Ordinarily, budget action is completed by June. But this year, June became July... then summer became fall... Just when the state was beginning to think a bonding package may never be agreed upon, two days shy of November, the legislature finally passed a bonding bill. And this time around, it's a bonding package that the Governor has vowed to sign.

Debates on affordability and legislative oversights led to months of negotiations and a potential lawsuit on behalf of many Connecticut towns. On October 9, Governor Rell vetoed the legislature's $3.2 billion bonding package stating that it was unaffordable for the people of Connecticut. "The time has come for the state of Connecticut to live within its means," Rell wrote in her veto statement.

The super majority's plans to override the Governor's veto were hampered by one of their own, Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury). The vetoed bonding bill included $950 million for Connecticut universities, but failed to include language that allowed for proper legislative oversight of that allocation. Because of this, Hartley, the last vote needed for the override, refused to vote with her Democratic colleagues.

After being forced into further negotiations, on October 30, the House and Senate unanimously approved a $2.8 billion bond package. The final bill contained language that provided for independent oversight and annual audits for the Connecticut university allocation. It also included $2 million to reimburse any towns that need financing because of the state's delays.

Just as the dust settles on the bonding issue, there is already talk within the Legislative Office Building that another special session may be convened to address the AT&T cable issue. So far, there are only rumors, and all indications are that the 2007 legislative session has finally come to an end and that all eyes are on 2008.

It's hard to believe that Election Day is almost here! Only four more days until 131 towns across Connecticut get out the vote for mayor, first selectman, and other municipal offices. That's just enough time to get the scoop on a few more municipal races!

Bridgeport
Following his loss to State Senator Bill Finch in the Democratic mayoral primary in Bridgeport, State Rep. Chris Caruso filed a lawsuit to challenge the election results. During the week-long hearing, Caruso's lawyer outlined 22 alleged violations of election law during the primary voting. Caruso asserted that this fraud or abuse by city officials during the primary tainted the outcome of the election. Caruso lost the primary by 270 votes.

Superior Court Judge John Blawie dismissed Caruso's lawsuit in a 20-page decision. "Political contests inherently produce strong emotions on both sides," the judge wrote. "This primary was no exception, compounded by the fact that this was the first election using the new paper ballot system and optical-scan voting technology, all under time constraints." The judge acknowledged that it was "possible" that some aspects of the primary may not have been as well managed as possible, but held that the inconsistencies cited were not enough to overturn the election results.

Finch will now be up against Republican candidate Michael Garrett and several third party candidates in Tuesday's election.

Waterbury
The Democratic candidate for mayor in Waterbury, third term incumbent Michael Jarjura, is also a former state representative. The Republican candidate is current State Rep. Tony D'Amelio. Yet it seems to be Independent candidate, Alderman Dennis Odle, who is making the most waves in Waterbury.

Odle became the Independent candidate after losing the Republican primary to D'Amelio. Odle created controversy after his campaign ran a full-page ad in a free, monthly tabloid in Waterbury that accused Mayor Jarjura of spending more time on his personal business than city issues. The ad included seven allegations of how Jarjura has abused his power.

The running of the ad caused backlash from all sides. "I just feel he's being misled and taken by the Independents, their style and their platform and running with it," said D'Amelio, "It's just bashing." Jarjura also responded to the attack, "I knew Dennis would have to compromise his principals to some degree when he joined the Independent party. I guess I didn't anticipate how far he would have to go."

Odle said that the ad was printed in error. He explained that questioning Jarjura's business dealings is fair game in a campaign, but that the campaign would source all allegations in the future.

It's not often that two competing major party candidates agree on something so close to an election, but this incident appears to have caused the improbable. Just a few more days until we see how this may affect the election.

New Britain
Republican Mayor Tim Stewart has also been the center of controversy. A conversation between Stewart and dispatch over flooding issues in the city back in October 2005 was recently posted on YouTube. In the recording, Stewart uses profane terms to describe an irate woman who called him to complain about the flooding, and firefighters and other city workers handling the flooding.

Stewart believes that the tape was obtained by the local firefighters union, with which he has an estranged relationship as a former firefighter. The union denies any involvement. "In crisis situations, people say a lot of things and we regret what we say from time to time, but I didn't use it in a way that was harmful to anyone in anyway," Stewart said.

Stewart's Democratic opponent, Alderman Jim Wyskiewicz, also denied any involvement with the tape, but added, "It's appalling. It's shocking. I think the tape speaks for itself."

Despite the bad press, Stewart still seems to be a contender for reelection. According to the Mayor's spokesman, Pete Steele, of the 250 people that attending one of Stewart's recent fundraisers, about half of them were Democrats. With Democrats boasting a 4-to-1 majority in New Britain, Steele said, "You don't get elected without them." This race may still be up for grabs.

West Haven
There's a ton of buzz coming out of the West Haven race for mayor. One term incumbent, Mayor John Picard, who beat former Republican mayor Richie Borer, is now facing a last minute contender - Dorinda Boer, wife of the former mayor! It's a battle. The fight is all over economic development and increasing the city's tax base through a large development. It should be an interesting final week.

Simsbury
Former chief of staff to Lt. Governor Kevin Sullivan and former first selectperson for the town, Mary Glassman, is at it again! She's challenging Republican incumbent Thomas Vincent for the chance to return to a job she held from 1991 to 1999. After running for Lt. Governor last fall, Glassman found she still enjoyed the ups and down of elected office. She's decided that the best way to serve people is to take back the reins in her adopted home town. Glassman even hit the air waves this week on the powerhouse radio station WTIC 1080 to bring her campaign message to the voters. This is one to watch.

For more information on the mayoral, first selectmen, and other top office candidates in your town, please click the link below. And if you live in any of the 131 towns holding elections, go try out the new optical scanner voting machines next Tuesday, November 6!

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