We're back. It's been a busy month in our family, and time and family, work and Council activities hasn't let me post for a bit. Nevertheless, a few stalwarts have been sending in notes, and I appreciate that. I'll try to post more and respond better in the next few weeks.
The City is picking up some overdue expenses of the Humane Society, which provides the City a needed service in animal control, but has suffered from board turnovers and policies that work against them. How would you improve this situation?
The estimates for the Falcon Field project came in, at $5.6 million. The reaction of the Council was: no way! The Finance Committee, after much study and public input, did agree and recommend to the Council to support up to $2 million to match the State grant. We frankly can't believe the planners didn't pay attention to that limit of $4 million. The Finance Committe will take the matter up this Thursday. This councilor will not be supporting any increase.
The Bicentennial festivities are starting to heat up. I hope all of Meriden partakes in some of the excellent events planned. Let's really be proud of our 200 years and show it at the parade.
What's on your mind about the City?
About Me
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- Stephen T. Zerio
- Elected to first of 3 four-year terms in November, 1995, as a Democrat. Served on the Finance Committee and the Economic Development, Housing and Zoning Committee (Chairman). Chose not to run in 2006 after 6 years as Majority Leader. Now serving a 2 year term as the CT Democratic State Central Committeeman from the 13th District. Employed at Aetna, Inc. Married with 3 children. Resident of Meriden since 1978.
8 comments:
Hey there Steve, nice to hear from you again, sounds like you've been quite busy. The Humane Society seems like it has a problem with it's overall mission - no kill policy. I know this sounds cruel, but we're talking stray dogs and cats here. We can't expect the taxpayers to foot the bill to keep an unlimted amount of these animals housed, fed, and medically treated. Sounds like they need to have some realistic limits on the number of animals housed there and the rest - "c'est la vie". Glad to hear the Council is not too pleased with the bids on the Falcon Field proposal. Sounds like deja vous of the softball field fiasco with the cost overruns. Do you guys (Council) feel hoodwinked by our municipal "experts" with the lowball proposal figures? It was my understanding that they "did the research" on comparable costs in surrounding communities. I would imagine that the projected revenue projections and future maintenence costs are about as accurate as the initial construction estimates. I would hope that "our local experts" now hold no credibility in future discussions. Thanks
Dear Mr. Zerio;
Thanks to the Bicentennial Committee or the City Council for the flags! I really love the way they line West Main Street-may I ask that they stay up at least until Memorial Day? I can see this becoming another Meriden ritual- putting out the flags on flag day and leaving them up until memorial Day of Thanskgiving Day! They make Meriden look so festive. Perhaps the flags will inspire people to be patriotic, too and focus on what we all share! Great, great idea!
Mr. Z- Would you be a dear and amend my "Memorial Day" to be "Labor Day"? The whole point being that I would like to see the flags being out in the Winter and the Hubbard Park lights light up the early winter.
I tried to fix it a little earlier, but I got "timed out" and I don't know if you got the message. Thanks again.
KSA
Congratulations on shooting down the $1.5M over charge for Falcon Field! I still don't believe the city should spend the $2M for upgrade where the money can be put to more useful purposes like:
1)The increase in the cost of electricity
2)fuel to heat the public buildings (schools)
3)hold off raising taxes!
Even though this isn't much, I do applaud the council's stance and hope to see more of this in the future.
Ahh, looks like a few more people are jumping on the "we don't need the Falcon Field project" after all. As the reality of the cost overruns set in, the less palatable the need for the field becomes. I did like a suggestion by one of our councilors to look at some creative solutions. The one regarding putting in two artifical surfaces at the existing high school sites really should be examined more closely. Seems like we're getting more bang for less buck. Too many people are being blinded by the "free" state money, and can't see the "field through the Benjamins". And of course our Falcon Field overwhelming supporters soundly reject the idea of revamping the high school fields, cuz it's not what "they" want. Too bad, it should be about what the taxpayers want and the city can afford!
Let me echo what anonymous said, "it should be about what the taxpayers want and the city can afford!" We seem to be losing that lately.
Nothing is lamer than a stale, un-updated blog...
With all of the issues surrounding Taxes..How can mayor Benigni and the City pay for a commercial on Channel 3 telling people to come to Hubbard park to see the lights?
Are they going to pay to come??NO
But the Mayor can't put hios own agenda aside, or ego..To go on network TV at the Cities expense??
You've LOST my vote Mayor.
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