New Haven Independent

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 12, 2009 3:04 PM

First Paca
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/05/candidates_a_de.php

And now this guy. (said with a sarcastic tone)

Posted by: James FP | August 12, 2009 3:14 PM

Yes, CedarHill, first Paca and now Carlton Staggers have unfairly been the subjects of reprehensible hit pieces written by Paul Bass.

Posted by: @ home on winthrop | August 12, 2009 3:23 PM

It sounds like Carlton has worked hard to overcome problems from his past and is working to help his neighborhood, especially the youth in his community. A traffic incident that was already paid for and closed is not an unheard-of thing--this happens to many upstanding individuals, and Carlton's positive service in the community is a big incentive to vote for him.

Posted by: Eva M | August 12, 2009 3:28 PM

I believe that Carlton has his priorities straight. He paid his fine, his probation is over, and now he is focusing on positive things, like the kids he coaches basketball for. Go Blazers!

Posted by: toomanytaxes | August 12, 2009 3:44 PM

This just shows how increasingly irrelevant the Mayor is becoming. He is a sham and finds sham followers to do his bidding. The mayor is irrelevant. We see through you.

Posted by: Brian V | August 12, 2009 3:53 PM

AH HA HA HA HA !!

King J. Nice pick!

As long as he's voting your way, who cares if he's a convicted felon- right?

Posted by: City Hall | August 12, 2009 3:58 PM

This fits in well with the Mayor's endless complaining about ex-cons being dumped on New Haven streets. Bring 'em to the BOA. Just steamroll 'em in who cares??

Posted by: West Rock Res | August 12, 2009 4:02 PM

When are we going to stop letting city hall determine who OUR leaders are. The local ward committee chose Darnell Goldson. Staggers should finish dealing with his legal problems (does he have his license back yet) and let Goldson deal with the representative stuff. Just because this guy coaches a basketball team (and we hear he does a good job) doesn't make him qualified or ready to serve on the Board of Alderman.

Goldson's HANH stuff out at Ribicoff shows who the real leader is.

Posted by: Tom | August 12, 2009 4:08 PM

"They drafted him because one of Mayor John DeStefano's most vocal critics, Darnell Goldson, won the Democratic Party ward committee's endorsement to run for the vacant seat."

Really, Paul? Who's your source? Certainly no one told you that, yet you write it as if it were fact. Try JOURNALISM for a change; it is your stated profession, after all.

[Editor's Note: In an earlier story I quoted Alderwoman Michelle Edmonds-Sepulveda and Staggers, both on the record, saying that she was among the people who asked Staggers to run.]

Posted by: truthtopower | August 12, 2009 4:12 PM

A person who has paid his debt to society should not be prohibited from running for public office, but once you have a record, the public is entitled to know about it.
When someone is charged with evading responsibility by fleeing the scene of an accident and then claims not to understand what it has to do with running with office, I offer this explanation.
The second charge raises the issue of what kind of judgment you have and would have as a public official.
In a crisis you made a decision not to report an accident, although you knew it was required by law.
Someone did damage to your car before and didn't report it, so by your reasoning, you were justified in not reporting what you did.
Wrong! 2 "wrongs" don't make a" right".
Your work in the community is admirable, but before you offer yourself as someone the voters can trust to make good decisions, you need to show that you know what a good decision looks like.

Posted by: jack | August 12, 2009 4:27 PM

He will fit right in .

Posted by: City Hall Watch | August 12, 2009 4:33 PM

Goldson is being charitable, I'm not. A felony larceny conviction is a serious and damaging history. Like Paca not paying child support to two children by two different women in two different states and not holding a job to take care of his personal affairs, this too is relevant. Does this ward want somebody who is a convicted felon? We know DeStefano's history with his BFF's felony conviction, do we want more of it? Has he served the city well? Being an alderman is more than a pathway to a job and should be more than a rubberstamp to the mayor's fickle values and priorities. The mayor loves needy people because they're contollable and they're compromised. What taxpayers need are BOA leaders who understand personal responsibility for our families and our community. Driving irresponsibly, damaging the property of others and avoiding responsibility are not traits that should yield any votes.

Posted by: Pretty Nasty Hit Piece | August 12, 2009 4:56 PM

Mr. Bass,

The most interesting piece of this story is the following line:

"Meanwhile, Woodbridge police stopped Staggers' car at 7:55 p.m. on April 17 for failing to have his rear license plate illuminated."

Really?!!

That's why the Woodbridge police stopped him? I mean is that even a law? Does anyone including Mr. Bass know whether it's a law?

I wonder why else he might have been pulled over. I mean really what could it be?

Why not cover that Paul? To get to your magnificent story you had to condone what is clearly an illegal and unethical stop. Kinda let's you know where your head is right now, huh?

Maybe driving on a suspended license is not quite as bad as illegally pulling people over. Whatya think?

Or do you have alternative reasons than news gathering for digging into the backgrounds of the two gentlemen you have chosen to go after in this election?

Certainly their opponents must be squeaky clean. Otherwise you couldn't be more "fair and balanced."

Posted by: Donuts-R-Us | August 12, 2009 6:48 PM

January 2009 this guy does a hit and run. His lisense was suspended 3 years before this in 2006. How come hes still driving around Woodbridge in April 2009. NHPD asleep on the job again.

Posted by: Steve Ross | August 12, 2009 7:10 PM

City Hall Watch wrote

We know DeStefano's history with his BFF's felony conviction, do we want more of it?

I didn't know our mayor has a felony conviction. Show and tell, please. Paul Bass, please dont censor.

Posted by: Been Called Worse | August 12, 2009 7:27 PM

Yes, failure to have your rear license plate illuminated is an infraction, which is why all cars sold (to drivers of every racial and ethnic background) have lights to illuminate them.

Posted by: Tom | August 12, 2009 8:04 PM

response to editor's note on my earlier comment: I'll say it again, the claim you make is unsubstantiated by any effort to discover, and report, the facts.

Posted by: City Hall Watch | August 12, 2009 10:02 PM

Steve Ross:

DeStefano's BFF (best friend forever) is the Rev. Boise Kimber, a felon who was noted in the New Haven 20 case as able to exert political pressure on the mayor to unfairly throw out the FD exams.

Pretty Nasty Hit Piece:

Would you be writing about the big R again? Yes, that's the reason he was stopped, because he was black and oh, had a driving infraction, and oh, was driving on a multi-year driving suspension, and oh, yeah, was wanted on a warrant in New Haven. It's the little things that give cops reason to stop you and in this case, it's a good thing. It took a dangerous driver off the road. By the way, the New Haven cop shop is doing the same thing with the hopes of catching some rotten apples that have been terrorizing our neighborhoods.

Posted by: Mr Constitution | August 12, 2009 10:22 PM

Convicted felons can't vote. If this man is elected as an Alder he can vote and affect all our lifes. He can serve on the Police Commission and tell Chief Lewis what to do. Only in New Haven.

Who is running this city. Has Mayor DeStefano lost it or did he never have it. Is Mattison in charge now.

Paca was a disaster. Now he looks like a saint.

Posted by: Umm Been Called Worse | August 12, 2009 10:37 PM

Really Been Called Worse?

So you know someone, anyone actually, in the entirety of your life who has been pulled over for not having an illuminated license plate?

And here's why you don't. In every state in the Union, license plates are made with reflective paint. And cars behind them are required when driving at night, again in every state in the union, to have LIGHTS.

And thus an officer could read the license plate on any car in America whether illuminated or not. I mean really how dense can you be?

We all know what happened. That Mr. Bass chose to print this as a legitimate infraction or reason to pull someone over allows for glossing over a real crime -- one which apparently even you were able to figure out before denying any bias occurred -- and one which young men of color must face in many of this city's suburbs.

Posted by: Oh Please | August 13, 2009 12:32 AM

So this guy had his lisense suspended in 2006. Hes been driving around ever since. Never mind the tail light. WITH NO INSURANCE AS HIS LISENSE IS SUSPENDED. Great roal model.

Posted by: Just the Facts | August 13, 2009 8:47 AM

Mr Constitution,

Please check your facts before you post something. In the state of Connectictut, voting rights are restored after individuals leave prison simply by re-registering to vote. While other states may be backward, and continuing punishing people after their debt has been paid, CT is not one of those states.

You may find the relevant law here: http://www.sots.ct.gov/sots/lib/sots/electionservices/hava/havapdf/the_ultimate_freedom.pdf

Posted by: Annexian | August 13, 2009 9:06 AM

"Convicted felons can't vote."

Yes they can. As long as they aren't currently incarcerated or on parole, convicted felons can vote just like everyone else.

http://felonvoting.procon.org/viewresource.asp?resourceID=286

Posted by: Bruce | August 13, 2009 9:52 AM

Hit piece? Come on. No one said that this news site is unbiased (nor is any newspaper, maybe some more subtly than others), but this is a perfectly legitimate story. The guy has clearly had some legal issues. That doesn't mean he can't or shouldn't run, but I think the voters want to know things like this.

Posted by: Edward_H | August 13, 2009 10:06 AM

Pretty Nasty Hit Piece

That's why the Woodbridge police stopped him? I mean is that even a law? Does anyone including Mr. Bass know whether it's a law?

Sec. 14-96c. Tail lamps. Illumination of rear registration plate.

(c) The rear registration plate shall be so illumined with a white light as to render it clearly legible from a distance of fifty feet to the rear. Any tail lamp or tail lamps, together with any separate lamp or lamps for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted, except that any vehicle equipped by the manufacturer with daytime running lamps which meet federal requirements may have such daytime running lamps illuminated without illumination of the tail lamps or rear registration plate.

http://www.cga.ct.gov/2005/pub/Chap246.htm#Sec14-96c.htm

That's the problem with some people. Rather than look up easily verifiable information you prefer to engage in conspiracy theories.

Posted by: The Count | August 13, 2009 11:28 AM

Sounds like a regulation New Haven office seeker to me.

Posted by: West Rock Also | August 13, 2009 12:10 PM

It isn't so much that I am concerned about the old larceny (I am a little), but I'm more concerned about the new stuff, the hit and run. Staggers has not taken responsibility for his actions, nor have his supporters on this site,and seems to be blaming everyone else but himself. It's the other driver's fault, the police that stopped him, the reporter who wrote the story, whatever. He paid a fine, which means he plead guilty. He should just say that he made a mistake and move on.

Posted by: Alexander Howard | August 13, 2009 2:50 PM

Who dosent have some sort of past at one time in his or her life. Our problem is that instead of the focus on what a perosn does to pick his self up after something that he has done wrong, we still make an issue of the past, and not the present, in a city were there are so many absent laders in our school and even in city hall carlton staggers has proved to be one. Go get a job for TMZ. And he as taken credit for his actions, the public should know of things that went wrong, at the same time don't take away from the good that he has done. Good luck carlton

Posted by: streever | August 13, 2009 3:49 PM

Hey people,

I can totally understand forgiving Staggers his larceny: We have ALL screwed up.

However, his hit and run was THIS YEAR.

Look, if you hit and run someone THIS YEAR, do not run for alderman. Give it some time. Come on, that's a really serious crime, & it simply isn't right.

Posted by: James FP | August 13, 2009 5:20 PM

It sounds like the hit and run was a misunderstanding and could've been handled better. Ultimately, it was settled with a $150 fine. The article even says that he immediately admitted responsibility and cleared it up. It's not like his actions were beyond reproach, but serious enough to keep him off the BoA? No way.

Posted by: whatever | August 13, 2009 6:54 PM

He admitted responsibility when he was searched out and found in his home. If the police hadn't tracked him down, he would have gone about his business like nothing happened. It is funny how you administration supporters will do anything to justify your support for this guy. How about Goldson? He hasn't hit and run from any accidents, he hasn't been convicted of larceny. Where's the love for this guy?

Posted by: Been Called Worse | August 13, 2009 7:10 PM

Really Been Called Worse?
Yes, really.

So you know someone, anyone actually, in the entirety of your life who has been pulled over for not having an illuminated license plate?
I have, infact, myself. Not having an illuminated rear license plate (earlier model porsches have incredibly sketchy electrical wiring, come to find out) and having a front vanity plate, in fact. However, MY license was valid and I did NOT have any outstanding warrants.

Now granted, it may not be a very good law, but it IS a law, so debating your FEELINGS about the law as it pertains to events that have transpired regarding this candidate are pretty much pointless.

Posted by: streever | August 13, 2009 8:47 PM

James,

how is that a misundertanding?
You hit another person's vehicle, and then drive away after a cursory glance.

No! You stop & call the police.

That shows a basic lack of respect for the law & a basic lack of understanding of the law. Not going to claim Goldson is any better, but I can't imagine voting for a guy who hits & runs.

Him "owning up" is irrelevant considering the police tracked him down--I think if they managed to find you after all that, you probably aren't going to lie about it.

Posted by: TB WRIGHT | August 14, 2009 8:31 AM

I can't believe that at this time and day everybody is so perfect no body broke some type of law and yes we do not want somebody in office who have a felony but that's not going to happen any where in the USA. I know this young man and if I didn't, I swear he would be the worst person to run for alderman after ready this article. Paul Bass is just like any other reporter out there from what I've heard (I've got him, let me give the people what they want to hear, this is some good dirt)I know for a fact that this story you wrote is not telling the whole story and you wrote what you thought were facts. To end this keep your head up Carlton and don't let these people bring you and your family down.Your to good of a person to let this happen I know and Good Luck!!!!

Posted by: Seth P. | August 14, 2009 8:57 AM

It is truly unfortunate that New Haven politricks have stooped to such a low.

Posted by: streever | August 14, 2009 8:57 AM

and while I'd be able to ignore the felony larceny conviction normally, I think his current behavior shows he's just as clueless as ever--

yes, your history shouldn't follow you forever. But when your history becomes your present, it says something about you as a person.

Posted by: Whatever | August 14, 2009 9:43 AM

Streever,

I'm truly curious, what is it about Goldson you don't like?

Posted by: TB WRIGHT | August 14, 2009 10:36 AM

I'm sorry to all the people that are reading this I think Goldson and Staggers are both great people who have had there run in with the law but I don't need nothing from Victoria Secrets and Staggers will not be giving me a ride, but can you please make the people in ward 30 happy and get the job done because at this present time no body else is running SO STOP dwelling on the past and motor vehicle incident that is taking care of. Great job Paul you got everybody focusing on the bad stuff. Did you know Goldson has kids going to college and so does Staggers they can't be doing that bad they lead there kids in the right direction come on ward 30 I think there good might out wiegh there bad have a fair and clean campaign and stick to facts unless you come with a better person to run GOOD LUCK and list to the facts ward 30

Posted by: Typical | August 14, 2009 12:47 PM

Another diversion to keep voters away from the MAJOR issues which affect the ward and this City. I think I am going stop reading the NHI. This just seems like another Destefano attack by destroying the reputation of others. We get the point Paul, You are anti-Destefano. However, its not right to drag others into the equation of getting your point across. This is America; a democracy...if you don't like Destefano RUN for office!

Posted by: James FP | August 14, 2009 6:03 PM

Did anyone bother to ask whether he was even at fault in that accident? You'd think that if he'd actually been at fault, there would've been some incredibly serious repercussions, which it doesn't seem that there were.
Now, given that Paul Bass is a competent journalist with a remarkable agenda, I'm pretty sure he asked that question. Interestingly, he doesn't mention the answer. This leads me to believe that Mr. Staggers was not, in fact, at fault--if he had been, Paul certainly wouldn't have passed on more ammo for his character assassination. Now, Staggers's lack of fault would mean that he would actually have a major interest in reporting it (i.e. getting the other person, who was actually at fault, to pay for repairs). So, assuming that he wasn't at fault, he would actually be hurting himself by not reporting the accident. Again, this seems to fit the "absentminded mistake" theory.
Streever, I know how passionate you are about safe streets, and that's commendable. I certainly see why this would hit a nerve for you. But this barely meets the definition of a hit and run and he probably wasn't even at fault (if he were, Paul probably would've mentioned it).

[Editor's note: All I had to go on was the police report, which said Mr. Staggers was at fault.]

Posted by: Been Called Worse | August 14, 2009 10:34 PM

James, I find your logic to be completely baffling.

I may not agree with Mr. Bass' perceived agenda even half of the time, but I take him to be a credible journalist. Any out-and-out lies perpetuated on this site would easily be exposed. I'm sure he could post a copy of the police report to dispel any nefarious plan of his, but that would only reaffirm those who are complaining this was a smear article.

If there are glaring inaccuracies with this article, why doesn't Mr. Staggers simply comment here and correct them. Hell, why doesn't he post a copy of the police report himself to clear up the perceived injustice of this article if it is so slanderous?

I honestly don't care who is at fault for the traffic accident, but fleeing the scene (without even checking to see if people in the other car were alright!!!) is evading responsibility, which in my opinion is highly relevant to giving someone my vote and trust in electing them to public office.