Volume 17, Number 45
www.berlincitizen.com
Berlin’s Only Hometown Newspaper
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Dems defend Town Council majority By Daniel Jackson The Berlin Citizen
Mayor Adam Salina packs up his papers from his last meeting Oct. 29. | (Dan Jackson/The Berlin Citizen)
Salina’s last meeting as mayor ‘bittersweet’ By Daniel Jackson
‘When I came in, I thought it was originally about numbers and spreadsheets and things In many ways, the town council meeting Oct. 29 was like that. I realized sitting up here, it’s more like any other Berlin Town about understanding, compassion, excitement Council meeting. and love of your town,’ said Adam Salina. The Berlin Citizen
The council under the leadership of Mayor Adam Salina endorsed a concept plan for a new park, awarded a bid to a contractor and authorized Town Manager Denise McNair to apply for a $500,000 STEAP grant for the revitalization of Farmington Avenue — the council doing what it always has done. But this was Salina’s last
meeting sitting in the center seat on the dais in front of the room. On Nov. 5, a new town council will be elected but Salina chose not to run for reelection. Another council-member will rise to take Salina’s position as mayor of Berlin. Salina said he was leaving to spend more time with his family. With his children
growing up, his lobbying firm taking on more clients, he needed to make time somewhere. Dropping the volunteer position in the town was a logical choice. During the time when citizens could rise and address the council, Fred J o r t n e r, D e m o c r a t i c See Mayor / Page 6
Democrats once again won the majority on the Town Council but it came at a cost: Republicans gained a seat and Republicans received the three highest vote totals. Both parties are pleased with the 3-4 result. Fred Jortner, Democratic Town Committee chair, said he was “relieved” because the election came at a difficult time, with Mayor Adam Salina stepping down and concern in town about the high cost of infrastructure repairs. “I’m pleased that the voters have chosen (Democrats) once again to lead this community and we’ll do what we can to justify that trust,” he said. Anne Reilly, Republican Town Committee chair, said the election results were “huge” because it shows a growing dissatisfaction
among voters with the way things have gone. “We have earned the right to have a voice,” she said. In the past, the Republican voices on Town Council were passed over by the Democratic majority, Reilly said. Now, this election allows the Republicans to become a more powerful minority. Republican Brenden Luddy received 2,555 votes. Fellow Republicans followed close behind, with Dave Evans receiving 2,486 votes and Charles Paonessa, 2,328. Democrat Kevin Murphy received the most votes in his party, gaining the support of 2,420 voters. Rachel Rochette followed with 2,277 votes, William Rasmussen Jr. earned 2,270 votes and Margaret Morelli received 2,258. Republican Theresa Tonia received 2,173 votes and See Elections / Page 13
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