SOUTH NORWALK BRINGS THE CITY OF NORWALK AND THE COUNTRY TO THE FOREFRONT OF CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY IN WATER FILTRATION.

SOUTH NORWALK BRINGS THE CITY OF NORWALK AND THE
COUNTRY TO THE FOREFRONT OF CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY IN WATER FILTRATION.

The Democratic Majority of the ~2nd Taxing District Commissioners~ demonstrate vision and accomplishment
to provide unsurpassed water quality and service to half the population of the City of Norwalk with a newly built
state-of-the-art filtration plant,
the first of its kind in New England and the best water filter technology in the country.

SOUTH NORWALK IS GOING TO HAVE THE BEST WATER FILTER TECHNOLOGY IN THE COUNTRY. The magazine of the CT, American Water Works. Spring '2007 Issue

Under the leadership of OTHA BROWN, Chair and MARY BURGESS Vice-Chair of the Commission; Commissioners Michael Geake, Sylvester Maultsby and Mary Mann.

IT SHOWS EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Read the issues affecting our country today.

-Millions of Americans without Health Insurance.

-War in IRAQ.

-US Soldiers Killed and Wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Updated weekly.

-Our elderly and new generations of Americans are afraid of losing, or not able to collect their hard earned social security benefits.

-Increasing poverty rates, diminishing middle class numbers.

-Insecurity at the work place.

-Jobs lost to foreign countries.

-Stem Cells Research.

-Cuts of educational programs.

-Elections Process problems continue in the US.

-Civil Rights violations. Wire Tapping of American citizens .

-US Constitution under attack.

-Disregard of the Geneva Conventions .

-Lost ties with friendly nations and allies worldwide due to failed foreign policies.

-Lack of enforcement of immigration laws.

-Tax cuts that favor wealthiest Americans and penalize the middles class.

-Savings accounts at an all-time low.

-Unfair trade policies.

-Trade deficits.

-Increasing budget deficts.

-Lack of health care for 9/11 workers' health issues.

-Veteran Administration hospitals in disarray and apparent benefits denials for war veterans.

-Global warming.

-Republican Obstructions in Congress .

NORWALK's SCHOOL SYSTEM ONGOING SIGNIFICANT ADVANCES UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Much needed re-construction and improvements of city schools previously suffering total neglect over a 14 year period.

Development of a new curriculum of studies and text materials replacing an old and sorely lacking course of studies. This development provides our graduates with the necessary tools in order to better compete for the best universities and colleges nationwide.

Extensive changes throughout the entire educational system.

Construction of the newly built Brien Mc Mahon High School which includes a cutting edge technological achievement "Center for Global Studies".

Excellent music program that regularly wins awards at nationwide and regional competitions.

Partnership with the Maritime Aquarium program enhances marine science and maritime culture studies.

Norwalk students develop Art and Science Shows initiative.

Excellent proficient, competent and skillful teachers, principals and staff throughout the entire school system.

the list goes on and on...

FAILURE OF HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

In the wealthiest, most powerful nation on earth, no one should have to choose between taking their child to a doctor and paying the rent. The Democratic Party is committed to making sure every single American has access to affordable, effective health care coverage. We want to fix the disastrous Medicare Part D and ensure our seniors can afford their prescription drugs.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE 110th DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS IN THE FACE OF OBSTRUCTIONS FROM REPUBLICANS AND PRESIDENT BUSH

July 26, 2007

The 110th Congress - Democratic Accomplishments and Republican Obstructions

This afternoon, Congressional Republican leaders will try to spin fictions about the Democratic-controlled 110th Congress. But the facts are clear. Democrats have produced a record of accomplishment in spite of unprecedented obstruction by the Republican minority. Republicans must stop dragging their feet, and work with Democrats on the business most important to the American people.

Democrats have passed a series of measures to advance the agenda of the American people:

Democrats Passed First Minimum Wage Increase in a Decade. “The nation's lowest-paid workers will soon find extra money in their pockets as the minimum wage rises 70 cents to $5.85 an hour today, the first increase in a decade. It ends the longest span without a federal minimum wage increase since it was enacted in 1938. The previous increase came in September 1997, when a bill signed by President Bill Clinton raised the minimum 40 cents, to $5.15 an hour. Legislation signed by President Bush in May increases the wage 70 cents each summer until 2009, when all minimum-wage jobs will pay no less than $7.25 an hour.” [Associated Press, 7/24/07]

Democrats Passed War Spending Bill that Included $6 Billion for Hurricane Relief. “The war spending bill provides about $95 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan through Sept. 30 and billions in domestic projects, including more than $6 billion for hurricane relief.” [Associated Press, 5/25/07]

Democrats Passed Wounded Warriors Bill to Upgrade Military Health Care and Provide a 3.5% Pay Raise for Our Troops. “Senate Democrats scored a crucial pre-recess legislative win Wednesday, as a veterans’ healthcare measure and military pay raise previously attached to the stalled defense authorization bill passed unanimously. Republicans sought to add the 3.5 percent pay increase to the healthcare bill, dubbed the Wounded Warriors Act, before allowing immediate passage of the package.” [The Hill, 7/26/07]

Democrats Passed Legislation Out of Committee Providing the Largest Increase for Veterans Affairs Funding in History. “House and Senate appropriators are both confidently moving forward with their proposals to give the Veterans Affairs Department its largest-ever budget increase to address the increasing health care needs of veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The House passed its version of the fiscal 2008 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill (HR 2642) June 15 by a vote of 409-2. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved, 28-1, its draft version on June 14.” [CQ Today, 6/15/07]

Iraq Supplemental Appropriations Bill Included Additional $1.8 Billion for Veterans’ Health Care. “The House and Senate approved the $120 billion package yesterday. The president had requested $103 billion, but Congress added additional spending requirements to increase veterans’ health care programs by $1.8 billion, military construction and realignment by almost $5 billion, and homeland security by more than $1 billion.” [VFW Press Release, 5/25/07]

Democrats Passed Bill to Implement 9/11 Commission Recommendations. “The Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation yesterday to implement many of the remaining reforms suggested by the Sept. 11 commission, answering its three-year-old call for better emergency communications; more money for cities at high risk of terrorist attacks; and tighter security for air cargo, ports, chemical plants and rail systems.” [Washington Post, 3/14/07]

Democrats Passed Ethics and Lobbying Reform Bill. “Senate Democrats and Republicans broke a difficult stalemate last night and approved 96 to 2 expansive legislation to curtail the influence of lobbyists, tighten congressional ethics rules and prevent the spouses of senators from lobbying senators and their staffs. The Senate legislation, hailed by proponents as the most significant ethics reform since Watergate, would ban gifts, meals and travel funded by lobbyists, and would force lawmakers to attach their names to special-interest provisions and pet projects that they slip into bills. Lawmakers would have to pay charter rates on corporate jets, not the far-cheaper first-class rates they pay now.” [Washington Post, 1/19/07]

Democrats Passed Bill to Cut Subsidies to Student Lenders and Provide $17 Billion in Grants and Other Student Aid. “The Senate overwhelmingly approved a wide-ranging overhaul of student loan programs early today that would pay for more than $17 billion in grants and other student aid by slashing subsidies to lending companies. Democrats and student advocates said the legislation, which passed in a 78 to 18 vote, would help millions of Americans pay for college in a time of steady and often steep tuition increases.” [Washington Post, 7/19/07]

Democrats Passed a Bill to Better Regulate the Student Loan Industry. “Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts made the comments shortly after senators passed legislation (S 1642) to reauthorize the primary law governing colleges, universities and federal aid by an overwhelming margin of 95-0…. The underlying bill would increase the amount of information that schools and lenders must provide to students — including up-front disclosure of loan rates and terms and data on total school costs — and would ban lenders from giving schools financial aid funds or any other perks to get on a preferred lender list…. The bill would require colleges and universities to draft codes of conduct governing relationships with lenders; shorten the application form for federal student aid; and authorize a pilot program to allow students to learn the total aid they can expect to receive up to two years in advance.” [CQ Today, 7/24/07]

Democrats Passed a Fiscally Responsible Budget. “Congress gave final approval on Thursday to a $2.9 trillion budget plan that promises big spending increases for education and health care and a federal surplus in five years… Democrats said their budget measure would put the government $41 billion in the black by 2012, after steady deficits since 2002. They said the measure also would reversing Bush's clampdown on domestic agencies' annual budgets passed by Congress… The budget plan would lock in a promise by Democrats to restore pay-as-you-go rules. Republicans abandoned these in 2001 to pass Bush's tax cuts.” [Associated Press, 5/17/07]

Democrats Passed Energy Bill That Increased Fuel-Efficiency Standards for First Time Since 1975. “The Senate passed a sweeping energy legislation package last night that would mandate the first substantial change in the nation's vehicle fuel-efficiency law since 1975 despite opposition from auto companies and their Senate supporters… The package, which still must pass the House, would also require that the use of biofuels climb to 36 billion gallons by 2022, would set penalties for gasoline price-gouging and would give the government new powers to investigate oil companies' pricing. It would provide federal grants and loan guarantees to promote research into fuel-efficient vehicles and would support test projects to capture carbon dioxide from coal-burning power plants to be stored underground.” [Washington Post, 6/22/07]

Meanwhile time after time the Senate Republicans have obstructed progress on America's priorities:

Democrats Pushed for A New Direction in Iraq; Republicans Obstructed. On July 17 and July 18, Democrats held an all night debate to force a change of course in Iraq. Republicans obstructed Democratic attempts to vote on the Levin-Reed Amendment 8 times. Republicans have obstructed progress on legislation calling for a change of course in Iraq 8 times earlier in the year. [Senate Floor Proceedings, 7/17/07-7/18/07; Senate Vote #241, HR 1585, 7/11/07; Senate Vote #171, HR 2206, 5/17/07; Senate Vote #167, HR 1495, 5/16/07; Senate Vote #117, HR 1591, 3/28/07; Senate Vote #74, S.J.Res. 9, 3/14/07; Senate Vote #51, S. 574, 2/17/07; Senate Vote #44, S. 470, 2/5/07; Senate Vote #43, S. Con. Res. 2, 2/1/07]

Democrats Tried to Pass a Minimum Wage Increase; Republicans Obstructed. On January 24, Republicans blocked a bill that would have increased the minimum wage to $7.25 per hour over two years. [Senate Vote #23, HR 2, 1/24/07]

Democrats Tried to Pass Tax Incentives for Clean Energy; Republicans Obstructed. On June 21, Republicans blocked an amendment that would have established $32.1 billion of tax incentives for alternative energy sources while imposing taxes on the oil and gas industry. The amendment would have created $3.6 billion worth of renewable energy bonds, established $11 billion in tax incentives for renewable energy and authorize $2.5 billion for the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. [Senate Vote #223, HR 6, 6/21/07]

Democrats Tried Twice to Pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform; Republicans Obstructed. On June 7 and June 28, Republicans blocked debate on comprehensive immigration reform. [Senate Vote #206, S. 1348, 6/7/07; Senate Vote #235, S. 1639, 6/28/07]

Democrats Tried to Pass Intelligence Authorization; Republicans Obstructed. On April 16, Republicans blocked consideration of the Intelligence Authorization bill, which would have authorized classified amounts in fiscal 2007 for U.S. intelligence activities and agencies including the CIA, the National Security Agency, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Defense Intelligence Agency. [Senate Vote #130, S. 372, 4/16/07]

Democrats Passed War Supplemental Funding Bill With Measures to Change Direction in Iraq; President Bush Vetoed the Bill. “President Bush used his veto pen for only the second time Tuesday after Congress sent him a war spending bill that would impose timelines to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq, which he called a ‘prescription for chaos.’” [NBC News, 5/1/06]

Democrats Passed a Bill to Expand Stem Cell Research; President Bush Vetoed the Bill. “President Bush yesterday vetoed legislation to expand federally funded embryonic stem cell research, saying that scientific advances now allow researchers to pursue the potentially lifesaving work without destroying human embryos.” [Washington Post, 6/21/07]

The Senate Republicans are on pace to reach new records for obstruction. It is worth noting the hypocrisy of the current minority on the issue of obstruction:

McConnell Called for Up-or-Down Vote on Republican Tax Package. “Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said all three elements of the bill could have survived simple-majority votes had they been allowed, and he accused the Democrats of being obstructionists. ‘How can we have bipartisanship in the Congress if Democrats won't take 'yes' for an answer?’ he asked.” [Washington Post, 8/4/06]

McConnell Justified 60 Vote Threshold on Iraq Debate. “As I indicated, it had been my hope that we could have had the Levin Amendment and the Cornyn Amendment in juxtaposition, by consent, both requiring 60 votes. This has been the way we’ve dealth with I think essentially every controversial Iraq amendment this year, no matter what bill it’s been offered up upon.” [Senate Floor Proceedings, 7/16/07]

McConnell Said It Was Absurd that Controversial Matters Should Not Be Decided by 60 Vote Threshold “Point number two, the suggestion that it's somehow unusual in the Senate to have controversial matters decided by 60 votes is absurd on its face.” [McConnell Press Conference, 7/18/07]

Senator Lott Called for An Up-or-Down Vote on 2002 Iraq War Resolution. “President George W. Bush yesterday agreed to narrow the terms of a congressional resolution authorizing military action against Saddam Hussein and offered what one lawmaker called ‘an olive branch’ to angry Democrats who have accused him of politicizing the issue…Lott, however, signaled that Republicans were not willing to negotiate much further, saying: ‘It's time. We could wordsmith this to death.’ Lott said Republicans want an up-or-down vote on the resolution with no ability to offer amendments; Daschle said floor amendments are possible. [Newsday, 9/22/02]

Senator Lott Called for Up-or-Down Vote on 2002 Stimulus Package. “Lott called on Daschle to allow the Senate to cast a straight up or down vote on each party's economic proposals. That would require a simple majority of 51, rather than the tougher, 60-vote hurdle.” [Chicago Tribune, 2/6/02]

Senator Lott Admitted GOP Was Using Obstructionist Tactics. “Is this obstructionism? Yes, indeed--according to none other than Lott. The Minority Whip told Roll Call, ‘The strategy of being obstructionist can work or fail. For [former Senate Minority Leader Tom] Daschle, it failed. For Reid it succeeded, and so far it's working for us.’ Lott’s point was that a minority party can push as far as it wants until the public blames them for the problem, and so far that has not happened.” [Ornstein Column, AEI, 7/18/07]

Senator Kyl Claims Democrats Won’t Allow Congress to Have ‘Serious Policy Debates.’ “We really ought to be asking why this Democrat leadership won’t allow Congress to move forward on serious policy debates,” said Kyl. “Americans have been disappointed by a majority leadership that stages one show debate after another, while the only consistent legislative work getting done is the renaming of post offices.” [Washington Times, 7/24/07]

However Senator Kyl Spearheaded the ‘Serious Debate’ Over Immigration Reform And Worked With Senator Reid to Revive The Debate. Kyl worked with Democrats to craft and have a ‘serious policy debate’ on the recent Immigration bill. Kyl also requested Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to bring the immigration bill back to the floor. Senator Reid said, “…Following the unsuccessful cloture vote on June 7, a group of Senators, including Minority Leader McConnell, Republican Conference Chairman Kyl and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Specter, came to see me with a request that I bring the immigration bill back before the Senate…” [Arizona Republic, 5/10/07; Congressional Record, 6/27/07]

BRUCE MORRIS AND BOBBY BURGESS SECURE 17 AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS FOR NORWALK

CORRESPONDENCE ON THE FINAL RESOLUTION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED "WORKFORCE HOUSING PLAN" OF THE WASHINGTON - SOUTH MAIN URBAN RENEWAL PLAN (as amended) AT 20 NORTH WATER STREET, SOUTH NORWALK.

Common Council Meeting - dated: August 14, 2007 VOTE AS FOLLOWS,

In Favor: Kevin Poruban, Douglas W. Sutton, Gwen L. Briggs, Michael W. Coffey, Douglas E. Hempstead, Fred A. Bondi, Kelly L. Straniti and Joanne Romano

Against: Carvin Hilliard, Rev. Phyllis Bolden, William M. Krummel and Herbert A. Grant

PASSED

Mimi & Bobby Burgess [burry@optonline.net] Thursday. August 09. 2007 12:57 AM

Mayor Richard Moccia; Gwen L. Briggs; Kelly L. Straniti; Douglas E. Hempstead; Nicholas O. Kydes; Fred A. Bondi; carvin J.HiUard; Rev. PhyUis Bolden; Richard A. Mcquaid; Herbert A. Grant; Douglas W. suUon; Joanne T. Romano; Kawen Poruban; Matthew T. MikIave; Michael W. Coffey; \MIIiam M. Krummel; Rev.PhyHis Yvetle Bolden; Rev.Sonya Merrill; Harriett Myles; Bobby & Mimi Burgess; Ann Austin; AI Ayme; Daisy Franklin; Darlene Young; PierreLouisWndzer; Rev. Joseph Clemmons; Mary Mann; Shirley Mam; Joe Mann; Fran CoIIier Clemmons; 0Iha Brown; George Fludd; Sonoweedandseed.com; Ben Guerrero; Barbara Hudgins; Rev. Sylvester Maultsby; Ernie and Martha Dumas; Stephanie Smith; Queen Esta Maye; Migdalia Rivas; Mary T. Brown; Bruce Morris

Cc: Atty. Frank N Zullo; Timothy Sheehan; Candace Schafer

Subject: FW Norwalk Company
Importance: High
From: sent:

To:

The members of the District B Democratic Committee are on record in their insistence that the Workforce Housing required in each development be "on-site". During much discussion of the matter, it became clear that there are no mandates in place to accomplish this in that the mandate only includes a requirement that 10% of the units in each development be Workforce housing but not mandated "on-site".

During the negotiated agreement Councilman Carvin Hilliard was in attendance at the two sessions and he supported the compromise that the Tarragon Development Corporation will provide the Workforce Housing units as follows. Two one bedroom units and two studio units will be located in the 20 North Water St. site. At the 50 Connecticut Avenue Site there shall be 7 one bedroom units,. Although the Conn. Ave. site can accommodate 13 one bedroom units it can not accommodate the 6 two bedroom units as agreed to. Timothy Sheehan, The Tarragon Dev. Corp. and Atty. Frank Zullo did agree on an alternate site that the 6 two bedroom units will be built and the site shall be within 3 miles from the 20 North Water St. site. In accordance with the Norwalk zoning regulations the developer is only re-required to supply 10% Workforce Housings, ie. 13 units. Councilwoman Phyllis Bolden was also invited but could not attend. State Representative Bruce V. Morris and I were both in attendance.

At the Ward B Democratic meeting held on Monday. August 6th, 2007, Councilman Carvin Hilliard announced that he has the right to change his mind on the decision to support the compromise and he just may vote against the motion for approval of the development. In addition, Councilwoman Bolden stated that she had "reservations". When questioned about Mr. Hilliard's sudden change of mind two answers were given.

# 1. he stated that he has talked to some of the future developers, and they stated that the City will be setting a precedent if this project is approved in its present form.

# 2. Mr. Hilliard stated that he did not want all the units in one location. I can" find no justification in Mr. Hilliard’s excuses since he agreed to the compromise during the negotiations.

In addition, Mr. Hilliard called me prior to the Planning Committee meeting and was annoyed that State Representative Bruce V. Morris and I were planning to attend the meeting although we had joined him in the negotiations. He stated that the agreement was that we would be "low key" enabling him to push the agreement through on the consent agenda. This was actually never discussed.

Therefore} I am requesting that Mayor Moccia urge the Norwalk Common Council to vote in the affirmative for this development which will provide 128 units of Housing in SoNo of which 17 units will be Workforce Housing instead of the 13 units that are mandated by the Norwalk zoning regulations. In addition, the 20 North Water Street
Development will provide extra parking spaces for SoNo merchants and customers.

Robert Burgess, Chairman District B Democratic Committee

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

---original Message
FnHn: Mimi & Bobby Burgess [mailtD:burry@optonllne.net] sent: Friday, August 03, 2007 1:10 PM
To: Atty. Frank N Zullo; Candace Schafer; 11mothy Sheehan Subject: W: Norwalk Company
Importance: High

Dear Colleagues

This thank you letter was sent to Carvin Hilliard, Phyllis Bolden and Bruce Morris on 8/1/07. I inadvertently left my name off the people planning to attend last evenings meeting.
Thanks,

Bobby Burgess, Chairman Ward "B"

--()riginal Message
FnHn: Mimi & Bobby Burgess [mailtD:btJnyOopIDnIine.net] sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 7:59 PM
To: 8nJce Morris; Phyllis Bolden; <:Carvin Hilliard SUbject: fW: Norwalk Company importance: High The results from our negotiations for Affordable Housing with Tim Sheehan ,Candance Schafer and Atty .Frank Zullo for the 20 North Water St. Development were fairly successful. As you know P & Z Workforce Regulations, which were adopted By P & Z and the Norwalk Common Council, do mandate that the Workforce Housing can be built out side of the development site. Thanks to all for your cooperation. Our State Representative will be attending the Norwalk Common Council, Planning Committee Thursday night 812/07 to voice our approval for the said development Best regards, Bobby Burgess Chairman Ward B Democratic Committee.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

---original Message
From: Sheehan, 11mothy [maiItD:TSheehan@norwafkct.org] Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 4:35 PM
To: 'BurryOoptDnllne.net'
Cc: 'Matthew MIkIave'
Subject: Norwalk Company
Importance: High

Bobby:

As we discussed this afternoon Tarragon the developer of 20 North water Street has agreed to produce 17 units of affordable housing. Of the 17 units, 4 units will be on site (2 studios and 2 (1)bedrooms), seven one bedrooms will be located off-site at 50 Connecticut Avenue and the remaining six two bedroom units will be located in a multi-family zone within a reasonable distance from the 20 NoI1h water Street location.

The location of the six units must be identified to the Redevelopment Agency and approved, prior to Tarragon filing with Zoning for Site Plan Approval. I believe that this commitment on the part of the developer lives up to the spirit of the agreement that was struck last week.

Unfortunately it came as a surprise that the 50 Connecticut Avenue site does not have any two bedroom units nor can the structure be reconfigured to feasibly accommodate the required two bedrooms units. I concur with your point of last week however that these two bedroom units are important components our affordable housing inventory and should not be substituted for one bedroom units.

The developer has agreed to provide the two bedroom affordable units and site them in a reasonable location that is subject to Agency approval. Please let me know if you have any remaining questions or concerns that might need to be resolved before Thursday.

CoIIectiveIy we have come a long way from what was presented to the Planning Committee in February. we have succeeded in moving the developer to provide 4 affordable units on-site. Increase the number two bedroom affordable units being created and increase the initial required number affordable units bJ 3O% while preserving the fa9ade d the building which provides an invaluable sense of identity to the South Norwalk community and the proposed building itself.

Thanks.

Tim
(203) 854-7810 EXT. 16786