Sen Linares, Save programs that grow jobs

Sen. Art Linares toured Chester, CT-based manufacturer Aero-Cision on Feb. 27, 2013 as he works on bills that promote business-friendly policies to help create jobs. Contributed photo.

Submitted by Sen. Art Linares

I recently threw my support behind a bill that I believe will make Connecticut more business-friendly and help to create jobs.

This bill makes permanent the state’s temporary Job Expansion Tax Credit Program.  As the law stands now, that program is slated to end on Jan. 1, 2014.

The savings that small businesses can realize from this program are considerable.

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Rep. Ziobron asks help to save state park

State Rep. Melissa Ziobron has introduced a bill to improve the Sunrise State Park in East Haddam, CT. DEEP photo.

By State Rep. Melissa Ziobron

One of my priorities since taking office has been to enact a plan to get Sunrise State Park cleaned up and back into safe condition so people can once again enjoy it as a recreational resource, without fear of getting hurt or injured.

To that end, I proposed a bill that has been brought forward with new language as a committee bill, scheduled for a public hearing in the Environment Committee this Friday, March 8, 2013.

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Delving deeper into Malloy’s proposed state budget

In all, there is more than $3 billion in borrowing. In order to stay under the constitutional spending cap, Gov. Malloy has changed the rules by which spending is calculated.

- Letter to the Editor by Rep. Melissa Ziobron

When I originally reviewed Gov. Malloy’s budget proposal, I did not like what I saw, but, decided to wait until I got deeper into the details before passing judgment over his proposal. Now that I have had time to review it in more detail, sadly I think the budget proposal is worse than I originally thought.

Two years ago, Gov. Malloy had an opportunity to restructure state government and put it in a better position to recover from the economic difficulties and deficit plaguing the state for years. Unfortunately, the idea that one should “never let a crisis go to waste” was lost on his administration.

Instead of shrinking government and reducing spending, the Governor and his legislative supporters have increased spending and raised taxes by a record $1.8 billion.

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East Hampton Council members object to interim-chief process

East Hampton CT Town Council members say they’ve worked hard to put the turmoil over the Police Chief’s position behind them. File photo July 13, 2010 copyright by Brenda Sullivan.

To The Editor,

As residents of East Hampton for many years, we have come to expect that our appointed, elected and paid town officials will consider the correct process when making decisions and most of all, consider the residents and their level of comfort.

Since the election of 2011, the level of comfort throughout our community has leveled off and the residents are again putting their trust in those who make decisions for them.

We began our term on the Town Council as the minority members and made steps to work with all members of the council to make decisions that were positive and right for our community.  This level of comfort was not achieved overnight, but we began to feel hopeful,  following many controversial meetings and discussions.

We worked together to hire a Town Manager and helped him as he settled into a new home and a very important job.  We desperately needed a person who would consider all that we had been through and help us to move forward.

We all agreed that this goal should be our focus and that we were steadily moving forward.

We believed that the retirement package that was accepted by our Chief of Police was acceptable to him and his family as well as the residents of our community.  This was a giant step forward for everyone.

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East Hampton Town Manager explains interim-chief decision

Dear Citizens,

Many of you have heard about my recent decision to temporarily appoint Matthew Reimondo to the position of Interim Police Chief in accordance with Town code 109-2. I am writing you in an effort to explain my decision and provide you with the details.

The job of the Town Manager is not to be involved with politics, but to ensure the Town as an organization continues to deliver services to the community in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

My decision to fill the interim position posed many challenges because of the State Statutes, lack of an internal succession plan, lack of managerial experience available and the political climate of this position.

Due to the state statutory requirements, fiscal restraints and the quick timeline to get the position filled, an external applicant was unattainable.

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Letter chides Senator Daily for lack of loyalty

Mary Ellen Klink and Jim Crawford, candidates for the Connecticut 33rd District State Senate seat. Composite by Brenda Sullivan | HTNP.com

Dear Editor,

Wow! What a surprise AND disappointment. I just received a promotional piece for Jim Crawford, candidate for the 33rd District State Senate seat. While I am sure Mr. Crawford is a worthy candidate, as is his opponent Mary Ellen Klinck, I was shocked to see he is heavily endorsed by retiring Senator Eileen Daily.

Twenty years ago, Mary Ellen Klinck worked tirelessly to help Ms. Daily get elected to her first term as State Senator. Over the years, Mary Ellen donated time, money, her years of experience with the Democratic Party, and even her home to host fundraisers — all to benefit Ms. Daily.

I would have hoped Ms. Daily to be a better person. For her to turn her back on a loyal, hard-working friend is discouraging and wrong. The better solution would have been for Ms. Daily to simply wish both candidates good luck.

Sincerely,

Jim Johnson

Moodus (East Haddam) CT

Posted Aug. 6, 2012

Related link: How do they compare? Fundraising info on CT Senate 33rd District candidates http://easthaddam.htnp.com/2012/07/21/how-do-they-compare-fundraising-info-on-ct-senate-33rd-district-candidates/

Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

East Hampton – Klinck asks for your vote in senate primary

Mary Ellen Klinck is a Democratic candidate for Connecticut State Senator in the 33rd District, which includes East Haddam and East Hampton, CT. She and fellow Democrat Jim Crawford will vie for a place on the ballot in November, in the upcoming primary. Photo by Jean Maheu for HTNP.com

Dear Friends,

I am Mary Ellen Klinck, a lifelong Democrat, former East Haddam Selectman and State Commissioner of the Department of Aging, who believes the rights of the elderly, disabled, veterans, teachers, citizens and children need a voice.

Residents of the 33rd Senate District know they live in a magical place. I own property on both sides of the Connecticut River and love the vistas and sunsets. A clean, protected river and shoreline are vital to our quality of life. Open space land along these waterfronts must be preserved, so that future generations will enjoy what we have today.

While owning a restaurant, an insurance agency, and a real estate office, I’ve created hundreds of jobs. Add my membership on the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce’s executive board, and I know the needs in today’s business community. I’ve helped elect local, state and Federal Democratic candidates. The Party’s ideals are in my blood.

I support investment in Connecticut’s tourism industry, which will increase economic development, jobs and revenue. Our river and coastline will benefit from tourism promotion.

Beyond our district, UConn is becoming a world-class medical research center. The investment in Jackson Laboratory is a real boost, making Farmington the bioscience center of the Northeast, where people can get the best medical care now and in the future.

I have a passion for community service. One must not only give back to the community but also inspire others through good example. My resumé shows a diversified background, both as a professional and a volunteer. I enjoy being involved.

I promise to work vigorously for everyone in the 33rd District and ask for your support. We need a woman senator to replace Edith Prague and Eileen Daily, who are retiring.

Contact me at www.klinckforsenate.com or 860-873-8420.

Sincerely,

Mary Ellen Klinck

Posted August 6, 2012

Editor’s note: The 12 towns that comprise the 33rd Senatorial District are Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, a portion of Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.

Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

Letter – Candidate Melissa Ziobron’s East Hampton roots

Melissa Ziobron is 2012 Republican candidate for State Representative in the 34th District. Contributed photo.

Thank you to the folks that stopped by to greet me at Old Home Day (OHD) in East Hampton. It was so much fun to be at the OHD grounds this weekend. I also enjoyed hearing—“Hey Missy Hoy” for the first time in about 25 years!

It was wonderful to see old friends and to see their children. It seems like yesterday when we competed in Field Day on that very spot. I am sure the volunteers of OHD must be proud. They put together an amazing event. Check out their blog to consider donating your time www.easthamptonoldhomedays.org

You may have seen a small collection of yard signs around town. It was part of a larger effort to re-introduce you to Melissa Ziobron and to remind residents, that I have deep roots in East Hampton.

My campaign is dedicated to the 34th district and while I may have graduated from Nathan Hale-Ray and live (and love) East Haddam-a piece of my heart is still here in East Hampton.

In East Hampton -  I learned to ride a bike, had a wonderful kindergarten teacher named Mrs. Anstett at Middle Haddam School, bought candy at Thatcher’s  and played junior high and freshmen year basketball for a wonderful and inspiring guy and mentor named Coach McCabe.

Thanks also to Bevin Bros. I began volunteering for them shortly after their devastating fire. Marching alongside the employees I have grown to admire and the Bevin family was a deep honor and I will continue to help them in any way possible. Help them by visiting www.keepthebellsinbelltown.com

My campaign website is now up, please visit www.melissaziobron.com I look forward to a vigorous campaign later this summer and hope for an opportunity to meet or reintroduce myself.

- Melissa “Missy Hoy” Ziobron, East Haddam

Posted July 22, 2012 – Melissa Ziobron is a Republican candidate for State Rep. for the 34th District, which includes East Hampton, East Haddam and part of Colchester. On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ziobron2012 and online at www.melissaziobron.com

Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on Twitter at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )