Comments for The Blog that Works

Comment on We have accomplished much together by Full Disclosure

Full Disclosure — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:33:02 +0000

Congratulations Mr. Mayor ! You did a lot and deserve the praise that you are getting as you leave office. 14 years is a long time in Politics and in the same position. Thanks again for your service to the citizens of Stamford and good luck in your run for Governor.

Comment on Scofieldtown Area Remediation Task Force by Mr Greenpeace

Mr Greenpeace — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:09:54 +0000

shame The Advocate can’t provide some interaction with its readers,the same thing is now going on in Norwalk.Go to Topix for the real deal.

Comment on Scofieldtown Area Remediation Task Force by Tom Moore

Tom Moore — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:08:19 +0000

Mr. Mayor,
Appreciate the task force since I have one of the homes with a contaminated well and appreciate all the energy put in to completing a task that should have been done years ago.

I hope that along with ensuring that city water reaches all the homes shortly that some learnings will be made. First, communications is essential and the city should assign someone to be a communications director….for example last night the Board of Finance who actually suggested the idea of the taskforce 4 weeks ago had no idea it had been formed!
Second, protocol and process may need to be followed obviously to avoid pitfalls but the public has a right to know what that protocol and process is. Finally, no one on the city staff seems to have the experience to know the health risks nor the environmental risks associated with this tragedy and in the same manner no one has addressed the mental anquish this has caused…..did the city ever call the Red Cross to let them know that Dr. Lee had declared this a Public Health Emergency ….lots of steps were missed if this was a demonstration of Emergency Preparedness.
Tom Moore

Comment on A Safer Community by deez nuts

deez nuts — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:29:01 +0000

Shut the hell hell up Jeff Jonas u dont know what u are talking about

Comment on Stamford Ends the Year with a Surplus by Michael

Michael — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:08:47 +0000

I’ll start off by saying that I’m an Independent, I’m no fan of either party because in many ways both parties have failed the American people, however, in this case I hope that voters of Stamford will wake up because they continue to vote the same expecting to see different results which makes no sense. Dan Malloy has taxed Stamford to death and Martin, the new Democrat running will be pretty much the same. Wake up people! If you want to see some kind of change for the better then stop voting for the same party over and over! Look at the horrible conditions many of the roads are in, look at how taxes continue to go up and up even on things for the middle-class and the poor. This Independent plans to vote for Pavia because I’ve given Democrats so many chances and as far as I’m concerned they are full of empty promises.

Comment on Stamford Ends the Year with a Surplus by Joel Gonzalez

Joel Gonzalez — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:35:16 +0000

“Stamford Ends the Year with a Surplus.”
That’s one way to phrase it!
Another way to look at it would be to phrase it like this:
Stamford surplus shows that its’ citizens where “over-taxed”.

Comment on Stamford Drinking Water Update by People Investigating Toxic Sites

People Investigating Toxic Sites — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:29:03 +0000

Providing an alternate drinking water source will not prevent landfill gases from entering nearby homes. Most closed dumps generate highly explosive, highly flammable methane gas for up to a hundred years after closure. Carcinogenic chemical gases, found in most closed dumpsites, can migrate through the soil at least 1,000 feet from the perimeter of a landfill and collect in nearby homes. Government agencies need to protect Stamford residents from explosive and cancer-causing chemicals present in the landfill soil as well as in their water supply.

Comment on Farms Road Bridge by Annie ( Property Care ) Wagner

Annie ( Property Care ) Wagner — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:37:13 +0000

Excellent site this blog.ctnews.com and I am really pleased to discover what I was looking for… this
It’s taken me literally 3 hours and 26 minutes of searching the web to find you (lol) so I shall be very pleased to become a regular visitor

See you soon

Comment on Stamford Ends the Year with a Surplus by Mike Young

Mike Young — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:18:30 +0000

Compared to NYS, NJ, and Caleefornya, we are in great shape!

Comment on Stamford Ends the Year with a Surplus by Paul Steed

Paul Steed — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:33:39 +0000

I would caution anyone from putting too much stock in a Moody’s rating (or any of the other rating agencies either).

I’m just curious about when the last time was that Stamford had a final (not draft) independent audit done?

Comment on Stamford Ends the Year with a Surplus by Karen Murphy

Karen Murphy — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:48:13 +0000

If corporations reported their financials like the City of Stamford no company would ever report negative earnings.* The City had $8+ million in claims that it did not put through its P&L. The fact is the City had a loss of $7.7 million in 2009.

No where in Moody’s Rating Report does it talk about “surplus” as defined by the City in the Advocate’s letter.

The critical number is the General Fund Balance, which decreased by $7.1 million in 2009, from $15.5 million to $8.4 million. For the past three year according to Moody’s, and now for four years, the “city’s financial position has weakened.” At the end of 2008 the City’s General Fund Balance was 3.5% of General Fund Revenues, at the end of 2009 it is 1.5%

Capital Fund

The Mayor says he reduced expenses. Lets evaluate what occurred in the Capital Fund. Operating expenses increased 100% in 2009 from $8.4 million to $16.7 million. In the 2006-2008 period capital fund operating expenses increased 200+% – from $3.8 in 2006 million in 2006 to $ 8.4 million in 2008. In other words, Capital Fund operating expenses increased more than 400% since 2006.

The unanswered question is: How much in operating expenses has been shifted to the Capital Fund and funded with bond proceeds? No wonder our debt and taxes are at the breaking point.

Karen Murphy

* I assumed that the Advocate just prints the City’s Press Releases in these matters. To compound matters the Advocates does not allow the public to comment but gives the Mayor’s office a blog – go figure.

Comment on Stamford Drinking Water Update by Brad M

Brad M — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:46:04 +0000

Negativity in this forum or anywhere else will not bring us closer to resolving the present problem. We cannot change what has happened. We have to focus on coming to a solution quickly; a solution that will ensure the longterm health of all residents of Stamford. Matt, may I suggest that you help jeff by providing some of your water for his household to use as drinking water?

Comment on Stamford’s Drinking Water by christine tompkins

christine tompkins — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:30:00 +0000

my grandmother has lived on hannhahs road and my mother he whole life and i am her granddaughter and it is wrong what happened and i have spent alot of time there playing, drinking and bathing in that water and who knows what damage it has done to me my grandfather died of cancer and my grandmother had cancer to. Almost everyone who has died on that road was from cancer becasue the pesticides were in the water and that is a side affect from them and something needs to happen now before it affects more people

Comment on A Safer Community by Jeff Jonas

Jeff Jonas — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:43:34 +0000

There have now been two gunfire incidents involving Vidal Court in the past month, including the recent one at Stamford Academy. What does the city plan to do about this? If Charter Oak and the police cannot properly manage these properties, they should be shut down. Concentrating all the low income housing along a one mile stretch of Stillwater Avenue is exacerbating this problem.

Comment on More Mill River Progress by Mike Young

Mike Young — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:13:14 +0000

Looks good, I love the Arch stone property acquisition, I think the park will be fantastic part of downtown.

Comment on Stamford’s Drinking Water by Rob

Rob — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:22:19 +0000

Greg B.
While it’s awful to hear people are having problems with their private wells, no one in Stamford gets water and sewer with their property taxes. Aquarion Water Company sells water to residents who live along their water mains, and we pay the WPCA to treat our sewage that travels to their treatment plant.

Comment on Stamford Drinking Water Update by Matt

Matt — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:06:10 +0000

Yeah, Jeff, let’s dig up every road in North Stamford. Dig a new well. My well water is wonderful.

Comment on Stamford Drinking Water Update by Jeff

Jeff — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:59:02 +0000

How much would it cost for all of North Stamford to have city water made available. My well water is disgusting.

Comment on Make a Difference. Become a Mentor. by Paula Eppinger

Paula Eppinger — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:06:38 +0000

meetings are nice.

charcoal filters are nicer.

But City Water is required NOW.

Please stop stalling & get it for us NOW.

Have yoiu ever showered in bottled water?
Washed dishe in bottled water?
Washed clothes in bottled water?

Comment on Make a Difference. Become a Mentor. by Paula Eppinger

Paula Eppinger — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:01:57 +0000

meetings are nice.
charcoal filters for everyone are better.
city water NOW is required.

Pleae stop stalling and get us city water NOW

Have you ever showered in bottled water? Washed dishes in bottled water? Washed clothes in bottled water?

Comment on Stamford Drinking Water Update by Paula Eppinger

Paula Eppinger — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 23:03:01 +0000

WHEN is the big ? We need City water now, not next Spring! and everyone should get charcoal filters until we get the city water because the water table etc. is changeable and no one will know when their well gets polluted. Just talk to me sometime about all the cancer that abounds in the houses on these streets!

Comment on Stamford Drinking Water Update by EJ Fink

EJ Fink — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:47:38 +0000

TOWN WATER HOOKED UP RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment on Stamford’s Drinking Water by Greg B.

Greg B. — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:45:17 +0000

Mayor Malloy -

Ethically and legally the only solution is to extend the city water line to all affected homes on Hannahs Road and the surrounding affected roads. We pay property taxes and don’t receive the benefit of sewer and water.

Comment on Stamford’s Drinking Water by S Sweeney

S Sweeney — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:53:28 +0000

Mayor Malloy–

I am very concerned the pollutants may have leaked from ScofieldTown into the Poorhouse Brook and hence the Mill River and the Sound. We need you to get an objective, independent test done.

Comment on Stamford’s Drinking Water by Philip B.

Philip B. — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:41:29 +0000

Mr. Malloy,
I have lived on Hannahs Road for 22 years, 0.25 miles from the Scofieldtown site. Until I read the Dec 2008 EPA report, I had no idea of the severity of the problem at the site. It seems the tests since 1996 are showing progressively higher levels of hazardous materials in the ground drinking water. While carbon filters may work in some situations, given the amount of material at the site, the fact that it is not encapsulated, and rainwater flows directly off the material into surface and ground water sources, it seems the only complete solution is city water service to the residents on Hannahs Road. My worry at this time is that, despite the serious public health issues, I do not see this issue getting much attention.

Comment on An Incredible Legacy: Senator Kennedy by Brock Petersack

Brock Petersack — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:12:32 +0000

Yes, read about his legacy here;

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view.bg?articleid=1193617

Comment on Single Stream: The Results are In! by John Bowman

John Bowman — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:05:10 +0000

Hello Mayor Malloy,
That’s great news. I worked with your nephew at Citibank (in the 90’s) so I’ve been following your (mostly) great success story over in Stamford. Keep it up, you set the bar for every CT city and town (including mine, Greenwich).
Best,
John

Comment on An Incredible Legacy: Senator Kennedy by In Memory of Mary Jo

In Memory of Mary Jo — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 05:33:32 +0000

Let us not forget the KennedyCare denied to Mary Jo.

http://www.fatboy.cc

Comment on Reduce, Reuse, Recycle by Cornelia

Cornelia — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:08:53 +0000

My children laughed when they saw how excited I was when the new bin was delivered. They stopped laughing, however, and even THEY were impressed by the number of different things we’re able to put in. I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t have one of these- I have much less garbage and haven’t had to go to the dump with any recycling in ages. Thank you very much for providing this service, and I hope the word continues to spread!

Comment on Single Stream: The Results are In! by R.A.M

R.A.M — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:53:27 +0000

Around Stamford High most of the streets are the garbage containers of these young adults.The drains of those streets are always glog with bottles,papers all kinds of garbage and you expect these kids to show their parents how to recycle you must be joking.

Comment on Single Stream: The Results are In! by Rob

Rob — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:39:38 +0000

Now we need to make sure all the schools are doing it. If the children know how to recycle then they will get their parents to do it at home. Then we need to start forcing commercial properties to recycle.

Comment on Summer Safety Tips by Richard.A.M

Richard.A.M — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:14:28 +0000

MY e mail this morning is missing ,what happen the same complaint the sidewalk of HILLANDALE ave and UNDERHILL st are sinking the streets are the same.WE have two Schools SHS and HILLANDALE SCHOOL.These children are walking on UNSAFE SIDEWALKS,no SPEED LIMIT SIGN our streets are a race track tell me what are your solutions before you leave office Sir.

Comment on Summer Safety Tips by P.Danniels

P.Danniels — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:32:45 +0000

Dan,
I have to say both articles were worth the read. I would hope parents and residents alike would take advantage of the literature provide in the PDF from HSS as well as the CDC recommendations.

Comment on Summer Safety Tips by R.A.M

R.A.M — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:38:31 +0000

Mayor MALLOY why dont you come down and see our sidewalks and Streets on HILLANDALE Ave AND UNDERHILL ST .This is where SHS and HILLANDALE SCHOOL CHILDREN walk to go to school WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT ? BAD SIDEWALKS AND BAD STREETS PAVEMENT.

Comment on Progress at Mill River Park by Bob

Bob — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:46:04 +0000

Mr. Mayor, in the spring the project seemed to be on the fast track only to get the cherry trees down before they bloomed. It then took almost a month for the first shovel of dirt to be turned. Now, months later, the project doesn’t seem to have the same urgency it had in the spring. I thought by now we would have seen some dredging equipment in there. I live in the neighborhood and pass by several times daily. I can’t imagine why it is taking so long to finish the project. Surely the weather has been ideal for this kind of construction.

Comment on About Dannel P. Malloy by Barbara Viner

Barbara Viner — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 11:21:36 +0000

I am not a poitician. However, I have a strong ability to objectively judge people, plus, I have a strong intuition. I believe that you, Mayor Malloy, possess all the necessary attributes to be the next Connecticut Governor. You are being well respected among the Russian-speaking community. Though we may feel sad if and when you move out of this city, but we all wish you big success in becoming the next Connecticut Governor. And, my intuition tells me that, yes, you will be our new Governor.
With my best wishes to you,
Barbara

Comment on Progress at Mill River Park by P.Danniels

P.Danniels — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 01:25:56 +0000

Well Lindsay,
I guess I touched a nerve. This is good. I will say what was lost once will never be found. How many criminal incidents have occurred in the place where you want this to happen, stabbings, muggings, take a look at the daily incident reports at the SPD they are open to the public. What makes you think this will change? Chery blossoms? Kayaking? How many people were told that their homes, condos were built on contaminated land? Knowing the developers of the area personally gives me a little more insight. I have a book due out in the Spring of 2010, Stamford the Corrupt Years. Like I said I know more then you. Please do more background investigating on Stamford before you chime in.

Comment on Another Great Season by Sugar man

Sugar man — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:45:15 +0000

great work Dan!! A great success.

Comment on Progress at Mill River Park by Lindsay

Lindsay — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:17:49 +0000

I agree with Anne. P. Danniels if you think Stamford is so terrible, no one is forcing you to stay here. The area around Mill River was a blighted wasteland for years and finally it is turning into a beautiful public place that anyone can enjoy. It also has environmental benefits and will restore natural habitat for plants, birds and fish. It has nothing to do with homes being built on property that was formerly manufacturing. Would you rather have an old rotting factory or a petroleum refilling depot sitting on the gorgeous coastline polluting it? Or would you like to be able to get in a kayak and spend a few hours out on the water on a beautiful day? If you want factories on the waterfront move the bridgeport.

Comment on Progress at Mill River Park by bob

bob — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:14:43 +0000

Rather see all this money go towards dredging Holly Pond which has been on the agenda for many years and is LONG over due

Comment on Progress at Mill River Park by P. Danniels

P. Danniels — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:35:04 +0000

Anne,
I am not sure how long you have lived in Stamford. My family has been their since the late 1800’s. I do understand more then you will know. When I was growing up Mill River was full edge to edge. This will never be the case again.The surrounding area was never a “popular” neighborhood, at best attracting drug user, alcoholics, prostitutes and pimps. Stamford is worse now then it has ever been. The City has built homes on parcels that were ink wells, petroleum refilling depots old manufacturing facilities along the waters edge. The list goes on. Stamford was a nice town at on time. This is not the case now, take a walk around your beautiful City, east side, west side, south side and the rebounding areas called waterside. You can tear it down invest in new packaging as you have done. In the end you still see a crime rate surpassing the expectation of the investment.

Comment on Progress at Mill River Park by Anne

Anne — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:06:38 +0000

Dave and P., It appears that you don’t understand the benefits of restoring the river to its natural state. I hope that in a few years we’ll have new cherry blossoms, spawning fish, a kayak launch downstream for access to the sound, and lots of water- and song-birds enjoying the park and river. Rivers don’t make good reflecting pools because they dump so much silt when they hit the dam. It’s not a pond. I think it will be great for Stamford, but you need some patience.

Comment on Progress at Mill River Park by MJ

MJ — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:49:28 +0000

You gonna use dynamite? I like explosions!

Comment on Progress at Mill River Park by P. Danniels

P. Danniels — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:09:19 +0000

Being born in Stamford, living their for my first 30 years, and traveling to Stamford over the last 20 years. I cannot believe the mess that has been created in the way the city looks especially Mill River park. Dan this all happened on you’re watch and you blog about it?

Comment on Progress at Mill River Park by dave french

dave french — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:51:13 +0000

Not sure who hatched this plan in the first place but instead of removing the walls, keeping the dam and reconstructing the river bed into a broad ‘reflecting pool’ which would have been beautiful and impressive you are tearing down the dam which will essentially turn the river back into a creek about 12 feet across. Nice job Dan.

Comment on Progress at Mill River Park by Chris Preovolos

Chris Preovolos — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:53:50 +0000

I walk over the bridge at Broad St. pretty frequently and it’s actually sort of exciting to see the water moving in the river instead of it just sitting there stagnant, even if it’s all under construction.

Comment on Reduce, Reuse, Recycle by Alexander Tergis

Alexander Tergis — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:20:36 +0000

***Recycling update*** – The July data is in. We have increased our recycling tonnage 48% (200 more tons) compared to last year. At the same time our Solid Waste (Garbage) numbers have decreased 28%. That is a decrease of over 1400 tons. This truely is a great start.

Alexander Tergis
City of Stamford
Public Services Bureau Chief

Comment on Get Well Soon by Mike

Mike — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:45:53 +0000

I share your best wishes for a successful operation and a speedy recovery to Senator Dodd. That said, your suggestion that Dodd and company are creating a healthcare plan so that others can “receive the same quality care he [Dodd] is fortunate to have” is wildly off-base. The Senate has the most gold-plated healthcare of anyone in the country (CEOs included), and this is not the same package being created for the masses. We can debate whether the “solution” will be better or worse than the current flawed system(s), but there is no question about whether the new system will equal the plan our elected leaders enjoy themselves. It won’t.

Comment on Staying Connected in the 21st Century by Save Our Schools

Save Our Schools — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:14:47 +0000

What is happening anyway with Wright? Didnt Dan announce last winter that there was funding coming, now there is a whole lot more funding available. Who’s idea was it to float Wrights closure anyway? Seems like Dan would understand whats happening and communicate to all parents and teachers. If we are so tight on funds how the hell can we close Wright when the feds just opened up the pocketbook. what the hell is going on in Hartford. Cant they get with it and get it together?

Comment on Props for Stamford by Chris Preovolos

Chris Preovolos — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:51:05 +0000

I am, however, still waiting for a grocery store within walking distance of my downtown-ish apartment.

Comment on Staying Connected in the 21st Century by Lori Scott

Lori Scott — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:03:33 +0000

Autistic/Asperberger

Why are special education programs hidden from parents?

Has anyone heard of Chaple Haven??? It was suspose to be housed at UCONN Stamford Branch.

But guess what? They only had 4 applicants… My son’s never reached them. I’m not surprised. For years programs have been hidden and whispers are how you find out about these programs.

Anyone interested in contacting about these issues… my email is availabile. Any lawyer willing to look into this for me?????

Comment on Reduce, Reuse, Recycle by North of the Merritt

North of the Merritt — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 00:05:38 +0000

Very cool – I left a message at the number provided and the very next day a bin was delivered to my home. It is now filled to the brim and ready to roll out to the curb. This is a totally new way to recycle – it couldn’t be easier. Thanks for providing this service!

Comment on Reduce, Reuse, Recycle by Dan Malloy

Dan Malloy — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:33:31 +0000

I stand corrected! A 34% increase in recycling is fantastic news. Thanks for all your hard work.

Comment on Reduce, Reuse, Recycle by Alexander Tergis

Alexander Tergis — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:45:56 +0000

The latest data is in. Stamford’s recycling rate is up!!! We recycled 34% more material than we did for the same three weeks last year. Stamford residents have done a fantastic job helping us with this new program. More good news…. Commodity pricing is on the rise for recycled materials. We may see revenue from profit sharing sooner than anticipated. I’ll keep everone posted.

Alexander Tergis
City of Stamford
Public Services Bureau Chief

Comment on Welcome to “The Blog that Works!” by Bill C.

Bill C. — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:51:19 +0000

Nice to see you blogging Mr. Mayor! I’m looking forward to it.