LIST OF PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATE;  (R) OCCUPY WALL STREET 2;  BEST LINK TO POLLING: 

Jane Jacobs meets Occupy West - see above right for some demands.

"Government" state-wide means a link to the C.G.A. "Local Government" in Weston, CT.  How does the U.S. Supreme Court fit in?

                           

           

Nice try Donald...

Joe Biden finally wins election as President in 2020!  Sworn in January 20, 2021 after attack...

Donald Trump has been impeached twice now.  Thanks to the attack (successful) on the Capitol, we have seen the enemy - or shall I say Trump as he exposed himself.
We watched some of the Homeland Security Committee and the Rules Committee joint hearing going into security mistakes that breached the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 (left above).  Chair. of Rules Committee Sen. Klobuchar next...Sen. Portman next...followed by another who claimed that the "demonstrators" were peaceful until the Capitol Police attacked them.

U.S. Senate virtual hearing:  "Pandemic response" with familiar faces.
WHERE ARE WE NOW WITH TESTING - TO PERMIT US TO OPEN SAFELY? 

• We lead in diversity, testing per capita.  Antigen test.  9 million point of care per week.
• 1.9 million last week.  Testing to reopen...
• Plans for nursing homes, prisons Medicare & Medicaid:  Goals.  Supplies.
• Question on White House positive test.
• Up to Governors.  Social Distancing.  Negotiating on next round.
• Testing:  Diagnostic, tracing and surveillance.  ("We run to the fire" to stamp out outbreaks).
• Children?  Swelling and skin rash.  Kawasaki syndrome.  CDC on it.  HHS on it.  Vascular.  Most recover.  There are treatments.
• Politics of COVID.  Get back into gear.  People are dying being locked down.

        

DOESN'T HE LOOK RUSSIAN?  FROM UKRAINE?  RUSSIANS FIDDLING WITH THE VOTE?  ISN'T THAT THE KREMLIN?  OOPS. 
2020 New York City candidates: 

State of the Union speech one and one-quarter hours long - Speaker rips it up.  Natural shred job (l)
 
NADLER SAYS IT IS ALL LIES
We saw the state of the union and it was amazing to see Speaker not break any fingernails!

 

IOWA CAUCUSES 2-3-20, BUT HOLD THAT PHONE...then Feb. 4th STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS 

IMPEACHMENT OVER, PRESIDENT ACQUITTED 52-48 Article One, 53-47 Article Two... 2020

 

  

How many strikes and you're out again? 
Primaries...from caucus to main deals..."Super" days where more than one state votes.

• Bloomberg to the rescue?
• Supposedly 6th and last debate.  Do you have your scorecard?  How many unforced errors?
  
• "Who's" on first?  "What's" on second?  "I don't know" on third?  "Why" is in left, "Because" is in center, "Tomorrow's" on the mound, "Today" is catching...
  
• ON L.A. DEBATE STAGE:  Biden, Sanders, Warren, Buttegieg, Klobuchar, Yang and Steyer.
• AFSME forced a change of venue from UCLA...to Loyola but wait...cooks, dishwashers strike and picket line casts a shadow as all 7 say that won't cross their picket line.
  

MR. NINETEEN-EIGHTY-FOUR GOES 007
Washington Examiner, Byron York, 12-12-19

Meanwhile, across the pond:


"Put a sock in it" says landslide victor Conservative Party.




 
The President gets a lot off his chest.

 

WEDNESDAY IMPEACHMENT WITNESS SAYS NADA - WE SHOULD HAVE GONE TO THE BUILDING COMMITTEE

Reading from the Impeachment Inquiry transcript, the President states the witness had said the Ukrainian aid had flowed without any "quid pro quo."

And we would add, we thought "foreign aid" was held to a different standard than say "SNAP" or food stamps...foreign aid not an American entitlement.

LOCAL ELECTION NEWS
We will not be doing much with this, and would refer you to the Weston LWV page instead as the process continues into Fall...

• IS IT OVER???
  
• LET THE GAMES BEGIN:  https://www.justice.gov/storage/report.pdf
• CONGRESSMAN HIMES' REACTION:  https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/local/article/Himes-Redactions-in-Mueller-report-are-13780798.php#photo-17254096

MAKE THAT BILLIONAIRES?
MILLIONAIRE STORY: https://www.courant.com/politics/hc-pol-lamont-power-team-20190414-ocsmpjeuyjaufhvl4xc4pybota-story.html

CHENA IS NOT IMPRESSED.  WHAT DO THESE LADIES HAVE IN COMMON?

 

• Elected to Congress to rewrite history (as opposed to make history)?
  
• ALERT:  House Democrats declare a conspiracy against FDR!  Well, a little fact checking shows that it was posthumous - where did she learn her American History?  Westchester County public school?
• After the fact amendment:  FDR won 4 terms - 1932, 1936, 1940, 1944 - the 22nd amendment, ratified in 1951, prevented future presidents from serving more than 2 terms.
  

FROM THE LAST MONTHLY PRINT PUBLICATION OF L.W.V.U.S.
Thanks to a report 10 years ago, a look back:  http://www.lwvweston.org/RedistributionofWealthLWVUS.pdf

PLAY-BY-PLAY FORWARD...

DAY TWELVE:  Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 (at  4pm) Impeachment Trial resumes for vote on two Articles of Impeachment.

Yada, yada, yada.  Until 4pm.  Then 52-48 and 53-47 votes.

 

   

 

 

       

  

Yada yada yada
How did the President perform a cover-up (like Nixon)?  "No time for inter-branch friction"

DAY ELEVEN:  Closing arguments (Monday, Feb. 3, 2020 at 11am) two hours for each side.  Impeachment takes a recess at 3pm for Senate to reconvene with V-P in the Chair, perhaps (Chief Justice not involved) and allow Senators to hold a mini-filibuster up until 4pm DAY TWELVE, when Chief Justice reappears...

---------------

DAY

        
AHAH

-----------

Break after House Managers make their case for witnesses.

 

"In America truth matters" says Adam Schiff
House Inquiry denied any rights to President.  So now the Senate should give them another shot. 

 
    

    

  
Harry Hopkins invoked.  Risk averse Chief Justice.
Chief Justice could be about to call ACA-type penalty judgement on Impeachment?

BREAK OVER...

   

    

• Democrats argue they made the rules, President must obey.
• isn't that the French way of justice?  ("Guilty until proven innocent")
  
• Madame Nancy DeFarge hands out pens to make notes in the columns of her favorite book - "A TALE OF TWO COUNTRIES"
  

       
DAY NINE...

DAY EIGHT

   
UPSIDE DOWN AND PARTISAN IMPEACHMENT.  What does it mean to paralyze the Senate?  Half-baked Impeachment.

 

   
Ya da, ya da, ya da.  Whistle-blower???  Classified information in it and must be revised.

DAY SEVEN

     
DAY SEVEN begins with cleaning up details.  DANGER DANGER DANGER.  Rules for debate of written questions set (like Clinton)

• DOJ referral.  Allegations of various complaints.  All open and correct.
• Executive Branch documentation of call.
• "Wave a magic wand" - high court of corruption.
• NYTIMES report on a manuscript.
• Partisan and policy disagreements the new normal?
  

  
CLINTON TRIAL EVIDENCE SHOWN
Short closing with three of the legislators participating either as House Managers or as jury making the same abuse of power arguments but in reverse.  Tune in tomorrow...

DAY SIX OVER

Batting in the power positions were...on the first Article...
 
IN PRIME TIME
Pam Bondi first to to the heavy lifting on Biden case and a spell-binding lecture from Alan Dershowitz..


THERMO-NUCLEAR OPTION.  SEPARATION OF POWERS.  ONCE WE SET THE EXAMPLE...it is all gone. 

  
CHECKS AND BALANCES
Resumes...resisting State by asserting legal rights is dangerous.

• Attorney from Mueller team (l)... 
  
• Impeachment process new normal? 
  
• Senate redo? 
  
• Obstruction article explained.
• Then lawyer who I think does it so well (makes the law understandable). 
  
• Rep. Schumer.from Clinton Impeachment
  

----------------------------

Break


 

             
 

• President's basic rights denied.  Establish justice.  Note that Ken Starr mentions the  illegal subpoenas.  Then...
• Quid pro quo demolished. 
  
• Ukraine Inauguration - attending?  Cleared this up.  Lethal weapons support.  
  

• Protection of the Presidency (privilege).
• Pentagon Papers 6-15-71 example
• Hah!!!  Subpoenas illegal in Impeachment.
• NOT AN OBSTRUCTION.
• Process and Procedure.
  

 

• Not an academic exercise. 
  
• Constitutional text. 
  
• Makes the case as President not being voted out by a landslide. 
  
• "Rodino rule" 
  
• Iran-Contra?
• Executive Privilege
  

QUORUM CALLS.   Please see below details of Day One, "pithy reports" (r).  Strange bedfellows?  "Kafka" finally invoked!!!


   
BROWSING THE NEWS...How many lawyers does it take to convict a President?  How many good lawyers?   " D A N G E R    D A N G E R    D A N G E R " 

I wasn't around for the first one - Andrew Johnson...
But I was there for the other three Impeachment attempts:

• NOT.  President Nixon resigned after the U.S. Supreme Court ("SCOTUS") ordered him to turn over his private tapes.
• HE WAS.  President Bill Clinton raising his right hand and saying "I never had sex with that woman..."  Not all Republicans voted to Impeach Bill Clinton...
  
• HE WAS.  Now, President Trump - what did he do of an Impeachable nature?  Did he breach etiquette by wearing a blue tie (just joking) while exiting Air Force One?
  

OPINION in NYTIMES - University of Washington (Seattle) prof:  https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/26/opinion/sunday/trump-civil-service-deep-state.html

Well, it is a battle between Congress and the President - so we've just resurrected  some graphic portraits of government.

Considering that the article referred to above has posed  the question of competing virtue, but not impeachment specifically, we ask:

"Who elected the bureaucrats to replace their opinions for those of the voters?"

   

Is the Fourth Estate  supposed to be part of the entertainment media?
In the 21st Century, maybe!  Take your choice - is America going the way of (left) Moscow-style top-down government?  Or (right) a French Revolution "off with your head" style? 

If you are a Democrat you are cheering this - but the worm can turn.

After President Nixon resigned, who was appointed by the U.S. Senate to be Vice-President?

    

• She (l) was confident that the Yukon Quest 1000 (Fairbanks AK to Whitehorse, Canada) would take place in 2019. 
  
• Chena was ever so pleased that her musher would not have to pay a tariff thanks to re-negotiated trade deal!
• AOC against NAFTA because it is  hazardous waste product - all in on the Green, as in not tested yet, ideal.
  

  

Questions

  

GREAT JOB - NYTIMES, DISGRUNTLED, CONCEDED (ON THE PERFORMANCE NOT THE MESSAGE, PERHAPS).

• What will President Trump say?  He emphasized that Congress had to work together to achieve his visions - some of which were standing "O" quality concepts a few times.
• The border issue tied to immigration reform;
• Security:  "Support your local police" and stop violence in cities;  he supports school choice especially in cities.
  
• Jobs return if trade is fair, companies return/expand and tax structure changes - his concept;
  
• Military spending increases.
  
• How will he say it?  He did a great job with the teleprompters and knows his way around public speaking.
  
• How long will he take?  Around an hour plus.  (@10:15pm - started some minutes after 9pm).  For those who missed it, Democrat female members of congress (almost all) dressed like suffragettes (in white - "Votes for Women" pins?).
• Supreme Court:  Members stayed seated and did not applaud - some were not there;  Senator Al Frankin applauded from time to time and stood up at big moments, FYI.  Senator Bernie Sanders remained seated, we think.

  

Washington Times, Feb. 23, 2017:  Mexico chides U.S. immigration policies, admits route for illegal immigrants

"...Mexican officials did concede that their country has become the transit route for illegal immigrants streaming from Central America to the U.S.

Indeed, Mexico often helps facilitate journeys of those trying to cross from its southern border to its northern border, where they prepare to try to gain entry to the U.S.

In one stark example, Mexico has been issuing temporary transit visas at its southern border to Haitians, giving them just long enough to reach the U.S. border, where they either try to sneak in or they show up at a border checkpoint and demand entry. More than 7,000 Haitians tried to claim entry in the last three months of 2016 alone — more than four times the previous pace."

OPINION WRITER?
Although it is hard to differentiate between opinion, fact and editorial policy.
                 
Mon dieu!  The subjunctive on page one of the Times?  But he'll always have Paris.  And the Oval Office.  How about Electoral College?
We are joking a bit, but headlines, not to mention the beginning of each paragraph nowadays, in conditional - which means...none of it is true!

The tumultuous national election of 2016 (and Legislative races in CT) - our reports below:  Is the Cabinet chess pieces?  No.
      
             

The "winner" in the country as a whole;  my personal psychological image of the map of the U.S.A. What was it President-Elect Trump said?  (Jobs, jobs, jobs.)  CT Electoral College voters (7) no "faithless electors."
NTTIMES running total...304 to 227.  In the end, seven (7) switched nationwide (2 Trump and 5 Hillary).

     
                              

      

• FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH:  https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/roles.html#congress
  
• T.S. ELIOT WOULD HAVE LIKED THIS I-BBC VIDEO...
• When asked, Hillary put it this way at debate #1...and from across the pond...and then there is this:  http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/11/05/washington-state-elector-says-wont-vote-for-clinton.html
• EXPLANATION FOR ELECTION RESULTS PERHAPS - Speaking of the I-BBC:  http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-37952249
• REMEMBER THE CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS?  I DO, AND IT WAS REALLY, REALLY, FRIGHTENING
• If memory serves, it followed early JFK's Bay of Pigs (1961 invasion of Cuba to restore non-Communist leadership);  1962 missile infrastructure on Cuba picked out by aerial photography.

       

PROPOSED CABINET FROM NYTIMES REPORT.  CONSPIRACY THEORIES RE:  RUSSIAN INFLUENCE OVER ASSURING HILLARY NOT ELECTED.

---

And from the news prior to the vote tally...and recounting...

        
I FELT VERY SAFE GOING TO VOTE TODAY (ABOVE).   AND THE 2016 WINNER FOR BEST ADVERTS IS...

---

CHAOS WITH E.D.R.?
Of course, this is how the Democrats plan to steal the election.  Really, Hartford is doing it again - producing an Election Day crisis...in CT but not elsewhere .

   

                    

Guy Fawkes day/night Nov. 5
SILENT MAJORITY VOTING 2016?  DENIAL OF SERVICE ATTACK NEW STYLE (HOW DOES SIR WALTER SCOTT FIT?)    http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-37680411

MI CASA ES SU CASA - as in the big casa? 
Or are the Democrats getting the jump on the rest of the Clinton III Administration...and by the way, S.E.E.C. finally neutered?  President's personal Statue of Liberty play?

    
PRESIDENT CLINTON #2.  87% chance of winning, according to the NYTIMES.
Taking the Democrat at her word, there are two answers to every question - one for thee and one for me.  To the left of Clinton #1.  Are there odds on a 3rd debate?   The election?

YOUR BALLOT:  Six (6) Parties down and six (6) Offices across November 8, 2016 -
Weston Ballot in the 26th Senatorial District is PALE YELLOW and Weston Ballot in the 28th Senatorial District is actually GREY

 

---

Wednesday evening was the final debate and we only turned it on sporadically.  Good debate when we were watching!


          


LWV OF WESTON asks questions submitted and screened for "appropriateness" (as the Supreme Court said - you know it when you see it;  also must be for both candidates to answer).
Presidential debate Oct. 9th is 90 minutes and in a non-LWV style;  LWV of Weston 135th District debate in Town Hall Meeting Room was also 90 minutes (Oct. 8th) - video here:  http:www.lwvweston.org
 

T A B L E    O F    C O N T E N T S

• DID ABOUT TOWN PRODUCE CARTOONS FOR THIS OCCASION?  You betcha.
• The (3) Presidential and (1) Vice-Presidential Debates 2016:  http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/03/business/presidential-debate-moderators-lester-holt-chris-wallace.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
• Two (2) of the Moderators needed for "Town Hall" debare since questions come from the floor.
  
• FAQ on Electoral College...and what happens if no candidate receives a majority...
  
• GUN CONTROL JUST LIKE DISARMAMENT?  It doesn't work unless everyone does it.
• INTERNET USE BY POLITICIANS:  Is it the "super highway" of communication to qualify for the Presidency?  Or should it only be considered a tool?
  
• DID WE MENTION THAT THIS IS A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION YEAR?  ELECTION CALENDAR FROM SEC'Y OF THE STATE'S OFFICE HERE.
  
• WHAT ARE THE ODDS?  A MILLION TO ONE THAT THERE WON'T BE AN ELECTION?
  
• CONGRESSIONAL AS WELL AS CT LEGISLATURE, TOO.  AND SPEAKING OF THIS POINT:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/connecticut_drops_10_spots_in_national_survey_on_business_rankings/
  
• WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?  INCLUDING IMPACT OF MINOR PARTIES (LIBERTARIAN) OR E.U. (IMPACT OF "BREXIT")?  WHAT'S ANOTHER BIG ISSUE?
  
• Who appoints the next majority on the Supreme Court?
• WESTON.  And a "commentary" from a Westonite:  http://www.thewestonforum.com/67409/commentary-trump-should-not-be-the-next-president/
  

       

---

        
ELECTION DEBATES 2016:  Who's in, who's out?  Hofstra Debate:  http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/sep/16/gary-johnson-jill-stein-left-first-debate-stage/
Vice-President candidates face off Tuesday, October 4th in their only debate.

---

July was for National Conventions...Democrats in Philadelphia, Republicans in Cleveland.  More on debates:  There will be two (2) moderators at the second Presidential "debate" - a "Town Hall" style debate, whatever that is;  and we note that the format (s) are undercut by the peculiar organization.  The Moderator has no way to control anything - but also, apparently, has much - too much perhaps leeway if selecting the topic and composing the questions.  Good luck to these folks.

http://www.debates.org/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=63&cntnt01origid=93&cntnt01detailtemplate=newspage&cntnt01returnid=80

Locations change:  First Debate at Hofstra on Long Island Sept. 26...Vice-Presidential Debate Oct. 4

NEW YORK TIMES later report here:  http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/03/business/presidential-debate-moderators-lester-holt-chris-wallace.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

Original schedule below, new schedule here:  http://www.uspresidentialelectionnews.com/2016-debate-schedule/2016-presidential-debate-schedule/

---

As the Primary Season came to an end...
"This race will be the biggest political betting event, globally, of all time. Interest here in the UK has been off the charts...”  from N.Y. Post article on "punters" across the pond.  In America, "punters" are those who either are in "football [not soccer]" or those who won't answer a question [in politics, for example].

                   
WHAT ABOUT TURNOUT?  84% of registered voters voted in 2012 in the U.S.A.  But no one in the press used that number - they only talk about that other elusive non-number - "If everyone 'eligible' voted, what would the percentage be then?"  (Ans. @50%.)

IN THE DISTANCE, AT THIS TIME, IS A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CONTEST...WHO'S THE STAR?  ELECTION DAY 2016 - NOVEMBER 8TH - IS THE FIRST TUESDAY AFTER THE FIRST MONDAY IN NOVEMBER. 

• Who's up besides POTUS?  A Senate seat, House of Representatives, and in Connecticut, the entire C.G.A.
• In CT:  Will there be a Constitutional Amendment in addition on a Transportation "Lock Box?"
• YOUR VOTE MAY ACTUALLY MEAN SOMETHING!  Stay tuned...Presidential Preference Primary in Connecticut is April 26th.
• And let us not forget that third arm of power - the COURTS  (i.e.  Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of government.)
• WESTON ELECTIONS;  How many voters in Weston as of Presidential Preference Primary? "...Of Weston’s 6,209 registered voters, there are  2,173 Democrats, 1,825 Republicans, 2,167 unaffiliated voters, and 44 others. 312 new voters have registered in Weston since Jan. 1, 2016. Of those, 166 are Democrats, 93 are unaffiliated, and 53 are Republicans. 92 voters have switched from unaffiliated to a party as of April 19..." it says in FORUM editorial April 24th.
• A P R I L    2 6 ,    2 0 1 6   C T    P R E S I D E N T I A L    P R E F E R E N C E    P R I M A R Y    W . M . S .    G Y M    6 A M    T O    8 P M   - Weston results here. 
  

Second Candidate to visit CT (l) & HOT TIME IN THE OLD TOWN TONIGHT FOR TRUMP (r)
Several thousand supporters and a few vocal protesters (that we heard), overloaded air-conditioning at Sacred Heart (in Fairfield)  WATCHED IT ONLINE HERE!!!

   



T H E    P A R T Y    P L A T  F O R M S    -   S O M E T I M E S    F O R    H I G H   D I V I N G     O R    L O W E R ,     S P R I N G Y    B O A R D . . . 
  
       

So what is the significance of Party Platforms? 
The first thing you have to know is that they are product of a Committee.  The second thing is that Governor Malloy is the Chair. of the Democrat's Party Platform Committee.

---

      
CYBER-INSECURITY
As in "run it up the flag pole and see who salutes" - so far expected lead Democrat has potential challenger, but in true-blue CT, does he stand a chance?  All members of the House of Representatives up every two years.

PARTY CONVENTIONS OVER NOW - READ ABOUT THE PROCESS:  http://ctmirror.org/2016/05/07/gop-faces-endorsement-fights-monday-for-senate-2nd-5th-cds/


Congress 4th District Regional LWV Debate October 23rd - report in Norwalk Hour.

       
The Candidates: 
Incumbent Jim Himes (D) v. John Shaban (R) in the Fourth District, a most interesting race! 

John Shaban
MINOR PARTY:
Who got the Independent line on the ballot?  NO OPPOSITION!!!  John Shaban gets their nod for CT4th.


Clay Cope
NOT ON WESTON BALLOT, BUT IN OTHER TOWNS IN WESTCOG
FYI - And from the CT5th, WestCOG member running to earn Independent Party line as well, has an opponent but wins!

---

CT A ONE-PARTY STATE
As of September 30, Blumenthal had $4.7 million in cash on hand while Carter had $35,014...one debate to be held - on the radio (WFSB).

Perhaps the Independent Party cannot endorse a U.S. Senate candidate, as we read:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/independent_party_nomination_war_continues_in_court/
     

U.S. Senate Candidates
Incumbent Richard Blumenthal (Dem) v. Dan Carter (GOP) v. Jack Price ( a "D" - endorsed by Independent Party).


Independent Party endorsement goes to... 
First ballot tied eleven-eleven;  second ballot decision goes to Registered Democrat Mr. Price.  Republican endorsed for the Independent line by a familiar face!!!

---

         
Just a thought at right...
BREAKING NEWS:  U.S. Supreme Court threat...
Ruth Bader Ginsburg may leave US if Trump wins
Chris Perez, NYPOST
July 11, 2016

Consider the source:  http://nypost.com/2016/07/11/even-ruth-bader-ginsburg-weighs-fleeing-us-if-trump-wins/

---

IS THERE ONE ALREADY?  We refer to "sources" of secondary information from both ends of the political spectrum.

Time for a change of power at the Supreme Court?  Meanwhile, how about...OMG...compromise???
What is corruption?  http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jun/27/bob-mcdonnells-bribery-conviction-overturned-supre/
How about abortion?  http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jun/27/supreme-court-strikes-down-texas-abortion-clinic-r/

------------------

CLIMATE CHANGE CRITICISMS
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jun/16/gop-ags-dems-climate-alarmists-can-be-prosecuted/

    
AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE GOVERNOR ON MAUNDY THURSDAY!
After Governor Malloy does not go to Washington...he announces "watch out this is his last term."  Do you think he'll get a job with G.E.?  The graphic (r.) was done at his "State of the State" opening day 2017. 

How is a Notre Dame de Paris bell ringer like a quasi-public agency?
Answer:  Those quasi-public entities can't hear what anyone else is saying either. 





CLICK HERE FOR LEGISLATIVE NEWS OF LONG SESSION 2017

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED ABOUT THE CT ELECTORATE?
Issues noted for State or Federal elections always manage to have some effect on Weston, so we include local activity in even-numbered years here.


Que es mas macho department...
http://ctmirror.org/2016/11/10/election-autopsy-trump-expands-map-gop-gains-in-legislature/




  
 
Link to photos of candidates debating Oct. 8:   Link to LWV of Weston debate online will be here before Sunday.
ADAM DUNSBY - http://eastoncourier.hanewsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2016/09/Dunsby-9-22.jpeg ; 
BONNIE TROY - http://www.thewestonforum.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2016/06/WF-NWS-SA-Dwyer-6-23.jpg

CT LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES...135TH HOUSE;  DEBATE OCTOBER 8TH, 10:30a.m. to 12 noon, TOWN HALL MEETING ROOM

WESTON FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT OF  CANDIDATES RUNNING:  http://www.thewestonforum.com/68284/dunsby-receives-independent-party-nomination-for-135th/?utm_source=Weston+Forum&utm_campaign=181a6b0b8c-FO_ONLINE_TODAY&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_848b12f59d-181a6b0b8c-193260349

TOP QUESTION FOR DEBATE:  http://www.ccm-ct.org/sites/default/files/files/2016Bulletins_MunicipalFinance_final_rev.pdf

NEXT QUESTION RELATES TO WHAT 21st century "MANAGERS" DO :  http://ctmirror.org/2016/09/28/auditors-state-employed-spills-response-supervisor-who-couldnt-do-the-job/

HOW ABOUT THIS ONE?  http://ctmirror.org/2016/05/31/pew-report-ct-deep-in-debt-even-considering-its-high-income/


-------------------------

SENATE... 26TH AND 28TH.

From State Representative 143rd's communication in part, this section of an excellent, longer exploration of how the CT budget mess FY'16 and 17 has developed.

I S S U E S

Get ready, get set...
Big changes coming but we can't predict when.  How is the old motto - "Share the wealth" going to re-emerge, if it does?



2017:  AND IT WILL GET WORSE.
We note at the "Prioritizing" session of t he new Board of Selectmen in Weston, the only member of the public other than About Town raised the issue of how the Tax and Jobs bill proposed will hit here.

---

October 26, 2016 Informational Meeting at the L.O.B. - G.O.P. Senators and Representatives question staff of O.F.A.

      

Q&A:  Why budget numbers differ between O.F.A. and O.P.M. - what is difference between them?

We watch on CT-N (thank you, CT-N and the Minority for making this example of transparency possible).

Hour long discussion with O.F.A. and the Minority Committee Leadership of Finance, Revenue & Bonding and Appropriations, Wednesday 1pm in L.O.B. was available and very informative.

Since they use the same data (O.F.A. and O.P.M.) it is their assumptions that differ and that is why the numbers don't match.  As my statistics prof used to say, the numbers don't matter, it is the assumptions used to form the estimates that are significant.  Pretty obvious to me that O.F.A. would actually use a somewhat less political approach than O.P.M., which is closer to the Administration..

Is a S.E.B.A.C. deal forthcoming? Don't know.  What is the size of the deficit?  Ans. $77.9 million.  The meeting lasted a it longer than one hour.

It all amounts to what my Grandmother used to say about recipes:  "It is according" - the answer to how much of which ingredient.


"Wait What" column, not crediting G.O.P. but clearly showing its anti-Malloy side:  http://jonathanpelto.com/2016/10/26/malloy-claims-5-7-million-state-budget-deficit-400-million-closer-truth/

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Security:  "the state of being protected or safe from harm" is first definition in Merriam-Websters Dictionary online.

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ISN'T THE CONSTITUTION RACIST?
AND THROW OUT THE CONSTITUTION WHILE THEY'RE AT IT TOO.

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DALLAS SHOOTER DOES NOT USE AR-15?  SENATOR MURPHY AND MATT DAMON  AGREE?

FROM CHANNEL 12:  http://connecticut.news12.com/news/details-emerge-on-veteran-linked-to-dallas-sniper-shootings-1.12020153

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IS THIS PROGRESS?
What is the difference between Rosemary Woods' deletions and Hillary Clinton's private server-for-public e-mail?  One did it in a public place.

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Isn't Brussels in that terrorist hangout, Belgium?
In my memory, Great Britain not as quick to join, and kept its own currency...

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Editorial: Obama’s new rule on overtime pay is bad for workers
New Haven REGISTER
Posted: 05/20/16, 7:02 PM EDT | Updated: 8 hrs ago

President Barack Obama is right to want to put more money in the pockets of lower-paid workers. Issuing another government regulation, however, is not the best way to get it there...

Ask Europe (average unemployment rate: 10.2 percent) what layer upon layer of kind-hearted, cost-enhancing regulation has done for the prospects of the working and non-working poor. Meddling ineffectually in the labor market may be good politics, but it does American workers no favors.

Editorial courtesy of the Washington Post.

Editorial in full:  http://www.nhregister.com/opinion/20160520/editorial-obamas-new-rule-on-overtime-pay-is-bad-for-workers





Gold Coasters or the Unions?  OMG - Legislature only passing unfunded mandates?
Like during the French Revolution?  Or does the administration favor equal treatment for both?  My way or the highway, says Governor.

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How does Gov. Malloy replace one D.M.V. Commisssioner with another?  You will think we are making this up, really...  http://connecticut.news12.com/news/new-state-commissioner-may-not-have-his-degree-1.11617169

And a full story from the Hartford Courant:  http://www.courant.com/politics/hc-dmv-commissioner-20160324-story.html

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WILL THERE BE A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ON THE BALLOT FOR A TRANSPORTATION "LOCK BOX?"  DROWNING IN RED INK, CT TIDAL WAVE OR VORTEX?

            

STEADY BUT UNSTABLE HABITS OF A FISCAL KIND?
T H O U G H T    C O N T R O L    P R O G R E S S I V E S   R E J O I C E !    S O O N    T O    H A V E    A    S H O T    A T    T H E   C O N S T I T U T I O N .

It was a surprise to read of Justice Scalia's sudden death - story here:   
http://jonathanpelto.com/2016/01/05/new-state-board-of-education-member-collects-multi-million-dollar-contract-via-state-board-of-education/

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CALCULATOR FOR "TOP ONE PERCENT" - WESTON, CT MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME IN TOP 5%;  EQUALITY SQUARED?

"GREEN " CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT 2016.   A COUNTRY THAT ELECTED AND RE-ELECTED DEMOCRAT OBAMA SOON TO HAVE NO MORE GUNS, FREE STUFF AND ABORTION ON DEMAND???   
Or how about this?  http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/12/opinion/livin-bernie-sanderss-danish-dream.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-left-region&region=opinion-c-col-left-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-left-region&_r=0

Can "green" trump pols in polls?  Looking ahead to the next Election Ballot and Cycle in CT, (to contain National plus State Legislative offices), we wonder if a "green party" meaning all those things green plus economic determinism, might fly?






LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FUTURE AFTER THE 2016 ELECTION..."...During the debate, Mr. Kasich defended his decision to expand Medicaid under Obamacare and blamed partisan divisions in the country for making it impossible for Mr. Obama to name someone to replace Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who died Saturday.  Mr. Kasich said he doubts Mr. Obama would choose a consensus nominee, so the decision should be put off until next year" in the Washington Times Sunday, February 14, 2016.

WE LOOKED AHEAD TO THE FUTURE OF CONNECTICUT AFTER THE 2015 ELECTION, TOO...http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/business/article/Forbes-ranks-Conn-39th-for-business-6593891.php

Read about how schools are next:  http://ctmirror.org/2015/11/03/school-desegregation-will-focus-shift-from-magnets-to-suburbs/
Read an "inequality" pitch here:  http://ctviewpoints.org/2015/10/30/want-to-fix-connecticuts-economy-pass-property-tax-reform-to-help-the-cities/
Read one opinion here:  http://jonathanpelto.com/2015/10/29/connecticut-beware-of-governor-malloys-most-fiscally-irresponsible-proposal-yet/
Read another here:  http://www.courant.com/opinion/op-ed/hc-op-rennie-ct-democrats-out-of-ideas-call-republicans-1101-20151029-column.html
Read about S.E.E.C. rules:  http://www.ct.gov/seec/cwp/view.asp?a=3563&Q=469848&PM=1

T O W N    O F    W E S T O N

• HOW ABOUT REFERENDUM?  WHAT'S THE PLAN? 
  
• COULD A SECURE REFERENDUM BE ACCOMPLISHED ONLINE? 
  
• DOES GOV. LAMONT'S ORDER COVER THE ACTS OF TOWN MEETING AND REFERENDUM?

1. General food store;
2. Take-out & pizza - now closed-  Lunch Box
   
3. Liquor, beer and wine;
4. Coffee in #1...
5. As you recall, Weston Pharmacy closed its doors not that long ago...as well as hardware store, previously.  Bank, real estate office, Post Office and gas station remaining tenants.

CLICK HERE FOR RESULTS (Official)


 

• Executive Sessions may take place in Town Hall or the Library or another location so noticed.  Find out from F.O.I. (r) what a "meeting" actually is.
• With the trend to quasi-governmental solutions and public private partnerships, we suggest that F.O.I. advice to a State of CT such entity be reviewed.
  

Our superficial analysis above right: 

End of year 2016 report by First Selectman

     
New Town Administrator named
We note that Town TV has this Special Board of Selectmen's Meeting online here:  https://vimeo.com/192643837

QUESTION:  IS IT APPROPRIATE FOR P&Z TO BE DISCUSSING CLUSTER ZONING IN A VENUE THAT DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR TOWN TV COVERAGE?
As a suggestion, About Town offers this idea...how about either changing the location of their meeting, or making sure that all future meetings on this subject be held in a place that provides for Town TV coverage?

       
M U N I C I P A L L Y    G O N E    F I S H I N G 
SUMMER SEASON IN WESTON HAS HISTORICALLY BEEN FOR DOING...NOTHING.  AUTUMN IS FOR ELECTIONS...TREES & ZONING.  WINTER IS FOR BUDGET PROCESS.  AND SPRING IS REBIRTH.


    

OUR SELF-ASSIGNED SUMMER PROJECTS FOR RESEARCH:

1. Are we running out of options for...whatever?   WOOF!!!
   
2. No answer yet regarding what D.E.E.P. would "permit" for redo of Weston municipal government septic systems in the event changes to footprint are to be made.
3. How does the budget process work under the present Town of Weston Charter?  Why is this important to review THIS summer?  Because new Town Administrator will have to operate, as will the new Superintendent of Schools, under it.PROGRESS REPORT:

C E N T R A L I T Y    R U L E S

     

1. In 2013 there were 364 votes at Referendum (no quorum at ATBM)
2. In 2014 there were 224 votes at Referendum (no quorum at ATBM)
3. In 2015 there was no quorum at ATBM and for the first time ever, Referendum brought approximately 259 voters out and a rejection of the school budget 127 "yes" to 132 "no" - so there was a second Referendum total attendance 1001 - and the school budget passed 688 to 313

  
R.I.P.  Cobb's Mill beloved owner.
For picture story as well as full video, please go to the LWV of Weston website:  http://www.lwvweston.org 

              

Above, at the Town of Weston website this morning, Nov. 12, 2015

        
TOWN OF WESTON SWEARING-IN CEREMONY IN THE TOWN HALL MEETING ROOM
RECORDED FOR POSTERITY BY CHANNEL 12.  FULL SOUND RECORDING... FROM BLESSING TO BRIEF SPEECH BY OUR NEW FIRST SELECTMAN:  WestonSwearingInCeremony11-10-15.mp3



Town Clerk - "Swearing-In Ceremony" chart of attendance by officials

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Board of Selectmen

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Board of Education

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Board of Finance

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P&Z

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ZBA

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Police Commission

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Board of Assessment Appeals

 
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A W A I T I N G    T H E    N E W     A D M I N I S T R A T I O N    G O A L S . . .
WESTON SWEARING IN CEREMONY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10. 2015, 6:45pm.  Weston have the highest 2015 turnout anywhre?  Not even close:  Prospect, CT highest turnout, we understand, at @60%.  Weston had a mere @47% turnout...which was a record here (previous record 43% in 1999).

           
New Board of Selectmen:  Nina Daniel, First Selectman, left.  Turnout figures around the state turn into this bit of data:  http://trendct.org/2015/11/05/voter-participation-drop-sharpest-in-odd-year-elections/




WHAT A NIGHT!!!  

Weston has a new first selectman!

Nina Daniel (R) has defeated incumbent first selectman Gayle Weinstein (D) who was seeking a fourth term in office.

According to unofficial election results, Daniel, a former school board member, got 1,442 votes. Weinstein got 1,327 votes. A difference of 115 votes.

Joining Daniel on the three-member board will be her running mate, incumbent selectman Dennis Tracey (R) who got 1,544 votes. He beat out Chris Spaulding (D), who got 1,223 votes...story in full: 
http://www.thewestonforum.com/55723/news-alert-weston-election-results-new-first-selectman/?utm_source=Weston+Forum&utm_campaign=e2a95ca749-FO_NEWS_ALERT&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_848b12f59d-e2a95ca749-193260349

• Don't believe the demographers - Weston is full of Generation Whichever one that is currently having babies. 
  
• Everybody voting today for 2 reasons:  It is a beautiful day and the schools are not in session.
• Parking spots at a premium - like it is a sale and everyone wants to get a bargain.  Actually it is a sale - Girl Scout Cookies available!!!
• But seriously, for those who never lived in Manhattan and had to cruise for a legal parking spot, this might have made on think it is going to be a really big turnout.  On the other hand, considering that many had to walk from outer parking lots, it is a good thing that it was a nice day!
• There was no wait at all to check in, no wait to get a "privacy booth" and no line to insert your ballot into the machine...
  

MORE TALK OF BLIGHT ORDINANCE AFTER SPECIAL BOARD OF SELECTMEN NOV. 3...

"BLIGHT ORDINANCE" 2003 Office of Legislative Research info here.  Look for all blight ordinances (as of 2012) in Connecticut by Town here:   http://www.jud.ct.gov/lawlib/ordinances.htm

                        
 
     

U N C O N T E S T E D

PLANNING & ZONING

POLICE COMMISSION

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS AND ALTERNATE

BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS

TOWN CLERK

          

       
DEMOCRATS:  Gayle Weinstein, running mate Christopher Spaulding.

       

DEMOCRATS:  Phil Shaefer, Dana Levin.

    
REPUBLICANS:  Ellen Uzenoff, Jacqueline Blechinger and Dan McNeill.

Weston FORUM interviews 9-24-15:  http://www.thewestonforum.com/54125/contested-race-for-weston-board-of-education-2/?utm_source=Weston+Forum&utm_campaign=707fee01ec-FO_IN_THIS_WEEKS&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_848b12f59d-707fee01ec-193260349

DEMOCRATS:  Sarah Schlechter

(photo from the FORUM - Kim Donnelly)

  
DEMOCRATS:  Ken Edgar and Jane Connolly

         
REPUBLICANS:  Richard Wolf and Don Saltzman

     

DEMOCRAT:  Bob Gardner

         

REPUBLICAN:  Hillary Koyner

REPUBLICAN:  Donna Anastasia

ELSEWHERE:



The sitting rep, although an eight-term incumbent, was not always a Democrat.  We recall when, perhaps after her first term or so, as a Republican, she switched Party registration after the election...and as a member of the Majority, was rewarded with a Committee chairmanship.

• S.E.E.C. trial opens: http://ctmirror.org/2015/10/29/no-resolution-over-seecs-authority-in-malloy-case/
  
• 2014 case goes to trial:  http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/democratic_party_election_regulators_get_their_day_in_court/
• What is a violation of CT rules? 
• Who if anyone is watching if rules are followed?
• Are there any imputed violations in Weston?

              

          

Previous watercolors of debates 2007...never exhibited previously.  And a graphic.