Disqus - Latest Comments for facts2009

Re: Smith Uncontested in Deep River as Three Compete for Board of Selectman

facts2009 — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:55:44 -0000

I have known Mr. Smith for several years and I can not find one negative thing to say about him. He is a "people" person who has a sincere and easy way about him when he deals with everyone, whom he treats the same. He is always mingling amongst the citizens and appears to truly enjoy his job without having any ego or power trip that effects the way he does his job. Congradulations Mr. Smith, Deep River is lucky to have someone like you!

Re: Essex Selectmen Move to Put Police Dog Issue to Rest

facts2009 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:22:33 -0000

Jane, I have to agree with you on a few things. It does appear that Mr. Miller added on to his and the towns problems by hiring Officer B and then adding on to it by believing his intentions were sincere. We should expect a better vetting procress from our leaders and hope that they fully understand what is presented before making decisions and if they don't, defer to someone who does. But I also concur with you when it comes to Officer B. Also like ivorytonreseident had previously said, he should be happy and fortunate to have a job as a police officer and should put more effort into learning the town (our citizens) and not trying to manuever his way around the system already. If he is doing this now, I can only wonder what should we expect in town from him in another 2-3-4 years. I think we need some strong leadership to work through these issues, get them resolved

Re: Essex Selectmen Move to Put Police Dog Issue to Rest

facts2009 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:19:13 -0000

Once again I agree with you on many of your points. I believe I know the other officer you are refering to and like you know Mr. Miller, I know the other officer and I believe he has been around for several years, even taught my children DARE in the EES. I have know him to be involved in the other functions for the kids and any interaction I have seen him involved with or have heard thorugh other residents have been positive. I do not know why over the past 8 months or so all these issues with the police have arisen. Officer B. is different in my opinion, he seems to want want, but doesnt want to earn it first, just an opinion. Maybe if the older officer and the Mr. Miller use our philosophy of talking and working things out, all this other "stuff" would not be the talk of the town. It seems theres to much secrecy and hidden agendas, lets be open and look for solutions to better serve our town. They should be thankful to have a job. We are agreeing on to many things now!

Re: Essex Selectmen Move to Put Police Dog Issue to Rest

facts2009 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:12:12 -0000

I agree with you, if you can go from opposite ends of the spectrum to discussing the issuses and using that lost abilility called "communication" to actually see that we may have the same points of view, but different avenues and beliefs as to how to reach them. I think you are right about Mrs. Varricchio, but if someone is that valuable and makes you look that good, I personally wouldnt let them go. Like you, Mr. Miller & Officer B. should sit down, close the door and settle this issue for the last time. I do have to say that after reading the BOS minutes and Officer B's memorandum, it kind of seems that he might have worked the system more then he leads on to, hoping that he would get a payday out of it. I have a problem trusting someone who is in a position of public trust and seems to be sneaky in thier motives. I also am not excited about the towns lawyers having such a merry merry holiday season with all our tax dollars. I guess with Officer B having a lawyer now to, who knows what will happen.

Facts209 - Ivorytonresident 2011????

Re: Essex Selectmen Move to Put Police Dog Issue to Rest

facts2009 — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 10:49:49 -0000

Ivorytonresident, your are correct, Mrs. Varricchio as does any employee works at the discretion of the First Selectman and as any good leader should, they should surround themselves with intelligent and professional people. So for hiring her, kudos to Mr. Miller, for letting her go, well thats a negative. I also agree, we should stop beating a "dead dog", but why is it so hard for everyone to involved to just admit, "I was wrong: I believe that when we are honest about our errors or mistakes it is easier to accept and move on. But when people, espiecally elected ones or those in positions of public trust (including police) seem to defer from the truth and dance around issues. After reading the BOS minutes and attached memorandum from Officer Beviliacqua to Mr. Miller, it certainly appears as though Officer Bevilacqua mislead his intentions, but Mr. Miller hired him. Mr. Miller should have immediately told the officer after the initial presentation that it was something the town was not interested in and to better learn the town, the people and his job before this will be revisited, but he didn't. This inability to effective communicate is a reason for many of the problems in my opinion. We do have a pretty good town and prior to Mr. Miller hiring the last two officers who have seemed to generate many of the problems, there didnt appear to be any issues in the police. Maybe the town should reduce the size of our local force to eliminate some of those problems.

I might just take you up on that offer in 2 years depending on the issues at that time. If I do consider it, maybe you and I can sit down and discuss what issues are the most important to the citizens and possibly run together. I am assuming (maybe incorrectly) that you are a democrat, but affiliation does not make a difference to me, the desire to do whats right, honesty and integrity, thats how I forge my affiliations. I enjoy discussing these issues with you.

Re: Essex Selectmen Move to Put Police Dog Issue to Rest

facts2009 — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:24:10 -0000

Ivorytonresident, you mention thaty the republican party throws around the word "transparency" everywhere now. Correct me if I am wrong, wasn't that the platform of the democratic campaign for President Obama? I am a registered independent in town so i dont have a "dog" in either camp. Based on all the information and facts that have recenlty come out (refer to BOS meeting minutes), it cetainly would appear that we don't have transparency in our local goverment now and all of us in town should be happy that at least one elected official is trying to bring the whole truth to light so we can make educated decisions. As far as my research goes, it appears that the former administrative manager for the town, Mrs. Varricchio, actually was the one who did all the reasearch and applications for the numerous grants we were able to benefit from in town, not Mr. Miller. I do disagree with you when you separate Essex to Washington, the problem with all politics today is that it appears that elected officials seem to forget they supposed to be an extension of it's citizens and thier needs and concerns. Whether you live in a small town like ours or a large city, should we expect less from our elected officials because of our size? We the poeple will have a chance to make the decision on Nov. 3rd and like you stated.

Re: Jerome Cutone, World War II Veteran and Former Selectman Passes Away at Age 92

facts2009 — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:28:13 -0000

We would like to extend our condolences to the Cutone family. He was a classy gentlemen, genuine and honest and an example of a man with honor and integrity. He will be missed.

Re: Miller Responds to Officer in Essex Police Dog Dispute

facts2009 — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 11:04:34 -0000

I have continued to look into this matter so that the facts can come to light. It appears as though the First Selectman is to enamored with being a "wantabee" police officer and certainly mislead Officer Bevilacqua and lied to the local vet who tried to do something nice for the community.

On the other hand, Officer Bevilacqua has tried to "work" the system and make the First Selectman and others believe he has the towns best interest and would work hard, the FACTS do not bear that out. I personally dont believe someone who is "green" behind the ears and doesnt even know how to be a police officer yet should be our towns first K9 officer.

So I will refer back to the word I used before:

cred·i·bil·i·ty (krd-bl-t)
n.
1. The quality, capability, or power to elicit belief

If if walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, you decide. Just trying to report all the facts as the are uncovered.

held to be excused for

Re: Miller Responds to Officer in Essex Police Dog Dispute

facts2009 — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:15:23 -0000

The discussion regarding this particular article seems to have drifted to who likes who and who thinks what. This article and the one prior to it with regards to the Police Dog shows Mr. Miller's actions for this particular event. For this particular event, can we not at least agree, based on the FACTS, that Mr. Miller has flip-floped on what he said and acted in a question manner?

As Dietie earlier said, it would have been thoughtful if Mr. Miller reimbursed Officer Bevilacqua with his own money, not town funds.

Our town has great things to offer and we have been fortunate to have low tax rates, but does this excuse peoples actions. When Mr. Miller later added his admission of an error in judgement and doing whats right to correct it, that showed integrity. Then the next day after consulting towns lawyers, he recanted and had a different story, that shows no credibility.

cred·i·bil·i·ty (krd-bl-t)
n.
1. The quality, capability, or power to elicit belief

If misleading a local bussiness that thier FREE service was for the towns police dog; for using town funds for non-town business; for denying it all, then having nothing to say when caught and changing your story twice, does not seem credible.

Mr. Miller and Mr. Needleman have done an excellent job in several areas and should be commended, but when elected officials start to believe that they are untouchable the system begins to erode.

Re: Miller Responds to Officer in Essex Police Dog Dispute

facts2009 — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:40:44 -0000

This seems like another cover-up or questionable action by Mr. Miller. First he disciplines one officer for coming forward with the truth to protect the town and still doing vehicle enforcement, without giving everyone a ticket. Just like with Officer Bevilacqua, come forward with the truth, get threatened and then punished. We as a society, whether your beliefs are Left, Right or in the Middle, we should all want the truth put out there so that we can make an educated decision, based on the FACTS!

I disagree with JAMEJO, even though this is an election season, Lon should be commended even more because he is NOT using this site to promote any political parties agenda. That is the sign of a true media person. Those are the FACTS!

Below are excerpts from the June 10, 2009 Board of Selectman Meeting:

"he is being retaliated against since August of 2008 when he first brought to the attention of Mr. Miller, "concerns of the former Resident State Trooper potential criminal activity, and police work environment, and his concerns that Connecticut State Police Sergeants were targeting him". "at that time Mr. Miller was dismissive of everything he hd to say and when he had brought to Mr. Miller’s attention inaccuracies with regard to Department of Transportation documents and that Mr. Miller was again dismissive".

"adding that he has been chastised by the Mr. Miller for not issuing infractions and giving out to many warnings".

Re: Miller Responds to Officer in Essex Police Dog Dispute

facts2009 — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:52:42 -0000

I was wondering Essexite, if presenting the facts is axe grinding, then why do we have meida or discussion? The FACT is the First Selectman is NOT the Chief of Police, read the statutes. Disband the Essex Police, that doesn't effect me personally, but as a town, to have Troopers who will be sent out of town on calls and have no police coverage in town would concern me. To lose the vested interest of having our local police should also be a concern. As far as sick time, injuries and book offs, I would have to know the FACTS to comment on that. But how would that change if the same happened with Troopers? The difference is that town officers are accountable to the town, Troopers are not, they are not, they only have to answer to the State Police. There are two sides to every story and it appears that the complainer now seem to be against those people who believe Phil has lost his way and doing whatever he wants. Even elected officials should have to answer for thier actions. From what I have read and followed from the June Board of Selectman meeting minutes online and in other places, it was Phil who chastized one of the officers for giving out warnings and not tickets. Thats a FACT, its in writing. So when the CEO of the town wants to be a policeman and does this, it would appear that he is the one wishing that the taxpayers be given tickets instead of warnings in these tough times. I agree the nonsense needs to be cut, but our elected officials need to do what they were elected to do, not get involved in areas that they have no knowledge about, thats what has caused many of these issues. Those are the FACTS which can be substantiated, all someone would need to do is look. I like you Essexite am not aligned with anyone, just trying to make sure all the information and facts are out there for the people.

Re: Miller Responds to Officer in Essex Police Dog Dispute

facts2009 — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:53:57 -0000

imfromessex, what does that have to do with Mr. Miller lying and misleading an officer? From what I understand and what statistics have been shown, our police are doing a good job catching the bad guys. Thier not giving interviews claiming to be the self proclaimed CHIEF of POLICE. Maybe if Mr. Miller stopped trying to play Policeman, misleading his officers and town businesses (Vet) and concentrated on doing his duties, the problems he seems to be causing with the police wouldn't always be an issue. These are the facts.

Re: Essex Selectmen Clash Over Police Dog

facts2009 — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 09:57:22 -0000

Mr. Miller consistantly does whatever he wants and now obviously uses tax payers and town funds and appropriates them for peoples personal use and non Town Business? He strung a young officer along and as Mr. Needleman quoted in the Selectmans meeting "dangled the carrot in front him". Wow, this is how we encourage help to keep moral high and foster strong relationships with our employees? How about with the citizens, Mr. Miller authorizes expendatures of something that he denies exists, a Police Dog. If Officer Bevilacqua had done something wrong, he would have to answer for it and be held accountable, are the rules different for Mr. Miller, is he above the law or doesn't have to be accountable for his actions? The fact that he lied to a Vet in his official capacity to get free service for something that is not the towns, the fact he told the officer not to talk to a selectman or show up to the meeting or he would shut the dog program down (the program that he never approved). It would appear that Mr. Miller can't answer the tough questons when they are presented, it's Mr. Needleman speaking for him or Mr. Millers responses a day later.

He led this officer on, strung him along, making him believe it was a go until it was time to get the dog ready. I hope Mr. Miller is sincere about wanting to do what is right.

Re: Miller Responds to Officer in Essex Police Dog Dispute

facts2009 — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 09:38:24 -0000

Luvuessex, you could not be more correct. After reading the previous article and Mr. Miller stating he, "erred in judgement and "would do whatever to make this right". Let's also not forget this comment was made by Mr. Miller after the Selectmans meeting, at the meeting when presented with the chance to speak and defend his actions, he sat there making faces and looking bewildered as Mr. Needleman had to speak for him. I'm sure after having long and costly consultations with the towns labor attorneys, Mr. Miller came up with this response. Is anyone to believe that an Officer would just go on thier own to Ohio to buy a Police Dog, house it, feed it, train it, if they weren't under the belief or had been lead on or told,that it was going to be the Town's Police Dog? A letter from Mr. Miller to a local Vet thanking them for donating thier service to" Primo the newest police recruit". So if Mr. Miller contends that this is not the Town Police Dog, why did he write an official letter to this Vet misrepresenting that fact? Or if he contends there is no Police Dog and used Town's funds to pay for non-town business, then someone should look into that as a criminal matter.

I guess I am most disturbed with Mr. Miller on two occassions trying to intimidate Officer Bevilacqua from coming to the meeting, at one point telling him if he went and talked Mr. Miller would shut the dog program down. I wonder if he meant the dog program that he said didn't exist. And calling Officer Bevilacqua the day before the meeting and telling him that he didn't have to speak with Mr. Pacileo and should tell him that. To Mr. Miller's credit he admitted that he said that to Officer Bevilacqua. It certainly seems like there are questionable things going on and Mr. Miller seems to be the one orchestrating them all and having Mr. Needleman defend him whether it's right or wrong.

Lon should be commended for having a site like this for people to express thier views and have open discussion about the FACTS!. Great job Lon!