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.

 

House Considers Bill On Dissection Choice

The legislature is considering a bill that would allow students to opt out of dissecting a dead animal at school.  WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports.

Here’s the story.

Newspapers Oppose Public Notices Bill

A bill that would allow towns and cities to publish full public notices online and not in newspapers is making its way through the legislature. Municipal advocates say it could save them money and is more efficient.  But as WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports, the state’s newspapers say it could threaten democracy.

Here’s the story.

Hartford Taxpayers Pay For Caviar, Rack of Lamb For Mayor And Friends

Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra says city employees will no longer be able to use their credit cards for business entertainment.  When someone issues a controversial audit at 5:02 p.m. on a Friday, it’s kind of sign that they don’t want you to read it.

Here’s the story.

Audit Of Credit Cards Released, At 5:02 p.m. On A Friday

Oh, well.

So, you’ve no doubt read a lot of the stories in the Courant and We The People Hartford about the use of city credit cards.  We were waiting for city auditors to finish their investigation of the spending.

Turns out, the report was finished Friday afternoon and released publicly after the close of business…and just as my kid’s piano recital was getting under way.  Perfect.

So, here’s the final report.

Final Report _City_ PCard_Audit_April 2013_#1314

And here’s the Courant’s take.

 

 

Courant: From Wolfpack To Whale, and Back Again

It may be time to say goodbye to the Whale…again.  As WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports, Hartford’s minor league hockey team could soon have a new name.

Here’s the story.