Since this past summer, Mayor Stewart has not been holding leadership meetings with Council leaders. In retaliation,
Democrats Mike Trueworthy and Phil Sherwood have decided to make him “pay.” Word has it that Mike and Phil choose one or two items from each Council meeting agenda to rail against in an attempt to make the Mayor’s life miserable Last night’s meeting (11/10/10) would not disappoint. What should have been a 15 minute meeting turned out to last hours.
In their inimitable, scheming, narcissistic and egotistical manner, the dynamic duo chose to attack a huge project, the building of the proposed Police Station in downtown, New Britain. As has been the case for the seven years that Stewart has been Mayor, Council Democrats have attempted to delay or block any project for which the Mayor may receive credit.
At the start of the meeting, Alderwoman Sylvia Cruz resigned from her Council position and was replaced by Emanuel Sanchez. Since Alderman Pabon (R) could not attend the meeting, Sanchez would be a needed security vote for Democratic scheming.
A resolution on the agenda would have approved initial funding to pay for initial building projects . Democrats balked! Why? Initially it was a contest of parsing of words. However the ultimate goal was soon apparent. Block the project. After repeating ad nauseum how much the dynamic duo does for the city, Trueworthy and Sherwood successfully changed the wording of the resolution to remove the address of the proposed project. This meant that a police station might be built, but where? Three Democrats joined the three Republicans in voting to stop this action. It was not enough. Trueworthy and Sherwood prevailed.
What this move may mean for New Britain is, federal funding and State funding may be withdrawn, financial penalties may ensue, hundreds of union construction jobs may be lost, and breach of contract suits may be issued! Way to go Democrats!
Finally, as the meeting ended and in a disgustingly utter show of hubris. Trueworthy exclaimed loudly, “ I just saved the City $33 million!” Really Mike? Read previous paragraph. The owner of Vito’s restaurant was at this meeting; I’m sure he was pleased with that statement.
Lou Salvio, Republican Alderman