The Republicans are ready for a rumble.
“We’ve got a great set of candidates,” said T.J. Barnes, the city’s GOP chairman, who make up a broad spectrum of the community.
“We’re looking for a spirited and heated discussion” of the issues with the Democrats in the months leading up to the November 3 municipal election, Barnes said Thursday.
The Republican leadership endorsed a slate of candidates that included newcomer John Gill as the party’s mayoral standard bearer and five other newcomers to political races.
For the city’s part-time treasurer’s position, the GOP endorsed Rose Parenti, a well-known party stalwart who hasn’t run for office before. She's president of Computer Development Systems in Bristol.
In the three City Council districts, the Republicans backed two incumbents, Ken Cockayne and Mike Rimcoski, and four hopefuls who haven’t sought election in the past.
In the 1st District, the party tapped Eldianne Bishop, a teacher and artisan, in addition to Rimcoski.
In the 2nd District, the GOP backed Cockayne and newcomer Richard Scarola.
In the 3rd District -- the only one with more candidates than slots -- town committee members bypassed Gary Lawton and endorsed Dave Mills and Derek Czenczelewski. Mills collected 12 votes from the committee while Czenczelewski got 11. Lawton trailed with three.
“The work is just beginning,” Czenczelewski said after the vote. He promised supporters “I’m definitely going to make it worth your while.”
Lawton said he’s a team player and won’t force a primary.
But, he said, he’s not happy the party brushed aside the suffering of so many “plain and simple and blue collar” residents in its rush to pick candidates who are “not going to change things.”
“The city deserves a lot more,” said Lawton.
Barnes said the slate as a whole presents “a different voice” to the community and will prove itself on the campaign trail.
Bishop, who eyed a Board of Education seat in the past but didn’t run, said this gives her the chance “to speak out” and “to put my body where my mouth is.”
She called herself “very conservative” on some issues and libertarian on others.
The GOP hasn’t held a majority at City Hall since the early 1990s, but it’s been competitive since Mayor Frank Nicastro stepped down in 2003.
Two of the six council members are Republicans and half the incumbent council Democrats are stepping down, both in the 3rd District, where the GOP would dearly love to pick up a seat or two.
They also want to hang on to the two seats they have and to boot out Ward, who’s seeking a second term in the city’s top job.
The Democrats pick their candidates Monday.
Gill launches campaign
Vowing “to take Bristol in a new direction,” Republican mayoral candidate John Gill launched his bid Thursday to snatch the city’s top job from veteran Democratic Mayor Art Ward.
Gill, 29, captured the Republican Party’s backing as its mayoral nominee without opposition. It doesn’t appear he will face a primary.
Gill, who has lived in the city for three years, said that Bristol's new direction needs to include taking greater advantage of the talents its citizens have and better marketing of the city.
He said Bristol has "a pretty good job base," nice parks and recreational facilities and more that could help draw new businesses and people to town.
"What we need to do is draw attention to the positives the city has," Gill said.
He said that one of the problems the city has is that "there's a lot of bickering" and infighting at City Hall.
One reason for that, he said, is "there's a lot of retreads" who have been there for a long time.
Too many of them are "afraid to take a step forward and let go of what was," Gill said.
Gill said he wants voters to know “they can talk to me. If they have an issue that’s important to them or to Bristol, they can talk. They have someone in me who will listen to what they say.”
He said that government “exists to express the will of the people.”
Gill said he's disturbed that so many projects, such as the Roberts property recreation complex, are debated but never finished.
Gill said he would impose "an organic and sustainable" plan to bring some of the projects to fruition.
"Everything has to be done in an orderly fashion," Gill said.
One way to make it happen, he said, is to draw on the talents of residents who have been left out for too long.
"People should have a voice. People need to be heard," Gill said.
Gill grew up in Southington and earned a bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University in 2002. He got his law degree from Suffolk University Law School in 2007.
Gill works for Lamorte Burns & Co.’s cargo claims and personal injury sections in Wilton.
While in law school, Gill received the American Jurisprudence award in corporate law and the CALI award in consumer law. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Connecticut Bar Association and the Maritime Law Association of the U.S.
Gill is engaged. He has no children.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
48 comments:
Thank God! Democrat or Republican it doesn't matter. New faces are good. Get these old do nothings out of our city government. Gone are the days of party affiliation!
My experience is that a new coat of paint always makes the room look better. Don't pass judgement until you hear what people have to say. Win or lose,thanks to the Republican Party for being willing to start transforming it's image. Maybe Monday the Democrats will do the same.
Do any of them have a clue?
Gill obviously has no idea of how the process works and I doubt that he could effect any changes.
Only Mills has his feet on the ground.
9:32, why don't you get a clue. Such a naysayer with no knowledge of who these people are or how genuinely refreshing it is to have new blood. Mills is the only one with his feet on the ground? How so? Because he is the oldest, second only to Rimcoski? Please, do us all a favor and don't bother posting or voting.
I love how City workers come out attacking! They will be very disappointed when Ward and the rest of the council is out! The time for change is now and believe me this slate of GOP's are the way to go!
Mom
New paint sometimes just hides the problem.
No I am not a city worker, but have enough awareness to have some idea as to what it takes.
I don't think Gill does, unfortunately, I think he is being used .
Time will tell, but we might pay for it.
9:28 - new coat of paint can't withstand pressure unless it has a strong primer first - tell your mayor friend to come back when he knows what he is talking about.
Out with the OLD and in with the NEW. This city is ready to rid the good-ole boys politics - get rid of them all.
11:57 Keep on dreamin...
I hope Attorney Gill is very well versed in maritime law because the GOP ship in Bristol is sinking! Once again, the local GOP has endorsed a slate of default candidates (with the exception of Rimcoski and Cockayne) who really don't want to run, but were begged because no one wants to see candidates run unopposed in the city. The bottom line here is that most Republicans are too busy running their companies and making money to really care about what is happening in local city government. They love to complain, but when it comes time to put up or shut up, they run unknowns and inexperienced candidates. Same old story, just different names. Like it or not, Bill Stortz is the standard bearer for the party.
Only in Bristol would having coached a winning football team somehow qualify you to assist in running a city government.
The Republican party in this town needs an entire grassroots rebuild from the ground up. They keep trying to throw the new fan belt on the old car. I really think they need to get some state republican party assistance in helping to rebuild the party. Bristol GOP must be a laughing stock with the house republicans at the capital.
Concerned Mom must be Gill's mom.
New blood is good. Let them start by attending city meetings, joining the city council and learning the ins and outs of city government, then we'll talk.
Come on 9:28 PM,
This has nothing to do with passing judgment. Sorry, but just because Mr. Gill dropped from out of the blue at the 11th hour doesn't make him a savior. As his address proves, he's naive, has absolutely no experience in city government and barely any experience with the City of Bristol at all. He seems like a nice guy and maybe after he's spent some time learning about our city and it's government, I'd consider voting for him, but certainly not yet. Let's not make him lifeguard until we know if he can swim.
So Terry Parker is experienced? Kate Matthews is experienced? Give me a break!!! Sounds like the Dems view is that only people who work for the city and are Dems are qualified to run for office and all of us regular folk should just stay out of their way. Give people a chance and see what they have to offer, you just never know what you might find. Go John Gill and the rest of the Republican candidates!!!
Parker and Matthews aren't running for mayor, are they?
If you don't like their background/experience, you can't like Gill's either.
Its the Dems way of trying to tell everyone they are better.
Parker and Matthews are savy enough to know that they need to get their feet wet before they jump in the pool. This isn't about Dem's thinking they're better...it's about common sense.
"New faces are good. Get these old do nothings out of our city government."
Fascinating! Next time you or your child needs surgery, are you going to ask for a new doctor or an experienced surgeon?
Ya, I though so. Same deal here.
The funniest posters to this Blog (and by funny I mean sad) are the ones who go on and on about how if a person hasn't attended a city meeting they are somehow incapable or disqualified from running for public office.
Well the crew and their supporting cast that's in there now is allegedly so experienced based on that premise. How's that working out for us? Anyone who thinks it's great is living in a dream world. Not a one of them challenges the status quo.
Change is good, change is healthy and in this city long overdue.
Steve...who are the under ticket candidates? i know the offices are nominal at best, but i would like to know all candidates running for every office. Maybe you can post them on the blog.
I'll list all the candidates eventually. Don't worry.
The Departnment heads will chew him up and spit him out.
Heaven help us!
"if a person hasn't attended a city meeting they are somehow incapable or disqualified from running for public office."
Ya think? Would you have someone who knows nothing about surgery operate on you? Get a grip. This isn't city government 101. We've got way too much to lose to have someone who has never even attended a city meeting take the reins.
Go, Gill!
Go, Gill!
Go, Gill!
Change we CAN believe in!
People who hide behind this idea that you must attend city meetings to know what is going on are completely ridiculous. Obviously those of you who suggest this have never been to one yourselves. Had you, you would realize how little they matter to focus your opinion on current matters.
And as for sitting on a board or committee...give me a break. Nearly 3/4 of the boards haven't met in the last 6 months.
5:03 PM your analogy to a surgeon is moronic at best. Please tell me what $171 million budget did our current mayor manage prior to his election? Please don't hold out his 14 years on the council as an example because that role never got into the details.
7:54 PM,
Sorry, but the analogy is right on the money. Rant all you want, but there's absolutely no substitute for experience. I wouldn't let a surgeon touch me unless he had some. Your boy doesn't. Voting for him would be moronic!
"People who hide behind this idea that you must attend city meetings to know what is going on are completely ridiculous."
No need to hide behind this idea. It's a fact. To argue that knowing NOTHING about our city shouldn't stop you from becoming it's mayor is ridiculous. What you don't seem to grasp is that the men and women who attend these meetings, are on the council, committees and boards aren't just learning about city government, they're all building reputations in the community. People get to know them and know what they're about. They EARN our trust. It doesn't happen overnight, certainly not in a few months. Mr. Gill has a long, long way to go.
Being involved, attending meetings etc. does add to someones awareness, propensity to do the job.
Absent that to whatever extent, being able to turn to people for help would be helpful.
Who is Gill going to turn to: Cockayne, Rimcoski, Barnes, Krawiecki?
Case closed!
Gill.
Krawieki has been involved since before you were born.
Does that make him a retread too?
7:54 AM - First off Mr. Gill isn't "my boy." He's a new player that deserves the chance to be heard. But you are so afraid of any new comer and so in need to protect the status quo that you immediately go on the offensive and make wild analogies and baseless statements.
BTW,every surgeon is new at some point and if they are not very good they don't get much farther. The corollary is that there are many, many experienced surgeons that screw up.
The biggest problem in your response is your failure to answer my question on the current mayor. You didn't becuase you know the answer - he had no such experience (other than political savy)before he was elected.
If the Republicans spent as much time and energy attracting and supporting candidates as they do in bashing Stortz, they probably could elect a full council AND mayor.
But childish behaviour is costing them.
I know many people that like Stortz and will work for Ward just because of this behaviour of a few Republicans.
5:03pm - Mayor lay off the booze you are really starting to sound as if YOU are the only one who knows how to run the city. You are not doing a great job of it. You are a real two-faced jerk.
Just re-read this post. Does it really say Mr. Gill works for Monty Burns? Excellent!
6:20, The ONLY thing I'm afraid of is how much damage an unseasoned, inexperienced newbie can do. I do not know him. I have ZERO confidence in him. He hasn't earned my respect and please don't try to tell me he can in a few months' time. That just isn't going to happen.
As for your silly comment about the current mayor's experience - He's a veteran who has always been very active in the our community. He was born and raised in Bristol, raised his family here, ran a successful business here, worked for the VA, has worked on the City council for 14 years and THEN became our mayor. We all know him. Like him or not, we know what he's about. There's a lot to be said for political savy.
BTW, I'd still go for the experienced surgeon over the unproven new one every time!
Too bad we aren't talking about surgeons here. Oh by the way, if your party gets its way and institutes universal healthcare, you wont have much say in what surgeon you go to, or if they'll even treat you. They'll just call it "dying with dignity." Better start reading up on actual politics instead of making useless analogies. The Democrats are ruining this country, and ruining this city. Time for them to go!
"5:03pm - Mayor lay off the booze you are really starting to sound as if YOU are the only one who knows how to run the city. You are not doing a great job of it. You are a real two-faced jerk."
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Wow! I sure hope this isn't the type of campaign Mr. Gill is going to run. Firstly, I am most defintiely NOT the mayor, nor am I hitting the "booze." Secondly, one need not be drunk to realize that Mr. Gill is an inexperienced, unproven unknown, not mayoral material. You can call me names and stomp your feet all you like, but that's a fact.
12:44,
I see the analogy thing is the only thing you care to dispute. I guess I can understand why! Nothing much else to say, huh?
My perspective:
Many of us drink, sometimes in public places.
The mayor, like many of us, occaisionally has a drink also.
Unfortunately, because of his role in the community, he is very often at public events, and, like others has a beer or two. He is recognized; you and I aren't, which makes a difference.
Also, I see very few republicans, or at least recognize very few republicans at any events.
Are they drinking out of town, or at home?
Judge him on his performance as mayor doing the city business: that is where your concern should be.
10:19 AM the first part of your response is a fair and understandable position.
As to our current mayor - I like him very much on a personal level and I have nothing but respect for his service in both the military and public office. But none of that makes up for the fact that he is woefully underqualified to be the mayor of a city of 60,000 with a budget of $171 million. He simply lacks those managerial skills and the results are showing.
Do what you think is right but I intend to give Mr. Gill a full hearing to learn just how much or how little he understands and what he has for a vision. Then I will decide as to whether or not he is a "qualified surgeon."
Bristol cant beleive they have a person with education running.
4:05, Thank you for seeing my point of view. I'm not sure why you find Ward's managerial skills so lacking. Being the mayor during a recession is definitely not a cake walk. All things considered, I think he's done an admirable job. Mr. Gill may be a great guy. We just don't know him well enough to make him mayor and he doesn't have enough time before the election for us to learn about him, at least enough to trust him. A future mayor perhaps...time will tell.
"Bristol cant beleive they have a person with education running."
...and it's pretty obvious how important education is to you.
Bristol has had a large number of educated people running for office, Mayor, Council, other offices. Some even had advanced degrees.
Werner, O'Brien, Allaire, Norton Zoppo, Stortz, White, strunk, Minor, Johnson, Papazian, Ewen, Duffy, just name a few.
Some did better than others, just as was the case with those that did not have degrees: Leone, Nicastro, Rimcoski, etc.
What is as important is an ongoing interest in Bristol and its people, awareness of our needs and wants, and the means to obtain them.
The Mayor has a "few beers?"
Where's the Flagman?
"What is as important is an ongoing interest in Bristol and its people, awareness of our needs and wants, and the means to obtain them."
That's more than a little idealistic...more suitable for the mayor of Fantasy Island (or maybe Gilligan's)...but certainly not Bristol.
Being "interested in Bristol" is nice and all, but a real candidate needs to have a working knowledge of how Bristol's government operates, a vested interest in the community and lots and lots of experience. Sorry, Mr. Gill doesn't fit the bill...GGG (Gill's gotta go)
Sacrificial Lambs !!
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