What happened in New Orleans reminds us what the most fundamental purpose of government really is - to pool our resources and accomplish together what we cannot accomplish alone, to protect us all from the things we can't control to lift us all from the gut-wrenching poverty no one should ever have to endure.

After watching with frustration as we failed as a nation to do these things for the families in New Orleans, we have opened New Haven to 100 families whose homes were destroyed. We will provide them with housing, food, clothing, employment training and schooling. This effort will require all us to work together-but it is our chance to make a significant difference in the lives of our fellow citizens.

I have been overwhelmed already by the generosity of so many of you. The phones haven't stopped ringing with calls from people who want to do their part. Please click here to sign up to make a contribution to the New Haven Hurricane Relief Fund or to donate necessary items.

When faced with crises here and abroad, the generosity of my supporters has been inspiring. Not long ago I appealed to many of you to provide monetary help for victims of the tsunami. Sadly, now I am appealing to you to help victims here in our own country.

Undoubtedly by now you have been overwhelmed by the images of devastation caused along the Gulf coast by Hurricane Katrina. Many have asked how they can help. My office at the City of New Haven has organized a city-wide appeal for donations to the Red Cross that will go directly to provide aid to victims of the Hurricane.

I have asked all city employees to support this appeal at whatever level they can. I want to ask you to please do the same. You can contribute online the Red Cross website by clicking on the link to the right.

Please pass this message along to anyone who think would be willing to give.

Let’s keep the victims of Hurricane Katrina in our prayers. Together, I hope we can make a small difference in the lives of our fellow citizens.

Again the federal government falls short on addressing the energy crisis in America. Instead of addressing our dependence on fossil fuels, and foreign energy through the promotion of alternative sources – the bill takes an archaic approach to energy by giving tax breaks for oil companies. We need to instead focus on renewable energy. Renewable energy will help protect the environment, will help our local energy technology businesses and will help save us money.

New Haven has taken the lead in Connecticut on this issue. It was the first city in Connecticut to commit to 20% renewable energy by 2010. Through a combination of a variety of alternative energy sources including: fuel cells, hydrogen powered buses, solar panels, and hybrid cars, New Haven has been able to reduce its energy dependence and save money!

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I attended my first house meeting last Wednesday night. Well, I did more than just attend a house meeting, I actually hosted one. I made the decision to be the first person on the staff to be a host because I felt that I was in a unique position compared to everyone else because I am from Norwalk and the majority of the staff lives in New Haven. So I did what most people would do in my position: I invited a group of my buddies who I knew would show up, and I knew they would show their support for John because I worked for him. As we began by going around the room giving a quick reason why we were there, everyone down to my brother and sister-in-law said that they were there because I had asked them to come. At least they were honest.

The debate over Connecticut’s use of the death penalty is taking place in the CT House of Representatives this afternoon, and by all indications, the proposed bill that would abolish the state's use of the death penalty is not going to pass.

As we each take a personal account of our feelings on this issue, and as we continue to hope that more elected officials publicly stand on our side, it cannot go unnoticed the tremendous amount of strength and courage that one woman in particular showed this afternoon - Vivian Dobson.

Vivian’s story was articulated wonderfully by Helen Ubinas in today’s Hartford Courant, and her emotional plea was delivered for the entire State to witness just before this afternoon’s debate was set to begin. I won’t try condense her words or emotion here, I’ll just encourage you to read and watch for yourself. More....