Volume 18, Number 39
Berlin’s Only Hometown Newspaper
www.berlincitizen.com
Back to the drawing board for Police Commission By Charles Kreutzkamp
crats and Republicans agreed that the result of the referendum was very clear, in that The path to a new po- voters rejected the proposed lice station in Berlin has police station. There were, started over, with the issue however, notes of disagreebeing referred back to the ment in discussion about Police Commission, to con- the nuances of what council sider changing its Statement members perceived voters of Need, the document that wanted. “I don’t think (votdictates the new features re- ers) have an issue with the quired in a new police station. location (on 889 FarmingThe referendum on the po- ton Ave.) or dispute the fact lice station failed, with 38.3 that police need a new facilpercent voting for and 61.7 ity, but I think they have concerns with cost,” said Deputy percent voting against. “A resounding no,” is how Mayor William Rasmussen Mayor Rachel Rochette (D) (I). “Was it cost, location, or described the results of the referendum on the proposed timing? We don’t know,” police station, which Coun- Councilor Charles Paonessa cilor David Evans (R) de- (R) fired back. “Not $21 million and not scribed as a “five to three margin.” Both Council Demo- now,” is the message Evans The Berlin Citizen
The Berlin Citizen
Watch the televised Miss USA competition this year and you may see a familiar face. “A s a f i rs t ge n e ra tion American, I’ve been brought up to understand that nothing will be handed to me,” said Miss Connecticut USA winner and Berlin native, Ashley Golebiewski. Golebiewski was announced as winner of the state competition, which included interview, swimsuit, and evening gown phases, Nov. 16. “Lucky for me, I’ve always been surrounded by people who see my potential and want to help me
reach my goals,” Golebiewski sa i d . S he said she especially wanted to thank her mother, Golebiewski her biggest influence and “number one fan.” Golebiewski said she dreams of earning a doctorate in Business Management and plans to become a professor. She also enjoys reading romance and mystery books. Golebiewski will represent Connecticut in the Miss USA pageant, which began in 1950 and is currently owned by Donald
LOOKING FOR A PERFECT ENDING
thinks voters were trying to send. With respect to the town charter, the results of the referendum leaves the council in “unchartered territory,” as town attorney Robert Weber described it. Though the charter has specific rules about when and how to hold a referendum on an issue, the results of the referendum are non-binding, leaving it up to the council to decide how to respond. “The people have spoken and they were not in favor of this project as it was presented them,” the mayor said, adding that “the commission is aware this was a resounding no.” See Station / Page 11
Local eyeing Miss USA crown By Charles Kreutzkamp
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Trump. The competition will be broadcast on the NBC network. “I’m looking forward to preparing for Miss USA, and only a small group of women get to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity. I am going to make the best of it,” Golebiewski said. The Berlin Citizen interviewed Golebiewski by email Nov. 20. How does it feel to win the title of Miss Connecticut USA? G o l e b i ews k i : I wa s stunned! In all honesty it was a dream come true. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always enjoyed the spotSee Title / Page 22
The Berlin High School football team takes its perfect 10-0 record into its annual pre-Thanksgiving, regular season-ending clash with New Britain Wednesday night at Veterans Stadium. Kick off is at 6 p.m. No matter the outcome that night, the Redcoats’ season will continue. The locals are the No. 1 team in the CIAC Class M state playoff rankings. Pictured: Berlin’s Owen Taylor wraps up a Rocky Hill ballcarrier during a recent triumph. | Matt Leidemer / For The Citizen
Social services brings Thanksgiving to all By Charles Kreutzkamp
Enrollment this year for holiday food assistance is “just slightly ahead of last It’s a busy time of year at year” with over 240 houseBerlin’s social services office, holds registered, according assisting individuals with ap- to Director of Social Services plying for state energy assis- Doug Truitt. Truitt said the tance, Medicare options, and holiday assistance was “well preparing for holiday food distribution. See Services / Page 11 The Berlin Citizen