Monday, January 8, 2007

A Residents observations

I cannot believe what is happening to East Hartford and in particular-our high school!

The recent article in the Hartford Courant(November 15, 2006) regarding the arrest of Board of Education member Dorese Roberts assaulting her daughter has prompted this letter.negative

My husband and I moved to East Hartford 48 years ago to raise our family in a decent, law abiding town. My children and grandchildren have attended East Hartford Public Schools and only over the past several years have I seen such drastic changes.

  • Loitering at EHHS
  • Indecent. disgusting attire worn by students
  • Complete lack of respect for staff, residents and property.
  • Complete lack of discipline and manners.
  • What type of education is provided when our students speak-"I be wid you in a minute after I ax this man if this candy be 50 cent?"
When I arrive at EHHS to pick up my granddaughter I am not able to continue to pass through the front drive of the school because of loitering by the students. Why have security guards if they don't secure the area? Why have a dress code when it is being totally ignored by students and not enforced by the Administration? It is apparent to me that the crude attitude, and general careless demeanor displayed by most of these youngsters mirrors the irresponsibility of at least one board member as well as those individuals who have elected her or selected her and the others who govern our residents. Was Ms. Roberts's character not investigated before being given the responsibility of our children's welfare? Where has the pride in one's community gone?
When is all this going to stop? Surely one of our leaders must have the foresight and intelligence
to research the ability and respectability of board members before they are elected and/or appointed to do the right job for the residents of our town.

East Hartford, a once beautiful, well kept, decent town to raise a family in is not that anymore. I am ashamed to tell people where I live.

Mayor Currey, Mr. Kehoe, Mr. Salemi, Mr. Roczynski, Dr. Martinez, Ms. Mayranen-O' Brien; what has happened to the integrity that is supposed to be your responsibility?

With Respect,


Mrs. Barbara C. Yockachonis

cc: Mayor Melody Currey
Mr. Richard Kehoe, Chairman, Town Council
Mr. Bud Salemi, Democratic Town Committee
Mr. Paul Roczynski, Republican Town Committee
Dr. Marion Martinez, Superintendant
Ms. Hilde Mayranen-O'Brien, Board of Education
Ms. Karen Howe, Secretary, Board of Education

Paul Roczynski Honored

Mr Paul J. Roczynski of East Hartford to be awarded Congressional Medal of Distinction

Washington D.C. NRCC Chairman Tom Reynolds and the National Republican Congressional Committee(NRCC) announced today that Mr. Paul J. Roczynski has been chosen as a 2006 Congressional Medal of Distinction winner.

Mr. Roczynski was selected based on unyielding support of the Republican Party, outstanding leadership in business and contributions to the local economy.

Only an elite group of business and professional people were nominated to receive the award before the awards selection committee reached a final decision.

Commenting on Mr. Roczynski's selection, Congressman Reynolds said, "Mr. Roczynski has served as an Honorary Chairman of the Business Advisory Council and has provided much needed support. This award could not have gone to a more deserving candidate."

Friday, January 5, 2007

Eric Thompson


East Hartford, these are some transitional times for us. I am personally honored and humbled to accept our recently vacated town council seat. I am fully aware that the shoes that I have been appointed to fill are large and I appreciate all of the support and the many votes of confidence for me as we press our town forward to the next level of municipal success and achievement. I believe in East Hartford; especially its potential for greatness and prominence within the State of Connecticut. These positive trends are within this ‘threshold of transition’ and I believe it is essential to capitalize on common sense directives to maximize upon our town’s heritage, present living conditions and future challenges and accomplishments. As Town Councilor, I will do everything within my power and capabilities to achieve these goals for the residents of East Hartford.

I am going to be perfectly honest with you; accomplishing these goals will not be easy. There is no simple solution to the litany of issues that we are facing. The state and the town must work together to acquiesce any semblance of affluence. There are already certain factions that have been actively negotiating to pursue the achievement of these goals. Through a variety of personal sacrifices, many have taken a zero percent wage increase this year to help offset East Hartford’s forthcoming re-evaluation property tax increase. Although this is not the solution, it is a responsible step in the right direction for commonsense progress in East Hartford. With the Town’s fiscal budget upon us, reducing our spending must be a priority. Excessive and new expenditures, in my viewpoint, must be scrutinized and dissected for the benefit of the residents of East Hartford. Partisan politicking must not be utilized, as only the residents suffer for ‘one partied’ agenda ridden policies. This is the time where the town should unite, remove the boxing gloves, and embrace our common goals, concerns and problems together. Contrastingly, I am very optimistic that the leadership in this town will be prudent and responsive to the residents as well as utilizing discretion appropriate for the successful operation of the town. Some examples of this responsiveness from our administration and leadership are starting to manifest. People are coming forth, expressing their dissatisfaction with the present way things are being handled. Exhibiting boldness, our present mayor has made some fiscally responsible statements, arguing against recent financial decisions made by the Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education; I am hoping this sentiment of fiscal responsibility to the residents of our town continues to be top priority with my colleagues on the Council in 2007.

I look forward to this legislative process optimistically, seeing that I am the ‘new kid on the block.’ While the term ‘neophyte’ may be an accurate statement about me, please do not become dismayed about my agenda and intentions for the town of East Hartford. I recently took an oath to uphold and protect the charter of this town and I take that oath seriously. I am very excited to move forward into this transitional period of our town. I welcome this challenge and am eager to introduce my ideas and perspectives as well as the ideas and perspectives of those whom I represent. Feel free to contact me as I wish to be a conduit to your local government here in East Hartford. It is all about you, your family and livelihood! Let us make the best of life here in East Hartford; better, together.

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

Eric Thompson appointed to the East Hartford Town Council

January 2, 2007 East Hartford Town Council Chambers. Republican Town Committee member Eric Thompson was sworn in to complete the term of Stephanie Lebanowski. Eric joins fellow Republicans Don Pitkin, Minority Leader and Pat Harmon. Present to support Eric were his wife Mia, Republican Town Chairman Paul Roczynski and his wife Mary Ann, Daniel Moura, Susan Skowronek, John Ryan, Joe and Caroline Kronen, and Esther Clarke. Congratulations Eric, we are all pulling for you!!!

East Hartford Town Council Minority Leader Donald H. Pitkin and Council member Pat Harmon place the motion to accept the appointment of Eric Thompson to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Stephanie Lebanowski, before the Town Council. The council approved his appointment unanimously 8-0

Eric Thompson is sworn in by East Hartford Town Clerk Sharon Miller as Council member Jason Rojas looks on.

Eric receiving the oath office for the Town Council.



Newly appointed Town Council member Eric Thompson addresses the Council, audience and the viewers of Channel 5 as Minority Leader Pitkin looks on

Tuesday, January 2, 2007

Tribute to the late Gerald R. Ford


The Patriotic Commission of the Town of East Hartford met tonight to deliver a moving tribute to the late President Gerald R. Ford in the Town Council Chambers. Minority Leader Donald H. Pitkin provided a historical perspective on President Ford's life.