State needs to address gas prices


The town of Winchester makes for interesting reading at times, but it cannot compare to the state of Connecticut when it comes to fiscal problems.

Our beloved state doesn’t seem to realize that its citizens are financially hurting due to two obvious issues: the price of a gallon of gasoline and the upcoming season for a gallon of heating oil, which I’m told is already more than $4.

The state of Connecticut, its lawmakers, could have easily eased the gas tax to some extent by reducing the 67-cent tax per gallon tax by 5 cents through the summer and busy travel months.

We are told that Connecticut is the most heavily taxed state in the nation and I believe it. I’m only saying that because it’s what I hear from broadcasters and what I read in the newspapers.

And then, what are we to think when we’re told that the state was going to wind up the year with a surplus and shortly thereafter we are told that the state was going to wind up with a deficit. That deficit has brought an order from the governor that a hiring freeze was in effect.


u u u


Under the circumstances, that was the only thing our governor could do, as I believe the state is the biggest employer in Connecticut.

I hope that I’m wrong with this statement but I’ve been told that one can work for the state for 10 years, then retire and be eligible for free medical care for whenever. If that is so, it certainly is a great benefit.

I certainly do realize that being a member of the General Assembly is a difficult position to fill, but when one is sitting in a chair to take part in state business, one has a responsibility to constituents who put them there. While 5 cents a gallon can be described as peanuts, it certainly can help when taxpayers are being belted with ever increasing property taxes to foot the bill for education.


u u u


Memorial Day, May 26, 2008, was a day I will long remember. It had great meaning to me, as I served as a grand marshall, along with Warren Sullivan. We rode atop a beautiful convertible, which was the best seat in the house.

The ride down Main Street was the real treat, however, as it gave me the opportunity to see hundreds of spectators applauding the veterans as they marched down the street.

And there were so many thank-yous directed at the veterans on the march that it was actually unbelievable .

Mayor Kenneth Fracasso said it all with a statement like this: "Memorial Day serves as a time to preserve remembrances for those who gave their lives so that we may live in a free nation. The town of Winchester holds the honor and memory of those who served in the wars and services of the United States of America in the highest esteem.

"Memorial Day is a time for all Americans to stop and pay the highest honor to those who, by their sacrifice, have pursued the freedom we are blessed with today."

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 296 in Winsted did themselves proud on this day of remembrances and support for our military serving in points all over the world.

When you hear spectators utter nothing but praise for this special event, you know there are Americans out there who support our military despite the bad stuff that we occasionally hear.


u u u


Strange but true: In ancient China, one fairly common method of suicide was to eat a pound of salt.

Those who study such things claim that the common housefly can give you 30 different diseases.


u u u


Flying out of retirement: Airline pilots who have retired at the mandatory age of 60 are now being recruited back into the workforce as the shortage of pilots will be helped by a new federal law, approved by Congress in December, that raised the age to 65. This new legislation offers pilots, whose passion is flying, the potential to resume satisfying work in retirement.

 

Bob McCarthy is a former editor of the Winsted Evening Citizen.

Latest News

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Leila Hawken

KENT– A year-and-a-half-long legal dispute over an unpermitted roadway and dock built through wetlands on North Spectacle Pond is approaching a resolution. The KenMont and KenWood summer camp and the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission are close to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

The conflict began after the IWWC denied the camp’s retroactive application in March 2024 for the road and dock, which were constructed without town approval sometime last decade. The Commission found both structures violated town regulations, leading the camp to file a legal appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less