The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-01-16
By Democratic Legislative Reporter

State Capitol, Hartford, Jan. 16- Appointment of Senator Joseph P. Cooney of Hartford to the judiciary committee was interpreted today as an assertion of independence by the new Democratic state administra- tion. Mayor Thomas J. Spellacy of Hartford is political foe of Sena- tor Cooney and did not wish to see him get the important committee assignment.
 In a politics within politics" move, Senator Frank Murphy of Hartford was also placed on the judiciary committee, presumably at the request of the Spellacy group. Senator Murphy was given the place ] that had been slated for Senator Thomas Curtin, first-term member from Torrington.
 Senator Michael V. Blansfield of Waterbury was not given place on the judiciary committee but, as a peace gesture, was given the chair manship of the important finance committee. This is an unusual honor for first-term Senator. MT. Blans- field was also made chairman Of the banks committee, chairman of the constitutional amendments con- mittee and placed on the federal relations committee.
 On Appropriations
 Senator Edward P. Egan of Waterbury was not assigned to the cities and boroughs committee, but was placed on the important appro- priations committee. He was also made chairman of the public health and safety committee and chairman of the legislative expenses commit tee, and assigned to the committee on capitol furniture and grounds.
 Rep. Daniel J. Mahaney of Water bury was appointed to the appro- priations committee in the house for the third consecutive term.
 Rep. John A. Membrino, newcom- CT from Waterbury, was assigned to the committee on interpretations. The Republican machine in the house dropped Rep. E. O. Smith, Mansfield veteran, from his post as chairman of the banks committee and gave him two minor assign ments. Rep. Smith, an Independent, has been a frequent critic of steam roller" politics in the legislature.
 The two houses were expected to complete settlement of organization al and committee difficulties today. After today's session, the Assembly will recess until next Wednesday.
 Mahaney Teller
 Rep. Daniel Mahaney of Water bury will be teller on the Democra- tic side of the house during the cur rent session of the General Assem- bly,, it was learned today. Official announcement of the appointment has not been made as yet.
 The Waterbury legislator is now serving his sixth term. Yesterday he was named to the appropriations committee of the house, and for sev- eral terms has been the Democratic member of the seat assignment committee.
 Harper Named
 Rep. Charles Harper upset the dope by winning appointment to the appropriations committee as committee assignments were made here yesterday. Fractional opposition in Litchfield county had led to a report that he would not receive any important committee post.
 Rep. Richard Durkin of Nauga- tuck was named to the federal re- lations committee, and Rep. Joseph Jackson of Naugatuck was placed on the committee on senatorial and congressional districts.
 The legislature, meeting only two days this week, will meet only twice again next week, sessions being slated for Wednesday and Thursday.
 Hogan Resigns
 Deputy Commissioner Francis w. Hogan of the motor vehicles de- pratment is one of the five members of the state advisory personnel com- mittee appointed by ex-Gov. Ray mond E. Baldwin who have resigned to allow Gov. Robert A. Hurley to name his own board. MT. Hogan, a resident of Torrington, was one of Factory FOrms-Business Sta
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