Derby Senior Center members did not sound happy on Thursday after learning the Derby Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen would not vote again on an agreement to merge its senior center with Ansonia and send Derby members to a new senior center under construction in Ansonia.

Derby Senior Center members did not sound happy on Thursday after learning the Derby Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen would not vote again on an agreement to merge its senior center with Ansonia and send Derby members to a new senior center under construction in Ansonia.

'I'm Sorry You Guys Had To Come Here'

Audio from the July 12, 2022 public hearing on whether Ansonia should sell land on Olson Drive to a private developer who wants to build a sports complex. But before that, listen to The Valley Indy reporter blab about missing a Derby meeting, promote Ansonia Paraconn, and mess up a City of Ansonia song.  Cheap. Free. Forever? ValleyIndy.org

Audio from the July 12, 2022 public hearing on whether Ansonia should sell land on Olson Drive to a private developer who wants to build a sports complex. But before that, listen to The Valley Indy reporter blab about missing a Derby meeting, promote Ansonia Paraconn, and mess up a City of Ansonia song.  Cheap. Free. Forever? <a href="http://ValleyIndy.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ValleyIndy.org</a>

Ansonia Olson Drive Public Hearing

The Derby corporation counsel talks about an investigative report with members of the Derby Board of Aldermen &amp; Alderwomen.

The Derby corporation counsel talks about an investigative report with members of the Derby Board of Aldermen &amp; Alderwomen.

Derby Talks Investigative Report

Derby Mayor Rich Dziekan's administration has changed the way the monthly agenda for the city's legislative body is put together.  While the administration says they are simply following the Derby City Charter, the Democratic majority of the Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen think otherwise. In this audio clip, Derby Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo complains about the mayor's new policies, saying it hurts the public's access to local government.

Derby Mayor Rich Dziekan's administration has changed the way the monthly agenda for the city's legislative body is put together.  While the administration says they are simply following the Derby City Charter, the Democratic majority of the Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen think otherwise. In this audio clip, Derby Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo complains about the mayor's new policies, saying it hurts the public's access to local government.

Derby Officials Argue Over Procedure

Valley Indy Facebook reader Santiago Achinelli thinks 10 hours isn't enough time for a person to respond for comment to a news article. The Valley Indy says 10 hours is enough time, especially if there's a primary-source document explaining the person's views.

Valley Indy Facebook reader Santiago Achinelli thinks 10 hours isn't enough time for a person to respond for comment to a news article. The Valley Indy says 10 hours is enough time, especially if there's a primary-source document explaining the person's views.

Santi v Eugene

Audio of the discussion from the June 9, 2022 meeting of the Derby Board of Aldermen &amp; Alderwomen. For the full story go to ValleyIndy.org and search 'Derby Rejects Senior Center Agreement With Ansonia By A 5-4 Vote.'

Audio of the discussion from the June 9, 2022 meeting of the Derby Board of Aldermen &amp; Alderwomen. For the full story go to <a href="http://ValleyIndy.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ValleyIndy.org</a> and search 'Derby Rejects Senior Center Agreement With Ansonia By A 5-4 Vote.'

Derby Rejects Senior Center Agreement With Ansonia By A 5-4 Vote

Jason Carlucci, owner of The Dew Drop Inn in Derby, CT, talks about wings, inflation, and staying relevant in the ever-changing tavern world. Recorded during The Valley Indy Great Give Livestream of 2022. Please note Jay is the only 'Navel Gazing' guest to accuse The Valley Indy of stealing ketchup.

Jason Carlucci, owner of The Dew Drop Inn in Derby, CT, talks about wings, inflation, and staying relevant in the ever-changing tavern world. Recorded during The Valley Indy Great Give Livestream of 2022. Please note Jay is the only 'Navel Gazing' guest to accuse The Valley Indy of stealing ketchup.

Dew Drop Inn Owner Talks Wings, Inflation, And Staying Relevant In The Bar World

The Derby Board of Apportionment and Taxation adopted a budget of $48,385,128 on April 28. There's no mill rate increase. This podcast has clips from the end of the meeting, including statements from BOAT chairman Jeff Polis on what the budget accomplishes, and a statement from Derby Town Clerk Marc Garofalo on how the board worked through a highly unusual budget season.

The Derby Board of Apportionment and Taxation adopted a budget of $48,385,128 on April 28. There's no mill rate increase. This podcast has clips from the end of the meeting, including statements from BOAT chairman Jeff Polis on what the budget accomplishes, and a statement from Derby Town Clerk Marc Garofalo on how the board worked through a highly unusual budget season.

Reaction: Derby Adopts A Budget

Citing a lack of progress and a lack of staff in its finance department, an advisory commission could recommend the City of Derby be placed under the watch of the state's Municipal Accountability Review Board (MARB).  The city already meets regularly with the Municipal Finance Advisory Council, but that's only advisory -- MARB has teeth.  The move to MARB would put Derby finances under some degree of official state oversight. Example: cities designated as "tier II" must have budget projections on state aid and property tax revenues approved by MARB.

Citing a lack of progress and a lack of staff in its finance department, an advisory commission could recommend the City of Derby be placed under the watch of the state's Municipal Accountability Review Board (MARB). The city already meets regularly with the Municipal Finance Advisory Council, but that's only advisory -- MARB has teeth. The move to MARB would put Derby finances under some degree of official state oversight. Example: cities designated as "tier II" must have budget projections on state aid and property tax revenues approved by MARB.

State Could Intervene In Derby's Financial Practices

Thomas Hennick, the public education officer for the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission, returns to the podcast to offer his informed opinions on a bunch or real-world open government issues faced by Valley Indy reporter Eugene Driscoll. Enjoy!

Thomas Hennick, the public education officer for the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission, returns to the podcast to offer his informed opinions on a bunch or real-world open government issues faced by Valley Indy reporter Eugene Driscoll. Enjoy!

Is Your Government Open?

Navel Gazing is ValleyIndy.org's podcast. Each week features a 1-hour discussion with a local newsmaker. ValleyIndy.org is a nonprofit online newspaper in Ansonia, CT. The show is also heard on WNHH-LP, a community radio station in New Haven, CT.

Derby Mayor Rich Dziekan was willing to allocate more money for education in his budget but wanted to tie funding to academic performance, according to statements made at the Tuesday, April 5 meeting of the Derby Board of Apportionment and Taxation. In addition, a $1 million increase in medical insurance costs for the school district precluded additional funding from the city because the mayor had capped all department increases to no more than 2.5 percent. Jim Gildea, chairman of the Derby Board of Education, said the administration’s reasoning does not make sense.

Derby Mayor Rich Dziekan was willing to allocate more money for education in his budget but wanted to tie funding to academic performance, according to statements made at the Tuesday, April 5 meeting of the Derby Board of Apportionment and Taxation. In addition, a $1 million increase in medical insurance costs for the school district precluded additional funding from the city because the mayor had capped all department increases to no more than 2.5 percent. Jim Gildea, chairman of the Derby Board of Education, said the administration’s reasoning does not make sense.

Derby Education Funding Debate

John Marini joins 'Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast,' to talk about two subjects: a 'Godzilla' double feature in Seymour to raise money for the people of Ukraine, and a just-signed lease agreement between the City of Ansonia and the owners of the Ansonia Opera House at 100 Main St. The lease agreement discussion starts 19 minutes and 47 seconds into the broadcast.

John Marini joins 'Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast,' to talk about two subjects: a 'Godzilla' double feature in Seymour to raise money for the people of Ukraine, and a just-signed lease agreement between the City of Ansonia and the owners of the Ansonia Opera House at 100 Main St. The lease agreement discussion starts 19 minutes and 47 seconds into the broadcast.

Godzilla And The Ansonia Opera House Lease

Kurt Miller

Ansonia Chief Financial Officer Kurt Miller explains why the city isn't sticking to the rules with the city's budget process, and why the city enacted a spending freeze at the start of the year.

Ansonia Chief Financial Officer Kurt Miller explains why the city isn't sticking to the rules with the city's budget process, and why the city enacted a spending freeze at the start of the year.

Talking Ansonia Finances With CFO Kurt Miller

SEYMOUR — First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis joined The Valley Indy live on Facebook to talk about the Seymour budget process, a bunch of items related to economic development, and to take questions from the audience.

An Interview With Seymour First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis

At a Derby Aldermanic subcommittee meeting in January 2022, members of the subcommitee made a motion to pass information related to the formation of a search committee to hire an economic development director to the full Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen. This is simply audio of the motion was made.

At a Derby Aldermanic subcommittee meeting in January 2022, members of the subcommitee made a motion to pass information related to the formation of a search committee to hire an economic development director to the full Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen. This is simply audio of the motion was made.

Derby Subcommittee Meeting

On this week's episode Valerie Knight-DiGangi of The Valley Community Foundation stops by to encourage groups to apply for a VFC "responsive needs" grant, which are multi-year grants that can be used to bolster a nonprofit group's operating budget. The deadline for "responsive needs" grant applications is Feb. 24, so head to the VCF website to learn more and to complete an application. At about the 31 minute of the podcast, the topic switches to a recent debate that started during a meeting of the Ansonia Board of Apportionment and Taxation, when two Ansonia Democrats said the board only has five members when the city charter says there should be seven members.

On this week's episode Valerie Knight-DiGangi of The Valley Community Foundation stops by to encourage groups to apply for a VFC "responsive needs" grant, which are multi-year grants that can be used to bolster a nonprofit group's operating budget. The deadline for "responsive needs" grant applications is Feb. 24, so head to the VCF website to learn more and to complete an application. At about the 31 minute of the podcast, the topic switches to a recent debate that started during a meeting of the Ansonia Board of Apportionment and Taxation, when two Ansonia Democrats said the board only has five members when the city charter says there should be seven members.

Apply For A VCF Grant; Ansonia BOAT Controversy

Derby's Larry Dwyer and special FX makeup artist Brian Spears ('Orange Is The New Black,' 'The Punisher') talk about 'The Howling' and 'Ginger Snaps,' a double bill happening Feb. 19 in Seymour, Conn. Tickets here. https://www.connecticutcultclassics.com/  Here is the show guide:  0:56  'Derby, Connecticut . . . what a nice small Connecticut town.'   3:35  Larry talks 'Night of the Werewolf 2'   4:50  Which is better: 'An American Werewolf in London' or 'The Howling?'   6:15  A rundown of Brian's movie and TV work   7:50  Brian talks about the influence of 80s-era movie makeup Gods like Rob Bottin and Rick Baker   11:00  The company that financed "The Howling" has deep Connecticut connections   16:16 'Weirdo Wonderland' shoutout (I'll send you an invoice)   17:40 Germ talk.   19:50 The latest 'Texas Chainsaw' thing on Netflix looks terrible   23:17 A word from Dworkin Chevrolet of Derby   24:15 LARRY'S HOT TAKES   28:00 Let's talk feminist horror flick 'Ginger Snaps!'   35:23 CT Horror Fest is returning to Naugatuck, assuming Mayor Pete fixes the air conditioning   38:40 Brian talks about working with legendary playwright Sam Shepard on the movie "Cold In July"   42:58 Shout out from WADS radio (Ansonia)

Derby's Larry Dwyer and special FX makeup artist Brian Spears ('Orange Is The New Black,' 'The Punisher') talk about 'The Howling' and 'Ginger Snaps,' a double bill happening Feb. 19 in Seymour, Conn. Tickets here. <a href="https://www.connecticutcultclassics.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.connecticutcultclassics.com/</a> Here is the show guide: 0:56  'Derby, Connecticut . . . what a nice small Connecticut town.'   3:35  Larry talks 'Night of the Werewolf 2'   4:50  Which is better: 'An American Werewolf in London' or 'The Howling?'   6:15  A rundown of Brian's movie and TV work   7:50  Brian talks about the influence of 80s-era movie makeup Gods like Rob Bottin and Rick Baker   11:00  The company that financed "The Howling" has deep Connecticut connections   16:16 'Weirdo Wonderland' shoutout (I'll send you an invoice)   17:40 Germ talk.   19:50 The latest 'Texas Chainsaw' thing on Netflix looks terrible   23:17 A word from Dworkin Chevrolet of Derby   24:15 LARRY'S HOT TAKES   28:00 Let's talk feminist horror flick 'Ginger Snaps!'   35:23 CT Horror Fest is returning to Naugatuck, assuming Mayor Pete fixes the air conditioning   38:40 Brian talks about working with legendary playwright Sam Shepard on the movie "Cold In July"   42:58 Shout out from WADS radio (Ansonia)

Ow Whoo, Werewolves Of Derby

This episode features clips from the Jan. 24, 2022 meeting of the Seymour Board of Education during which the superintendent announces there is an approximate $839,000 hole in the education budget. Please visit ValleyIndy.org or the Seymour Public Schools website for more info.

This episode features clips from the Jan. 24, 2022 meeting of the Seymour Board of Education during which the superintendent announces there is an approximate $839,000 hole in the education budget. Please visit <a href="http://ValleyIndy.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ValleyIndy.org</a> or the Seymour Public Schools website for more info.

Seymour School District Deficit Discussion

Derby Fire Department Chief David Lenart reviews the ups and downs of this past weekend's COVID-19 home test kit distribution. As of Tuesday, Jan. 4, officials do not know when the next distribution will take place. However, the test kits are available to purchase and local stores and on Amazon, until they are not.

Derby Fire Department Chief David Lenart reviews the ups and downs of this past weekend's COVID-19 home test kit distribution. As of Tuesday, Jan. 4, officials do not know when the next distribution will take place. However, the test kits are available to purchase and local stores and on Amazon, until they are not.

Derby Fire Chief Talks Whirlwind COVID Test Kit Distribution

Gov. Lamont and his department heads said Jan. 4 there are no plans to allow remote learning in Connecticut schools, though the state's positivity rate keeps getting higher. But, before that, The Valley Indy reporter admits he's tired of reading your anti-COVID vaccination posts on Facebook.

Gov. Lamont and his department heads said Jan. 4 there are no plans to allow remote learning in Connecticut schools, though the state's positivity rate keeps getting higher. But, before that, The Valley Indy reporter admits he's tired of reading your anti-COVID vaccination posts on Facebook.

Lamont Press Conference On New COVID-19 School Safety Guidance

Navel Gazing is <a href="http://ValleyIndy.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ValleyIndy.org</a>'s podcast. Each week features a 1-hour discussion with a local newsmaker. <a href="http://ValleyIndy.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ValleyIndy.org</a> is a nonprofit online newspaper in Ansonia, CT. The show is also heard on WNHH-LP, a community radio station in New Haven, CT.

Navel Gazing, The Valley Indy Podcast

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Best Episodes on Global Issues

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