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.
The Danbury Police charged a Danbury driver with crossing into on coming traffic and hitting a car. A person charged with a crime is innocent until having been convicted in court.
Bethel Police charged a New Milford man with shoplifting several cans of baby formula in September.
Gary Bocaccio, the Danbury High School principal, agreed to remain for at least two more years. This video was shot and edited by Danbury Video's John Neumuller, and we thank him for the content.
The following property transfers were recorded by the Bethel Town Clerk.
The following property transfers were recorded by the Newtown Town Clerk in the last week.
The attorney general's office urges, in this press release, for people to be vigilant.
Danbury Police charged 13 people with drugs, prostitution or patronizing a prostitute Wednesday between 1 and 8 p.m. A person charged with a crime is innocent until having been convicted in court.
A Purdys, NY, man was charged in Danbury after a fight between two men. A person charged with a crime is innocent until having been convicted in court.
This Bethel resident supports Mike McLachlan and is not impressed with Jason Bartlett.
Hurricane Sandy remains south of Florida, and Danbury is preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best. The best is the storm takes a right turn into the Atlantic without hitting Connecticut. The worst is the storm arrives and takes time leaving.
Danbury Police reported a fight took place outside the Harambee Center on West Street, and one person was stabbed.
The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for southern Connecticut for the late weekend, saying "there is a low potential for a major coastal storm with heavy rainfall ... early next week."
Danbury Wrestler Kevin Jack wins medal at Super 32 Tournament.
This video was created and edited by Danbury Video's John Neumuller. Follow these tips and the ones in the previous article.
Danbury Police warn residents that numerous cars have been broken into recently.
It's National Bus Safety Week and the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles issued this press release asking drivers to use extra caution.
The following information about a DUI and several motor vehicle charges came from the Bethel Police Department. A person charged with a crime is innocent until having been convicted in court.
Bethel police charged a Grandview Avenue man with driving under the influence and evading responsibility. The following information was provided by the Bethel Police Department. A person charged with a crime is innocent until convicted.
Danbury Police said a Danbury man was charged with robbery and larceny following an incident Monday at Marshall's Department Store. A person charged with a crime is innocent until having been convicted in court.
Gov. Dannel Malloy and Connecticut Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor announced on Monday the goal of this additional educational cost sharing money is to help children who are falling behind and to help failing schools.
