WATERBURY, Conn. — There are four candidates, two of them petitioning, that are vying to fill the soon-to-be vacant spot as mayor of Waterbury.
Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 7, and Waterbury residents will have these candidates to consider at the polls.
In the Democrat row, Paul Pernerewski is seeking the top spot at city hall. He is already a civic leader in the Brass City as the current president of the Board of Aldermen and represents District 3.
Pernerewski's main goals, if elected as mayor, would be to revitalize downtown for residents and businesses by launching a Downtown Ambassador Program, continue the Waterbury Greenway project, and improve economic development.
Pernerewski's goals also include improving education by continuing work with Waterbury Promise, introducing a civics curriculum in the classroom, and providing mental health funding to schools.
When it comes to public safety, Pernerewski vows to "take an unwavering stance against repeat and violent offenders by demanding changes to the state’s policies that allow for leniency for the worst offenders." He said the city would continue to support PAL and other youth programs as well as continue support for public safety officers.
Endorsements for Pernerewski come from Gov. Ned Lamont, current mayor Neil O'Leary, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Attorney General William Tong, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, according to Pernerewski's campaign webpage.
Republican Dawn Maiorano is hoping to flip the seat red as mayor of Waterbury. She is currently a fourth-generation owner of her family's business, Maiorano Funeral Home. She is also involved in many city organizations, such as the Waterbury Finance Audit and Review Commission, UNICO, and the Bunker Hill Neighborhood Association.
Maiorano is narrowing in on four major aspects to address if elected as mayor.
Public safety issues include recruiting more police officers to fill over 50 open positions, establishing an ATV task force, and piloting the use of metal detectors and student resource officers at schools.
Maiorano hopes to reduce taxes by reevaluating property values "when the real estate market stabilizes" and to boost economic development.
Speaking of economic development, Maiorano says she will use her network of neighboring mayors and business experience to "create new industry and bring new job opportunities to Waterbury."
With education, Maiorano said it's time to "get back to the basics," by evaluating whether or not the education budget needs to take up half of the city budget, address the 230 or so teacher position openings, and establish a Youth Government City Council.
Petitioning candidates on the ballot include Keisha Gilliams, a Democrat, and Karen Jackson, running as an "unaffiliated" Independent.
The current mayor is stepping down. O’Leary was sworn in as mayor in 2011. He will have completed 43 years of service in Brass City before turning 65 this year.
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