Hundreds Come Out To MDC Hearing

- All because some idiot woman who wasn't watching where she was cycling, and ended up breaking her neck after slamming into a gate. She wins a $2.9 million dollar settlement from a broken judicial system that rewards idiocy. What's next is that the MDC is considering closing the Reservoir to the public. But hey, they have to protect themselves too, from a public that is litigation crazy.

In a rare display of public outcry, supporters filled the Town Hall auditorium to voice their concerns about the pending closure of the 3,000-acre reservoir. Many came to the MDC-held hearing by bicycle, as many cyclists enjoy using the reservoir’s trails for their hobby. By the time the hearing got under way at 5:30 p.m., there were still about a hundred supporters outside the entrance to Town Hall.

But this gives politicians running for office, a way to come out with the unwashed masses to show their unmitigated support and flex some imaginary tough talk legislative muscles before election day.

State Rep. Andy Fleishmann said he was in favor of tweaking the Recreational Liability Statute to make sure there are no loopholes that can result in lawsuits like the one involving a Rocky Hill woman who sued after crashing her bike at the reservoir. He turned to MDC employees and said it was “outrageous” they were thinking about closing to the public.

“You, the MDC, exist because we the people gave you these lands,” Fleischmann said. “Keep these lands open."

“This unfortunate court decision has precipitated a crisis,” said state Rep. David Baram (D-15th District), who has notified House Majority Leader Christopher Donovan about invoking the Land Use Recreational Act to provide municipal immunity for the MDC.

Simsbury First Selectwoman and candidate for Lt. Governor Mary Glassman biked from Sedgewick Road with other cyclists to testify in support of keeping the land open at the hearing.

Imagine that, Fleischmann talking about tweaking liability statutes so people who are injured can't sue. Who will pay their medical bills then? Oh right... the government.


Someone always pays.
Might as well be you, because it won't be the idiot person who can't read signs that are already posted, or isn't paying attention to where they are going.

"We will all pay for her ignorance by either the MDC closing the reservoir or being forced to keep it open and charging us higher water rates to cover their higher insurance premiums. "- VC comment in West Hartford News Online

And all the legislators and their tough talk and "pre-election face time" can't change that.
And that includes Dick Blumenthal.
Maybe Dick should have a talk with the judiciary about such moronic rulings/awards.
Ya think?

Killing Success

Way to go West Hartford!

We work hard to make our town a destination, even get recommended by Kiplinger's, and now you want to throw a wet towel on it by enforcing a silly 10 PM curfew on outdoor dining?? (The Courant's story is here)

Yes, a notice was mailed out to numerous dining establishments in town last month by the West Hartford police, reminding them that the town has a 10 PM curfew on outdoor dining which needs to be adhered to.

So the rule is that anyone who orders food in dining areas outside before 10 PM can remain seated there for as long as it takes them to finish their meal, including coffee and dessert. After 10 PM, food and drinks will only be served inside the restaurant.

Other towns have various rules. Bridgeport's rule is that a restaurant may serve food in an outdoor dining area only as long as it serves food in its main inside dining area, but honestly who wants to go to Bridgeport?.

What a business downer for eateries like The Elbow Room, Bricco, McLadden's, and Grant's especially. All are hot spots in town with The Elbow Room annually awarded "Best Outdoor Dining" from well known publications, and Grant's whose ample sidewalk dining area is always filled with a late-night crowd. People have been visiting "The Center" from far away places and have been spending money here. That's supposed to be the goal, right?

So how long has this rule gone unenforced? and why is it now such a big deal for the Police Department to enforce it? Are the neighbors getting crabby? We thought they all wanted to live, and enjoyed living, in a happening environment with lots of hustle and bustle, you know like a mini New York City or Boston. Now they are complaining? Is it because most of the people coming are younger and more trendy then they are? Maybe they are jealous of them pulling up in limousines and having a good time. Who knows. Now they want to roll up the sidewalks at 10 PM and turn West Hartford into Plainville. Good grief.



The thing is, we should be happy that we have this problem of people wanting to come and dine and spend money here in the middle of a recession. It's bad enough we slap them with parking tickets during the daytime, now we want to turn away the "after 10 PM crowd" with an outdoor dining curfew?

Instead of trying to put a damper on late night business, we ought to be happy people are coming here for some nightlife. God knows there aren't many places in CT where there is a nightlife.

What's next?
Closing down the Reservoir to public recreation?

Sure seems like West Hartford is working hard to get off of Kiplinger's list.

Happy Fourth of July!

Sparklers.
Burgers (or whatever suits you) on the grill.
A tall cool beverage.
A local fireworks display.

Life is good.

Talk of West Hartford hopes that you have a relaxing and fun Independence Day with family and friends.