Ryan: March: The weather — and politics — come in like a lion

Written by John J. Ryan
Friday, 19 March 2010 13:06

I hope that you and your family came through our latest “weather event” without any serious damage, and that your power was restored relatively quickly. There is far too much stormy weather on the government and political fronts as well, and as usual, there is more news than space to fit it in.

I keep assuming that there has to be good news of some sort, sometime — but not this week.

Editorial: Lead, don’t leave during a disaster

Written by The Darien Times
Thursday, 18 March 2010 09:32

Darien was hit with a storm so bad this weekend it closed school for three days, knocked power out for thousands of families, and left thousands trapped on back roads or even in their own driveways. Trees fell on cars, across roads, damaged property and tore down power lines.

First Selectman David Campbell was on the scene Sunday morning, talking about the damage to the town. Talking about the power outage and the mess. And then he left on vacation.

Editorial: A super chance for community

Written by The Darien Times
Friday, 12 March 2010 11:01

The selection of the next superintendent of schools is one of the most important decisions a town makes. And you have the chance to be part of that decision.

While it is not an elected office, the superintendent has tremendous influence on the nature and success of the school district, which is what most Darien tax dollars go toward.

Cameron: Fare hikes and service cuts on hold, thanks to Gov. Rell

Written by Jim Cameron
Tuesday, 09 March 2010 10:39

From coast to coast, mass transit is under attack. Decreased ridership due to the economy and reduced state subsidies are leading to cuts in service and fare increases.

For us in Connecticut, New York’s MTA and its $800 million budget shortfall could affect our daily commute. The New York transit agency is holding public hearings on plans to cut bus and subway service, eliminate student discount fares and, yes, even target Metro-North service.

Marshman: A first in 40 years. But will this election change Hartford?

Written by Donald M. Marshman
Monday, 08 March 2010 09:49

Who’d have thought it?

This year Connecticut will elect both a governor and a United States senator. Since neither incumbent — Governor Rell and Senator Dodd — will be running again, both races are wide open.

Editorial: The next task

Written by The Darien Times
Thursday, 04 March 2010 10:45

The Facilities Study Task Force’s recommendation that the Board of Selectmen continue to pursue the idea of moving around town and school facilities is a good idea. While some in town are understandably upset that the selectmen moved to end the affordable housing plan for the old library, this is a decision that was expected after First Selectman David Campbell’s convincing election victory in November.

Ryan: Connecticut's March money matters madness

Written by John J. Ryan
Wednesday, 03 March 2010 10:07

Fortunately the calendar has turned to March, and maybe it has stopped snowing? (Let’s hope!) The Olympics are over, pitchers and catcher are already at it, and the hoops version of March Madness is almost upon us.

Our last column warned that our state Capitol is in full-time, out-of-control election mode, and there would be little legislative news this year. Since several readers asked if I truly meant little news, perhaps I should change that to no good news — particularly on the most important topic, the fiscal front. So remember, readers – you asked for it!

Editorial: State transparency

Written by The Darien Times
Friday, 26 February 2010 10:01

The global financial crisis of the past year and a half has made many Americans, including Darienites, watch what they spend, making life a little more stressful for some. Keeping one’s financial house in check is a learning process that nearly everyone’s been forced to go through.

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To learn now on CTSunlight.org that thousands of state dollars were spent in the past few years on seemingly frivolous expenses such as take-out food and bottled water is disheartening, especially when Connecticut is in its own financial crisis.

Cameron: Death on the tracks

Written by Joshua Fisher
Thursday, 25 February 2010 13:13

A week ago, early on a Wednesday morning, a 63-year-old woman walked from her home in Norwalk, approached the Metro-North grade crossing at Commerce Street, lay down on the tracks and was killed by the oncoming train. Service was disrupted for hours.

Months before that a well dressed businessman slipped from a boarding bridge-plate platform and was killed by the approaching train. In his pocket was a pink-slip. Was he a victim or a suicide?