Hartford Police Reverse Themselves On Accident Involving Segarra’s Chief of Staff

Jared Kupiec, the chief of staff to Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra, is making the news again.

First, it was for his use of a city credit card to pay a $700 New Year’s Eve tab at a downtown restaurant, a meal that included caviar and champagne. He and the mayor paid that money back. Then, it was revealed that Kupiec had special privileges to use the police gym. That privilege was revoked.

Now, it appears Kupiec was a passenger in a January car accident that has since gotten a second review from the police and raised concern on the city council.

Why?

Because police first blamed the wrong driver. And they now say the one who should have gotten the blame was the person driving Kupiec.

Hartford-Area Landlord Settles Discrimination Suit

Fair housing advocates are celebrating a victory.  They recently won a settlement from a Hartford-area landlord who allegedly denied apartments to people using public assistance to pay their rent.  WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports.

Here’s the story.

City Wants To Prevent Underage “Vodka Guzzling Fest” At Comcast Theatre

Hartford’s outdoor concert season is about to start.  And while that’s fun for a lot of people, some call it a scheduled mass casualty event.  As WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports, binge drinking is a serious concern for law enforcement and public health officials.

Here’s the story.

State In Court Over Medicaid Delays

Advocates for the poor the state is so understaffed that it isn’t processing Medicaid paperwork fast enough.  The result, they say, is that the state misses federal deadlines and leaves thousands of poor patients without medical care.  As WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports, these arguments are now playing out in federal court.

Here’s the story.

State Sees Spike, Some Backlog, In Gun Permitting

State officials are dealing with a new wave of paperwork as they work to implement new gun laws. As WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports, residents who want permits and background checks may have a longer wait than usual.

Here’s the story.

With City Spending Under A Spotlight, Segarra’s Pick For Chief Operating Officer Withdraws

The city council was to vote on Saundra Kee Borges tonight to be Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra’s permanent chief of staff.  We’ve previously reported that she didn’t have the votes.  Now, the press release:

(May 13, 2013) “I have thought long and hard about this decision and today I have asked Mayor Segarra to withdraw my nomination as Chief Operating Officer for the City of Hartford.  This was not an easy decision but it is the right one at this time. I want to thank Mayor Segarra for his confidence in me and my leadership. At his request, I will stay on to assist with the transition and selection process of a permanent COO.  I owe a lot to this City and it has been an honor for me to serve in this capacity.

Mayor Segarra has asked Albert G. Ilg to serve as Special Assistant to the COO as a temporary part-time employee to assist with the transition and to work with City Council members and Department Heads to design the process for the permanent COO selection. Mr. Ilg is a long-time City Manager, most recently in Windsor and in Hartford in 2002.

“I sadly accept this withdrawal,” said Mayor Segarra. “Sandy is an exceptional manager. She’s detailed, driven and one of the most professional individuals I have worked with. She is a true believer in the City of Hartford”

 

Caviar Takes Its Toll On Segarra

Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra has made headlines recently for questionable city spending — like dining on caviar at taxpayer expense.  Now, it looks as though the city council is taking concrete action to push back.  As WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports, it’s likely the council will reject Segarra’s appointment for the city’s chief operating officer.

Here’s the story.