Theriault For Mayor?

Tonight I was at the regular meeting of the Waterbury Board of Aldermen, where I try and take the time to listen to the public speaking. I find this gives me an insight into what issues the citizens of Waterbury find important. It also allows me to keep tabs on what the other political parties are bringing up as "hot button" issues for the municipal election in November. Tonight, however, the public speaking portion of the Board of Aldermen meeting was unique.

The first speaker of the evening was Nick Coscia. Nick has made it a point in retirement to bring Waterbury politics to the citizens. He is a common sight at the Board of Aldermen meetings, has a regular show on the public access station, and is rarely seen without his video camera. Though I may not always agree with him, I respect his dedication to the city of Waterbury.

When Mr. Coscia got up to speak tonight he decided to open the meeting up with a bang. He commented that "the bases (were) loaded" tonight as all 3 mayoral candidates were in attendance. The 3 candidates were Mayor Jarjura, Alderman Vance, and Board of Education Commissioner John Theriault. As you know Alderman Vance is challenging Mayor Jarjura for the Democratic nomination, and Mayor Jarjura has been cross endorsed by the Republicans.

Mr. Coscia's comment caught several people in the room off guard, including Independent Alderman Frank Burgio who seemed (from where I was standing) to try and correct Mr. Coscia by telling him that there were only 2 candidates. At this point, however, Mr. Coscia reasserted his claim that there were 3 candidates, and again listed Mayor Jarjura, Alderman Vance, and Commissioner Theriault.

While I have no way of confirming Mr. Coscia's claim, there are two very interesting things to consider, which seem to support tonight's announcement. First, I had noticed Commissioner Theriault sitting in the back of the room at tonight's meeting. I found it unusual, because usually the Commissioner is busy with Board of Education meetings on Monday nights. Secondly, the Commissioner made no effort to correct Mr. Coscia's statement, and actually left shortly after the announcement was made.

We will have to wait and see if Mr. Coscia's statement tonight was correct or not, but for now it adds an interesting angle to what has already become a municipal race like no other.