Queries pitched at online forum with Picard

Since Molloy and Thompson schools closed in June, city andschools officials have heard many ideas about what should become ofthe buildings.

Tuesday, Mayor John M. Picard heard another such proposal from aNew Haven middle school student.

Sarah Flynn attends the Engineering and Science University MagnetSchool, and is upset about its planned temporary move from StateStreet to 540-560 Ella T. Grasso Blvd. in New Haven. She said theschool would be near a methadone clinic and a homeless shelter thathouses 25 sex offenders.

"It frightens us, so we were kind of wondering if we could maybeuse Molloy or Thompson as our swing space for us just until we getour new school rolling," Sarah asked Picard.

Sarah was the first speaker at the Soundoff LIVE! event at theElm Diner, an hourlong session during which people posed questions -- asked live or submitted via the Internet -- to Picard. The eventwas organized by the Register and streamed live at nhregister.com.

Picard said he would reach out to New Haven Mayor John DeStefanoJr. to discuss finding a temporary and permanent home for the magnetschool.

"I'm happy to get involved and do what I can to help ensure thekids get a quality education and feel safe," he said.

Picard fielded an array of questions about issues includingaffordable housing, blight enforcement, the three fire districts andtaxes during the session, the full broadcast of which is availableat www.nhregister.com.

Also during the event, Marilyn Wilkes, a blogger featured in theRegister's Community Media Lab, asked Picard if he was running forre-election; he said he did not know.

Picard responded to an email question about whether employees ofOperations Management International would be left without healthbenefits, and take a pay cut, when the company ceases to oversee thewastewater treatment plant June 1.

Picard said the city may hire the 20 employees, and that paydecisions are based on what's best for all the taxpayers. He alsosaid all employees would have health benefits.

During one exchange, Picard and Councilwoman Nancy Rossireiterated their positions about eliminating police pensions infavor of 401(k)s: Rossi claimed an actuarial study considering theissue was incomplete; Picard maintained a defined benefits packageis more costly than a 401(k), and the change was beneficial totaxpayers.

Wilkes said she was worried the city is in "dire financialstraits," and was concerned the state could take over at any time.Picard said city finances are better overall, that long-term debthas decreased and that within six years, the city will be virtuallydebt free.

"We've definitely made progress. Am I happy the deficitincreased? No, these are tough financial times," Picard told Wilkes."We're going to address this, we're going to get through this, andat no (time) would I bring in the state to run the city."

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