Local News

Hartford - Mayor Segarra issued the following statement following the adjournment of the legislative session and the non-passage of a critical bill that would have allowed the City of Hartford to generate an additional $8 million dollars in revenue:

“The result tonight is a reckless disregard for the residents and business owners of the City of Hartford. After months of meetings, proposals and conversations – and six days of continuous discussions with all stakeholders – the entire legislative delegation finally came together to support House Bill 5156 (LCO Amendment 5565). It was not a perfect bill, but it would have made essential technical corrections to Public Act 11-212 and allowed the City the ability to generate the additional revenue that was assured 3 weeks ago when a previous compromise was struck and my recommended budget was due. The continual back-and-forth, the brinksmanship, the willingness by some to kill a bill or concept simply because it wasn’t 100% of what they desired will only end up hurting residents and business owners.

While I am angry that an important action was blocked, I have already taken necessary steps to begin addressing what will be a significant revenue shortfall. Earlier this week I met with my finance team and began reviewing the most recent data, assumptions and projections available to see where modifications could be made with confidence and without causing unnecessary pain. However, this is a significant hole and I stand ready and prepared to make what may well be hard decisions; decisions that will be severe, noticeable and may impact the delivery of important services.

While other possibilities still exist, such as a request to include this issue in any call for a special session by Governor Malloy, tonight marks a very disappointing low in my tenure as Mayor. And to be clear, this is not because of the inability of the legislative delegation to come together for the benefit of Connecticut’s Capital City, it is because of disingenuous motives and an inexplicable unwillingness to compromise by those who would benefit from this bill the most.”

Sen. Coleman: Bill Aims to Reduce Youth Delinquency in Hartford

Initiatives would help young people find jobs, connect at-risk youth with positive programs
Inqnews.com Report

HARTFORD – State Senator Eric Coleman (D-Bloomfield) announced today that the legislature’s Judiciary Committee has voted to approve legislation aimed at preventing youth delinquency and violence in Hartford. The bill would connect youths at risk of criminal activity with positive programs, and provide young people in Hartford with good jobs at city organizations and charities.

“Connecticut’s urban centers seem to be plagued with a lot of youth violence and other illegal activity. The framework in this bill is an effort to intervene and influence the positive development of young people, and avoid some of the difficulties that have been occurring in recent years,” said Senator Coleman.

Senate Bill 442 would establish a pilot initiative in Hartford to identify youths at risk of involvement with the juvenile justice or criminal justice systems, and refer them to existing services and programs designed to promote positive youth development.

The pilot initiative would be a collaboration between the state Judicial Branch’s Court Support Services Division, the City of Hartford and one or more Hartford community organizations.

The bill would also establish a Connecticut Young Adult Conservation Corps program to help 18-25 year-old young people in Hartford find jobs with city organizations and charities. Under the program, the Department of Community and Economic Development would be authorized to issue $1.5 million in bonds to the following Hartford community organizations for various construction and renovation projects.

Upon completion of these projects, the organizations must set aside at least 10% of all employment positions at their new facilities for youth and young adults.

These organizations include:

• - The Metropolitan Economic Development Commission, for construction, improvements and repairs to create elderly housing
• - The John E. Rogers African American Cultural Center to convert the former Northwest-Jones School into a cultural center
• - The Catholic Charities of Hartford for creation of affordable housing with supportive services



The bill now awaits action on the floor of the Senate.

By Linnet E. Carty  Photo: Mayors Kevin Johnson, Pedro Segarra and Bill Finch

One of the best point guards in basketball to ever play the game came to Bridgeport Saturday to focus on education. Former Phoenix Sun and current Mayor of Sacramento California, Kevin Johnson joined Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch and Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra to talk about how they want to close Connecticut’s achievement gaps and improve outcomes for all students.

ALL PRO-SEGARRA CROWD SWEARS IN HARTFORD MAYOR FOR SECOND TIME

By Johnny Mason Inquiring News
Hartford - Pedro E. Segarra was sworn in Tues- day to his first full term as Hartford’s 66th mayor to loud applause. “This is where the real work be- gins,” Segarra said to about 400 people who lined all three floors of the City Hall atrium. “I look forward to working with everyone to move Hartford forward.”

At left: Newly elected council member, Cynthia Jennings, (Re-elected) Larry Deutsch, (Center Back) Newly elected council member Kyle Anderson, (Center Front) Mayor Pedro E. Segarra, Newly elected council member Raul DeJesus and Elected City Treasurer Adam Cloud.
Photo by Merle Davis.

Shortly after being sworn in, Segarra listed his achievements and detailed his plan for rejuvenating Hartford. High on his list is investing in all city neigh- borhoods, education reform and creating jobs for youths, Segarra said.

The former city council president, Segarra has been mayor for the past 18 months – taking the oath minutes after the resignation of former mayor Eddie Perez in June 2010. “I think Pedro’s some- one who’s honorable, self- less and really sincere when it comes to doing things for the city,” said former state representative Art Feltman. The mayor referred to previous accomplishments of having blighted demol- ished and improving rela- tions between residents and City Hall workers. His top priorities, he said, will to be continue to fight crime, to make the city a safer place, to ease the tax burden for residents and business own- ers and to work closely with state leaders to receiving funding for jobs.
‘‘I like him a lot,” said longtime community activist Hyacinth Yennie. “He’s got a good heart. I hope he can work with the council because he can’t do it alone.”

Segarra thanked Daryl Roberts, recently retired Hartford police chief, for his three decades with the city police department and espe- cially for being a positive role model for city youths. “Today is a new day,” Segarra said. “Hartford, will you stand with me? ” Long- time City Hall critic and blogger Kevin Brookman questioned if anyone really wanted to hear his opinion on Segarra and the newly formed council. He was op- timistic, though, saying, as are other people, he’s hoping the council and Segarra can get along to work for the good of the people.

City Clerk John Bazzano, serving as master of ceremo- nies, opened by welcoming several state and local poli- ticians, including U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, Attor- ney General George Jepsen, and former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, who is running as an outsider for the U.S. Senate. Bysiewicz called the swearing-in cer- emony a “celebration of de- mocracy,” involving people who serve not for “financial reward, but “because they believe in the city.” “Pedro has done a terrific job,” she said.

In addition to Segarra, City Treasurer Adam Cloud and city council members also were sworn in Tuesday night. Cloud, a lawyer, who was elected in November to his first full term, was sworn in by his father, Sanford Cloud Jr., who gave his son a handshake and a hug.
The council is made up of re-elected Luis Cotto, Larry Deutsch Kenneth Kennedy and Alexander Aponte and newcomers Kyle Anderson, Raul DeJesus, Cynthia Jennings, David McDonald and Shawn Wooden, who was appointed council president.

The council debated be- tween Wooden and longtime council member Kennedy before picking Wooden, who before dropping out, had run against Segarra for mayor. ‘I think it’s an exciting time,” Cotto said. “With five new members, I think we have an interesting council.”