The City of New Haven has worked through some extremely hard economic times and is still thriving. This year, the City is presented with an even tougher challenge than is typical. While claims are made that the proposed state budget is “hold harmless” to municipalities, the reality is it results in dramatic revenue reductions to New Haven. Despite this, I am certain that if we are strategic and efficient, we can ensure the protection and growth of initiatives that are vital to our city. It will not be easy—we will have to make difficult decisions about what is essential versus what is desirable for our City—but I know we can do it.

Over the next month, I will be holding informational presentations about the City’s budget at meetings across the City.I encourage you to attend these informational meetings in order to gain an understanding of both the City’s budget priorities and the challenges presented for the City as a result of the proposed State budget, as well as ask any questions you may have.

1. Tuesday, March 19th at 6:30 PM, St. Bernadette's Church, 385 Townsend Avenue

2. Wednesday, March 27th at 7 PM, Roberto Clemente School, 360 Columbus Avenue

3. Tuesday, April 9th, 6:30 PM, First Baptist Church, 205 Edwards Street

15 Men and Women Promoted to Detectives at the New Haven Police Department

Last week, I joined Police Chief Dean Esserman at Wilbur Cross High School for the promotion ceremony of 15 new detectives. These men and women will serve our City well, working to ensure that justice is brought about for victims of crime.

Now that these men and women have been promoted, they will all take part in “Command College”. Command College is a new program that provides superior training for the New Haven Police Department. Command College is a partnership between the University of New Haven’s Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, Yale and the City.

The Officers that were promoted on Friday, March 15th were Martin Podsiad, Paul D'Andrea Jr, Mark DeCarvalho, Mary Helland, Jessica Stone, Justin Marshal, Jonathan Pleckaitis, Joseph Aurora, Jose miranda, Manmeet Colon, Lucille Roach, Betsy Segui, Gary Hammill, Dennis O'Connell & Ryan McFarland. Congratulations to you!

Mar. 15-Apr 13. Hamlet starring Paul Giamatti. Yale Rep Theatre. 1120 Chapel St. 7:30pm

Mar. 20. Gil Hawkins Collective. The Owl Shop. 9pm. http://owlshopcigars.com/events.htm

Mar. 21. First Spring Bird Walk. Meet at the Barnard Nature Center. 10-11:30am

Mar. 22. Bach's Lunch Concert-"Centennial Sextet: A Second Annual Celebration". Neighborhood Music School. 12:10pm. neighborhoodmusicschool.org

Mar. 22. Faculty Fridays Concert-"The Oriole, the Nightingale and Other Rags". Neighborhood Music School. 7:30pm. neighborhoodmusicschool.org

Mar. 22. Matthew Shipp Trio. Firehouse 12. 8:30- 10pm. http://firehouse12.com

Mar. 23. CitySeed Wooster Square Farmers Market. 10am-1pm. www.cityseed.org.

Mar. 23. Three Judges Cave Hike. $5 per person, contact Ranger Joe Milone 203-946-6559. Meet at the West Rock Nature Center. 1-3pm.

Mar. 24. Bach's Brunch Concert-"Franz Schubert & Friends". Neighborhood Music School. 12:15pm. neighborhoodmusicschool.org

Mar. 24-Apr 14. 112th Annual Juried Art Exhibition of the New Haven Paint and Clay Club. John Slade Ely House. www.elyhouse.org

Very truly yours,

John DeStefano, Jr.

Mayor

[3/18/2013]