Residents Favoring 4 Year Mayoral Term
By Robin Vinci | Editor at May 19, 2024 | 10:00 am | Print
As the Charter Revision Commission approved the change of a Mayoral term from two to four years at a recent meeting, the City Journal asked residents for their opinion.
By nearly a 2-1 margin, members of the New Britain City Journal Facebook group were in favor of a four year term.
The proposed change will go to the Council and a referendum in November before gaining approval.
Here are some responses.
“A 4 year term, with a 2 year term it all starts becoming about the next election way too early in the term. As long as the council remains at 2 year terms then there shouldn’t be that big of a problem if we get a bad mayor,” said Todd Davis Cheney.
“Two,” said Robin Washburn. “With no provisions in place to remove an incompetent mayor, 4 years could be disastrous.”
Gerry Amodio, downtown district director said, “4, with term limits of 2 terms=8 years total. Out for one term, then can return.”
“2 years. Unless the citizens can remove a person from the position & consecutive term limits,” said Scott Markiewicz. “Only thing is, the state doesn’t allow that.”
“(Tim) O’Brien…..2 years were disastrous…can you imagine 4?,” said Gayle Sanders Connolly, board of education member. “I would vote 4 if there was a provision to remove.”
Mayor Erin Stewart weighed in urging four years.
“All it takes is one term to become a disaster. You take a risk with whoever you elect. I’m supporting a four-year term, not just for myself, but for mayors in the future who need an opportunity to run the city while not being distracted by politics,” said Mayor Stewart. “Unfortunately too many good policy decisions fall by the wayside because of the next election.”
“I think 4 years. More time to be effective, hopefully,” said Christine Stanlonis.
“Four. With the state of politics today and the ever-present need to raise money and campaign, how anyone can expect anybody to get anything done in two years without spending half or more of that time trolling for cash is beyond me. At least with a four-year term you’ll get a couple years of actual work,” said Dennis Buden. “And the time to determine whether or not someone might actually be effective in the job is during the party vetting process and campaign when a candidate should be put on the hot seat, pass muster or not be elected.”
Eileen Gorczyca said, “Four year term. In a two-year term, the mayor is just getting started when they have to prepare for re-election and they don’t have enough time to get things done! They are just “learning the job” in a 2-year term.”
“Until the state allows for recall provision we should keep it at 2,” said Larry Routhier.
Former Alderman Paul D Catanzaro said, “4, but also scattered terms for the Council 2, 3 and 4 year terms so there’s always some continuity and experience on the council.”
“2 years only !!! We need to change New Britain for the better, more places to shop and more fun things to do like the Polish Day. Bring back Main Street USA Day more places to shop at like a D & L’s downtown more shops like that.” said Carol Malikowski.
“I agree with the 4 year term, I also can understand people’s concerns about getting a bad mayor and having to deal with it for 4 years,” said Anna Tercyak. “I think 4 years for a Mayor, especially if they’re trying to straighten out all the wrongs that have been done. I don’t have a problem with younger people running for mayor. They have to be motivated and some of the younger people coming in have new ideas.”
“4 year,” said Sally Eigenraam. “2 years just gets the person off the ground and they are already campaigning.”
“4 with an uncomplicated “recall” process,” said Richard Reyes. “You mess up-you’re out type of thing. Nowadays anything can happen. Trust and integrity is always an issue.”
“If it’s the right person like the mayor we currently have - 4 yrs,” said Maria Pietrantuono. “The wrong person - out ASAP.”
