Stepping Down

With Mayor Jarjura's decision to switch his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican today, there has been a massive shift in the political landscape as we close in on the November 8 election. Below is a copy of my prepared remarks at this morning's press conference:

Three months ago I submitted my name for consideration as a Republican Candidate for Mayor in this year’s municipal election. When I announced my intentions, the response I received from my fellow Republicans ranged from tepid to extremely enthusiastic. Nevertheless, I committed myself to bringing a positive message to the voters of Waterbury.

On May 19th, I was informed by Waterbury Republican Town Committee Chairman Bill Harris of the Mayor’s impending switch to the Republican Party. At that meeting I was asked to end my campaign for the mayor’s office and join my fellow Republicans in supporting Mayor Jarjura.

In politics, I have learned that one must be willing to put the best interests of the city and of the party before personal ambitions.

For this reason, I have consented to the request of the Town Committee, and am ending my current campaign for mayor. I step aside confident in the knowledge that I have given this campaign everything I could, and that the citizens of Waterbury have benefited from my involvement in the political process.

Throughout my adult life, my dedication to the City of Waterbury has been constant, and even though I am drawing my current political endeavor to a close, that dedication will not waver. I will continue to serve the community as best I can.

I have spent many years serving the citizens of Waterbury on a volunteer basis, as a member of Main Street Waterbury, as a member of the Knights of Columbus Sheridan Council #24, and through my service on several city boards and commissions, including the Environmental Control Commission, the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Truancy and Drop-Out Prevention, the 2010 Charter Revision Commission, and currently as a member of the Human Rights Commission.

Presently, I have been deep in thought about what today’s developments mean for my future in politics. At this time I am still consulting with my family and friends regarding my plans for this November. However, any decision about my political future will not dampen my desire to serve the city and citizens of Waterbury.