WATERBURY, Conn. — For the first time in more than a decade, Waterbury will have a new mayor. Mayor-Elect Paul Pernerewski declared victory shortly after the polls closed Tuesday night.
Unofficial results show Pernerewski won the election by just over 570 votes. He was up against Republican challenger, Dawn Maiorano, who took home 45% of the vote (according to early results). There were two other petitioning candidates on the ballot as well, including Keisha Gillams and Karen Jackson, taking home just over 5% of the vote.
“I’ve loved Waterbury, I’ve loved being involved with Waterbury so, being mayor is not that far from being in the middle of all of that,” Pernerewski said.
Pernerewski was born and raised in the Brass City. He spent 21 years on the board of alders, most recently, serving as president of the board. With his background as a lawyer, he wants to continue to raise the bar for Waterbury.
“It’s the 5th largest city in Connecticut, but it’s really like a big town. People here know each other; they care about each other,” Pernerewski said.
He knows the current mayor, Neil O’Leary well. The two worked alongside one another for O’Leary’s three terms. So, when he announced he wasn’t running again, Pernerewski stepped up.
“When he decided to retire, I was at the point where I was retiring from my job and the two things just came together and made it possible,” Pernerewski said.
Pernerewski spent nearly three decades with the attorney general’s office. He also worked for the Connecticut Airport Authority.
When he takes office, one of his main goals is to deal with the issue of crime, plaguing many cities in CT and the country.
“The big issue for us there is working with the legislature to make sure that we get the laws in place to keep violent criminals off the streets,” Pernerewski said.
Pernerewski also wants to continue the investments in downtown Waterbury. His third focus is on education.
“We have a lot of students who just aren’t getting through. They’re failing, they’re not going to school. And so, we really have to drill down. And that’s my goal is to figure out what we can do to bring them along and help them succeed,” Pernerewski said.
That starts with re-engaging families with the school system, and strengthening the district’s partnership with those at city hall.
“I look forward to Dec. 1 and then being able to start working for the city and the people of Waterbury,” Pernerewski said.
Pernerewski said he had a great conversation with Maiorano Tuesday night, where they both agreed they want the best for Waterbury and will continue to work together in the future.
Maiorano sent a statement saying, “I am so proud of the campaign we ran! We called out the big issues...we got people who haven't been involved in local politics for many years involved and excited. I wish Mayor-Elect Pernerewski luck with his term."
Julia LeBlanc is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jleblanc@fox61.com Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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