McNamara Endorsed by DTC
By Editor at August 7, 2024 | 8:00 am | Print
John McNamara accepted his party’s endorsement for Mayor at the July 23rd Democratic Town Committee meeting held at New Britain City Hall as the 47-member committee nominated candidates for all city offices.
McNamara, 65, is Chairman of the city Board of Assessment Appeals and has led New Britain Democrats for more than 20 years. “Through the town committee I’ve built the best friendships and relationships and have worked to encourage individuals to become involved in local and state government in my capacity as a Democratic Party leader, said McNamara. “In 2015, it’s my turn to give something back to a great city that has been good to me and my family.”
Nominating McNamara for Mayor were State Representatives and DTC members Peter Tercyak (26) and Bobby Sanchez (25). In accepting the endorsement McNamara said “a year after residents were hit with an 11 percent property tax hike, higher fees and cuts to services it is time for a vigorous debate on City Hall budget priorities and current policies. So let’s have at an issues-based campaign that will demonstrate Republican hypocrisy when it comes to property taxes, city spending and a fairer allocation of our limited resources.”
“We need a city government that reflects Democratic values. We need a city government that can take advantage of our many assets, the talents of our people, our diversity and our strategic location. We need an administration that can work more effectively with state and federal officials to bring and leverage resources for economic development, downtown revitalization and healthy neighborhoods,” McNamara told the committee. “We need a city government that is not indifferent to income inequality and the many challenges we face as an economically distressed city.”
McNamara called for a new effort to reduce expenses and gain efficiencies in local government that go beyond a blue ribbon panel convened last year that he said produced no substantial changes in the way the city does business. He cited the failure to consider the Connecticut Health Care Partnership that allows municipalities to pool insurance costs with the state. “The partnership can lower one of the biggest cost drivers of city government and provide quality coverage.” He also said that city and state officials need to be united in support of real property tax relief regardless of party, expressing support for the newly-adopted state relief on car taxes to take effect next year and local measures to reduce the burden on veterans and individuals on fixed incomes.
“So over these next three plus months we Democrats need to engage voters street by street and block by block. I and this slate need your help to deliver a message for transparent budgeting, jobs and business promotion through transit oriented development, more diversity on boards and commissions, the pursuit of equitable funding for our schools, property tax relief and preserving the city’s heritage and environment for the next generation.”
