Softball legal pitch Injury Action - Journal Inquirer - Filed by Connecticut Trial Lawyer Jason L. McCoy

Softball legal pitch - Journal Inquirer: Page One

Softball legal pitch - Man suing the Town of Vernon CT in baseball bat injury - Filed by Vernon Connecticut Trial Lawyer Jason L. McCoy

Journal Inquirer, Manchester, CT

By David Huck Journal Inquirer | Posted: December 1, 2014 

 “VERNON — A Glastonbury man has filed a lawsuit against the town in response to a 2012 incident during which someone from an opposing softball team threw a bat at him, causing permanent injury.

The man, Jeffrey Harrington of 377 Woodhaven Road, says the person who threw the baseball bat at him had violated the town’s softball league rules on several previous occasions and that the town was negligent and careless in neglecting to prevent the accident, the lawsuit states.

According to the filing, the incident occurred in July 2012 during a men’s softball league game at a town-owned field at 375 Hartford Turnpike.

The person who threw the bat was Somers resident Jonathan Feigenbaum, who later was charged with second-degree assault and first-degree reckless endangerment.

Harrington contends that during the game Feigenbaum engaged in unsportsmanlike conduct and used profane language — behavior he had previously exhibited.

The Glastonbury man, who was catching during the game, says Feigenbaum became upset with the outcome of a play, slammed a metal bat on the plate, and then flung it backwards. It struck Harrington in the throat, the filing states.

The Town was named in the lawsuit that was filed in August and served on the town clerk.

Representing Harrington is former Vernon mayor Jason L. McCoy.

McCoy argues the town “knew or should have known” of Feigenbaum’s violations and did not eject,
expel, or discipline the player before the incident during which Harrington was injured.

The bat “crushed” Harrington’s trachea — nearly causing him to choke to death — and also resulted in scaring and disfigurement, the filing states.

Among other reasons, McCoy states that the negligence was caused by the town failing to provide adequate supervision, failing to enforce its own rules, failing to provide “wholesome recreational activities for individuals,” and failing to promote good sportsmanship.

Attorney McCoy also states in the filing that town staff failed to eject, expel, or suspend Feigenbaum following previous incidents.

As a result of the incident, Harrington has severe injuries, some of which may be permanent. Harrington “has endured and will continue to endure great mental and physical pain and suffering and may forever be restricted in activities of daily living,” the filing states.

Because of the injuries to his neck, throat, and voice box, Harrington has had to spend “large sums of money” for medical and surgical treatment, medicine, therapy, and other items, according to the claim.

Harrington also has lost time and wages since his “earning capacity has been greatly diminished, impaired, and reduced,” McCoy says. He’s seeking money in excess of $15,000 to cover lost and future expenses.

According to the town’s rules and regulations governing the Vernon men’s softball league for 2012, “unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated” and any player engaging in poor behavior will be suspended or expelled from the league. It further states that “any act of aggression with intent to physically harm another person” will result in suspension or expulsion.”

The Top 10 Stories of 2011: No. 2 - Tax Rate Goes Down

The Top 10 Stories of 2011: No. 2 - Tax Rate Goes Down

Face the State Connecticut Mayor McCoy on Connecticut Light and Power's ...

Click for Video


Face the State Connecticut Mayor McCoy on Connecticut Light and Power's ...

Vernon CT Crisis resulting From Down Power Lines

GOP candidates begin eyeing Conn. US Senate race (AP) | US Elections News

GOP candidates begin eyeing Conn. US Senate race (AP) US Elections News: "GOP candidates begin eyeing Conn. US Senate race (AP)"


GOP candidates begin eyeing Conn. US Senate race (AP)
August 13, 2011
HARTFORD, Conn. – Republican candidates have begun to surface in the state’s 2012 U.S. Senate race, with well-known possible contenders expressing serious interest about seeking the seat now held by the retiring Joe Lieberman.

Connecticut Mayor Jason McCoy recently announced that he’s exploring a GOP run for Senate. Republican chairman, Jerry Labriola Jr., said the "Mayor McCoy will be an excellent candidate for US Senate", at the Connecticut Mayor's announcement on July 22.


Former wrestling executive and 2010 Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon told The Associated Press on Friday that she’s “leaning strongly” toward getting into the race. McMahon, who lost in 2010 to Democrat Richard Blumenthal after spending about $50 million of her own money, said she’s working with political consultants to “evaluate what’s the best thing to do” and “what makes sense.”



She said she expects to solidify that decision over the next four to six weeks.

“Clearly I’m leaning strongly towards getting into the race,” she said.

The state’s new Republican chairman, Jerry Labriola Jr., told the AP that he has also spoken to former U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays. He said Shays also is interested in seeking the GOP’s nomination for the U.S. Senate.


Messages were left seeking comment with Shays, who represented the 4th Congressional District until 2009, when he lost to Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Himes.

“As state chairman, I’m very pleased with the quality of candidates emerging for the race for U.S. Senate,” he said. “I believe it’s a testament to the opportunity that our candidates are sensing and to the failed economic policies of the president and his Democrat allies.”

Several Democrats have been in the race for months.

U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy, who represents the state’s 5th Congressional District, leads the group when it comes to fundraising. As of June 30, his campaign had $1.6 million in cash on hand. Former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz had $720,654 in cash, and state Rep. William Tong had $527,011.

Lieberman, an independent, announced in January that he would not seek re-election.

The 2012 race marks the second consecutive one for an open U.S. Senate seat in Connecticut. As in 2010, when Blumenthal won the seat held by former Democratic Sen. Christopher Dodd, the 2012 race is expected to attract a lot of national attention.

The TALK of Connecticut - Mayor of Vernon Jason McCoy - Won't Run for Third Term but McCoy is ConsideringTesting the Waters for the US Senate

The TALK of Connecticut: "Mayor of Vernon Jason McCoyHe made a major announcement last week!"

GOP candidates begin eyeing Conn. US Senate race - KansasCity.com

GOP candidates begin eyeing Conn. US Senate race - KansasCity.com


The state's new Republican chairman, Jerry Labriola Jr., told the AP that he has also spoken to:

2010 Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon told The Associated Press on Friday that she's "leaning strongly" toward getting into the race. McMahon, who lost in 2010 to Democrat Richard Blumenthal after spending about $50 million of her own money, said she's working with political consultants to "evaluate what's the best thing to do" and "what makes sense."


Connecticut Mayor Jason McCoy recently announced that he's exploring a GOP run for Senate

Read more:


unemployment debt ceiling business deficit 2012 Election diplomacy, international, power, propaganda, soft news, policy, politics, progressive, rapid response, thinkprogress 2012 Connecticut Senate Race Senate Elections 2012 Joe Lieberman Connecticut Senate Race , Joe Lieberman Retirement , Linda McMahon , Chris Murphy , Connecticut , Joe Lieberman Retiring , Politics News

Report: Connecticut’s Chris Shays Moves Closer To U.S. Senate Run

Report: Connecticut’s Chris Shays Moves Closer To U.S. Senate Run

Connecticut Mayor Jason McCoy are also considering running for the GOP Senate nomination. 2010 Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon says she's "leaning strongly" toward getting into Connecticut's 2012 Senate race.


unemployment debt ceiling business deficit 2012 Election diplomacy, international, power, propaganda, soft news, policy, politics, progressive, rapid response, thinkprogress 2012 Connecticut Senate Race Senate Elections 2012 Joe Lieberman Connecticut Senate Race , Joe Lieberman Retirement , Linda McMahon , Chris Murphy , Connecticut , Joe Lieberman Retiring , Politics News

Big-Name Republicans Eye Connecticut Senate Race

Big-Name Republicans Eye Connecticut Senate Race
Connecticut Republicans appear poised to enter the U.S. Senate contest there and compete for the seat retiring independent Joe Lieberman has held for 24 years.... The GOP field could become crowded. Connecticut Mayor Jason McCoy, the two-term mayor of Vernon, a Hartford suburb, announced an exploratory committee last month.

unemployment debt ceiling business deficit 2012 Election diplomacy, international, power, propaganda, soft news, policy, politics, progressive, rapid response, thinkprogress 2012 Connecticut Senate Race Senate Elections 2012 Joe Lieberman Connecticut Senate Race , Joe Lieberman Retirement , Linda McMahon , Chris Murphy , Connecticut , Joe Lieberman Retiring , Politics News

Leaning Strongly; Toward Conn. US Senate Bid

Mcmahon 'Leaning Strongly' Toward Conn. Senate Bid: "HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Former wrestling executive and 2010 Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon says she's "leaning strongly" toward getting into Connecticut's 2012 Senate race. New state GOP chairman Jerry Labriola Jr. says he's also spoken to Connecticut Mayor Jason McCoy. He says McCoy also is very serious about entering the race. Connecticut Mayor Jason McCoy is exploring a US Senate GOp run."

GOP candidates begin eyeing Conn. US Senate race | ajc.com

GOP candidates begin eyeing Conn. US Senate race ajc.com


GOP candidates begin eyeing Conn. US Senate raceBy SUSAN HAIGH


The Associated Press

6:51 p.m. Friday, August 12, 2011

HARTFORD, Conn. — Republican candidates have begun to surface in the state's 2012 U.S. Senate race, with well-known possible contenders expressing serious interest about seeking the seat now held by the retiring Joe Lieberman.

2010 Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon told The Associated Press on Friday that she's "leaning strongly" toward getting into the race. McMahon, who lost in 2010 to Democrat Richard Blumenthal after spending about $50 million of her own money, said she's working with political consultants to "evaluate what's the best thing to do" and "what makes sense."

She said she expects to solidify that decision over the next four to six weeks.

"Clearly I'm leaning strongly towards getting into the race," she said.

The state's new Republican chairman, Jerry Labriola Jr., told the AP that he has also spoken to Connecticut Mayor Jason McCoy who said that he's exploring a GOP run for Senate and former U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays.

"They've expressed to me that they are each very serious about entering in the race," Labriola said. "It seems that they're all moving in that direction."

Messages were left seeking comment with Shays, who represented the 4th Congressional District until 2009, when he lost to Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Himes.

"As state chairman, I'm very pleased with the quality of candidates emerging for the race for U.S. Senate," he said. "I believe it's a testament to the opportunity that our candidates are sensing and to the failed economic policies of the president and his Democrat allies."

Several Democrats have been in the race for months.

U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy, who represents the state's 5th Congressional District, leads the group when it comes to fundraising. As of June 30, his campaign had $1.6 million in cash on hand. Former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz had $720,654 in cash, and state Rep. William Tong had $527,011.

Lieberman, an independent, announced in January that he would not seek re-election.

The 2012 race marks the second consecutive one for an open U.S. Senate seat in Connecticut. As in 2010, when Blumenthal won the seat held by former Democratic Sen. Christopher Dodd, the 2012 race is expected to attract a lot of national attention.

unemployment debt ceiling business deficit 2012 Election diplomacy, international, power, propaganda, soft news, policy, politics, progressive, rapid response, thinkprogress 2012 Connecticut Senate Race Senate Elections 2012 Joe Lieberman Connecticut Senate Race , Joe Lieberman Retirement , Linda McMahon , Chris Murphy , Connecticut , Joe Lieberman Retiring , Politics News

Leaning strongly towards getting into Connecticut's 2012 Senate race

2010 Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon says she's "leaning strongly" toward getting into Connecticut's 2012 Senate race.

McMahon told The Associated Press on Friday that she is working with political consultants to "evaluate what's the best thing to do" and "what makes sense." She said she expects to solidy that decision over the next four to six weeks.

She told the AP: "Clearly I'm leaning strongly towards getting into the race."

Jerry Labriola Jr., the state's new GOP chairman, said he's also spoken to former U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays and said he is also very serious about entering the race.

Jerry Labriola Jr., the GOP chairman said he's also spoken Connecticut Mayor Jason McCoy who is exploring a possible run.

unemployment debt ceiling business deficit 2012 Election diplomacy, international, power, propaganda, soft news, policy, politics, progressive, rapid response, thinkprogress 2012 Connecticut Senate Race Senate Elections 2012 Joe Lieberman Connecticut Senate Race , Joe Lieberman Retirement , Linda McMahon , Chris Murphy , Connecticut , Joe Lieberman Retiring , Politics News

leaning strongly' toward Conn. Senate bid

leaning strongly' toward Conn. Senate bid
By SUSAN HAIGH


Associated Press

"leaning strongly" toward Conn. Senate bid
By SUSAN HAIGH , 08.12.11, 05:35 PM EDT

HARTFORD, Conn. -- 2010 Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon says she's "leaning strongly" toward getting into Connecticut's 2012 Senate race. McMahon told The Associated Press on Friday ... "evaluate what's the best thing to do" and "what makes sense." She says she expects to solidify that decision over the next four to six weeks.

New state GOP chairman Jerry Labriola Jr. says he's also spoken to Connecticut Mayor Jason McCoy and expects that he will announce in the next several weeks as well as former U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays they both say they are "very serious about entering the race".

Several Democrats have been in the race for months.
The candidates are seeking the seat now held by retiring independent Joe Lieberman.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Republican candidates are beginning to surface in Connecticut's 2012 U.S. Senate race, with two well-known contenders expressing "serious" interest about seeking the seat now held by the retiring Joe Lieberman.

Jerry Labriola, the state's new GOP state chairman, tells The Associated Press he has spoken to ... Connecticut Mayor Jason McCoy who has said he's ... "very serious about entering in the race."

Mayor McCoy Announcement Speech | Ameriborn News

Mayor McCoy Announcement Speech | Ameriborn News: "Mayor McCoy Announcement Speech"

CT News Junkie | Vernon Mayor To Explore Senate Bid

CT News Junkie Vernon Mayor To Explore Senate Bid: "Connecticut Mayor To Explore Senate Bid"

Vernon: Apel To Seek Mayor Nomination At Caucus - Hartford Courant

Vernon: Apel To Seek Mayor Nomination At Caucus - Hartford Courant: "Apel To Seek GOP Mayoral Nomination"

McCoy Not Seeking a Third Term as Mayor - a possible Senate run - Vernon, CT Patch

McCoy Not Seeking a Third Term as Mayor - Vernon, CT Patch: "McCoy Not Seeking a Third Term as Mayor McCoy says family, work - and a possible Senate run - will be his priorities after November"

Vernon: Apel Gets GOP Nomination For Mayor - Hartford Courant

Vernon: Apel Gets GOP Nomination For Mayor - Hartford Courant: "Apel Receives GOP Mayoral Nomination, Current Mayor, McCoy, Said He's Considering A Run For U.S. Senate"

Connecticut Mayor Announces may Explore US Senate Race

unemployment debt ceiling business deficit 2012 Election diplomacy, international, power, propaganda, soft news, policy, politics, progressive, rapid response, thinkprogress 2012 Connecticut Senate Race Senate Elections 2012 Joe Lieberman Connecticut Senate Race , Joe Lieberman Retirement , Linda McMahon , Chris Murphy , Connecticut , Joe Lieberman Retiring , Politics News
@LiebermanNews @SenateRacesNews @2012__Elections @Senate_Alerts

McCoy won't seek third term; possibility of running for U.S. Senate in 2012 | ReminderNews

McCoy won't seek third term; mayoral candidates step forward ReminderNews: "McCoy won't seek third term; mayoral candidates step forward, possibility of running for U.S. Senate in 2012"

In a press conference late in the afternoon on July 22, Vernon Mayor Jason McCoy announced that he will not seek re-election this November, but instead will explore the possibility of running for U.S. Senate in 2012. “I want to thank the citizens of the town of Vernon for allowing me to serve as mayor,” McCoy said, adding that he intends to “spend more time with my family, to focus on my career as a lawyer, and to explore a run for the United States Senate. It's now that I move to the next level. I've done all I can do in Vernon.” McCoy, a Republican, touted his handling of the town budget, and called for more fiscal conservancy on the national level. “Over the last four years, we've reduced taxes and reduced the cost of government,” he said. “We've changed the economic environment to promote jobs and job opportunities, along with economic growth, while expanding our tax base. Part of this success has been electing fiscal conservatives to the town council, as well as the Board of Education.”

Connecticut's Slow Forming GOP Primary - Hotline On Call- Mayor McCoy

Connecticut's Slow Forming GOP Primary - Hotline On Call


"On the Democratic side of Connecticut's open seat Senate contest, an active three-way race is already well underway. But in the GOP race, little is certain, and so far, mainly minor candidates have been providing the most clarity about their intentions. 40-year old Jason McCoy, the Republican mayor of Vernon said last Friday he will explore a Connecticut Senate run in 2012, and won't be running for reelection. He'd be intriguing candidate........On the Democratic side, three candidates, Rep. Chris Murphy, former Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz and state Rep. William Tong have already entered the race for retiring-Sen. Joesph Lieberman's seat."

Vernon Connecticut - FY 2011-2012 Budget Adopted at Annual Town Meeting- Articles - Courant.com

Your Reader-Submitted Articles - Courant.com: "Mayor McCoy: FY 2011-2012 Budget Adopted at Annual Town Meeting"

Mayor Jason L. McCoy and the Vernon Town Council Tuesday held the Annual Town Meeting at Rockville High School. With 127 qualified registered voters and property owners in attendance, the residents and taxpayers of Vernon overwhelmingly voted to adopt the fiscal year 2011-2012 Budget.

The $79,293,749.00 budget focuses on several key hallmarks, including economic development, energy efficiency, and a reduction in the Town’s tax rate to below 30 mills, from 30.02 to 29.90. The adoption of the budget at the Annual Town Meeting marks the first time in 12 years that the budget was not sent to a town-wide referendum.

“I am very pleased that the residents and taxpayers of Vernon approved this budget with overwhelming support,” Mayor McCoy said. “With this budget, the community will continue to receive all of the great services currently provided, both at a lower cost to the taxpayer and with increased efficiency. This budget will also provide Vernon residents with the security of knowing that the tax rate will decrease, at a time when great economic uncertainty exists throughout both the state and the country.”

Over the past few months, Mayor McCoy, Department Heads, the Board of Education, and the Vernon Town Council worked hard to put together a budget that preserves Vernon’s programs and services, while at the same time, reduces waste, inefficiencies and eliminates any unnecessary duplication.

“Vernon’s residents and taxpayers will be very happy with the spending plan put together by the Mayor, the Town Council and the Board of Education. Taxes will not increase while services will remain intact,” said Deputy Mayor Brian Motola. “We took into account what Joe and Jane Taxpayer are experiencing in this economic climate and what is best for Vernon!”

The budget fully funds all services provided to citizens, ensuring that there are no budgetary reductions in services, including public safety. Commenting on the importance of the need to fully fund and support the Town’s emergency responders, Police Chief James Kenny stated that, “The Vernon Police department is grateful that the citizens supported the upcoming budget and we will continue to provide the best possible services to the community with the funding provided.”

Adding to the importance of the budget in relation to the Town’s public safety, Vernon Fire Chief William Call added that, “The Fire Department is very pleased that the Mayor’s Administration has addressed its needs, including safety equipment, uniforms, and fire apparatus. We are pleased that the people in attendance at the Town Meeting overwhelmingly approved the proposed budget presented to them.”

Overall, the budget has a 0.73 percent increase from fiscal year 2010-2011. Mainly attributing to the historically low increase is the addition of capital improvement and debt expenditures, increasing by $766,763.00 or 13.96 percent from the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Regarding other budget categories, spending on general government and education decreases in the budget by $97,872.00 or 0.38 percent and $96,601.00 or 0.20 percent, respectively.

I am delighted with the passing of the 2011-2012 budget at the annual town meeting,” said Dr. Mary Conway, Superintendent of Vernon Schools. “The budget is fair and reasonable and allows the school system to maintain current class sizes and services to children in the schools. I am especially appreciative of the support and hard work of the board of education, the administrative team, the town council, and the mayor who united as a team to prepare and promote this budget.”

With the approval of the fiscal year 2011-2012 budget at the Town Meeting and avoidance of a referendum, taxpayer money will be saved and a budget fully implemented, allowing for municipal government to continue delivering services without interruption to the residents. Commenting on the importance of passing the budget at the Annual Town Meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Bruce Dinnie said that, “I am pleased that the budget passed and that we can now focus on summer camp for the children and preparing our pools and beaches for this summer.”

“I would like to thank my Administration and the Town Council for supporting this budget and working hard to ensure that the residents of Vernon were delivered the best possible budget and thoroughly informed about it,” said Mayor McCoy. “The fact that this budget was not sent to referendum, for the first time in 12 years, is a testament of the job that we are doing for the Town of Vernon. That being said, I would like to thank the residents and taxpayers of Vernon for their support of this budget and for allowing me to serve as their Mayor.”

http://mayormccoy.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/mayor-mccoy-fy-2011-2012-budget-adopted-at-annual-town-meeting/

Vernon Connecticut Taxes Go Down said McCoy, Herbst NOT Happy with Lower Taxes

YouTube - Vernon Connecticut Taxes Go Down said McCoy

YouTube - Vernon Connecticut Taxes Go Down said McCoy: "Vernon Connecticut Taxes Go Down says mayor mccoy. Marie HERBST says that's NOT democracy!"

The TALK of Connecticut Dan Lovallo interviews Mayor of Vernon Jason McCoy

The TALK of Connecticut: "Dan Lovallo interviews Mayor of Vernon, Jason McCoy, in regards to McCoy's 2011-2012 budget presentation. Although the budget has increased, taxes in Vernon will actually decrease this year." CLICK to Listen to interview

The TALK of Connecticut Mayor McCoy has cut the taxes in Vernon while the town budget continues to rise... He tells Brad Davis how he did it

The TALK of Connecticut: "Mayor McCoy has cut the taxes in Vernon while the town budget continues to rise... He tells Brad how he did it!" The Best Schools, the Safest Strees, the Lowest Taxes- Click Here- to listen!!!

Town of Vernon Connecticut - Mayor Jason McCoy's Proposed Budget Intro

vernon-ct, connnecticut, vernon-connecticut, jason-mccoy-mayor

budget, taxes, public-schools, pizza, rockville-ct, Vernon-CT-Budget

Town of Vernon Connecticut - Mayor Jason McCoy's Proposed Budget Highlights

vernon-ct, Connecticut, vernon-connecticut, jason-mccoy-mayor, budget, taxes, public-schools, pizza, rockville-ct, Vernon-CT-Budget

The TALK of Connecticut - Dan Lovallo Audio interviews Mayor of Vernon, Jason McCoy, in regards to McCoy's 2011-2012 budget presentation

The TALK of Connecticut - Dan Lovallo Audio: "Jason McCoy
Dan Lovallo interviews Mayor of Vernon, Jason McCoy, in regards to McCoy's 2011-2012 budget presentation. Although the budget has increased, taxes in Vernon"

Click to Listen:
Jason McCoy

Trying that whole limit government thing at the local level and the curious case of the Nutmeg State | John Vaught LaBeaume | Opinion Zone | Washington Examiner

Trying that whole limit government thing at the local level and the curious case of the Nutmeg State John Vaught LaBeaume Opinion Zone Washington Examiner


These mayors also govern smaller cities that would almost never consider voting for a Republican, though McCoy, Pavia and Moccia were quick to note about where they ran strong or won.

Even though Connecticut Republicans failed to win back any seats in Congress, when asked what a Republican take over of the U.S. House had in store for GOP mayors, Moccia said he was encouraged that the current crop of GOP leaders will be more “responsible and responsive;” more responsive to concerns of Northeastern Republicans, and more responsible, because previous Republican leaders had written off the whole region. If national Republicans are “more responsible and responsive” to Republican mayors like Moccia, Pavia and McCoy, they may be able to win back the ground they have lost in recent decades in the industrial Northeast.


Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/opinion-zone/2011/01/trying-whole-limit-government-thing-local-level-and-curious-case-nutmeg-s#ixzz1Ux84648B



Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/opinion-zone/2011/01/trying-whole-limit-government-thing-local-level-and-curious-case-nutmeg-s#ixzz1Ux7Qhs2L

National Guard Removes Snow In Vernon - Connecticut News Story - WFSB Hartford

National Guard Removes Snow In Vernon - Connecticut News Story - WFSB Hartford: "VERNON, Conn. -- The Vernon Fire Department was hard at work Thursday morning removing snow from the roofs of the eight schools in the district. The snow buildup on the roofs of the schools had caused concern among town officials, prompting them to close for snow removal. The town made a formal request to the commissioner of Homeland Security, who approved the National Guard to come help remove the snow. Town Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro told Eyewitness News that the town is making a very serious effort to remove the snow and prevent any possible structural issues at the schools." Click to watch video

Vernon Connecticut Snow Removal Follow the Progress Winter 2011

Mayors Jason McCoy, John Picard Discuss State Aid

Senator Tony Guglielmo says McCoy is Phenomenal, Competent & Capable. Re-Elect Mayor Jason McCoy

mayor jason mccoy

Mayor Jason McCoy of Vernon Connecticut asks: Do you realize? It is Amazing!

mayor jason mccoy

Bill and Dan Nominate Mayor Jason McCoy - Just Say Thanks to Mayor Jason McCoy

Bill and Dan Nominate Mayor Jaso...


mayor jason mccoy

Connecticut Law Tribune: A New Probate Era

Connecticut Law Tribune: A New Probate Era

A New Probate EraConnecticut Law TribuneMonday, May 18, 2009

A New Probate Era Legislature poised to pass reform bill that would eliminate 67 courts

By DOUGLAS S. MALAN
Long-debated change to the probate court system seems a done deal and 67 probate judges are likely to receive word soon that their posts have been eliminated.

Reform legislation that would trim the number of Connecticut probate courts from 117 to 50 passed overwhelmingly in the state House of Representatives last week, and the Senate is expected to take up – and approve -- the measure as early as Tuesday, May 26. Gov. M. Jodi Rell has said she would sign the bill into law.

The legislation will have a direct impact on dozens of small-town courts throughout the state. Many judges in those towns support the reform as something that is necessary to preserve a 300-year-old system that’s on the verge of insolvency, even though the legislation likely means the end of their judgeships.

Others in small towns, however, are upset because they believe the reform means the end of personalized probate service for residents. They also contend that the smaller towns had little say in the process.
“I think the deck was stacked against us,” said Ralph Eno, Lyme’s first selectman who expects his town to lose its court. “The guys who wanted to consolidate to a 50-court system just bulldozed us.”

Supporters of the bill said the courts will be modernized and more user-friendly with the changes. A 10-member bipartisan group of legislators, probate court representatives and members of Rell’s office were responsible for the drafting the proposal.
“I’m pleased” with the legislation, said Paul J. Knierim, the state’s probate court administrator and probate judge in Simsbury. “This is bittersweet to us as a system, but it results in a long-term position of strength. I can’t help but feel regret that we’ll lose good judges who have served the system well for many years.”

Court fees are supposed to cover the operating costs, but rising costs of health care benefits for judges and staff members have led to projections that the system will go broke by next year. Legislative leaders have told Knierim that $12.4 million will be included in the new state budget to make ends meet until the ranks of judges are thinned in time for the 2010 elections.
The legislature’s Office of Fiscal Analysis expects that the revamped system will save $4.4 million to $5.1 million in fiscal year 2011, and $8.8 million to $10.2 million annually thereafter.

The legislation calls for a 12-member commission to determine the boundaries of the new probate districts. Once those recommendations are made, they will be sent to the General Assembly. It would be up to Rell to appoint the commission members.
Under the legislation, the court system’s finances will be centralized in the administrator’s office, and all courts will be required to be open 40 hours a week.

The target population for each probate district is 40,000, but “there are exceptions allowed based on facilities to house the court and geographic accessibility,” Knierim said.

Probate Magistrates
Some of the probate judges losing their jobs could find themselves working in the system as magistrates. They would be available to fill as needed on probate dockets that are too heavy for one judge to handle.
Probate magistrates would hear cases referred to them by probate judges and then would file reports with the judge, who would schedule a hearing to accept or modify the magistrate’s report. An as-yet-undetermined number of magistrates would be appointed by Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers.

“The idea was that the pool of judges would include those who lost their jobs in the redistricting, but it could include any former probate judge as long as they’re not 70 years old,” the age at which judges are required to retire, Knierim said.
Starting with the November 2010 elections, the reform legislation requires all new judges to be attorneys. Those non-attorneys holding judgeships will be grandfathered in and allowed to remain in their positions.

“The lawyer-judges requirement is long overdue,” said Norman Rogers Jr., an attorney and probate judge in New Hartford. “We have so many contested wills and conservatorships and children’s matters that require training and experience.

“I have been one of those supporting systemic reform,” Norman Rogers added. “I think this is a good compromise. It’s going to be difficult with people losing their jobs. My court, I’m sure, will be one of them merged in.”

Diminished Service?

Woodstock probate judge Nancy Gale is retiring in September when she turns 70, but she fears the revamped system will place burdens on elderly people who will have to travel out of town to do business in probate court. She said that’s no easy task in rural Windham County and other places where transportation options are limited.

“They’re throwing out the baby with the bathwater,” Gale said. “We certainly need to be tweaked, but this is too much.”
She said the personalized service that first-time court users rely on to navigate the probate process “is going to be gone with the industrial-size probate courts they’re going to have.”

Brookfield probate judge Joseph Secola said his biggest concern is that “towns haven’t had a seat at the table. They’ve had no say-so in any of this.”

Secola said proposals such as towns picking up some health care costs, increasing court fees for the first time in 10 years and judges taking reduced salaries were largely ignored in favor of consolidation.

Knierim said that is “absolutely not” a fair characterization. “The participation in the legislative process this year was broad and very open to a whole variety of interested parties,” Knierim said.

Knierim said he foresees no need for new facilities to house the redistricted probate courts, though there could be some costs associated with adjusting existing spaces to support larger court operations. Those spaces “to the maximum extent possible” will be in city and town halls, Knierim added.

“We’re not talking about mega-courts here,” he noted. “The aim of everyone is to maintain the close connection we have with cities and towns.”•

BJ’s Charitable Foundation Grants Cornerstone Foundats $5,000 to purchase food

BJ’s Charitable Foundation(SM) Grants $365,700 to 66 Nonprofits That Benefit Children and Families – Press Releases on CSRwire.com:

"Cornerstone Foundation (Rockville) - $5,000 to purchase food for their Community Kitchen that provides meals for men, women and children in need."






nba

Statewide Teachers' Union Affiliate Agrees To Concessions In Guilford -- Courant.com

Statewide Teachers' Union Agrees To Concessions or not ?-- Courant.com


The union represents more than 35,000 of Connecticut's roughly 50,000 teachers, and its contracts typically have an enormous effect on local taxes: Education is the biggest part of municipal spending, and teachers' salaries and benefits drive school spending.Teacher concessions became a divisive issue this month.

Job losses, benefit rollbacks and pay cuts in the private sector, taxpayers and town boards have been passing budgets on the first vote: Canton, Southington, Enfield, Vernon, Suffield, Portland and Westbrook all adopted budgets last week, and New Milford, Wallingford, Hamden, Clinton, Plainville, Branford and Salem approved plans recently.But some of those communities are still banking on getting concessions from workers or resorting to layoffs.

Nearly all towns and cities so far are putting forward budgets with little or no increase and, in a few cases, spending is actually scheduled to drop when the new fiscal year starts July 1.

Comments

Charge against UConn's Lutrus dropped - The Connecticut Post Online

Charge against UConn's Lutrus dropped - The Connecticut Post Online: "Charge against UConn's Lutrus dropped"

VERNON -- The lone charge UConn linebacker Scott Lutrus was facing for his
role following a Spring Weekend fight near the Storrs campus was dropped Monday
morning.

Lutrus did not appear in Rockville Superior Court Monday, though he did
make a $100 charitable contribution through the court before the charge was
dismissed. He also apologized in writing to the officer. He did not return a
phone call seeking comment.

"We appreciate the fact that the prosecutor decided not to pursue the charges in Scott's case," UConn coach Randy Edsall said through a school spokesman Monday afternoon. "Scott has been very remorseful to me and his teammates and all disciplinary action has been
addressed internally. We look forward to Scott resuming his academic and
conditioning schedule with his teammates as well as being a captain of the 2009
football team."

Kyle Lutrus, 23, has been charged with two counts of interfering with
an officer and one count of second-degree breach of peace. He applied for
accelerated rehabilitation last week and his due back in court June 2

Connecticut (CT) Poll * November 7, 2007 * Connecticut Voters Support Death Penalty - Quinnipiac University – Hamden, Connecticut

Connecticut (CT) Poll * November 7, 2007 * Connecticut Voters Support Dea - Quinnipiac University – Hamden, Connecticut

Do you think Connecticut's Death Penalty Should be abolished?

Do you think Connecticut's Death Penalty should be abolished?
Is the death penalty a deterrence and just dessert for those convicted? Is it just deterrence or is it justice for victims? Can it be both? Is the criminal justice system fair enough to make sure that innocent people are not wrongfully accused? Is the appeals process lengthy, but fair or is just lengthy but never actually weeds out those who are wrongfully convicted? Are criminal investigations of crimes like murder or rape with aggravating circumstances today including DNA and other technology so much different than in the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s? In Connecticut who decides who is put to death a jury or a judge? Should the jury know what the result of their conviction is, when the conviction may result in a punishment such as the Death Penalty? Post your thoughts please.

Read the news articles and decide, you can also go to the Courant.com and vote.
Click Polling to go to the Courant to Vote:
Polling


State House Votes To Abolish Death Penalty -- Courant.com

Courant.com
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
State House Votes To Abolish Death Penalty
House Would End Death Penalty; Rell Vows To Keep It

By CHRISTOPHER
KEATING
The Hartford Courant
May 14, 2009

The state House of Representatives voted to abolish the death penalty on Wednesday — the fourth anniversary of the execution of serial killer Michael Ross — and instead impose life in prison without the possibility of release.

The historic vote, 90-56, came at about 7:45 p.m. after more than five hours of passionate debate. Lawmakers argued whether the death penalty is necessary for justice or is a punishment that should never be rendered by state government.

Despite the House vote, the chances of the death penalty being eliminated in Connecticut are slim. Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell repeated her support for capital punishment this week as the House prepared for the debate.

"I have always said that I support the death penalty because I do believe that there are some crimes that are so heinous that the death penalty is the only option," Rell told reporters at the state Capitol complex. "I believe in the death penalty.

"I don't consider it revenge. It's justice."

While she maintained her traditional practice of declining to use the term "veto," Rell made it clear that she supports the current law.

The House vote marked a major shift from 1995, when Gov. John G. Rowland and the Republican-controlled state Senate strengthened the death penalty law. Since then, Democrats — many of whom support eliminating the death penalty — have steadily gained seats in the legislature, even winning elections in formerly Republican suburbs like Simsbury and Madison. Democrats currently control both chambers of the General Assembly and have their largest majority in the House since the post-Watergate era.

In past years, attempts to abolish the death penalty fell far short of the 76 votes needed in the 151-member House. But Wednesday's vote represented a wide margin in voting and a significant swing in the chamber's stance on the issue. Five Republicans broke with their caucus to vote in favor of abolition, joining 85 Democrats.

Some legislators, on both sides of the issue, told stories about relatives who were murdered and how the crimes affected their lives and their views on punishment.

Rep. Larry B. Butler, a Waterbury Democrat who voted against abolition, talked on the House floor about the murder of his brother, a father with young children. His brother's death still affects him today, he said, as well as his siblings.

"I lost a brother — a brother that was taken from me 24 years ago," Butler said. "I don't want retribution. I want justice. ... I beg of you. Let's think about the rights of the families of the victims. I will not stand here and support any initiatives for murderers."

Those supporting the ban said Connecticut is one of two states in New England to maintain the death penalty. Among New England states, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont and Maine do not have capital punishment. Nationwide, 35 of 50 states have the death penalty. During the past five years, three states have abolished the death penalty: New York, New Jersey and New Mexico.

Rep. Michael P. Lawlor, co-chairman of the judiciary committee, argued that the public is gradually moving away from support of capital punishment."About a third of the people in the state are totally against the death penalty no matter what, and about a third of the people in the state are totally for the death penalty no matter what," Lawlor said, adding that the remaining third are less certain about the issue.

A strong opponent of capital punishment, Lawlor believes the government should not have the authority to take someone's life.

"I think it's a little dangerous to give that power to the government," Lawlor said in the Hall of the House. "Before you know it, you're executing people for political reasons."

On the House floor Wednesday, Lawlor was countered by Republican leader Lawrence Cafero of Norwalk, who spoke against House Bill 6578.

"I have often said, when asked, that I support the Connecticut death penalty," Cafero said. "There are many reasons that one might support the death penalty."

Cafero said he, unlike some Republicans, doesn't believe the death penalty is a deterrent to crime because heinous murders are often committed in acts of passion without forethought.

"I do not believe that before somebody commits a capital murder as we describe it" that they think about the consequences, Cafero said. "I do not believe before they do that, they stop and say, 'Does this state have a death penalty?' I do not believe it is a deterrent."

"It is about justice."

The debate began at about 2:35 p.m. Wednesday and lasted into the evening. Legislators mentioned notorious killings in the state, including the deaths of three members of Dr. William Petit Jr.'s family in Cheshire and the recent fatal shooting of a Wesleyan University student in Middletown.

Connecticut currently has 10 men on death row, and the horrific details of their crimes were outlined on the House floor. They include Sedrick "Ricky" Cobb, who was sentenced in 1991 after being convicted of the rape and murder of 23-year-old Julia Ashe of Watertown.Also on death row are Richard Reynolds, a crack dealer from Brooklyn, N.Y., who killed Waterbury police Officer Walter Williams of Wolcott, by shooting him in the back of the head, and Todd Rizzo, a former U.S. Marine who was convicted of bludgeoning to death a 13-year-old boy, Stanley Edwards, with a 3-pound sledgehammer.

Rep. Steven Mikutel, D-Griswold, said the death penalty is needed because state and local police can't keep everyone safe.

"They didn't protect Michael Ross from killing those young girls in my district," Mikutel said. "I knew those girls. I knew their families. They used to ride their bikes on the road I live on. They stopped riding their bikes because Michael Ross kidnapped them and killed them. ... To this day, mothers and fathers do not allow children to ride their bikes on country roads in eastern Connecticut. We need to take back the streets from these criminals."

Some conservative Democrats, including Rep. Jeffrey Berger of Waterbury and Rep. Stephen Dargan of West Haven, voted with the Republicans against abolition.

Berger, a former police officer, noted that death row inmates, who must remain in their cells 23 hours per day, get three free meals per day, free health care and clothes.

"The individuals who are on death row have it pretty good," Berger said. "That's a pretty good life for life."

But Reps. Jack F. Hennessy and Christopher Caruso, both Bridgeport Democrats, said that the state should not be involved in executing anyone.

"The death penalty is vengeance, and we as a people are better than that," Hennessy said. "We shouldn't kill."

Journal Inquirer

House votes to abolish death penalty
But supporters acknowledge it's not likely to happen this year


By Keith M. Phaneuf
Journal Inquirer
Published: Thursday, May 14, 2009 10:19 AM EDT

HARTFORD — The House of Representatives voted Wednesday by a wide margin to take Connecticut in a historic new direction by abolishing the death penalty.

The action came four years to the day after the state’s last capital punishment was imposed, the execution by lethal injection of serial killer Michael Ross.

But the legislation’s fate remains largely in doubt. It still must clear the Senate, and Gov. M. Jodi Rell has said she remains convinced Connecticut should retain the death penalty.

Still, the House — which rejected abolishing the death penalty by an 89-60 vote in 2005 during its last capital punishment debate — voted 90-56 Wednesday to eliminate the death penalty following a nearly six-hour discussion.

Though abolition advocates concede they don’t expect the bill to become law this year, they hailed the vote as a huge step.

“We are realizing that in a democratic society, we don’t kill people as a means of punishment,” said Kimberly Harrison of Manchester, a lobbyist for the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ.

Democrats hold a two-thirds majority in the House, but held a similar margin four years ago. The big difference now, advocates said, has been an infusion of new, younger lawmakers opposed to capital punishment.

“This by itself is a victory, regardless of what happens in the Senate,” said Benjamin Jones, head of the Connecticut Network to Abolish the Death Penalty. “I just think the argument has finally gotten to people. Even people who might support it in principle, they look at the system and they say, ‘It’s not working, and can we fix it?’ And the simple answer is: ‘No, we can’t fix it.’”

New Mexico this year became the second state to abolish the death penalty through legislative action since the U.S. Supreme Court allowed states to reinstate capital punishment in 1976. New Jersey became the first in 2007.

Rep. Michael P. Lawlor, D-East Haven, a veteran lawmaker, co-chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and longtime opponent of the death penalty, argued that Connecticut’s lengthy appeals process makes it all but impossible to execute anyone who doesn’t want to die.

Ross, a Brooklyn, Conn., native who admitted to killing eight young women in eastern Connecticut in the 1980s, declined to exercise all of his appeals and said he wanted to be executed. Prior to Ross, Connecticut hadn’t executed an inmate since 1960.

A ‘dangerous’ power

“I think it’s a little dangerous to give that kind of power to governments,” Lawlor said of the death penalty, adding that the current system also misleads the families of crime victims into believing executions are likely.

Lawlor said he doubts any of the men on death row would exhaust their appeals for many years, and might not even face execution. Some committed their crimes, as Ross did, in the 1980s.

“In Connecticut, we’re never really going to execute someone against their will,” said Lawlor, who supports the bill. “Don’t we owe it to the citizens of our state and the families of the victims to tell them the truth?”

But supporters of the death penalty contend most Connecticut residents oppose abolishing capital punishment, especially following some high-profile murders — such as the 2007 home invasion that left a Cheshire mother and her two daughters dead and the recent fatal shooting of a 21-year-old Wesleyan student.

Rep. Pamela Z. Sawyer, R-Bolton, recalled the terror in eastern Connecticut in the early 1980s as the crimes later attributed to Ross remained unsolved. As a mother with young children at the time, Sawyer said, she and many others felt a fear that changed their lives.

“You make a decision in this life, and one of them is to decide whether there is evil in this world,” she said. “I made that decision.”

House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero, R-Norwalk, cited the comments of Todd Rizzo, one of 10 men on death row in Connecticut, who admitted to bludgeoning a 13-year-old boy to death with a sledge hammer because he “wanted to see what it felt like.”

Cafero said the death penalty should be difficult to impose and employed only in response to the most heinous of crimes. But, he added, the ultimate sanction isn’t about revenge, deterring crime, or saving incarceration costs — but about justice.

“When you put a human face on the people and families who have suffered and the circumstances surrounding these murders, there is only one conclusion,” he said.

Others argued that it’s time for the state to move in a different direction.

Rep. Diana S. Urban’s brother was murdered at age 26. But she urged the House to pass the legislation.

Urban, a Democrat from North Stonington, said she couldn’t support killing another person for her brother’s death. Instead, Urban said, she feels there is justice in knowing “that person would be in prison for the rest of their days, to know that every day that they woke up, they have to know that they took a precious, precious life away.”

Rep. Juan R. Candelaria, D-New Haven, told lawmakers about how his grandmother was raped, beaten, and suffocated. While acknowledging he likely would have killed the murderer at the time, Candelaria said, he now questions the accuracy of death sentences and the effectiveness of capital punishment.

“If the death penalty is deter crime, then our state, our beautiful state, would be free of murders,” he said.

Advocates for abolition said Wednesday it’s questionable whether the Democrat-controlled Senate would vote to end capital punishment.

And Rell told reporters Tuesday that she remains convinced that the death penalty is appropriate in rare circumstances, involving the most violent and heinous of crimes.

This story includes Associated Press reporting.


Copyright © 2009 - Journal Inquirer

Andover Budget Vote

The 2009-10 Andover budget is proposed at just over $10.3 million. The budget goes to the Andover Voters on Tuesday. Voting will be from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Andover Elementary School.

The First Selectman Robert Burbank explained there will be no tax increase as the mill rate is staying the same, spending is being controlled in a number of ways, one of which is Andover's town employees are forgoing cost of living increases.

Ellington Hires New Public Works Head

George Fetko was hired by the Board of Selectmen to be Ellington’s new head of Public Work. The Ellington Public Works Director's salary is $95,000.00, plus benefits, vacation, and retirement. Mr. Fetko started on April 6th as the new Head of the Ellington Public Works Department. Mr. Fetko replaced retiring Public Works Director Peter Michaud, before going to work in Ellington Mr. Fetko worked as the Director of the Public Works Department in Vernon where he began his career as a garage mechanic.

Budget Referendum Slated Tuesday -- Courant.com

Budget Referendum Slated Tuesday -- Courant.com


A referendum on the town of Ellington’s $44.2 million budget will be held Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Ellington High School. The board of education budget is $28.4 million, the town government $14.5 million and $1.2million for capital projects. If approved the tax rate will be 25 mills.

Town Council Sets 28.42-Mill Tax Rate -- Courant.com

Town Council Sets 28.42-Mill Tax Rate -- Courant.com

VERNON – - On Saturday Town of Vernon voters' cast their votes passing the Town's $76 million budget. Voting tally was 1707 in favor to 505 against passing the proposed 2009-2010 Budget.
Tuesday the Vernon Town Council met during a special meeting and set the tax rate for the town at 28.42 mills. This is the final year of a three-year phase-in of the town's 2006 revaluation. The tax rate, set with unanimous vote, with Republican Deputy Mayor Brian Motola proposing the motion and Democrat Marie Herbst seconding the motion. The tax rate will be in effect from July 1 to June 30, 2010.

Budget Vernon Connecticut

"Budget Vernon"


Vernon's budget goes to referendum after Tuesday Annual Town meeting VERNON — The town's $76 million proposed spending plan for next fiscal year will be presented to Public on Sat May 9, 2009 at Center 365, 365 Hartford Tnpk from 6am to 8 pm. All Voters and Property owners in Vernon will be allowed to vote.

If there are any question you may contact Jason McCoy, Mayor of Vernon at 860-870-3600.

May 9, 2009 Vernon Budget Referendum Slated Saturday

Budget Referendum Slated Saturday

VERNON - Residents will have their say on a proposed $76 million budget at a referendum Saturday.The $76,089,866 budget represents an increase of 0.85 percent over the current $75.5 million spending plan. On May, 9, 2009 voting will take place at Center 375, located at 375 Hartford Turnpike, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Absentee ballots are available at the town clerk's office in town hall located at 14 Park Place.

The board is expected to provide details on those cuts later this month.The entire budget can be viewed at www.vernon-ct.gov/budgets.html.

An Evening with Marilyn Monroe and Dean Martin” on Thursday, May 21

Presents

Featuring the husband-and-wife
Entertaining Duo Tracey Lynne and David Alan

Dessert Cabaret

Thursday, May 21, 20096:30 p.m.
Entertainment @ 7:00 p.m.
Desserts to follow
Cheney Hall, Manchester, CT

The evening will feature desserts from local restaurants including: Rein’s Deli, Burtons Grill, Panera Bread, The Mill on the River, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and Edible Arrangements.

General Admission Tickets: $25.00
Patron tickets: $50.00

Call Celia with any questions, 860-872-9825

Click here to register!


May 1, 2009


Dear Friends,

As you know, Hockanum Valley Community Council, Inc. is an independent non-profit human service agency. We are dedicated to meeting the needs of the residents of the Tolland County area by providing services to individuals and families in a manner which will promote independence while assuring that basic needs are met regardless of ability to pay.

I wanted to thank you for your past participation in our fundraising efforts and make you aware of the next event “An Evening with Marilyn Monroe and Dean Martin” on Thursday, May 21 at Cheney Hall in Manchester. The event will feature the talents of husband-and-wife entertaining duo Tracey Lynne and David Alan, as well as gourmet desserts from local restaurants including Rein’s Deli, Burtons Grill, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Panera Bread, The Mill on the River, Shady Glen, Dunkin’ Donut and Edible Arrangements.

With the generous support from businesses and community members we will continue our mission to help Tolland County by providing counseling services, an emergency food pantry, elder services, dial a ride transportation services, and our thrift store.

Thank you for your support and participation.


Sincerely,


David A. Engelson
Executive Director

Ellington Budget ready for Town Meeting- No New Spending

Ellington Budget ready for Town Meeting- No New Spending

Ellington — The Board of Finance is sending to the Annual Town Meeting on Tuesday May 12th at 8 pm a $44.15 million budget, which represents a decrease from the 2008-2009 budget which is $44.69 million.

The proposed budget increases the mill rate 24.4 mills to 25 mills. The Board of Finance reduced $657,641 from town government spending, $602,655 from the capital improvement account, and $950,486 from the Board of Education’s budget proposal.

In order to deal with the State and Local revenue losses, the Town is implementing wage freezes for all town employees including Teachers, to control spending.

The annual town meeting on the budget is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, at 8 p.m. in the auditorium at Ellington High School, located at 37 Maple St.