Monthly archives: October 2008

 

 

Oh Brother!

  • By: Cindy

On Tuesday, I did mosey on over to the Town Hall to hear the Pool Study Committee  made up of Town Councilors Jim Sima, Laura DeCaprio and Chairman Matt Altieri, submit their preliminary report options to the Town Council.

No actual decision was made as to what option to go with because this is just in the preliminary stages and of course, more discussion and input public and private is needed.

You all know that this pool is becoming quite an expense because of rising energy costs, and the inflatable bubble that is put up after Labor Day so that “four season” swimming may take place, is costing this town a fortune and that is an understatement. So a more energy efficient alternative is being discussed.

According to a report which was made available to the public, which really did not bother showing up, outside of the same handful of people, in 2003-ACTUALnatural gas use was $56,288 and electric usage-$13,298. Now bump it up several years to 2009 where the “approved”  expenditures for  natural gas is projected to be $263, 850 and electric-$68,250!! Phew!!

Keep in mind also that according to the Pool Study Committee handout, this inflatable bubble or energy waster as I like to call it, leaks approximatley 20 percent of the hot air that is used to keep the bubble from deflating and hitting you in the head while you are swimming.

The report also indicated that “inefficient blower exchanges the equivalent of TWO CHESHIRE COLONIAL HOUSES OF HOT AIR PER MINUTE!! Imagine if that was occuring at your residence. You would be bankrupt!!

But that would be OK. You know why. You would get ALL YOUR MONEY BACK by changing your name to Lehman Brothers or Merrill Lynch and the Government would just crank dat printing press boy!! Hmm, I wonder if I CAN change my name to maybe Merilla Lynch!! NOT!!

I do have to differ with the life of the inflatable bubble figures the Study Committee cites. They say it is five to eight years. I know for a fact the Milford/Orange YMCA (that now has that Openaire Polycarbonate glass greenhouse cover that opens on all four sides including the roof), had the same inflatable bubble and it lasted 15 years.  In fact, volunteers used to take the bubble down and put the bubble up. They never even had to hire an outside firm to do this as Cheshire does at a cost of $45,000 to $50,000 a year with a two week downtime period to add insult to injury.

But see, Cheshire really rushed into this project and did not think ahead. That is why we are in the situation we are in today. Stuck with an energy wasting dinosaur. It is akin to I-95 or the old part of the Merritt Parkway that runs through Fairfield County. No foresight!!

These projects should have been on that TV show “What Were They Thinking” Seriously.

Anyway, it was interesting to see how pool attendance has gone up and down over the past several years.

THESE FIGURES INCLUDE DAY PASSES AND RECREATION USE ONLY-DOES NOT INCLUDE PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS!!

In fiscal year 03/04 when the pool first opened to the public, there were a total of 5,216 visitors.

In fiscal year 04/05, there were a total of 21,388 visitors to the pool.

In fiscal year 05/06, there were 47,728. In fiscal year 06/07, there were 47,328 visitors ; and so far in fiscal year 07/08, there have been 43,434 visitors.

It is interesting to note that the heaviest usage months seem to be July and August. Fiscal year 04/05 there were 1,651 visitors in July and 2,261 in August. In fiscal year 05/06, there were 8,990 visitors in July and 8,802 in August. In fiscal year 06/07, there were 10,694 visitors in July and 9,109 visitors in August. In fiscal year 07/08, there were 9,109 in July and 7,607 in August.

June seems to be the second highest in visitors to the pool with 6,517 visiting in fiscal year 04/05; In fiscal year 05/06, there were 5,149 visitors; Fiscal year 06/07, 6,440 and Fiscal year 07/08 THIS IS JUNE AGAIN, 6,403 visitors.

The pool also hosted 270 birthday parties last year with an average of 15 participants per party with a total estimate participation of 4,050.

The competitive swim practices and events equal 1,028 hours of usage per year. Programs and other activities-six sessions per year, estimate 400 participants per session equals a total estimate of 2,400 participants.

The rest of the year from fall to winter seems to be holding steady throughout the years with over 2,000 to over 3,000 visitors each of those months.

So it seems the pool really does attract more people during the summer months. But, can you blame them. It is NICE there in the summer. I go all the time. I really think bubble which looks like they ran the 24 hours of Lemans over it, is the big detraction. Let’s face it, there is really no place to sit and relax in the colder months. It is noisy and the chemical fumes are a detraction for me. This past winter, I went several times to the pool and did enjoy it. I also noticed the chorine smell was not as bad as it has been in the past.

That is why I believe this Openaire Polycarbonate glass structure that resembles a greenhouse, but can open on all four sides and the roof, would be the best alternative to this bubble. The Milford/Orange YMCA already has this in use at their pool and energy costs have dropped 70 percent and attendance has nearly doubled. This should be an incentive in itself.

Openaire Website

Now other options being considered to replace the inflatable bubble are:

Option 1-Summer only. Drawbacks: revenue reduction. Elimination of fall/winter lessons and activities. Competitive swim teams would have to find alternate facility. High School swim teams would have to find alternate facility.

Upside: Utility savings.

Option 2-The Greenhouse or Openaire. This is a thermally broken aluminum framework, one inch polycarbonate glazing, insulated glass sides.

Pros/Cons:

Solar heating gain; ability to open roof and walls up to 50 percent to create a fresh-air swim experience; movable glass side walls; higher initial investment; the humidity problem created by the bubble would be solved.

Option 3-”Sprung” Instant Structure.

Pros/Cons:

Sky-light;R-30 membrane;Aluminum support structure;moderate cost.

This option sort of looks like one of those Coleman pop up tents only on a bigger scale.

Sprung Instant Structures

Option Four-M.A.N.T.T. Telescopic System.

Pros/Cons:

Pre-fab sections;solar gain; lower ceilings-may affect diving; may be width limited; telescopic roof panels.

M.A.N.T.T. Telescopic System

Here is something like the MANTT but with modifications to include a diving board.

Click here

Option Five-E.S.I. Thin Film Structure.

This is an air supported, cable reinforced double walled construction similar to our current bubble only sturdier and lighter weight. There would be some solar gain and air space insulation. It would be easier to take up and down because of its light weight and would be lower cost.

Option Six would be to close in the pool with a permanent roof. This would require special anti-corrosion features; would be the best R-value possible as far as energy efficiency is concerned but might be a high initial cost to construct. The permanent “Butler Building” as it is sometimes called, would last a long time. But, would lack outdoor opportunity as stated in the original referendum which in 1996 called for:

“A $2,900,000 appropriation for the construction of an indoor/outdoor swimming pool. The explanatory text noted the intended use for the facility includes: but not necessarily limited to, year round swimming with blocks if time alloted for: public swim, adult swim, lap swim, senior swim, swim lessons, rental of pool, youth and high school swim teams, competitive events and other programs.

THE ANNUAL OPERATING COSTS ARE PROJECTED TO BE FULLY FUNDED BY USER FEES FROM SWIM PROGRAMS, PASSES AND RENTALS!!”

WHAT DO YOU THINK–IS THIS HAPPENING?? NO!!

I know many of you love the pool. I like it also. But let’s face it–this pool is becoming an energy, or should I say IS AN ENERGY DINOSAUR. Can Cheshire really keep affording to pump more and more money into it? Is it worth it? Well, judging by how many people (only six or seven) showed up Tuesday night, I guess it is!!

Don’t bitch in plain English about the costs to the town and you are sick and tired of it, when you can’t take two hours out of your life to attend a meeting to express your opinion!! The majority or should I say in this town, minority RULES!!

NOW, ON TO OTHER NEWS:

You all know by now that Bob Moran is running for Independent Registrar of Voters. Well, did a little chickadee tell me that SOMEONE ELSE MAY BE OR HAS PUT THEIR NAME IN THE HAT?? IS THIS BECOMING A DEMOCRAT VS REPUBLICAN ISSUE?? WE WILL SEE!!

Party politics at it again!!

And as far as this ticket drama goes, my husband did receive a written response  to his question about his traffic stop from Town Manager Michael Milone.

Remember my husband had faxed over his question a few weeks ago asking what supervisor had come out and made the decision to  cite him for not stopping at the stop sign at the intersection of Carriage Drive and Academy Road (which is impossible unless you are suicidal or like me, a thrill seeker). I can assure you, my spouse is neither.

My spouse also asked how fast the supervisor was traveling. The Town Manager replied that he assumed–.he was traveling the posted speed limit. WHAT?? YOU CAN’T ASSUME ANYTHING. YOU NEED TO QUESTION. WHY IS THIS POLICE DEPARTMENT NEVER QUESTIONED BY THE TOWN GOVERNMENT?? Am I the only one that questions them–OBVIOUSLY SO!!

Not the end of this DRAMA!! Stay tuned!!

Goodbye for now. I am tired and stressed and sick on top of it. That is why I will now watch my little honey lipsynching the Jukebox Hero song. This boy is a star!!!

 

News Across Connecticut

  • By: Cindy

There is so much happening in the news these days regarding the “economic crunch.” It is really bad and very frightful. Because as most of you know, the middle class and poor will suffer.

The CEO’s took care of themselves, especially the ex CEO of Lehman Brothers. They cry poverty to the Government and then give their Chief Executive $420 million!!! I swear, this is the only first world country that doesn’t give a sh*t about its own people!!

Click here for Lehman Story

Everyone is worried. I told you–GET YOUR MONEY OUT NOW!! GET YOUR 401K OUT NOW!! DO NOT BUY ANYTHING ON CREDIT!! JUST GO WITHOUT IT!! That is why I don’t have it people. NO loans, NO credit card, NO Mortgage and a SMALL bank account. I don’t trust the powers that be in the country who control the money, so I don’t play into it. And I probably have just as much or MORE than you do!!

These banks and greedy mortgage lenders caused these problems PERIOD. The credit card companies are even worse with the 25 to 30 percent interest. If you or I charged a customer that interest rate, we would be in jail for LOAN SHARKING.

I would rather do business with the GODFATHER!! At least if you don’t pay the 100 percent interest on the “loan” you are either minus a couple of kneecaps or bounced off the hood of a car!!

One good thing though: at least they don’t do credit checks. You get your “loan” but you PAY UP!! Believe me.

Now I read somewhere that illegal Mexican immigration is DOWN. Pretty soon the people will be going the OTHER WAY!!! Remember when I ran that video where the commentator said one day the US, Canada and Mexico will be as one nation so to speak and have one currency: The Amero!! Hmm, may be closer than you think to reality!!

The sad fact is that all of this Government “bailout” and the Government printing presses printing money practically 24/7 IS just a band aid. It is like taking tylenol to mask the pain of a brain tumor. NOT GOING TO WORK IN THE LONG RUN. And, one of the reasons why is because the Government knows the people in the United “I want everything fixed in a New York minute” States, won’t be patient and wait it out. It may take 20 or 30 years to fix what  took 20 to 30 years or longer to create and people just won’t stand for it!!

I just saw a show on TV the other night, maybe you also saw it, where the commentator stated that the United States did not actually “get out of” the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression of the 1930′s until 1954!!!

Do you think people today CAN and WILL wait that long and just do without??

ALRIGHT ENOUGH OF THAT. ON TO OTHER NEWS:

I am in the process of trying to go through over 250 comments I received about the traffic ticket post and video. So just be patient.

I did receive a lot of talk about that cute boy doing the lip synching to “Jukebox Hero.” Apparently he is just three years old but he has it down pat!! No matter how down or stressed you may feel, if you play this video you just have to laugh.  It is hysterical.

I know our Town Councilor Tim White has touched on the article that is in this past weeks Cheshire Herald about the Town of Cheshire griping, in plain English, that they may have to spend more money buying extra space on their server because of that State of Connecticut Ethics ruling that require all towns in Connecticut to post minutes of town meetings to their websites within 24 hours.

Now some towns, especially the real tiny ones, are taking down their websites for fear of being sued. Apparently some of these towns have employees that only work a few days a week and feel they cannot meet the 24 hour rule. That is understandable. That is why I received a phone call from someone today who said they called a few towns and volunteered to help them post their minutes. Great idea!!

As far as Cheshire is concerned. Why are you worried about spending money, when you just blew thousands on that ridiculous software program that tells public works when there is a pothole on a road. COME ON!! They have plenty to blow on that pool too. Stop making excuses.

Again, if you need help typing the minutes in–call me–I type 62 WPM and will gladly volunteer my time.

Click here for Towns Shutting Websites Down

Also, it looks like DCF hit another low, with the news of an ex-employee who pled guilty to–drugging people he took out on dates!!  If you think that is bad enough, he also was convicted several years ago of fondling and drugging  a few co-workers!!

OMG–first we have the foster parents allegedly beating the crap out of foster kids they took care of–then we had the DCF worker who had a child in her car die allegedly in her hands. BATTING 1000 DCF!!!

Click here for DCF story

Now on this story I have to side with the town of Cheshire. According to news reports, the State Department of Transportation is giving the U.S. Postal Service a hard time about plans to locate the new and improved Post Office at Realty Drive. Apparently CONNDOT wants the Postal Service to align the driveway entrance with Realty Drive. But the Postal Service says it doesn’t want to do that because they will go over budget!!

Since when is the Government concerned about going over budget with other peoples (the taxpayers) money!! That is a laugh!!

Click here for Post Office story

And lastly while Cheshire is on my mind, can the Town give my spouse a STRAIGHT ANSWER from his question regarding his traffic stop. My spouse wants to know and has wanted to know since last week when he FAXED over the question to the Town Managers office of  who the Supervisor was that came out on the stop the night in August and made the determination that my spouse sailed right through the stop sign at the intersection of Carriage Drive and Academy Road.

“Oh we will get back to you TODAY”

Dont’t hold your breath!!

It is not that complicated of an question and not that complicated of an answer.

 

New Teen Driving Laws Video

  • By: Cindy

WFSB in conjunction with the Ct Association of Police Chiefs, has put out a “New Teen Driving Laws” video highlighting some of the new rules regarding teen driving that recently was put into effect in Connecticut.

If you can get through the drawn out monologue by Al Terzi, the video is REALLY GOOD.

Notice, in the first “scenario” the COP GOES THROUGH THE STOP SIGN when pulling over the “teen driver” Then the cop tells the “teen driver” SHE DIDN’T SIGNAL. GOOD ONE!! All Cops should act like they do in this video. Give their NAME!! Not have to ask three times, and WHY they pulled you over, not engage in trap questions either. You have a right to confront your accuser under the Bill or Rights!!

Click here for video

Boy, it never ceases to amaze me how our government is constanly coming up with ways to separate YOU FROM YOUR MONEY!!! Again, as I have been stating in previous posts on these traffic tickets, what HARM was done?? If it is that unsafe for 16 and 17 year olds to drive, then raise the age to 18.  This again is the state trying to be a parent. Let PARENTS BE PARENTS!!!

 

Contradictions

  • By: Cindy

I AM under the weather today. I am in the process of coming back from Canada and unfortunately came down with some sort of virus so my post will be short. I will be running the comments I received  from my post “Gossip.”

As far as this video about traffic tickets goes, It really is true what this Marc Stevens says in a way because depending upon what state you are in, different actions are legal or illegal.

New Hampshire lets you drive with no seatbelt and drive while talking on the cell phone. and no car insurance. But, as I told someone from New Hampshire,  the minute they crossed over the Connecticut border, they would be ticketed for distracted driver for talking on the cell phone while driving, wearing no seat belt and their car would be towed for no insurance.

Now New Hampshire doesn’t consider those actions to be a threat to public safety. But Connecticut does. You see, their logic is, when SOMETHING HAPPENS, i.e. when SOMEONE IS HURT, then a ticket will be issued.  So, it is different strokes for different folks, or LIVE FREE OR DIE WHEN IT SUITS US.

IF New Hampshire or Connecticut or any other state is going to say, driving 45 in a 35 (NOW I AM NOT STATING YOU SHOULD SPEED OR DRIVE RECKLESSLY, I MEAN DRIVING REASONABLY) is a threat to public safety, then I want Connecticut, New Hampshire and all other 48 states to close ALL THEIR LIQUOR STORES NOW!! THAT IS A THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY AND MY SAFETY.  How many alcohol related deaths do we have in this country each year??  Someone that buys alcohol COULD get into an accident. COULD. If that is good enough for supposedly traveling over the posted speed limit COULD cause harm, then purchasing alcohol COULD cause an accident or death. How come  it is not banned!! Case closed.

The authority waits for SOMETHING TO HAPPEN BEFORE THEY PROSECUTE FOR purchasing a firearm or purchasing alcohol, i.e. driving while intoxicated or getting into an accident, (just purchasing the alcohol is not considered a public safety threat)  or in New Hampshires case, fireworks , but NONE  OF THESE THREATS TO PUBLIC SAFETY are banned or ticketed BEFORE SOMETHING HAPPENS NOW ARE THEY??

You see what I mean now. Giving out tickets is a REVENUE MAKER. GOVERNMENTS AND STATES MAKE MONEY LOTS OF IT.  So, of course, they play by their own rules

In other developments: By now, most of you know that the Town of Preston has broken off talks with Northland Developers regarding the revitalization of the old Norwich Hospital site. The plans were to have high end housing and shops. One of the reason Preston has broken off talks with developer is their concern for the cost of public safety in that area. THAT SOUNDS FAMILIAR. This is one of the big sticking points with the proposed “Shoppes of Cheshire” proposed in the Interchange Zone near I-691 located on the Cheshire, Southington border.

Now Cheshire would have to spend over $1 million just to construct a fire station in that area because there are NONE NOW!! The nearest station is on Maple Avenue, Fire Headquarters and that is at least three or four miles away. And we all know how congested Rt 10 is most of the time. So I hope if an incident happens, it occurs between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Because once schools start getting out,  Rt. 10 is a nightmare.

( I am not even taking rush hour into consideration).

The town of Cheshire would also have to hire five additional police officers and probably make provisions for a satellite police station.  The town would also have to purchase a few new vehicles. I really suggest the Police look into those scooters I recently highlighted on this blog, to patrol that area.

I called Trumbull, (my favorite town in Connecticut, outside of my hometown Bridgeport), and asked them how many fire calls they answered in 2007 at the Trumbull Shopping Mall. The Trumbull Fire Marshalls office told me they answered 45 calls.

Keep in mind though, that the closest fire station to Trumbull Mall is in Trumbull one quarter of a mile away!! They also have Fire Stations on Main Street and White Plains Road and Madison Avenue. There is also a small Fire Station over the line on upper Madison Avenue in Bridgeport which is about a mile from Trumbull Mall. So coverage is more than ample.

Cheshire, in the event of a fire outbreak or a natural disaster up there, might have to rely on Southington for a first response because they have a small fire station in the Plantsville section near the Alzheimer’s Center. That really would be the closest fire house to this Lifestyle Center.

Preston Breaks Off Talks with Developer

And as far as West Hartford’s Blueback Square is concerned: again, depending upon whom you speak to:all is well or all is not well.

Click here for WestHartfordTalks Blog

Keep in mind, it doesn’t bother me to have more shopping in Cheshire. I grew up with mixed use and a lot of congested traffic so that does not bother me. I probably would go to the Cheshire Lifestyle Center once in a while. But it is good to see other points of view on this subject.

Ok, I feel like I am going to pass out–goodbye for now!!!

 

Gossip

  • By: Cindy

UPDATE: I have received so many comments on this post that I will have to run at least two separate posts to get them all in. More on that later.

I am running my letter to the editor I just sent to the Manchester (New Hampshire) Union Leader newspaper. I highly doubt they will run it, but it did make me feel better.

I have had a home in New Hampshire for many years. My family has been coming to New Hampshire for well over 100 years. I used to think New Hampshire was a breath of fresh air compared to the bureaucratic nonsense that goes on in Connecticut.

Every time I felt overwhelmed and wanted an escape to enjoy peace and quiet in a state that I thought treated you with dignity and respect-I would get in my car and go to New Hampshire.
Well, It will  be a cold day in hell if and when I ever return to the land of missing teeth and trailer park living AGAIN!!
New Hampshire CLAIMS it is LIVE FREE OR DIE. Honestly it should be LIVE FREE OR DIE, NOT EXACTLY, or LIVE FREE OR DIE WHEN IT SUITS US!!

This is a state that allows people to drive with no insurance,  and no seatbelts, blow off fireworks that can endanger others lives, whenever they want, have a lack effect on liquor,  (the STATE OWNS AND OPERATES THE LIQUOR STORES), shoot guns on their property when they want, but they will deny a person their due process rights when it comes to a civil traffic ticket.
I thought Connecticut was hard. This state is WORSE.

My friend gets a ticket in July and it TAKES THREE MONTHS to notify him of his date with the prosecutor WHO IS A POLICE OFFICER. In Connecticut and most other states that have indoor plumbing, the prosecutor is a STATES ATTORNEY!!

To make matters worse, one can only meet with the prosecutor ONCE A MONTH because it is voluntary in New Hampshire. You don’t have to meet with the prosecutor. If you cannot make that date, TOO BAD!! You then get sent a trial date.

I wonder why you only have meetings with the prosecutor once a month? Do they have to travel by chuck wagon to the other towns?

If and when you do try to contact Motor Vehicles, no one answers the phone and I called several numbers. Did you run out of telephone poles or what??
I am staying in Connecticut where at least our IQ is past our shoe size!! At least they answer the phone at motor vehicles, don’t allow people to drive without insurance, don’t allow people to shoot guns off on their property or blow their heads off or a neighbors heads off with fireworks that are ILLEGAL in just about every other First World state. Then the New Hampshire Government has the nerve to say my friend may have compromised public safety by traveling 45 in a 35 zone. I DONT THINK SO!!
No wonder they call New Hampshire the GRANITE STATE!!!

Signed

Cynthia A Kleist
FORMER New Hampsha (they can’t even talk right) resident.

I am bringing this issue of receiving a traffic ticket  up again because a friend received a ticket in New Hampshire. Now they do things a bit differently up there. The Police Department issues the ticket and if you plead “not guilty” they also issue the letter telling you when to go to court!! Believe it or not.

The State of New Hampshire has between 30 and 45 days to issue you a court date which is also strange. Have these people ever heard of speedy trial or due process?? I guess not!!

Plus, when you go to court and argue, you really have to be laid back. You can’t get in their face like here in Connecticut. That is offensive. Stating your case calmly, WHICH I CAN DO BELIEVE IT OR NOT!! and sticking to the facts, MY FACTS, NOT THEIRS is the order of the day.

Now my friend has a meeting with the prosecutor on Oct. 10 at 8:30 a..m in Manchester, New Hampshire. Keep in mind, my friend LIVES in Connecticut, so it takes at least three hours to get from the Cheshire area to Manchester New Hampshire one way. Oh God, we ought to be in a delightful mood that day!!

Now I am going with my friend to argue the case that all traffic tickets are illegal. unless there is a cause and effect associated with the issuance of the ticket; i.e. there has to have been damage or harm incurred as a result of the action associated with the issuance of that ticket.

I have played that Marc Stevens video many times from YouTube where he essentially states the same logic. The duty of our Government,which is represented in part by our Legal System, is to PROTECT an individuals rights. So, where does issuing a “complaint” ticket,  for something like speeding or traveling unreasonably fast fit in with protecting an individuals rights.?

It fits in when there has been HARM or DAMAGE. A ticket cannot be issued unless SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED–CAUSE AND EFFECT. This means harm or damage. “You were speeding and hit a light pole and caused “DAMAGE.”

You were traveling unreasonably fast, lost control of the car and crashed into another car, damaged property, like you hit mailbox, or hit a pedestrian. YOU CAUSED DAMAGE. YOU CAUSED HARM.

Bottom line, no harm, no foul in PLAIN ENGLISH.

The only reason for traffic courts is to take your money away from you, as Marc Stevens alludes to. A complaint ticket cannot be issued IF NOTHING HAPPENED!! I know I am going to hear from lawyers and prosecutors on this one but think about it. If you don’t wear a seat belt–WHOM ARE YOU HARMING?? If you did not fully stop at a stop sign, but were careful and proceeded with caution and CAUSED NO HARM-WHAT IS WRONG??

Can a person be arrested and charged with murder if that person did not commit murder or HARM?? NO!! Can a person be arrested, or issued a ticket for shoplifting, if no merchandise was taken?? NO!!  I know this is difficult to comprehend because we all have been brainwashed by our government, but so what if someone drove 40 in a 25 if NO HARM WAS DONE??

“Oh that isn’t right” WHY?? That is like saying I can be arrested for murder because a murder “might happen” because I am carrying a gun or a knife for that matter.

That is like being arrested and charged with shoplifting because I went into a department store with a large empty bag. “Something might get stolen.”" NO WAY!!

You are arrested for assault because you assaulted and INJURED, HARMED someone. You are arrested for murder because you HARMED someone. You are arrested for destruction of property because you “HARMED” There are physical injuries and property DAMAGE!!

How many times in civil court have people “sued for damages” and the court has determined there are no damages. Example: you sue for slander, the oral defamation of character, but end up becoming the CEO of McDonnell Douglas and go from a $30,000 a year salary to a $1.2 million a year salary. Guess what–NO SLANDER, even if the person called you every lie in the book!! WHY?? NO DAMAGE, NO HARM!!

Our laws are all bent out of shape. And we are so used to it, and so much money is made from it, that we just take it for granted. Now making noise can be a criminal offense if it occurs lets say, after 11 p.m. and it OFFENDS OR HARMS SOMEONE, prevents them from sleeping or relaxing in their homes. Just going out and screaming at 2 p.m. in the afternoon, is not HARMFUL. If no one complains, then so be it!!

After I studied this way of thinking, I agreed with it more and more. And no, I am not MAKING EXCUSES. I obey the laws.  But if you really sit down and think about it and research, this does make sense.

The best example I can give about this type of rationale is Montreal, of all places. Now as most of you know, Montreal is pretty laid back.  I have seen people smoking pot, drinking, yelling staggering whatever. But the police really do not get involved there UNLESS SOMEONE COMPLAINS OR SOMEONE IS HARMED OR DAMAGE IS CAUSED.

You see this seems as if I am condoning drinking or doing drugs or speeding. I am not. Because eventually, you probably will end up harming someone like yourself physically  or getting into trouble.  But bottom line you can’t charge people with things because SOMETHING MIGHT HAPPEN!! I know this will provoke arguments and dissenting opinions but that is good for the soul. It makes you think whether you agree with it or not.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Now I did receive some chatter from people who wanted to know what is going on with the Cheshire Police Officer Robert Regan who was CHARGED, with sexual assault 4th Degree and Risk of Injury to A Child.

I called the Waterbury Court and he is scheduled to go to trial sometime this year!!  I called the court because I had heard gossip and wanted to make sure I had my facts straight. I don’t like raking people over the coals so I wanted to get the info from the horses mouth.

NOW REMEMBER:THIS MAN IS INNOCENT until proven guilty.

Here is a related (somewhat) story out of Norwalk where the officer was fired, not put on desk duty.

Click here

Someone’s personality or demeanor does not make him or her guilty. THIS IS WHAT COURT IS FOR. TO PROTECT A PERSONS RIGHTS WHEN HARM IS ALLEGED!!

And the person who hit my vehicle on ALLEGED DRUNK DRIVING and ALLEGEDLY EVADING RESPONSIBILITY AND EVADING POLICE, Mr. Shea, was scheduled to go to court Oct. 1.

The States Attorneys office did contact me several times. I told them the truth. I WAS NOT INJURED and the damage to my vehicle was swiftly taken care of by the defendants insurance. See now here is where a ticket SHOULD HAVE AND WAS ISSUED. DAMAGE AND HARM WAS DONE!!

Now I know what a lot of you will say. What about a person weaving all over the road. In that case, I would call the police. Let the police pull over the person driving and determine if it is a medical issue or a drinking or drug related issue. If a drug or alcohol test is given and the person is under the influence, then HARM was done and a ticket should be issued. Otherwise, the person should be taken off the road and driven home or have another person drive that person home or to the hospital if it is a medical situation.

We have ticket itis in this country and it seems like people are going just as fast as ever!! You do it. You slow down when you see the cop and then right after you are out of radar range you—yes, speed right back up now don’t you.

Much to my surprise, I guess the two other big gathering spots in town besides the Notch, is the Everybodys Coffee Bar area in the back of the store near the pastries, and the other big spot for local government officials seems to be that One Stop Convenience Store located in that little strip plaza across from Staples.

My husband says he sees our law enforcement officials and some town government officials in there. Now that he mentioned it, I notice I see black and whites pulling up there quite often. I guess maybe they serve a mean cup of coffee there. I know there is no place to sit , so I can’t figure out why they would go there. (Well, I can but it is only speculation).  You know my inquiring mind. Whatever.

I know our Town Councilor Tim White will like this one: apparently Salem, Connecticut residents will be able to partake in their town government meetings in real time.  They will be able to tune in on their televisions and through an Internet connection. They also will be ABLE TO EMAIL QUESTIONS WHILE THE MEETING IS TAKING PLACE!!

Could you see that happening in Cheshire, especially emailing the questions live? NO!! Why??  Because:

“This is not the time and place to be asking that question” !!!

Click here for Salem story

And finally, a book about the Petit Home Invasion murders was released a few days ago. I don’t know what to think but I know that homeboy don’t have the info I HAVE. But you know from the old UTH For Members Only what went down. For real. Talk about exploiting a sad situation. Give it up!! Where did he get his info, the Town Managers Office!! LOL  I mean like GET A REAL JOB!! Making money off of peoples pain and suffering. NASTY!!

Click here for “Murder in Connecticut”