3 Feet Law

Bicyclists and drivers in West Hartford, and anywhere else in CT, should be aware of the 3 feet law. Today was Bike to Work Day so the message got some extra airplay from the CT Department of Transportation after being passed as law and instituted in October 2008. So just in case you didn't know, here is their message:

“THREE-FEET” PASSING RULE – IT’S THE LAW!

Public Act 08-101, effective October 1, 2008, requires Connecticut motorists to allow at least three feet of separation when overtaking and passing cyclists. Failure to do so could cause motorists to receive a fine. Because of the large disparities in size, weight and speed between bicycles and motor vehicles, cyclists are at a tremendous disadvantage in the result of a collision with a car or truck. This new law strives to increase motorist awareness of bicycles, and to make conditions safer by preventing collisions.

Drive safely - bike safely.

West Hartford Business And Libraries Suffer From Economic Woes

Tax collection is higher than expected: The Revenue Collection Office reported that, despite the struggling economy, tax collection exceeded the 99% collection rate by 0.1% for fiscal year 2008-2009. - WH Town Manager Council Briefs August 21, 2009

Even though tax collections are up and we seem to be muddling though this poor economy in our town, we are still seeing store closings in The Center. The last casualties were Zachers Photo Shop and Mimi's Maternity. We haven't heard a peep from Robert Rowlson, West Hartford's Business and Community Development Officer.



Meanwhile, people are beginning to fret about the impending "NO leaf collection" season and the Mayor and Town Manager are also having to deal with the harsh reality and associated problems of NO State money coming from Hartford while the State budget is still at an impasse. It looks like our libraries might be negatively impacted in the process.

Rep. David McCluskey (D), took an opportunity at a recent rally at Bishop's Corner to complain about the Governor's stance on the budget - but did not mention where else State government should make cuts in order to close the 8 billion dollar State budget deficit. It appears that he and other State lawmakers would just rather have Governor Rell approve of raising State taxes on everyone, in the middle of one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression.

Memo to Rep. McCluskey: Our State legislature has made business operation costly and difficult in CT. You and your legislative colleagues cannot continue to tax and spend, especially now. Cuts in Library services ARE in part the fault of the legislature YOU belong to. It is NOT just the Governor's fault. The unfunded mandates, spending programs and Union benefits that YOU supported are coming to haunt our Towns and taxpayers. The question remains: What are YOU proposing in order to bring business back to Connecticut and to make government less expensive? We cannot sustain the levels of spending that you prefer, especially in this economy (which by many accounts is bound to get worse).

Campaign Season Begins In West Hartford

Crack out the lawn signs and start the meet and greets... here come November's municipal elections.

The slate of candidates for Town Council and Board of Education have been determined after conventions were held by the GOP and the Democrats in town.

There are some new faces as well as some old ones, and plenty of diversity in backgrounds to represent people across the board in town. But honestly, it's the issues that matter most and how they each plan to tackle them.

The biggest issues to be debated will most likely be keeping taxes and spending in check, bringing business back to all those empty storefronts in town, and the State's perceived school population imbalances vs. neighborhood schools.

The Democrat position with regard to racial imbalance in our schools seems to be that moving our kids around to satisfy state racial imbalance numbers is the "moral" thing to do - while the other side of the aisle wants to keep neighborhood schools intact and save time and money involved in busing kids all over town (among other reasons).

Then of course with tough economic times before us, the issue of how to keep taxes from rising and still keep services in town will be no doubt be fiercely debated. With financial people on the ballot, we are bound to see some fine economic analysis and problem solving ideas presented. Surely, the discussion will center on upcoming union contract negotiations and creating sustainable budgets as we go forward for our Town. We should look forward to some concrete facts and ideas rather than the usual nebulous statements of lowered taxes and preserving services.

It looks like this new crop of candidates is ready to roll up their sleeves to do some serious work, and they have some good experience behind them. Even soon to be 18 year old Andrew Bannon-Guasp brings a fresh perspective to the Board of Education slate. This fellow may be young, but he has lived the school experience to know enough about what the school system really needs, and he has been a school representative on the Board of Education already. He's got plenty of experience for a first time candidate.

Between now and November, we should have ample time and opportunity to hear from all candidates. Please make sure that you do.

In the meantime we also bid adieu to Chuck Coursey, Carolyn Thornberry, Harry Captain and Jack Darcy. Thanks for serving.

Let the campaigns and debates begin!