Paca To Challenge Mayor

Marcus would be an amazing Mayor and understands how things really work at 165. Things are not good fiscally in New Haven and are about to get much worse.

http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/sanctuary_city/
That will result in a loss of 54M

http://ctmirror.org/2017/02/03/malloy-would-bill-towns-for-teachers-pensions-hints-at-cut-to-middle-class-income-tax-credit/

http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/malloy_proposes_shifting_one_third_of_teacher_retirement_costs_to_towns/

This will result in New Haven having to pay in excess of 10M easily

Lastly, it appears the Mayor doesn't want 33M from Yale
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/harp_hospital/

That's close to 100M, plus don't forget Nichole Jefferson.
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/feds_clear_jefferson/
That will be worth 5M easily.

It doesn't appear New Haven will have a good summer without all this money and the choice, yes, the purposeful choice to negate 54M by being a "sanctuary city" will leave New Haven decimated and without programs like Youth at Work.

Before anyone argues the validity of being defunded, consider this:

If you rent an apartment and in the lease you sign, it says no pets and you don't notice. Then let's pretend the landlord notices your pet and asks you to remove it. You apologize, proclaim you didn't know the terms of the lease you signed concerning pets and you remove your pet from the premises immediately. The landlord most assuredly does not evict you. You react to an honest mistake and correct it. No harm, no foul.

It is vastly different if you loudly proclaim to the world in person and online that in no uncertain terms you are specifically bringing your pet, you read - and don't care about the lease, you defy to be stopped, the landlord is powerless against you and if anyone gets bit too bad.

When the landlord then evicts you in that example, see if any judge takes your side.

It looks like Mr. Paca was too honest for the Harp administration. It is time for New Haven to seek positive change for the city that I love. I see that change coming in Mr. Paca. It is time for a new administration.

Thank you Mr. Paca. It is time for someone to challenge Queen Harp

This seems to be a campaign of bitterness versus real change. From what I understand this man couldn't hold an aldermanic seat for more than one term and couldn't hold a job at city hall.
If the city wants change why would Paca be the choice. Too much baggage.

He's got kids all over the place per this article from 2009, and not taking care of them. This is a problem for me, no matter what he brings to the table.
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/warrant_issued_for_candidates_arrest/

"News of Paca's ongoing child support problems initially came out in May, when the Independent reported that the candidate owed $20,000 to the mothers of his two children in different states. He has a 3-year-old in New Jersey and a 10-year-old in Virginia."

Given Pacas union giveaways during his short tenure, as a reporter the first call I would have made would have been to East Haven union boss Bob Proto to ask him if he's behind Pacas challenge.

Humans aren't pets, jfc, and your landlord is the federal government.

Also, judges will often take your side if you say the animal is for emotional support/stability, so yeah, stop grasping at straws.

A one-term alder of the DeStefano machine who was fired for making bad deals for the city? For Harp, Mr. Paca is better opposition than having no opposition at all.

This title "Fired Aide To Challenge Mayor" is shameful. One could easily be under the impression that the NHI is ostensibly the unwritten, or shall I say written, silent campaign manager of the Harp reelection quest upon reading such a title. I sincerely hope not.

This young man has decided to exercise his constitutional right by running for a publicly elected position, and this paper (that I respect) has started off attacking him negatively.

Paul, is this a prelude to what's ahead for this young man? I, like all of your intelligent readers will observe this paper intensely to see if there's a level of fairness emanating from your ink pen.

I get it, she (the mayor) joins you every Monday for unfettered discussion about city programs and policies and as a result, you have developed a great deal of affinity toward her. That's so touching.

The Democratic Party has lost its moorings by ignoring the many talents of young people. Personally,
though I consider myself young, I too have failed to recognize that brilliance myself. But not anymore.

Is Mr. Paca without flaw? Absolutely not. Is the mayor? If you listen to her, she owns NO failures. She literally thinks of herself as being infallible while deferring blame constantly. True leadership owns responsibility positive or negative.

So I wish this young fella well ... as I caution him to not respond to those who will be doing the Mayor's bidding by attacking him at every turn. Just stay focussed Mr. Paca and the support for you to become the next mayor of the City of New Haven will be overwhelming.

I have personally talked with Marcus. I am impressed. He has my support.

Take your Union paranoia out of this one Robn and lend the man your ear.

A man who drew warrants for not supporting his children is going to bring financial stability to the Mayor's office? That's one way to ensure a Harp victory.

Let the detractors do so under their real names.....

Q: Why the lack of transparency?
A: Shills.

@mailuser1225,

That landlord and pet deal is the Dumbest example ever. I don't support Harp on a lot of this gs, and probably will support Paca, but the one point Harp and I agree on is the immigrant issue. As an African American man, a descendant of slaves, some who ran away and were hunted, per "the law", I find it distasteful that people would use the law to discriminate. It was long ago that runaway slave who made it to the north were arrested and shipped to the south, per "the law".

@livinginnewhaven and grovestreet, apparently Paca had a few issue with child support early in his adult life, I challenge you to find many single men from m poor backgrounds who did not. What I find interesting is that you don't mention Harp's tax issues. She and her family found all kinds of ways not to pay them, while building fancy new homes in the burbs. She had the ability to pay her taxes, yet she did not. I find that as distasteful, if not more, as the child support issue.

@Paul Bass, please stop being a shill for Harp. The headline is clearly a shot at Paca and a wink at Harp. Shameful!

Brian Jenkins, well said!

I look forward to reports on what education level, business and life experience qualify any mayoral candidate to run a half billion dollar operation.

Former Aide to Challenge Mayor.

Former Alder to Challenge Mayor.

Former City Hall Employee to Challenge Mayor.

Or Best of All: Marcus Paca to Run for Mayor.

ANY of the above would have been better than what is presented above. ANY of the above.

The Rev. Mr. Samuel T. Ross-Lee

(Paul: Thank you for the feedback. I think you and Brian et al have a good point about the headline. I changed it.)

What are the union giveaways and bad deals that Paca engaged in as Labor Director? This is an honest question because I've never heard anything specific reported on in all the reporting Mr. Bass has done on Paca's alleged "bad deeds". To date I've heard two things mentioned: an alleged "leak" of emails related to the Nicole Jefferson debacle in which the city was found to have made false claims and engaged in a "witch hunt" against Ms. Jefferson. Blaming Marcus for his role in that sounds eerily similar to our President blaming the "very bad leaks" rather than the perpetrators of the bad acts who he wants to protect. It seems John Rose is Harp's Michael Flynn!

The other issue you've repeatedly cited, Paul, is something about "costly" MOUs. Reading your own words, it seems this issue (to the extent it is even an issue) had much more to do with Michael Carter, Harp's CAO, than Paca: http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/top-level_fire_changes_raise_eyebrows/. "Carter called the extra costs of these staff moves "negligible" especially compared to the $150,000 to 200,000 he said the fire department has cut in monthly overtime costs compared to last year." Paul, are you now suggesting this was a BAD deal? If so, can you get Carter and Harp to speak to why they advocated for it?

It seems that the NHI and some of the consistently pro-Harp folks on this blog must have information about Paca the rest of us aren't aware of based on the comments full of innuendo. Stop the innuendo and let us in on the details. Specifics please. Enough with the false reporting and false news.

I agree with the comments that the campaign seems bitter based on this article. It's quite nasty indeed, which in my observation is always the tone with which Paul writes about Paca. Paca's own words and comments feel nothing like his candidacy is portrayed hear. ( Continued)

(Paul: Thank you for the feedback. Mr. Paca was offered many opportunities over a period of weeks and again on Saturday night to offer his own words and comments for this article. He chose not to offer them, which is why the article links to his website and op-ed article. Nor did he make himself available to answer questions.)

I'm not necessarily a detractor, just stating my observations. Paca has a very thin record of public service that isn't stellar. He wasn't qualified for a job under Harp, and so I don't see how he is qualified to run the city. He says he was wrongly dismissed but when he was beaten in an alder election fair and square he also claimed he we the victim of some sort of fraud. With all this said, best of luck to Paca and his supporters.

I too find the headline inappropriate and biased. I don't know Mr. Paca but I will listen to him and examine his record. I'll remind a lot of commentators that Elicker had very little experience in my opinion but many thought Him qualified to be Mayor. I welcome having options.

(continued from previous)
Lastly, I, like Bill, have spoken personally with Paca. The old (2009) issues with his child support that folks have shared to attempt to discredit him are significantly more complex than what was reported in this paper (the only paper to report on the issues when Paul was aligned with another candidate who Paca ran against and beat for alder). It was far from a case of a man running from his responsibilities. If you get a chance to meet Paca, ask him about it. In my experience he's a pretty open book about his life.

Paul, to the extent you intend to lead the negative, mudslinging charge in this campaign, can you ask Mayor Harp what ever happened to her $1.2M tax debt? http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140216/harp-company-no-longer-top-tax-scofflaw-in-connecticut The state and the city could really use that money now and inquiring minds want to know...

What is wrong with the title of this article. Mr Paca was fired from his job. The comment bullies have to stop trying to promote "alternative facts", especially when you don't even live in this city.
The bottom line is that Mr Paca is not qualified nor does he have the skill set to run a city like New Haven. We all know what happens when you have unqualified individuals in the driving seat, i.e. DT.
He has been MIA from meaningful community work. Showing up at BOE meetings to glare at the mayor doesn't count. Subliminal tweets don't count. Now that he has declared his candidacy, everywhere he will go with a photographer and his arm candy will be viewed, and rightfully so, as campaigning. Typical behavior of the narcissistic candidate. It's all only for his benefit.
As far as the comment about nobody is perfect, a man who doesn't take care of his children, who are his own flesh and blood, doesn't care about anybody but himself. While that may be a few years ago, it is truly a window into the character, temperament and demeanor of any individual. Enough for me, and many others that I know to look elsewhere.

I'm not sure we're to go on this election. Both candidates leave little to be desired.

The back and forth about the previous headline is confusing. If the headline read "former dead beat dad to run for mayor" I would see the angst but the reality is this, would Paca be running if he and his wife weren't fired? The answer is NO! Paca has his fingerprints all over the Jefferson mess. Read the emails if you can get them. The fact is Paca marched in lockstep with Harp and at times was the architect of her bad choices. So it makes sense that the headline mentioned he was fired because he wouldn't be running if he wasn't. That's relevant. Paca can't wash his hands of the deals he made with the devil just because the he no longer resides in the devils den. Paca talks about what's best for the City and being transparent. Read the link. All evidence to the contrary.

http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20110502/parking-meter-issue-rages-on-new-haven-aldermen-meet-on-issue-tuesday-documents

Really disappointed that the title of this article has been changed due to whining commenters. Paca and his wife were mayoral aides who were recently fired. In both of the Mayors last 2 campaigns they were front and center. If they were not fired for what ever the reason, they would not be challenging the mayor. This smells of bitterness, spite, and disillusionment. I am anxious to see when and if the crew who are really behind this bid will reveal themselves. Now that will be interesting because they have carefully stayed back, out of sight. They seem to have picked the most narcissistic person they could find so that being out of sight wouldn't matter one bit. 😂😂😂

Livinginnewhaven. "Bullies". "Whining". Can you post without demeaning those who disagree with you? Your arguments aren't any stronger because of that.

"Paca running for Mayor" seems a more appropriate headline since Mayor Harp hasn't officially announced she's running for reelection yet.

There are many who relish hearing or reading negative things about others. My mother once told me that "if you look hard enough, you can find something negative about everyone." Toni's baggage can fill a dump truck, but it's the issues that are important in this election.

Having said that, I'm still waiting for the mayor's #1 sycophant (LINH) to finally tell us what great job this mayor has done for the tax payers. They love to sully the name of others while hiding behind the mayor's skirt, but again refuse to reveal ANYTHING the mayor has done. I realize that in order to find something substantive that this mayor has done, one would have to unearth the likes of Sherlock Holmes.

How dare one attack this man about his children on when they know little if anything at all, about? This young fella is brilliant. And from what I hear, he has assembled an awesome team of supporters gearing up to reverse the current negative course of the city.

So let's welcome a debate between yesterday's ideas (Harp) vs. today's ideas (Paca).

I read today the article in the New Haven Register regarding Mr. Paca's running for Mayor , his reasons for running and more importantly his website which lists his experiences in both the non profit, government and business world and then I look at your article and there your heading "Fired Aide to Challenge Mayor".
We again ask NHI to be an objective news resource rather than a obvious advocate for Mayor Harp, actually while you are at all can we again find out the status of all the pending lawsuits she created in her administration i.e. Jefferson, Blue, Paca, , legal expenses thus far that taxpayers are paying, who has been doing the work of these fired personnel. I think that would be an interesting discussion on your Mayor Mondays radio show. We have the right to know.

It will be interesting to see this campaign develop and perhaps, others will also enter the race. What's clear by the tenure of the current mayor, is that she has serious if not fatal flaws in her competence and management abilities. It is costing taxpayers dearly and if it continues, will likely cost us much more.

I still want to know what's going on with the family 'Tax Bill'.

@Brian L. Jenkins - 100% spot on correct, as usual. We can count on your pillar of reason when you post. Thank you.

@TheMadcap - Residents of New Haven will be grasping for straws when this money is cut off. The straws Corporation Counsel will be grasping will be predicated by the breaking of their own contract grants with the Federal Government. No, the judge would assuredly not be, if you were overtly obtuse, belligerent and unwilling to comply. A person with a service pet would never sneak it in, they would openly disclose and apply for an apartment that welcomed pets. You don't "grasp" my example. That's fine.

@EducateourchildrenNH - All I ask is that you own your support of Harp on the Sanctuary City issue. 54M in loss of grants will cripple the City and it's services for everyone, no matter race, creed, color, religion, orientation or demeanor. Her decision to rescind this money binds all within City limits.

Bottom line is New Haven will lose funding by purposeful choices. The next term will inherit that, no matter who is mayor.

The very people protesting and those they are protesting for will be first to feel the loss of Federal funding.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/miami-dade-lawmakers-back-mayors-anti-sanctuary-city/story?id=45572493

To all who think they have a solid read on this man, or who have "had a conversation with him", you seriously need to check yourselves. Have lived in this man's ward before and when he was an alder and have had dealings with him. Those thirsting for political professionalism will find a Paca a dry well indeed.

Any shots at Paca in the past, or coming his way in the future, are deserved.

If Paca was so inept then I now more seriously question the judgement of the mayor for hiring him. I increasingly questioning her judgement on hiring the rest of her staff that has demonstrated gross incompetence, lack of knowledge and lack of vision. Don't for one second think that you can get on these messages board and and intimidate and silence choices for the voters. The electorate is not stupid. They want to discuss real kitchen table issues and the future of the city. This is a different time and day in America.That old fashion nonsensical street brawl is very cute for these message boards. Let's start talking about vision, strategy and direction for this city and there is collective intellectual capital that leaves much to be desired in city hall. Who are the "bright stars" on the team? What are their accomplishments? What are the accomplishments of this administration? So, I am looking forward to substantive discussions and debates on the issues that are plaguing this city. We deserve better than this low class school yard bantering.

Several have asked for specifics on the accomplishments of our current Mayor, please school us. We already know the fiasco during her days as President of the BOE, we already know that she defended to the end both Garth Harries and Chief Esserman, we already know that she fired some of her staff under very questionable reasons and we are raking up HUGE legal fees that continue to mount. We already know that we literally had no Police Chief, Fire Chief and Supt. of Schools for a period of time and only have a permanent Fire Chief who she graciously gave a monthly housing stipend while the rest of us homeowners have to accept increasing property taxes and many residents can barely afford the rents in our city. We already know that the financial realities for us will certainly worsen. Now, we have her tooting Sanctuary cities in the hope that she will gain the Latino votes.
So...please those who have so much to say about candidates running for Mayor tell us what have been our current Mayor's accomplishment and we do not want to hear about Youth Stat or the graduation rate, we hear that over and over and over.......

The critical issue for me in regard to paca's candidacy is not that he and his wife were fired from their city jobs, which could be interpreted as poor performance; all of us here have been "downsized" at a point of our work history. Paca's candidacy like so many before him reflects a continuation of folks like Artis Yopp, Henry Summer, Jim Newton, Sherry (forgot last name), Jeffery Kerekes and Justin Elicker, and Ron Smith, all ran without first establishing a political base and no political surrogates to promulgate their message. All quietly disappeared into the sunset after losing.

Without a forward political base it is difficult, if not impossible, to defeat an incumbent even with the dereliction shown by the managerial skill and lack of administrative acumen by Mayor Harp for the terms of her office.

I have read Paca's reason(s) for running but the problem in his message so far is that he has failed to identify provide solutions that to a set management problems and how he would correct those defects. This is a critical first step in my opinion.
While I do not believe Paca has the background or experience or knowledge to be Mayor, neither did Trump for President, and look what happened.

Of course I hope commenters can read between the lines, to be clearer, I meant to say The Mayor's Family Tax Bill.

Webblog,

Do you think the current Mayor is doing a good job, and if so, could you please give specifics?

She is the Mayor that is afraid of her own shadow. Where is she? What does she do? What has she accomplished? Gender and Race don't count, so the First Black Woman Mayor stuff isn't going to work. Been there. Done that.

The old guard needs to give up the ghost, but Captain Bartlett doesn 't want his gravy train sinking anytime soon.

I am looking forward to some leadership in this 'town' that engages the community, listens to constituents, and develops policy out of community needs rather than personal favors...

Best of Luck to Mr. Paca! Go out and be the man that they are frightened you are going to be....!!!!!!!!

@ webblog,

I profoundly appreciate your well thought out observation. In fact, very few that I know in NH politics are as perceptive. It's apparent that you've been around many a smoke filled room. That said, after having spoken with Mr. Paca around some of those very aforementioned issues, the guys really equipped with much of that. Moreover, what I find extremely comforting while talking to Mr. Paca, I discovered that he has an insatiable appetite to always want to learn more.

He's aware that the Harp surrogates are going to pounce on him like vultures on a dead carcass, but according to him; it's a sacrifice he's willing to endure in order to offer himself up as the next mayor.

Again I reiterate, Democrats nationwide must tap into this innovative populous of young people.

Toni Harp has fed off the public's teat for nearly 30 years now. And like many, I'm still waiting for anyone of her teat holders to tell the public what she has done to make life easier for tax payers in the City of New Haven. Do I have to offer a ransom?

While she (Harp) continues to pretend to lionize New Haven's "sanctuary city" for political expediency purposes, her city is crumbling. Little does she know, that the Latino community is very smart. They abhor the idea of being used by this mayor as she promulgates her fictitious care for their plight. Where's the empirical evidence that she's done anything to enhance their community? Other than recycled words, nothing.

This notion that it's impossible to defeat an incumbent mayor is ridiculous. I say, just look at the filth of the city, the high taxes to live in filth, the roads, less services, test scores, the school debt, the lawsuits, the payout packages, snow removal, real crime stats I don't have enough characters left to continue. Nevertheless, you get the point.

If voters vote their conscience, she will lose and lose big.

Bill Saunders
I did not intimate at all that the Mayor is doing a good job as you questioned, If you read my post more carefully I said..

..."Without a forward political base it is difficult, if not impossible, to defeat an incumbent even with the dereliction shown by the managerial skill and lack of administrative acumen by Mayor Harp for the terms of her office.'

THIS STATEMENT SHOULD NOT BE READ AS A ENDORSEMENT OF THE MAYOR'S PERFORMANCE.

As far as the mayor's performance is concerned, I agree with the post of Noteworthy on February 19, 2017 11:38pm.

So I wonder if he should win, would Mr. Paca require a police trained chauffeur like our current mayor ? If not we're saving money before he even gets to work each day.

Brian Jenkins,

One thing is for certain, I am glad we are on the same side of this argument.....

I think the Harp Family Trust is counting on spending their way through this campaign, but after this last National Election Disaster, I think there are more and more citizens willing to step up to the plate to bring forth real change, and recognize the Spin and Attacks for what they are.

There is a Populism in the air that true leaders can tap into. Look for Men and Women of Action.

Let's flush Poop-u-lism down the Crapper.
Swish.

Brian:

I agree with your optimism, but at the risk of sounding like a pessimist, New Haven voters historically, back to, and even before your stint as alder, have voted for the democratic endorsed candidate at primary and have voted for the democratic nominee/ incumbent at the general election...that may be characterized what you call a bad habit, but it's just the fact .

Paca owed child support? Big deal. Harp's buddy Police Chief Esserman was almost in contempt of court for failing to pay over $100K in spousal support.

See http://civilinquiry.jud.ct.gov/CaseDetail/PublicCaseDetail.aspx?DocketNo=NNHFA144063831S

Also see: http://larrynoodles.com/mayor-harp-greer-support-embattled-top-cop/

Paul Bass used to bear nothing but contempt for Wendell Harp, and Rabbi Greer, for that matter. Now Paul wears a pussy hat and has pussy parties with the Mayor.

See: http://larrynoodles.com/the-original-1998-paul-bass-article-exposing-the-goat-the-hacks-the-zelinskys-wendell-harp-william-gallagher-and-other-reprobates/

Respectfully Submitted, Larry Noodles.

Webblog
So glad you mentioned Trump and the political machine, our very own Governor had his bags packed ready for Hillary's victory, I am a Democrat but look around what is happening, many, many, many are tired of politics and to your comments, I and many welcome new leadership, energy, enthusiasm, transparency and a urgent need to be inclusive. Our Mayor had the opportunity to show true leadership, vision and although she had never really had management skills she had the opportunity to be open and bring in folks who were not tied into 'old politics' but had true expertise in public administration. We all know which direction she chose to our detriment so personally don't care how political savvy she is, maybe she can campaign for her old seat in the Senate.

Larry Noodles,

Did I just witness you turncoat on NHI? Very Interesting.

This young man talks the talk very well and if I didn't know better I would probably be impressed with his BS. However, Marcus Paca has been very consistent with being one big disappointment.
First he ran against a very dedicated alderwoman who actually worked in her ward for the residents and worked very diligently to keep the ward strong. He unseated her on the promise to do more and be there for the residents,while claiming the ward needed new young blood to get the job done. HE DIDN'T FULFILL HIS PROMISES and the voters of the ward caught on very quickly and VOTED HIM OUT!
He was given a very high paying job by Mayor Harp. She gave him a chance to shine and do a good job. Not surprisingly he didn't. He just cost the taxpayers a lot of money through his incompetency. And to boot he has filed a lawsuit against our mayor and this city for a large amount of money.
So now we have to put up with him running for mayor against a woman who has held the line on taxes and cares deeply for this city and it's residents along with other honorable achievements too many to list. If he were to be elected (which I cannot imagine) this city would take a spiral spin downward and our taxes would go up almost immediately with his ill informed and ill conceived ideas of what should be changed. Just one small example is lowering building permit fees. The fees presently are fair and are healthy for this city. If we were to lower those fees that revenue is gone and guess who would have to make up the difference of revenues lost. You got it, the taxpayers! The present fees have not discouraged developers as it is proven through all the development that has and is going on.
Lastly, I suggest Paca pack up and just go away quietly and stop embarrassing himself. Most people truly have caught on to his nonsense, inflated ego and his delusions of being bigger than life and thinking he actually could be our next mayor.

@ ET,

"A woman who has held the line on taxes and cares deeply for this city and it's residents along with other honorable achievements too many to list." Too many to list? Well let me help you out, just list two then.

"First he ran against a very dedicated alderwoman who actually worked in her ward for the residents and worked very diligently to keep the ward strong." Really? If she was as you stated, and of course you know exactly what you are talking about, [sarcasm] then why did she lose?

Mr. Paca must really be causing a conniption for the Harp team because she's summoned everyone from her old rolodex and contacts in her iphone 8 to try and besmirch the integrity of this young man.

Take it easy Harp loyalist, the race has just begun. Save some of your insulting energy for later, because if you use it all up now, the only thing you'll have left will be to talk about her policies. And we all know how brief that conversation will be.

If the people truly care about the city, they will gladly work to remove this 30 year tax loving veteran who has made a living off of the honorable sacrifices of others.

ET said it best..."This young man talks the talk very well and if I didn't know better I would probably be impressed with his BS. " Paca's resume from City Hill was just posted on SCF. The resume is a far cry from the glossy website he created. The resume makes it clear that he's all sizzle, no steak

https://en.seeclickfix.com/issues/3221963-marcus-paca-resume

Take a look and then ask yourself if this person is qualified to run the City

@ new haven can do better,

Your name says it all. I agree, NH can do better.

Looks like SCF blocked my post. I guess there's no freedom of expression in New Haven. I just emailed the resume to Paul. Perhaps he'll have the courage to publish it. The resume raises major questions:

New Haven CAN do Better!!!!!!

Being New Haven's Ultimate Cynic, I don't understand the reservations.
I do not put my efforts forth into people I am philosophically against.

Between me, you, and New Haven, I was at the 'secret' Paca campaign meeting on Sunday Night.
What I saw was smart-minded people with Integrity in support of a candidate with the same.

Shockingly, the meeting was inclusive, conversational, strategic, and interested in hearing everyone's voice.
I think the biggest strength coming out of Paca's Campaign Meeting was a passion from strong community insiders standing alongside the smart, educated people that surround them. The Women in the room blew my away. This was by no means a 'boys club'.

I know it's scary.

So many weak-willed people have their hands out for money -- and that stifles the public discourse.

Get on the bus, stay off the bus, or put forth another alternative....

I expect the Democratic Machine to do just that.

Whose it gonna be???? -- Mike Smart, Boise Kimber, or the Fake Basketball Star for the Knicks (Ron Smith)?
Which self-serving politician is going to stand up to cock-block for Toni?

Mark my words, it is being talked about in secret meetings as I write

Harp knows the writing on the wall.
I hope she can read.

For those of you who think Marcus Paca is a serious Mayoral candidate: on what evidence do you base that? Experience? Expertise? Track Record? Integrity? I saw the resume posted on-line and both of my children -- in their mid-20's -- have stronger resumes and a more impressive employment history. I guess they're qualified to run?

@ jamesj@newhaven,

If your kids are far superior, then I suggest you coax them into running.

Hillary Clinton's resume was for more impressive than that of Trumps, but who's President?

So therefore, what's your point?

This comment thread is a healthy mix of commenters. However, the out-of-state comment troller is nauseating with the attacks against the commenters and elected officials. His comments aren't helping the healthy dialogue. Paul, you've blocked others comments for less.