New Haven Independent

Posted by: Jacqui | November 11, 2009 8:32 AM

...Thanks to the people who take the lives of others seriously and stopped Joey from hurting others...

Posted by: Support | November 11, 2009 8:33 AM

Keep your head up high Joe. You made a stupid mistake but everyone makes mistakes. People need to realize elected officials and celebrities are people too and make mistakes, no one is perfect.

this kid has done more in his short term in office for fair haven then most 30 or 40 year olds have done in their entire life. good luck

Posted by: Anything for A Vote | November 11, 2009 8:34 AM

... I'm not suggesting that they throw him under the bus, but come on, does he have to serve as an Alderman while he cleans himself up. He's only sorry that he got caught. If he didn't have a license, who was the car registered to? Were the taxes paid? Wrong way on Elm Street, that street is so busy and fast it's no wonder he didn't kill anyone. He must pay penance by not serving on the Board of Aldermen, that's how we will know that he is truly sorry.

Posted by: Anything for A Vote | November 11, 2009 8:39 AM

I just watched the video...He didn't speak from the heart, he didn't confess to having a problem, he would not even look up from the prepared statement (by someone else) he read from...

Posted by: Bruce | November 11, 2009 8:39 AM

This is horrible. Thanks for owning up to it and apologizing, but that's not enough. What sort of message does he hope to teach youth? That you can apologize for driving drunk and everything will be fine? Please, do the right thing and STEP DOWN. Difficult, I know, but it is the right thing to do.

Posted by: Anything for A Vote | November 11, 2009 8:42 AM

I read it again. I'm ready to blow my top. The Mayor releases a press release about this guy educating youth before he even goes to court? ... The BOA MUST pass rules that disqualifies Aldermen from sitting after committing crimes.

Posted by: Anything for A Vote | November 11, 2009 8:43 AM

Tom, I want to see a copy of the Mayor's press release.

Posted by: Andy | November 11, 2009 8:43 AM

Don't step down, but don't end your life tragically like our beloved rep. from fair haven a few years back.
who the hell follows drunk drivers then forces them to the curb. that is also stupid.

Posted by: Anything for A Vote | November 11, 2009 8:46 AM

Come on NHI, the comments I made were not censurable. There is a race for the Board Presidency, which can shift the balance of power back to the people. Sue Voigt, Carl Goldfield, the Mayor are all publicly backing this guy because they need his vote.

Posted by: jawbone | November 11, 2009 9:01 AM

What a sad and cynical response from city hall and the other alders. Anything seems allowable in this society as long as you apologize and claim it was a 'learning' experience.
He should do the right thing and step down. Seek treatment, sir.

Posted by: ms.mary | November 11, 2009 9:02 AM

So sorry I wasnt there to support you I didnot know.
Every one makes mistakes learn from it and dont let it stop you from being a great alderman.

Posted by: Bizarre | November 11, 2009 9:04 AM

Hmm... Let me see if I get this right. This alderman is busted on 2 counts 1) driving without a license; and 2) being drunk behind the wheel. And his peers respond by ... circling the wagons? To top it off, the Mayor's office goes so far as to issue a press release to applaud him for educating young people when he has done ... nothing but set the wrong example and make an empty pledge???

He ... could have killed someone. Yes, we all make mistakes, but some mistakes are more costly -- and deadly than others.

If anything, the Aldermen and City Hall should be having a press conference to celebrate the bravery of the citizen who went out of his way to prevent what could have been a horrible tragedy.

I don't know what is in the drinking water at City Hall but it needs to be tested.

Posted by: urethra franlin | November 11, 2009 9:13 AM

The cops made me give a urine sample once. I was pissed.

Posted by: DingDong | November 11, 2009 9:28 AM

So much for City Hall's commitment to Safe Streets: an alderman -- an alderman -- drives drunk and could easily have killed people and the immediate reaction is "oh, he's a good guy." Great. Maybe. ... What kind of example does this set? What does it say about your priorities? Time to step down and move on. ...

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | November 11, 2009 9:30 AM

He should be made to step down like Drew King did.
...

Posted by: RAY WILLIS | November 11, 2009 9:31 AM

Yeah, this doesn't sound like a run of the mill DUI to me. Wrong side of the road in that area without a license AND it took a truly civic hero to follow him and force him to pull over? The form letter apology really doesn't cut it.

Posted by: Resident of Fair Haven | November 11, 2009 9:41 AM

I have known Alderman Joseph Rodriguez for many years. In no way does this man have a drinking problem. Everyone in entitled to a few drinks from time to time. Yes, He did express horrible judgement by getting behind the wheel in his condition. I am glad he is taking responsibilty for his actions and is learning what harm can be caused not only to himself but to others as well. He is a good alderman and has been working hard for the benefit of his community. Joe, you have my support. Just dont do it again.

Posted by: katie rohner | November 11, 2009 11:04 AM

Yes, everyone makes mistakes. But not everyone commits a serious crime like getting behind the wheel of a lethal machine while drunk, and without a drivers license, and zigzagging through crowded city streets. It is just by luck that Mr. Rodriguez did not hit anyone. We must face the consequences of our mistakes, and to serious crimes like this one. That is how we learn and how we set an example from which our children learn.

A public servant who violates the public trust and public safety needs to step down and that is a much more effective lesson to all concerned than merely propping Mr. Rodriguez up in front of kids for a motivational-type "don't do as I do, but as I say" type of speech. I know not everyone loses their job if charged with DUI, but I do think that someone who holds a position where the primary goal is to promote the public welfare, than that person should be removed from that position when they have violated that core mission. I am sure Mr. Rodriguez is a decent man and is sorry for what happened -- but that doesn't mean he should be absolved of facing what should be the obvious consequence of his monumentally serious mistake.

Posted by: robn | November 11, 2009 11:06 AM

Food for thought...

Where would we be if we asked Ulysses S Grant to step down because of binge drinking?

Is it possible that he doesn't have a "problem"...maybe he just got drunk once and made the mistake of driving under the influence?

Posted by: facchec | November 11, 2009 11:09 AM

"Rodriguez failed three field sobriety tests. Police took him to the station where they attempted to give him a breathalyzer test, but the machine was broken. They gave him a urine test, the results of which are still pending".

In FAC,

It is not the police report which charges Rodriguez with driving drunk, rather, Rodriguez in the video charges himself with driving while intoxicated, claiming that it was alcohol.

Lets wait and see what the toxicology report says.

Meanwhile, all the usual suspects show up to cheer Joey up and on, after his near death causing experience possibly to himself and other youth, which, after the fact, he now wants to save.

Who are the usual suspects..well..

Then he read a city hall prepared statement seeking forgiveness, AFTER admitting to making the decision to drive, without consulting with his so called drinking friends, who by the way, do not appear in the video.

At this stage Rodriquez appears to get off with a hug and at-a-boy from city hall.

MADD should be dam MAD.

Posted by: Wolcott Bill | November 11, 2009 11:27 AM

Don't kid yourselves you do not have a few drinks with friends and wind up driving the wrong way down a city street. ... Education of young people is not the issue here, protecting them from drunk, unlicensed drivers is. Shame on the mayor and other politicos complacent in this abhorrent attempt at a coverup.

Posted by: Bruce | November 11, 2009 11:31 AM

Ding Dong is right. This is exactly the type of behavior that the Board of Aldermen should be waging war against. Every year more people are killed by drunk drivers than handguns, but if this guy was caught pulling out a gun you can imagine the reaction.

Sorry, I don't know your record as an Alderman, but that is irrelevant. You put our children, friends, family and neighbors at great risk. Please send the right message and show that you are truly sorry. Step down now.

Three cheers for "other driver" who did the right thing. Very bold. This man or woman deserves some sort of plaque or commendation from the city for taking a potential killer off the streets.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | November 11, 2009 11:55 AM

Big mistake...
Bad speech...
But ya know what give the guy a break...lapse of Judgement. Saint is not part of the requirements of office. Let him have his day in court. As long as he has no warrants out on him... owes no major taxes, he screwed up and learned!! But dude you must of been hammered to be driving down the wrong way. Always have a get home plan and stick to it! And who let him leave that smashed?

Posted by: Claudia Herrera | November 11, 2009 11:57 AM

1) Drunk driving on the wrong way on One way Street. Dangers and painful enough.
Asked any victim of loosing a love one because of “one mistake”, a drunk driver behind the wheels. It is ZERO tolerance for these actions.
2) Driving with out driving license. No insurance since when? For how long he’s been driving with out license? And how he paid taxes and registration?

Chooses are the one who define who you are. No trust, NO INTEGRITY.

Make the right choose this time step down.

Posted by: John | November 11, 2009 12:07 PM

He who is free of sins through the first stone. The man made a poor judgment in getting behind the wheel under the influence. Thank God, no one was injured. But that is no reason to step down; it takes courage and conviction to own up to your mistakes and he has done that. We support you Joey; you are a great man and have done good for your neighborhood. Just know that the community that elected you accepts your apology and are behind you 100%.

Posted by: Angel | November 11, 2009 12:34 PM

Just because he didnt have a license doesnt mean the car was not registered or insured. Nowhere in the article or police report does it say unregistered or uninsured vehicle. It is already a bad situation. Dont make things worse by making up more rumors. Its disgusting.

Posted by: DingDong | November 11, 2009 1:01 PM

Can we just clear one thing up here? John and many others have said that "it takes courage and conviction to own up to your mistakes." Really? Did Rodriguez have any choice to own up to his mistake here? How did he show courage? He was arrested and then read a statement? Real courage would be admitting that he has broken the law in a serious way that could easily have killed someone and stepping down from public office for at least two years.

Next, why do someone people insist on calling drunk driving "an honest mistake?" I have an uncle who was killed by drunk driver at age 45. Many people here have had children and spouses killed by drunk drivers. How is getting behind the wheel while drunk "honest"? What is honest about it? That he wouldn't have done it if he had known he would be caught? How many times has he done it without being caught?

Posted by: jawbone | November 11, 2009 1:34 PM

Hey NHI, you got 27 comments on this report thus far. Move it to the 'front page'. Why are you keeping this a 'sidebar' story.
Not a single comment on the two youths that sprayed Dixwell with gunfire the other afternoon and yet that remains on the 'front page'. (Of course the lack of comments probably indicates most readers are too depressed about the current state of what it means to be an urban youth in New Haven in 2009 to muster the energy to comment on an event that is unfortunately all too familiar.)

Posted by: J. Hart | November 11, 2009 1:38 PM

Stepping in dog ... is a mistake. Getting behind the wheel while impaired is a conscious decision.

Posted by: Concerned Citizen | November 11, 2009 1:50 PM

I AM STUNNED by the audacity of City Hall to turn this near tragedy and the irresponsible and outrageous behavior of Alderman Rodriquez and all those who in their blind and political loyalty are making supportive coments and idiotic excuses. Yes, we all make mistakes, but not all of our mistakes jeopardize the lives of others.

The very civicly engaged citizen who flashed his lights so that the alderman could change from going in the wrong direction, and who followed him and called the cops, and who banked his car so that he would not got onto the main road and kill someone, or himself, has been called crazy and no one is thanking him. He is the one who behaved most responsibly. Does any of you Rodriquez cheerleaders remember the name State Rep. John S. Martinez and how he died on Oct. 11, 2002? John was a remarkable legislator; he was only 48 when he died!

Is politics in NH more important than human life? What messages are we sending to our young people? Ms. Mary, shame on you! You are supposed to be a parent leader in the community; please do not become a political hack; you have more to offer than to be a blind cheerleader. The best thing that can be done for Joey Rodriquez is to have him step down and get the help he needs. He is too new in politics to already believe he is so important that he can do whatever he wants.

City Hall is quckly putting a SPIN on this despicable behavior and trying to turn it into heroism by congratulating the arrogant and irresponsible behavior of one of its devotees. Why was Alderman Rodriquez behind the wheel of a car if HE DOES NOT HAVE A LICENSE TO DRIVE? Why isn't city Hall and his blind supporters not addressing that? The message to our young people here seems to be: if you have the support of NH City Hall you can do anything and not be held accountable. It is the WRONG MESSAGE. The behavior of these politicos making excuses for Joey Rodriquez is truly frightening.

Posted by: Jones | November 11, 2009 2:38 PM

Which one was a mistake? Drinking and driving, driving without a license or getting caught? ...

Posted by: jawbone | November 11, 2009 3:17 PM

Don't get me wrong, I am happy that the NHI is reporting this kind of stuff. It serves as a reminder that we still live in a provincial little city run by a machine. A machine that must consolidate and protect its power now matter how cynical and silly it looks at times.
Keep shining the flashlight of truth into the eyes of these people.

Posted by: DingDong | November 11, 2009 4:01 PM

I also don't understand why my reference to the "City Hall machine" was censored by the New Haven Independent.

Posted by: Sunday | November 11, 2009 4:25 PM

Let's learn how to forgive because I am sure a lot of people who posted these comments, if they were followed after having a few could end up in the same situation that Joey is in.

Posted by: William Kurtz | November 11, 2009 4:43 PM

I'm going to beg to differ with Mr. Goldfield and argue that there is something more you can expect from a public figure--or from anyone, for that matter. I expect someone in a position of public trust to not get so blind drunk that he drives the wrong-way down a major thoroughfare. Let's remember that this woman:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_Taconic_State_Parkway_crash

made the same small mistake, too.

Posted by: Westie | November 11, 2009 5:22 PM

Good lord The Machine circled the wagons on this one! ... I am interested in reading more about Rodriguez vote and the Board of Alderman Presidential race.

Posted by: JackNH | November 11, 2009 5:40 PM

... One day the BOA will have no one with a record serving on it, but not in my lifetime.

Posted by: Bruce | November 11, 2009 5:55 PM

So I guess it's OK to drive drunk once in a while. That is the message we're getting from the city's leaders, not to mention half the posters on this board. That is just lovely.

If he was caught taking a bribe, would everyone be asking for forgiveness? How about stealing from the city? Drunk driving kills people. Lots and lots of people. It is much more serious than these other offenses. You enablers are encouraging others to be less cautious with their own behavior. Please -- come to your senses and ask him to resign!

Posted by: robn | November 11, 2009 7:03 PM

Driving the wrong way down a one way street is not necessarily indicative of blind drunkenness because I see it done quite often during weekdays by presumably sober people. However, if he was totally wasted I have more sympathy for him than if he wasn’t…here’s why.

If he was blind drunk (which indicates more of a lightweight than an alcoholic to me, but I digress) and got into a car , I’m kind of wondering why his friends or the bartender didn’t have enough sense to ask him for his keys and call him a cab.

If he was not blind drunk, he should have had the sense himself to ask for a ride or call a cab.

Either way its stupid but in the former, a lot of culpability for not stopping him from driving rests with his friends and the bartender.

Either way, bad move for city hall and BOA to come to his defense…

Posted by: JB | November 11, 2009 7:12 PM

Just how impaired does one have to be to drive down Elm Street the wrong way? I would think- "very".

Posted by: Claudia Herrera | November 11, 2009 7:22 PM

If we “forgive” this action from a PUBLIC FIGURE!

What kind of leadership skills he’s going to teach to our youths?
What kind of voice is going to represent us?

What it is most scary for me is the statement from the one we suppose to trust to make a better judgment.

“Goldfield, president of the Board of Alderman, said he doesn’t think Rodriguez’s DUI would have “any impact at all” on his effectiveness as an alderman. “
Mr. Goldfield when is going to be a good time to stop wrong doing before or after some one get kill as acause for his erratic driving and judgment?

Posted by: streever | November 11, 2009 7:59 PM

I don't know what to say. I've met Joey and he seems like a nice guy. I know I've driven while intoxicated in the past at some point--luckily never so intoxicated that I'd mistake Elm for a one way.

I'm really torn. It's great to have a young and energetic alder who is serving Fair Haven, and I think that's why City Hall is rallying around him--he is a generally good guy.

Is it OK to split hairs on drunk driving? I feel like the legal limit is excessively low in some cases, and if he just was driving 20 mph and following all other laws and got randomly stopped, I'd say, "Let's forgive & forget". Honestly, that's something that could happen to any of us: I can't deny having had 3 beers in 2 hours once or twice & driving home, slowly, cautiously in my early 20s. However to be so drunk that he would drive the wrong way up a one way is more than just a mistake or a bad decision.... that's something I think few of us have done.

He's young and I hope he really does learn from this and translates it into a vital life experience that he can share. At the same time I understand the calls for his resignation. I'm torn because I think he can do some good still, but I personally think his decision making was so flawed & so vile that it's upsetting.

Either way, good luck Joey, and please think twice in the future. And hey, good samaritan who chased him down: THANK YOU. Thank you a 1000 times. That's incredible and brave and also a little stupid. (I say this as a compliment)

Posted by: Charlie O'Keefe | November 11, 2009 8:28 PM

Why hasnt he got a license?? NHI needs to get the facts on this. ...

Posted by: ms.mary | November 11, 2009 9:31 PM

To Concerned Citizen,
Since you know me you should understand that I allow people who make mistakes to learn from those mistakes. I hope he chooses to do the right thing. I am not a political hack. I choose to believe in people.

Posted by: Rachel | November 11, 2009 9:46 PM

Hearing what people are saying on these boards concerns me a little. I have known Joey for a couple of years now. My mom works closely with him. Even though I have known him for quite some time I'm still horrified by his actions. When will people learn that drunk driving is NOT OKAY? No matter who the driver is, an alderman, the president, a celebrity it's still wrong. Drunk driving should be recognized for what it is; a selfish act. Not only was he putting his life in danger, but he was also risking the lives of others. I don't think a simple apology from him is enough. I commend the fact that he is apologizing instead of hiding, but this shouldn't take away from the fact that what he did was very upsetting. Legal action should be taken against him, he should be treated like everyone else. He should step down as alderman. Hopefully he will learn from this experience and better himself.

Posted by: Lifer | November 11, 2009 10:13 PM

Anyone who lives in New Haven and is drunk enough to go the wrong way down Elm St has got to be pretty intoxicated. Hats off to the driver who put a stop to this - that was a brave move!

Posted by: EarlyBird | November 11, 2009 10:40 PM

I worked in a law office for some time and I can tell you that from my experience no one drives drunk 'just once'. It's just a matter of how often they're caught, and how long it takes for the consequences to cause real changes in their habits. I wish this young man all the best as he seeks treatment that will hopefully end this destructive behavior before he or someone else is hurt, or worse.

Posted by: City Hall Watch | November 12, 2009 8:01 AM

Earlybird is correct. Nobody drives drunk once nor do they drive without a license without thinking about it. ... This presser was a disaster. The statement was insincere; the corrective action and education he is going to provide young people is not definitive and he concludes by saying no questions - "I want to go be with my friends." Family was thrown in as an aside. If he wanted to man up, he'd stand there and answer the questions. "I'm not taking questions" is standard fare for somebody with more to hide or who is afraid they'll say something that undermines the very thin patina of sorrow.

As for the power people supporting another lawbreaker - well, that really is rich and says as much about them as Joey's actions say about him.

That said, he doesn't need to resign. Nobody is without sin or should be denied redemption if they are sincere. Fortunately, nobody was hurt or killed. But he better double down and do good work on the BOA which includes no rubberstamping, mindless votes and lip service about serving the pubic. It's time to do it and mean it.

Posted by: whatnext | November 12, 2009 10:29 AM

OK where do we go from here not good for him to stay around

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | November 12, 2009 10:51 AM

City Hall Watch

That said, he doesn't need to resign. Nobody is without sin or should be denied redemption if they are sincere. Fortunately, nobody was hurt or killed. But he better double down and do good work on the BOA which includes no rubberstamping, mindless votes and lip service about serving the pubic. It's time to do it and mean it.

What politician in new haven do you know is sincere. I bet you can't name ten who are sincere.
As far is this here who is with out sin cast the first stone no nobody is without sin.Give me a break.We go by the written laws It is a crime to drive DUI. We should be asking why was the machine
broke or was it just broke for him.How many of us have been arrested for DUI and got this type of treatment. If fact You all rember Karen DuBois-Walton, former chief of staff for Mayor John DeStefano Jr., Check out what happen with her husband. They protect there own and lock you and me up. He should step down now!!!!

http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2007/02/07/import/17818499.txt

Posted by: DingDong | November 12, 2009 1:52 PM

The arguments on this thread are really mind-boggling:

"Honestly, that's something that could happen to any of us."

No, it really could not have. Most of us do not drive drunk. Most of us are responsible enough not to want put ourselves at a risk of killing other people. Most of us will get a friend to drive or shell out $10 for a cab. And I certainly would expect our aldermen to be one of us who follows the law.

"Nobody is without sin or should be denied redemption if they are sincere."

Why all these moral language about sin and redemption? Drunk driving is not just a sin, it's a crime. A crime that often has fatal results. It's inappropriate for public officials to commit crimes that might kill people, especially when so many people in this City have been so vocal about dangerous driving and dangerous streets. How are we going to take the City's commitment to safe streets seriously if aldermen drive drunk with relative impunity? And, anyhow, if being sincere is so important, why not show it by resigning and instead of doing absolutely nothing and carrying on after holding a bad press conference.

"Fortunately, nobody was hurt or killed."

What is it that people don't get about drunk driving? If you get behind the wheel when you are drink, it's totally out of your control if someone will get hurt or killed. It's purely a matter of luck. That's why drunk driving is a crime, not just 'having an accident while drunk.' Just because Rodriguez was lucky enough not to kill someone does not make his actions any less reprehensible, irresponsible and unbecoming of a public official.

" But he better double down and do good work on the BOA which includes no rubberstamping, mindless votes and lip service about serving the public."

You think this guy is going to more independent from the Machine after this happened? He nows owes the Machine a HUGE favor by circling the wagons. The Machine didn't do him that favor for nothing. It did it because now Rodriguez is guaranteed to be a great big rubber stamp for everything the Machine wants.

"I feel like the legal limit is excessively low in some cases."

The legal limit is, you know, the law. If you dont agree with it, try to change it: don't go around letting other people break it because they are too cheap to pay for a cab. But wait, don't try to change it since the legal limit in the US is incredibly high. .08% BAC is practically the highest, most lenient standard, in the world. We don't need more drunk people who are convinced they are sober enough to drive safely on the streets. Take a look: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_alcohol_content#Limits_by_country_.28BAC:_Blood_Alcohol_Content.29 (And as Streever pointed out, going the wrong way down Elm is pretty drunk).

Posted by: Bruce | November 12, 2009 2:26 PM

DINGDONG:

Amen, amen and amen! I hope the enablers also read the other NHI story, where Marathas describes just how wasted Rodriguez was. Banging into a dumpster, scraping his wheels on the curb and, the kicker, handing at music CD to the cops when they asked for his license.

Streever, I'm surprised you are even thinking twice about this. This guy was wasted and got behind the wheel. He is a public figure and is supposed to be making our streets safer. Think of the message this sends to every driver in the city -- driving drunk is not such a big deal as long as you don't kill anyone and you apologize. This guy is part of a group that is more deadly than all the inner city gangs put together. Would you think twice if he was a gang member?

WHATNEXT: Hopefully he will come to his senses and step down soon. If not, the next step is a petition asking for him to step down. People die in our streets every year because of this behavior and a public figure needs to set a better example. Collect as many signatures as possible, including as many city officials as possible. If they won't sign it we put them on a list of officials who think drunk driving is acceptable behavior for an alderman. We can submit the list to all of the media outlets in the area, as well as MAD and other traffic groups.

Posted by: Claudia Herrera | November 12, 2009 3:56 PM

Poor judgment, irresponsible and careless this is what Joe Rodriguez represents now.

I don’t even believe in his speech, He just did what it was told. How to cover a CRIME there is not other way to say it, he committed a crime. I agreed with Rob, it is very upsetting that the BOA comes to his defense.

Judgment, responsibility, VALUES is a plus to be an alderman who is representing the voice of a good portion of a neighborhood.

Something make think on Goldfield, president of the Board of Alderman.

It is good that his telling us his values and responsibilities with the community of New Haven, because he’s planning to run for a GOVERNER?? Well that is a big no, no Mr. Goldfield you are no going to get votes from people you don’t care.

Sate Representative, Candelaria. Don’t let your friendship with this alderman affect your judgment because before a friendship YOU REPRESENT US.

It is going to be a better call if you help him to understand that is time to step down.

Bruse:
“The next step is a petition asking for him to step down”. This sounds good to me too.
(He’s my alderman).

Posted by: DingDong | November 12, 2009 4:06 PM

NHI - you have 52 comments on this story, maybe twenty in the last 24 hours and you don't include this among the Today's Debates list? Is that decision motivated by your support Alderman Rodriguez?

Posted by: JR | November 12, 2009 6:40 PM

Drunk driving and he gets a pass from his colleagues with that apology that was delivered to save his job? Not good enough.
...

Posted by: Job? | November 13, 2009 8:10 AM

Being an alderman is a 24/7 "committment". If being an alderman was his "job" I would feel sorry for him due to the fact that our wonderful alders of the city of new haven make only about $150 a month. No, Joe is not trying to save his "job". He believes in ward 15 and believes that he can still do good for our great city. I want to thank you Joe for the great things you have done with our ward so far. You have my and my family's support through this trying time. I will be very sad to see you step down, however if this must happen then I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Posted by: forgiveness | November 13, 2009 12:05 PM

Let the one with out sin cast the first stone...the beauty of sin we are all guilty of it. I do not condone Joe Rodgriguez for his actions of choice and behavior. What I will say is that I have personally seen many individuals who were not intoxicated drive down Elm St. and other one-way streets. That he had some drinks and drove true but not necessarily some thing that seems so impossible to have happened either. We are hypocrites if we believe so...as for the driving with out a license that was pure stupidity but not worth stoning. We are all so quick to judge and find fault. In the years that I have lived in Fair Haven, Joe has done more than many of the previous predecessors. He made two mistakes and he's dealing with it. As you can see this article generated over 50 comments so trust he's being held accountable even if it only appears as a support rally. That he had other public officials come out in support that's called being part of a team. You don't stone your team member when they are down. He's only 22, so does that mean that for the rest of his life he can NEVER be a public office? Again we are hypocrites by saying yes because then the message you send to youth is the minute you make a mistake that's it your life is over, you can't ask for forgiveness and or repent. Are we that self-centered and narcissistic as a community? And then we wonder why recidivism is so high because we continue to send the message that we are not a FORGIVING community. And yes, having gone through the experience of embarassment from his peers, and constituents he can speak from having had experience. Any one that's ever worked with youth should know that they trust you more if you know what you are talking about. Having read books on the subject is NEVER enough. He will forever live in a house of glass, but so do us all.

Posted by: Ralph Ferrucci | November 13, 2009 12:59 PM

The problem wasn't that he was drinking it was that he was driving drunk. I drink but won't get behind the wheel after having a few drinks unless I wait around for a few hours.

As an independent driver for Pepperidge Farm I have a contract with them. The only two ways I can be fired are for stealing or DUI.

As a BOA member he should resign. He made a mistake which was that he did not think of the consequences. He could have killed an innocent person.

He should be made an example of to say noone is above the law.
Ralph Ferrucci

Posted by: Claudia Herrera | November 13, 2009 1:51 PM

Forgiveness

So much for your kinds word to this alderman seem that you really support him and like him in the dark (“forgiveness”)

INTEGRITY
Integrity is the SOURCE of expression.

Integrity is expressed though trust.

This expression has no hypocrisy, pretense, posturing,
insincerity, deceit, or sanctimony in it.
The higher the level of integrity, the greater the loyalty and
effective performance of those around you.

The higher the level of integrity,
The greater the level of results.

Forgiveness also means accept with responsibility the result of YOUR actions. And just as a reminder seem that you ( and Him ) keep forgetting, he is a PUBLIC FIGURE.

Posted by: forgiveness | November 13, 2009 4:51 PM

Sra. Claudia Herrera, clearly you are in a condemning mode as much as the previous comments but although your integrity portion was on point you still negate the fact that every one deserves a second chance. We can all talk about the would of, should of, could of's but thankfully no one died, or got hurt. He is in the public eye and is being judged as so, but does that mean we stone him? In the end, he apologized for better or worse since many don't feel it was sincere at this point any thing he says or does will be viewed in a negative light. Mr. Rodgriguez is not solely an alderman he is a human being. I am not saying I agree and or know him personally to attest to his character but as a human being he deserves what we should all expect, treat thy neighbor as you would yourself. So I'm guessing you make no mistakes, you are perfect irrespective if you are in the public or not... would that be a fair statment? More than likely not, so again since we all have a glass house why are we so quick to throw stones? Food for thought...be blessed Ms. Herrera. P.S. I hope that as harshly as you judge others you may NEVER be judged.

Posted by: Claudia Herrera | November 13, 2009 11:38 PM

Forgiveness

Believe in perfection in only a FANTASY.

Making other people feeling guilty and asked for forgiveness after something goes really wrong, is where the pain just begins, please, speak about forgiveness and second chance for all the souls there are in peace as a result of drunk drivers. PREVENTION is the word I will use.
DUI kills people, got them fired from their job witch are the source to put food in their tables and some other don’t loose their lives but may not walk anymore, etc.

I’m a mother I ‘drive every day to go to work, to go to the market to pick up my son from school etc.. Did you know any body that does this EVERY DAY? I pray every day to come back home SAFETY and be able to keep take care of my family.

His second chance will be step down, clean him self, mature a little bit more, and go back to the career he want to pursuit as a politician. It is a very hard call for this young man to do, He committed a crime and he should paid the consequences of his action like the rest of the citizens who’s find them selves in this situation. His life and ambitions are not finished only if he makes the right chooses staring NOW.

Mr. Forgiveness:
Just for the record Joe has been in my house in several occasions we know each other. And as you presume and assumed about my perfection. From the mistake I made, I learn one thing that all ways stand up. BE TRUE WITH YOUR SELF.

I just spoke up for the right we all have and deserve SAFETY STREET. We spend a lot and lot of time on this subject already even Joe and other alderwoman of Fair Haven worked together “to make it happen” (smart street) . To be a Judge is not in my résumé he will be face in one soon.

“P.S. I hope that as harshly as you judge others you may NEVER be judged.”

This doesn’t have any affect or “guilty” feeling to a mother who cares about her family.

Posted by: Resident | November 15, 2009 5:49 PM

I wonder how many of the commentors remember being 22 years old? Everyone seems to be condemning Joey, how many of you have ever been behind the wheel of a car after drinking? Funny, that no one seems capable of stating their own short comings. I don't mind saying that I have, fortunatley I wasn't caught. And lets remember we are not here to judge others, but rather to lend support. As for those of you who prefer to stand on their soapbox, "Let he who is wihtout sin cast the first stone", as stated in the bible.

Posted by: DingDong | November 15, 2009 7:24 PM

If a 22-year old does not have the maturity to not drive drunk, he doesn't have the maturity to be an alderman.

Posted by: working (too hard)mom | November 16, 2009 12:45 PM

Resident-Chill out with the bible speak. Noone here is suggesting that Joey be stoned to death. However, he is a public official and needs to be held to a higher standard. In his role as an Alderman, he is responsible for initiating/approving policy in the best interests for the good citizens of New Haven. His actions directly contradict all the good work done this past year on the Safe Streets initiative.
He doesn't even have a drivers license! Whose car was he driving? Was his license suspended or did he never feel the need to get one? NHI-please investigate this!
If he were my Alderman, a petition would already be started. Fair Haveners-don't accept this conduct. You deserve better, we all do. Joey should step down and get his act together. Find some other way to help the community and then run again in two years.