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Showing posts from February, 2019

Vote ‘No’ — This Budget Referendum Politicizes Enfield and Solves Nothing

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Sample Ballot District One referendum question: Shall the Enfield Town Charter be revised as proposed by the Charter Revision Commissionand as approved by the Enfield Town Council by Resolution #7276 at its regular meeting of June 16, 2025? (Click on ballot to see clear version) On Nov. 4, voters will face a yes-or-no decision on the Charter Revision Commission's work. It's a mess of things, but only one provision matters: Should the town have an Automatic Budget Referendum? Any budget the Council approves with more than a 5% spending increase must be put to a town-wide vote This referendum question is entirely political. [ Sample ballot , and Explanatory Text ] Why it's misleading The referendum idea was hatched by Republican leadership on the Charter Commission and sold as something that will be fiscally responsible and increase voter accountability. It will do no such thing because of how the town's finances work in the real world. What really determines whether tax...

My testimony about the East Windsor casino and gambling in Connecticut

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The General Assembly is holding a hearing Feb. 26 on several bills to expand gambling in Connecticut. I've written in opposition to this plan: Dear lawmakers, I live in Enfield near the planned East Windsor casino and dread its arrival. And that’s why I’m writing. I wish to express concern about legislation that will expand gambling in Connecticut I am submitting this testimony in opposition to H.B. 7055: An Act Creating the Connecticut Gambling Commission and Creating a Competitive Bidding Process for a Resort Casino and I am also opposed to S.B. 11 An Act Concerning the Authorization of a Casino Gaming Facility in East Windsor. I am also opposed to S.B.17 An Act Authorizing Sports Wagering, Internet Gambling and Internet Keno. I’m also opposed to S.B. 665 An Act Concerning Sports Wagering. A little background: There was no demand in Northern Connecticut for a casino. None. Many residents oppose it and there is a feeling that it was forced upon us. You may think, wh...