Mayor Stewart Makes it Official
By Robin Vinci | Editor at May 28, 2024 | 4:38 pm | Print
Republican Mayor Erin Stewart made her official announcement to run for re-election for Mayor via a two minute YouTube video Tuesday morning.
Stewart began her statement, which took place at Chesley Park, with saying she could not believe it had nearly been two years since residents elected her as mayor. She spoke about how grim the City looked in November of 2013 when she beat Former Mayor Democrat Tim O’Brien.
“We had deficits in excess of $30 million. We had a downgraded credit rating. Virtually no new development and no clear vision of where we were headed,” said Stewart in the video. “Even more worrisome was that we had all seemed to have lost the pride we had once felt for our home town.”
Stewart said she did not run from those problems, but rather faced them head on.
“I’m proud to have balanced budgets for two straight years and to secure an unprecedented three notch upgrade in our credit rating,” she said.
She mentioned new development projects that are brining over 250 jobs. She said she did these things by working together with Republicans, Democrats and Independents.
“We have begun the long process of turning New Britain around,” she added. “But there is still much work to be done.”
Stewart asked residents for their support for her re-election.
Stewart, 28, is the daughter of former four time New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart.
Stewart was born and raised in New Britain, attending public schools in the City and graduating from Central Connecticut State University. Stewart has a decade of experience in volunteering, serving on the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, the Race for the Park steering committee, and as a member of the Board of Education.
Stewart, who calls herself a new generation Republican, worked at the State Capitol as a Legislative aide for Kevin Kelly of Stratford.
When Stewart first took office, she said her priorities as Mayor were to increase openness to City Hall, help the Board of Education reduce class sizes, control excessive spending in City Hall, spur economic development, clean up city neighborhoods and unite New Britain.
No Democrat has come forward with an announcement as her opponent as of yet.
On Stewart’s Facebook page where the announcement was released, many people left comments.
“Even though I am a Democrat I have seen the terrific job you have done in your first term,” said Julian B. Quinn. “I will admit I wasn’t sure of you at first, but I have confidence in you now and you have my vote.”
“The whole family is happy with the job you’ve done,” said Barry Westcott. “My wife may even consent to a campaign sign!”
“I can’t see who would run against you as you have done the best job EVER for New Britain Madam Mayor,” said Debbie Cook. “So you have our vote!”
Election Day is Nov. 3.
