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October 31, 2005

Goodall Shines at Schweitzer Conference

The renowned Jane Goodall. Photo/Stan Godlewski

By Emmett Luty

Jane Goodall opened her lecture last Friday with the distance greeting call of the chimpanzee, an appropriate greeting for the packed gym at Quinnipiac University's recreation center.

It was an invitation for her listeners to enter her world and learn a bit of what she has learned during her incredible life. She spoke not to tout her own achievements, but to bring the audience on a journey that she hoped would inspire them to follow the philosophy behind the ground-up approach of her work: Every individual makes a difference every day.

Goodall's lecture kicked off Quinnipiac University's Albert Schweitzer Institute's two-day conference, "Reverence for Life Revisited." The event highlighted the work and philosophy of Schweitzer and its relation to major issues the world faces today -- environmental destruction, war, the weapons trade, pollution and poverty.

Born into a poor family, Goodall said she was full of curiosity as a child, especially about animals. She hid in hen houses to see exactly how chickens laid eggs. She avidly read Tarzan books and was jealous of "wimpy Jane" and her African jungle opportunities. She devoured Dr. Doolittle books, dreaming of one day being able to communicate with exotic animals on a deeper level.

Her dreams did not fade with time. With financial help and undying support from her mother, Goodall enrolled in secretarial school with the goal of getting a paid job in Africa. She saw this as a steppingstone toward her ultimate goal of working with animals

While at her secretarial job at the Natural History Museum in Nairobi -- working for her future mentor Louis Leakey -- the 26-year-old Goodall went on a three-month safari. The trip convinced her that studying chimpanzees was her calling. When the British colonial authorities refused to allow her to do research in Africa as a lone young woman, her mother agreed to come along. Her mother became known in her own right as a white witch doctor because of the basic medical remedies she offered the locals -- treatments based on aspirin, bandages and Epsom salts.

"I think I owe everything I've done right," said Goodall, "and nothing I've done wrong, to my mother."

Goodall unknowingly took a personal approach when she first studied chimpanzees in Tanzania. She gave names to the chimps, and in her notes described their actions with human emotions: jealous, angry, disappointed, shy. When she attended Cambridge soon after her initial research, she learned that science did not approach the study of the natural world in that way.

Yet Goodall said she knew she had taken a valid approach. Her favorite chimpanzee, David Greybeard, one day stripped the leaves off a stick and used it used to "fish" for termites in the ground. This observation meant that chimpanzees were capable of making and using tools for survival. Up to that point it was thought only humans could do that. Thus this was a huge discovery, which would forever change the relationship between humans and what would soon be recognized as our closest cousins in the animal kingdom.

In her research she also witnessed what she described as a sort of chimpanzee war, where the members of one group systematically attacked and killed members of a spin-off group. The academic community urged her to downplay this discovery, fearing it would fuel ideas of war as a biological inevitability. Goodall said she was not terribly worried about this, asserting that "more than any other creature (humans) have the ability to control these violent tendencies."

Goodall, of course, did not limit her work to animal research. Around the Gambe preserve, where her research was conducted, forests were shrinking and the human population was growing rapidly. Her Take Care, Roots and Shoots and Congo Basin Partnership programs now help communities in Tanzania and elsewhere to encourage sustainable development through partnerships. The programs' collective goal is to find ways to provide food, clean water and peace in order to fix the environmental damage that humans have caused.

The Next Day

On Saturday, there was a panel discussion with Goodall, Luis Alberto Cordero, executive director of the Arias Foundation, and Jonathon Granoff, president of the Global Security Institute. Cordero and Granoff talked about the importance of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and the danger that the arms race and arms trade has brought to all life on Earth.

What set Goodall's lecture apart from the men's was her emphasis on how we can all make a difference. She urged her listeners to make ecological decisions on the most basic level, pointing to the power of responsible consumerism in preserving the Earth for future generations.

Of the main speakers at the conference, Goodall was the most accessible example of someone following in Albert Schweitzer's footsteps. She made it clear that the individual can make a difference through grassroots efforts, even concerning worldwide problems so unfathomably huge that they tend to overwhelm the thinker.

Noting there is much work to be done, she pointed to the four reasons she feels humans will not eventually destroy themselves and the world: the extraordinary human brain, the energy of young people, the indomitable human spirit and the resilience of nature. All of these are central to Goodall's research and work. She insisted that we are capable of solving the world's biggest problems. As she said in closing, "It really is up to us."

October 30, 2005

The Making of A DVD

Actors Nicole DellaGioia of Stratford and Anthony LaPenta of West Hartford audition for "Banshee!!!" in Hamden.

Hamden's Synthetic Cinema is up to another horror flick

By Sharon Bass

The casting call was for a Connecticut horror film, needing 18- to 25-year-old male and female leads, and supporting actors 30-65-plus. The written announcement apologized for the "low pay," but promised budding actors they could get that all-important break to be in a movie. As in a DVD movie. The film, tentatively titled "Banshee!!!," isn't destined for the big screen. Instead it will be made for DVD only and distributed to such huge corporate chains as Blockbuster, Hollywood Video and Movie Gallery.

Date and time: Oct. 29, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Place: Tripeg Studios on State Street in Hamden.

While the pay may not be great, one thing actors get is some assurance that the show will go on. This is Synthetic Cinema International's third "creature feature." So the company, which rents space from Tripeg, has a track record.

SCI has just released its first full-length flick, "Predator Island."

"Now people know we really do movies," said Richard Lucas. "We're proving we can do good movies." Lucas, his wife, Bonnie Farley-Lucas, and Andrew Gernhard own SCI. They're currently shopping for a buyer for their second horror film, "Blood Descendants."

Money is the reason SCI only produces DVDs. Making 35 mm movies is very pricey, said Richard Lucas.

The horror flick they were holding auditions for yesterday will run them between $150,000 and $200,000, he said. That includes paying actors and the crew, and for all the movie-making expenses, like special equipment and so on. In Hollywood, you couldn't get an actor to blow his nose for that.

Most of "Banshee!!!" will be shot in Moosup, in northeastern Connecticut. SCI has secured a large wooded area there with a farmhouse, junkyard and horse farm. Shooting should go from late February through March, said Lucas, and be a done deal by June. The company does no advertising; it depends on free publicity. Like this.

But it's a worthy plug for a small, independent film company that has to compete with the behemoths out West. And for a company that's brought real movie-making to town.

After Saturday's audition -- which drew 78 actors for 15 or 16 roles -- the partners talked about their newest venture. "Banshee!!!" writers Christian Pindar and Greg Parker were also hanging around. Both are recent grads from New York City's School of Visual Arts and still live in the city.

"We're going to bring in a new fresh visual style that nobody's seen before," said Parker. He said "Banshee!!!" would be shot at a frantic pace. Not only will scenes quickly change but also actors' movements would be sped up.

Gernhard said the creature, Banshee, comes from Irish folklore and looks like a cross between a bat and a lizard. He's a creature from the past that is unearthed and wreaks havoc in a rural New England town.

The film's ingredients for horror seem pretty standard fare, but for scary-flick devotees, this is apparently the stuff they can't get enough of. Richard Lucas said there's already a big demand for "Predator Island." Visit SCI.

October 21, 2005

Skating, It Makes a Kid Feel Good

Ankit Sahasrabudhe. The next Goebel?

By Kirsten Walker

Figure eights and flying camels are not doodles on paper or storybook characters to an Olympic ice skater. They're skills learned after hours and hours of practice. USA Figure Skating Olympians, like Michelle Kwan and Timothy Goebel, have to put in the hours to get where they are. And here in Hamden there is a program teaching these skills to potential Kwans and Goebels.

"He's really enjoying it now," said Anjali Sahasrabudhe pointing to her son Ankit, 4.

Ankit was recently on the Louis Astorino Ice Rink on Mix Avenue with dozens of other kids in brightly colored jackets, mittens, bike helmets and skates. They're taking part in Hamden Parks & Rec's Learn to Skate program.

"Put your hands out in front of you. Relax. Don't lean over. Now look at me," said instructor Michael Piasecki.

Children followed Piasecki across the ice much like the Pied Piper, while other groups did similar drills further down the rink. Children are grouped according to age and skill level. The Basic Skills Program, as it's called, is for children 3-17. There are also the Power Skating, Snow Plow Sam and Slide and Glide programs.

Ankit was busy looking at his mother and was reminded to pay attention to his instructor.

"His concentration at 4 and a half isn't that good. He gets more out of the last five minutes but he is enjoying it," said Sahasrabudhe.

The Basic Skills program (designed by USA Figure Skating) is taught by 16 certified instructors with over 200 years combined on-the-ice experience, said Gentile.

"Parents teach their children to swim. We think teaching them to skate is also great," he said.

Gentile has been around the rink "forever" (actually since 1971), and in charge for 19 years now. He said he stays in touch with Freddie Tyler, former recreation supervisor for Parks & Rec, whom he considers his second father. With so many opportunities today for children, Gentile is committed to making skating one of them.

For two years running, Hamden's program was the highest attended in the United States (with about 400 kids), said Gentile, who pointed to the awards hanging on his office wall.

"We made a concerted effort over the last few years to actively recruit youngsters into the program. Our outreach was patterned after our 'Learn to Swim' program that has been tremendously successful in getting kids into the water," said Frank Cooper, assistant Parks & Rec director. "We want the same thing for kids as far as getting them on the ice. Our philosophy is that both theses activities are lifetime skills and children (and adults) should have the opportunity to be exposed to them."

Session II registrations are underway, so if you'd like to sign up your child, head over to the Parks & Rec office in Government Center on Dixwell Avenue. Phone and mail orders are not accepted. Deadline is Nov. 4.

"We offer a very good, professional value in an affordable program with quality instructors," said Gentile.

October 20, 2005

Public Payday

By Sharon Bass

Whether it's a public or private entity, salaries are typically an employer's biggest expense. And whether it's a public or private entity, it's the money in your pocket that feeds the company's payroll. The difference being you usually have a choice how you spend your private dollars, while your tax dollars are spent for you. Take a look at how much you pay the highest-compensated employees in the town of Hamden

Town Hall
Robert Nolan, Police Chief -- $102,033
Al Savarese, Town Engineer -- $97,794
James Leddy, Fire Chief -- $96,989
Mayor Carl Amento -- $86,634
Richard Stoecker, Town Planner -- $81,656
James Clynes, Tax Assessor -- $79,564
Dale Kroop, Economic Development Dir. -- $77,315
Sue Gruen, Town Attorney -- $74,002
Bob Gualtieri, Library Director -- $72,661
Joe Velardi, Public Works Director -- $66,562
Frank Rizzuti, Parks & Rec Director -- $60,684
Vanna Francia, Community Service Dir. -- $59,434
Joseph Cirillo, Electrical Inspector -- $59,312
Jackie Downing, Mayor's Assistant -- $56,384
Vera Morrison, Town Clerk -- $56,057
Joe Celotto, Interim Finance Director -- $49,315 (prorated)
Mimsie Coleman, Arts Director -- $42,725

School Administration
Central Office
Alida Begina, Superintendent -- $152,559
Hamlet Hernandez, Assistant Super -- $117,000
Jeanne Cooper, Athletics Director -- $103,568
Arlene Cassello, Language Arts Dir -- $101,267
Betsy Carter, Mathematics Director -- $98,965
Nicholas Collicelli, Social Studies Director -- $98,965
Laura Rodriguez, Foreign Language Dir. -- $96,664
Pasquale Frisketti, Science Director -- $96,027
Tom Pesce, Finance Director -- $94,359
Bill McGraw, Special Ed Director -- $93,726
Amy Golda, Fine Arts Director -- $82,537
Robert Callahan, Technology Director -- $80,566
Mark Albanese, Facilities Director -- $73,823

Consultants
Edward Mackniak, Interim Administrator -- $447/day
Sandra White, Interim Administrator -- $427/day
Judith Lemkin, Accounting -- $424/day
Joseph Juliano, Fine Arts -- $420/day
Richard Mahoney, Accounting -- $50/hour
Jason Lathrop, Interim Business Supervisor -- $29/hour
Betty Ann Fretel, Accounting -- $20/hour

Hamden High School
Vin Iezzi, Principal -- $115,530
Art Arpin, Assistant Principal (resigned) -- $101,267
Dexter Locke, Assistant Principal -- $101,267
Catherine Szerszen, Assistant Principal -- $101,267
Michael Novia, Assistant Principal -- $98,965
Clydette Messiah, Assistant Principal -- $96,568
Dana Mulligan, Assistant Principal -- $92,061

Hamden Middle School
Frank Pepe, Principal -- $105,870
Michael Novia, Assistant Principal -- $98,965
Rhonda Jackson, Assistant Principal -- $96,664

Elementary School Principals
Janet Brown-Clayton, Dunbar Hill -- $102,417
Sally Kamerbeek, Bear Path (resigned) -- $102,417
Joyce Kossman, Church Street -- $102,417
Mary Levine, Shepherd Glen -- $102,417
Ciro Tacinelli, West Woods -- $102,417
Cheryl Townsend, Spring Glen -- $102,417
Lynette Kelleher, Helen Street -- $95,513
Karen Butler, Ridge Hill -- $92,214
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Two Days of Schweitzer

The Schweitzer Institute at Quinnipiac. Courtesy photo

By Emmett Luty

"Reverence for Life" is the comprehensive philosophy defined by 1952 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Albert Schweitzer in 1915. "We are not truly civilized if we concern ourselves with the relation of man to man," said Schweitzer. "What is important is the relation of man to all life."

This philosophy, which Schweitzer expanded and defined throughout his life, became the basis for his humanitarian work and activism. Many -- particularly those involved in humanitarian relief, animal rights, environmentalism and disarmament and peace-building efforts -- point to Schweitzer as their role model. Among them is the legendary Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, who will be the keynote speaker at Quinnipiac University's Albert Schweitzer Institute's "Reverence for Life Revisited" conference on Oct. 28 and 29.

The institute, funded by the university, is committed to increasing public awareness of Schweitzer's work and to promoting his philosophy as it relates to current issues around the globe. Goodall, aside from being an important name for the institute to have on its speaker roster and honorary board, is an ideal choice for a conference about Schweitzer's philosophy and his impact on the modern world. She cites the man as the major inspiration for her work. The conference begins with Goodall's lecture and panel discussion at Quinnipiac's Recreation Center at 7 p.m. on Oct. 28. The focus of Goodall's lecture will be both retrospective and current; the panel promises to concentrate on Schweitzer's impact on the present and future.

In addition to Goodall, Luis Alberto Cordero Arias, executive director of the Arias Foundation, and Jonathon Granoff, president of the Global Security Institute, will also speak at the two-day affair. Goodall will talk about her "Roots and Shoots" project, devoted to countering deforestation and habitat loss and to promoting peace. Cordero will speak about world poverty and environmental issues, which are major concerns for Arias institute's founder, former Costa Rican president and 1987 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Oscar Arias Sanchez. Granoff will discuss the nuclear non-proliferation effort, the origins of which have been traced by many (including President John F. Kennedy) to Schweitzer's activism and philosophy.

Schweitzer's daughter, Rhena Schweitzer-Miller, who also sits on the honorary board, founded the Albert Schweitzer Institute at Quinnipiac. Her personal friendship with Jane Goodall led David Ives, executive director of the institute, to invite Goodall to the workshop. In addition to hosting discussions and lectures, the institute runs a number of relief projects in the Caribbean, including programs in Barbados for people with disabilities and battered women, as well as making needed infrastructure repairs (such as rebuilding schools) in Nicaragua. The institute also works on projects with other Nobel Peace Prize Laureate-founded institutions. Ives said About 50 Quinnipiac students participate in the institutes' activities.

The weekend is free and open to the public. It's an opportunity for people to gain a better understanding of how Albert Schweitzer's example still shines for so many of the world's movers and shakers, and an example of how his universally applicable message resounds everywhere, even in the tranquil communities of Connecticut. For more information on "Reverence for Life Revisited," please visit www.quinnipiac.edu or contact Jo Palmieri at 582 3144.

October 16, 2005

It's hard to believe that on sleepy State Street this weekend all kinds of artists from across the state -- and slightly beyond -- fired up Tripeg Studios as they entertained each other and swapped ideas about working collaboratively to make it happen here, in Connecticut. Never mind New York. Never mind L.A.

This marks the fourth year of this networking event entitled, "The Global Entertainment and Media Summit," aka GEMS. It was held in New York City the first three years. Now it's come to little Hamden at 2155 State St., where Tripeg opened shop nearly a year ago.

GEMS associate producer Jennifer Thomassen (her husband, Neal, is the producer) wouldn't say how many actors, comedians, musicians, models, fashion designers, writers, filmmakers and producers got involved. But the studio was crawling with people last night.

"There's a whole arsenal of (entertainment) people in Connecticut," she said. "People go to New York if they have a production. They go to Boston." She wants them to do their thing here.

The idea is to help unify and strengthen ties among Connecticut talent. Connecticut actor meets Connecticut producer. Connecticut model meets Connecticut fashion designer. Connecticut songwriter meets Connecticut singer.

The weekend includes performances, workshops and keynote speakers. GEMS drew names like Michael Butler, producer of the Broadway musical "Hair," and publicist Howard Bloom, who has done public relations for musicians Prince, John Mellencamp and Billy Idol.

Workshops cover industry and alternative marketing trends, the impact of cutting-edge technology and when and how to use a lawyer.

When the term "affordable housing" is used, many think of homes for the poor. But that ain't exactly so, said Scott Jackson, manager of the town's Community Development Program.

"People think of people without jobs. Really, really low-income people, without realizing that teachers and other professionals -- and most town employees -- fall into this income bracket," he said.

Jackson hopes an upcoming local forum will enlighten folks about the who, what and why of housing problems in Hamden. Local experts, like Jackson, will conduct "Spotlight on Housing: Realities & Myths" on Nov. 10 at Thornton Wilder Hall. Beverly Stone, chair of the town's Human Rights and Relations Commission, and Shelby Mertes, from the Partnership for Strong Communities in Hartford, will also speak.

The No.1 goal of the symposium is "to get people to think about affordable housing and to put faces on people who need it," Jackson said. "We're bringing in businesses whose workers can't afford to live in town."

According to Economic Development Director Dale Kroop, under the state housing land-use appeals law, 10 percent of apartments and homes in every town should fall into the affordable category. He said recent statistics show Hamden has just 7.06 percent.

"We've gone backwards," he said. Hamden is 690 units short of meeting the state requirement. Kroop is helping to alleviate that shortage. He's currently working with the Mutual Housing Association of South Central Connecticut to overhaul the old Johnson building on lower Dixwell Avenue to provide affordable living spaces for artists and retailers. The project is called Highwood Square, and has elicited a lot of support from town councilors and the public.

Jackson said there is space in town to build 1,800 new affordable housing units -- apartments and single-family houses. The land is scattered around town, he noted, but more concentrated in northern Hamden.

Affordable housing, sometimes called workforce housing, is intended for low- to moderate-income people. In Hamden, a family of four with a $58,000 adjusted gross income would fall into that category, he said.

"What we've seen here in Hamden is a doubling of house prices. And rents have skyrocketed, particularly for families," said Jackson. The going rate in town for "a safe, decent" three-bedroom apartment is about $1,300 a month; $1,100 for a two-bedroom; and $900 for a one-bedroom.

Though it's ideal for people to spend no more than 30 percent of their income on rent or mortgage, he said that's not the reality.

He attributed a few things to Hamden's escalating housing costs, with the common denominator being a growing competitive market. People are moving up here from Fairfield County, where prices are truly through the roof. Increasing numbers of university students are living off-campus who can afford higher rents because they have multiple roommates. And Hamden's convenient location to cities like New York, Boston and New Haven.

While Jackson said during his one and a half years on the job he has not encountered any opposition to building cheaper housing, he said there has been some in the past.

"Folks thought we were going to bring Brookside or Elm Haven into Hamden," he said of two crime-riddled low-income housing projects in New Haven.

"Spotlight on Housing: Realities & Myths" will be held on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Thornton Wilder Auditorium at the Miller Library Complex, 2901 Dixwell Ave. Light refreshments will be served in the lobby from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be no charge.

This was Hamden's first-ever Columbus Day Parade. It was a great experience serving as chairman of the Columbus Day Finance Committee. We raised over $20,000 through an ad book. Serving on that committee were former Mayors John and Barbara DeNicola, Lucien DiMeo and Peter Villano. DiMeo alone raised over $3,000. Only Villano and myself are Democrats.

The parade had over 120 units in four divisions, the largest parade ever in this area. Many state officials took part: Attorney General Dick Blumenthal, Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, State Comptroller Nancy Wyman, state Sen. Martin Looney (D-New Haven), state Reps. Brendan Sharkey and Villano (both D-Hamden) and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut).

Local dignitaries included all of the area's mayors and selectmen. Also marching this year were Hamden mayors from previous years including yours truly, the De Nicolas and DiMeo. The parade attracted large crowds even though the weather was not good. Parade organizers will meet shortly to determine winners from the parade participants.

Serving as co-chairwomen of the event were Rose Mentone and Charlotte Gambardella, who also served as treasurer of the committee. Ray Andrussen of WQUN was master of ceremonies. At the committee's annual dinner, William Celentano, son of former New Haven Mayor William Celentano, and Theresa Argento, a community activist, were honored. Hamdenites Vanna Francia and Peter Gambardella served as general chairpersons of the Columbus Day Committee.

I have been asked to serve on the Columbus Day Committee Board, which will govern parades in the future in different towns. Right now the parade is held in New Haven, North Haven, East Haven and West Haven on a rotating basis. Mayor Carl Amento was also recognized by for his cooperation in getting Hamden ready for its first parade. I have to compliment Amento's secretary Jerry Tobin for working so well with our finance committee.

The key words of the evening were "deplorable" and "lifelong." They came out of the mouths of the council and mayoral candidates who addressed about 40 people and politicians last night at the Keefe Community Center for a low-keyed "get to know me" hour.

"Deplorable" was uttered repeatedly to describe the condition of the police and fire headquarters and the town's financial health. "Lifelong" was mentioned by nearly all the candidates to let the folks know they are good ole Hamden lifers.

It was a far cry from this summer's Democratic primary forums, when Mayor Carl Amento and challenger Craig Henrici heatedly slugged it out for the vote. Henrici won by a large margin. Now he faces Republican Dick Reilly at the general election on Nov. 8.

The Greater Hamden Plains/Wintergreen Community Association invited the 2nd and 7th District Council and mayoral candidates to speak at Keefe, as it does every election year, said association secretary Rosalie Cavanaugh. "We want to find out what they're all about."

Sitting from left to right at the front of the room were Gabe Lupo, a Repub going for the 2nd; Reilly; Vic Mitchell, a Repub for the 7th; Sue Hutchinson, association prez; Henrici; incumbent 7th District Councilman Dem Michael Colaiacovo; and John Flanagan, a D vying for the 2nd.

"Dick's my aka," he said. His first name is Richard. He said he moved to the Mt. Carmel area from New York City in the 1940s.

"I'm trying to make this quick. I know the Yankee game is on tonight and there must be some Yankee fans here," he said to silence.

His priority, if elected mayor, will be to find and retain a finance director. Hamden has been through a string of directors over the years and speaking from his business background, Reilly said this is bad. Bad.

"We're a $150 million corporation now. If we have to pay a few extra bucks to get someone" so be it, he said. He also told the audience -- which included state Rep. Peter Villano (D-Hamden), Councilwoman Carol Noble, Council President Al Gorman, Deputy Police Chief Jack Kennelly and 3rd District block watch queen Connie Vereen -- that a charter revision is long overdue.

"It needs tweaking. The spending limits are a little too low. We're a small city now. We need more cops. I would like to be your next mayor," Reilly concluded.

Henrici talked about his lifelong Hamden roots. His wife. His kids. His 24 years as a lawyer for the same firm.

"Don't hold that against me," he joked. "I do have a record of elected service for the town of Hamden." He was a councilman, Council prez and a one-term state rep.

He switched topics to the "deplorable relationship between the council and the mayor. We can do better and we will do better." He also mentioned the revolving finance-director door.

"One thing I've learned in police work is to listen to the people," said Hamden lifer Lupo, a sergeant with the street crime division. The condition of the town parks and sidewalks and senior safety all need to be addressed, he said. "In fact, I live with my mother who is 79 years old."

Mitchell said he too has lived in town all his life. He's a fire lieutenant for Sikorsky Aircraft, and for the last 32 years he's been a volunteer firefighter for Hamden's July 4 fireworks.

"I agree with Gabe. The police department is in deplorable condition," said Mitchell. "I would work with the council people, not against them."

Colaiacovo was up next. Another lifelong Hamden rezzie, he said he's concerned about the upkeep of the Woodin Street fence, which divides Hamden from New Haven, and the need for sidewalk and street repairs in the 7th District.

"Every school building has been ignored by the Board of Education," Flanagan said emphatically. "If I'm elected I'd take the maintenance right out of the Board of Education's hands." The former councilman said of the $2 million school maintenance budget, only a quarter goes to upkeep. The rest is spent somewhere else.

Flanagan said he was also none too happy about the way businesses in certain areas of town get treated.

"There's definitely different treatment for (businesses) north of the parkway and south of the parkway," he said, alleging that those in the south -- the small business guys -- don't receive the preferential treatment as those on the other end do -- the big-box retailers.

"I thought I had retired -- twice -- from the Council," he said with a slight grin. But felt a tug to jump back in because of the state of town affairs.

"My problem is stuff being laid out on the curb," said one elderly gentleman. "Not the garbage, but the furniture and chairs. Start to beautify the area," he implored the candidates. "Those are things I'd like to see done in the 2nd District."

Another man said the Public Works director should not be appointed by the mayor because it doesn't lend for much job security that way.

"I agree," said Reilly. "That's why we need a charter revision, to get a professional for three to four years."

Henrici disagreed. "Positions that are appointed by the mayor are dwindling. That doesn't mean the council can't give a finance (or Public Works) director a three- or four-year contract. But I think the mayor should have his guy -- or woman, excuse me. I think top administrative positions should be appointed by the mayor."

Addressing the first person who spoke, Henrici said the bulky trash pickup service needs to be revamped.

"We commit a lot of money to the police department and they do a good job and we need to stay on top of it," said Henrici.

"What I recommend is the block watch," said Lupo, citing Vereen's Cherry Ann Street watch as a shining example.

"They're having great success down there. We cannot do it alone," said the cop. "In fact, there isn't a town in this whole state that can do it by itself."