On behalf of the Darien League of Women voters, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Scott Pelley for being the guest speaker at our spring brunch on Sunday, April 21. After a hectic week covering the Boston Marathon bombing and a busy Sunday preparing for 60 Minutes, Mr. Pelley not only took time in his presentation titled "Accuracy and Non-Bias Reporting in the Media," but also took the time to thoughtfully answer audience questions.

The panelists are Maura Carley, founder of Healthcare Navigation and Kevin Counihan, CEO of Access Health CT, the state health insurance marketplace/exchange. Maura Carley, MPH, CIC, president and CEO of Healthcare Navigation, LLC, has extensive background in health care. Maura is also a newly appointed member of the Access Health CT Board of Directors and a long time Darien resident.

On behalf of the Darien Beautification Commission and the Darien Chamber of Commerce, we would like to thank all of these dedicated volunteers, and especially those who are repeat performers, for their hard work. Pear Tree Point School students and their parents; Barlow Pelle and neighbors in the Pear Tree Point/Rings End area; the Senior Mens' Association; Marianne Wadleigh, the Girl Scouts and the DCA Greenhouse Group; Indian Guides and Princesses and their fathers; Hayley Marcous and the Daisy Scouts; members of the Green Team; ABC students; the Jessup family; members of the New Life Christian Fellowship Church; John Lundeen; Friends of Selleck Woods; Darien Land Trust group; Janice and students at the Depot; Meredith and Carter George and friends; Katie Keith and Tokeneke friends; Kate O'Brien family and friends; and members of the Beautification Commission, the Chamber of Commerce and the DPW.

A quick study of the facts shows the governor's budget reneges on several promises he made during his campaign, at the same time it is being touted by supporters as balanced and bold. With Republicans long toeing the party line with respect to fiscal responsibility, the time has come for those on both sides of the political aisle to join together and hold Gov. Malloy and the Democratic majority in Hartford accountable. [...] any move by then candidate Romney to extend them would be an unintended consequence and "tax break" for the wealthy. [...] if extending an existing tax rate under Bush was something Democrats branded as a "tax cut," then so too must they now label the extension of an existing tax levy under Malloy as a "tax increase."

There are 25 extremely disadvantaged children in Nagarote, Nicaragua, who have been able to attend school for another year thanks to the initiative of Mike Tracey, Purple Team social studies teacher at Middlesex Middle School and the generosity of his students and their parents. The Nagarote students recently sent letters and photographs to the Purple Team students thanking them and sharing a bit about their lives.

Rather, the single party, rubber-stamp Democratic majority in Hartford seem all too willing and eager to appease their leadership and push us further down the road of bad policy and irresponsible politics which have led the state to its current dire financial situation. With Malloy's budget projected to push the state's deficit into the billions, which would add to each state taxpayer's near $50,000 share of the current shortfall, it's worth noting a few things: 1 Connecticut has the highest debt-per-capita and the lowest credit quality of all 50 states according to an independent analysis by Conning, Inc.,; 2 The Institute for Truth in Accounting ranks Connecticut dead last of the 50 states, noting that state officials use "antiquated budgeting and accounting rules" such that "all liabilities are not clearly disclosed;" 3 Malloy was one of 5 governors to receive a grade of "F" on the Cato Institute's Fiscal Policy Report Card; and 4 Connecticut ranked as one of the "10 worst states to do business in" in Chief Executive magazine's survey of national business leaders. According to one CEO, "California and Connecticut have state governments that are simply too big, too intrusive and too anti-business."

While other states are requiring better boating education (particularly after the tragic accident on Long Island Sound where three children were killed last July 4) we are taking a big step backward. Private providers (local boating schools), Coast Guard Auxiliary and others who already teach the classes in Connecticut are more than capable of providing boating classes to everyone who needs to attend one. [...] the private providers, most of whom are Connecticut residents, rely on that income (and pay taxes in Connecticut on that income) to make a living.

The Darien Historical Society thanks all of those who attended our BrewED FUNdraiser: a jam-packed and fun-filled night of craft beer and wine and delicious food that offered all the opportunity to learn about craft beer and to socialize with good and new friends alike. Coromandel's personal attention to detail in planning this event, in selecting a perfect menu for a beer tasting and their follow-through and food preparation were exceptional. Saranac (Matt Brewing Company); Two Roads Brewing Company; 1757 GW Beer; and Charter Oak Brewing Company; and Tim at WinePort of Darien for advising us on craft beers and for providing Berkshire Brewing Company's products for our tasting.

The Darien Democratic Town Committee would like to thank all of our friends, elected officials and avid supporters who attended our March 2 Winter Fundraiser and first ever trivia night. Special recognition should be extended to the DTC Fundraising Committee members who donated their time to pull off such a successful evening and to Vickie Riccardo and Don Spencer who hosted the event at their lovely home.

Parent council reps support school budget In a year with no new initiatives, we should be focusing on the infrastructure that supports our students' growth and development.