Allan Appel Photo
Caucus chair Beaver Hills Alderwoman Claudette Robinson-Thorpe presided.
The New Haven Board of Aldermen Black and Hispanic Caucus attracted nearly 200 appreciative citizens, aldermen, and other city officials Friday night to Anthony’s Ocean View restaurant for its second annual awards ceremony.
The 21-member group, which represents more than two-thirds of the Board of Aldermen, gave out honors to two former officials and one advocacy and research organization. The aim was also of course to use the occasion to raise a pot of money to give as scholarship funds and other grants to grassroots organizations in need.
Reyes and retired parking authoirity chief William Kilpatrick.
Beaver Hills Alderwoman Claudette Robinson-Thorpe said the goal was to raise $20,000 this year.
Last year the caucus’s gala raised $30,000.
Board of Ed’s Sue Weiselberg and Abbe Smith shared a chuckle.
Because of the election and people being more strapped for funds, Robinson-Thorpe said, organizers set a more modest goal in 2013.
The 2012 small grants went to beneficiaries ranging from senior centers to basketball teams to a range of scholarship funds. This year oney will be available for “youth, the elderly, and other institutions,” she added.
Mayo with Mayor John DeStefano.
The caucus presented to one of its own, two-time former Board of Aldermen President Tomas Reyes, its Heritage Award. Speakers said Reyes was so generous with his time, sat on so many organizations, that all of New Haven claimed him for its own.
The Pioneer Award went to recently retired schools chief Reggie Mayo. He was hailed for helming current school reform initiatives.
The Rev. Scott Marks and Renae Reese of the Connecticut Center for the New Economy.
The Community Award went to the Connecticut Center for a New Economy for its research and advocacy efforts on behalf of working families in the state’s urban centers. The labor-backed group, affiliated with Yale’s unions, helped elect a majority to the Board of Aldermen this past term.
Reyes, who left the aldermanic chamber sin 1998, said he was overjoyed at the recognition.
Toni Harp mayoral campaign manager Jason Bartlett and Hill Alderwoman Jackie James shared a table.
“It’s particularly gratifying to have the respect of people I don’t even know. I must have done something right,” he said.
Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman was on hand to offer official statewide kudos. Featured speaker Yale University Police Chief Ronnell Higgins praised the awardees because “those of us in service matter.”
“What we say matters less than what we do,” he added.
We must take look at what is the definition of a pioneer.
A person who is among those who first enter or settle a region, thus opening it for occupation and development by others.
Now lets use take a look at what are carpetbaggers.
A person from the northern states who went to the South after the Civil War to profit from the Reconstruction.Many carpetbaggers were involved in corrupt financial schemes. Carpetbaggers were viewed as opportunists looking to exploit and profit from the region's misfortunes.
Judas Goats
Judas Goats are placed within the herd. It grazes with the herd, rubs shoulders with the herd and in all respects acts as though it is one of the herd. It is accepted by the herd. At the appointed time, it leads the herd to the slaughter.
All three will sell out the people.Also who said these people are leaders.