City News Briefs

State Pledges $3 Million for Charter Oak Job Center
The ongoing revitalization of the Charter Oak Terrace housing complex received a big financial shot in the arm Monday when Governor John Rowland announced that the state has committed $3 million to help fund a new job center at the complex.

The total cost for the center is estimated at $12 million. In addition to the state funding, the city has committed $1 million and various state agencies have pledged an additional $1.7 million. The City has also applied for federal funding and a decision is expected this fall.

The new job center is a key element in the revitalization of Charter Oak. The project also includes the demolition of approximately 1,000 units of housing, the construction of 130 new single-family and duplex homes and the creation of a new business park.

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Arbitrators Rule Against City Union
On Monday a panel of three state arbitrators refused a proposal from the city's largest labor union for a three- percent wage increase for each of the next three years. Instead, the arbitrators, from the State Board of Mediation and Arbitration, awarded Local 1716 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees pay increases of only one percent for each of the next three years.

Local 1716's members include city hall employees, public works and parks employees and police dispatchers.

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Nappier to Address African-American Leaders
Hartford City Treasurer Denise Nappier, the endorsed Democratic Candidate for State Treasurer, will give the keynote address at the African-American Summit this Saturday, August 29, at Immanuel Baptist Church in New Haven.

Among the 200 state leaders expected to attend the summit are Maurice Mosley, former State Treasurer Hank Parker, Rev. Wade Hyslop and Ann Summerville.

Nappier is the first woman and first African-American to serve as Treasurer of the City of Hartford. She has been re-elected four times since first winning the office in 1989.

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McDonald's Donates $7,800 to City Slicker Program
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts recently donated $7,800 to the City Slickers Program. The program, which was founded in 1993, provides inner city youngsters from Hartford with the opportunity to learn how to horseback ride. The money will be used to buy clothing and riding equipment for the youngsters.

The City Slickers program is held at a farm in Wolcott, CT.
Youngsters who participate in the program are also responsible the feeding and caring of the horses.