INNER-CITY NEWS

INNER-CITY NEWS

27, 2016 - August 02, 2016 THE INNER-CITY NEWS MARCHJuly 07, 2018 - MARCH 13, 2018

Financial Justice Push a KeyToFocus atWomen’s 2016 NAACP Convention Female Lawmakers Protect Health Coverage New Haven, Bridgeport

INNER-CITYNEWS

Volume 27 . No. 2269 Volume 21 No. 2194

African American Golf Champion

Avis Brown-Riley

“DMC”

What Every American Should Know About the 2018 Child Tax Credit Changes

Malloy Malloy To To Dems: Dems:

Ignore Ignore“Tough “ToughOn OnCrime” Crime”

Tells Her Inspirational and Triumphant Story in New Book

Color Struck? Yale New Haven Health African-American Citizens of the Year

and Anthem Deal Snow inReach July?

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West Haven Planning & Zoning Commissioner Steven R. Mullins presents the City of West Haven African-American Citizens of the Year Certificate to Moses and Roberta Douglas of West Haven as West Haven Black Heritage President Bea Johnson looks on.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS

MARCH 07, 2018

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MARCH 13, 2018

Tax-Break Q: What Makes Artists Special?

by MARKESHIA RICKS New Haven Independent

Should the city choose artists as a special class of lower-income renters in need of affordable housing?

Leslie Radcliffe posed that question as the city and an out-of-town developer prepare to transform a former clock factory into 130 apartments for artists.

Radcliffe asked the question before as she and fellow members of the City Plan Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Board of Alders approve a $400,000 grant that would help with the environmental cleanup of the former Jerome Manufacturing Company building at 133 Hamilton St. Commissioners also recommended that alders approve a tax abatement agreement between the city and the Oregon-based developer taking on the project that would freeze taxes for the development for the next 15 years at the current rate.

Before the vote, at the commission’s most recently monthly meeting, Radcliffe initiated a discussion about whether reserving affordable housing for artists is doing so at the expense of all kinds of people in New Haven who also need affordable housing. That discussion will continue as alders debate whether to approve the tax help.

“I totally support the saving of a historic structure. I support providing affordable housing, and the remediation efforts,” Radcliffe said. “I’m having some issue with the tax abatement and utilization of public funds and providing housing for a segregated group.”

Radcliffe argued that while many artists don’t make very much money at their craft, that’s true for many other people in the city as well who can’t afford the high cost of rent in the city.

And while she likes the live-work aspect of the Hamilton Street project, she said, she has trouble justifying excluding people from housing just because they don’t make art.

“My other part of that questions is: Who is going to determine what art is?”

City economic development staffer Helen Rosenberg, who is quarterbacking the project, said that “artist” will be defined broadly. There will be a system for verifying that a person has an income that is 80 percent or less of the area median income. With 130 apartments, Rosenberg said, there might be a chance that the developer doesn’t have an easy time filling the building with people who meet the definition of artist and then have to rent to others.

Radcliffe: “One man’s trash is another man’s junk collection.

(The developer also plans to include “makers” in the definition of targeted renters.)

“There will be a system set up,” Rosenberg said. “It will include working with the community. The developer will set up a system for selecting tenants for the building.”

Rosenberg didn’t have exact details

but said the developers have draft criteria for such a system and would be able to answer those questions when they come to the City Plan Commission for a site plan review.

The developer, Reed Realty, operating in the city as the limited liability corporation Taom Heritage New, has done similar projects in other cities.

Reed, which has been in business for about a decade, specializes in historic rehabs, including a recently completed renovation of an old hotel into the 20-story mixed-use Jefferson Memorial Tower in Birmingham, Ala. Joshua Blevins, the company’s director of historic redevelopment and governmental affairs, said by phone

Tuesday that the company is open to input from the community about the selection of artist-tenants. He also said that best practices for similar projects have been developed around the country and in Connecticut. He pointed to Artspace in New Haven as an example.

He said there were three key reasons artists are the focus of this development: • The historic nature of the building means that it will have quirks that could make it more user-friendly for artists’ lofts and studio space in the way that wouldn’t work as traditional apartments.

• Artists are likely to be individual tenants who don’t need space and amenities for families, and more likely tenants in a more industrial district.

• A survey of the creative community showed a need and interest for such space in the city.

Blevins called building developments with the creative community in mind “a great way to promote economic development and promote the rebirth of Con’t on page 10

Kids LEAP Into Wakanda

If you are among the small number of people who have not seen Black Panther, LEAPers highly recommend it.

The youth education and recreation program took 115 children and teens to see the film this past Saturday at Bow Tie Criterion Cinemas in New Haven.

In the movie, T’Challa, the King of Wakanda, rises to the throne in anisolated, technologically advanced African nation. Avengeful outsider,who was a childhood victim of T’Challa’s father’s mistake,challenges both T’Challa’sclaimto the throne and thekingdom’slong held decision to stay neutral in matters of social justice.

Although Black Panther is a fictional character in the Marvel Comic universe, his portrayal as the black king of Wakanda has drawn many people to see this movie as it highlights justice, pride, and hope. Bill Aseltyne and Jeff Stryker, two long-term supporters of LEAP, reached out last week after they and their son saw the movie and loved it. They wanted to be sure thatLEAP kids had a similar opportunity. They

covered the cost of admission, popcorn and beverages.

The reviews from LEAPers are in: LEAP leader and Yale student Brianna Moore, an 18-year-old counselor at Fair Haven Middle School, said “I really like that Black Panther approached the African diaspora from a range of perspectives.” LEAP participant NylaCook, a 10-year-old camp participant at Clinton Avenue School, said,“I really like the movie because there was a lot of action, its kind of like reality, and it was fun.”

Black Panther even connected with the younger participants,due to common social media references.Lyndzee Edwards, a 7- year-old camp participant at Fair Haven Middle School, said her favorite part was “when T’Challa’s sister said, ‘What are those?’”

In the end, it was great to see a wide range of LEAP participants enjoy a great movie on a non-camp day, and bond together as a one. LEAP is very thankful for the donation and encourages others to continue to support local and national educational programs. And definitely see the movie!

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS MARCH 07, 2018 - MARCH 13, 2018

Democratic Lawmakers Detail Free College Tuition

by Parker Fiske CT. Junkie News

HARTFORD, CT — Free college tuition could cost the state up to $30 million, but Democrats in the legislature believe that’s a bargain for a well-trained workforce.

Democratic lawmakers released their version of what a free-college program would look like Thursday at a Legislative Office Building press conference.

The bill, HB 5371, is designed to provide scholarships to low- and moderateincome students in two different forms: Free 2 Start and Free 2 Finish.

The “Free 2 Start” portion of the bill would allow students in good standing to start at a community college for free. The “Free 2 Finish” part would allow students to obtain their associate’s or bachelor’s degree for free for the last two years.

To be eligible for the plan, students must have graduated from a Connecticut high school, and must meet specific family income guidelines. Students with a combined family income of $72,900 or less for a family of four could qualify.

Rep. Gregory Haddad, D-Mansfield, explained that the “Free 2 Finish” portion has all of the same pre-conditions as “Free 2 Start,” but includes a stipulation that students participate in a volunteer-based

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Sen.

Beth Bye

mentorship program and counseling.

“This benefit, Free 2 Finish, is stackable on Free 2 Start,” he said. “So we envision a system where low-income students, moderate-income students can go free to community college directly out of high school and then go on to use their benefit

after they earn their associates degree to earn their bachelor’s degree.”

Haddad elaborated that after the completion of the “Free 2 Start” portion, students undergo an academic audit to track their progress; students in good academic standings who have met the qualifications

can then go on to complete a four-year degree, at any state school, including the University of Connecticut.

Pat O’Neil, a spokesman for the House Republican Caucus, pushed back against the plan. He asked, “Given that the state faces almost a $200 million dollar deficit, how are they going to pay for it”? He continued, “Democrats want free college tuition like people in hell want ice water.”

Sen. Beth Bye, D-West Hartford, is still hoping there is some bipartisan potential for the bill.

“This is not some crazy liberal idea in Connecticut, free college,” Bye said. “In fact, 23 states in the past couple of years have introduced bills. Republican states, Democratic states recognize how important this is.”

She said nearly 70 percent of Connecticut jobs will require a college degree, and this program will “increase the number of high school seniors who complete financial aid forms and see college as affordable.”

Elena Tapia, President of Connecticut State University American Association of University Professors, commended the legislation. She called the bill “a step in the right direction to creating a public higher education system that is accessible

to all residents of Connecticut.”

Only 34 percent of students completed their 2-year community college degree within six years — placing Connecticut 33rd out of 50 states, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

Two of Connecticut’s neighboring states, Rhode Island and New York, have some form of tuition-free community college.

Rhode Island offers in-state tuition to students who hold grade point average of 2.5 and above, while New York’s model goes even further. The New York plan rolled out by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2017 offers free tuition at any state university or community college to students from a family with an income of less than $100,000. Other states, like Tennessee and Louisiana, have introduced initiatives to provide tuition relief over the past few years, and similar measures became part of the national conversation during the 2016 presidential campaign.

If the plan is approved, it will go into effect in January 2019, making Connecticut only the second state in New England to offer free community college to in-state residents.

OPEN HOUSE GATEWAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS

MARCH 07, 2018

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MARCH 13, 2018

SISTERS OF TODAY AND TOMORROWKICKS OFF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

"How Black Women Lead, Live & Last"

Atlanta, Georgia -- Sisters of Today and Tomorrow (SOT), kicked off Women’s History Month, by celebrating and highlighting black women in leadership positions through-out metro Atlanta.

The honored guests included Metro Atlanta Mayors: Deana Holiday Ingraham of East Point; Angelyne Butler of Forest Park and Elizabeth Carr Hurst of Fairburn.

The program was hosted by Fulton County Commissioner District 4, Natalie Hall, with greetings brought to the group by Atlanta City Council President Felicia A. Moore.

“This is such a befitting way to kickoff Women’s History Month,” stated Moore, who presented SOT’s Founder / Executive Director Carla Morrison with a proclamation, commemorating the organization’s 11th Annual Women’s History Month program. Before giving the

formal welcome address, Natalie Hall, Fulton County Commissioner District 4, stated how the room reminded her of the movie Black Panther, where the women in the film were the warriors and strength of WAKANDA, “just as we are in our everyday lives”. “Black Girl Power!” exclaimed Carla Morrison, Founder of SOT. “I’m just excited to see so many powerful women in the room.”

The engaging program and reception included a conversation, with the Mayors, led by Fox 5 Atlanta Marissa Mitchell, where the women leaders discussed how black women lead, live and last; with each Mayor providing nuggets of wisdom on how they get through their day and where their strength comes from. Each Mayor had a different approach and delivery, but all were in alignment regarding seeking a higher

Am I Sam?

Tutor Momo Chapa and NHR student Alexandra Romero-Rodriguez. Lucy Gellman Photos.

Isaiah Nixon did a double take the first time he saw green eggs and ham come out of his grade school cafeteria. He’d grown accustomed to new lunch options—beef that looked strange, baked fish three different ways, macaroni and cheese of questionable provenance. But this was a first.

He did what any hungry, cautious but curious kid would to. He took his fork, looked around to his friends with a blink of approval, and dug in.

Earlier this week, students at New Haven Reads told their own stories of green eggs and ham, foxes in socks, cats in hats and grinches stealing Christmas as they celebrated Dr. Seuss, whose March 2 birthday doubles as the National Endowment for the Arts’s (NEA) Read Across America day.

They brought new outlooks to the beloved author, whose work has withstood the test of time. Like Nixon, who spoke about eating green eggs and ham at school after reading the book.

“Am I really seeing green eggs and ham?,” he recalled thinking on a short episode of WNHH’s “Kitchen Sync” program. “It was actually really good … it was 20 kids, all 20 of them had actually ate it.”

Or Alexandra Romero-Rodriguez, a student at Beecher School who said she’s drawn to Seuss’ titular black-and-white cat in his tall, striped headwear. She’s never tried green eggs and ham. But that wouldn’t stop her if she was given the option, she said.

“I think it would taste kind of bad,” she said. “And spicy.”

John P. Thomas Publisher / CEO

Babz Rawls Ivy

Editor-in-Chief Liaison, Corporate Affairs Babz@penfieldcomm.com

Advertising/Sales Team Trenda Lucky Keith Jackson Delores Alleyne John Thomas, III

Editorial Team Staff Writers

Christian Lewis/Current Affairs Anthony Scott/Sports Arlene Davis-Rudd/Politics

Contributing Writers Standing: (l-r) SOT Founder Carla Morrison; Fulton County Commissioner D4, Natalie Hall & Atlanta City Council President, Felicia A. Moore. Sitting: (l-r) Mayor of Fairburn Elizabeth Carr Hurst; Mayor of East Point Deana Holiday Ingraham and Mayor of Forest Park Angelyne Butler, during Sisters of Today and Tomorrow’s 11th Annual Women’s History Month program, at Fulton County Government Center in Atlanta, GA.

power in their daily journey.

The program ended with Sisters of Today and Tomorrow’s sponsor, IWI Fresh presenting the Mayors and moderator with special made gifts. “Let the sisterhood continue,” stated Marissa Mitchell. And a reception followed, where each Mayor stayed and talked one on one with the guests; where two of the Mayors took a special interest in Genesis, a young middle schooler who has been having difficulty at school from being bullied. The Mayors provided Genesis and her mother with words of wisdom and information to advocate for her daughter. Log onto: www.SOT2Girls.org Sponsored by: Sisters of Today and Tomorrow, Chit Chat Communications & The Office of Fulton County Commissioner, District 4 Natalie Hall “Sisters of Today and Tomorrow” ”Sisters of Today and Tomorrow” (SOT) is a 501C(3) nonprofit organization, developed to transform the lives of girls ages 11-18 and the women who raise them. Founded by Carla Morrison in 2008, the organization is reputable across America for its sincere interest in developing the character and confidence of women and girls, while exposing them to different enriching opportunities. Going into its 10th year, Sisters of Today and Tomorrow has produced over 35 community programs, transforming the lives of women and girls through self-esteem building, education, health & wellness, personal development, careers / entrepreneurship, impacting over 5,000 youth and

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adults. www.SOT2Girls.org “Celebrating Women of Color...”

Women’s History Month Program “Celebrating Women of Color...” is one of three signature programs produced

by Sisters of Today and Tomorrow (SOT). The program is in its 11th year and takes place in the month of March, in celebration of Women’s History Month. SOT has featured a number of phenomenal keynote speakers including: Kenya Jordana James, Publisher of Black Girl Magazine; Georgia State Senator Connie Stokes; Author/Poet Mark Anthony; Georgia State Representative Alisha Thomas-Morgan; 1st African American Woman Fire Chief Rosemary Cloud; R&B Singer Chrisette Michele; The Honorable Mayor of Riverdale, Georgia Evelyn WynnDixon; Music Executive/Community Activist Karen Marie Mason; Author/ Professor Dr. Stephane Dunn; Author/ Professor Rabiyah Rah Karim-Kincey; the 2012 women and girls of Sisters of Today and Tomorrow; R&B Diva’s Executive Producer/ Cast member Nicci Gilbert; The Houston’s “On Our Own” Executive Producer Wanda Shelley; Trumpet Awards Founder Xernona Clayton and Women History makers in Connecticut: 1st Gold Medalist in the Hammer Throw, Alexandria Givan; First black woman Captain of New Haven Police Department, Patricia Helliger; Alderwoman Tyisha Walker, first woman president of the New Haven Board of Alders and first woman elected president of the Greater New Haven NAACP, Doris Dumas.

David Asbery Tanisha Asbery Jerry Craft/Cartoons Barbara Fair

Dr. Tamiko Jackson-McArthur Michelle Turner Smita Shrestha William Spivey Kam Williams Rev. Samuel T. Ross-Lee

_______________________

Contributors At-Large

Christine Stuart www.CTNewsJunkie.com Paul Bass New Haven Independent www.newhavenindependent.org

Memberships

National Association of Black Journalist National Newspapers Publishers Association Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Greater New Haven Business & Professional Association Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS MARCH 07, 2018 - MARCH 13, 2018

N e w H av e n P u b l i c S ch o o l s

Attention Parents/Guardians: If your child is turning 5 years old on or before January 1, 2019, then your child should be registered for Kindergarten!

Register with the Office of Choice & Enrollment Please bring the following required documents with you: 1. Birth Certificate 2. Proof of Residency (current utility bill, lease/mortgage statement with parent/guardian’s name & address) 3. Parent/Guardian Identification

Office of Choice and Enrollment

Location: 54 Meadow St., 1st Floor, New Haven, CT 06519 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm Phone: 475-220-1430 and 475-220-1431 Website: choice.NHPS.net 5

THE INNER-CITY NEWS

MARCH 07, 2018

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MARCH 13, 2018

Yale New Haven Health and Anthem Reach Deal

by Christine Stuart CT. Junkie News

HARTFORD, CT — One of the largest insurance companies and one of the largest healthcare providers in Connecticut announced they reached a three-year deal on reimbursement rates for medical services.

The announcement between Yale New Haven Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield came one day before a legislative hearing on a bill that would impose restrictions on health providers and insurance companies unable to reach these types of deals.

Last year, Hartford Healthcare and Anthem were unable to reach a deal before the contract expired. As a result of the impasse, patients were unable to see their Hartford Healthcare providers unless they are willing to pay out-of-network prices and facility fees.

“Renewing our contract with Anthem 10 months ahead of schedule eliminates any potential for disruption of care, and allows us to continue our focus of helping our pa-

tients’ lead healthier lives, while also caring for them in times of illness,” Vincent Tammaro, Yale New Haven Health chief financial officer, said Monday. “For years, thousands of Anthem members have chosen Yale New Haven Health. This new agreement will ensure that they will continue to have full access to safe accessible care.”

Jill Hummel, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, said “We value the relationship we have with Yale New Haven and their care providers and we look forward to continuing to work together to create a better health care experience for the consumers we serve.”

The legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee will hear testimony Tuesday regarding legislation that would require the insurance carrier and health provider to continue under the terms of the previous contract for 60 days, if they are unable to come to an agreement on a new contract.

The Insurance and Real Estate Committee will meet at noon in Room 2D.

CTNEWSJUNKIE FILE PHOTO

Insurance and Real Estate Committee meeting last year. Rep. Sean Scanlon

Female Lawmakers Push To Protect Women’s Health Coverage

by MARKESHIA RICKS New Haven Independent

A bipartisan team of women legislators held a joint press conference here Thursday ahead of a public hearing on a bill that would preserve in Connecticut the 10 benefits established by the federal Affordable Health Care Act’s passage in 2010.

Those ten benefits ensure coverage of ambulatory services; emergency services; hospitalization; maternity services; mental health and substance abuse services; prescription drug coverage; rehabilitative services; lab services; preventative and wellness care; and pediatric services. The bill also would allow uninsured and insured women who become pregnant to have access to maternity coverage. Under the Affordable Care Act currently, becoming pregnant can still get you denied insurance coverage.

The state bill would ensure that no matter what the Trump administration and the Republican-controlled Congress do with the ACA (aka “Obamacare”), people in Connecticut would continue to have access to health insurance that covers those 10 benefits.

The lawmakers said the bill wouldn’t be a new mandate since insurers are already providing such coverage. Rather, the bill is a pre-emptive strike against ongoing efforts at the federal level to repeal Obamacare, which expanded access to not only health insurance but also contraception and maternity care for women.

No one spoke in opposition to the bill

Female lawmakers including State Rep. Robyn Porter (at right in photo) advocate for health care prposal.

MARKESHIA RICKS PHOTO

Republican State. Rep. Terrie Wood.

during a public hearing Thursday before the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee. No vote was taken.

State Rep. Robyn Porter, who represents the Newhallville section of New

Haven and part of Hamden said, such health insurance coverage is particularly meaningful to communities of color.

She said lack of access to contraception means abortion — a last resort option

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to an unplanned pregnancy— becomes a means of contraception. She said because of the Affordable Care Act more women have access and are less reliant on abortion as a means of birth control.

She said to go backward to a time when cost is a barrier to contraception is unacceptable. “Not only is it impacting us economically but also physically,” she said. “What is the damage being done to women physically [from using abortion as contraception] and how will that impact them down the road when they want to start a family? There are just so many more effective ways to control when women have kids.”

New Haven State Reps. Pat Dillon and Roland Lemar are also co-sponsors on the bill.

State Sen. Mae Flexer, a Guilford Democrat, called the efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act an attack on women’s healthcare.

“It’s absolutely critical that the state of Connecticut step up and protect women’s health care,” she said. “We’re here to stand up and say in Connecticut we’re going to protect those benefits.

We’re going to make sure that the 10 essential health care benefits that were a key part of the Affordable Care Act will stay in place here in Connecticut.

“We’re also going to make sure that women continue to have access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care in the state of Connecticut no matter what happens with decisions in Washington, D.C.” she added.

Flexer said that the proposal is bipartisan because Connecticut values wom-

en’s healthcare in a different way.

“Women here work together and make sure that women will be protected in spite of extreme actions of our federal government,” she said. “These bills are going to ensure that women in Connecticut don’t have to worry about having access to health care. That they will be able to continue to access free contraception, which is critical for so many women.

“Since contraception has been free under the affordable care act more and more women have access to preventing unwanted pregnancies and also making sure that women who need access to birth control for other health care issues can have that coverage,” Flexer said.

State Rep. Liz Linehan, a Cheshire Democrat, noted that many families in the state are one healthcare disaster away from bankruptcy and she said that the bill would help alleviate some of that burden. State Rep. Caroline Simmons, a Stamford Democrat, added that 900,000 women work in Connecticut, 400,000 of whom are in their reproductive years. Thirteen percent of those women, she said, are the primary breadwinners in their household.

Republican State Rep. Terrie Wood, who represents Norwalk and Darien, called the bill essential.

“It’s a foundational freedom for women, and it’s the best thing we can do to support all women in our state with equality, fairness, and common sense,” she said.

Sally Grossman of Windsor said havCon’t on page 16

THE INNER-CITY NEWS MARCH 07, 2018 - MARCH 13, 2018

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS

MARCH 07, 2018

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MARCH 13, 2018

City To Continue Withdrawing Money From Wells Fargo oil through a nearly million-acre wetland in southern Louisiana.

Tuhus said that this new pipeline, if finished, would carry “really dirty, flammable, horrible oil from the Bakken Oil Patch in North Dakota all the way down to the Gulf for processing and export.”

She said that she went down to Louisiana for four reporting trips in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and saw first hand the toll that gas and oil company construction has had on the Louisiana coast. She said that the state loses a football field’s worth of land every hundred minutes or so, primarily because of pipeline and canal construction by oil and gas companies.

Tuhus said that Thursday afternoon’s protest was part of a week of solidarity protests held all around the country in support of Louisianans opposing the new Bayou Bridge project.

With banners in hand and veteran protester Norman Clement beating a steady rhythm on a hand drum, the protesters walked up to the Wells Fargo building, chanting slogans like, “Big banks, why you / Messing with the Bayou.” And, “You can’t drink oil, keep it in the soil.”

Outside of Wells Fargo, Geremy Schulick, a local musician and one of the co-organizers of the protest, took the microphone to tell the group about a recent conversation

by THOMAS BREEN

New Haven Independent

Two dozen protesters marched from City Hall to the Wells Fargo building on Church Street on Thursday afternoon to celebrate the recent federal downgrading of a bank that has invested in controversial oil pipelines and defrauded hundreds of thousands of customers with unnecessary fees and fake accounts.

The protesters called on the city to expedite its divestment of funds from the bank, Wells Fargo, and encouraged New Haven to move that money instead to a local or regional bank unsullied by fossil fuel associations.

New Haven Stands with Standing Rock, a group of local environmental activists who have held numerous protests over the past two years calling for the city to shake off all direct and indirect financial support of the Dakota Access pipeline (DAPL), organized Thursday afternoon’s protest to celebrate the federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC) move in March 2017 to downgrade Wells Fargo’s Community Reinvestment Act rating to “needs to improve.”

According to protesters and mayoral spokesperson Laurence Grotheer, that federal downgrading triggered a negative designation of the bank under Connecticut state statute that is further encouraging the city to take its money out of Wells Fargo.

Last March, Mayor Toni Harp promised that the city would withdraw deposits from Wells Fargo in response to environmental activist petitions.

Grotheer said that the city has already moved three small accounts away from Wells Fargo over the past year. He said that the city’s controller’s office is also working on a draft Request For Proposal (RFP) to solicit offers from other banks that may be interested in managing the city’s two primary operating accounts instead of Wells Fargo.

Grotheer said he did not know how much money is in the three accounts that were moved from Wells Fargo, or how much city money remains at Wells Fargo. City Controller Daryl Jones did not respond to voicemails requesting comment for this article.

Last year, before these three accounts were moved, Jones estimated that the city had around $10 million of deposits on any given day at Wells Fargo.

Wells Fargo has admitted making mistakes and promised to do better. Outside City Hall Thursday, local environmental activist Melinda Tuhus rallied a small cohort of protesters with chants deriding Wells Fargo for its support of the Dakota Access pipeline (DAPL).

Wells Fargo spent $467 million funding the construction of DAPL, a 1,172-mile pipeline managed by Energy Transfer Partners that carries crude oil from North Dakota to southern Illinois, and runs close to North Dakota’s Standing Rock reservation and its clean water supply.

The protesters also said that Wells Fargo is involved in funding the Bayou Bridge pipeline, a $750-million Energy Transfer Partners project scheduled to carry crude

THOMAS BREEN PHOTO

Protesters outside Wells Fargo on Church Street.

that he had had with City Controller Jones.

He said that, thanks to the downgrading from the OCC and the subsequent designation of Wells Fargo as a “non-qualified public depository” by the state’s Banking Department, New Haven would have to move its money from the bank soon.

“Though they are under no distinct timeline to do so,” he said, “New Haven is now required by the State of Connecticut to close its municipal accounts with Wells Fargo.” The small crowd erupted with cheers, with someone shouting, “Move that money!”

Schulick said that the campaign to get the city to divest from Wells Fargo was never just about Wells Fargo, but more about getting the city’s funds out of banks associated with fossil fuel construction projects. “[This campaign] is about New Haven switching to a more ethical, a more local bank that did not fund the Dakota Access pipeline,” he said.

He said that New Haven should consider investing its resources instead with a local or regional bank, like Start Bank or People’s Bank, that do not have close ties to fossil fuel companies.

“We cannot just move our money to Chase Bank,” he said. “That would not be a success for this campaign.”

Thomas Malone got some huge bonus checks.

Local Biotech Exec Arrested For Embezzlement

Protesters outside City Hall.

Norm Clement sets the rhythm for the protest march.

Protesters wave anti-pipeline signs outside Wells Fargo.

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He wrote the checks himself — and, according to the federal government, was stealing the money from his Science Park biotech company.

Agents form the FBI and the federal Department of Health and Human Services’s inspector general’s office showed up at Malone’s West Rock Avenue home Thursday to arrest him for allegedly embezzling close to $1 million over four years from Artificial Cell Technologies, Inc. (ACT), the vaccine-technology company he helped found in 2005 and served as chief financial officer until January 2017.

Malone appeared in U.S. District Court on Church Street before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam, who released him on a $50,000 bond. The charge is “theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds,” according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

ACT develops ways to produce malarial and respiratory vaccines “exponentially faster” and to personalize them on demand.

The National Institutes of Health has granted the company more than $4 million.

Company CEO Donald Masters came upon the alleged embezzlement in November 2016 while reviewing payroll records while Malone was away on a personal trip, according to the arrest warrant affidavit prepared by Michael Ahearn, a special agent with the inspector general’s office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Masters discovered for the first time that Malone was paying himself approximately $660,000 in salary, far above the approximate $281,000 salary that he was entitled

to receive,” Ahearn wrote. “Upon further review of the payroll records and other financial records, Masters discovered that Malone had been writing manual checks to himself for several years that were disguised as bonuses, that he had been giving himself unauthorized additional salary payments, that he had been using the ACT credit card for personal expenditures and that he had been making unauthorized donations to an organization that Malone personally supported.

Malone told Masters that he thought he could “set his own compessation at whatever level he wanted whenever he wanted,” and sought to maximize his 2016 compensation so he could then “significantly” cut his 2017 pay in order to qualify for financial aid at his children’s private school, according to the affidavit.

Masters placed Malone on leave, then discovered through a forensic audit that he’d stolen over $950,000, according to the affidavit.

Ahearn reported that he interviewed Malone, who “acknowledged that he was aware of the checks that were written on the ACT bank account to him because he, Malone, personally wrote the checks to himself. Malone claimed being one of the founders of ACT, once serving as the CEO, and later becoming the CFO of ACT gave him the authority to set his own salary and increase his salary without consulting the CEO, the investors, or Board members.

Malone stated that when he wanted to give himself a pay raise, he just did.” (Malone’s wife served on the company’s board.)

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS MARCH 07, 2018 - MARCH 13, 2018

A Federal Court has ordered R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, Philip Morris USA, Altria, and Lorillard to make this statement about the health effects of secondhand smoke.

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• Secondhand smoke kills over 38,000 Americans each year.

• Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer and coronary heart disease in adults who do not smoke.

• Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems, severe asthma, and reduced lung function.

• There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

CRC1-GEN-17-05149-11-StatementE-9_25x10_5.indd 1

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS

MARCH 07, 2018

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MARCH 13, 2018

City’s West Indian Connection Celebrated

The Board of Alders Black and Hispanic Caucus closed out Black History Month by celebrating the city’s West Indian Connection with food, music, and dance.

People from all over the West Indies who now call New Haven County home converged on the Hall of Records at 200 Orange St. last week to celebrate their island flavor and the rich history that they bring to the African diaspora.

Dixwell Alder Jeanette Morrison, who chairs the Black History program for the caucus said, that over the last 25 years there has been a boom in the number of West Indian people who call the Elm City and surrounding towns home. But program attendees also learned that West Indians have been immigrating to the city since the 1900s. Natives of St. Kitts and Nevis have the distinction of being among the first to arrive in New Haven.

Morrison said it is important for the caucus to acknowledge the city’s West Indian connection and help break down the false narratives between African-Americans and their West Indian that pit them against each other.

“Coming together through a program like this really shows there’s no real difference between us,” she said. “There are some cultural differences but we’re all black. We all have to embrace that. And that was the purpose of this program— encouraging folks to embrace one another.”

Program attendees also got to hear from Carlah Esdaile, who happens to be the marketing and communications director for Cornell ScottHill Health Center, and her cousin Eileen Huggins Williams. Their family is among the first West Indian families from Nives to settle here in New Haven.

Music for the evening was provided by St. Luke’s Steel Band, while the Hamden Dance Academy put on a show. The audience got to get in on the act during the “Roll Call/Rep Yuh Flag” segment of the program. Food for the event was provided by Tropical Delight, Island Spice, Ninth Square Market Too Caribbean Style Restaurant, and Patty’s Caribbean Restaurant.

NATASHA SAMUELS PHOTOS St. Luke’s Steel Band providesthe rhythm for the evening festivities.

Edgewood Alder Evette Hamilton, the first Jamaican elected to the Board of Alders and Karaine Holness, president of the Jamaican American Connection

Storyteller and poet Janice Hart.

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What Makes Artists Special?

certain communities in any town.”

“People want to have certain places go, a certain vibrancy maybe, that you can’t put your thumb on it but this is what makes a place feel so great and alive,” he said. “Having creative people is something that helps make great towns and great cities.”

Artspace New Haven Executive Director Helen Kauder offered practical reason New Haven might want to carve out affordable housing for artists: They’re not just artists.

“What artists do when they’re not making art in their studio or on their kitchen table, a lot of them teach in public schools,” she said. “A lot of them teach in after-school programs, a lot of them teach at community colleges.”

She said people sometimes don’t realize that artists are working as educators in schools and as art therapists in places like the veterans hospital.

“Artists also are very interested in social change and using art to move hearts and minds on important political issues,” she said. “Their work helps educate people. Artists can help improve our community make civic improvements in a variety of ways.”

Artists are good at forming communities that transcend differences, bringing people who might not otherwise associate with one another if not for art bringing them together, which is increasingly important in a politically polarized country, Kauder argued.

“Art can be very healing for a time when our body politic is fractured,” she said. “There is a long tradition of creating affordable housing across the country in places where there are lost buildings like the one on Hamilton Street. When there is a decision to be made there will not be one person deciding but a group of people, in best circumstances, a diverse group of practicing artists who have a diversity in the kind of art they do and the kind of education they’ve had, in their ethnicity and cultural background and in age and that makes a strong committee.”

Kauder said she suspects that artists who move into the rehabilitated space will show a body of work and get letters of recommendation from places they’ve taught, studied, or worked.

They likely won’t be people who became “artists” just to get housing.

“I think as long as there is a diverse group of respected peers, artists themselves ... they will help find and recruit next generation,” she said. “I think that is a way ensuring there is a group of people who live there focused on their work and focused giving back to the community.”

Helen Rosenberg offered another reason to support the plan: Reed Realty, which says it has obtained necessary private financing commitments, is in position to make this project happen now when nobody else has been able to for decades.

She said at the February City Plan meeting that Reed Realty will need about $6.5 million for environmental cleanup. The $400,000 city contribution would come from the Economic Development Captial Projects bonds fund, while the state is expected to provide about $4 million under its brownfields loan program.

The Harp administration is also seeking approval of a tax abatement agreement for the project, under guidelines in a state affordable housing law. It would freeze taxes at the current rate for 15 years after construction ends.

The complex currently pays $46,000 a year in taxes to the city. The tax abatement is necessary in order to keep the rents low, Rosenberg said.

She said she understands Radcliffe’s concern. She also noted that the proposal from Reed Realty is the only viable plan that has come forward in the many years that the building has been vacant. She said the developer’s plans for the site are about 90 percent complete. She expects that if the Board of Alders approves the grant and the tax abatement agreement, they could be back before commissioners by late summer or early fall.

“Without redevelopment, the building probably will continue to slowly deteriorate, because the family that owns the property is struggling to maintain it,” she said. (Reed has an agreement in place to buy the complex for $1.7 million.)

City Plan Commission Chair Ed Mattison said given that the building’s ongoing deterioration and the fact that no other developer proposes to build housing there, affordable or otherwise, there aren’t many alternatives.

“The fact is that this building will probably just disintegrate if this plan is not approved,” he said. “It’s [a question of] the best as the enemy of the good.”

Radcliffe said she’s not against the project, but creating housing specifically for artists to the exclusion of all the people in the city who need affordable housing didn’t sit right with her.

“That one component is what I’m struggling with in my spirit, in my soul,” she said. “If you’re not an artist and who says who is an artist?”

THE INNER-CITY NEWS MARCH 07, 2018 - MARCH 13, 2018

Name That Mission

CHRISTOPHER PEAK PHOTO Health Department’s Roslyn Hamilton and fellow crew members in Newhallville

New Haven government rule-enforcers plan to “sweep” into Fair Haven next week.

Or “canvass.”

Or some other verb that they’re not telling us yet.

While the verb is uncertain, the “cleancity” mission isn’t: The Harp administration is enlisting its cops, housing code inspectors, building inspectors, health workers, and other front-like people to work together, fanning out in one neighborhood at a time, to identify unsafe buildings, dark and unsafe streetcorners, and other quality-of-life problems; fix the problems; enlist neighbors to report future problems; and share the information on a new onestop-shopping government database.

They first did that in Newhallville last October. They called it a neighborhood “sweep.”

The crew plans to hit Fair Haven next, in

mid-March, Mayor Toni Harp said on her latest appearance on WNHH FM’s “Mayor Monday” program.

But the crew won’t call it a “sweep” this time. The city heard from neighbors that the word carried too negative a connotation, like a drug sweep. So it’s searching for a new term.

Harp said her staff has tentatively settled on a new term. She declined to reveal it just yet. First she would like to hear from Independent readers for a suggestion.

Some people in Newhallville started using the term “canvass” on day two of that twoday operation. Harp said that’s not the term her crew tentatively chose, but it, and all other suggestions, remain in the mix.

Put your suggestion in the comments section below, and/or take our “True Vote” survey.

State Cuts Off An ECA Funding Stream

by CHRISTOPHER PEAK

The state will no longer pay for some slots for New Haven students at a popular afternoon arts high school, as part of a crackdown on alleged double-dipping into limited magnet-school funds.

As legislators balance a $224 million deficit with cuts to public schools, Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) is looking for dollars wherever it can find them, including from ACES’s Educational Center for the Arts (ECA), the regional half-day arts program on Audubon Street.

Up until now, the state has paid for dual enrollments in magnet programs. That allows students to take their core classes at a regular magnet high school in the morning, then specialize in arts courses at ECA from 1-4 p.m. four days a week. But the state says it can’t afford that setup anymore.

Four afternoon a week, roughly 310 students travel to ECA from more than two dozen nearby towns. Taught by practicing artists, the students study creative writing, dance, music, theater and visual arts. About half go on to art school after graduation.

The 13 local teens and 23 suburbanites who are currently enrolled in earlier-day general magnet will be allowed to continue at ECA until graduation. But no new morning magnet students will be allowed in — a restriction that parents discovered just days before the school-choice lottery applications for this coming year were due.

T:9.25” Going forward, the only New Haven stu-

CHRISTOPHER PEAK PHOTO

Student bus arrives at ECA Monday.

dents who can enroll in ECA will be those from the two traditional high schools, Wilbur Cross and Hillhouse.

“We don’t foresee any programming changing,” said Evelyn Rossetti-Ryan, ACES’s marketing and outreach chief. “The students will need to decide and choose what’s best for them.”

With money running tight at the Capitol, CSDE recently found out it needed to trim $18.5 million from its $328 million magnet account, Yazbak said. CDSE officials informed school districts that, by a “conservative estimate,” they should expect at 7.5 percent cut in their per-pupil reimbursements.

In New Haven, dual enrollment for 36 students currently costs the state $386,815, Yazbak said. That figure represents $201,955 for the morning magnet schools and $184,860 for ECA. “We are no longer permitting students to enroll in two magnet school programs simultaneously,” Peter Yazbak, a CSDE spokesperson, said in an email. “This is a two-fold issue: it’s not just about the money, it’s also about fairness.”

New Haven Schools Superintendent Reggie Mayo said he didn’t hear about the change until two weeks ago. He immediately asked a staffer to send a letter to par-

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS

MARCH 07, 2018

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MARCH 13, 2018

West Haven Honors Married Couple as African-American Citizens of the Year

Moses and Roberta Douglas of West Haven were honored by the City of West Haven as African-American Citizens of the Year at the City’s annual Black Heritage Celebration at West Haven City Hall, as part of Black History Month. At the ceremony, they were presented with the African-American Citizen of the Year certificate by West Haven Planning & Zoning Commissioner Steven R. Mullins, who served as Master of Ceremonies and Chairman of the program. They also received an Official Citation from West Haven Mayor Nancy Rossi.

The Douglas’ have been married for 62 years and have lived in West Haven for nearly 40 years. They raised their three children in West Haven. Two of their surviving children, Curtis Douglas and Bryan Douglas, as well as their granddaughter, Amber Bennings, 20, daugh-

Con’t from page 11

Joined by West Haven Mayor Nancy Rossi and School Superintendent Neil Cavallaro, Planning & Zoning Commissioner Steven R. Mullins presents West Haven High School seniors Kobe Brantley and Bobbie James with Certificates of Achievement from the City of West Haven and the West Haven Black Heritage Committee.

ter of their late daughter Vonda Kordele Bennings, a Quinnipiac University sophomore joined them at the ceremony.

Moses Douglas retired from Ansonia Copper and Brass Company. Roberta retired from Sikorsky Aircraft. She has worked for the West Haven Public School System as a para-professional in elementary schools for 23 years..

The Douglases have been members of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church for the past 70 years. They have been members of the NAACP and active in West Haven affairs for many years.

The West Haven Black Heritage Committee was started in 1996 by Bea Johnson, a long-time City of West Haven employee. “It is so great to have all of you here for our annual program,” Johnson said. “We hope you continue to join us every year.” She is currently President

of the Committee.

The West Haven High School Bel Canto Choir sang, the National Negro Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and the National Anthem of the United States, “the Star Spangled Banner.”

Mullins’ daughter, West Haven High School freshman Nora E. Mullins sang “God Bless America.”

In addition to the Douglases, two West Haven High School AfricanAmerican seniors were honored for academics and leadership. They were Kobe Brantley and Bobbie James Other city officials attending the ceremony were City Clerk Deborah Collins and 3rd District City Councilman Aaron Charney. School Superintendent Neil Cavallaro and West Haven High School Assistant Principal John DellaCamera delivered remarks

State Cuts Off An ECA Funding Stream

ents, but he’s unsure if one made it out.

Parents said they instead found out through word of mouth, after one was tipped off about the change during her son’s interview at ECA. That left several families with eighth-graders scrambling, their vision for the next four years suddenly against the rules.

“We have spent months visiting open houses and having our kids shadow at schools, with the understanding that a choice like enrolling at both New Haven Academy and ECA is an option. Now the rules have been changed, but there is no time to figure out anything else,” said one mom, Tagan Engel, an ECA alumna herself. “My son spent many hours preparing his art portfolio for

his interview, only to walk out of it and be told in order to go there, he can no longer chose the high school that he has his heart set on. Many will now have to choose between their high school and ECA.” The worst part is that students now have to come up with a split-second alternative, said Loris Sterling, another mom. She and her daughter were sold on a dual enrollment at New Haven Academy, right down Orange Street, and ECA after hearing it pitched at the magnet school showcase.

“The location of [New Haven Academy] and ECA is perfect. You can just walk down and get there. It seemed safe; I don’t have to worry about her being all over the place,” Sterling said. “To have that pulled

at the last minute, my child is not happy.

It’s not a decision you make overnight.”

CDSE said this change was overdue. The department has prohibited dual enrollment in magnet programs in the greater Hartford area since 2014. When officials found out it was happening in New Haven earlier this year, they cut it off — a decision made by Kathy Demsey, the chief financial officer, Glen Peterson, the choice programs division director, and their staffs.

Besides the money issues, dual enrollment allows some students to hog limited magnet spots, Yazbak said. “If one student is taking up two seats, they are keeping another student out of a program altogether,” he wrote.

Parents have responded that’s not a fair characterization of ECA’s programming.

It’s not just another magnet school spot, but “something far beyond what a regular high school offers,” Engel argued.

“It’s an enrichment experience, in the full sense of the word,” Rossetti-Ryan said.

“They have academics in their home school, but then they’re able to have a whole other experience, new opportunities pursuing the arts along with like-minded students. It opens their minds and worlds up.”

The nixing of dual enrollment also prevents students from enrolling in smaller schools, Sterling pointed out. Creative students might fare better in a more intimate setting that can accommodate different learning styles, she

said. The larger high schools “can work for some kids,” Sterling said, but “you know your child, you know what’s best for them.”

Gregory Baldwin, New Haven Academy’s principal, agreed, saying the dual enrollment has worked well for his school.

“It’s an opportunity for kids to have two strong experiences,” he said. “They really have a passion for practicing art at a high level and also pursuing academics here in a place that they really identify with.”

Along with others, she’s been calling state officials to ask for more time, putting off the change for at least one more year — conversations that Engel said have been productive.

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS MARCH 07, 2018 - MARCH 13, 2018

THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE LaKisha Jones:

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THE INNER-CITY NEWS

MARCH 07, 2018

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MARCH 13, 2018

Meet The First Black Woman to Own a NASCAR Team

Diversity in sports racing is lacking as only a few people of color are part of racing organizations such as the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). But Melissa Harville-Lebron is a Black American woman that owns a NASCAR team franchise.

The 47-year old started her career in the entertainment industry when she worked as an intern at Sony Music. She already launched her own music label in 2005 while working for New York City’s Department of Correction Office. But after a severe asthma attack ten years later, she had to retire early.

Yet it seems that it had been a blessing in disguise. In 2014, she took the risk and opened a multifaceted entertainment company, W.M. Stone Enterprises, Inc. She then created E2 Northeast Motorsports and just recently, she signed a deal with NASCAR, making her the first black woman to own a NASCAR team.

It all started unexpectedly when she brought her sons, Eric and Enico, to a NASCAR experience event. She told Black Enterprise, “I got invited to a NASCAR experience and I brought my boys along thinking that it would

discourage them from driving.”

However, her sons loved the sport even more and so she learned to also love her sons’ passion. As she got more involved in the sport, she noticed the lack of diversity since it is domi-

nated mostly by white males. So she decided to bridge the gap and create her own team.

Her team, E2 Northeast Motorsports, is the first multicultural team to race competitively in NASCAR. It consists

of four black and Latino drivers, two in the Camping World Truck Series and two in the Whelen All-American Series, and two of which are her sons.

On February 16, her team also competed in its first race in the Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) at Daytona where Scott Stenzel finished 15th place at Daytona.

In a statement, she said, “This team truly exemplifies diversity that is sure to attract a younger multicultural fan base. It’s an honor to announce that Stenzel is now a part of this racing family.”

She also emphasized the relevance of her endeavor. She said, “It’s important for our culture to push generational wealth to our children. It’s important to lead by example. All too often our children see negative images of our culture and I think it’s very important for people of our culture actually succeeding in business.”

ELEVEN 28 ENTERTAINMENT TO HOST African American Golf Champion, Avis Brown-Riley, Actress Anika Noni Rose to be honored and to Provide Keynote Address

100 WOMEN OF COLOR GALA

HARTFORD – Entertainment company Eleven28 Entertainment today announced plans to host the third installment of The 100 Women of Color Gala in Hartford, recognizing women of color from Springfield to Stamford who have achieved distinction in their profession or industry, and made a difference in the community.

The event will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 16, 2018 at The Bushnell, formerly The Bushnell Theater. A portion of the proceeds from the event will support a number of nonprofit organizations.

“There is often a disproportionate amount of negative information that is disseminated about our young people,” said Eleven28 President June Archer. “I want to inspire the next generation of thinkers and doers by recognizing the many women of color in our realm who are powerfully and thoughtfully changing our communities for the better.”

The gala will feature a keynote address

by Tony Awards winning actress Anika Noni Rose, who has graced the silver screen as the first African-American Disney Princess in “The Princess and The Frog”, “Dream Girls”, the Starz breakout show “Power” and BET’s “The Quad”.

Rose is a native of Bloomfield Connecticut. Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and Governor Dannel Malloy will also be in attendance to address these women of distinction.

A portion of gala proceeds will fund Scholarships, Community Activities and

other nonprofit organizations. Through this event, Eleven28 seeks to remove barriers that limit participation in educational, extra-curricular, and community endeavors. Research has shown that participation in such activities improves access to higher learning, fosters community responsibility, and promotes a healthy social environment in which our young people deserve in order to thrive.

More information on the 100 Women Of Color Gala and Awards Recipient List is available via www.Bushnell.org and www.IAmJuneArcher.com

Tells Her Inspirational and Triumphant Story in New Book

Her new book, “Building of a Champion,” is a heartwarming narrative about the author’s journey towards being a golf champion, and being a champion in her personal life.

Nationwide — Avis Brown-Riley, a loving wife, and mother of two children, and a renowned golf champion who was inducted into the San Diego Hall of Champions and the African American Golfers Hall of Fame, has completed her new book Building of a Champion: an evoking and provocative true-to-life account about the author’s perseverance as a golfer and woman of character.

Brown-Riley conveys through her words a message of hope, optimism, and faith: “When my doctor first told me that I had breast cancer, I knew then that God had chosen me as the miracle of life, and I would be reborn again. Today, my body is pure, and my skin is as soft as a baby, and it is very hard to see my true age.”

She continues, “God spared my life for a purpose, and this is my story, and my purpose is to share with the world that you must never give up even when someone discourages you, and prepare for roadblocks in your path. God will navigate you through your journey called life. Whatever path you choose, remember to ask God to take your hand and allow him to walk that journey with you. He will never steer you wrong.”

Here are just a few of Avis’ accomplishments as a golfer:

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- First and only African American woman to ever win the prestigious Junior Wold Golf Championship.

- First and only African American to ever win the San Diego Women’s City Amateur Championship - First African American to win the National Minority Collegiate Golf Championship - First ever African American golfer to participate in the Wickes Andy Williams San Diego Open (and played with Jerry Pate).

- One of few women to ever be inducted into the African American Golfer’s Hall of Fame

Avis Brown-Riley

Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Brown-Riley’s uplifting story looks back to the time of her profound experiences as an amazing golfer – from her early playing experiences to eventually becoming a champion – as well as her life-changing battle and victory against illness and adversity.

Dreams can come true. See how a little girl becomes a champion in golf, a successful manager in a Fortune 500 company, survives breast cancer, and learns to become a champion in life.

Readers who wish to experience this encouraging work can purchase Building of a Champion at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS MARCH 07, 2018 - MARCH 13, 2018

Mueller Indictment Asserts Russians Targeted Black Voters in 2016 Election An indictment filed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller says that Russian “troll farms” were designed to stoke racial tensions in the U.S. and influence Black voters during the 2016 presidential election.

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Columnist An indictment filed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller revealed more details about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general for the Department of Justice, announced the 37-page indictment.

The highly detailed indictment included what had already been suspected: that the Russians targeted African American voters. A Russian “troll farm” worked to stoke racial tensions in 2016 using several social media platforms to influence African American voters and to plan protests. Social media accounts, including “Woke Blacks” and “Blacktivists,” encouraged voting for third-party choices, such as Green Party candidate Jill Stein, or not voting at all.

According to the indictment, one social media message read, “Choose peace and vote for Jill Stein,” as another message read, “Trust me, it’s not a wasted vote.” Stein won over a million votes in 2016. Even though, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton won the popular

vote in the 2016 presidential election by a margin of 3 million, she lost the Electoral College vote to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

In two key states Trump won over Clinton, Stein’s margin of victory was larger. In Michigan, Trump beat Clinton by 10,704 votes and Stein won 51,463 votes. In Wisconsin, Trump beat Clinton by 22,177 votes and Stein received 31,006 votes.

In a third key state, Pennsylvania, Stein received 49,485 votes; Trump’s margin of victory over Clinton was 67,416 votes in Pennsylvania.

In all, 13 Russians along with three companies are accused of interfering in the 2016 presidential election.

Amid the current silence on the issue of Russian interference by President Donald Trump, the indictment provides detailed investigative evidence that a group of Russians deliberately interfered with the perceptions of Hillary Clinton. They also targeted voters in key swing states.

Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein was careful not to assert that Americans were involved in the Russian plot to interfere with 2016 presi-

Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s 37-page indictment details Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. FBI Director Robert Mueller in the Oval Office. (Pete Souza/White House)

dential election, but there is the clear evidence that more indictments could be coming.

Lauren Victoria Burke is a congres-

sional correspondent for the NNPA Newswire. Lauren also works independently as a political analyst and communications strategist. You can

reach Lauren by email at LBurke007@ gmail.com and on Twitter at @LVBurke.

Join us in honoring New York Times bestselling poet, MacArthur “Genius”, and National Book Critics Circle award winner Claudia Rankine as the 8th Annual Visionary Leader LUNCHEON AND CONVERSATION

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15

THE INNER-CITY NEWS

MARCH 07, 2018

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MARCH 13, 2018

Jennifer Holliday and Frenchie Davis To Headline Star-Studded Gala to Raise Money for Underprivileged People of Color Living With Advanced AIDS

Celebrating 31 Years Of Service, Bliss 2018 Will Feature The Grammy & Tony Award Winning Singer/Actress Jennifer Holliday With Appearances by Frenchie Davis, Jason Stuart, Jonny Zywiciel and hosted by Dale Johannes.

San Francisco, CA — On May 6th, 2018, at the iconic Julia Morgan Ballroom located at 465 California Street, San Francisco CA, Maitri Compassionate Care (Maitri) will host its 31st annual Bliss Signature Gala & Auction. Hosted by Auctioneer Dale Johannes, the star-studded gala will pay tribute to Maitri’s years of service towards the underprivileged living with advanced AIDS and also honoring former Executive Director Bill Musick and Kirsten Havrehed for their 20 years of service to the Maitri. Additionally, and in grand fashion, Maitri will be welcoming new Executive Director Anne Gimbel, M.A., LMFT, to the Maitri family.

“Anne Gimbel brings, to Maitri, seasoned leadership experience with aging populations, and a proven track record of development success in the

OPINION:

non-profit sector. We feel fortunate to have been able to attract such a talented, facilitative leader to the role.

In welcoming Anne, I would like to thank Bill Musick for his 5 months of interim service. Bill completed several initiatives related to Maitri’s commercial space and fund development plan that are key to supporting Maitri’s mission well into the foreseeable future.” — Michael Niemeyer, Maitri Compassionate Care, Board President

Featured guest, Jennifer Holiday is an American singer and actress who began her career on Broadway in the musicals Dreamgirls and Your Arms Too Short to Box with God; she later became a successful recording artist, most known for her single, the Dreamgirls pop hit, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”. Jennifer Holiday is a highly decorated artist, winning a Tony Award in 1982 and a Grammy Award in 1983. Along with Fox’s

American Idol contestant, Frenchie Davis, comedian Jason Stuart, singer/ songwriter Jonny Zywiciel, and special celebrity guests, Bliss 2018 will be an enchanting evening to be remembered.

To inquire about sponsorship opportunities and/or group ticket purchases, please contact to Toni Newman, Maitri’s Development Director, at tnewman@maitrisf.org or 415-558-3003.

For individual ticket purchases, please visit www.maitrisf.org.

For the May 6th gala, sponsorship packages begin at $1,000 and individual tickets are $275. This will be a sold out event and prospective attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as possible.

Maitri provides compassionate residential care to men and women in need of hospice or 24-hour care and cultivates the deepest respect and love for life among its residents and caregivers. Maitri is the only AIDS-specific residential care facility in California focusing on the underserved community of those dying of or severely debilitated by AIDS.

The Student Loan Debt Crisis Is a Civil Rights Issue

Wade Henderson says that student loan debt is a civil rights issue. Loan services, debt collectors and for-profit colleges should be held accountable for the student loan debt crisis.

By Wade Henderson, Founding Board Member, Center for Responsible Lending

From attacks on voting rights to police killings of unarmed civilians and growing inequities in earnings and wealth, the civil rights gains of the past six decades are facing threat after threat. But one front in the fight for full equality—meaningful access to higher education—is particularly urgent. With 65 percent of jobs soon requiring more than a high school diploma, the need is greater than ever, especially for African Americans and other communities of color.

More than 50 years ago, Congress passed the Higher Education Act (HEA), intending to open the doors to higher education by providing students with financial assistance and low-interest loans. Conven-

tional wisdom has traditionally held two things: 1) Higher education is the great equalizer; 2) It is okay to take out debt for the tickets to upward mobility: a college education and a home mortgage. These life decisions—and the struggles and sacrifices that made them possible— helped to build and grow the Black middle class.

Now, aspirations for advancement are colliding with the discriminatory legacy of the financial crisis.

Our country’s student loan bill has skyrocketed. Student debt is now the second-largest source of household debt after housing. Forty-four million Americans have $1.4 trillion in student loan debt. One reason: Since the 1990s, the average tuition and fees at our universities have jumped an average of 157–237 percent depending on the type of institution.

As with the Great Recession, people of color, poor people, and predatory institutions are at the center of this socioeconomic catastrophe. They must also be at the center of the solutions.

We must face up to the fact that students of color are more likely to borrow for their education and, unfortunately, to default on these loans.

Even Black college graduates default on their loans at almost four times the rate of their White counterparts and are more likely to default than even White dropouts.

This increased risk of defaulting on student loans is the direct result of inequities in financial resources, as well as discrimination in hiring, salaries and, all too often, social capital.

In 2013, the median White family had 13 times more wealth than the median black family and 10 times more wealth than the median Latino family. African American students tend to take out more debt than their White counterparts, and both Blacks and Latinos are more likely to default than Whites. Since Blacks with bachelor’s degrees earn only 79 percent and Latinos only 83 percent of what their White counterparts earn, African American and Hispanic students have a harder time repaying their loans.

16

Further contributing to the crisis, Blacks and Latinos comprise 41 percent of the students at the highcost, low-quality, for-profit colleges.

These institutions frequently fail to prepare students for high-salary jobs, instead saddling them with exorbitant debts that they can’t repay.

How then can we address these challenges? Education Secretary Betsy DeVos wants to ease regulations on the loan servicers and for-profit colleges that have gotten us into this mess. U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (RN.C.) of the House Education and Workforce Committee would take this effort even further. Her proposal for reauthorizing the HEA, the “PROSPER Act,” would ensure that students will have to borrow more to get a postsecondary education with the very real likelihood that they will never pay off the debt. This would all but guarantee that predatory, forprofit programs would continue to rise exponentially right alongside our national student debt bill. Efforts

Con’t from page 6

Female Lawmakers Push

ing access to an IUD might have been the difference between whether she and her partner got pregnant, or could have waited until they were more financially stable. Because she suffers from migraines, she can’t take most hormonal contraceptives. When her doctor recommended she try an IUD, a method that has a 99 percent effectiveness rate, she couldn’t get it because her private insurance didn’t cover it.

She got pregnant with her son in 2012 though she and her partner were using condoms, which have an 85 percent effectiveness rate. Her insurance would not cover maternity once she discovered she was pregnant because the pregnancy was still considered a pre-existing condition. (At that time, even though Obamacare had taken effect, people in Connecticut couldn’t yet buy into it.)

“My son is the best thing that ever happened to me, but my partner and I would have preferred to wait until we were in a more comfortable financial situation before starting our family,” she said. “My lack of affordable birth control options contributed to me getting pregnant. No one should have an unplanned pregnancy simply because they lack access to effective and affordable contraceptives.”

Lynne Ide, director of programs and policies for the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut, said the 10 parts of the ACA cited in the bill “are not frivolous frilly things.”

“We should not be asking people to spend their hard-earned dollars and businesses to shell out their money to cover their employees when these kinds of protections are not afforded us in our healthcare plans,” Ide said. “The only thing standing between people and the families of Connecticut losing these benefits are these legislators here and the rest of the legislators in our General Assembly.

“Connecticut needs to follow a handful of other states and what I believe will be more states and tell the folks in D.C. that they cannot undo the gains that have been made under the Affordable Care Act for the people of our state, for the health of our state, for the pocketbook of our state. It will not do us any good to be selling people plans that do not cover these things.”

Porter said given the bipartisan support for the bill and the fact that it made it out of the Senate on a unanimous vote last year, she believes the bill will pass this year. But she said there are questions to be asked about how to keep health insurance affordable in Connecticut.

Republicans are pushing a separate bill to open the Connecticut exchange to cover uninsured pregnant women.

RP inner city news 6 x 5.1 .qxp_Layout 1 3/27/17 10:17 AM Page 1

THE INNER-CITY NEWS MARCH 07, 2018 - MARCH 13, 2018

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17

THE INNER-CITY NEWS

MARCH 07, 2018

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MARCH 13, 2018

The NAACP National Board of Directors Welcomes Alan B. Lazowski, CEO and Founder of LAZ Parking

During the National Board Annual Meeting in New York City earlier this month, Scot X. Esdaile, President CT NAACP State Conference, nominated Mr. Alan B. Lazowski to the National Board of Directors of the NAACP. Mr. Lazowski is the CEO and Founder of LAZ Parking, a national hospitality parking company with revenue in excess of $1 billion and 9,800 employees nationwide. Scot x remarked that “Alan and I have been friends for many years, and he’s been a consistent supporter of the NAACP and the Civil Rights movement in Connecticut and across the Country”.

Alan co-founded LAZ Parking in 1981 while attending the University of Connecticut. Since then, LAZ Parking has grown into a national hospitality parking company with revenue in excess of $1 billion and 9,800 employees.

The son of Holocaust survivors, Alan believes that he has “an obligation to give back.” He’s a well-respected philanthropist and has given his time and money to various charitable efforts.

In 2009, he started the LAZ Parking Charitable Foundation. He is also the founder and co-chair of Voices of Hope, an organization that collects,

categorizes and shares the experiences of Holocaust survivors for the benefit of future generations.

He serves as a member of the United State Holocaust Museum’s Council appointed by President Obama.

Alan is the recipient of numerous professional awards, including the Thomas and Bette Wolff Family Entrepreneurship Award from the University of Connecticut, the NAACP Civil Rights Award, the Anti-Defamation League’s Torch of Liberty Award, the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hart-

ford Business Journal. Alan has also received an Honorary Doctorate of Commercial Science from The University of Hartford.

In addition to serving as chairman of the NPA board, Alan also serves on the boards of the Goodwin College Foundation, the Bushnell Theater, the Greater Hartford Jewish Federation, the Hebrew Home and Hospital, the Anti-Defamation League, The Jordan Porco Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Hartford Economic Development Corporation and the Chabad House of Greater Hartford.

What Every American Should Know About the 2018 Child Tax Credit Changes

The recently amended GOP tax bill has brought about a lot of major changes in the United States’ individual tax laws in the 2018 tax year. One of the significant changes is in the Child Tax Credit that would greatly affect parents and guardians with children below 17 years old.

One of the changes made was the amount of tax credit that can be claimed per qualifying child. From $1,000, the newly reformed bill doubled the amount to $2,000. Which means if you have one child, the tax credit you will get is $2,000, if you have two children, $4,000, and so on.

The tax credit, which is different from tax deduction that reduces the income subject to tax, will be deducted from the tax bill dollar-for-dollar.

More of this tax credit has also been made refundable. Unlike before that the Child Tax Credit was nonrefundable which can only be used to deduct to the taxpayer’s bill, now it has more refundable credits of up to $1,400 that can be claimed even if the taxpayer

ends up with no liability at all. For instance, if you have $1,000 calculated tax for the year and you have $1,400 refundable credits, you can reduce your tax bill to zero and still get that extra $400. This would very much benefit especially low-income Americans.

Another notable change is the adjustment of income qualification. In the past tax year, the credit benefits mostly low- to middle-income households.

But with the reformed bill, there was an increase in the phaseout thresholds that makes the credit available to more thresholds. For example, for those married filing jointly, the maximum AGI for full credit is $400,000 and the credit gets removed from an AGI over $440,000. Moreover, for those single, head of household, and married filing separately the maximum AGI for full credit is $200,000 and the credit gets removed from an AGI over $240,000.

There will also be $500 nonrefundable family credit for every other dependent. These dependents might be

the aging parents or children 17 years old or above that you still provide support.

Although the aforementioned changes in the Child Tax Credit seem good, it does not change the fact that taxpay-

ers are still losing the personal exemption. The increase in the deductions does not even equal the loss of taxpayer’s personal exemption. But when it comes to the number of dependents, the new higher child tax credit would

be an advantage.

For more information about tax credits, visit the official IRS web site at www.irs.gov/credits-deductions-forindividuals

Home-grown reactionaries, not Russians, are greatest threat to our elections

by Jesse Jackson This past weekend, we once again gathered in Selma, Ala., to commemorate “Bloody Sunday,” the March 7, 1965, march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge that was savagely put down by police.

That march – and the march from Selma to Montgomery that followed under

federal protection – helped galvanize public support for the Voting Rights Act that President Lyndon Johnson signed into law that year.

Now the right to vote is under systematic assault once more. In Shelby County v. Holder, five activist right-wing Supreme Court judges in 2013 ignored precedent and the will of the overwhelming majority of Congress to gut vital enforcement mechanisms in the Voting Rights Act. Shelby rolled back some of what was won in Selma. Immediately, right-wing legislators in states across the country rolled out legislation setting up new barriers to voting.

Before Selma, segregationists used a poll tax, literacy tests and often violent

intimidation to keep African Americans from registering to vote. After Shelby, states used new tricks and traps: gerrymandered districts, photo ID requirements, purges of the voting rolls, reduced time for early voting, limiting the number of polling places, particularly in African-American neighborhoods, and more.

In 2010, those same activist right-wing judges had also overturned decades of precedent in Citizens United v. FEC, opening the gates for corporate money – often contributed in secret – to flood our politics. Much of that goes to negative ads designed to drive down the vote and drive up cynicism.

In the South before Selma – despite the

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15th Amendment that prohibited states from infringing on the right to vote on account of “race, color or previous condition of servitude” — the campaign to lock African Americans out of the polling booth worked. It took the civil rights movement, marches and sit-ins, peaceful demonstrators suffering beatings, arrest and murders and many years to pass the Voting Rights Act and then to get it enforced.

The foes of voting rights never gave up. They never stopped trying to turn back the clock. Now, their unrelenting campaign against voting rights is bearing fruit. In response, we need a new movement to protect and extend the right to vote. Strategic litigation is

needed to counter the right’s legal maneuvers.

Legislators should replace the new restrictions on voting with legislation that makes voting easier, not harder: Automatic and same day voter registration, extended periods for early voting, longer hours for polling booths to stay open for working people, an end to political gerrymandering, an end to felony disenfranchisement, curbs on big money in politics and more.

We once more need reform to revive our democracy. That won’t happen without a modern day people’s movement as courageous and as relentless as that in Selma nearly half a century ago.

Con’t on page 22

THE INNER-CITY NEWS MARCH 07, 2018 - MARCH 13, 2018

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July 2016 -- August THE INNER-CITY INNER-CITY NEWSNEWS MARCH 07,27, 2018 MARCH02, 13,2016 2018

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Housing AuthorityNOTICE of the City of Bridgeport (HACB) d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC)

HOUSING PRE-Waiting APPLICATIONS willVALENTINA be opening MACRI its Low RENTAL Income Public Housing List for 2 AVAILABLE bedroom units beginning Monday, March 5 through Friday, March 16, 2018. To qualify, a family HOME INC,beonabehalf of Columbus New annual Haven gross Housing Authority, size MUST minimum of two (2)House AND and the the families income may not exceed thepre-applications income limits shown below the household size. Pre-Applications is accepting for studio andfor one-bedroom apartments at this develmay be picked at Gary 301income Bostwick Ave. Preopment locatedup at 108 FrankCrooks Street,Community New Haven.Center, Maximum limitations apApplications can also will be downloaded website www.parkcitycommunities. ply. Pre-applications be availablefrom fromour 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y org.

Only one per family will be accepted; duplicate pre-applica25, 2016 and pre-application ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have tions be disqualifi beenwill received at the ed. offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preApplications be returned Gary Crooks ONLY.Street, Third applications mustmust be returned to HOME to INC’s offices at 171 Orange Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

This housing authority does have a preference point system: disabled, homeless, elderly, working, displaced, domestic violence, veterans, elderly congregate and witness protection. A waiting list with preferences means that applicants who qualify for the preference will receive assistance before applicants who do not.

NOTICIA

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse a las oficinas INCaccommodation en 171 OrangeforStreet, tercer piso, New Haven , CTwill 06510 If you requiredea HOME reasonable this process, a designated help line be . available to receive your requests at (203) 337-8804

PCC does not discriminate based upon race, color, disabilities, religion, sex or national origin.

Request for Specialty Crop NEW ELECTRICIAN/APPRENTICE – HAVEN Block Grant Concept

242-258 Fairmont Ave 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA

Proposals Telecommunications company looking for low voltage cable installer familiar with all aspects of indoor The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is & outdoor cable installation, aerial bucket work, pole concept proposal for projects that solework, messenger, manhole new & underground All new lashing, apartments, appliances,seeking carpet, to I-91 &of I-95 lynew enhance the close competitiveness specialty installation. Company is also looking for apprentices crops.

Specialty are defined by the USDA near busto stop & shopping crops center to train. Good salary withhighways, benefits. Fax resume as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, 860-282-0424 or mail to Fibre Optic Plus, LLC 585 maple syrup,Maria honey,@ horticulture, and nursery Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact 860-985-8258 Nutmeg Road North, South Windsor, CT 06074 Attn: crops.

Don Ballsieper

Projects must impact and produce measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/ the public.

Projects cannot begin until after Certificate Program. This is a 10 month program designedor to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates January 1, 2019, and must be completed by in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125.

Classes start Saturday, August 20, 2016 1:303:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. September 29, 2021. The maximum award is (203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64 Brewster $75,000.

CT.rmative Unified Action/Equal Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer a Deacon’s Affi Opportunity Employer

Class A CDL Driver St. New Haven, CT

with 3 years min. exp. HAZMAT Endorsed.

(Tractor/Triaxle/Roll-off ) Some overnights may be required. FAX resumes to RED Technologies, at 860.342-1042; Email: HR@redtechllc.com Mail or in person: 173 Pickering Street, Portland, CT 06480. RED Tech-

More info and complete application guidelines are available at www.CTGrown.gov/grants, or by contacting Jaime Smith at 860-713-2559 or jaime.smith@ct.gov.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Concept proposals are due to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture by 4:00 p.m. on March 2, 2018.

Sealed bids areLLC invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour nologies, is An EOE. until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483Certifi for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the ed Police Officer Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

The Town of Wallingford is currently accepting applications for current Connecticut P.O.S.T.C Certified Police Officers. Applicants must be active P.O.S.T.C Certified Police Offi in good standing with current department, have retired in good Acers pre-bid conference willtheir be held at the HousingorAuthority Office 28standing, Smith still having a current certification status with P.O.S.T.C. This Process will consist of WritStreet Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. ten, Oral, Polygraph, Psychological, Medical Exam, and Background Investigation.

The Town of Wallingford offers a competitive pay rate $62,753.60 - $74,963.20 annually.

Application deadline be Marchfrom 5, 2018 Human Resources Department, Bidding documents arewill available theApply: Seymour Housing Authority OfTown of Wallingford, 45 South Main St., Wallingford, CT. fice, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579. phone: (203) 294-2080; fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE.

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any

ELM CITY COMMUNITIES LEGAL NOTICE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN REQUEST FOR BIDS

PRESCOTT BUSH MALL NEWHALL GARDEN APARTMENT KATHERINE HARVEY TERRACE C.B. MOTLEY The Elm City Communities invites interested and qualified parties to submit a bid for the above mentioned projects. Tri-Con/O&G is soliciting proposals for contractors on behalf of the Housing Authority of the City of New Haven.

Bid documents will be available on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Merritt Graphics’ PlanWell site located at www.merrittplanroom.com. You can also contact Merritt Graphics at 800-344-4477. Fees to purchase sets are non-refundable. You can also view plans at Tri-Con’s office at 400 Goodrich Street, Hamden, CT. A pre-bid meeting [attendance is not mandatory] will be held on Monday, March 5, 2018 at the following locations in New Haven in their Community Rooms: Newhall Gardens – 5a/45b Daisy Street – 9:00 A.M. C.B. Motley – 819 Sherman Parkway -10:15 A.M Prescott Bush Mall – 220/230 County Street -11:30 A.M. Katherine Harvey Terrace – 81-97 Liberty Street -12:45 P.M. The deadline is Monday, March 12, 2018 at 2:00pm.

Any questions, please contact Holly Teixeira at 203-777-6720 or hteixeira@tri-con.org

Union Company seeks: Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Equipment. Must have a CDL License, clean driving record, capable of operating heavy equipment; be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY. We offer excellent hourly rateor& excellent benefits BA/BS in Civil Engineering Construction Management.

Contact: Dana Briere Phone: 2-5 yrs. experience.

OSHA Certifi ed.

Email: Proficient 860-243-2300 in reading contract plans and specifications. dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com Resumes to RED Technologies, LLC, 10 Northwood Dr., Women & Minority Applicants are Bloomfield, CT 06002; Fax 860.218.2433; encouragedRED toTechnologies, apply LLC is an EOE. Email resumes to info@redtechllc.com.

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity EmployerRemediation Division Project Manager Environmental

Field Engineer

3-5 years exp. and Bachelor’s Degree, 40-Hr. Hazwoper Training Req. Forward resumes to RED Technologies, LLC, 10 Northwood Dr., Bloomfield, CT 06002;

Fax 860.218.2433; or Email to HR@redtechllc.com

RED Technologies, LLC is an EOE.

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks: Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current licensing and clean driving record.

We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860243-2300 Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming Inc Employer

seeks: Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory training Asphalt on equipment we operate.

Garrity Reclaiming Inc Location: Bloomfield CT seeks: Construction Equipment Mechanic NORTH BRANFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY Contact: experienced James Burke Phone: 860preferably in Reclaiming and c/o Merit Properties, Inc. 243-2300 Invitation Bid: Road Milling Equipment.

We offer factory 1224 Mill Street Building A, Suiteto102 email: jim.burke@garrityasphalt.com training on equipment we operate.

2nd Notice East Berlin, CT 06023 Women & Minority Applicants are Location: Bloomfield CT Contact:encouraged James Burke Phone: 860to apply LISTA DE ESPERA ABIERTA 243-2300 Old Saybrook, CT Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity La Autoridad de Vivienda de North Branford anuncia que ahora están email: jim.burke@garrityasphalt.com Employer We offer excellent hourly rate & (4 Buildings, 17 Units) aceptando solicitudes para el complejo de ancianos / discapacitados HillWomen excellent & Minoritybenefits Applicants are Tax & Not Prevailing Wage Project side Terrace. Para califi car,Exempt debe tener al menos 62 años o 18Rate y estar encouraged to apply discapacitado.

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Los límites de ingresos publicados por HUD no pueden exceder los $ New(una Construction, Housing, Demolition, Site-work, Cast-We offer excellent hourly rate & 47,600 persona) y $Wood 54,400Framed, (dos personas).

LosSelective hogares también Employer deben cumplir con el ingreso mínimo requerido de $ 17,316 paraVinyl pagar Siding, el in-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, excellent benefits

SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE

alquiler base mínimo de la unidad. Las partes interesadas pueden recoger Flooring, Painting, Division Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, una solicitud en Hillside Terrace, 16710 Branford Road, North Branford, o pueden llamar al Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

203-488-5664 para solicitar que se le envíe una solicitud por correo.

This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

Union Company seeks: Tractor Trailer

NORTH BRANFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY

Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction

WAITLIST OPEN

excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits clean driving record, capable of operating

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 Equipment. Must have a CDL License, c/o Merit Properties, Inc. clean driving record, capable of operating Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 Union Company seeks: Tractor Trailer 1224 Mill Street Building A, Suite 102 heavy equipment; be willing to travel Project documents available via ftp link below: Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction East Berlin, CT 06023 throughout the Northeast & NY. We offer http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage Equipment. Must have a CDL License,

Contact: Dana be Briere Phone: The North Branford Housing Authority hereby announces that they are heavy equipment; willing to travel Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com now accepting applications for the State Elderly/Disabled Complex 860-243-2300 Email: throughout the Northeast & NY. We offer HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses Hillside Terrace. To qualify you must be at least 62 years old or 18 dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com hourly rate & excellent benefits Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483excellent and disabled.

Women & Minority Applicants are Contact: Dana Briere Phone: AA/EEO EMPLOYER Income limits as published by HUD cannot exceed $47,600 (one perencouraged to apply son) and $54,400 (two people). Households must also meet the re860-243-2300 Email: Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity quired minimum income of $17,316 to afford the minimum Base Rent dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com for the unit. Interested parties may pick up an application at Hillside Employer Women & Minority Applicants are Terrace, 167 Branford Road, North Branford, or you may call 203-488encouraged to apply 5664 to request an application be mailed to you.

20

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

INNER-CITY NEWS July 27, 2016- - August 02, 2016 THE INNER-CITY NEWS MARCH 07, 2018 MARCH 13, 2018

PVC FENCE PRODUCTION

The Town of East Haven is currently accepting ap-

plications to participate in the following examinations: Large CT Fence Company looking for an individual for our PVC Fence Pro- Secretary II, Grade Level 10-$18.36/hour. Candidate must possess a High duction Shop. Experience preferred but will train the right person. Must be School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 2 years secretarial experifamiliar with carpentry hand & power tools and be able to read a CAD draw- ence. Prior experience in a school system or related work with children ing and tape measure. Use of CNC Router machine a plus but not required, preferred. will train the right person. This is an in-shop production position. Duties include building fence panels, posts, gates and more. Some pickup & delivery Custodian-$20. 47/hour. Candidates shall meet the following minimum reof materials may also be required.

Must have aHouse valid CT driver’s license and Housing quirements: Graduation from High School or 1 year employment in building HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus and the New Haven Authority, be able to obtain a Drivers Medical Card. Must be able to pass a physical and care and cleaning operations required. is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this develdrug test. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com. AA/EOE opment located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apApplications to participate in the examination are available online at www. ply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y townofeasthavenct.org/civil-service-commission/pages/job-notices-andtests or the Civilhave Service Office, 250 Main Street, East Haven CT and must 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) bemailied returnedupon no later than March 21, 2018. Candidates bilingual in Spanish been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be LaRosa Building Group, as CM, invites all trade contractors to are encouraged to reapply.

NOTICE

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

INVITATION TO BID:

by callingPhase HOME INC atlocated 203-562-4663 duringconsisting those hours. Completed prebidquest the Rockview 2 project in New Haven must be returned to HOME at 171 Orange Street, Third The Town of East Haven is committed to building a workforce of diverse of applications the new construction of 78 housing unitsINC’s withinoffices 32 buildings.

Floor, Newis Haven, CT 06510.

This project tax exempt and subject to Prevailing Wage rates, as individuals. Minorities, Females, Handicapped and Veterans are encouraged provided by CM. Subcontractor bids are due to LaRosa no later to apply. than 3PM March 16, 2018. Bids can be emailed to Vincent Parete vparete@larosabg.com or faxed to 203-599-6210 no later than 3PM on 3/16/18. Pre-bid conference is scheduled for Thursday, 3/8/18 @ 10amVALENTINA at the Rockview locatedPRE-SOLICITUDES at 122 Wilmot Seeking a qualified professional to perform technical work involving MACRICommunity VIVIENDASBuilding DE ALQUILER DISPONIBLES Road, New Haven, CT. A subsequent Small, Minority, Women, and the inspection of building construction for conformance with state and national electrical building code. Minimum Qualifications: A high Section business outreach be conducted there-Housing HOME3 INC, en nombre de lawill Columbus House yimmediately de la New Haven Authority, está school diploma or GED and possession of a valid E-1 ‘unlimited conafter at 11am. aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en estelicense desarrollo tractors” or an E-2 “unlimited journeyman’s” license for not less

ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos LaRosa Building Group is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportu- than two years. Appointees must maintain or improve license during tenure, and a valid máximos.

LasSmall, pre-solicitudes 093a.m.-5 p.m.arecomenzando Martes 25 driver’s license. $59,138- $75,665 plus an excelnity Employer.

Minority, estarán Women,disponibles and Section Business lent fringe benefit package. Apply to: Personnel Department, Town of julio, 2016 hasta cuando strongly encouraged to bid.se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100)

NOTICIA

Electrical Inspector

NOTICIA PUBLICA The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport (HACB) d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) abrirá la lista de espera de Viviendas de Bajos Ingresos de 2 dormitorios el día 5 de Marzo 2018 hasta 16 de Marzo 2018. Para calificar, una familia debe tener un mínimo de tres (3) miembros y los ingresos bruto anual de la familia no pueden exceder los límites de ingresos que se muestran a continuación para el tamaño del hogar. Pre- solicitudes se pueden recoger en la oficina de Gary Crooks Community Center situado en 301 Bostwick Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. Aplicaciones pueden ser descargadas desde nuestro sitio de web www.parkcitycommunities. org. Sólo se aceptará una pre-solicitud por familia; duplicados de pre-solicitudes serán descalificadas.

Aplicaciones deben ser entregadas a Gary Crooks Community Center solamente!

La Autoridad de Viviendas tiene un sistema de preferencias: personas sin hogar, discapacitados, mayor de edad, empleados, víctimas de violencia domestica, veteranos, ancianos congregados y protección de testigos. Una lista de espera con preferencias quiere decir que personas que cualifican con su preferencia recibirán asistencia antes de personas sin preferencias.

Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Closing en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición date will be March 19, 2018 or the date the 50th application is received, llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse whichever occurs first. EOE. CARPENTER a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510 .

Large CT Fence Company looking for a carpenter for our Wood Fence Production Shop. Experience preferred but will train the right person. Must be familiar with carpentry hand & power tools and be able to read a CAD drawing and tape measure. This is an in-shop production position. Duties include building fence panels, posts, gates and more. Some pickup & delivery of materials may also be required. Must have a valid CT driver’s license and be able to obtain a Drivers Medical Card. Must be able to pass a physical and drug test. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com. AA/EOE

KMK Insulation Inc.

Si necesita un ajuste razonable para este proceso, una línea de ayuda designada estará disponible

para recibir sus peticiones al (203) 337-8804

1907 Hartford Turnpike North Haven, CT 06473

Mechanical Insulator position.

Insulation company offering good pay and benefits.

NEW HAVEN

Please mail resume to above address.. MAIL ONLY This company is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer.

PCC no discrimina basado en la raza, color, discapacidad, religión, sexo u origen nacional.

Construction Truck and Equipment Head Mechanic

InvitationLarge to Bid: CT based Fence and Guard Rail contractor looking for experienced, self-motivated, responsible Head Mechanic. Responsibilities will include maintaining and repairing all company equipment and 2nd Notice

242-258 Fairmont Ave vehicles, updating asset lists and assuring all rolling stock is in compliance with state and federal Town of Portland, CTBA, (EOE) 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 3BR, 1 levelThe , 1BA SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE regulations.

Must have extensive diesel engine, electrical wiring and hydraulic systems experience.

GUILFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY is currently

Top wages paid, company truck and benefits.

Allmunicipality new apartments, new appliances, carpet, I-91 & I-95 Suburban of 9,400 residents; supervises 25new employees; 1.8 close mil- to accepting applications for COUPLES ONLY for its one bedroom Old Saybrook, CT AA/EOE lion budget; 75 miles ofhighways, roads. Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering near bus stop & shopping centerapartments at Guilford Court and Boston Terrace in Guilford, CT. (4 Buildings, 17 Units) Please send resume to Mpicard@atlasoutdoor.com or business/public administration plus seven years of progressively responApplicants must be age 62 and over or on 100% social security Pet underexperience, 40lb allowed.

Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258 sible administration including three years of supervisory capacity.

Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project Must possess valid CT driver’s license. Salary range DOQ; non-union with or federal disability and over the age of 18. Applications may be obtained by calling the application line at 203-453-6262, ext. 107. fringe benefits. Subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing. Deadline: also Construction, be provided with theFramed, application.

3/2/2018.

Submit resume with Town application 3 letters of reference to: An information packet willNew CT. Unified Deacon’s Association is pleased to offer& a Deacon’s Wood Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, CastOffice of theProgram.

First Selectwoman, P.O. Box 71, Portland, CT 06480-0071 Applications will be accepted until end of business day on July Certificate This is a 10 month program designed to assist in the intellectual formation of Candidates

DELIVERY PERSON NEEDED

in-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, procured by the Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.

This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

in response to the Church’s Ministry needs. The cost is $125. Classes start Saturday,31, August 20, 2016 1:30-police, and landlord checks are 2018.

Credit, 3:30 Contact: Chairman, Deacon Joe J. Davis, M.S., B.S. authority.

(203) 996-4517 Host, General Bishop Elijah Davis, D.D. Pastor of Pitts Chapel U.F.W.B. Church 64Smoke Brewsterfree housing.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY HOUSING St. New Haven, CT Galasso Materials is seeking a motivated, organized, detail-oriented candidate to join its truck dispatch office. Responsibilities include order entry and truck ticketing in a fast paced materials manufacturing and contracting company. You will have daily interaction with employees and customers as numerous truckloads of material cross our scales daily. We are willing to train the right individual that has a great attitude. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Reply to Hiring Manager, PO Box 1776, East Granby, CT 06026.

The New Haven Early Childhood Council EOE/M/F/D/V.

Dispatcher

Part Time Delivery Needed One/Two Day a Week, Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016

NEW HAVEN EARLY CHILHDOOD COUNCIL REQUEST FOR QUALITY ENHANCEMENT PROPOSALS

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Must Have Own Vehicle If Interested call (203) 435-1387

isAnticipated seeking toStart: August 15, 2016 Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of quality Seymour fund enhancement (QE) projects for the period available via ftp link below: Project documents until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 for the following services: Hot Mix Asphalt Plant Technician & Paving Inspector http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage Seymour, CTopenings 06483infor Concrete Repairs and Replacement at the There are multiple Galasso MaterialsSidewalk Quality Control Department.

• on-site education consultation to prek programs NETTCP certification is preferred, with at least one year of experience.

Full time Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

• mental health resources for children families in prek programs; Fax orand Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com positions available. Your schedule must be flexible as sometimes night shifts are required. Must be able to lift and carry 50lb buckets. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Reply to Hiring Manager, PO Box 1776, East Granby, CT 06026. EOE/M/F/D/V.

• professional development trainings related to CT Early Standards, HCC encourages theLearning participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3 Certified Businesses trauma informed care and topics required

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

by School Readiness and NAEYC. Equipment Operators and Laborers

TRANSFER STATION LABORER

Haynes Construction Company, 32 Progress Ave, Seymour, CT 06483 AA/EEO EMPLOYER Off load trailers, reload for trans/disp. Lift 50 lbs., operate industrial powered trucks and forklift. Asbestos Worker Handler Training a +. Resumes to RED Technologies, LLC, An info session will be held Monday, May 12th from 2-3pm at 54 Meadow Galasso Materials is seeking applicants for the 2018 paving season. Experience in Street, conference Ofroom 3B. To receive the RFP and for established rates for each Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority 173 Pickering St., Portland, CT 06480; Fax 860-342-1022; or paving operations is required. Must possess current OSHA 10 card, have a valid service type, contact the School Readiness office Email to lkelly@redtransfer.com driver’s and own transportation.

NO PHONE CALLS(203) PLEASE. Reply to fice,license, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 888-4579.

Denised@nhps.net 203-946-7875.

Hiring Manager, PO Box 1776, East Granby, CT 06026. EOE/M/F/D/V. RED Technologies, LLC is an EOE.

21The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any

THE INNER-CITY NEWS

An opportunity to invest in world-class education

Oscar Recap

MARCH 07, 2018

2018

-

MARCH 13, 2018

except white males. Kumali Nanjiani, the star of The Big Sick, took delight in chastising them. ‘Now, straight white dudes can watch movies starring me, and relate to that,” he said.

As usual, the In Memoriam montage failed to pay tribute to a number of Hollywood icons. Among the dearly departed omitted were Adam West, Rose Marie, Della Reese, director Tobe Hooper, Robert Guillame, David Cassidy, Glen Campbell, Miguel Ferrer, Oscar-winner Dorothy Malone, Nanette Fabray, Dina Merrill and Jim Nabors. Gone but not forgotten, may they rest in peace.

by Kam Williams

University of Connecticut $152,000,000*

Special Obligation Student Fee Revenue Bonds 2018 Series A The University of Connecticut Special Obligation Student Fee Revenue Bonds, 2018 Series A are special obligations of the University of Connecticut, a body politic and corporate constituting a public instrumentality and agency of the State of Connecticut. The Bonds are being issued pursuant to the UConn 2000 Infrastructure Improvement Program, which is a $4.6 billion, 32-year program to renew, rebuild and enhance the University’s campuses.

Retail Order Period:*

Institutional Pricing:*

Monday, March 12, 2018 Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Expected Maturities:* 2018 – 2047

Interest is exempt from federal and Connecticut state-income tax.** Ratings from Moody’s and S&P are expected prior to the Retail Order Period

For further information, including copies of the Preliminary Official Statement for the Bonds, please visit the websites or call any of the firms below:

uconnbonds.com buy bonds.com

Jefferies

800-567-8567 Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC 917-343-7900

J.P. Morgan

855-231-8873 Piper Jaffray & Co. 800-552-0614

Barclays Capital Blaylock Van, LLC KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. Loop Capital Markets NW Capital Markets Inc. 888-227-2275 877-591-7072 866-227-6479 888-294-8898 201-526-2761 Ramirez & Co., Inc. RBC Capital Markets Oppenheimer & Co. PNC Capital Markets LLC Prager & Co., LLC 800-624-6450 800-336-4020 855-289-2663 800-243-2478 866-208-1368 Siebert Cisneros Shank & Co., L.L.C. Stern Brothers TD Securities Wells Fargo Securities 800-529-3133 800-288-2471 212-827-7172 866-287-3221 *Preliminary, subject to change and availability. **Before purchasing bonds, you should consult with your tax advisor concerning your particular tax situation.

These Bonds may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, prior to the time an Official Statement is delivered in final form. Under no circumstances shall this announcement constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the Bonds in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The Bonds will only be sold by means of an Official Statement.

The Shape of Water Wins Best Picture Diversity-Themed Evening Celebrates Inclusion in Hollywood The Shape of Water was the big winner at the 90th Academy Awards, netting four Oscars, including Best Picture. Mexican directors have now won four of the past five years, with Guillermo del Toro joining his compadres Alejandro Inarritu (Birdman and The Revenant) and Alfonso Cuaron (Gravity) in the elite fraternity.

“I am an immigrant,” del Toro began his emotional acceptance speech suggesting that we should be “erasing the lines in the sand” instead of building walls, a thinly-veiled criticism of President Trump. He was not the only person to weigh-in on the issue. Earlier in the evening, co-presenters Kenyan Lupita Nyong’o and Pakistani Kumail Nanjiani defiantly declared themselves “Dreamers” before assuring DACA participants with “We stand with you.”

Others also turned the podium into a soapbox for a political platform For instance, moments before handing Guillermo his statue, Emma Stone bemoaned the fact that the nominees in the directing category were “four men and Greta Gerwig,” implying that females had been slighted. But that jab ignored the fact that a Latino and an African-American, Jordan Peele, were among the contenders.

It was almost as if last year’s cause

celebre, #OscarsSoWhite, had been supplanted by #MeToo and #TimesUp, hashtag movements supporting victims of sexual harassment. Jordan Peele did walk away with an Oscar for Get Out’s screenplay, but he and Kobe Bryant (Best Animated Short Film, “Dear Basketball”) were the only African-American winners from among the dozen nominated.

Did anybody else notice that there were fewer white men among the presenters? Yes, they still dominated the ranks of the Academy Award winners, but that didn’t discourage others in attendance from taking potshots at them.

At times, it felt like a celebration of cultural diversity, with the immigrant, feminist, black and LGBTQ communities sharing the limelight, everyone

Con’t from page 18

The Student Loan Debt Crisis

to make student aid more costly for students rather than hold institutions accountable for what they do with the aid reflects either a catastrophic misunderstanding of the root causes of this issue or something more disturbing: the blatant effort to recreate the system we had before the HEA was enacted. In this system, traditional college was by and large only accessible to the wealthy, who were usually White.

Fixing our broken student debt system should not mean un-doing years of progress since the HEA or saddling marginalized groups with a lifetime of debt. Instead, we need to hold student loan servicers, debt collectors, and institutions of all kinds accountable for their practices. Afri-

22

can Americans, Latinos and low-income students from all backgrounds need more income-based grants, loans, financial assistance, and admissions policies that tear down barriers of color, culture, and class, not support them.

Helping college graduates to repay their loans isn’t the only challenge.

The challenge is enabling and empowering all our young people to make their fullest contribution to our country. This is, in the last analysis, a debt that all Americans owe to ourselves and our nation’s future.

Wade Henderson is a founding board member of the Center for Responsible Lending. You can follow Wade on Twitter @Wade4Justice.

Con’t from page 18

Home-grown

Much attention has been paid to the Russian interference in our 2016 presidential election. Surely it is bizarre that President Donald Trump’s State Department has spent not one cent of the millions appropriated for countering Russian cyber subversion of our election. Steps to protect a true vote and to expose and limit foreign intervention in our elections are vital.

But we should be clear: The greatest attack on the right to vote comes not from the Russians but from homegrown reactionaries who want to make it harder for African Americans, Latinos, the young and working people to vote, and easier for big money to influence our elections.

The democratic revival that accompanied the passage of the 15th Amendment after the Civil War was met with a fierce reaction that ended up imposing segregation – legalized apartheid – across the South. The democratic revival that followed passage of the Voting Rights Act and the civil rights movement has similarly been met with a fierce reaction that is undermining voting rights in states across the country.

Now the question is whether that reaction will spark a new movement to protect the right to vote.

Voter suppression matters. The purge of the voter rolls in Florida surely cost Al Gore the presidency in 2000. The new laws that helped suppress black votes in Wisconsin helped cost Hillary Clinton the presidency in 2016.

The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy, but it is neither explicitly guaranteed in the Constitution nor guaranteed in practice.

It is once more under attack, and once more must be defended and extended.

THE INNER-CITY NEWS MARCH 07, 2018 - MARCH 13, 2018

Questions about your bill?

Yale New Haven Hospital is pleased to offer patients and their families financial counseling regarding their hospital bills or the availability of financial assistance, including free care funds.

By appointment, patients can speak one-on-one with a financial counselor during regular business hours. For your convenience, extended hours are available once a month.

Date: Monday, March 19 Time: 5 - 7 pm Location: Children’s Hospital, 1 Park St., 1st Floor, Admitting Parking available (handicapped accessible) An appointment is necessary. Please call 203-688-2046.

Spanish-speaking counselors available.

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!"#$%$&'($)*+)&,)$+('&,$-./)#$'$0#.'1$-#.,,2,)-3$.&$.4$5&15/51"'(,6 7.$8)15-'($)*'8,$.#$0.15(9$:$"51,$;),3$&<1=$>",;$'&,?)#$'$4)?$9),@&.$A)'(;A$B"),3$.&,C D+$;.$$100,000$5&$-./)#'<)62 E#)85"8,$'#)$()/)($'&1$<"'#'&;))16 F."$8'9$,3$(($0)$-.&,51)#)1=$)/)&$54$9."G/)$0))&$;"#&)1$1.?&$0)4.#)6

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1 2

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REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE. IT’S WHAT WE DO.

23

THE INNER-CITY NEWS

MARCH 07, 2018

-

MARCH 13, 2018

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2/12/18 2:03 PM