Council Fills Ward 3 Vacancy…City Backs Immigrant Rights…Events Mark Black History Month

News Briefs for Week Ending February 14, 2026 By NB Politicus NAACP President Jan Edwards and Mayor Bobby Sanchez at Pan-African flag raising on February 11 for Black History Month. (Mayor Sanchez photo) Council fills Ward 3 vacancy Democrat Alberto Borrero, a Concord Street homeowner, is the new Alderman from Ward 3 on the New … Continue reading Council Fills Ward 3 Vacancy…City Backs Immigrant Rights…Events Mark Black History Month

State Rep. Iris Sanchez joins legislature…State grant paves way for Mt. Pleasant Phase 1…School District seeks 14.82% more…City mourns Alderman Hargraves

News Briefs for Week Ending February 7, 2026 By NB Politicus State Rep. Sanchez Joins Legislature for 2026 Session State Rep. Iris Noemi Sanchez (D-25) was one of two new members of the House of Representatives to take their seats for the first time at the Connecticut General Assembly's 2026 session on opening day, February … Continue reading State Rep. Iris Sanchez joins legislature…State grant paves way for Mt. Pleasant Phase 1…School District seeks 14.82% more…City mourns Alderman Hargraves

Alderman Hargraves Brought People Together

Alderman Jerrell Hargraves, who died unexpectedly this week, brought a quiet, unassuming demeanor to his work as the city's human rights officer and on the Common Council representing Ward 2. When Jerrell spoke in that baritone voice on any issue before the Council he had something substantive to say and all sides listened. New Britain's … Continue reading Alderman Hargraves Brought People Together

Mayor’s Mill Rate Increase Will Hike Taxes An Average Of $204 On Single Family Homes

Republicans Falsely Claim A $44 Increase After Double Digit Increases This Year; State Stabilization Funds Added $10 Million To City Revenue For Fiscal Year 2025 By John McNamara The dust is settling on the making of the 2024-2025 municipal budget for the Stewart Administration and the closely-divided Common Council of eight Democrats and seven Republicans. … Continue reading Mayor’s Mill Rate Increase Will Hike Taxes An Average Of $204 On Single Family Homes

Watershed: New Britain’s 1989 Mayoral Campaign (Part 3)

The Municipal Campaign That Changed New Britain Politics For A Generation Introduction In 1989, Donald DeFronzo became New Britain's 34th Mayor ending the late William (Billy Mac) McNamara's six terms as the city's top elected official, a modern-day record not matched until last November when Mayor Erin Stewart won a sixth, two-year term. "During the … Continue reading Watershed: New Britain’s 1989 Mayoral Campaign (Part 3)

Watershed: New Britain’s 1989 Mayoral Campaign (Part 2)

The Municipal Election That Changed New Britain Politics For A Generation Introduction In 1989, Donald DeFronzo became New Britain's 34th Mayor ending the late William (Billy Mac) McNamara's six terms as the city's top elected official, a modern-day record not matched until last November when Mayor Erin Stewart won a sixth, two-year term. "During the … Continue reading Watershed: New Britain’s 1989 Mayoral Campaign (Part 2)

Watershed: New Britain’s 1989 Mayoral Election (Part I)

The Municipal Election That Changed New Britain Politics For A Generation Introduction: In 1989, Donald DeFronzo became New Britain's 34th Mayor ending the late William (Billy Mac) McNamara's six terms as the city's top elected official, a modern-day record not matched until last November when Mayor Erin Stewart won a sixth, two-year term. "During the … Continue reading Watershed: New Britain’s 1989 Mayoral Election (Part I)

Campaign dollars soared in ’21 municipal election but voter participation declined

28% Turnout Continues A Downward Trend In Voting For Local Office Holders By John McNamara "Money is the mother's milk of politics" goes the observation first coined in the 1960s that applies to almost every state and federal election cycle as all kinds of committees and special interests raise billions in reported and anonymous donations. … Continue reading Campaign dollars soared in ’21 municipal election but voter participation declined

Under the Cover of Covid: Four Democratic Councillors Excluded From July Meeting

Mayor Pulls Plug On Remote Access For Common Council Members By John McNamara Four Democratic City Councillors, expecting teleconference access because of the state-mandated COVID 19 social distancing order for public meetings, were shut out of participating and voting at the July 8th Common Council meeting. At Large Alderman Richard Reyes, Ward 2 Alderperson Colin … Continue reading Under the Cover of Covid: Four Democratic Councillors Excluded From July Meeting

City Hall Watch: Rep. Sanchez Condemns Charter Change Eliminating City Council Districts

By John McNamara The Common Council is set to create a Charter Commission at its February 10th meeting to consider sweeping changes in municipal government at the behest of Republican Mayor Erin Stewart. The Stewart administration, taking advantage of a Republican Council majority, seeks to eliminate neighborhood representation on the city council in … Continue reading City Hall Watch: Rep. Sanchez Condemns Charter Change Eliminating City Council Districts