Opinion
New Britain Progressive Opinion Page
On this page, you will find Op-Ed pieces, news analysis and other opinion in which the authors seek to inform on topics of interest to the New Britain community. If you would like to send commentary for consideration, please email it to [email protected].
Esty Holds Forum with Gerratana on Defending Democracy
By Tim O’Brien Columnist Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (D-5) held a forum, with State Senator Terry Gerratana (D-6) on August 31st in the New Britain Public Library to highlight the growing threats to our democracy from big money politics and voter suppression. “Too many Americans feel as though their voices simply aren’t being heard in our democracy,” […]
The Dedicated Leadership of the North-Oak NRZ
By Tim O’BrienColumnist The North-Oak neighborhood is home to a lot of good, generous, sincere people – people who work together for the good of everyone. The neighborhood has been blessed for years by the leadership of the North-Oak Neighborhood Revitalization Zone (NRZ) and the core dedicated community activists who volunteer their time in it. […]
Referendum Question 3 Obscures Charter Change On Granting Pay Raises To Elected Officials, Accelerated Water Bill Payments
By John McNamara Contributing Columnist The Common Council’s Republican Caucus Leader, Daniel Salerno, likes to preach to citizens who speak at public participation that they ought to stay, not leave after speaking on an issue, to watch the councilors “make the sausage” on selling city assets cheap, adopting a new policy or making budget decisions. […]
Northend Elementary School Canvass Neighborhoods with Backpacks and School Supplies
By Brian K. Riley New Britain Independent Board President During the month of August, Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church’s Bureau of Supply Missionary Society and Children’s Ministry, led by Jill Riley, Linda Kelly and Cheryl Niccols organized and collected backpacks and school supplies, which were donated to Northend Elementary School. The collected donations were delivered to […]
Prayer for Peace March held in New Britain
By Brian K. Riley New Britain Independent Board President A group of clergy, who call themselves “The Gatekeepers”, consist of Pastors and Ministers from within the New Britain Community. They were responsible for the planning and organizing, of the Prayer for Peace March, which took place on Saturday, August 13, 2016. Rev. Gervais Barger of […]
Black Democratic Club Continues Voter Empowerment
By Tim O’Brien Columnist New Britain has a great need for dedicated advocates for voter empowerment. Our community has a very real history of voter suppression by those charged with operating our election process. That is why it is more important than ever that New Britain’s people remain highly organized to fight for their rights and […]
Art Perry’s Fighting Spirit and Boundless Optimism Will Not Be Forgotten
By John McNamara Contributing Columnist Originally posted in NB Politicus Augusy 13, 2016 New Britain’s and SEIU’s Art Perry died this week after an extended and brave battle with cancer at the age of 63. I knew and will not forget Art as a union organizer of fighting spirit and boundless optimism through too many […]
Basing Our Support of Democratic Candidates On the Company They Keep
By Rhona Cohen Opinion Editor There are two very consequential local democratic primaries happening in New Britain on August 9th. Local elections are hardly ever discussed anywhere in statewide media, which might lead folks to believe they are of no consequence. However, they have major and reverberating effects, both locally and nationally. New Britain […]
Improving Equality and Justice in New Britain, Starting with Voting Rights
By Tim O’Brien Columnist As New Britain joined people nationwide in mourning the lives lost in senseless violent acts, the Black Ministerial Alliance of New Britain led the way in bringing people in the community together in a “Community Prayer for Peace Service for those who lost their lives at the hands of Law Enforcement […]
Ways to Improve Police-Community Relations, When Tensions are Rising Nationwide.
By Cody DallaValle Unsolicited Op-Ed Why is it that police and the communities that they are assigned to protect sometimes have sour relationships? Obviously this question doesn’t have just one universal answer; the answer depends upon myriad variables such as quality and intelligence of officers, the mood of citizens, current events, distrust on both sides, and […]