{news} Hartford Courant agrees with Nieves (sort of)

[David Bedell]

Hartford Courant editorial:

http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/editorials/hc-nebmayor2oct25,0,1843527.story

Vote For Jason Jakubowski

October 25 2005

NEW BRITAIN -- Green Party mayoral candidate Miguel A. Nieves, 40, is not a 
seasoned politician. But he's right when he says: Politicians in New 
Britain, Republican and Democrat, seem so distracted by games of "gotcha" 
that the city's interests are often pushed to the background.

New Britain has the makings of a vital city. It has a culturally diverse 
population, beautiful parks, a walkable downtown with lovely historic 
buildings, a nationally known museum and a flourishing state university.

But while the state's largest cities (also smaller ones) have made strides 
in reinventing themselves, New Britain's progress has been painfully slow.

New Britain needs a leader capable of overcoming the political static and 
building consensus on state and local levels of government. Republican Mayor 
Timothy T. Stewart, 44, hasn't done that.

Voters should support his Democratic opponent, Jason Jakubowski, 27, who has 
strong ties locally and with state lawmakers. An administrator at Charter 
Oak State College specializing in finance, Mr. Jakubowski is the city's 
treasurer and a former two-term alderman. His 11-point plan for downtown 
development is a mix of old and new ideas, but has as a cornerstone the 
construction of a concert and sports arena on the site of New-Brite Plaza. 
He also promises intense and independent scrutiny of city spending.

In two years, Mr. Stewart, who is seeking his second term, did make 
progress. He engineered two cuts in the tax rate. He has reorganized city 
hall offices, helped streamline the permitting process for businesses and 
cut operating costs. His administration has spurred $20 million in private 
investment and helped local firms (Papa's Dodge, Daatco, Guida's and 
Siracusa) stay and expand. His choice for the new fire chief led to improved 
operations and cost savings. Firefighters are now first-responders to 
medical emergencies.

Mr. Nieves needs experience.

Copyright 2005, Hartford Courant