New Haven Independent

posted by: Charter Reform? on June 14, 2011  7:25am

Kerekes takes a page from John DeStefano’s charter reform proposal here. Didn’t John DeStefano suggest reducing the size of the board last year? I seem to recall the Board of Aldermen refusing to form a committee to even begin that process. It was a good idea then, and it remains a good idea. Where was Kerekes when this idea was originally suggested?

I hope Kerekes plans to flesh out some of his ideas and criticisms. So far, it seems like his platform is a reactionary year in review summary of New Haven Independent headlines. I hope he will take a more critical look at the issues raised here. A good leader knows there are always more sides and nuances to every story than what is reported. The squeaky wheel isn’t necessarily the one that should be greased.

posted by: anon on June 14, 2011  7:36am

Wow. One paragraph of this article has more good ideas than the last 30 GOP debates combined. Nice reporting.

Let’s hope that whoever is the next Mayor adopts all of these ideas.  Glad that Kerekes has taken the time to step up and put them forth.

Does anyone know what are Kerekes thoughts on the Route 34 rebuild, currently planned to be a pedestrian holocaust?

posted by: Bruce on June 14, 2011  7:55am

Good luck Jeff!

posted by: Cedarhillresident on June 14, 2011  8:08am

Now we have a race. I viable candidate finally. One that knows this city! And a candidate that is addressing the issues and has a platform! Not just words but ideas!

Jeffrey will be getting my vote 100%

ABOUT TIME!

posted by: anon on June 14, 2011  8:28am

Charter reform is needed. Can someone do a “litmus test” on this? Let’s hope that we can get an effective Mayor who can finally implement this and fix our sick government. We need no more than 10 Aldermen, and consider making them at-large.

posted by: robn on June 14, 2011  8:35am

Interesting! The game is afoot!

posted by: anonymous democrat on June 14, 2011  9:21am

This guy is great. Hes transparent,has great ideas and is willing to rock the boat. I dont think destefano is as bad as some would like to think he is, but his ideas are stagnant and they did put us in the fiscal situation we are in now. Im sure that he would make a great mayor I just think he needs a team of people who think like him and that might be a challenge in this liberal city.

posted by: streever on June 14, 2011  9:34am

@Charter Reform?:
If the ideas are so obvious and so badly needed, why hasn’t the Mayor done a single thing toward the reforms that Kerekes calls for?

You negatively refer to his campaign as “year in review of the NHI”.

Your analysis could not be more incorrect. The coverage the NHI does is driven by citizens—particularly citizens like Mr. Kerekes—who have identified and stated the issues of his campaign for the past several years. The NHI coverage—and neighborhood discussions—have been driven by his work and the work done by others.

Kerekes is among the foremost thinkers in New Haven—one of the only people who seriously tackles the big systemic problems within our municipal government and comes up with solutions. He has informed the dialogue and debate in a way that no one else has done.

If you see a similarity between his platform and the news coverage of the last two years, you are seeing the fruits of his labor being realized.

I believe that he has the values, knowledge, and work ethic to help bring our city out of its current state and effectively reform our government. I look forward to his campaign and sincerely hope that he wins.

posted by: ignoranceisbliss on June 14, 2011  9:42am

“He said he’d like to see the existing police force deployed better: more cops working night shifts, when more crime happens; and more of the experienced officers working night shifts.”

This quote sums up the distance between Kerekes’ fantasies and the reality of running a city. Can I be there when he sits down with the President of the Union to negotiate this? It will be fun to watch him get run over by reality. 

Kerekes is a dilettante. He has no experience actually running anything let alone a city the size of New Haven but has the temerity to run for Mayor. 

Hey I have an idea… he can hire Doug Rae!

posted by: roasty on June 14, 2011  9:45am

Gary Doyens for Mayor!

posted by: ASL on June 14, 2011  9:46am

The volunteer form is a great idea though completely contrary to how political jobs generally work—from small town mayoral races up through presidential races, people work on campaigns with the expectation that they will get a job on the inside if their candidate wins.  Not really a criticism, just an observation.

@anon—I agree, as do all but ~ 30 people in this City, that a smaller BOA is a necessity.  At-large positions would ensure that high voter turn-out areas would dominate the BOA.  East Rock, Westville and the East Shore would be disproportionately represented.  Again, not a criticism, necessarily, just an observation.

posted by: anon on June 14, 2011  10:04am

ASL: Your observation is correct. Which is why it also would be a good way to increase voter turnout in areas where it is currently low. There’s no law that says that East Rock has to have a higher voter turnout than Dixwell.

posted by: Bill Saunders on June 14, 2011  10:04am

If the Guilty Party were still active in local politics, Mr. Kerekes would receive our full endorsement.

posted by: anon on June 14, 2011  10:10am

@charter reform:

you seem to be forgetting very important facts about the mayor’s feeble attempt at pacification. the mayor steamrolled the board of alderman and the legislative process to force the charter review hearing to a committee that he controlled 100% (with lehtonen as chair); outlined in a memo exactly the 3 issues he wanted; demanded it from president goldfield who capitulated; and flew in the face of democracy.

destefano proposed reducing the board of alderman from 30 to 28. that would have done nothing. kerekes was there begging for an open and accountable charter reform commission that wasn’t hand picked by the mayor - that was accountable to the citizens of new haven and not his special interests - and that really fostered a good debate as to the future of our city.

destefano politicized the process, steamrolled the BofA (nothing new), and flew in the face of democracy. oh, and all of this was in an official memo from Adam Joseph to Pres Goldfield. Insane.

posted by: Brian V on June 14, 2011  10:11am

KEREKES FOR MAYOR!

This is Great News. Jeff will make a great mayor!
He is smart, thoughtful and honest and has some progressive ideas that will be great for the City.
Term Limits! Less Alders! Stop there. You got my vote.
Good Luck Jeff!

KEREKES FOR MAYOR!

posted by: FIX THE SCHOOLS on June 14, 2011  10:34am

This is a terrific development.

Whether or not Jeffrey is going to be a factor on election day (I’ll bet that he will be), his entry into the race will force the candidates including the mayor to open up and address basic questions about why our city runs the way it does.

posted by: Kim on June 14, 2011  10:48am

Finally!
Someone I would vote for!

posted by: Ellis Copeland on June 14, 2011  10:49am

Somebody needs to bring down Johnny Boy.  As to the premise that this guy has no experience running anything: 1) neither did Johnny Boy when he took over, 2) Johnny Boy now has 18 years of experience and is the worst possible administrator. Sadly, however, I hold out little hope for this guy as the people of this hamlet have consistently proven they don’t have the sense needed to vote for their own interests but would rather support a machine that abuses them.  I guess that makes them masochists.

posted by: Blame the Mayor on June 14, 2011  10:58am

@ignoranceisbliss
Maybe the next Mayor wouldn’t have to sit down and be in tough arbitration, IF the King had never signed bad contracts over the past 20 years, to begin with.
King John has dug such a deep hole the climb out is going to be long and hard fought, with a learning curve to deal with. Jeff is a smart man, he will make that a steep learning curve. I will happily give the new mayor a little growing room in exchange for a new face.

Here is my top 10 list of things I think the
New Mayor Jeff Kerekes(!) will NOT do:

1)Double your taxes overnight!
2)Lose a US Supreme Court Case dealing with Labor. Costing taxpayers untold $ millions in lawyers fee’s.
3)Get New Haven #4 spot for worst crime in the U.S.
4)Spin, Spin, Spin.
5)Snow removal- what snow removal?
6)$3000 Armoires
7)Boise Kimber & .... Peter Criscuolo.
8)Tear down a building, threaten owner with eminent domain and cost the tax payers $2+ million in unnecessary screw-ups.
9)City Spokesperson AND a BOE Spokesperson!
10) Try to ride; like a rented mule, his constituent’s backs to the Govenor’s mansion, while giving and selling away jobs, contracts, grants or whatever it took to get to the next level.

...
Be afraid Mr. Bliss, this will be the king’s toughest test since Looney. The time is right and Jeff knows how to move people.
The king is dead. Long live(no more than 8 years) the King!

posted by: Jonathan Hopkins on June 14, 2011  11:20am

I’m excited to see the public debates between Kerekes and DeStefano. Although I’m not convinced that Kerekes is ready to run the city, hopefully he will garner enough support to get some of his ideas implemented by whoever is the mayor for the next 2 years. 8 year term limits is an excellent idea, better police deployment is also needed, and honesty about budget problems is greatly needed.
I am less enthusiastic about school reform. The BOE budget is astronomical and in all liklihood needs to be reduced along with the police force in order to lower taxes, fund economic development planning and projects that grow the tax base and employ the city’s existing population, and support our existing infrastructure.

The BOA also needs to be reworked and reduced in size. There should be a representative from each community/neighborhood that reports and meets regularly with a Board of Alderman representative who is in charge of a larger ward within the city and votes on the budget (by line item), city programs, etc.

New Wards (1 representative)- communities/neighborhoods that make up the ward (multiple representatives):

1. Upper Whalley - Upper Westville, Beverly Hills, Amity, West Hills
2. Westville - Lower Westville, Westville Village, West Rock, Upper Beaver Hills
3. Central Whalley - Lower Beaver Hills, Edgewood Mall
4. Lower Whalley - Dixwell, Broadway, Dwight north of Chapel
5. Newhallville - Above Bassett, Below Bassett, West of Dixwell
6. East Rock - Goatville, Prospect Hill, SoHu
7. Fair Haven West - West of Ferry, Jocelyn Square, Cedar Hill
8. Fair Haven East - Quinnipiac River Village, Chatham Square, Fair Haven Heights
9. Upper Quinnipiac - Quinnipiac Meadows, Bishop Woods, Route 80
10. Upper Townsend - The Annex, Fort Wooster, Farren Ave, East Shore
11. Morris Cove - Morris Cove, Lighthouse
12. City Point - Kimberly Field, Kimberly Triangle, Lower Howard Ave, Trowbridge Square
13. Hill Central - Amistad Park, Washington Ave, Boulevard, Davenport Ave
14. Legion Ave - West River, Hill North, Dwight south of Chapel
15. Core - Wooster Square, Downtown, Yale, Hillhouse Ave, Union Station

Each community/neighborhood would have a representative that met regularly with their alderman who would be in charge of the ward.

posted by: anon on June 14, 2011  11:21am

ignoranceisbliss:
... The problems of public safety don’t directly impact you, or really anyone at City Hall, because almost everyone there lives in a safe section of the city (or more likely, suburbs) and drives everywhere.

Past Mayors have tried, and utterly failed, to address this issue, despite volumes worth of lip service.  Dixwell-Newhallville still have a murder rate higher than Detroit.  ... anyone who is honestly concerned with these things would welcome new ideas, not laugh at them.

posted by: James on June 14, 2011  11:39am

The independent commenters agree! Now you just need to convince the other 99.999% of registered voters in the city.

Unless there is an actual, sound, strategy in place.. the machine will steamroll Kerekes.

posted by: Atwater on June 14, 2011  12:01pm

@jonathon hopkins: Why even have wards? New Haven is not big enough to justify such a division. The BOA should be an assembly that is made up of people that represent the city as a whole. It is time to abandon the neighborhood as a political boundary and embrace the idea of one New Haven. What’s good for Newhaville should be good for East Rock, no more class segregation.
Mr. Kekeres represents the white upper-middle class demographic. The liberal elite who have no real concept of the realities of running a medium sized municipality.
It would be nice to see an independent Conservative run for mayor. Someone who understands the need for radical changes.

posted by: visitor on June 14, 2011  12:25pm

i really do not see anything compelling in his platform, at least as presented in this article. the things that have set new haven apart from other abysmal ct cities are due largely to the leadership of the current mayor. it seems like residents don’t realize this. while i think the mayor is far from perfect and many of the concerns stated by commenters are valid and need to be addressed (i.e. transparency and education), i DON’T think that wanting anyone but destefano is a smart move….its so easy for a candidate to run against another’s weak points (and logical, of course); but people PLEASE don’t forget about the things that set new haven apart from other ct cities—sustainable development (of all kinds—not just downtown!), looking at the big picture (i.e. regional and national) economy vs. assets here and tapping into that to the benefit of the city (other ct cities do nothing or repeatedly and ignorantly try retail and sports teams) and more. if we end up with a mayor who doesn’t think of this or is not capable of continuing this work, then what? we will be a bridgeport or hartford. not just an unpleasant and depressing place to live, but a place that has NO tax base, is unable to attract new residents and young people, is depressing, ugly, utterly disfunctional, etc. etc. no thanks.

posted by: streever on June 14, 2011  12:27pm

@anon
BRAVO.

posted by: Swatty on June 14, 2011  12:47pm

Good news. really good news.

posted by: Gary Doyens on June 14, 2011  12:49pm

I am thrilled that Jeffrey is running. He has ideas, knows how to organize and most importantly, knows how to listen. Further, he is a true believer in formative public policy not for political reasons but because it is the right thing to do. School reform is not a slogan, not something to be necessarily outsourced or that you should have to hire new administrators to do (Harries) because the ones we have don’t really know how to do it. He believes in hiring only the right people for the right jobs. No cronyism. No favors. No buying votes with jobs or board appointments.

Charter Reform: Long overdue. For the “Charter Reform?” character - DeStefano’s version of charter reform was giving him a 4-yr term. It was all about him and not about the public and meeting their needs or for that matter, having a real democratic representative BOA instead of a rubber stamp. He handpicked the charter reform group - who would support that?

As for the needed reforms in the union contracts, they may be difficult conversations, but they will be conversations not dictatorial demonizations whose only goal is re-election and passing the blame. Kerekes believes our unions and city workforce play a vital role in how our city operates. But it’s a two-way street and there has to be equal benefit, and promises made, have to be promises kept as it relates to pensions and healthcare. Both are grossly and dangerously underfunded. As the son of a life-long Teamster, Kerekes understands this.

Bottom Line: DeStefano Fatigue. Same problems for 18 years; same excuses and the need for constant reform because damn little runs right. When the fire gets hot enough or there are federal dollars to be had, standard M.O. - call for reform. Police scandals? Reform. Educational scandals and nationally recognized drop out factories? Reform. No job growth? Reform with the Economic Development Commission. Lack of Transparency? Promises of reform. Fire Department debacle? Reform the tests. Violence? Reform with monthly top ten bad guys. And so it’s gone for the last 18 years. If the city were a big red barn, there would be 100 coats of paint on it, so much so, it would look like a church. It needs to be stripped to its original splendor and that can’t be done by the guy who makes his living, his pension and all that he has putting more coats of paint on an already over-painted barn.

What New Haven needs is a transformer - a guy who believes in empathy and responsibility, entrepreneurship, real job creation, not just temporary gigs and low paying jobs in 2 economic sectors: Eds and Meds and a little construction. We need a transformer who understands economics and the pitfalls of too much debt. We need a transformer who knows how to prioritize the needs of the city and has a vision for the city that is not plagiarized from Scripture (Shining City on a Hill - a/k/a DeStefano inaugural speed circa couple of years ago) but that is real, tangible and attainable. We need new ideas and fresh eyes looking at old problems only addressed in crisis mode and even then, with gimmicks like all the financial scams and the city’s new top 10 list.

One final note: Kerekes has not run a large organization. That’s a benefit. He believes in a streamlined and sustainable government and he will hire practical and seasoned people to help him. The only ones who benefit from a complicated organization are the people running the complicated organization a/k/a DeStefano and cadre of longevity payment induced team.

Streamlined and sustainable equals good government. Good government, safe streets, education transformation and charter reform for the people equals Jeffrey Kerekes.

posted by: visitor on June 14, 2011  1:13pm

@Atwater

Scary that you think that Wards should be done away with…what you propose equates to NO grassroots representation and direct accountability, little chance for people who are not already politically connected to get elected. WOW. To see how well that (city wide “representation”) works, look to Hartford.

Less wards, maybe. Abolishing ward representation, NO WAY!

...

posted by: Cedarhillresident on June 14, 2011  1:40pm

Well said Gary. this is an exciting day for us New Haveners!
And JH I like the way configured the wards!

posted by: Atwater on June 14, 2011  1:52pm

DeStefano fatigue? So we trade one inept Democrat for another? Well, to say DeStefano was inept is incorrect. He was/is very good at political wrangling, rhetoric and spin. However, his ethos, and the ethos of New Haven Democrats, is to increase the welfare systems that keep some of us dependant and others rich. This platform will only continue this city’s decline. Kekeres doesn’t seem that much different from DeStefano, but then again he just announced his candidacy, I am sure he will soon fall in line with the Democratic machine that runs the city, or fall victim to it.
@visitor: The only people who get elected now are people who are politically connected, that’s the essence of American democracy. In a perfect world the BOA would be nothing more than an assembly that advises the citizens. The citizens would retain most of the power through direct voting on issues such as tax increases, budgets, etc. Direct Democracy. But, this isn’t a perfect world and I would rather see an assembly of men and women whose only goal is to serve the entire population of New Haven and not the just voters in their wards.

posted by: To Jonathan Hopkins on June 14, 2011  2:10pm

Mr. Hopkins, I second that motion. Its about time the BOA is restructured. The proposal you noted makes sense. Attn Citizens: please do your best to get everyone informed & on board. Change can only happen if we work to rid this city of its general condition of apathy. GOOD LUCK JEFF! I’m with you.

posted by: More of the Same on June 14, 2011  2:33pm

This is by no means a dig a Kerekes, who I personally like and respect, but I have to point out the observation and ask the questions. So, to all of you cheering fans, now that another white guy is in the race, its a real election now? What skill set and experience does Kerekes have that the other two candidates, Graves and Dawson don’t? Dawson was a budget watchdog years before the term became popular with the NHCAN crowd. He served on the BOA for 16 years before he was defeated by the DeStefano folks (I should know, I was part of the DeStefano team that worked to push him out). He has 25 years in law enforcement, and has been involved in New Haven for all of his life. Graves has years of experience both as a former Corp Counsel for the City and as an administrator with SCSU, as well as a fighter with the NAACP.

How can all of you folks summarily dismiss these two candidates with a straight face and good conscious?

Are your memories so short that you forget that Kerekes supported raising taxes through a new Stormwater Authority (http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/new_havens_talking_rain/)? Even he mayor, with all of his bought votes on the BOA, couldn’t convince a majority of Aldermen to support that proposal.

Where was Kerekes and his crew when this last budget was debated? Nowhere. Where was/is Kerekes on the street giveaway to Yale? Nowhere.

When I see this guy take a real stand, and not jus the popular ones (no taxes, transparency, yada, yada, yada), then I might be willing to consider his candidacy. Good education, a safer New Haven, charter reform, stormwater authority, all sounds a lot like DeStefano’s platform.

posted by: Livesinfairhaven on June 14, 2011  3:05pm

I’m not kidding. This city needs a smart, charismatic republican to run against Destefano, and win. In that way, there would actually be things to argue about and it would get the city moving again. Not sure if people are sick of Destefano or status quo.

posted by: Canner St on June 14, 2011  3:11pm

Finally a reason to vote. I’m so thrilled to hear Jeff will run. I wish him the best.

posted by: Jonathan Hopkins on June 14, 2011  3:16pm

Atwater,
I wouldn’t support abolishing the ward system; I think it is an important thing to have and it could be made much more effective if the wards were redrawn. I disagree that New Haven is best thought of as a cohensive whole; really it is compilation of many different communities some of which grew quite economically seperate from the city of New Haven, but which were engulfed by the city over the years. I actually would argue that part of the reason for New Haven’s decline was the abandonment of the neighborhood as a source of economic activity in favor of an intensified downtown.
I think it is best to imagine neighborhoods as small towns that should aim to provide jobs, shopping, recreation, entertainment, and civic space in addition to housing for their residents so that they may become much more self-sufficient entities and contribute much more to the strength of the entire municipality.
The current pattern of drawing wards around residential populations is a mistake, in my opinion. They should be drawn around neighborhood centers, village centers, and the civic squares of the various communities throughout the city. The focus of these wards should be to foster economic activity in their community, encourage local investment on their neighborhood thoroughfare, manifest civic activities, and gather data about the needs of the community through studies and surveys.
Maker larger wards would rationalize the BOA, make it more efficient and effective, make the job more important, and prepare aldermen much better for running for positions such as mayor.

posted by: Dominik on June 14, 2011  3:33pm

Try the Greens. I think they have ballot status.

posted by: Threefifths on June 14, 2011  3:37pm

Kerekes is pictured above with his Australian shepherd Luka, named after a character in a Suzanne Vega song.)

Everyone should do a write in vote. Luka for mayor.

I love a dog. He does nothing for political reasons.

Will Rogers

Politics are not my concern…. They impressed me as a dog’s life without a dog’s decencies.

Rudyard Kipling

posted by: Cedarhillresident on June 14, 2011  3:59pm

first ha 3/5’s and Luka with those amazing eyes is a shoe in :) But he drools.

Ok here are just a few things Jeffrey has done it is a quick list so I am sure I typed it wrong linked it wrong and missed a ton of stuff but it is a start.

February 2007 he and a small group of people at a New Haven went to a city budget meetings noticed the same people at each of the meetings. Jeffery Krerekes, Gary Doyen and Harry David organized the group and NHCAN was founded. These New Haven taxpayers “New Haven Citizens Action Network (New Haven CAN)” raises public awareness of these issues.

-April 2007 offers up first of many budget suggestions. http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2007/04/at_an_attimes_r.php  (NHCAN budget suggestions 2007)
-He informed the public of information that the group was uncovering by starting an informative web site nhcan.org
-He stopped the practice of city employees holding elected positions. http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/upload/2007/09/NH CAN letter.pdf …..stating the concern with the familiar practice was sent to the United States Office of Special Counsel such practices violate the Hatch Act.
A complaint ( http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/extra_extra/hatch_opened_officially/)  was filed officially on Sept. 20, 2007. In November of 2007 the Elected Official was Laid off from said position. http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/rodriguez_laid_off/  NHI article Ref to New Haven Official laid off after Hatch Act complaint was filed. Many other elected officials still have ties to city related departments   http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/aldermen_disclose_potential_conflicts_of_interest/  ( Aldermen Disclose Potential Conflicts),
many are concerned how objectionable and honest can the votes of such officials be, can they represent the citizens of the city. (disclose statements"City Money http://www.nhcan.org/docs/boa/boa-accountability.html AKA why the Hatch Act was created. But is still repeatedly ignored in New Haven.
-NHCAN the group Jeffery co-founded was awarded the Best watchdog group award by the http://www.newhavenadvocate.com/the-arts/blog.html
-November 2008 Voter Fraud complaint was filed after a reporter from the NHI was a witness ( http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2007/11/machine_pulls_e.php ) to a disabled man being forced to vote and told who to vote for on election day. ( http://www.ct.gov/seec/lib/seec/2009_commission_minutes_and_agendas/minutes_02112009.pdf)  [case Number 2007-388] City Rep and poll worker were fined for their actions. (still vote pulling with the same tactics)
-After repeated requests for citizens participation the city agreed to set up a Blue Ribbon Panel by Jeffery and NHCAN (http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/blue_ribbon_panel_named). The panel was selected Oct 2008. The panel consisted of 7 citizens 2 Alderman as well as city controller Mark Pietrosimone and city budget Director Lawrence Rusconi.  Final Report http://www.scribd.com/doc/17012720/Budget-Review-Panel-Report New Haven , CT Blue Ribbon Panel 2009 report
*May 2009 Jeffrey Kerekes ask for a 5 year budget prediction document he was shown but BOF will not release it. He files a Freedom of Information Act ( http://www.state.ct.us/foi/Meeting_Agendas_and_Minutes/Minutes/2009_Minutes/20090722MRM.htm)  complaint (Docket #FIC 2009-014).  Did receive a ( http://www.nhcan.org/docs/attachments/foic-projections.pdf modified version of it with a better out come. City representatives claim the original document no longer exists.
-He started to take the group in a difference direction. They went out to the people. Doing community presentations ( http://www.yaledailynews.com/news/city-news/2010/04/22/group-opposes-city-tax-hike-calls-cuts/  ) on how the city budget works.
-March 2010 City Wide Brainstorm http://www.nhcan.org/docs/spreadsheets/citywidebrainstorm.pdf He and his group asked the public to submit ideas to cut the budget. 316 suggestions adding up to $269,086,818.00. (June of 2010 only 6 million dollars was cut from the budget).
-April 2010 Efforts start bearing fruit when hundreds ( http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/taxpayers_enter_the_budget_battle) at a city hearing speak out against the way the city is being ran. City Hall attempted to set up a Fake Grass aka Astroturfing group to “Save Our Schools (newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/school_officials_rally_parents_against_budget_critics/)  to redirect the public from the real fact, it failed.
-2010 Budget year had over 1100 signatures for a full 10% cut in property taxes. The Mayor was quoted saying he would sign it, but when asked declined (newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/live_from_city_hall/ ) His group he had organized gained up to 1500 new requests to be on their email list and growing
By spring of 2010 jeffery and the group he organized community efforts managed to unite citizens, community’s and Unions (http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/both_sides_appeal_to_unions_in_budget_fight/)  to work together. Despite all efforts of the political powers to continue their divide and concord strategy. This was a major triumph .Who gained support from across the city.and where able to get a tax increase from 8.8 % to 4%.( http://www.wfsb.com/money/23582395/detail.html ).

This is just a few thing on the list of things Jeffery has organized and or have been a part of. The list goes on.

posted by: Morris Cove Mom on June 14, 2011  4:11pm

The good news is that Kerekes would make a great mayor, hate learning all the games and back-scratching that actually takes place, and probably have an awful time being mayor.

The bad news is that he probably won’t get elected, while he most definitely should.

Where can I get him my name and my $10?  I’m in, I’m rooting for him, and I’ll even campaign for him.

I’d suggest to him, ever so gently, that he doesn’t say he’s ‘running against DeStefano’, as most of the older Italian folks in New Haven will take some offense at that.  DeStefano has a grip on many of our neighborhoods, just on last name alone!

posted by: ralph on June 14, 2011  4:28pm

@ charter reform: charter reform is not a new thing. it comes up every ten years and failed the last time around. In that reform it included smaller wards, it also included changing the mayor’s term to four years and changed the way the fire department promoted it’s officers. The fire department fought and killed the charter.

@ Visitor, economic development is very important to a growing New Haven during prosperous times but while the economy is slow and people are struggling to survive, pay bills and keep their homes we must not raise taxes. The working class of New Haven cannot afford a tax increase.

Jeffrey, you have my support and help but not sure if I will be in New Haven long enough to give you my vote.

posted by: Jonathan Hopkins on June 14, 2011  4:52pm

Here is an alternative aldermanic ward map:
http://v13.lscache6.c.bigcache.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/54214915.jpg

As for cutting the BOE budget, the private yellow busing system really needs to be reworked. Not only is it inefficient and expensive, but the buses have presented design issues with many of the new school’s parking lots and sidewalks which have ramifications for pedestrians, cyclists, car parking, street trees, storm water run-off, reduced playground space, and absurd street geometries. A focus on neighborhoods would help to encourage and restore neighborhood-based schools which would reduce the need for busing children around. Every child should be able to walk to their neighborhood school. And everyone over the age of 14 should be able to take the city bus to high school. That money could be used to improve the public transit system, go into the general fund, or be used to lower taxes.

posted by: ralph ferrucci on June 14, 2011  5:24pm

@ morris cove mom, you are right on this, a candidate should tell you he/she is running for___ because he/she has ideas that are good for the community.

as a former political candidate and operative I always believed in making the campaign about yourself and the community never against an opponent.

being an opposition candidate works for the first few weeks but gets tiring quick. the community will know you as not being John but not who you are. Then in the booth they will say it is better to have the devil you know rather than the devil you don’t

posted by: Charlie O'Keefe on June 14, 2011  8:51pm

Take one step at a time. Kerkes is not a politician and has failed already. There are 30 alders. All 30 of them are now threatened by him, and will support DeStefano, or one of the other candidates who will preserve their power, limited though it is, and the status quo. I’m sorry to have to say this, but it’s the way of the world, and altruism and honesty of thought do not win power. You’ve blown it on day one, Mr Kerkes, despite all the euphoria of the masses, or at least those with the time to comment on this site. The next candidate to throw his or her hat in the ring needs to remember President George Bush the Elder’s crowning glory of political deception. READ MY LIPS, NO NEW TAXES. What this really meant was there would be no new taxes, but the existing ones would go up a hell of a lot. Surprisingly, he didn’t get a second term, but managed to perpetuate himself fromm 2000 onwards through brilliant lobbying and manipulation of the political system. Johnny Boy’s promise of no tax hike this year is more of the same, as those that feed parking meters will realize in the next few weeks if they are brave enough to venture out downtown at night. So we could still be lucky enough to get yet another mayoral candidate who is devious enough to get elected, but honest enough to govern equitably. I find this highly improbable. The Capulet and Borgers politics of New Haven will be perpetuated. Beware of one of DeStefano’s sons, or even his wife, filing papers to run as mayor. Also look at surnames carefully and check lineage and family connections. It could be a first or second cousin. But most important of all, save hard so you can pay the huge tax increase that will come like a tsunami in 2012. The Denz settlement for the ninth square fire and the firefighters discrimination suit settlement have yet to hit. So question number one for Kerkes is how will you deal with these looming budget busters?

posted by: visitor on June 14, 2011  9:00pm

@Atwater

“increase the welfare systems that keep some of us dependant and others rich”

it seems that you saying that the cause of poverty is welfare?

And that THIS is what destefano wants because….because ...um…it keeps him rich? and welfare is administered and controlled at the municipal level by destefano and new haven democrats? what are these so called welfare programs that keep some of us dependent and destefano and new haven democrats?

posted by: visitor on June 14, 2011  9:03pm

@ralph

I absolutely agree with you that residents cannot afford a tax increase—nor can the city if it is going to be successful. i am not sure what gave the impression that I think or feel otherwise; just wanted to clarify.

posted by: visitor on June 14, 2011  9:08pm

@More of the Same

that was actually the next point i was going to make and i agree with you. i see NOTHING more compelling about kerekes than the other challenge candidates and found it odd that now, all of the sudden, people are like “ahhh, a viable candidate!”....what’s up with that?

posted by: The Professor on June 15, 2011  3:26am

First, credit where credit is due.  It’s really easy to lob attacks at those who have to make tough decisions from the cozy and anonymous confines of the NHI comment board.  It takes some guts to actually stand up and put yourself forward as a candidate for office.  So to that extent, I applaud Kerekes—though there’s virtually no chance I’ll support his candidacy. 

Second, I encourage people to go back and read the contract again.  It says, verbatim, that volunteers understand they “have not been promised a job or contract or other business with the City of New Haven in exchange for [their] volunteer efforts on behalf of the campaign.”  It does NOT say that they agree not to seek employment or contracts with the City of New Haven, and I’d be interested to see whether any lawyers out there think it constitutes a legally enforceable promise not to hire any campaign aides for City Hall jobs.  Nor should it!  Presumably people who work on these campaigns have an interest in local politics and policy, and some of them are probably pretty good at policy matters.  So it makes sense that they’d be the ones to go to City Hall after the election.  And as one commenter pointed out, that’s pretty much standard practice from small towns all the way up to the White House.

I have no problem with the volunteer pledge.  It’s a good symbolic gesture.  But that’s all it is.  To paint it as some sort of legally enforceable promise not to hire any campaign workers for City Hall jobs is totally incorrect and ignores the plain language of the pledge.  However, if the Kerekes campaign does start painting it as a promise not to hire any campaign workers for City Hall jobs, I hope someone goes to a court seeking one of these the second he hires someone who has helped on his campaign: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quo_warranto. 

Third, people really need to give it up on the Ricci issue.  The fact of the matter is that the Ricci decision overturned decades of established EMPLOYMENT (not labor) law and totally gutted the “bona fide occupational qualification” and disparate impact provisions of Title VII.  The Ricci decision would have gone the other way if there had been a few thousand votes swinging to Kerry over Bush in Ohio or Florida, as Kerry would have nominated two justices to the Supreme Court, and those two justices probably would have voted with the four justices (two moderate Republicans and two moderate Democrats) who sided with New Haven.  So it would have come out 6-3 in favor of the City. 

If you want to say that every high stakes policy decision should be made with an eye towards what the composition of the Supreme Court of the United States might be six or seven years after the decision, I guess that’s your prerogative, but faulting a mayor for not doing so seems pretty crazy in my view. 

That’s about all I’ve got for now, though I look forward to some spirited debates this election season.

posted by: cedarhillresident on June 15, 2011  6:00am

Visitor
I beg to differ. Jefferys involvement in numerous processes that effect the city shows he is different than the other candidates. I saw Graves a a few budget meetings this year but none prior. Dawson has been around as well I can say he does care. I have seen Jeffery unite with blue collar workers I have seen him at WPCA hearings and many other hearings (monitorsation, stormwater, parks and PW hearings, tax collector abuse hearing, ect. ect.) fighting for your rights in this city year after year. All for the sake of what was right. I have seen him in EVERY community giving presentations on how the city budget works and educating residents on the fact that their voices do matter and he offered up the knowledge and tools for them to speak up and be heard. All because it was the right thing to do.
Now those people have asked for him to step up and he has.
Can we say we have seen the other candidate prior to this year in all community’s trying to help them fight for their rights??

Ralph F. you know I love you babe, I think Jeffery is more than the guy running against John. I think he is the budget watchdog and educator and organizer that has heard the people and is taking the step they have asked him to.

posted by: Atwater on June 15, 2011  6:51am

@visitor: The welfare system does create wealth for a lot of people. Contractors and developers who benefit from HUD for example and cities that receive Federal Aid for other welfare programs. Do these things make the DeStefano and other Democrats and others personally wealthy? Of course they don’t, but they do create an environment where a good portion of the population is dependent on the government for some type of subsistence (food, housing, healthcare). This dependancy allows Democrats to remain in power and make gains from that power. Personal wealth is therefore distributed to the few private citizens who provide services to the government, i.e. doctors, lawyers, teachers, public officials, etc. What is created is a polarization with a very small (if any) middle class. Also, I never said the cause of poverty is welfare, some people can live pretty nicely off of welfare. However, the cause of dependance is welfare. New Haven is a welfare city thanks to DeStefano and the city’s Democrats. They honestly believe that a welfare model is the best way to organize a community. I disagree. That is why Kekeres, or any other Democrat should be opposed in the coming election. I know it is a pipe dream to actually think a strong fiscal conservative would stand a chance in the Elm City, but to me it is the only way that this community can transform itself into a economically healthy and vibrant city.
@jonathan hopkins: I agree that the city’s neighborhoods are important communities. But, I think the time has passed for them to remain as political boundaries. As I said before, what’s good for East Rock should be good for Newhallville, etc. In the 21st century there is no reason to divide the citizenry using boundaries from the centuries past. We are one community and our Assembly should reflect this idea. New Haven is a small city and the politics of neighborhood provincialism only stagnates progress. If we do not work to engender the idea of a united city, then why even have a city? Why not let East Rock be its own town or let Westville separate or Wooster, Newhallville, West Rock, etc.?

posted by: One Last Thing on June 15, 2011  7:57am

@EastShoreMom I would note that I think the New Haven Italian voters won’t take too kindly to the perpetual stereotyping of them being members of the mafia by Mr. Kerekes.

His idea of cute or funny t-shirts is quite offensive to many and he should apologize to ALL voters of ITALIAN heritage - including Rep. Rosa DeLauro.

http://bestof.newhavenadvocate.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=529:elm-city-fashion&Itemid=342

posted by: streever on June 15, 2011  8:20am

@Visitor
What we find compelling about Kerekes is that he has led the efforts to fight against corruption and improve transparency for several years, taking a data-driven approach to city issues, and showed why—in dollars and cents—the administration is wrong on so many issues.

posted by: Noteworthy on June 15, 2011  9:03am

Italian Americans get the political humor of the Kerekes T-Shirts. If you don’t think City Hall has been run like the mafia, then you don’t know City Hall. DeStefano “shakes down” contractors and those with contracts with the city, or in the case of YNHH several years ago, pending approvals from the city (check out DeStefano’s current campaign contributors). This practice is outlawed on the state-wide level but still permitted here in New Haven. It doesn’t make it ethical. Second, taxpayers have been repeatedly mugged for tax increases to support bloated city government and extraordinary debt and union contracts that DeStefano engineered. Third, none of this stuff happens in a vacuum - he pulls the strings and dictates the outcomes. Anybody who gets in his way? He denigrates, belittles and tries to bully.

So, you could try to make an ethnic stance if you want to. It just doesn’t wash. And I know Rosa personally - She knows what we all know.

As for Kerekes, I’m not only glad he came forward, I’m glad he’s honest and straight forward. For too long, a minimum number of voters who have put DeStefano in the executive’s chair have been hoodwinked with pie in the sky visions of grandeur that was nothing but a bunch of happy talk and empty promises. DeStefano has not grown jobs in New Haven for New Haveners - unemployment is high in the double digits. Poverty is rising and homeownership is decreasing. Violence is rampant and now seeping into the stable neighborhoods. The schools are a mess and DeStefano’s argument is I know we created the mess. Give us two more years of fat paychecks, longevity bonuses and we’ll keep doing what we’re doing and call it “reform.”

After 18 years at the helm; 30 years overall with the city, DeStefano is old. Tired. Out of ideas except gimmicks. Financial gimmicks like parking meter mortgages. Crime fighting gimmicks like Top 10 that sounds like a game show. Education gimmicks like reform by the very people who ignored the problem and think it is great to bribe $130K administrators with more than a million more dollars to do their job better. Economic gimmicks like pretending grand list growth is a driver or index to city prosperity for the people who actually live here. And management gimmicks like demonizing the unions and pretending rich union contracts had nothing to do with him.

It is DeStefano who should be begging the people of this city for forgiveness for running us into the ground; for running up a debt we can barely pay; for jeopardizing the healthcare and pension funds of our city employees and for having a tin ear to the pleadings of his people for safe streets, a responsive government, a listening government, and an empathetic administration. Instead, we get denigration, disrespect and demands for more money. Kerekes has my vote.

posted by: richgetricher on June 15, 2011  11:44am

It’s a good day for New Haven. Hurray for Kerekes! It takes courage to step into the ring knowing that the Mayor will pull out every stop to bully him. I have no doubt that Kerekes will run a spirited, thoughtful campaign which takes it right to the Mayor on his many vulnerabilities. Notice how quiet the other candidates in this race have been. That’s not how you win or make changes! The Mayor’s been in too long. Kerekes is right: “We have to look at structural ways to prevent one person from taking control of the city for so long.” Right now the Mayor has this city in a stranglehold. Every document put out by the city has his name and picture all over it. It’s too too much. He’s largely governing through fear and intimidation. Regime change needed.

posted by: Noteworthy on June 15, 2011  12:41pm

One note about Italians and Kerekes - he is 25% Italian and grew up in a largely Italian family of even greater proportions. His family members loved the T-shirts. Find another issue
to distract from 18 years of failed leadership at the mayor’s office.

posted by: One Last Thing on June 15, 2011  1:04pm

@Noteworthy Look I am not defending the mayor nor am I attacking him so stop your spin.  I am simply commenting on the fact that Kerekes makes an ethnic stereotype, and gets away with it because its tongue in cheek.  Makes you wonder what other ethnic or racial jokes he makes?

Is it acceptable to use other political figures the same way? What would he say on t-shirt aim at “good humored fun” as it relates to school superintendent Reggie Mayo? What about the Jewish president of alderman Carl Goldfield?  There is always Irish state Representative Pat Dillon.  Cuban alders Sergio Rodriguez and Jorge Perez? Would Kerekes still think it was all in good humor?  If anyone is offended by the suggestions of these names why is that wrong but its alright to stereotype an Italian as a member of the mafia?

In this Independent article Kerekes defends it as a “metaphor” or “satire.”  When Kerekes gets called out again by the public he then defends the ethnic slur by saying that 5% of the profits go to non-profits. Doesn’t cut it.

Kerekes needs to apologize to the Italian residents from whom he will be asking for their vote and take down the t-shirts and mugs.  Candidates for mayor in a very diverse city like new haven do not need to resort to ethnic slurs towards anyone single group. 

The truth is the mafia movie and mafia TV show logos were selected because the mayor is an Italian.  To suggest that the mayor has people killed, like the mafia does, is crazy.  Defending an indefensible position like ethnic slurs to Italians because the political figure you hate is an Italian is just as crazy.  Anyone defending this position for a political figure is a zealot and only hurts Mr. Kerekes campaign.

I am neither for the mayor nor against him in this post.  I am against ethnic slurs towards someone because they are Italian, Black, Asian, Jewish, Irish, Polish, Latino, etc. 

John Lennon said it best in song when he said, “But if you want money for people with minds that hate all I can tell you is brother you have to wait.” Mr. Kerekes should take his t-shirts and his 5% donation to a non-profit of his choice and keep them to himself.  If he wants to spread ethnic and racial slurs he should take ranks with Dustin W. Gold’s of the world and the anti-immigration people.  Until he apologizes he shouldn’t waste his time asking for Italian resident’s vote.

Sorry, but its just how I feel on the matter.

posted by: Bob's Mum on June 15, 2011  2:55pm

I personally like Kerekes but I am confused by his “volunteer contract form”, which looks, walks and quacks like a gimmick.  He says that the form is designed to promote good government and curb cronyism but all it says is that there is no quid pro quo for volunteers.  But how are we to know?  Will there be a website that tracks the volunteers and any future jobs or contracts they might get with the city?  Also, if folks are aligned with your reform ideas and your plan for governing, they submit quality applications/credentials, why SHOULDN’T they get jobs with your administration, so long as the process is fair?

The rest of his campaign platform is fine but lacks specifics, with exception of his plan to enforce all traffic laws twice a month (um, what?).  Who doesn’t want quality education and lower incidences of crime?

I want to know where he stands on the real issue - such as whether the field behind Conte should be open to dogs and their owners.

posted by: Cedarhillresident on June 15, 2011  3:16pm

@One Last Thing

as a fellow Italian life long resident of New Haven and a family that has lived on or in the area Wooster Street longer than most.

My great gramps
http://www.scribd.com/doc/57942596/Full-Page-Fax-Print

When I saw the shirt I WANTED IT my kid wanted it and I have to say a half dozen Italians I know totally wanted it. I understand what you are trying to do. You are spamming this artical and turning it into a bad thing…Why?? You are you working for??

posted by: Alex on June 15, 2011  3:18pm

Solid candidate, things are getting exciting in New Haven . . .

posted by: Noteworthy on June 15, 2011  3:30pm

One Last Thing:

When have you have to cloak your ... opinion with “Look, I’m not defending the mayor…” and similar phrases, I will take it to the bank you are doing exactly that. As a boss of mine once told me, “When the client says it’s not about the money - it’s about the money.”

I would argue DeStefano’s plantation politics and policies of division, pitting one neighborhood and one group against another, as a management tool is more disgraceful just on the face of it. Knowing what he does to manipulate different ethnic voting patterns in the city is just as bad.

Bob’s Mum:

If you think the real issue is dog poop at Conte .. Jeffrey’s platform is the basic framework upon which he is running. It is a broad outline with many more details to follow. There is no way, a 15 minute address and another 15 minutes of press questions will possibly plumb the depths of his campaign or the issues he thinks are priorities. Worrying about dog poop in the school yard when the children in the building can’t read and write is akin to worrying about painting your toenails while traveling on the Titanic as it takes on water. One would think starting to paddle would be a higher priority.

posted by: Harry David on June 15, 2011  5:17pm

Morris Cove Mom asked Where can I get him my name and my $10?  I’m in, I’m rooting for him, and I’ll even campaign for him”

Visit here for donations and volunteering…

http://www.jeffrey2011.com/

Any amount up to $340 is welcome.  Since Jeffrey is participating in the Democracy Fund for matching contributions you will need to fill out the Individual Contributor Information form on the website referenced.

Full disclosure—I am Campaign Treasurer…

Harry

posted by: Livesinfairhaven on June 15, 2011  5:24pm

@Atwater - Thanks for the clear and concise comments. I can’t understand why, with the calibre of most of the candidates we’ve read about herein, this “fiscal conservative” you speak of, together with a little personality, can’t just emerge and win the voters over.  It IS what New Haven needs desperately.

posted by: Harry David on June 15, 2011  7:17pm

Bob’s Mum: “Also, if folks are aligned with your reform ideas and your plan for governing, they submit quality applications/credentials, why SHOULDN’T they get jobs with your administration, so long as the process is fair?  ...
I want to know where he stands on the real issue - such as whether the field behind Conte should be open to dogs and their owners.’

Bob’s Mum has her priorities right.  “Where would the world be once bereft of wet and wildness?  Let them be left, O let them be left; Wildness and wet; Long live the weeds and the wilderness yet”  Hopkins should have added   “... along with dog poop…”!!!

Who is this Bob character? 

Qualified job applicants go through a selection process for open positions.  Volunteering or donating to a candidate is not a sufficient qualification.  It is not even a necessary condition!!!

Harry

posted by: Yimski on June 15, 2011  7:37pm

He’s definitely got the ear of one registered democrat who always makes it to the polls on primary day.

posted by: lizvitale on June 16, 2011  9:11am

Registered Independent checking in ....he has my vote.

posted by: Steve G. on June 16, 2011  10:02am

If Kerekes were elected, I expect most of this enthusiasm will be dashed when he proves as ineffective as Matt Smith, Justin Elicker and, to a lesser extent, Alex Johnston.

posted by: Schneur on June 16, 2011  10:25am

There should be a 2 or 3 term limit on the job of mayor of NH.

posted by: has my vote on June 16, 2011  10:28am

Has my vote if he fires the assessor and gets the fair and reasonable one back. We need Dineen

posted by: Atwater on June 16, 2011  11:46am

It is alarming that some people have already cast their vote, based off of a rhetoric filled press release/announcement. Mr. Kekeres has no public management experience, represents a small minority of New Haven’s citizens and is unprepared to handle the city’s challenging economic climate. But, he does give a good speech, why not vote for him?
If any reasonable fiscal conservative is even thinking about running against the Dems please announce soon.

posted by: Noteworthy on June 16, 2011  12:24pm

Atwater:

What New Haven needs is a new set of eyes on problems that have never been solved, abated or frankly much improved across most of the last generation. Every year it is the same old same old excuses for poor performance. From blaming others for our problems to promises made and then broken, it’s always the same story. Transparency and results based budgeting were made and broken. Education outcomes were improving according to Reggie Mayo and John DeStefano and then all of a sudden, the mayor had a Johnny Come Lately foxhole conversion to education reform. If there is any hope of a rebirth in New Haven, it will be found in the next generation of leaders and most certainly not in the current one. It has failed an entire generation of young people and families who live here.

As for the management experience in challenging economic times - I really wish it was as complicated as you make it appear. It is not. As with any good executive, I will expect Kerekes to surround himself with quality people, seasoned with time and experience to help him guide the city. It will be less complicated and most certainly streamlined because every decision will not rest with the mayor. Expect to see department heads setting goals and being held accountable for production and being productive with tangible results. Instead of photocopying last year’s budget and mailing it in, expect to see their expenses tied to their goals,  scrutinized and justified. I expect Kerekes to hold them to a higher standard and be in charge of getting the job done, and done effectively and efficiently without interference. If they can’t, I would imagine they’ll be replaced with people who can and will. There is a difference between guiding and dictating. I rather suspect department heads will be emboldened under Kerekes and would not be surprised to find them a lot more proactive with more freedom and accountability.

This city never should have been run with a stranglehood on power or policy. If out of fear and intimidation, good ideas and people are squandered or left out to rot and blow away like so much detritus, how are we ever to solve anything? One man cannot possibly know everything. Kerekes knows that and the current occupant does not.

posted by: Primary Voter on June 16, 2011  5:24pm

A commonsense platform from an intelligent and dedicated citizen who’s in the race to win.

Mr. Kerekes has my vote come September 13.

posted by: Threefifths on June 17, 2011  4:20pm

He is my vote.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyL94PDyTBM&feature=related