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Articles by Scott Benjamin
Blumenthal says Trump needs to end Operaton Epic Fury
BROOKFIELD – He stands in a corn field with an adjoining restaurant that is part of Brookfield Town Center, the growing New England-style central business district. Richard Blumenthal is urging the local Democrats to Get Out The Vote for the party’s candidates in the November 3 election. He says that this race is a building block for the 2028 presidential campaign in a year when he will be running for his fourth term in the U.S. Senate.
The world has entered into 'the wild, wild west' as a result of artificial intelligence
When Dr. K appeared destined to rewrite Sidd Finch’s pitching records, college students “did it the old-fashioned way.” “We went to the library to do research to distill and understand information,” says state Sen. Eric Berthel (R-32) of Watertown. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch. By subscribing, you agree to Patch's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. “You didn’t even have the Internet,” he recalled.
Economist says state income tax cut has been 'more' than offset by inflation, tariffs
If three years ago they trimmed income tax rates in the Land Of Steady Habits for the first time since Leno initially surged past Letterman in the late night Nielsens, then how come “half” of the residents surveyed in the Nutmeg State Poll “say they are worse off financially than a year ago?” Economist Donald Klepper-Smith of DataCore Partners says Connecticut’s income tax reduction for the middle and lower classes “is more than offset by tariffs and inflation.” Find out what's happening in...
Even with a higher minimum wage, tax cuts, Connecticut is unaffordable
BROOKFIELD-- If Billy Idol is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, then shouldn’t the Showman Of His Generation be there? Barry Manilow has sold more records than anyone in the history of the adult contemporary charts. Shouldn’t he be getting on a plane to Cleveland? Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch. By subscribing, you agree to Patch's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. “On his success, yes,” says former tock guitarist Aaron Zimmer of Brookfield.
Knickerbocker says Public Benefits electricity charge helps keeps the grid operating
BETHEL – If you want to buy a house that was built before George Washington fought the Battle of Monongahela and has an antique door that tourists photograph, then come to the 32nd state Senate District. Just be sure you can afford to shop Armani. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch. By subscribing, you agree to Patch's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Seeking votes, coaching Pop Warner
Skip to main content Danbury, CT Bethel, CT Newtown, CT New Milford, CT Southbury, CT Southeast-Brewster, NY Monroe, CT Ridgefield, CT Woodbury-Middlebury, CT Oxford, CT Connecticut Top National News See All Communities Thank you to our Local Business Sponsor: Twinsbbqco BROOKFIELD – The state Senate Republican leader has a back-to-school haircut, is dressed in shorts and a football shirt as though he plays for the Westchester Crusaders of the Atlantic Coast Football League.
Democrats haven't won in 30th state Senate, 107th state House districts since Grasso landslides
BROOKFIELD – The base of the grass bowl which is within a softball toss of the Kids Kingdom playground is decorated with every campaign lawn sign in the Brookfield Democrat galaxy. Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz (D-Middletown) is at the microphone on the municipal bandstand – where such acts as Bock & Blu have performed in the Friday night concert series. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Fazio proposes permanent tax cuts
CROMWELL -- Ryan Fazio is wearing a clip-on microphone as he poses for an iPhone video in a parking lot within a WIFFLE Ball throw of the bustling traffic along the Berlin Road on a steamy afternoon with the Sweat Patrol on duty.
Goldstein wins another GOP congressional primary
GREENWICH – There are boxes of pizza, a bowl with a garden salad, cookies and donuts on the counter and T-shirts and banners that read, “Put A Doctor In The House.” The St. Lawrence Society attracts people of all political stripes, but this night about 25 supporters are awaiting results of a primary in the last congressional district that elected a Republican in Connecticut. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Fire Commisson ordinance moves forward
BROOKFIELD – Sitting among a sparse crowd in room 209 of the Municipal Center, Selectman Bob Belden told the other two board members that, “It is ready to go.” It appeared a year ago that it “was ready to go.” Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
He now prefers Goldstein to Miressi
Skip to main content Danbury, CT Bethel, CT Newtown, CT New Milford, CT Southbury, CT Southeast-Brewster, NY Monroe, CT Ridgefield, CT Woodbury-Middlebury, CT Oxford, CT Connecticut Top National News See All Communities The former chairman of the Fairfield Republican Town Committee who nominated challenger Daniel Miressi this spring at the Fourth District GOP convention has now endorsed the party-endorsed nominee, Michael Goldstein.
Harding, Zimmer disagree on wisdom of tax credit for full deduction of car tax
BROOKFIELD – Connecticut is a suburban state with lots of traffic – from Exit 8, I-95 Stamford to the Miracle Mile, Brookfield; the Gold Star Memorial Bridge, New London; the Boston Post Road, Milford.
Lamont points to record of sound fiscal judgment
HARTFORD – The satellite campaign headquarters is in the basement of an office building with a door that doesn’t have a knob, so it either is left ajar during working hours or you can knock on the window and someone will promptly let you in with a friendly greeting. There is a large work space surrounded by cement walls that are decorated with large blue dots and yellow dots. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Where everybody knows your name
NORWALK – Sitting at a corner table at Silver Star Diner – where they serve terrific two-egg sandwiches - Daniel Miressi says, “People know you here and they’re brutally honest.” The challenger for the Republican nomination in the Fourth Congressional District says he debates issues with a member of the Norwalk Democratic Town Committee and they can end the conversation with a friendly laugh.
Samford, Greenwich loom large in Republican congressional primary
GREENWICH – Connecticut is a two-faced state with one side facing the rest of New England and the other side facing New York City. Isn’t Greenwich on the side that is directly linked to the NYSE opening bell, take-out Bone-In Rib from Bobby Van’s and where Jalen Brunson T-shirts outsell Jaylen Brown models 13-1? Michael Goldstein, who has lived in the Greenwich’s backcountry for 39 years, remarked, “It’s gone from being a New England attitude to becoming more of a suburb of New York City.
Inflation is a concern as Brookfield embarks on capital projects
BROOKFIELD – The Great Inflation is apparent in the supermarket at the gas pump and First Selectman Steve Dunn says also at construction sites. Brookfield is planning two projects that still don’t have final recommendations. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Bringing Democrats back to their roots
Skip to main content Danbury, CT Bethel, CT Newtown, CT New Milford, CT Southbury, CT Southeast-Brewster, NY Monroe, CT Ridgefield, CT Woodbury-Middlebury, CT Oxford, CT Connecticut Top National News See All Communities Thank you to our Local Business Sponsor: GxG Builders Connecticut is a commuter state with interstate exits every country mile and rural roads that have more turns and veers than the loop on the Candy Land board. Some of them are dotted with speed scoreboards.
Suburban town; lots of traffic
Skip to main content Danbury, CT Bethel, CT Newtown, CT New Milford, CT Southbury, CT Southeast-Brewster, NY Monroe, CT Ridgefield, CT Woodbury-Middlebury, CT Oxford, CT Connecticut Top National News See All Communities BROOKFIELD – Particularly for a town with about one-third the land of either neighboring New Milford and Newtown, Brookfield generates a lot of traffic.
Dunn says selectmen will hold input sessions to generate support for expanding police facilities
BROOKFIELD – First Selectman Steve Dunn says he anticipates the ad-hoc Police Building Committee will recommend that a new headquarters be built on the corner parcel of the municipal campus along Silvermine Road. Former Police Chief Jay Purcell, the chairman of the ad-hoc committee, said at a May 16 public input session that he preferred that option. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Ninth annual Thanksgiving Day race to raise money for two charities
ROXBURY – The ninth annual Roxbury Road Runners Club Thanksgiving Day Charity Race will provide runners with a rolling 3.1-mile course to navigate and generate funds for two local civic groups. The race will be run on Thursday, November 26, 9 a.m., starting and finishing near the Everett B. Hurlburt Community Park, 18 Apple Lane.
Salary hike, Citizens' Election Program make General Assembly more effective
DANBURY – Bob Godfrey is sitting along restaurant row, on the city’s vibrant West Side which has more foreign establishments – Irish, French, Korean, German, Italian, Chinese Japanese, Brazilian, Mexican, Jamaican - than American. In a state that for eons has had trouble attracting younger people to its cities – Millennials and Generation Z residents have a place to dance and party. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Effective training ground
BETHEL – Tough Tommy Meskill was mayor of New Britain at age 33, served in Congress during the Johnson Great Society and the Nixon New Federalism and is one of only four Republicans to be elected governor since Connecticut adopted a four-year term in 1950. Friends say he insisted his toughest job was being mayor. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch. Residents would rather eat stale tuna salad for two months than pay their property taxes.
Voters: Frustrated by inflation at gas pumps, supermarkets, real estate offices
BETHEL –What did he learn in 2024 that will help him in 2026 to become the first Democrat to capture the 28th District state Senate seat for the first time since Barry Manilow made his 1974 debut on American Bandstand? “I have a funny answer,” says Rob Blanchard of Fairfield, who is making his second bid in the district, which covers Fairfield, Newtown, Bethel and Easton. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Trying to make government more accountable
By Scott Benjamin NEWTOWN –From the time Hoss and Little Joe rode their thoroughbreds along the Ponderosa, television networks have targeted 18-to-55-year-olds – who drive Nissans, order Big Whoppers and SCUBA-dive at Sandals. But when it comes to candidates winning elections, the folks trying to place five Bingo chips in a row at the senior picnic carry more influence. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Harding says Zimmer wasn't the first to qualify for Citizens' Election Program grant
By Scott Benjamin BROOKFIELD – State Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding contends that his Democratic challenger in the 30th District, Aaron Zimmer, recently distributed an erroneous news release that stated Zimmer was the first of the candidates to qualify for a state Citizens’ Elections Program grant.
State will not announce decision on compressor expansion until fall
By Scott Benjamin BROOKFIELD = The verdict on the most-discussed topic at the Board of Selectmen’s meetings over the last year and a half apparently won’t be rendered until this fall. That is the latest message from the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), which is considering the air quality application for a proposed $272 million expansion of the Iroquois Gas Transmission System plant near High Meadow Lane.
Working class Republican
By Scott Benjamin BROOKFIELD – Matt Corey recalls when Danbury Road from New Milford to Brookfield didn’t have two lanes on each side with a grass divider in between and the Route 7 bypass was only on the drawing board, because of too little federal money and too much bureaucratic gobbledygook. Or that there wasn’t a need for an additional traffic light so the residents at New Milford’s Willow Springs condominiums could safely make a left-hand turn.
Connecticut's lack of housing supply will likely continue
By Scott Benjamin DANBURY – Among Mets Hall of Fame catchers, who was better: Gary (The Kid) Carter or Mike (The Monster) Piazza? Mensah Robinson, who has been following the blue and orange from Flushing since Davy Johnson was at the helm, said Carter was better at managing pitchers but Piazza had “a better offensive profile.” Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A generation later, Foncello says Brookfield Town Center is good, but could be better
By Scott Benjamin NEWTOWN –The stake-holders for the Brookfield Route 7 bypass had assembled in room 133 of the Brookfield Municipal Center on a seasonably warm July afternoon 26 years ago. U.S. Rep. Jim Maloney (D-5) of Danbury had called the meeting and Lt. Gov. M. Jodi Rell (R-Brookfield) was sitting near him. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Kerton wants to end half century of GOP rule in 107th District
By Scott Benjamin BROOKFIELD – The last time a Democrat took the checkered flag in the 107th state House District, Chuck Noll wasn’t sure if Terry Bradshaw should be his starting quarterback and Gerald Ford was distributing WIN (Whip Inflation Now) buttons. The district, which has always included all of Brookfield, and currently also includes the Hawleyville section of Newtown and the Stony Hill portion of Bethel, has elected six Brookfield Republicans consecutively since 1976.
Ad-hoc committee chairman prefers new police station on Silvermine Road
By Scott Benjamin BROOKFIELD – The Miracle Mile is not about Brookfield High School graduate Tommy Consalvo posting insane splits as he strides along Long Meadow Hill Road and rewrites his course record while lapping the field in the in the WeCare Mother’s Day Run. No, The Miracle Mile has marquee commercial titles: McDonald’s, Costco, B.J.’s, Chick fil-A, Shop Rite. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Harding calls for at least a two-month gas tax holiday
By Scott Benjamin MORRIS – When Stephen Harding was a kid, the Yankees captured four world championships under Joe Torre, the federal government had budget surpluses and the United States hadn’t entered into Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China. But while in college there was a subprime mortgage crisis and the Great Recession. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Democrat Zimmer offers progressive platform
By Scott Benjamin LITCHFIELD – He puts a white strip of paper on the floor to designate where the speakers should stand and makes sure that the iPad is properly programmed. Then Aaron Zimmer checks to ensure that the camera and tripod are in correct alignment. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Berthel endorses temporary suspension of gas taxes
By Scott Benjamin At nearly $5 a gallon, gas prices in Connecticut have escalated to where they were a generation ago in Japan. And unlike Tokyo, there have been no sightings in the Nutmeg State of gas station attendants wearing white gloves and directing traffic so the customers can re-enter the highway. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Lamont blames Trump, GOP Congress for increasing federal deficit
By Scott Benjamin NORWALK – It was time to throw the confetti and sound the trumpets. On September 30, 1998 the federal government produced a budget surplus. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch. That hadn’t happened since 1969, about the time that the Miracle Mets clinched the National League East crown and were ascending toward their first World Championship.
Himes calls on Congress to assert its war authority
By Scott Benjamin NORWALK – The last group through the greeting line is smiling as they pose with U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-4). One of the members of the convention delegation proudly holds the “New Canaan” placard and Himes’ campaign manager, Francesca Capodilupo, takes a photo. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch. Himes of Greenwich has captured the Democratic convention nomination for a 10th consecutive time.
Third annual Bridgewater race set for August 9
Skip to main content Danbury, CT Bethel, CT Newtown, CT New Milford, CT Southbury, CT Southeast-Brewster, NY Monroe, CT Ridgefield, CT Woodbury-Middlebury, CT Oxford, CT Connecticut Top National News See All Communities Thank you to our Local Business Sponsor: Hat City Vets By Scott Benjamin BRIDGEWATER – One of the few five-kilometer foot races in Connecticut that is run all along trails will have a third rendition this summer.
Dunn still anticipates that DEEP will approve compressor station expansion
By Scott Benjamin BROOKFIELD – First Selectman Steve Dunn had an audience recently in a domed building with someone who belongs to an honor society that just has 89 members over centuries and who has a land preserve in his name in neighboring Bridgewater. However, Dunn and Gov.
Fazio displays cool, savvy confidence
By Scott Benjamin ORANGE – Can a Yankees fan who is a Republican from Greenwich and was in college when the Bronx Bombers captured their only world championship under Joe Girardi take the governorship away from a Yankees fan who is a Democrat from Greenwich and was in graduate school when the team won its only world championship under Bob Lemon? Even Yankee General Manger Brian Cashman, who lives in Darien, can’t provide the answer.
Police Building Committee to seek input on three options
By Scott Benjamin BROOKFIELD – Residents will provide input later this month on three options to address an outdated police headquarters that opened nearly 40 years ago. The ad-hoc Police Building Committee will hold three sessions to get feedback on whether to expand the current headquarters, which opened in 1987 at 63 Silvermine Road on the municipal campus.
Commercial, apartment development surges, but few houses are on the market
By Scott Benjamin BROOKFIELD –Around the corner from the dining area - near the framed photos of the UConn women’s and men’s basketball players - hang two T-shirts from 2024 announcing the 40th anniversary of “The Great Round One.” A News-Times story on the wall shows that Bagelman opened in 1984 – when Bruce Springsteen and Courtney Cox danced on stage in the MTV video. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Dunn believes DEEP will approve expansion of natural gas compressor station
Politics & Government First selectman says he is disappointed over lack of response from Gov. Lamont Posted Fri, Apr 17, 2026 at 8:05 am ET|Updated Fri, Apr 17, 2026 at 12:27 pm ET By Scott Benjamin BROOKFIELD – The large sign reading “No Pipeline Expansion Behind WMS” has a number attached to it. 1,900 feet – as in a little more than six football fields. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Where to build? How much to spend?
Politics & Government Brookfield nears a decision on expanding police facilities Posted Mon, Apr 13, 2026 at 2:21 pm ET By Scott Benjamin Jack Webb narrates: “This is the town – Brookfield, Connecticut. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch. During the 1960s, per capita it grew in population more than any municipality in Connecticut.
Kerton running for Democratic nomination in 107th state House District
Politics & Government It hasn't gone blue since 1974 Posted Tue, Mar 31, 2026 at 7:16 am ET By Scott Benjamin BROOKFIELD – David Scribner has recalled that when he was 19 years old in 1976, he went to Republican campaign headquarters on Station Road on election day and Bonnie Smith, who would go on to spend 12 years as Brookfield’s first selectman, was manning the phones, encouraging voters to go to the polls. Dave Smith, who was then Bonnie Smith’s husband, would be elected that night.
Rock guitarist sings a political song
Politics & Government Brookfield's Aaron Zimmer runs for seat in sprawling state Senate District Posted Fri, Mar 27, 2026 at 7:19 am ET|Updated Fri, Mar 27, 2026 at 8:36 am ET By Scott Benjamin BROOKFIELD – He never made the cover of the Rolling Stone, but will he get to sit in one of the 36 leather, mahogany chairs in the Senate Circle? The last time the 30th District elected a Democrat the Reggie Bar had just hit the market.
Dunn anticipates police headquarters will remain on municipal campus
Politics & Government First selectman says ad-hoc committee will make recommendation in June Posted Wed, Mar 4, 2026 at 11:39 am ET By Scott Benjamin BROOKFIELD – Residents went to referendum in January 1981, voted in favor of buying the Ptak parcel and about two years later wondered why a municipality of about 13,000 people had a town hall so large. “People thought it was a Taj Mahal,” Bonnie Smith said many years later.
Navy Seal endorses Trump's polices on securing border, economy
Politics & Government Shea considered favorite in three-way race for Republican nomination in Fifth Congressional District Posted Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 9:34 am ET By Scott Benjamin CHESHIRE – The United States embassy in Mexico City is the biggest of its kind – measuring “a whole city block” - and from 2014 to 2016 when Navy Seal Chris Shea was stationed there with Special Forces, each morning there was a line circling around it with natives who wanted to have the opportunity to live in America.
For Burley, it was very Elementary
Politics & Government Founder of Roxbury Road Race Series says in the primary grades, students are 'enthusiastic' and 'want to play games' Posted Tue, Feb 24, 2026 at 9:40 am ET By Scott Benjamin He threw blocks in high school to protect the Big Tuna. He was an Ivy League classmate of RKK. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Zimmer to seek Democratic nomination in 30th state Senate District
Politics & Government Last Democratic victory came when Ella Grasso was governor Posted Tue, Feb 24, 2026 at 9:26 am ET BROOKFIELD -- Not long ago it was the site of the Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce. But after that organization transitioned into the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, that vacant space at 499 Federal Road became the Brookfield Democratic Town Committee headquarters nearly three years ago. It has become a permanent site, which has hosted U.S. Sen.
Republican Senate leader off and running for a third term in 30th District
Politics & Government Harding says traffic signal near Willow Springs could be installed within a year Posted Tue, Feb 17, 2026 at 6:05 pm ET By Scott Benjamin NEW MILFORD – There is a sign at Housatonic River Brewing on how to say “A Beer Please” in every language from Hungarian to Japanese. Wednesday is trivia night and on March 4 it will be about Mel Brooks movies. Find out what's happening in Brookfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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