Candidates Qualify
By Robin Vinci | Editor at June 9, 2024 | 2:00 pm | Print
Both Lucian Pawlak and Sharon Beloin-Saavedra have picked up enough signatures to force a Democratic Primary on Aug. 9.
The official count took place Tuesday.
Saavedra is vying against Democratic Incumbent Theresa Gerratana for the state Senate 6th District seat, which covers New Britain, Berlin and part of Farmington.
“I am humbled to have received the support of over 1000 residents of the Sixth District during the petition signing phase of this campaign. My team, made up of first time political activists, worked tirelessly to raise money and collect signatures to qualify for the primary,” said Saavedra. “Our Team message is about increasing involvement & access to the democratic process and focusing our efforts on direct voter contact and community conversations. As a team we will stay connected to our community and discuss issues important to the residents of the sixth district….education, economic development, tax policy and accountability.”
Saavedra appears to be in a battle, as this week her staff felt it was harassed by Gerratana’s husband Frank while having people sign petitions.
“Frank Gerratana came to Stop n Shop to harass my campaign volunteers - most of which today are my family in sister, nephew, husband and dear friend Judy Rosario,” said Saavedra. “He physically took a petition to examine it. Then took pictures of my volunteers and their petitions. Is this what the Gerratanas need to stoop to? My friend asked him to stop but he wouldn’t. Welcome to local politics. He was bullying my female campaign volunteers, but he has harassed the wrong group of women!”
Pawlak is going after the Democratic registrar of voters position in New Britain against Michael Trueworthy.
“So I’m on the ballot! I didn’t do it alone, I had a lot of help and for that I’m grateful.
To all those who signed my petition, Thank You,” said Lucian Pawlak on a post on Facebook. “To all those who circulated my petition for signatures, Thank You.
To the many, many New Britain residents that have and continue to encourage me, you energize me. To my wife, Helen, and my family, Thank You for allowing me to express my passion for this City and run for public office again.”
Pawlak’s opponent Trueworthy, is best known for going on a drunken rampage at City Hall and harassing Mayor Erin Stewart in her office. That same day he went to West Side Tavern and used anti-gay slurs to its owner. No charges were filed.
Both Gerratana and Trueworthy received the Democratic Party’s endorsements.
