Friday, July 26, 2019
www.northhavencitizen.com
Volume 12, Number 18
FIGHT FOR FIRE COMMISSIONER
DTC endorses new candidate By Everett Bishop The Citizen
Job candidates wait in line to talk with Amazon representatives during a hiring event at the Wallingford Public Library.
Area residents attend Amazon hiring event By Jeniece Roman Record-Journal staff
completed the first steps in the process.
WALLINGFORD — Dozens of area residents visited the Wallingford Public Library Wednesday, July 17 with the hope of becoming Amazon employees.
“We partner with different employers to facilitate candidate interviewing, recruitment slates. Also we provide different reimbursement incentives to help with onboarding individuals in a cost effective way,” Lary said.
Applicants formed multiple lines in the library lobby, waiting for the final step in the hiring process for Amazon’s new North Haven facility. Workforce Alliance has had a partnership with Amazon since 2017 and helped to coordinate the event. Workforce Alliance Business Services Coordinator Wanda Lary said the event was for applicants who
The July 17 event consisted of scheduled appointments with applicants to complete the last portion of the hiring process. Applicants submitted I-9 documents, received a badge photo and completed a drug test. After an orientation presentation, appliSee Amazon, A9
After 24 years of serving as North Haven fire commissioner, Peter Criscuolo faces opposition from endorsed Democratic nominee Jennifer Caldwell. At a Democratic Town Committee meeting held Tuesday, July 16, Caldwell received the Democratic endorsement for fire commissioner with 26 out of 41 votes. Criscuolo received 12. While Caldwell was endorsed to be the Democrats’ candidate in
November, Criscuolo isn’t counting himself out, saying he intends to start his campaign as soon as possible. “They voted for inexperience,” said Criscuolo, after the DTC meeting adjourned. “I’m running my primary starting tomorrow.” In addition to his years of experience as a commissioner, Criscuolo also is the longest sitting president of the New Haven County fire commissioners, is the only union endorsed fire commissioner and has been en-
dorsed by three volunteer fire departments in North Haven. However, Kathy Grant, chair of the DTC, believes that Caldwell might be a better fit. “She can offer a different perspective,” said Grant. “She has an extensive background in healthcare.” Caldwell’s background includes an undergraduate degree in occupational therapy and a masters in special education. She also is pursuing a second masSee Candidate, A12
Washington Ave. Boston Market closes By Everett Bishop The Citizen
Boston Market on Washington Avenue closed its doors July 7 as part of a regional move that saw 45 other stores in the restaurant chain close as well. The North Haven closing was the only one in Connecticut, according to a Boston Market spokesperson.
First selectman Michael Freda was not surprised by the closing. “Their sales had declined dramatically,” he said. “There’s a new owner of the building and Boston Market did not renew the lease. As we see in economic development, if the business is not being supported … they reserve the right to close.”
In a letter to employees, Boston Market CEO, Frances Allen said underperformance caused the regional closings. Allen stated that Boston Market “must take steps to ensure our operational structure will support longterm sustainability." Freda has begun working See Market, A16
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