Mayor Bobby Sanchez Takes Office, Announces Initiatives and Transition Team
Gov Lamont and Sen Blumenthal Speak in Ceremonies for New Mayor
New Britain Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D) officially took office today – sworn in today at the New Britain High School Auditorium as the 41st Mayor of the City – and announced his goals and plans for beginning his administration.
Along with Mayor Sanchez, the first Latino Mayor in New Britain’s history, the newly elected City Council, Board of Education, City Treasurer, Board of Assessment Appeals and Constables were also sworn-in.
Speakers at the Inauguration Ceremonies, lead by State Rep Manny Sanchez (D-24), included Gov Ned Lamont (D) and US Senator Richard Blumenthal (D). Former Mayor Erin Stewart (R) administered the oath of office for Mayor Sanchez.
Rev Roberto Rivera of Ministerio International IPHC Cristo and Rev Dariusz Gosciniak of Sacred Heart Church gave blessings at the event and NAACP President Jan Edwards lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
The NBHS Golden Hurricane Marching Band and Madrigals performed and the New Britain Police Color Guard presented the colors during the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem.
Mayor Sanchez talked about unity and being a “Mayor for every neighborhood,” in the city. Policies his administration, Sanchez said, are to include housing, education and job creation.
Sanchez said that his plans include investing in the city’s schools, to provide opportunities for all of New Britain’s kids, and investing in infrastructure, including the long-delayed Allen Street drainage project.
Mayor Sanchez called for a future of the city that includes safe streets, strong schools and vibrant neighborhoods.
“As Mayor, my commitment is to deliver stability, accountability, and a renewed sense of purpose for our city,” Mayor Sanchez said. “In a time of national uncertainty and local economic pressures, New Britain must lead with integrity and clarity. These first steps will ensure we are prepared to move our city forward together.”
Sanchez’s office said that his administration plans steps, “to strengthen the city’s financial standing, including calling for an audit of city finances, instituting a 90-day hiring and promotion freeze, and ordering a comprehensive review of all current and proposed contracts.” The new Mayor emphasized that the steps are, “not about pointing fingers, but about building on our foundation rooted in trust and responsible governance.”
Mayor Sanchez also said that he would be appointing a blue ribbon commission on public safety.
After the Inauguration, Mayor Sanchez announced his Transition Team, which his office said, “will guide the structural, operational, and policy work of the new administration over the coming weeks.”
State Sen Rick Lopes (D-6) and Board of Education Member and Secretary Diana Reyes (D) are to chair the Transition Team.
Other members of the Transition Team are to be former Superintendent of Schools Ronald Jakubowski, former President Pro Tempore of the City Council Suzanne Bielinski, former Mayor, State Senator and Commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services Donald DeFronzo and former City Council Member and current Mattabassett District Member Tonilynn Collins.
Mayor Sanchez said that, “This team represents decades of experience, leadership, and service to our city. Their guidance will ensure a smooth and transparent transition, and will help us build an administration ready to deliver results on day one.”
Sanchez also announced that he has appointed Jessica Gerratana to be his Chief of Staff and Attorney William Rivera to be the City Corporation Counsel. “These appointments reflect the experience, professionalism, and dedication needed to guide New Britain through a critical transition period,” Sanchez said. “Jessica Gerratana and William Rivera bring deep knowledge of city operations, legal expertise, and a strong commitment to serving the people of New Britain.”
Calling for collaboration and unity and praising city workers, as well as community partners and volunteers, Mayor Sanchez, in his Inaugural Address, said that,
Today is not just a celebration, it is a beginning. Our success will come from working together: city leaders, residents, neighborhoods, and institutions. This is our moment to move New Britain forward, together.
Editor’s note: The cover photo is by Dr Frank Gerratana.
