Email: mark.langlois@patch.com
Tel: 203-209-7371
Your Beliefs: Patch asks me to share with you my beliefs, so I must tell you I believe in small town democracy (town meetings, committees and boards) where people can see government at work. If people had been watching, the boards and commissions in California who voted each other outrageous pensions and salaries might have been stopped. It's easier for me to write about neighborhoods and government than it is to write about crime and corruption, but crime and corruption are my rave favs. I love knowing something and telling people about it before they heard it somewhere else. I want to beat the competition every day.
Politics: I am a registered Democrat, but because I've been a newspaper reporter since 1982, I have never been active in politics. Because both parties know how I am registered, I have to treat both sides of the aisle with visible and obvious equality. In practice, that means I am equally disliked on both parties. I defend the first ammendment rights of everyone to speak their mind, whether or not I find what they say reprehensible. I publish what they say in their words and in a way where when they read it over, they agree they said it and it's what they think.
Religion: I am a practicing Roman Catholic, and I enjoy the religious diversity in Danbury. I'd love to visit your church, Catholic or otherwise.
Local hot button issues: The local hot button issues in Danbury today are the proposed army reserve facility overlooking Danbury Fair Mall and Danbury Airport. The second issue that simmers in Danbury and is alive across the country is immigration and illegal immigration. I won't be confident the army reserve facility is gone until the Pentagon tells me so. I don't think the congress and the president have the courage to tackle the immigration issue.
Where do I stand on the issues?
My question about the army reserve facility is why buy a property in Danbury when the state owns one in Newtown. Both are linked by good roads to lower Fairfield County, and both are near I-84. My suspicion is the opposition by Newtown residents couldn't be overcome, and I also suspect this facility will make use of the Danbury Airport. One thing opponents have to consider is what are the alternative uses for the land. Would it be less offensive to the neighbors as condominiums, as factories, office space or retail? It is unlikely to remain undeveloped forever.
On the second issue, I think federal immigration law is the problem, and it needs reforming. I can understand a person's hurry to leave squalor to a piece of the good life. Somehow we have to fix the law.
This public service announcement was created to warn people about being careful with space heaters, and Chief Herald gives people several good ideas for avoiding problems.
A man returning home was attacked in his garage, Danbury Police said.
The former bar/restaurant at 11 Ives is vacant, but that didn't stop water from making a visit.
What do you think should be built on the former Amphenol property at the corner of Main Street and Kennedy Avenue?
Danbury Police are hoping witnesses will come forward to reveal what happened when a 2005 Chevy Silverado lost control before 5 p.m. Monday on Clapboard Ridge Road. Police fire and hospital personnel were involved in getting the four victims out of the
Danbury Police released the following information about Victory Cherry of Danbury, who failed to provide a photograph as part of his registration requirements on the State Police Sex Offender Registry.
Patch Back's Lisa Bigelow wonders, will the results of Connecticut's gun control legislative efforts help all of our citizens, or just some?
Organizations and individuals on both sides of the gun control debate are rallying to have their voices heard at a public hearing in Hartford on potential gun law changes in the wake of the Dec. 14 school shooting in Newtown.
Ridgefield Police saw a car parked with its lights on at 3:30 a.m. on Main Street Saturday and charged its driver with driving under the influence.
Ridgefield police stopped a car on the Ethan Allen Highway Sunday and charged a passenger with possession of narcotics.
Ridgefield police charged a Bridgeport woman with driving under the influence after her car allegedly struck a parked cruiser on Ethan Allen Highway.
Danbury Police stopped a wanted man driving in Danbury Friday, and served him with his warrant.
Danbury Police charged one man from Newtown after people on Padanaram Road in Danbury reported a home invasion at about 11 p.m. Saturday.
Ridgefield Police investigated reports describing youths driving dirt bikes on a Ridgefield baseball field Jan. 19 at 3:15 p.m.
Should CT Enact Stronger Laws To Deal With Adults Who Drive Drunk With Minors in the Car?
Danbury Police charge man with driving under the influence after finally extricating him from a burning car.
An afternoon fire on Dogwood Drive injured a homeowner Friday.
Parts of a fuel cell to power the university's science building on Osborne were delivered this week.
Danbury Police charged a Rowan Street man with possession of narcotics with intent to sell.
The Danbury Town Clerk recorded these property transfers.
