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Showing posts from February, 2019

Calm but Powerful: Enfield’s ‘No Kings’ Protest — People Are Flowing In

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No Kings Protest Enfield What may be most striking about Enfield’s No Kings protest is how peaceful and calm it is. People are carrying homemade signs, some with dogs in tow, hugging people they know, and many waving small American flags. Drivers are blowing their horns in appreciation and support, which enlivens the crowd. Enfield’s No Kings protest began at noon. People were here well before the start, and many are still flowing in. It’s hard to say how many, but it’s in the hundreds and rising. It might top July’s protest, which reportedly drew about 700. I’ve never seen this level of political engagement and activism in Enfield. This is a classic suburban town, not prone to drama except on Facebook, but in normal life focused on school sports and things for kids to do. What are the implications of this? From a national perspective, it adds something to the conversation; from a local perspective, Democrats are hoping the anti-Trump backlash will translate into a local victory on ...

My testimony about the East Windsor casino and gambling in Connecticut

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The General Assembly is holding a hearing Feb. 26 on several bills to expand gambling in Connecticut. I've written in opposition to this plan: Dear lawmakers, I live in Enfield near the planned East Windsor casino and dread its arrival. And that’s why I’m writing. I wish to express concern about legislation that will expand gambling in Connecticut I am submitting this testimony in opposition to H.B. 7055: An Act Creating the Connecticut Gambling Commission and Creating a Competitive Bidding Process for a Resort Casino and I am also opposed to S.B. 11 An Act Concerning the Authorization of a Casino Gaming Facility in East Windsor. I am also opposed to S.B.17 An Act Authorizing Sports Wagering, Internet Gambling and Internet Keno. I’m also opposed to S.B. 665 An Act Concerning Sports Wagering. A little background: There was no demand in Northern Connecticut for a casino. None. Many residents oppose it and there is a feeling that it was forced upon us. You may think, wh...