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].
Sanitary Main Break Across from 499 College West Apts: Road is Buckling Per the On-Site Tech
By Frank Chase The Oak to Stanley section of Allen St. Seems to be a problematic stretch of road. B&J Construction was called in for the repair. More costly repairs!? City officials insist on paving over this section of Allen St. holding the road together for the short term. Meanwhile, the outdated, undersized clay mains […]
Critical Neighborhood Flooding Update: City Council Meeting 1-24-24
An open message to city officials. By Frank and Sharon Chase To:    City OfficialsDate:  January 23, 2024From: Frank and Sharon Chase Dear Elected and Appointed City Officials: These “vital details” will help you better understand our focused efforts to correct the ongoing flooding in our neighborhoods.  The neglect and mismanagement (dereliction of duty) we have uncovered has […]
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, […]
Op-Ed: Council Democrats Address Stormwater, Audit and Shelter For Unhoused Issues
Hearing From Citizens Will Be Essential During City Budget Process Two months into a new term the new Democratic majority on the Common Council is working on key issues raised in last year’s municipal election and in responding to public concerns on housing and shelter for the unhoused, stormwater infrastructure and the status of the […]
Storm This Week Floods Critical Neighborhood Again
By Frank and Sharon Chase, The “critical neighborhood” of Allen-Stewart-Hampton-Eton-Newbury-Roxbury-Stanley Park flooded again yesterday December 18. The attached photos from December 18 tells the story. The Allen St. Basin and the Hampton-Eton Sub-Basin backs-up, flooding from Allen through Hampton-Eton-Newbury-Roxbury to the Stanley Park at the corner of Stanley and Roxbury. This is the sixth flooding […]
Roxbury Road Resident Speaks Out on Flooding
By Frank Chase, Roxbury Road We purchased 24 Roxbury in 1973 with a healthy, dry basement and a flood free property. Our property is not the same today. Our neighborhood is not the same today. Remember, we are not in a flood zone. As we all know, our weather is more severe and climate conditions […]
Opinion: Candyce Scott Would Bring Conscience and Work Ethic to Council
Dear Friends, While I do not live in Ward 3 — I live in Ward 1, where I will be voting for Richard Lacouriere and Nate Simpson — my street is a Ward line and Ward 3 is across the street from me. So I would offer to my neighbors how happy I am for […]
Opinion: By Electing John McNamara, Ward 4 Can Have a Truly Good Person Representing Them
Dear Friends, I feel very comfortable in saying that there are many people, across party and political divides, who would agree with me that Mr. John McNamara is decent and good-hearted human being. He genuine, caring, honorable and devoted. John has among the strongest of convictions of people I know, I yet I do not […]
Marchers in New Britain Call for a Free Palestine
By Bill Shortell I crossed the street through the light, cold rain up to the small crowd gathering in front of the Taqwa Mosque on Arch St in New Britain at 4:00pm on Sunday, October 29. Omer Abdelgader, President of the Executive Committee of the Islamic Association of Central Connecticut, greeted me and said that […]
Local Improvements Come from Democrats at State, Not Mayor in City, Reader Says, Criticizing “Political Plagiarism”
To the editor, If the mayor of New Britain said she wrote “Harry Potter,” would you believe her? No? Then please don’t believe much of the rest of the things she brags about in her campaign letters. I was knocking on voters’ doors the other day with Council candidate Luz Osuba. A voter was explaining […]