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NBRTC Questions Democratic Mayoral Candidate’s Fundraising Efforts
NEW BRITAIN – New Britain Republican Town Committee Chairman Dwight Blint is calling on mayoral candidate State Rep. Tim O’Brien to stop using his current elected position to shake down lobbyists, business owners and special interest groups that have pending business before the state legislature.
“I think it is unfair to all the other mayoral candidates and it gives the appearance of a conflict of interest,” said Blint. “If he gets elected, he will have a decision to make, is he going to be beholden to these contributors or will he serve the best interest of the residents of New Britain?”
“If O’Brien was a man of integrity, he would have stepped down from state office the moment he announced his intention to run for mayor,” Blint said. “It’s unfortunate that the current system allows him to play both sides of the fence, and also remain in state office if elected. The laws should change.”
“At the very least, he should announce whether he plans to step down if elected mayor. As things now stand, he can use is office to pay retribution in January to individuals and organizations that fail to donate to his mayoral campaign, whether he wins or not.” Blint said.
Blint said he decided to issue a statement after learning that O’Brien had recently hosted a third fundraiser in Hartford. Each fundraiser had a minimum ticket price of $250.00 per person.
“Clearly most residents of New Britain cannot afford that price tag,” Blint said. “This is not an event for them.”
O’Brien’s campaign finance report reveals contributions from many out-of-town individuals and organizations that conduct business with the state. Below is a sample:
Charles Boos, Kaestle Boos architecture firm - $250
Mark Masselli, Community Health Centers Inc. - $250
Central Connecticut Laborers Local 24 - $1,000
Carroll and Cronin Hughes, Hughes and Cronin lobbyist - $500 total
David Crandall, Hospital for Special Care - $500
“These are some of the many people that I don’t think would have contributed to O’Brien if he was not a state legislator that could impact their business,” Blint said.
Conversely, if you look at Mark Bernacki, the Republican candidate for mayor, all his fundraising events have been local and primarily attended by New Britain residents. And, Bernacki has used the funds his campaign has raised to the benefit of local businesses.
“I just thought it was time to say enough is enough! If you look at the Team Bernacki candidates, they are grassroots campaigning – knocking on doors, talking to residents about their concerns and raising their money in small local donations,” said Blint. “Is a candidate hosting out-of-town events with a $250 a ticket really looking out for the working families of New Britain? I think voters need to ask that question.”
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Tim O'Brien claims he cares for the citizens of New Britain and he has done so much to benefit our great city. How come he has these fundraisers in Hartford? Why not New Britain Tim?
ReplyDeleteWhen a aldermanic was going door to door here in NB you were extremely rude by butting into the conversation he was having with a citizen? There is such a thing, even in politics, as common curisticy. Then as the candidate proceded to another house you ran to get to the next home. You then tired of the negative responses you were receiving from the citizens you got in your car and left.
Tim probably didn;t recognize the candidate so just assumed it was two neighbors chatting. Not everyone can be a household name and face like Erin Stewart.
ReplyDeletePerhaps we should put up better candidates like Erin Stewart instead of empty suites.
If ou believe that Erin Stewart is a better candidate than the one O'Brien interrupted, you should do some in depth research.
ReplyDeleteWho did Mr. O"brien interrupt? I want to know so that I can make sure that my neighbors know.
ReplyDeleteWe will do well in the races for council and we should be excited about this. So what if Tim O'Brien is out-fundraising and has all those communists doing doorknocking, and all those slick mailers. In the end, I sleep better knowing that when Tim O'Brien becomes Mayor he will have to deal with more republicans questioning him and putting up road blocks like the dems did for Mayor Strewart.
WTF? Bernacki is going to win! He has way more lawn signs!!!
ReplyDeleteMr. Blint's letter seems whiny and makes it sound like he is thinking of excuses as to why Mark is going to lose.
If the best the republican chair can do is attack the socialist (who should have no tie to money because he is a socialist) for outfundraising our Republican candidate than it is time for a new town chair.
Dwight Blint is way better than Paul Carver...and way better than Hanson. The problem with Mark Bernacki's candidacy is not Dwight Blint. It's Mark.
ReplyDeleteInstead of whining yourself why don't you help Mark win? New Britain's future depends on it. If we think Mark is going to be able to do it all by himself like he is trying to do now than you HAVE IT ALL WRONG.
Let me simplify the issue, and this is for you O'Brien's campaign manager who keeps posting "anonymously."
ReplyDeleteTim O'Brien talks about how effective he is, yet none of the hundreds of bills he has submitted have ever been passed. In fact, none have even made it out of committee.
In terms of fundraising, this is a man who says he will work for the best interest of the city, but is beholden to special interest groups.
He says he cares about working families, but only hosts events for people who can afford a $250 ticket.
If O'Brien thinks he deserves to lead this great city, why isn't he engaging the residents of New Britain instead of shaking down people with business before the state.
It's all about integrity. Mark Bernacki has it. He words and his deed are consistent.
Tim O'Brien on the other hand is little more than a politcal grifter, and I think ever voter should see him for what he truly is.
Dwight F. Blint
If the Democrats retake the office of the Mayor there will be a need to change leadership in the republican party. But we all know, this is not going to happen. The voters are realizing the working family socialist agenda is not their agenda and will elect Mark Bernaki as our next Mayor.
ReplyDelete