It would be interesting to know the specifics of the survey and what is meant by a "better education". What do these parents think is lacking at Barlow and why do they think that? View Comment

Before they strike they should get jobs. View Comment

I'm also not clear on why we need to spend $50K to figure out what things cost. Even if this project goes forward we're don't need to re-invent the wheel to figure out what the costs would be. For each of the components mentioned field, lights, turf, the companies that install them will bring their own staff in to assess the conditions, see what needs to be done, and provide a price and proposal for doing so. What is the $50,000 going towards?. View Comment

The Board should start by reviewing the architectural stadium and field drawings and plans done in the 1970's. Though time has passed we are still talking about the same fields. I support students participating in athletics but the case for an astro-turf field and all associated costs has not been made. Lack of an astro-turf field does not explain Barlow's football team record and keeping up with the Jone's is not the answer. If it is then let's start the discussion about a championship pool too as that is a resource that can be used by more than the swim team. Hopefully the citizens of Easton and Redding will not waste any more taxpayer dollars on this proposal. View Comment

Let's see if he still supports Obamacare when it is ruled unconstitutional. I'd also like to ask him if he's had a chance to read it yet - its been two years since he voted for it. View Comment

Old Timer - I'm glad to know you have all the facts. Maybe you should contact those actually conducting the investigations and let them know you've got it covered. Then let the Judge know there is no need for a trial, that you've found Mr. Zimmerman guilty, and then you can drive down and execute him. Your willful ignorance knows no bounds: "Zimmerman was not arrested although ABC News has learned that the lead homicide investigator filed an affidavit urging Zimmerman be charged with manslaughter. The prosecutor, however, told the officer to not file the charge because there was not enough evidence for conviction". "We were anticipating that there would be no grand jury, because the family has always been hopeful that there would just simply be an arrest," said Benjamin Crump, an attorney for the Martin family. "We believed, from day one, that they had enough evidence to arrest the killer of Trayvon Martin and now, as the evidence has continued to unfold, we think there has been a plethora of evidence to simply effect probable cause to do an arrest -- not for a conviction, but for an arrest." Crump said the family is hoping for charges against Zimmerman and an arrest as soon as possible. And you might want to check Black's Law Dictionary as there is no such term as "un-arrest". Lastly, please advise the names of those that tell you otherwise so everyone else can avoid them if in need of an Attorney. View Comment

Old Timer - When a public official makes conclusive remarks about circumstances he knows nothing about then I don't care how long he has served it is inappropriate. The Chief, knowing investigations are under way, and knowing more than your "average" citizen about the investigative process should be held to a higher standard. So next time you talk with Chief Rilling do tell him to think twice before he speaks. Doing otherwise presents the very real perception that he, and the department he oversees, would conclude what they want first and ask questions later. God forbid you happened to be on the receiving end of such conduct I do not think you would find it admirable nor defensible. The rest of your comment simply misstates what has been reported by why let facts get in the way? First, there was no arrest and "un-arrest". Second, Mr. Zimmerman has not been charged with a crime yet you conclude he is taking "refuge" behind a law and say so as if there is something wrong with it. You can vote to change the laws, "stand your ground" or "self-defense", but you don't get to selectively enforce them based on what protestors deem appropriate. Third, the police chief and prosecutor stepped aside because that is what the protestors were demanding. By doing so they allowed two independent investigations to proceed. Unfortunately, neither you nor Chief Rilling and others seem willing to let those investigations proceed without undue influence by outsiders. Why not let the facts fall where they will and if a trial is needed then let that proceed in due course? Why the urge to speak out on this case when young men are being killed regularly in our cities right here in CT and not once have I read Chief Rilling or others taking such a public stance. Are those lives less important? View Comment

Old Timer - the chief of police and the chief prosecutor distanced themselves from the case exactly because of all the "falsehoodies" surrounding this incident. They did so to try to maintain the public safety and in response to all the false accusations and dangerous rhetoric being spewed by the race- baiters. Now that they did, and turned the investigation over to outsiders they get criticized again. When Rev. Al and Jesse show up and the likes of Maxine Waters speak up to incite violence, and no one complains about it, then it seems to me that demonstrates how far from reality this whole discussion has traveled. View Comment

Two false-hoodies: 1) this is not a black/white issue. Mr. Zimmerman is Hispanic; and 2) Chief Rilling has no earthly idea that an "injustice" was committed. He is no more informed on this case than I am. As a Police Chief he should not be injecting personal opinions into such a matter. He knows full well several investigations are under way and that everyone should wait for those to be completed and for the facts to come out. Beyond that, if Mr. Zimmerman is charged he too is innocent until proven guilty. Abandon that principle for one, abandon it for all. View Comment

These same "representatives" don't much listen to the citizens on any other matter so why should this be different. What a farce this Bill must be if it claims to limit a convicts right to appeal. No State law trumps the Constitution. Wake up people, pay attention and stop voting for the same people year in and year out. Doing so is killing this state in more ways than one. View Comment

If I have to choose between letting politicians have access to more of my hard earned money or to give it to the oil companies I'll choose the latter. The oil companies employ thousands and unlike politicians are forced to spend it wisely due to market competition. Oil companies are not responsible for market rules that allow speculators to drive up the cost of crude. Once again, the politicians created those rules and yet they've done nothing to alter them. What conclusion can be reached other than they benefit from it in some manner be it contributions or otherwise. Make the speculators put up cash and you'll see the price drop immediately. View Comment

Did it fall because people found work or because those that can't find it stopped looking and are no longer counted? The "real" unemployment number is significantly higher but that figure is never reported by the politicians. Just the other day WE Bassett Co in Shelton announced they were closing after 70yrs resulting in loss of 300 jobs according to the Mayor. Give us the real figures as I'm not interested in fairy tales. View Comment

Not sure how you come to that conclusion but I see money going to the State and roads that are in terrible condition. View Comment

The road rage Police Report should also credit the UPS driver who stopped and broke up the fight. View Comment

There are already laws on the books for cruelty to animals so if the "puppy mills" are violating those laws why the need for yet more laws??? How about enforcing the laws already on the books. This state has far worse problems that need to be addressed and creating more laws and unnecessary government bureaucracy is not the answer. View Comment

But nothing to protect those in Fairfield County from paying much higher prices than elsewhere in the state and why would this bill sunset? Is taxing up to $3.00 not enough? Surely one doesn't expect that prices will be lower in 2013 with the present energy policies in place. View Comment

And yet with all the "openness" we have an out of control deficit, a Governor that makes backroom deals with the unions, and a legislature that fails to recognize that taxing everything and anything to support ever higher spending is killing the middle class and driving businesses and young families from the state. View Comment

Illegal immigration is not a "minor offense", it has far reaching effects. Enforce the law, by enforcing the border, and then we won't have to read any more stories about how unfair it is later. View Comment

farmore - equating native tribes with a formalized government is absurd. These people made decisions knowing the possible consequences. They, and regrettably their kids, have to live with them. If that sounds heartless so be it. What is heartless is to expect hardworking taxpaying legal citizens (native born or not) see their schools, hospitals, public services etc. impacted in such a negative way and to expect that they should pay not only their share but the share for those that come illegally pay no income taxes. If this influx was coming from China or Russia it would be an invasion. Legal immigration, no matter where the person originates from is fine. Illegal immigration is not, and just because one comes across the southern border doesn't change that. View Comment

From earlier Daily Easton Article: The cost of the (Easton) firefighters’ labor contract is the most expensive, per person, contract the town has with any labor group. The cost is $135,000 per firefighter, per year, inclusive of all benefits and due to the generous benefits package, overtime amounts to 25% to 30% of base wages. for comparison: Bridgeport Fire Department Entry Level Base Pay $ 41,544 , Top Level Base Pay $ 54,462, Opportunities for advancement to higher ranks with promotion from within the Department IE: Pumper Engineer $ 58,548 Lieutenant $ 62,629 Captain $ 72,029 Assistant Chief $ 82,829** Governed by collective bargaining agreement ** Reflecting top step pay 2009 contract View Comment