Malloy denounces KKK fliers in Milford

Governor Dannel Malloy speaks to the media in front of Milford Town Hall about the recent neighborhood watch leaflets left by the United Klans of America, in downtown Milford, Conn. on Wednesday July 10, 2013. Governor Dannel Malloy speaks to the media in front of Milford Town Hall about the recent neighborhood watch leaflets left by the United Klans of America, in downtown Milford, Conn. on Wednesday July 10, 2013. Photo: Christian Abraham Photo: Christian Abraham Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close Malloy denounces KKK fliers in Milford 1 / 17 Back to Gallery

MILFORD -- Gov. Dannel P. Malloy stood on the steps of City Hall on a sweltering Wednesday afternoon to declare that any group with connections to the Ku Klux Klan is not welcome in the state.

"There is no body of people who want you in Connecticut," said Malloy, who was joined by Mayor Benjamin G. Blake and more than 20 local and state officials.

All were there to denounce the delivery of "Neighborhood Watch" fliers to the driveways of nearly 50 homes this week from United Klans of America. Most of the fliers were left along streets in the northern part of town, police said.

"This did not just shock Milford. It shocked the state of Connecticut," Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said. "You know, the people of Milford can do very, very well without the Klan around."

Police Chief Keith Mello said there is a city ordinance that protects residents from getting unwanted material from known hate groups.

"We called the phone number on the flier and left a message with them, telling them that they are violating the law," Mello said. "If you see people passing out this material, let us know."

He said that nearly 50 fliers were distributed, all wrapped in plastic sandwich bags weighted by white marble chips, most on Monday and a few more on Tuesday.

"This is not a legitimate `Neighborhood Watch' organization, and we're not interested in partnering in a group with that kind of ideology," Mello said.

"This type of illegal activity will be treated very seriously by my office," added Kevin D. Lawlor, state's attorney for the Ansonia-Milford judicial district. "We've had other incidents like this, and those individuals can attest to that."

Several people held signs that read, "Hatred Doesn't Belong in Milford," and similar slogans.

"I'm happy to lend my weight to the issue," said Frank Lyons, who carried one of the signs.

"These recent events have shocked Milford because this is not what Milford is all about," Blake said. "We're here to celebrate diversity. Milford is a place that has always taught respect, diversity and tolerance."

Malloy said there was some discussion between him and others on whether it would be prudent to "elevate this issue" any further.

"But it's clear that these fliers have captured people's attention," he said. "It was in the news. If someone did this and nobody heard about it, well, perhaps we would respond differently. I don't want someone soiling our state's reputation or Milford's reputation."

Members of the local clergy turned out in force.

"I was shocked to hear that things like this are still going on in this day and age," said the Rev. Cynthia Knapp, of St. Peter's Episcopal Church.

"It's an attempt at recruitment, which is sickening," said the Rev. Christopher Files, of the Milford Trinity Lutheran Church.

"Racism is bubbling up again, and it continues to be a cancer in our society," said the Rev. Doug Clark, of the First United Church of Christ.