LWV Pasta, Potluck and Politicians Brings Varied Discussion
By Robin Vinci at October 3, 2023 | 10:00 am | Print
Members of the Board of Education and Common Council had the chance Monday night to talk a bit about their goals and answer a few questions during the annual League of Women Voters Pasta, Potluck and Politicians Dinner at Trinity on Main.
Abut 40 people turned out to hear discussion on topics such as finances, Costco, the Blue Ribbon Committee and the CTFastrak.
Those in attendance included Board of Education members Sharon Beloin Saavedra, Judy Greco, Daniel Davis, Merrill Gay, Jim Sanders Jr. and Nicholas Mercier. Council members included Michael Trueworthy, Willie Pabon, Don Naples, Adam Platosz, Daniel Salerno, Tonilynn Collins and Shirley Black.
School members spoke about the future of the schools with hope of moving in the right direction.
“Last week we voted to hire 7 teachers to eliminate of the hot spot areas as far as the elementary school level,” Davis told the crowd.
Saavedra said teachers are needed for Kindergarten. She said the schools are also getting more technology.
“It has come a long way,” said Saavedra. “I believe we are going in a positive direction. We’ve done a lot in terms of changes and special development.”
She spoke of two year goals and strategies and had a copy of what was being implemented for those in attendance.
“I am very pleased with the progress the school system has made in the last few years. It is a drastic change from 5 or 6 years ago,” said Mercier.
Gay said he is looking at reports on kids and obesity.
“Early learning is a real passion of mine,” said Gay. “I really think that getting kids on the right track early on will make it much easier so they do not fall further behind.”
Greco said the board has done a great job under Saavedra.
“I never thought I would be on the board of education,” said Greco. “But I was voted on and do the best I can do and that is all I can do.”
Council member Black talked about the City progressing as new jobs were being produced by Costco and new policeman going on the streets.
Councilwoman Collins said that she has major concerns and her main concern is the financial status of the City.
“Moving forward we have to find new ways to fund education,” said Collins. “We need to strongly encourage economic development.”
Councilman Pabon spoke about the mill rate being too high and said people are moving out on every street corner.
“We need to create jobs,” Pabon said. “But, I think we are in the right track.”
Naples said he is new to the Council, but his biggest concern is the financial health of the City.
“We have to find more ways to do more with less,” said Naples. “We have to build our grand list to make the mill rate go down.”
Salerno said it is his first time on the Council and he is still learning. He said the budget was an issue and the Council had to raise taxes.
“That was honest government,” Salerno said. “We too often have been re-active rather than pro-active. I hope next year is more pro-active.”
Platosz said he was the longest serving Alderman on the Council.
Councilman Trueworthy said City services and taxes are the main concerns of the City.
“The past 5 or 6 years it has been a fine walk on what is too high and what is too low,” said Trueworthy. “There is a delicate balance there.”
He said the future looked good with the likes of Octoberfest, the CTFastrak and Costco regardless of if you liked where it was placed.
A debate is being planned by the New Britain-LWV for New Britain State Representatives on Oct. 7 at the Community Room of the New Britain Police Department.
The New Britain Area League of Women Voters includes New Britain, Berlin, Plainville, Farmington, and Unionville.
For more information on the LWV go to http://nba.lwvconnecticut.org.
