New Newington Town Council Sworn in Last Week
NEWINGTON - A Town Council that will be led by newly-elected Mayor Roy Zartarian, a former town employee, was sworn in last Tuesday night in the Town Hall auditorium.

       Zartarian spearheads a new Republican Council majority that includes incumbent councilors Dave Nagel, Maureen Klett and Beth Delbuono as well as newcomers Tim Manke and Gail Budrejko. Klett was named majority leader, while Anest will serve as the minority leader.

       The three Democrats elected to serve in the minority are Anest, incumbent Councilor James Marocchini and newcomer Diana Casasanta-Serra.

       Zartarian edged former councilor of two different terms Chris Banach in an election that saw all Republican candidates get more votes than each of the Democrats running. Zartarian himself had around 500 votes more than Banach after voters went to the polls Nov. 3.

       â€"A year ago I’d be very incredulous if somebody told me I’d be sitting here tonight,” Zartarian said. â€"For that, I am grateful and humbled.”

       Zartarian has certainly sat at enough Council meetings, just at the opposite end of the table, as an outspoken member of the public. He has voiced his opinions on issues related to everything from open space, the Town Hall renovations project and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), all issues that dominated discussions during the election.

       Both mayoral candidates ran on similar platforms, pledging to keep taxes low, maintain local control of TOD and protect open space--a rarity in a town that is mostly developed.

       While both agreed that growing the Grand List should be a priority when it comes to providing property tax relief, Zartarian stressed what he feels is a need to focus on eliminating â€"redundancies” and finding ways to consolidate services. Banach said that he would be willing to examine that as well, but was far less optimistic as to how much he thought could be saved that way.

       Banach’s position has been that there will be more potential to bring in additional revenue through development, while Zartarian’s early campaign â€"chill with the Mill” slogan voiced a desire to strive for property tax increases under 3 percent.

       On economic development, Zartarian has pledged to pursue initiatives to aid existing businesses and make the town a â€"destination” for foot traffic in order to grow its customer base.

       Banach focused his attention primarily on 21 acres of developable land along Alumni Road, suggesting that a standing state Department of Transportation (DOT) gate be moved further west to allow access to the area from Willard Avenue. He also stressed development opportunities at the recently-remediated former National Welding site.

       Both expressed opposition to any high-density housing development, as the candidates feared that adding residents to the town and school system would increase the demand for increasingly expensive services.

       â€"Newington is facing many challenges in the days ahead,” Zartarian said. â€"During the campaign, both sides took the high road and focused on the issues. Let’s work together was we campaigned--with dignity and respect for each other.”

       Other councilors echoed this sentiment.

       â€"It’s a different view up here,” Manke said. â€"It’s humbling, but I do pledge to work hard. I think it’s time for Newington to work together as a team.”

       Klett thanked those that were not voted in.

       â€"I hope these individuals will come back and run again, because they’re all good people and have the skills to help the town,” Klett said.

       Members of the new Council thanked their families, as well as the voters.

       â€"I’d like to thank you all for the confidence you have in all of us to lead the town forward,” Anest said. â€"I think we have a great mix of perspectives.”
MORE NEWINGTON NEWS  |  STORY BY MARK DIPAOLA  |  Nov 18 2015  |  COMMENTS?