Zoning Board Appeal Hearing Today in Hartford Superior Court

I took the day off to watch the Appeal filed by several West Hartford residents who live directly across the street from the developer (one of which is my sister). I think everyone is doing a great job in getting everything in front of the judge to make a decision here. One thing to note is that no one from the town was at the meeting. Only Mr. Allaire, the town's deputy counsel who was arguing the case. I guess the mayor doesn't care about the case enough to make an appearance. Again, I commend the residents who have the guts to stand up to this monstrous development. The folks who took the stand today did a great job and sounded very credible. Have a great weekend! Quig

Steroid Hearing on Capitol Hill

Did anyone out there watch some of the hearings today? First off, I believe that steroid use in baseball should be removed. They can do it, but with the huge numbers of fans returning since the '94 strike, they wanted the long ball and have looked the other way for a long time. The teammates of players who juiced aren't to blame in this, because, let's face it if they said anything they would be blackballed just as Conseco has been. One thing I saw that made me a little sick of the entire process on Capitol Hill was the antagonistic stance most of the committee members displayed towards everyone in question. They were acting as if they were personally attacked by the "rampant" use of steroids in baseball. What I also don't understand is how the House Government Reform Committee provides any relevant standing in this area. Is baseball part of our system of Government? Do they feel like baseball is such a part of the fabric of America that they somehow have some jurisdiction? Seemed like a lot of grandstanding by none Please, let's rid sports in general of the use of these drugs so when my young children want to play sports at more than a middle school level, they don't have to compete against someone who's using. Have a great day... Mark

Connors Stepping Down

I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate Kevin Connors on a job well done. While I've only been in West Hartford for 5 years, there has been no more of a steady backbone to the town council as Mr. Connors. I think it's unfortunate that he was up against the current mayor when challenging for the State Senate, but I think that run was a long shot with West Hartford leaning towards the left. One thing to note was the 9-0 approval of Blue Back. I believe and have discussed this with others in the town that had Connors taken a stand against Blue Back, he would have garnered more votes, generated a higher turn out and eventually taken the Senate seat. That being said, speculation is speculation. All-in-all, I think this gives the republican party an opportunity to regroup, find a couple of fresh faces and get to the job of working the issues from a little farther right of center than the past few months. Good luck, Mr. Connors. Mark