Mattabassett Chairman 3 Years Delinquent On Real Estate Taxes!

According to the records of the tax collector’s office, Dr. William Candelori, PhD, Chairman of the Mattabassett District currently owes the City of New Britain a total of $9,306.10 in delinquent real estate taxes for a property located at 25 Pierremount Avenue:

2009 taxes: $836.76, plus interest of $87.85, a lien fee of $24.00, for a total due of $948.61

2010 taxes $4,894.88, plus interest of $881.04, a lien fee of $24.00, for a total due of $5,799.92

2011 taxes: $2,447.44, plus interest of $110.13, for a total due of $2,557.57

If the name William Candelori sounds familiar to you, that might be because he was one of the principals of Colonial Realty, which was involved in what is arguably the biggest Ponzi scheme of the time (until Bernie Madoff) and probably of all time here in Connecticut. Dr. Candelori emerged from the scandal with a felony conviction of “tax evasion” for failing to report hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal income and he was also barred by the Securities and Exchange Commission from associating with anyone involved in the securities or investment business.

Citing Candelori’s “past record of ethical challenges and conduct as a commissioner” then Mayor Timothy Stewart vetoed Candelori’s appointment to the Mattabassett District. The mayor’s veto message reads in part: “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” (Resolution #30815—veto message).

It was common knowledge at the time that the chairman, whomsoever that would be, would hold a position to oversee the more than $100 million renovations to the plant. However, council Democrats apparently didn’t share that concern for someone who would control over $100 million in taxpayer dollars. Led by Michael Trueworthy and his sidekick Phil Sherwood, they went on what could be described as a crusade to defend Mr. Candelori and in December 2009 they led the override of the mayor's veto of this appointment on a purely partisan vote (4 Republicans voted to sustain the veto, while 11 Democrats voted to override the veto--thereby appointing Candelori).

So now you have it, a convicted felon put into such a position of trust by council Democrats, and he is currently delinquent on 3 years worth of property taxes.

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