Voter Forum Press Release
For Immediate Release Contact: Daryl Worobow
May 6, 2013 (860) 716-5730
Avon, CT – On Wednesday evening, May 1st the Community Room of the Avon Free Public Library was alive with the spirit of the traditional New England town meeting as the Democratic Town Committee of Avon hosted a Voter Forum to do what is increasingly rare in the political arena….listen. And listen they did as a group of over 40 Avon residents, Democrats, Republicans and unaffiliated, opened up about what they like and dislike about Avon, their hopes for the future and fears of what could dash those hopes. It was nothing short of enlightening…and inspiring.
Led by Avon resident and professional town planner, Valarie Ferro, virtually everyone in the audience spoke up on topics as diverse as recreational activities, the Town’s grand list, the need for coordinated long term Town planning, bike paths, the upcoming budget referendum and the 2013 municipal election. The event was a great opportunity to learn a tremendous amount about the Town from the many different perspectives represented in the room. While the general assessment of Avon was strongly positive, there was a clear message that we can do better.
One of the most common sentiments expressed by the participants was the feeling of community in the room, the feeling long experienced by New Englanders attending town meetings. It was noted that Avon residents often come together in small subsets of the community, at PTO meetings, churches, civic organizations, but rarely do they assemble as a broad cross section of the community to talk about our community and how we feel about it.
Originally conceived of as a one-time event to test resident sentiment, the May 1st Voter Forum so successful at so many levels that the Democratic Town Committee has decided to host at least two and potentially more Town Meetings over the next several months. We will announce the dates of the upcoming meetings in the next few weeks and are hopeful that Avon Town Meetings will become a part of the fabric of the Town.
For more information please visit www.avondems.org or www.avonfirst.org.
AVON MATTERS!
Recently, the Avon Democratic Town Committee launched a campaign to connect with residents of all political affiliations to identify issues and understand residents’ perspectives on these issues. The campaign began on May 1st with a focus group discussion. Issue-specific forums will be held in the coming months but in the interim we invite you to share your ideas and thoughts with us on any topic concerning the Town, the way it operates, the quality of life, affordability, any issue that is important to you. Thank you!
Please comment below or email us at avonctfirst@gmail.com.
Support Avon Schools April 8th
Source: CC4A the Coalition of Citizens for Avon
Elective Courses: Rally Now.
Join the movement to make Avon schools stronger, Monday, April 8th at 7:00 p.m.*
As standardized test results suggest, Avon students know their core subjects of Reading, Writing and Mathematics. They are getting a good ‘academic education.’ But success in the competitive global economy requires a good ‘comprehensive education’ — one that teaches students to think, solve, innovate and create.
In the 1990s, Avon had a rich comprehensive curriculum that included dozens of elective courses in Applied Education, Business, Career Planning, Family & Consumer Science and Fine Arts. There were high school work-study programs and seminars; grade school gifted and talented programs; and robust performing arts and athletics programs beginning in 6th grade.
But years of budget cuts and underfunding have resulted in extreme ‘gutting’ of Avon’s curriculum over time, leaving little more than the basics for today’s students. Meanwhile, students in other high-performing districts like Simsbury, Glastonbury and West Hartford can choose from courses in Engineering, Aerospace, Automotive, Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, Banking & Investments, Marketing and Technology. A rich elective curriculum like this reaches students at all academic levels – expanding their minds, engaging their hands, and inspiring them. Avon’s curriculum pales in comparison.
But, with your help, that’s about to change.
For the first time in twenty years, enriching elective classes are gradually being restored and added to the school curriculum (instead of eliminated) in the proposed 2013-14 budget.
A proposed budget, however, is not an approved budget. April 8th is your only chance to tell the Board of Finance** that Avon’s children need 21st century elective courses.
Rally Now.
CC4A the Coalition of Citizens for Avon
*Source: 2013-14 School Budget supplement document, APS Past to Present
**Avon’s budgeting protocol allows the Board of Finance to reduce the proposed school/town budget before it proceeds to a town-wide referendum vote. If board members cut the 2013-14 budget, high school electives are at risk. The BoF meeting will be held at the Avon Senior Center, West Avon Road, Monday 4/8 at 7:00 p.m. Audience comments and questions are welcome and encouraged.
Community Forum on Issues
Avon Dems are sponsoring a Community Forum on Issues, May 1st, at the Avon Free Library from 7PM til 8:30 PM. Please come and join us as we discuss critical issues in our town.
If you have an questions, issues or other things you’d like to share please contact us.
Avon First is back!
It’s that time again…time for our town elections.
Avon First and the Avon Dems are building our team for the November 2013 town elections.
If you’re interested in getting involved or running for office, please contact us.
ELECTION DAY FAQs
Below is a simple FAQ to use and distribute on Election Day. It contains the numbers to use forrides to the polls and a “legal questions” hotline if necessary. NOTE about voting ID requirements, while most voters have historically not been asked for ID, wethink it’s best to err on the side of caution and are encouraging people to bring ID to the polls.
We strongly encourage people to call the legal hotline (number below) with any questions.
Where do I vote?
You can look up your polling place and address here: http://www.dir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx
What do I need to bring to vote?
Voters who registered by mail for the first time on or after 1/1/12 must be prepared to present one ofthe following current documents:
- valid photo identification that shows the voter’s name and address;
- utility bill;- bank statement;- government check;
- paycheck; or
- other government document that shows the name and address of the voter.
All other voters must be prepared to present:
- Social Security card; or
- any other preprinted form of identification which shows the voter’s name and either their address, signatureor photograph.
How do I get a ride to the polls?
You can call the following numbers for a ride to the polls: 855-444-3367 This number will work state-wide and callers will be directed to a local source for a ride.
What if I am told that I cannot vote?
A legal team is standing by to answer your Election Day voting questions, please call: 860-560-1775 Please distribute this as you see fit.
**OBAMA LAWN SIGNS**
We have 175 lawn signs available at a cost of $5 each (if you buy in bulk, we’ll give you a very generous discount!)
Please email Nathan for info: nwilson@ctdems.org
**SAVE THE DATE: POST-ELECTION PARTY**
We’re hosting a post-election get together / going away party for Moriah Moriarty.
Please save the date: Thursday, November 15 | 6:00 p.m. | Salute in Hartford| $30 ticket
Avon First Fundraiser 8/22/2012
Join us at the Lime Bar in Riverdale Farms, Avon for an event to honor Tom Gugliotti, Elaine Primeau, and Bill Shea for their service to our town and committee as well as kick off our Avon First Municipal Slate Committee for 2013. For more information and ticket please go to AvonFirst.org.
David Pena endorses Dan Seger for the 8th Senatorial District
Connecticut Democrats made a smart move in nominating Dan Seger for State Senate in the eighth district. Dan is a terrific candidate with the energy and enthusiasm to take on this monumental task. The eighth district is a large one, and having run for office myself, I appreciate the enormous commitment Dan is undertaking.
Dan and I have met on several occasions to discuss his candidacy. He is an enthusiastic, intelligent, and dedicated man who will energize this race and bring a much-needed, fresh perspective to the State Senate. With a strong business background and deep-rooted experience in the community, Dan Seger is the man who will win in November.
Perhaps one of Dan’s greatest asset of this campaign (besides his loving and supportive family) is his experience working in a manufacturing company and owning a small business in the hi-tech industry. Dan’s experience in these two industries will help the district when it comes to job creation and making Connecticut more business friendly. Running and managing his business gives him a true understanding of the challenges that businesses face everyday.
This is a large district covering a lot of territory but I know Dan is committed to working hard to win in November. However, Dan needs your help. Dan has decided to use state public financing. In order to qualify, he has to raise $15000 from no less than 300 residents from the district. Currently he needs about $4000 to qualify. I am asking you to please consider making a contribution of $25 to $100 TODAY.
I am confident as you get to know Dan, you will agree with me that Dan will represent the district very well. I am proud to endorse and support Dan Seger for State Senate and I ask that you do as well.
David Peña
Town of Avon Town Councilman
Past President, Avon Chamber of Commerce
David Peña Accepts Democratic Nomination to Run for State Representative
Avon Resident Will Challenge Incumbent Tim LeGeyt For The 17th District Seat In November
May 22, 2012 | Avon, CT – At a meeting earlier this evening at the Canton Community Center, Avon Town Council member David Peña accepted the nomination of the Canton and Avon Democratic Town Committees to run for State Representative of the 17th district representing the towns of Avon and Canton. He will challenge current Republican State Representative Tim LeGeyt in the November election.
“I am thrilled to accept the committees’ nomination,” says Peña. “It’s time for the residents of Avon and Canton to have a strong, independent voice representing them at the State Capitol. Unless we stop partisanship, we cannot effectively work together for the betterment of Connecticut and all its cities and towns.”
Throughout his years of involvement in local government, Peña has demonstrated a keen ability to work with varying views from all parties and arrive at common solutions. As an independent small business owner and past president of the Avon Chamber of Commerce, Peña has a personal understanding of the costly obstacles to expansion and job creation both large and small business owners face every day.
As he has over the past many years, Peña will continue to advocate for a strong educational system. “Our youth is the future,” says Peña. “We must invest in education to ensure that our children are prepared to compete locally and globally. As an advocate for education, I will pursue more state funding for Avon and Canton schools. Our schools need to ensure that they are providing the education/training that will help our children secure jobs in the future. This should also apply to higher education.”
Further, Peña will continue his support and advocacy for seniors. He will review current tax relief programs available to seniors and veterans and, wherever possible, recommend adjustments to further enhance those programs.
He will support legislation that encourages alternative forms of energy as well as development and maintenance of alternative forms of transportation such as bike paths and sidewalks.
In the days and weeks ahead, Peña and his campaign team will develop and launch a website and Facebook page where residents of Avon and Canton can learn more about Peña’s qualifications, background, and commitment to community, as well as stay in touch with campaign news and find out how they can volunteer to help (e.g., display lawn signs, make a donation, etc.).
State Representative Brian Becker Wins Unanimous Endorsement
WEST HARTFORD, Conn., May 23, 2012 – State Representative Brian Becker (D-Avon, Farmington, and West Hartford) won the unanimous support of the 19th District Democratic Convention at West Hartford Town Hall last night.
“It has been an honor to serve the people of Avon, Farmington and West Hartford for the past two years,” said Becker in accepting the nomination. “I have worked hard every day to justify the trust you have put in me and I intend to work just as hard if re-elected.”
Becker thanked his supporters and stated that he looks forward to working with them to win in the fall.
When not working at the legislature, Becker practices law with his wife, Laura, and lives in West Hartford with his wife and two sons.