Owner of Bristol Mums Inc., he oversees the cultivation of hundreds of thousands of the city's namesake flower every year, shipping them across the country and into Canada as well as selling to friends and neighbors around town.
About 200,000 tiny mums – with and without roots – are sent out by mail every spring, said Heresko.
They're about three or four inches tall, said Heresko, who said he packs them into boxes of 500 plants each.
"We do another 30,000 flowering plants in the fall," said Heresko.
Many of them go to landscapers, Heresko said, but there's also a steady stream of homeowners who come to buy the popular fall flowers.
The city buys about 1,000 mum plants each year, said Heresko, and ESPN buys almost that many. Chippanee Golf Club and housing developments are among the many others who use his mums to beautify their grounds, he said.
Bristol Mums, at 50 Pinehurst Road, used to be part of Bristol Nurseries, said Heresko, who has owned Bristol Mums since 1987 but has worked at the company for 42 years.
Bristol Mums offers more than the basic yellow, purple and white flowers.
"We catalog about 75 to 80" varieties, said Heresko, who created some of them himself.
One of them, he said, is named Vampire.
"It's a bright red," he said. "It's a late flowering one."
He named another variety Carousel. That one, a spider mum, was developed by Roderick Cumming, the son of one of the company's two founders.
Heresko said the breeding and research work he does to develop new varieties is what he likes best as a farmer, but misses most as a business owner because he doesn't have time for it.
Trying to keep the business thriving leaves less time for growing plants, according to Heresko.
"Small business and farming is on the wane in this state," said Heresko.
Bristol Mums has four acres of growing space – two inside greenhouses and two acres of outdoor land for the container-grown plants.
"The original hardy mum was started in Bristol," said Heresko, who remembers when the land across the street was a field of mums. "We used to have bus tours and everything."
In addition to mums, the company grows thousands of geraniums, New Guinea Impatiens, and other plants for hanging baskets. At Christmas, there are poinsettias for sale.
Shoppers looking for Bristol Mums have to go to the source, said Heresko, who said it is "not likely" that any mums at local stores came from his farm, though he said Wojtusik's Nursery and Garden Center does sell them.
At Bristol Mums, the signature plants sell for $2 to $17 each, depending on the size.
Heresko said the popular favorites change from year to year.
"Generally, yellow's the most popular," said Heresko. "This year, red has been fantastically popular."
His own favorite of those he's developed, Heresko said, are the Sombrero, a bright yellow football mum, with blooms that measure four or five inches across.
Some of them are planted in Longwood Gardens, botanical gardens in Pennsylvania, he said.
As for his own yard, Heresko said he's got some mums planted.
"Not as much as people think I do," he said. "I'm never home!"
Bristol Mums is open year round, Heresko said, but there isn't a lot of action in the early part of the year. That's when he's growing the young mums to mail out in the spring, he said.
The spring is the busiest time, said Heresko, with about 10 people working at the company. Fall is plenty busy, too, but the staff then numbers about five, he said.
Jerry Heresko, owner of Bristol Mums Inc., said it's all about the dirt.
"Mums like well-drained, loose soil," said Heresko.
Generally, mums don't freeze, he said.
"They'll rot out first," said Heresko.
Don't toss the snow onto the sleeping mums, Heresko advised.
"The biggest thing is the drainage," said Heresko. "They don't like to be soggy wet."
Wet and muddy soil is deathly for mums, according to Heresko.
"That's the curse," he said.
Mums also appreciate their space, according to Heresko.
"They do not compete very well with other plants, including weeds," said Heresko.
Many homeowners, Heresko said, tuck mums in with green shrubs, but the plants don't do well there.
It's best to give them room, he said.
Mums also like full sun, said Heresko, and
Mums are hungry, too, according to Heresko, and love fertilizer. He said they like a neutral soil and respond well to slow release fertilizer.
"They like a lot of food," said Heresko.
The retirement of longtime city lawyer Ann Baldwin leaves a gaping hole in the city attorney’s office.
Baldwin, a 32-year veteran, was one of two full-time attorneys working for the city.
Her departure means the city has to get by without a corporation counsel – the part-timer who’s supposed to run the office – as well as half its full-time staff.
There are also two part-time assistant city attorneys – and another part-time slot that's vacant.
Mayor Art Ward said Monday he’s “looking through some of the resumes that applied previously and I hope to have some decisions made by the December City Council meeting so we can fill those positions.”
Ward said he plans to fill the slot that Baldwin has held as well as the city attorney’s position.
So far, he said, the office has been getting by without the other part-timer so as long as money is short, the city will try to get by without filling it.
The city attorney’s job has remained vacant since June, when Dale Clift resigned from the part-time post because it was gobbling up too much of his attention and crimping his private practice.
Finding a successor to Baldwin will be tough, city officials said.
Ward said she always did her job “with the utmost professionalism.”
Former Mayor Frank Nicastro, who relied heavily on Baldwin’s advice, said that Baldwin “was right there for us” whenever an issue needed to be resolved.
He said she was the sort of lawyer who didn’t hesitate to speak up.
“I’d say, ‘Why can’t I? I’m the mayor,’” Nicastro said, and then Baldwin would carefully explain the legalities of why he couldn’t do whatever it was he wanted.
“And she was right,” Nicastro said.
Nicastro said her departure is “a great loss for the city,” but after “putting up with us” for so many years, her retirement is well-deserved.
The other full-time city lawyer, Richard Lacey, has long experience as well. Though he’s only been full-time since Mayor Gerard Couture’s administration, he served as the city attorney for years beforehand.
The two part-time lawyers are Edward Krawiecki, Jr and Tom Conlin. Krawiecki is a former city attorney. Conlin, though hired this year, has extensive experience at City Hall as a former member of the Board of Finance.
City councilors agreed recently to consider allowing municipal board members to participate in meetings without actually attending them.
First-term city Councilor David Mills said that more people would be able to participate if they could sometimes attend through web-based meeting programs or other electronic means.
“Maybe the pool could be increased” of possible board members if the city made the change, Mills said.
At the suggestion of an assistant city attorney, Edward Krawiecki, Jr, the council voted unanimously to have the Ordinance Committee explore the idea.
The city charter requires members and alternates of every board, commission or committee to “regularly attend meetings” and mandates they be thrown off if they miss 60 percent of the regular sessions during the year or if they skip three in a row.
It doesn't define what attendance means. State law doesn't appear to resolve the issue either, though it is clear that meetings can be held over the phone.
*******
To raise revenue, the city is exploring the idea of putting advertising on the side of residential trash bins.
They’d be like “mini-billboards” on both sides of the wheeled receptacles the city distributes to residents to toss their trash.
The idea, which a public works committee is looking into, hasn’t been fully explored and hasn’t received the blessing of any public officials. It remains unclear how much money could be generated if the city were to try to sell advertising space on garbage cans.
“We don’t have all the details on this,” Mayor Art Ward said Friday.
The committee exploring the concept is eyeing the possibility of selling advertising space on both sides of the rubbish collection barrels that have been distributed throughout the city for use with the automated trash trucks.
The Miscellaneous Matters Committee of the Public Works Board said it would like to hear particulars about the proposal before considering whether to proceed with it or not. Its recommendation would be sent to the public works panel.
While many cities around the country have sold advertising space on public waste barrels on downtown streets, the idea of selling advertising space on residential barrels is at least unusual.
Ward said the city agreed to investigate the concept after someone suggested the idea.
He said that officials “entertain ideas and suggestions from the public” and unless they’re way out there, they take seriously the responsibility to check into the proposals.
People need to know, he said, that if they come forward with concepts, city leaders will treat them respectfully and that the proposals “will be looked into and scrutinized” to see if the city can benefit from trying it.
“People have to understand that these are ideas that come forth” and that first-line subcommittees exist to consider them, the mayor said.
That an idea is explored doesn’t mean anything will ever come of it, Ward said.
“We’re not going to make a decision until we have all the details,” the mayor said.
At this point, he said, the committee is waiting for more information. He said he doesn’t when, or if, any more information will be offered by anyone.
The city is facing a fiscal crunch that has officials eyeing any proposals that could bring in revenue without socking taxpayers.
The mandate that property owners clear sidewalks after a snowstorm has always been a problem for elderly and infirm residents who don’t have deep pockets to pay for help.
Now one city councilor, newcomer David Mills, is hoping to come to their aid.
Mills said that after from residents who have a hardship complying with the law, he contacted with Boy Scouts and both city high schools to find out if they’d be interested in helping provide volunteers to shovel snow for those who can’t do it themselves.
Mills said the youngsters are willing to try.
High school students have community service hours to rack up anyway, officials said, and the Boy Scouts are often ready to chip in for public service.
Mayor Art Ward hailed the effort.
“It’s innovative. He’s taken the initiative,” Ward said.
Ward, a second-term Democrat, said he’ll do what he can to help implement the freshman Republican’s plan.
He said that making it work is going to be trick.
But, Ward said, there is no doubt that volunteers “could address some of the needs” among seniors and others who have long complained about the hardship of making sure their sidewalks are clear.
Mill said that any seniors or homebound residents who cannot do their sidewalks should contact Darlene Coffey at the Beals Senior-Community Center, who is compiling a list of those interested in getting help.
“I thought it was a fantastic idea,” said Coffey, who already has a list started.
She said she’s worried she may wind up with more people seeking help than Mills can find volunteers for.
Anyone interested in receiving assistance with shoveling should call Coffey at (860) 584-7895.
Mills took office this week after winning one of the two 3rd District council seats on Election Day.
If a storm ends between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., property owners have nine hours to clear sidewalks. They have 12 hours from the end of other storms.
Failure to comply can lead to a $75 fine.
As old soldiers read the names of those who left
The names, said clearly and carefully, one by one, echoed through the historic, slightly tattered auditorium at
“The greatest honor you can give our veterans is to remember them,” said Lori DeFillippi, a former Marine who hosted the annual gathering.
With every passing year, there are fewer who can remember the young men who headed off to battle and vanished forever in the jungles of Vietnam, the snowy mountains of Korea, the blasted beaches of Pacific atolls, the hedgerows of Normandy and scores of other bloody locales whose names cascade through time.
Since the doughboys answered their country’s call in 1917, 232 men from
They never got the chance to swap war stories at the American Legion, to see children and grandchildren grow, to watch the passing of time as daffodils danced in the spring and the leaves fell in the fall.
But they made it possible for their community -- and their nation -- to carry on in freedom and prosperity, as speakers emphasized.
In
“I’ve never seen veterans treated so well and with such respect as in
Masiero-Carter, the keynote speaker, said that after joining the Army in 2006, she worked in a military hospital helping burn victims who had returned from the
Seeing what they go through, she said, taught her that no matter how bad a day she has, it could be worse.
The ceremony featured students from
A troupe from Reach for the Stars Academy of Dance performed to a sad song about a veteran found by Santa Claus sleeping on the floor of a small apartment. It got a standing ovation from the 200 people attending.
Veterans got recognition, too, as they stood with others from their branch of the service. About 80 got to their feet as former members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force.
“It made me cry a little,” said Nancy Santino, a-15-year-old from
Veterans should get what they deserve
Mayor Art Ward told a crowd gathered for the city’s annual Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday that it was “very sobering” for him to read on the front page that morning how the U.S. Veterans Administration was failing some veterans.
Other news stories that talked about homeless veterans and the struggle to come to grips with the consequences of the Agent Orange sprayed in
“That is just wrong,” said Ward, who served in the U.S. Marines in
The host of the city’s Veterans Day ceremony, Lori DeFillippi, who also served in the Marines, said, “Sometimes a veteran’s biggest battle is when he comes home and has to fight his own government.”
Ward said that for veterans “service is never over. It is always with us.”
But when the troops return to their communities, he said, the nation should follow through on its promises to the men and women it sent into harm’s way.
“It’s the country’s responsibility to honor its commitments to its veterans,” Ward said.
They shouldn’t have to keep fighting daily “to get the services and the benefits that they have truly, truly earned,” the mayor said.
All too often, Ward said, veterans return home only to find they still have to “stand up and fight” to get their due from the country they served.
Ward said people should read the stories in the papers and let them sink in.
Then, he said, they need to call their congressmen, pigeonhole their state lawmakers and tell those in power to make sure veterans are not ignored.
“There’s this voice out there that has to be heard -- and we’re bringing that forward,” the mayor said.
To all the people of
Before moving on, I would request that we share a moment of silence for all of the men and women serving in our military with an emphasis on those serving in harms way and these whose lives were taken, and those who were wounded at Fort Hood this past week and their families.
Let me begin by welcoming and thanking everyone here for their support for the men and women who are being sworn in to elective office this evening.
I would personally like to extend my sincerest gratitude to State Comptroller Nancy Wyman and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal for so graciously taking the time to be with us tonight and extending the honor of, again, administering the oath of office to me for my second term as Mayor of Bristol.
The Comptroller and the Attorney General have always wholeheartedly supported the City of
Jenna Connelly, what else can be said except, “Great job and thank you” – your participation contributed a very special meaning to the National Anthem and your entertaining numbers are greatly appreciated. Thank you Reverend Andrew Cadieux of St. Demitrios Church for giving us the realization of the sense that our reliance on faith rather than just ourselves is essential to our lives and for the guidance which is necessary as we begin our responsibilities as elected officials of the City of
To our seven wonderful grandchildren, Makenna and Hunter Holley,
To my campaign staff, Elliot Nelson, Jim Brown, Tom Ragaini, Jason Rupaka, Kim Holley, Kerry Kasperian, Paula Positano, Mike Petosa, Jay Meisinger and the multitude of others who contributed to making tonight a reality – thank you.
To our entire immediate and extended families who have been a part of this campaigning for the last 18 years – I have to finally admit that I might have stretched it a bit when I said was only going to be in politics for the “short term.” To my lovely wife, Pat. Thank you does not even begin to cover it. If it wasn’t for your patience, understanding and unwaivering support, I could not do this.
Last but not least, I want to extend my appreciation to each and every person who became a candidate for office this year, whether they won or lost is not relevant, the point is that this was the most respectful and civil campaign that I have ever witnessed in Bristol politics and everyone should proudly hold their head high for demonstrating exceptional consideration for each other and the political process.
Congratulation s to the men and women who have been sworn in as your newly elected representatives. Together we can deliver the expectations of those who have entrusted us with the responsibkility of representing them in City government
The task before us is going to be challenging, the economy is not promising to be kind to us and the hurdles to be addressed will be numerous.
But - I am not going to spend this evening discussing the negatives. Tonight is a time to be positive. We have a new administration, newly-elected officials charged with the responsibility of navigating the rough economical seas confronting us and I truly believe that together- we will continue to move
The actions that are ongoing and those that we will be undertaking will bode well for our future economic recovery. We will need to continually enhance these prospects, keeping in mind that we have new businesses moving into the City, we have existing businesses expanding in Bristol, we have businesses that are hiring new people as we speak, we have potential developers for the Depot Square, we have construction projects such as Route 72, the widening of Route 229, the reconstruction of Union Street and route 69, the resolution of the Route 6 Maple End drainage problem, the potential widening of route 6 from Collins road to Camp Street – easing the traffic congestion at the Stafford Avenue ‘Route 6 intersection.
We have plans on the way for a brand new Boys and Girls Club, a renewed residential and merchant pride in the West End area of the City; we have a new effort to establish an expanded presence of Tunxis community college in downtown Bristol, a continued expansion and delivery of services from Bristol Hospital and much, much, more.
We have an educational system that serves as a model to other communities and a public safety department which stresses and exemplifies professionalism and diligence while maintaining the safety of our community.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a future here in the city of Bristol, we have hope for tomorrow that is attainable and will become a reality as long as we unite, as long as we come together in a bipartisan manner to ensure that Bristol residents realize what they deserve – a safe, secure community in which to raise their – yours and mine – our families and future generations.
The manner and respect of this past election clearly demonstrate that we, as elected officials can do this, the manner and respect of this past election, dictates that we must do this – this is our mission, this is our task – this must be our goal!
Let us all pledge that our goals are to provide a viable economy, peace of mind to all, a direction of purpose and the deliverance of a safe and secure community, ready to ensure the future of the entire City of Bristol.
In closing, I want to thank you for the privilege, the honor and the opportunity to humbly serve you in a second term as your Mayor.
Thank you.
With a new city administration sitting on the stage beside him at Bristol Eastern High School Monday, state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal hailed the voters who turned out last week “to make a difference” to the future of Bristol.
“Tonight is really a triumph of democracy,” Blumenthal said before helping state Comptroller Nancy Wyman administer the oath of office to Mayor Art Ward, who secured a second term at the city’s helm in last week’s municipal election.
"Politics is now over and Bristol comes first," Wyman said.
It was certainly a bipartisan evening as leaders were sworn in, including a new treasurer and three new city councilors.
"Tonight is a night to be positive," Ward said in his inaugural address, "and I truly believe that together, we will be able to move Bristol forward."
About 150 people gathered in the school’s auditorium to take in the event, most of them friends and family of the candidates.
Candidates could choose the person to help them with their oaths of office. Among those selected was a mother, a wife and a son. Others opted for political allies to deliver the words.
City Councilor Kate Matthews, whose mother, Maryann Lupa administered the oath, had to correct its archaic language so she could say "councilwoman" instead of "councilman" in her response.
Rose Parenti, only the second Republican to win citywide office in the past quarter century, opted to have her son, William Loritzo, have the honor of swearing her in.
City Councilor Kevin McCauley, the most senior member of the council, turned for the third straight time to his wife, Jackie McCauley, to say the oath’s words for him to repeat.
Blumenthal and Wyman were the only outsiders involved in the 45-minute ceremony.
"I couldn't be prouder to be anywhere tonight than right here with Art Ward and his beautiful family," Blumental said.
Wyman said that she has never met a man who cares so much about children, seniors, working people and veterans as Ward does.
His love for the city and his family surpasses nearly everyone she's ever met, Wyman said.
The mayor’s seven grandchildren took to the stage, with many giggles, and led the crowd in saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ward said the event marked the end of a political campaign of unusually high caliber, one that focused on issues and showed the city at its best.
He thanked every candidate who sought office last week for making it possible.
"Whether they won or whether they lost is not relevant," Ward said, as he led a standing ovation for those who tried.
The mayor said the task facing the new administration “is going to be challenging,” but with new businesses coming to town, the school system proving itself a model for success, developers eyeing Depot Square downtown and more, there is reason to hope even during difficult times.
"We have a future here in the city of Bristol," Ward said, "as long as we come together in a bipartisan fashion."
The manner and respect of election show that officials "can do this," Ward said. "We must do this."
After a rousing rendition of “God Bless America,” the newly installed administration walked out to the cafeteria next door to greet everyone and perhaps grab a tiny sandwich provided by the Democratic Town Committee.
PS: Thanks for the picture, Laura Minor!
Political leaders said Monday they understand Gov. Jodi Rell’s decision to retire rather than run for reelection next year.
"Right now, it's tough for any politician to be in office," said state Sen. Tom Colapietro, a Bristol Democrat.
With all the problems facing her over the past year, Colapietro said, "it's probably too much" for her to take it for another term, particularly when every politician is getting blamed for a sinking economy that's global in nature.
City Republican Party Chairman T.J. Barnes, “I think she wants to be a grandma” instead of trying to guide an unruly legislature through continued hard times.
State Rep. Bill Hamzy, a Plymouth Republican and former state GOP chairman, said, "I can honestly say that would not have been surprised whichever way she chose to go."
He said that Rell served a decade in the legislature, nearly another decade as lieutenant governor and six years at the helm of the state.
"That's a long time," he said, and she's probably ready to spend time with her grandchildren instead.
Aside from that, the job hasn't been easy.
"This year was probably one of the worst years to serve in public office. Next year, I believe, is going to be even worse," Hamzy said.
"It takes some of the joy out of the task," Hamzy said.
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who was in town to help deliver the oath of office to Mayor Art Ward, said he is still digesting the news from Gov. Jodi Rell.
"It's certainly surprising and interesting," Blumenthal said. He declined to say how Rell's decision might have an impact on his own future.
Art Mocabee, a state GOP official and former Bristol city Republican chairman, said the news "comes as a shock," but not as a surprise.
"Governor Rell has served us all well since taking charge six years ago. Rest assured that Connecticut Republicans have many qualified conservative voices that will be herd in the months to come. I wish to thank the Governor and wish her the best."
State Rep. Frank Nicastro, a Bristol Democrat, said Rell deserves thanks for her long service to the state.
He said he wasn’t shocked at the news she wouldn’t run.
“I had a funny feeling about it,” he said, because the governor has been so silent about so many issues lately.
Colapietro said he's not surprised that Rell decided to step down instead of running again.
"I got along good with Jodi," Colapietro said, though they often disagreed on issues. He said he wishes her well.
Barnes said that Rell’s announcement gives the party plenty of time to unite behind another candidate.
“It’s going to be an exciting 2010 in Connecticut,” Barnes said.
I particularly like the "Oddities From All Over the World" above Ed Krawiecki's head in this shot. He won the Harley in the fundraising raffle done by the New England Carousel Museum this weekend.“I am proud to welcome T. Boone Pickens and his mission for an independent energy future of our nation to Connecticut”
Hartford, CT- Today, U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, made a major announcement concerning his upcoming town hall discussion on the economy and decreasing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.
Congressman Larson will be joined by T. Boone Pickens, energy pioneer and creator of the Pickens Plan, for a public forum at Goodwin College in East Hartford on Tuesday, November 24th from 4:00-5:30pm.
“I am proud to welcome T. Boone Pickens and his mission for an independent energy future for our nation to Connecticut. Since the launch of the Pickens Plan, he has recruited millions of Americans to join in a goal that I completely support creating a new clean energy economy for America,” said Congressman Larson. “Connecticut is home to a thriving clean energy sector that will stimulate job growth throughout the state.”
“It’s fitting we are hosting this forum at the River Campus of Goodwin College, a property that housed a now defunct oil terminal. Today, Goodwin College is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the state.”
The Pickens Plan focuses on reducing America's dependence on foreign oil and encourages the development of alternative energy sources like wind and natural gas. Since its inception over a year ago, T. Boone Pickens has recruited millions of American citzens, corporations and businesses, as well as political leaders to actively join in the mission.
Congressman Larson, a member of the Select Committee for Energy Independence and Global Warming, is an original co-sponsor of the NAT GAS Act which is strongly supported by Mr. Pickens. The legislation will make domestic natural gas a more accessible alternative to imported oil while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and urban pollution in vehicles.
“I look forward to Mr. Pickens’ visit to East Hartford and I encourage any individual interested in setting a new course for our nation’s energy future to attend the forum on November 24th.”
To RSVP or obtain further information about the town hall forum, please contact Congressman Larson’s office at 860-278-8888.
What: Town Hall Forum on the Economy and Energy with T. Boone Pickens
Who: U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01)
T. Boone Pickens, Creator of the Pickens Plan
When: Tuesday, November 24th 2009 4:00-5:30pm
Where: Goodwin College Auditorium
River Campus
One Riverside Drive
East Hartford, CT
###
For more information on the Pickens Plan, please go to www.Pickensplan.com
It’s been almost two decades since the Republicans held more of the city’s top political offices than they captured this year.
“This is wonderful,” city GOP Chairman T.J. Barnes told party faithful as the results poured in after the polls closed on Election Day.
“We’ve come a long way,” Barnes added.
The Republicans hold two of the six City Council seats and, for the first time in three decades, also grabbed the part-time treasurer’s post.
It doesn’t appear, though, that the GOP’s success at the polls will translate into greater partisanship at City Hall.
On Election Night, Democratic Mayor Art Ward stood in front of a roomful of party activists and hailed mayoral challenger Mary Alford and several other Republicans for running so clean a campaign and focusing on how to improve the city rather than scoring political points.
“We need to join hands,” Ward said. “We need to work together.”
The most successful council candidate, Republican newcomer David Mills, has frequently said that party lines don’t matter to him. He said he’s ready to work with anyone to get the city on track for a brighter future.
Since Mills easily outpolled Ward and every other Democrat in the three precincts where he was on the ballot, it’s clear to political insiders that he pulled in a lot of votes from registered Democrats. With his outsized victory, Mills instantly became the GOP’s best hope for winning back the mayor’s office as well.
The Republicans have held two council seats for the past two years, with Ken Cockayne and Mike Rimcoski provided the GOP’s firepower.
Rimcoski was the lone Republican for two years before that, taking the seat that Ron Burns held for a single term when he was the sole GOP councilor. But from 2005 until 2007, Republican William Stortz was the mayor so Rimcoski wasn’t left to face down the Democrats by himself.
From 1997, when Stretch Norton lost a reelection bid, until 2003, the Democrats held every office possible at City Hall. Norton had been the only Republican councilor from 1993 until 1997.
Not since the 1991 election, during Stortz’s first stint as mayor, has the GOP managed to grab a majority on the council, but the Republicans see hope that they might be able to do it again someday.
In addition to the prospect of Mills at the top of the ticket, the party sees at least two of its council losers, Derek Czenczelewski and Richard Scarola, as possible contenders for the job next time around.
“Derek represents the future of our party,” Barnes said of the 22-year-old who impressed even Democrats with his issues-based campaign.
The candidates elected last week will take office in a swearing-in ceremony at 7 p.m. Monday in the auditorium at Bristol Eastern High School. The public is invited. A reception will follow in the school’s cafeteria.
For the first time in many years, the mayor plans to name himself as chair of one of a City Council committee.
Mayor Art Ward said he’s eyeing the prospect of naming himself as the head of the Salary Committee. He said he may want to chair another panel as well.
Ward said he also intends to ax some committees.
Those on the chopping block include the Roberts Property Committee and the Theater Committee.
The mayor said both panels were created to push projects – a recreation complex on the former Roberts property and a community theater at Memorial Boulevard School – that can’t be funded anytime soon.
It’s not clear what other committees may be wiped out.
Ward, who won reelection Tuesday by a wide margin, said he will take a couple of weeks before handing out committee assignments to the council.
He said he wants to take enough time to ensure that all six councilors, including three newcomers, have a chance to take on assignments that interest them.
City Councilor Frank Nicastro said the three veteran councilors who won reelection this week “are going to have their hands full” dealing with “giant committees” such as the Real Estate and Ordinance panels.
“I don’t envy them,” Nicastro said.
Ward said that eliminating unnecessary committees will free up busy councilors to focus on more pressing issues and problems.
The mayor said that he can always reinstate the Roberts, Theater or other committees down the road if circumstances change.
In the meantime, Ward said, “it’s fruitless to spend the time and effort” to keep alive committees that can’t really do anything.
Ward’s decision to take the helm of the Salary panel, Nicastro said, “is a very wise move. That’s a very professional move.”
He said that Ward, who chaired the panel as a councilor years ago, can take on the job without missing a beat.
Nicastro said that two of the three council members who serve on the Salary panel – Mike Rimcoski and Nicastro – won’t be back after newcomers take their place Monday.
So for the mayor to bring his experience to the panel, Nicastro said, is “a wise thing.”
Nicastro said that once the newly elected councilors have some time in office, Ward may shuffle the assignments a little.
“Once these guys and ladies all get their feet wet, a year from now, if he wants he can name somebody chairman,” Nicastro said.
Nicastro served as mayor from 1993 to 2003. He has been on the council since 2005, but stepped down this year to focus on his job as state representative for the 79th District.
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