Monthly archives: August 2007

 

 

Jury Duty and Other Topics

  • By: Cindy

Last Friday rolled around and my family and I were looking forward to the weekend when IT came in the mail–a summons for jury duty!! Oh, God, I would rather have all my nails pulled out of my hands.

Luckily the notice wasn’t for moi-it was for an unnamed family member that resides out of state. To put it mildly, this family member is not too happy, considering that when he does report for jury duty in Meriden, he will have to spend nearly six hours on the road roundtrip to fulfill his civic duty. I remember years ago when I was employed at the Bridgeport Post, a a few colleagues of mine got the “summons.” In those days, it wasn’t a one day deal, or “call the night before” setup. You had to report and keep going back until someone decided they did not need you anymore or you did not make the “cut” during the voir dire.

Well, my old pal Valerie (last name omitted) got picked for a trial. Now this was years ago, but I believe it only lasted a few days. If I remember correctly, the person was convicted. End of story. NOT EXACTLY—A few days after she returned to work, she started getting phone calls from one of the jurors asking her why she voted the way she did. I remember this persons name, but I won’t repeat it even though it was over 20 years ago. This guy was a psychopath and that was a compliment. He must have called her three or four times a day. He would yell and scream all sorts of obscenities and then, believe it or not, try to ask her out on a date. She tried everything to get rid of him: calling the courthouse, the police. She even resorted to having me get on the phone and swear back at him because as anyone who knows me can testify, when I get angry, boy I can cuss with the best of ‘em. NOTHING WORKED.

This went on for several more weeks, until Val’s father found out where this idiot resided and gave him a knuckle sandwich. After that, I prayed I would never get called for jury duty.

To make matters worse, a few weeks after that, another colleague of mine I will call “Bonita” got summoned, and her experience made Val’s look like a trip to Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Bonita went to the courthouse in Bridgeport and had to keep going back for a week. Finally, she got to the voir dire process and it went downhill from there. Now “Bonita” was paranoid to begin with–she was a germ freak-she would spend half of her work morning going around the newsroom spraying Lysol all over everyones desk and phone for at least 45 minutes until she was satisfied everything was sterile. I mean come on–sterile newsroom in those days was an oxymoron. (Oh Brian, do you know what that big word means?)

I could imagine what happened when she went to the courthouse. Well, when she came back she told us that she was called in for the voir dire (interview).

I remember her saying that when she walked into the room, someone yelled out her name and address (mind you she lived alone) right in front of the “rapist” and his lawyer. Apparently, “Bonita” got so scared, she started screaming and would not stop. They ended up removing her from the room, and disqualifying her from jury duty. You know, do the people who run our judicial system have any brains. Why in God’s name would you allow a person on trial for “rape” to know the name and address of a potential juror, albeit a woman living alone!! It is insane!! No wonder most people blow a gasket when they receive the summons in the mail. “

Bonita” and Valerie went years ago, today the accused criminals are even worse. The world is more violent than ever and they are giving out personal information right in front of the accused. Someone I spoke to in the Jury Administration told me they don’t do this anymore, but you know what-I hope I never have to find out. I got called about 12 years ago to go to New Haven. I went to the courthouse in a ferocious downpour-went into that big auditorium where it seemed there were at least five million people, ended up staying for fours hours and was told to go home. I can only say the highlight of that day was that I saw that lawyer from theTV ad Trantolo and Trantolo running up the courthouse steps.

OTHER NEWS:

My husband did contact our State Rep. Vickie Nardello about the situation regarding the Water Company contemplating selling off some watershed property in Prospect near the Cheshire line. My husband called Nardello to express concern that this sale of land in a watershed area, could potentially affect the Mixville swimming area, which as you know is already having a polution problem of the fine feathered friend kind.

Apparently Prospect is interested in purchasing some of the land, and the state I believe would re-imburse them 70 percent of the purchase pride. Rep.Nardello did return my husbands phone call, several weeks later, but at least she did get back to him. I will let you all know more about this as I receive more information.

THE LETTER:

I can’t say too much about this topic right now, but someone on some commission may be in a “conflict of interest” situation regarding a very hot topic in town. A letter has been sent to “someone” expressing concern. The Town of Cheshire has an ordinance code on this “conflict of interest” subject. I will be looking into this and posting it this week.

TO MY UNDERGROUND FRIENDS: No I will not be speaking on the home invasion anymore until credible information is released. When I was a reporter (years ago), I could only cite one or maybe two “anonymous sources” per story.

Now it seems all you see is “anonymous source” here and there and everywhere. My suggestion to these people: go to the video store and rent “All the President’s Men” It is not historically accurate, but that is the primer on how to do a newspaper story the old fashioned way–with named sources!! I hope you people realize that this reporting could jeopardize the case because believe it or not, the state has to try to find impartial people to be on yes you guessed it: a jury.

And as far as the CPD bashing over their response time: some of you people need to go back to my original post  of “A Shocking Tragedy” under the July posts where I ran photos of the incident from a local paper. If you look closely at the photo that shows the police entering the garage with one of the officers drawing his weapon-you will notice this officer has his bullet proof vest on–with no shirt on underneath. To me this would indicate someone who was in a pretty big hurry to get to the scene–don’t you think? I hope I called this one right.

 

Live Video Webcasting

  • By: Cindy

Someone alerted me today to another bloggers website where a discussion ensued regarding an idea to put live video broadcasts on their website of the Town Council meetings.

I got a little ticked off at the person – but I still love him-who proposed this because I had told this person that my son and I could do this as a service to the town for practically nothing. One could purchase the hardware and software for less than $100, not $1,600. BREAKING NEWS: WE JUST DID THE LIVE VIDEO STREAM AND IT DIDN’T COST A THING!!
I know how to do it–and I felt dissed out not being asked. I am a little sensitive about this–I try to make my website interesting. I work hard at it. These people are just jealous because the Undergroundtownhall gets so many hits that every other day the server crashes!

I am all for open government, but my question is why can’t Henry Chase of the Town Government Channel do this? This should be on Channel 14 which is the Town Government Channel. Some of the people that run this town better receive the wakeup call!! Worry about other things as I have said in the past i.e. bid waivers, and prevailing wage for one. Try spending the money paving “wreck” Peck Lane.

We have to worry about people “missing” the live broadcast of the meetings because they have satellite. Too bad!! Go to the library and rent the DVD!! Why is this town always catering to a few people? They need to start catering to me, then it will be all right.

It seems as if it is open government for some subjects but others (like the Police Commission proposal) is off limits.

Now I have again received many responses regarding this “timeline.” I just have to say that what do you people want? “Oh the police bungled it-they got there too late–why were they around the corner; why didn’t they storm the house.

First of all, no one in the public knows what was written on that note from Mrs. Petit at the bank. For all we know she might have asked that the police not be visible in order to not jeopardize the safety of her family members. This woman’s actions allowed these less than zero people to be caught.

Number two: the police did not know how many of the alleged burglars were in the home at the time. There could have been more than two. There could have been three, four or five. They are not the Amazing Kreskin with telepathic powers. I believe they placed their vehicles around the corner so as not to be seen by the perpetrators. No, let’s pull up to the house and storm in. Come on! “Well, look what happened, three people died.” These people were less than animals, they were demented, I don’t think anything could have prevented them from doing what they did. They are warped!!

Anyone that knows me knows that I have spoken very bluntly about how I feel at times about the Cheshire Police Department. As I have said in earlier posts, the truth WILL come out. Don’t worry. If something was done wrong–it will come out in the wash.

Another issue seems to be the police were not in the cars at the time they alleged burglars crashed into them. They did set up the perimeter-I feel the police did the right thing not being in the cars. What good is several injured officers? Usually when a roadblock is set up the officers are not in the cars. Didn’t you people ever watch Smokey and the Bandit?

I will say this probably for the last time until new info is released– I would like to see police patrols in every neighborhood. I remember several years ago asking the police about doing this and they indicated there was “no need, because we do not have that much crime on neighborhood streets.” It may be time to rethink this attitude.

The Cheshire Police Department is not incompetent. I feel they concentrate too much on ticket ticket ticket as a way of law enforcement. That may have to be re-thought.

In closing- I did get sort of a kick out of a residents letter to the editor where this person states that it should not be a crime because they have money. No it is not. The person works hard and deserves the finer things in life which this person goes on to state quite clearly. “Oh we go here and there and have this and that.” Heads up–criminals read the paper!!! But you know what–most people work hard and many can barely make ends meet. Maybe some people did not have the same opportunities or had sickness or hardships and just can’t live the same lifestyle. You know what–maybe that is the problem–the attitude.

Now the Underground Town Hall will continue its tribute to the Petit family and all victims of senseless crime with our inspirational videos on the home page. I will be back in a few days with some “breaking news” regarding a letter.

 

Back to Business

  • By: Cindy

A few days ago I posted the minutes of the July 17th meeting between the Inland Wetlands Commission and the Cheshire Rt. 10 Northend Development people. Now I have received many questions regarding the posting of the minutes. Many people have asked why all of the minutes were not posted and why the minutes were not on the P & Z Website.

Well, I contacted a representative of the Freedom of Information Commission who informed me that as long as the minutes are filed with the Town Clerks office that it is fine. As far as filing all of the minutes of the meeting, he indicated that the state is not very “clear” on this issue.

It comes down to basically as long as the minutes indicate who was present at the meetings, what action was taken and how the board or commission voted, there is nothing else the state requires.

So it looks like there is another loophole for government to jump through. It is only through people’s vigilance that government remains responsible to the people.
Speaking of responsible, many of you have commented to me in the Underground channels about the video Lies, Lies. All I can say is that it is about a lover scorned. It doesn’t have anything to do with the Cheshire Police Department lying about information regarding this horrible crime in our town. Look, everyone, if the police are holding back, that does not mean they are lying. Everyone has a theory which is fine. Many are analyzing, which is good. But let’s not go overboard. The “Lies” could be in reference to some of what is being put out in the media as speculation, not fact. Get over it and stop being paranoid.

I also would like to know where some of these people are getting their information. I try to quote reputable news sources. However, there are many theories on line. Even though some of their facts are “questionable” to say the least, it does make interesting reading.

People are fascinated with the bank timeline: i.e. the bank was supposed to open at 9 a.m. but did not open until 9:15 a.m., but like I don’t really know because I did not have a watch. Oh for God’s sake. The first report I read was that the bank opened at 8:30 a.m. and that is when Mrs. Petit showed up to make the withdrawal. That info quickly disappeared! Bottom line is that no-one really knows for sure, not even the hairdresser, so what can we do? Speculate! That is all. The news media is on the right track pushing for the timeline. It is important. But it is also important to remember that if this case is jeopardized in any way, it could have disasterous consequences. Our community is hurting and it is bad enough that now we have these alarm people sending flyers in the mail making people more uneasy than ever. We need to make sure our criminal justice system in this state is not releasing criminals because of squabbling over paperwork!!

I know someone that used to work in the correctional system and he indicated that most of his work was just that–paperwork. He also said that most correctional officers did not even know what the inmate they had to deal with on a day to day basis was “in for” until they had a visitor. Then their offense would be listed on the information card for the officer to see.

As I have stated before–anytime I have called the CPD they have responded in a timely manner. I remember a few years ago I saw two people running from behind a local bank, right across Rt. 10, right in front of my car. I called the CPD and they sent three officers out right away. I know because I saw them. If someone or something was not done right, believe me it will all come out in the wash. Let the media get the FACTS that is their job. In the meantime we should all be vigilant in insisting the truth come out. And, it will believe me. The truth cannot be held back.

What people should be concerned about is these alarm companies that have popped out of the woodwork offering “discounts” to Cheshire residents. Ambulance chasers. This is equivalent to when I sold cars, showing up at your accident and handing you my business card. ( Oh, I forgot I did do that)

I contacted one of these alarm companies who told me that people are calling to inquire. The woman I spoke with indicated that people are “scared” ‘They don’t know what to do-they are scared to go on vacation.” This is out of control. We can all start by keeping an eye on each others homes for one. Report any suspicious car or person acting suspicious. If we all had the neighbor I had on my street in New Hampshire we wouldn’t have to worry at all.

I remember last year during the summer, my neighbor across the streets mother parked her car in our driveway. We were not there at the time. Well my neighbor I call Ms. Nosey (boy I hope she doesn’t read my website), called my husband at work to tell him that she went over to the house when she saw the car, walked around the property, looked in the windows and called the police–That is a good neighbor. Take her lead.

And now for some more “theories” on the Police response timeline. This is from the West Hartford Blog. Click Here To Read The Article