08/02/10 BREAKING NEWS: Hearst Newspapers Chooses Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele Over Tom Foley In The Republican Primary For Governor

CT Post Says Tom Foley "Brings Some Unpleasant Baggage To The Race"

Photo: Republican gubernatorial candidate and Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele

Connecticut Post Says Fedele The Choice Among Republicans

Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele has the combination of government and business experience that, given the chance to serve in the No. 1 seat, would be good for the state of Connecticut.

The Connecticut Post endorses his candidacy in the Aug. 10 Republican three-way primary.

The 55-yearold Fedele brings 10 years of legislative experience, serving in the state House of Representatives from 1992 to 2002, and three years in his current position.

But Fedele is also a self-made businessman and understands that job creation is the top challenge to the state.

Fedele understands in no uncertain terms that improving the atmosphere in Connecticut for small business is essential to turning around the state's economy.

His stand against any new taxes speaks to his understanding of the situation.

We compliment him for his position.

Given his experience, Fedele is confident solutions to the state's problems of spending and borrowing can be resolved through good management, and not through new taxes.Though Fedele has been part of the Rell administration ... well, that in some respects sums it up.

It was indeed the Rell administration, and if anyone can name a Connecticut lieutenant governor who shaped policy from that office, we'd be curious to know who it was.

Fedele rightly says he can be held accountable only for those areas in which he had authority.

He's been an effective ambassador for the state, recruiting business and reaching out to the Henkel Corporation, manufacturer of Loctite adhesive products and successfully encouraging them to consolidate operations in Rocky Hill.

Fedele also figured in the move of Columbia Elevators from New York to Bridgeport.

We also applaud Oz Griebel, another candidate in the GOP primary, for his passion and clear commitment to improving the business climate in the state.

And Tom Foley brings a business background as well. But he also brings some unpleasant baggage to the race.

But Fedele earns our endorsement. We believe he's the best of the three choices to lead the state.

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08/01/10 CT PRIMARY CANDIDATE ROUNDUPS: State Comptroller

Photo: Kevin Lembo On The Campaign trail

Lembo And Jarjura Battle In The Democratic State Comptroller Primary

A week from Tuesday, Aug. 10, registered Democrats will go to the polls to narrow the field in a number of contested races, but even after that, there are so many contenders in so many races that it's really hard to keep track.

People shouldn't complain about their elected representatives if they don't at least cast an educated ballot first.

Do a little homework first. Visit the candidates' websites and study their positions on issues that you care about.

The battle to be comptroller, is very important given the state's nearly $3 billion deficit.

Many wonder why this seat is contested in such hard times. One would think that it would be more fun to be the money person when the state is flush rather than broke. But this hasn't deterred Democrats Kevin Lembo and Michael Jarjura from battling for the democratic nod.

The winner of that race will face Republican Jack Orchulli and Green candidate Colin Bennett.

Democrat Kevin Lembo, who served as assistant state comptroller to Nancy Wyman, is the party-endorsed candidate running against Michael Jarjura for the state comptroller seat.

Lembo is nationally recognized for his expertise in health care systems and consumer protection, according to his campaign website. He currently leads the Office of the Healthcare Advocate for the state. He lives in Guilford with his wife; they have three children.

Today the Harwinton Democratic Town Committee is hosting a meet and greet so voters can meet candidates. The event will be held at the Harwinton Senior Center, 209 Weingart Road, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Mr. Lembo has confirmed that he will attend.

Mike Jarjura is the mayor of Waterbury. He worked as a state representative in the 1990s and as an assistant attorney general. He has a B.S. in management from Post College and a J.D. from the University of Bridgeport School of Law.

This weekenday, with Waterbury Mayor Jarjura was on the ropes after Lembo came out with three body blows.

First, a YouTube video surfaced of the Democrat speaking at a Tea Party rally.

"We needed a spark, and you're the spark that is going to be the change. So don't give up. Don't get discouraged because this country is worth fighting for and you're fighting for it," Jarjura said at the rally in Waterbury last September.

Jarjura, a Democrat, defended his attendance at the ultra-conservative rally.

Jarjura claimed he was there at the request of Waterbury citizens and he wasn't there to advocate for any political group," he said. "Every one is trying to do a 'gotcha' in these campaigns and manipulate things to something you don't even represent."

Lembo isn't buying it.

"It's an odd choice for a Democratic mayor to be attending a Tea Party rally," he told the press.

The second blow to Jarjura's campaign was the Waterbury teachers union endorsing Lembo, following the lead one week ago of the local police union.

Jarjura's response: it's backlash from the tough contract negotiations between the city and the unions as a result of the tight economy.

Finally, Lembo launched a television advertisement attacking Jarjura for hiring former Gov. John Rowland, a Republican forced to resign by a corruption scandal.

"Jarjura hired Rowland to a $100,000 dollar a year job after he got out of prison -- calling him the best governor Connecticut has ever had," the 30-second advertisement says.

Jarjura backed the hiring of John Rowland, the disgraced former Republican governor, in an economic development job partly funded with city money.

Jarjura has responded with mailings touting his negative web site, called Lembo Lies, and filed a lawsuit attempting to block Lembo's ability to spend public financing money.

Jarjura's mailer to registered Democrats, accusing Lembo of being a secret conservative. The mailer directed Democrats to a web site created by Jarjura's campaign.

“Some of my opponents’ claims are just bizarre. But let me be clear – I have never ever lied to the people of Connecticut or distorted my record," Lembo said.

The Lembo campaign responded by saying that Jarjura is a cultural conservative who opposes abortion rights.

A Superior Court judge Tuesday rejected Michael Jarjura's effort to block Kevin Lembo from using public financing in their Democratic contest for state comptroller.

The terse order by Judge James T. Graham frees Lembo to begin spending the $375,000 awarded to him last week for his Aug. 10 primary with Jarjura, the mayor of Waterbury.

Jarjura, who also has received $375,000 in public financing.

This legal challenge is the second of two attempts by Jarjura to deny public financing to Lembo.

08/01/10 2010 ELECTIONS - CT CANDIDATE ROUNDUPS: Secretary of the State (Jerry Farrell Jr, Gerry Garcia, Denise Merrill

Photo: Connecticut Republican Candidate Secretary Of State

Jerry Farrell Jr

Even the politically astute of Connecticut have got to be preparing scratch sheets to keep track of who is running for what this political season.

It is a tough job to try and keep track, but it is a job that needs to be done.

People shouldn't complain about their elected representatives if they don't at least cast an educated ballot first.

Do a little homework first. Visit the candidates' websites and study their positions on issues that you care about.

Not sure who is running? Then go to the secretary of the state's website (ctgov.org will get you started) and find out the candidate's names, political parties and offices that they are seeking.

Speaking of the secretary of state, did you know that Gerry Garcia (yes, that's really his name) could get bumped in next week's primaries in his bid to be Connecticut's new secretary of the state?

The Democrat is vying for the seat against party endorsed candidate Denise Merrill in what will be a three-way race Nov. 2 pitting either Garcia or Merrill against Republican Jerry Farrell Jr. and Green Party contender S. Michael DeRosa.

It's an important job, overseeing the state's elections, so we'd all do ourselves a favor by brushing up on the candidates' qualifications and platforms so we can make informed decisions come November.

Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Jerry Farrell Jr, nominated at convention for Secretary of State, reiterated the calls for fiscal conservatism, even through the Secretary of State's office.

Farrell just qualified for public campaign financing.and submitted his paperwork to the State Elections Enforcement Commission in preparation of the November general election.

Farrell’s campaign raised over $75,000 from over 900 contributors who were limited to a maximum of $100 per person.

Once approved, Farrell will receive a grant of $750,000 to compete with a Democratic opponent who will receive the same grant.

Farrell and Democratic attorney general candidate George Jepsen are the only statewide candidates without a primary election to receive public funding.

08/01/10 Driver Suffers Chest Pains, Crashes Into Stone Wall

This Just In To The Westport Roundup Newsroom .....

Westport News - August 1, 2010

Driver Suffers Chest Pains, Crashes Into Stone Wall (Westport Now)

Mention WestportNow and get 10% discount R ex Marine Center 203-831-5236 203-604-1295 www.rexmarine.com Saturday, July 31, 2010 A male driver suffered chest pains before crashing his car into a fire hydrant and stone wall tonight in front of 69 Cross Highway, according to reports from the scene.

TakeCare and Connecticut Domestics Partner to Promote Nanny Personality and Risk Assessments (PR-inside)

TakeCare, a provider of online personality and risk assessments of Nannies, Au Pairs and Babysitters, and Connecticut Domestics, a full service nanny placement agency based in Westport, CT, have partnered to promote the use of NannyTest, an online personality and risk assessment test for child caregivers.

A Sound Brunch (Westport Patch)

Looking for a good brunch in Westport? Splash is the obvious go-to. It's got plentiful outdoor seating and the location at Inn at Longshore feels special.

Westport Firefighters Cover Bridgeport for Funerals (Westport Patch)

Eleven Westport Firefighters donated their time Friday so the Bridgeport Firefighters could attend the funerals ofA Lt.

Summer Staycation: Sherwood Island Nature Center (Ridgefield Patch)

Here's the scenario: your children get versed, first hand, in Nature's wonder by a charming and knowledgeable group, they have fun doing it, for free.

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CCLU Lawyer: P&Z Decorum Policy is "Problematic" (Westport Now)

Mention WestportNow and get 10% discount R ex Marine Center 203-831-5236 203-604-1295 www.rexmarine.com Saturday, July 31, 2010 CCLU Lawyer: P&Z Decorum Policy is "Problematic" By James Lomuscio The Westport Planning and Zoning Commission's new decorum policy banning signs and T-shirts expressing a view is "problematic" according to an attorney ...

07/30/10 WESTPORT BRIEFING:Senator Boucher honored with ConnCAN Tip Of The Cap Award

This Just In To The Westport Roundup Newsroom .......

Senator Boucher honored with ConnCAN Tip Of The Cap Award (New Canaan News-Review)

Senator Boucher was presented with the ConnCAN Tip of the Cap Award by Alex Johnston , a nationally recognized education reform advocate and CEO of ConnCAN.

Westport Tea Group Meets Again (Westport Now)

Mention WestportNow and get 10% discount R ex Marine Center 203-831-5236 203-604-1295 www.rexmarine.com About two dozen persons attended a meeting tonight of the Westport Tea Group at the Westport Public Library.

Westport Police Arrest Three for Credit Card Fraud (Westport Now)

R ex Thursday, July 29, 2010 An alert liquor store clerk's call to police today led to the arrest of a New York trio on credit card fraud and identify theft charges, Westport police said.

Pay as You Go: New Sewer Fees Called Equitable (Westport Now)

Mention WestportNow and get 10% discount R ex Marine Center 203-831-5236 203-604-1295 www.rexmarine.com By James Lomuscio Should a single person pay the same sewer use charges as an active family of six despite obvious discrepancies in the number of showers, loads of laundry and toilet use? Users of the town's water pollution control facility will ...

Club to hear talk about Earthplace (Thehour)

WESTPORTJohn Horkel, executive director, Earthplace, will be the guest speaker at the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club breakfast meeting on at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 30, at Bobby Q's Restaurant, 42 Main St.. With Earthplace having celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2008, Horkel will give a . . .Full Story

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Westport Man Held By Fairfield Police on Drug, Other Charges (Westport Now)

R ex Thursday, July 29, 2010 A Westport man with a long history of run-ins with police was arrested by Fairfield police early today on drug charges.

Comings and Goings: Fleece Opens on Main Street (Westport Now)

For all of your painting and wallpapering needs. Call George now for a free estimate: 203-241-8922 Mention WestportNow and get 10% discount R ex Marine Center 203-831-5236 203-604-1295 www.rexmarine.com Westport - Gorgeous OFFICE SUITES for lease by owner.

Westport Officers Graduate From State Police Academy (Westport Patch)

Five Westport police officers completed their police academy training with the 328th Basic Training Session of the Connecticut Police Academy this week.

Farmers' Marketsa Not Just for Farmers (Westport Patch)

A The thought of a Farmers' Market conjures up images of fresh-off-the-farm vendors selling just-picked fruits and vegetables off the back of their trucks on a sunny summer day.

Drop off food donations at Westport FD for statewide collection (Westport News)

Westport Fire Department headquarters will be one of the food collection points Saturday for a statewide "Day of Caring & Compassion " declared by Gov.

Man arrested for failing to answer larceny charge (Westport News)

Jeffrey Guadalupe, 29, of Bridgeport, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of first-degree failure to appear.

07/29/10 We Report You Decide: Did Stamford Fire and Rescue Chief Robert McGrath Get His Promotion After Working On Dan Malloy's House?

Robert McGrath was a Stamford firefighter working three days on, three days off.

On Robert's days off he operated a small heating and air-conditioning business to make ends meet.

Then this Stamford fireman got his big break....

Robert got the chance to do heating and air-conditioning duct work on the120-year-old barn that Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy was transforming into a house.

Robert also did many jobs for several of Dan Malloy's brothers.

Dan Malloy chose to use Richard who was on the Stamford City payroll to work on his future home even though there are hundreds of Heating And Air- Conditioning contractors with in a 30 minute drive of his home.

A short time after that Richard was promoted to Assistant Stamford Fire And Rescue Chief and then soon after that was appointed as the Stamford Fire and Rescue Chief.

Stamford Fire and Rescue Chief Robert McGrath later told Stamford Advocate reporter Louis Porter that the work on Dan Malloy's home did not have anything to do with his advancement to Assistant Fire Chief and later Fire Chief.

Another contractors who did work on Dan Malloy's Ocean Drive East house was Rick Sharper.

Rick told The Associated Press he got the job and dealt with Marc Lyons, a friend of Malloy who was involved in hiring city employees and contractors to work on then Mayor Dan Malloy's house.

Rick said after he did work on the mayor’s house Marc Lyons later arranged a lot of work for him at city high schools.

Marc Lyons, who was a Malloy family friend was the construction manager at Stamford High School and after the Mayor's house was completed he became manager of all of the city and school facilities in Stamford..

Stamford Board Of Finance Member Joesph Tarzia was quoted in the press saying, "The Malloy administration has reduced controls over city purchasing. Malloy dismantled the internal audit department”

Related articles that you might be interested in:

• Lamont Leads Malloy in Connecticut (politicalwire.com)
• Hartford mayor convicted of corruption (msnbc.msn.com)
• 2 Conn. firefighters killed at scene of house fire (dailycaller.com)
• Polling and political wrap, 6/3/10 (dailykos.com)
• Eddie Perez, Connecticut Mayor, Found Guilty On Charges Of Corruption, Bribery, Larceny By Extortion (huffingtonpost.com)
• These primaries are sure to heat up summertime politics (chron.com)

07/29/10 Dan Debicella And Rob Merkle Left Holding The Bag As Ron Paul Endorses Republican Rick Torres To Take On Congressman Jim Himes

Ron Paul Endorses Rick Torres Westport Friends, It is with great honor that today I accept the endorsement of Congressman Ron Paul. I have spoken to Congressman Paul several times over the course of the Campaign and I look forward to working with him after I defeat Jim Himes this November. Please read the Endorsement from Congressman Ron Paul: "I am proud to announce that I have endorsed Rick Torres for Congress in the Connecticut's 4th district. Rick is a real Liberty lover and has a tremendously inspiring story. Here is a video he made about his background Again, please consider supporting Rick in any way you are comfortable – whether it is financially, with your time as a volunteer and, most importantly, with your vote. Big things are happening across the Country, and Connecticut has a great opportunity to tell Washington that we demand free markets, sound money and common sense, Pro-America foreign policy. I hope you will join me in supporting Rick Torres." Dr. Paul's Endorsement is key to us winning this primary. With 12 days left I do need your financial support.In these final days I need your financial support of at least $50 to ensure that we can effectively get out the vote. Our polling shows that we are rapidly gaining on the presumed frontrunner. Your donation of $50, $200, or $500 will allow us to effectively get our message of liberty out to the voters and win. With your financial donation today I know that we can defeat my big government Republican opponents. If we let them win then voters in my district will have two big-government choices on the ballot in the fall. I am willing ready and able to stand with Congressman Ron Paul and defend our natural rights in Washington, but I need your financial commitment in these final days to help me do so. Sincerely, Rick Torres for Congress P.O. Box 3311, Bridgeport, CT 06605.