Westport Roundup

04/08/11 The Raw Westport News Feed

2011-04-08T16:53:00.001-07:00

News Reports About Westport, CT

Swing Set Rules Stay in Place
Wall Street Journal
AP WESTPORT, Conn.—The children of Westport can keep swinging but only as long as their play sets aren't too close to their neighbors' property. The town's zoning board has rejected a proposal to ease rules that require swing sets to sit at least 50 ...

Westport Swing Set Appeal Doesn't Fly
NBC Connecticut
By LeAnne Gendreau Nothing will change. Children in the wealthy town can keep swinging on the swing sets only as long as the sets is not too close to the neighbors' property. The case gained national attention after Cary Moskowitz was ordered to remove ...

Westport native John Darnton pieces together his father's past in new memoir
Ct Post
Westport native John Darnton, a longtime editor and foreign correspondent for the New York Times, has released his memoir, "Almost a Family." He will speak on the book at the Westport Library on Sunday, April 10 at 2 pm Photo: Contributed Photo ...

Westport Woman's Club Fashion Show Welcomes Spring
The Daily Stamford
by Meaghan MorelliToday Wendy McKeon and her son, Drew, walk the runway for the Westport Woman's Club wearing styles by Brooks Brothers. Sunny skies have finally found us, and the Westport Woman's Club has just the event to help you spruce up your ...

The Daily Stamford

Endorsement for Westport Board of Health candidate
South Coast Today
Citizens of Westport, please consider voting for Donna Lambert for a Westport Board of Health member. Donna has served the town as a Board of Health member for some 10 years. Donna knows the state and federal mandates with regard to enforcing our ...

'My Way' loses its way at Westport's MTC
Ct Post
"My Way" is decidedly not my way. The title refers to the current show at the Music Theatre of Connecticut. Though billed as "a musical tribute to Frank Sinatra," there is little about it to recapture Sinatra's world and his music. ...

Westport weather: A chancy outlook, except for Saturday
Westport-News
There's a "chance" that any outdoor plans today -- and for most of the next few days -- might not work out. That's because, with the exception of tomorrow, the National Weather Service predicts there is a chance of rain at least part of every day ...

Things to do in Westport this weekend
Westport-News
Photo: Contributed Photo / Westport News Before you go fly a kite, you have to make one and you can do that Saturday at Kite-Making Day hosted by Earthplace, 10 Woodside Lane, from 2:30 to 3:30 pm Participants can make a simple and apparently ...

Drunk Driving Death Brings Westport Man 30-Month Prison Sentence
Patch.com
By Harold F. Cobin | Email the author | 5:20am US Marine Charles M. Rochlin was 24 when he died in a Westport car crash in December 2009. US Marine Corps NORWALK – A Westport man who admitted he was intoxicated in December 2009 when he crashed the SUV ...

Westport town election will be mostly uncontested
Fall River Herald News
Westport's Town Hall looks right at home in a coastal New England town; the weathervane is a likeness of a schooner. photo by jack foley By Marc Munroe Dion A judge restored incumbent Selectman Brian Valcourt's to the ballot but 12 of the town's 18 ...

Pickup slams in Westport office building
Ct Post
WESTPORT -- A pickup truck slammed into an office building at 489 Post Road East Thursday afternoon, gouging a large hole in the corner of the structure. Firefighters at headquarters a block away heard the collision about 4:33 pm and traveled to the ...

Helping trees, shrubs spring back from wicked winter
Westport-News
Eric B. Rogers, co-owner of Westport-based Coastal Tree Experts, performs some "crown reduction" on a plum tree at the rear of a Morningside Drive property Wednesday afternoon. This past winter, with all of its snowfall, did more damage to trees and ...

Frugal Family: Five Great Deals in Westport This Week
Patch.com
Viva Zapata, serving authentic Mexican food and outrageous frozen drinks at the same location in Westport since 1969. 203-227-8226 530 Riverside Avenue www.vivazapata.com 5. Bottles Fine Wine & Spirits Save 10 percent on your purchase and every Friday ...

Westport Arts Center's VIVA! celebrates arts visionaries
Norwalk Plus Magazine
By Westport Arts Center Westport Arts Center supporters and arts lovers joined together on April 2 to celebrate the organization's mission, its connection to the community through the arts, and to honor long-time community arts supporters, ...

Esther Kramer
Westport-News
She is survived by her husband, Sidney Kramer of Westport; a son, Mark Kramer of Boston; a daughter, Wendy Posner of Chicago, and four grandchildren. A program commemorating Kramer will be held at 2 pm Saturday, May 7, in the Westport Public Library, ...

Westport's Jennifer Foster Stars in 'Die Fledermaus'
Westport Now
Jennifer Foster of Westport will sing the lead soprano role of Rosalinda this weekend when Troupers Light Opera performs Johann Strauss's "Die Fledermaus" at the Westport Country Playhouse. Jennifer Foster: In opera company's Playhouse debut. ...

Government Shutdown Battle: 'Compromise is Not a Dirty Word'
Patch.com
Clients of the Westport Center for Senior Activities say a government shutdown would be "ridiculous" and "dreadful." Elsewhere, concern grows. Charlie, 87, and Winifred Martinek, 84, are not worried yet but say it would be "a dreadful thing" if Social ...

Fairfield University responds to anti-bullying video from Westport
The Hour
Students from Fairfield University have responded — like tens of thousands of people around the world — to a plea from Westport teenager Alye Pollack to stop bullying. Recognizing the issue associated with peer bullying, students from Fairfield ...

Westport Police Seek Missing 17-Year-Old Girl
Patch.com
By Anthony Karge | Email the author | 10:15pm The Westport Police Department is looking for a 17-year-old girl last seen on foot in the area of Greens Farms Road and Medwell Lane. Police say the girl is 5 feet tall with long brown hair. ...

Blotter: Suspected Shoplifter Passes Out Drunk
Patch.com
By Anthony Karge | Email the author | 12:00pm The following arrest information was provided by the Westport Police Department. It does not indicate convictions. If you're going to shoplift, make sure you don't pass out drunk in your car with the stolen ...

Max Wilk Memorial Service Set for Saturday
Westport Now
A memorial service will be held in Southport Saturday for Westport author, playwright and film and TV writer Max Wilk who died Feb. 19 at the age of 90. (See WestportNow Feb. 21, 2011) Max Wilk addresses a Westport Public Library audience in 2008. ...

Two injured as truck strikes Westport office building
Minuteman News Center
At 2:33 pm Thursday, firefighters at Fire Headquarters in Westport at 515 Post Road East heard a loud crash outside their building. A pickup truck heading westbound on the Post Road had slammed into the corner of the building located at 489 Post Road ...

Pleasantville Man Allegedly Shoplifted, Drove Intoxicated
Patch.com
By Anthony Karge Westport, CT, police arrested Matthew Hudson, 40, of Pleasantville on April 4 after he was found asleep in his vehicle. Police report responding to the area of Wilton Road and the Merritt Parkway after being ...
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AmeriCares Head: Haiti Will Lag in Earthquake Recovery
Westport Now
Curt Welling, president and CEO of Stamford-based AmeriCares, told a Westport Arts Center audience Thursday night that relief efforts from the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti will lag those from last month's quake in Japan. The charity is involved in ...

Some Enchanted End to Play With Your Food Season
Westport Now
The ninth season of the lunchtime Play With Your Food play reading series came to an end today at Westport's Toquet Hall with performances of two one-act plays and excerpts from Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific," including "Some Enchanted ...

Farewell to the Festival
Patch.com
Although it isn'ta local event, I was deeply saddened to read in the newspaper this morning that the Festival Italiano, which had been an annual summer event in Westport for nearly 30 years, has come to an end. We Fairfield County Italians looked ...

Nurturing the reading habit in elementary school
Wilton Bulletin
However, according to George Beck of the Westport Huntington Learning Center, there are a number of things parents can do to help their children incorporate reading into their lives outside of school. "It's difficult to convince a child that reading is ...

A Blog Post About Westport, CT

Cynthia Gibb And The Healing Arts | 06880
By Dan Woog
There was plenty to love about last weekend's Westport Arts Center gala. A full house at the Westport Country Playhouse honored Joyce Thompson, and Cindy and John Vaccaro, for their many contributions to cultural life. ...
06880 - http://06880danwoog.com/

Recently Updated Web Pages About Westport, CT

WESTPORT CONNECTICUT - Westport.ct
260 SOUTH COMPO ROAD, WESTPORT,CT 06880. Phone: (203) 341-5090. FAX: (203) 341- 5073. FAX (203) 341-5073. CONDITIONS FOR FACILITY REQUEST ...
www.westportct.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?...629

Westport ct News From AOL News
Westport ct news. See the latest headlines on westport ct from AOL News. Videos, photos & westport ct pictures on all of the latest news from the US ...
www.aolnews.com/tag/westport-ct/

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04/08/11 Westport Topix News Message Board: Drunk Driving Death Brings Westport Man 30-Month Prison Sentence

2011-04-08T07:09:00.001-07:00

Westport - News April 8, 2011

See Westport Weather

Drunk Driving Death Brings Westport Man 30-Month Prison Sentence (Patch)
A Westport man who admitted he was intoxicated in December 2009 when he crashedA the SUV he was driving into a tree on Greens Farms Road --A killing his lifelong friend --A was sentenced Thursday to being incarcerated forA 2 1/2 yearsA of a ten year prison sentence.

Bands Battle at Toquet Hall in Westport (The Daily Westport)
Six Weston-based bands will take the stage at 7 p.m. Friday for the Battle of the Bands at Toquet Hall in Westport.

Westport Denies Change to Swing Set Rules (The Daily Westport)
If you've got a swing set or play set located within 50 feet of your property line, you better find another spot for it.

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Chef Pietro Scotti Cooks it in the Classroom (The Daily New Canaan)
Da Pietro's is a Westport institution, serving up authentic Italian cuisine for almost 20 years.

AmeriCares Head: Haiti Will Lag in Earthquake Recovery (Westport Now)
Curt Welling, president and CEO of Stamford-based AmeriCares, told a Westport Arts Center audience Thursday night that relief efforts from the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti will lag those from last month's quake in Japan.

Surveying the Damage on Post Road East (Westport Now)
Westport firefighters survey the damage today after a pickup truck crashed into the corner of a medical office building at 489 Post Road East.

Westport Arts Center's VIVA! celebrates arts visionaries (StamfordPlus)
Westport Arts Center supporters and arts lovers joined together on April 2 to celebrate the organization's mission, its connection to the community through the arts, and to honor long-time community arts supporters, Joyce Thompson and Cindy & John Vaccaro.

Westport victim's family speaks at sentencing (Thehour)
WESTPORTBy STEVE KOBAKHour Staff Writer A former Westport man was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison Thursday at Norwalk Superior Court for a 2009 drunken driving accident that killed a U.S. Marine.Matthew Packer, 26, also received five years of probation for the drunken driving .

Patch Picks: Vintage Westport Businesses (Patch)
Patch Picks Opinion, Business These family-owned businesses have called Westport home for 50 years and counting.

Coleytown Middle's 'Fiddler' Opens Tonight (Westport Now)
Westport's Coleytown Middle School tonight presents its Coleytown Company Production of "Fiddler on the Roof." The 7 p.m. performance will be followed with same time performances on Friday and Saturday at well as a 1 p.m. Saturday performance.

Italian Festival Canceled After 27 Years (Westport Now)
The director of Westport's Italian Festival said today the annual summer event has been canceled after 27 years because virtually all the income last year went to pay expenses.

Michael Wilson To Receive Community Salute In June (The Hartford Courant)
Cast of the Westport Country Playhouse production of Christopher Durang's "Beyond Therapy" Frank Rizzo TICKER April 7, 2011 hc-rizzo-ticker-0407-20110407 M ichael Wilson , who will step down as artistic director of Hartford Stage in June, will receive a community tribute at an event at the theater June 20.

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Westport Local Sports

Greenwich boys track building with youth (Fairfield Citizen-News)

Having a new coach and a team loaded with underclassmen, it would be easy for Greenwich boys track to write off this season as a rebuilding year and look toward the future.

Staples leads Ludlowe 3-2 in suspended girls tennis match (Fairfield Citizen-News)

Staples' Katie Reiner returns the ball to Fairfield Ludlowe's Alyssa McAndrews during their match Wednesday April 6, 2011 at Staples High School in Westport, Conn.

Read Westport Local Sports...

Westport Local Business

Out-Of-Control Truck Plows Into Office Building (Patch)

The two occupant of the truck were hospitalized, but nobody in the fully occupied office next to Philips 66 was hurt.

Danny Meyer Documentary: The Restaurateur (KQED)

Danny Meyer and Roger Sherman You know it's going to be a good day when it starts with a Shack Stack .

Four Whole Foods Market stores to donate 5 percent of proceeds to Clean Air-Cool Planet (New Canaan News-Review)

In honor of Earth Month 2011, four Whole Foods Market stores in Connecticut announced today that they will donate five percent of net profits from sales on April 12 to the regional non-profit Clean Air-Cool Planet .

Read Westport Local Business...

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

2010-08-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-01T03:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-30T03:42:00.001-07:00

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?

2010-07-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

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”

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

2010-07-29T14:59:00.001-07:00

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,

New Comment On "The Founder And Owner Of Management Recruiters In Westport Is Busted For Drug Possession In Florida"

2010-07-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

Reverend Barbara Sexton has left a new comment on the post "07/14/10 The Founder And Owner Of Management Recruiters In Westport Is Busted For Drug Possession In Florida":

Your comments about Rob Merkle are SO LAME! It has often been said that 'what we hate most in others is that which we hate in ourselves'. (That's not POT ON YOUR BREATH, IS IT??

:::kidding::::

Most of the 'Progressive Libs' I know are totally on board with the legalization of pot, even in a manner which scares me as far as the well-being of our children are concerned! But never mind that--YOU are talking about ANCIENT HISTORY with Rob and are only revealing more and more about your 'anonymous' self. If you had any substance, you would be open and reveal your yourself.

You do realize how petty and nit-picky you look, don't you? You're emphasizing something most DEMOCRAT PROGRESSIVE LIBS would rather you DID NOT bring to anyone's attention with your LAME pot argument!

Most Progressive Libs are INTO gay sex (for themselves or others), for gay marriage and for the legalization of marijuana. Everyone knows this. I guess we all better learn to live with this, hypocrisy notwithstanding.

Anyway, here's another article for you by ME on this fine young man, Rob Merkle. I pray it will distract you enough from whatever YOU are up to to make a difference this next election cycle:

http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2010/06/greenwich-stamford-tea-party-patriots.html

Quote me anytime you want, the more the better for our TEA PARTY PATRIOTS movement, as long as you quote me honestly. Fail to do so and I WILL NOTICE!

God Bless You,

Reverend Barbara Sexton

Lately of the UCC-United Church of Christ (the Obama/Reverend Jeremiah Wright church)

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

(P.S. Pardon me if I don't trust you to publish this...so I think I'll just put it up on my Stamford blog in case what I submit to you "gets lost in your mail".

Then you can call me a liar.

Blessings,
Rev. Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

COMMENT:

Dear Reverend Barbara,

You appear to be a wacky reverend with a wacky website that supports a candidate who likes wacky tabacky.

Just what is a biblical biochemist?

And why are you Lately of the UCC-United Church of Christ (the Obama/Reverend Jeremiah Wright church)?

Does Robert "I Got High And Forgot To Vote" Merkle attend your church and get spiritual advice and counseling from you?

PLEASE SEE:

07/20/10 Hypocrite: Congressional Candidate Robert Merkle: “I Forgot To Vote, But Be Sure To Vote For Me”

===========================================

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07/27/10 Connecticut Gubernatorial Democrats Stuck On Stupid As They Ask,'Who Is The Biggest Racist?"

2010-07-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

Why In The World Would Dan Malloy

Want To Play The Race Card?

In this day and age it is almost inevitable that a campaign will stray from policy issues to questions of character and conduct.

Greenwich resident Ned Lamont recently became a target of such scrutiny and said the negative attack was planted by a desperate and trailing Dan Malloy.

Mr. Malloy who is trying to benefit from playing the race card, argues that this is a means of assessing an opponent's temperament and morality.

Whether Mr. Malloy's attempt at playing the race card will be decisive in assessing the ability of Ned Lamont to govern is ultimately up to each individual voter.

In the current race to become Connecticut governor front runner Ned Lamont has taken a hard "nonpolicy" hit.

Mr. Malloy is hoping that his race card maneuver will cause the popular Ned Lamont's to have an increase in "negative numbers".

The race card is a proven campaign method of narrowing a race.

In articles and press releases printed below, you will read about Ronald Keene, a former executive vice president of Lamont Digital Systems Inc., who sued Mr. Lamont in 2002.

Mr. Keene alleged his firing and failure to gain stock, bonuses and commissions from sales were the result of racial discrimination. Lamont denied the allegation of bias and the parties settled the case the following year.

Mr. Keene's contention of a racial factor could be accurate, erroneous or the result of a misunderstanding.

Mr. Keene's racial allegation could also have been just a legal tactic to gain the upper hand in an employee termination lawsuit. It would not be the first time that something like this has happened in America.

Businesses often find legal settlements to be the least costly course of action.

There is clearly no pattern of racial lawsuits at Lamont Digital Systems, this was a one time event.

However, Dan Malloy's Administration has been named in over 100 Connecticut Commission on Human Right's And Opportunities's complaints, as well as, scores of Federal lawsuits filed by Stamford employees.

The Republican Gubernatorial Opponents Are Enjoying Every Minute Of Dan Malloy's Attempt To Play The Race Card

If Former Stamford Dan Malloy's Desperate Maneuver Succeeds,

Then The Republican Party Will Probably Use The Race Card On Him In The General Election

Former Lamont Employee Claimed Racial Bias In 2002 Lawsuit

By JON LENDER

Hartford Courant

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ned Lamont, locked in an Aug. 10 primary battle with former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, was sued in 2002 by a black former executive in his cable television company who claimed that he'd been mistreated on the basis of race, federal court records show.

Ronald Keene — executive vice president in the Delaware corporate office of Lamont Digital Systems Inc. for less than two years ending in mid-2000 — sought at least $1 million in U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania. Keene claimed he was "maliciously" fired after being denied stock, bonuses and commissions from sales activity. The mistreatment was "because of plaintiff's race, which is African American," the suit said.

Lamont, a Greenwich multimillioniare entrepreneur, denied Keene's allegation of bias as well as other claims, such as eligibility for sales commissions. The case was settled in September 2003, months after a judge denied Lamont's motion to dismiss the suit and moved it toward trial, documents show.......

Then Dan Malloy Quickly Fired Off This Press Release:......

Responding to a story in today's Hartford Courant in which it was revealed that Ned Lamont was sued for racial discrimination, and that he settled the suit privately with a confidentiality agreement, Dan Malloy, the Democratic Party's endorsed candidate for Governor, released the following statement:
"Since the beginning of this campaign, I've said that my experiences as a prosecutor and Mayor are why I'm confident I can do the job Connecticut's next Governor needs to do. Ned has said time and again that he should be the next Governor because of his business experience. That's why Ned needs to answer the questions raised in today's Hartford Courant story - because they're about his business.

"There's another reason he needs to answer them: the Governor. We just saw Gov. Rell try to fire a commissioner and enter into a confidentiality agreement with the employee. It blew up in her face, and it should've blown up in her face. Government doesn't work when it's secretive. It only works when it functions in the open, in a way that everyone can see.
"Here are the questions he should answer:
· Why is the statement confidential?
· What did he or his company acknowledge doing?
· Were certain employees denied benefits that other employees of similar seniority and status received?
· How much money was the employee paid in order to keep quiet?
· Why does a Connecticut-based company have a corporate headquarters in the State of Delaware?
· Is there a tax benefit to doing so?
· What happened to all of Ned's employees? He's said numerous times that he hired "hundreds and hundreds" of people, yet the company today has only 36 employees, including just 8 in Connecticut.
"I know what Ned will say in response: 'this is an unfair, desperate attack.' That's wrong. He's asked tough questions of me, and I've answered every one of them. Campaigns are tough, and they should be tough - because the job we're seeking is a tough job. You get asked tough questions in a campaign, but you get asked tougher questions when you're Governor. If you can't answer questions in a campaign, how will you answer them as Governor?
"I think Ned should answer these questions, and I'd prefer that he do that in a debate with me. Ch. 3 and CPBN want to have Ned and me debate on August 3 - and if Ned doesn't show up, the debate is going on without him. Most candidates would probably be thrilled. While I'm grateful for their offer, I'm not thrilled to be there alone. I'm more than happy to give up half that time if Ned will show up.
"One more thing: Ned's been saying he doesn't want to debate me because debates are only about '1 minute canned response.' My response to that is, let's not do that. Let's just have a conversation between the two of us. A civil conversation in which we ask each other questions, and challenge each other's responses.
"Back in May I said I wanted this to be a campaign filled with substantive debates where we both answer tough questions. We don't have much time left, but there's still time for that debate to happen.
"I hope Ned will change his mind."

This Caused The Lamont Campaign To Fire Off This Press Release .....

Lamont for Governor campaign manager Joe Abbey released the following statement regarding Dan Malloy's missive from earlier today:
"Dan's long list of questions today betrays an outright ignorance and hostility toward Connecticut small businesses. That press release was clearly written by someone who has never worked in small business or created jobs in the private sector.
"Dan has said time and time again that his years of experience running for political office entitle him to be governor. But throughout the nearly 10 years running that he's been running for governor, serious questions have been raised about his performance as mayor and the manner in which he talks about it. He should answer those questions.
"There's another reason he needs to answer them: Governor John Rowland. As Connecticut continues to try and erase the stain of a pay-to-play scandal in the governor's mansion, transparency and accountability in government are critical to our future. That is why it is so important for Dan to respond to the following:
• How many of the 55 civil rights complaints and 37 federal lawsuits were filed by employees reporting directly to you, or to your senior staff members?(Source: Greenwich Time -- http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Sunday-print-exclusive-Racism-in-Greenwich-508827.php and public records).
• When did you first learn that three of your employees, two of whom you named employee of the month, were embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from the city on your watch, as reported by the Courant? (Source: Hartford Courant -- http://articles.courant.com/2010-07-23/news/hc-stamford-arrests-fedele-malloy-07220100723_1_stamford-mayor-dannel-malloy-criticizes-michael-fedele)http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Sunday-print-exclusive-Racism-in-Greenwich-508827.php
• Why do you continue to advance claims about your record on jobs that have been fully debunked by the Courant? (Source: Hartford Courant --http://www.courant.com/community/stamford/hc-malloy-jobs-0628-20100628,0,480540.story)
• Is it true that Stamford lost a net of 8,000 jobs during your term as Mayor?
• After you were investigated in 2004 for awarding lucrative no-bid contracts to companies that contributed to your political campaigns, did you continue to accept contributions to your previous or current campaign from companies that either held contracts with the city or aspired to do so? (Source: New York Times --http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/23/nyregion/23stamford.html?scp=3&sq=Stamford&st=nyt)
"I understand why Dan was so defensive in his statement saying, 'I know what Ned will say in response: 'this is an unfair, desperate attack.' That's exactly what it was.
"I hope Dan will address these questions on Thursday when he and Ned appear together in Windham, but in the meantime let's have that civil conversation on the issues Dan's always talking about."

All Of This Reminded Greenwich Roundup About the Incident That Made Him Wonder What Values Dan Malloy Taught The Fruit Of His Loins ......

No I Am Not Talking About The Malloy Boy Arrested For Dealing Drugs

No I Am Talking About The Other Malloy Boy

Racist threats case filed by Stamford High student settled for $37,500

The lawsuit, filed in May, accused the city of "failing to act in part because one of the callers is the son of Stamford Mayor Daniel Malloy."

The exact amount the Board Of Education paid the family of Candace Owens, now an 18-year-old Stamford High graduate, was made public yesterday after The Advocate filed a Freedom of Information request last week.

The Board of Education spent an additional $25,000 on legal expenses, including representation by a Hartford law firm, Shipman & Goodwin LLP, school board spokeswoman Sarah Arnold said.

The case was terminated two weeks ago at a settlement conference, according to court records. As part of the settlement, the Board of Education denied any wrongdoing and liability.

The school board has 30 days from the settlement date to pay the Owens family by check to their attorney, Norman Pattis. The entire $62,500 tab will come out of a $375,000 legal fund.

"The case was resolved to the mutual satisfaction of both parties," said Patrick Fahey, one of the attorneys who represented the Board of Education.

He declined to comment further.

Neither Pattis nor Robert Owens, the father of Candace Owens, returned phone messages.

The Board of Education attempted to keep the terms of the settlement from being disclosed because of a confidentiality clause. But the Freedom of Information Commission said that any settlement funded by taxpayers is public record unless it is sealed by the court.

The settlement marked the end of a yearlong controversy that stoked racial tensions and political drama.

Last February, at least one of five teenagers sitting in a car left messages threatening to kill Owens, who is black, and repeatedly used a racial epithet. In one of three messages, one of them referred to her as "dirty" and threatened to burn her house down and tar and feather her.

The group included Malloy's youngest son, Sam Malloy, then 14. The mayor released a statement in March saying his son cooperated with police and did not know the alleged ringleader, Evan Kopek, or Owens before the night of the calls. He has declined comment since then.

Kopek, now 18, was a former friend and classmate of Owens. Two days before the phone incident, they had a shouting match during class. School officials suspended Kopek for that but would not discipline him and the other boys for an incident committed off school grounds unless the police made an arrest, which drew criticism from the state National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Owens left school for six weeks, saying it was traumatic to attend with the alleged callers. She returned after Kopek was arrested in late March. Another teen was arrested later that spring. School officials would not say whether they disciplined Kopek after the arrest.

The lawsuit said the decision to delay suspensions amounted to a failure to protect Owens. The suit accused the city of violating the federal Title IX rule banning discrimination in schools that receive federal funding. The school system has "continued to do nothing to protect Ms. Owens from repeated harassment and intimidation by the young men and their friends," the suit stated.

None of the students involved in the case attends Stamford High any more, Arnold said.

Candace Owens was arrested in an unrelated harassment case in October. In November, Kopek pleaded to being a youthful offender and had his case sealed. He will have no criminal record. He faced charges of first-degree harassment and second-degree intimidation by bigotry or bias.

It is not known whether Malloy's son was charged because he is a juvenile.

What Other Bloggers Are Saying:

Derogatory Dan Strikes Again

My Left NutMeg

by: BranfordBoy

When the media tried to use the arrest of three Stamford city employees on embezzlement charges to start a cat fight between Ned Lamont and Dan Malloy, Lamont chose not to take the bait and declined comment.

Why? Presumably because the allegations, absent any evidence that Malloy was complicit in their alleged crimes, had zero bearing on the governor's race.

But Dan Malloy isn't stupid enough to be gracious.

Today the Courant reported on a 2002 lawsuit against Lamont Digital alleging racial discrimination. ("Hold the presses! Breaking news!!)

In less time than it takes to write $505,000 worth of checks to pay for renovations on your $2-million dollar mansion, Dan Malloy released a statement in which he, a former personal injury lawyer of all things, expressed shock -- SHOCK! -- that lawsuits get settled out of court with confidentiality agreements attached....

==============================

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07/27/10 Senate Candidate Linda McMahon Points Out:That Democrats Are In Trouble

2010-07-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

In Case You Missed It: Economy Erodes Election Hope For Democrats

Economy Erodes Election Hope For Democrats

Americans by a large majority believe President Barack Obama has not focused enough on job creation, as economic fears threaten Democrats ahead of November 2 congressional elections, a Reuters-Ipsos poll found on Tuesday.

Reuters

By Steve Holland

In a sign of trouble ahead for the Democrats, the poll found evidence of a sizable enthusiasm gap with Republicans more energized about voting in the elections.

Americans expressed deep unhappiness with the direction of the economy, which in the poll they identified overwhelmingly as the country's top problem.

The U.S. unemployment rate is at a stubbornly high 9.5 percent and Obama has spent much of the year on issues like Wall Street reform and healthcare in addition to jobs.

People were more negative about Obama's performance on the economy than on any other question surveyed. Satisfaction was dropping more sharply on the issue than on any other question.

Only 34 percent approved of Obama's handling of the economy and jobs compared to 46 percent who deemed it unsatisfactory. This is a sharp decline from early 2009, shortly after he took office, when more than half of those surveyed approved of Obama's handling of the worst financial crisis in decades.

Overall, the July 22-25 national poll of 1,075 adults gave Obama an approval rating of 48 percent, a small decline from a June survey that had him at 50 percent approval.

This is in line with other polls showing his approval rating under 50 percent and evidence that for all the country's problems, Obama remains generally well-liked.

"People still feel insecure about their future," said Ipsos pollster Cliff Young. "They are spending less and saving more. They're not buying a larger house or car or other luxuries because they're worried -- and that worry also manifests itself on the political side."

U.S. presidents often lose support in midterm elections.

The Republicans are hoping to win control of the House of Representatives in November and pick up seats in the Senate. That could prevent Obama from winning any more major successes in Congress in the second half of this term.

'COMMON GROUND'

Obama pushed the Senate on Tuesday to pass legislation intended to benefit small businesses and generate jobs.

"I hope that in the coming days, we'll once again find common ground and get this legislation passed. We shouldn't let America's small businesses be held hostage to partisan politics and certainly not at this critical time," Obama said.

The poll provided evidence that Americans are unhappy that Obama and the Democrats chose to devote their energies to overhauling the U.S. healthcare system and financial regulations instead of dwelling exclusively on job creation.

It found that 67 percent of poll respondents said Obama has not focused enough on job creation compared to healthcare and regulation of banks. Obama has argued that those reforms are vital building blocks to a strong economic recovery.

"They think he should've focused much more on the economy rather than healthcare and financial regulation," said pollster Young. "From a voter perspective, they don't see the economy improving. They don't think the administration has given due attention to that problem."

The Reuters-Ipsos poll was dismal news for Democrats as they seek to hold off Republicans in November elections in which Americans will elect 435 members of the House of Representatives and 37 of the 100-seat U.S. Senate.

Republicans hold a 46-44 percent lead over Democrats when participants were asked which party they planned to support in November. And 72 percent of Republicans said they are certain to vote on November 2, compared to 49 percent of Democrats.

"Republicans are charged up because they think they have a chance," Young said.

The economy is still recovering too slowly to improve Obama's political fortunes. U.S. consumer confidence sank in July to its lowest since February.

Figures to be released on Friday are likely to show that growth in the U.S. economy slowed in the second quarter amid a cooling in consumer spending and a wider trade deficit -- but they will mark four straight quarters of expansion.

INDEPENDENT VOTERS

Not all was dire for Obama as 52 percent of independent voters approved of his job performance. Independents are closely watched because they often make the difference in close elections.

Obama, when accused by Republicans of driving up government spending and debt with an $862 billion stimulus plan, has made the point that he inherited a $1.3 trillion U.S. budget deficit from his unpopular predecessor, Republican George W. Bush.

But the poll suggested there are limits to this argument. It said 70 percent of Americans think the deficit has increased under Obama, and 75 percent said it grew under Bush.

Although U.S. troops are on their way out of Iraq, only 34 percent approved of Obama's handling of the Iraq war, down from 51 percent early in his term.

With casualties rising in Afghanistan, 33 percent approved of Obama's handling of the Afghan war, down from 47 percent shortly after he took office.

More Americans approved than disapproved of Obama's efforts toward energy independence, 39 percent to 32 percent. But, again, the approval rating is down from the 56 percent approval he received on this subject in February 2009.

This comes as Obama grapples with BP Plc's Gulf of Mexico oil spill and pushes the need for more clean-energy jobs.

The poll had a margin of error of 3 percentage points. Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish and the data weighted to ensure that the sample's composition reflected that of the actual U.S. population according to U.S. Census figures.

LINK

For more information, contact the

Linda McMahon for Senate Press Office, 860-244-2010.

Linda McMahon for Senate 2010

973 Farmington Avenue | West Hartford, CT 06107

07/27/10 WESTPORT BRIEFING: Living Social Has Westport Ties

2010-07-27T03:42:00.000-07:00

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

LivingSocial Has Westport Ties (Westport Patch)

Ellen Bowen, left, and Amy Peck, both of Westport, are account representatives for the recently launched LivingSocial.com web site for Southern Connecticut.

Festival celebrates Japanese culture, with a bang (Westport News)

Juliette Savarino, 5 of Westport, learns to play a traditional Japanese drum with the help of Masayo Kaneko of New York City at the Bon Odori Japanese Summer Festival at Jesup Green in downtown Westport on Sunday, July 25, 2010.

WestportNow Teardown of the Day: 26-28 Church Lane (Westport Now)

R ex Call 203-858-7198 westportmodular.com Tear Down Specialists! Monday, July 26, 2010 WestportNow Teardown of the Day: 26-28 Church Lane An application for a permit to demolish the house at 26-28 Church Lane in Westport's center is in process.

Weather Investigators Survey Wreckage Possible Tornado In Bronx (CW11 New York WPIX-TV)

For the second time in less than a week, federal meteorologists are in the New York metropolitan area investigating whether a tornado struck.

Schoolhouse restaurant earns high honors (The Wilton Bulletin)

It's not your typical school lunch. Last week, the Schoolhouse at Cannondale was serving roasted pork shoulder on toasted Wave Hill bread with delicate squash, Millstone Farm French beans and two fried eggs; and seared salmon with sautaed celery root hash with maitake mushrooms, onions and Tuscan kale, among other entrees.

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The Skinny on Rand Media (Publishers Weekly)

A lot has happened in the publishing world since entrepreneur, attorney, and finance and real estate expert Jim Randel launched his line of short self-help books last year.

07/27/10 Video: Rick Torres on Socialism v. Capitalism

2010-07-27T02:17:00.001-07:00

Video: Rick Torres on Socialism v. Capitalism

Westport Friends,

Please take a moment to view my latest video on the evils of Socialism and the virtues of Capitalism.

As you may know, I have twice suffered under socialist regimes. First as a child under Fidel Castro in Cuba and then again upon my return to Bridgeport when I lived in public housing. I have a keen ear to tyranny and I know that we must act now to stop it.
I ask that you please watch my video on socialism. If you believe that I am a strong warrior for freedom, property rights, and our liberties I implore you to please support my Campaign.
We are 14 days away from the primary and my big government opponents can sense that we are gaining momentum. In these final days I need your financial support of at least $50 to ensure that we can effectively get out the vote.
Your financial support of at least $50will get us closer to our goal of raising an additional $10,000 to get out the vote. Our polling indicates that we need roughly 10,000 votes to win this primary. Your support of $50 or more will allow us to reach more than 60 registered Republican voters by mail to remind them to vote for me on August 10th..
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 defend our natural rights in Washington, but I need your financial commitment in these final days to help me do so.

Sincerely,

07/27/10 Westport won't get funding for ceiling repair

2010-07-26T03:32:00.001-07:00

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

Westport won't get funding for ceiling repair (The Standard-Times)

Local school officials have learned they won't be getting any state funds for repairs to the Macomber School, which suffered ceiling damage earlier this year.

Brookfield Resident, Newtown Teacher Takes Position in Westport (Brookfield Patch)

Rain with a few thunderstorms during the evening will give way to mainly clear skies after midnight.

Westporter of the Week: Nikki Bates (Westport Patch)

Nikki Bates and her dog, Penny, can often be seen at Compo Beach and Winslow Park.

Fairfield storm damage 'routine' as near-tornado wallops Westport (Fairfield Citizen-News)

A car attempts to make it through the flooded underpass on Round Hill Road in Fairfield on Wednesday, July 21, 2010.

Westport Sketchbook: Longshore Pool Beats the Heat (Westport Now)

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Rain Dance (Westport Patch)

The D word has been used here in Westport. I'm not talking about "Depression." It's worse than that.

07/22/10 Congressman Jim Himes' Hypocrisy On Spending

2010-07-22T05:05:00.001-07:00

Dan Debicella points out actions speak louder than words

Below is a statement from Dan Debicella regarding recent backpeddling by Jim Himes and his startling record promoting out-of-control spending.

From Dan Debicella:

“As an incumbent beholden to Washington insiders, Jim Himes has been feeding government from the all-you-can-eat buffet. Now, with an election approaching, he is showing a sudden interest in the dollar menu.

This is yet another example of Jim Himes’s hypocrisy. You can’t vote for a 22% increase in discretionary spending and then talk about cuts three months before the election. It’s too little too late and it doesn’t fool voters in Fairfield County.

The first place this commission should look to cut spending is by repealing programs that Jim Himes has already voted for that have launched spending to never-before-seen levels.

One more do-nothing political committee is not the answer and I believe there is a better way. I propose a hard spending cap that will force politicians of both parties to make tough decisions about how tax dollars are spent and an end to political earmarks that simply reward politicians for voting with party insiders. We need to get serious about cutting spending.”

The true Himes record. In his first term in Washington, Jim Himes:

· Voted YES on the trillion-dollar stimulus.

· Voted YES on one of the largest one-year increase in federal spending since the Carter administration.

· Voted YES on the ‘most fiscally irresponsible budget in American history.

· Voted YES on raising the debt ceiling in order to bring on $2 trillion in new debt.

· Voted YES – twice – on the trillion-dollar government takeover of healthcare.

Dan Debicella is the Republican Party’s nominee to face Jim Himes this November.

Debicella is a second-term Republican State Senator representing the eastern part of Fairfield County, including Shelton, Stratford, Monroe, and Seymour. He grew up in Bridgeport where his father was a police officer and his mother was a secretary. He was the first in his family to go to college full time, attending the Wharton School and receiving his MBA from Harvard Business School. He has spent most of his career in business, having worked for management consulting firm McKinsey in Stamford, as Director of Strategy at PepsiCo in Purchase, NY, and currently as Assistant Vice President of Marketing at The Hartford Financial Services.

In the State Senate, Debicella has served as the lead Republican on the budget-writing Appropriations Committee. He recently co-authored a budget proposal that cut the size of Connecticut government by 5% through combining or eliminating agencies, privatizing social services, and resetting program spending to 2007 levels. Debicella also led the fight against the budget that ultimately passed, which raised taxes by $1 billion and borrowed $1 billion to balance the budget.

The Fourth Congressional District comprises most of Fairfield County, including seventeen towns from Greenwich in the west, to Shelton in the east, and Ridgefield in the north. The seat was held by Congressman Christopher Shays from 1987-2009.

07/22/10 THIS JUST IN TO THE WESTPORT ROUNDUP NEWS ROOM: After the Storm Report

2010-07-22T03:36:00.001-07:00

After the Storm (Westport Now)

Heavy weather pounds region again; possible tornado hits Westport (Connecticut Post)

A car is stranded in the standing water under the railroad overpass on Round Hill Road in Fairfield, CT at 6pm on Wednesday July 21, 2010.

Heavy weather pounds region again; possible tornado hits Westport (Connecticut Post)

A car is stranded in the standing water under the railroad overpass on Round Hill Road in Fairfield, CT at 6pm on Wednesday July 21, 2010.

CL&P Sends Additional Crews to Westport (Westport Now)

R ex Wednesday, July 21, 2010 With more than 3,000 Westport customers without power late tonight, Connecticut Light and Power Company was rushing additional manpower into town to deal with outages, according to First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff.

STC green lights road changes for Family Y's move (Westport News)

The Westport Weston Family Y had cause for celebration today as the State Traffic Commission granted it a major traffic generator certificate for its planned move to the Mahackeno property.

Please send your comments, news tips and press releases to WestportRoundup@gmail.com

Police Blotter: Risk of Injury to Child, Criminal Mischief, Drinking While Driving (Westport Patch)

Here are the latest arrests as reported by the Westport Police Department for the week of July 12-21. Aaron Eckert, 22, of Norwalk was arrested Friday on charges of conspiracy to commit larceny and risk of injury to child.

Westporters Sign Petition for Deer Population Control (Stamford News)

Nearly two-thousand Westporters have signed a petition supporting a plan to control the town's deer population in hopes of ultimately lowering the rate of Lyme Disease.

SmartE Chinese Program Grows in Popularity (Westport Patch)

By taking advantage of Skype and other learning tools, SmartE Chinese combines a variety of innovative techniques to teach Mandarin Chinese.

Hales Court construction amounts to 'musical homes' for some families (Westport News)

From the stoop of her home, Carmen Velastegui gazes past the SUV parked in her front yard, over her dusty driveway, and across the street to her two mailboxes.

07/21/10 The Harvard Swim Team Captain, Richard "Misstatement" Blumenthal Is Caught Lying Again!

2010-07-21T05:50:00.000-07:00

Hearst Newspaper President Steven Swartz Is Scooped Again ....

First The New York Times Broke The News Of Richard Blumenthal's Lies About Having His Boots On The Ground In Vietnam.

Now Bloggers Are Breaking The Story That Blumenthal Had His Boots On The Ground In Vancouver, British Columbia

You Wont Read This In The Connecticut Post, The Danbury News-Times, The Greenwich Time Or The Stanford Advocate

What's Richard Blumenthal Doing At A Canadian PAC Fundraiser

Tricky Dick Goes To Canada To Get Wined Dined And Pocket Lined

Richard "I will not take money from special interests" Blumenthal caught traveling 2,432 miles a fundraiser arranged by trials lawyers along with other Democratic Senate candidates in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Just four months after saying he "never accepted special interest PAC money," AG Blumenthal is shown deep in cahoots with special interest money,

This Is Not The First Time That Tricky Dick Has

Lied About Accepting PAC money contributions

In an interview on MSNBC's Morning Joe, Dick Blumenthal said that he had never accepted PAC money, saying: "I have never taken PAC money and I have rejected all special interest money because I have stood strong and have taken legal action against many of those special interests."

Later, it was revealed that Blumenthal accepted over $220,000 in PAC money for the first fiscal quarter of 2010, according to his FEC report.

PLEASE SEE:

07/20/10 Limousine Liberal Richard Blumenthal: The Grandstanding Attorney General

Also Please Take A Look At This Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvcP_y93mWo&feature=player_embedded

=====================================
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07/21/10 THIS JUST IN TO THE WESTPORT ROUNDUP NEWSROOM: Longshore Women's Golf Association Marks 50th Anniversary

2010-07-21T03:41:00.001-07:00

Longshore Women's Golf Association Marks 50th Anniversary (Westport Patch)

Beryl Buck Miller, left, was interviewed by Jenniann C. Barile, executive producer of longshore's 50th anniversary video, "Longshore Club Park, Westport's Crown Jewel."

Westport Architect: His Field is "Misunderstood" (Westport Now)

Comings and Goings: Brooks Bros. Opening Children's Store (Westport Now)

Willliam Michael Clark (Westport News)

Michael "Mike" Clark, 67, of Westport, died July 13, 2010, at home in the company of his family.

Joseloff Reappoints Ackley as Fire Chief (Westport Now)

For all of your painting and wallpapering needs. R ex Tuesday, July 20, 2010 Westport First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff announced today he has reappointed Christopher Ackley as Fire Chief.

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State Invests in Westport Software Startup (Westport Patch)

After moving to Westport six weeks ago, Weston Software Inc. will now be able to create more technology jobs for Westport and double its staff in the process, thanks to a $500,000 investment from Connecticut Innovations a ' the state's quasi-public authority responsible for technology investing and innovation development.

Lamont Saw Himself As 'Johnny Appleseed' Of His Industry (The Hartford Courant)

Before Ned Lamont 's 1983 marriage to Ann Huntress, he let her father in on some of his other plans.

07/20/10 Hypocrite: Congressional Candidate Robert Merkle: “I Forgot To Vote, But Be Sure To Vote For Me”

2010-07-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

Amateurish Inexperience Is Beginning To Show As We Get Closer To The August 10th Primary:

The Problem Is That A Small Tea Party Faction Did Not Properly Vet Rob "I Got Issues" Merkle.

The Only Connecticut Republican Candidate Arrested For Drug Possession Rob Merkle, is not really qualified to run for Congress.

Rob "I Am A Real Tea Bagger" Merkle Is The Biggest Critic Of The American Political System,

Real Connecticut Yankees Say,....

"If You Didn't Vote. Don't Complain."

The Truth Is Guys Like Rob Merkle Are A Big A Part Of The Problem.

Rob Merkle Decided Not Be Involved
Rob Merkle Decided Not To Be A Part Of The Of The Solution
Rob Merkle Has Repeatedly Failed To Exercise His American Right To Vote.

Robert Merkle's repeated failures to vote means he doesn't deserve to hold elected office.

Rob “We All Need To Get Involved” Merkle has only voted twice in his life. Maybe Mr. Merkle was just too busy running his faltering business, Westport-based executive search firm Management Recruiters.

Rob Merkle hopes win an August !0^th primary so that he can run against Democratic Congressman and Greenwich resident Jim Himes in November. Shelton’s Dan Debicella and Bridgeport’s Rick Torres are in a three way Republican primary with Merkle of Norwalk.

According to the Norwalk Registrar of Voters, Merkle registered October 25, 2008, just before the presidential election. Records also indicated that Merkle voted in municipal elections in 2009.

In addition, Merkle lived in Florida between 1998 and 2002. According to the Secretary of State's office in Tallahassee, Florida, he registered to vote on February 25, 2001. However, there is no record of Merkle having voted.

Merkle’s lack of involvement is a red flag.

Rob Merkle, who claims to have some Tea Party support moved to New Canaan in 1992. In 1998, he moved to Florida, After being arrested for drug possession at age 32 Merkle returned to Connecticut in 2002 He then moved to Georgia for a year and came back to Connecticut in 2004.

A check of voting records in Georgia shows no indication that Merkle even bothered to register to vote.

Many say that Merkle, cares little about the issues and is just being opportunistic, because he feels that incumbents might be vulnerable in November if the Connecticut economy fails to improve.

Most long time Connecticut Yankee Republicans, who have voted all of their lives, think that Merkle is a spoiler and are repulsed by his misguided political ambitions.

Maybe This Video Inspired

Rob Merkle To Finialy Register

To Vote In Connecticut

More Information About

Rob "The Hypocrite" Merkle

07/13/10 The Greenwich Time Reporters Must So Stoned That They Forgot To Report That Jim Himes Congressional Opponent Was Arrested For Drug Possession

The Greenwich Roundup Post Includes This Link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjA0hy2kNzs&feature=player_embedded

07/16/10 the Only Guy Arrested For Drug Possession In The Fourth Congressional Race Stakes Out Jim Himes' Hometown

07/18/10 How News Gets Reported In Fairfield County

07/20/10 Limousine Liberal Richard Blumenthal: The Grandstanding Attorney General

2010-07-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hearst Newspaper President Steven Swartz's Fairfield County Newspaper Monopoly Is Unfair And Unbalanced.

Hearst Editor David McCumber Continues To Give Richard Blumenthal A Free Pass Just Like The Five Other Greenwich Time Editors That Proceeded Him During The Last Two Years

Hearst Newspaper Editors At The Daily Newspapers In Bridgeport, Danbury And Stamford Also Treat Blumenthal With Kid Gloves As He Continues To Grandstand And Cost Connecticut Jobs.

There was a study focusing on what one organization feels is an abuse of power was released, naming the 10 worst state attorneys general in recent history.

All the Hearst Newspapers ignored the report that received national publicity and was discussed on cable news and talk programs across the country.

The last thing the secretive Hearst Foundation needs is litigation brought on by the power hungry Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal

To this day the secretive family trust that controls the privatively held Heart Media empire refuses to even mention the report out of fear that they will end up on the wrong side of Richard "Mr. Lawsuit" Blumenthal.

PLEASE SEE:

Greenwich Resident Richard Blumenthal The Worse Attorney General In The USA.pdf

Hans Bader, Counsel for Special Projects at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, wrote the report, which names Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal as the worst.

"The nation's worst state attorney general is Richard Blumenthal, a tireless crusader for growing the power of his own office and spreading largesse to his cronies," Bader wrote.

Bader reported on Blumenthal's role in litigation against tobacco companies..

The report said Blumenthal steered $65 million in fees to his own allies and the associates of former Gov. John Rowland, later convicted of corruption in an unrelated matter.

It adds that Blumenthal went "through the motions" of soliciting letters from firms interested in representing the state in the lawsuit. Of the four he selected, one was his former firm, another's partner was married to a partner in the first firm and a managing partner in the third served as counsel to Rowland.

Blumenthal is also bashed for a lawsuit he filed on behalf of several other states against out-of-state utilities for allegedly contributing to global warming.

"Blumenthal himself admitted that his goal was to 'shake up and reshape the way an industry does business' across the nation," Bader wrote. "Since when is that the role of a state official?"

Hearst Newspapers wont tell you that Richard Blumenthal became the prototype for hyperactive attorneys general across the country. Not content to serve as in-house counsel for state government, he has used the office to advance by litigation what the left could not achieve through legislation.

Richard "Mr. Lawsuit" Blumenthal's has chased jobs from

Connecticut and caused new business from coming to the state.

Mr. Blumenthal a taste for massive multistate, class-action lawsuits. His jurisdiction in the name of consumer protection has since known no bounds. During the browser wars of the late 1990s, Mr. Blumenthal sued Microsoft over the marketing of Windows 98. He filed a supportive brief in a suit against Smith & Wesson that would have held gun manufacturers responsible for crimes committed by third parties using the manufacturer's products.

When the collegiate Atlantic Coast Conference poached some schools from the rival Big East Conference, of which the University of Connecticut is a member, Mr. Blumenthal sued. When subprime mortgage shop Countrywide Financial was in trouble, the attorney general piled on with his own lawsuit. When AIG's bonuses became controversial, Mr. Blumenthal issued a wave of subpoenas. Most of these efforts went nowhere, but they did get Mr. Blumenthal in the news.

The attorney general has also used the power of the state to bully small businesses. In 2003, he sued Computers Plus Center for $1.75 million in damages for allegedly selling state government machines without specified parts. Mr. Blumenthal issued a press release accusing the business owner, Gina Malapanis, of fraud: "No supplier should be permitted to shortchange or overcharge the State without severe consequences," he said. "We will vigorously pursue this case to recover taxpayer money and send a strong message about zero tolerance for contractor misconduct." Ms. Malapanis was even arrested in her home on seven first-degree larceny charges.

In 2008 the charges against Ms. Malapanis were dismissed. As for the civil case, she refused to plead guilty and countersued the state for abusing its power and violating her constitutional rights. The jury, recoiling at the overly aggressive action that ruined her business, awarded her a whopping $18 million in January. In a handwritten note on court documents, the jury foreman said the state had engaged in a "pattern of conduct" that harmed Ms. Malapanis's reputation, and cited the state's press releases impugning her integrity, some of which came from Mr. Blumenthal.

An eminent domain case involving a working quarry taken in 2004 to expand a highway in the town of Brookfield ended up in court. The quarry owners, who were originally paid about $4 million for the property, felt cheated by the state. They sued, and Mr. Blumenthal defended the state's action, bringing in new appraisers who also low-balled the property's value. Judge Barbara Sheedy concluded the state had been "unprofessional" and "less than scrupulous" in its handling of the case, having hand-picked unqualified appraisers for the purpose of deliberately underestimating the quarry's value. The owners were awarded another $28 million, including interest payments.

This spring, the exasperated CFO of Hartford-based United Technologies Corp. blurted out that doing business "anyplace outside of Connecticut is low-cost." The company was frustrated in part by a union lawsuit—supported by Mr. Blumenthal—challenging the company's plan to close a local factory as part of the firm's response to the recession. UTC—with $53 billion in revenue last year and 26,000 employees in Connecticut—is the state's largest private employer. It's exactly the sort of company other states would love to host.

Some Connecticut's business community have quietly greeted Mr. Blumenthal's candidacy for the US Senate with relief: Anything to get him out of state.

======================================
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07/20/10 Dazzling array of fine arts attracts crowds to downtown Westport

2010-07-20T03:40:00.001-07:00

Dazzling array of fine arts attracts crowds to downtown Westport (Westport News)

From left, Bobbie and Drew Friedman look at displays from artists along the Saugatuck River at the Westport Fine Arts Festival on Saturday, July 17, 2010.

Man faces risk-of-injury, larceny charges (Westport News)

Aaron Eckert, 22, of Norwalk, was arrested Friday on a warrant charging him with risk of injury to a minor and conspiracy to commit fourth-degree larceny.

Burglary suspect enters not guilty plea (Thehour)

NORWALKBy CHASE WRIGHTHour Staff WriterA city man suspected in the attempted burglary of an occupied Westport home pleaded not guilty Monday during his arraignment at Norwalk Superior Court.

Southport Resident Reports Sighting of Bizarre Creature Some Claim is a Chupacabra (Westport Patch)

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. A few storms may be severe.

Dedicated Runners (Westport Now)

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Torres Attacks Merkle Voting Record (Westport Patch)

Rick Torres says Rob Merkle's voting record, or alleged lack thereof, should disqualify him from running.

Thuderstorm Victim (Westport Now)

Tropical fish are moving in as Long Island Sound heat up (Connecticut Post)

Contributed Photo\Conn. Dept. of Environmental Protection An unidentified seasonal worker with the state Department of Environmental Protection hefts a large striped bass that was recovered in one of the DEPa s periodic troll surveys.

Reporter's notebook: A perfect parade (Darien News-Review)

The thundering Air Force fly-over was missing this year, but Westport's 2010 Memorial Day parade otherwise was perfect! Last year's Memorial Day parades marked the end of fly-overs cut by Uncle Sam for safety and financial reasons By the time Westport's 90-minute, 64-unit Memorial Day production marched and rolled by, it appeared only little kids ...

07/20/10 Change the Congress Endorses Rick Torres

2010-07-20T02:31:00.001-07:00

Change the Congress Endorses Rick Torres for Congress

Westport Friends,

Change the Congress in 2010, a Federal PAC, is endorsing Rick Torres for the United States Congress for the 4th District of Connecticut.

Here's what Change the Congress in 2010 wants for Connecticut 4th District voters: An honest representative. A trustworthy person. A person with real experience in life. A person who lives and works and volunteers in his community – his community in Connecticut. A person who cares about people. A person who has paid taxes. A person who has balanced a budget. A person who has created jobs – real jobs. A person who will put his God and his country above himself. A person who will not sell out to the lobbyists. Rick Torres is that person.

Originally, Torres was not an Endorsed Candidate but Rick wouldn't give up on himself ... and wouldn't let Change the Congress in 2010 give up on him either. Rick Torres has probably been researched more than any other endorsed candidate. But once you learn all about Rick, you understand why he won't give up on himself and wouldn't allow Change the Congress in 2010 to give up on him. Giving up means losing ... you have to go way back in Rick Torres' life to understand why he won't give up. Although born in the United States, Rick returned to Cuba with his family ... Castro was no better than the previous dictator but it took years for him to get back to the states. When he did, he lived in public housing. Had public assistance. Rick was determined to get out of the welfare trap. He did.

Initially a registered Democrat -- having been attracted to the "social justice" rhetoric of the Democratic Party -- Rick in due course became first a closet Republican, and then a full-fledged Conservative. The more Rick looked around, the more inescapable was the conclusion: it was exactly the 'compassion' of the big government—professed by the Democratic Party—that was incentivizing poverty. On the other hand, the only logical solution to end poverty was to help people get off the government dole. Now he wants to represent the 4th District of Connecticut and work to get all of the people out of the welfare trap, off of public assistance, and into homes they work to own.

It's a tall order but Torres doesn't mind hard work. Today a successful self-made businessman, Rick never forgets his humble beginnings. He spent his post-Cuba childhood across the street from P.T. Barnum Public Housing Project while living in section eight public housing. Rick attended Bullard Havens Technical high school where he became a master carpenter and Rick will proudly show off the house he built with his own hands.

Rick Torres is a Change the Congress in 2010 Endorsed Candidate because he didn't give up. Now it's the turn of Connecticut 4th District not to give up ... Rick Torres epitomizes the American Dream ... he got out of the welfare trap and became a productive and successful citizen. Rick has signed the Contract From America ... pledging to fight for this country. Rick won't give up. Because he didn't allow Change the Congress in 2010 to give up on him either, we are proud to endorse Rick Torres for Congress from the 4th District of Connecticut.

Our mission at Change the Congress in 2010 IS to change the Congress … our house has become riddled with liars and thieves and cowards, not serving us but rather themselves and not even their country. Join Change the Congress in 2010 and support Rick Torres.

Catherine Welborn Executive Director Change the Congress in 2010, a Federal PAC PAC# C00465294 www.ChangetheCongressin2010.com

Sincerely,

07/19/10 Reader Submitted Comments: Greenwich Resident Ned Lamont Is Hopelessly Inexperienced And Naive Just Like His Great Grand-Father Thomas Lamont

2010-07-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

The Fruit Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree:

"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it"

Photo: Flash Back To 1929 And Black Friday. Thomas W. Lamont Graces The Cover Of Time Magazine Just Before He Used His Position At J P Morgan To Try And Inject Confidence Back Into The Stock Market Through Massive Purchases Of Blue Chip Stocks.

Let's Not Get Fooled Again.....

Ned Lamont Is The Most Naive Gubernatorial Candidate

Ned Lamont recently said, “We haven’t earned the right to raise anybody’s taxes,”

Then Ned Lamont turns around and declares that this should not be considered a “read my lips” pledge against raising taxes.

That is, Ned Lamont will raise taxes

even if he doesn’t earn the right to.

Lamont declares that he wants to “show taxpayers that we’ll fundamentally reform government,” and he identifies three huge areas of state spending that are ripe for review — medical care, payroll, and retirement benefits.

But any fool can try to get more Medicaid money out of the federal government; promising to prune “top-heavy management” is just pandering to the state employee unions and won’t save much money because so few state employees are managers, nearly all being unionized,

Basically Lamont offers no ideas for curbing

state government’s pension obligations.

Often Ned Lamont notes, “fundamental reform” won’t pay off right away, won’t be arranged in the month the new governor has before his first budget is due to the General Assembly.

Ned Lamont can't deliver “fundamental reform”

because he has no clue what it is.

Mr. Lamont’s main idea for confronting the state budget gap of about $4 billion, a revenue shortage of as much as 20%, seems to be only to gather representatives of the most interested parties and have cordial negotiations.

Of course this is not only naive — Lamont’s most important endorsement comes from the state’s largest teachers union, the Connecticut Education Association, notorious for refusing contract concessions — but also a transparent dodge.

For among those interested in the budget are the people themselves, and they are supposed to be represented by the people they elect as governor and state legislators, who owe them a little more than vague assurance that everything will be negotiated later with someone else.

Indeed, Lamont’s whole campaign, in which he first faces the candidate endorsed by the Democratic state convention, former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, in the primary Aug. 10, increasingly looks like a dodge.

Clueless Lamont’s commercials emphasize Connecticut’s need for jobs, with which everyone might agree, but fail to identify any means to that end, even as job growth isn’t the most urgent task of state government — putting its own bankrupt house in order is.

Ned Lamont’s commercials also emphasize his opposition to “no-bid contracts,” about which there has been no controversy lately.

Asked in an interview the other day to explain what his commercials aim at here, Lamont could not identify any no-bid contracts.

Maybe the phrase just resonated with a few expensive campaign focus groups.

The emptiness of Lamont’s campaign may be demonstrated most by his refusal to debate Former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy in the month before the primary, his refusal even to participate in the New London Day’s debate at the Garde Theater, traditionally a major campaign event.

Mr. Lamont explains his refusal as a matter of wanting to use the time to meet more people. But for meeting people and giving them a good look at a candidate, not much could surpass a debate in a big auditorium with an audience of more than a thousand and a television audience many times that along with news coverage generally.

The Desperate Ned Lamont apparently means to sit on his lead in Democratic primary polls and avoid getting shown up by a much more experienced and informed rival, confident that his nonsensical explanation about not debating will hurt him less than a competition broadcast statewide.

The Lamont"s Have Been Naively Screwing Up America For Years

Nativity In Politics Is Very Dangerous

Mr. Lamont, who is the great grandson of Thomas J, Lamont - a partner of the banking and finance firm J P Morgan And Company.

In 1920, Thomas Lamont undertook a semiofficial mission to Japan to protect American financial issues in Asia. He however did not aggressively challenge Japanese efforts to build a sphere of influence in Manchuria.

In 1926, Thomas Lamont, self-described as "something like a missionary" for Italian facism, secured a $100 million loan for Benito Mussolini..

Then There Was The Lamont's Biggest Failure

On Black Thurday in 1929, Thomas Lamont was the acting head of J.P. Morgan & Co. He tried to inject confidence back into the stock market through massive purchases of blue chip stocks.

The Lamont's prospered during the Great Depression while working and middle class Connecticut residents suffered greatly.

But There Are Even More Historical Naive Lamont Screw Ups

Thomas Lamont was an influential member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and one of the most important agents for the Morgan investments abroad. He was an unofficial mentor to the Herbert Hoover administrations, and informed both the Dawes Plan and the Young Plan.

The Dawes Plan (as proposed by the Dawes Committee, chaired by Charles G. Dawes) was an attempt following World War I to collect war reparations debt from Germany. When after five years the plan proved to be unsuccessful, the new and improved Young Plan was adopted in 1929 to replace it.

The Young Plan was a program for settlement of German reparations debts after World War I The Young Plan was presented by the committee headed by Owen D. Young. After the Dawes Plan was put into operation and it became apparent that Germany could not meet the huge annual payments, especially over an indefinite period of time.

The Young Plan was opposed by parts of the political spectrum in Germany. Conservative groups had been most outspoken in opposition to reparations and seized on opposition to the Young Plan as an issue. A coalition was formed of various conservative groups. One of the groups that joined this coalition was Adolf Hitler and the National Socialists German Workers Party (NAZI), a group which had previously been dismissed as an extremist fringe by the more mainstream conservative parties.

Thomas Lamont's naive Young Plan was was a major factor in bringing Hitler and the Nazis into power and bringing about World War II.

Ned Lamont made his political name four years ago by challenging U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman for renomination by Connecticut Democrats.

However, today all that has congealed into mere name recognition even as a new campaign demands a lot more than coasting on it as millions of dollars that are spent on Television ads trashing the Connecticut Democratic Party's Choice - Dan Malloy.

============================
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07/19/10 Help Rick Torres Defend Freedom

2010-07-19T02:31:00.001-07:00

A Letter from Jeff Wright

Westport Friends,

Today, Socialism is pounding at AMERICA'S door. In 1976, Margaret Thatcher said, "The problem with Socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money." President Obama is about to sign into law Wall Street regulatory legislation that gives the Treasury Secretary and his 9 fellow committee members exclusive right to seize any financial body they determine poses an economic threat to our nation. His signature brings America THROUGH THE DOOR OF SOCIALISM.

No candidate in this race is more knowledgeable on Socialism's looming threat, intrusion and loss of liberties to Americans than Rick Torres. The son of Cuban refugees he lived in Cuba and witnessed firsthand the failures of socialism. History clearly documents that centralized power never works, the power of the individual does. READ RICK'S BIO

The Republican congressional primary takes place on August 10^thand will determine who will represent YOU in the November election. As Rick Torres' Political Director, a Fairfield County resident & taxpayer, father, small businessman and concerned citizen, I want to impress upon you the urgency of the current political landscape. Like many of you, I believe we must elect a new breed of legislators who will stop the madness and fight to repeal Obama's new laws.

RICK TORRES is the ONLY candidate capable of achieving these goals.

Please join me to raise an additional $100,000 by July 30^th for Rick's campaign and consider a $100, $200 or greater personal contribution to help Rick get to Washington. For those of you who have already supported, thank you, and if possible please give again.

Why Rick?

· Rick will not be a career politician. He has the conviction to serve, not the ambition for a political career.

· As a life-long Bridgeport resident, he is the only Republican with the ability to get votes in the cities.

· His integrity, conviction, and passion to advocate for our rights are unmatched.

· Rick will work to defend our country from out of control government.

· Polling shows that Rick has the best name recognition out of the Republican candidates.

Time is flying and our current leaders in Washington are moving quickly to limit your freedom. America needs you now. We need you now. On behalf of Rick and all of his supporters, thank you for your support.

In victory,

Jeffrey A. Wright
Political Director
Jeff@ricktorres2010.com
203-581-4122

Sincerely,

0715/10 /Family Stroll

2010-07-15T03:58:00.001-07:00

Family Stroll (Westport Now)

In Westport's 'Happy Days,' facing eternity, toothbrush in hand (Stamford Times)

In Westport's 'Happy Days,' facing eternity, toothbrush in hand By DAVID A. ROSENBERG Hour Theater Critic Who's afraid of Samuel Beckett? Judging by what's now happening at Westport Country Playhouse, apparently just about everybody, including the alternately bored and intrigued audience.

Westport Fire HQ Taking Part in July 31 Food Drive (Westport Now)

R ex Wednesday, July 14, 2010 Gov. M. Jodi Rell pictured on a 2006 visit to Westport Fire Headquarters.

Primary Absentee Ballots Available (Westport Now)

R ex Wednesday, July 14, 2010 Primary Absentee Ballots Available Westport Town Clerk Patricia H. Strauss announced today that absentee ballots for the Republican and Democratic primaries, to be held Aug.

Westport Yarns right at home in tight-knit community (Westport News)

Beth Schaefer is the owner of Westport Yarns, located at 582 Post Road E., Westport.

Please send your comments, news tips and press releases to WestportRoundup@gmail.com

P&Z Member: Alcohol Revision "Zoning to Succeed" (Westport Now)

Mention WestportNow and get 10% discount R ex Marine Center 203-831-5236 203-604-1295 www.rexmarine.com P&Z Member: Alcohol Revision "Zoning to Succeed" By James Lomuscio David Press at P&Z meeting.

'Manual' labor by sweltering vols sets stage for library book sale (Westport News)

As several sweat-drenched volunteers unloaded thousands of books from a box truck, the temperature continued to climb.

07/14/10 The Founder And Owner Of Management Recruiters In Westport Is Busted For Drug Possession In Florida

2010-07-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Politics: Ultra Conservative Republican Congressional

Candidate Rob Merkle Says:

"Forget About Health Care Reform. Just

Self Medicate With Illegal Substances Like I Do"

Rob Merkle's Dad Was A Federal Prosecutor Who

Loved putting Drug Dealers And Dope Users In Jail,

Until His Son Got Arrested For Drug Possession.....

Did RedState.com Endorses A Pot Head?

Many Of Jim Himes' Supporters Said That Some Darien

Tea Party Leaders Acted Like They Were On Drugs

Let's All Get High

Make Some Real Crazy Signs

And Interrupt A Town Hall Meeting

Tokin
Enough
Already

Talk About Hypocrites ...

A Conservative Connecticut Tea Party Candidate Likes To Get Stoned

The Stamford Advocate Reporters Ignore The Criminal Background Of Fourth Congressional Candidate Rob Merkle

32 Year Old Rob "Light Em Up" Merkle Was Busted For Smoking Dope

Should Congressional Candidates Be Required To Take A drug Test?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjA0hy2kNzs&feature=player_embedded#!

More Hypocritical News About The Merkle Family:

Robert Merkles dad was a United States attorney who successfully prosecuted the Colombian drug baron Carlos Lehder Rivas, and many other potheads in Florida.

But somehow his dope smoking 32 year old son escaped jail time.

Mr. Merkle was the chief federal prosecutor for the Middle District of Florida from 1982 to 1988, a role in which he won not only a conviction of Mr. Lehder, whom the authorities described as having been responsible for 80 percent of the Colombian cocaine smuggled into the United States, but also an indictment of Gen. Manuel Antonio Noriega, the Panamanian military ruler later captured in the American invasion of his country.

Mr. Merkle was a flamboyant prosecutor, who acquired the nickname Mad Dog for his aggressive style. Critics questioned his methods. Defense lawyers, accusing him of abusive and bullying tactics that they compared to McCarthyism. There were multiple Justice Department investigations of Mr. Merkle for inappropriate conduct.

We Are Not Saying That Some Of Rob Merkle's Supporters Are On Drugs, But ....

Rob Merkle WILTON Town Hall Mtg.Tonight 7-9 pm At Library--Posted By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

This Crazy Blog Post Is Taged With:

anti-America, anti-white, CT, Darien,Democrats, Fairfield, Gadsden Flag, Greenwich, New Canaan,President Obama, racism, Rob Merkle, Stamford, Tea Party Patriots,

*************************************************

Did You Hear This Joke ....

Westport Business Owner And Congressional Candidate Rob Merkle walks into a Norwalk appliance store and asks the owner, "How much for that TV set in the window?"

The owner looks at the TV set, then looks at Merkle, and says, "I don't sell stuff to potheads."

So Merkle tells the owner that he'll quit toking and will come back the next week to buy the TV.

A week later, Rob Merkle comes back and says, "I quit smoking pot. Now, how much for that TV set in the window?"

And the owner says, "I told you I don't sell to potheads!" So Merkle leaves again.

He comes back a week later and says, "How much for that TV?"

The owner says, "I'm not going to tell you again, I don't sell to potheads!!!"

Rob Merkle looks back at the owner and says, "How can you tell I'm a pothead?"

The owner looks back and says, "Because that's a microwave."
=======================================
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07/13/10 Ridgefield Declares Water State of Emergency

2010-07-13T03:43:00.001-07:00

Westport News - July 13, 2010

Ridgefield Declares Water State of Emergency (WVIT-TV)

A state of emergency has been issued, restricting all public water usage in the town of Ridgefield.

Another Artist Talk on Wednesday at Arts Center (Westport Now)

Promoting Green (Westport Now)

R ex Call 203-858-7198 westportmodular.com Tear Down Specialists! Promoting Green Nonprofit Green Village Initiative says Westporters can help promote environmental responsibility by wearing green this summer in newly designed Wakeman Town Farm T-shirts created by GVI.

MTC presents Wizard of Oz (Fairfield Citizen-News)

Follow the yellow brick road with, from left,A Julia Rakin as the Scarecrow,A David Hoffman as the Tin Man,A David Littlefield as the Cowardly Lion,A Sydelle Bernstein asA Toto andA Liza Kottler as Dorothy in the Music Theatre of Connecticut School of Performing Arts production of The Wizard of Oz.

Post Road West Water Break Adds to Troubles (Westport Now)

R ex Learn how modular homes are built on your property. Monday, July 12, 2010 UPDATE A water line break occurred shortly after noon today on Westport's Post Road West at Wilton Road and water company officials said it was related to the earlier one on Newtown Turnpike.

More Westport News From Topix:

Westporter of the Week: Lynn Paulovic (Westport Patch)

Westport Patch has begun a new weekly feature to help you get to know your neighbors and friendly faces around town.

Newtown Turnpike Water Line Break Causes Shutdown (Westport Now)

R ex UPDATE A crack in a 24-inch water line on Westport's Newtown Turnpike today sent water flooding into nearby homes, forced shutdown of water service to about 50 homes, and affected water pressure to homes in Wilton and other neighboring towns.

1,000 Aquarion customers affected by water main break (Connecticut Post)

The Aquarion Water Co. said that a water main break in Westport has affected about 1,000 customers in Westport, Wilton, Weston and Fairfield.

Westport Library Celebrates 50th Anniversary of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' (Westport Patch)

Bedford Middle School gifted teacher Kerstin Warner, spaking at the Westport Public Library which honored the 50th anniverary publicaton of 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' Photos Credit Nancy Burton http://assets1.patch-assets.com/assets/photos/000/670/807/670807_collapsed.jpg?1278887919 Credit Nancy Burton ...

Agencies helping homeless to get $1.2 million in fed funds (Connecticut Post)

Housing authorities, shelters and community service groups in 10 Connecticut communities, including Westport, Stamford and Norwalk, are splitting more than $1.2 million in federal money to help offer more services to homeless people.

Please send your comments, news tips and press releases to WestportRoundup@gmail.com

07/12/10 Doctor honored as 'Healthcare Hero'

2010-07-12T03:29:00.001-07:00

Westport News - July 12, 2010

Doctor honored as 'Healthcare Hero' (Stamford Times)

Doctor honored as 'Healthcare Hero' NORWALK By CHASE WRIGHT Hour Staff Writer During a Little League game years ago, Richard Zelkowitz rounded the bases with pride after smacking a homerun over the fence.

Westport Sketchbook: Pearly Compo (Westport Now)

Bastille Day Offers Food, Fun...and the World Cup (Fairfield Patch)

Parlez-vous Francais? You don't need to speak a word of French to understand why people are making a pit stop on Sanford Street Sunday.

Rescue organizations: Six months after earthquake, much work still needed in Haiti (Connecticut Post)

First grader Blaise Mihelitchy raises his hand at the Eddy Pascal school. Ecole Eddy Pascal was a cornerstone of the local community in Carrefour, Haiti, for over 25 years.

Seven Injured in Two-Car Accident on I-95 (Westport Patch)

The State Police is investigating a two-car accident on I-95 that occurred Saturday night and injured six people.

Please send your comments, news tips and press releases to WestportRoundup@gmail.com

Westport Roundup

04/08/11 The Raw Westport News Feed

04/08/11 Westport Topix News Message Board: Drunk Driving Death Brings Westport Man 30-Month Prison Sentence

Westport - News April 8, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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?

Related articles that you might be interested in:

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:

New Comment On "The Founder And Owner Of Management Recruiters In Westport Is Busted For Drug Possession In Florida"

07/27/10 Connecticut Gubernatorial Democrats Stuck On Stupid As They Ask,'Who Is The Biggest Racist?"

by: BranfordBoy

07/27/10 Senate Candidate Linda McMahon Points Out:That Democrats Are In Trouble

07/27/10 WESTPORT BRIEFING: Living Social Has Westport Ties

07/27/10 Video: Rick Torres on Socialism v. Capitalism

Video: Rick Torres on Socialism v. Capitalism

Westport Friends,

Please take a moment to view my latest video on the evils of Socialism and the virtues of Capitalism.

07/27/10 Westport won't get funding for ceiling repair

07/22/10 Congressman Jim Himes' Hypocrisy On Spending

07/22/10 THIS JUST IN TO THE WESTPORT ROUNDUP NEWS ROOM: After the Storm Report

07/21/10 The Harvard Swim Team Captain, Richard "Misstatement" Blumenthal Is Caught Lying Again!

This Is Not The First Time That Tricky Dick Has

Lied About Accepting PAC money contributions

07/21/10 THIS JUST IN TO THE WESTPORT ROUNDUP NEWSROOM: Longshore Women's Golf Association Marks 50th Anniversary

07/20/10 Hypocrite: Congressional Candidate Robert Merkle: “I Forgot To Vote, But Be Sure To Vote For Me”

The Greenwich Roundup Post Includes This Link:

07/20/10 Limousine Liberal Richard Blumenthal: The Grandstanding Attorney General

07/20/10 Dazzling array of fine arts attracts crowds to downtown Westport

07/20/10 Change the Congress Endorses Rick Torres

Change the Congress Endorses Rick Torres for Congress

Westport Friends,

07/19/10 Reader Submitted Comments: Greenwich Resident Ned Lamont Is Hopelessly Inexperienced And Naive Just Like His Great Grand-Father Thomas Lamont

"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it"

07/19/10 Help Rick Torres Defend Freedom

A Letter from Jeff Wright

Westport Friends,

0715/10 /Family Stroll

07/14/10 The Founder And Owner Of Management Recruiters In Westport Is Busted For Drug Possession In Florida

07/13/10 Ridgefield Declares Water State of Emergency

07/12/10 Doctor honored as 'Healthcare Hero'