BUDGET PAIN
Although Governor Dannel Malloy has promised to veto the Republican-crafted budget that was recently approved by state lawmakers, the city of New London is preparing to make further cuts to its municipal budget. Mayor Mike Passero has suggested slicing over four-million dollars from the city’s spending plan in anticipation of a drastic reduction in state aid. He hopes to entice employees with an early retirement offer. Interim Superintendent Stephen Tracy says the school district will be forced to freeze or eliminate over 17 unfilled positions just to cover an expected 1-point-8 million dollar budget shortfall. Passero says his proposed budget reductions are necessary just to maintain the city’s current tax rate. The city council repealed its 90-million dollar budget earlier this month. A new budget must be adopted before city spending reaches 25-percent of last year’s budget.
NO JAIL TIME
Joseph Marotta of Danielson, pleaded guilty Monday in New London Superior Court to second-degree larceny in exchange for a sentence of five years probation and an order to repay a third of the $130,000 stolen in a conspiracy scheme with a Mohegan Sun dealer. Marrotta made a $20,000 restitution payment on Monday. The dealer, Christian Elwood, of Wallingford, pleaded guilty last month to second-degree larceny. He also received a fully suspended prison sentence, five years of probation and an order to repay a third of the casino’s total loss.
MANCINI SWITCHES TEAMS
A former vice president of New London-based Quinn & Hary Marketing, has become director of communications for MGM Springfield, the nearly $1 billion resort casino being built in Massachusetts Saverio Mancini, an industry veteran, has managed public relations efforts for Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun and, more recently, Saybrook Point Inn & Spa, and the Connecticut Tourism Coalition. His previous experience also includes campaigns for OpSail 2012.
HAMMER TIME
Police say a Norwich man hit two people with a hammer just before 8:00 o’clock Monday night on Hamilton Avenue and fled before being caught by patrolmen after a short foot chase. Both victims received minor injuries and refused medical treatment. Police charged David Adams of Hamilton Ave., with two counts of second degree assault, and one count each of interfering with an officer and disorderly conduct. He later was released and is scheduled to appear in Norwich Superior Court today.
ALLEGED EMBEZZLER TO BE TRIED AGAIN
A Willimantic woman accused of embezzling from a Lebanon farmer who employed her as a bookkeeper is headed to trial for the second time. Lauri Villa’s application for accelerated rehabilitation was also denied. Her former employer, James Grover, reported he noticed inconsistencies with his checking account. The Chief State’s Attorney’s office calculated the losses at $140,000. Grover, the 72-year-old victim, said he still has to work 15-hour days and will never be able to make up the money that was taken. Villa is facing an embezzling charge in the 1st Degree.
