Connecticut’s Service Employees International Union (CSEA-SEIU, Local 2001) has endorsed Ward 4 Alderman John McNamara (D-4) in his bid for re-election to a second term on the New Britain Common Council.
CSEA SEIU Local 2001 is a union representing 25,000 Connecticut state, municipal and private employees and retirees and is part of the Service Employees International Union.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement from a union that represents employees providing critical public services for the health, education and safety of residents in New Britain and across the state,” said McNamara.
McNamara received the endorsement of the labor organization after sharing his priorities for the city, including affordable housing and fair taxes, neighborhood flood relief, equitable funding for schools and safer streets.
McNamara is serving his first term on the Common Council and is the Council’s majority leader. A former Democratic Town Chairperson, he was previously elected to the Board of Assessment Appeals and chaired the city Building Commission.
McNamara worked as Institutional advancement director at Capital Community College (now known as CT State Capital) for 22 years before retiring in early 2022. At Capital, McNamara was elected to the Congress of CT Community Colleges (4Cs) SEIU Local 1973 Delegate Assembly representing faculty and staff on the campus.
New Britain’s Ward 4 is the area that includes the neighborhoods near Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) spreading north and west to Brittany Farms and Batterson Park.
NEW BRITAIN – Common Council Democrats are questioning the use of $470,000 to fund construction of pickle ball courts at A.W. Stanley Park in a budget transfer resolution to be considered at the September 24th regular meeting of the Common Council.
Common Council Democrats Update
The resolution proposes to transfer accrued revenues from the 2024-2025 fiscal year to the current budget to fund projects and purchases not covered in the current year budget totaling $5,858,459. Funding for pickle ball courts is one of nine proposed expenditures as well as the transfer of funds to “fix deficits” and align revenues and expenditures on the city’s ledger before an independent audit for the year ending June 30,2025 begins.
“We welcome the availability of unaudited fund balances from the last fiscal year to allocate funds for the Board of Education, tax stabilization and needed capital improvements,” Council President Francisco Santiago (D-5), Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez (D-3) and Majority Leader John McNamara (D-4) said in a joint statement. “The city, however, should use these general fund dollars to meet more urgent priorities other than the addition of more pickle ball courts at this time.”
Earlier this year the city administration sought $150,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the A.W. Stanley Pickle Ball Court Project in a request that also proposed use of $300,000 from the A.W. Stanley Trust Fund at an estimated cost of $450,000. The plan would construct four pickle ball courts and a tennis court at the park that currently provides swimming pools, little league fields, a playground, walking trails and a fishing pond. The Common Council, however, allocated funds to other capital improvement projects as part of the annual plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Democratic Council leaders said alternatives should be considered for using the $470,000 “that meet compelling needs in the community to prevent evictions, reduce food insecurity and improve streets and infrastructure in our neighborhoods.”
“Now we are facing federal funding cuts and harmful policies from Donald Trump and the Republican Congress. Grants for community health and immunization programs have been jeopardized, Nearly $1.5 million in federal education funds were held up creating uncertainty before the school year began. An estimated 7,000 New Britain residents will lose Medicaid benefits once the Republican “big, beautiful bill” that slashes the social safety net and cuts taxes for billionaires takes effect,” the Democratic caucus statement said.
“Spending with our limited resources should go to essential services and investments that directly improve the health and well-being of residents,” said Alderwoman Wilma Barbosa (D-2), who serves on the Council’s Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services Committee.
The Common Council meeting will be held at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street on Wednesday, September 24th. Public participation begins at 7 p.m.
The Democratic Primary for Ward 4 Common Council will be held on Tuesday, September 9th to select two nominees for the November election.
Endorsed Democrats John H. McNamara and Luz Ortiz-Luna are working as a team to earn your vote and provide responsive service for all residents in addressing neighborhood needs over the next two years.
Endorsed Democrats – Row A
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY – WARD 4
Tuesday, September 9. Polls Open 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
Districts 12 & 13 Vote At Saint Francis Church, 1755 Stanley Street
District 14 Vote At Pulaski Middle School, 757 Farmington Avenue
Early Voting September 2-7 New Britain Senior Center, 55 Pearl Street
Paid for by New Britain Democratic Town Committee, John Tully, Treasurer and McNamara 4 Council Committee, Michael McNamara, Treasurer. Approved by all candidates
The New Britain Police Department (NBPD) invites the public to its annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5th, from 5pm-9pm at Osgood Park.
“National Night Out is a nationwide event to promote police and community partnerships. This free event is fun for the whole family. We look forward to seeing you there,” NBPD social media post said.
The free event will include games and activities, food and music for families.
Block watch “We Call the Police” signs can be found in city neighborhoods like this one on Brighton Street in Ward 4. (Ward 4 Alderman John McNamara)
The annual National Night Out held on the first Tuesday in August is a tradition that brings neighbors together, strengthens community policing and promotes partnerships between residents and the police.
Democratic Alderman John McNamara (D-4), seeking a second, two-year term on the New Britain Common Council, says key priorities for city government over the next two years include affordable housing and fair taxes, neighborhood flood relief, equitable funding for schools and safer streets.
2025 Municipal Campaign
“Council Democrats have sought to restore checks and balances to City Hall with more transparency in budgeting and to make municipal government more responsive to neighborhood needs during this term,” said McNamara. “More progress can be made by electing a Democratic Mayor and a stronger Democratic majority on the Council and Board of Education this year. “
Key Issues
Housing And Taxes: Services for unhoused individuals and families have been stretched to the limit in New Britain. The executive director of the Friendship Service Center records increasing numbers of residents displaced because of higher rents. While the current city administration touts luxury units with 26-year tax breaks coming on the market, affordable housing is hard to find even for those with vouchers (Section 8). The Council needs to address the housing crisis by encouraging and approving affordable developments, making the fair rent commission ordinance stronger (to include tenant unions at large, multi unit apartments) and beefing up code enforcement. Additional options need to be considered for property tax relief for seniors, veterans & limited income individuals based on ability to pay.
Ward 4 Alderman John McNamara
Neighborhood Flood Relief. Addressing stormwater/sewage problems caused by a dilapidated infrastructure is a priority in my ward and throughout the city. Heavy rains have repeatedly caused flooding, public health risks and damages to certain neighborhoods over the last three years, including mine. For years City Hall turned a deaf ear to neighborhoods hit by damage to property and public health, but some progress has been made. Stormwater upgrades need to be at top of the capital improvement list along with advancing green infrastructure. Over the last two years funds have been secured to address the issue in the Overlook-McKinley neighborhood and efforts are accelerating to raise remaining funds in the Allen Street-Belvidere nieghborhood through the efforts of the city’s legislative delegation.
Public School Funding. At $16,814 per pupil New Britain ranks 160th in CT in local aid, below the state median of $21,676. Over 12 years local school aid has been flat funded in the current Mayor’s budgets. Education needs to be a greater priority in future budgets. The push for educational cost sharing and tax reform that will make funding for schools equitable regardless of zip code must continue. Over-reliance on property taxes must end.
Traffic Safety Action Plan (Vision Zero) The Common Council took the first step of the Vision Zero initiative last December by adopting a Council resolution, introduced by Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez (D-3), that accepted a federal transportation grant and established the task force “to develop a comprehensive Safety Action Plan to identify projects and strategies that will reduce fatalities and serious injuries at high crash locations in New Britain.” On June 11th the Common Council adopted a new ordinance to allow the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices (ATESD) under a state law enabling communities to use the video technology as part of safety action plans. Democrats look forward to implementation of traffic calming measures to curb speeding and dangerous driving and reach the Vision Zero goals.
McNamara is serving his first term on the Common Council and is the Council’s majority leader. A former Democratic Town Chairperson, he was previously elected to the Board of Assessment Appeals and chaired the city Building Commission.
McNamara worked as Institutional advancement director at Capital Community College (now known as CT State Capital) for 22 years before retiring in early 2022. At Capital, McNamara was elected to the Congress of CT Community Colleges (4Cs) SEIU Local 1973 Delegate Assembly representing faculty and staff on the campus.
New Britain’s Ward 4 is the area that includes the neighborhoods near Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) spreading north and west to Brittany Farms and Batterson Park.
The McNamara 4 Council Committee is sponsoring the event for Alderman John McNamara, the Council Majority Leader, who has been endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee and is seeking a second, two-year term.
A complimentary assortment of Roma pizzas and wings will be served. Updates on issues of importance to Ward 4 will be shared including stormwater/sewage improvements, the traffic safety action plan and education funding.
Ward 4 Democrats’ Pizza on the Patio, at the Roma, Monday July 28th, 6-8 p.m.
In accepting the Democratic Party’s endorsement and thanking the membership McNamara said, “Council Democrats have sought to restore checks and balances to City Hall with more transparency in budgeting and to be more responsive to neighborhood needs that include safety on our streets, addressing critical infrastructure improvements and reducing regressive taxes.”
“Democrats this year supported a mill rate decrease after two years of record tax increases,” McNamara said. “But our efforts to reduce City Hall administrative costs, increase a fund for services to prevent evictions, give the public schools more in direct operating support and provide additional funds for the public library were vetoed. The work is far from over. I am confident more progress can be made by electing a Democratic Mayor and a strong Democratic majority on the Council.” Donations of $25 will be appreciated at the Pizza on the Patio event. The maximum individual contribution is $250. To volunteer or for more information call: 860-416-0665 Email: mcnamara4council@gmail.com.
Paid for by McNamara 4 Council Committee. Michael McNamara, Treasurer. Approved by John McNamara
The City’s Annual Milling & Paving Program is underway and seven Ward 4 streets in the vicinity of Central CT State University (CCSU) are scheduled for re-paving in July.
Ward 4 streets slated for work include Hillcrest Avenue, Kilbourne Avenue, Hazelmere Road, Sylvan Road, Sunnyslope Drive, Rosemary Lane and Fairway Drive. Overall 30 streets throughout the city are being upgraded including the Walnut Hill Park Loop Road. The milling and paving began on June 16 and will continue through July and a portion of August.
Residents with questions or who are looking for more information may visit the Department of Public Works Pavement Management Program for daily updates provided by Traffic Operations Manager Carl Gandja. Officials say the rehabilitation work involves milling two inches off the top of existing pavement and then installing two inches of new pavement.
Spending for the milling & paving program in 2025 totals $3,000,000. In May the Common Council authorized a $2,690,000 payment to Tilcon Connecticut, Inc. and $310,000 to Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming of Bloomfield for the purchase of bituminous concrete materials and installation on streets across the city. Selections were made through the state cooperative purchasing plan. The source of funds is from state road aid through the Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP) and the city’s 1% for roads program.
Sunnyslope Drive is one of seven streets in Ward 4 to be re-paved this summer.
Safe Streets Report and Recommendations to Be Released June 25
By John McNamara
A final report of the city’s Vision Zero Task Force is expected to be released on June 25th with recommendations to reduce vehicular and pedestrian accidents throughout the city.
The Common Council took the first step of the Vision Zero initiative last December by adopting a Council resolution, introduced by Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez (D-3), that accepted a $350,000 grant in federal transportation funds and established the task force “to develop a comprehensive Safety Action Plan to identify projects and strategies that will reduce fatalities and serious injuries at high crash locations in New Britain.” .
On June 11th the Common Council adopted a new ordinance to allow the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices (ATESD) under a state law enabling communities to use the video technology as part of safety action plans. Unanimous approval came after Council Democrats requested and received confirmation of the local approval process and how the city will implement ATESDs at high-risk intersections.
Use of ATESDs will require public hearings, Common Council approval and state Department of Transportation (DOT) approvals for both local and state roads in the city.
The heavily traveled intersection at CorbinAvenue and Steele Street near Lincoln Elementary and Slade Middle School is in a school zone where automated camera placement will be considered. (NB Progressive photo)
Public Works Director Mark Moriarty and Traffic Operations Manager Carl Gandza told the Council that the primary goal of the devices “is not to catch or fine drivers but to change behavior.” They said the benefits can include reduced speeding and red-light running and “increased compliance” and reduced reliance on policy enforcement.” For equitable enforcement the ATESDs are limited to a maximum of two in a census tract to avoid targeting or profiling. For privacy concerns information collected cannot be used for other purposes, the driver and passengers are not identifiable and all personal information must be deleted in 30 days, according to Public Works officials.
Under the AETSD ordinance the camera collects the license ID only and a first-time warning is sent to the vehicle owner. Subsequent violations may result in fines but officials indicated that the cameras are not intended to raise significant revenue.
A roundabout traffic configuration is under consideration at the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and North Street where numerous accidents have occurred. (photo courtesy of Iris Sanchez)
As a starting point for camera implementation the task force has identified 17 “school zones” especially for children walking within a half mile of school. The plan, however, includes lists of priority intersections and high crash locations throughout the city with possible countermeasures. More than 20 locations, for example, are identified in extended downtown area with “the most pedestrian/cycle crashes” call for stepped up enforcement.
Specific infrastructure improvements are identified in two locations where re-designs such as roundabouts can reduce traffic flow risks. They include Martin Luther King Drive (CT-71) from East Main to North Stanley in Ward 3 and Corbin Ave from Hart to Chamberlain/Brookside streets in Ward 1.
The Vision Zero Task Force working with consultants from Cambridge Systematics has relied on data from the University of Connecticut’s Crash Data Repository to identify trouble spots. The UCONN data shows there were 17 fatalities involving 127 vehicles in New Britain over three years (October 2021-September 2024) and 90 persons with suspected serious injuries involving 141 vehicles in the city over the same period. For all crashes and collisions 5,230 were reported involving 9,607 vehicles between 2021 and 2024.
Amendment reduces tax rate and shifts funds to schools, the library and homeless prevention
A 2026 municipal general fund budget supported by Common Council Democrats that reduces the property tax rate and increases operational funds for schools, the library and homeless prevention was approved at the May 28th meeting.
On June 7th Mayor Stewart vetoed the Democratic amendment approved on an eight to seven party line vote. It will require 10 votes on the 15-member Council to override a Mayoral veto.
The Democratic majority caucus and the Stewart administration agreed on a $273,493,952 million budget and a .41 cut to the mill rate (39.18 mills) for the fiscal year that begins July 1, but the mayor opposed additional operating funds for education, the library and a prevention fund for the unhoused.
New Britain City Hall, West Main Street
By waiting until June 7th, the mayor pocket vetoed the amended budget without a Council discussion or vote to override.
Statement from the Majority Caucus
“Our constituents want to see strong schools, access to literacy, and support for vulnerable residents. We delivered a budget that meets those needs without raising taxes.
“The amendment to the mayor’s budget included responsible reallocations from unfilled administrative positions and discretionary lines. No jobs were cut that would impact essential services. No union contracts were violated.
“The amendment supported a mill rate reduction of .41 after two years of major tax increases. It provided a $1.1 million increase to the schools’ operating fund instead of withholding funding until the end of the year, providing more stability for the education budget. From reallocations and without new spending the public library receives $175,443 addressing its rapid growth and services for students, seniors and families. A $20,000 allocation funds unhoused prevention services that can help keep vulnerable residents in their homes.
“Contrary to the veto message, the amendment did not touch the city’s rainy-day fund (unassigned fund balance) of $25.1 million. The Democratic caucus, in fact supported adding to the rainy-day fund and creating a tax stabilization fund in the current term.
“It is unfortunate that the mayor’s veto included personal attacks and unfounded accusations that are inappropriate in doing the city’s business. The Council amendment addressing community needs passed after weeks of review and discussion. The Democratic caucus is ready for collaboration and good faith negotiation on issues that matter to residents.
The Democratic caucus includes President Pro Tem Francisco Santiago (5), Majority Leader John McNamara (4), Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez (3). Nate Simpson (1), Wilma Barbosa (2), Lori McAdam (2), Candyce Scott (3), Neil Connors (4).
New Britain Alderman John McNamara 