mobanmarketSOUTH WINDSOR, CT — For the third time in five weeks, a nominee to fill a vacant Democratic seat on the town council was not approved at Monday night’s meeting, with a 4-4 deadlock resulting for the second consecutive attempt.
Michael Paré was endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee to fill the seat vacated in February by the resignation of Erica Evans. A resolution approving his addition to the council failed to garner enough support at a March 4 meeting, with three votes in favor, two opposed and two abstentions.
The resolution reappeared on the March 18 agenda, but resulted in a 4-4 tie, preventing Paré from being seated due to lack of a majority vote. Attempt number three came Monday night, but again resulted in a 4-4 decision.
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Councilor Steven King Jr. motioned to appoint Paré, seconded by Liz Pendleton. In a roll call vote, those two were joined by Michael Buganski and Mayor Audrey Delnicki in favor, with opposition from Deputy Mayor Matt Siracusa and councilors Richard Balboni, Carolyn Carey and Toby Lewis.
“South Windsor Republicans have called time and time again for unity and local focus, yet have chosen instead to follow in the footsteps of their MAGA counterparts in Washington by sowing division and disrupting proper governance during an important budget cycle,” Paré said. “I remain ready to work together for South Windsor, as I have been since this started in early March.”
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Democratic Town Committee chair Anitha Elango said, “This is a failure to fulfill the clear duty to fill vacancies outlined in our town charter, an unprecedented move in our town, led by the Republicans on the town council. Once again, they denied a highly-respected, well-qualified Democratic nominee the opportunity to serve our town. This level of partisan politics has never occurred in our town’s history. Unfortunately, a dynamic and friendly community like South Windsor must face the kind of divisive politics that we are witnessing from Republicans at the national level. We believe Michael Paré, when seated, will help break the unbearable gridlock manufactured by the current council.”
Republican Town Committee vice chair Miguel Proano told Patch, “Certain council members who opposed the nomination articulated their rationale, citing concerns over the perceived contentious nature associated with Mr. Paré and the Democratic town committee. In light of this outcome, I offer a word of caution to both the Democratic town committee and Mr. Paré against employing disparaging language towards the very individuals whose support they seek. Utilizing divisive and unnecessary rhetoric within our community detracts from the spirit of unity and collaboration that defines our town. During the recent meeting, it was emphasized that the Democratic town committee should explore the vast pool of highly qualified and enthusiastic residents within our community to identify a suitable alternative to Mr. Paré. A candidate who demonstrates a willingness to collaborate across party lines, prioritizing local issues over national divisive discourse, would be a valuable asset to our town council.”
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