NEW BRITAIN — Peter Ceglarz has formally withdrawn as Republican candidate for Common Council after some controversial Facebook posts appeared on his personal page.
The posts contain imagery ranging from Confederate flags and KKK photos to quips about minimum wage workers.
Democrats were quick to call out Republican Mayor Erin Stewart, who chose Ceglarz for the Republican slate. “It’s not a matter of Democrat or Republican, it’s a matter of right and wrong in terms of what kind of discourse we want to have in this community, let alone city government,” said John McNamara, Democratic candidate for mayor.
Stewart issued a statement Monday saying:
“Earlier today I became aware of several postings on Facebook, made by Peter Ceglarz, that were both ill-advised and indefensible in their nature.
While I consider Peter to be a good friend, there is simply no room in this campaign for that sort of divisiveness. I am proud of what this community has been able to achieve by working together in a spirit of unity and mutual respect, and something like this should not be allowed to take away from the many wonderful stories and accomplishments we have made over the past two years.
I have spoken with Peter and we agree that it is in the best interests of both the City and the endorsed Republican slate for him to withdraw as a candidate for Common Council in 2015.”
Stewart and Ceglarz both declined interview requests from Fox CT.
Ceglarz is also the owner of Ceglarz Motor & Repair on West Main Street. He said off-camera that he simply posted opinions and was the victim of a political hit job.
“I think she took appropriate action today and listened to my questioning her judgment,” said McNamara.
See the posts for yourself here: www.saynotoceglarz.wordpress.com
