Forget the Yankees and Red Sox. Democratic primaries are the leading sporting events in Connecticut’s largest city and four primaries for City Council are on tap September 15.
My old pal Jim Callahan, a former Bridgeport political reporter, described Dem politics as a rats nest of infighting, back stabbing and double dealing. You want badminton? Go to New Canaan.
City Council seats are up every two years, the mayor every four so Bill Finch will not be on the ballot. But he’ll be lurking to try to deliver his supporters to the council. City Council districts are broken down into 10 districts with two members per district. We’ll examine all the players and political alignment in the weeks leading up to the primary. A quick look:
District 135, North End/Whiskey Hill areas, incumbents Warren Blunt and Richard Bonney are being challenged by Peter Clarke and Mary McBride-Lee. Throw in Isa Mujahid who is running solo and you could end up with a variety of combinations.
District 136, Hollow and portion of East Side, Mark Trojanowski, running solo, will take on incumbents Angel DePara and Carlos Silva.
District 137, East Side, Maria Valle and Christina Ayala will challenge endorsed candidates Lydia Martinez and Manny Ayala. Valle is an incumbent City Council member who was thrown under the bus by the town committee. Hard to figure out East Side politics. Fight one day, make up the next, fight again.
District 138, Upper East Side, features three slates. Andy Fardy and Ann Barney, and James Morton and Tyreke Bird will take on incumbents Bob Curwen and Rich Paoletto.
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I guess Callahan was referring to the “Shuttle Cock Diplomacy” of New Canaan. The pink and green set is known for their drop shots and strong backhands.
Very interesting