MALLOY NOT HAPPY
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is expressing frustration over how long it’s taking Connecticut legislative leaders to reach a bipartisan state budget agreement. Democratic leaders have told rank-and-file Democrats to keep the week of Oct. 23 open for possible budget votes. After learning a vote on Friday won’t happen, Malloy suggested Thursday that the leaders “maybe need to pick up the pace” of their closed-door negotiations, which haven’t included the Democratic governor. Malloy previously warned if a budget deal wasn’t reached by Friday, lawmakers would have a difficult time passing a new two-year plan before Nov. 1 because of scheduling conflicts. Top Republican and Democratic leaders say they made progress during Thursday’s closed-door negotiations but haven’t reached an ultimate deal. Only the leaders of the budget committees planned to meet Friday.
NORWICH STABBING
Police are looking for a suspect in a Norwich stabbing. Officers were called to 56 Boswell Avenue around 8:30 Wednesday night to find 27-year old Brandon Foster of Norwich lying on the sidewalk near Lake Street. Foster is listed in stable condition at Backus Hospital with a severe stab wound to his chest. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact city police.
POLICE INVESTIGATE POSSIBLE GUN SHOTS
Norwich police are investigating a report of shots fired last night. Police say residents near 73 School Street reported hearing three gunshots, followed by a vehicle speeding away from the scene at around 9:40 PM. . Officers say they found one shell casing, but no sign of any victims, injuries, or property damage. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 860-886-5561.
NORWICH CAMPAIGN FINANCING
Campaign finance information shows Republican mayoral candidate Peter Nystrom leading the way in fundraising over his four challengers in Norwich. Nystrom has raised just over 78-hundred dollars, while Democratic candidate Derell Wilson has raised more than 32-hundred dollars. The three other challengers don’t plan to raise or spend enough funds to warrant disclosure of their financing. A political action committee, though, has raised the most money. “A Clean Slate for Norwich”, which is supporting the Democratic City Council candidates, has received some 10-thousand dollars in donations. Another PAC, named “Achieve Excellence for Norwich Students” has raised almost 35-hundred dollars. It supports the Democratic School Board candidates.
JUDGE LEAVING BENCH
A Superior Court judge is stepping down to resume his career as a lawyer. Judge John Nazzaro is leaving the bench as of December 29th, and will be rejoining the Reardon Law Firm of New London. Nazzaro has been a judge since August, 2007. The 58-year old Pawcatuck resident says he’s had a strong desire to become a litigator again, especially since his youngest daughter will be going to college. He notes he took a substantial pay cut when he became a judge.
GROTON DRUG BUST
Two Groton residents are arrested in a drug raid. Town police were at 9 Chase Oaks Court, Unit 6 Wednesday afternoon upon receiving reports of alleged cocaine sales. 31-year old Marshall Chiaraluce and 24-year old Brandy Fanning are accused of selling narcotics. Police say they found cocaine, anabolic steroids, marijuana, Xanax, amphetamines, and nearly 800 dollars cash. The arrest was made in cooperation with the Regional Community Enhancement Task Force.
RI VNA CLOSING
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – One of Rhode Island’s oldest home care and hospice providers will shut down by the end of this year. The Visiting Nurses Association of Rhode Island announced Wednesday that it will close because of financial problems. The Warwick-based agency, which was founded in 1900, did not disclose details of the problems. The VNA has about 80 employees and serves about 250 patients, who will be transferred to the Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice in Portsmouth. State Department of Health spokesman Joseph Wendelken says the agency will help oversee the transition process. The announcement follows the August shutdown of Homefront Health Care, which served more than 450 home-bound Rhode Island residents. Democratic state Rep. Patricia Serpa says lawmakers need to take action to help keep home care services running.
