Holiday House Tour

Sterling House News

Holiday House Tour/Mistletoe Mansion - 2009 November 21st, 2009

Sunday, Dec. 6^th: Holiday House Tour, 2-4 pm; Tickets: $15; featuring 5 distinctive seaside homes in the Lordship area of Stratford; Mistletoe Mansion, 4-7 pm at Sterling House; Tickets: $25; join us for a festive evening of holiday carolers, elegant Hors D’oeuvres, select wines and beer, chocolate fountain, desserts and a Silent Auction filled with theme gift baskets, gift certificates and sports tickets; Purchase tickets for both events at a discount of $35; Tickets now n sale at Sterling House, 2283 Main Street, Stratford; for more information contact Patty Calabrese at Ext. 107; VISA, MC, AMEX accepted.

Stratford Center Holiday Festival

A new venue for Stratford Center is upon us this Holiday Season! Please join all the Downtown merchants in welcoming the Holidays on Wednesday, December 2. From 4pm to 8pm Main Street will be closed at East Broadway to Linden Streets and the entire Center will be alive with the Spirits of the Season!

Performing will be: the Stratford High Choir; strolling carolers, the Coastal Chordsmen and many others. Join the merchants and residents for a tree lighting at Milford Bank and hot cocoa and cookies at the event tent. Special discount coupons will be given out for participating restaurants. There will also be a fire engine for the kids to see and plenty of elves running around. Who else may the elves bring with them? Stop by and see!

For more information please call the Stratford Department of Economic Development @ 381-1351.

Your Voices Wanted

Dear OSNA Members and Readers,

On behalf of the Old Stratford Neighborhood Association, the Officers and Members wish to congratulate Mayor-elect John Harkins; Councilman-elect Chris Barnaby (R-1); Councilman-elect Stephanie Philips (D-2); and Councilman-elect Matt Catalano (R-3) on their recent election victories in our town.

In order for OSNA to serve its membership better, we are asking for your feedback and opinions. We are encouraging our neighbors to post some of the most important issues pertinent to the Historic District, inclusive of both the Local and Federal area districts. This vicinity encompasses the areas from the North side of East Broadway, from Main Street (both sides) to Ferry Boulevard; and south to Minor Cross.

Please add your thoughts in the comments section below. This survey will run until Sunday, November 15 at which time a letter will be drafted to our new representatives for inclusion in their action items for the town in general.

Thank you all in advance for your participation! We look forward to hearing from you!

Stratford Mayoral Race Overshadows Town Council Races

By Richard Weizel , STAFF WRITER of Connecticut Post

STRATFORD -- While the intense mayor's race, one of the hottest in the region, has dominated the headlines and attention during this year's municipal campaign, the entire 10-member Town Council is also up for re-election -- with only two incumbents seeking re-election to the current 7-3 GOP majority.

Only Republicans John Dempsey, R-5, and William Stroomer, R-7, are seeking re-election to the 10-member panel, as Council Chairman Mike Henrick, R-10, and Minority Leader Alvin O'Neal, D-2, cannot run again after serving three consecutive terms. Council Majority Leader Michael Julian, R-1 and Parliamentarian Joseph Kubic, R-9, are not seeking re-election.

Under the Town Charter candidates must step down after three two-yearterms, but can run again after sitting out one term.

What it all means is if Democratic Mayor James R. Miron does hold off his three challengers, he might have the chance for the first time since he was elected the town's first mayor in 2005 to work with a Democratic majority on the council.

"That would be very important," Miron said. "The Republicans have been obstructionists and if I had a Democratic-controlled council we get far more accomplished for the good of the town."

But it also means if Republican candidate Rep. John Harkins wins, he could be forced to work with a Democratic council, in much the same way Miron has had to work with a GOP-controlled council the past four years.

"I certainly hope if I am elected we also have a Republican majority," Harkins said. "But during my thirteen years serving as a state representative I have been able to reach across the aisle and work with Democrats on some very important issues. I believe that is one of my strengths as a government servant, and am willing to work with who ever is elected to the council."

And, if either independent candidate Domenic Costello or George Mulligan were to gain election, they would have to work with a council represented by Republicans and Democrats they have been critical of during the campaign.

"That wouldn't be a problem for me," said Costello. "I believe a good idea can come from anyone, no matter what party affiliation they have. I'm willing to listen to good ideas from people in both (major) political parties."