Radiofree West Hartford -- Saegerbund Beerfest Recap by Tom Evers

August 30, 2002

Name Change

Somewhere out there I'm sure there's a column with a similar name. But because there is no real trademark on "intellectual property", I'm not about to research it. Happily at least, I will no longer be confused with large, liberal women with crazy political positions.

As mentioned in an earlier column, I enjoy sailing as a fun pastime. So the concept of a "Crow's Nest" is that I'm up above, looking out and watching everything -- seems to work. And it's even to a small degree - creative. And I even made our editor, Don Dodd, laugh so that must stand for something. (One must at least keep the editor happy).

Now I need a cartoon of sorts to post with the column title. I'll let that go for now.

Saegerbund Beerfest Recap - a few political sightings to note

All I can say is "Prosit!"(Cheers) to our friends down at the Hartford Saengerbund!

What an incredible time! It's hard to imagine 8,000 people linking arms, singing, and swaying back and forth to um-pa-pa music! But I saw it with my own eyes! As one gentleman told me, he is a member of the Ancient Hiberians and goes to the annual Irish Fest in Glastonbury, and he also attends the German Fest in Newington (which is unfortunately run biannually instead of annually as it should be), and the difference between the Irish Fest and the German Fest is that the people basically do little more than stand around and drink at the Irish Fest, and the people "party", dance and enjoy themselves at the German Fest. That pretty much sums it up. I attend both events and made the same observation.

It's hard to imagine Newington town officials smiling and having a good time with a few drops of Jaegermeister in them. It's really amazing how alcohol brings out the human in all of us - even the politicos. One of the German Band members told me, "Schnapps brings out the devils in your mind." Very reassuring.

Even with the Fest as lively as it was, there weren't any problems. Newington Police told me that the Fest is so well organized and there are hardly any incidents. This makes for a pleasurable experience without the fear of madmen lurking in the crowd.

Of course whenever there are large crowds, there are always politicians on the scene.

While sipping schnapps and eating potato pancakes, I ran into State Senator "Doc" Gunther. For those that don't know Doc, he is the ultimate Republican in the Connecticut. Doc is a first class guy and a wonderful person. He apparently is also a great friend of the German Club. Doc knows me from my campaign work and quickly invited me to sit.

If you know anything about Doc Gunther, he does not hold back what's on his mind. So in mixed company (before I could even ask him how he was doing), Doc pointed to me and exclaimed rather loudly, "John [Rowland] needs to get off his ass and do something!" Doc continued to express - rather colorfully - his displeasure at how Governor John Rowland's team was going about their campaigning methodology this year. Now I'm sure the Senator had probably had a few beers, but the indication was that he was very unhappy with the way the Republican team is performing is somewhat alarming. Doc went on to be fairly critical of the visibility, planning and execution of the campaign.

What this means is that if Senator Gunther is concerned at this stage of the game, then we all should be. Gunther is a stronghold in the Republican party and one of the most connected and well respected members of the Caucus. He is an inner circle guy with extended oversight.

Memo to the Gov: Contact "Doc" Gunther and get your act together. The idea of four years of Bill Curry is about as appetizing as eating a lice sandwich. Yeah, it's that bad!

Also seen wandering was Phil Steele who is reportedly running for Congress on behalf Republicans in Connecticut's First District.

I stood by and watched Steel shake hands and speak with people. Now Phil is probably a nice guy, but what struck me most was that Phil was on the outside of the gate, standing five feet from the ticket cashier, shaking hands instead of inside the fest grounds schmoozing with the electorate.

Phil, who needs all the help he can find, could have benefited by paying the lousy $6 entrance fee and spent the evening sitting down with people and selling himself -- as other politicians were doing. Instead, he was basically chatting at people who were reaching for their wallets who had the look of "look buddy, I'm trying to get into the beerfest, I'm thirsty, leave me the heck alone."

Watching five minutes of this was more than I could stomach.

It didn't even look like he had a staff there supporting him. No signs, no brochures, nothing! If this is a sign of Republican activity in the First District, then we are in trouble.

Of course, I should mention that his Democratic opponent, incumbent John Larson was nowhere to be found.