Woodstock CT Café

from Con

Too many Americans, when speaking about the poor engage this unique pattern of haughty superiority – they feel entitled to pass judgment on how they live, what they choose to buy (while saying how they love un-compromised Liberty) etc., “It’s my money they are spending on Lottery tickets!” is the cry. It’s often coupled with Romney’s attitude, taking his remark IN context, that current programs are absolutely adequate to live well and adequate to the task of not only keeping them treading water, but actually able to seize all the vast opportunities out there ‘if only they weren’t so lazy’ (another value judgment made only about the poor).

‘Just get out there and get a job!’ – there are 14 motivated, qualified candidates for every 3 jobs right now. No matter how you slice it, no matter that some can and do ‘pull themselves up by their bootstraps’ it is a mathematical certainty that some will not be able to do that.

Romney said he isn’t concerned because the current ‘Safety Net’ is adequate. This is the perception of those who don’t have to rely on it. Romney plans to cut those programs, yet he also said ‘and if the Safety Net is broken, I will fix it’ – that simple, huh! Wow, all of the problems of the poor can be summed up like that (and he will have no problem ‘fixing’ the so-called Safety Net can be achieve while at the same time slashing their budget?).

How many honest, motivated people do you know that live in Poverty. There are plenty of them, yet I have not heard them – those who absolutely know best, walk the walk, do not take advantage and are honest, decent people – I’ve never heard any of them deem it their prerogative to make value judgements about their fellow Americans, deciding what they do and do not deserve. How is it anyone’s business to pass judgment on the poor? Read the rest of this entry »

from Dean

Yes Romney was misquoted, just like Obama was misquoted by Romney a month or two ago when Obama was paraphrasing a Republican position when he was running for election.

Loadstar, if you think that making $46K is fine, you obviously havent lived there, more than 20 years ago, my household was making $46K and it sucked. And we didnt spend money on anything that wasnt necessary.

Also, we’ll see how the election will play out. In 2004 we had an unpopular ineffective president with two failing wars. The Democrats ran a second tier candidate (Kerry) just like the Republicans will run one now thinking that they were just going to push the president over. I expect the results will be the same. If Romney cant mobilize his base against extraordinarily weak competition (Gingrich, Perry, Cain, Santorum and Bachman) he is toast.

One last thought on Romney, the guy strikes me as nothing special, that if his father wasnt rich, he would just be another guy in an office building. He is a weak debater and a weak public speaker for the position that he is aiming for. He has been lucky that one of the top tier Republicans (who we so desperately needed) did not run. They are all looking at 2016.

from LibDem

While the banter between liberals and conservatives in this website is at times interesting and enjoyable, we must begin to recognize that these divisions are obsolete and meaningless. We need to recognize that both political parties are beholden to armies or corporate lobbyists who write the legislation while corporate media controls what we read, watch, and hear. It has imposed on us a relative uniformity of opinion that pits us against each other, while the real elephant in the kitchen is hidden away- cleaning out our refrigerator. The old arguments refer conservatives back to nazi fascism and the liberals back to soviet communism. In these totalitarian states, economics were subordinate to politics. Today, in America, we have a different kind of totalitarianism where economics control politics. Prominent political philosopher Sheldon Wolin refers to this in his newest book Democracy Inc. as a “Reverse Totalitarianism”. This inverse totalitarianism is created by our military-industrial-corporate structure that essentially has bought our government and are beginning to subvert our democratic values while pretending to cherish democracy, patriotism, and the Constitution. President Obama and all other politicians are just street punks who are puppets to the real powers that be who pull the strings. When we go after politicians and play into the old tiresome rhetoric between liberalism and conservatism, we are fighting the wrong battle.

But have at it gentlemen, I suppose its better than the majority of Americans who are subdued by the spectacles and diversions of our corporate entertainment industry. I used to say that religion is the opiate of the people, but now I find myself saying that football is the opiate of the people. Ah, and isn’t it just priceless that Woodstock Academy just spent a fortune for new football fields. Its just what our students need to succeed in this world-more football, more diversion, more tools to keep our future generations politically passive while the corporate elite quietly but steadily widdle away at our freedoms, our finances, our resources, and our environment. The progressives,the socialists, and the intellectuals have been predicting this for many many years while the corporate propaganda machine successfully marginalized them, making real debate nearly impossible. Read the rest of this entry »

from John

Just a few thoughts:

• The Right-wing conservatives and the Tea Party element which has a religiosity component has so alienated the electorate that Mit Romney will skate to the nomination.
• I don’t know in which of these groups Newt Gingrich fits but he doesn’t fit in his clothes and his Bain Capital stance will destroy this issue for Obama and strengthen Romney.
• Santorum and Perry have pursuaded everyone who has listened to what they have said that they are not viable candidates.
• Ron Paul is endearing but too old and fundamentally unelectable.
• Bachman and Palin have disqualified themselves because of their stupidity – a nationwide insult to women.
• Cain is an example of what can go wrong in Republican politics – Pizza anyone.
• Cantor will loose favor after the election.
• The sour cream has risen to the top.

The national Republican Party will have great difficulty recovering from this indelible campaign in 2016. Enter Hillary and the rotund Christie.

Let’s face it! Nine months from now there will be only two true candidates for the Presidency. Right now there are seemingly three viable Republican candidates – McCain, Romney, and Huckabee – and three viable Democrat candidates – Clinton, Obama, and Edwards. Whoever is elected as the next President of the United States will likely win because of votes from the opposite party and by swaying a significant majority of independent voters, more so than in past elections. This is likely because the positions of the two finalists will be easily distinguished in a divided and polarized country. In the last 5 Presidential elections the candidates were distinguished more by their personalities and later differentiated as Presidents by their personality flaws.

In November we will get a President who is totally different from Presidents of the past 20 years even though we have no choice but to select from only two … and what a refreshing thought. I have the same feeling about our new leadership in Woodstock. I suspect and hope that Allan Walker will gain the respect of all citizens of the Town without regard to party as he moves forward. I sense no subterfuge for the first time in our 12 years in Woodstock. By demonstrating fairness to all, rational support for our schools, and protection of our town infrastructure, Allan should be able to hold office for many years. Hopefully, this is his mission as well.

Months ago, someone with anti-old guard sentiments pointed out that Mr. Walker had been laid off from his previous job and suggested that this reflected badly on him. From the perspective of having weathered 42 years of continuous employment, I would be the first to say that Woodstock was fortunate to have Mr. Walker available. The electorate chose the right person from the three vying for the position … hands down. Read the rest of this entry »

“Is Margaret Wholean abdicating her role as First Selectman to Delpha Very? “

In the January 6th issue (2006) of the Woodstock Villager there is an article on page 6 about Woodstock receiving a small cities bloc(k) grant for “as much as $700,000″ to pay for renovation of the New Roxbury Village, a senior housing complex of 24 apartments on Butts Road in South Woodstock. It was a very, very positive article about the accomplishment of Delpha Very in securing this grant for the town. These grants are routinely available for towns that apply for them – so securing grants where available should be at the top of the list on the First Selectman’s job description or that of the First Selectman’s Executive Assistant.

I am curious as to who actually filled out the application for the grant. I once filled out a community educational grant application. It may have taken me all of 2 hours to put the application together and I was very, very surprised when I received the grant awarded by the federal government. Ernie Wetzel also secured income for the town of Woodstock by recruiting a cell phone tower but during Ernie’s tenure, use of the tower and its income was blocked by the Board of Finance until Delpha took office and, albeit, credit for the new found income.

I am left wondering, however, what the actual amount of the grant is as the Villager article said “could receive as much as $700,000″ without further explanation. The article states that the cost for the upgrade of New Roxbury Village is estimated to cost $646,000 and there is the added cost of the designer’s services and the fact that the Town under Very has hired RFQ, a community consultant, to facilitate the grant process. Why isn’t Very administering the grant with the same savvy that she used to obtain the grant? Does this mean that there might be a short fall if Woodstock does not receive “as much as $700,000″ from the grant?

Much was made of the size of the Roxbury apartments the largest of which is 400 square feet. I lived for 4 years in an apartment that was 6 by 10 feet with four closets- one for the toilet, one for the frig, one for my clothes and one for the sink and shower which added up to about 117 square feet – so I question the statement, Delpha’s quote, “putting your lifelong belongings (in) is very, very difficult. But, what do you expect for “$90 a month” rent? Read the rest of this entry »

CPWF Forum introduction by Lindsay Paul

Bill Sowka introduces each candidate.

Use this icon to get full screen video

Introductory statement by Democratic BOE Candidate John Dlugosz

Introductory statement by Democratic BOE Candidate Cliff Davis

Introductory statement by Democratic PZC Candidate Earl Brazeal

Introductory statement by Republican PZC Candidate and Chairman Jeff Gordon

People are having difficulty with this link which I used successfully this morning and tonight. Has anyone else used it successfully? It’s interesting to listen to. John

CPWF Forum Audio – CPWFforumNov072011.mp3 Click to open and then click on the mp3 download button at upper right.

Introduced by Lindsay Paul and moderated by Bill Sowka.

This is the audio from the CPWF-sponsored Candidates Forum held on Monday Night, the night before election day featuring Jeff Gordon, Earl Brazeal, John Dlugosz, and Cliff Davis left to right pictures.

The voting percentage was only 26%.

Hi Kevin, Welcome from Colorado. Be safe and hurry back.

The voting should be posted at about 8:30 PM

Candidates (Incubants underlined)

First Selectman, Allan Walker (R) SEATED – 1069

Selectman, Mitch Eaffy (D) SEATED – 506

Selectman, Chan Paquette (R) SEATED – 762

Clerk, Judy Walberg (R) SEATED – 1107

Treasurer, Barbara Rich (R) SEATED – 1067

Tax Collector, Linda Bernardi (R) SEATED – 1100

Board of Finance (both)

1.   Fred Chmura (D) SEATED – 646

2.   Dave Hosmer (R) SEATED – 911

Board of Education (seat three, vote for two)

1.   John Dlugosz (D) – 553

2.   Cliff Davis (D) – 628 – SEATED

3.   Mike Bernardi (R) – 800 – SEATED

4.   Hans Frankhouser (R) – 621 – SEATED

Board of Assessment and Appeals

1.   Rebecca Hyde (D) – 494

2.   Nancy Nystrom (R) – 791

Planning & Zoning Commission (vote for 5, seat 5)

1.   Earl Brazeal (D) – 614

2.   John Anastasi (R) – 806 – SEATED

3.   Fred Rich (R) – 953 – SEATED

4.   Dotty Durst (R) – 999 – SEATED

5.   Dexter Young (R) – 972 – SEATED

6.   Jeff Gordon (R) – 1051 – SEATED

P&Z Alternate

1.   Travis Sirrine (R) SEATED – 994

Economic Development Commission – term begins 2011

1.   Ed Higgins (R) SEATED – 1067

Economic Development Commission – term begins 2012

      1. Karen Carr (R) SEATED – 984

Although the turnout was light, this forum was a success because the two candidates for the BOE Cliff Davis and John Dlugosz and the two candidates for PZC Earl Brazeal and Jeff Gordon spoke eliquently and forcefully to a small crowd composed of leadership and representatives of the DTC and the RTC, and citizens of Woodstock. The reception of each candidate was cordial and respectfull. Lindsay Paul did a classy job of introducting the mission of CPWF to the crowd, and Bill Sowka held the crowd at bay as the event moderator – maybe Bill will do Miss America next . We look forward to many non-partisan events like this in the future.

The entire session was recorded. We will eventually post excerpts of each of the candidates’ statements post election, win or lose.

As usual, the Cafe will be the first to post the voting results in Woodstock between 8:15 and 8:30 PM Tuesday night. Stay tuned.

The Monday Night Forum is recommended by the Democratic Town Committee.
Featuring Jeff Gordon, Earl Brazeal, John Dlugosz, and Cliff Davis left to right.

Join us to meet the candidates and experience the fireworks – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. All are welcome. CPWF

from John

This post represents my personal opinions and in no way should it be considered that I am speaking on behalf of any PAC or political party … in any way.

Yesterday two RTC bullies communicated to the town clerk’s office their dissatisfaction with CPWF because of the SEEC form 1 signed by Jeff Gordon. What this form actually says requires some legal interpretation. So I won’t waste your time quoting from it. Based on the RTC’s campaign poster, apparently they think they own Woodstock’s future.

These two apparently don’t like the support that the PAC known as “Community Partners for Woodstock’s Future” or “CPWF” is giving Jeff Gordon who is running for re-election to the Planning and Zoning Commission. In fact, Jeff is the Chairman of PZC and has been doing a terrific job with this commission. Because of his tireless effort on PZC, he deserves town-wide support and unanimous re-election.

It is my understanding that a PAC can support any candidate it wants with or without that candidate’s consent. None of the candidates supported by this PAC are members of the PAC or are receiving donations from the PAC.

I don’t know if a complaint has been filed with the SEEC but it looks like I will be having my bi-annual meeting with an SEEC attorney.

Two years ago, CPWF supported three candidates – two Republicans and one a Democrat. All were elected and no stink was raised even though the SEEC attorney knew about CPWF. During that last campaign a complaint was filed with the SEEC that had NO MERIT by two other bullies. So in Woodstock, if you don’t play by the bullies’ rules you will find yourself in a heep of hot water, not to mention the manure raining down. In Woodstock, forget freedom of speech and the democratic process, and do what the bullies want.

The following is my summary of what other Woodstockers have said:

‘I am surprised that they would make this an issue. It seems that fairness, objectivity, and a proclivity to hear all voices are not traits that Bernardi/Young value on PZC. Didn’t Durst write in support of Jeff? … It does not look good for Bernardi to be working at cross purposes to a PAC which has kept it’s nose clean, been 100% open about its intentions and purposes, and worked hard to get more information to the public in a bi-partisan basis.’

‘The Chair of the Republican Town Committee of Woodstock called the WINY morning talk show to voice disapproval that Woodstock Historical Society “Meet the Candidates” event only included one Republican. WINY was called to clarify that CPWF was presenting the event at Palmer Memorial Hall. It is silly not to use the space as intended in 1914.’

‘This is a candidates’ forum sponsored by a bi-partisan political PAC called “CPWF” and this group is renting the hall for the event. Renting the hall at the WHS is available to any group.’

‘Really rather sad that the Republicans, or Democrats for that matter, couldn’t be bothered to host a forum/debate, yet critique those who put the time and energy into getting this event together.’

‘…thanks for putting CPWF’s red signs up along with the RTC signs. You may get a call from Dexter or Mike, or find a horse’s head in your bed.’

‘…this is an attempt to silence CPWF and deter the candidates from associating with this PAC.’

PS: I will still support Linda for Tax collector. She is doing a very good job in this taxing role for the town… but maybe I can’t say this.

We are trying to re-schedule this before next Tuesday. CPWF

Vote to re-elect Jeffrey Gordon, Chair of the Woodstock Planning and Zoning Commission.  It is a difficult job and he does it well.  Chair of any commission in a small community is complicated.  Chair of P&Z, whose primary  objective is “to manage the development in a responsible manner in order to protect the public health and safety of the town’s citizens, as well as the environment, natural resources and character of the Town, and to further the goals of the Woodstock Plan of Conservation and Development” is challenging.  The position requires good leadership skills, attention to immediate detail while simultaneously keeping an eye on long-term goals, diplomacy, a thorough understanding of regulations and community, and a commitment to the mission of the commission.  Jeff Gordon has demonstrated these qualities repeatedly during his four years of service.  He understands and articulates the challenges facing Woodstock and is aware of the critical nature of decisions and actions at this time in our growth.  His articles in the Villager and online are excellent examples of his work to educate Woodstock’s residents about the work of the P&Z and to encourage involvement.  We are well served by Jeffrey Gordon. 

Gail White, Woodstock