By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — If Robert Gregory received royalties for coming up with Milford’s slogan, "A Small City with a Big Heart!" he would be a rich man.
The phrase was thrown around liberally at a press conference this week to announce the kickoff of the second annual "Butternut Buddy Month" fundraiser to help the Beth El Shelter.
Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. and the owners of Bobette’s Take Out, Bobette Moore and Gary Caulfied, held the press conference with Beth El Executive Director Toni Dolan.
Last year, Bobette’s raised about $2,000 for the homeless shelter by selling their popular "Butternut Buddy" soup.
"This is a great program," said Richetelli, who was decked out in a Bobette’s T-shirt, publicizing the event.
"To raise $2,000 the first year is tremendous. Milford is a giving community. It’s people like Bobette and Gary and their customers that make Milford so caring. They live it. Milford really is a small city with a big heart."
Caulfield said he is grateful to Richetelli for helping to publicize the fundraiser, and declaring February "Butternut Buddy Month."
"This is so cool. We’re just blown away," Caulfield said. "It’s the best place to be."
Starting today, aThursday,nyone who frequents the 93 Boston Post Road deli can purchase the Butternut Buddy soup.
For every cup purchased, $1 will be donated to Beth El, with $2 donated for a bowl and $3 for a quart. T-T-shirts may be purchased for $20 along with bracelets.shirts and bracelets may be purchased for $20 each.
"People love the butternut bisque, and it not only helps the Beth El, but people get a great soup," Caulfield said. "We wanted to make it a win-win."
Moore said she and Caulfield came up with the idea because they feel blessed by their successes and just "want to give something back to Milford."
Dolan said money that comes through such fundraisers is integral to the success of the agency.
TWith state funds shrinking and more non-profits popping up, fundraisers are necessary to help fund programs.he funds raised help the agency provide a parenting program, or to purchase books or games for children.
"With something like this, it’s the community connectedness," Dolan said. "We’re recognized by being a part of the community. This helps out truly those who are less fortunate. It speaks the spirit of this community."

By James Tinley, Register Staff
MILFORD — The owner of an off-track betting parlor is still betting on the Board of Aldermen’s approval for a new home in the city.

Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. announced Wednesday that Autotote Enterprises has found a new site on 89 Roses Mill Road for an OTB site where people will be able to place bets on horse racing and jai alai. The site has to win approval from the Board of Aldermen, which is scheduled to vote on it Monday.

This came after Autotote Industries, which owns and operates Sports Haven in New Haven as well as 10 other sites across the state, had its proposal for a Boston Post Road site tabled by the Democratic aldermen in a 9-6 party line vote in December.

The site’s landlord found a new tenant to fill the vacancy in the strip mall after the vote.

Republicans criticized the move to table the proposal and said it amounted to walking away from $65,000.

The town that hosts an OTB site gets 1.6 percent of all the bets placed there. Autotote’s OTB in Milford, which was formerly located on Old Gate Lane, brought $65,000 into the city.

The previously proposed site in the former location of Tommy K’s video store at 321 Boston Post Road came under fire by Democratic aldermen because it abutted a residential neighborhood, as well as a day-care center.

Aldermanic Chairman Ben Blake, D-5, called the location at Rose Mill Road “new and improved,” but said Wednesday that he hasn’t had enough time to decide if the new location will gain his approval.

“In terms of the location, it’s an improvement and I credit the Board of Aldermen for forcing Autotote to come back with a better proposal and a better location,” Blake said.

Richetelli said he worked closely with Autotote to find the new site, although it “wasn’t exactly what they wanted.”

The building will have to undergo $100,000 worth of renovations to build an addition and create additional parking, Richetelli said. He said the six-year history of an OTB in Milford has been a positive one, and only 14 police calls were made to the former site in front of the old jai alai building.

None of those calls were serious and most were for routine traffic violations and people locked out of their cars.

James Tinley can be reached at jtinley@nhregister.com or 876-3030.

VFW Post 7788 Ladies Auxiliary
Press Release

The Milford VFW Post 7788 Ladies Auxiliary is sponsoring their 2nd Annual Valentine’s Dinner Dance on February 2nd, 2008 at 7:00pm at 422 Naugatuck Avenue in the Devon section of Milford. This Ziti and Meatball Dinner will include dancing with a DJ, door prizes and a cash bar. Tickets are $15 per person and can be obtained by calling the Post Canteen at (203) 874-9982.

Contact Info:

VFW Post 7788 Ladies Auxiliary

Joan Rousseau Christine L. Smith
President Secretary
1.203.877.0584 1.203.385.4545
jr111155@aol.com christine.smith@nasdaq.com

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — A city police officer was justified in May when he fired one round from his gun, injuring a New Haven Avenue man who was holding what was later revealed to be a fake gun during a domestic dispute with his wife, State’s Attorney Kevin Lawlor announced Tuesday.
"After reviewing all of the information, I determined the officer acted appropriately under the circumstances," Lawlor said.
State police investigated the shooting that occurred on May 12, 2007, in which Sgt. Daniel Sharoh shot 37-year-old Roger Cadrin. a man who was involved in a domestic dispute with his wife.The Central District Major Crime Squad of the state police presented its report to the Milford-Ansonia Judicial District State’s Attorney Office, which conducted a joint investigation and made the ultimate finding.
Sharoh, a 14-year veteran of the force, was the first officer to respond to a call of a domestic dispute at 1145 New Haven Ave. Shortly after Sharoh arrived, Cadrin ran out of his house with what appeared to be a gun in one hand and knife in the other, authorities said. He was pointing the gun at the back of his wife, who he followed out of the house. Cadrin was told to drop the gun several times, but he refused, which prompted Sharoh to fire one shot from his duty weapon, Lawlor said. Cadrin fell to the ground after being shot in the hip and was taken into custody by officers that arrived shortly thereafter. The gun found next to Cadrin was later identified as a Daisey 25 plastic shot firearm replica, Lawlor said.
To use "deadly force," an officer must reasonably believe that he or someone else is in danger from someone using deadly force on them, according to state statute.
State police firearms examiners concluded in their report that the gun in question, "strongly resembled a Beretta ... semiautomatic pistol and only with close inspection when held in the hand could it be distinguished that it is not a firearm."
"No law enforcement officer ever wants to use any type of deadly force … but an officer’s hand may be forced," said Lt. J. Paul Vance, state police spokesman.
Cadrin was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital and has since been released. He faces attempted assault, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct charges in Superior Court. The ruling that the shooting by Sharoh was justified has no bearing on the case against Cadrin, Lawlor said.
After the shooting, Sharoh was placed on "administrative duties," and no representative from the Milford Police Department was immediately available to say if the officer was placed back on regular duty.
Vance said each police department has its own policy on such matters.
"Sometimes it’s so the department can do an internal investigation … some will do it to afford the officer time to regroup, because again, it’s an extremely difficult situation for any officer to go through."

By James Tinley
Register Staff
The prospect of upgrades to Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford has environmentalists buzzing over a potential increase in noise and air pollution that could affect residents of the Milford shoreline.
But Airport Manager John Ricci said Tuesday the $30 million in upgrades, which include a 38,000-square-foot hangar, a 15,000-square-foot terminal and 15,000 square feet for office space, will only replace existing structures and that there is no plan to expand air service.
The entire site plan will be on display at a building committee meeting at 3 p.m. today in the Ramada Inn, 225 Lordship Blvd., Stratford.
The renovations to the airport, which is located in Stratford but owned by the city of Bridgeport, have been hotly contested for years. After once mounting strong opposition, Stratford has approved adding 60 new "T" hangars and the new terminal and large hangar that will replace the existing structures. This came after Bridgeport agreed to pay the town $135,000 a year for serving as host for the airport.
"I’m concerned about the fuel and pollutants from the planes as they go shooting across Milford because we are on their flight path," said Ann Berman, chairwoman of the Environmental Concerns Coalition. "People have complained that the route goes right across the coast of Milford. We have enough pollution from I-95 that we don’t need another source."
The airport also abuts a portion of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.
Berman and Marcia Stewart, president of the Stratford-based group Protect Your Environment, have expressed concerns that the construction and new proposed fueling station may adversely affect the delicate ecosystem.
Those plans have already passed the Stratford Planning and Zoning Board, and Ricci said all environmental concerns have been addressed there. He added that the new construction will replace existing buildings and the footprint of the airport won’t change.
"We’re replacing a terminal that is very near the end of its serviceable life," Ricci said.
He also insisted that air traffic patterns will not change and there are no plans to increase service.
Milford Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said he is watching the situation carefully, and that if he thought Milford would be adversely affected by noise and air pollution, he would oppose the plans. For the time being, he said he is reserving judgment until a conclusion has been reached, as talks and proposals have been going on for years.

A Milford resident is among five state residents Gov. M. Jodi Rell, shown at right, has nominated to Connecticut’s Superior Court. The nominees, who must be confirmed by the General Assembly, succeed judges who have retired or who have been nominated to other courts, the governor’s office said in a prepared statement.
Robert J. Malone, 62, of Milford, a ----Democrat, is a partner at the law office of Coughlin & Malone in Milford. Malone graduated from Wagner College and received a law degree from New England School of Law in 1975. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and the U.S. National Guard from 1969 to 1975.
"These nominees have a wealth of experience and expertise and I am confident they will serve our citizens well," Rell said in the statement. "Judges must have the right blend of compassion, knowledge and fairness. These individuals meet the high principles our citizens expect and deserve.
"We ask a great deal of our judges and they possess extraordinary powers over our residents and businesses," she said. "We hold these nominees to the highest standards of integrity and we require them to have the temperament and respect for the law expected of outstanding jurists."
Rell also nominated: William H. Bright, Jr., 45, of Columbia, also a Democrat, who is a partner with McCarter and English in Hartford. Bright graduated from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania and received a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School in 1987. He was formerly a partner with Cummings and Lockwood in West Hartford. Also, Republicans Cara F. Eschuk, 56, of Naugatuck, who has served as a Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney in the Waterbury State’s Attorney Office since 1998 and obtained her undergraduate degree in the United Kingdom in 1973 and received a law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1985; James M. Pickett, 46, of Rocky Hill, who since 1995, he has been a Managing Attorney with MetLife Auto and Home Insurance in Rocky Hill and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Finance in 1983 and received a law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1987; and Robert E. Young, 49, of Glastonbury, who is a partner at the law firm of Noble, Spector, Young and O’Connor in Hartford. Young graduated from Western Connecticut State College and received a law degree from Western New England College School of Law in 1984.

The following are press releases:

Premiere “Artist of the Month Program” at Stevens Auto Group in Milford

Stevens Auto Group is pleased to announce the launch of an ongoing monthly “Artist Of The Month” program. According to dealer principal David Stevens, “we are pleased to be hosting Milford Artist Catherine Hamill as our premiere “Artist of The Month” for February, and look forward to hosting other local artists throughout the year." Hamill’s exhibit may be previewed in the Stevens Lincoln, Mercury, Ford showroom at 717 Bridgeport Ave. during the month of February, Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and all day Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, the public is invited to a wine and cheese Opening Reception on Feb. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. All those attending will be eligible to enter a drawing to win an original “mini” piece of artwork by Catherine Hamill, plus other surprise prizes. There is no charge to attend, but pre-registration is encouraged. For more information on artist Catherine Hamill visit www.catherinehamillartist.com. For more information on Stevens Auto Group, visit www.stevensauto.com. Applications are being accepted for future “Artist of the Month” programs. .


Biggest Loser Challenge To Take Place In Milford

Stevens Auto Group on Route 1 will act as host site for two consecutive 10-week “Biggest Loser Challenges” presented by “Look At Me Now,”A Wellness and Weight Loss Center on Campbell Avenue in West Haven. According to “Look At Me Now” owners Lori Larsen and Nathan Bloomberg, “we’re offering these challenges as a community service because we wanted to make our own personal contribution to a healthier Connecticut population.” Participants will compete to win a cash prize for the most body fat percentage lost. The first session begins on Monday, Feb. 4 and the second on Feb. 9. Pre-registration is required for both, and there is a nominal participation fee to cover materials. For more information call (203) 933-2200.

West Haven based “Look At Me Now”, at 487A Campbell Ave. West Haven, http://www.lookatmenow22.com/) is a wellness center whose paramount concern is assisting clients achieve their optimal state of holistic wellness in all aspects of their life. The wellness center specializes in Weight Management, Nutrition, Massage Therapy, Hypnosis, Reiki, and Personal Training. The center also houses a Wireless Vegetarian Café.

Stevens Auto Group (http://www.stevensauto.com/) has provided Connecticut consumers with new Lincoln, Mercury, Ford, Chrysler, and Dodge vehicles and certified used vehicles for 55 years. It is located at 717 Bridgeport Ave.

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. returned from Washington, D.C., Monday with a glass star in his hand symbolizing Milford’s designation as one of the "100 Best Communities in America for Young People."
This is the third straight year Milford has been given the distinction by America’s Promise, the Alliance for Youth. Milford is the only community in the state to receive the award this year, and joins an elite club of only a few communities nationwide to receive the honor three times. By winning the award for three straight years, Milford gained honorary lifetime membership as one of the 100 best communities for young people.
"This is a big honor," said Richetelli, shown at right. "It doesn’t start with me. … It’s with the people who make children their priority and our priority in the city."
Richetelli credited the coordinated effort of outreach organizations for Milford’s success.
Project Graduation, a push by United Way and Milford’s Promise to make sure every student graduates high school, was cited as one example of different organizations working in concert for the betterment of the community.
It is funded by a grant from Sikorsky Aircraft and involves targeting students at risk of not graduating, providing them with extra help and internships in Milford businesses. , involving non-profit organizations, the school system and local businesses.
"If one student can be saved from dropping out, it’s all worth it," Richetelli said.
Liz Denhup, a 16-year-old Joseph A. Foran High School sophomore who wrote an essay explaining why she thought Milford was a great place to grow up as part of the city’s application, also traveled to Washington. She said her experience being surrounded by other young people passionate about making their communities better was "profound and gratifying," and that she came back "armed with grand plans." One of those plans is to start a before-school tutoring program for students who have athletics or other commitments after school.
Danielle Dumont, executive director of Milford’s Promise, said the work in Milford has a snowball effect that continues beyond any single person who is helped and into the community.
"It’s bigger than the little things we do," Dumont said. "It’s just a part of ensuring the happiness and success of all the youth in America."
James Tinley can be reached at jtinley@nhregister.com or 876-3030.

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — The college application process and all the pressure that goes with senior year of high school had Emily Hauck feeling like the person in Edvard Munch’s famous painting "The Scream."
So much so she painted herself into the angst-ridden portrait.
Now anyone who walks into Café Atlantique can see just what the 17-year-old Lauralton Hall senior was feeling by examining her "somewhat comical, but expressive self-portrait" that hangs in the River Street coffee shop.
Her painting is part of a collection of Lauralton Hall art students’ work that has been on display this month.
The show will with the art exhibit willend with a public reception fon Jan 30.rom 2:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesday.
The display brings recognition to students’ labor of love, which typically gets overlooked, said Judith Doherty, an art teacher at the private Catholic high school for girls on High Street.
"Typically, you hear about sports, ... but fine arts doesn’t get the attention it deserves," Doherty said. "It’s great to get arts out into the community."
"One of the main objectives of the school is to train young women to be self-confidant and go out into the world and be leaders," said school spokeswoman Cindy Wolfe Boynton. "Part of that is taking risks, from which the students can gain a sense of pride and confidence. And I think this helps with that goal."
Mary Alice, a 16-year-old junior from Fairfield, said it was a little embarrassing at first to see people sitting under her three paintings on display when she stopped in for a hot chocolate.
"But it’s nice to see," she conceded. "It was weird at first, ... then I started wondering if people were sitting there just because it was like the only seat open or if they chose to sit there because of my work was there."
Alice said.The work was created in the school’s new art classrooms, which themselves were created in the fall as part of a $2.2 million renovation.
Doherty said the students benefit from the natural light that pours in. Theto the new classroom. old classroom was in the basement.
As for Hauck, she said with a smile and a laugh, "I’m excited for the summer to start, but for right now, I’m definitely still in ‘The Scream.’"
James Tinley can be reached at jtinley@nhregister.com or 876-3030.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — The Board of Education’s $82.9 million 2008-09 budget proposal will be cut, according to the Board of Aldermen Chairman Ben Blake, D-5.
Republican Alderman Scott Willey, R-4, concurs, but that is where the agreement ends.
Willey blasted Democrats, saying that their promise to be fiscally responsible went out the window on their first try.
“I am disappointed that the Board of Education approved a $5 million increase in spending. If this budget is not cut by the Board of Finance and Board of Aldermen, it will result in a significant tax increase. This is particularly disappointing when you consider that the voters responded to the Democrats’ promises of tax cuts and elected them to the majority just two months ago. Breaking promises so soon is a terrible lesson for our kids,” Willey said. The school board voted 6 to 2 to adopt the budget, which represents a 6.4 percent increase as all six Democrats supported Superintendent of Schools’ Harvey B. Polansky’s proposal. Board member James Santa Barbara, D-5, pitched reductions totaling nearly $500,000, but that idea was soundly rejected.
Both Republicans who were present, Minority Leader Joanne Rohrig, R-1, and Pamela Staneski, R-5, voted against the budget. Staneski said at the meeting that she could not support the inclusion of $42,000 to fund vocational agricultural programs. Staneski later said she did not feel comfortable adding new staff.
Rohrig said she voted no because she didn’t feel now was the time to add new staff either.
Blake said no one should read anything into the fact that the school board did not reduce the budget. He said that is a job for the Finance Board and aldermen. “It’s not a question of whether the superintendent’s budget will be cut, but by how much,” Blake said. “We at the Board of Aldermen will work with the schools superintendent and Board of Education to ensure our cuts do not affect programs or programming.”
Blake said the aldermen will require all city departments including the school board to improve efficiency, and the goal is to not have the budgets increase beyond this year’s numbers.
“The Democrats on the Board of Aldermen recognize skyrocketing taxes the past couple of years,” Blake said.
But Willey said the Democrats are being “disingenuous.” Wand pledged to reduce spending but the school board didn’t.illey said he will support cuts to the school budget because the enrollment has not increased in years, but the spending increases far outpace inflation.
School board Chairman David Hourigan, D-4, said the function of the school board is to advocate for the children and it’s the function of the Finance Board and the aldermen to worry about the tax base.
“The Board of Education did a respectable job coming in at a 6.4 percent increase, which doesn’t devastate or provide the things we’d like to do,” Hourigan said. “It’s a responsible budget.”

On Monday at 3 p.m. top city officials and members from the public are invited to a celebration at City Hall as the city for the third straight year has been named one of the top 100 places in America for youth to reside.

Thursday night at 7 p.m. also at City Hall Milford's Jim Amann, who is the state house speaker, will formally announce he is conducting an exploratory campaign for governor.

And to end the week Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. will hold a press conference Friday to announce his proposed city budget, which officially kicks off the all important budget season. The school board has already adopted its budget, which represents a nearly $5 million increase, or a 6.4 percent increase.

Check here Friday around 4 and we should have some budget info for you up, and always check out www.nhregister.com

Have a good weekend.

By Pamela McLoughlin
Register Staff
MILFORD — As one of the premier technical schools in the state, Platt Technical High School has opened its doors to many dignitaries in education, but Thursday for the first time their graces were extended internationally with a visit by five education officials from China’s Shandong Province, which has a partnership program with the state’s Department of Education.
Visits by Shandong Province educators to Connecticut, shown at right at Platt, are becoming more common, as are visits area educators make to China in an effort to teach students the global approach to life.
"We are so happy to be here," said Jiang Yu, program officer in the international section of the Shandong Department of Education. "We came to learn, because we want to know what a technical school here does."
There were no huge surprises about the American school system Thursday as most of the delegates have made many trips here before. But Yu, who toured the schools’ various shops with four others, including highly placed school officials from Shandong, said he was surprised at how sophisticated tools and other equipment are at Platt. He said the province has state-of-the-art equipment, but not quite like Platt.
Platt Principal Gene LaPorta said there are 1.5 million students in vocational education in Shandong and about 10,000 in Connecticut.
"We do all kinds of cultural and informational programs, but we’ve never had an international delegation," LaPorta said. "This idea is wonderful. And I always love the opportunity to show off my school."
LaPorta said there was talk over lunch of a student exchange program, meaning a Chinese student could study at Platt and vice versa.
"I think it (the visit) is pretty neat," said junior Jessica Curry, 17, of Milford. "Not only do people in Connecticut get to see what Platt Tech does, but people around the world are getting to see."
Sophomore Brandon Mut, 16, of West Haven, helped to escort the delegates, as did Curry.
"I think it’s great that we can share what we do here," he said.
The delegation in coming days will visit the state capital, Yale University and Bloomfield High School and then leave for home Saturday.

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — After recently encountering several homeless people searching for shelter on deadly cold winter nights, city officials are exploring the possibility of creating a "no freeze" emergency homeless shelter.
An interagency task force was formed to figure out how great the need is for an emergency shelter and to eventually decide whether creating one is feasible for the city, Fire Chief Louis LaVecchia said Thursday.
"We know there is a need, we just don’t know how much of a need," LaVecchia said. "But that’s what we’re looking at, and it’s something that can’t wait."
But Human Resources Development Director Lisa Diamond-Graham, who is spearheading the effort, was quick to point out that the city is currently only trying to determine the level of need and no specific plans have been made.
She declined to comment further on the effort and said, "It would be irresponsible to talk about it before we know what the issues are."
The interagency task force was formed at the end of December and has met three times. It includes representatives from the Board of Health, Fire Department, Mayor’s Office, Department of Public Works, HRD and the Beth-El Center for the homeless.
The task force was formed after homeless people tried to find shelter on a cold December night at the fire station on New Haven Avenue, LaVeccia said. The Fire Department called the nearby Beth-El Center, but the 32-bed shelter that offers transitional housing had no room.
"Part of what we do at (HRD) is outreach work, and from time to time we have incidents when we need to place people in shelters and there have been times in our town where there were no openings," Diamond-Graham said. "The last incident was during (this) winter and on a Friday afternoon and the person didn’t want to leave Milford. That made me begin to wonder what happens to these people."
The Beth-El Center is typically full during winter months as its residents can stay up to three months. People usually choose to stay for the full time allowed during the coldest months of the year. The Beth-El Center doesn’t offer emergency shelter and people must first fill out an "intake request." It is extremely rare for someone to be accepted the day they apply and beds become available infrequently during the winter months, said a representative from the center.
People who need emergency shelter are given transportation to "no-freeze" shelters in New Haven, Bridgeport or Derby, said police spokesman Officer Vaughan Dumas.
The initial goal was to create an emergency shelter in Milford immediately, but it quickly became clear that logistical hurdles were too difficult to make that possible, Mayoral Assistant John H. O’Connell said. There is no timeline set for a decision on whether a shelter will go forward, but O’Connell said that by the time extreme temperatures hit the area in the late fall is "more realistic."
James Tinley can be reached at jtinley@nhregister.com or 876-3030. Visit the All About Milford blog at www.nhregister.com, click on Blog Central.

Read more about this in Saturday's New Haven Register.

Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. traveled to Washington, D.C. Thursday as the city was named for the third straight year as one of the top 100 Best Communities in America for Young People.

Milford was once again the only community in the state to garner the recognition, and is just a handful of municipalities across the country to earn the honor for three straight years. This means Milford’s number per say is retired, and will serve as a life-long honor.

The competition run by America’s Promise, the Alliance for Youth, was based on hundreds of applications from all 50 states.

“It’s a tremendous honor for the city to be named for the third straight year,” Richetelli said from Washington, D.C. late Thursday. “This says volumes about the dedicated people in several groups.”

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — About 50 Silver Sands residents attended a special forum Wednesday night at City Hall to share their concerns about beach erosion, parking and safety issues.
Last week, state House Speaker James Amann, D-Milford, state Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford, and Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr., along with five neighbors, announced the creation of a task force to address these concerns.
Task force members Tom Rea and Sandra Haley showed photos and a video detailing significant flooding and beach erosion. They said the loss of beachfront next to the inlet to Great Creek is threatening the stability of homes near the park.
Rea presented a video of "Storm Beth" from Dec. 11, 1992. The video illustrated rising floodwaters along with debris and large branches floating through the roadway and onto residents’ properties. A voice on the tape could be heard saying, "We’ve got devastation here."
Rea said "Storm Beth" removed 4 feet of sand from neighbors’ properties.
"It caused homes to sink and be unstable," he said.
One man interjected that he had 30 inches of water in his home as a result of the storm.
Haley, who has lived in Milford since 1961, showed family slides depicting a lengthy beachfront area in her backyard in 1970. By 1983, the beachfront was still significant, but "Storm Beth" accelerated the erosion process significantly. She said a wrong decision was made to dump sand left in front of homes onto the public beach instead of returning it to homeowners’ properties.
The beachfront elevation dropped by 5 feet, 10 inches, she said. "To have a drop of this intensity is not natural."
Danielle Blummer, of Chetwood Street, said she came to the forum to express her concerns about "safety and parking issues." Betty Cooper, also of Chetwood Street, said the lack of parking makes it impossible for residents to park near their homes.
People who use Silver Sands State Park are parking on local streets due to the lack of spaces at the park. Popularity of the park took off in the late 1990s after it was transformed from a landfill.
Amann said the task force will continue to meet in an effort to come up with ways of addressing the residents’ concerns. No future meeting date has been scheduled.
Brian McCready can be reached at 876-3001 or briannhregister@gmail.com.

By James Tinley
Register Staff
The father of an area boy who was molested for more than two years at the hands of a trusted baby sitter offered no forgiveness to his son’s assailant Wednesday at Superior Court.
"Him I’ll see in hell, your honor; I’ll be waiting," the victim’s father said, before Milford Superior Court Judge John Ronan sentenced Albert Cifarelli to serve nine years in prison.
Cifarelli, 17, of Orange had previously pleaded guilty to second-degree sexual assault for molesting the child over a two-year period.
"There is nothing for me to do now, except to change," Cifarelli said in court Wednesday. "There are no words to describe the pain and guilt I feel. There are not enough ‘sorries’ in the world."
Cifarelli said he is now a different person than the 15-year-old who began molesting the child, but Ronan was not convinced.
"How could you possibly think this is something you could or should do?" Ronan said to Cifarelli. "This has devastated that family and at the same time devastated your family; it’s unimaginable what everyone had to go through because of you. It’s disgusting."
The victim’s mother, who was visibly distraught in court, said the child still has nightmares and suffers emotionally from the sexual assaults.
Assistant State’s Attorney Kevin Russo said this was one of the most difficult cases he had handled in his career as a prosecutor, because of the severity of the charges and the young ages of the perpetrator and victim. Despite Cifarelli’s age, trying him as a youthful offender was something that was never discussed, Russo said.
Also, despite any qualms Russo may have had about sending a young man to prison, he said, "I’ve been doing this long enough to know every action has consequences."
Cifarelli was sentenced to 15 years in prison, suspended after he serves nine years. He also must serve 10 years of probation when he is released from prison. Cifarelli also will have to register as a sex offender for 15 years, undergo psychological evaluation and treatment and won’t be allowed near any child under the age of 16.
"As far as the sentencing goes, the state achieved what it wanted, but it’s not happy for anyone involved in the case," Russo said.
James Tinley can be reached at jtinley@nhregister.com, or 876-3030.

In today's New Haven Register article on the school board budget approval it incorrectly stated that board member Joanne Rohrig, R-1, voted against the budget because she had a problem with the inclusion of funds for the Trumbull Agriscience program.

Rohrig never made that statement, and in fact has publicly stated numerous times that she supports the Agriscience program. We apologize for making the mistake.

The story that was posted this morning is going to be ammended.

State Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford
State House Speaker James Amann, D-Milford
State Rep. Richard Roy, D-Milford
State Rep. Paul Davis, D-Orange

MILFORD — The state Bond Commission is expected Friday to approve a $75,000 grant Milford’s legislative delegation secured for ventilation improvements Platt Technical High School.

"It’s important that we continue to invest in our schools like Platt Tech that provide a unique education and training experience for our students," Speaker of the House James Amann, D-Milford, said. "I am pleased we have worked together to secure this funding."

State Rep. Richard Roy, D-Milford, said, "Platt Tech deserves our support and we must continue to fund our regional vocational-technical schools because they provide programs that are so vital to our students."

State Rep. Paul Davis, D-Orange, added, "Platt Tech provides students with a comprehensive educational experience and funding these schools must continue to be a priority."

State Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford said she is pleased to see money for Platt on the bond agenda.

"These repairs are necessary to ensure our students are learning in a healthy and productive," Slossberg said.

The Connecticut Technical High School System is comprised of 18 regional vocational-technical schools and two satellite programs.

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — A city man faces more than 20 years in prison for allegedly holding up a Bridgeport Avenue gas station with a hypodermic needle.
Michael Kucewicz was ordered held in lieu of $75,000 bail at his arraignment in Superior Court Tuesday. He faces charges of first-degree larceny, carrying a dangerous weapon, first-degree threatening and sixth-degree larceny stemming from the robbery, police said. His next court date is Feb. 5.
Kucewicz, 40, was arrested at his 17 Nettleton Ave. home late Monday night after police recognized him as the man on the surveillance tapes shown robbing the Getty Gas Station at 300 Bridgeport Ave., said Officer Vaughan Dumas.
Less than $200 was taken from the gas station, police said.
Kucewicz allegedly walked into the Getty station at 300 Bridgeport Ave. at 7:31 p.m. Monday and threatened to stick the clerk with a hypodermic needle if the clerk didn’t empty the registers, police said. The needle was not recovered by police, Dumas said.
Kucewicz also allegedly threatened to shoot the clerk and had his hand in his pocket as if he had a gun, police said.
Dumas said the Police Department has had an "extensive history" with Kucewicz and investigators immediately recognized him when they reviewed the surveillance tapes. While Dumas could not immediately remember any specific arrests, he said Kucewicz and police have had several "run-ins" in the past.
Kucewicz had served time for a prior drug conviction and was recently released from federal custody. He was convicted of assaulting an FBI agent.
James Tinley can be reached at jtinley@nhregister.com or 876-3030. Visit the All About Milford blog at Blog Central, www.nhregister.com.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — Despite a contentious debate, the Board of Education voted 6-2 Tuesday night to keep Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky’s $82.9 million 2008-09 budget proposal.
The budget represents a $4.97 million or 6.39 percent increase over the current $78 million spending plan. It will be forwarded to the Board of Finance and then the Board of Aldermen for final approval.
The school board, led by Tracy Casey, D-2, agreed unanimously to cut the $18,000 membership fee the district paid to the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education. Casey successfully lobbied to reallocate the funds to improve sports equipment.
A week ago, several sports enthusiasts spoke about health and safety concerns due to antiquated equipment.
Prior to Casey’s amendment, fireworks erupted at the Parsons Government Center meeting between board members James Santa Barbara, D-5, and Pamela Staneski, R-5. Santa Barbara sought to reduce the school budget by $492,659. He offered several ways to cut costs, including eliminating a proposed $146,659 for staffers to offer an after-school program at the new Academy on Gulf Street. The Academy will be home to the alternative education programs.
Santa Barbara also said $240,000 could be saved by taking six teachers who work at Parsons Center and putting them back into classrooms. The six are three computer teachers, a professional development teacher and two special-education teachers.
Santa Barbara also sought to cut adding additional funds into the career-to-school program, and sought the removal of $81,000 in non-mandated testing. "Our children are being tested to death," Santa Barbara said.
But Staneski countered if the six teaching positions were sent back to the schools, some of those individuals could lose their jobs. She said the district can’t afford to make cuts in its professional development or special education services.
At one point, Chairman David Hourigan, D-4, ruled Staneski out of order, and she ended her remarks by saying the proposed reductions amounted to a "witch hunt."
Staneski said she could not support the budget because it includes funds for the Trumbull Agriscience program, which costs $42,000 to send several students to the program.
Prior to the vote, Polansky said his aim was to not "dismantle" the district. Assistant Superintendent of Schools Michael Cummings said the budget cuts the past two years have forced the district to spend less on students, while the standards have increased.

Despite a contentious debate the Board of Education voted 6 to 2 Tuesday night against cutting a dollar from Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky’s $82.9 million 2008-09 budget proposal.

The budget represents a $4.97 million or 6.39 percent increase over the current $78 million spending plan. It will be forwarded onto the Board of Finance and than the Board of Aldermen for final approval.

Check www.nhregister.com or this space tomorrow morning for more details about the school budget.

By Pamela McLoughlin
Register Staff
MILFORD — Contaminated groundwater at a parcel that once housed the Connecticut Aerosols company will be cleaned up using environmentally friendly techniques that involve using microorganisms to destroy the pollutants.
The Health Department is working with the state Department of Environmental Protection and property owner AIG Investments to fix the problem at 65-145 Furniture Row, off New Haven Avenue.
The 12-acre parcel has an industrial warehouse and garage.
An evaluation at the site determined groundwater under the westerly portion of the warehouse is contaminated with chlorinated solvents.
Neighbors, including other businesses, were not affected by the contamination, officials said.
"We do not anticipate any exposure to residents or surrounding properties," health director Dr. CQ A. Dennis McBride said.
"The processes involved here rely on biological processes that appear to offer no threat to human health, wildlife or the environment."
The technology using microorganisms is still considered innovative, McBride said, but has been safely used in the state and around the country.
Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. stressed that the city and state will take every measure to protect residents and will inspect the site often.

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — Police Chief Keith Mello recently announced the addition of two incentive programs: the Board of Police Commissioners’ Award and "challenge coins."
The commissioners’ award is for any employee who has advanced the goals of the department over a two-year period. One person will be selected by the police board, after being nominated by his or her peers.
"This...program (is) to recognize officers for exemplary service," said Mello, shown at right. "And it’s not just for officers or necessarily for an arrest on big case. A lot of people come to work motivated and help move this department forward."
Mello said that community service should be recognized. Many other police awards are incident-driven and highlight a particular arrest or act of bravery of an officer. This award is to highlight someone who has performed admirably in leadership and ethics or has displayed a strong desire to develop relationships with the community, Mello said. The recipient will receive a plaque and a certificate.
The "challenge coins" are glass tokens emblazoned with the city’s emblem and are designed to be handed out to officers "just to say great job," Mello said.
The Rev. Carleton Giles, vice chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners, said the incentive programs are great ideas and should help foster an environment that will make officers excited to come to work.

Students to head for Australia
By Tanner Munroe
Special to the Register
MILFORD — Two Platt Technical High School students will get the experience of a lifetime this summer.
They will travel to Australia as student ambassadors in a program called People to People.
Christopher Dunn, 17, of Milford, and Ashley Salter, 16, of West Haven were both anonymously nominated by teachers and staff at Platt to participate in the program.
The program lasts 20 days, with the students traveling across the country and getting the chance to experience different aspects of the rich culture and environment that Australia has to offer. Some of these experiences include swimming with dolphins, snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, scaling the 440-foot summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and tobogganing down a sand dune.
However, the experience that Dunn said he is looking forward to the most is the four to five days that the students get to spend with an Aborigine tribe, the Navau.
"I’m hoping to gain a lot of knowledge about their culture, and I also hope to gain an understanding of how differently from Americans the people in the tribe live their lives," he said.
Dunn said he also feels it will be interesting to see if there are similarities between the two cultures.
During the trip, the students will be studying and learning about the history and culture of Australia from their guides. Dunn said the trip will give him useful knowledge he can utilize in college, where he intends to study history.
Salter said the trip is an opportunity to learn about a different culture and gain knowledge and friends that she will carry with her for the rest of her life.
"It’s an honor to be chosen as an ambassador to represent America, and also Connecticut. I think it will be great to not only learn from people in Australia about their culture, but also to share aspects of American culture in return," she said.
Although the students are extremely excited about the trip, they also fear they might not be able to afford it. The trip will cost each of them around $8,000, and although a steep price, both students feel it is more than worth it for the activities they will be able to participate in, and the enormous amount of knowledge they will gain.
Both students have taken on jobs to help finance the trip. They also have gathered some money through fundraising and donations. The students plan to create a Web site when they get back that will document the activities and experiences they had while in Australia, through journal entries and pictures.
Anyone who wants to make a donation or find out more information about the student’s trip, can contact Platt spokesman Tony Tom at (203) 783-5349.

The following editorial appeared Monday Jan. 21, 2008 on the editorial page of the New Haven Register. It is an editorial opinion and it was not written by the contributors to the All About Milford blog but is reprinted here as it involves a Milford issue.

Police board loses qualified member in partisan reprisal.
Milford’s Board of Police Commissioners has lost a good member thanks to what appears to have been political spite. On a party line vote, the Democrats who control the Board of Aldermen rejected the reappointment of Tony Candido, a member of the police board for six years. Candido is a Democrat who had been nominated for reappointment by Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr., a Republican. Candido was amply qualified for reappointment. Aside from his six years of service on the board, he is the chief marshal in charge of courthouse security for the Waterbury Judicial District. As chairman of the Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities, he has devoted further hours to public service in Milford. Why did the Democrats reject a fellow party member’s appointment? Candido had supported the unsuccessful candidacy of his wife, a Republican, for election to the Board of Aldermen. Republicans have charged the Democrats blackballed him in retribution. The Democrats who voted against him offered no other explanation beyond suggesting he would have done better if he were a Republican and that he was not “reflective of what the Democratic Party is now.” If that means small-minded and partisan, Candido should be honored that his party rejected him.

Reminder:
Residents are invited to take time out today, Sunday, Jan. 20, to reflect on the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Milford chapter of the Links will once again be leading the city’s observance of "Reflections: A Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr."
The ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday in City Hall auditorium. Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr., who will attend, said the city is very grateful to Links for being in charge of the tribute.
"It’s become the city’s official commemoration of Martin Luther King Day. It’s a ceremony with appropriate music ... which (is) inspiring," Richetelli said. "It celebrates Martin Luther King’s life and the message that he stood for. All people are created equal and every person is sacred and every person has something to give. Everyone should be treated with respect and dignity."
Lillian A. Holmes, president of the Milford chapter of the Links, said in a letter to the mayor that Links is a public service organization of 12,000 women who serve communities in 42 states.
Links was founded in 1946. Its mission is to promote and engage in educational, civic and intercultural activities to enrich the lives of its members by working together to achieve common goals. A large component of Links is volunteering in the community.
The Milford chapter is one of six in the state. It has sponsored the Walk-For-Health-and-Hunger to benefit the Beth El Center.

By James Tinley, Register Staff
MILFORD — False alarms are dropping off, despite a sharp rise in the number of active security systems in the city, Police Chief Keith Mello said Wednesday.

Mello said this trend keeps officers from wasting time responding to false alarms, and protects the public from the resulting speeding cruisers with lights and sirens blaring.

“When officers respond to a hold up or a burglar alarm, they have to assume there is a crime being committed,” Mello said. “That puts officers and the public at risk the more times they have to respond to these calls.”

In 2004, 1,602 security systems were registered with the Police Department.

Those 1,602 alarms were the source of 3,250 alarms to which the police responded.

In 2007, the number of active security systems has surged to 3,269, but police responded to just 2,693 alarms, or a 17 percent drop in false alarms, said police spokesman Officer Vaughan Dumas. Dumas took the lead on an aggressive campaign to lower the incidence of false alarms.

By city statute, every alarm system has to be registered with the Police Department. If a particular system is the source of too many false alarms, fines are imposed.

Dumas said he lowered the fine but also reduced from six to three the number of chances someone has before being fined.

On someone’s third false alarm, a letter is also sent telling the owner of the problem and ways to fix it.

The owner must prove that the problem is fixed or he or she will be fined.

If police have to respond to another alarm, the owner will fined $50. The fine increases with each subsequent offense.

Board of Police Commissioners Chairman L. Kenneth Fellenbaum said the downswing in false alarms exemplifies Mello’s efforts to “do more with less money. I do believe everything flows down from the top and this is one of those examples of a good thing the chief is doing,” Fellenbaum said Thursday.

Again, the following information is submitted by our friends at Milford Indians Wrestling.

Milford Indians Compete at Madison Wrestling Tournament on January 6th.

The Milford Indians wrestled at one of the states most competitive tournaments this past weekend in Madison. Four wrestlers started the morning session which was led by Ryan Luth. Ryan out wrestled his first two opponents winning by two Technical Falls and pinning his third opponent. In his final match Ryan faced Madison’s tough Joey Ciotti. Both wrestlers fought a tough bout with Ciotti edging out Luth by one point. Ryan ended the day with a 2nd place medal. Gino Esposito lost a close first match to one of last years state champs and pinned two more opponents to end the day with a 3rd place medal. Billy Kelly and Dante Esposito posted 1 win to each finish the morning session with a 4th place finish.

The afternoon session was led off by Jack Luth and Joseph Buzelle. Luth had one pin for the day and Buzelle won his first match by Technical Fall. A.J. Linet competed in his first wrestling tournament and lost his first match by only one point. Linet showed lots of heart after facing some of the toughest wrestlers in the tournament. Jonathon Buzelle also competed in the afternoon session. Tyler Bishop shut out his first opponent 12-0 scoring a Technical Fall. Bishop would then have his toughest match of the day against Windham wrestler Miquel Calixto. That match ended in a 5-2 win for Calixto. Bishop came back hard to win his next two matches 12-0 and 5-2 to take 2nd place.

This is submitted by our friends at the Milford Indians Wrestling Club. The writer is Noel Luth, Coach

The Milford Indians wrestled in two state tournaments this past weekend, The Coventry Novice and Bristol Tournaments. Five wrestlers competed in Coventry and all five placed within the top three in their brackets.

The Coventry Tournament was led off by Ryan Luth. Ryan competed in the morning session winning all four of his matches in which he used a nice cradle to pin his final opponent to end the day with a 1st place Gold Medal. Joseph Buzelle started off the afternoon session with his first pin of the season. Joe stayed focused and compiled two more wins and one loss to end the day with a 2nd place Medal. Jonathon Buzelle lost his first match but came back and cradled up his second opponent for a pin and win and took a 2nd place Medal. CJ Luth competed in his first wrestling tournament and used his heart and lots of sweat to edge out his first opponent with a 4-2 win. CJ also ended the day with a 2nd place Medal. Jack Luth faced four tough wrestlers in his bracket. Jack pinned two of his opponents with a vice like Half Nelson and took a 3rd place Medal.



Six Indian wrestlers also competed in the Bristol Tournament Liam Callahan started the day off with a close loss but made up for time in his second match with a .19 second pin to end the day with a 3rd place finish. Max German had a 7-3 win then suffered two losses including a close 2-0 defeat to the champion in his weight class to end his day with a 3rd place finish. Clay Callahan outclassed two of his opponents winning by decision to give him a well deserved 1st place Gold Medal. William Kelly used his pure power to make quick work of two of his opponents pinning each easily. Kelly suffered one loss securing him a 2nd place finish. Nicholas Crowle faced two wrestlers pinning his first and scoring a major decision on his second earning him a 1st place finish. Lastly, Tyler Bishop faced three opponents in his bracket. Bishop showed his first two opponents the meaning of speed and defeated each with a 12-0 Technical Fall. Bishops final match was one to remember. Bishop used his quickness, strength and smarts to outwrestle his opponent who was not going to take losing lightly. Bishop’s hard fought battle earned him a 1st place finish. All of the Indians wrestled hard and left their hearts on the mat in true Milford Indian fashion.

Residents are invited to take time out Sunday afternoon to reflect on the life and legacy left behind by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Milford Chapter of the Links, Incorporated will once again be leading the city’s observance of “Reflections: A Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”

The ceremony will be held 4 p.m. Sunday in City Hall Auditorium. The public is encouraged to attend.

First, want to say how excited we are at the New Haven Register that we received about 450 responses to our initial poll question.

We're hoping to top that with our next poll question, which will be up Saturday.

That question will center on whether Milford's very own James Amann has a chance to become governor. Amann has filed papers for an exploratory bid, and will make an announcement at the end of the month.

Amann has said he hopes to learn through polling whether he has a chance to win. What better way to get the ball rolling.

Enjoy the weekend.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — The $2.5 million next phase of the Devon revitalization project will likely be delayed until the summer, but top city and Devon officials say they are trying to expedite the work.
Economic and Community Development Director Robert Gregory said at a recent Devon revitalization meeting that the project is behind schedule. Gregory said that, realistically, construction on the next phase of streetscape improvements could begin in the summer.
It is unlikely work could start in the spring as initially planned, he said.
"Is there anything we can do to move this?" said state House Speaker James A. Amann, D-Milford. "I want this completed this year, not 2009."
Architect John Hammer said everyone is doing their best to move the work along, but officials revealed that they need to get easements from more than 30 property owners along Bridgeport Avenue.
"I’m dying to get this done this year," Amann said. "I don’t want to wait another year."
Several members of the commission and other residents volunteered to help track down the property owners in an effort to expedite the work.
"Give everyone one name and they are responsible for that one person," added state Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford.
The next phase of work includes improvements from the gateway of Devon at the Washington Bridge to the intersection of Naugatuck and Bridgeport avenues. The improvements include new sidewalks, benches, trash receptacles, landscaping, bike racks and lighting features.
The work is expected to take eight months. Plans also include the creation of a fountain along Bridgeport Avenue, across from Al Dente Restaurant.
Informal designs of the fountain were panned by commissioners, who asked the architect to come back with new plans. Commissioners said they’d like to a see a water fountain that closely resembles the one by the Green.
"There has to be something different than this. It’s just awful," said Commissioner Libby Ditchkus.
"Can we go back to the drawing board?" Amann asked Hammer.
Ditchkus said she’d like to see a more Victorian model, adding that the current plans are too small.
Hammer said he’d come back with new drawings for the commission.
Millions of dollars have been spent on streetscape upgrades on Naugatuck and Bridgeport avenues, along with creating a small park with a giant clock tower by Washington Bridge.
Brian McCready can be reached at 876-3001 or briannhregister@gmail.com.


MILFORD - On Jan. 23 at noon, the Milford Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Meeting and Awards of Distinction. Eleven community organizations, individuals and corporations will be honored, the Chamber said in a statement. Keynote speaker will be Rob Simmons, business advocate for the state. Also expected to attend are the Speaker of House James Amann, D-Milford, state Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford and Rep Paul Davis, D-Orange..

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — Anthony Candido fought back tears as he addressed the Board of Police Commissioners this week from the unfamiliar position of being on the outside looking in for the first time in six years.
Candido, who was ousted from his post as police commissioner after his mayoral appointment was rejected by the Board of Aldermen earlier this month, had nothing but kind words for Police Chief Keith Mello and the other commissioners.
"I’m here tonight to thank each and every one of you," he said at the beginning of the meeting. As a commissioner, Candido helped to select Mello as chief, and he lauded Mello and his officers for their work in the city.
"You’ll always be our commissioner, Tony," Commissioner Carol Faruolo responded. "You are going to be very, very missed."The former commissioner of six-years also had to take an uncomfortable seat away from the table while the board leadership was selected
The Rev. L. Kenneth Fellenbaum was unanimously re-elected as the board’s chairman. He has been chairman for four years and has been a commissioner for 15 years.
The Rev. Carleton Giles will also stay on as the vice chairman after a unanimous vote in his favor.
Candido’s rejection leaves an open seat on the board, which will likely be filled after February’s Board of Aldermen meeting. Who will fill that seat, however, is unknown. Aldermanic Chairman Ben Blake, D-5, said the Democratic Town Committee offered the names of several qualified candidates, but he declined to reveal them. Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said Thursday that he’ll consider Democrats’ recommendation, and if he feels the person is qualified, he will likely appoint that person.
Republicans have called the partyline vote by Democratic aldermen to reject Candido, who is also a Democrat, political retribution. Candido helped his Republican wife, Diane, in her unsuccessful campaign for a seat on the Board of Aldermen. Candido has also openly campaigned against Democratic mayoral and state Senate candidates in the past.
Fellenbaum was adamant that despite political controversy that can sometimes surround who gets selected as a commissioner, everyone on the board checks the party affiliation at the door.
"We are all political appointees, but politics never involves anything around the public safety of this city," Fellenbaum said.
Likewise, Mello said he works with the commissioners, but does not get involved in the selection process and tries to stay above the fray in political matters.
"It’s important to let everyone know I run the Police Department and don’t involve myself in the political process," said Mello. "While Tony Candido was an excellent commissioner and will be missed, I look forward to working with whoever will be the next commissioner."

Rell to Spitzer: Block Broadwater
Governor wants N.Y. to step up to the plate
By Gregory B. Hladky, Capitol Bureau Chief
HARTFORD — Gov. M. Jodi Rell appealed Thursday to New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer to block the $700 million Broadwater plan to build a liquefied natural gas facility in the middle of Long Island Sound.
“It is imperative that New York do what the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission would not: Protect this irreplaceable natural treasure and preserve it for future generations,” said Rell.
The Broadwater project would be located about 11 miles off Branford and nine miles off Long Island, putting it entirely within New York waters and cutting Connecticut state agencies out of the approval process.
Spitzer, a Democrat who was sworn in as New York’s governor a year ago, has been noncommittal about the Broadwater project.
“The governor hasn’t actually received (Rell’s) letter yet,” said Spitzer spokesman Michael Whyland. He said Spitzer is reserving his opinion on the Broadwater project because “the (New York) Department of State still needs to complete its coastal zone review.”
John Hritcko, regional project director for Broadwater, dismissed Rell’s letter Thursday.
“During the past three years, Broadwater, FERC, the U.S. Coast Guard and the regulatory agencies reviewing the proposal have met with numerous stakeholders including the public, state agency and elected officials on both sides of the Sound, engaged in substantive discussions with Governor Rell’s LNG Task Force and actively solicited both verbal and written comments,” Hritcko said in a prepared statement.
“To now claim that Connecticut has been rebuffed or ignored because the facts do not support the governor’s unsubstantiated opposition view of Broadwater is disingenuous and costly for the people of New York and Connecticut who continue to pay some of the highest energy prices in the country,” Hritcko said.
Plans call for anchoring a floating platform the length of four football fields in the Sound. The facility would take on liquefied natural gas from oceangoing tankers, turn it into regular natural gas, and pump it through underwater pipelines 22 miles down the Sound to connect with an existing pipeline between Milford and Long Island.
Although Broadwater officials say Connecticut would receive some of the natural gas, Hritcko has been quoted as saying the project was designed to deliver the fuel to New York.
Rell, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and other Connecticut officials have joined many environmental groups in opposing the project.
There has also been widespread opposition to the project from environmental groups in New York and by many New York state officials. Broadwater spokesmen, however, say most Long Island businesses and many labor unions back the project.
FERC last week issued a ruling that the project would have no significant impact on the Long Island Sound environment. Blumenthal warned his office would file legal challenges of a final FERC approval of the project and sue New York state agencies if they were to OK the project.
“If New York fails to heed our opposition, we are prepared to take legal action that is appropriate and necessary,” Blumenthal said Thursday.
The LNG project will need permits from at least two New York agencies, the Office of General Services and the Department of Environmental Conservation.
In her letter to Spitzer, Rell cited a December Department of Environmental Conservation communication with Broadwater officials warning the project’s plans could have “significant adverse environmental impacts.”
“We took the DEC letter as a strong signal that New York is approaching Broadwater with its eyes wide open — unlike FERC,” Rell said.
“It could very well be that the fate of Long Island Sound will rest in the hands of the state of New York,” Rell said in her letter to Spitzer. “I am writing to urge you to do everything in your power to ensure that New York’s reviewing agencies take a long and thorough look at the proposed Broadwater project.”
“We also have a responsibility — despite FERC’s myopic approach — to develop regional energy policies that meet the needs of our respective states and to do so in a manner that does not involve the sacrifice of one of our crown jewels,” said Rell.
Gregory B. Hladky can be contacted at ghladky@nhregister.com or (860) 524-0719.

By Brian McCready , Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — A Joseph A. Foran High School parent’s concern has prompted school administrators to review the apparent lack of substitute teachers at the high schools.
But Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky said the shortage of substitute teachers is not a phenomenon just in Milford. He said there is a lack of substitute teachers across the state, especially at the high school level.
During a recent Board of Education meeting, Michael Taylor said his three children attend Foran and informed him they spend a lot of time in study halls because of a lack of substitute teachers.
“I thought in years past this issue had been addressed,” Taylor told school board members. “For a child not to be in class is inexcusable. Administration should address this immediately.”
After Taylor spoke, Polansky responded that Milford pays its high school substitutes more than adjacent communities.
“I wish there was an answer,” Polansky added. “We put ads in the papers. Pay is not the sole issue. We will do our best.”
Polansky also said it’s true that on some days there is a lack of substitutes, but he also said on many days the classes are all covered.
“It changes every day,” Polansky said.
Deputy Superintendent of Operations Philip G. Russell said substitute teachers statewide often specify they will not work at high schools.
“Some of it is the fear,” Russell said.
He said substitutes at the city’s high schools earn $90 a day, but Polansky noted that some Fairfield County towns pay up to $25 more.
Brian McCready can be reached at 876-3001, or briannhregister@gmail.com. Visit the All About Milford blog at www.nhregister.com and click on blog central.

Milford author Elliott Storm, who penned the book “These Scars are Sacred,” will be at the American Legion State Conference this Friday evening, and all day Saturday and Sunday at the Rocky Hill Marriott Hotel to sign copies of the book, which will be available for purchase.

The signing was approved by State American Legion. Storm, a Marine and Vietnam War veteran, shown at right at a book signing last year, has traveled, with his wife, Deb, statewide and through most of New England to sign his book, a Vietnam War novel that focuses on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

State House Speaker James Amann, D-Milford, will formally announce he is forming an exploratory campaign for governor 6:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at Milford City Hall on W. River Street.

The New Haven Register first reported last week that Amann had filed the necessary papers for an exploratory bid. Amann recently said he will use the next several months to determine if he is a viable candidate.

MILFORD — A Metro-North train on its way to New Haven smashed into an unoccupied SUV parked on the tracks near Rock Lane Tuesday night, officials said.
One person on the train was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital for complaints of back pain, said Fire Capt. Michael McDaniel.
The crash happened at about 7:50 p.m. after a Nissan SUV that was “possibly stolen or abandoned” appeared to have slid down an embankment, coming to a rest on the tracks, McDaniel said.
The train was traveling at the “correct” speed of about 60 mph when it slammed into the rear of the SUV, sending it off the tracks, said Metro-North spokesman Dan Brucker.
The train did not derail and sustained only dents. After about a 90-minute delay, the train continued on to New Haven, Brucker said. The passengers were able to remain on the train while police and fire officials investigated.
Police spokesman Vaughan Dumas said if the car was left on the tracks intentionally the responsible party would face felony charges for endangering the lives of everyone on the train.
The crash remains under investigation by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
— James Tinley

By Brian McCready , Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — State House Speaker James Amann, D-Milford, said it’s “a little bit of a bummer” that the city will have to wait at least another month to receive a much anticipated $1 million grant for a teen center.

Amann said the money for the Boys & Girls Club of America was scheduled to appear on January’s General Assembly’s Bond Commission meeting agenda. Amann said he and Gov. M. Jodi Rell had an agreement that the funds would be released.

The Boys & Girls Club, a private facility for foster children, would run the teen center. The center, to be located at the West Shore Recreation Center, would be open to the public.

“We had to pull it because the plans are not complete,” Amann said. “I’m not sure if it’s the Boys and Girls Club or the city.”

Amann said he is uncertain how long the delay will last in getting the plans completed, but he wants the project completed.

“We’ve been talking about this issue for three or four years,” Amann said. “It’s a little bit of a bummer.”

Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said the Boys & Girls Club officials are responsible for completing the paperwork that goes to the state. He said the grant money will go directly to the Boys & Girls Club. “We’re ready to go,” Richetelli said of the city.

Amann said once the funds appear on the agenda, it will not take long for the agency to receive the funds.

The $1 million will go towards renovating the West Shore Recreation Center on Benham Avenue. Richetelli said plans call for a second gymnasium to allow for the additional program space.

Talk of a teen center in Milford has been percolating since 2001. Milford’s Promise, a local nonprofit organization, held a “Youth Community Conversation” to address the needs of a youth center. In 2003, the city surveyed teens to find out what they would like incorporated into a teen center. Students said they wanted a place to learn video-making techniques, a place where students can listen to bands and music and a place to exercise.

Brian McCready can be reached at 876-3001, or briannhregister @gmail.com. Visit the All About Milford blog at Blog Central, www.nhregister.com.

Eastbound Theatre, a division of the Milford Fine Arts Council, presents the second show of its 14th season, Tom Dulack’s hilarious comedy, Breaking Legs directed by Milford resident, Robert Watts. The show runs from February 1st through 17th. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 PM, Sunday matinees are at 2 PM. Tickets are $15.00 general admission, $12.50 for seniors and students. Call 203-882-0969 for reservations.
The worlds of the Mafia and the theater clash hilariously in Breaking Legs when a professorial playwright seeks funding for his new play from the family of a former student. The "family" turns out to be minor Mafia godfathers, who are willing to underwrite the play, provided they never have to read it. The hilarious action occurs in an Italian restaurant owned by a successful mobster and managed by his beautiful unmarried daughter. When the daughter's former college professor arrives to ask for financial backing for a play he's written about a murder, the fun begins. The three main Mafiosi are intrigued with the idea of producing a play. The daughter becomes enamored of the playwright, who is delighted to have the family's support. His bubble is burst when he discovers, through the "accidental" death by train of a lesser thug, that his backers are gangsters. In this madcap situation, murder and menace are served up with plenty of pasta and laughter.
The cast features Dave Gregory (Milford), David Victor (Fairfield), Lisa Dahlstrom (Fairfield), Vic Terenzio (Norwalk), Stephen DiRocco (Wilton) and John Spinetti(Shelton). Other contributors to this production include Director/Set Designer, Robert Watts, Producer, Sharon Huguet, Stage Manager, Elsie Poile and Costumer, Amy Cacciamani.
For more information contact Milford Fine Arts Council at 203-878-6647 or visit www.milfordarts.org

"Snowflake Scrap" hosted by the Calf Pen Meadow PTA.
A ladies night out, scrapbooking from 6:30pm-midnight. Light snacks will be provided. Creative Memories product will be available for purchase and there will be tools there for use. Cost $20.00
Registration is required by January 25. Contact Lee Ann at 878-6709
Event will be held at Calf Pen Meadow on February 1, 2008 6:30pm-12am
395 Welchs Point Rd
Milford, CT 06460

Eric Berlin, of Milford, author of The Puzzling World of Winston Breen, recently visited the Amity Middle School in Bethany, as shown in the photo at right, and delighted everyone with his presentation and puzzle filled game show, according to educators. Berlin is a member of the National Puzzlers’ League and has written a variety of puzzles, including crossword puzzles for the New York Times, educators said.
Berlin’s school program, sponsored by a grant from Wal-Mart of Derby, includes details about puzzles and how they relate to real-life problem solving. He presented many anecdotes that demonstrated what puzzles have taught him about keeping organized, about focusing on the main problem instead of getting lost in details, and about keeping a flexible mind, educators said.
Students were encouraged to visit his blog for more fun puzzles: www.winstonbreen.com/blog/

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — Top city officials are forming a task force to address concerns from residents living adjacent to Silver Sands State Park.
State House Speaker James Amann, D-Milford; state Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford; and Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr.; along with five neighbors, will comprise the panel.
Some of the concerns raised by residents include parking, flooding, debris, trespassing, and property encroachment.
"What we’ve accomplished at Silver Sands over the past decade is truly a remarkable transformation that everyone in Milford can be proud of," Amann said in a prepared statement. "With that progress though also comes a responsibility to ensure that residents living nearby share in that experience and that their quality of life is not compromised."
Amann, Slossberg and Richetelli will all co-chair the new task force, which is being called the Committee for the Benefit of the Silver Sands Community. The first official meeting is 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at City Hall. The co-chairmen will be joined by five residents: Kathryn Chicos, Sandra Haley, Michael Hawie, Thomas Rea, and Marsha Ziebell.
Slossberg said her phone — and Amann’s — recently started ringing from residents who live adjacent to the state park after the state Department of Environmental Protection sent letters to residents informing them that some items like fencing and sheds are erected on state land.
Slossberg said some residents felt threatened by the letters, as it’s been unclear for a long time what the boundary lines are. She noted that the residents used the land before it became part of the state park in the mid-1990s. A portion of Silver Sands used to serve as a landfill before its transformation.
Amann and Slossberg interceded on the residents’ behalf, and Slossberg said in some cases fencing and sheds were relocated, but ultimately the matter was handled amicably with the DEP.
Other concerns residents have raised include a lack of parking on streets, and worries that it would be difficult for emergency vehicles to navigate the narrow roads. Some people trek through residents’ yards to get to the beach, Slossberg said.
"We’ll meet and identify issues and come up with some solutions by working together," she said.
Richetelli said he is pleased to work with Slossberg, Amann and the residents to come up with solutions to their concerns.
"It is very important that our residents living around Silver Sands feel good about the growth of the park as a city attraction," Richetelli said.
Chicos said she is hopeful the committee can be successful in targeting long-term solutions.
Visit the All About Milford blog at Blog Central, www.nhregister.com.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

By James Tinley, Register Staff
MILFORD — The man charged with raping a young Salvadoran girl he was smuggling across the country pleaded not guilty Tuesday to all the charges levied against him.
Francisco Pascual could face 80 years in prison, if convicted on the charges of kidnapping and sexual assault, both in the first degree, risk of injury to a minor, third-degree assault and unlawful restraint. He is being held at the Bridgeport Correctional Center in lieu of $2 million bail.
Pascual, who was led into Superior Court in Milford wearing a white jumpsuit, didn’t utter a word during the hearing that only lasted minutes.
Pascual is being represented by Mark S. Solak, a defense lawyer in Hartford who is a former state prosecutor. Solak said he was retained by Pascual’s family, who live in Virginia. Solak would not comment on his client’s immigration status, but did say he was of Mexican descent.
Solak is not fluent in Spanish, but said both his paralegals are. “My client does have some English capacity,” Solak added. Tuesday was also the first time Solak met his client.
Pascual was arrested in December in Milford after a girl, who is younger than 13, was found wandering at a Boston Post Road gas station. She told police through the help of a New Haven police officer, who acted as a Spanish translator, that Pascual raped and assaulted her in a nearby hotel. The girl also told police that Pascual was transporting several other illegal immigrants and dropped them at various points across the country. When she was the only one left in the van, she told police, Pascual began touching her in a sexual manner, then held her against her will and raped her at the Milford hotel.
The girl’s parents, who live in the Boston area, told police they paid Pascual to bring their daughter to them from California. The girl is now in her parents’ care, police said. Authorities will not say whether the girl will be granted a special visa allowing her to stay in the country, nor will they say if the girl’s parents will face charges.
There are no federal charges against Pascual, but U.S. Immigration Control and Enforcement has placed a detainer on Pascual, which means that if he were to post bail he would be released into federal custody.
Superior Court Judge John Ronan entered the not guilty plea into the record and set Pascual’s next court date for Feb. 26. The month delay before Pascual’s next court date is because “considerable work remains to be done,” Ronan said.
Solak echoed that sentiment and said the case is complex. He said, “I only got the discovery package today.”
James Tinley can be reached at jtinley@nhregister.com or 876-3030. Visit the All About Milford blog at Blog Central, www.nhregister.com.

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD – Sparky, the dog that survived a brutal knife attack last month, is back at home after recovering from the infection that had forced him back into the hospital.
The 11-year-old Pomeranian-Pekinese mix was upgraded from fair to good condition and released from the hospital this week after undergoing a second surgery, said Dr. Donald DeForge his veterinarian at Silver Sands Veterinary Clinic.
Sparky, shown at right w ith his owner, Jack Vernon, initially underwent emergency surgery to stitch him back together after he was attacked in his front yard. Since the attack, the community has shown a great outpouring of support, donating more than $12,000 to Sparky's Quest for Justice, a fund established to create a reward for anyone that has information that leads to an arrest and a conviction in the animal cruelty case. Read the complete story here tomorrow or in the Register available in print, or online at http://www.nhregister.com/

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky is proposing a 6.39 percent budget increase from this year’s $78 million spending plan.
"No one is happy with my budget. Nobody," declared Polansky to Board of Education members Monday night and a room full of 50 administrators, parents and residents.
Polansky, seen at right in a 2007 photo, is proposing an $82.9 million budget for fiscal 2008-09, which is a $4.97 million increase.
Polansky said to ensure the same level of services requires a 5.46 percent increase, and that is contingent on special education needs not changing.
The superintendent said he cut $10 million from the initial budget submitted by administrators from the 15 schools.
"People say that is a wish list," Polansky said. "The educators are not happy. The taxpayers are probably not happy either with the 6.3 percent."
Alderman James Patterson, D-1, who attended the meeting, said at first glance a 6 percent budget increase is not likely to be supported.
"Six percent is quite high," Patterson said. "I don’t see 6 percent going through. It will be a tough sell."
The budget increase, Polansky said, is being driven largely by an arbitration award that gave teachers on average a 4.99 percent raise.
Of the $4.9 million increase, $2.48 million is due to the arbitrated and negotiated salary settlements.
Also, the district lost $230,000 in federal funds for a Title 1 position, which Polansky is hoping to fund in the operating budget.
Those positions include one math and three reading teachers, four paraprofessionals and one remedial paraprofessional.
The budget increase is also attributable to escalating costs of oil, $166,150; gasoline, $74,920; transportation, $400,000; and other special education mandates, $282,000.
Polansky said special education costs alone have spiked 9 percent.
A new program Polansky is hoping to fund includes an extended day alternative education program, which would give students who are not performing well an opportunity to improve their grades.
The program would be housed at "The Academy" on Gulf Street and cost $146,659.
Polansky defended his budget, saying the increase is comparable to those in other communities.
"It’s not out of line with other schools," school board Chairman David Hourigan, D-4, said of Polansky’s proposed budget.
Hourigan said that Trumbull, Monroe and Seymour school administrators are all seeking similar budget increases.
"There is not a lot of discretion in this budget," Polansky said. "I’m trying to be sensitive to the taxpayers while maintaining the rich reputation the school system enjoys."
The school board will vote on its budget at 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Parsons Government Center, Board of Education room.
Visit the All About Milford blog at Blog Central, www.nhregister.com.