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].
Op-Ed: Tax and Spend Republicans in New Britain
By Aram Ayalon Recently, the New Britain Progressive reported that the city of New Britain is yet again, late in submitting its audit report, this time 6 months late instead of a year late for the 2022 budget – a slight improvement but still adds to the financial woes the city has experienced in the […]
Reader Supports Ayalon and Property Tax Cap
Dear Editor, Last year my condo property was reassessed and I got a 43% property tax increase. This July, I got a mill rate increase of about $100 per/year. The 2024 mill rate for Greenwich (one of the wealthiest communities in CT) is 11.39. In New Britain it’s 38.28 with another increase already set for […]
An Open Letter Honoring Dr. Alton Brooks
To the family of Dr. Alton F. Brooks, My deepest condolences to you in this sad time. As we come together to remember and honor the life of Dr. Alton F. Brooks, I know you know how much he meant to so many people – and I hope you feel the embrace of that love, […]
Tributes to Dr. Alton Brooks: Dr. Aram Ayalon
Dear editor, As a former member of the school board and Common Council of New Britain I got to know quite a few of the members who were mentored by Alton Brooks. He was especially instrumental in engaging African Americans in the politics of New Britain and through that giving voice and influence to African […]
Community Mourns and Thanks Dr. Alton Brooks, Revered Community Leader
By Tim O’Brien, with contributing research by John McNamara and from an interview with Dr. Brooks by Rev. Brian Riley and photography by Dr. Frank Gerratana People across New Britain and beyond are in mourning because of the passing of Dr. Alton Brooks, the legendary leader, who did so much for so many, organizing, inspiring […]
Op-Ed – Response to Ayalon’s Commentary on Infrastructure Proposal
To Our Neighbor’s in Ward 4, The federal grants (PROTECT and FEMA) have been in the pipeline for years, they have not been funded. The Allen St. and Overlook-McKinley projects have been ignored and neglected for 30 years including 10 years on the current mayor’s watch. City and state bonding initiatives are required immediately to […]
Op-Ed – Infrastructure Investment – A Real Proposal or a Campaign Gimmick
By Aram Ayalon, In a June 12, 2024, article on the New Britain Progressive my opponent for District 26 state representative is cited as proposing a $200 million investment in municipal infrastructure to address sewer and flooding issues funded by recent state budget surpluses. New Britain has suffered from flooding in certain areas in the […]
Mayor’s Mill Rate Increase Will Hike Taxes An Average Of $204 On Single Family Homes
Republicans Falsely Claim A $44 Increase After Double Digit Increases This Year; State Stabilization Funds Add $10 Million To City Revenue For Fiscal Year 2025 By John McNamara The dust is settling on the making of the 2024-2025 municipal budget for the Stewart Administration and the closely-divided Common Council of eight Democrats and seven Republicans. […]
The Furniture of the Poor
By Bill Shortell I live in a beautiful apartment in a big building with 36 units. It’s in my price range and I have no plans to move, although it’s going downhill. The landlord has made superficial improvements and uses that as an excuse to jack the rents up to “market rate,” i.e. more than […]
Opinion: Reader Questions CCSU Decisions on Student Protests on Gaza
By Lily Mercado, CCSU IJC President Author’s Note: Article Originally Denied by The Recorder As a pretext, it should be known that this article was originally submitted to CCSU’s school newspaper, The Recorder, on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, and denied publication. On Friday, April 26th, Managing Editor emailed me stating, “We’ve come to a mutual […]