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.
Danbury residents can dispose of their leaves curbside, and they can deliver their storm damaged trees and shrubs to a drop-off spot on Kennedy Avenue starting Friday. The following information was provided by the Danbury Mayor's Office.
Hurricane Sandy has caused severe damage to many local businesses. if you're a small business owner, here's some helpful advice for how to recover.
The Pirate Carrying a Mermaid Optical Illusion has been named Patch's Halloween Costume in America. Its creator -- and wearer -- will receive a $5,000 prize for having the most creative and innovative costume.
The former head of the WWE gave a post-election interview to Bloomberg News recently and said she was working on her acceptance speech when she learned she'd lost her bid - once again - for a U.S. Senate seat.
Danbury celebrates Veterans Day with a variety of ceremonies.
The following information was provided by the Danbury Police Department. A person charged with a crime is innocent until having been convicted in court.
The following information was provided by the Danbury Police Department. A person charged with a crime is innocent until having been convicted in court.
Danbury Police are investigating an attack on a man leaving Molly Darcy's at about 2 a.m. Sunday.
Danbury Police are investigating a case of a man found on Aunt Hack Road with serious injuries to his head and face. The case is under investigation.
These are the health department's October restaurant inspections. A second article with a link in the reports describes these violations in detail.
399th Danbury Air Squadron prepares lunch at the Danbury War Memorial for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
The Danbury Fire Department responded to a fire Saturday at about 10 a.m.
If you need a new recipe for your Thanksgiving turkey, give one of these non-traditional twists a try, including how to brine a turkey and infusing one with whiskey.
Union Savings Bank, Danbury, Newtown, New Milford, Bethel and Redding, have pooled money to help people suffering immediate losses from Hurricane Sandy.
Danbury Police with help from the U.S. Marshals and Bridgeport Police charge three in attempted armored car heist in September. A person charged with a crime is innocent until having been proven guilty in court.
Bethel police charged an 18-year-old man on a warrant with stealing from a car. A person charged with a crime is innocent until having been convicted in court.
A Danbury man was charged with sexual assault because he forced his spouse into a sexual act, Danbury police said. A person charged with a crime is innocent until having been convicted in court.
The following information about a stolen payloader and Xanax was provided by the Danbury Police Department. A person charged with a crime is innocent until having been convicted in court.
On the Weather Channel, Al Roker and Stephanie Abrams, are broadcasting this morning from CityCenter Green in Danbury.
Danbury Schools will start two hours late today.
