Mator Stewart's Veto Message On Resolution #30815

November 17, 2009


Mr. Peter J. Denuzze
Town and City Clerk
27 West Main Street
New Britain, CT 06051

Dear Mr. Denuzze:

Today more than ever, the City of New Britain relies on its regional partners to perform some of our larger government services more efficiently. Whether it be solid waste management under the Bristol Resource Recovery Facility Operating Committee (BRRFOC), regional planning under the Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency (CCRPA) or waste management at the Mattabassett District, our City has a large financial stake in these joint ventures that will impact our taxpayers for decades to come.

These financial impacts necessitate that the New Britain's representatives on these regional boards not only have the appropriate knowledge and expertise to advocate for the best interests of our community, but also must have strong ethical and moral leadership. Appointments to these regional boards are not ceremonial positions awarded to the political faithful, they are critical jobs that have serious consequences to the City and its residents and as such merit scrutiny to ensure that board representatives meet the desired criteria.

Given the importance to the City of these regional appointments, I must take exception to one of the Common Council’s recent appointments to the Mattabassett District Commission, that of William Candelori. My objections are based on both the questionable ethics surrounding Mr. Candelori’s career as well as the quality of representation during his term as a Mattabassett commissioner and chair.

In 1992, Mr. Candelori pled guilty in Federal court to charges of income tax evasion. Subsequently in a 1995 settlement, he was permanently barred by the Securities and Exchange Commission from associating with any broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, investment advisor or investment company for his role in the Colonial Realty scandal. This investment scheme negatively impacted many local residents and businesses who invested in this company. Currently, Mr. Candelori’s name is currently mentioned in association with an investigation into alleged bribery and fraud at Foxwoods Casino.
Denuzze
Page Two
November 17, 2009

Aside from Mr. Candelori’s past and possibly current ethical lapses, he has not been a strong advocate for the best interests of New Britain taxpayers. He has been tardy and often unresponsiveness to questions from City department’s, including the Mayor’s office, on questions on the operations of the Mattabassett District. He has not vigorously pursued negotiations with the City of Middletown as a way to resolve revenue and operating issues at the District. Most recently, Mr. Candelori politicized a misunderstanding regarding a penalty against the City for an alleged late payment of the annual assessment – which was later cleared up at the Board level.

I do not take this step lightly as I am always reluctant to cast aspersions on New Britain residents who give of their time and talents to public service by serving on local boards and commissions. But Mr. Candelori by virtue of his record, both with his business related ethical challenges as well as his actions as a Mattabassett commissioner require that I take steps to ensure that New Britain has the best possible representation on the Mattabassett Board.

For the above reasons, and with all due respect to the members of the Common Council, I hereby veto Resolution #30815 passed on November 12, 2009.

Sincerely,



Timothy T. Stewart
Mayor, City of New Britain

TTS/lrc