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].
Campaign cash soared in ’21 municipal election but voter turnout declined
By John McNamara “Money is the mother’s milk of politics” goes the observation first coined in the 1960s that applies to almost every state and federal election cycle as all kinds of committees and special interests raise billions in reported and anonymous donations. That old saying about money in politics applies less frequently to local elections where […]
New Britain NAACP Supports Remote Public Participation
The NAACP New Britain Branch would like to lend our support for the proposed resolution … to bring back remote public speaking…
Behind Mayor Stewart’s War On Supt. Sarra and the BOE
The vandalism and trouble that occurred at New Britain High School in September needlessly escalated the rift between Mayor Erin Stewart and New Britain School District leaders.
The Return of Tim Stewart: Ex-Mayor Chairs SBC As $50M School Project Begins
By John McNamara Former Mayor Tim Stewart is the new Chairperson of the School Building Committee, gaining reappointment by his daughter, Mayor Erin Stewart, just as the seven-member committee moves forward with expenditures on the $50 million major renovation at the Chamberlain Elementary School on the city’s East Side. The former four-term Mayor resigned from the […]
The Day After: Should Fireworks Be Free Or Come With A Fee?
By John McNamara The City’s Fourth of July Tab: $60K And $10 A Car Load No one can deny that fireworks on the Fourth of July brings a community together. It is America’s birthday tradition that can awe and delight children or the child in all of us. And after 15 months of social distancing […]
Fighting For The Public Option: Putting Health Access Over Profiteering
By Bill Shortell. Since I wrote “Debunking CBIA’s Takedown of the Public Option” there have been two more attacks by the business community
Fighting For The Public Option: Putting Health Access Over Profiteering
By Bill Shortell. Since I wrote “Debunking CBIA’s Takedown of the Public Option” there have been two more attacks by the business community
School Building Committee Resolution Curtails Checks and Balances On Construction Projects
“A consequence of the new SBC resolution is that it contributes to a bigger divide between City Hall and the BOE. New Britain’s close to last ranking in how much the municipal government contributes to public schools is a perennial and contentious issue at budget time every year and this year is no exception.” By […]
New Britain Common Council Vacancy: An Opportunity For Bipartisan Cooperation
The alderman-at-large vacancy caused by the election of Emmanuel Sanchez to the 24th District House seat is an opportunity for some all too …
New Britain Republican Moves Appear to Echo Trump
Editorial. While New Britain Republicans avoid their own party label, recent state and local actions by Republicans appear to reflect Donald Trump.