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I went on the Internet and looked up the Rules and Regulations of how an inmate is granted parole. I was interested in this because the two suspects in the Petit killing were out on parole believe it or not. When you read this note item number 7 . The parolee is not supposed to have ANY weapon or be able to purchase a weapon. Then how in Gods name did they allegedly obtain the pellet rifle from a retailer? Apparently, according to press reports, this family was followed from a local supermarket back to their home. It must have been a dry run.

The news media also is reporting that the mother and two daughters were raped and the two girls tied to the bed and burned. How sick sick sick. The father beaten with a baseball bat and thrown down the stairs.

I know it seems paranoid but that is why I always watch who is behind me when I drive, who is driving by the house. I am always looking. You have to have eyes all around your head today. These people worked hard to build up the life they had and to have this happen is beyond pathetic. May God have mercy on their souls!!

I am sorry to have to say this, but it seems as if the criminal justice system in this state is a complete joke from motor vehicles on up. Case in point, someone I know has been driving without ever obtaining a license for 22 years. The person gets caught, pays the fine and gets in the car and keeps driving. The last time I went to court with the person a few weeks ago, the prosecutor actually laughed about it. NICE GOING!!! PS. The person is still driving!! Another person I know doesn’t live in Connecticut and and hasn’t for 30 years and STILL renews their license using their old address from this state. So what do you all expect. They can’t enforce a driving license situation do you expect them to handle a parole violator!!!

Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles
Parole Eligibility

Parole eligibility is established both by Statute and Board Policy. It should be noted that the following criteria refers only to eligibility and does not confer a right to be paroled at the time stated.
A. Statutory

1. Indeterminate Sentences -
Individuals serving sentences with minimum and maximum terms (crimes committed prior to July 1, 1981) are eligible for parole consideration upon the minimum term, less all earned good time and pre-trial confinement credit.

2. Definite Sentences -
Individuals serving definite sentences (crimes committed on or after July 1, 1981) of greater than two years are eligible for parole consideration upon expiration of one-half of the total effective sentence, satisfaction of any mandatory portion or one-half of the most recently imposed sentence, whichever yields the latest date, less any pre-trial confinement credit. Good time is not credited toward parole eligibility of definite sentences.

Exclusions: Individuals serving definite sentences for the crimes of Murder (53a-54a), Capital Felony Murder (53a-54b), Felony Murder (53a-54c), Arson Murder (53a-54d), or Possession of a Firearm within 1500′ of a School (53a-217b) are not eligible for parole consideration.

a. Crimes Pre-1994 -
Definite sentences imposed for crimes committed prior to October 1, 1994 are reduced by applicable statutory good time provisions. The effect of such good time provisions may vary; however, sentences are typically reduced by up to approximately 30% of the calendar term imposed by the court. Thus the “window of eligibility” on these sentences is between the 50% and 70% mark.

b. Crimes Post-1994 -
Definite sentences, for crimes committed on or after October 1, 1994, are not reduced by statutory good time. Consequently, individuals sentenced as such are subject to the discretionary release authority of the Board for up to 100% of the calendar term imposed by the court. Thus the “window of eligibility” on such sentences is between the 50% and 100% mark.

c. Convictions Post-1996 -
Commonly referred to as the “85% law”, Public Act 95-225, now codified as Section 54-125a(c) of the Connecticut General Statutes, requires that individuals convicted on or after July 1, 1996 for certain violent offenses, or who, regardless of the instant offense, possess a criminal history which includes certain violent offenses, shall be required to serve 85% of the calendar term imposed by the court prior to being considered for parole. The “window of eligibility” in these cases, therefore, is between the 85% and 100% mark.

Within approximately two months of admission to the Connecticut Department of Correction on a parole eligible sentence, the individual’s instant offense and criminal history are reviewed to determine whether the individual will be designated to serve 85% prior to parole consideration. Such designation is made by a two-member panel of the Board of Parole. Instant offenses resulting in 85% designation are as follows:

53a-55 Manslaughter 1st
53a-55a Manslaughter 1st with a Firearm
53a-56 Manslaughter 2nd
53a-56a Manslaughter 2nd with a Firearm
53a-56b Manslaughter 2nd with a Motor Vehicle
53a-57 Misconduct with a Motor Vehicle
53a-59 Assault 1st
53a-60 Assault 2nd
53a-60a Assault 2nd with a Firearm
53a-60b Assault of a Victim sixty or Older 2nd
53a-60c Assault of a Victim Sixty or Older 2nd with a Firearm
53a-59a Assault of a Victim Sixty or Older
53a-70 Sexual Assault 1st
53a-70a Aggravated Sexual Assault 1st
53a-70b Sexual Assault in a Spousal or Cohabiting Relationship
53a-72b Sexual Assault 3rd with a Firearm
53a-92 Kidnapping 1st
53a-92a Kidnapping 1st with a Firearm
53a-94 Kidnapping 2nd
53a-94a Kidnapping 2nd with a Firearm
53a-95 Unlawful Restraint 1st
53a-101 Burglary 1st
53a-102a Burglary 2nd with a Firearm
53a-103a Burglary 3rd with a Firearm
53a-111 Arson 1st
53a-112 Arson 2nd
53a-134 Robbery 1st
53a-135 Robbery 2nd
53a-136 Robbery 3rd
53a-167c Assault on a Policeman or Fireman
53a-179b Rioting in a Correctional Facility
53a-179c Inciting a Riot in a Correctional Facility
53a-181c Stalking 1st

B. Policy Based

Statutory eligibility notwithstanding, the Board will not review the cases of individuals who, at the point of eligibility:

1. are designated by the Connecticut Department of Correction as a Security Risk Group (SRG) Member or SRG Safety Threat Member
2. are classified by the Connecticut Department of Correction as an overall risk level “5″
3. are housed in a Connecticut Department of Correction Chronic Disciplinary Unit; or
4. have criminal charges pending in the State of Connecticut. These cases will be reviewed for parole consideration only upon disposition of such charges.

C. Medical Parole

Public Act 89-383, now codified as Section 54-131a - 54-131g, inclusive, of the Connecticut General Statutes, authorizes the Board to grant medical parole to any inmate serving any sentence (except persons sentenced for a Capital Felony), provided that:

1. the individual suffers from a terminal illness; and
2. the individual is so incapacitated by the illness, that he/she is incapable of posing a threat to society.

Standard Conditions of Parole

1. Upon my release I will report to my parole officer as directed and follow the parole officer’s instructions.

2. I will report to my parole officer in person and in writing whenever and wherever the parole officer directs.

3. I agree that the parole officer has the right to visit my residence or place of employment at any reasonable time.

4. I will seek, obtain and maintain employment throughout my parole term, or perform community service as directed by my parole officer.

5. I will notify my parole officer prior to any changes in my place of residence, in my place of employment, or of any change in my marital status.

6. I will notify my parole officer within 48 hours if at any time I am arrested for any offense.

7. I will not at any time have firearms, ammunition, or any other weapon in my possession or under my control.

8. I will not leave the State of Connecticut without prior permission of my parole officer.

9. I will obey all laws, and to the best of my ability, fulfill all my legal obligations, including payment of all applicable child support and alimony orders.

10. I will not at any time, use, or have in my possession or control, any illegal drug or narcotic.

11. I will not at any time have contact or affiliation with any street gangs or with any members thereof.

12. Your release on parole is based upon the conclusion of the parole panel that there is a reasonable probability that you will live and remain at liberty without violating the law and that your release is not incompatible with the welfare of society. In the event that you engage in conduct in the future which renders this conclusion no longer valid, then your parole will be revoked or modified accordingly.

13. I also agree to abide by the following individual conditions:

Special Conditions/Stipulations listed here.

Failure to comply with these conditions may result in the revocation of parole, as well as the forfeiture of any or all good time.

Well tonight I made my official debut as an “R” (Republican). I probably just lost half of my supporters. But don’t worry all my friends, I am still the same person and no–I am not checking myself into the hospital to get a CAT scan.

I attended the Republican caucus. I really enjoyed it. I think some of the people who recognized me were taken aback a bit. I was unaffiliated up until this point. Now many of you were asking why I switched to the GOP. Frankly, I feel I don’t fit in with the Democrats in Cheshire. I believe I am way too conservative in my thinking to benefit their party.

One night, several weeks ago, I decided to try to run for the Town Council. I honestly believed I would have a better chance with the Republicans. I offered myself and my unique gifts–my soft spoken and shy manner and calm personality—to the GOP but to my horror, I was REJECTED. What is wrong with these people.!! I honestly expected them to drop everything when I walked into the room and nominate me right on the spot. They DID NOT!! I don’t understand it!! It’s not everyday that I offer up myself. I took time off from work and everything. I think there must have been a communication error. I thought SOMEONE that I met with recently from the Republican party was going to put my name in the hat. Well it did not happen. I know the GOP will eventually come to their senses and nominate me. Umm– I might have to wait until the next election. Umm- I might be waiting a long time!!! I had good intentions my people–I really did. It takes time for some people to recognize a good thing.

I did hear some unfortunate news from the GOP nominating committee. My daddy Dave Schrumm IS NOT RUNNING FOR THE TOWN COUNCIL!!! What!! Mr. Cheshire not running. I can’t stand it. I really love Mr. Schrumm and I am dead serious. I did not always agree with his stand many issues but he was the check and balance this town needed. Also not running for Town Council is Dave Orsini. All I can say is that Dave is a real nice man. He is a fair man. I remember how he treated me. I remember how I was treated by some people. I remember how every one treats me–good or bad. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Dave Orsini. I wish him well and a long life.

Now some of you have asked me to comment on the tragic events this past week on Sorghum Mill Road. What can I say– I have heard all sort of rumors but they cannot be repeated. All I know is that there is a time for bad things and a time for good things. Now we are all going through bad times, but good times will come soon. At least the suspects were apprehended by our police who did a good job considering the situation. Cheshire is safe and will always be. Our world is changing, our state is changing and so is our town. That is life–good or bad.

Now it is time to relax with our relaxation video. Please chant your mantra and put Cheshire back in balance.

Doctor’s family dies in apparent arson-home invasion

BY SUSAN HAIGH
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHESHIRE, Conn. — Bouquets of flowers began to arrive near Dr. William Petit Jr.’s home by early Monday evening as friends and neighbors in this quiet suburb responded to the stunning news — his wife and two daughters were dead inside fire-damaged house, the apparent victims of a violent home invasion.

The prominent doctor survived and though severely injured managed to tell police what happened. His wife, Jennifer Hawke-Petit, and their two daughters, Hayley and Michaela, were found dead in the home, said a law enforcement official with first-hand knowledge of the investigation.

The official confirmed the deaths on the condition of anonymity because autopsy results are still pending.

Police said intruders broke into the home in the early morning and held the occupants hostage for hours, before one of the suspects accompanied a woman in the home to a local bank where she made a withdrawal. Bank employees became suspicious and notified police, who then drove to Petit’s home.

The house was in flames as they arrived and two suspects were trying to flee in a large station wagon. Both suspects were apprehended after their vehicle collided with several police cruisers. Petit, 50, was in stable condition at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury.

The deaths shattered the sense of security in this upper-middle class neighborhood of professionals and colonial-style homes with well-kept lawns. It also sent the medical community reeling.

“In Cheshire we’re not used to this type of event,” town Police Chief Michael Cruess said. “It’s a very unfortunate, tragic event that’s probably going to reach right down to the core of the community.”

Petit, the president of the Hartford County Medical Association, is a noted specialist in diabetes and endocrinology and the medical director of the Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate at The Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain.

“It is a shocking day for everyone. It’s just beyond anyone’s understanding,” said Larry Tanner, president and chief executive officer of the hospital.

Tanner said the hospital is providing counseling to staff members and at the hospital and at Petit’s private practice, which Tanner described as extensive.

“He’s my doctor,” Tanner said.

As president of the medical association, Petit was the leading voice for some 2,000 doctors in the region,

“He’s a very capable leader,” said Dr. Courtland Lewis, vice president of the association. “I’m just heartsick. The more I’ve heard it, the more unbelievable it becomes.”

Jennifer Hawke-Petit, 48, is co-director of the health center at Cheshire Academy, a private boarding school.

“It’s just a very difficult day here. We are just finding about it now,” said Philip Moore, director of communications for the school. “She was very good at educating kids about good health, not just taking care of them when they are not feeling well.”

The Rev. Ronald A. Rising, a neighbor, said he has known the family for more than 10 years.

“They’re just a lovely family,” he said. “It’s just awful to think it would happen to a family like that in this community. You don’t think about those things happening.”

Cheshire, a suburb with a population of more than 29,000, is just east of Waterbury and about 15 miles north of New Haven.

Cruess, the police chief, said it was an isolated incident and tried to reassure residents that the town was safe. It may have been little comfort to those close to the family.

“It’s just insane,” neighbor Laura Parisi said. “I can’t even describe it.”

Parisi, a friend of the Petit’s older daughter, Hayley, said the 17-year-old had just graduated from the prestigious Miss Porter’s School in Farmington and was accepted at Dartmouth. While at Miss Porter’s, Hayley Petit helped raise money to fight multiple sclerosis with her team, dubbed “Hayley’s Hope.”

“She was just a good, good person and also lots of fun,” said Head of School M. Burch Tracy Ford. “She never called attention to herself and the younger kids just worshipped the ground she walked on. Everybody is just devastated.”

Police surrounded the home after bank workers tipped them off after the suspicious withdrawal about 9:30 a.m.

Neighbor Walter Ryan was walking his dog Monday morning about the time police arrived. He also saw the flames coming from the home and then watched as police, with guns drawn, move through yards and shout “‘Get out of the car!”‘

The two suspects have not been identified and are due in Meriden Superior Court Tuesday. Charges against the suspects have not been released.

Investigators remained at the scene into the night and marshaled the forces of local and state police and the state fire marshal. State Public Safety Commissioner John Danaher, a former federal prosecutor, was also brought to the scene.

“This is one of the most unfortunate cases that I’ve ever had anything to do with,” Danaher said Monday night. “This is a particularly heinous crime. It’s a complex investigation.”

Click To Enlarge

YOON S. BYUN ( July 23, 2007)
CHRISTOPHER ZAJAC / AP / RECORD-JOURNAL ( July 23, 2007)

Well apparently W/S Development has submitted “plans” for a hotel to be built next to the 162 unit condominium complex at the Interchange zone near I-691. These two “proposed” buildings would be located off Dickerman Road. If any of you know the area, there is already an adult condominium housing development which is still being built right across the town line in Southington.

Oh this ought to be good. The hotel and conference center right next to the 162 unit two bedroom condo complex (on the Cheshire side) that won’t have “a significant” impact on our school system. And then all these other plans: “the amphitheater” and making the Farmington Canal Arch “a place of interest” where people can go to relive the past. Come on.

I personally have nothing against W/S Development or anyone for that matter. I mean W/S Development is in the business of developing. But, my question is why wasn’t any of this discussed at the July 9th Plan and Zoning Meeting. I can’t believe none of these people knew about these (I will call them “ideas.”) And it almost seems insulting to have another “Public Hearing.” I don’t think they heard the people the first or the second time for that matter. Many people came out and expressed concerns about the impact this condo complex would have on the school system. Some supporters of the plan indicated that two bedrooms could not accommodate a large family. Have some of the people who run this town ever heard of BUNK BEDS? And then all of this will be connected to the Lifestyle Center by these walking bridges. It seems they will be squeezing a lot of things onto this 100 acres.

Think about it: you need room for the Farmington Canal Arch, the actual Lifestyle Shopping Center, the hotel AND the Condominiums. Many people are asking if the condos will be townhouses or just a high rise building. I guess they could be townhouses if they were built on 1/4 acre lots.

And, what about the other “300 acres.” Think about that–take a minute. My message to the people who showed up for the first two public hearings and expressed legitimate concerns over traffic congestion and speeding: pack your bags and move to New Hampshire!! No, seriously–you have to KEEP SHOWING UP to these meetings. Not once, not twice, ALL THE TIME during this application process. Whether it is a public hearing or not–you must show up. On July 9th, when the P and Z made their decision, very few members of the public were there. I know many of you don’t think so, but that makes an impact. If they saw 200 faces all the time, there might have been a different outcome. “Oh, it doesn’t really matter–I don’t have time–blah blah blah. Then don’t complain about what is to come.

I was going down Rt. 10 the other day near the Town Hall–I never realized how nice the Town Hall really is–I never go there-so I took a few minutes to admire the building. I think one of these days I will actually get the courage to go inside and meet some of the people who run our town. This will take a lot of courage for me, because I still am shy about meeting people. But, I am taking another assertiveness training class in September which should solve my shyness problem.

Speaking of problems, on my way down Rt. 10 I noticed a “For Lease” sign near the Downey’s Restaurant. Well, there is another business that is biting the dust. Let’s do a recap over the past several years: CLOSED–Burger King; KEN-TACO-HUT; Frankies: Seafarer Restaurant; Callahans: Club Farenheit (now occupied by Cugino’s Restaurant); Le Femme clothing store near the Town Hall; Cheshire Vacuum; that Middle-Eastern Restaurant that is now the Sushi Place; Peters II Restaurant; Lums; Cheshire Gourmet Chinese Restaurant;  Cheshire Waterbeds;  The Bakery in that Blue House near the old Stop and Shop; The ice cream place that is now Vespucci’s Italian Restaurant; Damons Restaurant, Friendlys, Wendys.  There were several business in the Watch Factory shoppes  and a small children’s clothing store in the Everybody’s Plaza that opened for several months in the late 80’s. also. Need I go on. Remember, one of the FEATURES of the Lifestyle Center will be–the restaurants!

Are you taking note W/S Development? You would think that a town that has at LEAST 60,000 cars passing through it each day would not have this problem. Is it the economy or something else? Think about it. Especially our Town Government Officials. Think long and hard and you will come up with the answer. For those of you who don’t know what I am talking about–you will soon. They are addicted to this behavior and they keep bragging about it! Yep, that attitude has had a real positive impact on this town as you can see from above.  Keep up the good work!!

IN OTHER NEWS: I may be making an appearance at one party’s caucus  this Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. I will let you know how I made out. I did meet with someone in Town Government this weekend to discuss the possibility of me running for Town Council. I don’t think this is going to work out. Too many people in town government don’t like me–I don’t know why –I am so shy and soft spoken. I think I might have the same chance as David Duke at an NAACP Convention. We will just have to wait and see. Please people don’t be too hard on me on you know who’s webblog!! (Who is David Duke, you ask? Look it up).