www.berlincitizen.com
Volume 22, Number 48
Thursday, January 17, 2019
‘Goose’ Gozzo is now the King Bee Town
considers leash law
By Sean Krofssik Record-Journal staff
NEW BRITAIN — The New Britain Bees have turned to former pro pitcher and Wallingford resident Mauro “Goose” Gozzo to be their new manager.
By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen
The Ordinance Committee is considering requiring dogs to be leashed.
Gozzo, 52, served as the Bees pitching coach last season under manager Wally Backman, who left the team for Atlantic League rival Long Island. Last week, New Britain announced Gozzo has been promoted to lead the Hardware City squad in 2019. “When I heard Wally (Backman) was going to Long Island, I put my hat in the ring and let it be known that I wanted to be manager, and I went through the interview process and here we are today,” Gozzo said. Gozzo was a four-year pitcher at Berlin High School, where he was AllState. After graduating in 1984, he was drafted by the New York Mets. Across his 12-year playing career, Gozzo made 349 ca-
The committee, which meets Thursday, Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, will also consider a change to a tax program for seniors. “We have a bunch of things to discuss,” said Mayor Mark Kaczynski. The leash requirement is a response to complaints.
Mauro “Goose” Gozzo, who joined the New Britain Bees of the Atlantic League a year ago as pitching coach, has been promoted to manager. His predecessor, former New York Met Wally Backman, is now managing the rival Long Island Ducks. Justin Weekes, special to the Record-Journal
reer minor league appearances (126 starts). He owns 79 victories with a 3.83 ERA and 692 strikeouts in 1,134.2 innings.
Following his playing days, Gozzo turned his attention to youth baseball and coached his sons Paul and Sal. He started a travel team, Gozzo’s Gamers, and
won won nine national championships with the squad. He began coaching that See Gozzo, A14
Boards, commissions need volunteers By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen
Dozens of positions on town boards and commissions are set to open when terms expire at the end of the month, leaving town officials concerned that some boards may have a difficulty conducting business. “It’s an amount I’m concerned about because the town runs based on the
participation of people on boards and commissions,” said Town Manager Jack Healy.
Water Courses Commission had just four of seven commissioners and no alternates present, Vice Chairperson William Jackson said, meaning one more absence would have prevented the commission from approving two permit applications.
Though many members are expected to be reappointed to their seats, even a few vacancies can make it difficult for smaller boards to meet the quorum necessary The IWWC, which already to take action. has one vacancy, is looking At its most recent meeting, at three more terms expirthe Inland Wetlands and ing on Jan. 31.
Out of the 62 spots which are open for application, 15 are currently vacant and some of those finishing their current terms have told Healy they don’t intend to seek reappointment. “Many of these people have been on for many years … and are getting on in years and are saying ‘it’s time for someone else,’” Healy said. See Volunteers, A13
"What people are afraid of is ... it could be a friendly dog, but they don't know that when the dog is running at them,” Town Manager Jack Healy said. The current ordinance says owners can’t allow dogs “to run at large upon the streets and public ways of the town or upon property other than that of such owner or keeper.” Town Council members pointed out during recent meeting that the ordinance doesn’t specifically require a leash and could be interpreted as allowing owners to maintain control through verbal commands. “The dogs have to be under the control of the owner, but that’s a liberal phrase,” Kaczynski said. Councilor Karen Pagliaro said the issue was discussed by town officials a few years ago, but not resolved. See Leash, A14