Here's How to Report Price Gouging

Connecticut's price-gouging laws have taken effect because the governor declared a state of emergency.

The following restrictions apply:

• No one shall increase the price of any retail item in a location which is subject to a disaster emergency declaration issued by the Governor. This section shall not prohibit the usual fluctuation in price that occurs during the normal course of business. (Section 42-230)
• If consumers believe a business is charging an unreasonable price, or has raised its price to take advantage of the emergency, they can contact the Department of Consumer Protection at 1-800-842-2649.

Special thanks to State Senator Len Suzio for proactively sending this out.

Keeping posted, post-Sandy, in Wallingford

I am going to do a recap of what I have for news from all the sources as I have them.

Some of this data is from prior posts of mine and a bulk load of the information is from the Record Journal which has adapted quite well in driving real-time, local information for Wallingford.

So here we go:

https://twitter.com/SalMenzo
Dr. Sal Menzo‏@SalMenzo

All Wallingford Public Schools are open 10/31 except for Sheehan High School. Sheehan High School will be closed 10/31 and 11/1. #wpschools

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Portion of roof blown off Sheehan High School in storm

By Laurie Rich Salerno
Record-Journal staff
lsalerno@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2235
Twitter:@LaurieSalernoRJ

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HURRICANE SANDY - Electric Division - System Restoration
http://jasonzandri.blogspot.com/2012/10/hurricane-sandy-electric-division.html

http://www.town.wallingford.ct.us/News/newsView.asp?newsID=40968208

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Wallingford Electric Division working on power outages; 3,200 customers or 13 percent

http://www.myrecordjournal.com/wallingford/article_d129ebd6-2296-11e2-9496-0019bb2963f4.html 

By Laurie Rich Salerno
Record-Journal staff
lsalerno@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2235
Twitter:@LaurieSalernoRJ

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WALLINGFORD and CONNECTICUT; Outages by the numbers (as I have them at about 3:00PM 10/30/2012)

http://jasonzandri.blogspot.com/2012/10/wallingford-and-connecticut-outages-by.html 

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Keeping up to date:

I do the best I can keeping my blog up to date at Jason Zandri Wallingford Town Councilor but this is just me and a singular effort that happens as I get the information and as I have the time to post it.

I would recommend MyRecordJournal.com as they have the professional staff doing the digging.

From the social media side of things there are two Facebook groups I would recommend staying plugged into:

Concerned Parents Wallingford CT Board of Educ. Budget for the school related stuff (goes beyond the budget these days but that is how it was originally formed).

Wallingford CT Community Forum for town-wide general stuff.

WALLINGFORD and CONNECTICUT; Outages by the numbers (as I have them at about 3:00PM 10/30/2012)

Total CL&P Customers Served: 1,240,246

Total CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 451,107

% of CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 36%

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Total UI Customers Served: 320,150

Total UI Customers Reported Affected: 142,761

% of UI Customers Reported Affected: 44.59%

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Per the Record Journal article that I have cross posted at Wallingford Electric Division working on power outages; 3,200 customers or 13 percent

At the height of outages Monday night, 3,200 customers or 13 percent of the town was without power, but as of 6 a.m. today that number had lowered to 1,270 -- about 5 percent, according to Public Utilities Director George Adair.

Adair said he anticipates that by this afternoon the outage rate will be down to 400 customers and that by midnight Wednesday nearly all customers will be restored.

All Wallingford Public Schools are open 10/31 except for Sheehan High

Dr. Sal Menzo‏@SalMenzo

All Wallingford Public Schools are open 10/31 except for Sheehan High School.

Sheehan High School will be closed 10/31 and 11/1.

Damage to the roof at Sheehan High School

Trying to get more information – the Record Journal is all over it

HURRICANE SANDY - Electric Division - System Restoration

As originally posted via the Town of Wallingford website

Wallingford Electric Division (WED)

Press Release 8:00 AM October 30, 2012

Hurricane Sandy - Wallingford Electric Division (WED) System Restoration

The WED’s line restoration forces, along with crews from the WED’s overhead line contractor and tree contractor, continue work to restore power to our customers. Our efforts today are focused on repairing damage to the WED’s distribution lines in order to provide power to the greatest number of customers as quickly as possible. Once the WED system backbone is fully functional our forces will address the reconnection of individual customer services. Safety remains our primary concern and we will continue to address any hazardous conditions.

We estimate that at the peak of the storm damage last night approximately 3,200, or 13% of the WED’s customers were without power. As of this morning approximately 1,270, or 5% of our customers are without service. We expect that by 5:00 this afternoon we will have reduced the number of customers without service to approximately 400. Weather permitting we are estimating that power will be restored to all customers by midnight tomorrow, October 31. Due to the variety of problems that may affect individual customers’ service wires we are unable to provide a precise time at this point for restoration of service to a given customer.

At this point in the restoration process it is important that all customers who are without power determine whether there is damage to the service connection to their home or business. If any customer-owned facilities are damaged these facilities must be repaired by a licensed electrician before the WED can safely restore power. WED crews can only work on WED equipment. Customers who have questions regarding which components of their electrical service are their responsibility should contact the WED Customer Service Group at (203) 265-5055 or (203) 294-2020. Also, please see the STORM OUTAGES page on the Town’s website at www.wallingfordelectric.com for details regarding overhead facilities responsibilities and for other storm restoration information.

As our crews work to repair services to customers’ homes and businesses they will be addressing a number of cases where service lines are down, but the customers still have power. Our personnel will evaluate the condition of these services and in cases where the customers’ facilities are intact they will re-attach the service wires and customers will not experience an interruption. However, in cases where the customers’ facilities are damaged our crews will disconnect service and will re-connect service only after the customers’ facilities are repaired.

We also ask our customers who have emergency generators to use these devices properly in order to keep our linemen safe as they work to restore power. Please do not connect your home generator directly to your home or business’s wiring. The generator should be connected through an approved cut-off switch that will automatically disconnect the home or business from the power grid when the generator is being used. This work must be done by a licensed electrician.

We thank our customers for their understanding as we work to restore power to our community.

Wallingford Electric Division working on power outages; 3,200 customers or 13 percent

As published online at MyRecordJournal.com

By Laurie Rich Salerno
Record-Journal staff
lsalerno@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2235
Twitter:@LaurieSalernoRJ

WALLINGFORD - At the height of outages Monday night, 3,200 customers or 13 percent of the town was without power, but as of 6 a.m. today that number had lowered to 1,270 -- about 5 percent, according to Public Utilities Director George Adair.

"We feel very fortunate," Adair said of the storm's damage relative to that of the state's shoreline. "We have adequate forces to address what's here."

Adair said he anticipates that by this afternoon the outage rate will be down to 400 customers and that by midnight Wednesday nearly all customers will be restored.

Beyond that, there may be some individual property owners with damaged equipment that cannot be reconnected in that time frame, and may take longer.

The peak outage rate was less than that of each of last year's major storms, with 5,000 outages reported during Hurricane Irene, and 4,000 in the October nor'easter.

On Monday night, Adair said outages were not confined to one area, but were spread throughout town.

"The wind was sporadic and varied tremendously by location. It was just here and there," Adair said.

Chimney Hill Road sustained some of the greatest damage, Adair said, with several large trees down. Line and tree crews will be working today on that section of town.

Monday night Town Hall and the Fire Department in the town center lost power, but were brought up that night.

Adair said his crews -- 6 of the town's regular line crews, three out-of-town line crews, and 6 tree crews from a contractor -- focused more on safety Monday night than restoration, dealing with downed wires. Staff also worked to isolate damages that took down large swaths of customers to bring others back on.

Two crews stayed on overnight, and three more pre-ordered out-of-town crews are expected to arrive Tuesday. The division will not be asking for any mutual aid crews, Adair said.

For customers who haven't yet reported an outage, they should call 203-294-2020 during business hours and 203-265-5055 after hours. Those who can access the internet can look at wallingfordelectric.com for more information on their service.

Outages by the numbers (as I have them at 11:15AM 10/30/2012)

Total CL&P Customers Served: 1,240,246

Total CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 476,380

% of CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 38%

Total UI Customers Served: 320,150

Total UI Customers Reported Affected: 151,407

% of UI Customers Reported Affected: 47.29%

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The count that I have for Wallingford (second hand) was around 4,000 customers out of power at the height of the storm but because of the second hand nature there is no way to know the totals for sure until the Wallingford Electric Division reports out formally.

I have been reading online via Wallingford CT Community Forum that some folks have been coming online so we might be reducing the numbers.

As I can find out more I’ll follow up; I am not going to place calls myself to the Wallingford Electric Division and tie up a phone line with a question that doesn’t need a detailed answer right now

Outages by the numbers (as I have them at 12:15AM 10/30/2012)

This will be my last update before I head off to bed; the wind is still blowing and these number are very likely to go up some more.

---

Total CL&P Customers Served: 1,240,246

Total CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 494,013

% of CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 39%

Total UI Customers Served: 320,150

Total UI Customers Reported Affected: 143,251

% of UI Customers Reported Affected: 44.74%

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The counts I have for Wallingford (second hand) were between 2,500 and 3,500 customers out of power but because of the second hand nature there is no way to know the totals for sure until the Wallingford Electric Division reports out formally.

Their main job right now is to keep their crews safe and working as they are able, in an effort to restore the power and that’s what I am sure they’ll be doing overnight and into the morning.

Outages by the numbers (as I have them at 9:45PM 10/29/2012)

Total CL&P Customers Served: 1,240,246

Total CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 475,839

% of CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 38%

---

Total UI Customers Served: 320,150

Total UI Customers Reported Affected: 119,310

% of UI Customers Reported Affected: 37.27%

 

Not sure what the Wallingford numbers look like as they do not have an online report system but in order for them to be at the same percentage (about 37%) there would need to be about 9,000 customers out of the 24,000 serviced down. I doubt it was that many but we'll see

Wallingford Electric is living up to its reputation of being the best utility provider on Planet Earth

Total CL&P Customers Served: 1,240,246
Total CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 185,730
% of CL&P Customers Reported Affected: 14%
----
Total UI Customers Served: 320,150
Total UI Customers Reported Affected: 10,218
% of UI Customers Reported Affected: 3.19%
---
Total Wallingford Electric Customers Served: about 24,000
Total Wallingford Electric Customers Reported Affected: around 50
% of Wallingford Electric Customers Reported Affected: <1%

(As of 5:30PM 10/29/2012)

Storm Safety Information as shared to me by Elizabeth Esty

Dear Jason,

I hope that you, your family, friends, and loved ones are staying safe, staying home, and keeping prepared during the storm. I want to pass along information Congressman Murphy recently sent out related to storm preparedness and response. You have likely already received this information, but in emergency situations like we’re experiencing, I believe it doesn’t hurt to be extra certain.

If you haven’t already, I want to encourage you to please sign up for Connecticut’s emergency notification system by going to http://ct.gov/ctalert/site/default.asp.

Governor Malloy has also set up a website to provide the latest announcements and preparedness information on Hurricane Sandy at http://ct.gov/sandy.

Also, here’s a state government website with how to information on creating an emergency supply kit - http://www.governor.ct.gov/malloy/cwp/view.asp?Q=512922&A=4010.

If you need help finding an emergency shelter, please call 2-1-1.

And go to http://www.ct.gov/demhs/cwp/view.asp?a=1933&q=463414&demhsNav_GID=1996, for more information including insurance questions, disaster planning, and debris maintenance.

Sandy Now Largest Atlantic Storm Ever on Northeast Path

Winds picked up a little (above)

Video stream from Fairfield as of 10:43AM 10/29/2012

Sandy Now Largest Atlantic Storm Ever on Northeast Path

Connecticut Light and Power Outage Map

http://www.cl-p.com/outage/outagemap.aspx

This obviously does not indicate our power situation but it will give you an indication on what is going on around us.

Information is updated every 15 minutes.

Wallingford Public Schools are closed Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30

Wallingford Public Schools are closed Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30 due to the impending storm. #wpschools

https://www.facebook.com/wallingfordschools

WALLINGFORD: STORM and NATURAL DISASTER INFORMATION

As posted on the Town of Wallingford Website:

Wallingford Police Department Storm and Natural Disaster Information

“In our constant concern for the safety and welfare of the community, the Wallingford Police request that you take note of the hurricane preparation information provided in this document.”

Emergency Calls 9-1-1
Reporting of Routine Power Outages: (203) 265-5055
Routine Police and Fire Department Services: (203) 294-2800

Know the Difference

Hurricane Watch
Hurricane conditions are a threat within 36 hours. Review your hurricane plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued.

Hurricane Warning
Hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.

Preparation Tips

• In advance of the storm, if you have catch basins located near your home make sure they are clear of leaves/sand/debris.

• If you are on well water, store at least one gallon of water per person for 3 days.

Preparation Recommendations

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service.
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
• Fill your car’s gas tank
• Create an evacuation plan
• Plan routes to local shelters
• Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
• Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days  -- non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices, foods for infants or the elderly, snack foods, non-electric can opener, cooking tools / fuel, paper plates / plastic utensils
• First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
• Flashlight / Batteries
• Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
• Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery
• Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards- Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
• Keys
• Documents – put in a waterproof container or watertight re-sealable plastic bag and keep in a safe place (insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc).
  • Social security cards
  • Proof of residence (deed or lease)
  • Insurance policies
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Stocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificates
  • Wills, deeds, copies of recent tax returns
• Pet care items for home and evacuation to a shelter. Proper identification / immunization records / medications ample supply of food and water a carrier or cage, muzzle and leash

Shelter Information

The shelter, if and when declared open, will be The Emergency Management Shelter, 37 Hall Road (off Cook Hill Road), Wallingford, CT 06492.

WHAT TO BRING TO A SHELTER

• Photo identification (Driver's License)
• Baby food/formula, diapers, wipes, teething gel, ointment
• Change of clothing
• Blankets
• Food & snacks, non-perishable, 3 day supply
• Sleeping bags
• Cell phone
• Pillows
• Flashlight & extra batteries
• Hygiene or sanitary products
• Battery powered radio & extra batteries
• Medications, prescription & over-the-counter
• Eyeglasses
• Entertainment (toys, books, games, etc.)
• Dentures
• Cash, checkbook, credit cards

Other Information

Flood Prone Areas
This storm is forecasted to produce a large amount of rainfall. This may cause extensive flooding of streams and rivers that will quickly overrun their banks. This causes an extremely dangerous situation for residents as well as public safety workers. Plans should be made to voluntarily evacuate these flood prone areas.

Vehicles Crossing Moving Water
Most cars will float (and be swept away) in 18-24 inches of moving water. Trucks and SUVs are not much better with only 6-12 more inches of clearance. Creeks and rivers can rise very rapidly and the road bottoms can also wash away making the water much deeper than it appears.

Traffic Control
Power outages mean traffic lights will be out!
Police officers will not be able respond to every intersection. Motorist must stop at all intersections that have inoperable traffic lights to make sure that it is safe to proceed.

Down Utilities Wires
Any down utility wires should be considered live. Live utility wires will cause catastrophic injury. Stay clear and notify Wallingford Public Utilities at (203) 265-5055.

Other Important Links

www.ready.gov
www.ct.gov
www.redcross.org
www.nhc.noaa.gov

WALLINGFORD: STORM OUTAGES - How to Prepare and Manage

From the Town of Wallingford Website

Extended Outage Information

• Down or Sagging Wires Safety
• Medical Exemption Status
• Generator Safety
• Tips for Staying in Your Home During Extended Power Outages
• Tree Trimming and Debris Removal
• Overhead Facilities Responsibilities

Wallingford CT Community Forum

If you live in Wallingford CT, Wayne Harriman has started a community group to help keep you up to speed on Hurricane Sandy, and where you can post info, tips, links, or anything else that may be of help to Wallingford residents over the next few days.

Feel free to join the group, we have 59 members already and would love to see more come and join us and interact in the group. When the storm is over, we'll maintain the group as a place where Wallingford residents can come and talk about local events and news of importance to them. Here's the link:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/335396073224324/

Following up regarding Scrapping light poles

There was a story in the Wednesday October 24th edition of the Record Journal titled Scrapping light poles: Is it such a bright idea? which I have cross posted to my Wallingford Politico blog.

I started the follow up yesterday with my “MY TAKE - Scrapping light poles: Is it such a bright idea?” post and it seems there’s more to discuss.

I followed up this morning again with Purchasing Agent Sal Amadeo by phone to formally let him know that Public Utilities Director George Adair indicated to me that he is scrapping all the fixtures working or not. As he indicated to me and to the Record Journal:

“We (the Wallingford Electric Division) don’t consider them suitable. We (the Wallingford Electric Division) do not want to perpetuate the use of them. We (the Wallingford Electric Division) consider them truly to be scrap.”

I then asked Purchasing Agent Sal Amadeo should that assessment, that the ornamental fixtures being taken down were of no value, been made by the Public Utilities Director or by the town’s Purchasing Agent.

He indicated that normally as part of his duties as the Purchasing Agent that he would otherwise handle “surplus property disposition” whether the decision be to recycle the materials or to try to sell them. He also indicated that to find out any further, specific details around the present situation that I should follow up with Mayor Dickinson.

I placed a call to Mayor Dickinson and he pretty much concurred with Public Utilities Director George Adair that the ornamental fixtures being taken down were of no value.

I countered asking, “perhaps no value to us as we did not have any desire to use them anywhere in town (and whether we could or not is in dispute; they do function but they are difficult to maintain) but beyond that, how could we automatically assume that no one anywhere couldn’t?

While I didn’t use this example in my conversation with the Mayor, I have sold many of my old computers after I was finished with them. They were no longer of any use to me as I had reached a point of doing more with them than those systems could handle. Having said that, for someone that wanted to use them for just email and some word processing, those “no value to me” as a high, power user, systems had value to those users and I often could resell an $800.00 system for $150.00 to $200.00.

So I am still following up.

To me, I do not understand how Wallingford reached a decision that these ornamental fixtures being taken down were of no value because the person that normally handles this work, the town Purchasing Agent, did not perform their responsibility as it was not requested of him.

I do not know how the Public Utilities Director reached his decision and based on what practice and whether or nor decisions like this were done in the past.

At this point I need more information to understand why this occurred the way it did and I will need to continue to ask and follow up.

I expect more to come. Stay tuned.

MY TAKE - Scrapping light poles: Is it such a bright idea?

There was a story in the Wednesday October 24th edition of the Record Journal titled Scrapping light poles: Is it such a bright idea? which I have cross posted to my Wallingford Politico blog.

I have followed up on this because I feel there may be some miscommunication or a misunderstanding regarding these fixtures; perhaps mine, perhaps others’ understanding, but some clarification is needed.

So to begin with let’s look at the fixtures. I do not disagree with Public Utilities Director George Adair’s assessment of the fixtures – they are very old, they are of non-standard design and as such (regarding both age and design), more difficult to continue to use and maintain. Replacing them is the right thing to do as a part of the natural progression and upkeep program.

What I would say however is they might be of use elsewhere in Wallingford. I understand Public Utilities Director George Adair’s position that “We (the Wallingford Electric Division) don’t consider them suitable. We (the Wallingford Electric Division) do not want to perpetuate the use of them. We (the Wallingford Electric Division) consider them truly to be scrap.”

These lights, I believe, belong to the Town of Wallingford, as they were purchased with funds we provided to the Wallingford Electric Division as part of their budget and in the end, the Town of Wallingford owns the Wallingford Electric Division.

If a light being taken down is truly broken and otherwise unusable I understand the desire to recycle / scrap it.

Having said that, if the fixture is working, the Town of Wallingford may wish to deploy it elsewhere and save $3,000.00 for brand new units in an area that could leverage them. As Town Councilor Fishbein keenly pointed out – we are presently creating a “temporary” parking area at the Wooding Caplan site; isn’t it logical to re-use some of those fixtures there even if just temporarily rather than spending for brand new lighting fixtures? If we need ten of them there that saves $30,000.00.

Also, I believe the purview of getting rid of WORKING fixtures falls to the Purchasing Agent Sal Amadeo. One of that department’s responsibilities as outlined at http://www.town.wallingford.ct.us/Content/Purchasing.asp is to be responsible for “surplus property disposition”

I called Purchasing Agent Sal Amadeo today to let him know that I spoke with Public Utilities Director George Adair and that Mr. Adair indicated to me that he is scrapping all the fixtures working or not. I believe that Mr. Adair is executing his responsibly the way he feels he should be (without malice) but I feel that these light fixtures have more than scrap metal value to the Town of Wallingford and as the owners of the fixtures I believe the Town of Wallingford should either re-use them suitably or try to sell them to another entity that might want them.

Ten cents on the dollar selling them to an entity that wants them is better than pennies on the dollar as scrap metal.

I’ll let you know what I find out regarding my calls into Town Hall in the AM. I have to follow up with new calls as I missed getting in touch with people at the end of the day while my cell service was down in the tunnels under New York City on the train ride home at 4:50PM.

As we all know, it’s not like I can follow up by email and get an answer early in the AM; that would be way too efficient.

AGENDA WALLINGFORD REGULAR TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT

REGULAR TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

Town Council Chambers

TUESDAY

October 23, 2012

6:30 P.M

AGENDA

Opening Prayer –Reverend Dee Ann Dodd, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Wallingford

1. Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call

2. Correspondence

3. Consent Agenda

3a. Consider and Approve Tax Refunds totaling $5,446.31 (#266 - #293)Acct. # 001-1000-010-1170 - Tax Collector

3b. Consider and Approve a Budget Amendment in the Amount of $26,800 from Appropriation to Cash to Various Accounts (eleven) – Sewer Division

3c. Consider and Approve a Budget Amendment in the Amount of $4,800 to Appropriation and to Cash from Various Accounts (twenty) – Water Division

3d. Consider and Approve a Transfer – Local 1183 Wages in the Amount of $120,019 from Contingency-Accrued Expenses Acct 10019000-58821 to Various Accounts (twenty-three) – Personnel

3e. Consider and Approve a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to make application to the Department of Social Services for a Human Resource Development (HRD) program in the Amount of $53,844, effective January 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014, to provide additional information as may be requested, to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name of and on behalf of the Town and to act as the authorized representative of the Town of Wallingford – Program Planning

3f. Consider and approve an Agreement between the Town of Wallingford and SCOW to fulfill all terms and conditions of the Human Resource Development (HRD) Grant - Program Planning

3g. Approve minutes of Regular Town Council meeting of October 9, 2012

4. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda

5. PUBLIC QUESTION & ANSWER PERIOD

6. Consider and Approve a Budget Amendment in the Amount of $80,000 to Appropriation from Cash to Maintenance of Structures & Improvements Acct # 43100651 – Water Division

7. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver for online services from SchoolDude – Board of Education

8. Report out on performance of the Ambulance Transport Division for 1st Quarter of FY 2012-13 – Fire Chief

9. Acceptance and Appropriation of FEMA Grant to Ambulance Transport Enterprise Fund in the Amount of $151,494 to Grant Revenue Acct (New Line to be established) and to Cardiac Monitors Acct (New Line to be established)- Fire Department

10. Acceptance and Appropriation of Wallingford Energy, LLC Grant to Ambulance Transport Enterprise Fund in the Amount of $3,500 to Grant Revenue Acct (New Line to be established) and to Cardiac Monitors (New Line to be established)- Fire Department

11. Consider and Approve a Transfer in the Amount of $11,650 for Ambulance Transport Enterprise Fund to Cardiac Monitors Acct (New Line to be established) from Regular Salaries and Wages Acct 50020155-51000 – Fire Department

12. Discussion and Possible Action with regard to the latest bid submission for 41 South Main Street property and the former American Legion Building – Chairman Robert Parisi

13. Discussion and Possible Action for Appointing a Town Parking Authority – Councilor Nick Economopoulos

14. Executive Session pursuant to §1-200 (6)(D) of the Connecticut General Statutes with respect to the purchase, sale and/or leasing of property – Mayor

15. Executive Session pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §1-225(f) and §1-200(6)(B) to discuss the following tax appeals:

(a) Respironics, Inc. v. Town of Wallingford

(b) PMC Realty, LLC v. Town of Wallingford

(c) Plaza 15-5, LLC v. Town of Wallingford

-Law Department

16. Motion to consider and approve the settlement of the Respironics, Inc. v. Town of Wallingford tax appeal matter as discussed in Executive Session – Law Department

17. Motion to consider and approve the settlement of the PMC Realty, LLC v. Town of Wallingford tax appeal matter as discussed in Executive Session – Law Department

18. Discussion and possible action regarding the matter of the Plaza 15-5, LLC v. Town of Wallingford tax appeal matter as discussed in Executive Session – Law Department

Oct. 23 is last day to register to vote

WALLINGFORD — The final day to register to vote by mail is Oct. 23. Applications must be received by this date.

All registrations must be in person from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24 through Oct. 30, in the registrars’ office, Room 211, Town Hall.

The office will have extended hours until 8 p.m. Oct. 30.

Visitors may enter the Town Hall after 5 p.m.by the automatic doors in the left rear of the building.

For assistance with absentee ballots, contact the town clerk’s office.

Councilor Zandri undecided on mayoral campaign

As published in the Record Journal Tuesday October 9, 2012

By Laurie Rich Salerno
Record-Journal staff
lsalerno@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2235
Twitter:@LaurieSalernoRJ

WALLINGFORD - Another well-known Democrat may be entering the 2013 race for mayor.

Town Councilor Jason Zandri is mulling whether he’ll join fellow Democratic Councilor Nick Economopoulos in the race to unseat longtime incumbent William W. Dickinson Jr.

After a Democratic Town Committee meeting Wednesday night, Zandri, 43, said he was considering a run but had not yet made a final decision, citing family, work and town committee considerations.

The committee does not officially endorse candidates until the summer before an election, according to town Democratic Chairman Vincent Avallone. Economopoulos announced his intent after the November 2011 town election and reaffirmed it recently to the Record-Journal.

Vincent Testa, who has run twice for mayor and lost, also said recently that he hadn’t decided if he will run again.

Economopoulos said Wednesday night that if his Democratic colleague runs, he would likely throw him his support. If not, he will probably stay in the race.

“I just want a true, transparent, fair government, that’s it. And I’ll support anybody who will run it that way,” Economopoulos said.

Avallone confirmed that he and Zandri had had a discussion about a potential run about a month ago, and the two talked about what it would take, including personal and other sacrifices.

“He’s certainly qualified, energetic and well-known … if he wants to do it,” Avallone said, but added that Zandri had not made a decision and that the committee doesn’t endorse any candidate until the summer. “He has not announced — he has not made a decision.”

Zandri was elected to the Town Council in November 2011, after an initial failed bid in 2007 as an independent. He followed in the footsteps of his father Geno, a 10-year town councilor. The elder Zandri made his own unsuccessful run for mayor in 1999.

The younger Zandri would provide a marked contrast to the incumbent mayor.

While Dickinson has not been a proponent of technology in Town Hall — allowing only a few town departments Internet access — Zandri works as a computer systems engineer at Bloomberg in New York City. A blogger, he is also active on Twitter and Facebook.

He is well known in town, having organized several high profile events through his family’s restaurant, Zandri’s Stillwood Inn, including a recent presidential debate party two weeks ago that got him an interview on CNN. Jason Zandri and fellow Town Councilor Craig Fishbein, a Republican, have also created a fund to pay for the town’s Fourth of July fireworks, since they have been cut from the town’s budget.

Dickinson said Wednesday night that, in the midst of the 2012 election season, the 2013 race for mayor is not yet on his radar.

“I try not to concentrate on that until I absolutely have to,” Dickinson said.

Zandri said whoever runs against Dickinson will likely have to start campaigning soon.

“When anybody’s going to run against an entrenched incumbent you have to start earlier,” Zandri said.

Zandri

Testa

Economopoulos

Oct. 23 is last day to register to vote

WALLINGFORD — The final day to register to vote by mail is Oct. 23. Applications must be received by this date.

All registrations must be in person from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24 through Oct. 30, in the registrars’ office, Room 211, Town Hall.

The office will have extended hours until 8 p.m. Oct. 30.

Visitors may enter the Town Hall after 5 p.m.by the automatic doors in the left rear of the building.

For assistance with absentee ballots, contact the town clerk’s office.

Full HD version of my CNN appearance discussing the first Presidential Debate of the 2012 campaign

My buddy Nick D'Emanuele was able to pull of his DVR my CNN appearance as well as get me a nice clean HD version so with that I am reposting it below

Thanks again Nick D'Emanuele from Endecom Computer Services

Jason Zandri, Jerry Labriola comment on first Presidential debate

As published in the Record Journal, Friday October 5, 2012

By Russell Blair
Record-Journal staff
rblair@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2225
Twitter:@RussellBlairRJ

WALLINGFORD — The airwaves Thursday morning were full of pundits and politicians discussing the first debate between President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger Mitt Romney, and town residents had a chance to hear a familiar face weigh in on the contest.

Democratic Town Councilor Jason Zandri appeared on “CNN Newsroom” with anchor Carol Costello, discussing his own take on the debate and the feeling of the 80 to 90 people who attended a public debate watch party he organized at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn, his family’s banquet facility.

“Voters were there, they were watching Obama, and some people say he appeared rather lifeless, so what was their reaction to his performance?” Costello asked.

“I think a lot of the people that were in attendance, they were set to see a full-on charge by President Obama and I think they were a little bit surprised at how strongly candidate Romney came out,” Zandri said.

Republican State Chairman Jerry Labriola Jr., a town resident, said he believed the strong debate performance would help Romney in the polls.

“I think we’ll see a swing that puts Gov. Romney in the lead nationally and trailing by single digits in Connecticut,” he said.

Polls by Quinnipiac University this week showed Obama leading Romney 49 percent to 45 percent among likely voters nationwide and 54 percent to 42 percent in Connecticut.

“I think Romney did well,” said Republican Town Chairman Robert Prentice, a Romney backer who watched the debate from home. “I think anytime there was a statement he thought was incorrect, he came back quickly. I liked the fact that he wasn’t getting pushed around.”

But Zandri, an Obama supporter, said that even if the president didn’t perform as well as Romney, with the election a month away, most voters have made up their minds, though there are still a small number of undecided voters up for grabs.

“I think, with these debates, the people are already set in who they’re going to vote for,” he said. “They’re there trying to solidify the reason they picked their candidate.”

Zandri’s advice for Obama was to “double down on what he’s already good at, take this as a learning lesson and keep moving forward.”

Taping at CNN’s Manhattan studio at Columbus Circle wasn’t difficult for Zandri, who works at Bloomberg, about six blocks away. The show’s staff found him through the debate watch party, which he organized online.

The appearance lasted about two minutes, but Zandri spent substantially more time preparing, putting on makeup and getting ready for the segment, which started at about 9:40 a.m.

“I was a little bit nervous,” he said. “I think the biggest thing I did prior to this was a little interview on News Channel 8.”

rblair@record-journal.com (203) 317-2225 Twitter: @RussellBlairRJ

CNN

Jason Zandri talks with CNN’s Carol Costello Thursday about the presidential debate.

26th Annual CELEBRATE WALLINGFORD is this weekend

Quick note – I will be there this weekend, weather permitting – Sunday may be up in the air. I will be collecting donations for the Wallingford Fireworks Fund. Hope to see you there

 

As published in the supplement to the Record Journal on Friday October 5, 2012

By Elizabeth Landow , Executive Director, Wallingford Center Inc.

Once again, it is time for CELEBRATE WALLINGFORD!! The first weekend in October marks the biggest event of the year. It is the time of the year that we can truly appreciate this wonderful town we live in!

After five years in our Hall Street location, we are excited to be holding the event up at the South and North Main Streets location.

This is a wonderful opportunity to 'taste' the specialties of many of Wallingford's finest restaurants and recognize the civic and non-profit organizations that help make this town what it is! Please stop by and admire the handicraft of the many participating crafters and be sure to check out the businesses that are participating this year – there are several new local entrepreneurs who have decided to showcase their businesses at the festival.

For the fourth year, we will be hosting a Homemade pie contest – the judges can't wait to taste the wonderful entries this year and as always we have a delightful selection of music scheduled to entertain you.

WCI is thrilled once again to join forces with the Health Department and the Wallingford Family YMCA to present the 3rd Annual Activate Wallingford Health Walk and we are happy to announce that theca will be hosting a 'Fitness Fun Zone', in the Holy Trinity School parking lot. Please stop by to see what all the excitement is about!

A new addition this year is the 'New' Car Show!! Several of Wallingford's car dealers will be displaying the exciting new models of cars in the parking lot behind Simpson Court.

Another exciting feature this year is the 'Harvest Fair' down at the gazebo – please walk down to the railroad station green where you can find several of the local farmers selling pumpkins, mums and all sorts of things to get you into the Autumn mood and along the way be sure to stop by the local stores and shop a bit and pay special attention to the youth groups that will have a tent on the sidewalks – these kids will be showcasing their organizations and selling their fundraisers.

And last but not least – please walk through the Cemetery and view the wonderful artwork done by area adults and children and organized by Easel Works and take a moment to admire the beautiful Cemetery that is so well – maintained and is a truly a treasured part of Wallingford's history.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Wallingford Center, Inc., I would like to thank our major sponsors, Stop & Shop, Mid-State Medical and Ferguson &McGuire As well as our other sponsors: Nucor, John J. Kovacs Insurance and Plunske's Garage for their continued support to Celebrate Wallingford. WCI is fortunate to have the support of Mayor Dickinson and the town officials. If not for the help of our volunteers and dedicated town employees this event would not be possible. On a personal note – I would like to thanks all the WCI Board members who selflessly dedicate their time and energy to do whatever is needed to make this a successful event year after year.

Please come down and spend the day with us and CELEBRATE WALLINGFORD!!

REMINDER - Jason Zandri scheduled to appear on CNN's Newsroom with Carol Costello (TODAY) Thursday, October 4th at 9:30AM

I was contacted by Turner Broadcasting / CNN and asked to appear on CNN's Newsroom with Carol Costello scheduled for this morning, Thursday, October 4th at 9:30AM as part of the discussion around the Presidential Debate that was held last night and the public response to the candidates’ dialog.

As you may know, we hosted the Public Presidential Debate Watch at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn last night. It was through the posting of the public event that facilitated the contact and I’m excited for the opportunity to be on the program this morning.

Please tune in to CNN Newsroom with Carol Costello this morning Thursday, October 4th at 9:30AM for the news and review.

Zandri plans debate-watching party

As published in the Record Journal, Thursday September 27, 2012

By Russell Blair
Record-Journal staff
rblair@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2225
Twitter:@RussellBlairRJ

WALLINGFORD — Democratic Town Councilor Jason Zandri is inviting the public to a viewing party at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn for the first presidential debate on Wednesday, Oct. 3.

Zandri organized a similar event in 2008 that drew 50 to 60 people. He’s hoping for a bigger turnout this year.

“I wanted to see if we could do it more formally,” Zandri said. “I want it to be as nonpartisan as possible. The debate itself is always interesting. And when you get 100 people in a room you get to hear different perspectives, which are always refreshing.”

The event is scheduled from 7 to 11 p.m. at the banquet hall, at 1074 S. Colony Road.

The debate between Democratic President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney will take place with five weeks remaining before Election Day.

“Debating is a muscle that doesn’t get used very often,” said Alan Schroeder, a journalism professor at Northeastern University and the author of “Presidential Debates: Forty Years of High-Risk TV.”

“Mitt Romney is better toned because he came off 20plus primary debates,” Schroeder said. “President Obama has not been on a debate stage in four years.”

Zandri said he supports Obama, but he is still looking forward to hearing what both candidates say.

“There’s always more substance,” he said. “This gives more background and depth and helps you understand the candidate’s line of thinking. It divulges better what they are running on.”

Republican Town Councilor John LeTourneau, a Romney supporter, said the presidential debates are usually informative, “but it depends on how it’s done and what are the questions asked.”

“If there are hard questions and hard answers, you get to know the person a little better,” he said.

LeTourneau said he doesn’t want to see the candidates attack each other.

“I want to hear what you are going to do to fix the fix that we’re in,” he said.

Wednesday’s debate, to be held in Denver, will focus on domestic policy. A second debate, a town hall-style session, is scheduled for Oct. 16 in Hempstead, N.Y., and the final debate, on foreign policy, is slated for Oct. 22 in Boca Raton, Fla.

Romney’s running mate, Paul Ryan, and Vice President Joe Biden have a debate on Oct. 11 in Danville, Ky.

Several national polls show Obama leading by three to six percentage points, but the president has a wider margin in Connecticut.

According to a Quinnipiac University poll last month, Obama leads Romney 52 percent to 45 percent among likely voters in Connecticut. Twelve percent of Obama voters and 12 percent of Romney backers said they might change their minds.

Information from the Associated Press is included in this report.

Jason Zandri scheduled to appear on CNN's Newsroom with Carol Costello on Thursday, October 4th at 9:30AM

I was contacted by Turner Broadcasting / CNN and asked to appear on CNN's Newsroom with Carol Costello on Thursday, October 4th at 9:30AM as part of the discussion around the Presidential Debate planned for Wednesday evening and the public response to the candidates’ dialog.

As you may know, we are hosting the Public Presidential Debate Watch at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn. It was through the posting of the public event that facilitated the contact and I’m excited for the opportunity.

We have seating for up to 350 people so we are really hoping for a lot of participation and now with this invitation I will be looking for constituent feedback for the discussion the following morning.

We hope you can join us Wednesday October 3rd; the debate starts at 9PM but the facility will be open at 7PM for people to come on down and engage in dialog and discussion.

If you cannot join us but will be watching from home please tune in to CNN Newsroom with Carol Costello on Thursday, October 4th at 9:30AM for the news and review.

REMINDER - Public Presidential Debate Watch -Wednesday, October 3, 2012 7:00 PM

If you are already planning to watch the presidential debate please consider joining us - one and all - and engage in the discussion and participate.

The event is free - the doors open at 7PM and the debate starts at 9PM

https://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gsbdg2

Public Presidential Debate Watch  (2012 Debate Watch Party)

#2012debates: The first presidential debate of the 2012 election is Wednesday, October 3rd. The public is invited to gather to this free event to watch the debate together and make plans to get involved for the final month of the election. Join us for what is sure to be a fun evening!

While not actually nonpartisan one and all are invited to watch, discuss and debate.

Time: Wednesday, October 3, 2012 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Host: Jason Zandri

Location:
Zandri's Stillwood Inn
1074 South Colony RD
Wallingford, CT 06492