

Posted by: HewNaven?? | August 22, 2009 10:16 AM

Winthrop,

You said:

"ALL and ALL of Paca support is from Downtown."

That's a great line, but it's not what I've personally witnessed. When I see Marcus walking around my neighborhood door to door to enlist support for his campaign, and people are happy to see him, or when I see PACA signs on almost every lawn on Elm Street west of the Boulevard, or when I see my peers getting involved who never would have gotten involved in any other election cycle because the candidates didn't speak to them, it seems to me like his support is coming directly from the community he intends to represent not from downtown.

Liz, on the otherhand, has the same supporters she has had for the last 20 years. She hasn't made any efforts to engage new community members. It's simple, Marcus is empowering us.

Posted by: The Professor | August 22, 2009 11:52 AM

It was very entertaining to see Darnell Goldson post an email in which he listed absurd "requirements," followed by an email in which Susan Voigt told him that what he was asking for was likely illegal as it would exceed the state limit for contributions.
Then came the most entertaining part: Darnell Goldson's response was to post the provisions of state law that indicate that the donation limit is $1500; it doesn't take a genius to figure out that "campaign workers to canvass and leaflet the ward from now until election day, campaign materials such as brochures/flyers and campaign signs, as well as resources for election day (workers for election day pulling operations, vehicles, funding)" would cost more than $1500.

Didn't anyone else find it interesting that Liz McCormack wasn't quoted in the article? You'd think that she would've gotten a word in considering the NHI's tradition of grasping at straws to "stick it to the machine." Liz may not get much done on the B of A, and she may have gotten a little too comfortable warming her seat, but I think she's fundamentally an honest person and wouldn't compromise her personal integrity to criticize something she knows isn't wrong. So it's telling that she's completely silent.

I don't understand all of this insanity about Susan Voigt "having" to support the endorsed candidates. You understand that ultimately, these candidates were endorsed by two people--the others are people that these two appointed anyway. Talk about undemocratic and untransparent! The only candidate that Susan should have to endorse is the candidate that actually wins the primary. This is clearly a case of people making conclusions independent of the fact pattern. The only thing that seems to matter to several people here is either a) Darnell is my candidate and he's not sliding into this seat like he thought e would, or b) anything that Susan Voigt or John DeStefano do is automatically wrong, so I will use their actions' wrongness as proof that they are bad people. Grow up.

Finally, as someone who was actually raised by a single mother who had to fight for child support, I resent these comments that are being made about how Susan Voigt shouldn't support Marcus Paca. Did it ever occur to any of you that she may have actually talked to him and that she may know more about his situation than you do? Did any of you, in your infinite wisdom, stop to think, "Maybe she must know something about him or his situation that we don't?" Your statements about Susan's support of Marcus are insulting and disrespectful. Again, GROW UP.

Posted by: Buzz | August 22, 2009 12:49 PM

Ya gotta ask what does Paca have that Johnny Boy and Suzie Voigt both want?

Posted by: what | August 23, 2009 8:54 AM

Professor,

It is amazing how you folks at city hall will "spin".
1. Goldson did not list any "requirements", he made a fair request as the endorsed candidate.

2. You can assume that his request totaled more than $1500, and of course Ms. Voigt and the DTC would not provide more than the legal limits if so.

3. There is nothing telling about Ms. McCormicks silence, she has commented this entire campaign, and instead has apparently decided to focus all of her energy on campaigning.

4. What can Ms. Voigt possibly know about Mr. Paca child support situation that we do not already know. The fact is he owes a heck of a lot of child support, and has left the states his children live in to avoid sanctions. End of story, anything he would have to say is moot.

5. John DeStefano and Sue Voigt will back any candidate that will run against independent minded candidates. Mr. Staggers was not registered to vote until the day they recruited him to run, he was recently cited for a hit and run accident, while driving on a suspended license, he just finished a five yr probation on a felony larceny charge. He plead guilty to all these charges. Mr. Paca, with no previous election experience, and recently [charged with] not supporting his kids, is walking the streets with the DTC chief.

Posted by: ron | August 23, 2009 10:48 AM

The contradiction between Ms.Voights personal support vs public endorsements is just a symptom of a greater problem. That is the distortion of democracy in a one party town where closed door decision making often precedes general elections. Whats very unpalatable about this situation is that a non-machine candidate has played by the rules to gain endorsement at ward level and the machine is skirting the rules to subvert this victory. This smacks of the same backstabbing technocratic subversion that Joe Lieberman used to get re-elected.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 23, 2009 9:30 PM

Do tell professor your 5 page rant is amusing and yes childish! Paca came out and shared it all in hopes that the poor me excuse that MOST dead beat dad use would work and , My george it did with suzy, again I looked at suzy as a smart strong women. And this just took some of the shine off her. As a Marshal (what ever it is) she has seen more than many of us. She of all people should know better! BY the way if you robbed $20,000 from any where else you would be in jail but if you rob it from your children you get the support of the head of the town committeee leader...sweetttt!!
With tat said Ron very well put... THE PEOPLE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY voted to supprt Liz... Suzy has decided that there vote are meaningless! Not a very smart move for the head of the DEMOCRATIC party in New Haven.....guess what ward committe you mean nothing why even have a ward committee if there votes are voided out by Voigt
I am still disappointed :(

Posted by: OMG! | August 24, 2009 4:29 AM

What are DeStefano, Voigt, and thier staffers going to do next stuff the ballot boxes themselves?!
I guess they can't stand to see a fair election play out. Too bad for New Haven.

Posted by: Anon | August 24, 2009 5:10 AM

For Voigt to say that the Party supports whoever comes out of the primary in anticipation of the general election is absurd. It's a one party town and the primary is the main event and she knows that. For Voigt to campaign door-to-door for the seriously flawed opponent of a popular 20-year endorsed incumbent is outrageous. If she wants to do so then she should relinquish her party chairmanship. It's so clear that it's all about petty personal vendetta and not having absolute control. It's a sad commentary on the state of democracy in New Haven.The lengths to which those who wield power in New Haven will go to crush anyone who is not in their pocket is truly mind blowing.

Posted by: tuji | August 24, 2009 9:07 AM

susie voight does not always support the incumbent..believe me i know.... she and johnnie try like the devil to get who they want in ..from co-chairs to alderpeople....then she gets pisse off when there is a primary...i was a 25 year democrat and changed to independent....it's a crooked city..

Posted by: Lori | August 24, 2009 10:50 AM

I am a volunteer for Paca's campaign and what I have seen throughtout these past few months has been amazing! This has been the most rewarding experience and I truly look forward to the September 15th victory. After reading these comments I am appauled because people are saying harsh things and creating falsities to tarnish Paca's reputation. Perhaps the best best part is that none of this garbage matters because the people in the 24th ward are the voters. They have met Paca, had dinner with Paca, sent their kid's to the Reading Club with Paca. Paca is for the people and will continue to be for the people!

Posted by: Jen | August 24, 2009 11:00 AM

Cedarhill--You are a woman scorn and you should be disappointed with YOURSELF! Paca is NOT your child's father. NOR is his situation anything like yours. I know it is tough as a single mother and I was just like you for many years. Blaming all men for the issues I had with my child's father. It's truly a healing process and we must let go of the scars endured. I more so say this because I live near Paca and know the facts and details about his situation and trust me he is far from a "deadbeat". I do not know Suzie, but you are trashing her too because she supports him. It is clear that she supports him for good reasons as I do.

Posted by: Shalom | August 24, 2009 11:20 AM

Greer, make peace and reunite our neighborhood with Paca. Lets all stop pretending Liz has another term in her. She has not done much of anything in the Ward and you know it. This is the most activity we have seen in years which is soley because of how high Paca has set the standard. You are the only one working with her. (aside from her State buddies who owe ancient favors) It is alarming when I notice only the houses you and Rabbi own are the only ones with McCormick lawsigns. Be proactive about this and connect with Paca for the greater good.

Posted by: HondaAcc | August 24, 2009 11:28 AM

Very tacky of you Darnell to post personal correspondence between you and Voight. This is not how you solve anything. No one owes you anything. This is merely rash complaints.

Bottom line is election is approaching and you are in tough shape if you were reliant on $1500 from DTC.

Posted by: Nicole | August 24, 2009 12:06 PM

What a tangled web we weave! Liz and her Co-Chairs assemble a top secret ward committee to secure the nomination, then as she runs out of steam they cry DTC won't help. God forbid she had to get signatures,hell she wouldn't have even made the ballot.

Posted by: City Hall | August 24, 2009 1:06 PM

All City paid employees that live in Ward 24 and are working full time for Susie's candidate stop hiding behind pretend names, also please don't blog on Taxpayer time go do your job.

Taxpayer

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 24, 2009 1:23 PM

Jen
Please get over yourself.. my ex is sitting jail right now because of me soooo I got my justice... my kids are grown both went to college and I did fine for myself. I am not scorned at a man I am scorned at a system and ignorant people that make laws and does not protect the people the laws where made to protect! SHAME ON YOU for being one of them. So you suggest I keep my big mouth quite because your sad attempt to belittle me by calling me a women scorned. Please, I so totally laughed... I found it totally amusing. Again get over yourself.

I speak out because as a person in that situation I have an obligation to. FOR THE NEXT women and child effected... my time has come and gone.... OVER one MILLION women in this country are not receiving child support right now!! Why because society choose to ignore the problem... just as this city and its leaders have by endorsing Paca!!

If there's something wrong, those who have the ability to take action have the responsibility to take action.Thomas Jefferson, U.S. Declaration of Independence Simplified

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 24, 2009 1:42 PM

ohh and I always share this video with people (lucky you)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=247hX4qnZlA

paca owed $20,000 that is not oppss that is hiding!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQAIbBb1vQs

Posted by: TOTALLY AGREE | August 24, 2009 2:17 PM

Cedarhillresident,

I totally agree with you and you are absolutely right.

DeStefano and Voigt are truly underestimating the power and legitimacy of COMMON SENSE, the voters no better not to support a person like Paca for good reasons. The facts speak balantly for themselves! There is no need to try to attack you by saying you are personalizing it because trust me, you're not! Paca is the only one that should be accountable for his actions, no one else.

There is always two sides to every story and Voigt & DeStefano are only getting Paca's side. That doesn't make it the truth.

Posted by: City Hall Watch | August 24, 2009 2:21 PM

Cheers to Cedar Hill - I'm with you 100%. It is stunning to see Voigt support a deadbeat and its equally shocking to see DeStefano support him as well. This is just basic family values - either you have them or you don't; either you support your children or you don't. There is no gray area and these flacid and tepid defenses of a deadbeat are just sad. If these ward mothers and young women support Paca in the upcoming primary, then they will have chosen to believe the same type of lies the other women in his life believed - that he cared and would stand by them after he got done laying down with them. Character is not defined by what you say, it's defined by what you do. Voigt and DeStefano should think about that, instead of the "zero sum game" DeStefano promised would end two years ago. Remember that?

Posted by: streever | August 24, 2009 2:31 PM

It is amazing how quickly these articles devolve into mean-spirited personal attacks & how quickly they escalate from the original issues.

Posted by: Enjoying the Show | August 24, 2009 3:45 PM

JZ, HondaACC,

There is nothing tacky about Darnell publishing these emails, in fact I'm glad someone is willing to be transparent. If she has nothing to hide, then why the concern? To me, the emails clearly show that Sue is in way over her head, and John DeStefano really controls the purse strings. Darnell will win this election, no doubt, and I am sure that a change is in the air. And clearly, so does Destefano/Sue.

Posted by: Not A Voter | August 24, 2009 4:51 PM

Shalom-

Not a Voter just an Observer.

1) Greer has hardly been active in supporting Liz I've seen him turn the City upside when he wants (Edgewood Patrol).

2) wher does Paca put his signs?

a) Halfway houses, ILLEGAL (see corner of Maple and Ellsworth)
b) Vacant Houses - (Corner Elm and Hobart, corner Sherman and Maple)
c) Where Landlords have not given permission - his own house (117 Maple street, corner Elm and Ella Grasso Blvd.)

Many, Many others that I've not listed.

With Paca laws have not boundaries anything goes, good job City of New Haven for your support. My family has left the City a year ago, i still commute and am looking to leave as soon as financially possible.

Posted by: PACA VOLUNTEER | August 24, 2009 6:06 PM

FYI- I VOLUNTEER for the Paca4Alderman Campaign and I want everyone to know WHERE EVER YOU SEE PACA SIGNS THEY HAVE PERMISSION TO BE THERE! He doesn't just put signs up and cross his fingers that people just keep it up.

Paca asks supporters personally if they would like a lawn sign and he puts them up himself (he says there is no such thing as grunt work he likes to get his hands dirty because he believes in our community)

I could go on and on but this is ridiclous I can't believe how harsh people can be. ALSO just one more thing...TENANTS are people. We live here just like anyone else whether our father happens to own 40 houses in the ward or not doesn't make us less of a person.

EACH SIGN YOU SEE HAS BEEN APPROVED BY OWNERS AND TENANTS! Vacant properties of which he has spoken to the owner to place the signs on the property ie. corner of Maple and Sherman (PLEASE STOP STEALING THE SIGN EVERY NIGHT)

Posted by: CHILL | August 24, 2009 11:34 PM

HEY YOU "PACA VOLUNTEER" NO ONE AND NO ONE HAS TAKEN A SINGLE PACA SIGN SO CHILL AND STOP ALL THE FALSE ALLEGATIONS. ALSO, STOP THE CRITICIZING THOSE WHO HAVE UNITED THIS WARD FOR THIRTY YEARS AND HAVE INCREASED ALL OUT PROPERTY VALUES BY TEN FOLD AND ALSO DONE MORE FOR THIS CITY AS A NON CITY OFFICIAL THEN ANYONE ELSE I'VE MET. CHILL, REALLY NO ONE CARES THAT MUCH ABOUT PACA OR HIS INTERESTS IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD. TRUTH BE TOLD HE HAS A ZERO VOTING RECORD AND HAS ONLY LIVED IN THIS WARD FOR A FEEW MONTHS AND HAS NO KNOWLEDGE OF ANY NEIGHBORHOOD ISSUES OR CONCERNS, THAT WAS JUST A REALITY CHECK. IN ANY EVENT ALTHOUGH YOUR KICKING AND SCREAMING WE'LL BE THERE FOR YOU AND ALL THE VOTERS AND CONTINUE WORKING WITH LIZ, HANK AND THE GREERS AND MANY OTHERS TO CONTINUE IMPROVING A BEACON OF HOPE AND CHANGE IN NEW HAVEN. THIS WORK HAS ONLY BEEN ACCOMPLISHED BY CROSSING DIVIDES REMAINING UNITED, WORKING WITH ALL RACES, RELIGIONS AND POLITICAL FACTIONS FOR THE GOOD OF TOMORROW. HISTORY WILL SHOW THAT IN A FEW YEARS NO ONE WILL EVEN REMEMBER THE NAME OR WORD PACA. WERE HERE FOR YOU EVEN DOING THESE CONFUSING AND TRYING TIMES.

FYI : I'M AFRICAN AMERICAN, AGE 34 AND HAVE RELATIVES IN THE WARD.

Posted by: PACA VOLUNTEER | August 25, 2009 11:50 AM

Chill--Race does not matter and has no relevance to me so your indication of race proves that you are a pretender trying to conceal your identity! It's really sad and unfortunate that you say Marcus has not had a major impact on our community.It shows your resistance to reality. He has united our community and done something that hasn't been done for years in this ward. If he had not come to the 24th this place would have been the SAME=INACTIVE.

Everyone knows that within the past years before Paca came back to the neighborhood things have been stagnant. Liz and the late Joe has done great work, but not as much within the past 5 years. She is getting tired and its really time for her to pass the baton. PACA has been is the ward for almost 3 years since he has moved back from out of state. He was also raised in the ward on Hubinger St.

Although your cliche rhetoric "sounds good" it's not reality nor in the best interest for our community to continue under the current leadership. "Crossing divides, and uniting" should be PACA's slogan.

Please leave PACA's signs up, stop the rumors and keep the race clean. Paca runs a clean campaign and I am glad to embrace him within our ward. He has worked hard to earn respect and support of those inside and outside the ward.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 25, 2009 1:06 PM

pretender trying to conceal your identity
???? this coming from "PACA VOLUNTEER" first name Paca last name volunteer??

What rumors please explain??? Paca volinteer?? I did not see any rumors??

Please give an example of how he has united your community?? Beside a few of his supporters?? We need examples of all the community things he has done?? being that he just moved into it.

Liz and the late Joe has done great work, but not as much within the past 5 years
But that is across the city, not just your area! The city budget is the reason for that! If you have been following any of it! Liz and all alderepople have been begging for scrapes. The mill rate is out of control spending is out of control and the only place to cut costs is from the community's services and extras roads, signs lighting ect. That you can blame on town hall and the alderpeople that vote all the mayors crap threw! Which will inclued Paca if he gets in!!

Posted by: Joe | August 25, 2009 3:46 PM

In this a little late, but this is getting good!

The real question is what has Liz done....(Incumbents have track records which usually can be an advantage amoung the contender) This race is unique because Liz has not used her record at all (maybe it's not the type of record which would solidify relection) But who knows...

City budget issues provide just a very small part of reasoning to justify the docile and inactive behaviors which have become the norm in the Edgewood neighborhood or for that matter New Haven.

Posted by: Clueless | August 25, 2009 4:44 PM

"Paca Volunteer", you avidly follow the phrase "ignorance is bliss". Enjoy the amnesia you've had over the last five years, you're probably new to the Ward and if not you'll continue to be unaware until your release the chains of ignorance. Welcome to our Ward, Community, Neighborhood and Home.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 25, 2009 4:53 PM

Joe a question with a question. hmmm I just want to see what the new guy has done to deserve this seat. The are saying he united the community how?? All I see is the head over gogo people rant this and that is fine but how? What kind of involvment in this community has he had to through accusation about liz not doing everything in her power to do..I said in her power.

Posted by: strangerthanfiction | August 26, 2009 12:15 AM

The state legislators back McCormack, the Town Committee backs her and her constituents speak so well of her because she's a lady of great integrity who consistently gets the job done. Her one crime was not falling into lockstep with the Mayor and Voigt who seem absolutely desperate to oust her. They are going to the wall to back Paca, who seems like a very slick operator. Seems to be campaigning very hard for a guy with kids in two states who he seems to have trouble finding time or money for.

Posted by: JOE | August 26, 2009 5:04 PM

Cederhillresident--I do not actually live in the Edgewood area, but my inlaws live there and I visit quite often. Assuming from your name you don't either. During ocassional visits with my inlaws Paca has come by 3 times while I happen to be there. My inlaws love him! He comes in stays and talks about neighborhood issues and just regular convo. Alot more than I have even seen or heard from my own alderperson. I went out to the block party he had in support of the reading club he started in the neighborhood which was much needed. NHI did a story on it which was pretty good. http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/08/do_you_see_anyo.php#entry-016582more

From my interactions and conversations with people who live in the area. Majority are in favor of what Paca has been doing. Within several months he has been able to connect with people in the ward on a consistent basis and establish relationships with them all.

Posted by: Insider2 | August 30, 2009 10:45 AM

To: CEDARHILL The new guy has done nothing in the City of New Haven to deserve a seat on the New Haven Board of Aldermen. But why should that matter. Just support him as you did your guy in the 94th district. He didn't do anything to deserve the seat either.