It is hot outside! The dog days of summer usually do not start until the first week of August. It sure feels like they started this week. These are the hot and sultry days when “fast” slows and we find reasons to embrace a less hectic pace. It is the start of when Greenwich seems to empty as neighbors head to vacation spots around the country and globe.
Unfortunately, our state legislature has embraced the “less hectic” mandate as well. Earlier this week there was supposed to be a one-day session to vote on the budget. But the Democratic leadership could not muster enough votes of support for their Governor’s budget, so they cancelled the session.
We have written before, with ever growing alarm, about our state’s financial crisis and the need to get our financial house in order. This week’s abdication of fiduciary responsibility does nothing to help our state or move the discussion forward on what is best plan for our future. If anything, it harms our state and moves us closer to financial insolvency.
It was the sole responsibility of the legislature to pass a budget this year. The Democratic leadership should do what’s right, put our state’s needs first and call a special session to vote on the budget. If they do not have the votes to pass the budget they should call for a roll call vote and let every member of the Assembly be on the record with their vote. The residents of Connecticut deserve better.
Fortunately, here in Greenwich we do not suffer the same partisanship. Our elected officials all work together to do what is right for our community. Granted, we may not all agree on the issues or have the same positions on those issues. Nor should we. However, as we embark on a new political season we can be assured that everyone who is running for office is doing so believing their service is needed for the betterment of Greenwich.
A result of that was evident this week, when the Greenwich Police Department announced that Greenwich has been named the safest city to raise a child in. SafeWise Report ranked 30 cities across the country and we came in at number 1. Kudos to our police department (and all first responders) for protecting us 24/7, every day of the year.
And if we are handing out kudos, we would be remiss not to wholeheartedly thank Garden Catering and all that they are doing for town wide whiffle ball tournament. This annual event donates any proceeds to the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich. It is at a new location this year, the Old Greenwich Civic Center, this Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. Even if you are not playing you should check it out. Good wholesome summer fun!
The dog days of summer are here. As we discussed the dog days in the office this week, we came up with a couple of other quotes involving our canine companions. Mark Twain once said, “The more I know about people, the more I love my dog.” That is not too far off from President Truman’s famous quip, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.” A little salty, but Andy Rooney said, “The average dog is nicer than the average person.” One of our favorites was from Anne Landers: “Don’t accept your dog’s admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.” We will end there, but remember, every dog has its day.
