Friday, February 1, 2019
www.towntimes.com
Volume 23, Number 33
Middlefield considers extending tax break to retired volunteer firefighters By Bailey Wright Town Times
Middlefield residents could soon be asked to consider expanding a tax abatement for active emergency personnel to extend into retirement.
The proposal, being drafted after initial support from Board of Selectman, would still need approval from residents before going into effect. First Selectman Ed Bailey said the goal is to have a vote in time for the abatement, if approved, to be in place for the next budget.
“I’m glad we have an opportunity to provide them with a token of the town’s appreciation for all the services they provide,” Bailey said about the proposal. The abatement, permitted by state law, gives active volunteer See Tax break, A9
Bartolomeo
New role for Bartolomeo By Mary Ellen Godin Record-Journal staff
MERIDEN — Former Democratic state Sen. Dante Bartolomeo was recently named by Gov. Ned Lamont to be the deputy commissioner of the state Department of Labor.
Crowds filled the fairgrounds during the 99th Durham Fair on the Durham Fairgrounds in Durham Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Justin Weekes, special to the Record-Journal Below: The Durham Fair's Everlasting Tribute Patio is under construction now and will be a place for gathering near the Needlework Barn at the 100th Durham Fair this September. Patrons can sponsor bricks, benche and wall toppers to be used in the patio. Photo courtesy of Durham Fair Association
Patio, gala to mark 100 years of Durham Fair By Bailey Wright Town Times
The Durham Fair committee is already two years into its planning for the 100th fair, which is still more than eight months away. Since an event to kick off the 100th fair celebration in 2016, the fair committee See Durham Fair, A8
Bartolomeo, a city resident, worked on labor issues and policy with Lamont during his gubernatorial campaign. She reports directly to labor department Commissioner Kurt Westby. “Although I have worked with our new Deputy Commissioner for only three days, it is already obvious that Danté Bartolomeo is a great addition to the agency,” Westby said in an email. “Her experience in the legislature and practical approach to finding solutions will be valuable to the Labor Department and the people we serve.” Lamont has said he plans to work closely with legislators during the current session on proposals that aim to keep the state’s workforce competitive. Bartolomeo’s experience in the General Assembly is viewed as a plus when crafting and implementing policy, Westby said. See Bartolomeo, A2