Who's better for Hartford: Rell or DeStefano?

[MadVlad]

I'm fascinated with CT cities in general. Give me all of them. I love them all. I also think that singlehandedly, all 5 major cities( Stmfd,Bpt,NH,Htfd,and Watby) would benefit tremendously with mass transit moreso than any other community in all of New England. If I were still living in CT, I wouldn't elect anybody that was anti-transit. Mass transit would catapult each and every urban locale in the state into economic prosperity with the proximity to New York and encourage businesses away from the suburbs and into business centers like Stamford and Hartford. If people feel like their tax dollars are well spent and they can earn a good living, people will move to CT and stay. While taxes may be cheaper in the South and other areas of the country, they are paying the difference in gas, vehicle repairs, and commute times. My friend in Fla commutes to Miami in the morning for work. Normally, it's a 20 minute drive without traffic, but because there are no other means for him to get to work..in a metro of 5 million+..it takes him 1hr and 20 mins. Mass transit is crucial to the success of all of SNE, but I think CT stands a lot more to gain from the implementation and execution of a viable network.

I'm with you 100% there...

[Cotuit]

Oh geezus! I've been off line most of the week and was told over a beer tonight that this thread might be getting a little hot. I haven't read any of it. If there's some heat going on everyone take a deep breath and be happy I've been disengaged this week and behave. I'll be reading from here on out.

[runawayjim]

Oh geezus! I've been off line most of the week and was told over a beer tonight that this thread might be getting a little hot. I haven't read any of it. If there's some heat going on everyone take a deep breath and be happy I've been disengaged this week and behave. I'll be reading from here on out.

i think i need another beer...

ps, i wasn't banned.

[drc72]

I'm with you 100% there...

I agree there as well.

[HartfordTycoon]

I'm with you 100% there...

Vlad, I'm not a major supporter of Destefano however I was drinking with a few of his campaign guys a few weeks ago. They are realistic to put it politely....

He does not have a chance in hell, but what makes you think Rell is better for transit when the dems supported a real transit package with teeth including direct rail to Bradley, Rell did not support that at all? I just have 0.00 support for Rell and not much for Destefano who will not win, I might not even vote for Governor.

[ctman987]

Im just going to say a few things I think....

1) Some say New Haven would be nothing without Yale, others say there is much more to New Haven. If Yale is such a big part of New Haven, is that such a big problem? I think not, Yale is a college town and has taken advantage of the fact that one of the nations most prestigious universities is located downtown. Also not far from the main campus is Yale New Haven Hospital and soon there will be a new cancer center. Besides Yale lets not forget Albertus Magnus, SCSU are in New Haven, Gateway Community College will hopefully be coming to the city with the Gateway Redevelopment Project, University of New Haven is in West Haven and Quinnipiac is in Hamden. Many cities have taken advantages of the fact that colleges and universities are located in them such as Boston, Burlington (UVM & Champlain College) and New York City (NYU in the Village). If something works why mess around with it. If Yale works for New Haven then so be it.

2) Public transportation is vital to CT and will help it imensly. Buses are not the answer. A real system of public transportation that is based on that of larger cities can help all of CT and also help (1) reconnect its cities with each other and with NYC and Boston and (2) help each city reach its highest potential.

[MadVlad]

Vlad, I'm not a major supporter of Destefano however I was drinking with a few of his campaign guys a few weeks ago. They are realistic to put it politely....

He does not have a chance in hell, but what makes you think Rell is better for transit when the dems supported a real transit package with teeth including direct rail to Bradley, Rell did not support that at all? I just have 0.00 support for Rell and not much for Destefano who will not win, I might not even vote for Governor.

I think Jodi Rell will do what needs to be done. If transit were the only issue, I might be split, and I still think that DeStefano will largely ignore the northern part of the State if elected. If he helps to add direct rail to Bradley, then that's a bonus, but I don't see it going beyond that much.

[runawayjim]

maybe it's just me, but it seems the majority of hartford UP'ers here are republicans... obviously not representing the vast majority of the state of CT, which is predominately democrats. i guess that's why a lot of the important issues that destefano is in favor of (transit, gay marriage, universal health care, etc) aren't accepted here.

destefano would not ignore the northern part of the state, i don't know what makes you think he would... but what makes you think rell wouldn't ignore the new haven area or eastern CT? isn't she from fairfield county? i think it's time for CT to have another governor from the new haven area, and it's certainly time to get the republicans out of office.

and if one wanted to learn about her position on the issues, you certainly can't get that from her website. there's 3 issues listed and short blurbs about them. doesn't seem like quite the plan destefano has if you ask me.

on edit... having read through the "issues" listed on her site... come on. the arts initiative... destefano presided over the most arts friendly city in the state, that's a no brainer. "integrity in the trash hauling industry". what's that all about? that's an issue??? sounds like that's more of an issue the municipalities have to deal with, that's not a state issue. and finally the energy thing and making CT more green. destefano's in favor of that as well. so i just don't see how, based on her website, anyone would even want to vote for her.

[HartfordTycoon]

maybe it's just me, but it seems the majority of hartford UP'ers here are republicans... obviously not representing the vast majority of the state of CT, which is predominately democrats. i guess that's why a lot of the important issues that destefano is in favor of (transit, gay marriage, universal health care, etc) aren't accepted here.

destefano would not ignore the northern part of the state, i don't know what makes you think he would... but what makes you think rell wouldn't ignore the new haven area or eastern CT? isn't she from fairfield county? i think it's time for CT to have another governor from the new haven area, and it's certainly time to get the republicans out of office.

and if one wanted to learn about her position on the issues, you certainly can't get that from her website. there's 3 issues listed and short blurbs about them. doesn't seem like quite the plan destefano has if you ask me.

on edit... having read through the "issues" listed on her site... come on. the arts initiative... destefano presided over the most arts friendly city in the state, that's a no brainer. "integrity in the trash hauling industry". what's that all about? that's an issue??? sounds like that's more of an issue the municipalities have to deal with, that's not a state issue. and finally the energy thing and making CT more green. destefano's in favor of that as well. so i just don't see how, based on her website, anyone would even want to vote for her.

Most CT voters are actually Independent, a little known fact that explains a lot of what would seem to be the paradoxes that exist in CT Politics.

[SOCOM]

maybe it's just me, but it seems the majority of hartford UP'ers here are republicans... obviously not representing the vast majority of the state of CT, which is predominately democrats. i guess that's why a lot of the important issues that destefano is in favor of (transit, gay marriage, universal health care, etc) aren't accepted here.

Using your logic, the majority Democratic voters of CT would be electing Destefeno in November. That's obviously not going to be the case.

Also, HartfordTycoon was right in correcting you about party affilliation.

As of October of 2005, there were 1,952,648 registered voters in CT. The majority are independents (867,761). Democrats are well behind Independents with 653,055. CT registered voters

Not to sound mean, but now I hope you understand why some people here dismiss your opinions regarding the state of CT when you claim your own opinions/assumptions as facts.

[jdrct]

destefano would not ignore the northern part of the state, i don't know what makes you think he would... but what makes you think rell wouldn't ignore the new haven area or eastern CT? isn't she from fairfield county? i think it's time for CT to have another governor from the new haven area, and it's certainly time to get the republicans out of office.

Well, I live in northern CT and DeStefano and Malloy came to a candidates night in a nearby town. Malloy was much more conversational with the people, while DeStefano was very condescending and talked down to the people in attendance. When asked about some specific environmental/economic development issues that the town has been working on with the state, he was like a deer in the headlights. So, I think it's fair to question his handling of citizens outside of the New Haven area.

"but what makes you think rell wouldn't ignore the new haven area or eastern CT? isn't she from fairfield county?"

Because she hasn't. The new gateway college in downtown NH is being built by the state. The state is also supporting the new Long Wharf theater. Rell was also active in supporting the sub base, in additoin to being active in the urban development initiatives in Hartford. And with the exeption of the Bradley Rail Link, Rell has been supportive of Mass Transit intiatives. She supports the NH/Springfield Commuter Rail, the study of the New London to Worcester communter rail, and the purchase of new equipment for Metro North. My guess is she probably supports the Bradley Rail Link in theory. But these projects are extremely expensive and the state doesn't have the bonding capacity to approve these projects all in one year. Give it a couple of years, and I'm sure the Bradley link will be revisited. I also think Rell has been treated unfairly on the gay marriage issue. It took a tremendous amount of courage on her part to back Civil Unions. Had she come out against CU's or if her support was somewhat lukewarm, many of the Dems. who supported that bill would have jumped ship. Her support made it safe for Democratic fence sitters to vote on the side of approving CUs. Yet, nobody in the state's gay community seems to give her any credit for this, and instead, they immediately jumped to endorse DeStefano. (Even if they didn't want to endorse Rell, I think it would have been perfectly appropriate not to endorse a candidate this time around) Proves the old addage, no good deed goes unpunished.

And frankly, Republicans only hold one office. The rest of the executive branch and state legislature is Democratic. And as a matter of practicality, these offices should not all be held by a member of one part. Given the bulletproof majority that Dems. have on the legislature, I think it's important to have another perspective coming out of the executive branch.

[jcrc]

maybe it's just me, but it seems the majority of hartford UP'ers here are republicans... obviously not representing the vast majority of the state of CT, which is predominately democrats. i guess that's why a lot of the important issues that destefano is in favor of (transit, gay marriage, universal health care, etc) aren't accepted here.

A lot of important issues that destefano is in favor of aren't accepted in Ct, otherwise he'd be leading in the poll.

[runawayjim]

A lot of important issues that destefano is in favor of aren't accepted in Ct, otherwise he'd be leading in the poll.

that's a shame... they're issues that should be favored by most people.

[robm324]

that's a shame... they're issues that should be favored by most people.

In your humble opinion, of course.

[drc72]

that's a shame... they're issues that should be favored by most people.

Not supporting these issues doesn't make it shameful. They just have ideas that differ from yours.

[spatulashack]

Mr Shack:

Are you a sciencist? If you are not -- please don't tell me that my SUV will destory the planet. Man can NOT destory Earth. besides the USA has more clean water now EVER. Do you think the air is worse now then in the 1600s - believe me I'd rather be cooking with natural gas then with cow dung.

Asking us to pay more in taxes because of the car we drive? You sound like a SOCIALIST!! I have as much right to drive what I want - without having the GOVERNMENT tell me to pay more - (and I do, when I fill up - at the moment in Florida 2.14.).

JimS

No, I am not a scientist but nearly all scientists are in perfect agreement on Global Warming and human's effecting the environment so that makes no difference at all. I'm not a physicist either but I don't dispute the existance of electro-magnetism. One man can't destroy the earth but MILLIONS of men all doing harmful things certainly can. We damaged the ozone layer! Everyone freaked out and the government put forth restrictions on ozone causing gases and guess what happened! The hole in the ozone got smaller! Looks like we DO have an effect on our environment after all. You also appear to be confusing clean air with sanitation. YES air was cleaner in the 1600's in terms of the atmosphere! People were getting sick because there was trash in the streets and a variety of other sanitation problems. People pay more insurance on sports cars and YOU should pay more taxes for an SUV. It's as simple as that. And no, I'm not a socialist, I'm logical and rational.

[spatulashack]

Mr Shack:

America's air is Cleaner then most nations -- our water is cleaner -- and please we do NOT need people like you to tell us the we are the worst polluters on Earth. I like cooking with natural gas -- not COW DUNG. Do you cook with cow DUNG?

JimS

JimS

Huh? I don't even understand what you're saying anymore and why do you keep talking about cow dung?!? America's air is NOT cleaner than most nations and the only reason it might appear as such is because we are a huge country with sprawl instead of a densely populated European nation with cities every three feet. Of course air in Kansas is going to be cleaner than Germany but the point is that energy consumption and pollution PER person in America is higher than any other country. THAT is what matters. Our country is young and spread out so if you take an average of air quality, we appear to be in OK shape. It's simply not true and nearly every scientist agrees with me while only republicans and delusional people agree with you. You have every right to stick your fingers in your ears when confronted with logical reasons for you to be responsible for your own energy consumption and the government has every right to tax you more for this luxury of delusion and disregard.

[HartfordTycoon]

Huh? I don't even understand what you're saying anymore and why do you keep talking about cow dung?!? America's air is NOT cleaner than most nations and the only reason it might appear as such is because we are a huge country with sprawl instead of a densely populated European nation with cities every three feet. Of course air in Kansas is going to be cleaner than Germany but the point is that energy consumption and pollution PER person in America is higher than any other country. THAT is what matters. Our country is young and spread out so if you take an average of air quality, we appear to be in OK shape. It's simply not true and nearly every scientist agrees with me while only republicans and delusional people agree with you. You have every right to stick your fingers in your ears when confronted with logical reasons for you to be responsible for your own energy consumption and the government has every right to tax you more for this luxury of delusion and disregard.

Very well said.

[drc72]

Tax people with SUVs more. Really smart???? Give the gov't more of are hard earned dollars to waste. OK??????????

[runawayjim]

Tax people with SUVs more. Really smart???? Give the gov't more of are hard earned dollars to waste. OK??????????

these are taxes that can go to transit and road improvements. you can't upgrade transit without money. and a transit system cannot function on fare alone and cannot expand using fare increases.

[mikel]

Very well said.

Why does a complete ignoramous like Jim Sawhill care about urban issues anyway?

Ban him. And tax him as well.

[JimSawhill]

maybe it's just me, but it seems the majority of hartford UP'ers here are republicans... obviously not representing the vast majority of the state of CT, which is predominately democrats. i guess that's why a lot of the important issues that destefano is in favor of (transit, gay marriage, universal health care, etc) aren't accepted here.

destefano would not ignore the northern part of the state, i don't know what makes you think he would... but what makes you think rell wouldn't ignore the new haven area or eastern CT? isn't she from fairfield county? i think it's time for CT to have another governor from the new haven area, and it's certainly time to get the republicans out of office.

and if one wanted to learn about her position on the issues, you certainly can't get that from her website. there's 3 issues listed and short blurbs about them. doesn't seem like quite the plan destefano has if you ask me.

on edit... having read through the "issues" listed on her site... come on. the arts initiative... destefano presided over the most arts friendly city in the state, that's a no brainer. "integrity in the trash hauling industry". what's that all about? that's an issue??? sounds like that's more of an issue the municipalities have to deal with, that's not a state issue. and finally the energy thing and making CT more green. destefano's in favor of that as well. so i just don't see how, based on her website, anyone would even want to vote for her.

jim;

Most Connecticut voters are NEITHER Democratic nor Republicans - they are independents.

JimS

[JimSawhill]

that's a shame... they're issues that should be favored by most people.

jim:

Why should those issues be favored by MOST PEOPLE? Just because you are in favor of an issue, that doesn't mean it should. I am a naturist, but I know most peoplearen't accepting of it. That means I got to either swim at offical NUDE BEACHES (like THE LEDGES) or at nudist resorts.

JimS

[JimSawhill]

No, I am not a scientist but nearly all scientists are in perfect agreement on Global Warming and human's effecting the environment so that makes no difference at all. I'm not a physicist either but I don't dispute the existance of electro-magnetism. One man can't destroy the earth but MILLIONS of men all doing harmful things certainly can. We damaged the ozone layer! Everyone freaked out and the government put forth restrictions on ozone causing gases and guess what happened! The hole in the ozone got smaller! Looks like we DO have an effect on our environment after all. You also appear to be confusing clean air with sanitation. YES air was cleaner in the 1600's in terms of the atmosphere! People were getting sick because there was trash in the streets and a variety of other sanitation problems. People pay more insurance on sports cars and YOU should pay more taxes for an SUV. It's as simple as that. And no, I'm not a socialist, I'm logical and rational.

No, you are WRONG - AGAIN! We can't DAMAGE the OZONE layer. The Ozone layer is NATURALLY OCCURING. The only way we can DAMAGE the OZONE LAYER is by shutting the SUN off. Most Scientists DO NOT agree with you.

JimS

[JimSawhill]

Why does a complete ignoramous like Jim Sawhill care about urban issues anyway?

Ban him. And tax him as well.

mikel:

You should be BANNED! Haven't you heard of FREE SPEECH -- and know SOCIALISTS like you, mikel, don't want FREE SPEECH to different voices. I believe UP believes in Free SPEECH.

JimS