Top Walllingford stories of 2008

Internet guru John Sullivan and I discussed the top Wallingford stories of 2008 on our weekly internet radio show. My top three were:

1 The failed attempt to build a mosque at Route 68 and Leigus Road.
2 Town Council, mayor and school board spar over the 2007-08 municipal budget
3 The flap over the veterans service office, including Barbara Thompson’s temporary appointment.

John felt the effort to reform the town charter was the top story. I ranked it number four. If you want to hear a month by month discussion of the top stories of 2008 go to sullivanoneonone.com and click on the “On-Demand Audio” icon. When the player appears click on "Wallingford Top Stories 2008"
Let me know what you think the top Wallingford stories of 2008 were and offer a prediction on the top stories of 2009.

Merry Christmas

Our page one story today about John and Melissa Pijar put Christmas in perspective. Lately, a lot of people have talking about not having as much to spend, not having as much for retirement and possibly not having a job. Everyone thinks they have problems. Not really.

Up until late November the Pijars were enjoying the bliss that comes with a first child. Their daughter, Logan Mae, was 14 months and seemingly healthy. One night she started having seizures and was hospitalized. Less than a week later, she was gone. They still don’t know exactly why. In the midst of all their grief, they decided to donate Logan’s organs so that others could have life.

You can read the full story by staff writer Jeffery Kurz in Wednesday’s paper or on MyRecordJournal. When I did this morning all my problems seemed small. There may not be as many presents under the tree this year and the business outlook for 2009 might seem bleak. You may be worried about losing your job or the size of your next raise or whether you will be able to afford your medicine. But each time you look into the smiling face of a young child this Christmas, consider yourself blessed. And remember that there is at least one couple that would trade all their wordly possessions for just one more Christmas with a little girl they lost far too soon.

Christmas Shopping

Christmas shopping was on my To Do list every day last week, but I never seemed to find time. Thursday night I vowed to start as soon as I got off work Friday. The snowstorm ruined that plan. By Saturday morning I was panicking and feeling sheepish about starting so late. (I usually try to finish no later than two weeks before Christmas because I hate crowds.) A few minutes later a radio report made me feel better. Apparently some poll determined that as of Saturday morning nearly 30 million other U.S. males had yet to start their Christmas shopping. When I arrived at my first destination, a very popular and trendy shop that specializes in women’s jewelry, clothes and accessories, I didn’t need any poll to tell me what was going on. The counter was stacked three deep. When I finally got my turn, I mentioned to the saleswoman what I had heard on the radio and mentioned that I thought I might have heard it wrong. “There can’t be 40 million males who haven’t started their shopping yet,” I told her. She looked around at the store filled with men and boys and told me that I had heard the figure correct. I finished most of my shopping Saturday. Tonight and Tuesday I’ll pick up a couple of stocking stuffers. No pressure because the main items are out of the way. I’d like to hear from men who still haven’t started their shopping yet. Why do you wait so long?

What is wrong in Southington?

The only thing worse than Southington department heads hiring their wives to work in their offices is that the department heads involved, William Masci and Richard Egidio, don’t believe they did anything wrong. That should make every taxpayer in Southington worry about the kind of leadership being provided by the Town Manager, Town Council and other town boards. This kind of nepotism doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It exists where it is tolerated by administrators, elected and appointed officials charged with overseeing town government. In the same front page article, we also learned that the town is paying town employees $90 an hour to chaperone middle school dances. As with the secretarial work, these approximately $40-an-hour jobs aren’t being offered to the general public, but being given to town employees, some already earning lucrative salaries. The town should be paying about half that much for the work and should be opening it up to others. A pretty active forum on the story has emerged on the MyRecordJournal forum section. One writer believe the practice of hiring wives and paying them nearly $24 an hour for secretarial work went on for longer than has been reported. Just click on “Forums” and then “Story of the Day.” Let me know what you think.

Cheshire Noise Complaint

Our story on noise complaints by neighbors of Napoli Foods in Cheshire has prompted an interesting discussion on the forum section of MyRecordJournal.com. It seems the neighbors were there before Napoli and have some right to the peace and quiet they enjoyed before the food distributor opened less than a year ago. That has to be balanced against the rights of Napoli to operate a business and the benefits that businesses bring to the town.
The one thing in the story that jumped out was this sentence:

"Town Manager Michael Milone said the town has no noise ordinance and cannot take any action against Napoli."

That sounds lame coming from the town’s chief executive. Cheshire may not have a specific noise ordinance but certainly the state has laws that cover these kinds of situations and they may apply. I’m sure that the Cheshire police or other town departments have enforced this kind of quality of life issue in Cheshire’s long history and they must have had some legal basis. If Mr. Milone is correct and there is nothing he can do, the Town Council needs to pass an ordinance quickly. I’m not taking sides. If the neighbors were creating a problem for Napoli’s and Milone said there was nothing he could do about it, I’d suggest the same thing. Whether you agree with the neighbors or not, they seem to have legitimate complaint and deserve a fair hearing based on the local or state laws that apply. Check out the "Truck noise disturbs neighborhood" forum on MyRecordJournal for other opinions. Let me know what you think of the situation.

Update on Christmas lights and trees

Last week I blogged about the fact that I wasn’t seeing as many outdoor Christmas displays as last year. Since then I’ve noticed an increase. Perhaps people just got a late start this year. I’m doing my part. We put up our outdoor display last night. It’s not as big as last year, but it adds to the holiday landscape. Maybe smaller displays are the way to go.
On another holiday note, we put up a real tree this year after several years of putting up an artificial one. I prefer the artificial because you can put it up real early and don’t have to vacuum up pine needles. My sons and wife were in favor of a real tree. Guess who won? I’m wondering if others have switched back to real trees and why? Let me know.

Dovan interview, Comerford discussion

The inauguration of a new president in Washington D.C. could jump start a lot of local projects struggling to move off the drawing board. President-elect Obama is promising billions for local public works projects. State and municipal officials will be involved in selecting those projects. Meriden state Representative Chris Donovan, about to become Speaker of the House, will be an influential player in the selection process. On our weekly internet radio show, John Sullivan and I interview Donovan about the economic crisis and possible solutions. We also discussed Bill Comerford’s mysterious last-minute decision not to seek a position on the Wallingford Housing Authority. To listen to the Donvan interview and Comerford discussion go to sullivanoneonone.com and click on the Audio On Demand Icon. If you want to listen live, the show airs every Sunday starting at 8 p.m.

Fewer Christmas Lights?

I’m noticing fewer outdoor Christmas lights this season. On my cul-de-sac in Wallingford all six families usually put up outdoor displays. This year three of the six don’t have them, including my house. I don’t miss the lights much. Many were done in moderation and with taste. For others, Christmas became a tacky competition to put up the most lights and decorations. The recession and a renewed interest in saving energy is probably responsible for fewer Christmas lights this year. Let me know if you’re noticing fewer lights. If so, is it a good thing?

Bill Comerford's second thought

I’m sure there are a lot of disappointed supporters of Bill Comerford. From the sidelines, Comerford has been leading the charge against the administration of longtime Wallingford Mayor Bill Dickinson. He’s developed somewhat of a following because of his regular criticism of the mayor at Town Council meetings. It appeared Comerford would be moving from the sidelines to a position on the Wallingford Housing Authority after the Democratic Town Committee nominated him for the post. Then suddenly on Wednesday he dropped out and offered few specifics, saying that he had a personal issue that he would “rather not talk about.” The only problem is that Comerford has put himself in the public eye for more than a year and naturally there is going to be a lot of speculation about exactly what happened. I’m afraid it also may hurt his credibility if he continues to show up at Town Council meetings and publicly question and criticize the mayor. As one person put it on the forum section of MyRecordJournal: “…he sounds like one of those loud mouths who have all the answers until it becomes their responsibility and they have to answer for it. Wallingford is probably better off.”
I’m not sure I agree that Wallingford is better off. Regardless of how this ended, Comerford made some good points, especially on the self-insurance issue. I didn’t always agree with his presentation, but he did raise important questions and important facts that led the town to move to self insurance. I hope Comerford continues in his role as a watchdog although it may be fore difficult in light of his withdrawal.

Powder Puff tie

No one likes a tie. So I can understand the disappointment over last night’s tie in the Southington/Cheshire powder puff game. These kinds of decisions are not easy, especially when there are no rules to cover the situation. I’m sure the coaches took that into account along with the chilly weather and the reality that after playing four quarters of football it might not have been wise to play another quarter. I’m not defending them, just trying to put myself in their shoes. When I do that, I also consider this decision had to be made quickly before thousands of very partisan fans.
I’ve read some of the comments posted on MyRecordJournal after the game story. Some of them are way over the line. Insulting coaches, players and the town’s they represent is not helpful. It was a hard fought, well-played game. Players, parents, coaches and fans should all be proud.

Pat Melillo died Wednesday at 83

As the years went by, I didn’t hear from Pat Melillo much. As a Wallingford reporter in the mid to late 1980s, I probably saw him at a town meeting or talked to him on the phone once a week. No action by town government seemed to escape him. As I moved from the front lines to the rear guard of the R-J, I kept up with him on the local government access channel. Even though he had no official position, he was my favorite character in the every other week, 3-plus hour, drama known as the Town Council meeting. His unique voice and common sense approach made him stand out. Above all, he was relentless. Most importantly, he cared about his hometown. He was also a Record-Journal watchdog.

Usually when we forget to run something in the R-J, it doesn’t make me happy. But when we left out that small item on town meetings we call “Week Ahead” there was a silver lining. Pat Melillo would notice first thing Monday and call me. Sometimes he’d reach me in person; other times he’d leave me a voicemail. Either way, it pleased me to hear from him. I admired “Mr. Melillo” (When we first met he was about 60 and looked older and I was 22 and looked like a teenager so I couldn’t call him Pat. I continued as a sign of respect). The last time we spoke he was explaining for the umpteenth time how important it was to get the complete meeting schedule in the Monday paper because if we didn’t the residents of Wallingford wouldn’t be able to participate. “Sorry about that Mr. Melillo,” I’d say. “We’ll get it in tomorrow. How have you been?”

A look into the future?

One of the first factors that needs to be considered as Wallingford debates expanding or even moving the police station is the demographic changes that will occur as the baby boomers reach retirement. If trends hold true, Connecticut will look like Florida before the end of the next decade. There will be approximately 2 or 3 seniors for every teen-ager. That should have an influence on police/fire/ambulance calls. There will always be crime and we will always need police. Wallingford is fortunate to have excellent department. But an older population should lead to a decrease in crime. Unfortunately, there will be more calls for heart attacks and other medical emergencies. As the council and mayor consider how much to spend on a new police station, they need to hear from experts on what police and fire departments will look like in 2020 and beyond. One thing to consider is whether career firefighter/paramedics and possibly ambulances should be permanently stationed at all three volunteer fire stations. Statistics show that if a paramedic with the proper equipment can get to you within 5 or 10 minutes, your chances of survival greatly increase. If you are in some parts of Wallingford, this may not be possible with ambulances stationed near the center of town.
The police are using a building that is now around 25 years old. Surely at some point soon it needs to be renovated and expanded. Perhaps it even needs to be moved. But the council would be wise to consider whether this increased need for emergency medical help will require a larger piece of the police/fire spending pie before they double the size of the police station. There are people with more expertise than I that should be heard from. My only intent is to provide some food for thought.

Wallingford paraprofessionals

The union representing the almost 200 paraprofessionals working in the Wallingford school system will be at tonight’s school board meeting in their continuing fight to get health benefits. John Sullivan, my internet radio partner, and I had a chance to interview union president Anne MacDonald Sunday night and learned that the offer headed to arbitration has the union agreeing to pay 50 percent of the cost of benefits in the first year. The union is asking in subsequent years for the percentage to decrease 10 percent until “paras” are paying 20 percent of the cost of insurance. MacDonald estimates it will cost the town about $900,000 the first year. According to MacDonald, there is very little union solidarity on the issue. That’s disappointing. The powerful teacher’s union, which for decades fought for basic rights for workers, apparently doesn’t think these paras deserve vocal support. If you would like to hear more of the interview go to http://sullivanoneonone.com/ and click the AUDIO ON-DEMAND ICON. When the Player appears click on "Paraprofessional.
Check out Tuesday’s Record-Journal for any developments at tonight’s Board of Education meeting.

Animal problems

I read with great interest Tuesday’s page one story on the Wallingford resident who could find any local or state agency to help him with the dead deer found in his condominium complex over the long Columbus Day weekend.
My wife and I spent a several hours on the phone on Labor Day trying to get some help for a live parakeet that landed in my pool area and wouldn’t leave. I called police, the dog warden, public works, the state DEP and several other agencies. We even called neighbors to see if one of them had a parakeet escape. Everyone was sympathetic, but no one could help. Out of desperation my wife called Petco in Wallingford. Andrea, a Petco empoloyee, said that if we could trap the parakeet and bring it to her, she would care for it. We were grateful for the offer, but a little worried about trapping the bird. It turned out to be easier than we thought. A half hour after we spoke to Andrea, the bird was secure in a box in the back of my Toyota Highlander and we were driving to Petco. Andrea came out and took the bird from us. Last I heard it was doing fine. Andrea was a lifesaver. Petco is fortunate to have such caring and dedicated employees.

NFL Favorite Picks - Week 9

Last week I correctly predicted the Ravens would beat the Raiders handily and that the Titans would cover the spread against Colts. The Jets won, but didn’t come close to covering. I’m now 6-3 to date on my favorite picks.
This week, I like the Giants (-8.5) against the Cowboys. There is some extra bad blood between these two division foes. The 'Boys bragged they were the best team in the league last year and apparently never gave the G-Men their due. With the Cowboys in disarray, the Giants are in a position to run it up.
The Titans are 7-0, but I saw some chinks against the Colts. The Packers may be the best 4-3 team in the league. I’ll take the Pack (+5.5). Finally, it appears the Bengals have quit already. The Jaguars need a win. Take the Jags (-7.5).
Check out all the staff NFL picks on page 2 of the Sunday sports section.

Remembering Dan Hunter

Share Your Memories of Dan Hunter

New Sunday comic

Approximately 100 people voted in our poll to select a new Sunday comic. They were asked to rank their top three choices in order. Baby Blues was the overwhelming winner, receiving the most first, second and third place votes. I only became a regular reader when the votes started coming in and have already become a fan of Baby Blues. It will start this Sunday.
Mallard Fillmore received 16 first place votes, compared to 25 for Baby Blues. But the duck received almost no second or third place votes. People seemed to either love or hate Mallard Fillmore. Funky Winkerbean finished second. My personal favorite, Lio, received 10 first place votes but relatively few second and third place votes.
Thanks to everyone who voted. Here is the final tally:
1 Baby Blues (25) – 128
2 Funky Winkerbean (15) – 89
3 Mallard Fillmore (16) – 53
3a Lio (10) – 53
4 Gasoline Alley (6) - 42
5 Baldo (3) – 41
6 Rex Morgan (9) – 37
7 Cathy (2)- 33
(Three points were awarded for first place votes, two points for second place and 1 points for third place.)
()after the comic title contains first place votes

Paraprofessional Health Benefits

If you are following the ongoing battle between the Board of Education and school paraprofessionals over health benefits, check out this week’s edition of the Weekly Wrap Up Show on www.sullivanoneonone.com John Sullivan and I weigh in on the issue and you’ll notice we get a little passionate. Also, check out the blog on the show. Town Councilor Vin Testa takes us to task for getting too emotional and not considering the cost of providing the benefits. I don’t agree, but as always he makes some points worth considering. On the show, we also interview Elizabeth Esty, Democratic candidate for the 103rd district state house seat now held by Al Adinolfi. Just go to www.sullivanoneonone.com and click on ON-Demand Audio. Once the player appears click on the Esty/Para benefits show. Let John and I know what you think.

NFL picks

If you took my advice on the Titans and the Browns last week you won. I was way off on the Cowboys. It’s rare that a 7 point favorite loses by 20. I guess Tony Romo’s finger is not the only problem in Dallas right now. I’ll stay away from the Cowboys for a while. I’m 4-2 to date on my favorite NFL picks feature.

This week I like the Ravens (+7) over the hapless Raiders. Baltimore has too much defense and should get enough offense to cover. I expect Brett Favre to have a big week and take out some of his frustrations on the Chiefs. Take the Jets and the give the 13 points. Finally I think the Titans (-4) will handle the Colts on Monday night. Check out all my picks on page 2 of the Sunday sports section.

Wallingford Mosque

There has been a lot of interest in the Wallingford mosque issue. If you would like to hear John Sulivan and I question Planning and Zoning Commission member Pat Birney on the decision to deny the mosque plan, go to www.sullivanoneonone.com and click on the ON DEMAND audio icon.
During the show, we also interviewed Town Councilor Nick Economopoulos on the council’s decision not to sell the American Legion Building. Listen to the Weekly Wrap Up internet radio show live each Sunday starting at 8 p.m.
Let me know what you think of the interviews with Birney and Eco.

NFL picks

More of my favorites NFL picks. Last week I was 2-1. I was right about the Falcons and Packers, but way off on the Ravens. This week I like the Cowboys, on the road, giving a touchdown to the Rams. Regardless of whether Dallas QB Tony Romo plays, I think the Boys will bounce back strong after embarrassing loss to Arizona. I also like the Titans -9 against the hapless Chiefs. It is a lot of points to give on the road. But with KC RB Larry Johnson sitting out and an unhappy Tony Gonzalez, I expect very little from the Chiefs. My final favorite is the Browns +7 against the Redskins. Expect the Browns to have a strong second half. Check out all my picks and the rest of the staffs’ selections on page 2 of the Sunday sports section.

Pick our new Sunday comic

If you haven’t heard, cartoonist Berkeley Breathed is ending his Opus strip on Sunday, Nov. 2. He is not offering reruns so we have a hole to fill on our Sunday comic page. We have eight strips that run daily, but not Sunday: Gasoline Alley,
Funky Winkerbean, Baldo, Baby Blues, Cathy, Rex Morgan, Mallard Fillmore, Lio (runs in classified pages).
I’d like to hear from readers on their preference to replace Opus. Send me your top three choices in order. You can post them on this blog or send an e-mail to rtomaselli@record-journal.com. We have to make a decision quickly, so Saturday is the deadline.

NFL Picks

One of my favorite things to do here at the R-J is participate in the weekly staff NFL picks that appear on page 2 of the Sunday sports section. Picking every game against the spread is a real challenge. It also gives me a reason to keep tabs on all the NFL game. Finally, I like competing for bragging rights against other staffers. I’ve just completed my picks for this week and will give our online readers a sneak peek at some of my favorites. I really like the Ravens getting 4.5 on the road against the Colts. My other favorite is the Falcons getting 2.5 at home against the Bears. Both the Ravens and the Falcons feature rookie quarterbacks and that usually makes me shy away. But both rookies have played well and have good surrounding casts. I also like the Packers getting 2.5 on the road against the Seahawks. The Packers may be the best 2-3 team in the league. Check out the rest of the staff picks, including the staff consensus, in the Sunday Record-Journal.

Wallingford Ethics Flap

It appears the recent decision by the Wallingford Ethics Board on a complaint filed against the mayor will not disappear. An op-ed piece submitted by Democratic town councilors ran in the R-J last week. In it, they questioned how the ethics board arrived at its decision. I think the councilors made some excellent points. The best way to resolve the issue would be to discuss it at an upcoming coun-cil meeting. The complaint deals with whether a public ordinance was handled properly by the mayor so there is no reason for it not to be discussed publicly. The councilors don’t need an ethics board ruling. They can simply ask questions of the mayor in public session as they do with other town business.

The complaint was the subject of the Weekly Wrap Up radio show I do each week with partner John Sullivan. To hear it simply go to www.sullivanoneonone.com

Yankee Silversmith Memories

Fear of technology at Wallingford Town Hall?

Wallingford Mayor Bill Dickinson’s threat to shut down the town’s web site over a new state law that requires towns to post public meeting minutes online has again raised the issue of how the mayor views technology. There have been some very interesting posts in our Forum section on the topic. I agree that residents should be worried that the mayor’s fear and lack of understanding of technology may be wasting tax dollars. I don’t completely agree with the post by “Prejudice.” The Wallingford Democratic party has made some strides during the past year to offer alternatives to the mayor’s agenda. That said, I’m not sure they will be able to come up with a strong enough candidate to defeat a mayor that will probably run for his 14th term.

If you would like to hear more about the technology issue and the Wallingford Democratic party check out the weekly internet radio show that I do every Sunday with my partner John Sullivan. John and I interview Vin Avallone, chairman of the Wallingford Democratic Town Committee. Simply go to www.sullivanoneonone.com to hear the interview.

Managing Editor's Falcon Field Video Blog

Yankee Silversmith Inn gone - share your memories

It seems strange to drive down Route 5 and not see the Yankee Silversmith Inn. Like a lot of people, I feel a connection to the restaurant. I can remember eating in the dining car as a young child with my grandparents and wondering if it was going to move. When I started at the paper, I covered some nasty labor disputes between Silversmith staff and ownership. My fondest memory is eating there one New Year's Eve more than 10 years ago. It was a last minute decision and I was thrilled when they were able to seat us right away in the upstairs area usually reserved for private functions. I can still remember the candlelight struggling to illuminate the dark wood room. The world-famous popovers were overdone, but still delicious. I bet a lot of folks have some favorite memories of the Inn. Submit them to the blog and I’ll read some during my daily video.

Party for a Cure

The annual “Party for a Cure” on Labor Day weekend has become one of the town’s best known events. This year’s party benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association is Sunday, Aug. 31, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Zandri's Stillwood Inn, Route 5, Wallingford. The buffet is out from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Open bar runs from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. The fun continues until midnight. Along with entertainment, there is a live auction. Tickets are $45. Because Zandri’s donates the food and drink and their employees volunteer their time, every cent goes to MDA. I’ll be attending this year. Please say hello. Call Jim Zandri at 269-6695 for reservations. John Sullivan and I interviewed Jim on Sunday night. To hear the interview go to www.sullivanoneonone.com.

Fall baseball sign up/Weekly wrap up show

In case you hadn’t heard, registration for the very popular Wallingford Panthers fall baseball program is Saturday, July 19, from 10 to noon and Saturday, July 26, same time. Both will be held at the concession stand at Keller Field (Behind Parker Farms School) The Wallingford Panthers web site also says there is a registration on Wednesday, July 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. The program has grown so popular that late registration is very difficult, especially in the younger age group. So make sure you sign up when you are supposed to or you may be out of luck. For more information on the Wallingford Panthers, including forms, google “Wallingford Panthers.”

Also, this weekend don’t forget to check out the Weekly Wrap Up internet radio show on www.sullivanoneonone.com. John Sullivan and I will be interviewing Stamford Mayor and former candidate for governor, Dan Malloy. Check it out. I’m sure we will also find time to discuss some of the news events in Wallingford since last Sunday. If you have favorite story you’d like us to mention, let me know. The show airs at 8 p.m. on Sunday and is repeated around the clock on www.sullivanoneonone.com

Sharpening my point

Let me try to sharpen my point a bit. I was not trying to debate whether there are legitimate zoning issues prompting people to oppose this mosque. I know a lot of people who live in the Leigus Road area and they are some of the finest folks I've met in my time in this town. My instinct is to assume that opponents of this mosque are doing so out of legitimate concerns. But to accuse others who feel differently of only doing so because they live in another section of town is to accuse them of hypocrisy. I don't think that is fair either.
I could see how some might take my point about mosques and churches v. trash plants as inflaming the issue. It was not my intent. I just was trying to point out that even if you oppose the mosque you have to admit there are worse things that could end up in your neighorhood.
As far as the Record-Journal being sensational. Please be more specific. We publish every day of the year, except Christmas. Please point out the specific sensational content you object to and I'll be happy to address.
I realize mosque opponents feel as though some have unfairly labeled them with a broad brush. It doesn't help to do the same thing to those who disagree or the local newspaper.

An "other side" perspective on the Wallingford mosque controversy

Craig Fishbein, a Wallingford attorney leading opposition to a mosque near his neighborhood, has done a good job of sticking to the facts and making his case. But he may want to rethink this sentence from an op-ed piece he wrote in June that was also repeated in a front page story this past Sunday : “It is very easy to sit on the other side of town and point a finger claiming ‘prejudice’ when you won’t be affected by the traffic and parking.”

I’ve talked to people from the “other side” who feel strongly that this is an issue of religious freedom and tolerance. Like me, they have churches in their neighborhoods and wouldn’t mind of having a mosque.

As someone who has covered and lived in town for more than 20 years, I also think it is interesting what the “newer” section of town considers potentially harmful development. Those of us who live closer to downtown and Route 5 have had to put up with a lot more than houses of worship. For decades, many have complained about the trash plant, sewage plant, landfill and Cytec all being located nearby. At one point, there was a serious concern about cancer clusters. I think I speak for a lot of “other side” residents when I say we would welcome mosques and gladly move the landfill, trash and chemical plants over to the eastern portion of Route 68. Let me know what you think.

Skateboard park at Garden Road?

I’m intrigued about possibly having a skateboard park on the town-owned parcel known as Garden Road, just east of where Quinnipiac Street meets the Quinnipiac River. As some of you remember, houses were built on the property and then the town was forced to buy it back because of flooding. It would be nice to see a municipal mistake finally be put to good use. Do you like the idea? Do you have other locations you would prefer? Or maybe you are against a skateboard park altogether? Let me know what you think. Record-Journal coverage

Friday Page One Story on North Elm Street and Choate

As someone who drives North Elm Street in Wallingford regularly, I thought the suggestion that Choate hire a crosswalk monitor was an excellent one. The public schools all use crossing guards. I’m surprised no one thought of it sooner. Regardless, motorists need to give way to crossing students. No one is in such a rush that they should endanger any pedestrian in a crosswalk. The problem is that during rush hour some drivers are in such a hurry they lose patience. Let me know what you think should be done to improve the situation.

Ethics Committee - Wallingford

The Town Council discussion on the Board of Ethics this Tuesday night should be interesting. Two local residents who speak regularly during council meetings oppose the re-appointment of Laurie Manke, a longtime supporter of Mayor Bill Dickinson. My internet radio partner John Sullivan and I interviewed Wes Lubee and Bill Comerford Sunday. You can hear a replay of the show at www.sullivanoneonone.com. I’d be curious to hear from Manke supporters and others who oppose the nomination. Should someone who has worked on the mayor’s campaign serve as chairman of a committee that may have to make decisions about elected officials? Let me know what you think.

Wallingford Mosque

I thought the page one Sunday story on a proposal to build a mosque off Route 68 in Wallingford did a nice job of explaining the issues involved. One important part of the story is traffic concerns. Over the past decade, Route 68 has become one of the most dangerous arteries in town. I live on the opposite end of Wallingford, but drive Route 68 a couple of times a week and am increasingly worried about safety. I also don’t think the newspaper can ignore some people’s uneasiness over the Muslim faith. Most of the comments I’ve heard from people who have followed the story in the newspaper center on traffic and concerns that if this was a Catholic or Protestant Church, the opposition would not be as strong. It is not the newsroom’s role to take sides, merely present all the issues and arguments. I’d be interested in hearing from readers about how the story is being handled and whether there are other issues we need to pursue.

Howard Stern photo/Voting in online poll

I wanted to mention two issues that have come up over the past couple of days.

First, Friday's front page photo of the Southington teacher who resigned after an appearance on the Howard Stern show. If you have seen the photo on the internet, you know that we decided to crop it just below her navel because her bikini bottoms she was wearing were a little skimpier than any we have shown on the news pages of the Record-Journal. One could make an argument that what she was wearing on the show was relevant to whether she should continue teaching second grade and we should have showed the entire photo. On the other hand, we are putting out a family newspaper and don't want to push the boundaries of good taste. Let me know if you think we made the right decision.

Also, a woman phoned me earlier this week about an online poll that we ran on whether the Meriden mayor should veto the budget. The poll results, which ran on page one, were heavily in favor of a veto and adding money to the school board budget. Her point was that many seniors felt differently but can't vote in the poll because they lack access or don't know how to us a computer. I'm not sure that is the case. What do you think about the fairness of this poll and others the R-J has run?

Blue Trails Range

We are continuing to follow the story of Wallingford's Blue Trail Range and nearby homeowners who say stray bullets from the shooting range are striking their homes and landing in their yards. The story pits a longtime business and landowner against homeowners. The rights of gun owners is also a factor in the story. If you have any first hand accounts of what is going in the area of the range and the homes or any feedback on our coverage, please let me know.

Daffodil Festival Coverage

I thought the Record-Journal and MyRecordJournal staffs did an excellent job covering Meriden's Daffodil Festival. If you have any suggestions about covering next year's festival let me know. I've already asked that we look into doing a video broadcast of the entire festival parade. What do you think?

Self Insurance - Town of Wallingford

Wallingford Mayor Bill Dickinson's announcement that the town would move to a self-insurance system has certainly generated a lot of discussion and debate. I think the move has some merit, but is difficult to judge until we learn more about the risk involved and the possibility of saving money. I also think details on how the plan is administered need to be worked out, including how the town pays Anthem.

Kudos to Councilor Vincent Testa and other citizens for pushing Mayor Dickinson to study self-insurance more seriously.

As some of you may know, I do an internet radio show every Sunday with partner John Sullivan. We spent nearly two hours discussing the topic and were joined by Councilor Testa, former Mayoral Candidate Lucille Trzcinski and citizen activist Bill Comerford. You can hear the show at www.sullivanoneonone.com.

Welcome

If you have a question or comment about my daily video or news coverage please post them on this blog. I'll answer as many as as I can and possibly read some during my daily video.