Holiday Stroll - December 2nd

Let The Shopping Begin.

West Hartford Holiday Stroll
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
West Hartford Center

and don't forget... there are also many fine stores in Elmwood and in Bishop's Corner... and on Park Road.

Hey Mon - Rob's Goin' To Kingston

Resign his seat?
No way, Mon.

The Courant writes:

Town Councilman Rob Durbin wants to make this point clear: He will not be an absentee elected official — even if he's in Jamaica for much of the time.

From now on, Durbin said he plans to attend every meeting of the West Hartford Town Council, "whether it's on the phone or in person," the Democrat said Monday afternoon by phone from the Caribbean island.

Durbin informed other council members Oct. 12 that he would be leaving for Kingston, Jamaica, the next morning to teach law and would not return until May. Although Durbin said he would participate on the council via phone, town officials had not heard from him since. He was absent for the council's meeting last Tuesday.

Durbin said Monday that he got Internet and phone access only two days ago, so that "explains my silence." He also plans to commute back and forth from Jamaica, where Durbin says he lectures part-time and only on weekends through a University of London international program.

"As necessary and as much as I can afford it, I'm flying back to West Hartford," said Durbin, 35. "And I'll be back next week" for the council's Nov. 9 meeting.

That was news to Mayor Scott Slifka. The mayor, head of the Democratic council majority, said late Monday afternoon he has received no communication from Durbin in nearly three weeks.

At the town council's request, Corporation Counsel Joseph O'Brien recently examined the town charter to see if there was a provision that allows for removal of a council member for absentee reasons. There is none. Because Durbin owns a home on Lemay Street and is registered to vote in town, he remains a resident-elector and is "allowed to retain his office," O'Brien said.

Lately he has been going through some transitions. There is a divorce, a court filing shows, and Durbin is no longer employed at the Hartford law firm Reid and Riege.

Durbin said he is taking a break from corporate law, and bristled at the idea of resigning his council seat if he remains a part-time resident of Jamaica.

Durbin also believes it is "very important" for a council member to learn about the heritage of Jamaican and West Indian constituents. Plus, said Durbin, he is getting a close view of how local services work — in Kingston, at least.

"I'm living and volunteering in a low-income development down here. It's a very up-and-coming, low-income area," Durbin said before the phone connection died. "So, it's a nice opportunity to work with some social workers. Obviously, this area is a lot different from West Hartford … But my work here in the community will contribute to my service on the town council."

So "Rasta Rob" may continue to represent the needs of the people of West Hartford while soaking up the Jamaican rays. That should be interesting come budget time as we head into a budget that is already rumored to be at least a 7% increase.

Only in West Hartford.