Mayor Toni Harp

Cash strapped New Haven is requesting $217,597 from Connecticut taxpayers for the construction of a splash pad at DeGale Field after the city gave $250,000 in bonuses to 37 management employees.

Facing a $4.6 billion deficit over the next biennium, lawmakers will find themselves in the position of a political captive — hands tied, blind-folded and locked in a dingy basement.