This is SO petty a subject, but I find the most simplest of subjects get the most hits-case in point-one of my most popular posts EVER-”Ghost Towns of Connecticut”!!!

I did receive some feedback regarding the “shirt issue” as I am calling it-in relation to the Cheshire Police Department.

Is the Cheshire Ct. Police Chief “out of line” wearing a different color shirt, albeit white, when the other members of the CPD wear blue?

Is he pompously flaunting his authority and think he is hot S**T??

DO YOU REALLY REALLY WANT ME TO ANSWER THIS???? HONESTLY???

Well, in keeping with Undergroundtownhall tradition, I decided to do some “research” and see what a few other police dept police chiefs and higher ups “wear.”

Ok, here it goes-decide for yourselves. You may be surprised-I was at a few of the photos of the various police departments.

I really like the Gilford, New Hampshire Police Chief’s photo. I COULD NEVER SEE OUR POLICE CHIEF DOING THIS!! COULD YOU?? MAYBE HE SHOULD!!

With Gilford, you will have to click on each “title” to see the photo.

Gilford, New Hampshire Police Dept

Trumbull Ct. Police Dept.

Easton, Ct. Police Dept.

Town of Plymouth, Ct. Police Dept.

Town of Plymouth, Mass Chief of Police Page

Town of Plymouth, Mass Captains Page

City of Largo Fla Police Dept

Montreal Police Dept

Oh, and I wanted to provide a link to: Montreal’s POLICE COMMISSION!!

Click here

Here is a photo of what my great grandad did for a living

Italian Carabinieri (Police)

To change subjects a bit:

I did comment on the last post about people being so politically correct and phony.

Well, it seems that someone else has picked up on that very subject and wrote a really good article on it. This piece comes from the “Infowars” website. As many of you know, this is where I saw and ran the “Obama Deception” mini series. I have not run the entire series, I think I got up to part seven of twelve.

I will continue running the rest of the series in a few days.

In the meantime, enjoy this commentary:

“We Have Seen The Enemy”

P.S. I wonder if our Town Manager will visit any of the Montreal strip clubs if and when he visits that lovely city. I did go out of my way and provide a link to the various clubs.

BOY I GOT A LOT OF HITS ON THAT POST-AND I HATE TO SAY FROM WHAT IP ADDRESS!!

I remember when I first met my spouse, who as most of you know is a field auditor/revenue examiner for the St of Connecticut Employer Tax unit. In other words, he goes after people who own businesses and don’t register with the state and don’t pay into the unemployment fund.

Well, I remember him saying that he had a real difficult case-and he had to keep going back to this business establishment and “following up”

He told me the name of the “business” which I CANNOT AND WILL NOT repeat here or anywhere in public-but one day I happened to be driving in a certain Central Connecticut town and lo and behold!! I saw the name of the “business”

To put it mildly-our marriage NEARLY ENDED THAT DAY!! The “business” he had to keep following up on–WAS A STRIP CLUB!!

HMM!!!

I was furious. I came home and gave him dirty looks. I told him that no woman in any strip club or anywhere else anywhere could ever match my God given attributes!! He insisted it was for real-a real audit. Well, I found out it was and that was the end of it-but everytime I drove by this “business” I always looked to see if his car would be parked outside!!

It wasn’t.

And speaking of audits, that business in a shoreline community the other day when the State Police Swat team had to be called in-my husband had to contact this person a while back- OK-that is how dangerous his job is!!

So don’t tell me I don’t know how a Cop feels when he or she goes out on duty-I do know and I respect how dangerous it is, believe me!!

Now he is pursuing someone who beat up one of his employees!! And remember, this man does not carry a weapon and he goes out alone!! So, even though I may comment on the police-I DO RESPECT THE JOB THEY HAVE TO DO AND HOW DANGEROUS IT IS.

I never ever take if for granted when I see my spouse open the front door and come home from work safely-NEVER EVER!!

Well I am feeling a bit better from my stomach virus, so I wanted to address a few issues that have been brought to my attention.

Now I have people who contact me about “issues” or concerns regarding town of Cheshire operations. Most I don’t address because a lot of it is personal and petty.

But when I hear people saying things about the Town Managers office and the Police Department then I feel I have to comment.

First of all, when a person is in charge of a department or a town, there are ALWAYS going to be some that do not agree with decisions that have been made. That is how life is unfortunately.

I am not concerned with someone’s uniform-are they wearing a blue shirt or a white shirt-do they fit in?

But I am concerned when it comes to the rank and file and whether a leader can relate to them and have a dialogue with them, not necessarily be a close friend with them, but be able to relate to their concerns.

A leader whether it be military, para-military or civilian, should be judged on the DECISIONS HE OR SHE MAKES-NOT THE CLOTHES HE OR SHE WEARS.

Of course, we have had military leaders who really took it personally when they were put in charge-namely George S Patton. This man went around dressed to the nines-in every battle he would wear his medals, he would ride in his jeep with the five stars-he made sure EVERYONE KNEW HE WAS IN CHARGE-BUT GUESS WHAT?? In the beginning of the World War II HE WAS!! He was allowed to make the tough decisions-and many of them were controversial and caused many casualites which is sad, BUT HE GOT RESULTS!!

Many rank and file hated Patton, but they RESPECTED HIM because he was not afraid to speak his mind and MAKE THE DIFFICULT DECISIONS THAT GOT RESULTS!!

Then, some of the top brass tried to stifle Patton, especially after he slapped that soldier who said he had battle fatigue. Patton did not allow this-BECAUSE believe it or not-this type of action lowered morale and put people at risk. Patton went overboard at times-BUT HE WAS LOYAL TO HIS MEN AND WAS WITH THEM AT ALL TIMES AND AT ALL BATTLES-AND HE GOT RESULTS.

When the top brass of the military realized this and stopped being politically correct-Patton was allowed to do his thing-and THIS MAN LITERALLY WON WW2 for the allies.

I am providing a link to “Great Military Leaders.” You will see that some were low key, some were show-off and extravagant but they did get results-some not always  morally or ethically RIGHT and some not always popular albeit.

I think we have a situation in Cheshire now where someone else is pulling the strings and they have been doing this for many years.  This reminds me of those old fashioned childrens’ puppet shows that I used to watch as a child. There would be a booth and a wooden puppet or marionette whose movements were controlled by the puppeteer who would manipulate the strings that were attached to the top of the marionettes head.

THIS IS THE PROBLEM WITH CHESHIRE-SOMEONE ELSE, not the Town Manager or Police Chief is in charge. WHO or WHOM, I don’t know for sure. I have ideas but I cannot say in public unfortunately. The bottom line, we cannot have people controlling or scripting everything that is said and done here-IT BACKFIRED A FEW YEARS AGO!!

SHH!! QUIET!! KEEP THINGS QUIET!!

People are tired of being told snippets of information-being told what SOMEONE ELSE THINKS WE SHOULD BE TOLD OR WHAT WE SHOULD READ OR HEAR!!

Ponder this: if your significant other acted like the Town of Cheshire-you would be VERY UNHAPPY!! Would you like the person you love to spoonfeed you information? HELL NO!! Or keep information from you or discourage you from speaking your mind?? NO NO NO!!

We are not imbeciles in this town. We are adults and we all deserve to be told THE TRUTH~~If there is dissention, people who are dissatisfied should feel comfortable airing their concerns WHICH THEY ARE NOT IN THIS TOWN!! AND DON’T SAY THEY ARE!!

This is why a few years ago I REALLY TRIED TO GET THIS POLICE COMMISSION GOING, but I FAILED!!

At first, I wanted the commission because I felt Cheshire needed to be punished. But as I looked into it and went to  police commission meetings in many many towns, I saw what the real purpose of a Police Commission is: to discuss issues and concerns amongst citizens and Police rank and file alike.

A police commission is a place for the rank and file to go if they feel they have an issue-IT IS ANOTHER SET OF EARS if they feel uncomfortable addressing their concerns with the Police Chief/Town Manager or Town Council.

Now I am not saying every little petty tit tat should be aired out in public-no-but if there are issues that may be affecting POLICE MORALE-then we NEED TO GET THEM OUT IN THE OPEN NOW!! Let things get aired out and discussed–that is the best way.

What someone wears in not important-IT IS HOW THEY GET THE JOB DONE.

Look at the Godfather-he wore the same clothes as the everyday person-but people in his organization knew he was the BOSS BY HIS ACTIONS!! GET IT??

This town government needs to start ENCOURAGING ITS EMPLOYEES TO SPEAK THEIR MINDS!! IT IS HEALTHY AND NORMAL!!

And this Town Council needs to encourage all people to speak up!! And while I am on the subject of the Town Council-I KNOW IT IS AN ELECTION YEAR!! This is why we are getting concessions from the Police Department with the cars and the turnaround with the bid waivers, especially this last vote on the school bus contract-which resulted in another “bid waiver” being defeated.

I know this was all planned out!!

“Oh look voters, see we CAN work together-see, we were bi-partisan”!! “See the bid waiver was defeated”!!

OH GIVE ME A BREAK!!

As I have state before, I am trying to get the Academy Awards ceremony moved to Cheshire from Hollywood. We have plenty of actors here already!!

But as you know, things would be different if I were the Town Manager or Police Chief-IF SOMEONE TRIED TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST ME-THEY WOULD GET THROWN INTO A CELL AT POLICE HEADQUARTERS AND TASERED REPEATEDLY.

When I entered the building-especially if I were the Police Chief, I WOULD DEMAND “HAIL TO THE CHIEF” BE PLAYED EVERY MORNING!! Flowers would have to be strewn in my path. I would wear a pompous show off uniform, unlike ANY OTHER!! I would DEMAND TOTAL LOYALTY OR ELSE!!

As I have stated again and again, my beliefs apply to everyone BUT ME!!

I AM SPECIAL AND ABOVE REPROACH AND QUESTION!!

Michael Milone TRIED to question me about a blog post a few times, BUT I PUT HIM RIGHT IN HIS PLACE!!

I WILL NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE QUESTIONED!! EVER!! MY DECISIONS ARE ALWAYS CORRECT!! NO DISSENTION IS ALLOWED!!

Click here for Great Military Leaders of All Times

Now let me address the OTHER ISSUE: Is the Town Manager going to a conference in MONTREAL?? I don’t know, but this is what I have heard from another blogger!!

Well, there is not much I can really say about this. First of all, I don’t know if this trip was planned a year ago or what. If the decision was made recently, then it should be cancelled. As I have stated before-people can learn new ideas close to home!!

If the taxpayers are paying for this trip-C’est Dommage!! (TOO BAD)!! There is some French for you Michael.

Maybe the Town Manager is paying for the trip himself. I don’t know!! But all I can say is that Montreal IS COLD this time of year, so bundle up!! Maybe the Town Manager should take a visit to the MPD to see how they get things done!!

As far as the Montreal City Government-Oh Please!! These people are in REVERSE!! Expediency is not a well know word up there!! They are very laid back and take things as they come.

Hopefully, these San Diego and Montreal and Lake George trips will ALL BE A THING OF THE PAST at least for a little while. We can’t ask employees to cut to 30 hours a week while SOME OF US are traipsing the NORTH AMERICAN CONTINENT.

FYI: TM–Strip Clubs in Montreal: I HEAR they are the best!!

I AM FEELING UNDER THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND WITH A STOMACH VIRUS, BUT I THOUGHT YOU WOULD ENJOY SOME “WEIRD” PHOTOS FROM FAILBLOG:

Click here

I did want to expand on this budget issue-mostly every city and town in the U.S is feeling the pinch-that is not news. What is news, is how these municipalities come up with solutions to get themselves through the difficult period.

I just hope that all cities and towns will continue on this path of streamlining their budgets and the way they operate even when this economic “crisis” is passed.

There is no excuse to go back to spend spend spend and paying outrageous salaries WAY ABOVE what would be paid out for the basically the same job position in the private sector.

Now a few of you wanted me to comment on the Meriden Police Officer who was fired for striking the man whom he had just handcuffed .

All I can say is: when the police signal you to pull over-PULL OVER!!

This D.A. had no business collecting $100,000 because he got punched by the cop-actually I saw two cops give him a shot-this person should thank his lucky stars the cops don’t use the billy club anymore-especially the ones with the lead in the center or worse case scenario he got shot!!

It’s one thing if you pull right away and the cop gets nasty and starts hitting you for no reason-THIS WAS NOT THE CASE!! NOW WHAT HAS THIS MAN LEARNED?? HE CAN GET AWAY WITH IT THAT IS WHAT!! TOO BAD!!

I will grant you that the officer who was fired seemed to have a anger management problem-but I hate to say it, that is WHY I am not a cop-if I were a man I would have been one of two things-A COP or A BIKER-maybe both!!

I am going to link you to the video so you can see what actually happened. This A Hole gets signaled to pull over, PUTS THE CAR IN REVERSE AND DRIVES AT NIGHT AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED DAMAGING PEOPLES PROPERTY, then several minutes later- the cop rams his car and finally stops him, then starts beating him up while he is still in the car.

In all fairness to the victim-that was WRONG-the cop should have pulled him out of the car and maybe handled him roughly, but when the punching led to kicking-that was overboard. But here again, we don’t know if the cop had run ins with this person before.

Also, this is the danger of video cameras in the cars. You see, these cops were so hyped up they FORGOT the camera was recording their every move.

Will we ever see this in Cheshire-probably not!!

I know the cops in our town are professional-but the bottom line is-you really are pushing it when you DON’T PULL OVER and  WHEN YOU DO YOU START SASSING.

JUST TAKE IT LIKE A MAN OR WOMAN AND FIGHT IT OUT IN COURT!!

This is a person the cops SHOULD HAVE BEEN PULLING OVER. And it is funny because at the end of the tape you hear the cop saying something to the effect of “I should have shot his tires out” (sic)

That is EXACTLY what the Montreal Police Dept did recently.

The Biatch didn’t pull over, so they shot out her tires-They don’t play games up there-that is why I sent that story to the Police Chief in Cheshire-and then he replies something about the cameras recording it-WHO CARES??

The point WAS-that when ACTION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN-THESE COPS TAKE IT!! Worry about getting on the news or someone finding out about it later.

They ended the chase before someone was hurt that was the bottom line!!

If the cops in Cheshire ever have to use the SWAT team again, please call me-I will be GLAD to go right out there with you and assist you right on the front lines.

I will stand by you ANYTIME!!!

Click here for video and story on Meriden Police Officer

To continue with the budget-I am linking you all now to my boy Lennie Grimaldi’s “Only in Bpt” blog where he is doing a podcast with Bill Curwin, one of Bridgeport’s aldermen. They discuss the budget in Bridgeport and Police OVERTIME!! The point of this is to see how another municipality, not as fortunate as Cheshire, is having to cope and also to emphasize that UNLIKE CHESHIRE, people who are affiliated with Town or City Goverment feel FREE TO SPEAK THEIR MINDS AT ANY TIME!!

I wonder, will I every get cutie pie Matt Hall to go on a Underground Town Hall Podcast?? We will have to see!!

Bill Curwin of Bpt talks about city vehicle tracking and police overtime

Finally, here is a website for Town Manager Michael Milone and Police Chief Cruess:

USED POLICE CARS.COM

Its weird, we are getting rid of cars that have the same amount of miles on them that this website is offering for sale-the cars look in REAL GOOD SHAPE!! Check it out please!!

OK, I FINALLY got my OLD computer back-it is nice to get it back but I did get spoiled using my friends computer. She has VISTA operating system and the Dell Studio so it was a lot faster than mine-but I will survive using my OLD computer!!

Guess who else is going to survive using their OLD police cars?? Yes!! You answered correctly-go to the head of the class people!!

Well, as most of you know who read my blog-I have an annual trek. Some people go to the same vacation spot each year, some go to the same holy site for spiritual guidance-I go to the Cheshire Town Hall this time each year to the Police Operating Budget hearing so I can get agita!! (heartburn, for all you Illuminati out there)!

Actually, it wasn’t that bad this year at all-the bottom line is the police operating budget for 2009-2010 is only going up 2.8 percent which is less than inflation!! So this is a fair budget and I do not think it compromises public safety AT ALL!!

According to Cheshire Police Chief Michael Cruess, the biggest cut is the overtime-it was reduced $29,000 making this the lowest since the 2000 budget.

You have to realize that overtime or “extra duty” in cop talk, because let’s face it, these cops can never talk English they always have to sound military, comes to $44 an hour with the town of Cheshire charging an $8 administrative fee-SO this is one area that needs to be watched-not only in the Police Department but in EVERY DEPARTMENT IN EVERY TOWN.

Only work overtime WHEN IT IS NECESSARY!! We have to pull in the belt because according to our newest state rep-the state is losing one out of every four dollars-and the biggest offender of wasteful spending-the STATE OF CONNECTICUT.

I don’t EVEN want to tell you how many NEW $10,000 Dell laptops were never USED at a certain Department a few years ago-that is right-they overbought and NEVER EVEN OPENED THE BOXES!! The state is another one-they can’t be thrifty, they buy top of the line and overdo it-So, just like the people are pouncing on AIG (All Investments Gone) for their ridiculous bonuses, the people of Connecticut need to pounce on their state reps to keep this nonsense spending in line.

Now, back to the budget hearing-I had to hear the complaining-alright I won’t say “whining” about not being able to get their little toys (the police cars) for one year. FOR ONE YEAR-YOU WON’T DIE-No one is asking the CPD or any PD for that matter to drive around in 1950 automobiles-hey now that I think of it-they do in Cuba!! They make their own parts for the cars and most are still running from 1959. Maybe the town of Cheshire should make an arrangement with the Cuban government to have some of their people come here and work on the CPD patrol cars-THEY SEEM TO KNOW HOW TO KEEP THINGS RUNNING!!

This argument that we have to keep buying new cars all the time is asinine.
“Oh the police cars are not like the civilian cars because they have to be ready to go on the dime” Well yeah, OK but like isn’t that like any CAR?? When we get in it-like we want it to START and GO??

“Older car parts get expensive” NO NO NO!!

You need a car part on any of your OLD patrol cars-because a car is a car-I will take you down to Georges on Knowlton Street and you can salvage through their lot and pick out ANY CAR PART FOR ANY CAR at practically NO COST!!!

Thank you!!

And as far as the argument that because it is a POLICE CAR and has to deploy at a moments notice and is used around the clock, that is WHY IT MUST CONSTANTLY BE REPLACED-consider this:

THE STORY OF THE BOEING B-52 STRATOFORTRESS

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, still in service today, more than fifty years after its first flight, is one of the most successful and versatile aircraft ever designed.

Click here for more info on the B-52

IF ANYTHING HAS TO BE ON THE GO AND READY FOR ACTION AT ANYTIME-IT IS OUR MILITARY PLANES-This plane was conceived in the 1940′s and is still going-it is funny-they get the PARTS FOR THIS!!

It was interesting to note that before the discussion on the Police Operating budget ensued, Town Manager Michael Milone said he “discovered” the erroneous addition of a police officer to the department, so it looked on paper like we had one more officer than in actuality.

Michael Milone “discovered” this error. OK, Christopher Columbus accidentally “discovered” America- what does that mean??

It means-oops we had better not DARE hire anyone else at this time-or we know what we will hear!! YEP!!

I know we have 45 sworn officers,  and four sworn non  union personnel which are the Police Chief, the Deputy Chief and two Captains.

Look, we are NOT going to allow public safety to be compromised-NOT AT ALL. The biggest point of all of this was that the Diane von Furstenburg Police Department is going to have to belt tighten a little and they will SURVIVE!!

If they really need something, they will HAVE to take it out of the $165,000 they just received from their “China” (Elim Park).

Now this part is where the whining guilt trip starts and I don’t go for it-My husband does this when I forbid him to have something he wants- so I know this tactic WELL!!

“Oh we have to cut things out-like the ATV patrolling open space” TOUGH-we will get by for a while.

“We have had to cancel the car seat program, and the ATV Motorcycle patrols may have to be cut down”

Oh, brother a real tear jerker.

I love this GUILT ONE-Lay it on us-”oh additional speed enforcement may have to be curtailed”

That’s OK, we have enough now we don’t need any more.

Now one area I really do not want curtailed and I did say this at the meeting Wednesday night, is the “Community Policing”

This involves the Citizens Police Academy, which despite me being banned from it-is still a great way for the citizens to interact with the police in a positive manner.

Let’s face it, the only way to interact with the CPD now requires the wearing of handcuffs!! NOT GOOD!!

Also, the Bike Rodeo needs to stay in place. I know Michael Milone and the Town Council can find a way-one way, CUT OUT THESE TAKE HOME CARS!!

FUNNY that is not on the list of eliminations or reductions-IT SHOULD BE!!

I do have the list of Revisions to the 09-10 proposed town operating budget-Scheduled for “elimination” is the first Thursday evening hours. This is a real shame because it WAS an opportunity for people to discuss issues with the T.M. and the Police Chief. But sadly, hardly ANYONE took advantage.

Unfortunate-but this tells volumes about this me, myself and I town now doesn’t it.

Bulky waste collections are also on the chopping block. NOT A GOOD IDEA-FIND A WAY TO KEEP IT!!

Sunday library hours are scheduled to be eliminated as is local satellite hazardous waste collection.

This is stupid-who has a satellite that they want to get rid of?? I don’t get it!!

Oh, this is pathetic-the possible elimination of the Fall Festival Fireworks?? Come on. I guess I WILL have to attend this years Fall Festival and start arguing about money with my spouse-that is real fireworks!!

Private camp subsidy (whatever THAT IS) is scheduled for elimination and employee events.

Proposed “reductions” are:

Vacant position freeze-overtime-roll back of staff hours-equipment purchases (automobiles, trucks,, mechanicals, computers). Just call the state Michael Milone and get those unused Dell laptops sitting in the back room of the Hamden Labor Dept!!

It figures-Youth and Senior Services Program. No, this cannot be cut-this is the EASY WAY OUT!! Look harder and dig deeper Mr. Milone.

Community Policing Program-NO!!

New Fire Hydrant and Street Lights. Well, I did have a post a few months ago on my Boing Boing blog that featured solar powered streetlights. I will see if I can repost this article.

Municipal facility property maintenance. God almighty, this town looks dumpy now, don’t add to it!!

Youth Counseling Services Absolutely NOT!!

Utilities

Consultants-NOW YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK!!

Professional Development Training, conferences and seminars-GOOD MOVE-HAVE THEM HELD LOCALLY!! We don’t need to go to San Diego, the Catskills or Lake George or wherever out of state to learn something!! STAY IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD!!

Alright-have to go now-will be back with MORE THOUGHTS later!!

My spouse went to the Budget Hearing for the Town Manager and various other departments on Monday. I did not attend-BUT I may have to make an exception-I MAY attend Wednesdays Budget Hearing and you know why!!

Guess what department they will be discussing? Yep-the Police Department!!

I really wasn’t going to bother because as I have stated before-they really don’t listen-but after what I heard Monday night-I STAND CORRECTED (which doesn’t happen very often).

Apparently, the Town Manager IS LISTENING-FINALLY. Look we have the videos of Town Council meetings on the Town website-BOY wasn’t that painful?? And look, no businesses moved out of town!!!

Now, for the piece de resistance-every year for God knows how long, I have been saying-NO NEW POLICE CARS UNLESS absolutely necessary. And every year, the T.M. gives the cops a few cars even when these cars have had less than 100,000 miles on them.

I have always heard the argument, “oh you know these cars are not safe for the police to drive around” THEY AREN’T?? I always asked, was the frame bent, was the car rusted out completely?

“Oh no, the seat is ripped, or we bought a new computer and it doesn’t fit in the old cars”

That is akin to buying a new sofa, and it doesn’t quite fit through the doorway of your home so you buy a new home!!!

“Well we can’t ask our officers to drive these cars, they are several years old and not safe”

WHAT?? Then if that is the case, then why are you SELLING THE CARS TO THE PUBLIC?? I always argued that-if they are not safe for officers WHY would they be safe for the general public?? DOESN’T MAKE SENSE!!

My spouse is a state employee- he is a field auditor which means he is OUT in the field all day. HE DRIVES HIS OWN VEHICLE-He does not get a state car-he does get mileage but that is it!! All maintenance and repairs are on us!!

His car ( a 1991 Camry) has OVER 280,000 miles on it-He drives it ALL DAY all over the state!! My car is a 97 Corolla. It HAS 198,000 miles on it. I DRIVE IT EVERYWHERE!!

Where do these people GET OFF with cars being unsafe because they might have 100,000 miles on it or LESS or are several years  old?

“Oh we base our opinion on what the PW garage says.”

If that is the case-GET ANOTHER OPINION!!

Well finally, IT MUST HAVE SUNK IN. Apparently, the TM is ZEROING OUT ALL NEW CAR REQUESTS FOR THE PD!! I think I died and went to heaven!! I keeping checking my pulse-I can’t believe it!!

WHAT HAPPENED!! WILL WE BE SAFE!! WILL THE BUSINESSES MOVE OUT OF TOWN because the Police aren’t getting a few new cars? That is what they base everything on in this town-”don’t make waves, don’t talk about this or that-don’t disclose that or this-because of the businesses in town”

WHAT KIND OF LOGIC IS THAT!! IF YOU HAVE A BUSINESS AND IT IS MAKING MONEY-THEY WON’T GO ANYWHERE!!

There are business in major metropolitan areas, BAD AREAS that stay put because THEY ARE MAKING MONEY THERE!!

CASE CLOSED.

Now don’t get me wrong-IF the police need a new car or equipment-they should get it-I have always said this. But maybe if they really need a new patrol or undercover car-they SHOULD take it out of the Elim Park Gift Account, which they might do.

I just wonder what the Town Council will do. I hope they go with the TM’s request.

Also: a idea was brought up at Monday’s Budget Hearing to automate the Town Hall phone system. In other words, when you call, you would get a recording telling you to push one or two or whatever depending upon what department you wanted.

I know this is not great customer service, and people DO still expect a live person to pick up the phone at their town hall, but to cut back on expenses, even just for a while, it MIGHT be prudent to look into this. It would free up the employees and allow them to do more work.

This particular town that I have a link to below, is doing this automated system just during Spring and Summer. This is like Pontiac Mich, they are laying off all their school employees after June 30 and are calling them back as needed. Not a PERMANENT thing, just implemented when it Is NECESSARY and is most cost efficient.

When faced with “choices” like cut back or lose your job, most employees will “cut back.” Something is better than nothing.

Click here for story on automated answering at Town Hall.

Now speaking of the Police, I did get a comment which I will not run because the people wanted it private-about a motor vehicle stop that took place in Cheshire Saturday around 3 a.m. in front of the Congregational Church.

Apparently these four men, in their 30′s who are professional business people, were returning from Mohegan Sun Casino and were traveling home. They passed through Cheshire and GUESS WHAT HAPPENED??

Did you guess?? I am waiting-YES you are right!! They got pulled over-WHY? BECAUSE IT WAS 3 a.m.!!

Now look, I know A LOT of people who are out at that hour MAY be intoxicated or up to no good-that is life. If I drive in certain areas of certain metropolitan areas DAY OR NIGHT I may be stopped-right or wrong-especially if it is an area where known drug dealers are doing business.

These people told me that when they were pulled over the police officer asked if they had been drinking, These people said the another cop came by but the officer, seeing they were not “kids” said that he could handle it.

The driver told me that when he told the cop he had one beer, the cop said “are you sure you didn’t have more?”

The driver said he then told the cop he had ONE BEER at 8:30 p.m. and “it is now 3:30 a.m.”

Apparently after that the cop said, OK, you are free to go sir, drive safely.

Now these people asked if this was legal. Well, I will have to say-yes. This is a gray area-because police are only supposed to pull you over if they SUSPECT something-or see you weaving or driving over the speed limit which these people were not.

Unfortunately, even driving slow arouses suspicion because many intoxicated drivers do drive SLOW. Some drive fast. So, the bottom line: even though it really isn’t RIGHT, if you are out late on the weekends or late on St. Patricks Day or New Years Eve or Thanksgiving or the night of the Prom when some people DO A LOT OF DRINKING, you should not be surprised if you are pulled over.

Sometimes you have to use common sense. My son went to his car  at 2 a.m. that he had parked in parking lot in Hamden across the street from his apartment building because someone had taken his space and parking is limited there. He just went to get his cell phone-and guess what?? The cops were all over him!!

Right or wrong-probably wrong-but what would you think if you were a cop and saw someone going into a car at that hour?? I would have called the police station and told them I had to go to my car to get my phone so they would have known nothing was amiss. Sounds like overkill, but that is how it is today.

I did call Mayor Henrici and tell him that the cop was pushing it-the flashlight in his face-calling for backup-You know, you asked a question, you got an answer-LEAVE IT!! I am sure these cops can tell when someone is UP TO SOMETHING AND LIEING!!

This is what happened in Cheshire. You got an answer, you did not smell alcohol-stop pushing it!! That is what bothers me more than pulling someone over. It is the “we HAVE or we WILL make you out to be a liar”

Well, guess what?? Most people aren’t!!

If it continued to happen, then that is another story. But the cops have a right to pull you over and question you IF THEY SUSPECT something is amiss. Just driving late at night should not be suspicious, but try proving that in court!!

Here is a link that discusses this very issue: When CAN a police officer pull me over??

Click here