Promising to reform city government, volunteer firefighter and small business owner Chris Jones officially accepted the Democratic Town Committee’s nomination for mayor Monday.
“For too long we have lived under the dark cloud of corruption that has distracted us from the key function of city government,” Jones said. “That key function of city government is making our town, our city, a better place to live and a better place to work.”
Jones was referring to an ongoing investigation into the relationship between unnamed city officials and developer James Botti. Click here to read the indictment.
Several media outlets have identified incumbent Republican Mayor Mark Lauretti as the unnamed public official.
“I don’t know if anyone’s guilty in this investigation, but I do know is that a change from this Republican administration will allow this community to begin regain that spirit, that vitality that once made this town a leader in our state,” Jones said.
Jones is a former member of the Board of Aldermen. He currently serves on the Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission.
He owns All Premier Hardwood Flooring. Jones and his wife, Giovanna, have a baby daughter, Gabriella.
In a 15-minute acceptance speech, Jones said the current administration is doing a poor job managing city finances — borrowing money for items it should be paying out of pocket for.
In nominating Jones, former Board of Aldermen member Bob Lally said Jones brings new, younger blood into the local Democratic Party.
“That’s something we haven’t seen in a long time,” Lally said.
Shelton Democrats nominated the following candidates to run with Jones.
Board of Aldermen
Ward 1: Jack Finn, Colleen Finn
Ward 2: Steve Hoffman, Ralph Matto
Ward 3: Cheryl Jansen, Randy Jennings
Ward 4: David Gioiello, Denese Deeds
Treasurer
Martin Coughlin
Planning and Zoning
Lud Spinelli
Joan Flannery
Joseph Sedlock
Nancy Dickal
P&Z Alternate: Thomas Harbinson
Board of Education
Timothy Walsh
Arlene Liscinsky
Kate Kutach
Leon Sylvester
Paula Ellis
Board of Apportionment and Taxation
Jay Zikaras
Faith Hack
Jud Crawford
Library Board
Jean Cayer
Polly Dyer
