New Haven Independent

Posted by: streever | October 19, 2009 11:27 AM

“I’m not getting money from them, either,” said Brison, “so that’s not a distinguishing thing.”

Right, but you've stated that Justin will be doing their work, so it certainly is distinguishing: it affirms that Justin too is an independent voice, and that East Rock is blessed to have two alders running to be independent advocates for our neighborhood.

Posted by: Why is this happening in my neighborhood??? | October 19, 2009 12:10 PM

Wait...did I miss something? Looks like Lemar broke up with Streever, and Streever found a new alderMANCRUSH to endlessly exhtol. Streever, I think your going to need to do better than Elicker if your going to make Roland jealous!

Campaigns cost money, and this amount of money is not really worth discussing. Every Alder needs a couple grand to wage a campaign, who cares? Every alder has supporters who hope that they will "think of them" when we need sidewalks. Who cares?

Posted by: Kevin McCarthy | October 19, 2009 12:10 PM

FYI

The East Rock Community Management Team will have a conversation with the 10th Ward candidates at our next meeting on Monday October 26 at 7 p.m. at East Rock School. All are welcome.

Posted by: Resident | October 19, 2009 12:25 PM

Looks like yet another referendum on the Hooker School (read "John DeStafano School") fiasco. Hooker people seem to favor Elicker and non-Hooker types favor Brison judging from sign placement.

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | October 19, 2009 12:30 PM

This is a joke. I am going to say it again and again. We need term limits and Proportional represention.This is the only way the people will get true political represention. The green party is a joke. On one hand the leader of the green party is supporting Brison and the other hand he is supporting King john.

http://newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/05/brison_announce.php

It is a joke. This is the reason why I vote teletubs.

Posted by: Brian V | October 19, 2009 12:54 PM

Hey Melissa,
That's all the coverage about Ward 18 - 3 paragraphs? The Cove is part of New Haven too.

How can we find out the names of donors to the candidates? Is that public info published on a web site?

Any help is appreciated.

Posted by: Dick Snyder & Chuck Porter | October 19, 2009 12:56 PM

We have lived in what is now the Tenth Ward since 1965. We first met Justin Elicker just six months ago and soon became convinced that he has what it takes to restore effective representation of the ward on the Board of Alderman: energy, intelligence, independence and a strong commitment to the neighborhood. Justin's campaign is funded and staffed entirely by a broad base of residents of the ward who believe in him. There is no paid staff; the campaign is run entirely by volunteers. Kerry and Dick Snyder

Posted by: Ward 10 Resident | October 19, 2009 1:20 PM

In addition to the 55 (as compared to 19) financial contributors to Elicker's campaign, I'd like to commend the tremendous time and energy that Justin's large base of supporters have put in. No paid staff here!

Posted by: streever | October 19, 2009 1:37 PM

For the record, Roland and I have not broken up. We are still going strong.
(Did I interpret that comment right?)

Campaigns do need money: and we think it's telling that so many have stepped forward to support Justin.

Posted by: Bruce | October 19, 2009 1:59 PM

Brian V, For municipal candidates you can read the financial filings at the clerk's office (200 Orange St). I think they are allowed to charge for copies and that might take a while, but you can sit and read them in the office. I doubt the municipal candidates' reports are very long.

Posted by: Reality Check | October 19, 2009 2:06 PM

Brison raised $3,619 total and spent $2,150 on political consulting. That leaves a total of $1,469. If he has already paid for lawn signs and mailings and STILL has $1,328 left over, that means he spent only $141 on mailings and lawn signs combined. Lets break this down a little bit--postage costs $0.44 per stamp, plus printing the letter, the cost of the envelope, and the label come out to about $0.50 per letter. Lawn sign prices vary based on design, company and volume, but in general, they tend to cost about $4 a pop when bought in quantities of 200 or more (which means that he must have bought far less, making them more like $6 per sign). If he were to put up 20 signs and send out 100 pieces of mail (I'm quite certain he has many more signs and sent at least twice that much mail) that's already his $141. Something is very fishy here.

Additionally, having 19 donors contribute $3,619 does NOT indicate low-level fundraising activity. In fact, it is a strong indicator of dedicated people contributing a lot of money to a campaign (that comes out to $170 per person on average after subtracting the Green Party funds). Brison is being funded by a small group of people who for some reason have a vested interest in getting him elected, despite the fact that the only one listed here is an alderwoman in a different ward. I think people who really care about this neighborhood and an independent voice on the Board of Alderman take a good hard look at the Brison campaign. These numbers seem quite odd for someone who claims to have broad grassroots support from the people who actually live in the neighborhood.

Posted by: Kerry and Dick Snyder | October 19, 2009 2:24 PM

Somehow or other, Kerry's and my comment earlier indicates that it was posted by me and Chuck Porter. Although I am certain he would support Justin if Chuck lived in the 10th ward, in fact he lives in the 9th and is already quite well served by Roland Lemar on the Board of Alderman. Dick Snyder

Posted by: cba | October 19, 2009 4:09 PM

The City of New Haven does not need to finance the aldermanic elections when there are so many other pressing needs for taxpayer dollars

Posted by: jawbone | October 19, 2009 5:01 PM

When all is said and done, will Elicker have a perfect attendance record? I've been told by Brison that he has not missed a single meeting.
Is it even up for discussion that I have heard that Elicker is currently pursuing two graduate degrees at Yale University? How is he going to make time for Ward 10?

Posted by: charles c dahlberg | October 19, 2009 5:23 PM

I thought Roland was married with kids! This sounds like a huge scandal.

Oh what i really want to say is when are we getting TERM LIMITS FOR MAYOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: robn | October 19, 2009 6:52 PM

I've heard from a very reliable source that one of the candidates, if he wins, will use his remaining campaign money to hire Van Halen to play at his inauguration party.

Posted by: MORRIS COVE MOM | October 19, 2009 7:01 PM

Morris Cove is never fairly represented! We pay a disproportionately large amount of the city's taxes, for having only one school, and no police presence. We suffer with airport issues, traffic issues, sidewalk issues, and lack of an Aldermanic presence.

Maybe DePino supporters are those who have never asked her for information or help. I voted for Larry Morico last year, after being ignored repeatedly by her and her office.

And lest we forget the Advocate scoop on her, and her insane voting tactics:
http://www.newhavenadvocate.com/blogs/home.cfm?aid=2889

I'm going to vote for Susan Campion, because even though I don't know her, I like what her literature says, and she did return my phone calls, even though she's not even in office yet!

Posted by: East Rocker | October 19, 2009 9:42 PM

Elicker is pursuing two graduate degrees at Yale--and has done so for the past two years while reviving Friends of East Rock Park, organizing New Haven Green Drinks, and actively supporting progressive causes from bicycle advocacy in New Haven through Elm City Cycling, to canvassing in New Hampshire for the Obama campaign. I support his candidacy because he has shown tireless commitment to each and every thing that he does. His broad impact is demonstrated by the number of donors who support him, the completely unpaid work of his core campaign team and the success of the organizations that he works with. Not only will he make time for Ward 10, but his record shows that he will actually accomplish something with that time. I encourage everyone to stop by Lulu's for Justin's office hours on Tuesday mornings to get a better understanding of his commitment to East Rock.

Posted by: CHris O | October 19, 2009 9:48 PM

Melisa- did you miss a real story? How will the unions influence affect this race? Ask Sandman.

Posted by: A Green | October 19, 2009 9:52 PM

Melissa Bailey's coverage never fails to slam Brison and praise Elicker. The pretense of impartiality was abandoned a long time ago, but it still irks me. The NHI can and should do better.

Bailey picks out 2 people who contributed and sets up a pro and anti Hooker scenario when Brison actually was successful in bringing the two factions to an agreement not to appeal the court's decision - whatever it would be.

What analysis did she do of Elicker's contributors? Did she mention DeStefano has introduced Elicker as "his choice"? With the Mayor backing you, do you really need to consult anyone else?

As for Reality Check, his bogus analysis belongs right up there with the amateur conspiracy theorists who never made the big time. FYI, Brison had signs from his previous campaign that he re-cycled. Now isn't that what you'd expect of a Green?

Hopefully the candidates will do a better job of discussing real issues - like electing the Board of Education, double dipping legislation and restrictions on the budget process.

If they don't, I guess some of you people will continue to either make up issues or focus on peripheral ones.

I'll be watching!

Posted by: NHI Bias | October 19, 2009 10:52 PM

Chris O,

No Melissa did not miss how the Union will try and turn this election. However, she does know about it and chooses not to right it.

Its a very simple calculus: If NHI likes candidate, paid campaign workers are "young political consultants" with no mention of outside ties or organizational backing. If NHI does not like candidate, paid campaign workers are part of the machine.

Posted by: East Rock Resident | October 19, 2009 11:54 PM

Justin Elicker for Alderman!! Justin actually makes things happen. He puts his all into what he does and put the interests of the community first.

Posted by: Question | October 20, 2009 8:20 AM

Hugh Baran and Sochie Nnaemeka are running Alan's race? You just can't make this stuff up. Aren't they the same ones that ran Lisa Hopkins race and she lost in Ward 22? Aren't they the same ones that ran Liz Mccormicks race in Ward 24 and lost? ... And they are being paid to do what? Bring negative vibes to everyone's race that they run? What happened to the days when people volunteered on campaigns and loved it? Why do candidates have to go out of their Ward and bring someone in to run it and pay them?
When will we learn. Alan needs to go anyways, he hasn't done anything for us over here. Point blank.

Posted by: jawbone | October 20, 2009 9:48 AM

East Rocker,
I take it that your post was 'approved by the Elicker for Alderman' campaign. It reads like a press release.
I personally don't give a hoot whether Justin organized the FERP, drinks sustainable gin, or rides a bike. These are all good character traits as far as I am concerned, I just question whether they are a valid argument for why this person is ready to be an alderperson. Comparing FERP to the BOA is comparing apples to oranges.
I care whether he is going to be able to sit through those endless reviews and meetings and committees night and after night AND get his homework done for school the next morning. People, I think, are starting to lose the forest for the trees. Being an alderperson is not a glamorous job. Its a fairly low level, elected position that is a slog most of the time.
I personally have no doubt that Justin would be a good alderperson for Ward 10. I worry, however, that he is woefully under informed about the rest of the city and the very complex issues that are always at play.
And, ROBN, is it Van Halen, or Van Hagar that is playing election night? It makes a difference, you know.

Posted by: No Money | October 20, 2009 10:59 AM

If none of Mayor DeStefano's opponents are raising any money, then who is paying Angela Watley's "campaign manager" who was the "debate" last week?

Posted by: East Rocker | October 20, 2009 11:24 AM

Hi Jawbone,

Yes, just like many other East Rock residents, I proudly support and volunteer for the Elicker campaign. While FERP is not the BOA, Justin has worked at City Hall when not in classes and is no stranger to a slog. If you want evidence of Elicker's ability to stomach banality, you can ask him about his 5 years at the US State Department.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | October 20, 2009 11:54 AM

First Bravo to all who are running and all that are volunteering their time to help them. It is a lot of work! And sadly not enough people get out there, like they did years ago. Which may be part of the problem. Last I remember this is a democracy. It is a chance to hold elected people accountable for things they have done or lack of doing. I have worked with Justin for a number of years now and have found something different in him. He does these things for the most simplest of reasons... because it is the right thing to do. WOW I have to say that one more time... Because it is the right thing to do.
Totally agree with east rocker. And I have not seen this many WARD people involved in an election it is inspiring! Or it is sad that we the people have been that under represented these past two years.

Posted by: streever | October 20, 2009 1:41 PM

jawbone,

In the past 2 years I can point to more work & more results by Elicker than our current alderman--all this despite not having a political platform.

I agree that he would be an excellent alderman for Ward 10, and think if you talk to him you'll see how much he has already accomplished.

Posted by: A Green | October 20, 2009 1:44 PM

"A Question" asks if the 2 paid staff are running the Brison campaign, doesn't wait for an answer, answers for him/herself "yes" and proceeds to slam 2 talented individuals.

Some people are sloooooow learners!

The Brison Campaign has its own contingent of volunteer staff, plus Allan has been joined in his door to door canvassing by some of his colleagues on the Board of Aldermen.

Do I detect some sour grapes that the union crowd chose to endorse Brison and not Elicker?

Brison is a full time Alderman and Elicker is a full time graduate student with a double major. So who has more time for the job?

Posted by: cedarhillresident | October 20, 2009 2:11 PM

A Green

Just a simple and sincere question. When did the union take the vote on supporting Allan where all union members allowed to vote in this decision?? And how many live in the ward?

Posted by: cedarhillresident | October 20, 2009 2:39 PM

one more thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!
on allan's web site it says that he....

"Traffic Light re-design at the dangerous intersection at Ferry and State in Cedar Hill, to be completed this year."

OHHHH REALLY him and lee drove by it after we had the plans underway to have the new one done.... AND I HAVE ALL THE EMAILS TO PROVE IT!!!!!!! AND MANY MORE EMAILS but I am trying to nice

Posted by: FIX THE SCHOOLS | October 20, 2009 3:44 PM

Brison wants an elected BOE. Elicker wants to keep it appointed.

Imagine of there were elections for BOE members in New Haven. Special interests like teacher unions and patronage office holders would DOMINATE the election process. This would harm our children.

If you want a good school system, start by holding the mayor accountable. If you don't like the schools, then throw him out - and with it, his hand-selected BOE.

But if you want permanent state of disfunction, then elect your board of ed.

Posted by: jawbone | October 20, 2009 3:51 PM

Jeez, Cedarhill, weren't you a vocal supporter of Brison just two years ago? That's a lot vitriol your voicing for the incumbent.

Posted by: jawbone | October 20, 2009 5:12 PM

Fix The School,
Please educate us on how to throw the mayor out. We haven't been able to do that for several elections now...
-Jawbone

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | October 20, 2009 5:34 PM

Fix the schools
How many years under king john has the appoiment of the school board members worked.Elected school boards work. Look at West Haven they have had a elected school board for years.Right now the School board is now controled by the mayor.

Posted by: The Professor | October 20, 2009 7:04 PM

Threefifths,

Wrong again! The fact of the matter is that West Haven is very different from New Haven. In my hometown of 70,000 people, we also have an elected schoolboard, but we don't have unions or special interests running amok like we have in New Haven. The better models for New Haven to look to are cities like New York and Chicago, which have appointed BOEs. This creates a situation where the best people can be selected, versus the most popular people being elected.

Political powers in New Haven (i.e. the unions) have shown absolutely no regard for competence in selecting their candidates for the Board of Aldermen, from Robert Lee, who seemingly has no idea that there are different levels of government (city, state, federal), to Claudette Robinson-Thorpe, who apparently gets upset when she learns anything from "a Jewish man on the street." Can you imagine what this would lead to with an elected schoolboard?

Furthermore, we don't elect other boards and commissions, and with good reason. The only reason people want an elected BOE is to allow them to play politics with our children's futures, and that's completely unacceptable.

Posted by: Reality Check | October 20, 2009 7:55 PM

The article seems to indicate that he paid for his lawn signs. If this is not the case, then spending $141 on mailings seems somewhat more reasonable, but still a surprisingly small amount. The main point I was trying to make, however, is that it appears that most of Allan's campaign seems to be coming from outside the ward, and is being supported by people who involve themselves in aldermanic elections across the city on behalf of the unions and a small contingent of sitting Alders. These are NOT the people who should be involved in selecting the alderman for a ward, and I find it strange that Allan chooses to proclaim himself the "independent" candidate in this race when that is clearly not the case.

Jawbone, you seem to be attacking anyone who has commented in favor or defense of Justin Elicker with vitriol. You have given no real reason to vote for Allan other than the fact that, according to you, Allan has more time in his schedule for being alderman. Justin's supporters have brought real examples to the contrary, but I am still confused as to why you presume to have such an insight into his personal schedule. What gives?

Posted by: A Green | October 20, 2009 8:27 PM

Your first comment calling the Green Party "a joke" because you can't imagine someone supporting Brison and the Mayor is typical of people who prefer to engage in verbal smack downs rather than do the hard work of political organizing.

In the GP we can congratulate and support anyone who does something that benefits the public interest or we can oppose them on an issue when we disagree. It's kinda like walking and chewing gum at the same time.

It is possible to have a civil conversation on the issue. A good one is how an elected Board of Education might be part of the checks and balances that our government requires so that we don't have kings. Another might be whether the Executive should be able to award bonuses to staffers outside the budget process overseen by the Board of Aldermen.

As to the role of money in elections, perhaps we could design an alternative system that would give all candidates free media for a specific and limited period of time Then we could elect the best people, not the best fund raisers.

We could also try preferential voting (select choices 1,2 and 3)
to find consensus candidates who might otherwise be lost in a large field or lack the money to compete with a Michael Bloomberg.

Nice talking to you.

Posted by: JOSIAHBROWNFORMAYOR | October 20, 2009 8:38 PM

If not an elected school board Justin and Allan three words- MAYORAL TERM LIMITS.

Also, if you guys are listening, how about creating tax incentives for city employees who choose to reside in New Haven? Might help develop the tax base and grow our middle class; not to mention it's just good practice in terms ofcommunity building.

Posted by: streever | October 20, 2009 8:50 PM

jawbone
I don't see people like CHR as spouting vitriol: she worked hard to help get Allan elected and he has not fulfilled what he had said he would.

Not to be negative: I think Allan is a great guy & has great intentions. Some where along the way he got bogged down in "opposing the mayor" instead of "advocating for his neighborhood"--hence why I'm supporting Justin. An independent voice who is loyal to his neighborhood, not Perez & the unions.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | October 20, 2009 9:05 PM

jawbone, First I love your posts! Big hugs.

And I knew that someone would bring up “hey you supported Allan last time” Well yes I did. And two years later I have found that he was unable to represent and help the ward the way we had all hoped he would. Allan is a nice man we all love him but you can not vote for a person just because they are a nice person. And then his answer to that was, but I just got started it was my first term… well …it was 2 YEARS! I have my for instances, but I am not really looking to turn this into a what Allan did not do thing. He is a nice man. I just do not feel he was a ward Alderman.

And another question. What legislation did he submit?? I know he signed on and supported other Aldermans work by "co-sposering" things, but it was still the work of others he just signed his name to it.
I would hope that if Justin does win allan will continue to support his special interest issues like fight the hike. But we need someone that will spend the time on issues in the WARD...after all that is one of the main reasons we elect a separate alderman for each ward. Justin has been making changes and improvements in this ward with the love and passion for it. We asked him to run. Because of all he was doing. I can just imagine what he can do for the city if afforded the chance. He is a do-er and a hands on person not just a letter writer. And it is my belief that he will not just be a benefit for the ward I truely think that the city will be gaining if he is in office!

And jawbone most know I support the person, not a group.

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | October 20, 2009 10:11 PM

The Professor

Wrong again! The fact of the matter is that West Haven is very different from New Haven. In my hometown of 70,000 people, we also have an elected schoolboard, but we don't have unions or special interests running amok like we have in New Haven. The better models for New Haven to look to are cities like New York and Chicago, which have appointed BOEs. This creates a situation where the best people can be selected, versus the most popular people being elected.

Wake up you think that the models for new haven should look to cites like New York and Chicago.Give me a break both of these states are full of special interest.Look at the mayor of New York.The people vote for term limts and the corporatist mayor with the controled city council
voted to change the law so he could run again.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/04/nyregion/04limits.html?_r=1

He even try to defend his action.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/24/mayor-defends-councils-term-limits-vote/

Look at kleins record.

http://www.citylimits.org/content/articles/viewarticle.cfm?article_id=3749

New York is full of special Interest that you talk about.

http://www.observer.com/2008/real-estate/big-real-estate-would-love-bloomberg-triplex

http://www.dumpbloombergnow.org/?p=78

As far as chicago check out what arne duncan did.

http://www.substancenews.com/archive/Sept02/duncan.htm

http://rdsathene.blogspot.com/2009/07/chicago-schools-report-contradicts.html

http://www.counterpunch.org/libby12292008.html

We elect politician to office all the time and look at the condtion that we are in. Arcoss this country more people are tired of political appointed people and want election for the school
boards.

http://www.baristanet.com/2009/06/montclair_boe_elected_not_appo.php

http://www.daggerpress.com/2009/02/13/delegation-unanimously-supports-elected-school-board-bill/

Every one attacks the teachers union,Are you in a union? I am for all unions beacause you need some form of protect from those in power. Bottom line is that this is about the corporate plutocracy taking control for profit.

http://scepsis.ru/eng/articles/id_1.php

P.S. I forgot this about you new york model.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/15/education/15scores.html?hp

Also what I do like about the new york model is that we need to do like the people of new york and that is they will not go down with out a fight!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyqLg936TaM

Wake up new haven before it is to late.

Posted by: jawbone | October 21, 2009 9:20 AM

CHR and Streever,
Ward 10 is lucky because we have two decent people to choose from. I guess my question is really rhetorical in nature. Has Allan really been given a chance to prove himself? 2 years is not a long time. Remember we were all excited just two years ago when we elected him over the 'machine' incumbent who was seen as being in city hall's back pocket and not really accomplishing much for the Ward. Now, 2 years have passed since that time and we're preparing to throw out the baby and the bathwater.
I support Allan for reasons that are not really germane to this string of comments, but I am convinced that he has not been given a fair shake and things would be very different if Mr. Elicker hadn't shown up in Ward 10 to save the day.
God forbid any of us get elected to some post and feel the stress of producing measurable results in a 2 year political cycle.
If we assume for a second that Elicker wins, lets all reconvene in 2 years and debate what he has been able to accomplish in 2 years. I for one will be watching his performance very closely. Roll calls, how he votes, what he promises and how he delivers.
Its just my very personal opinion, but I think there is a lot cool aid being drunk around Ward 10 these days
-Jawbone.

Posted by: FIX THE SCHOOLS | October 21, 2009 9:35 AM

Jawbone, As someone who has oftened dreamed about finding a willing and qualified candidate to run for mayor, I am stymied as to why New Haven has failed to inspire talented folks to run. I think any credible candidates like Harp or Dyson just wouldn't want to go through the personal buzz saw here. We are also an intensely politically insular town. Its tough to break into the mainstream against a powerful incumbent when so many voters are reliant on government jobs. We are also blindly and overwhelmingly democrat such that an alternative candidate would have to be something VERY special to emerge as a viable independent candidate.

But having said all that, we now have the best guy around!! WHAT?? Yes, we do.

Why? Because over the last year, DeStefano has truly reinvented himself on schools. And because school quality is the largest single issue by far from a fiscal standpoint and because of its long term influence on almost every aspect of our quality of life, it is THE issue.

DeStefano has developed one of the most ambitious school reform plans in the country. It is thoughtful, bold, and promises to close the achievement gap.

Since he announced the plan, he hasn't sat back. And in just a few short months he has already:

- Hired as our new Asst. supt., a proven reformer from Joel Klein's successful team in NYC;

- Negotiated a new teacher contract that appears to have far more flexibility to attract and keep talented teachers in the district;

- Started to rebuild the BOE with heavy hitters. His appointments of Alex Johnston and Selase Williams to the BOE is the same as if King George had appointed Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin to his court during the American revolution.

As someone who follows this school stuff real closely - and who could never be accused of being a fan of the mayor, I really believe that he is on the right track.

I know that lots of people gave up on him a long time ago. (although not so many that he won't have a cake walk on November 4th!). But if you can get beyond the scepticsm that he has earned so well over almost two decades, please judge him on the progress of quality in our public schools. Whats more, is that our success in the campaign to build a system of great schools for all kids is anything but assured.

His next biggest test will come when he will have to start to enforce the same kind of professional accountability that he has asked from teachers, within the administration ranks of the schools.

Posted by: Bruce | October 21, 2009 4:35 PM

I love it when Aldermen (and candidates) argue against an elected BOE on the grounds that it would inject politics and special interests into the board. Well, wouldn't those EXACT SAME arguments apply to the Board of Aldermen? Do these candidates thing that the legislative body should be appointed by the mayor as well? What is so different about the BOE that it can't handle the democratic process?

Posted by: Bruce | October 21, 2009 5:11 PM

think

Posted by: FIX THE SCHOOLS | October 21, 2009 5:41 PM

Bruce, you ask a good question: What is so different about the BOE that it can't handle the democratic process?" Lots of layers to this answer.

One big difference is that education in the hands of one politcian is dicey enough. But education in the hands of lots of politicians is a recipe for disfunction. The core problem is that politicians respond to voters, all of whom are adults but not all have the best interests of the students at heart. And yet the school system SHOULD be serving the needs of children, who don't vote. So, the result is that lots of very bad decisions are made which are popular to voters, particularly special interests, but very bad in the long run for students.

And if folks think that parents are the proxy for their kids, well, we know that parents have historically not been as well organized or informed to compensate for the power of patronage system or teacher unions.

And in a town like New Haven, low income parents especially are at a serious disadvantage when it comes to arguing with the school system "experts" on policy.

TOC is an interesting example of a fledgling parent movement, although they are currently focused on the wrong thing in my opinion.

Representative democracy is a far better form of governance than direct democracy would be.

And again, there is something very clean about holding one mayor and one administration accountable for results.

Posted by: JOSIAHBROWNFORMAYOR | October 21, 2009 8:59 PM

FIX-

In a word, NO! I would not, could not judge him (our esteemed Mayor) on a promise unfulfilled. If school reform happens in New Haven it will more than likely have little or nothing to do with the those who have been in power for nearly TWO DECADES!!! It will be because of forward thinking EDUCATORS like Tom Burns.

JBFM

Posted by: JOSIAHBROWNFORMAYOR | October 21, 2009 9:01 PM

PS Isn't this message board supposed to be about the Ward 10 Aldermanic race???

Posted by: streever | October 22, 2009 7:27 AM

jawbone:
Fair enough, and I'm sure exactly that will happen :)!

Posted by: cedarhillresident | October 22, 2009 9:15 AM

Ohhh Jawbone… I likea da kool-aid :) .

Still waiting on the questions…. Did the union take a vote on this??? How many residents in the area are in the union and did they get a say??? And what Legislation did Allan write?

Ohhh and A Green I have say, I only know of one other person that likes to use that word SMACK in a sentence.

Posted by: JOSIAHBROWNFORMAYOR | October 25, 2009 7:40 AM

Looks like we are going to have a horse race. Drove through Cedar Hill the other day and was surprised by the number of Allan supporters (at least as indicated by their choice in yard signs).

I think it has been said before, but I would like to echo the sentiment that Ward 10 residents should count themselves fortunate to have either of these gentlemen as Alder.

I just wish someone with Justin's moxie (or Roland's experience) had set their eyes on a larger prize i.e. mayor.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | October 25, 2009 11:17 AM

JOSIAHBROWNFORMAYOR

You know I need to address this. I found that some mis information was given to some people in my community which I will address after the elections. @nd what the general pubic does not see when driving through here is how many of those signs are on the lawns of people that get out and vote in an alderman election?? And third I have seen at least one sign on city property (aka May street parking lot) AGAINST the law!!

Posted by: Anonymous | October 26, 2009 9:47 AM

In response to JOSIAHBROWNFORMAYOR on October 20, 2009 at 8:38 PM: your suggestion about tax incentives has been one of Elicker's platform points for months (http://www.elicker2009.com/platform.php). Neat idea.

Posted by: A Green | October 27, 2009 11:36 AM

Speculation continues to enchant many of you commentators, but Realitycheck was the winner on 10/20 when he wrote "it appears that most of Allan's campaign is coming from outside the ward".

The problem with being outside the loop is that speculation is much easier to write about than fact.

On October 22 a fund raiser was held for Allan's re-election campaign and most of the attendees were from Ward 10.

It's a tribute to Allan that support comes from his colleagues on the Board of Aldermen, plus residents of other parts of New Haven who share his view on some citywide issues.

As for Cedarhillresident, if you want to ask questions about the union, contact the union people. Allan got their endorsement; Justin didn't. End of story.