Government

‘Hurtful and Baseless Allegations’: Handler Says Moynihan Is Lying [UPDATED]

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Former New Canaan Emergency Management Director Mike Handler, ousted by First Selectman Kevin Moynihan this week, on Friday morning issued a statement saying the latter has lied about the circumstances of his dismissal. While “saddened” by Moynihan’s “hurtful and baseless allegations,” Handler said in a written statement, “I trust that my 20 years of public service to our Town stand on their own and speak louder than his lies.”

“I cannot thank you all enough for your support, but I will not engage at Mr. Moynihan’s level,” Handler said in the statement. “The good of the Town must come first. We must not forget that we are in the midst of a monumental human rights movement, a pandemic, and unprecedented unemployment.”

The popular and widely respected emergency management director resigned Wednesday at Moynihan’s request. The first selectman has hinted that Handler somehow mistreated town employees while helping guide New Canaan through the COVID-19 public health emergency, though it hasn’t been made clear what happened that would merit dismissal. New Canaanites have reacted strongly on social media and local news comments threads, saying they’re shocked by Handler’s ouster and seeking a way to have the volunteer reinstated.

COVID-19 New Canaan

Full Disclosure: Let’s Face It 

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As Connecticut slowly eases restrictions, I am happy to test the waters and get back to some semblance of living—even if it means that in order to leave my home I must cover my face like a botched plastic surgery victim. 

To break free from house arrest and re-enter society responsibly, I am armed with every sort of face covering that has to come to market. And since I am not one to shy away from accessorizing, my cache of enviable facewear is ready for serious action, and some mild interaction. 

Over the past few months, I have put my masks through rounds of stress tests and unusual scenarios to strike the perfect balance between safety and comfort. Gauging the perfect fit and feel is no easy feat, especially when you are not a fan of getting a steam facial with your own breath. Try cleaning the entire house with a mask on (to avoid a serious dust allergy), or attempt jogging through Waveny huffing your own exhaust. Been there, done that.

Homepage Featured

Moynihan: Emergency Management Director Out After ‘Disagreement’ Over COVID Testing [UPDATED]

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Update 9:45 p.m. Wednesday 

First Selectman Kevin Moynihan late Wednesday issued a statement regarding his request that Mike Handler resign as director of emergency management. According to the statement (printed in full below), Handler’s “role as EMD was to coordinate and communicate as the ‘voice’ of the EOC [Emergency Operations Center], but not as the ultimate decision maker.”

“Throughout any crisis, and especially during this pandemic emergency, decisions must be made after thoughtful and respectful discussion and debate,” Moynihan said in the statement. “While all of this coordination may have appeared seamless to the greater community, regrettably, recent circumstances have required me to make this change in staffing.”

Update 12:45 p.m. Wednesday 

Mike Handler issued the following statement via email: “There are so many reasons why I love to call New Canaan home, and why I have spent over 20 years volunteering for our town — the last 9 years as Emergency Management Director. I have always promised that I would only do what is in the best interest of the people of New Canaan. This promise is one that I am unable to keep under Mr. Moynihan.

Business

Local Businesses and COVID-19: Studio Elan

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For today’s Q&A with a local business, we talk to Elan McDowell, a hair stylist, educator and consultant and owner of Studio Elan. The Park Street business is taking clients by appointment 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Here’s our interview. New Canaanite: You’re just reopening now under a new model, a new system with the COVID-19 restrictions. How are you faring?

Business

Local Businesses and COVID-19: Cava Wine Bar & Restaurant

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For today’s Q&A with a local business, we talk to Nube Siguenza, executive chef and owner at Cava Wine Bar & Restaurant. The Forest Street restaurant is open seven days per week for lunch and dinner, starting at noon and going to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 10 p.m. Thursday Friday and Saturday. New Canaanite: It’s been less than two weeks since you were able to reopen for more than pickup and delivery How are you doing? Nube Siguenza: It’s very hard. We have to work harder and harder to make less.