Well it's not quite over just yet. A Saturday recount of electronic machines which are not supposed to fail should deliver the "change" that East Haveners sought last night. If all goes the way of Joe Maturo he will be back as East Haven's Mayor. Is this the change we really needed? Only Joe Maturo can answer that question and a lot is going to depend on the person himself. Joe should be proud of himself for accomplishing what I thought he couldn't do and reclaim the office of Mayor. Now like in 2007 when April Capone took office is his time to shine but it's going to take a lot of hard work and no politics to fix many of East Haven's problems. Immediately I see three things changing for the better.
1) The East Haven Police Department. Since the day April Capone rose her hand and took office she declared war on Chief Len Gallo. She was waiting and waiting and finally took her shot and placed him on paid Administrative Leave. This situation has been going on for over 19 months and by Thanksgiving I expect that Joe Maturo will return Chief Gallo and the EHPD can begin to heal the deep wounds that April Capone caused.
2) Economic Development. There is no doubt that Joe Maturo's election will send a positive ripple effect throughout the business community. April Capone's policies were a COMPLETE failure. This thread showed, April was asleep at the wheel and had over 78 vacant store fronts. Joe Maturo's Administration brought in Home Depot, Car Max and several other businesses and they will not make idiotic statements like April did in saying giving tax incentives to come to East Haven was a mistake.
3) East Haven's Image. From the moment April took office there were a slew of media and cameras everywhere and the Theatre major was in love with seeing herself all over the news. Press conferences, photo ops and every waking moment trying to give herself stature was in itself repulsive and not what this Town needed. East Haven is not Hartford, Bridgeport or New Haven. We are a working class Town of people who don't want their Town all over the news. We don't like the fame, the negative press and most of all our Mayor trying to make a name for themselves. I certainly look forward to the destruction of the mobile podium and restoring East Haven back to it's humble roots.
Many people have asked me personally if I supported Joe and what will happen to the Vine if he should win. The answer is no I did not and the East Haven Vine is going nowhere. If anything the East Haven Vine has exposed many things that were happening in Town Hall and a Joe Maturo Administration will face the same scrutiny. While this is not official until Saturday it seems the people of East Haven have spoken and finally the Queen is leaving the throne. AMEN!
Stay Tuned
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Let see what Joe Maturo is made of. Can he really commit to REAL CHANGE and bring East Haven back from the Brink?
So this week my emails have been burning up with people telling me that I need to come around for the cause. "You've got to support Joe because anything is better than April Capone." Yeah Yeah Yeah. I'm sorry, even though I was born and raised in New York and spent most of my adult life in East Haven I still have the Missouri attitude of "Show Me".
So let’s give Joe the chance to show what he's going to do differently than our current disaster of a Mayor. I'd like to see exactly why this resident and taxpayer should change their stance and throw support behind Joe Maturo.
Here are some of the most important campaign issues that the people of East Haven have raised to me.
- Economic Development. What are Joe Maturo's ideas and plans to right the ship and make the Town of East Haven a thriving force? Hint, we don't want to hear, "When Joe was Mayor, things were great. That was then this is now. It's obvious that Capone's idea is to hire a Part Time inexperienced novice to handle this important position. We need to know the plan, the timeline and expectations.
- Police Department. Both April and Joe have done their fair share of wrecking our Police Department. However, to be fair April has done the most. What will Joe Maturo do to solve this problem and if he does prevail as Mayor? Will Maturo make a promise and commitment to a non-retaliatory policy for those remaining Police personnel that helped force him from office in 2007? It seems that our PD is the emotional trigger point for both Mayors and they just can't help themselves from trying to run the Department. Will a Joe Maturo Administration restore the DARE program, School Resource Officer, DUI Checkpoints on Main Street and a Community Officer to the Shore? Will a Maturo Administration make the commitment to uphold the law and process illegal aliens that use our resources and drain our tax base? Simply put will a Maturo Administration come out publically and say "I support the East Haven Police Department and will commit to bring stability and pride back!"
- Charter Revision. Both Capone and Maturo have promised Charter revision but neither have ever lifted a finger to update our Charter. Is a Joe Maturo Administration committed to ending nepotism, corruption and make the Tax Payer first? John Finkle was committed to instituting major and drastic changes where all Town Employees would have to disclose any relationship with any vendors that do business with the Town of East Haven. Finkle was also committed to creating a civilian review board to review all non-civil service positions to make sure that political appointments and favors would stop. Our Public Works Department and key positions in Town Hall are plagued with this nepotism problem. Ralph Mauro, the Mayor's Deputy Assistant, has hired many family members for example and Mayor Capone could care less.
- Taxes. What will a Joe Maturo Administration do to reverse the 17% tax increase April Capone laid on us after she said if you elect John Finkle he'll raise your taxes? What is Maturo's plan to reel in the deficit this Town is running? What is Maturo's plan to put the brakes on excessive bonding while still making sure the infrastructure remains intact? What type of tax policies will Maturo institute to mend this dysfunctional finance department?
- Change. Are the people of East Haven going to see a different Joe Maturo on the campaign trail and then the switch back to 2007 Joe? Will Joe Maturo commit REAL change by making the commitment that he will not hire any former employees back into positions and that all of the positions will follow the guidelines of Charter Revision? I do know one thing that there was over 4000 people in 2007 that said Joe's games were enough and it's time to leave. To reverse that and show people that you're serious about change is a daunting task that Joe really hasn't really shown yet in this campaign.
These 5 topics are a good start for me and those who supported REAL change and would demonstrate that the Old Joe Maturo would not resurface. It's very simple Joe, demonstrate you're a different person and make us believe that you are committed to REAL CHANGE and maybe you could help move the needle in your favor. We will be eagerly awaiting a response to see if you really represent the people of East Haven.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Either with Maturo or Capone the Taxpayers are the real losers
I decided to not to publicize any article until I positively knew the outcome of whether Joe Maturo would secure the Republican nomination after John Finkle decided not to continue his bid to become East Haven's next Mayor. I also thought it would be best not to inject any politics during Hurricane Irene which many of my fellow District 2 members lost everything they had. But with anything it's time to get back into the circle.
After Joe Maturo held his breath, pouted and turned a shade blue he finally got what he wanted but not by any choice of the Town Committee. At the July Republican Town Committee Joe Maturo was defeated by John Finkle 38-22 and instead of having the courage of continuing his case by having a primary Joe decided to bolt the Republican Party to form the "Better Government Party." That in itself is a bigger joke than him returning to the political circles. Whenever Joe Maturo is involved with anything political there in nothing good about it. The residents of East Haven will turn back the clock and just see different faces but the same ole motto of arogance, vendetta and smug politics.
I usually have some type of solution to offer but in this one we have two candidates that are not worthy of any votes and for the first time ever I think I am going to write in a name on a ballot and that will be John Finkle. It's a protest against Joe Maturo for him spiltting the Republican Party and for the possibility of another term of Capone.
It's truly sad that the people of East Haven really don't get the change they deserve but maybe with an organzied effort and plenty of ink John Finkle could make a difference as the people get their voices heard.
After Joe Maturo held his breath, pouted and turned a shade blue he finally got what he wanted but not by any choice of the Town Committee. At the July Republican Town Committee Joe Maturo was defeated by John Finkle 38-22 and instead of having the courage of continuing his case by having a primary Joe decided to bolt the Republican Party to form the "Better Government Party." That in itself is a bigger joke than him returning to the political circles. Whenever Joe Maturo is involved with anything political there in nothing good about it. The residents of East Haven will turn back the clock and just see different faces but the same ole motto of arogance, vendetta and smug politics.
I usually have some type of solution to offer but in this one we have two candidates that are not worthy of any votes and for the first time ever I think I am going to write in a name on a ballot and that will be John Finkle. It's a protest against Joe Maturo for him spiltting the Republican Party and for the possibility of another term of Capone.
It's truly sad that the people of East Haven really don't get the change they deserve but maybe with an organzied effort and plenty of ink John Finkle could make a difference as the people get their voices heard.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Is Capone and Ruocco serious? Capone's answer to Economic Development in East Haven...2 years 11 months
When rumors were circulating around Town that James Krebs was up for the job of Economic Development one could argue that while Mr. Krebs is an older gentleman he certainly has the Education being a graduate of Wharton School of Business. In addiiton of Jim's years of knowing just about everyone in Town to help foster deals to improve East Haven's Economic Development. But when I read that the Town of East Haven hired a 25 year old for the position I said, well he's got to be a Yalie, with an Economics Degree or something to that equivalent. Someone with pure brilliance that will help fill the 78 vacant store fronts this Administration has left us.
But he's not a Yale graduate, he's not a Wharton graduate, he's a Graduate Student from Southern Connecticut State University with just 2 years and 11 months experience in the work place and not one day of Economic Development experience. capone is at it again! Hiring people who just have no business of being in the positions they hold. The East Haven Vine has found his resume and you can look for yourself.
This is directly from LinkedIn. For those who don't know what LinkedIn is it's a place where business professionals create their own profiles to market themselves in the business world.
Mayor April....Are you really seriously thinking this is the answer to our problems? Alex seems like a very nice kid but he has ZERO experience and you're setting him up for failure.
I apologize for the cut and paste of LinkedIn it doesn't covert well to Blogger.
Good luck Alex. You're going to need it.
Alexander Sulpasso's Summary
But he's not a Yale graduate, he's not a Wharton graduate, he's a Graduate Student from Southern Connecticut State University with just 2 years and 11 months experience in the work place and not one day of Economic Development experience. capone is at it again! Hiring people who just have no business of being in the positions they hold. The East Haven Vine has found his resume and you can look for yourself.
This is directly from LinkedIn. For those who don't know what LinkedIn is it's a place where business professionals create their own profiles to market themselves in the business world.
Mayor April....Are you really seriously thinking this is the answer to our problems? Alex seems like a very nice kid but he has ZERO experience and you're setting him up for failure.
I apologize for the cut and paste of LinkedIn it doesn't covert well to Blogger.
Good luck Alex. You're going to need it.
Alexander Sulpasso
Housing Market Valuation Analyst at Platinum Associates Investments and Real-estate
Housing Market Valuation Analyst at Platinum Associates Investments and Real-estate
Location Greater New York City Area
Industry Government Administration
Alexander Sulpasso's Overview
Current
Current
· Housing Market Valuation Analyst at Platinum Associates Investments and Real-estate
Past
· Intern at National Governors Association
· Research Assistant at Public Agenda
· District Manager at New Haven Register
Education
· Southern Connecticut State University
· Southern Connecticut State University
Connections
5 connections
I have always been able to handle a demanding schedule. I have excellent time management skills and am highly energergetic. My experience in multiple management positions developed my exceptional organization skills. I am very driven and am self motivated. I can be trusted to do the work without supervision. More importantly, I have great interpersonal skills and enjoy working in a team atmosphere. I think logistically and am always willing to learn, take advice, and then implement a plan of action. From my work experience and educational background, I have a well developed “common sense” factor and can think quickly.
The overall goal is to find meaningful employment in government, a nonprofit organization, or mission driven public sector position.
The overall goal is to find meaningful employment in government, a nonprofit organization, or mission driven public sector position.
Specialties
I have excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint (electronic filing system) and can quickly learn any computer program. Most importantly I have excellent analytical skills and am extremely detailed oriented. And have exercised both my analytical skills and thoroughness in research projects, data management, and editing/revising finance reports.
Alexander Sulpasso's Experience
Housing Market Valuation Analyst
Platinum Associates Investments and Real-estate
Real Estate industry
May 2010 – Present (1 year 4 months)
As a Valuation Analyst, on a daily basis, I analyze real estate market data to establish the fair market value of properties under foreclosure. After analyzing data, I compile detailed reports to present with the valuation findings.
Intern
Nonprofit; Public Policy industry
January 2010 – May 2010 (5 months)
Primarily on a daily basis I assisted in the day to day operations of the Office of Management Consulting and Training (OMCT). OMCT is the department within NGA responsible for training governors and governor staff. Assist the director of OMCT in contacting and maintaining relationships between NGA and current governors, former governors, and governor staff.
Research Assistant
Nonprofit; Public Policy industry
January 2010 – May 2010 (5 months)
I coordinated events and assembled research with Public Agenda of Public Education Network a non-profit bipartisan organization which expresses educational needs with the 50 states. The events coordination included drafting invitation language, establishing a venue, receiving questions, answering questions, updating documents, and explaining complex issue such as the national debt numbers and how the national debt affects the educational development of the American public. The research, for Public Agenda, primarily focused on affects on the national debt and included sources such as, Congressional legislation, State Budget reports, Congressional Budget Office data, Office of Budget Management, Internal Revues Service, and many others.
District Manager
Public Company; Newspapers industry
September 2008 – April 2009 (8 months)
Manage the daily operation of newspaper distribution demands for the East Haven, Hamden and Wallingford area. Also, Compile detailed expenses reports, employee time sheets, and customer relations. Most importantly, supervise, hire, and train a staff of 13+ independent contractors and ensure accurate deliveries.
Alexander Sulpasso's Education
Southern Connecticut State University
Masters of Science, Public Policy and Admin
2010 – 2012 (expected)
3.8 of 4.0 GPA
Southern Connecticut State University
2005 – 2010
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
East Haven, it's plain and simple. A vote for Joe Maturo is a vote for April.
So is there a deal out there between Joe Maturo and April Capone? One would think so because it seems that these 2007 foes are in agreement on one thing, neither one of these two wants John Finkle to be Mayor of the Town of East Haven.
What would either one gain by giving a nod and a wink to each other? Well they could be mutually beneficial to each other for personal gain. It's obvious that April Capone loves being the Mayor of East Haven and in a one to one battle for the seat against John Finkle she is a loser. However, with Joe Maturo entering the race on the 3rd line April could pull out a victory with Maturo pulling away votes from both and gives enough to April to prevail.
What could be the reason why? Why would Joe Maturo want to do this? What's in it for Joe? Well maybe it's all in the family. Not many people know that Joe's oldest daughter still works for the Town of East Haven and has not faced the wrath of other politically appointed personal. When April came to office the attack was on any supporter of Joe Maturo. Sarah Morill, for example, was forced from her position as Community Development Coordinator. At the time Sarah was the Republican Chairperson from the Town of Hamden. There were others that had no union protection that were forced out, all except Joe's daughter who I believe is now in a secured union position.
Now what I am saying might be a reach, but could be the reason why Joe could make a deal. We also know that Joe Maturo has no love loss for John Finkle. Simply put Joe Maturo could simply not want John Finkle to be Mayor out of spite. Therefore, by running, could jeopardize John Fnkle's chances and be the ultimate payback for the well-known vindictive former Mayor.
One question though should be asked. If Joe Maturo was so confident that he would beat John Finkle in a Republican Primary why would he not want to face him? Could it be that Joe Maturo's knows that head to head against John Finkle he is a loser? Let’s think about this in perspective. In 2007 over 4,000 people said NO to Joe Maturo and fired him. He lost by just 25 votes. In 2009, John Finkle had over 4,000 votes. What makes anyone think that people have changed their minds in either way? To me it seems that the real loser is Joe Maturo because in a three way race, he of anyone has to show that what happened in 2007 was just a mistake. I seriously doubt people think it was a mistake.
Many of the big issues on why Joe was fired as Mayor was because he acted like a playboy, was arrogant and thought he was untouchable. He took advantage of the Office of Mayor by taking 10 weeks of vacation and when in town was out of the office most of the time. Well, a leopard never changes his spots. Just for example, after this past weekend's events on the Town Green Joe Maturo was off again heading to Las Vegas and Colorado for another vacation. Sounds like a real serious candidate! Leaving for vacation just after announcing his third line run! One would think he'd take every opportunity to knock on doors and be in the public eye and tell everyone why he wants to be Mayor again. Joe is taking this 3rd line run as a sad side show and continues to dishonor the people of East Haven and mostly himself.
Now let’s look at one person that is behind this run third line run of Joe Maturo. As I mentioned in my last article Joe's Administration was also responsible for his termination as Mayor. Joe's number two, Art DeSorbo, was a major reason for Joe's downfall. Known for his abrasive and also vindictive style of management Art was Joe's strong arm and used threats and intimidation to bully his way through political red tape. When a board or commissioner would be against a proposal it was Art DeSorbo that would sit at the head table and stare down the commissioners. Many times when something controversial would come before the Town Council Art DeSorbo would be there counting votes and making sure that everyone would fall within line. I also was witness to many of Art's rants and raves and his statements or "getting" anyone who went against him.
Art DeSorbo is also an elected Republican Town Committee Member and also sits on the Republican State Central Committee. So you can see the political power and influence that he pushes around. Frankly, because Mr. DeSorbo is supporting a non-endorsed candidate he should immediately resign from the East Haven Republican Town Committee and the Republican State Central Committee.
Frankly, many people told me personally the reason why they didn't vote for John Finkle in 2009 was because they thought that Art DeSorbo was going to play a big role in a Finkle Administration. That was never true and today is a certainty to never happen. In reality, could it be that the reason why Art DeSorbo is supporting a Joe Maturo Administration is because he needs a job as does many of Joe supporters? Do you the reader want to see a return of Art DeSorbo to a position in Town Hall?
There are others too that support a Joe Maturo run on a third line that are less visible. They will be discussed in a later article. The bottom line... It's plain and simple that a vote for Joe Maturo is a vote for April Capone. If you the reader are serious about REAL change then you need to support John Finkle because his people don't need jobs, they want honest government and not the same old same old. Joe Maturo's past administration needs to stay that way and we need to fire April Capone so we can get our town back!
What would either one gain by giving a nod and a wink to each other? Well they could be mutually beneficial to each other for personal gain. It's obvious that April Capone loves being the Mayor of East Haven and in a one to one battle for the seat against John Finkle she is a loser. However, with Joe Maturo entering the race on the 3rd line April could pull out a victory with Maturo pulling away votes from both and gives enough to April to prevail.
What could be the reason why? Why would Joe Maturo want to do this? What's in it for Joe? Well maybe it's all in the family. Not many people know that Joe's oldest daughter still works for the Town of East Haven and has not faced the wrath of other politically appointed personal. When April came to office the attack was on any supporter of Joe Maturo. Sarah Morill, for example, was forced from her position as Community Development Coordinator. At the time Sarah was the Republican Chairperson from the Town of Hamden. There were others that had no union protection that were forced out, all except Joe's daughter who I believe is now in a secured union position.
Now what I am saying might be a reach, but could be the reason why Joe could make a deal. We also know that Joe Maturo has no love loss for John Finkle. Simply put Joe Maturo could simply not want John Finkle to be Mayor out of spite. Therefore, by running, could jeopardize John Fnkle's chances and be the ultimate payback for the well-known vindictive former Mayor.
One question though should be asked. If Joe Maturo was so confident that he would beat John Finkle in a Republican Primary why would he not want to face him? Could it be that Joe Maturo's knows that head to head against John Finkle he is a loser? Let’s think about this in perspective. In 2007 over 4,000 people said NO to Joe Maturo and fired him. He lost by just 25 votes. In 2009, John Finkle had over 4,000 votes. What makes anyone think that people have changed their minds in either way? To me it seems that the real loser is Joe Maturo because in a three way race, he of anyone has to show that what happened in 2007 was just a mistake. I seriously doubt people think it was a mistake.
Many of the big issues on why Joe was fired as Mayor was because he acted like a playboy, was arrogant and thought he was untouchable. He took advantage of the Office of Mayor by taking 10 weeks of vacation and when in town was out of the office most of the time. Well, a leopard never changes his spots. Just for example, after this past weekend's events on the Town Green Joe Maturo was off again heading to Las Vegas and Colorado for another vacation. Sounds like a real serious candidate! Leaving for vacation just after announcing his third line run! One would think he'd take every opportunity to knock on doors and be in the public eye and tell everyone why he wants to be Mayor again. Joe is taking this 3rd line run as a sad side show and continues to dishonor the people of East Haven and mostly himself.
Now let’s look at one person that is behind this run third line run of Joe Maturo. As I mentioned in my last article Joe's Administration was also responsible for his termination as Mayor. Joe's number two, Art DeSorbo, was a major reason for Joe's downfall. Known for his abrasive and also vindictive style of management Art was Joe's strong arm and used threats and intimidation to bully his way through political red tape. When a board or commissioner would be against a proposal it was Art DeSorbo that would sit at the head table and stare down the commissioners. Many times when something controversial would come before the Town Council Art DeSorbo would be there counting votes and making sure that everyone would fall within line. I also was witness to many of Art's rants and raves and his statements or "getting" anyone who went against him.
Art DeSorbo is also an elected Republican Town Committee Member and also sits on the Republican State Central Committee. So you can see the political power and influence that he pushes around. Frankly, because Mr. DeSorbo is supporting a non-endorsed candidate he should immediately resign from the East Haven Republican Town Committee and the Republican State Central Committee.
Frankly, many people told me personally the reason why they didn't vote for John Finkle in 2009 was because they thought that Art DeSorbo was going to play a big role in a Finkle Administration. That was never true and today is a certainty to never happen. In reality, could it be that the reason why Art DeSorbo is supporting a Joe Maturo Administration is because he needs a job as does many of Joe supporters? Do you the reader want to see a return of Art DeSorbo to a position in Town Hall?
There are others too that support a Joe Maturo run on a third line that are less visible. They will be discussed in a later article. The bottom line... It's plain and simple that a vote for Joe Maturo is a vote for April Capone. If you the reader are serious about REAL change then you need to support John Finkle because his people don't need jobs, they want honest government and not the same old same old. Joe Maturo's past administration needs to stay that way and we need to fire April Capone so we can get our town back!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Follow up to the July 27th Board of Police Commissioners Meeting
If I didn't mention it in my last article on the Board of Police Commissioners, I wrote a letter to Acting Chief Nappi requesting that I receive a copy of the statistical data that is used to detemine where and when the East Haven Police Department uses the DUI/DWI checkpoints throughout town. The current meeting is being played on channel 19 if you'd like to see it live.
Acting Chief Nappi decalred that the lcoations are determined were designated and assigned by Sargent Lennon with the assistance of this so called statistical data. I find that rather odd that a lower ranking officer would make that decison and not the top two men of the Department? We were told that we had to hire Deputy Chief Mannion by Mr. Paul Hongo because we had to assemble command back into the rank and file of the Police Department. Well if that is the case why isn't this decision at least being made by Manion? But not to worry I didn't let this one go. I have requested and Freedom of Information Request on the statistical data and received word from Town Attorney Patrticia Cofranceseco last week that I should be receiving "a response under seperate cover."
There is at least one good thing that did come out of that meeting on the 27th of July, the patrol at the Town Beach is back! After being told by Chairmain Brow that the SRO, DARE Program and the Community Patrol Officer were in "negotiations" amazingly <tounge and cheek> they listened because the Administration got caught. They know what is going on down at the beach. Just last week when I took my daughter down to field 4 in the dugouts was the stench of urine, beer bottle and condom wrappers. I suggest the Community Officer patrol that area very closely along with the Grove cause there is some work to do over there!
The facts are that this East Haven Board of Police Commissioners are playing games with the safety and well being of the people of East Haven and this author will hold them to account by being at every Police Commission meeting I can attend and will continue to ask the pointed questions until our Police Department is back to doing what it's supposed to do, protect the citizens of our Town.
Stay tuned for Town Attorney Cofrancesco's response. I can assure you it will be very interesting.
Acting Chief Nappi decalred that the lcoations are determined were designated and assigned by Sargent Lennon with the assistance of this so called statistical data. I find that rather odd that a lower ranking officer would make that decison and not the top two men of the Department? We were told that we had to hire Deputy Chief Mannion by Mr. Paul Hongo because we had to assemble command back into the rank and file of the Police Department. Well if that is the case why isn't this decision at least being made by Manion? But not to worry I didn't let this one go. I have requested and Freedom of Information Request on the statistical data and received word from Town Attorney Patrticia Cofranceseco last week that I should be receiving "a response under seperate cover."
There is at least one good thing that did come out of that meeting on the 27th of July, the patrol at the Town Beach is back! After being told by Chairmain Brow that the SRO, DARE Program and the Community Patrol Officer were in "negotiations" amazingly <tounge and cheek> they listened because the Administration got caught. They know what is going on down at the beach. Just last week when I took my daughter down to field 4 in the dugouts was the stench of urine, beer bottle and condom wrappers. I suggest the Community Officer patrol that area very closely along with the Grove cause there is some work to do over there!
The facts are that this East Haven Board of Police Commissioners are playing games with the safety and well being of the people of East Haven and this author will hold them to account by being at every Police Commission meeting I can attend and will continue to ask the pointed questions until our Police Department is back to doing what it's supposed to do, protect the citizens of our Town.
Stay tuned for Town Attorney Cofrancesco's response. I can assure you it will be very interesting.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
The past (Joe), the present (April), and the future (John Finkle)
So now it's official. Joe Maturo has announced that he will run for Mayor this November. But before we get all giddy about the prospects of a return of Joe lets look at how and why we got here.
After 1997 when former Mayor Hank Luzzi's policies caused his downfall Joe Maturo swept into office and took East Haven by storm. Back then Joe Maturo was an honest, young and determined indivdual who I believe had the best interests of the people of East Haven. I so much believed in him that I actaully approached him to serve and in 2000 I was appointed to the East Haven Town Council.
TOWN COUNCIL MATTERS
While on the East Haven Town Council (serving 7 years) I became a thorn in the side of Joe Maturo not because I wanted to be a pain but because of what I witnessed and heard. The very first issue that caused a divide between myself and Joe Maturo was his request of a additional retirement pack for holding the seat of Mayor. The terms of that request was an $11,000 pension for every year served matched at 100%. I balked at this because while I had no problem with Joe Maturo putting HIS money away for his retirement I didn't think is was right nor fair for the taxpayers of the Town to give him something that many of them don't get themselves. When I voted against Joe he became angry and vindictive towards me and demanded that his Republican council vote 15-0 for him. The vote came to 13-2 with Councilman Sand voting with me.
Do you see similarities with the current East Haven Town Council under Capone? Yes you do. There are Council members balking and not returning and even some that have switched parties to show their frustration to the political mess that April Capone has brought to East Haven. Is this change you voted for? Is this what the people of East Haven need?
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
After ten years in office you gain a reputation and a record that can not be disputed. Joe Maturo served as Mayor of the Town of East Haven during good economic times when building new homes and renovations on existing homes in East Haven was at the height of the boom. In many cases Joe Maturo and his Administration used his appointed Boards and Commission as weapons to push through his agenda and even strong armed Town Council appointed boards. In one case Joe Maturo and his Administration used his this weapon against one of our own commissioners on the Zoning Board of Appeals. This commissioner who will remain nameless, had an application before the Zoning Board of Appeals to build an addition to his home but was told it would be denied unless he voted yes to every application that came through the Mayor's office. Eventually, the strong arm prevailed and this ZBA member became compromised and eventually resigned his position.
Under April Capone it didn't take long for her to gain a reputation. Ever the glory hound, you can always find this Mayor in front a micrphone and podium. From the onset of her appointment she repaid the election contributions of several of her now appointed officials and made good on promises to repay with nepotisim. She brought back Officer Robert Nappi from retirement in a controversal decision caused by Mayor Maturo. Nappi was also was a financial contributor to her election campaign. Her Inland Wetlands Board is now causing grief in the Riverside neighborhood by circumventing procedure by allowing expired applications to be approved.
I don't make this up I just put it all together!
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
In Joe Maturo's 10 years in office he went to war with our East Haven Police Department on several occassions. Using his Police Commissioners to do most of the dirty work. First it was promotions which led a Sargent to file a CHRO's complaint and eventually settle for over $200K years later. Then it was the use of the media to drag that Sargent's personal life and his family through the mud in a deplorable public display. It was also votes of no confidence from the police union which eventually led to the Police Union publically endorsing a candidate (April Capone Almon). So in essence Joe war with the Police Department caused the election of April Capone.
Currently, we have a second war ongoing with the East Haven Police Department. April Capone's self appointed board of Police Comissioners have led the way to deny due process, actively participate in the suspension of Chief Gallo, appoint a Deputy Chief while reducing man power in the field. Her Administration has violated the collective bargaining agreement and create unnecessary grievances by suspending police officers without due cause. Instead of working with our Police Department we now have the last two Mayors the past 14 years involved in a long protracted war with the men and women in blue.
The embarrasment Mayor Joe had caused and the current Mayor has done is not what this Town needs. We need a Mayor that will stand by the men and women of the East Haven Police Department. We need a person to calm down the rhetoric and send a clear message to that all the nonsense will stop.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Joe didn't leave the elected officals out either. Frustrated with the Board of Finance he went to war with them over several financial issues. Then Joe Maturo called for the Board of Finance to be dissolved and then pubilcally berated them in the East Haven Courier. In the meanwhile as the Head of the Board of Finance he rarely ever attended a meeting, stating that it was unnecessary for him to be there. Could it be that Joe Maturo didn't want to be there because he left the Town on auto-pilot? Could it be that Joe Maturo prefered to be in Florida or at a game of golf than keeping the eye on the ball?
To her credit April Capone is at every meeting but is completely clueless to the financial situation of this Town! At first denying there was a deficit she then began to blame everyone under the sun except her Administration for the current fiscal deficits we have. Her economic development plan has left East Haven with over 78 vacant store fronts as reported by the East Haven Vine. She has no plan, she has no answers except to raise you taxes over 17% in 2010 and then come back in 2011 and insult you by saying she cut your taxes by .25%.
It's called the shell game and both Joe Maturo and April Capone are experts at playing the game.
THE FUTURE
People of East Haven you have seen the Past and the Present and to me there really is no difference. In the past under Joe Maturo you had to deal with vendictive policy, threats and shakedowns. If you didn't comply with his demands you were yelled at, treated like a fool and cast out. While I have no inner knowledge of the April Capone Administration is doesn't seem very different. Certainly one would have to ask this very simple question, "Why would anyone want to go back to the days of old when they are no different from the present day?"
We need real and effective change. We need new blood with new vision not some old retread that promises to bring back the days of old and we certainly need to fire April Capone this November. We need honest and transparent government. Just look at the people behind the scenes in both administrations.
The only way East Haven is going to rid itself of all the current drama is to elect John Finkle. Here is what John Finkle is going to do http://www.johnfinkleformayor.com/issues.html
Take a look, a very hard look and realize that we need REAL change.
Stay tuned for more on this November's election!
After 1997 when former Mayor Hank Luzzi's policies caused his downfall Joe Maturo swept into office and took East Haven by storm. Back then Joe Maturo was an honest, young and determined indivdual who I believe had the best interests of the people of East Haven. I so much believed in him that I actaully approached him to serve and in 2000 I was appointed to the East Haven Town Council.
TOWN COUNCIL MATTERS
While on the East Haven Town Council (serving 7 years) I became a thorn in the side of Joe Maturo not because I wanted to be a pain but because of what I witnessed and heard. The very first issue that caused a divide between myself and Joe Maturo was his request of a additional retirement pack for holding the seat of Mayor. The terms of that request was an $11,000 pension for every year served matched at 100%. I balked at this because while I had no problem with Joe Maturo putting HIS money away for his retirement I didn't think is was right nor fair for the taxpayers of the Town to give him something that many of them don't get themselves. When I voted against Joe he became angry and vindictive towards me and demanded that his Republican council vote 15-0 for him. The vote came to 13-2 with Councilman Sand voting with me.
Do you see similarities with the current East Haven Town Council under Capone? Yes you do. There are Council members balking and not returning and even some that have switched parties to show their frustration to the political mess that April Capone has brought to East Haven. Is this change you voted for? Is this what the people of East Haven need?
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
After ten years in office you gain a reputation and a record that can not be disputed. Joe Maturo served as Mayor of the Town of East Haven during good economic times when building new homes and renovations on existing homes in East Haven was at the height of the boom. In many cases Joe Maturo and his Administration used his appointed Boards and Commission as weapons to push through his agenda and even strong armed Town Council appointed boards. In one case Joe Maturo and his Administration used his this weapon against one of our own commissioners on the Zoning Board of Appeals. This commissioner who will remain nameless, had an application before the Zoning Board of Appeals to build an addition to his home but was told it would be denied unless he voted yes to every application that came through the Mayor's office. Eventually, the strong arm prevailed and this ZBA member became compromised and eventually resigned his position.
Under April Capone it didn't take long for her to gain a reputation. Ever the glory hound, you can always find this Mayor in front a micrphone and podium. From the onset of her appointment she repaid the election contributions of several of her now appointed officials and made good on promises to repay with nepotisim. She brought back Officer Robert Nappi from retirement in a controversal decision caused by Mayor Maturo. Nappi was also was a financial contributor to her election campaign. Her Inland Wetlands Board is now causing grief in the Riverside neighborhood by circumventing procedure by allowing expired applications to be approved.
I don't make this up I just put it all together!
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
In Joe Maturo's 10 years in office he went to war with our East Haven Police Department on several occassions. Using his Police Commissioners to do most of the dirty work. First it was promotions which led a Sargent to file a CHRO's complaint and eventually settle for over $200K years later. Then it was the use of the media to drag that Sargent's personal life and his family through the mud in a deplorable public display. It was also votes of no confidence from the police union which eventually led to the Police Union publically endorsing a candidate (April Capone Almon). So in essence Joe war with the Police Department caused the election of April Capone.
Currently, we have a second war ongoing with the East Haven Police Department. April Capone's self appointed board of Police Comissioners have led the way to deny due process, actively participate in the suspension of Chief Gallo, appoint a Deputy Chief while reducing man power in the field. Her Administration has violated the collective bargaining agreement and create unnecessary grievances by suspending police officers without due cause. Instead of working with our Police Department we now have the last two Mayors the past 14 years involved in a long protracted war with the men and women in blue.
The embarrasment Mayor Joe had caused and the current Mayor has done is not what this Town needs. We need a Mayor that will stand by the men and women of the East Haven Police Department. We need a person to calm down the rhetoric and send a clear message to that all the nonsense will stop.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Joe didn't leave the elected officals out either. Frustrated with the Board of Finance he went to war with them over several financial issues. Then Joe Maturo called for the Board of Finance to be dissolved and then pubilcally berated them in the East Haven Courier. In the meanwhile as the Head of the Board of Finance he rarely ever attended a meeting, stating that it was unnecessary for him to be there. Could it be that Joe Maturo didn't want to be there because he left the Town on auto-pilot? Could it be that Joe Maturo prefered to be in Florida or at a game of golf than keeping the eye on the ball?
To her credit April Capone is at every meeting but is completely clueless to the financial situation of this Town! At first denying there was a deficit she then began to blame everyone under the sun except her Administration for the current fiscal deficits we have. Her economic development plan has left East Haven with over 78 vacant store fronts as reported by the East Haven Vine. She has no plan, she has no answers except to raise you taxes over 17% in 2010 and then come back in 2011 and insult you by saying she cut your taxes by .25%.
It's called the shell game and both Joe Maturo and April Capone are experts at playing the game.
THE FUTURE
People of East Haven you have seen the Past and the Present and to me there really is no difference. In the past under Joe Maturo you had to deal with vendictive policy, threats and shakedowns. If you didn't comply with his demands you were yelled at, treated like a fool and cast out. While I have no inner knowledge of the April Capone Administration is doesn't seem very different. Certainly one would have to ask this very simple question, "Why would anyone want to go back to the days of old when they are no different from the present day?"
We need real and effective change. We need new blood with new vision not some old retread that promises to bring back the days of old and we certainly need to fire April Capone this November. We need honest and transparent government. Just look at the people behind the scenes in both administrations.
The only way East Haven is going to rid itself of all the current drama is to elect John Finkle. Here is what John Finkle is going to do http://www.johnfinkleformayor.com/issues.html
Take a look, a very hard look and realize that we need REAL change.
Stay tuned for more on this November's election!
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