Gorman Excludes Republicans

By Ron Gambardella

Below is a list that was distributed to each councilmember this past Monday. There was no forewarning, no discussion, no debate. Democratic Council President Al Gorman developed the list, which assigns councilmembers to review certain departments’ budgets and then make recommendations to the full body during budget deliberations.

However, you will notice two names noticeably absent from this list: Councilwoman Betty Wetmore and myself, the only Republicans on the otherwise Democratic Council.

Department               Councilmember

Building Department        Carol Noble
Economic Development   Carol Noble
Elderly Services               Willie Mewborn
Registrar's Office             John Flanagan
Emergency Management   Bob Westervelt
Engineering Department    Berita Rowe-Lewis
Finance Department         Curt Leng
Miscellaneous Review      Curt Leng
Fringes                            Full Council
Fire Department              Bob Westervelt
Legislative Council          Al Gorman
Library                           Gretchen Callahan
Mental Health                 Kath Schomaker
Mayor's Office               John Flanagan
Parks & Recreation       Gretchen Callahan
Personnel Office             John Flanagan
Police Department          Bob Westervelt
Probate Court                Kath Schomaker
Public Works                 Berita Rowe-Lewis
Purchasing Department   Curt Leng
QVHD                           Kath Schomaker
Review of Assessments   Curt Leng
State of Connecticut        Full Council
Tax Office                       Curt Leng
Town Attorney                Mike Germano
Town Clerk's Office         John Flanagan
VNA                               Jim Pascarella
Youth Services                 Mike Colaiacovo
Positions                          Full Council

Don’t for a second believe that bipartisanship will have a role in developing the new budget for the 2007-2008 fiscal period that already promises to add a 1.6 point mil rate increase to an already overtaxed residential population.

If this isn’t egregious enough, consider the fact that I have over 20 years in the private sector developing budgets considerably larger than the town’s and have an MBA in finance. This means that not only have the Democrats removed any opposition to the initial departmental budget review process but have also removed anyone who has any qualifications to develop a budget that will favor the taxpayer.

About Last Night

By Ron Gambardella

Several items of interest came before the Council Monday night. One of which was the issue of donations. There were two donations made to the town, 1) Three Brothers Diner for $300 to purchase weather radios, and 2) Quinnipiac University for $2,500 to be used toward the expenses of the Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall. Both of these donations are for admirable causes. Who could argue that?

But to witness the Democrats falling all over themselves to issue glowing accolades was once again shortsighted and pathetic. The Council president went so far as to encourage others to follow along, always willing to take money irrespective of its source (watch the rebroadcast on local-access TV and see for yourself).

I went on record to oppose this practice. It seems to me the town must avoid the appearance of impropriety. These donations, as innocent as they appear, can have unintended consequences. There can develop an unspoken expectation for special privileges.

For example, a lenient fire inspection or siding with the university over a resident complaint just to keep the money flowing. This Council is not unaccustomed to taking money. A few months ago they accepted a sizable donation from a large apartment complex while the complex was in the midst of a safety upgrade. I am not saying there was any impropriety. I am, however, saying the town needs to avoid the appearance of impropriety. The mayor sets the example and the Council follows. You already know about the mayor’s propensity to exchange favors. So far, we have seen little emphasis on doing what’s right in this administration. How can we trust a donation is simply a good faith donation and not payback for a favor or a special request? Let’s just stop the practice and eliminate any suspicion of impropriety.

Another item of interest was a discussion brought before the Administration Committee to conduct a full-scale audit of the school department’s books. However, after reviewing the Board of Education’s responses to allegations of procedural lapses brought to the Council’s attention by Councilman Flanagan, I was convinced the BOE satisfactorily addressed the issues. Not only did they adequately explain any discrepancies, they put into place procedures that should minimize if not eliminate such discrepancies going forward. I could see they spent time, money and effort to address the Council’s concerns. No infraction hinted at any intentional manipulation of the books with the intent to defraud the town. In some instances there was poor judgment relative to some purchases, but no financial misappropriation of funds. The evidence wasn’t compelling enough to underwrite a full-scale audit. I voiced my opinion against such an undertaking in order to save time and money.

The final point of interest was the Fire Department’s request for a $100,000 transfer to cover sub/straight time. When questioned, the chief indicated that the men and women on the force are averaging 26 to 30 hours of overtime per week. His force is understaffed by 11 positions. The mayor chooses not to immediately fill these positions in an effort to save money. However, from the chief’s comments last evening he is now projecting an overrun to his budget of about $200,000 or more by fiscal year-end. I cannot for the life of me understand how the understaffing is saving this town any money. In fact it has created a problem of overworked, highly stressed individuals creating tremendous pressure on their family life while at the same time costing the town more money to operate in this fashion.

It just doesn’t make any sense. We have got to stop this nonsense. Be patient, November is coming.

Raw and uncensored, Republican Councilman Ron Gambardella opines on the latest goings-on from behind the legislative bench. He can be reached at r.gambardella@snet.net. (Note: The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Hamden Daily News.)

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Why I Gotta Run

By Ron Gambardella

This Tuesday, I announced the formation of an exploratory committee to consider a bid for the Republican Party’s mayoral nomination. The formation of the committee will allow me to raise funds. The funds are necessary to pay for such items as literature, postage, phone services, etc. Already I have received an outpouring of support. It seems I have struck a cord with voters who are fed up with the status quo.

There is a lot of work ahead of me. Over the next few months, I hope to determine the voters’ willingness to remove the current administration from office. This is a tall order since this administration is deeply entrenched in our government with friends and family as well as favors owed to just about anyone connected to the town. To be successful it will require time, money and a huge amount of determination. I am up for the task and will keep you informed along the way.

Some folks have asked why try? My answer is that voters have come to believe what the Council has repeatedly said, “There is nothing we can do.” This cannot be further from the truth. There is always something that can be done; however, it takes leadership and vision. Just the other day, the HDN reported on the elimination of emergency management funding. When confronted, the administration did the usual finger pointing, ducking and above all else completely denying any culpability in the matter. Here is a fine example of that lack of leadership culled from the HDN story:

Henrici said it was Fire Chief David Berardesca’s idea to reduce the Emergency Management budget to $1,000 and put it in the fire budget … “I let Chief Berardesca take care of that budget,” said Henrici … Berardesca said he didn’t see the budget until it came out last Wednesday, March 14 … Berardesca said he didn’t tell Gorfrain that he was going to lose his stipend. “I wanted Clark to handle that,” he said. The chief said he plans to ask the Legislative Council for about $12,000 during budget deliberations next month to restore funding to EM.

The above reporting captures perfectly the leadership qualities of this administration. There appears to be a pattern beginning with the mayor. First be sure to distance yourself from any controversy by blaming a subordinate. The subordinate learns his lesson from the top spot by turning around and blaming his subordinate. If we follow the logic, pretty soon we will have some poor soul in the mailroom responsible for all the actionable items in town government. If this is an example of follow the leader, we are being led down a dead-end street.

Did you also notice that this administration will be requesting an additional $12,000 to the proposed budget? The ink hasn’t dried on the original proposal and we are already seeing attempts to increase the tax burden. Need I say more? It is for this and the many other “errors in judgment” that I am exploring the possibility of seeking the Republican Party’s nomination for mayor.

Raw and uncensored, Republican Councilman Ron Gambardella opines on the latest goings-on from behind the legislative bench. He can be reached at r.gambardella@snet.net. (Note: The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Hamden Daily News.)

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What Henrici’s Budget Really Says

By Ron Gambardella

After reading the text of the mayor’s budget address that he presented to the Council last Wednesday, I even more concerned than when I first heard the words spoken by the mayor. Additionally, since then, I have received calls from taxpayers expressing their anger over the proposed budget.

Can you imagine a council so enthusiastic about the mayor’s overall strategy that the majority of Council Democrats stood and applauded? So embolden are these Democrats that have cast aside any pretense of doing what is best for this town. Instead, they are putting into place a master plan that will perpetuate the status quo and accomplish what is best of them. Here is what the mayor had to say followed by my interpretation.

Mayor:
 
You will note that this proposal increases the Town budget by approximately 6%, from $163.6M to $173.6M. As you can expect, much of the increase is due to increased costs for electricity, a previously-determined increase in debt service based on our bonding schedule, the insurance of additional property like the new Hamden Middle School, and new salaries settled in the recent round of contract negotiations.

Ron Gambardella:

The mayor is proposing a $10M increase over last year’s budget. He tosses around millions like we can pick the funds off the money tree growing behind Town Hall. Are we not all experiencing increases in our utility bills? Has anyone increased your income to offset the cost of higher bills? If you are like me, you cut back in other areas to compensate. The mayor wants to blame contracts that he negotiated and the council approved as part of the reason for the increase. He first creates the problem and uses the only solution he can come up with to solve it -- more money. In fact, this is the only solution the entire Council can ever recommend -- more money! I am outraged by the arrogance of this administration and shameless display of support by his Council. These acts are no less than crimes against the taxpayers. We must take back our town from those who would care nothing for the financial wreckage they continue to heap upon us.  We must put a stop to that tired song of theirs, “There is nothing we can do.” I have news for them: there is something we can do. In November, they will feel the town’s wrath on the business end of a boot.  

Mayor:

As has been the case in the past, the largest single expenditure in the proposal is the projected cost of the medical self insurance fund. This account projection increased by just over $70,000 to $23 million. Given spiraling costs for health care nationwide, this increase of a mere 1/3 of one percent in our largest line item is great news for Hamden taxpayers and a credit to the negotiating team that has successfully implemented changes in our health care benefit policies.

Ron Gambardella:

The only sense I can make from the above statement is that the mayor may not be in possession of all his faculties and as a result may not fully appreciate the text of his message. He has just put into place a benefit package that is unrivalled in its generosity and expense. He thinks a one-third percent increase is good news when we should be talking about decreases. To add insult to injury, the Council locked up the current health benefit racket until 2009 for all contracts. What a mess!

Mayor:

The Town will also institute a workplace Wellness program as both a cost savings mechanism and a free way to boost employee morale and productivity through good health.

Ron Gambardella:

Now let me see if I understand this. It appears the mayor is admitting we need to improve productivity and increase morale. That’s good. However, the solution doesn’t seem to address the underlying problem. That’s bad. It seems he thinks he can resolve this issue with diet and exercise. He sees no correlation between ignoring the charter to hire friends and cronies as perhaps a reason why town employees may be feeling a little down. He should be discussing plans for instituting operational efficiencies and adhering to the Town Charter. Instead, he comes up with a free Wellness program as the key to solving these problems, putting the issue firmly in the laps of the employees and washing his hands of any wrongdoing. Do you see why we have a problem, right here in River City?

Mayor:

I hope that  … you will support me in offering a 10% abatement on residential property taxes within the consent order boundary to encourage the long-term ownership and investment that will allow the neighborhood to rebound from the stigmas placed upon it.

Ron Gambardella:

This is a sensitive issue and I am not without compassion for the folks who have been unfairly disadvantage by the environmental issues within the Newhall consent order. But, an across-the-board 10 percent abatement should not only be applied to a select group but should be extended to the entire town. We are all suffering from the environmental hazard known as excessive taxation. Property values are declining because taxes are too high. If you want to really help folks who are financially disadvantaged make Hamden an affordable place to live. Mr. Mayor, stop trying to buy more votes at our expense!

Mayor:

Across the board we have made every effort to provide to you a budget that is fair, reasonable, and, above all, fiscally responsible. I look forward to cooperative dialogue over the next few months that will allow us to move forward together with a budget that works for the people of Hamden.

Ron Gambardella:

If you believe that one, I have a bridge for sale in Brooklyn.

Raw and uncensored, Republican Councilman Ron Gambardella opines on the latest goings-on from behind the legislative bench. He can be reached at r.gambardella@snet.net. (Note: The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Hamden Daily News.)

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‘I Am Outraged’

By Ron Gambardella

Last night, the Council Democrats stood up and gave the mayor a standing ovation when he proposed a budget that will raise our mil rate by another 1.5 points. Additionally, the mayor stated that certain property owners will get a 10 percent tax exemption. This means that while the overall mil rate may increase by 1.5 points, the actual increase will be higher because the non-exempt property owners will be called upon to make up the difference.

These knuckleheads just don’t get it. They are so out of touch with the person on the street that they are actually applauding a proposed tax increase on top of last year’s historically high increase we are all still trying to cope with. Once again, with no opposition, this administration can do whatever it wants whenever it wants.

It seems more and more apparent that we have to take back the town. Right now there exists a strong coalition of friends, family, political contributors and other town cronies who continue to fleece the taxpayers. This nonsense can only be eradicated by waking up the independent-minded voter. The underlying reason for the cheers given by the Council Democrats is that the status quo has been given yet another year of financial support at our expense.

Raw and uncensored, Republican Councilman Ron Gambardella opines on the latest goings-on from behind the legislative bench. He can be reached at r.gambardella@snet.net. (Note: The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Hamden Daily News.)

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What the Mayor Really Said

By Ron Gambardella

Power, Power and More Power

Hamden Dems can't seem to get enough

By Ron Gambardella

In my last few articles, I have made reference to “the way of the Democrat.” This expression assumed that folks reading this understood the philosophy behind the decisions made by those 13 Hamden Legislative Council members who call themselves Democrats. To fully appreciate they way of the Democrat we have to go back to the Amento Administration.

At that time, the Democrats sought the ways and means to discredit the mayor by doing such things as stripping his administration of the ability to hire by withholding financing for key positions. This in turn created logjams in workflow and the inability to keep government running smoothly. When things went badly, the Democrats were quick to point out the issues in an attempt to show that Mayor Amento was unable to continue to function in the capacity of mayor.

Another example was bid waivers. The Democrats skewered the mayor for this practice calling it unacceptable and attempted to paint the picture that Mayor Amento was resorting to tactics that would disadvantage the taxpayers. The Democrats used these arguments to build the necessary momentum to unseat the mayor in favor of the current administration.

Finally, the Democrats were especially irked at Mayor Amento’s bipartisan government, which seemed to be the final straw that resulted in a thumbs-down vote from his party. Councilman Matt Fitch was instrumental in arranging Mayor Amento’s demise.

Now fast forward to the current administration. Suddenly bid waivers are an acceptable practice. Where’s the opposition? Where’s the concern for the taxpayer? These very same Democrats now talk about how bid waivers are a quick way to move government forward and serve the taxpayer’s best interest. These same Democrats who would not provide staffing for Mayor Amento saw fit to hire a $50,000 help desk administrator when a published directory of department head telephone numbers would have accomplished the same thing. Again, these same Democrats sung praises of support for purchasing an SUV as way of inaugurating the new mayor.

Not once did the Democrats mention a word about the need for a historically high tax increase during Mayor Henrici’s campaign. Don’t let anyone kid you in believing the Democrats did not understand the difficulties facing the town. After all, they created the problems. Instead, they feature Wi-Fi and an ambulance service as the cornerstones for reform in the town of Hamden. To me, this is almost sinister. With hindsight being 20-20, we now see more clearly the hidden agenda of the Democrat.

So what is the way of the Democrat? It is simply this: They embrace policies that best suit the Democratic Party. Right or wrong has nothing to do with how a Democrat votes. It is what is best for the party. Whom do we owe favors? Whom do we owe jobs? How can we get more votes at the expense of the taxpayer? These are the underlying principles that operate in the background and are behind every vote the Democrats cast.

Just look at the way they eliminated the library director’s salary during last year’s budget process, then reversed their position. This was a warning to anyone who opposes the way of the Democrat. However, if you bow to party politics you are rewarded with lucrative contracts as can be seen in the case of the recently awarded contract to complete the ice skating rink.

It pays to be a member of the Democratic Party.

Raw and uncensored, Republican Councilman Ron Gambardella opines on the latest goings-on from behind the legislative bench. He can be reached at r.gambardella@snet.net. (Note: The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Hamden Daily News.)

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I Asked and I Got

Recently I requested a yearend projection of the town’s expenses from the administration. Listed below is a line item detail of those projections. I took what the Finance Department provided and resorted the data and listed each item by expense category rather than by department, so you can get a better sense of how the town spends your money. Bottom line is that the town is projecting a savings of $537K from the revised budget. The forecast is for Feb. 1 to the end of the fiscal period on June 30, 2007.

It is interesting to note that the Council doesn’t seem at all interested in such matters. When the topic of projections was discussed at our last meeting, Councilman Flanagan indicated that he could only deal with the here and now. He appears to be the spokesman for the Democratic Party, since most of what he says goes unchallenged by his Democratic peers. I can only conclude the Democrats as a whole have no interest in the chart below. Judging from their approach to developing a budget and their approval of endless bid waivers, they seem to take comfort in the bliss of financial ignorance. Almost like saying don’t tell me, let me be surprised.

However, after being shell shocked by the historically high tax increase that the Democrats heaped upon the taxpayers last year, I am acutely aware how this philosophy can create a significant financial burden on the rest of us who have to pay for such ignorance.

2006-2007 Exp Forecast
CATEGORY	Revised Budget	Forecast	Better/Worse) Budget
ADVERTISING          Total	102,040	108,110	(6,070)
ANIMAL ACQ/CARE/TREA Total	6,000	6,000	0
ANNUAL AUDIT         Total	40,000	40,000	0
BINDING              Total	4,440	5,243	(803)
BLDG/GROUND MAINT Total	147,100	162,100	(15,000 )
BOARD OF EDUCATION B Total	70,700,000	70,700,000	0
Board of Ethics Total	1,000	1,000	0
BOOKS, MAPS, MANUALS Total	21,245	20,195	1,050
BUILDING REPAIRS     Total	30,775	30,650	125
BUSINESS TRAVEL      Total	1,660	450	1,210
CABINETS, CHAIRS, ETC. Total	400	398	2
CABINETS, CHAIRS, ETC. Total	1,000	0	1,000
CASH MATCH           Total	12,400	12,400	0
CODED ALARM/MONITOR  Total	500	500	0
COMMISSION EXPENSES  Total	1,250	1,250	0
COMPUTER RELATED Total	79,800	39,800	40,000

s

HYDRANT WATER SERVIC Total	500,000	500,000	0
INSURANCE CLAIMS     Total	50,000	70,000	(20,000)
INSURANCE LIABILITY  Total	1,350,000	1,350,000	0
INSURANCE MANAGEMENT Total	45,000	25,000	20,000
INTEREST             Total	4,823,096	4,823,096	0
LABORATORY EQUIPMENT Total	10,000	10,000	0
LAND RECORDS INDEXIN Total	85,000	85,000	0
LAND/BUILDINGS - RENTAL Total	100,500	100,200	300
LANDFILL MATERIALS & Total	50,000	50,000	0
LEAF REMOVAL         Total	140,000	146,613	(6,613)
LEGAL LAWYER         Total	10,000	10,000	0
LIBRARY MATERIALS    Total	225,000	225,000	0
LIBRARY PROCESSING Total	14,000	14,000	0
LIFE INSURANCE       Total	85,000	85,000	0
LINE PAINTING        Total	32,500	32,500	0
LONGEVITY            Total	487,635	462,355	25,280
LUBRICANTS           Total	14,100	14,100	0
MEAL ALLOWANCE       Total	2,050	2,050	0
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT Total	700	700	0
MEDICAL Total	22,928,345	22,928,345	0
MEDICAL SUPPLIES     Total	41,030	41,030	0
MIDDLE SCHOOL/SPEC.  Total	120,000	0	120,000
MILEAGE              Total	11,130	10,930	200
MONTHLY ALLOWANCE    Total	4,100	3,700	400
MUNICIPAL SERVICE FE Total	83,100	89,079	(5,979)
NATURAL GAS          Total	170,000	190,000	(20,000)
OFFICE EQUIPMENT     Total	15,460	12,800	2,660
OFFICE EQUIPMENT REP Total	62,750	56,650	6,100
OFFICE SUPPLIES      Total	31,300	30,300	1,000
OTHER Total	173,420	176,554	(3,134)
OVERTIME             Total	770,173	909,007	(138,834)
OVERTIME-MUNICIPAL E Total	30,000	22,000	8,000
PARAMEDIC/EMS DIFF.  Total	270,000	244,560	25,440
PARK & REC SPEC PROG Total	165,000	165,000	0
PARKWAY/TREE MAINTEN Total	12,500	12,500	0
PARKWAY/TREES        Total	15,000	15,000	0
PAY DIFFERENTIAL     Total	16,100	15,600	500
PHOTO/DUPLICATING EQ Total	500	250	250
PHOTO-DUPLICTING EQU Total	150	150	0

PHYSICAL EXAMS       Total	15,000	15,000	0
PHYSICAL EXAMS-OSHA  Total	30,000	30,000	0
POLICE PROTECTION    Total	30,000	35,000	(5,000)
POSTAGE              Total	120,935	120,429	506
PRINCIPAL            Total	6,950,000	6,950,000	0
PRINTING/REPRODUCTIO Total	89,400	87,772	1,628
PROFESSIONAL MEETING Total	10,450	10,150	300
PROFESSIONAL/TECH SE Total	662,045	634,627	27,418
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Total	2,000	2,000	0
PROTECTIVE EQUIP.    Total	40,000	40,000	0
Q.V.H.D. ASSESSMENT  Total	301,700	301,700	0
RADAR EQUIPMENT      Total	3,000	3,000	0
RADIO REPAIRS        Total	21,400	21,400	0
RADIO/COMMUNICATION  Total	13,000	11,500	1,500
RECORD REPRODUCTION  Total	4,000	4,000	0
RECREATION EQUIPMENT Total	3,500	3,500	0
RECREATION SUPPLIES  Total	12,700	12,600	100
RECREATION-FALL/WINT Total	26,000	26,000	0
RECREATION-SPRING/SU Total	16,500	16,500	0
RECREATION-YEARLY    Total	67,230	74,230	(7,000)
RECYCLE MAT/SUPPLIES Total	7,000	7,000	0
REGULAR SALARIES Total	23,998,671	23,292,861	705,810
RENTAL - AUTOMOBILE  Total	11,000	11,000	0
RENTAL - EQUIPMENT   Total	40,560	40,560	0
RENTAL EQUIPMENT     Total	1,000	1,000	0
REPAIRS-FIRE EXTINGU Total	3,000	3,000	0
RES. NEGOTIATION-ARB Total	1,129,075	1,129,075	0
ROAD MAINTENANCE SUP Total	50,000	60,000	(10,000)
SAFETY EQUIPMENT     Total	43,200	42,450	750
SAFETY SUPPLIES      Total	17,600	17,600	0
SANITARY & CLEANING  Total	14,000	18,000	(4,000)
SETTLEMENT RESERVE   Total	0	0	0
SEWER USAGE CHARGES  Total	20,000	20,000	0
SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL   Total	194,750	177,720	17,030
SNOW RELATED EQUIP R Total	8,000	8,000	0
SNOW REMOVAL         Total	180,000	180,000	0
SNOW REMOVAL SUPPLIE Total	100,000	100,000	0
SOCIAL SECURITY      Total	1,300,000	1,338,927	(38,927)
SPECIAL PROGRAMS     Total	5,000	5,000	0
SPECIAL PROJECTS     Total	53,000	53,000	0
STAND-BY             Total	89,760	91,940	(2,180)

STIPEND              Total	7,900	7,900	0
STIPEND/REIMBURSEMEN Total	18,750	18,750	0
STREET LIGHTING      Total	990,000	1,066,702	(76,702)
STREETS/BRIDGES      Total	10,000	10,000	0
SUBSTITUTES/STRAIGHT Total	1,200,000	1,500,000	(300,000)
TAX REFUNDS          Total	106,300	100,000	6,300
TEL REPAIR/INSTALLAT Total	49,540	49,540	0
TELEPHONE SERVICE    Total	310,470	305,837	4,633
TEMPORARY WAGES      Total	336,900	343,903	(7,003)
TEST SUPPLIES        Total	12,500	12,500	0
TIRE REPAIRS/ROAD SE Total	55,000	55,000	0
TIRES/TUBES/WHEELS   Total	12,000	12,000	0
TOOL ALLOWANCE       Total	1,600	1,600	0
TOWING ABANDONED CAR Total	4,000	4,000	0
TOWN CONTRIBUTION    Total	9,000,000	9,000,000	0
TOWN EVENTS          Total	5,000	5,000	0
TRAFFIC SIGN SUPS.   Total	22,500	22,500	0
TRAFFIC SIGNAL PARTS Total	30,000	30,000	0
TREE STUMP REMOVAL S Total	3,000	3,000	0
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENS Total	35,000	35,000	0
UNIFORM CLEANING ALL Total	35,850	32,100	3,750
UNIFORM PURCHASE ALL Total	250,410	239,405	11,005
UNIFORM STIPEND ALLO Total	31,240	31,240	0
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE  Total	87,400	89,600	(2,200)
VEHICLE RENTAL       Total	20,400	20,400	0
VEHICLE REPAIR SUPPL Total	1,500	1,500	0
VEHICLE REPAIRS      Total	101,000	101,000	0
VEHICLE REPLACEMENT  Total	200,970	199,925	1,045
VEHICLE/EQUIPMENT RE Total	55,000	55,000	0
VETERANS MEMORIAL PA Total	5,000	5,000	0
WASTE REMOVAL CONTRA Total	1,390,000	1,390,000	0
WASTE REMOVAL-CONDOS Total	180,000	181,324	(1,324)
WATER                Total	46,400	47,900	(1,500)
WATER MONITORING     Total	6,500	6,500	0
WORKERS' COMPENSATIO Total	1,100,000	1,100,000	0
YALE CHILD STUDY     Total	37,080	37,080	0
Grand Total	163,841,404	163,304,398	537,006

Raw and uncensored, Republican Councilman Ron Gambardella opines on the latest goings-on from behind the legislative bench. He can be reached at r.gambardella@snet.net. (Note: The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Hamden Daily News.)

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When a Donkey Says ‘No’ He Votes ‘Yes’

By Ron Gambardella

It occurred to me that the Democrats sitting on the Council may not understand the meaning of the word “no.” In fact, I do not believe there has been a single instance that this word has been voiced when it comes to bid waivers or union contracts. To date, there have been 47 bid waivers approved by the Democrats. Additionally, every union contract has also been approved.

It seems Webster’s dictionary may have to be invoked to fully appreciate the meaning of the word n-o. For those who may not be aware, Webster’s provides an online dictionary.  Not only is the word defined, but you can actually hear the word properly pronounced. Something the Democrats should listen to more often. I played it several times, since it is so seldom heard from the Democrats when it comes to practicing fiscal restraint. Webster’s defines no as follows:

No:  1) used as a function word to express the negative of an alternative choice or possibility 2) used to express negation, dissent, denial, or refusal 3) used with a following adjective to imply a meaning expressed by the opposite positive statement 4) used as a function word to emphasize a following negative or to introduce a more emphatic, explicit, or comprehensive statement 5) used as an interjection to express surprise, doubt, or incredulity 6) used in combination with a verb to form a compound adjective 7) in negation

A word as simple as “no” can easily be inserted into a statement to express the unwillingness to co-sign poorly negotiated contracts or ill-advised bid waivers.  So far, this Council has been unable to demonstrate they actually can vote no. It is true that they can speak endlessly about the possibility of voting no, but cannot seem to actually do it. What is there to gained from talking about voting no and then concluding your discussion by voting yes? It is like a child who pesters a parent for a toy or candy. The parent first may be inclined to say no or actually say the word no, but eventually wearies of the incessant demands and gives in.

This Council is a lot like the weary parent. The administration constantly seeks approval by submitting an unending request list of bid waivers. The Council then talks about saying no but doesn’t. Again, it’s like Pavlov’s dog that begins to salivate when stimulated by sound. This administration begins to salivate when the Council discusses no, because they understand what is coming next -- yes!

When Councilman Matt Fitch was defending the police union contract last Monday, he went so far as to admit the contracts were lucrative, chocked full of high-cost benefits. He spoke about taking small or baby steps. He then mentioned how the police union contract was like the Titanic turning slowly. By voting yes to this contract, he was willing to commit this town to a multi-year pact that doesn’t reflect current fiscal realities.

The only problem with Councilman Fitch’s comparison is that the Titanic sunk. It sunk because it could not turn quickly enough to avoid an iceberg. The very analogy Mr. Fitch used to justify his yes vote speaks to the failed policies the Democrats have instituted over the past seven years. The slow pace the Democrats are charting will ultimately lead to the same fate as the Titanic.

Raw and uncensored, Republican Councilman Ron Gambardella opines on the latest goings-on from behind the legislative bench. He can be reached at r.gambardella@snet.net. (Note: The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Hamden Daily News.)

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Lobotomy, Anyone?

By Ron Gambardella

This Monday, the Council reviewed and approved the collective bargaining agreement between the Democrats who control the town of Hamden and the police union Local 907. The vote was 13 yes, 2 abstentions and one no vote. Once again, I cast the sole no vote. While other councilmembers may wax philosophically on the virtues of voting no, I remain the only person who actually did so.

Now to the casual observer it would appear that I am voting no just to be different and perhaps grab a headline or two. Let me perfectly clear: I do not relish the onslaught I receive from the Democrats attempting to justify the most outrageous sort of nonsense.  If you think I enjoy ridicule, chastisement and the overall feeling of being totally and absolutely alone you are wrong. I am compelled to do the right thing for the taxpayers.

I will not be silenced by the Democrats no matter how hard they try. It would be so much easier going along for the ride. After all, who really cares? Why put myself through the misery? Just go along with the crowd. Well the short answer is that I just cannot remain silent. The Democrats prefer darkness to light. I say let’s bring the abuses into the light so they can be adequately addressed and remedied. 

Let me be more specific. The union contract, just approved by the Democrats who claim there is nothing we can do, agreed to the following:

• Sick leave accumulation up to 220 days
• Vacation time accumulation up to 66 days
• $750 annual incentive to use 9 or fewer sick days
• $500 annual incentive to use 11 or fewer sick days
• Employee health insurance premium contribution capped as follows: 2007 -- $28.85 per week or about $121 per month

Let me start off by saying I have the utmost respect for the fine women and men working on the force. They have done a fine job in policing our roadways and neighborhoods. That said I would like to point out police officers are paid extremely well for the outstanding work they do and are frequently among the top wage earners in the town. They can afford to increase their contribution to the health insurance premiums. Councilman Flanagan attempted to discredit any criticism of the contract by reminding the Council of the dangers police officers face. I don’t believe any councilmember needed reminding, nonetheless, the reminding was intended to discourage any attempt at challenging the agreement.  This logic has led to the extremely high labor cost we as a community are struggling to pay. Councilman Flanagan can best serve his community by sitting on the other side of the Council table.

Raw and uncensored, Republican Councilman Ron Gambardella opines on the latest goings-on from behind the legislative bench. He can be reached at r.gambardella@snet.net.(Note: The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Hamden Daily News.)

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