Strange as it seems, honey bunch, thoughts are now toining to the opening day of school, which by Cobina’s calculations is about three weeks away. The kiddies in these parts started going to school about 10 days earlier than yew or I used to in the thought they’d git the tedious stuff outta the way before Labor Day. Don’t know effen they’ve succeeded in doing that but they ain’t shortened the school year by much if at all. The kids still git out in mid to late June. Gone are those three-month summer vacations we used to enjoy.
Tennyrate, whilst the thoughts turn to bus schedules and class schedules, there’s some wondering going on about the system concerning one second-ranked persona who ain’t been seen much lately. Yew know me, hon, I don’t like to start rumors, but Nelly Nuthatch came by and sez that more and more people are making mention of the fack that a second-in-command ain’t been seen much and the whispers are starting.
Of course, those whispers were going about last year at this time, and people were wondering – and many hoping – that said persona would be in the system’s rearview mirror, but that didn’t happen. Still, hope springs eternal that said person will be a not-so-fond memory sooner rather than later. Whilst there was much fanfare upon arrival, it would pale in comparison when the final dispatch takes place – effen yew git m’drift.
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Whilst that was talked about, Nelly had a query and I jest don’t know the answer – at least not yet. I seems that an RFP has been isshewed for the G-wing of the high school, which had more than one person scratching their pate. Y’see the G-wing has been the biggest bone o’ contention over there since the announcement of the high school revamp was announced. Once the wrecker’s ball takes aim there are gonna be a lotta sad faces on one side and happy faces on t’other.
But people saw this RFP, which means “Request for Proposal” and with the school and the wing set to be reconstructed under a very complicated cut-and-rebuild method, people are confused. Of course, we ain’t heard that the bond issue passed by the City Council last month has been sold yet. Many are wondering effen, in fact, it’s gonna be successful.
I told yew there are some that believe that whilst there is some work taking place down there – a big Gilbane sign has been erected and some digging is happening – there is a good chance the whole thing might be put into dry dock and ended with a whimper. Effen that happens it won’t be until after the primary at least or the general election at best. We shall see.
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Jest one last thing on the schools and I’ll drop it fer this week. I still can’t get over the Kangaroo Court they had with Vic Hogfeldt’s case. They called it an arbitration hearing – one he said he didn’t want. He wanted an open hearing, but that might bring out some inconvenient truths people are hoping to keep under wraps.
We shall see where this all goes, but the kiddies in the school system got a great lesson in how big people try to keep little people down – and in the process make themselves littler people.
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How much yew wanna bet there are a lotta sore eyes from lack of sleep in municipalities across the state, and our fair city in particular. Gov. Dannell Malloy, who ain’t seeking re-election so he don’t care, has sought to freeze state aid to cities, and is now proposing that all aid be cut drastically cuz of the state’s burgeoning fiscal crisis.
The last figgers Cobina has seen put the operating deficit for this go-round at $2.8 billion, but the state owes in excess of $75 billion in aggregate costs. Less-than-expected tax collections have added to the problem. That is what happens when people rush outta the state in droves and politicos keep spending like drunken sailors.
Tennyrate, with the budget debacle now entering its sixth week without a resolution, one wonders what in blazes is gonna transpire and what percentage of funding will this berg get? The powers that be hedged a bit in the budget-making process and took a 66 percent attitude. They included – by their account – two-thirds of what the state promised. Now with the matter in a state of flux no one knows what amount is gonna be coming.
People in the Actors Colony are insisting behind the scenes that they’ve been told from those in Hartford the city might get more than expected, but one shouldn’t take the word of people who can’t guarantee when this thing is gonna be over.
Effen yew remember, the MFAC meeting last month ended with an admonition the city ought to count its pennies and make cuts in anticipation of not getting what was promised. No word yet as to whether that is happening, but we ain’t heard any rumblings of that sort.
This has gotta be a tough time for the thoid floor, especially with a primary next month. Effen the state doesn’t come through and drastic measures have to be put into place, regardless of whose fault it is, whoever is warming the seat on the third floor will git the blame.
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Speaking of that, there is a report going ‘round via Sammy Bluejay that a very important person in these parts has applied for a Chamber of Commerce directors’ position in a nearby city. I hesitate to mention the name, cuz we weren’t able to verify, but let’s say this person is perty high up on the food chain.
This is our attempt to throw the spaghetti against the wall and see what sticks. Word is a few local yokels of some prominence or ex-prominence have applied for the position as well. Oh, the reason this person may not be in the running is he don’t have the requisite degree.
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We hear-tell via Iva Lootey that members of Nancy Rossi’s team have been collecting their signatures and that by the time yew git this missive, things might be shaking out as to who makes the cut and who doesn’t. One way or t’other there is gonna be a vote next month as happens with this city’s ruling party on a regular basis.
With that in mind, Cobina is still of the opinion that something is gonna take place down on the Haven site within the next few weeks jest to improve the incumbent’s chances ever so. It’s a ploy that’s been used to successful effeck many times. The problem is whilst the permits for said locale are said to be in process, “in process” doesn’t seem to mean “any time soon.”
Again, whilst we’ve hoid that final sales have taken place on the disputed properties, there has been no gala announcements from the New York-based firm confirming that report. Yet, it’s been out there for weeks. The Actors Colony is pleading ignorance on the matter, but that’s no guarantee either. I guess we’ll jest hafta sit and wait.
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Last week, I told yew about Captain’s Galley and the plans fer that property: a two-story restaurant and office something or t’other. Word is there is a bit of push-back from the locals. We shall see, the P&Z commish is handling it.
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With that bit o’ chatter, I’ll close this time till next, mitt luff und kizzez,