News Analysis
Report Raises Questions About Mayoral Candidate Sharon Beloin-Saavedra’s Record on Special Education
As candidate Sharon Beloin-Saavedra (R) is seeking to become mayor of New Britain, she is running on her experience as school board member and president from 2005 until 2017. In her recent campaign leaflet, she list her school board accomplishments, including “supported key program creation & expansion for children with autism.” However, she neglected to […]
Holmes School Renovation Is on Schedule for Fall 2026 Re-Opening
By John McNamara State Bonds Are Covering 95% Of $70 Million In Construction Costs A $70 million comprehensive renovation of the Stanley H. Holmes Elementary School on Stanley Street near A.W. Stanley Park is on schedule for re-opening in the fall of 2026. Members of the School Building Committee toured the school construction site on […]
Reflections of a Hundred Year Old Activist
By Ida Cohen Seeing so many of us in front of New Britain’s City Hall was a sight for these sore eyes. Lately reading the news has been so depressing, and there we were one hundred strong, chanting, yelling, fighting for our civil rights! Every time I’ve heard discussions on the news and radio I’ve […]
How Mamdani’s Message Trumped the Establishment in NYC
Back To The Future: “Affordability” Wins on the Lower East Side and Elsewhere by John McNamara Down on the Lower East Side of Manhattan on Grand Street the words of Sidney Hillman are inscribed in stone outside the coop complex named for the legendary labor leader. “We want a better America,” the quote goes, “an […]
New Britain Racial Justice Coalition Condemns Mayor Stewart’s Veto of Education, Housing and Public Service
By the New Britain Racial Justice Coalition, The New Britain Racial Justice Coalition (NBRJC) strongly condemns Mayor Erin Stewart’s June 7 veto of the City Council’s amended FY 2025 budget, which prioritized long-overdue investments in education, housing, and public services. The veto reverses a budget that was shaped by extensive community input and advocacy. Over […]
Honoring the Great Harriet S Geragosian – Steadfast, Caring, Progressive Leader
By Tim O’Brien I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the great Harriet S Geragosian. I am saddened for her wonderful family, and I extend my heartfelt sympathy to her son, State Auditor and former state Rep John Geragosian, his wife, Audrey, daughter Molly and all of the members of their family. […]
Council Update: Public Hearing On Budget To Be Held April 29th
Common Council Begins Review of Mayor’s Proposed Budget for New Fiscal Year The Common Council will hold a Public Hearing on the Mayor’s proposed Municipal Budget for the next fiscal year on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers, 27 West Main Street. Individuals seeking to join the public hearing and speak […]
Legislation Calls For Clear Language On Charter Referenda
GAE Committee Favors ‘Precise’ Wording On Ballot Questions The Legislature’s Government Administration and Elections Committee (GAE) has acted favorably on a bill that will “establish certain minimum requirements for presenting charter or home rule ordinance amendment ballot questions to voters.’” House Bill 7125, introduced by State Representative Gary Turco (D-27) and supported by New Britain’s […]
Martin Luther King and the Economic and Social Bill of Rights
By Tim O’Brien Editor’s note: The following commentary is a republication of an article originally published personally by the author in 2014. This weekend, our nation, state and communities celebrate and remember the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his accomplishments. It is a time when I have always felt inspired by his work, […]
It’s Time For State To Address Stormwater Crisis In More Hard Hit Neighborhoods
State Aid Needed To Implement Allen Street Capital Improvements In New Britain By John McNamara The damage to homes and properties caused by intense rains has accelerated over the last two years in New Britain and other communities across Connecticut. Public stormwater and sewer systems built a century ago are routinely overwhelmed whenever a hard […]